weekend discussion

The calendar year is coming to a close, which means local government has some decisions to make before the new year.

The County Board’s monthly meeting is tomorrow, and many conversations this week have been about what its members are expected to approve. Many of the items on the agenda focus on projects scheduled to take some serious steps forward in the next year.

Parks are certainly toward the front of the Board’s mind, having to consider awarding a contract to a construction company for the $1 million renovation of Tuckahoe Park and finalizing a land acquisition to continue expanding Benjamin Banneker Park.

Another project has been waiting for funding and Board approval since the Arlington Presbyterian Church’s congregation first approved it more than two years ago. The proposal would tear down the church and replace it with affordable apartments.

This week’s meeting is also the last — not including the recessed meetings that are scheduled to follow — for Mary Hynes and Walter Tejada. Newly-elected Board members Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey (above) will be sworn into office at a ceremony scheduled for Monday evening.

Are you planning to attend or watch the County Board meeting? Feel free to discuss the agenda items or any other topics of local interest in the comments.

Have a nice weekend!

Happy (almost) Hanukkah to the Jewish members of the Arlington community. The holiday begins Sunday evening at sunset, followed by eight days of celebrating the Festival of Lights.

And to those who celebrate Christmas but haven’t picked up a tree or decorated yet, you could find yourself falling behind the holiday cheer. There are, however, plenty of opportunities for you to catch up, especially with the sunny weather expected this weekend.

There are holiday markets and festivals at churches and schools this weekend. Celebrating with an experience is another way to get into the spirit, either by going to a performance of The Nutcracker, bringing your family to a sing-along or attending a holiday concert. See our event calendar for details.

Feel free to discuss holiday plans, weekend events or any other topic of local interest in the comments. Have a great weekend!

Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving!

Feel free to discuss what you’re thankful for this year — if you haven’t already — or any issue of local interest in the comments.

It’s going to be a chilly weekend, and we might even see our first freeze of the season on Sunday.

Planning on staying in, staying warm and binging on Netflix? Or perhaps heading out for a morning race for a good cause?

Feel free to discuss that or any other topic of local interest in the comments.

It’s looking like a fine fall weekend, with crisp cool air, leaves falling from the trees and plenty of sunshine.

With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, it might be time to get some work done around the house before the in-laws arrive or you head out of town for the holiday.

Feel free to discuss anything of local interest in the comments. Have a nice weekend!

Flickr pool photo by Wolfkann

The overall party affiliation of those on the Arlington County Board might not be changing on Jan. 1, but that doesn’t mean the status quo from a policymaking perspective.

Democrats Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, following their lopsided victory in Tuesday’s election.

In a way, it’s back to normal for Arlington’s usual pattern of electing Democrats to local office, after John Vihstadt’s election last year flipped the script. But Cristol and Dorsey are not exactly the establishment Arlington Democrats of old, pledging to bring more fiscal responsibility, economic development and an emphasis on innovation to county government

Feel free to discuss the election or any other topic of local interest, in the comments.

It’s been a busy Friday — and a fairly busy week — news-wise.

Luckily, a festive holiday, plenty of Halloween events and an extra hour of sleep will help remedy a stressful week.

Without further ado, feel free to discuss the haunted happenings around Arlington or any other topic of local interest in the comments.

Flickr pool photo by Vandiik

It’s Marine Corps Marathon weekend, which means two things: lots of road closures and lots of inspiring stories.

Rain may be in the forecast for Sunday, but runners will be hoping for light sprinkles that cool them off without slowing them down.

Also happening this weekend, ahead of next weekend’s Halloween festivities: Rosslyn restaurant Guajillo will begin serving its traditional Day of the Dead menu and cocktails, starting Saturday. Guajillo recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

Feel free to discuss the marathon, Halloween preparations or any other item of local interest in the comments.

Have a nice weekend!

It’s not going to be a good weekend for taking Metro.

All Metrorail lines save the Green Line will be running every 24 minutes due to Metro’s ongoing major weekend track work.

An ARLnow.com poll on Thursday found that fully 80 percent of 1,632 respondents reported taking Metrorail less often due to repeated service breakdowns — underscoring the importance of Metro’s rebuilding effort.

If you do find yourself with an extended wait at a Metro station this weekend, you might check out our latest sponsored column.

On Saturday, the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) is launching a biweekly sponsored column, our first regularly-scheduled weekend feature.

Energy is fundamental to our lives and livelihoods, and AIRE is devoted to helping Arlington residents make smart energy decisions to save money and leave a lighter footprint on the environment.

The intrepid AIRE team will answer your questions to help you rethink energy and take action.

If you have questions about solar, heating and cooling, lighting, energy audits, insulation, or other energy topics, email [email protected].

Feel free to discuss Metro, energy efficiency or any other topic of local interest in the comments.