January 14, 2011 | ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2011 at 4:30PM

Despite his regular volunteer work, Salemme has apparently not entirely satisfied his do-gooding instinct. At age 59, the married father of five has embarked on a mission to volunteer in 50 states in 50 weeks, all before his 60th birthday.

“A friend of mine passed away recently and the pastor talked at the service about when we leave this earth there are two dates on your tombstone separated by a dash. He said that life is about what you do with the dash,” Salemme told the Mt. Airy News in North Carolina, where he’s helping to building a house. “I recently celebrated my 59th birthday and I wanted to do something big with the dash before I hit 60.”

Around Town

Water Main Break in Front of Quarterdeck Restaurant

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2011 at 2:31PM

The Quarterdeck Restaurant in Fort Myer Heights is no longer landlocked. There’s now a small river flowing down Fort Myer Drive, past the 31-year-old seafood restaurant.

As if the Quarterdeck hasn’t had enough troubles as of late, crews will start tearing up the road in front of it later this afternoon to repair a 6 to 12 inch water main break.

News

Thieves Strike Hume School, Endangering Historical Society’s Finances

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2011 at 1:40PM

“Sometime in early December, thieves literally ripped off three 30 foot long copper downspouts from the exterior walls of the Hume School,” said Arlington Historical Society President Tom Dickinson. “This is a severe blow to our carefully shepherded finances, which were already in a precarious (deficit budget) situation. Although covered by insurance, we will incur a $1,000 deductible hit to pay for replacement downspouts.”

Dickinson said he’s meeting with a contractor today to get an estimate for the total replacement cost. He said that with the public’s help, he’s still hoping to catch the thieves.

News

Property Values Rebound in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2011 at 12:00PM | Updated January 14, 2011 at 12:20PM

The increase is expected to bring in an addition $30 million in tax revenue for the county, which should help to offset this year’s estimated $25 million budget gap. The county budget office was originally expecting an approximately 1 percent increase in property values.

“It certainly… makes it easier for us to balance the budget,” said Michelle Cowan, Director of the Dept. of Management and Finance, who added that stepped-up commercial lending and property sales helped to drive the increase. “We consider ourselves very fortunate.”

News

Have Your Sweetheart Serenaded on Valentine’s Day

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2011 at 10:34AM | Updated January 14, 2011 at 11:06AM

If you’re already making Valentine’s Day plans — kudos, you’re doing a lot better than most. If you need some ideas, however, here’s one that’s sure to be unique.

The Potomac Harmony Chorus — an all-female barbershop quartet — is offering to serenade your sweetheart in person.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published January 14, 2011 at 10:00AM

Bill Would Increase Handicap Parking Fine — Del. David Englin (D) — a prolific proposer of legislation — has introduced a bill that would increase the maximum fine for illegally parking in a handicapped parking space from $500 to $750. The minimum fine would remain $100. [Sun Gazette]

Blog Conducts Cupcake Taste Test — Which has the better cupcake, the new Crumbs Bake Shop (2839 Clarendon Blvd) or Bakeshop (1025 N Fillmore St)? A local blog conducted a taste test and produced an exhaustive a 1,100+ word comparison. [Clarendon Culture]