October, 2012 | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published October 5, 2012 at 8:30AM

Youth Justice 5K on Sunday — Bluemont Park will be the scene of the first annual 5K Walk/Run for Justice on Sunday. The event will take place at noon and will raise money for Families and Allies of Virginia’s Youth, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to transforming the juvenile justice system in Virginia to one that is fair, effective and age-appropriate.” On-site registration is $25 and includes a free long-sleeved t-shirt. [DC Road Runners]

Arlington Fun Ride on Saturday — Phoenix Bikes is organizing a family-friendly 17-mile bike ride on Saturday. The Arlington Fun Ride will take riders on a leisurely bike tour of Arlington that will include stops in Crystal City, Ballston and Rosslyn. The ride will start at 8:00 a.m. and will begin and end at Phoenix Bikes (4200 S. Four Mile Run). There will also be a short children’s ride. The entry fee — $5 for individuals or $15 for families — will benefit Phoenix, a non-profit bike shop. Editor’s Note: The Arlington Fun Ride is an ARLnow.com advertiser. [Ode Street Tribune]

Around Town

UPDATED: Renovations to AMC Theater in Courthouse

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 3:45PM | Updated October 9, 2012 at 5:13PM

The renovations have been underway for at least two months. The lower level theaters have already been remodeled and now feature power adjustable leather recliners with footrests, as well as terraced rows of seating that make it easier to see the screen over the person sitting in front of you. With the lower theaters complete, renovations to the upper theaters are now underway.

Meanwhile, improvements to the lobby include updated decor, a new snack counter and new Coke freestyle machines. The theater’s restrooms have also been renovated, according to AMC spokesman Ryan Noonan.

News

Police Investigating Armed Robbery Near Ballston

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 2:50PM

Police are on the scene of a reported armed robbery just south of Ballston.

The incident happened just after 2:30 p.m. According to initial reports, two young men in their 20s, dressed in all black, stole a cell phone from a victim near the intersection of Glebe Road and 4th Street N. One of the men brandished a handgun during the robbery, while the other implied a weapon.

Events

Road Closures Planned for Shirlington Oktoberfest

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 2:15PM

The event, hosted by Shirlington’s Capital City Brewing Company, is being billed as the “biggest one yet,” with beers on tap from 75 breweries. There will also be traditional German music and German food, like bratwurst, sauerkraut and soft pretzels.

The event starts at noon and runs through 7:00 p.m., though the taps will be turned off at 6:00. Admission is $25 and includes a tasting glass and 10 beer tickets. Additional tickets are $1 each, with a 5 ticket minimum.

Around Town

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria Now Open in Clarendon

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 12:35PM | Updated October 4, 2012 at 1:40PM

The opening comes less than five months following the closure of the space’s previous occupant, Market Tavern, which replaced the former Harry’s Tap Room. Much of the expansive space looks as it did as Market Tavern — the bar area, the lighting, the staircase and the upstairs dining area are all largely the same, though with more mirrors, white paint and white furnishings to brighten up the one-time steakhouse.

The menu — created by Chef Alfredo Solis, a native of Mexico — is anchored by a selection of small, soft corn tacos with various fillings, from pork to shrimp to chorizo to beef tongue, priced at $7 for two. Those hoping for burritos will have to go down the street to Baja Fresh; they’re not to be found on the menu.

Around Town

Neighborhood Installs a ‘Little Free Library’

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 11:05AM

A new “Little Free Library” was recently installed on S. Edgewood Street, near Army Navy Country Club. The “library” is actually just an old crate — still labeled “Wisconsin cranberries” — with a glass door on the front, mounted on a stake in front of the Fairview Mews townhouses.

Inside the crate are a number of books, mostly popular fiction from the likes of James Patterson, David Baldacci and Clive Cussler. In addition to popular novels, the library has previously stocked children’s books, a baseball history book, and a book of poetry.

News

Morning Poll: Did You Watch the Debate?

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 10:00AM

We’ve already established that Arlington is a company town — with some 46 percent of respondents to our poll saying they work for the federal government or a government contractor.

Since government is the predominant local industry, one would think that last night’s presidential debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney would have been the programming of choice on most local TVs. But was that actually the case? Let’s find out.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published October 4, 2012 at 9:00AM | Updated October 4, 2012 at 9:26AM

Civic Federation Endorses All Bonds — The Arlington County Civic Federation has voted to endorse all four bonds on the Nov. 6 ballot. The Civic Federation voted by a narrow 26-22 margin to support the $50.5 million parks and recreation bond, which includes more than $40 million for a new aquatics center at Long Brige Park. [Sun Gazette]

Boxing Match Coming to Ft. Myer — A boxing match will be held at the Smith Gymnasium on Joint Base Myer/Henderson Hall on Saturday. The match will feature a number of local boxers, including heavyweight Duane Mobley and lightweight Terron “The Kid” Grant. Tickets are $30 and doors open at 6:00 p.m. [Boxing Along the Beltway, JBMHH]

News

County, Landlord Back Off After Shop Changes Mural

By Katie Pyzyk

Published October 3, 2012 at 3:55PM

There’s a whale of a difference between the old and new murals at Smokey Shope III (554 23rd Street South) in Crystal City.

The store — which sells various types of gifts and smoking paraphernalia — had run into trouble with the county over a mural on the side of the building depicting a man smoking a cigar. The painting was viewed as an advertisement for products inside, thus constituting an illegal sign.

News

Restoration Anglican Church Looks to Expand

By Katie Pyzyk

Published October 3, 2012 at 2:45PM | Updated October 3, 2012 at 4:39PM

The church congregation formed in January 2009, when it was around 100 people. At that time, it rented space for one service per week from Trinity Baptist Church, as did a third congregation which ended up relocating to Reston. Restoration bought the church building when Trinity disbanded in 2010.

Now, the congregation is closer to 450-500 people and the number of weekend services has increased to three. The Rev. David Hanke says the congregation has reached its threshold for expansion in the current facility.

Events

Artisphere to Hold Second Anniversary Celebration

By Katie Pyzyk

Published October 3, 2012 at 1:20PM

The art venue has often been the target of criticism due to a rocky first year in existence, which included low attendance and revenue. However, there’s been a concerted effort to turn things around by following a revamped business plan.

“We’ve had a really successful year and I think if people engage with the arts they understand the value of it. I would certainly encourage people to participate more to understand the value,” said Artisphere Executive Director Jose Ortiz. “Like any new organization or start-up, you go thorough some growing pains. I hope at this point we would have all moved past that.”

Schools

Photos: Walk and Bike to School Day in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published October 3, 2012 at 11:45AM

Today was “Walk and Bike to School Day” in Arlington and across the country.

The annual event in Arlington, organized by Arlington Public Schools (with the help of local PTAs), encourages students and parents to bike and walk to school more often. At Oakridge Elementary School, this year’s “spotlight school” for Walk and Bike to School Day, hundreds of students and parents walked, biked or even scootered to school.