News

Church Ceiling Collapses in Nauck — On Sunday, just a few days before Christmas, part of the ceiling of the 1920s-era Lomax AME Zion church in Nauck collapsed. The collapse happened during Sunday services, forcing the choir to run for their lives, but miraculously no one was hurt. [NBC Washington, WUSA9]

Arlington Theater Makes ‘Best of 2013’ List — The AMC Courthouse movie theater, renovated in 2012, has made the Washington Post Going Out Guide’s “Best of 2013” list for “best reason to go to the movies.” The theater’s plush recliners are said to be “more comfortable than anything in your living room.” [Washington Post]


Events

The 30-minute film, titled BikeSwell, followed county staff and members of the community for more than a year while the county was adding bicycle-related amenities like Capital Bikeshare and bike lanes in streets. Gripped Films, a film company founded by Arlington resident Jason Berry, produced BikeSwell on a $30,000 county budget.

“It’s a case study on some of the things that can be done, how it’s done, and how it’s going in Arlington,” said Chris Eatough, program manager for Bike Arlington, who was part of making the film. “We asked a lot of different people from a lot of different areas of life what they think of biking. Part of it is talking to people who drive and don’t bike.”


Events

Crystal Screen, the weekly showing set up by the Crystal City Business Improvement District at 1851 S. Bell Street, will wrap up tonight (Monday) with Jurassic Park. The 1993 classic is the culmination of this summer’s “Blockbusters” theme. The film will begin after sunset.

Crystal City has already announced next summer’s theme, Flight.


Events

Movies based around airplanes will start showing the first Monday of June 2014 on the plaza at 1850 S. Bell Street. These titles include movies like “Airplane,” “Snakes on a Plane” and “Top Gun.” Crystal City BID President and CEO Angela Fox said in a press release that the theme is meant to highlight Crystal City’s proximity and symbiotic relationship with Reagan National Airport.

“We don’t know of any other neighborhood in the world that has a major airport that you can actually walk to,” Fox said. “So, we are highlighting this uniquely accessible aspect of Crystal City with a summer of flight-based movies.”


News

Brother Attacked Outside Library Dies — One of the 26-year-old twins who was stabbed outside Arlington Central Library in June has died. Tim Kern died at a homeless shelter on Saturday. Police do not suspect foul play and say his injuries from the attack did not contribute directly to his death. [Washington Post]

Wes Anderson Movies at Eat Bar — Eat Bar, at 2761 Washington Blvd near Clarendon, is hosting a mini Wes Anderson film fest. Each Sunday night in August the restaurant will show a different movie from the director. This Sunday, the movie is Rushmore. [Clarendon Nights]


News

Mental Evaluation for Fire Bomb Suspect — Lawyers for Leon Traille, Jr., the man accused of trying to fire bomb the Ballston Common Mall food court last week, have asked the federal judge in the case to grant a mental health evaluation. Traille is charged with arson and faces 5 to 20 years in prison if convicted. [Washington Post]

Disturbance at Arlington Screening of ‘Hating Breitbart’ — A liberal activist is accused of disrupting the Friday night showing of the documentary Hating Breitbart at the Regal theater at Ballston Common Mall. Moviegoers say the activist, Ryan Clayton, shouted at the screen and laughed loudly at inappropriate times during the film about the late conservative media icon. [The Hollywood Reporter]


Around Town

The renovations have been underway for at least two months. The lower level theaters have already been remodeled and now feature power adjustable leather recliners with footrests, as well as terraced rows of seating that make it easier to see the screen over the person sitting in front of you. With the lower theaters complete, renovations to the upper theaters are now underway.

Meanwhile, improvements to the lobby include updated decor, a new snack counter and new Coke freestyle machines. The theater’s restrooms have also been renovated, according to AMC spokesman Ryan Noonan.


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