Bluemont Park

AWLA To Hold 16th Annual Walk for the Animals

By ARLnow.com

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is gearing up for its 16th annual Walk for the Animals.

The dog-centric fundraiser will be held this Saturday, May 14th, at Bluemont Park (329 N. Manchester Street). The actual “walk” will start at 9:30 a.m. — participants will have a choice of a three-mile loop walk or a one mile stroll. There will also be entertainment, sponsor booths and demonstrations of doggie feats.

Organizers expect about 500 walkers and 300 dogs to participate this year. Last year’s event raised more than $100,000 for the AWLA and its work with homeless animals.

Registration for the walk is $25 online and includes a free t-shirt and bandana. On-site registration on the day of the event is $40. Organizers ask that participants keep their dogs on a flat leash and leave other pets at home.

Health Dept. Investigating Possible Norovirus Outbreak

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County’s health department is investigating a possible Norovirus outbreak at an assisted living facility.

The county issued a short statement to ARLnow.com last night confirming they’re “currently investigating reports of gastrointestinal (GI) illness at a long-term care facility.”

Citing “confidentiality rules,” a Department of Human Services spokesman refused to identify the facility. A source, however, tells us the facility is the Sunrise at Bluemont Park (5910 Wilson Blvd) senior living community.

The source says paramedics were called to the building on Wednesday. Medics then called the health department.

“We have not yet identified the cause of the illness; however, it is not uncommon to have GI illness due to Norovirus this time of year,” DHS spokesman Kurt Larrick said. “We are working with the facility on ways to control the spread of illness.”

The county said members of the public can help stop the spread of Norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses by washing one’s hands frequently with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and by staying at home if you feel sick.

“Please postpone visiting an assisted living facility, nursing home or hospital” if you’re sick and “keep your sick children home from school,” the county advised.

Have Fun at Weekend Fundraisers

By ARLnow.com

Want to have fun, learn something new, get some exercise, meet cool people and raise money for a good cause? If so, there are three great events to attend this weekend, starting tonight. (Is it wishful thinking to consider Thursday night the weekend?)

Tonight, the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation is partnering with the Colon Cancer Alliance, Harry’s Tap Room and socialite/blogger Pamela Sorensen to throw a happy hour fundraiser, part of the DC Goes Blue Week for Colon Cancer. It’s taking place from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Harry’s Tap Room (2800 Clarendon Blvd). The happy hour will include a silent auction, raffle prizes, a signature “Blue Life” cocktail specially created for DC Goes Blue week, as well as special guest celebrities. A portion of all sales from the event will go to benefit Chris4Life and the Colon Cancer Alliance.

On Saturday, the Friends of the David M. Brown Planetarium will hold another “Night at the Planetarium” fundraiser, consisting of shows and outdoor stargazing. See more details from our post earlier this week.

Finally on Sunday, the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund will hold a 5K run/walk at Bluemont Park (601 North Manchester Street). All fees collected for this event will go to help prevent and treat cancer. All participants receive a race T-shirt, and children under 13 will also receive a blue ribbon. See more information here.

There’s a lot more going on this weekend. Check out our events calendar for more.

To Do This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

It’s not going to be the warmest spring weekend, and there may be a passing storm tomorrow, but on balance this weekend is not looking too bad.

If you’re looking for something fun to do, here are a few ideas. As always, you can check out our event calendar for more.

Tonight

I Love the ’90s Film Fest — Rosslyn’s weekly outdoor film series will be showing “Wayne’s World” tonight at Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway). Party time starts at 7:30 p.m. Excellent!

Saturday

15th Annual Walk for the Animals — This dog-centric event raised more than $91,100 last year for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. In addition to the three-mile walk, there will be demonstrations, entertainment, and sponsor booths. From 8:30 a.m. to noon at Bluemont Park (329 N. Manchester Street).

Semper Ride Motorcycle Show — If you’re in the armed forces, head to the Pentagon north parking lot for a motorcycle safety demonstration, group ride and freestyle stunt show. Featuring Red Bull freestyle motocross riders, Keith Code and the California Super Bike School, and an special celebrity guest. Registration begins at 0700, and the event will go until 1400.

P. Brennan’s Grand Opening — Columbia Pike residents have given a very warm welcome to the neighborhood’s new Irish pub. Now, P. Brennan’s (2910 Columbia Pike) is holding a grand opening celebration to officially mark their establishment as one of the Pike’s go-to watering holes. The party starts at 7:00 p.m. and will go to the wee hours.

Sunday

Benefit Concert for Haiti Children — Join the Opera Guild of Northern Virginia’s effort to send art and music supplies to school children in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. This benefit concert will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the NRECA building (4301 Wilson Blvd).