Around Town

College Students Launch Glass Recycling Service in Arlington

By Vernon Miles

While Arlington is celebrating a new high in drop-off glass recycling, after discontinuing the recycling of glass collected curbside, a pair of local brothers have set up their own business to fill a gap in the market.

In a local Facebook group, Joe Core said he and his brother — both college students — would pick up glass from people’s homes to take it to one of Arlington’s drop-off glass recycling bins for $7. The service is contact-free, reducing the risk of spreading disease through in-person contact.

Go to College Students Launch Glass Recycling Service in Arlington Read more

Columbia Pike Businesses Say Outdoor Dining Vital to Survival

By Vernon Miles

As Arlington’s restaurants try to return to some semblance of normalcy during the first phase of reopening, some local restaurants are anxiously awaiting Arlington County approval of temporary outdoor seating permits.

Owners of two eateries along the Columbia Pike corridor, Ethiopian restaurant Dama Pastry & Cafe (1505 Columbia Pike) and Ididos Coffee and Social House (1107 S. Walter Reed Drive) said getting access to outdoor dining is a crucial part of getting business back to normal.

Go to Columbia Pike Businesses Say Outdoor Dining Vital to Survival Read more

Chalk Artist Creates Ballston Mural Celebrating Those Fighting the Pandemic

By Vernon Miles

Over the next three weeks, Ballston streets might look a little more colorful than before thanks to a new series of murals commissioned by BallstonGives, a charitable subsidiary of the Ballston Business Improvement District.

Artist Patrick Owens was commissioned to do a series of chalk images on the sidewalk over the next three weeks. The first was completed earlier this week outside Randolph Towers (4001 9th Street N.).

Go to Chalk Artist Creates Ballston Mural Celebrating Those Fighting the Pandemic Read more

John Glenn’s Former Arlington Home Has Been Torn Down

By ARLnow.com
John and Annie Glenn's former house awaiting demolition in May (courtesy photo)

(Updated at 11:10 a.m.) The mid-century rambler near Williamsburg Middle School that was home to astronaut John Glenn and his family has been torn down.

The demolition came just days after the death of Annie Glenn, widow of the former U.S. senator and first American to orbit the earth. She died on Tuesday, May 19 from complications of COVID-19, as a backhoe sat in the front yard of the place she called home for nearly five years, including during John’s history-making Friendship 7 mission in 1962.

Go to John Glenn’s Former Arlington Home Has Been Torn Down Read more

An Acclaimed Blues Musician is Serenading Ballston Every Friday Night

By ARLnow.com
Chester Chandler, aka "Memphis Gold," at his apartment building in Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

He’s performed at the Kennedy Center, at the Columbia Pike Blues Festival, and overseas for the troops.

And now — in lieu of his usual concerts and club gigs — Chester Chandler, better known as Memphis Gold, is performing from his apartment balcony in Ballston every Friday night from 8-9 p.m.

Go to An Acclaimed Blues Musician is Serenading Ballston Every Friday Night Read more

Arlingtonians Raise Thousands to Get School Supplies to Low-Income Families

By Vernon Miles
My Job Bags being delivered (photo courtesy Sutton Family)

Like many community members in Arlington, Amanda and Michael Sutton were concerned that the pandemic could lead to a wider education gap between those with resources at home and those without. So they decided to do something about it.

The Suttons have so far raised more than $6,400 via an online fundraising campaign called “My Job Bags.”

Go to Arlingtonians Raise Thousands to Get School Supplies to Low-Income Families Read more

Arlington Barbershops and Salons Adapt to Cutting Hair During Pandemic

By Vernon Miles
Staff at Illusions of Shirlington working with face shields (photo via Illusions of Shirlington/Instagram)

As Arlington prepares to move into Phase 1 of the reopening, some local barbershops and salons are ready to reopen with a different look.

Illusions of Shirlington (4033 Campbell Avenue) is planning to reopen this Friday, though its owner acknowledged that the new restrictions will make her work and that of her staff a bit harder.

Go to Arlington Barbershops and Salons Adapt to Cutting Hair During Pandemic Read more

Arlington Releases Guide for Handling Mental Stress of Social Distancing

By Vernon Miles

Among the ripple effects of COVID-19 is the psychological strain of isolation. While Arlington works to combat the health and economic impacts of the pandemic, the county is also launching initiatives to address the mental impact.

“We have a lot going on in terms of mental health programs and supports as we navigate through coronavirus,” said Kurt Larrick, assistant director of Arlington’s Department of Human Services.

Go to Arlington Releases Guide for Handling Mental Stress of Social Distancing Read more

County Resuming Bulk Trash Collection Next Week

By ARLnow.com
Trash barrel from DES on N. Glebe Road (file photo)

Arlington’s residential waste collection crews will be gradually resuming their collection of bulk items, starting next week.

“Limited curbside bulk item trash collection returns the week of May 25 but to avoid overwhelming the crews and system, residents must call 703-228-5000 to schedule a bulk pickup on their trash day,” the county said on its website. “Limited to 100 customers per day the week of May 25 (regular Monday trash routes on Memorial Day); 150 customers per day the week of June 1.”

Go to County Resuming Bulk Trash Collection Next Week Read more

Adagio Ballet on Lee Highway to Close

By Vernon Miles
Ballet practice at Adagio Ballet (photo via Adagio Ballet School of Dance/Facebook)

After attempting to pivot to online classes during the pandemic, the Adagio Ballet School of Dance at 4720 Lee Highway is closing.

“With regret, Adagio Ballet, Inc. is closing after 16 years,” the school said in an email, which was forwarded to ARLnow. “This is an extremely sad time for us, because we consider our instructors, staff, students and students’ families to be our family and will greatly miss them.”

Go to Adagio Ballet on Lee Highway to Close Read more
View More Stories