Events

Neighborhood Day Set For Saturday Across Arlington

By Chris Teale
1/3

Neighborhoods across the county are getting ready for Neighborhood Day, set to take place Saturday and feature a wide range of events and activities.

The day looks to bring together neighbors to strengthen bonds on blocks and across the county.

This year’s events are:

Jennie Dean Park Historical Markers Unveiling Ceremony
At noon, the park’s new historical markers will be unveiled, followed by a tour  of Arlington Food Assistance Center’s new office at 2708 S Nelson Street.

Seventh Annual Turtle Trot 5K Race
A chip-timed 5K race at Bluemont Park on a certified course. The race begins at 10 a.m.

International Migratory Bird Day Festival
From 9-11 a.m., celebrate International Migratory Bird Day by learning about migratory birds such as hummingbirds and osprey with hands-on activities, games, crafts, bird walks and more. Meet at Lacey Woods Park Picnic Shelter, 1200 N. George Mason Drive.

Lee Highway Alliance Events
The Lee Highway Alliance is hosting three events to celebrate at Woodstock Park, Big Walnut Park and Langston-Brown Community Center.

Tuckahoe Home and Garden Tour
The self-guided Tuckahoe Home & Garden Tour showcases recently renovated Arlington homes that solve common space and design challenges through creative remodeling.

Fairlington Home and Garden Tour
Tour a variety of renovated homes and gardens in Fairlington Village. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance or on the day.

Remove Invasive Plants
Increase native species diversity by helping with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive invasive plants. The Gulf Branch Nature Center will host the event from 2-4 p.m.

Zumbathon
Join Enrique and special guest Mimi in a two-hour zumbathon from noon-2 p.m. at Penrose Square.

Tara-Leeway Heights Community Day
From 1-3 p.m. at Big Walnut Park, the Tara-Leeway Heights community will host an event complete with food vendors, games and more.

LBCCA Celebration and Movie Night Series Kick-Off
The Long Branch Creek Civic Association will bring the community together to celebrate from 5-9 p.m. at Troy Park. The event will include a moon bounce, games and activities, potluck dinner, snacks, beverages and an outdoor movie screening.

Ashton Heights Neighborhood Yard Sale
From 8 a.m.-noon, visit the Ashton Heights neighborhood for a community-wide yard sale.

Seven Local Companies Named Best Business Award Winners

By Chris Teale

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce honored seven businesses earlier this week at its annual Best Business Awards, hosted at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel.

Almost 200 people gathered May 2 for the awards, which are presented to area businesses for their customer service, industry leadership, growth or stability over the lifetime of their business and interest in the success of the Arlington community.

This year’s winners, by category, were:

CNA – 2017 Business of the Year
Hyatt Centric Arlington – 2017 Business of the Year
Beach Geeks, Inc. – 2017 Technology Small Business of the Year
Current Boutique – 2017 Retail Small Business of the Year
Child Care Aware of America – 2017 Nonprofit of the Year
Wolcott Hill Group – 2017 Home-Based Business of the Year
Clarendon Animal Care – 2017 Service Small Business of the Year

“Our community depends upon the businesses that go above and beyond for clients, employees, and the community, and these seven businesses exemplify that kind of dedication,” said Chamber president & CEO Kate Bates in a statement. “We are proud to present this year’s winners with these well-deserved awards and thank all of them for their continued investment in Arlington.”

The Chamber also inducted John Milliken and Richard Doud, Jr. into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame, which honors men and women who have demonstrated a long record of successful management, expertise, and business skills. Milliken is a former County Board member, while Doud served as Chamber president for 23 years.

“John and Rich are the true definition of what it means to be an Arlington legacy,” Bates said. “Their many important accomplishments and efforts to support and advocate on behalf of local business have helped make Arlington the place it is today. It is an honor to induct both of these outstanding community leaders into the Arlington Business Hall of Fame.”

Photos via Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Hurricane Hunters Open For Tours Tuesday At Reagan National Airport

By Chris Teale

Next Tuesday, for the first time at Reagan National Airport, the public can tour four planes that fly into hurricanes for better weather forecasts.

Hurricane Hunter aircraft pilots from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Air Force will be on hand, as well as hurricane experts. Dr. Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center, NHC hurricane specialists and local National Weather Service meteorologists will educate residents of vulnerable communities about hurricane preparedness.

NOAA will be joined by staff from FEMA, local and state emergency management offices, non-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross, and other partners.

Participating aircraft are the WC-130J, the Lockheed WP-3D Orion “Hurricane Hunter,” the NOAA G-IV and NOAA’s King Air Special Mission. All the planes are used to gather data on hurricanes and forecast their future intensity.

Tours are scheduled to be open to the public from 2-5 p.m.

Registration is not required for the public tours, although no backpacks or large bags are permitted. Tours begin at the aircraft hangar near the Signature Air terminal at shuttle bus stop No. 9. Four pre-selected school groups of 80 local fourth- and fifth-graders will also tour the event and aircraft that morning.

Image via National Weather Service

Woodbury Park Apartments To Cap Renovations With Ribbon Cutting

By Chris Teale

The Woodbury Park apartment complex in Courthouse will celebrate the end of its revamp with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. today.

The community, which includes 204 affordable and 160 market-rate apartments at 2306 11th Street N, underwent a two-year renovation. It has been owned by regional affordable housing agency AHC since 1987.

Construction crews restored and updated the property’s mix of red and blonde brick masonry, gabled and flat roofing and porticoes at its entrances.

The seven brick buildings also received repairs and new paint, along with new roofs, windows and plantings. The courtyard also was re-bricked. Inside, the apartments received new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and electrical systems.

And what was once under-utilized space has been turned into a leasing office and a community center, which includes an exercise room and gathering area with a large TV, game table and seating.

The renovation came from various funding sources including Historic Tax Credits, and did not require use of Arlington County’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund.

Woodbury Park was built in the 1940s, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Photo via AHC, Inc.

Rosslyn Outdoor Movies to Kick Off in June

By ARLnow.com

Rosslyn’s annual outdoor summer cinema series is set to kick off one month from now.

The free Friday night movies in Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway) will begin June 2 and run through Aug. 25.

There will be food trucks on site to serve dinner and popcorn, while a “Pub in the Park” will offer beer, wine, mocktails and movie-themed cocktails. On five nights — June 2, June 16, July 7, July 28 and Aug. 18 — a DJ will perform before the film.

The films on the docket for 2017 are:

  • June 2 — Grease
  • June 9 — Frozen
  • June 16 — Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
  • June 23 — National Lampoon’s European Vacation
  • June 30 — Some Like It Hot
  • July 7 — GoldenEye
  • July 14 — The Father of the Bride
  • July 21 — Moana
  • July 28 — The Wizard of Oz
  • August 4 — When Harry Met Sally
  • August 11 — Lego Batman
  • August 18 — The Avengers
  • August 25 — Mary Poppins

The films generally start shortly after sundown. The event is sponsored by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District.

Another local BID, Crystal City, decided to discontinue its usual summer movie nights this year, citing a crowded marketplace of similar events around the area.

Arlington Agenda: May 2-7

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.

Thursday

Special Screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: 7:30 p.m.

May the Fourth be with you as local fans celebrate Star Wars Day with a special discount screening of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Guests will be greeted by stormtroopers and the evening will feature costume contests and Star Wars trivia.

Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year Awards*
The Salsa Room (2619 Columbia Pike)
Time: noon-1:30 p.m.

Arlington County Crime Solvers’ annual awards luncheon, which includes remarks by county officials, a keynote address by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and the presenting of awards to local law enforcement officers and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Shed Your Coat” at Rocklands Arlington*
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co. (3471 Washington Blvd)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Officially kick off patio season with a special evening of food and drink to benefit Doorways for Women and Families. Guests will mingle on the patio munching on pork pulled from a whole roast pig, and fresh oysters roasted over a wood fire.

Magnificent Movie Music*
Spectrum Theater (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

A three-part multimedia lecture series presented by concert pianist and film music expert Rachel Franklin. Dr. Franklin will delve into some of the greatest film music ever composed and discuss the relationships between films and their scores.

Friday

Market Common Clarendon Kids’ Concerts
Market Common Clarendon (2800 Clarendon Blvd)
Time: 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Kids’ concerts every Friday from May 5 through October 27 in The Loop. Mr. Knick Knack! is back with special appearances by: Mr. Skip, The Bubbas, Oh Susannah!, Kidsinger Jim and Tracey Eldridge. Admission is free for children and adults.

Saturday

CWP Spring Fling*
Children’s Weekday Program (716 S. Glebe Road)
Time: 9 a.m.-noon

Join the Children’s Weekday Program for a fun morning of activities for children and families. Activities include creative games, a face painter, bounce houses, a bake sale and special visitors to celebrate spring. All the community is welcome.

Arlington Community Foundation Home Tour*
Various locations
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tour elegant homes in the Country Club Hills neighborhood of Arlington and support the Arlington Community Foundation in the process. Attendees will see six homes at the event, presented by Washington Fine Properties. Tickets cost $35.

Sunday

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

The Arlington Historical Society and Ball-Sellers House invites you to a guided walking tour led by local historian, Kevin Vincent. On the walking tour you’ll trace George Washington’s steps through a property he bought.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Finalists Set For Chamber’s Best Business Awards

By Chris Teale

Numerous county businesses have been selected for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s annual Best Business Awards, set for next week.

The awards recognize businesses that go above and beyond to serve their clients and make the county a great place to live and work. Businesses earn the awards through good customer service, if they are industry leaders or offer a unique approach, or if they are active in the community.

This year, the awards will be given out on May 2 at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel in Rosslyn. A VIP past winners reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main ceremony at 7 p.m.

The finalists by category are:

Service

Awesome Women Entrepreneurs
Clarendon Animal Care
Greg Mullan – George Mason Mortgage, LLC

Retail

Bayou Bakery
Cassatt’s
Current Boutique

Nonprofit

Child Care Aware of America
Encore Stage & Studio

Technology

BeachGeeks, Inc.
Punch Digital Strategies

Home-based

C3 Financial Services
Wolcott Hill Group, LLC

Large Business Award (General)

CNA
Henninger Media Services
Hilton Arlington
Hungry Marketplace, Inc.
Hyatt Centric Arlington

Arlington Agenda: April 24-30

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.

Monday

First Time Home Buyer Seminar *
Orange Line Living (1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 101)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Specialists will give an overview of the buying process, and attendees will learn our valuable home buying strategies that will save you 3 percent or more when you purchase. Admission is free, with Kona Grill providing appetizers and drinks.

How to Lynda.com
Arlington Central Library Computer Lab (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.

What can you learn with Lynda.com? Almost anything! Need to learn a new skill? Learn how to log into Lynda.com with your library card and PIN, then navigate the thousands of tech and business video tutorials to find exactly what you need.

Wednesday

Environmental Film Showing: Hometown Habitat
Unitarian Universalist Church (4444 Arlington Blvd)
Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

A free screening of the environmental film “Hometown Habitat.” The film features Dr. Doug Tallamy on plant and animal ecosystems in suburbs; the importance of city trees; sustainable practices at public and private places and more.

Thursday

“Tickling Giants” *
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street)
Time: 6:30-8:45 p.m.

A film about Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef, known as the “Egyptian Jon Stewart,” shown by Amnesty International of Northern Virginia. Youssef created the show, “Al Bernameg,” during the Arab Spring.

Friday

Defining Arlington’s Digital Destiny *
Stambaugh Human Services Center (2100 Washington Blvd)
Time: 1-3 p.m.

Join a community discussion to consider the impact of the digital revolution and what it will mean for the future of Arlington County, its residents and businesses. The session brings together community members and technology professionals.

Jim Breuer Live
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: Friday 7:30 and 10 p.m., Saturday 7 and 10 p.m.

With over 20 years of stand-up comedy experience, Jim Breuer remains one of today’s top entertainers and continues to win over audiences with his off-the-wall humor and lovable personality.

Saturday

Arlington Arts Center’s Rated aRt Fundraiser *
Arlington Arts Center (3550 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 8-11 p.m.

More than 250 philanthropists, art lovers, foodies and craft cocktail fans will come together to sample creative cocktails, meet resident artists, enjoy bites from top restaurants and participate in art installations and dancing.

Arlington Acts on Climate Rally
Clarendon Metro Park (3100 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 9-10 a.m.

Before attending the People Climate March, an Arlington-focused event with special guests that will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Arlington’s Initiative to Reduce Energy and show support for a renewable energy future.

Sunday

Wine Dinner *
Osteria Da Nino (2900 S. Quincy Street)
Time: 6-10 p.m.

Enjoy a wine pairing dinner from the Puglia region of Italy, featuring four courses of food accompanied by four wines. Owner Sig. Marianna Anno  and Robert W. Kennedy of RWK imports will speak at the event. Admission costs $75 per person.

*Denotes featured (sponsored) event

Artomatic to Host First Wedding Tomorrow Night

By Chris Teale

In what is a first for the annual event, Artomatic will combine performance art with a wedding ceremony tomorrow in Crystal City.

The ceremony is for Teddy Grant and Che Monique Young, who met at the arts showcase in 2015 when it was hosted in Hyattsville, Md., where Young was exhibiting burlesque art.

The pair have planned a ceremony that will include the traditional exchange of vows, cake cutting and bouquet tossing and a wide variety of music and dance, with a string quartet, jazz singer, African drummer and a belly dancer.

The 10 bridesmaids will also be wearing dresses made by local designers.

“There is something magical about Artomatic and all of the community around it,” said Young, the bride-to-be. “I met Teddy in 2015 at Artomatic. Many of our first dates involved him helping me with my exhibit so it feels like going back to the first time we met. To me it’s all about celebrating with the community, and we welcome everyone to join our families and partake in the celebration — I can’t wait to have the first Artomatic wedding, MY WEDDING!”

The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. on the sixth-floor stage at 1800 S. Bell Street and is open to the public.

Roads Will Close For Three Weekend Races Across Arlington

By Chris Teale

Three 5K races across the next two weekends will close roads across the county to accommodate runners.

Tomorrow is the Marymount University 5K, and police will close several roads from approximately 8:45-10 a.m. Near the university, officers will close 26th Street N. from its intersection with Yorktown Blvd to where it becomes 31st Street N. and intersects Military Road.

Westbound Lorcom Lane will be closed to Vacation Lane, while Vacation Lane will be closed from N. Utah Street to N. Vermont Street and N. Vermont Street will be closed from Vacation Lane to N. Vernon Street. Traffic will be slowed on Military Road from 31st Street N. to Lorcom Lane, and the rest of the race will take place on the running trails.

And next Saturday, the Fairlington and Bishop O’Connell 5Ks will impact traffic and close roads nearby.

For the Fairlington race, police will close roads from approximately 7-9:30 a.m. S. Abington Street will be shut between 29th Street S. and 36th Street S., while 36th Street S. will close between 34th Street S. up to and including S. Stafford Street. The loop on S. Wakefield Street off 34th Street S. will be closed, as well as S. Utah Street between 32nd Street S. and 34th Street S.

During Bishop O’Connell’s race, roads will be closed from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Williamsburg Blvd. will be closed to eastbound traffic from N. Underwood Street to N. Sycamore Street, while Little Falls Road will be closed from N. Sycamore Street to Washington Blvd.

In addition, 26th Street N will be closed from N. Sycamore Street to Washington Blvd., and N. Underwood Street will be closed from 24th St. N to Williamsburg Blvd.

Arlington Palooza to Debut at Alcova Heights Park

By Chris Teale

The first ever Arlington Palooza is set for next weekend at Alcova Heights Park, and will include live music, art, games and more.

The free outdoor program for all ages lasts from 1-4 p.m. April 29 at the park, located at 901 S. George Mason Drive.

Live music will come from The Stewart Sisters, DJs from the Teen DJ Program and electronic pop duo Atoms Apart, while the Sultanas Troupe will perform belly dancing.

Away from the main stage, other entertainment will be provided by magicians, mini-guitar lessons by Music4Life and musical chairs. Art activities will include making flower crowns, decorating bandanas and helping install art at the park.

Also on offer will be moon bounces, face painting, a rock climbing wall, bubble forest, a smoothie bike and Very Hungry Caterpillar preschool activities. Food trucks from The Big Cheese and Rocklands Barbeque will be on site too.

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