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

New Mezeh location ‘coming soon’ to Pentagon City mall

By James Jarvis
Mezeh sign at Fashion Centre in Pentagon City (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Mezeh seems to be proceeding with its plans to open a new location at Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

The fast-casual Mediterranean grill had originally announced plans to open in 2020, but the opening was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Go to New Mezeh location ‘coming soon’ to Pentagon City mall Read more
Around Town

Makers Union pub slated to open this fall in Pentagon City

By James Jarvis
Interior design rendering of the upcoming Makers Union restaurant in Pentagon City (courtesy of Thompson Hospitality)

(Updated at 4:40 p.m.) Get ready to raise your forks and pint glasses.

Makers Union, a gastropub known for its upscale menu, is coming to Amazon’s second headquarters in Pentagon City this fall.

Go to Makers Union pub slated to open this fall in Pentagon City Read more
Around Town

Arlington couple sounds alarm on internet rental scam

By James Jarvis
Arlington couple places signs outside their home warning of rental fraud scheme (courtesy John Antonelli)

When Penrose resident Pete Giannino answered his doorbell one day this March, he was surprised to see his neighbors standing there, looking concerned.

“They said, ‘Hey, are you guys planning on renting your home?’ And I said, ‘No. Why do you ask?’ And they pointed out there was a listing on Zillow or Redfin for our home that we own,” Giannino told ARLnow.

Go to Arlington couple sounds alarm on internet rental scam Read more
News

Fifty Arlingtonians become U.S. citizens in first in-person naturalization ceremony since 2019

By James Jarvis
Scenes from a U.S. citizenship ceremony at Arlington Central Library in Virginia Square (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

With mini American flags in hand and camera phones at the ready, friends and family gathered at Arlington Central Library on Thursday to witness loved ones take the final step in their years-long journey to becoming U.S. citizens.

For the first time since 2019, Arlington Public Library hosted an in-person U.S. citizen induction ceremony at Central Library in Virginia Square. Fifty former green card holders from 29 different countries recited the Oath of Allegiance, marking the completion of their naturalization process.

Go to Fifty Arlingtonians become U.S. citizens in first in-person naturalization ceremony since 2019 Read more
Events

Arlington County offers free ‘life-saving’ courses to the public

By James Jarvis
Participants learning how to stop bleeding in a "Until Help Arrives" before the COVID-19 pandemic (Photo via Arlington County)

Want to learn how to handle a life-threatening situation?

The Arlington Community Response Team plans to offer free emergency response training sessions over the next several months for those who live, work, or volunteer in Arlington. It’s part of the national “Until Help Arrives” program to teach the public how to help during emergencies, from car accidents to active shooter situations.

Go to Arlington County offers free ‘life-saving’ courses to the public Read more
Events

Local pie shop serves up musical feast on Columbia Pike this Saturday

By James Jarvis
Acme Pie Company on Columbia Pike (file photo)

(Updated at 08/29/23) Get ready for a symphony of local sounds and savory pies.

ACME Pie Company in Penrose is set to host its third annual music event, featuring musicians from across Northern Virginia, this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 2803 Columbia Pike.

Go to Local pie shop serves up musical feast on Columbia Pike this Saturday Read more
Around Town

Arlington actor bids farewell to ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Broadway tour

By James Jarvis
Broadway actor Joey Collins says he plans to leave 'To Kill a Mockingbird' tour this month (via Instagram)

(Updated 08/25/23) This week will be the audience’s last chance to see former local pandemic response volunteer and Broadway actor Joey Collins star in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Kennedy Center.

After 18 months on the road and nearly 600 performances, Collins said he plans to leave the production following the tour’s last performance in D.C. at the Kennedy Center on Sunday.

Go to Arlington actor bids farewell to ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Broadway tour Read more
News

Dominion Energy says burying power lines in Arlington complex and costly

By James Jarvis
Fallen power line caused by July 29 storm in Arlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated on 8/18/23) After a late July tempest plunged roughly 35,000 Arlington residents into darkness, ARLnow posed a pressing question to Virginia’s largest electric utility: Why not move all power lines underground?

The short answer is red tape and price.

Go to Dominion Energy says burying power lines in Arlington complex and costly Read more
News

Twenty-eight Arlington companies make 2023 Inc. 5000 list

By James Jarvis
This year, 20 Arlington-based companies made the Inc. 5000 list (via Inc.)

A total of 28 Arlington-based companies are featured in this year’s Inc. 5000 list, which ranks the nation’s fastest-growing privately owned companies.

Several Arlington-based firms that made the list specialize in technology such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity and cloud computing. Others perform various professional services for the federal government, including information technology, financial consulting and engineering.

Go to Twenty-eight Arlington companies make 2023 Inc. 5000 list Read more
Around Town

Artist seeks inspiration from residents for art project to hang inside county HQ

By James Jarvis
Inside the renovated Ellen M. Bozman County Government Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A cavernous space inside the recently-refurbished county headquarters in Courthouse could one day be filled with public art.

Arlington County has commissioned acclaimed artist Kipp Kobayashi, known for his art displays in hospitals, airports and government buildings, to suspend a public art project in the lobby of the Bozman Government Center at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.

Go to Artist seeks inspiration from residents for art project to hang inside county HQ Read more
News

Rocks commemorating gun violence victims vanish from Courthouse garden

By James Jarvis
Hope Garden after rocks commemorating gun violence victims stolen (courtesy Moms Demand Action)

More than 100 painted rocks commemorating victims of gun violence seem to have gone missing from a garden in Courthouse.

The Arlington chapter of Moms Demand Action suspects someone may have stolen most of the 150 rocks in “Hope Garden,” a memorial garden located near Courthouse Plaza.

Go to Rocks commemorating gun violence victims vanish from Courthouse garden Read more
View More Stories