NFL Punter Hanging Around Arlington, Waiting To Be Signed
“You never know when your last game is,” says 27-year-old journeyman NFL punter Jeremy Kapinos, as he chows down on a sandwich at a restaurant near his condo along Glebe Road in South Arlington.
In his four years in the NFL, Kapinos has punted for four different teams. An All-American at Penn State, Kapinos was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie in 2007 and has been an NFL nomad ever since. He played for the Green Bay Packers from 2008-2010, with the Indianapolis Colts for one game in 2010, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers from December 2010 through this summer, when he was released after the preseason. Now, Kapinos is cooling his heels in Arlington while waiting for an injury or poor play to put another punter out of commission.
Though Kapinos maintains a home base in Arlington, while he’s signed he will move into an apartment in whatever city he’s playing for. It’s an experience not unlike Kapinos’ childhood. Born an Army brat in West Point, N.Y., Kapinos moved from city to city before his family settled down in Springfield, Va. By the time Kapinos became an All-Met punter for West Springfield High School, he had already attended 8 or 9 different schools.
“I orient to a situation fast,” he said. “I’m used to this routine.”
In Arlington, Kapinos spends much of his time staying in shape. His workout routine consists of running, lifting weights, and punting — usually back at his old high school in Springfield, but occasionally at the fields around Gunston Middle School. At 6’1″ and 235 lbs, Kapinos is an imposing presence. On the field though, he looks like your average punter.
“In relation to the other guys on the field, I look like a shrimp out there,” he admits.
When he’s not working out, Kapinos spends his off-season time golfing, taking care of his bulldog puppy and hanging out with a tight-knit group of friends. On weekends, he can sometimes be spotted at Clarendon Grill, Josephine (in D.C.) or “some place inconspicuous.” What you won’t usually find Kapinos doing on weekends is watching NFL football.
“I don’t really watch,” he says. “I’d rather be playing.”
Chainsaw Accident Sends Worker to Hospital
A man suffered a serious arm injury this afternoon after reportedly being cut by a chainsaw.
Initial reports suggest the man was in a bucket truck doing tree maintenance at an apartment complex on the 2000 block of Columbia Pike when the chainsaw accidentally cut him in the bicep. Paramedics were called, a tourniquet was applied, and the man was rushed to the hospital.
At first, the call came in as a possible amputation, but medics on the scene reported that the arm was still attached.
County to Install Wayfinding Signs Along R-B Corridor
Arlington County is planning to install more than 250 wayfinding signs along the R-B corridor, starting this fall.
The signs will be placed “along bicycle and pedestrian routes throughout the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.” The first phase of the multi-phase project will include the installation of about 50 signs.
“These wayfinding, or directional, signs will help cyclists and pedestrians more easily navigate Arlington’s 100 miles of multi-use trails, on-street bike lines and designated bike routes, and its commercial districts,” the county said on the project’s web page.
While “frequent spacing of signs” is expected to “increase cyclist and pedestrian confidence” along the busy corridor, the county is being careful to no “over-sign” the area.
“To minimize sign clutter and maintenance costs, only the most popular or useful destinations have been chosen as to not ‘over-sign’ or contribute to sign clutter,” according to the county.
Mystery Video Cameras on Columbia Pike
Over the past couple of weeks, people have been noticing mysterious, concealed video cameras mounted on lamp posts along Columbia Pike.
Some residents thought they were ingenious surveillance cameras in place for the 9-11 anniversary. Others thought they were part of some shady dealings, and called police to investigate.
In reality, however, the cameras are merely being used by Arlington County to monitor traffic patterns at intersections. According to Arlington Traffic Engineering and Operations Chief Wayne Wentz:
These are video cameras that are temporarily in place to collect intersection data. The videos will be viewed in the office and technicians will create vehicle turning movement counts. These data will be used for our periodic (every three years) traffic signal optimization effort.
As of yesterday evening, three cameras were in place at the intersections of Columbia Pike and S. Courthouse Road, S. Scott Street and S. Quinn Street.
Teen Girl Groped on Way Home from Yorktown HS
A 15-year-old girl was walking home from Yorktown High School yesterday afternoon when a man reportedly “ran up to her and grabbed her inappropriately.”
Last night, Yorktown principal Raymond Pasi sent the following email to parents regarding the incident.
Dear Parents and Guardians:
At approximately 3:45 pm today a 15 year old student from Yorktown was approached by a man who ran up to her and grabbed her inappropriately and then ran away. The incident occurred in the 2600 block of Florida Street. The suspect is described as a white male in his 20′s, wearing a black shirt and black shorts.
The student reported the incident to her father and he contacted the school administration. Yorktown staff immediately contacted the police who are now investigating.
We are grateful that the student was not physically injured.
The is a good time for all of us to remind students about some important steps they should always take to ensure their continued safety when they are out in the community, and even take time to role play possible situations with them.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Raymond Pasi, Principal
Yorktown High School
Billy’s Cheesesteaks Now Open in Cherrydale
A new neighborhood eatery called Billy’s Cheesesteaks (3907 Lee Highway) opened this week in Cherrydale.
The restaurant replaces the four-year-old Cherrydale Deli, but remains under the same ownership. Though some of the same deli items remain on the menu, Billy’s will focus specifically on — you guessed it — cheesesteaks.
The menu includes an “authentic” Philly cheesesteak, with steak, onions and Cheez Whiz. Other offerings include the smoky-sweet Arlington cheesesteak (steak, onions, provolone and Billy’s steak sauce), the Bacon Steak (steak, ham, onions, provolone and bacon) and the Pizza Steak (steak, marinara, provolone). Lettuce, tomatoes and mayo are available, but only on request.
Owner Bill Hamrock says North Arlington needed a decent cheesesteak place.
“I think there’s a need for it in the area,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any place close by that does them well.”
Customers can substitute chicken in any of the cheesesteaks, and a vegetarian option will be coming soon, according to Hamrock. Other offerings at Billy’s range from homemade pizzas, sandwiches, pitas, subs, sides, salads and chili.
Next week, Billy’s will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Hamrock said. Also coming soon: a delivery service for Billy’s and the next-door Mediterranean restaurant Pasha Cafe, which Hamrock also owns.
SUV Overturned Near W-L High School
(Updated at 10:00 a.m.) A two-vehicle accident has resulted in an SUV flipping on its side near Washington-Lee High School.
The accident happened at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Quincy Street. Two people were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This is the second vehicle to flip on its side near Washington-Lee in as many days.
Verizon Service Restored in Clarendon/Courthouse
The week-and-a-half long saga of the damaged Verizon cables has finally come to a close.
Verizon technicians had to painstakingly splice back together thousands of copper lines in three large cables that were damaged by a contractor taking a soil sample in Rocky Run Park (1109 N. Barton St.). Hundreds of Verizon customers in the Clarendon and Courthouse area lost their phone and DSL internet service as a result of the cut cables.
As of 6:30 last night, service was restored to all customers, according to Verizon spokesman Harry Mitchell.
Morning Notes
Wakefield Loses Full Accreditation — Wakefield High School was the only Arlington County public school that failed to receive full state accreditation this year. The school was accredited “within warning” because only 77 percent of the class of 2011 graduated. Wakefield will need to show a rising graduation rate for the next two years or it will lose all state accreditation. [Washington Examiner]
Arlington Skate Park Remarkably Graffiti Free — The Powhatan Springs skate park in Dominion Hills has nary a graffiti scribble, in contrast to nearly every other public skate park in the country. Plus, it also has a rain garden. [Greater Greater Washington]
Colony House Closing — Colony House Furniture (1700 Lee Highway) is closing after 75 years in business. Originally, owner JR Diffee had hoped to move the business elsewhere in Arlington, after he sold the original store to a hotel developer. Now a trade publication reports that Colony House is closing after being hurt by the economy. A going out of business sale currently in progress is expected to wrap up by the end of the year. [Furniture Today, Colony House Furniture]
Ballston Smoothie King Abdicates
The Smoothie King in Ballston has given up its throne in an effort to conquer Adams Morgan.
The eatery, at 850 Randolph Street, across from Ballston Common Mall, is now closed. A sign in the window says the store is moving to 18th Street in Adams Morgan.
According to a tipster, employees hauled off store furniture last night. A sign above the store has already been taken down, though posters remain in the windows.
ACPD Investigates Sexual Assault in Arlington Ridge
A female jogger was sexually assaulted this morning on Army Navy Drive, in the Arlington Ridge neighborhood, according to police.
The jogger, 37, was knocked to the ground, kicked several times and touched in a sexual manner, police say. She was taken to the hospital to treat her injuries.
The police department issued the following press release about the incident this afternoon.
The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a sexual assault that occurred this morning in the 2000 block of Army Navy Drive. At approximately 6:35 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2011, an unknown male attacked a female jogging down the sidewalk.
A 37 year-old female was running when an unknown male knocked her to the ground. He kicked her several times to immobilize her and touched her in a sexual manner against her will. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The suspect is described as an African American male approximately 30-40 years old, 5’10” to 6’ tall with a medium build. He had several inches of hair growth on his head and was wearing a button-down light blue shirt, dark pants and dark shoes. This assault does not appear to be connected to any other incidents in the area and the investigation is on-going.
If anyone was in the area during this time and witnessed suspicious behavior, or the assault, they are asked contact Detective James Stone at (703) 228-4245. Det. Stone can also be contacted via e-mail at jstone@arlingtonva.us. Witnesses can also call the Arlington Police Tip-Line at (703) 228-4242.
Meet Your Crystal City Concession Stand Vendor
In a tree-lined corner of Crystal City, Adel Ishak operates a small seasonal food stand, offering sandwiches, salads and smoothies to the masses of local office workers, apartment dwellers and Mt. Vernon Trail users.
If you’ve ever met Ishak, you probably know him as a hard-working guy who greets customers with an easy smile. What you probably don’t know about the guy serving you snacks and sodas is that not too long ago he was a prominent attorney in Egypt, with a large office and business before the Egyptian Supreme Court.
Ishak moved his wife and twin daughters to the United States five years ago, he says, after they started fearing for their safety. Being a Christian in Egypt, as they were, had become too dangerous, says Ishak.
“Over there, anybody can hurt you at any time,” he said.
In the U.S., Ishak has traded his large office for safety and a much different career path. When he’s not running the concession stand (in the Crystal City Water Park, across from 1750 Crystal Drive) Ishak is working as a part-time salesman for a JCPenney store in Fairfax. He could be doing more, Ishak says, but his poor English limits his job opportunities. In the coming months or years, he’s hoping to remedy that.
“I hope to study a lot,” he said.
Ishak has been gradually adding new and higher-quality items to the menu at the concession stand. Although the stand isn’t making him rich, he says business is “good” and getting better.
“I don’t worry about money, because when I work hard, money comes,” he said.
For Ishak, business is personal. The recipes for many of the menu items, like the smoothies and the fattoush salad, are customized by Ishak to meet his own personal standards. For instance, the mango smoothie contains real mango pieces, as opposed to flavored syrup. (“It’s expensive but it’s good,” he says.)
Plus, Ishak makes a point to provide personalized service. He’ll memorize what regular customers usually order, and will offer to let customers pay him back if they left their money at home.
WB Route 50 Shut Down After Moped Accident
Update at 1:05 p.m. — Lanes have opened back up on westbound Route 50.
The westbound lanes of Route 50 have been shut down at Washington Boulevard after an accident involving a moped.
The moped rider is said to be conscious and alert after the accident. He’s being taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Drivers should expect significant traffic issues in the area.
Car Flips on Side Near W-L High School
A car flipped on its side on a residential street near Washington-Lee High School this morning.
A Honda sedan was traveling eastbound on 15th Street N., near N. Vermont Street, when the driver hit the curb and part of a tree, causing the car to flip on its side. Airbags were deployed. The driver made it out of the car safely and was not reported to be injured.
The accident drew a small crowd of neighbors. As they looked on, a tow truck managed to use its wheel lift to push the Honda and flip it back on its wheels.
More photos, after the jump.
Accident Involving Metrobus on I-395
The Arlington County Fire Department is on the scene of an accident involving an SUV and a Metrobus on the HOV lanes of I-395 near Pentagon City.
The driver of the SUV was reported to have suffered minor injuries. No injuries were reported on the bus.
Traffic heading toward northbound Washington Boulevard squeezes by the accident scene. No HOV lanes are blocked.
