library

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Moran Challenger Gets on Ballot — Rep. Jim Moran (D) will have a Democratic primary challenger, after all. Arlington businessman Bruce Shuttleworth has been certified to appear on the June 12 congressional primary ballot, after initially being rejected by election officials for supposedly not having the required 1,000 petition signatures. Shuttleworth’s campaign sued in federal court; yesterday the Virginia Democratic party certified his candidacy. [Washington Post]

O’Connell’s Undefeated Softball Team — The Bishop O’Connell Knights softball team is undefeated, with a perfect 10-0 record. One of its pitchers, Tori Finucane, has an astounding 0.00 earned run average for the season, with 114 strikeouts in 56 innings. [Sun Gazette]

United Jet Blows Tires at DCA — A United Airlines flight from Houston blew two rear tires while landing at Reagan National Airport on Monday morning. None of the 127 people on board were injured. [Washington Post]

I-395 HOV Lanes Close Overnight — The HOV lanes of I-395 — from the 14th Street Bridge to the Springfield Mixing Bowl — are closing from 9:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. this week. VDOT says the closures will allow it to install new overhead signs and to complete some bridge painting work. [Associated Press]

New Library ‘Digital Projects Lab’ Taking Reservations — Arlington Central Library’s new Digital Projects Lab is opening on Monday, April 16. The lab — which will offer library patrons the use of digital media creation tools like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro — is now accepting reservations. [Arlington Public Library]

Photos: Punk Rock Exhibit at Arlington Central Library

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Central Library is hosting an exhibit of posters and memorabilia from the D.C. area punk rock scene of the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

The exhibit was curated from the personal collection of a library employee who “in true punk fashion… wants to keep a low profile,” according to library spokesman Peter Golkin. The employee, who works in the library materials department, was a “very active participant in the scene at the time.”

“[He] put out some records on his label, designed some of the posters and is friends with some of the more well-known names like the guys in Fugazi,” Golkin said.

In a blog post, Golkin noted that Arlington played a key role in the region’s vibrant punk rock scene.

“Arlington County was a well-known base of operations for many of the musicians and music labels that created a straightforward Mid-Atlantic sound best known through now-legendary bands like Slickee Boys, Minor Threat, Government Issue and later Fugazi,” he wrote.

The exhibit, which is still in the process of being built, is located near the center of the second floor of Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street).

Central Library will also be hosting a pair of punk-related events this month. At 7:00 p.m. on April 18, the library will be screening a documentary about Fugazi, called “Instrument — Ten Years with the Band Fugazi.” On April 26 at 7:00 p.m., author Jennifer Egan will be speaking about her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “A Visit from the Goon Squad,” which recounts the 1970s San Francisco punk scene.

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Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Local Deer Population Growing — The local population of white-tailed deer is on the rise and having an impact on plant life in Arlington County, according to a county naturalist. “Shrubs like spicebush and pawpaw are becoming much more abundant at the expense of things like wild azaleas, oaks, cedars and American euonymus,” said naturalist Alonso Abugattas. [Sun Gazette]

New Trail Signs Installed — New “wayfinding” signs were recently installed along bike and pedestrian routes throughout the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. The signs are intended to make it easier to navigate to one’s destination, but sometimes can be unintentionally confusing. [Greater Greater Washington]

Arlington Civil War Shirts Available — The Arlington Plaza Library at 2100 Clarendon Boulevard in Courthouse is selling a t-shirt commemorating the Civil War sesquicentennial in Arlington. The Arlington Civil War 150 t-shirts are offered in three different colors for $10 apiece. [Arlington Public Library]

Flickr pool photo by Damiec

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Contractor Chosen for New Ballston Apt. Tower — KBR Building Group has been tapped to build “The Place at Founders Square,” a new 17-story, mixed-use residential tower at 4000 Wilson Boulevard. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of 2013. [CityBiz Real Estate]

Construction Update on Rosslyn Office Building — Construction on 1812 N. Moore Street, a 35-story behemoth in Rosslyn that will be the region’s tallest building upon completion, has topped the construction pit and reached surface level. [DC Metrocentric]

Multimedia Tools Available at Library ‘Lab’ — Next month Arlington Central Library will be launching a temporary “lab” on the first floor that will provide do-it-yourself multimedia creation tools. The Digital Projects Lab, as it will be called, will be open 20 hours per week and will have digital tools like Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Final Cut Pro, Audacity and iMovie. The lab will be powered by MacBook computers and will also have a video camera, microphone, large color printer, film/photo scanner and Wacom Intuos 3 tablet. [Arlington Public Library]

Arlington GOP Doesn’t Rule Out Nov. Run — Arlington Republicans say they’re trying to recruit a candidate to take on newly-elected Democratic County Board member Libby Garvey in November. A Republican County Board candidate would face very steep odds, as the presidential election is expected to drive Arlington Democrats to the polls in droves. No Democratic candidate filed to challenge Garvey for the nomination before last night’s filing deadline. [Washington Post]

Library Photo Display Prompts Online Family Reunion

By Katie Pyzyk

The Arlington Public Library’s work at updating its website has produced a pleasant unintended consequence — an online family reunion.

Recently, the library has been digitizing historical documents and pictures that are stored in the Virginia Room at the Central Library. One of the collections was posted online just in time for Black History Month in February. The Ernest E. Johnson Collection, 1948-1955, features photos from when the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation was still segregated and had its own “Negro Recreation Section.” Johnson directed the section and was vital in advancing the desegregation of Arlington’s community activities.

A woman who works at Long Branch Elementary saw the photos while doing research for another project, and realized many of them included her family members. That’s when she got on the phone with her cousin, Kathlyn James Avila.

Avila says in addition to recognizing herself and her cousin in the pictures, she spotted her mother and two uncles. One uncle was in a tennis photo, another a photo of a meeting.

“I had never seen those photos before,” Avila said. “I had no pictures of myself from kindergarten, and to even have that, it was very special.”

Avila’s family, the James family, was active in the community and knew Johnson well. She’s grateful that the library posted the pictures and thinks they’re important for others to see.

“There are quite a few black families in Arlington from the 1950s and 1960s that made an important impact on the growth of the black community. I know my family was one of them,” Avila said. “I think it’s very important for people to see black families as role models and activists in the community.”

Library spokesman Peter Golkin echoes the importance of residents taking a look at this particular historical collection.

“They’re incredible pictures,” Golkin said. “They really capture life in Arlington County at a very important time in local history, in national history.”

He points out that although Arlington is considered a progressive community, that wasn’t always the case.

“Back in the 1940s and 1950s, just the notion that Arlington had a section of the Parks and Rec Department called the ‘Negro Section,’ it really makes you pause for a second,” Golkin said. “The Arlington of today is so radically different, and we’re so much the better for it.”

Once Avila saw the photos on the library’s website, she quickly spread the word throughout her family. She said they all logged on to look at the pictures, which brought back emotional memories for many of them. Several of the family members had worked directly with Ernest Johnson to provide activities for African Americans, including her mother, who was Johnson’s assistant. (more…)

Program to Wax Nostalgic About Historic Businesses

By Katie Pyzyk

In Arlington, where it seems like something new is always being built, sometimes it’s difficult to remember which businesses used to exist. A history program taking place tonight is hoping to jog your memory.

“Do You Remember?” is being billed as an interactive journey through Arlington’s commercial history. Charlie Clark, a longtime contributor to the Arlington Historical Magazine, will lead the program.

The program will look at now defunct businesses such as Herbert’s Youth Fashions and McCrory’s Five and Dime. Attendees can also share their memories of beloved businesses from decades past.

“Do You Remember?” is free and takes place tonight from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Central Library.

Arlington St. Patrick’s Day Bar Guide 2012

By ARLnow.com

This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday. That means there will probably be more people than usual heading out for some Irish cheer at the local watering holes. Here’s a list of a few places around town that have special celebrations planned.

Arlington County police will have an increased presence in Clarendon and other areas expected to have a large number of people celebrating the holiday. They’ll also be distributing information about SoberRide, which is offering free cab rides home from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, until 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 18.

  • Capitol City Brewing Company (4001 Campbell Ave) — The brew pub will tap two one-of-a kind cask brews: Irish Red Ale and Irish Dry Stout. A traditional Irish food buffet will be offered from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
  • Ireland’s Four Courts (2051 Wilson Blvd) — Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for those interested in starting early. Five different bands play all day starting at 11:00 a.m. Extra bars and a heated tent will also be set up for the celebration.
  • O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub (3207 Washington Blvd) — Live Irish music throughout the day. The Boyle School of Irish Dance will perform at 5:30 p.m.
  • P. Brennan’s Irish Pub (2910 Columbia Pike) — The green beer starts flowing at 9:00 a.m. The festivities include a performance from the Boyle School of Irish Dance at 3:00 p.m., followed by live music throughout the evening. Bagpipers are also expected.
  • RiRa Irish Pub (2915 Wilson Blvd) — Irish breakfast buffet starts at 8:00 a.m. Irish dancers will perform, and the first of three bands will start at 11:00 a.m. The party will benefit the locally based children’s charity The Reading Connection.
  • Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub (2800 S. Randolph St) — Opens at 8:00 a.m. for watching rugby tournament matches, with the big Ireland-England game showing at 1:00 p.m. Music starts at 3:00 p.m. There will be a prize for the best Irish costume.
  • Sine Irish Pub (1301 S. Joyce St) — Discounted beer throughout the day and a buffet from 5:00-10:00 p.m.
  • Union Jack’s (671 N. Glebe Rd) — Specials throughout the day, with a free Irish breakfast buffet offered from 8:00-10:00 a.m. DJ starts at 5:00 p.m. Patrons can participate in the Sexy Leprechaun Contest.
  • Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd) — Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast, and Irish fare will be served starting at 11:00 a.m. Live Celtic music runs from 1:00-6:00 p.m. and a cover band begins at 8:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for something a little more family friendly, here are a few ideas.

  • Washington-Lee High School (1301 N. Stafford St) — Arlingtonians for a Green Environment is hosting the annual Green Living Expo from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The free event features green living seminars, a raffle, exhibitors, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities.
  • Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent St) — The Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus presents “Spring Tonic 2012” at 2:00 p.m. Ticket information can be found online.

Library Database Fixed, Due Dates Extended

By Katie Pyzyk

An online database problem that caused problems for the county’s library system this weekend has been fixed. To say thanks for being patient during the trouble, some borrowers are getting extended due dates.

Issues with the online security certificate caused many library users not to be able to access their accounts online. Library spokesman Peter Golkin said although the internal system was fine and it was business as usual at the libraries, many users couldn’t log on from outside computers. Golkin explained that a number of agencies had to coordinate to fix the problem, so it took a while to remedy the situation.

“And of course, it’s a weekend, which didn’t help,” he added.

To make up for the inconvenience, the library has moved the due dates for materials due this past Saturday, Sunday or today. The materials will now be due this Friday, March 9. The change is automatic in the system, so there’s no need for additional action by users.

“Thanks for your patience with the issue. It can be a frustrating thing,” said Golkin. “A lot of folks were really helpful in letting us know of the issue in case we didn’t know.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Senate Dems Defeat HPV Immunization Repeal — State Senate Democrats are taking credit for killing a bill that would have repealed the 2007 law that requires sixth grade girls be immunized from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Said Arlington’s Sen. Barbara Favola (D), in a statement: “The best way to eradicate cervical cancer is widespread HPV vaccination. In the past, the most successful immunization programs, such as those for smallpox or polio, required universal vaccination. Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the world, but with this vaccination, there is hope for ending the suffering caused by cervical cancer.” [Washington Post]

Favola Criticized for Skipping Budget Vote — State Sen. Barbara Favola is being criticized by Republicans for skipping a vote on the state budget in favor of making a TV appearance. Favola appeared on MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Matthews’ while votes were being taken on the Republican-supported budget plan. In the end, however, her vote wouldn’t have changed the outcome — the budget didn’t pass. [Sun Gazette]

Cat Enters Va. Senate Race — A cat is running for Virginia’s open U.S. Senate seat. The “Hank for Senate” campaign has launched, amid a flurry of publicity, with a campaign TV ad and the campaign slogan “Milk in every bowl.” Hank has quite the personal story — including being saved from euthanization by an animal rescue group. [WTOP]

Cherrydale Library Book — The 50-year history of the cozy Cherrydale branch library has been documented in a new book. “Fifty Years of Cherrydale Library,” by Greg Embree, is available online (for free) and in print. [Blurb]

New Capital Bikeshare Stations Built in Virginia Square

By Katie Pyzyk

Capital Bikeshare’s expansion along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor continues its push westward. In the past week, two new stations have popped up in the Virginia Square neighborhood.

A 19-dock Bikeshare station was installed near the Virginia Square metro station (901 N. Monroe St), and another one went up directly in front of the Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St), with 11 docks.

The stations, which appear to take very little time to install on location, have been spreading rapidly throughout Arlington since the fall. In October, we reported that the Central Library had been hoping to have a Bikeshare station by some point in the spring, but it was already installed last week.

There are at least a dozen additional stations approved to be built in Arlington this spring, and another dozen proposed stations awaiting approval from various sources. All are concentrated near the orange line corridor, with locations in the works from Rosslyn to the Bluemont neighborhood.

You can suggest locations where you think stations should be installed on Capital Bikeshare’s website. The interactive map also allows you to see where other people have suggested installing stations.

Phone, Internet Problems at Schools, Central Library

By ARLnow.com

Phone and internet service is out at a number of schools and at Arlington Central Library.

As a result of the outage, librarians are checking out customers by hand at Arlington Central Library, according to library spokesman Peter Golkin. All internet at the library, including access to the library catalog system, is down. Customers at the library can still access the catalog via their smart phones, however.

Most Arlington Public Schools south of Route 50 are also experiencing the same problems, according to a school employee. Phone and internet service has been down at the schools since 2:00 p.m., around the same time Central Library lost its phone and data service.

In both cases, we’re told a problem with a Comcast fiber optic line is to blame. Comcast is hoping to have the problem fixed by tomorrow, Golkin said.

Update at 8:45 a.m. — All services have been restored to Central Library, Golkin says.

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