The Columbia Turnpike Company, which built the Pike, was chartered by congress on April 12, 1810, when Arlington was still part of the District of Columbia. The Pike has since been a thoroughfare for soldiers during the Civil War, the site of a freedman’s village, and a location for a World War II prisoner-of-war camp (some of the German soldiers held there helped to repave the Pike at one point).

On Monday, April 12, between 6:00 and 8:30 p.m., the Pike will celebrate its history at the Salsa Room (2619 Columbia Pike). The free event, which is open to the public (RSVP here), will feature speakers, a birthday cake and a cash bar. Speakers include Arlington historian Sara Collins, county board vice-chairman Chris Zimmerman, and Dr. Talmadge Williams of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington.


By Alex

Starting at 10:15 a.m. there will be a class called “Garden Soil Testing! How and Why” that will include a free test kit for all participants. Later in the day, at 3:00 p.m., a class titled “How to Catch a Squirrel:  Solutions to Common Garden Problems” promises valuable tips for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

There’s a ton to learn about gardening — proper mulching, watering, fertilizing, etc. — but these free classes should be a good start for any green thumb looking to keep their yard pristine and make their garden yield better results.


There is flat-out a ton of things to do this weekend in Arlington. There’s plenty of live music, live theater and live comedy to experience this weekend. If that’s not enough, there’s also a charity shopping event and a charity bar sports competition, as well as a Wii tournament and a rockin’ party at an art exhibit.

For a full listing of things to do around town, see our events calendar.


Blackburn will be holding a fundraiser at The Front Page in Ballston (4201 Wilson Blvd) tomorrow, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The goal is to “raise awareness and find a cure for this stupid disease,” as she likes calling it.

Blackburn and her “Kickin’ It For Krista” team, which is raising money for the DC Walk for Lupus Now event next month, will be selling $5 wristbands that will allow participants to take advantage of specially-arranged food and drink specials.


Help fund ovarian cancer research while indulging in food and drink specials at Piola (1550 Wilson Blvd) on Sunday. Starting at 5:00 p.m., the Rosslyn restaurant will host the 3rd Annual Friends4Life celebration.

Piola will donate 20 percent of the proceeds to the HERA Foundation. The public is welcome and encouraged to bring along friends, family and neighbors.


Six finalists have been selected for the county’s 2010 Women of Vision Award.They are: Lillibeth Boruchow, Angela Fox, Judy Hadden, Kathleen Sibert, Linda Dunphy and Andrea Maresca.

The awards dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 31, at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (4301 Wilson Boulevard). ABC7 anchor Maureen Bunyan will host the event. The public is welcome, but a $10 donation is suggested.


Homegrown floats will roll down the parade route towards the Clarendon Metro station, accompanied by people in costume. Expect plenty of green beads to be thrown to the crowd lining Wilson Blvd.

No word yet on whether organizers will also be distributing purple and yellow beads. The St. Patrick’s Day parade was created as a substitute for the annual Mardi Gras parade, which was canceled this year due to snow.


Four Court’s normal Sunday activities will become even more Irish-y. Expect a special Irish Sunday brunch. Then, later Sunday night, karaoke become Irish-themed karaoke.

For more dedicated drinkers, the Arlington Athletic and Social League is holding its “St. Practice Day” bar crawl on Saturday. The $10 registration fee is almost worth it just for the t-shirt.


The Four Courts Four Miler kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Police will shut down Wilson Blvd from Courthouse Road to North Rhodes Street from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wilson Blvd from North Rhodes Street to Route 110 in Rosslyn will be closed at 8:45 a.m. Northbound Route 110 from Rosslyn to Route 1 in Crystal City will be shut down from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Click here for a map.

Cars parked along the route will be ticketed and towed. Race participants are urged to use Metro. The Courthouse station is a short distance from the starting line.


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