To Do This Weekend: Easter Edition
There are plenty of things happening around Arlington to keep you busy this weekend, even if half of the people you know are heading out of town for the Easter holiday.
If you want to escape to solemnity of this Good Friday, the famous Raspberry Brothers will be razzing on the 1980s classic “Karate Kid.” Think “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” but live and in person. That’s happening at 9:45 tonight at the Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike).
On Saturday at 10:00 a.m., the Barcroft community will be holding its annual Easter egg hunt at 800 S. Buchanan Street. Attendees are advised to bring a baked good.
For adults who are jealous of the kids stuffing their baskets with Easter goodies, the Arlington flea market (15th and N. Quincy Streets) and the Courthouse farmer’s market (North Courthouse Rd. and N. 14th St.) will be open Saturday morning. The gorgeous weather is sure to attract a big crowd.
Finally, for those celebrating Easter on Sunday, early risers will be treated to an amazing sunrise service at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater. The service is free, but you’ll need to get there at 6:00 a.m.
For more fun things to do, check out our events calendar.
Photo courtesy Stacey Viera.
Jimmy Smits NBC Pilot Filming in Arlington
Film crews were camped out near the Iwo Jima memorial in Rosslyn this morning for the taping of a new TV show starring Jimmy Smits.
The actor, who formerly portrayed a congressman (then a U.S. president) on The West Wing, is playing a Supreme Court justice who leaves the high court to start a law firm that fights constitutional injustices.
The show — possibly titled “Garza” or “Rough Justice” — is being produced by NBC Universal and Conaco, Conan O’Brien’s production company. Crews were filming the pilot episode today; no word yet on whether NBC will pick it up as a full-blown series.
County sources tell us filming took place on Marshall Drive, near the memorial, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. today. County police assisted with traffic control.
Photo via Wikipedia.
DEVELOPING: Arlington Hires New County Manager
Arlington has hired Savannah, Georgia city manager Michael Brown as its new county manager. Brown will replace current acting county manager Barbara Donnellan.
“Michael Brown is a thoughtful, articulate and dedicated manager who brings broad expertise and a record of strong fiscal management,” said county board chairman Jay Fisette, who announced Brown’s hiring this afternoon. “He has a proven track record of success on economic development, public safety, and regional and planning issues. We look forward to having him on our team.”
During his 15-year tenure in Savannah, Brown provided city assistance for more than $1 billion in development, including retail stores, hotels, and condominiums. He supported the development of Savannah’s waterfront and the creation of more than 5,000 units of affordable housing. He was also instrumental in historic preservation and directed the creation or renovation of numerous parks.
Brown helped the city pass a $890 million special sales tax, but also worked to sustain a 27 percent property tax reduction over 10 years.
A Prince William County native, Brown graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Virginia. His wife, Linda Lee, also hails from Prince William County. They have three children: Brendan, Alex and Rebecca.
Brown will begin his new job in Arlington on Monday, May 17.
“Arlington is a wonderful, world class community with great leadership including the Arlington County Board and staff,” Brown said in a statement.
“I am very appreciative of this appointment by the County Board. I hope that my skills and experience will be of real value in a number of initiatives such as plans for the growth corridors, neighborhood vitality, mobility, environmental sustainability, and good fiscal management. Also I share the Board’s and the community’s commitment to diversity and to inclusive citizen engagement and collaborative decision making. My wife Linda Lee and I are excited about Arlington’s many community cultural assets and opportunities.”
The Savannah Morning News has more on the resignation letter Brown sent to the city’s mayor today.
Ballston Among Finalists for Northrop Grumman HQ
Giant defense contractor Northrop Grumman has narrowed its search for a Washington-area headquarters down to Ballston, Falls Church, and Rockville, Md, according to the Washington Post.
The news is a blow to the District, which had pumped up its campaign for the headquarters with tax breaks and slams hurtled at Crystal City.
It’s a partial victory for Rep. Jim Moran (D). The Ballston and Falls Church sites are within the confines of his congressional district. But the defense appropriations committee member was apparently not successful in trying to convince Northrop to move to Rosslyn.
The Ballston site being considered by the company is a yet-to-be-built office building on North Glebe Road, the Post reports.
Snowmageddon’s Last Hurrah
Nearly two months later, and there’s at least one last remnant of Snowmageddon left in Arlington (which should make the county board feel better about passing that temporary snow removal ordinance three weeks ago).
Flickr pooler Expresso2222 snapped this photo yesterday next to the Ballston Common Mall Parking lot.
The shady spot has allowed the giant pile of snow to stick around through rain storms and sunny 70+ degree days. Whether it will survive today’s high of 80 degrees is yet to be seen.
To Do Tonight: 5K Friday in Crystal City
Hundreds of runners will swarm Crystal City tonight for the spring’s first 5K Friday. The popular races are being held every Friday in April.
If you haven’t registered for the race already, you’ll want to hurry up; registration closes at noon.
The race kicks off at 6:30 p.m. The start and finish line are located at 2121 Crystal Drive.
There will be a post-race party at the Concord apartments at 2600 Crystal Drive featuring DJ Adrian Loving.
Drivers should expect the northbound lanes of Crystal Drive to be closed from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
