Vernon Miles | ARLnow

ACFD Taps Northern Virginia’s First African-American Female Battalion Chief

Published September 6, 2018 at 10:45AM | Updated September 6, 2018 at 11:08AM

Almost 24 years after she answered a radio ad seeking to recruit new firefighters, Tiffanye Wesley has been selected as Arlington’s southern battalion chief.

The county’s fire department tapped her for the post Sunday (Sept. 2), making her both Arlington and Northern Virginia’s first African-American female battalion chief.

Around Town

Phoenix Bikes Moves into New Home on Columbia Pike

By Vernon Miles

Published September 5, 2018 at 2:45PM | Updated September 6, 2018 at 4:35PM

Phoenix Bikes on Columbia Pike with Executive Director Meg Rapelye (right)

(Updated at 5:10 p.m.) Phoenix Bikes, a local nonprofit and community bike shop, has officially moved. The shop started moving yesterday from its Four Mile Run location into a new home inside the Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S Dinwiddie St).

Meg Rapelye, executive director of Phoenix Bikes, said the shop is planning to open next week. The exact date is still pending an approval of a certificate of occupancy, but an official ribbon cutting is planned for next Wednesday (Sept. 12).

Schools

Commuter Incentives Suspended for APS Employees

By Vernon Miles

Published September 5, 2018 at 9:45AM | Updated September 5, 2018 at 10:03AM

(Updated at 10 a.m.) Arlington Public Schools is indefinitely suspending its incentive program to push employees out of their cars, after the effort proved to be a bit too successful — and expensive.

The school system’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Commuter Program provides stipends to employees for turning to public transit, walking, bicycling, carpooling and other options to limit the number of cars going to and from schools.

Events

National Chamber Ensemble Announces 2018-2019 Season

By Vernon Miles

Published September 4, 2018 at 4:45PM

Leo Sushansky (right) and Carlos César Rodríguez with the National Chamber Ensemble (courtesy of the NCE)

The National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) is returning to Arlington with a recently announced suite of performances covering the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary periods.

The concerts will be held in Theater 1 of the Gunston Arts Center (2700 South Lang Street).

Events

Arlington Agenda: September 4-9

By Vernon Miles

Published September 4, 2018 at 3:45PM

Crowds at Rosslyn Jazz Fest in 2018 (courtesy Rosslyn BID)

Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.

Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Around Town

Trolley Pub Rebrands to Become ‘Pedal Saloon’

By Vernon Miles

Published September 4, 2018 at 1:45PM | Updated September 4, 2018 at 5:29PM

Photo via Pedal Saloon

The Trolley Pub, the mobile biking platform hopping from bar to bar across Arlington, has undergone a rebranding to Pedal Saloon.

According to John Alligood, general manager at Pedal Saloon Arlington, the change came after former partners were bought out by the current leadership.

Around Town

Tyrol Hill Park Celebrates Grand Reopening

By Vernon Miles

Published August 31, 2018 at 1:45PM

After two years of design and one year of construction, Tyrol Hill Park has finished the last phase of its construction and is open to the public.

Tyrol Hill Park is a two-acre park adjoining the Forest Glen and Arlington Mill Neighborhoods, with connections branching out into the nature trails of Glencarlyn Park.

Around Town

Here’s What to Expect as Labor Day and the First Day of School Draw Closer

By Vernon Miles

Published August 31, 2018 at 9:45AM | Updated August 31, 2018 at 11:07AM

Abingdon Elementary School students cross the road on the first day of school (file photo)

Going into the Labor Day weekend, Arlingtonians should be aware of several closings coming up on Monday and one big opening the day after: back to school day.

As local students head back to the opening day for schools on Tuesday (Sept. 4), the Arlington Police Department has put out a reminder for motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, and watch for the influx of students walking and biking to school.

Traffic

Construction Underway on Old Dominion Sidewalk Completion

By Vernon Miles

Published August 31, 2018 at 8:45AM

The curbside lane will be closed due to tree removal work. (Photo via Arlington County)

Construction is underway on an extension of the sidewalk along the south side of Old Dominion Drive to connect the Cherrydale Firehouse to N. Thomas Street.

Along with the new sidewalk, a series of storm drainage improvements are being constructed.

Events

New Crystal City Oktoberfest Planned for Next Month

By Vernon Miles

Published August 29, 2018 at 1:45PM

Tickets to the event are $30 if purchased in advance, or $45 at the door. Tickets give visitors entry into the festival and live entertainment, as well as ten beer sampling tickets along with a custom mug to fill.

VIP tickets, $50 in advance or $65 at the door, includes 15 beer sampling tickets, early access, a private tent and private bathrooms.

Around Town

Shake Shack in Ballston Nears Opening Later This Year

By Vernon Miles

Published August 28, 2018 at 3:55PM | Updated September 6, 2018 at 4:44PM

Progress is being made at the new Shake Shack in the Ballston Exchange.

The fast food burger chain will be joining We, The Pizza, Philz Coffee and Cava as the ground floor retail of the newly renovated building at 4201 Wilson Blvd.

Around Town

New Bar and Lounge Could Replace Chester’s Billiards

By Vernon Miles

Published August 28, 2018 at 10:45AM

Chester’s Billiards, currently a gutted husk after it was closed one year ago, may soon have a new tenant.

Sydney’s Bar and Lounge has filed for a license to operate a mixed beverage restaurant at 2620 S. Shirlington Road, formerly Chester’s Billiards.