Author: Joseph Ramos

Around Town

Arlington Restaurants Participating in ‘Restaurant Week’ Starting Today

By Joseph Ramos

The two-week event, held between August 17-30, is organized by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). During the event, restaurants from across the region offer 3-course lunches for $22 per person and 3-course dinners for $35 or $55 per person (some also offer a 3-course brunch for $22 per person).

The latest Restaurant Week encourages diners to order their meals to go directly from each respective eatery, though most places also have outdoor or indoor seating available at limited capacities.

Go to Arlington Restaurants Participating in ‘Restaurant Week’ Starting Today Read more
News

Sidewalk Crowding Poses Coronavirus Threat, Local Experts Say

By Joseph Ramos

Crowding on sidewalks, which has occurred outside Arlington bars on recent weekends, has significant potential to spread the coronavirus, according to local infectious disease experts.

Confirming fears held by county officials and residents, infectious disease specialists at Virginia Hospital Center and George Mason University said the lack of physical distancing in these crowds, varying levels of mask wearing and the social environment makes the risk of coronavirus spread high.

Go to Sidewalk Crowding Poses Coronavirus Threat, Local Experts Say Read more
News

Sen. Warner Hosts Meeting On Election Security In Arlington

By Joseph Ramos
Sen. Warner holds a meeting on election security (staff photo by Joseph Ramos)

Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) held a meeting Wednesday with local and national election-focused organizations at Arlington’s Office of Elections in Courthouse.

Warner discussed the threats he feels loom largest over November’s election, specifically stressing his concerns about recent changes made to the U.S. Postal Service.

Go to Sen. Warner Hosts Meeting On Election Security In Arlington Read more
Around Town

School ‘Victory Gardens’ Used To Grow Food For Local Pantries

By Joseph Ramos
Victory gardens growing on APS grounds (photo via Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture)

Garden space at Arlington Public Schools is being used to grow produce for local pantries.

When schools closed for the academic year in March, the seeds were planted for victory gardens to grow in the place of classroom gardens.

Go to School ‘Victory Gardens’ Used To Grow Food For Local Pantries Read more
Schools

APS Plans On Still Paying Staff Who Cannot Telework

By Joseph Ramos
Superintendent Francisco Durán at the July 30 School Board meeting (Photo via Arlington Public Schools)

Arlington Public Schools is planning on paying workers whose job cannot be moved to telework through at least the first academic quarter, which ends on November 2.

Superintendent Francisco Durán laid out plans at the July 30 School Board meeting to have bus drivers and attendants, custodians, food service workers and Extended Day staff receive pay and a regular schedule during full-time distance learning.

Go to APS Plans On Still Paying Staff Who Cannot Telework Read more
Around Town

Local Dry Cleaner Hopes To Rise From Pandemic Hit

By Joseph Ramos
Eagle Cleaners (staff photo by Joseph Ramos)

The red letters spelling “We Are Open” on a banner above Eagle Cleaners is easily visible to cars on nearby Williamsburg Blvd.

At the storefront, a door stopper holds the front entrance open throughout the day. Owner Mat Srebrow’s pet parrot, Emma, sits in her perch next to the window, ready to be held by children who enter the store.

Go to Local Dry Cleaner Hopes To Rise From Pandemic Hit Read more
News

Bottle Maker Says Curbside Collection Is Best For Arlington’s Glass

By Joseph Ramos

Arlington should consider glass-only curbside collection in order to boost its recycling rate, one of the companies that helps recycle the county’s bottles and jars says.

Jim Nordmeyer, vice president of sustainability at bottle maker O-I Glass, said in an interview that while Arlington’s current drop-off containers for glass have been effective, a dedicated collection truck would further increase glass recycling levels amid a drop in glass supplies.

Go to Bottle Maker Says Curbside Collection Is Best For Arlington’s Glass Read more
Around Town

Volunteer Arlington Asks Community To “Buy A Neighbor School Supplies”

By Joseph Ramos

As a new school year nears, Volunteer Arlington is launching a new fundraiser for students in need.

The “Buy a Neighbor School Supplies” drive follows the group’s previous “Buy A Neighbor Lunch” and “Buy A Neighbor Groceries” programs, which raised a combined $59,000 to help Arlingtonians amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Go to Volunteer Arlington Asks Community To “Buy A Neighbor School Supplies” Read more