Events

Arlington Agenda: May 27-June 2

By Michael O'Connell
2019 Armed Forces Cycling Classic
The 21st Armed Forces Cycling Classic held in Clarendon and Crystal City in 2018 (courtesy Douglas Graham/WLP)

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.

Tuesday, May 28

Arlington Parents: Do You Want Healthy School Food?
Columbia Pike Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Real Food for Kids unites parents and local leaders to improve school meals. We change school menus and build a lasting commitment from administrators and elected officials to put our kids’ health first when making decisions around school food.

Wednesday, May 29

Green Drinks Happy Hour with Ready for 100 & EcoAction Arlington!
Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Learn more about green initiatives in the area and how you can get involved with two local environmental organizations, and support local environmental work!

Thursday, May 30

Mental Wellness from A to Z
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Join representatives from the Department of Human Services’ Prevention Services, Children and Family Behavioral Health, Adult Behavioral Health and other health agencies for a panel discussion and conversation about mental wellness.

Friday, May 31

The Talented Clementine (World Premiere)
Gunston Arts Center – Theatre One (2700 S. Lang Street)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

Based on the book by Sara Pennypacker. Tickets: $15 for Adults, $12 for Children, Students, Military and Seniors with a valid ID. Includes all box office fees.

Saturday, June 1

Armed Forces Cycling Classic
2121 Crystal Drive
Time: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Armed Forces Cycling Classic is the region’s premier cycling event, open to cycling enthusiasts of all abilities. Cyclists with USA Cycling licenses are invited to race in Arlington on both days.

Meetup Walk with a Ranger
United States Marine Corps War Memorial
Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Come hang with a National Park Service Ranger and go on a 3 mile hike, get some exercise, see some sites on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Sunday, June 2

17th Annual Green Home and Garden Tour
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 1-5 p.m.

This 17th annual tour offers ideas to go green in your own home and includes a mixture of new green homes, green renovations, and watershed-friendly gardens. The fee to register for the tour is $5. Register at www.ecoactionarlington.org.

Bark in the Park
James Hunter Dog Park (1299 N. Herndon Street)
Time: 3-6 p.m.

The event will feature live music by Americana group Caroline Ferrante, bites from the Smoking Kow BBQ food truck, and plenty of activities and goodies for human children and four-legged “kids” alike.

Arlington Agenda: May 20-26

By Michael O'Connell

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, May 20

Bus Transformation Project Open House
GMU Founders Hall (3351 Fairfax Drive)
Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us for the Bus Transformation Project open house. Learn about the draft plan for transforming bus, engage with staff, and share your feedback. Come join in the discussion!

1st Time Home Buyer Seminar*
Keri Shull Team (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 101)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Topics covered include financing programs, how to avoid double paying a rent and a mortgage, how to calculate your budget the right way and more.

Tuesday, May 21

EcoAction Author Night
Josephine’s Italian Kitchen (2501 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Join EcoAction Arlington for our first author night! We will feature readings by several local authors, including a few with books just published. Featured authors include Jessica Claire Haney, Rick Hodges, and Nancy Striniste of EarlySpace.

Wednesday, May 22

Death Cafe: Exploring the Subject of Death
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

Columbia Pike Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Jamie Arthurs from Dignity Memorial and Jane Morrison from Capital Caring will be facilitating two informal group-directed discussions about death and other end of life issues; other than helping people become more comfortable with the topic, there is no particular. Free coffee and sweet treats will be served.

Friday, May 24

Fridays at the Fountain
Crystal City Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

Open every Friday starting in May, Fridays at the Fountain is Crystal City’s seasonal pop-up beer garden set within the Crystal City Water Park, featuring food from The Stand’s rotating lineup of vendors, adult and kid friendly beverage selections, and live music from local bands and musicians.

Saturday, May 25

Learn the Art and Science of Storytelling*
Cafe Sazon (4704 Columbia Pike)
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Storymasters will help you craft a compelling narrative, inspire others to follow your lead and connect with diverse audiences. Gain feedback from a diverse community and walk away with confidence in your ability to motivate people toward a vision and make meaningful change in the world through storytelling.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Ballston Quarterfest Offers ‘Taste of Arlington’ This Weekend

By Vernon Miles

Ballston Quarterfest — a new Ballston-centric music, drinks and food festival replacing Taste of Arlington — is being held weekend.

The festival is scheduled to run from 12-6 p.m. this coming Saturday (May 18) and Sunday (May 19). Admission to the festival is free, but tickets are required for the restaurant crawl or street pub.

Free live music from local performers is planned at a stage next to the street pub for both days.

Other activities around the festival include a “Kids Zone” on Saturday, with face painting and balloon artist, and the Arlington Art Truck, with an interactive art display on Sunday.

The event will take place mainly along Wilson Blvd — like Taste of Arlington — but will be more focused around the new Ballston Quarter mall and Ballston businesses, whereas “Taste” featured restaurants from around the county.

Like Taste of Arlington, the event will come with a series of road closures. Per Arlington County Police:

  • Wilson Blvd will be closed between N. Randolph Street and Glebe Road in both directions the entire weekend (use Fairfax Drive as an alternate route)
  • N. Taylor Street will be closed at Wilson Blvd
  • N. Stuart Street, from 9th Street N. to Wilson Blvd, will be closed
  • 7th Street N., between Glebe Road and Wilson Blvd, will be closed

Temporary “no parking” signs are also planned throughout the area, and illegally parked vehicles could be ticketed or towed. Police encourage attendees to use the Metro or other means to get to the festival.

Arlington Agenda: May 13-19

By Michael O'Connell
The 2016 Ballston pit stop

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, May 13

Auditions: Disney’s Newsies
Encore’s Main Campus (4000 Lorcom Lane)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Students ages 15 through college and adults are invited to audition for Disney’s Newsies. Students ages 11 through 14 may attend a specific youth audition. Students ages 12 through college students and adults are invited to audition for stage crew.

Tuesday, May 14

Pilates in the Park at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row Plaza (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Join Club Pilates for a free mat class every Tuesday in the plaza at Pentagon Row. #BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) — we’ll provide fabulous and knowledgeable instructors.

Wednesday, May 15

Arlington Community Chorus Spring Concert
Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

“Sing On!” is the theme of the free Arlington Community Chorus Spring Concert. The chorus will perform a variety of classical, contemporary and world music. Accompanying the group will be pianist Diane Carsten-Pelak and guest musicians.

Thursday, May 16

There’s No Place Like Home: A Celebration*
Arlington Arts Center (3350 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-9 p.m.

Bring friends and make new ones at a celebration of home that will include entertainment, art, food and drink. Life is an obstacle course. Join us for this evening to benefit Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing.

Friday, May 17

Bike to Work Day*
Ten pit stops around Arlington
Time: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Keep your car parked, hop on a bike, and celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to get around on Bike to Work Day. Register here.

Better Angels: Reuniting America Documentary
The Church at Clarendon (1210 N. Highland Street)
Time: 8-10:30 p.m.

Join us to view and discuss this documentary about communicating across political party lines, understanding beyond stereotypes of conservatives and liberals, and finding common humanity. Register here.

Saturday, May 18

95th Annual Lyon Park Spring Fair
Lyon Park Community Center (414 N. Fillmore Street)
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Annual Lyon Park Spring Fair is a family centered event with vintage carnival games, moon bounces, cake-a-bout, face painting, toddler zone, cotton candy and more. Concessions, a bake sale and a plant sale are also part of the event.

Quarterfest
Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 12-6 p.m.

The Ballston Improvement District (BID) invites you to Rock the Block at the first annual Quarterfest presented by Dittmar. This neighborhood street festival celebrates the newly opened Ballston Quarter and benefits local Arlington charities.

Sunday, May 19

High School students in a computer labTalk on Parenting in the Digital Age
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (4250 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 10-11 a.m.

Dr. Ginger Jones, a clinical psychologist for nearly 20 years, is in private practice in McLean. She works with children, adults and families for the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, to name a few areas.

Church at Clarendon 110th Anniversary
Church at Clarendon (1210 N. Highland Street)
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Church at Clarendon will celebrate their 110th Anniversary with an Anniversary and Fellowship Celebration. The theme is “Celebrating Across Generations” for this special Sunday service starting at 11 a.m., followed by a Luncheon. RSVP online.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Bluemont Bird Bash Happening This Saturday

By Airey
1/4

Bird lovers of all feathers can head to Bluemont this weekend for a morning of avian education and exploration.

“World Migratory Bird Day Festival” will feature bird walks, games, activities, and free coffee from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at Lacey Woods Park, organizers say. Attendees to the free event are asked to meet at the park’s basketball court near the intersection of Washington Blvd and N. George Mason Drive.

The Wildlife Rescue League will also showcase some of its live feathered friends, including a blue jay named “Snafu.”

Arlington County naturalists Jennifer Soles and Ken Rosenthal are organizing the weekend event. Rosenthal told ARLnow on Monday that festival attendees have a chance to spot interesting birds because several species often flock to Lacey Woods Park, which he described as a “green oasis that will get the birds in.”

Last year, Rosenthal said attendees spotted a blackpoll warbler. These songbirds typically weigh less than an ounce but migrate over 1,800 miles across North America, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and 88% of blackpoll populations have died out in the last half century.

Many other birds that can be spotted in Arlington migrate between North to Central America — such as hummingbirds and osprey.

Soles and Rosenthal say all the printed materials for the event are in English and Spanish, but they are seeking one to two volunteers who can help translate some of the discussions on Saturday into Spanish.

Soles said these migratory birds “live half their lives in Spanish-speaking countries” and hopes that Arlingtonians with roots in Central American countries like El Salvador and Guatemala will attend the event and get a chance to recognize some familiar species.

“We sort of share these birds between us,” said Soles.

Arlington Agenda: May 6-12

By Michael O'Connell

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.

Tuesday, May 7

Pilates in the Park at Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row Plaza (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Join Club Pilates for a free mat class every Tuesday at 6-7 p.m. in the plaza at Pentagon Row. #BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) — we’ll provide fabulous and knowledgeable instructors.

Wednesday, May 8

Smarty Pets: Estate Planning for Pets
Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive)
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn how to provide for your pet through estate planning at this free class with attorney Lauren Keenan Rote of Bean, Kinney & Korman. Register to reserve a spot.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Debate
Marymount University – Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Arlington Committee of 100 is hosting a Commonwealth’s Attorney Debate between incumbent Theo Stamos and challenger Parisa Tafti. Optional dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. ($29 for members, $31 for non-members), and the debate starts at 8 p.m.

Thursday, May 9

Crystal City Crafts Market
220 20th Street S.
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Crystal City Crafts Market features a mix of arts, crafts, handmade jewelry, accessories, bath and beauty products and other local, handcrafted products as well as live-music and select food products.

ACTA Practice Series*
Quincy Park Tennis Courts (1021 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-9:45 p.m.

The ACTA Practice Series is a weekly, social “drop-in” tennis offering for players who are looking to meet and play with others of similar skill levels. Players Cost: $55 ($52 plus $3 registration fee).

Friday, May 10

Fridays at the Fountain
Crystal City Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive)
Time: 5-9 p.m.

Fridays at the Fountain is Crystal City’s seasonal pop-up beer garden set within the Crystal City Water Park, featuring food from The Stand’s rotating lineup of vendors, adult and kid friendly beverage selections, and live music from local bands and musicians.

Saturday, May 11

2019 Tuckahoe Elementary Home & Garden Tour*
Tuckahoe Elementary School (6550 26th Street N)
Time: 12-5 p.m.

This annual home and garden tour features beautiful homes in Arlington and the surrounding area. Both newly constructed and renovated homes are included on the tour, which is an annual fundraiser for the Tuckahoe Elementary Discovery Schoolyard.

George Washington’s Forest History Walk
Ball-Sellers House (5620 3rd Street S.)
Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Walk in the footsteps of George Washington on a guided walking tour with a local historian as we trace his route through his forest in what is now Arlington. Free, but donations are accepted. All ages welcome. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather and bring water.

Nancy Alonso’s 20th Anniversary in Radio*
La Finca Mexican Restaurant (3227 Washington Blvd)
Time: 8-11:59 p.m.

Nancy Alonso, best known as The First Lady of Salsa, celebrates her 20th anniversary of radio broadcasting with live music by Joe Falero and his band, along with special guest DJs.

Sunday, May 12

Lubber Run Farmers Market Re-Opens
Lubber Run Farmers Market (2201 N. Henderson Road)
Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Come shop for freshly picked, locally sourced produce, humanely raised/sustainable meats, eggs, and fish, and tasty prepared foods. Enjoy coffee, breakfast, and live music on Saturday morning all through the spring summer and fall.

Mother’s Day Brunch
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City Grand Ballroom (1250 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Treat mom to an unforgettable weekend with our brunch featuring live entertainment. Call 703-412-2728 for details and reservations. $99 per adult, $40 per child, ages 5 to 12, complimentary valet parking.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Rosslyn Outdoor Film Fest to Return with Crazy Rich Asians, Jumanji

By ARLnow.com

(Updated on 05/22/19) Rosslyn’s annual outdoor movie festival is returning to Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway) starting next month.

“Every Friday this summer in Gateway Park, bring a blanket or low chairs and a group of friends and enjoy a night under the stars with your favorite movies,” the event’s website says. “Movies start at dusk, but the fun starts at 5 p.m. with games and our Pub in the Park. This event is kid and dog friendly.”

During the events attendees can “enjoy some popcorn from Popped Republic and food from local food trucks.” A spokeswoman told ARLnow that attendees can also get 10 percent off their bill at the nearby Continental Pool Lounge or Beer Garden if they mention they’re at the outdoor festival, and will also be able to order a “special, movie-themed cocktail.”

The film schedule is as follows.

  • June 7 — Spider Man: into the Spider-Verse
  • June 14 — Paddington
  • June 21 — Casablanca
  • June 28 — Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
  • July 5 — Crazy Rich Asians
  • July 12 — Incredibles 2

The June 14 and July 12 movies — Paddington and Incredibles 2 — are “special family nights,” according to the website. If there’s a chance of rain, organizers will announce cancellations by 3 p.m. on the event website.

Photo via Rosslyn BID

Arlington Agenda April 29-May 5

By Airey

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.

Tuesday, April 30

MONA Private School Fair 2019
Congressional School (3229 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Mothers of North Arlington (MONA) — a support and social group for mothers — is organizing the a school fair, the 2019 Private School Fair, to give families the opportunity to meet admission representatives from over 40 local PK-12 private schools all together in the same space.

Wednesday, May 1

Trek Women’s Open House
Trek Bicycle Clarendon (2731 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

Open house to for those who identify as women, trans, and/or non-binary to hear from  inspiring cycling advocates, meet awesome new friends, and win incredible prizes, including an FX2 bike. Plus, the first 50 guests will get a special surprise.

Thursday, May 2

Arlington PreK and K Girl Scout Formation Meeting!
Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 5-6 p.m.

Start your Girl Scout adventure in May. Parents, girls and community members are invited to learn about the 107 year-old movement and how your involvement makes Girl Scouting amazing with a meeting at Central Library. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP or reach out for more information.

Rock The Loop Free Concerts
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join Market Common Clarendon on Thursday evenings, May through July, for a series of FREE concerts on The Loop from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Support Homeward Trails Animal Rescue by purchasing beer or wine served by Heritage Brewing Co. during the concerts on The Loop. DreamStreet will be playing this Thursday, followed by Charles Platt next week.

Friday, May 3

Virginia Tech Executive MBA Class Visit
Virginia Tech Research Center (900 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.

Get a glimpse into the Virginia Tech Executive MBA student experience with a class visit. During the visit, you will sit in on a current Executive MBA class and have the opportunity to engage with our students, faculty, and program staff in a more casual environment. Attendees must register online at least 48 hours before it begins on Friday.

Wakefield High School a month before school startsChicago
Wakefield High School (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 7-9:30 p.m.

The Wakefield Players present the musical “Chicago.” Character Roxie Hart murders her faithless lover and convinces her drab husband, Amos, to take the blame… until he discovers that he’s been two-timed by his wife and turns on her. Charged with a “hanging offense” Roxie and another “Merry Murderess” Velma Kelly vie for the spotlight and the headlines that will bring them fame, fortune, and acquittal.

Courageous Leadership: The 2019 District 27 Spring Conference*
Crowne-Plaza Hotel Crystal City (1480 Crystal Drive)
Time: Friday 5:30-10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sign up to join the conference awarding this year’s recipient with the District 27 Communication and Leadership Award. Attendees can buy individual or table tickets and will be able to hear from speakers working in fields such as consulting and those in Toastmasters leadership. The event also features networking opportunities and a silent auction.

Saturday, May 4

Environmental Collection & Recycling Event (E-CARE)
The N. Quincy St Property (1425 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Arlington County will hold its biannual Environmental Collection and Recycling Event (E-CARE) this weekend, directly across the street from Washington-Liberty High School and the David M. Brown Planetarium. E-CARE is an event where residents can safely dispose of hazardous household materials (HHM), recycle bikes, small metal items and much more.

Community Shred Event
McEnearney Associates (4720 Lee Highway)
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

McEnearney Associates welcomes the community for a free shredding event outside of its Lee Highway office. There will be a large truck on site looking forward to seeing you, and available to dispose of papers best shredded instead of thrown away.

Jane’s Walk: Arlington
Arlington Farmers Market (14th Street N. & N. Courthouse Road)
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

WalkArlington and local landscape architects Ana Quintana and Lan Hogue will host the first inaugural Jane’s Walk in Arlington — a global event to activate the ideas of Jane Jacobs, legendary advocate for neighborhoods, and to support a community-based approach to city building through citizen-led walking tours. Attendees will explore Clarendon and Courthouse during the free event.

Cat Cafe
Columbia Pike Branch Library (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 2-4 p.m.

Meet the purrfect addition to your family at the library where attendees will be able to enjoy free coffee and tea, eat sugary treats and play with the cutest adoptable kittens from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington this Saturday. Staff from AWLA will be present to answer cat behavioral questions and adoption advice. Please bring an ID and proof of residence if you plan to adopt on the spot.

Halls Hill-High View Park 2019 Neighborhood Day
High View Park (1945 N. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 1-5 p.m.

The free neighborhood day is back with moon bounces, face painting, food truck, prizes, raffles, Zumba, games, music, and more this year. The event will provide feature water, toys, and games for K-9 family member(s). The price of attendance is a box of cereal that event organizers will provide to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

National Chamber Ensemble – The Contemporaries*
Gunston Arts Center (2700 S. Lang Street)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Music and dance unite as NCE and Bowen McCauley Dance premiere another exciting creation set to the music of Igor Stravinsky and the stunning choreography of Lucy Bowen McCauley. The event is a multimedia project for violin, cello, piano and computer that evokes the Disco Era and the music of the pop/rock group Queen.

May the 4th | an outer space dance party
Reagan National Airport (2401 Smith Blvd)
Time: 7-11:30 p.m.

On Saturday, May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, Scorpio Entertainment will transform the historic Reagan National Airport Terminal A Lobby into a spaceship-inspired cosmic dance party, featuring an open bar, live entertainment, views of the runway, glow wear for all guests, social media projection wall, galactic light show, and “a few other surprises” that may include a real-life Sharknado moment.

Sunday, May 5

LWV-Arl Co-sponsors State Senator Dist. 51 Candidate Debate 
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 3:15-5:00 p.m.

The League of Women Voters of Arlington along with the Nu Xi Zeta Chapter, Alexandria and the AAUW Arlington Branch is sponsoring a debate between state senate candidates Nicole Merlene and Barbara Favola. This is an opportunity to meet and question the candidates and learn their positions on important issues. Tickets are free with online registration.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

ACPD and Local Bars to Hold Nightlife Safety Event

By Airey

Police and local bar owners are teaming up to talk about alcohol and nightlife safety this week.

The two groups are co-hosting “A Conversation About Nightlife Safety” on Wednesday, May 1 from  7-9 p.m.

The free event will be held at the Hazel conference center at Virginia Hospital Center (1701 N. George Mason Drive). Attendees are asked to RSVP online.

“Patrons, restaurant staff, and those interested in maintaining Arlington County as a safe destination for entertainment are encouraged to attend a community conversation on nightlife safety,” a county press release reads.

Speakers include Freddie Lutz of Freddie’s Beach Bar, John Williams of Whitlow’s on Wilson, and Chris Lefbom of Ragtime, Rhodeside Bar and Grill, and William Jeffery’s Tavern

A panel line-up include officials from the county’s zoning, human services, economic development and fire departments.

Arlington County Police will be sending a member of its Restaurant Liaison Unit to the event, which is a part of the “Arlington Restaurant Initiative” to train bar employees to serve alcohol responsibly and help reduce nightlife crime.

Officials made the restaurant initiative a permanent fixture of Arlington’s nightlife scene back in October after piloting it earlier in 2018.

Last year, ACPD said that increased police presence around bars due to the initiative may have contributed to a jump in reported alcohol-related offenses, even though overall county crime rate dropped by 7.7%. The 2018 report noted  a 73% increase in liquor law violations and a 17% increase in “drunkenness” charges, in addition to police catching 703 fake IDs.

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

Annual 5K Race Through Fairlington Returns Saturday to Support Girl with Rare Disease

By Vernon Miles

An annual 5K race through Fairlington is scheduled for Saturday (April 27) to support Ellie McGinn — a local fifth-grader with a rare degenerative brain and spinal cord disease.

The race raises money for A Cure for Ellie, a foundation supporting research at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore that aims to cure McGinn’s disease: leukodystrophy. The race is now in its sixth year and researchers are now in the process of testing new therapies.

There are fewer than 100 known cases of the disease, but over the last year a girl in another local family was diagnosed with the same disease, said race organizer Beth McGinn.

The run also raises money for Abingdon Elementary’s physical education and literacy programs, which helps sponsor P.E. events and book clubs at the school.

The non-competitive and family-friendly event is hosted by Abington Elementary — where McGinn attends — and the Fairlington Citizens Association. As of yesterday, McGinn said 550 people had registered.

Registration in the 5K is $35 for adults or $20 for children, which includes a t-shirt for participating in the race. A one-mile fun-run is $15 for adults or $12 for children. The race website says that dogs and strollers are welcome. Race packets can be picked up tomorrow (Friday) from 3-6 p.m. at 3035 S. Abingdon Street.

Several streets in Fairlington will be closed from 7-9:30 a.m. on the day of the race, according to Arlington County Police:

  • Abingdon Street between 29th and 36th streets
  • 36th Street between 34th Street S. up to and including Stafford Street
  • Wakefield loop off 34th Street S.
  • Utah Street between 32nd and 34th street

Photo via A Cure for Ellie. Route map via Arlington County Police Department.

Arlington Asking People to Snap Nature Photos This Weekend for Science

By Airey

Arlington is asking residents to submit nature photos in a contest for which locality can log the most nature sightings in urban environments.

The City Nature Challenge aims to create a database of animal and plates species using photos uploaded to the iNaturalist app by users in different cities worldwide each year.

This year, challenge runs from Friday to Sunday and Arlington is hosting hourly spotting events at local parks where participants can learn to use the app and log their nature observations.

“The Arlington Regional Master Naturalists are sponsoring a series of events and need your help to get better data about our environment,” said Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreations on its website, adding that participants can “help biologists understand the biodiversity of Northern Virginia by documenting the organisms” they find during the events.

Thirteen events are planned in Arlington throughout the weekend. The events planned for tomorrow (Friday) are:

  • Barcoft Park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m, with a focus on looking for insects, fish, and more species.
  • Benjamin Banneker Park from 2-4 p.m.
  • Fort C.F. Smith from 8-9:30 a.m. spotting birds with naturalist David Farner
  • Woodlawn Park from 2-4 p.m.

After the observation period closes, the challenge is inviting participants to help out between April 30 and May 5 to identify the species spotted, per the event’s D.C. area website.

Last year, the Greater Washington area entered as one region in the challenge and placed fifth among 68 competing cities, according to the parks department. However, the D.C. area was awarded fourth place for participation with 876 people in the region logging nature sightings in the app.

Image via City Nature Challenge

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