Katie Pyzyk | ARLnow

Homeowners Urged to Remove Destructive Ivy from Trees

Published March 15, 2012 at 11:52AM

Although the ivy is often considered decorative, it can actually strangle the life from trees. It can steal nutrients and water from trees it wraps around, and can accelerate tree rot by holding moisture close to the tree trunk. It has been known to kill trees and add enough weight to cause trees to topple during storms.

“Our trees add financial value to our properties and quality to our lives,” said Nora Palmatier, President of TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria in a press release. “The investment is worth it. Unfortunately, English ivy is a threat to that investment.”

Events

Program to Wax Nostalgic About Historic Businesses

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 15, 2012 at 10:45AM

“Do You Remember?” is being billed as an interactive journey through Arlington’s commercial history. Charlie Clark, a longtime contributor to the Arlington Historical Magazine, will lead the program.

The program will look at now defunct businesses such as Herbert’s Youth Fashions and McCrory’s Five and Dime. Attendees can also share their memories of beloved businesses from decades past.

News

County Board Candidates Address Homeless Shelter, Accountability at Forum

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 14, 2012 at 9:50AM

Garvey’s main push is for more communication and transparency in government.

“I think we’re having a little trouble keeping our priorities straight. Is it all about education, infrastructure, public safety? Or is it all about Artispheres and street cars and that sort of thing,” Garvey said. “I think we need to be very clear about our priorities and make them our core services.”

News

Website Allows Residents to Opt Out of Receiving Directories

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 9, 2012 at 3:57PM

Two trade groups have teamed up to create a phone book opt-out website. It was set up to reduce the amount of waste and costs associated with delivering unwanted directories.

The site determines which phone books you are eligible for based on your ZIP code, and allows you to choose which you do or do not want to receive.

News

Volunteers Needed for Spring and Summer Children’s Activities

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 9, 2012 at 2:30PM | Updated March 9, 2012 at 4:01PM

Volunteers are needed for a number of children’s activities taking place around Arlington this spring and summer. More information about these opportunities and others can be found on the Volunteer Arlington website.

Around Town

Coach Men’s Store Coming to Pentagon City Mall

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 9, 2012 at 1:30PM

It’s located next to the Apple store, and is expected to open in May. The company appears to be accepting employment applications for the new store, according to a note on the ad.

Although Coach is now typically known for its designer women’s handbags, its website says: “Founded in New York in 1941, Coach was originally a men’s leathergoods company.”

Around Town

Bertucci’s in Clarendon Suddenly Closes

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 9, 2012 at 9:30AM

When we talked to an employee at the Market Common location two weeks ago, he said the restaurant had been renegotiating its lease. At the time, he said it was in no danger of shutting down and customers could still make reservations.

Last night the restaurant was closed and dark, and nobody could be seen inside. The Bertucci’s lighted signs have already been taken down.

News

Police Training Exercise Tomorrow in Oakland Park

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 8, 2012 at 3:46PM

Law enforcement officers will be performing the training exercise in Oakland Park, which is located at the corner of Wilson Blvd and Oakland St. It’s slated to run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Residents who park in the area are advised to pay extra attention to signs on parking meters during that time. Many meters around the park will be designated for use only by those participating in the training.

News

Transit Alert: Metro Delays Due to Person on Tracks

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 8, 2012 at 2:57PM | Updated March 8, 2012 at 9:54PM

Update at 3:10 p.m. — WMATA reports the Foggy Bottom station has reopened.

Earlier: Metro riders should expect to experience delays on the Orange and Blue lines due to a person struck by a train at Foggy Bottom.

Around Town

Board to Consider Permit to Expand Lyon Park Community House

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 8, 2012 at 2:50PM

The association has requested a permit to expand and renovate the community house, which was built in 1925 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If approved, the permit would allow for the addition of more than 1,000 square feet. Among the changes would be an update to the kitchen and the addition of a sunroom. The plan also includes various updates to make the house handicap accessible.

Typically, an expansion of this kind would also require the addition of parking spaces; In this particular case, 13 extra. However, the building was constructed before a zoning ordinance regarding parking was put in place. Therefore, county staff has recommended that the expansion be allowed without the addition of parking spaces. The permit would require the association provide handouts with off-site parking information to anyone who applies to rent the facility.

Weather

Pollen Spike Causing Allergy Misery

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 8, 2012 at 1:30PM

The tree pollen level shot up to high today due to the warm and windy conditions.

Local doctors say typically the first couple weeks of April mark the start of heavy allergy season. That increases throughout the month as more trees release pollen spores, which can be seen blanketing the area.

Around Town

“Top Model” to Hold Casting Call in Pentagon City

By Katie Pyzyk

Published March 8, 2012 at 11:45AM

This season will be the “college edition” and casting directors are looking for ladies involved in all types of continuing education. They’ll be recruiting at the Pentagon City mall from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Applicants must be females between the ages of 18 and 27, and need to be at least 5’7″ tall. A filled out application and photo ID are required at the casting call. Additional eligibility requirements are available online.