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Morning Notes

Published November 10, 2015 at 9:00AM | Updated November 10, 2015 at 9:22AM

Marine Corps Birthday — Its the Marine Corps’ 240th birthday today. On Thursday, the Corps’ birthday will be celebrated by hundreds of Marines participating in a group run from the Pentagon to the Marine Corps War Memorial, prompting rolling closures on Route 110 between 10 and 11 a.m. [AL.com]

Owner Not Worried About Vacant Rosslyn Office Tower — Monday Properties, the owner of the 1812 N. Moore Street office tower in Rosslyn (and an ARLnow.com advertiser), says they’re not worried that the two-year-old building is still vacant. Monday CEO Anthony Westreich says the company and lender Goldman Sachs are “confident” about the future of Rosslyn and patient as they search for a large anchor tenant. [Bisnow]

School Board Argues H-B Woodlawn Cost — Some Arlington School Board members are worried that a $100 million proposal for a new building in Rosslyn for the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program would be a budget buster. Superintendent Patrick Murphy has proposed options for bringing down the cost to $85 million, but other School Board members are arguing that such a proposal sacrifices long term good for short term savings. [InsideNova]

Human Rights Award Winners — Arlington County has announced the winners of its 2015 James B. Hunter Human Rights Award. The winners are: immigrant advocate Leni Gonzalez, Catholic charity Hogar Immigrant Services, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and the Nauck Civic Association. [Arlington County]

Maureen O’Hara Buried at ANC — Actress Maureen O’Hara was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. O’Hara, who died last month at the age of 95, was laid to rest alongside her husband, an Air Force brigadier general. [WTOP]

Winter Weather Forecast — NBC 4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer says Arlington and D.C. should expect 20-25 inches of snow this winter. Kammerer predicts that December will be unseasonably warm, while January and especially February will be colder than average, with a large snow storm expected in February. [NBC Washington]

Flickr pool photo by Joseph Gruber

Arlington Man is Recruiting John Stamos as a Groomsman

By Jennifer Currier

Published November 5, 2015 at 4:45PM

A born-and-raised Arlingtonian is asking a celebrity to “have mercy” on him and join his wedding party, all because of a bet.

Brendan Hurley currently lives in Ashton Heights and got engaged back in January.

However, not long before he proposed, the 29-year-old bet a friend $20 he could get John Stamos to be a groomsman in his wedding. The friend accepted the bet, and Hurley has made it his mission to win.

“I got engaged after I made the bet, and my fiancé told me she had picked six bridesmaids,” Hurley recalled. “I remembered Stamos, so I got six of my friends to sign up and told one specifically that if Stamos shows up, he’s out.”

Hurley added that sixth friend isn’t particularly happy with him, and his bride-to-be isn’t thrilled either.

“She jokingly says she doesn’t want him to come because she doesn’t want him to take all the attention,” he said, laughing. “I know she’ll be absolutely gorgeous that day, so I told her not to worry about it.”

Hurley’s making several efforts to bring Stamos to Virginia for the big day in May 2016.

The first step was getting active on Twitter — something Hurley said he would never do — by directly tweeting at the Full House celebrity. He’s used the social media platform to recruit the support of some friends and a John Stamos fan page.

He also started a blog that he updates periodically. Some of the posts mention reaching out to bigger media outlets like BuzzFeed and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The most recent entry was about Hurley completing this year’s Marine Corps Marathon while wearing a custom shirt that he designed and La Tee-Shirt on Lee Highway printed.

It read, “I run for Stamos.”

“That shirt got a lot of hooting and hollering,” Hurley said. “I think that’s going to be my racing shirt from now on.”

Hurley even offered to buy his plane ticket and give him the $20 for winning the bet if he shows up.

Despite his efforts, the celebrity hasn’t responded… yet.

“I’ve got some time,” Hurley said. “I’m not giving up hope.”

Photos courtesy of Brendan Hurley

Ahmed the Clockmaker to Visit Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published October 16, 2015 at 9:30AM

Ahmed Mohamed, the Irving, Texas teen whose arrest for bringing a “hoax bomb” to school became international news when it turned out it was just a science experiment, will be in Arlington tomorrow night.

Mohamed, 14, was arrested after be brought the homemade digital clock to school in a briefcase. Social media exploded with support for Mohamed after the story broke, with supporters saying that the arrest was an example of racial stereotyping.

The Dallas Morning News reports that Mohamed will be in Arlington Saturday night for a Council on American-Islamic Relations gala. The “Champions for Justice” fundraising banquet is being held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Crystal City, according to the CAIR website.

Mohamed is also scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, for the second White House Astronomy Night, the paper reports.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published October 9, 2015 at 10:15AM

Caps, Star Spotting at Don Tito — The Washington Capitals play their season opener Saturday, but the team has already been spotted out on the town. Members of the Caps were seen dining at Don Tito in Clarendon Wednesday night. Among those in attendance: Caps center Brooks Laich and fiancee Julianne Hough, of Dancing With the Stars fame.

Key Bridge Rehab Coming — D.C. is seeking a contractor for a two-year, $30 million rehabilitation of the Key Bridge. The project will include safety improvements for pedestrians. [Washington Business Journal]

GW Parkway Ramp Closures — The ramp from Reagan National Airport to the GW Parkway will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday for paving. Also scheduled for closure during that period: the ramp from the GW Parkway to northbound I-395. Starting tonight, a third ramp — from the GW Parkway to the Key Bridge — will be closed for paving through 7 p.m. Saturday

E.W. Jackson to Address Arlington GOP Women — Controversial 2013 GOP lieutenant governor candidate E.W. Jackson will be the featured speaker at the Arlington Republican Women’s Club fall dinner on Oct. 20. [InsideNova]

School Cafeteria Taste Test for Parents — Arlington Public Schools parents got to taste test food at the Washington-Lee High School cafeteria as part of a school lunch open house. The reaction: generally positive. [WTOP]

Maywood Profiled — Washington’s daily paper of record has profiled Arlington’s tiny Maywood neighborhood, off of Lee Highway. Homes in the community now regularly sell for more than $1 million, a contrast from 30 years ago when Maywood was home to “rough characters who rode motorcycles.” [Washington Post]

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published October 8, 2015 at 9:20AM

Sandra Bullock Remembers W-L Cheerleader Days — Oscar-winning actress and Arlington native Sandra Bullock says her Washington-Lee High School cheerleading uniform still fits like a glove. “That might come in handy some sexy night. I don’t know who I’m saving it for,” she told Glamour magazine. [Daily Mail]

ICE Detainer for Sexual Assault Suspect — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Melvin Bonilla, the suspect in a string of sexual assaults in Arlington. Bonilla was arrested by Arlington County Police yesterday morning. [Fox 5]

Opposition to Homeless Shelter Winds Down — With Arlington’s new Homeless Services Center now open across from police headquarters in Courthouse, nearby residents are apparently starting to acquiesce to their new neighbor. Reports “Our Man in Arlington” columnist Charlie Clark: “Many neighbors in condos alongside the Courthouse building at 2020 N. 14th St. have rethought their opposition.” [Falls Church News-Press]

Lockdown Drills for Pre-K Students — An Arlington Pre-K teacher reflects on having her students participate in lockdown drills, which would be used in the event of an active shooting situation. The drills are now routine in Arlington elementary schools, the teacher says. [Washington Post]

Library Launches Sci-Fi Book Club — Arlington Public Library has launched “Strange Lands,” a science fiction book club that will meet monthly at Java Shack in Courthouse, starting Oct. 21. [Arlington Public Library]

VOICE Launches Voter Outreach Effort — The pro-affordable housing group Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, or VOICE, is launching a voter outreach effort this fall. VOICE plans to concentrate turnout efforts on two low-turnout precincts: Arlington Mill and Glebe. [InsideNova]

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published September 22, 2015 at 9:30AM | Updated September 22, 2015 at 10:24AM

‘No Drone Zone’ Reminder for Pope’s Visit — Pope Francis begins his three-day visit to D.C. this afternoon. The Arlington County Police Department and the FAA are reminding residents and visitors that the airspace around the District, including Arlington, is a “no drone zone.” [Twitter, FAA]

Widening of I-66 Inevitable, Says VDOT Chief — Widening I-66 to three lanes between the Dulles Connector Road and Ballston is an inevitability, says Virginia Transportation Sec. Aubrey Layne. However, VDOT will exhaust every alternative before moving forward with expansion, Layne said. [WTOP]

Celeb Posts Pic from Arts Center Installation — A giant dart on the front lawn of the Arlington Arts Center in Virginia Square is gaining some fame. Comedian Nick Swardson over the weekend posted on Instagram a photo of a woman jokingly posing as if the dart had hit her in the rear end. He was apparently unaware that the woman was DC’s 107.3 FM personality Sarah Fraser. The dart is part of a well-reviewed installation at AAC called “Play.” [Sarah Fraser]

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day — Arlington County will participating in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this coming Saturday. The police department will be accepting anonymous returns of pills and patches at fire stations 2, 8 and 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. [Arlington County]

New Office Lease in Rosslyn — Tax services Ryan, LLC has signed a lease for the 21st floor of the Rosslyn Twin Towers building. The towers at 1000 and 1100 Wilson Blvd are also home to Raytheon, SRI International, Sands Capital, Strategy&, Politico, WJLA and the Washington Free Beacon. [GlobeSt]

Pope Prayer Protest at DCA — Airport workers and a local pastor will hold a “worker pray-in” at Reagan National Airport this afternoon, in advance of the pope’s visit to D.C. Workers are seeking “a living wage, improved training and adequate resources.” [SEIU 32BJ]

Flickr pool photo by Edobson22207

Author Judy Blume to Speak at October Library Event

By Heather Mongilio

Published September 8, 2015 at 1:45PM | Updated September 8, 2015 at 2:25PM

Best-selling children’s and young adult novel author Judy Blume is coming to Arlington next month to talk about her latest book.

Blume will speak in the Washington-Lee High School auditorium (1301 N. Stratford Street) on Oct. 22 from 7-9 p.m. The event is free; copies of Blume’s latest book, “In the Unlikely Event” will be available for purchase.

Blume is the author of books like “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” and “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret,” which have sold millions of copies and tell life lessons for young readers.

While Blume is noted for her children and young adult novels, she also has written books for adults, like “Summer Sisters.”

“She’s one of those few people who have several different audiences,” said Peter Golkin, spokesman for Arlington Public Library, which is organizing the event.

Library Director Diane Kresh will lead a question-and-answer conversation with Blume about writing, having an effect of her many readers at “pivotal moments in their lives” and the challenges that come from writing for multiple audiences, according to the library website.

Fans can submit questions through the comments section on the event page, and some of them may make it on to Kresh’s list. Kresh will ultimately decide what she will ask the author, Golkin said.

The library is also planning to have audience questions at the end, he said.

Blume will sign copies of her new book, “In the Unlikely Event,” which tells the story of a series of plane crashes in a small New Jersey town. The library does not know if she will sign other books at this time, according to its website.

Photo courtesy of Arlington Public Library

Kevin Hart Ran Through Arlington This Morning

By ARLnow.com

Published August 7, 2015 at 9:00AM

Comedian Kevin Hart ran an impromptu 5K through part of Arlington this morning.

The funnyman is in town as part of his “What Now” standup tour, which is at Verizon Center for a second performance tonight.

Hart organized the 5K with sponsor Nike and quickly gathered about 1,500 participants, who began running just past 7:30 a.m.

The route took runners from Georgetown, over the Key Bridge, through a small slice of Rosslyn, before getting on the Mt. Vernon Trail and taking the Roosevelt Bridge back to D.C.

Arlington County Police were reportedly only made aware of the 5K while it was going on.

Pushing you to better your best. Thanks for the words of #inspiration @KevinHart4real! #RunWithHart #NikeRunning pic.twitter.com/zA9NoEnnDR

— Chris Chërn (@dcitty) August 7, 2015

Comedian Michael Ian Black to Perform at Arlington Drafthouse

By Mariah Joyce

Published July 2, 2015 at 5:10PM

Comedian and writer Michael Ian Black is scheduled to perform live stand-up at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) later this month.

Black began his comedic career co-founding and performing in The State, a sketch-comedy group at NYU which was later featured on MTV. He’s since had roles in numerous TV series, along with movies like Ed, Wet Hot American Summer and This Is 40.

Black’s stand-up shows will take place the Friday, July 24 at 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. and Saturday, July 25 at 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $25 and can be purchased at arlingtondrafthouse.com.

In addition to releasing his own comedy CDs “I Am a Wonderful Man” (2007) and “Very Famous,” (2011) Black has co-written and starred in a number of comedy sketches for both film and television.

According to the Drafthouse’s event page, “Black is currently co-host of a popular podcast with Tom Cavanagh, entitled ‘Mike and Tom Eat Snacks,’ and of a new podcast with Michael Showalter, ‘Topics.'” He’s also had roles this year on the Comedy Central series Inside Amy Schumer and Another Period, and the soon-to-be-released Netflix series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.

Spotted: Jamie Foxx in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published May 7, 2015 at 9:55AM | Updated November 18, 2016 at 3:00PM

Jamie Foxx, the “Django Unchained” star and R&B artist, was spotted hanging out at a couple Clarendon bars last night.

Foxx, who’s lately in the news for his uninspiring rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, spent several hours at Spider Kelly’s and Don Tito, we’re told.

At Spider Kelly’s, he enjoyed a game of pool with locals and took photos with fans, including local photographer Dixie D. Vereen (above). At Don Tito, he sampled the tacos and drinks and posed for a photo with the staff and fans.

Foxx was in town for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Hope Awards in D.C.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published April 23, 2015 at 9:00AM

Police Answer Resident Questions About Murder — Arlington County Police held a community meeting in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood last night to answer questions about the murder of Bonnie Black. Police said that Black was stabbed in the chest and neck. Officers have been conducting extra patrols but police say no immediate danger to the community. Meanwhile, it was revealed that police are searching the home of Black’s estranged husband, who so far is not being named as a suspect. [MyFoxDC, WTOP]

Judge Considering Deaf Inmate’s Suit — A federal court judge is considering testimony in the lawsuit against the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office by a deaf inmate who says he was denied access to an American Sign Language interpreter during a jail stay last year. [Associated Press]

TDM For APS Teachers — Arlington County has launched the first transportation demand management (TDM) program in the U.S. for public school faculty and staff. The program is “aimed at reducing the drive-alone rate of the more than 5,000 employees of Arlington Public Schools (APS), one of the top employers in the county.” [Mobility Lab]

No ‘Bells and Whistles’ for Lubber Run — Arlington County is in the early stages of a plan to renovate the Lubber Run Community Center (300 N. Park Drive), but the officials are already tamping down any expectations of gold-plated features. “We’re not going to build everyone’s wish list,” said County Board Chair Mary Hynes on Tuesday. A community forum about the renovation project is scheduled for next Wednesday at 6:30 at the community center. [InsideNova]

Arlington Native Named People’s ‘Most Beautiful’ — Actress Sandra Bullock, a 1982 graduate of Washington-Lee High School, has been named People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman of 2015. [Patch]

Photo courtesy @TheBeltWalk