Events | ARLnow.com

Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade Two Weeks Away

Published February 7, 2012 at 11:30AM

The parade — featuring homegrown floats, Mardi Gras beads, and people and animals in costume — will take place on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 8:00 p.m. The parade route will take marchers up Wilson Boulevard from N. Barton Street to N. Irving Street.

Groups expected to participate this year include the Ballou High School Band, the Washington Nationals and the D.C. Rollergirls. The all-women, Afro-Brazilian/samba-reggae percussion band Batala Washington, meanwhile, will serve as the parade’s new drum corps.

‘Couture’ Returns to Crystal City Next Week

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 3, 2012 at 2:05PM | Updated February 3, 2012 at 2:26PM

Starting on Tuesday, designers, models and fashionistas will take over the former food court at the Crystal City Shops (1750 Crystal Drive) for five days devoted to all things fashion.

Attendees can take part in trunk show sales, watch models sport the latest trends on the runway, or indulge in food and drinks while taking in music. They can also find deals of up to 50 percent off on items at some boutiques. Makeovers for hair and makeup will be available, as well.

Volunteers Needed for Green Expo on St. Patrick’s Day

By Katie Pyzyk

Published February 3, 2012 at 10:30AM | Updated February 3, 2012 at 2:42PM

On March 17, ACE is holding its third annual Green Living Expo from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Washington-Lee High School. The event focuses on helping residents find practical ways to “green up” their lifestyles. Visitors will find green living seminars, a variety of local and national exhibitors, children’s activities, a raffle, sustainable eating food sales and cooking demonstrations.

The expo is free and open to the pubic, but the event is still short on volunteers. Extra help is needed from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., organizers say. Anyone who wants to lend a hand can get more information by calling 703-228-6427.

President Obama to Visit Fire Station 5 Tomorrow

By ARLnow.com

Published February 2, 2012 at 2:30PM | Updated February 3, 2012 at 2:21AM

Obama and representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters union will announce the initiative at the closed event, which is expected to begin around 11:00 a.m.

Fire Station 5 is located at 1750 S. Hayes Street in Aurora Highlands, just blocks from Pentagon City mall. Police say drivers should expect road closures and other impacts in the area.

‘Startup Virginia’ Launches in Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published January 31, 2012 at 11:00AM

Startup Virginia, part of the privately-funded Startup America Partnership that President Obama helped to launch last year, promises to “support entrepreneurs and help startups drive job creation” in the Commonwealth. Organizers say Northern Virginia in particular is fertile ground for startups, with the numerous corporate headquarters in the area and with the area’s focus on science and technology.

“It’s about time this region got the recognition it deserves,” said a panelist at this morning’s launch event, which was attended by several hundred business leaders, academics and other attendees. Another panelist suggested that entrepreneurs can help pick up some of the economic slack that will be caused by expected cuts in defense spending.

Video: Arlington’s MLK Day Commemoration Event

By ARLnow.com

Published January 30, 2012 at 10:45AM

Earlier this month Arlington County held its 43rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day tribute event.

The commemoration featured a variety of performances, including a keynote address from Howard University’s Dr. Wilmer Leon, gospel music from Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir, and a dance tribute by Urban Artistry. The county-run Arlington Virginia Network filmed the event and recently posted a brief recap on YouTube.

Artisphere to Host Editorial Cartoon Exhibit

By ARLnow.com

Published January 26, 2012 at 12:00PM

Of course no one, not even the Mayans, can be 100 percent sure of the future. But today, at Artisphere, a group of political cartoonists will be giving soothsaying a shot.

Starting tonight, Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd) will be hosting a “pop-up exhibit” called “ApocalypToon 2012.” The exhibit will provide “a humorous outlook on the year to come [featuring] works, some created exclusively for this exhibition, by renowned editorial and political cartoonists.”

Northern Virginia Housing Fair Coming to Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Published January 24, 2012 at 10:30AM

The event features dozens of exhibits “showcasing both homeownership and rental opportunities and resources throughout Northern Virginia.” There are also free workshops that will help prepare attendees for renting or buying a home.

The housing expo is produced by the Fairfax-based nonprofit AHOME, in cooperation with the Virginia Housing Development Authority and numerous Northern Virginia localities, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun and Falls Church.

County Board to Hold First “Open Door Monday”

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 23, 2012 at 3:15PM

The meeting at Fire Station No. 4 (3121 10th St. N.) is part of Board Chair Mary Hynes’ Participation, Leadership and Civic Engagement (PLACE) initiative. Residents are encouraged to attend the sessions to chat directly with a Board member about any topic. No appointments are necessary.

Board members have said they believe many good ideas for community improvement come from the public, and they want to hear what types of changes residents have in mind.

Financial Education Classes Aimed at Women

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 19, 2012 at 2:57PM

The course aims to address the unique needs women face with money management. Some of the topics covered include budgeting, insurance basics and investing.

“The premise of the program is that women have unique financial needs,” said Virginia Cooperative Extension Financial Counselor Jennifer Abel. “Women are more likely to leave the workforce to care for young children and the elderly. On average, they have lower life earnings and yet they live longer than men.”

Bloomers to Hold Grand Opening

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 19, 2012 at 12:02PM

On Saturday, customers will get a free gift with purchase while supplies last, receive 20% off all merchandise and can enter a raffle to win three months free of the Panty of the Month Club.

Owners Angela and Kim first opened a store in Old Town Alexandria out of frustration that most underwear stores focus on lingerie and not pretty, comfortable sleepwear. They stress that their store centers around comfortable undergarments, pajamas and loungewear, but not lingerie.

Arlington Egg Project Hosting Pro-Chicken Events

By Katie Pyzyk

Published January 19, 2012 at 10:45AM

A group called The Arlington Egg Project is holding its monthly meeting tonight at the Fairlington Community Center (3308 S. Stafford St.) at 7:00 p.m. The group’s goal is to get the county to change its ordinances so residents may keep a limited number of hens in their backyards.

Next month, the group is holding an “I Love Hens” evening of film and entertainment at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike). The event will feature family friendly stand up comedy, a showing of the documentary “Mad City Chickens: The Return of the Urban Backyard Chicken!” and a conversation about urban agriculture with County Board Member Jay Fisette. Tickets for the February 16 event are $5.