January, 2013 | ARLnow.com

Morning Notes

Published January 7, 2013 at 9:15AM

State Legislators Hold Public Hearing — Arlington’s delegation to the Virginia General Assembly listened to nearly 50 speakers make the case for various legislative and funding priorities at a public hearing Friday night. Among the issues discussed were gun laws, mental health and disability funding, and Medicaid. [Twitter, Sun Gazette]

Rent Rises in Arlington — The average rent in Arlington in the third quarter of 2012 was $2,500.06, a 2.5 percent increase from a year prior. The average rent for single-family homes had the steepest increase — 4.4 percent — compared to apartments and townhouses. [Sun Gazette]

Feature

Open Houses in Arlington This Weekend

By ARLnow.com

Published January 6, 2013 at 5:45AM

If you’re looking for a new home, there are numerous open houses to choose from in Arlington this weekend.

See our real estate section for a full listing of open houses. Here are a few highlights:

Feature

Your Beermonger: New Year, New Beer

By ARLnow.com

Published January 4, 2013 at 3:35PM

Editor’s Note: This sponsored column is written by Nick Anderson, beermonger at Arrowine (4508 Lee Highway)

I hope everyone had an enjoyable New Year’s Eve. My wife and I celebrated with a small group of friends and while a good number of Champagne bottles were consumed, I was encouraged to see the quality of brews brought over by friends who aren’t necessarily what you’d call beer geeks. It’s always fun to talk to those folks who are just discovering a love for beer and share in their journey just a little.

Around Town

‘Old Bike Shop’ Opens in Lyon Park

By ARLnow.com

Published January 4, 2013 at 2:10PM

The Old Bike Shop, located at 2647 N. Pershing Drive, specializes in vintage and refurbished bikes and bike parts. Owner Larry Behery, a former car mechanic and carpenter, says there was an unmet need for a used bike store in Arlington.

“There are a lot of shops in the area, but they serve a higher-end clientele — someone who’s already into bikes, already into racing, someone who’s into spending a couple of thousand dollars on a bike,” he said. “But there was nobody really just being a liaison for the beginner,” for people who “need something inexpensive to ride to the Metro… something solid and something that’s not stolen or broken off of Craigslist. ”

Events

‘Top Model’ Tryouts to Be Held at Pentagon City Mall

By ARLnow.com

Published January 4, 2013 at 12:45PM

The auditions will take place at the mall from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Previously only open to women, this latest round of tryouts are open to both men and women, between the ages of 18 and 27. A list of eligibility requirements and a required 100+ question application are both available via the DC50 website.

The auditions will be followed by a private screening for the new show The Carrie Diaries, a “prequel” to the hit HBO show Sex and the City. The screening will take place at 5:00 p.m.; interested viewers must register online.

News

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt Store Now Open in Pentagon City

By ARLnow.com

Published January 4, 2013 at 11:20AM

The new Tutti Frutti store is located in Pentagon City on the 1300 block of S. Fern Street, near the U.S. Post Office and Epic Smokehouse. The store is the second Tutti Frutti in Arlington, after a location at 2439 N. Harrison Street, in the Lee Harrison Shops.

As reported in July, the location is only a couple of blocks from a Yogiberry frozen yogurt store on Pentagon Row, but the franchise owner of Tutti Frutti isn’t very worried about the competition.

News

ACPD Recruits Graduate from Police Academy

By ARLnow.com

Published January 4, 2013 at 10:25AM

Twenty-one Arlington County Police Department recruits graduated from Northern Virginia’s regional police academy late last month.

A graduation ceremony for the recruits — 17 men and 4 women — was held at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. The recruits will now be required to participate in 12 additional weeks of field training before becoming fulling certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

News

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Published January 4, 2013 at 9:35AM | Updated January 4, 2013 at 10:46AM

Legislators Holding Public Meeting Tonight — Arlington County’s delegation to the Virginia General Assembly will hold their annual public legislative hearing tonight (Friday). The public is invited to address the delegation at the meeting, which starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Arlington County Board room on the third floor of 2100 Clarendon Blvd. The delegation includes three state Senators and four members of the House of Delegates. [Arlington County]

Changes to ART 42 Schedule — Minor schedule changes to the ART 42 bus route will take effect starting Monday, Jan. 7. The changes in scheduled arrival times are designed to “improve on-time performance.” [Arlington Transit]

News

Fire at Courthouse Dry Cleaning Shop

By ARLnow.com

Published January 3, 2013 at 9:00PM

Firefighters battled a small but smoky fire at Highland Shoe Repair (2020 14th Street N.) Thursday night.

A fire broke out around 7:15 p.m. in the back room of the shop, according to Arlington County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Gregg Karl. The blaze was quickly extinguished after firefighters arrived on scene, but not before it generated a considerable amount of acrid-smelling smoke.

News

Senate Page Lauded for Service During Fiscal Cliff Battle

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 3, 2013 at 5:00PM | Updated February 19, 2015 at 9:50PM

Jarrod Nagurka said he had a short break as the clock struck midnight, so he watched the New York City ball drop on a television in the Senate Democratic cloakroom.

“Nothing could be cooler than spending New Year’s in the Senate,” said Nagurka. “I was joking around with one of the senators that hopefully I’ll have quite a few more New Year’s Eves, but my days spending New Year’s Eve in the Senate are probably numbered.”

Traffic

TRAFFIC ALERT: Water Main Break Shuts Washington Blvd

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 3, 2013 at 4:15PM | Updated January 3, 2013 at 4:36PM

Update at 4:35 p.m. — One westbound lane is now slowly getting by the scene of the water main break.

A water main break in Virginia Square is snarling traffic on Washington Blvd, and will continue to do so through the evening rush hour.

Feature

Arlington Social Sports Registration Closes Jan. 8

By ARLnow.com

Published January 3, 2013 at 3:55PM | Updated January 3, 2013 at 4:19PM

It’s a new year which means it’s time for resolutions and fresh starts.

United Social Sports is giving Arlington residents a chance to check several New Year’s goals off your list. We’re continuing to expand our Arlington leagues this season, offering those who live, work or play here plenty of opportunities to get active and social.