Events

Amnesty International Speaker to Lead Guantanamo Discussion

By Katie Pyzyk

Although the term “gulag” typically evokes images of Soviet forced labor camps, a former member of the U.S. Army will be speaking in Arlington about how she believes the term could apply to an American entity — Guantanamo Bay.

The Amnesty International NOVA Cluster is hosting a discussion led by Lt. Col. Lorraine Barlett, titled “Guantanamo: An American Gulag.” Lt. Col. Barlett recently retired from the Army after 27 years of service with the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps., and served as counsel for a long-term prisoner incarcerated at Guantanamo.

Although closing Guantanamo was one of President Obama’s goals, the prison is still open and continues to fuel political disputes. Lt. Col. Barlett will speak on her views of the prison and its implications for U.S. and international law.

Those interested in attending the discussion should meet at the Central Library auditorium (1015 N. Quincy Street) at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 10. Refreshments will be provided for attendees.

AFAC Plans Events for Hunger Action Month

By Katie Pyzyk

The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) has organized a number of local events and volunteer opportunities to recognize September as the nation’s Hunger Action Month.

The main event is being called the “Hunger Challenge,” during which residents are asked to try feeding themselves on $4.03 per day. That’s the amount of assistance the average Arlington resident would receive from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Participants are asked to try the challenge all month, for a week or even just a day, in an effort to understand the difficulty some of their neighbors have with feeding themselves and their families.

“If you struggle to eat well on $28.21 per week, you’ll understand how glad AFAC clients are to be able to fill the gap in their food budget with the milk, eggs, produce, meat and other items distributed by AFAC,” said Charles Meng, AFAC’s Executive Director.

AFAC currently helps about 1,600 families per week, which continues its recent trend of serving an all-time high number of people. Mona Bormet, AFAC Outreach and Research Manager, noted that it’s difficult and often embarrassing for people to receive assistance, but they may not have other options.

“They don’t really want to come here for help, they come here because they need to,” Bormet said. “Most people would rather be able to take care of themselves and their families on their own.”

AFAC is also offering the following volunteer opportunities to help fight hunger throughout September:

  • Help collect food donations at local Safeway stores from September 8-11.
  • Help pick fresh produce from area farms and gardens that will be used for food donations, on September 8, 15, 22 and 29.
  • Eat at Pete’s Apizza (3017 Clarendon Blvd) on Monday, September 17, from 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to AFAC.
  • Attend movie night at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) on Wednesday, September 19th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Join AFAC and filmmaker Cintia Cabib in the main auditorium for a screening of “A Community of Gardeners.” The film highlights D.C. community gardens and their vital role.
  • Join AFAC’s Young Professionals on Thursday, September 20, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd) for Mug Night.
  • Try the California Dreaming Wine Tasting at Screwtop Wine Bar & Cheese Shop (1025 N. Fillmore Street) on Monday, September 24, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. All of the proceeds will be donated to AFAC. The event is limited to 45 people, and costs $15.99 to sample 10 wines and cheeses.

Anyone interested can get involved with these and other AFAC volunteer opportunities by signing up online.

New Orleans Musicians to Perform at Bayou Bakery

By ARLnow.com

New Orleans is on the minds of many in the country, as Tropical Storm Isaac strengthens and barrels down on the city, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

But if Katrina proved anything, it’s this: regardless of Isaac’s impact, New Orleans’ unique culture will remain as vibrant as ever. And part of that culture will be coming to Arlington next week.

Bayou Bakery in Courthouse (1515 N. Courthouse Road) will be hosting a “one night only” concert by a lineup of notable New Orleans jazz artists from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8.

Among those set to perform are Derrick Tabb and Stafford Agee of the Grammy award-winning Rebirth Brass Band, Jeffrey Hills and William Smith of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, eight members of the Roots of Music Crusaders marching band, along with drummer Terrance Andrews and saxophonist Allen Dejan.

Tickets for the event, described by Bayou Bakery as “a once in a lifetime jam session of continuous live music,” start at a minimum donation of $60. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Roots of Music, a New Orleans-based program that helps develop the musical talents of 9-14 year olds. Tabb, a drummer, was named a “CNN Hero” in 2009 for his work with The Roots of Music.

Tickets are not yet available for purchase, but will include food (a choice of three Cajun entrees and dessert) plus drinks (three Abita draft beers for a $75 minimum donation, non-alcoholic beverages for $60). Seating will be limited, but the restaurant will provide standing space for those without seats.

In a press release, Bayou Bakery said it was chosen to host the concert due to owner David Guas’ Louisiana heritage.

“Being a native of New Orleans, Guas was hand-picked to host this intimate gathering and serve up some of his award-winning southern fare,” the restaurant said.

Photo courtesy Bayou Bakery

Ice Skating Stars Coming to Arlington

By ARLnow.com

The 8th annual “Ice Champions LIVE!” ice skating show and fundraiser will be coming to Arlington next month.

The event is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 4:00 p.m. at Kettler Capitals Iceplex (627 N. Glebe Road) in Ballston. Among those scheduled to perform are recognizable national skating champions like Brian Boitano, Ashley Wagner, Ryan Bradley, Kimmie Meissner, Mirai Nagasu, Michael Weiss, Steven Cousins, and Richard Dornbush.

The ice show (and a silent auction of skaters’ personal memorabilia at the event) benefits Weiss’ nonprofit, the Michael Weiss Foundation, which provides financial support for skaters with Olympic potential who need help paying for things like coaching, choreography, costumes, music editing and tutoring. The foundation is currently sponsoring 22 potential future skating stars.

“Knowing firsthand the financial burden required for an athlete to get to the Olympics, Weiss established the Foundation to give back to the sport that has given him so much by providing deserving children with scholarships so they can become future Olympians and carry out the legacies of their heroes who preceded them,” according ot a press release. Weiss is a resident of McLean.

Tickets for the show start at $30 and are available online. Seats are also available on the ice itself for $50.

Shirlington 5K to Benefit Army Quadruple Amputee

By ARLnow.com

A 5K race in Shirlington next month will benefit an Army staff sergeant who lost all four limbs to an IED in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The 9/11 Heroes Run Shirlington, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, will feature a 5K race and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. The event is one of nearly three dozen 9/11 Heroes races around the country.

Registration for individuals is $35, while registration for a family of four is $80. Half of the proceeds will benefit the Travis Mills Fund. Sgt. Mills was the fourth quadruple amputee from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. A father and husband, Mills has been living at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he has been learning to walk on a new set of prosthetic legs.

Mills, a Michigan native, appeared on TV last month and discussed his road to recovery and his optimistic outlook on life. The Mills Fund helps his family pay travel and living expenses that aren’t covered by insurance or the military. The race aims to raise a total of $5,000.

A post-race party will be held at The Bungalow Sports Grill in Shirlington (2766 South Arlington Mill Drive).

Another, unrelated 9-11 memorial race, the Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9-11 Memorial 5K in Crystal City, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8.

Photo via Facebook

Shirlington to Host ‘Wags n’ Whiskers’ This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Hundreds pet lovers are expected to flock to Shirlington this weekend of the fifth annual “Wags n’ Whiskers” event.

Wags n’ Whiskers, which is taking place at the Village at Shirlington on Campbell Avenue, is described as a “community-oriented event for animal enthusiasts and their four-legged friends.” The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“The afternoon animal extravaganza will feature pet adoptions from local shelters, pet contests, demonstrations, exhibitions, pet portrait photos, live music, and children’s activities including face painting, balloon animals and more,” according to a press release. “The merchants at Village at Shirlington will also host in-store specials, promotions and free giveaways.”

In addition to specials at Shirlington Village merchants, like Dogma Bakery and Ah Love Oil and Vinegar (which will have a booth handing out olive oil dog treats and demonstrating “methods of pet care using extra virgin olive oil”), a number of exhibitors will be on hand at the event.

Those exhibitors include Arlington Welfare League of Arlington, Barkley Square Pets, Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Dog Paws n Cat Claws Pet Care, Fetch! Pet Care, Fur-Get Me Not, Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery and Dental Care, The Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Operation, Inc., Nova Mobile Vet and NOVADog Magazine.

Courtesy photos

 

‘CupcakeCampDC’ Coming to Rosslyn

By ARLnow.com

Are you a cupcake fanatic? When you go to sleep at night, do you count cupcakes instead of sheep? Do you watch television shows about cupcakes? To you, is a cupcake and coffee a perfectly acceptable breakfast?

If you said yes to any of those questions, you’re probably going to like an event that’s coming to Rosslyn next month.

The third annual “CupcakeCampDC” will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Continental Pool Lounge (1911 N. Fort Myer Drive). The event is described as “an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and eat cupcakes in an open environment.” Bringing your own fresh-baked cupcakes to the event is optional but encouraged; eating a bunch of cupcakes is expected.

The event will benefit the DC Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. Tickets are available for a suggested donation of either $5 or $10, depending on whether you want “VIP” access. Organizers say last year’s event, held at Local 16 in D.C., sold out.

In addition to the consumption of cupcakes and networking with fellow cupcake fans, CupcakeCampDC will feature free gaming at the Continental’s skeeball, shuffleboard, darts, basketball, pool, Wii, and board game stations. There will also be a cupcake competition.

“Bakers will be split between professionals and amateurs giving everyone a chance with fair play,” organizers said. “Local judges include foodies we love — Nikki Rappaport of Cupcakes for Breakfast, The Cupcake Crusaders, and many more”

Tickets for CupcakeCampDC are available online.

Flickr photo by YidaL

Crystal City Wine Festival Returns in September

By ARLnow.com

The 6th annual Vintage Crystal wine festival in Crystal City is less than a month away.

Vintage Crystal: A Taste of Wine and Jazz is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event will be held in the parking lot outside 220 20th Street S.

The $20 cost of admission will get you a tasting glass, sips of tequila and various types of Spanish and South American wine, and tapas dishes from local restaurants. There’s also a $10 food-only option.

In addition to the food and drink, the event also features salsa dancing lessons, Latin jazz, and wine tasting classes.

Crystal City is also hosting weekly “Wine in the Water Park” events, at the public “water” park at 1750 Crystal Drive. The events are held on Fridays, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., through Sept. 28.

Disclosure: Crystal City Business Improvement District is an ARLnow.com advertiser.

Arlington to Host Naturalization Ceremonies for Thousands of New U.S. Citizens

By ARLnow.com

Starting tomorrow, Aug. 18, Arlington will be hosting a month-long series of naturalization ceremonies for some 3,100 new U.S. citizens.

Seven ceremonies, from Aug. 18 to Sept. 15, will be held at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road). One will be held on Aug. 31 will be held at George Mason University’s campus in Virginia Square. In all, about 3,100 new citizens from Virginia and the District of Columbia are expected to participate in the ceremonies, we’re told.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had been holding smaller ceremonies at its field office in Fairfax but, according to spokesman Daniel Cosgrove, the agency has since decided to hold larger, less frequent ceremonies and thus selected the venues in Arlington, which can accommodate the larger events. The ceremony tomorrow at Kenmore is expected to include 400 immigrants, along with several hundred friends and family members.

Cosgrove said the events are not the “special ceremonies” which attract TV cameras and reporters on days like the Fourth of July, but they’re still open to the public.

“It’s always good to get out into the community, show people what we do and give them a chance to see this process,” he said. “It gives people an appreciation for just what a special country this is.”

Also present at the ceremonies will be several dozen volunteers from the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Arlington, who will be conducting non-partisan, on-site voter registration drives.

The voter registration effort will “make sure that all new citizens will be able to exercise their franchise,” said local LWV Voter Service co-chair Kristin Goss, who added that the League as been trying for more than a year to bring the naturalization ceremonies to Arlington.

Voting in Progress for Next Year’s Outdoor Movie Fest in Crystal City

By ARLnow.com

Crystal City has chosen a theme for next year’s outdoor film series, but it’s counting on locals to vote for which movies they want to see.

The neighborhood’s 2013 outdoor movie theme is “Blockbusters,” a reference to both hit movies and to the long-term plan to break up Crystal City’s “mega blocks” with new roads.

“With new buildings rising, new art popping up, fun daily events and activities going on, and the next evolution of an even more pedestrian-friendly street grid underway, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) has selected a commensurate theme for its 2013 outdoor movie series that reflects these exciting changes,” the BID said in a press release.

Among the films that movie-goers can vote to see next year are classic and more recent hits like The Wizard of Oz, Citizen Kane, Jurassic Park, Brokeback Mountain, The Social Network, Inception, Black Swan, and The Artist. The winning films will be announced at the year’s final Crystal City outdoor movie night, on Monday, Aug. 27, outside 1851 S. Bell Street.

Crystal City BID says this year’s romantic comedy-themed movie series has drawn “thousands” of visitors from throughout the D.C. metro area.

Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser

Brandon T. Jackson to Kick Off Comedy Tour in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Actor and comedian Brandon T. Jackson will be kicking off a nationwide comedy tour in Arlington this weekend.

Jackson will be performing three stand-up comedy shows at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike). The shows are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 17 at 9:55 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 and 9:55 p.m.

In addition to his stand-up comedy, Jackson is best known for his movie roles, starring in films like Tropic Thunder, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Lottery Ticket, and Big Momms: Like Father, Like Son.

After Arlington, Jackson’s two month comedy tour will include stops in Kansas City, Phoenix, Denver, Nashville and several colleges.

Courtesy photo

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