Governance Change Postmortem –With their dreams of swift legislative action in Richmond quashed, proponents of Arlington governance changes say they’re not backing down in an effort to achieve their goals. ‘We need to regroup,’ former County Board member John Vihstadt said during a March 12 discussion of the matter at the Arlington County Civic Federation.” [Gazette Leader]
More Meter Enforcers? — “Summertime could bring additional Arlington government staff to hunt for expired (or never-paid-at-all) parking meters. The county’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) has proposed the addition of three new traffic-safety-specialist positions, plus an additional supervisor.” [Gazette Leader]
St. Paddy’s Shenanigans — From Dave Statter: “Officially, @ArlingtonVaPD has listed, so far, three assaults on Saturday & Sunday in the 3100 bl. of Wilson & Clarendon. Two of them occurred inside bars. But there were a lot more calls for disturbances, disorderly customers, and fights… like this sidewalk skirmish early Sunday.” [Twitter]
Early Morning Arrest in Clarendon — From Dave Statter: “Two men in a car with stolen tags connected to a robbery were detained in Clarendon early this morning. When an @ArlingtonVaPD
officer tried to stop the car just after 1:00 a.m. the driver went the wrong way on Wilson Blvd at Washington Blvd.” [Twitter]
Mask Discussion at Board Meeting — “Despite a request from the public, don’t expect Arlington County Board members to again slap on face masks at their meetings, or mandate others to do so. The issue bubbled up at the public-comment portion of the March 16 County Board public hearing, at which a speaker complained that not enough focus was being paid to lingering COVID cases and the impacts on those with symptoms associated with ‘long COVID.'” [Gazette Leader]
Youngkin Appoints Arlingtonians — “Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office announced on Friday a slew of key administration and board appointments, including four people from Arlington.” [Patch]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies, reaching a high of 55 degrees during the day, accompanied by 10-14 mph west winds and gusts up to 23 mph. As for Tuesday night, skies will be partly cloudy, dipping to a low of 40 degrees with a calming southwest wind around 7 mph. [Weather.gov]
Flickr pool photo by Jason Gooljar
Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
🕗 News recap
The following articles were published earlier today — Mar 18, 2024.
- 9:45 am: Local street sweeping starts this week in Arlington | 🗣️ Comments
- 10:45 am: Local high school student recognized with ‘Military Child of The Year’ award | 🗣️ Comments
- 11:45 am: Charcuterie board franchise opens new outpost inside Rosslyn hotel | 🗣️ Comments
- 12:45 pm: Most and least expensive townhouses sold in Arlington (February 2024) | 🗣️ Comments
- 1:45 pm: Inspired by his kids, single dad opens new play area in Ballston Quarter mall | 🗣️ Comments
- 3:55 pm: Bike theft suspect charged with assaulting victim and police | 🗣️ Comments
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Arlington, from our event calendar.
- 12:00 pm: Innovation Station: Tuesdays
- 3:00 pm: Anti-Procrastination Cafe: Tuesdays
- 3:00 pm: Anti-Procrastination Cafe: Tuesdays
- 5:30 pm: March Movement: Pop-Up Fitness Series
- 6:00 pm: Borders and Beyond: The Future of American Border Security
- 6:00 pm: Rep & Revive with SPENGA
🌤️ Tuesday’s forecast
Expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching around 55 degrees and west winds blowing at 10-14 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. The night will be partly cloudy and the temperature will dip to 40 degrees, while southwest winds will be around 7 mph. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“Every artist was first an amateur.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
🌅 Tonight’s sunset
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Join us at Art House 7 to discover the charm of charcoal drawing’s simplicity and very forgiving nature. In this two-day workshop coming up this weekend (March 16-17), master artist Teresa Oaxaca will demonstrate her approach to drawing the human portrait in charcoal. Simple paper and vine charcoal will mostly do the trick. We’ll have a model for you to work from. Each day, there will be coffee, tea, and some morning goodies to get you started for the day.
Teresa’s workshops are among our most popular. Here’s one of her many glowing reviews: “Teresa is a great teacher — so talented and generous in sharing her knowledge. She is great at demonstrations and articulating ideas and techniques. The whole experience was better than I could have imagined.”
Other workshops coming up at AH7: Art Night: Needle Felting Eggs; Parent and Child Cherry Blossom Painting, k-2nd grades; Beginner Japanese Woodblock Printmaking.
If you haven’t discovered Art House 7, please check us out! We offer classes, workshops, and Art Nights throughout the year, as well as summer camps, ages 5 to adult. You can buy art supplies next door. We’re near the Lee Harrison shopping center, and free parking is outside our door.
An 18-year-old Arlington woman is facing a litany of charges after an reported bike theft led to violence.
The incident happened Sunday evening near the intersection of S. Walter Reed Drive and S. Glebe Road.
Police say they were called after a woman entered a home and stole a bike. Confronted by a victim a couple of blocks away, the woman allegedly “assaulted him, attempted to steal his jewelry, damaged a watch and struck him with a bottle.”
The suspect is also accused of kicking two of the police officers who subsequently took her into custody.
More, below, from the latest Arlington County Police Department crime report.
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-03170214, 1700 block of S. Walter Reed Drive. At approximately 7:15 p.m. on March 17, police were dispatched to the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the female suspect allegedly entered the victims’ home and was verbally confronted by Victim One. The suspect then stole a bicycle, exited the home and fled the scene. Victim Two located the suspect with the stolen bicycle at 18th Street S. and S. Monroe Street and approached her. The suspect subsequently assaulted him, attempted to steal his jewelry, damaged a watch and struck him with a bottle. The suspect then assaulted a witness who attempted to intervene. As responding officers were detaining the suspect, she kicked two of the officers. Victim Two reported minor injuries and did not require medical treatment. [The suspect], 18, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault on Police (x2), Assault and Battery (x2), Malicious Wounding, Burglary, Destruction of Property and Attempted Robbery. She was held without bond.
Another notable burglary incident happened early Sunday morning in the Cherrydale area. A man tried to force entry into four homes before police were called and a 38-year-old suspect was taken into custody, according to ACPD.
ATTEMPTED BURGLARY (Series) , 2024-03170063/2024-03170064/2024-03170087, 4000 block of Vacation Lane/3900 block of Lorcom Lane/3700 block of Lorcom Lane. At approximately 3:20 a.m. on March 17, police were dispatched to the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined the female victim was inside her residence when she heard loud banging and observed the male suspect allegedly attempting to force entry into her home by kicking a door. The suspect then left the scene and a short time later, three additional victims in the area reported an individual matching the description of the suspect attempt to force entry into their homes before fleeing the scene. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers canvassed the area and located the suspect. The suspect ran from officers and was subsequently located in the 2400 block of N. Lincoln Street and taken into custody. [The suspect], 38, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Attempted Burglary (x4).
Fascination – A Goth & New Wave Dance Party
An evening hosted by Ken Vegas, Belladonna Boheme, and Michelle Guided at The Renegade in Clarendon.
Welcome to Fascination! Let us charm you with music, dance, entertainment, and great snacks!
We have been living in the In Between Days, haven’t
What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid?
That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like The Howard Gardner School. There are any number of reasons that their current school might not fit.
- “My son is surviving, but they definitely aren’t thriving”
- “My daughter stopped doing gymnastics, and doesn’t ride horses anymore. She just does schoolwork.”
- “I don’t think the school ever really ‘got’ my kid… they’re just different”
These are quotes pulled from parents looking at HGS this year. Our families are a diverse group from all different backgrounds. Our students are just as varied with all kinds of reasons for being at The Howard Gardner School. The common thread is that school wasn’t working.
When school — as we think of it now — was invented, in the 1800s, it was in answer to the industrial revolution. Desks in rows and columns, classrooms with the same number of students as factories had workers in each shift. Even a curriculum contained by four walls and a textbook, set to a standardized approach for a standardized set of goals.
A few things have changed in the last two hundred years
Public school in the United States was and is a ground-breaking, crucial program with an audacious mandate: Educate every single citizen of the most diverse nation in the history of the world. Public educators are dedicated professionals seeking to do just that — but the mandate is virtually impossible. What works for one student might be antithetical to the needs of another. What makes one kid excited might make another kid anxious. As a result, typical schools seek to do the most that they can for as many students as they can. It’s a laudable and practical approach to a truly difficult circumstance.
But what if your kid doesn’t fit?
The parents, families, and kids who are exploring The Howard Gardner School are obviously considering a new school setting. It’s a wonderful truth that this region has an incredible array of top tier public and private schools. In particular, this area’s set of intentionally small schools is truly impressive. The Washington Small Schools Association and the Virginia Small Schools Association can provide interested families with information and ideas about how to find a school that fits.
In fact, the admissions staff at these small schools will take the time and effort to help each individual student find and access the best possible fit for them. Because each small school can be a different place — with programs, teachers, even campuses that fit different kinds of kids.
At The Howard Gardner School, we work with a very small number of students, in very small classes, designed around experiential programming. For instance, we take thirty-six field trips per year. Our students have multiple overnight travel opportunities each school year. And because of the needs of the teenage brain, we start the school day at 10 a.m. If sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, or slogging through another two hours of homework at night isn’t the right fit for your kid, HGS could help you find a better one.
Our mission here at The Howard Gardner School is to help bright, creative, non-traditional students use their unique strengths to thrive academically, intellectually, and emotionally.
Please check out our website at www.TheHowardGardnerSchool.org, and call or email to learn more about how to find the best fit for your kid.
There is a place where each young person can find their fit and thrive. The process is a bit like being in a dark room — the hard part isn’t turning on the light, it’s finding the switch.
The Howard Gardner School
Serving bright, creative, non-traditional learners in grades 6-12
Alexandria, VA & Sterling, VA
703-822-9300
There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions.
Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland has everything from a pink-and-blue carousel to a party room to a make-believe “village” with a hospital, restaurant and police station.
Although other indoor playgrounds exist in the D.C. area, owner Mon Nguyen said there was previously nothing like this in Arlington before he opened Junior Playland in November. He credits the idea to his experiences as a single dad with a 5-year-old and 2-year-old twins.
“They inspire me,” Nguyen said. “Before, I would never have thought about this.”
He said his kids enjoy playing in the ball pit and the balloon cage the most.
Junior Playland has a membership option — $59 per month for unlimited play — along with weekday and weekend “open play” admission for kids ages 1-10. It is open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.
Nguyen has opened another location in the Mall at Prince George’s in Hyattsville and soon plans to expand elsewhere in Virginia. He said many visitors are parents and nannies seeking an indoor outing away from the weather.
“The customers, they love bringing their kids with us,” he said.
Here in Arlington, real estate is a spectator sport. Let’s take a look at some of the most and least expensive townhouses sold last month (February 2024).
Most expensive townhouses sold
- 1122 N Stuart St — Ballston — $1,535,000 (4 beds | 4.5 baths | 2,907 sq. ft.)
- 1110 A N Stafford St N — Ballston — $1,305,000 (3 beds | 3.5 baths | 2,002 sq. ft.)
- 2136 S Nelson St — Green Valley — $1,060,000 (5 beds | 4.5 baths | 3,200 sq. ft.)
Least expensive townhouses sold*
- 1021 S Barton St Unit 126 — Arlington Village — $327,000 (1 beds | 1 baths | 800 sq. ft.)
- 2601 16th St S Unit 617 — Arlington Village — $350,000 (1 beds | 1 baths | 800 sq. ft.)
- 2601 16th St S Unit 609 — Arlington Village — $460,000 (2 beds | 1 baths | 994 sq. ft.)
*Minimum home value of $200,000 set to exclude certain land sales, retirement condos, properties with expiring ground leases, etc.
Written by Kate Kimberlin
A charcuterie board franchise officially opened its doors in Rosslyn earlier this month.
The second Virginia location of Graze Craze is located within the Le Méridien Arlington hotel at 1121 19th Street N.
The business was two years in the making, according to franchisee Amaan Bhanji. He was in high school when he got started on this venture, making him the youngest Graze Craze franchisee, per a press release.
“I’m so excited to serve the community and create relationships with the many amazing people I meet on my entrepreneurial journey with Graze Craze,” Bhanji said.
Bhanji started working in food service when he in high school. While he originally planned to pursue college, those early work experiences, along with visits to several Graze Craze locations, led him down the path of entrepreneurship.
“I immediately fell in love with the concept, the fresh ingredients, and the creativity that goes into creating stunning charcuterie. I knew opening my own Graze Craze location would be the perfect venture to kick off my entrepreneurial journey,” Bhanji said.
The business offers a menu of different “grazing” boards and boxes curated to fit different flavor and dietary preferences. The boards can also be made for one person or as many as 10. Customers can meet with a “charcuterie expert” who will help customize boards for anything from small gatherings to large events.
Menu offerings are made fresh daily, with a variety of meats, cheeses, fruits and dips that are made in-house. The menu also offers occasional seasonal boards, such as a “Game Day Board,” as listed on the website.
Bhanji said the business will debut a new “Springtime Spread” board tomorrow (Tuesday), with watermelon radish, Italian prosciutto, dried apricots and merlot cheese.
The franchise, founded in 2018 by an Oklahoma Air Force veteran, was launched amid the rising popularity of charcuterie boards. Now with over 40 locations in 18 states, it is considered a top franchise in the “grazing food” category.
Bhanji said the first week of business has been a success and he looks forward to continuing to win new customers.
“It’s thrilling to be part of this young brand that will help bring joy to our community. I love the fact that I will be able to cater events and help relieve stress from our customers while doing something I truly enjoy,” he said.
A senior at Washington-Liberty High School has been awarded as a “2024 Military Child of the Year.”
Taylor Walsh, the daughter of a Space Force colonel and an Air Force veteran, has been recognized for her resiliency. Operation Homefront, a nonprofit that supports military families, said that despite the frequent deployments, family separations and other hardships of being in a military family, Walsh continues to excel.
As her parents serve the country, Walsh serves her community. She has logged 830 volunteer hours in the past 12 months and provided mentorship for over 40 freshmen students.
Walsh is also involved in several extracurricular activities and clubs such as softball, the Arlington Children’s Chorus and the Student Council Association. As a member of this association, she planned and encouraged some 2,500 students to participate in community outreach programs such as blood and food drives.
Walsh said she is inspired by her mother.
“The most meaningful memory I have from that day was when my mother stood front and center on the field and was honored for her service,” said Walsh. “I am so incredibly proud of my mom and all her accomplishments.”
Now, Walsh is receiving recognition for her own accomplishments and service. Next month, Walsh and the other recipients will be celebrated during the “Month of the Military Child.” They will receive a $10,000 reward, a laptop and other gifts at the 2024 gala in D.C.
The award recognizes young people between the ages of 13 and 18 for their scholarship, leadership, volunteerism and other services that benefit their communities.
Chosen recipients each represent a branch of the U.S. armed forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard and — in the case of Walsh — Space Force.
Image via Operation Homefront/Facebook
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