Four Courts Four Miler Cancelled

Published March 11, 2020 at 9:00PM | Updated March 11, 2020 at 11:13PM

The popular annual Four Courts Four Miler race, scheduled for this weekend, has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

The St. Patrick’s Day-themed race usually takes runners from Courthouse, through Rosslyn, down Route 110 and back. Instead, organizers announced today that it has been called off and those who signed up will have their registrations deferred until 2021.

Previously planned road closures will now be lifted.

The race website posted the following message:

In alignment with government officials, as well as our desire to create a safe environment for our runners, volunteers, staff, city services, and community, we are cancelling the 2020 St. Pats Run Fest and moving participants to the 2021 event. This includes all events (Saturday’s Four Courts Four Miler and Sunday’s 10K + 5K).

All runners will be automatically deferred into the 2021 St Pats Run Fest (3/13-3/14, 2021). If you deferred prior to this announcement and paid a deferral fee your deferral fee will be refunded. Shirts and medals for challenge participants will be available for pick up at Pacers Clarendon or Pacers 14th Street through the end of March.

We appreciate the support of the running community and especially the hard work of our municipality and medical partners. This was a very difficult decision for our team but one we felt was necessary for the well-being of our community.

UPDATE: 23rd Street Festival in Crystal City Cancelled

By Shreeya Aranake

Published March 11, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated March 12, 2020 at 1:58PM

Update at 10:05 a.m. — This event was cancelled Wednesday night. From the organizers:

Out of an abundance of caution to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 23rd Street Festival. We hope to reschedule the event and are considering Saturday, August 15th or Saturday, August 29th as potential dates… We hope you’re as inspired as we are to keep this momentum. Thank you for your support, and we look forward building with you to make the first-ever 23rd Street Festival a successful production and experience for all when it is rescheduled later this year! Thank you, Amanda + Monica Amanda Rodrigues Smith Monica Rodrigues Smith

Earlier: A new open-air community art and food festival will soon make its debut in Crystal City.

The 23rd Street Festival is set to take place on Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be performances from Synetic Theater and other artists and groups, according to the event’s website, plus food from Portofino, Top Thai, Fredrico, and other eateries along the 23rd Street S. restaurant row.

“The 23rd Street Festival invites the DMV’s unique creators and innovators across food, style, art, & music to come together in one interactive outdoor experience,” said an event description. “For one day, we will convert our store-lined Main Street into an open-air block party for you to experience some of Arlington’s oldest and most storied locally owned businesses. From fine cuisine to boutiques and curious shops around every corner, there’s a little something for everyone!”

Event co-producer Amanda Rodrigues Smith said the organizers were inspired by the “opportunity to bring people together.”

The festival will be take place on 23rd Street S. between Eads and Fern streets.

Arlington Agenda: March 9-15

By Shreeya Aranake

Published March 9, 2020 at 9:30AM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Monday, March 9

Developmental Disability Awareness Month-Movie Night
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

The Arlington County Department of Human Services’ Developmental Disability Services Bureau presents a screening of The Peanut Butter Falcon. The film is PG-13.

Tuesday, March 10

Crosshairs Garage Races
201 12th Street S. Public Parking (201 12th Street S.)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Crosshairs Garage Races returns to Crystal City for its 6th year as the region’s only underground bike race. Events have cyclists competing for prizes and points in pursuit of the Petty Cup.

Wednesday, March 11

Coffee & Conversation: Providing Immigration Legal Services in Arlington
Westover Market & Beer Garden (5863 Washington Blvd)
Time: 10-11 a.m.

Erin McKenney of Just Neighbors, a nonprofit that provides immigration legal services, will describe how many Arlington clients benefit from the volunteer-supported organization.

Papa’s Basement Livecast @ Summers
Summers Restaurant (1520 N. Courthouse Road)
Time: 8-10 p.m.

Originating as a public access radio show, the Papa’s Basement Podcast has grown to a body of work encompassing over 600 in-studio podcasts and dozens of live shows.

Thursday, March 12

AWE Summit 2020*
Marymount Ballston Center (1000 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

The AWE SUMMIT is a gathering of women business owners in the D.C. region. The event will feature educational and inspiring presentations, panels, and conversations.

Life in Arlington in the 1920s
Marymount Reinsch Library Auditorium (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Learn what life was like in 1920s Arlington. Author of book “The Washington National Mall” Peter R. Penczer will be presenting a photographic journey through Arlington in the 1920s.

Friday, March 13

The Wizard of Oz*
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Join the St. Andrew’s Players for a performance of “The Wizard of Oz,” the timeless family classic tale about a girl from Kansas, her dog, Toto, and a weird dream during a major weather event.

Sunday, March 15

Book Talk – Founder: A Portrait of the First Rothschild and His Time
Congregation Etz Hayim (2920 Arlington Blvd.)
Time: 10:15-11:45 a.m.

The event will feature a discussion on the Rothschild banking dynasty’s founding father and a rich glimpse into 18th-century Europe.

Explore Turkish Culture and Cuisine
Yayla Bistro (2201 N. Westmoreland Street)
Time: 4-6 p.m.

Open Kitchen D.C. invites you to experience the distinct flavors and stories of Turkey. Guests will receive a Yayla Bistro original recipe and spices to try at home.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event.

#Arlington Agenda

ACPD to Hold St. Patrick’s Day Anti-DUI Event Next Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published March 3, 2020 at 3:00PM

Getting a DUI “could cost you a pot of gold.”

That’s one of the messages Arlington County Police are looking to send at an upcoming St. Patrick’s Day-themed anti-drunk driving event. Another: “don’t press your luck” by driving buzzed.

The event is scheduled to take place from 8-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 in Clarendon’s bar district. A portion of N. Hudson Street near Wilson Blvd will be closed for the free event, which will include activities “designed to highlight the impact alcohol has on motor skills.”

Police have held similar anti-DUI events in the recent past around St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween. Before that, earlier anti-drunk driving efforts have included appearances by a superhero named Soberman.

Arlington Agenda: March 2-8

By Shreeya Aranake

Published March 2, 2020 at 9:00AM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Monday, March 2

More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Parents
The Sycamore School (4600 N. Fairfax Drive)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

This program teaches parents how to recognize signs of depression and other mental health problems, initiate a conversation with their child, and get help.

Tuesday, March 3

Crosshairs Garage Races
201 12th Street S. Public Parking (201 12th Street S.)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Crosshairs Garage Races returns to Crystal City for its 6th year as the region’s only underground bike race. Events for elites and amateurs alike have cyclists competing for prizes and points in pursuit of the Petty Cup.

Wednesday, March 4

Coffee & Conversation: Bob Levey on His Days at the Washington Post
Westover Market & Beer Garden (5863 Washington Blvd)
Time: 10-11 a.m.

Former Washington Post columnist Bob Levey will discuss the “Golden Era” at the Washington Post and also his recently published first novel, “Larry Felder, Candidate”.

Friday, March 6

4th Annual Monte Carlo Night*
Army Navy Country Club (1700 Army Navy Drive)
Time: 8-11 p.m.

Try your luck at games of chance, take a spin on the dance floor, enjoy beer, wine, signature drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. This fundraiser for the Junior League of Northern Virginia also includes a raffle and a silent auction.

Saturday, March 7

Junior League of Washington’s Children’s Trunk Show
Crystal City Shops (2100-B Crystal Drive)
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Buy pre-owned children’s merchandise, including nursery furniture, high chairs, swings, strollers, and maternity wear at this annual event. There will also be gently used designer children’s clothing and new items.

Spring Garden Kick-off
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Learn how to start your own garden or how to get involved to help grow fresh produce for families in need. This event features speakers, breakout sessions by local experts, hands-on activities, exhibit tables, and free seeds.

Sunday, March 8

Deer Overpopulation Presentation & Discussion*
Arlington Central Library Auditorium (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The event will feature a discussion on what the overpopulation of deer means for our natural areas. The discussion will be led by Bill Browning, the Arlington Regional Master Naturalist.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event.

#Arlington Agenda

Synchronized Skating Documentary Produced By Rosslyn Resident

By Shreeya Aranake

Published February 28, 2020 at 3:45PM

An Arlington resident has produced a new documentary about the mesmerizing world of synchronized skating.

“Life in Synchro,” partly filmed at the MedStar Capitals IcePlex in Ballston, will be screened locally at the DC Independent Film Festival on Saturday, March 7. Rosslyn resident Nicole Davies produced the film while fellow American University alum Angela Pinaglia directed it.

The female-dominated sport, in which teams of eight to 20 skaters perform formations and step sequences in-sync to music, is little-known to most people, the filmmakers said. When Pinaglia was doing research for the film, she could not find any previous documentaries or films based on synchronized skating.

We talked with both filmmakers about the documentary and the sport.

How did you get involved in the project?

Nicole: I have been a synchronized skater since I was nine years old. Angela and I met at American University and we were working together for the school communication summer program. I was always talking about synchronized skating and Angela didn’t really care until about three years ago. Angela saw it for the first time in Arlington. She realized then when she saw it how special it was.

Angela: When you’re in the ice rink you can literally feel a wall of wind as sixteen skaters are skating past you on the ice, so it’s a very immersive experience. I turned to Nicole afterwards and I said this is really cool, [and that] we should do a documentary.

(more…)

Critically Acclaimed Author Roxane Gay Coming to Arlington

By Shreeya Aranake

Published February 27, 2020 at 11:00AM | Updated February 27, 2020 at 1:56PM

Arlington Public Library is hosting author Roxane Gay as part of its 2020 Arlington Reads spring series.

Gay’s collection of essays, “Bad Feminist,” was a New York Times best seller, and was named as one of the best books of the year by NPR. She has also written several other works, including the novel “Untamed State,” the collection of short stories “Difficult Women,” and her memoir “Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body.”

Gay currently co-hosts a podcast named “Hear to Slay” with Tressie McMillan Cottom, “a podcast with an intersectional perspective on celebrity, culture, politics, art, life, love, and more,” the library website said. She is also a contributing op-ed writer for the New York Times.

The talk will take place on March 10 from 7-9 p.m. at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street).

Other authors set to talk at Central Library as part of the series — dubbed “Who Are We the People?” — include Laila Lalami, Rebecca Traister, Valeria Luiselli and Brooke Gladstone.

From the library’s website:

The spring series authors transcend genre, medium and subject to wrestle with our political and social moment and tackle complex questions of identity and belonging With humor, fervor and compassion, they explore what our duties and obligations are to each other, our nation and our world.

As these writers probe the nature of justice and equality today, they show us that, even with all our imperfections, we can move together to form a more perfect Union for a more equitable tomorrow. Arlington Reads asks us, “Who are We the People?” What will our answer be?

Columbia Pike Goodwill to Reopen This Weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published February 26, 2020 at 10:00AM

If you’ve been fretting over where to find second-hand clothes, accessories and oddities on Columbia Pike, worry no more, the Goodwill retail store at 4714 Columbia Pike is scheduled to reopen this Saturday (Feb. 29).

The shop had been closed for renovations but will reopen with a celebration on Saturday. Throughout the day, anyone who spends $50 will get a $10 discount, according to the Goodwill website.

After the reopening, the Goodwill is scheduled to resume its usual schedule of 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

Photo via Goodwill of Greater Washington/Facebook

Shirlington Sports Bar to Host Game of Thrones Trivia Night

By Vernon Miles

Published February 25, 2020 at 4:55PM

Game of Thrones may not be coming back this spring, but a Shirlington bar is giving locals a last chance to use their Westeros trivia before purging the final few seasons from memory.

On Friday, Feb. 28, fans of the HBO series can test their trivia against others at Dudley’s Sport and Ale (2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive) from 7-9:30 in a tournament sponsored by Pour House Trivia.

The event is listed at “ticketed” but the tickets are free reservations available online. According to an event posting:

Teams can be from 1 to 7 people. One ticket per team. So just one person from each team needs to get a ticket for your team.

Due to the popularity of this event — it is a ticketed event with reserve seating.

The event page noted that teams must be checked in no later than 6:45 p.m.

It isn’t the first Game of Thrones event at the bar, which according to the Facebook page hosted watch parties for the episodes.

Photo via Dudley’s Sport and Ale/Facebook

Arlington Agenda: February 24-March 1

By Shreeya Aranake

Published February 24, 2020 at 4:55PM

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Wednesday, February 26

Smarty Pets: Focusing on Pet Food
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Dr. Kerry Skorup and Selena Healey will make a presentation on food options for pets. They will cover different types of diets for different animals.

Thursday, February 27

Virginia Tech MBA Programs Information Session*
Virginia Tech Ballston Campus (900 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 12-1 p.m.

Learn more about Virginia Tech’s Ballston-based Executive MBA program at this information session, where officials will discuss curriculum, tuition, financial aid, and more.

Rock The Rink
Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

This skating event at the Pentagon Row rink will feature an appearance by Slapshot, giveaways, a DJ and Capitals-themed specials at surrounding restaurants.

Saturday, February 29

Feel the Heritage Festival
Charles Drew Community Center (3500 23rd Street S.)
Time: 1-6 p.m.

This Black History Month event will feature live music and dance, dozens of vendors, delicious food, cook-off competition, and a Hall of History with photos and artifacts from Arlington’s historically African-American neighborhoods and organizations.

11th Annual MOVE ME Festival
Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Road)
Time: 2-5 p.m.

Bowen McCauley Dance Company will present the 11th Annual MOVE ME Festival featuring more than 15 local area dance companies and artists who will offer integrated workshops, educational activities, and performances on two stages.

Bowties and Tails
Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 810)
Time: 7-10 p.m.

Join Lu’s Labs as they celebrate five years of rescue. Your $75 ticket includes beer, wine and heavy hor d’oeuvres. Entertainment by Smoky the DJ.

Saturday, March 1

Beginner’s ASL Class: 8 Weeks
Shirlington Library (4200 Campbell Avenue)
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

This course starts from a foundation of concepts and hand shapes, then builds to a basic understanding of forming phrases in American Sign Language. It will cover vocabulary, grammar, history and culture of ASL.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event.

#Arlington Agenda

Bicycle Races Through a Crystal City Parking Garage Returns in March

By Vernon Miles

Published February 24, 2020 at 1:30PM | Updated February 24, 2020 at 5:44PM

(Updated at 5:45 p.m.) A series of underground bicycle races is coming back to Crystal City next month.

Throughout the month, several races will weave through the parking garage at 201 12th Street S. The sixth annual event series, organized by the Crystal City Business Improvement District, is billed as “the area’s only underground bike race.”

The race hosts warned on the registration website that racing inside with low ceilings and concrete pillars can take a few minutes to get used to.

“This is a training race,” said the website. “Our main goal is to get everyone out riding in a fun and competitive setting.”

Spectators will be able to catch the races on the sidelines and hang out at a lounge area, which will provide a viewing area and feature happy hour drinks and bites from Acme Pie.

“Friends, family, and those too timid for the saddle can always catch the excitement from the comfort of the sidelines while enjoying a beverage from the event’s pop-up bar,” the BID noted.

Each day of racing will have three categories: a beginner race, a women’s cup, and a cup open to men and women aimed at racers who already have some experience. Each race is scheduled to last 35 minutes with a limit of 50 participants. The fee to enter is $20.

Races are scheduled for five successive Tuesdays:

March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31

The final will have a different setup. In addition to the beginners’ race, the March 31 race will feature a relay race, an “anything goes” race, and a fixed-gear bike race. For the anything-goes race, the only limit is that the vehicle can’t be motorized.

If you’re wondering what racing underground feels like, in 2017 a participant rode with a GoPro.

Photo courtesy Crystal City