News of interest from across the community:
COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY: Most Arlington County government offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day.
A complete list of what is open and what is closed in county government can be found on the Web site at www.arlingtonva.us.
‘VOLUNTEER ARLINGTON’ GETS NEW LEADER: Lisa Fikes, an Arlington resident who has served as associate for youth and children’s ministries at St. John’s Episcopal Church in McLean for the past 18 years, has been tapped as director of Volunteer Arlington.
“Her vision for what Volunteer Arlington has the potential of becoming is truly exciting, said Betsy Frantz, CEO of Leadership Arlington and the Leadership Center for Excellence, which earlier in 2016 won a contract from the county government to operate the volunteer program for the next five years.
Fikes will start on Sept. 6.
“I find great joy in connecting people of all ages with meaningful opportunities for service,” she said. “I look forward to working with the citizens of Arlington as we build bridges and address the needs of our community together in a way that benefits all involved.”
For decades, the volunteer program had been run directly by the county government, but it has been in limbo for the past three years as Arlington officials debated whether to retain it in-house or outsource it. Ultimately, they put the program up for bid to community organizations seeking to run it.
DOMINION STAGE PREPS FOR 67th SEASON: Dominion Stage has announced plans for a four-production 2016-17 season, with performances planned for Theatre on the Run and Gunston Arts Center.
The season will open in October with “’night, Mother,” followed by “Evil Dead, the Musical” (March), Theater for Young Audiences (June) and “Gilligan’s Fire Island” (July).
Now in its 67th season, Dominion Stage began life as the Fairlington Players. For information on the upcoming season and tickets, see the Web site at www.dominionstage.org.
ROTARY CLUB FUND-RAISER TO HELP PROVIDE WINTER COATS: “Drink a Little, Help a Lot” is the theme of an upcoming wine-and-cheese event slated for Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the National Rural Electrical Cooperative Association’s conference center.
The Arlington Rotary Club is sponsoring the event, with some of the proceeds supporting efforts by Homestretch to provide winter coats for children.
A total of 20 wines and an assortment of cheeses are being selected by Doug Rosen of Arrowine & Cheese. The event also will feature hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a drawing for a tasting dinner for eight with wine pairings at Proof Restaurant in D.C.
Tickets are $75 per person, with tickets for the drawing $10 each. For tickets, see the Web site at www.eventbrite.com and search “Wine Helps.”
Now in its 88th year, the Arlington Rotary Club meets every Thursday at noon at Washington Golf & Country Club and every second Thursday for a happy hour at Front Page restaurant. For information, see the Web site at www.arlingtonrotaryclub.org.
CHILDREN’S CHORUS TO HOST INFORMATION MEETING, AUDITIONS: The Arlington Children’s Chorus will hold an informational meeting for parents on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Central Library.
The chorus is open to children ages 2 to 12 with unchanged voices. Auditions for the 2016-17 season will be held on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Glebe Elementary School.
For information, see the Web site at www.arlingtonchildrenschorus.org.
HABITAT-RESTORATION EFFORT SET FOR GULF BRANCH: Adults and youth ages 8 and older are invited to participate in a habitat-restoration effort at Gulf Branch Nature Center on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Work parties are held on the second Saturday of every month and are making a real difference, with the return of ferns and wildflowers, and the animals that depend on them, in areas once covered in destructive invasive plants,” park officials said.
The event is free and no registration is required; those attending can take part for the entire two hours or a portion.
For information and to register, call (703) 228-3403.
BIRD AFICIONADOS TO WALK IN THE WOODS: The Northern Virginia Bird Club will host an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn parks on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m.
Participants will meet at the Long Branch parking lot before heading out in search of migratory birds. All levels are welcomed.
The program is free. For information, call (703) 228-6535.