Clarendon

Hokies to Hold Happy Hour for Sandy Hook

By ARLnow.com

Sandy Hook fundraiser flyerA group of local Virginia Tech alumni will be holding a happy hour tomorrow (Jan. 9) to raise money for those impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.

The fundraiser will run from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at SoBe in Clarendon (3100 Clarendon Blvd). A $10 donation will buy attendees a wristband entitling them to $2.50 domestic beers, $3.50 rail drinks, $3.50 house wine and food specials. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and DJ Antonio Ernesto will perform.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Sandy Hook Support Fund, says co-organizer Colleen Whalen.

“As a Virginia Tech alum, I know what it’s like for a community to suffer loss from a tragic event such as what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary,” Whalen said. “It was the outpouring of support from communities around the world that helped my Virginia Tech family cope with our own tragedy.”

A local company, Project DC Events, is helping Whalen organize the happy hour. Whalen said she’s trying to build on the success of a previous Virginia Tech alumni-organized fundraiser for Sandy Hook, held at Whitlow’s last month.

“It’s kind of a second push for people who were unable to attend, or were already out of town for the holidays when the first one took place,” she told ARLnow.com. “Although some of the organizers went to Virginia Tech, we are trying to promote to a larger audience, not just Hokies.”

The Papery to Close in Clarendon

By Katie Pyzyk

The Papery in Clarendon is closingThis may give you a sense of déjà vu, but The Papery in Clarendon (2871 Clarendon Blvd) is closing. After making a comeback in late 2011, the business will now be closing for good.

Dick Visconti’s family owns the chain of stores, which is based in New Jersey. He said his brother had wanted to open a store in Arlington, but suddenly lost interest.

“My brother was operating the store and chose not to be involved anymore, and it got in the run down condition you saw,” Visconti said. “I came back in October 2011 and kept the store operational until now.”

When Visconti revived the store a little more than a year ago, the intention all along was to keep it open only until the lease expired, which happens this month. There is no plan to open a new Arlington location due to logistics.

“Unfortunately I’m done with Arlington. I’m a New Jersey based company and to operate in Arlington is logistically not feasible,” said Visconti. “I regret it because I think Arlington is beyond an awesome place to live and have a business, Market Common is an awesome location.”

Visconti said he hopes the store’s employees will be able to quickly find new jobs.

“They’re an outstanding staff. I wish I had them here,” Visconti said. “I told them that if any of them wanted to move to New Jersey, I’d hire them in a second.”

The Papery is holding a 50% off sale on everything in the store until it closes on January 13. Visconti reiterated that he wishes he didn’t have to close, but he doesn’t see any other option.

“I just live in New Jersey and can’t do it, that’s the bottom line,” said Visconti. “I’m really sorry that we have to go.”

Morning Notes

By Katie Pyzyk

Arlington, Virginia and Key Bridge across Potomac River from Georgetown (photo by Wolfkann)

Mario’s and Carvel to Remain Open Despite Sale — Mario’s Pizza House and Carvel Ice Cream shop (3322 Wilson Blvd) were sold at auction last month for $2.86 million, achieving one of the highest per square foot sales in Arlington. The tenants will continue to operate at the location because the sale was for the real estate only, not the businesses. [Globe Newswire]

Tejada and Violand-Sanchez Make History in Virginia — As of January 1, Arlington made history by becoming the first Virginia jurisdiction to have its two local elected bodies headed by Latinos. Walter Tejada was selected to chair the County Board for 2013, joining Emma Violand-Sanchez who is halfway through her term as School Board chair. Tejada is a native of El Salvador and Violand-Sanchez is a native of Bolivia. [Sun Gazette]

Flickr pool photo by Wolfkann

B&C Jewelry Boutique Opens in Clarendon

By Katie Pyzyk

B&C Jewelry Boutique in Clarendon B&C Jewelry Boutique in Clarendon

A jewelry store has moved into the space previously occupied by Sisters3 boutique in Clarendon. B&C Jewelry Boutique (2729 Wilson Blvd) quietly opened its doors to the public on Sunday.

Nolan Forness owns the store, along with his wife, daughter and son. His wife’s father started the business in 1953 and thus far the family has had one store in Alexandria.

Forness grew up in Clarendon and currently lives in Crystal City. He said the family had been looking to expand into Clarendon for a long time, and jumped at the opportunity when they saw the space open up.

“I knew the old neighborhood and the new neighborhood is a whole lot busier,” Forness said. “We knew it was a hot location. There were no jewelry businesses around and we thought we’d fill that void.”

This location’s specialty will be silver pieces by several unique designers. Forness touts his membership in the Independent Jewelers Organization, and promises that customers will find items that aren’t available elsewhere. The store will also offer Pandora jewelry, jewelry repair, watch repair and custom jewelry design.

Forness said his family has been ready to open the new location for a few months, but they were just waiting for the custom-made jewelry cases to arrive. The store opened on Sunday, and the sign went up yesterday (Tuesday).

The family is considering this a “soft opening” period and plans to have a grand opening sometime after the holidays.

Paciugo Gelato Becoming Street Corner Cafe

By Katie Pyzyk

Paciugo Gelato and Caffè in ClarendonThe owner is staying the same, but most of the other aspects of Paciugo Gelato and Caffè in Clarendon (3033 Wilson Blvd) are about to change.

Owner John Croce said while the shop launched as a gelato franchise earlier this year, he’s now shifting gears and wants to transform it into a cafe serving a full menu. He’s also changing the name to “Street Corner Cafe” and renovating the inside. In July, he began dabbling with a limited number of breakfast and lunch items and says they were an immediate hit.

“This is what people want and this is what we want to be. We’re trying to evolve,” Croce said. “We still have gelato but we’ve expanded the line of food products to welcome more customers in. You can never satisfy everyone but you can try to satisfy most people. I think that will be accomplished.”

To honor Clarendon and Arlington, Croce is naming some of the dishes after local streets or neighborhoods. For instance, there will be a grilled chicken sandwich with provolone, sweet pepper strips and a chipotle sauce called the “Wilson Boulevard.” Croce is still throwing around name ideas for the various cheesesteaks and Italian sandwiches. The cafe will also feature soups, salads and smoothies. Croce touts the daily lunch special, which will be a sandwich, drink, chips and a cookie for $8.99.

“We’re convenient, we’re priced right,” he said. “You can get the full gamut here and your wallet won’t be empty.”

In addition to the focus on good food, Croce said he puts much energy into customer service.

“It’s a quaint little place right smack dab in the middle of a lot of restaurants,” said Croce. “I just want to be a part of the Clarendon community. I think it’s gonna be a well-rounded, neat concept.”

Cosmetic changes are already underway for the restaurant. When it’s finished, there will be a new sign outside and a few more seats inside. Street Corner Cafe’s transformation should be completed by mid-January.

APS Relocating Two Education Centers

By Katie Pyzyk

Sequoia building (via APS website) Rendering of welcome center at new Syphax Education Center

(Updated at 11:10 a.m.) Arlington Public Schools is relocating two of its education centers to a renovated facility on Washington Blvd.

Administrative offices, classrooms and staff currently at the Clarendon Education Center (2801 Clarendon Blvd) and the Syphax Education Center (1439 N. Quincy Street) will be moving to a space in the Sequoia Building 2 (2110 Washington Blvd). The new facility is in the same cluster of buildings housing the Arlington Employment Center and the Arlington County Department of Human Services.

A learning center in the new facility will be open from 8:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and will provide space for adult education classes and the Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP). The welcome center will be open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

All offices currently located at the APS Education Center (1426 N. Quincy Street), including the School Board office and the School Board meeting room, will remain at the current location.

The new 61,000 square foot Syphax Education Center will open on January 2, 2013. Photos of the renovations inside the building have not been released, but renderings from the construction plans are available online.

No word yet on what might be taking the place of the Clarendon Education Center, which is located across the street from Whole Foods, in the midst of Clarendon’s main business district.

La Tagliatella to Open Early Next Year

By ARLnow.com

European-based Italian restaurant chain La Tagliatella will be opening its third U.S. location in Clarendon at some point early next year.

The company is opening two restaurants in Atlanta this month, and plans to open the Arlington location — in the former Restaurant 3 space at 2950 Clarendon Blvd — in “early 2013.” Interior and exterior work on the restaurant is currently underway.

“We’re thrilled to bring this popular Italian concept to Clarendon. This thriving neighborhood is the perfect location for our mid-Atlantic debut in the United States,” said Mike Muldoon, a La Tagliatella executive, in a press release. “Europeans have been enjoying the unique cuisine, warm hospitality and generosity of La Tagliatella for the past two decades; now Virginians will be able to enjoy them, too.”

The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. La Tagliatella’s phone number is 571-257-4600.

La Tagliatella has some 130 locations in Europe and Asia, in addition to its new U.S. locations. A description of the restaurant’s cuisine, from the press release, after the jump.

Photo via Facebook

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Then and Now: Clarendon Metro Area

By Katie Pyzyk

 

The above photo on the left shows the Clarendon Metro station under construction, before it opened in December 1979. Clarendon first became part of a streetcar line in 1896, as a transfer point between the Rosslyn-Clarendon line and the D.C.-Falls Church line. The current Metro Orange Line closely follows the old Rosslyn-Clarendon route.

In 1920, the same year the Virginia legislature officially named Arlington (previously known as Alexandria County) to avoid confusion with the City of Alexandria, there was an effort to incorporate Clarendon as a town. The courts eventually prevented it from going through. Under current Virginia law, counties that have population densities greater than 1,000 people per square mile cannot create a new municipality within the county.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Clarendon affectionately became known as “Little Saigon” due to a number of Vietnamese restaurants opening in the neighborhood. Queen Bee is one of those restaurants, pictured in the late 1980s photo on the above right.

Below is a photo of how that section of Clarendon looks today. Spider Kelly’s now occupies 3181 Wilson Blvd, which is where Queen Bee was located until it closed in 2006.

Historic photos courtesy Arlington Public Library’s Virginia Room

More Funding Requested for Clarendon Plaza Improvements

By Katie Pyzyk

Although the overdue project to revamp the Clarendon Metro Plaza is expected to be completed this month, there’s a request for the County Board to approve funding for additional improvements.

In May, the Board approved a contract worth more than $760,000 to the Fort Myer Construction Company. The project involved improving the area around the Clarendon Metro station and part of the nearby park with new landscaping, irrigation, seating and ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps. The construction was originally estimated to be finished before Clarendon Day in September, but the expected completion is now sometime this month.

The already approved upgrades end near the center of Clarendon Central Park near the Metro elevator. The new funding request is for more than $197,000 to allow Fort Myer Construction to begin improvements on the western part of the plaza. The county staff report states that not continuing westward with the construction “would create a disjointed appearance to the park.” It further states the contract extension “will allow the entire Clarendon Central Park to be visually unified while bringing the west end of the park into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.”

The main improvements to the west end would be to replace existing pavers with ADA-compliant, smooth rolling concrete surface pavers that will match those on the east end. The war monument at the far west end would not be affected, but the area surrounding it would be re-worked. The paved area approaching the monument would be flattened to improve accessibility, and a mulched bed would be installed around two existing trees. Additionally, the proposed project would replace existing curb ramps and benches, and upgrade the irrigation system.

County staff said approving the additional funding now would allow Fort Myer Construction to begin the next phase of improvements immediately after completing the improvements already underway. That would cut down on costs due to the contractor’s materials and equipment already being on site.

Staff members recommend the County Board approves the funding and contract extension at its meeting tomorrow (Saturday).

Man on Long Road to Recovery after Being Struck in Clarendon

By Katie Pyzyk

The man who was hit by a car while walking in Clarendon two months ago is making progress in his recovery, but there’s a long road ahead.

Just yesterday (Thursday), 27-year-old Michael Sizemore underwent another surgery to re-attach the section of skull that was removed to alleviate pressure on his brain. The accident had left him with a variety of serious injuries including a fractured skull, two broken legs and multiple lacerations. After being struck, Sizemore was in a drug-induced coma for days to give his brain time to heal. Sizemore’s father, Mark Sizemore, says yesterday’s surgery appears to have been successful.

“The injury to his brain was right above his left ear where the skull fracture occurred, and that’s your speech center,” Mark said. “The majority of the injury has affected him of course cognitively, and in his speech center. He is recovering his cognition and his speech is getting better every day.”

Doctors predict it will take about a year for Michael to rehabilitate his speech and his ability to walk. Mark said it seems as though his son understands what happened to him, but his focus is simply on getting back to living his life.

“Michael just wants to get back to living, is what he tells me. He’s not so much focused on what happened. I think that will come later,” Mark said.

Once he fully recovers, Michael is determined to return to his job as a lobbyist at the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, which advocates for organizations that help people with developmental delays, substance abuse problems and mental health issues.

“He tells me that almost every single day. That’s what we’re trying to work towards with his rehab,” Mark said. “I think he’ll do it. I think he’ll rehab to the point where he can get back to that job. That’s what drives him.”

Mark says his son and the rest of the family don’t harbor anger toward Tyler Bruce Wills, the man accused of striking Michael. They believe that justice will be served in due time.

“He realizes it’s really a random event that happened to him,” Mark said. “Michael is not looking for revenge against this person, he’s looking for justice to take care of that.”

Meantime, Wills remains in jail on charges of DUI and DUI Maiming. Wills waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which was scheduled for last week, and awaits trial. Police say due to results from the alcohol test and multiple witness accounts, the evidence against Wills is quite strong.

As for Mark, he credits the doctors at George Washington University Hospital with saving his son. That’s where Michael was taken immediately after the accident, and where he had his surgery yesterday. Mark said the situation could have turned out far differently had the hospital and its head trauma experts not been nearby.

“Thank God it was there, because they saved his life,” Mark said. “If my son had not been close to that place, he would not have lived. It was a miracle.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Mill Goes Over Budget — The Arlington Mill Community Center on Columbia Pike has gone $600,000 over its $31.6 million budget. The County Board is expected to approve additional funding for the project at its meeting this coming Saturday. [Sun Gazette]

New Coworking Space in Clarendon — A new coworking space has opened at 3140 N. Washington Street in Clarendon, on the second floor of the Wells Fargo bank building. Link Locale will house startup companies, entrepreneurs, freelancers and teleworkers. It’s the second coworking space to open along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor this year. [Patch]

Redskins Player to Sign Autographs in Clarendon — Washington Redskins defensive end Stephen Bowen will sign autographs and take photos with fans tonight at the AT&T Store in Clarendon (3000 Wilson Blvd). The appearance will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

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