Author: Vernon Miles

Vernon Miles is the ALXnow cofounder and editor. He's covered Alexandria since 2014 and has been with Local News Now since 2018. When he's not reporting, he can usually be found playing video games or Dungeons and Dragons with friends.

Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Piney

By Vernon Miles
Piney, a rabbit looking for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (courtesy photo)

Piney is a sweet bunny with a big heart and, unlike some rabbits, knows what not to chew on.

Piney is a five-year-old rabbit looking for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Her write-up describes her as a sweet and gentle bunny with a heart as soft as her fur.

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Around Town

Arlington woman turns 100 today after a century of ‘resilience and history’

By Vernon Miles
Cozette Washington (courtesy photo)

Arlington resident Cozette Washington turns 100 today (Wednesday) and hasn’t wasted a second.

Washington was born in Bayonne, N.J. on Sept. 24, 1925. At the time, clothes were washed on scrub boards and the radio was new, her granddaughter, Kamilla Scott, told ARLnow.

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News

Former Vice President Mike Pence joins faculty at GMU

By Vernon Miles
GMU Mason-Square Campus's Schar School (staff photo)

Former Vice President Mike Pence will be joining George Mason University’s Arlington-based Schar School of Policy and Government this fall.

Pence — the VP during President Donald Trump’s first term — has been named a professor of practice, meaning he will contribute to undergraduate courses starting in spring 2026, according to a release from GMU.

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Events

Celtic Festival returns to Samuel Beckett’s in Shirlington this weekend

By Vernon Miles
A previous year's Celtic Festival (via Samuel Beckett's/Facebook)

Shirlington’s annual Irish transformation is returning this weekend for Celtic Festival 2025.

The event, led by Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub at 2800 South Randolph Street, will bring live music, dancers, bagpipes and more to Campbell Avenue.

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Around Town

New mahjong studio ‘Talk Tiles to Me’ opens in Falls Church

By Vernon Miles
Tori Rittinger at Talk Tiles to Me (courtesy photo)

A new mahjong studio for both established players and those hoping to learn the popular game has opened in Falls Church.

Local mahjong player Tori Rittinger, who launched Talk Tiles to Me at 113 Rowell Court last week, said she fell in love with the game when a friend got her hooked in 2021.

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News

Upcoming airshow is a homecoming for Arlington Thunderbirds pilot

By Vernon Miles
Maj. Jeff "Simmer" Downie, Arlington native and lead solo for the Thunderbirds (via Air Force Thunderbirds/Facebook)

Arlington native Major Jeff “Simmer” Downie and his F-16C are making the trip back to the D.C. area next week to fly in a show he grew up watching.

Downie is the lead solo pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. When the air demonstration squadron comes to Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County on Sept. 13 and 14, it’ll be a rare opportunity for Downie to fly near his hometown.

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Around Town

Rosslyn Jazz Fest returns this weekend, showcasing Grammy-nominated blues group

By Vernon Miles
Rosslyn Jazz Fest crowd (via Rosslyn Business Improvement District)

Arlington’s largest free outdoor music festival is returning for its 33rd year this weekend at Rosslyn’s Gateway Park.

The 2025 Rosslyn Jazz Fest, run by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) and Arlington Arts, is scheduled for Saturday from 1-7 p.m. at 1300 Langston Blvd.

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News

Musicians honor late Arlington singer with rock ‘n’ roll memorial service in Clarendon

By Vernon Miles
Pat Cavanaugh and Janine Wilson performing at The Renegade to commemorate Jay Jenc (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Not many memorial services have a set list.

Friends, family, fans and fellow musicians gathered at Renegade in Clarendon yesterday (Thursday) said it was exactly the way John “Jay” Jenc would have wanted to be remembered — a gathering that blended rock music, community gathering and good food.

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Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Gertie

By Vernon Miles
Gertie (photo via AWLA)

Gertie is a delightful ‘foodie’ rabbit that’s friendly with other household pets.

Gertie is a five year old brown rabbit in foster care with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA). While many rabbits can be skittish around other pets, especially cats and dogs, the AWLA said Gertie has a track record of living peacefully with them.

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