Small Shirlington Magazine Forced to Change Name
Adrian Urias’ biggest mistake probably was sending an email to promote his small monthly magazine, “Your Shirlington Connection,” to the offices of Alexandria-based Connection Newspapers, publishers of the Arlington Connection. To be fair, Urias, who has lived in Shirlington for two and a half years, to this day has never seen a printed copy of the newspaper being distributed in the neighborhood.
“I personally have never seen one,” said Urias, who launched Your Shirlington Connection six months ago. Alas, Urias says he eventually received a note back from Connection Newspapers, asserting the company’s legal right to exclusively use the “Connection” name in Virginia.
“I thought I did enough to find out it was okay,” Urias said. “When I registered our company name in [Virgina], the name wasn’t flagged as a potential issue.”
Urias quickly agreed to change the name, and this past weekend asked readers to suggest a new name. He’s also looking for someone to come up with a new logo, once the new name is chosen. He has not sought the advice of a lawyer.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Urias said, but “they have been very understanding and cooperative.”
The soon-to-be-renamed magazine, which Urias says he started to build a greater sense of community in Shirlington, claims a circulation of 1,750.
To Do Tonight: Wear the Green
Whether you’re Irish or not, there’s something special about St. Patrick’s Day. The green attire and green beer seems to go hand-in-hand with the greener grass and warmer weather.
No matter where you live in Arlington, there are plenty of options for going out and celebrating with a pint or three.
If you are going to participate in the traditional St. Paddy’s Day drinking ritual, you’ll also have plenty of options for getting back home safely. Designate a driver, take Metro, or call a free cab from the SoberRide program at 1-800-200-TAXI (8294). Red Top Cab is among the taxi companies participating in the SoberRide program.
If you’re still thinking about driving, consider this: Arlington police will be stepping up patrols and establishing a DUI checkpoint tonight.
Volunteer Opp: Help Out at CrisisLink Gala
One week from today, suicide prevention organization CrisisLink is holding its annual LinkUp & Live gala and auction at the Clarendon Ballroom. CrisisLink is looking for volunteers to work at the event.
“We need your help to make sure important event runs smoothly—from setup, greeting, registration, auction tables and bid sheets, coat check, floaters, and take-down,” CrisisLink told Volunteer Arlington.
A few slots are still open, according to volunteer coordinator Lindsay Paulette-Chapman. Those interested in volunteering should email Lindsay or call her at (703) 527-6016.
A volunteer orientation will be held between at the Ballroom between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Astronaut’s Family Opposes Arlington Planetarium Closure
The family of the late astronaut David Brown, for whom the David M. Brown Planetarium is named, has written a letter opposing Arlington Public Schools’ plan to close the 40-year-old facility, according to the Washington Post.
Brown was killed in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Brown’s brother, Douglas Brown, asked school officials why it’s necessary to close the only public planetarium in the country’s 10th-richest county.
Facing with a multi-million dollar budget deficit, APS says it cannot afford the nearly half million dollars worth of mechanical upgrades needed to keep the planetarium open.
Chain Bridge Blocked Due to Accident
Chain Bridge is currently blocked due to an accident with injuries. We’re hearing that three people are being brought to the hospital.
Board Approves Community Improvement Projects
Arlington will spend more than $2 million for street, sidewalk, streetlight and other community improvements in various locations around the county. The board approved the projects at its meeting last night.
Neighborhoods where projects will take place include Boulevard Manor, Arlington Heights, Bluemont, Alcova Heights, Madison Manor, Arlington-East Falls Church and Waycroft Woodlawn.
More from the Sun-Gazette.
The Burger Joint Coming to Lyon Village
Local gourmet burger franchise The Burger Joint is coming to Lyon Village. The new restaurant will occupy a storefront at 3129 Lee Highway, next to venerable Arlington institution The Italian Store.
As first reported by Shirlington Village Blogspot, the new Burger Joint should open at some point next month.
This is the company’s fourth location. Other locations include Bethesda, Dupont Circle and Old Town Alexandria.
Photos From the Clarendon St. Paddy’s Parade
Last night’s Clarendon St. Patrick’s Day (eve) parade had it all: bagpipers, kids dancing, Mardi Gras beads, roller derby girls, a leprechaun on a unicorn, a Republican congressional candidate, white guys in sombreros, and — of course — drag queens. If you missed it, don’t worry… we took plenty of photos.
Check out the photos after the jump.
