Author: James Jarvis

James Jarvis covers county government, schools local politics, business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa.

Around Town

Greenheart Juice Shop to hold grand opening this Saturday in Ballston

By James Jarvis
The former Ballston location of Greenheart Juice Shop (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 5:32 p.m.) Greenheart Juice Shop is slated to hold a grand opening for its newest location in Ballston on Saturday.

The celebration at 4121 Wilson Blvd will include wellness shots, and attendees can enter a raffle for a chance to win gift cards or class packs to local gyms.

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Events

Free outdoor movie nights coming soon to Pentagon City

By James Jarvis

Get your blankets and popcorn ready: Westpost in Pentagon City will be hosting free outdoor movie screenings this fall.

In less than two weeks, movie-goers can enjoy a range of films, from family-friendly flicks to action-adventures, each Wednesday from Sept. 20 through Oct. 11. Screenings will be held in the plaza at Westpost, formerly known as Pentagon Row.

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News

Arlington County commemorates the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks

By James Jarvis
Arlington County first responders conduct wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 (staff photo by James Jarvis)

(Updated at 1:25 p.m. on 9/12/23) Twenty-two years ago today, at 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon, claiming the lives of 184 people.

To honor those who died, Arlington County elected officials and public safety personnel gathered in front of the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center in Courthouse to pay tribute and observe a moment of silence.

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News

County’s mobile behavioral health crisis team tackles rising homelessness amid D.C. shelter closures

By James Jarvis
Mobile Outreach Support Team coordinator Michael Keen shows Rep. Don Beyer the county's behavioral health crisis response van launched last month (staff photo by James Jarvis)

In its first month of operation, Arlington County’s mobile behavioral health response team has been busy responding to calls.

Most of these calls — which range from welfare checks to mental health emergencies and drug overdoses — involve people who are homeless, officials say. It’s a trend they attribute to the recent closures of shelters in D.C.

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News

County to cut ribbon on West Glebe Road bridge upgrades after full reopening last month

By James Jarvis
The new West Glebe Road bridge between Arlington and Alexandria (via Arlington County)

Tomorrow, Arlington County officials will officially mark the reopening of the West Glebe Road Bridge after a year-long rehabilitation project.

Tuesday’s event comes after the bridge opened to pedestrians and cyclists last month, though it reopened to vehicular traffic this March.

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News

Arlington Marine killed in Osprey crash remembered for his dedication to his crew

By James Jarvis
Hundreds gather in Maywood for vigil honoring U.S. Marine Spencer Collart, who died in an Osprey crash in Australia (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Last night, hundreds gathered outside the family home of Cpl. Spencer Collart, who died tragically during a training exercise in Australia, to honor his life.

Despite the somber atmosphere at the Maywood home of Collart’s parents, Alexia and Bart, neighbors, friends and family offered prayers, shared fond memories and joined together to sing Spencer’s favorite song, “Africa” by Toto.

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Around Town

Architects will build larger-than-life sculptures from canned food tonight at Pentagon City mall

By James Jarvis
2014 CANstruction sculpture by HGA Architects and Engineers and Balfour Beatty Construction (via Arlington Food Assistance Center/Facebook)

This evening, local architecture firms will go can-to-can in a competition to build elaborate sculptures made from canned goods.

The “Canstruction” event takes place at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. The creations built tonight will be judged on Saturday, though shoppers can also vote for their favorite canned art sculptures through Monday.

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News

Jazz festival and 9/11 Memorial 5K to cause street closures on Saturday

By James Jarvis
Street closure maps for 2023 Rosslyn Jazz Fest and Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5k (via Arlington County Police Department)

Several roads in Pentagon City and Rosslyn will be temporarily closed this Saturday for the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K and 2023 Rosslyn Jazz Fest.

While jazz enthusiasts sway to soulful tunes, just a few miles away, emergency responders will be lacing up their running shoes for the Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff, & ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K race in Pentagon City.

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News

Report: More than half of South Arlington families struggle to afford basic needs

By James Jarvis
Arlingtonians wait in line for holiday meals at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 12:45 p.m.) Within Northern Virginia, South Arlington has one of the highest concentrations of families who cannot afford basic needs and childcare.

In this half of the county, 52% of families cannot afford food, housing, medical expenses and childcare, compared to just 15% of families North Arlington, per a new report.

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Around Town

From rail yards to residential towers: Rosslyn’s half-century transformation

By James Jarvis
McDonalds integrated into a mixed-use residential building as of 2023 (via Google Maps)

(Updated 10:30 a.m.) Where the prosaic golden arches of the stand-alone McDonald’s once perched, a residential high-rise now joins the many skyscrapers defining Rosslyn’s changing skyline.

Some old landmarks have been incorporated into new high-rises, including the McDonald’s now beneath Central Place Tower on N. Lynn Street and the former Fire Station 10 at the base of The Highlands.

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News

Weathered beyond repair, a concrete sculpture in Courthouse is set to be replaced with a bronze replica

By James Jarvis
Before and after photos of concrete sculpture 'Compassion' by Una Hanbury, which has sat at the intersection of Wilson and Clarendon Blvd since 1969 (via Arlington County/anonymous)

A concrete sculpture of an adult embracing a child has been moved from its home of nearly six decades, a planted median in Courthouse, and possibly damaged in the process.

This week, the statue — missing a chunk of concrete — could be seen on a pedestal of soil and flowers on a nearby sidewalk, surrounded by construction work.

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Around Town

An Arlington Boy Scout carries on a mission to build a 9/11 memorial near fire station in Pentagon City

By James Jarvis
Daniel Bode and Megan Mazel (courtesy of Dave Bode)

Two years after Eagle Scout Megan Mazel started building a memorial around a World Trade Center steel beam in Pentagon City, a fellow scout is finishing what she started.

In 2010, the New York City Fire Department gave a warped and rusted steel beam — salvaged from the wreckage of World Trade Center’s North Tower after 9/11 — to the Arlington County Fire Department. The county held a ceremony and pledged to build a memorial.

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