Arlington Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in Arlington County. If you’d like to see your event featured, fill out the event submission form.
Also, be sure to check out our event calendar.
Tuesday
Arlington Thrive’s Young Professional Bingo Happy Hour *
Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
This bingo happy hour will have food and drink specials along with opportunities to mingle and chat. Attendees can try their chances at winning awesome prizes. All who show up before 6 p.m. will receive a free gift.
Wednesday
Consequences of School Redistricting *
Marymount University, Phalen Hall Dining Room (2807 N Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
The session will cover future demographic projections and discuss school boundaries. “Demographic projections show many more students will be attending Arlington schools in the near future which will require a discussion of school boundaries,” event organizers said. “Boundary changes can be very personal and affect the entire community. ”
Thursday
Sip & Sample Wine Tasting *
Bistro 360 (1800 Wilson Blvd)
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Bistro 360 is scheduled to host an evening of fine wines paired with small plates and wine raffles. The event costs $60 per person, with proceeds going directly to Bowen McCauley Dance, an Arlington dance company known for its community outreach.
150 Years of Worship *
Marymount University (2807 N Glebe Road)
Time: 7-9 p.m.
This event will celebrate the 1866 establishment of three area churches: Mount Zion Baptist Church, Callaway United Methodist Church and Lomax AME. Additionally, church members will discuss “their shared and unique experiences and the impact on the county” during a panel discussion.
Teen Annual Broken Hearts Party
Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St.)
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Middle and high school students will be able to celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year without having to worry about finding a sweetheart. The Valentine’s Day event is scheduled to include cookie decorating, quizzes, book rating and trivia.
Friday
The Lion in Winter at The Arlington Players *
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre (125 S Old Glebe Road)
Time: 8-10 p.m.
“The Lion in Winter” is a tale that waves family rivalry, adultery, and shifting alliances into one dramatic comedy. The play centers around the conflicts of a royal family as they fight over control of the kingdom during the Christmas of 1183.
Saturday
National Chamber Ensemble – Vive la France *
Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre (1611 N. Kent Street)
Time: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The National Chamber Ensemble is set to play a romantic concert with music from French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. A reception is scheduled to follow the performance, which organizers said is “the perfect occasion to bring your Valentine.”
Regional Jazz Festival 2017
Yorktown High School (5200 Yorktown Blvd)
Time: 2:15-8 p.m.
The free jazz concert will feature performances by regional high school jazz bands and a three-song set by the U.S. Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble. This year’s theme is “Essentially Ellington,” meaning performers will feature the legendary jazz music of Duke Ellington.
Sunday
Giant Used Book Fair *
St. Ann Church Parish Hall (5300 10th Street North)
Time: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. Ann Church and School is scheduled to hold its 6th annual Giant Used Book Fair with books for “every age and taste at amazing prices.” Shoppers can browse all kinds of books, from fiction and politics to DIY and children’s tomes. The event also will have a Valentine’s Day themed bake sale and free coffee, admission and parking.
Rock Spring Recital Series featuring IBIS Chamber Music Society *
Rock Spring Congregational UCC (5010 Little Falls Road)
Time: 3-4:15 p.m.
This concert includes music by Ravel, including IBIS’s original arrangement of the Mother Goose Suite and the Introduction and Allegro, the Jeux D’Enfants by Bizet, a work by composer Marjan Mozetich and other selections.
Comedy and The Princess Bride Movie Night
Arlington Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike)
Time: Multiple times
The cinema and comedy venue will show attendees the meaning of “wuv, tru wuv,” during four screenings of cult classic film “The Princess Bride.” The screenings, which run Sunday, Feb. 12 and Tuesday, Feb. 14, will feature live comedy before the movie.
*Denotes featured (sponsored) event
Local entrepreneurs can learn how to get their ideas, products or inventions featured on the Home Shopping Network during a free event in Rosslyn later this month.
The D.C.-area chapter of business mentoring organization SCORE is scheduled to host an event for the Home Shopping Network program “American Dreams” at the Spectrum Theater (1611 N Kent Street) on Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.
“American Dreams” features inventions and products from small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. The program’s tagline is to “make your product tomorrow’s best seller,” according to its website.
The upcoming event is set to include a “high energy” presentation about the Home Shopping Network and its various product success stories. Attendees can pitch their products, then refine those pitches during a “show and tell” portion of the event. Afterward, they’ll be able to submit their products for a chance to be featured on “American Dreams.”
“They’ll have an opportunity to describe or pitch their concept,” said SCORE marketing chair and mentor, Len Johnson. “This is a preliminary introduction to the program. It’s kind of a filtering process.”
Unlike a program such as “Shark Tank,” the businesspeople don’t need to show up with a working prototype of their product or invention to be considered for the show.
“That’s why they call it American Dream,” Johnson said. “It’s a program that features people that have a dream but don’t have the means to be successful. It allows an entrepreneur to get airtime.”
After the event, the Home Shopping Network will review the day’s submissions and possibly pick out some Arlington entrepreneurs for a second round of interviews. If all goes well during those interviews, the product could then head to television.
Those interested in attending the free session can sign up online. The event is limited to 500 people.
The following bi-weekly column is written and sponsored by Dog Paws n Cat Claws, which provides a heart-centered and safe environment for your pets. Conveniently located at 5818-C Seminary Road in Bailey’s Crossroads, DPnCC offers doggy daycare, boarding, grooming, walking and training services, plus in-home pet care.
On my first day as a dog walker and pet sitter at Dog Paws n Cat Claws, I met Sierra. Sierra is a Pit bull and Boxer mix with the strength and energy of both her breeds. I was trained to hold on tight to leashes and wrap the handle around my wrist for extra precaution and security, especially if I was not familiar with the dog.
Five minutes into our walk, she nearly pulled my arm out of its socket when she saw a rabbit. Lesson one: Watch for small animals. When she saw another dog, she barked furiously, lunging and jumping into the air. Her aggression took over as if flipping on a light switch. Lesson two: Avoid other dogs.
We developed a closer understanding as we continued to see each other every day. I became firmer with her, lowering the tone of my voice and making her walk next to me instead of in front of me. When we would run into another dog or spot a small animal, she remained calm, but I could tell it was a struggle for her. I wondered why she was so aggressive. When I heard she had been to daycare, I was surprised and a little concerned.
Leash Aggression Training
The next time she came to daycare, I checked in on her. Imagine my surprise when I discovered her romping across the room, happily searching for new playmates. She loved the other dogs. Sierra was not aggressive — unless she was on a leash!
Leash aggression is a common issue for dog owners. When dogs are on leash, they can feel restrained, frustrated and uncomfortable. In daycare or dog parks, dogs approach one another on their own terms and distance themselves when they perceive something scary or unlikable. When we put them on a leash, we’re taking away that natural process. In Sierra’s case, it’s not that she didn’t like dogs; she just had issues with dogs when she was on a leash.
If you have a dog with leash aggression, make it clear that lunging at whatever the stimulus might be won’t get them anywhere. Turn and walk away or put your foot on the leash and ignore the behavior. Do avoid punishing them. It will only suppress the behavior and won’t change their negative emotions thereby increasing insecurities.
When you see another dog in the distance, bring out a favorite treat or toy to get them focused on something else. They will begin to see that positive things happen when they see another dog. Don’t let them approach another dog until they are calm.
I began training Sierra with her favorite treat–my face! When I saw another dog approaching I would tell her to sit. If she did, I would get down on her level and let her give me a lick on my face. It didn’t take long for her to figure out she only had that privilege when she was behaving herself. When it came to small animals, I remained alert on each walk and eventually she began to ignore them altogether.
We train our pet sitters/dog walkers to take certain precautions. Every pet gets full attention for the entire walk and we don’t walk dogs from multiple homes together. We instruct dog walkers to keep a strong hold on the leash, and avoid dogs, and people until they are confident in the dog’s behavior.
These days, I don’t get to walk Sierra every day, but each time she comes in for daycare, I spend some one-on-one time with her. When I call her name, she recognizes me immediately and her body shakes with happiness. Because you see, Sierra still thinks my face is the best treat ever!
Sara Schabach
In-Home Pet Care Manager
(Updated at 1:58 p.m.) A new grassroots organization in Arlington hopes to obstruct President Trump’s actions by using some familiar tactics.
The group is called “Indivisible Arlington,” and it’s quickly becoming a focal point for local political frustrations. The organization gets its name from the “Indivisible Guide,” an online resource that borrows protest tactics from the Tea Party, the right-wing protest group that helped reshape the U.S. political landscape after the election of President Obama.
The goal of the Indivisible movement is to act as a kind of Tea Party of the left, said Arlington chapter co-organizer David Robek.
“The Tea Party had very effective ways to obstruct things,” he added. “We wanted to learn from what they did.”
In the months ahead, Indivisible Arlington members will speak up at town hall meetings, call or meet their congressional representatives and show up en masse to events and organized rallies or protests.
The idea seems to be resonating among locals. Though Indivisible Arlington only formed last month, it already has more than 400 members. The group is composed of people from all walks of life, including local students, longtime activists and retired federal employees, Robek said.
So many people showed up to the group’s first meeting at the Arlington Central Library last weekend that the meeting had to be moved to nearby Quincy Park.
“Despite the cold weather, 106 people gathered to participate,” reads a press release about the group’s first meeting. “The discussion included a wide range of issues such as cabinet nominees, refugees, and women’s rights.”
But it’s not just Arlington that’s riding the wave of political activism. Similar protest groups are popping up all across the country.
“There was outrage right away and that mobilized people to demonstrate everywhere,” Robek said. “We’re stronger when we unite together.”
Those interested in attending Indivisible Arlington meetings can request access to the group’s Facebook page.
Sponsored by Monday Properties and written by ARLnow.com, Startup Monday is a weekly column that profiles Arlington-based startups and their founders, plus other local technology happenings. The Ground Floor, Monday’s office space for young companies in Rosslyn, is now open. The Metro-accessible space features a 5,000-square-foot common area that includes a kitchen, lounge area, collaborative meeting spaces, and a stage for formal presentations.
(Updated at 12:48 p.m.) Up-and-coming tech companies that cater to the U.S. government now have a refuge in Rosslyn.
Government contracting startup accelerator Eastern Foundry threw a party last week to celebrate the opening of its new office on the 10th floor of 1100 Wilson Blvd. It first announced the expansion last June.
Though the 19,237-square-foot space is slightly smaller than Eastern Foundry’s first office in Crystal City, it still offers plenty of room for government-focused startups.
The new Rosslyn office features an open layout and is geared more toward tenants that work with civilian government agencies, said Eastern Foundry co-founder Andrew Chang. The space features 43 private offices, three conference rooms, a training room and a shared common area with couches, chairs, tables and games.
“It’s two very different vibes, and that’s what we’re going for,” Chang said. “Crystal City is Pentagon-focused. It’s more office intensive. Here, we’re kind of pushing a more innovative, younger crowd.”
In Crystal City, many of Eastern Foundry’s tenants work with sensitive government defense contracts and therefore need a little more privacy, he explained. In contrast, the Rosslyn office is suited for collaboration and open discussion. Job opportunities and announcements are beamed onto two televisions in the office’s kitchen each day, for instance.
Representatives from dozens of small businesses mingled over food and drinks during the company’s grand opening party last Thursday. Though the new office has been open for less than a week, it’s already about 30 percent full, Chang said. Eastern Foundry expects that number will grow quickly.
“Virginia is all about business,” Chang said. “It’s very small business friendly and it works for our member companies.”
But it’s not just Eastern Foundry’s tenants that stand to benefit from the new office. Rosslyn itself could also see an economic boost from all the new tech companies setting up shop there.
“Eastern Foundry is a unique and important addition to our business community because they are cultivating the next generation of government-focused technology companies,” said Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn BID. “These companies, and the investment capital and young talent they attract, stand to have a major impact in Rosslyn for years to come.”
Check out some more photos of Eastern Foundry’s new offices below.
A Donaldson Run resident photographed what appears to be a bobcat in a neighbor’s backyard over the weekend.
Evelyn Powers says her husband spotted the big cat Saturday morning.
“She was awesome… super chill-relaxing in the sun,” said Powers. “We enjoyed [the] visit… from afar of course.”
Photos and video provided by Powers show the animal casually exploring the neighbor’s backyard.
Bobcats are predators that have been known to inhabit wooded and “urban edge” environments. They usually hunt rabbits, birds, mice, squirrels and other small game, but are generally not considered a threat to humans.
Another bobcat made news last week; “Ollie” the bobcat escaped from an enclosure at the National Zoo in D.C. but was later found and captured on zoo property.
Update at 12:25 p.m. — Some additional insight from Susan Sherman of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington:
I am not aware of a previous [bobcat sighting] in Arlington. Bobcats are a rare part of the native wildlife that can be found in Arlington. They are larger than traditional cats ranging from 2-3.5 ft long and around 1.5 ft at the shoulder. They are known for their shy nature and posing no threat to humans, property, or companion animals. They are a rare sight because of their reclusive nature — but it is mating season (from Dec. to around Feb.) and that could be why they caught this glimpse. They will traditionally be spotted in only the wooded urban areas throughout the county. We ask that the public call the Animal Control Department with any questions or concerns.
Photos and video courtesy @designpowers
Fathers and daughters will have a chance to strengthen their bond over chicken sandwiches and waffle fries during an upcoming event in Crystal City.
The Chick-fil-A at 2200 Crystal Drive is slated to hold a pre-Valentine’s Day “Daddy-Daughter Princess Night” on Monday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m. The event is an annual sit-down meal held at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country.
“We know how important it is to have special moments with your princess and we want to help make this pre-Valentines day one of those special moments,” the Arlington location said on its website. “Let us help make this a lifetime memory.”
Customers interested in attending must reserve a table no later than today, Feb. 6, by calling the restaurant at 703-415-7815. The meal lasts approximately 40 minutes.
“Daddy-Daughter Princess Night” isn’t the only family event the eatery has held. Chick-fil-A’s locations in Ballston and Crystal City also hosted medieval-themed mother-son “date knights” in 2013, for instance.
Photo via Chick-fil-A
All lanes of S. Glebe Road have been temporarily shut down due to cash in the roadway.
A traffic camera shows police blocking the intersection of Glebe and S. Eads Street, and directing drivers to turn around.
Initial reports suggest there was a bank robbery in Alexandria and the robber — described as a white male wearing a black beanie cap — threw a bag of cash, which also contained a tracking device, out into the middle of Glebe Road.
Police are documenting the scene and trying to deal with cash that was reported to be “all over” the road.
Update at 9:50 a.m. — Police have collected the cash and the road closures are being lifted. Alexandria Police say the bank robbery happened on the 3700 block of Jefferson Davis Highway; that matches the address of a Navy Federal Credit Union location at Potomac Yard.
Update at 5:30 p.m. — Alexandria Police have released the following press release about the robbery.
The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the robbery of a Navy Federal Credit Union located at 3725 Jefferson Davis highway. On Monday, February 6, 2017, at 9:17 a.m., a man entered the bank and passed the teller a note demanding money. The teller complied and the suspect fled in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash. There were no injuries.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6’1″ to 6’3″ tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black coat, blue jeans, a black hat, and dark aviator-style sunglasses.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and conviction of these criminals.
Police ask that anyone with information about this incident call Detective Brad Cecchetti at 703.746.6858.
APD releases surveillance photos of suspect from Monday morning @NavyFederal bank robbery: https://t.co/ldjmKrbmuf pic.twitter.com/8NcTfcHQu6
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) February 6, 2017
Bad Morning for Metro — There were significant delays on the Blue, Orange, Silver and Red lines this morning, as various train, power and switch problems were reported. [Washington Post]
The Cable Was Out, Too — Not only were more than 3,000 Dominion residents affected by a power outage on Super Bowl Sunday, but Comcast was having problems, too. Scores of Arlington and Alexandria residents lost their cable TV and/or internet service during the big game. Comcast blamed a “generator fire” at the Ballston mall as well as a “burned fiber.” [NBC Washington]
Lander Lands Primary Challenge — School Board member James Lander has picked up a challenger in this year’s Democratic endorsement caucus. Maura McMahon, an Alcova Heights resident who’s been active in various PTA organizations, says she’s running to provide “fresh thinking and better solutions.” [InsideNova]
Arlington Man Wins Krispy Kreme Challenge — Arlington resident Nick Oltman, 29, has won this year’s Krispy Kreme Challenge in North Carolina. The race involves running 2.5 miles to a Krispy Kreme store, eating a dozen glazed donuts, and running 2.5 miles back. Oltman, a Marine, posted a time of 30:15. [News & Observer]
Why VDOT Was Pre-Treating Roads Last Week — You might have noticed the long trails of brine on VDOT maintained roads and highways last week and wondered why they were pre-treating roads with no snow or ice in the forecast. The agency says their crews started treating roads earlier in the week while some forecasts suggested a possible winter storm on Sunday. [Capital Weather Gang]
Arlington’s New Visitor Guide — The 2017-2018 Arlington Visitors Guide has been released. The 32-page guide highlights attractions, amenities and events Arlington has to offer, specifically geared to tourists. [Stay Arlington, Issuu]
As the minutes tick down to the start of the Super Bowl, more than 3,100 Dominion customers are currently without power in Arlington.
Dominion’s website says the cause of the widespread outage, centered around the Ballston and Bluemont neighborhoods, is “pending investigation.” Restoration of power is estimated between 7-9 p.m.
As the lights and traffic signals went out around Ballston, the fire department was called to investigate a possible fire at the under-renovation Ballston Common Mall. In the end it was determined to be a false alarm, possibly prompted by smoke from the mall’s rooftop generators as they kicked in.
Photo courtesy Katie Pyzyk
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