Events

First ‘Mom Prom’ in Northern Virginia Aims to Celebrate Women

By Fatimah Waseem

When Jessica Winesett became a mom 16 months ago, she quickly learned how hard it was for moms to have “the night off.” The experience led the Alexandria resident to organize Northern Virginia’s first-ever “Mom Prom.”

Set for Saturday, March 24 from 7-11 p.m., the ladies-only event at Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) will raise funds for the Greater DC Diaper Bank and Second Story for Young Mothers.

Winesett said she was inspired to launch the event after hearing about mom proms in Richmond, now in its seventh year, and Hampton Roads, now in its third year.

“Since becoming a mom, I have such passion for moms now. When we take care of our moms, we take care of our society,” she said, “In my eyes, the initiative has already been a success because I see the community coming together and giving together. This is a feel-good event where women who are and aren’t mothers are welcome for a fun night out.”

Only women 21 years and above are allowed because alcohol will be served at the event. Tickets are available online. The offer for $45 early bird tickets ends on Saturday. Prices increase to $50 afterward.

The first 100 women to arrive will receive a door prize and awards for the “most glamorous” and “most outrageous” outfit will be given. A prom queen or mom of the year will be crowned from submitted nominations.

An after-party open to the public is scheduled after the prom ends at 11 p.m.

Flyer via ProMOmenade

Arlington Agenda: January 8-15

By ARLnow.com

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, Jan. 8

Free Home Buyer Workshop *
Orange Line Living (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite #101)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Attend a free workshop for first-time home buyers that will delve into a comprehensive explanation of the home purchasing process and will include a $1,500 credit for future home purchases. The class is co-hosted by Orange Line Living and The Keri Shull Team.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Arlington Committee of 100: Arlington’s Infrastructure *
Marymount University, Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-8 p.m.

Greg Emmanuel, director of the Dept. of Environmental Services, will lead a discussion on Arlington’s infrastructure needs, coming changes and future plans. An optional dinner is $28 for member and $30 for all others.

Thursday, Jan. 11

Piano Fight Club Show
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street)
Time: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

The duo, which touts “dueling pianos like you’ve never seen it before,” will hold its first show of the year at the bar and grill, which offers a full-service food menu in addition to live entertainment at night.

Sunday, Jan. 14

Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man and the Mission
Wakefield High School Auditorium (1325 S. Dinwiddie Street)
Time: 5-6:30 p.m.

The Dept. of Parks and Recreation is hosting the county’s annual program to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The program features musical and dance talent from Duke Ellington School of the Arts and spoken word artist Kim Miller.

Monday, Jan. 15

MLK Day of Service
Arlington Career Center (816 S. Walter Reed Drive)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon

Instead of taking the day off, make the holiday “a day on” by participating in a day of service led by Volunteer Arlington. Participants of all ages will select one service or training opportunity in the free program.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Saturday: Release Party for New District’s New Brew

Arlington’s New District Brewing is rolling out its second-ever bottled beer this coming Saturday, and you’re invited to the release party.

The Shirlington-area brewery at 2709 S. Oakland Street is introducing Abbey, a spiced, smooth Belgian Dubbel. But it’s a limited edition: just 250 individually-corked and hand-labeled 750ml bottles.

New District expects to sell out of its stock within 2-3 weeks, so the best opportunity to get your hands on one is at the release party on Saturday.

The event is being held from 1-9 p.m. at the brewery. Each $25 ticket will get you:

  • One 2 Year Anniversary Dubbel 750ml limited release bottle (with option to buy a second)
  • One pint of 2 Year Anniversary Dubbel on Tap
  • One beef brisket taco from the famous La Tingeria food truck, braised in a chipotle garlic sauce with NDBC brewed street beer for 12 hours.

Several other events are being planned at New District this week: a live band — No Second Troy — on Friday, and fill specials on Sunday.

The preceding was written by ARLnow.com and promoted by New District Brewing.

Registration Open for Beyer Helicopter Noise Forum in Fairlington

By Chris Teale

Registration is open for Rep. Don Beyer’s (D) community forum in Fairlington later this month on helicopter noise.

Beyer will host the forum on January 16 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Abingdon Elementary School (3035 S. Abingdon Street), as part of a study he added to last year’s Defense Authorization Act that passed Congress.

Anyone wishing to attend must register online.

“The provision was proposed by Rep. Beyer in response to frequent complaints from constituents about excess noise from military helicopters,” organizers wrote. “It directs DOD to study changes to the region’s helicopter flight routes, operating procedures, and types of helicopters flown in the national capital airspace to mitigate the effect of noise on the region’s neighborhoods.”

Courtesy photo

Arlington Agenda: December 20-31

By Chris Teale

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, Dec. 20

Star Wars: The Last Jedi *
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: Various

The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse screens Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Tickets cost $8 per person for the movie, which sees Rey develop her Jedi abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker. Screenings available through January 4.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Welcome Winter at Westover
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road, Suite 3)
Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Celebrate the first day of winter with preschool stories on the hour, face painting, snowman games, wintery crafts for all ages, hot chocolate and snacks. Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is for all ages.

Sunday, December 24

Christmas Eve Mass at Night *
St. Agnes Catholic Church (1910 N. Randolph Street)
Time: 10-11 p.m.

Join the still of night this Christmas Eve for a special evening Mass in celebration of the Nativity: all are welcome. The church is lit inside and out, welcoming neighbors and visitors to experience the joys of Christmas.

Monday, December 25

Christmas Morning Mass *
St. Agnes Catholic Church (1910 N. Randolph Street)
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Experience Christmas with the congregation at St. Agnes Catholic Church as they celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas morning. All are welcome to the service, which will include hymns and the giving of Holy Communion.

Sunday, December 31

Kiss 2017 Goodbye
The G.O.A.T (3028 Wilson Blvd)
Time: Evening

Arlington’s sports bar and gaming lounge, The G.O.A.T, is getting ready and set for you to go celebrate with them all night long for New Year’s Eve. There is no cover charge. Get there early to bypass the long lines anticipated.

New Year’s Eve Party *
Quinn’s on the Corner (1776 Wilson Blvd)
Time: Evening

Spend New Year’s Eve at Rosslyn’s favorite bar, Quinn’s On The Corner. Tickets include two drink tickets and a champagne toast at midnight as well as a bar bites buffet from 8-10 p.m. The night will include popular music from a DJ.

New Year’s Eve *
Copperwood Tavern (4021 Campbell Ave)
Time: Evening

On offer will be a three-course dinner that includes a soup or salad, luxury main dish options including lobster, filet, gourmet spaghetti squash or braised rabbit, sides and Chocolate Temptation for dessert. The evening includes a champagne toast.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Pet Photos with Santa This Saturday in Virginia Square

By ARLnow.com Sponsor

ARLnow is co-sponsoring Santa Paws, a holiday event this Saturday at Latitude Apartments in Virginia Square.

Bring your pup — or your cat — and enjoy pet photos with Santa, a grooming raffle courtesy of Puppy Luv, an apple cider bar and some ARL stickers (and potentially other fun, pet appropriate ARLnow stuff).

When: Saturday, December 16 from 1-3 p.m
Where: Latitude Apartments, 3601 Fairfax Drive

The event is free, but register here to reserve your spot.

This events supports the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which cares for more than 2,000 animals each year. Latitude is accepting doggy donations at the event on behalf of AWLA. Check out their Christmas wish list for regularly used items that are in need at the shelter.

Rosslyn to Host First Ever Holiday Concert at Central Place Plaza

By Chris Teale

Central Place Plaza in Rosslyn will be alive with holiday cheer tomorrow (Thursday) for the Rosslyn Carols! Holiday Concert.

Hosted by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District for the first time at the public plaza at 1800 N. Lynn Street, the event will include a lunchtime concert, then in the evening a DJ, games and food and drink.

A choir from H-B Woodlawn will lead the singing of Christmas carols from 6:15 p.m., then local band The Woodshedders will play a live concert from 7 p.m.

And throughout the day, attendees can have free photographs taken in a life-size snow globe.

The full list of festivities on offer is below:

  • Noon-10 p.m.: Free photo-ops in the life-size snow globe.
  • Noon-2 p.m.: Holiday lunchtime concert.
  • 4:30 p.m.: Festivities start on the plaza with a DJ, holiday games, drinks and food for purchase.
  • 6:15 p.m.: Holiday caroling from H-B Woodlawn
  • 7:00 p.m.: Live concert featuring The Woodshedders

Arlington Agenda: December 11-17

By Chris Teale

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

Arlington Home Buyer Class *
Orange Line Living (1600 Wilson Blvd #101)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

A comprehensive class highlighting what you need to know to buy a home. Learn terminology, what happens at each stage of the transaction, strategies for negotiating a purchase price and the types of loans available. Admission is free.

Art Night: The Nightmare Before Giftmas
Westover Library (1644 N. McKinley Road, Suite 3)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

A place for like-minded creatives to work on art, craft, and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. December’s theme is “The Nightmare Before Giftmas,” where attendees can enjoy the animated film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Wednesday

Winemaker Dinner *
Osteria da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 7-10:30 p.m.

A multi-course dinner featuring Angelo Gaja wines and foods from the Piedmont and Tuscany regions of Italy. Admission costs $120 per person. Foods and drinks will be paired throughout the meal, with the chance to buy bottles afterwards.

Should the Name of Washington-Lee High School Be Changed? *
Marymount University Phelan Hall (2807 N. Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.

The Arlington Committee of 100 discusses whether the name of Washington-Lee High School should be changed, as Fairfax County did with JEB Stuart earlier this year. Panelists will discuss whether the name is still appropriate in 2017.

Clarendon Chanukah Menorah Lighting *
Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-7 p.m.

Clarendon lights its six-foot Menorah as part of the county’s annual Hanukkah celebrations, led by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington. The evening will include traditional Jewish food, live entertainment and chocolate gelt and dreidels.

Thursday

Rosslyn Carols! Holiday Concert
Central Place Plaza (1800 N. Lynn Street)
Time: Noon to 10 p.m.

A fun holiday experience around the Christmas tree at Central Place Plaza. The event will include a lunchtime concert, a DJ, caroling from HB-Woodlawn School and a live evening concert. Attendees can also have photos in a life-size snow globe.

Chanukah on Ice *
Pentagon Row Ice Rink (1201 S. Joyce Street)
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate Hanukkah at Pentagon Row’s outdoor ice rink with ice skating, a free raffle, the lighting of a six-foot Menorah and food including hot Latkes and kosher hot dogs. Admission costs $13 per person and includes skate rental.

Saturday

National Chamber Ensemble “Holiday Cheer!” Concert
Universalist Unitarian Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

The NCE welcomes the holiday season with its concert, “Holiday Cheer!” It will bring classical pieces and holiday favorites together for the whole family. NCE’s Outstanding Young Artist Achievement Award winner for piano competition will perform.

U.S. Army Fife and Drump Corps Winter Concert
Clarendon United Methodist Church (606 N. Irving Street)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp’s winter concert. The Fife and flute players of the organization will showcase classical, traditional and military fife/flute music of the 18th Century, as well as seasonal holiday music.

Sunday

The Nutcracker Tea
Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City (1250 S. Hayes Street)
Time: 2-4 p.m.

A nutcracker tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy, presented by the BalletNova Center For Dance, which produces performances of The Nutcracker each year. Each year, BalletNova brings The Nutcracker to the community in a variety of ways, this being one.

Live Nativity With Petting Zoo
Calloway UM Church (5000 Lee Highway)
Time: 3-5 p.m.

Calloway United Methodist Church invites the entire community to the Living Nativity, featuring characters and a live petting zoo for children and adults alike. Free refreshments will be served, with other activities on offer too.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Outdoor Hanukkah Celebrations Planned in Arlington

By Chris Teale

Two outdoor ceremonies are planned in Arlington next week to mark the start of Hanukkah.

The Jewish holiday begins on the evening of Tuesday, December 12, and concludes on the evening of Wednesday, December 20.

Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington will light a six-foot Menorah on Wednesday, December 13 at Clarendon Central Park (3140 Wilson Blvd) at 6 p.m. Attendees can eat hot potato latkes, chocolate gelt coins and play with dreidels. The event will also include live traditional music.

The following day, Thursday December 14, from 6-8 p.m., Pentagon Row will host the annual Chanukah On Ice celebration at its outdoor ice rink (1201 S. Joyce Street).

The evening will include the lighting of a six-foot Menorah, hot potato latkes, kosher hot dogs and a free raffle. Reservations are required.

In Alexandria, meanwhile, Chabad Lubavitch will light its six-foot Menorah in a public celebration on Monday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown will light the Menorah at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria), with live entertainment and traditional food included.

File photo

Wreaths Across America Ceremony Set for December 16

By Chris Teale

Tens of thousands of volunteers will again head to Arlington National Cemetery later this month to honor veterans’ graves with wreaths this holiday season.

The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 16, as part of a nationwide effort by the nonprofit to lay wreaths at veterans’ gravesides.

Organizers hope to lay a wreath at all 245,115 veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery. And according to its website, more than 29,000 volunteers have already committed to laying more than 196,000.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer can sign up online, and anyone wishing to donate to sponsor a remembrance wreath can do so, to honor a veteran, alive or dead, or to have a wreath placed at a specific marker.

The opening ceremony for the day of wreath-laying begins at 8:15 a.m. From the event website:

For those wanting to observe the arrival of the Wreath Truck Convoy, which will arrive at approximately 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, ANC will begin their screening process at 7 a.m. at the ANC Welcome Center. Those screened early will be directed to holding areas near the Opening Ceremony location which will be held in front of the Women In Military Service for America Memorial at the end of Memorial Drive starting at 8:15 a.m. All gates into Arlington Cemetery grounds will be opened to the general public at 8:30 a.m. after all Wreaths Convoy Trucks have been staged. Wreath placement will begin at 9:15 a.m.

If you are interested in attending, there will be special wreath layings conducted at the Columbarium at 10 a.m.; at the President William F. Taft Monument in Section 30 at 10:30 a.m.; at the President John F. Kennedy Memorial in Section 45 at 11 a.m.; at the USS Battleship Maine Monument in Section 24 at 11:30 a.m.; and a formal Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at 12 p.m. (noon).

The cemetery’s welcome center garage will open at 7 a.m. that day, but only those with an authorized ANC Family Pass and vehicles with valid Handicap Permits will be allowed to park there. Metrorail will open at 7 a.m. that morning, and organizers are encouraging attendees to take the train to the Arlington National Cemetery Metro station instead of driving.

Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman

ACPD’s ‘Operation Santa’ Performances to Feature Synchronized Swimming Stars

By Chris Teale
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The stars of the Arlington County Police Department’s viral synchronized swimming video will again be showing off their acting skills.

This coming Saturday, December 9, ACPD’s “Operation Santa” will visit at least 10 neighborhoods throughout December, spreading holiday cheer to children and adults in the community. Among the stops is the parking lot at Nottingham Elementary School (5900 Little Falls Road) at 11 a.m.

A blurb on the event said it “features many popular characters including, Santa, Rudolph, the Grinch and others. This event will offer members of the public an opportunity to experience the show, get to know the officers who make it happen each year and take photos with the characters and officers following the performance.”

ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage said the same officers who starred in the swimming video will don costumes for the performances, which are free to attend. Members of ACPD’s Community Policing District Teams work with neighborhoods to designate dates, time and locations and help promote to the children in the community.

“It is an opportunity for the Department to give back to the community, spread holiday cheer, share an important message about the holidays and give the community another opportunity to get to know the men and women of the Arlington County Police Department,” Savage said.

Savage said the officers involved are all currently working nights, so were not available for additional comment.

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