Around Town

ARLnow Daily Debrief for Oct 27, 2023

By ARLnow.com

Good Friday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Oct 27, 2023.

Since it’s Friday, we’ve also compiled a list of the most-read articles of the week, below.

  1. Marine Corps Marathon to bring runners and road closures to Arlington this weekend (10779 views)
  2. Chinese eatery Tiger Dumpling set to open this week in Clarendon (8202 views)
  3. Man carjacked of BMW by gun-toting suspects along Columbia Pike (7700 views)
  4. NWS predicts warmer, wetter winter — but Farmers Almanac sees snow (7652 views)
  5. Video: Driver narrowly avoids being struck by overturning car (7360 views)
  6. NEW: Frost Advisory issued for Arlington and D.C. (7334 views)
  7. Final building in the Red Top Cab redevelopment in Clarendon wraps up months ahead of schedule (6567 views)
  8. Photos: Neighborhoods across Arlington go all out for Halloween this year (6557 views)
  9. Police investigating armed robberies in Crystal City and Lyon Park (5738 views)
  10. Here’s what you need to know about trick-or-treating in Arlington in 2023 (4664 views)
  11. Here’s where ACPD is planning targeted traffic enforcement this fall (3988 views)
  12. NEW: Nottingham will not be a ‘swing space’ for upcoming school renovations, says APS (3969 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Saturday in Arlington, from our event calendar.

Here are the events planned for Sunday:

☀️ Saturday’s forecast

Expect sunny skies and a high of 82 degrees with a west wind at 5-9 mph during the day. Saturday night will bring isolated showers before 11pm, then turning mostly cloudy with a low around 60. The northwest wind will be at 5-7 mph, shifting to the northeast after midnight. There’s a 20% chance of precipitation. See more from Weather.gov.

💡 Quote of the Day

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
– Albert Einstein

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

We hope you have a great weekend, Arlington! Feel free to discuss the most-read stories of the week, the upcoming weekend events or anything else of local interest in the comments. 👋

Around Town

Podcast: ‘Flood Czar’ on the ARLnow comment section and Arlington history

By ARLnow.com
‘We Are All Flood Czar’ t-shirt design

You’ve seen him in the comments, now you can listen to him on a podcast.

Flood Czar, a pseudonymous and long-standing active participant in our comment section, sat down with ARLnow to discuss the origin and history of the Flood Czar persona and its role in the community, the evolution of the comment section over the years, and the role of ARLnow as a source of information for residents.

Listen below or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn.

You can also check out our 2019 podcast interview of another prolific ARLnow commenter, Dave Schutz. Or you can order the official Flood Czar t-shirt, new to the ARLnow Shop, the design of which is above.

Sponsored

Biz Talk: DC Startup & Tech Week turns 10 and celebrates in Arlington at Amazon HQ2

By Business Investment Group

 

This article is sponsored by the Arlington Economic Development Business Investment Group.

This month, DC Startup & Tech Week (DCSTW) marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovation across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia tech ecosystem. The annual event, running Oct. 20–24, 2025, will once again unite thousands of founders, investors and innovators for a week of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities.

This milestone year carries special significance for Arlington. On Thursday, Oct. 23, for the second time, DCSTW will host a full day of programming in Arlington. This year will take place at Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington’s National Landing — a symbolic nod to the region’s rise as a global innovation hub.

The day is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development (AED), which worked with DCSTW to bring programming to Arlington. The partnership underscores Arlington’s growing role as a magnet for startups, investors and enterprises driving the future of technology, defense and artificial intelligence.

“Celebrating our 10th anniversary at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington is a defining moment that showcases the DMV’s transformation into a thriving epicenter of innovation globally — and this is only the beginning,” said Rachel Koretsky, co-founder and co-chair of DCSTW. “By bringing together the brightest entrepreneurs, boldest investors, and most passionate builders from across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, we’re proving that when our region unites, we don’t just compete with other ecosystems — we redefine what’s possible.”

Thursday at Amazon HQ2: Panels that Define the DMV Advantage

Thursday’s sessions at HQ2 will spotlight why the DMV has become one of the nation’s most dynamic places to build and scale a company.

At 10:10 a.m., the first panel, held on the Merlin Large Main Stage, will explore why founders are choosing to build and grow in the DMV region. Moderated by Matt Gittleman of VC in DC, the discussion will feature Gerald Kierce of Trustible, Ivan Jackson of WriteHuman.ai, and Haley Bryant of Hustle Fund. Together, they’ll examine what sets the region apart for startups — from its deep talent pool and access to federal partners to a growing network of investors and accelerators.

At 1:45 p.m., don’t miss “The $100B Defense Tech Opportunity: Why AI & Autonomous Startups Are Winning in the DMV.” Moderated by AWS Defense, the discussion will feature Blake Souter of AeroVironment, Christian Seifert of Forterra and Dr. Jenny McArdle of Helsing, among others. The session will examine how the DMV’s defense and intelligence ecosystem is fueling breakthroughs in AI, autonomy and dual-use technologies.

Arlington’s Moment

For Arlington, hosting DCSTW’s 10th anniversary reflects its growing influence in the region’s innovation economy. We hope you’ll join us as Arlington takes center stage during D.C.’s biggest week for entrepreneurs.

Tickets for DC Startup & Tech Week are available at dcstw.com. Attendees can receive 20% off with the promo code AED20OFF.

News

JUST IN: Suspect in custody after shots fired in Fairlington

By ARLnow.com
Police cars (file photo)

A suspect has been taken into custody after reportedly firing gunshots in the Fairlington neighborhood.

The incident started around 12:15 p.m. on the 3500 block of S. Stafford Street. Initial reports suggest that a local resident armed with a pistol fired several gunshots, potentially at a vehicle, before driving off.

The circumstances around the gunfire are unclear but it might have been preceded by some sort of dispute.

The Arlington County Police Department said shortly before 1:30 p.m. that a suspect was in custody. No injuries were reported.

Abingdon Elementary School was locked down during the incident, according to scanner traffic. The Fairlington Community Center was also alerted about the gunshots.

Announcement

Demystifying Retirement Communities – Free Online Workshop

By Cody Chance, Long & Foster Real Estate

Are you interested in joining a community where you’ll continue to enjoy your current lifestyle with the added advantages of retirement community living — such as a gym or pool onsite, meal plan options, and when you need extra support as you age, it would be available? Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, June 8 from 2:30-4 p.m. to learn about different models of life plan (continuing care) retirement communities, where care is provided throughout the continuum of your life.

We will be joined by a panel of representatives from three CARF-accredited facilities: The Hermitage in Alexandria, Westminster-Canterbury of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, and Williamsburg Landing in Williamsburg, who will share information and answer your questions about these communities and how they work.

Go to Demystifying Retirement Communities – Free Online Workshop Read more
Around Town

A new boutique has opened in Clarendon

By James Jarvis
1/6

A new boutique specializing in fashion, home goods and accessories opened at The Crossing Clarendon earlier this week.

Located at 2700 Clarendon Blvd, next to the soon-to-open Chip City, The Golden Fox Boutique offers a range of products from handmade soap and candles to locally-produced chocolate and eye-catching baby clothes.

Owner Paula Frishman, an Arlington resident for 16 years and former nonprofit consultant, says what sets her shop apart is its focus on sourcing products from women-owned businesses. There’s also a local focus, with several brands featured in the store based in the D.C. area, including The Bathing Raven Soy Candle Company and Lemon & Whim.

“There are some unique and different things that you don’t see at a mall or big box stores,” Frishman said.

The store had a soft opening this past Monday, but Frishman plans to hold a grand opening on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Frishman said the inspiration to launch her boutique came after she struck up a friendship with Nicole Kahle, owner of Lemoncello Boutique in the Lee Heights Shops. After a brief stint working part-time at Kahle’s shop, Frishman said she felt motivated to bring her vision for retail to life.

“It just seemed like an interesting transition… So, mixing my love of working with people and blending that with my love of interesting and unique products and the desire to do something in the greater Arlington community,” she told ARLnow.

Starting a new business has been challenging, Frishman said. But she noted it’s simultaneously also been a “fun” experience.

“I really enjoy the products, and the people that have been coming in have been wonderful. We really love Clarendon, and we love what they’re doing here at The Crossing,” Frishman said.

Announcement

Pregnant? Join “Confident Countdown: Empower & Enjoy Your Pregnancy”

By Sarah Moore, LPC - Psychotherapist

Meet local moms-to-be, laugh and develop a confident mindset as you navigate the highs and lows of pregnancy and prepare for parenthood together.

5 weekly Monday night coaching sessions, starting June 20, 6-7:30 p.m. Covering everything from pregnancy self care to building a new mom community, navigating relationships and work, setting boundaries and whatever other tools you are seeking that week.

Go to Pregnant? Join “Confident Countdown: Empower & Enjoy Your Pregnancy” Read more
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