Around Town

Culpepper Garden boosters put a difficult year in the rearview mirror and looked to the future at the organization’s “BBQ & Blooms” summer fundraiser.

“We’re raising the bar and we’re hoping to do more” in support of residents, Culpepper Garden’s president, Marta Hill Gray, said at the June 6 event, held at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ.


Sponsored

One of the most common questions from families before enrolling at Children’s House Montessori School (CHMS) is: “What does the day actually look like?”

The answer begins the moment a child walks through the door.

In CHMS toddler classrooms, children begin each morning with outdoor playground time, followed by a predictable routine that helps children navigate transitions with confidence. After coming inside, children hang up their tote bags on a low, child-sized hook, wash their hands at the sink, and then join their friends for circle time. This small but meaningful act of independence signals the start of their school day. These morning routines are intentional moments that help toddlers develop self-help skills, responsibility, and a sense of belonging within the classroom community.

Throughout the morning lesson time, children learn how to care for their classroom and surroundings. After working with an activity, they return it to the shelf just as they found it. If something spills, a child learns to clean it up with the small mop or cloths kept nearby for exactly that purpose. In Montessori education, these small courtesies reflect a child’s growing sense of responsibility and care for their surrounding environment.

Circle time brings the classroom community together for group lessons led by experienced, certified CHMS teachers. Children gather to sing songs, read books, and engage in discussions that build listening skills and early literacy. These moments foster a sense of connection and give toddlers a gentle, structured touchstone within the broader freedom of the Montessori day. After circle time, children move into individualized and small group hands-on learning. From child-sized shelves carefully organized by subject area, toddlers choose lessons that call to them. One child might practice pouring water between small pitchers. Another may work on a floor mat, carefully matching objects to their corresponding picture cards, building observation skills and vocabulary. (more…)


Around Town

An Arlington deli has opened its second location, bringing New York-inspired fare and East Asian cuisine to the former Bob & Edith’s Diner on Langston Blvd.

Chelsea Market & Deli is now in operation at 5050 Langston Blvd. It serves up many of the same dishes as its sister location in Courthouse — such as breakfast fare, salads, sandwiches, calzones, empanadas and pizza — but also offers new items like sushi, ramen, Korean wings and bento box meals.


Around Town

Sports bars in Arlington and Falls Church crowded with soccer fans yesterday (Thursday) as the 2026 FIFA World Cup began with victories for Mexico and South Korea.

From watch parties and drink specials, local businesses across the region have launched into weeks of festivities as the tournament continues through Sunday, July 19. Here’s an updated list of venues to gather with fans, watch the games and enjoy specials on food and drink.


Event

Commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary of the United States of America at Civic Jam! Celebrate the City of Falls Church’s diverse community, civic engagement, and classic summer fun. Jam out to live, local music, sip on local brews, enjoy tasty treats and eats, and a full evening of festivities for all ages on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Play, connect, and earn points throughout the evening in the Civic Cup Competition with activities ranging from sack races and relays to collaborative community art and trivia in the beer garden. No pre-registration required, assemble a team of four, pick up a Civic Cup scorecard, and compete for the Civic Cup Trophy!


Opinion

Whether you’re leaving for a weekend getaway or just looking to give your pet some company, Arlington has no shortage of boarding options for your furry friend.

Here are the nominees for “Best Pet Boarding in Arlington” as part of our ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Write it in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for Best Family Physician in Arlington is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Barbershop in Arlington. The results are now official:

  1. Bearded Goat Barber
  2. Supreme Barbershop
  3. Westover Barber Shop

News

David Sisson has become the second independent to qualify for the County Board election in November.

Sisson — a member of the county’s Transit Advisory Committee and executive vice chair at the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) — joins perennial protest candidate Audrey Clement in having filed paperwork and the requisite 125 petition signatures.


Around Town

A new restaurant promising “elevated American coastal cuisine” opens next week at the Westin hotel in Crystal City.

Stillwater & Stone, a new “land and sea”-inspired restaurant and bar, will hold its soft opening starting Tuesday, June 16, on the ground floor of the recently renovated Westin hotel at 1800 Richmond Highway. It’ll be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails, offering a variety of meat and seafood entrees.


News

The Arlington real estate market saw a combination of more sales and higher average prices in May — pushing the sold dollar volume up by 21% year over year.

A total of 263 properties changed hands during the month, up 16% from 226 a year before, according to figures reported June 10 by MarketStats by ShowingTime, based on data from Bright MLS.


News
A towering cloud behind a North Arlington home, as storms build to the west Thursday night (staff photo)

Temporary Uses Eyed for PenPlace — Amazon is in early talks on temporary uses for the vacant 11-acre PenPlace block, where the next phase of HQ2, including the landmark Helix, remains on hold. “It’s not ideal to have a big vacant fenced site sitting there,” Amazon community engagement lead Patrick Phillippi said. Ideas include open space, art installations and a dog park. [WBJ]

‘Amazon Now’ Eyes Clarendon — Amazon is expected to bring its Amazon Now 30-minute delivery service to Clarendon and Tysons. Prime Now LLC has filed for a license to sell alcohol from 2701 Wilson Blvd, the former home of Arlington Independent Media. The service promises fresh groceries and household essentials in 30 minutes or less. [WBJ]

Pride With the Police Returns — ACPD hosts its sixth annual Pride with the Police on Thursday, June 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 23rd Street S.). The informal event, which marks 20 years of the department’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Team, features light refreshments and LGBTQ+ bingo. [ACPD]

Longtime Taylor Teacher Retiring — Ann Heidig is retiring at the end of the school year after 40 years at Taylor Elementary, where she is known for gifting each of her students a handmade sock monkey. “If you attended or worked at Taylor during the past 40 years, it’s a good bet that you know the name Ann Heidig,” the school wrote. [APS]

ACPD Corporal Retires — ACPD celebrated the retirement of Cpl. Tuomey after 25 years with the department. “During his career, Cpl. Tuomey served faithfully as a patrol officer, school resource officer, K9 handler and as a court liaison,” the department said. [ACPD/X]

Croatia Trains in Alexandria — The Croatia national soccer team is using Episcopal High School in Alexandria as its training base for the 2026 World Cup, staying at a nearby Old Town hotel. “We could not be more honored to be the home for this team for the next month,” Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said. The squad finished second in 2018 and third in 2022. [ALXnow, WBJ]

River Closures Worry Boaters — D.C.’s expanded July 4 fireworks show could bring unprecedented Potomac River closures, worrying local boaters and paddlers. Early planning documents show fireworks launching from eight barges on the river. “Having the river closed for July 4 is the boat-world equivalent of Tysons being closed on Black Friday,” Sea Suite Cruises founder Jack Maher told Axios. [Axios]

DOJ Sues Over Mask Ban — The U.S. Justice Department is suing Virginia over its new law barring federal enforcement officials from wearing masks, according to Courthouse News reporter Joe Dodson. [Joe Dodson/X, Press Release]

It’s Friday — Today brings mostly sunny skies and a high near 96, with a heat index as high as 102. A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 4 p.m., some possibly severe, before an overnight low around 67. [NWS]