Author: Katherine Berko

Feature

Free Ride-Hailing App in Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor Picks Up Steam

By Katherine Berko

Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

A new startup offering free pick-ups and drop-offs in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor in its electric cars has gotten quite a bit of attention just weeks after launch.

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Events

‘Minority Nerd’ Convention Coming to Crystal City

By Katherine Berko

BlerDCon, an “exclusively inclusive” convention for geeks of all colors and backgrounds, arrives at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy) today.

BlerDCon strives to help people embrace their inner nerd across a variety of genres, including “anime, comic books, sci-fi, gaming or cosplay.” It’s taking place today through Sunday, July 2.

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Around Town

Madison Manor Park Set For Renovations

By Katherine Berko
The park is set for various renovations in the coming years

Madison Manor Park is getting a face-lift.

Renovations at the park at 6225 12th Road N. in the Madison Manor neighborhood will include redesigning the playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, multi-use field, water fountain, park furniture, irrigation walkways, fences and landscaping. The park will also be brought up to current standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Feature

Meal-Kit Startup Turns Customers into Chefs

By Katherine Berko

Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.

If you’ve ever wanted to prepare a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen, your hunger may now be satisfied.

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Around Town

Middle School Student Asks County Board For Stoplight at Crash-Prone Intersection  

By Katherine Berko
Williamsburg Middle School student Andy Nogas, who emailed the County Board with his request

A local teen is trying to make a difference by lobbying for safety improvements to a crash-prone intersection.

At 13 years old, Williamsburg Middle School student Andy Nogas is too young to vote, but not too young to email the Arlington County Board and ask for members’ help.

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News

Further Safety Improvements Coming to W&OD, Custis Trails

By Katherine Berko
The intersection of the W&OD Trail and S. Oakland Street

The Washington & Old Dominion and Custis trails are set for further construction this summer, with the hope of increasing safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and public transportation users.

The improvements will reduce the distance of crossing some streets, upgrade curb ramps and bus stops, create high visibility crosswalks, improve trail crossing alignments and update traffic signals to meet Arlington County’s standards, among other changes.

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Schools

AHC Mentoring Program Celebrates Students’ College Acceptance

By Katherine Berko
Del. Alfonso Lopez (D) gathers with the graduates

All 15 high school graduates from the pilot year of AHC Inc.’s new college guidance program will progress into higher education.

This year, the seniors applied to 71 schools and were accepted into 54. Together, they received nearly $500,000 in scholarship money, including full rides to Georgetown University and the University of Pennsylvania. Many of the students are the first members of their family to attend college.

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News

Kenmore Middle School Receives Grant for Solar Panel

By Katherine Berko
Students will be able to learn about solar power through real-time data

Kenmore Middle School was one of six sites in Virginia selected to have a solar panel installed on its roof as part of the Solar for Students program, which encourages hands-on learning about clean energy.

A 1.2 kilowatt panel will be installed on the school’s roof to convert sunlight into electricity, with real-time data displays to help classroom learning. It is estimated the panel will generate enough electricity to power 18 desktop computers, or 15 42-inch LED TVs.

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Around Town

Local Social Media Stars Run Accounts Like Businesses, Get Results

By Katherine Berko
Sarah Phillips of 52 Thursdays

From politicians to fashion bloggers, Arlington is home to a variety of social media influencers. One common thread among them? Many run their social media feeds like a business.

Angelica Talan, a resident of the Courthouse-Clarendon area, created the blog Clarendon Moms in 2011. Talan often frequented restaurant launches or book signings in the area but noticed she was the only mother present. She created Clarendon Moms as a resource for other Arlington-based mothers to learn about these free events.

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Around Town

Riders Shake Off Health Issues to Compete Again at Armed Forces Cycling Classic

By Katherine Berko
Jake Keough is back behind the wheel after health issues (courtesy photo)

The 20th Armed Forces Cycling Classic will take place in Arlington this weekend, and one of its former champions is set to get back in the saddle.

Jake Keough, a three-time winner of the Crystal Cup race, will be cycling in it for the first time since he was forced into retirement three years ago due to an irregular heartbeat.

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Traffic

Road Closures Planned for Arlington Youth Triathlon

By Katherine Berko

The children-only triathlon includes a swimming race, a bike race and a run. The race will begin in the pool at Washington-Lee High School, followed by a loop bike course and a flat run on the outdoor track at Washington-Lee.

“The races are intended to encourage children to have fun while participating in physical activities,” according to an online event listing. “The swim-bike-run disciplines of triathlon are life-long sports that support a healthy lifestyle from childhood through adulthood.”

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