Date Auction Brings in $8,000 For Young Dems
Forget the recession, there’s apparently a bull market for eligible Democrats. The Arlington Young Democrats raised nearly $8,000 at their ninth annual date auction last night.
The event at Clarendon Grill featured dates of all flavors: two dozen men and women; straight, gay, and bisexual. Even “pairs looking for a double date” were auctioned off.
A few other auction items brought in big bucks. The top money-getter was a lunch with former Democratic National Committee chair Terry McAuliffe, which went for $650.
Over 300 people attended the event, according to organizers. In addition to the 100 pounds of canned and non-perishable food collected at the door, half of the money raised, about $4,000, will go to the Arlington Food Assistance Center, which delivers groceries to those in need.
Photos courtesy Hadley Hunter Hawks.
St. Paddy’s Day Festivities Start Today
The first event on our St. Patrick’s Day Guide is coming up tonight. Kicking off the festivities is Ri Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant (2915 Wilson Blvd), which is hosting traditional Irish band The Dirty Pints.
The band is expected to take the stage between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
Check out our full guide to St. Patrick’s Day (over 21) fun at 16 bars and clubs here.
Real Estate Stats Released For February
Home sales surged by more than 50 percent last month compared to the same period one year ago. Also, average home prices rose 3.4 percent compared to February 2009.
The comparison is a bit skewed, since recessionary jitters kept many people out of the real estate market last winter, and since the credit crisis prevented many would-be homeowners from even getting a mortgage.
More from the Sun Gazette.
Gas Leak Reported in Clarendon
A natural gas leak has been reported in Clarendon. Firefighters have responded to the intersection of Clarendon Blvd and N Garfield Street, two blocks from the Clarendon Metro.
A Washington Gas crew is heading to the scene. Initial reports suggest a 4 inch gas line ruptured, perhaps due to construction in the area.
Falls Church Imam Gives State Capitol Blessing Despite Protests
An imam from Falls Church gave a blessing at the state Capitol in Richmond today, despite protests from groups accusing him of being a “terrorist sympathizer.”
Del. Adam Ebbin (D), who represents part of Arlington and Falls Church, invited imam Johari Abdul-Malik of the Dar al-Hijrah Islamic Center to give today’s opening prayer.
Groups including the Virginia Anti-Shariah Task Force and the Traditional Values Coalition protested, citing Abdul-Malik’s comments about due process for Muslims arrested on terror charges, along with his mosque’s brief link to two of the 9/11 hijackers. In the past, Abdul-Malik has spoken out against violence and terrorism.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a statement about the protests.
“We cannot let a vocal minority of hate-mongers deny American Muslims their constitutionally-guaranteed right to take part in the political process,” said Corey Saylor, the group’s national legislative director.
Abdul-Malik delivered the prayer around noon today. Del. David Englin (D), who represents part of south Arlington, said on Twitter that he “enjoyed” the blessing, adding that it was “very well done.”
In an earlier statement, Abdul-Malik said: “My hope is that from this gathering we will all get know each other and build new bridges of understanding, no matter how much some narrow-minded people dislike it.”
Time Running Out for Cheap Taste of Arlington Tickets
Taste of Arlington is two months away, but now’s the time to get your tickets. Instead of paying $25 at the event, you can now buy tickets online for $15. The deal ends on Monday.
The annual Ballston food festival draws a crowd of about 10,000 people each year. It’s being held Sunday, May 16, from noon to 5:00 p.m.
Road Closures to Avoid This Weekend
A number of road closures will play havoc with traffic in Arlington this weekend.
The Four Courts Four Miler kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Police will shut down Wilson Blvd from Courthouse Road to North Rhodes Street from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wilson Blvd from North Rhodes Street to Route 110 in Rosslyn will be closed at 8:45 a.m. Northbound Route 110 from Rosslyn to Route 1 in Crystal City will be shut down from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Click here for a map.
Cars parked along the route will be ticketed and towed. Race participants are urged to use Metro. The Courthouse station is a short distance from the starting line.
Chain Bridge will be completely closed to traffic and pedestrians all weekend. That is, unless the predicted rain prevents reconstruction work on the bridge deck from taking place, which is a distinct possibility. If work goes on as scheduled, expect Chain Bridge to remain closed from Friday night to early Monday morning.
“Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and river crossings including the American Legion, Key, Roosevelt, Memorial and 14th Street Bridges,” VDOT said of the Chain Bridge closure, in a statement.
Finally, the ongoing Humpback Bridge replacement project will result in lane closures during the day on Saturday. One lane of the George Washington Parkway from Memorial Bridge to I-395 will be closed in each direction from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
