Giant Food has announced that their grocery and pharmacy stores located on Columbia Pike at S. Adams St. will permanently close on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 11 p.m. to make way for demolition and construction of the new Penrose Square development. Effective Friday, April 17, 2009, Giant will open a temporary pharmacy at 2408 Columbia Pike located opposite this shopping center in the space next to Rappahannock Coffee. The temporary Pharmacy will remain open until the new Penrose Square Giant Food and Pharmacy store opens in 2011. To minimize inconvenience to its customers, Giant will provide free round-trip shuttle service between the temporary pharmacy location and the Giant located at Bailey’s Crossroads.  The shuttle will pick up passengers directly behind the temporary pharmacy and will run on the following days and times:

Wednesday                9 a.m. and 5 p.m.                  11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday                    9 a.m. and 3 p.m.                  11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A message from Giant Food concerning the closure of its Adams Square store and the new shuttle schedule is posted on the CPRO website: click here to view their notice. CPRO will be working with the Pike community to ensure that all residents are informed about the closure of the existing Giant Grocery and Pharmacy, the new location of the temporary Giant Pharmacy, and the shuttle service. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this outreach effort, please contact pholcomb@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776.

More than 130 stakeholders turned out for the annual Pike Progress Luncheon on March 4, showing that problems in the financial markets and national economy have not dampened interest in the Pike’s <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->revitalization, nor enthusiasm about the opportunities that exist here.  Elected officials, neighborhood leaders, small business owners, and members of the real estate development community were treated to delicious Bolivian fare at Cecilia’s Restaurant/The Salsa Room along with upbeat speeches about what has been accomplished and about what is to come for the Columbia Pike corridor. County Board Chairman Barbara Favola reiterated the Board’s support of the Columbia Pike Streetcar Project, and spoke of the priority she has placed on launching a Columbia Pike Land Use and Housing Study and finding ways to retain or create affordable housing. “Partly sunny, with a chance for growth” was how AED Director Terry Holzheimer described his economic forecast for the County as he provided data indicating that Arlington is weathering the storm better than almost any other area in the country. Josh Solomon, President of the DSF Group, spoke with pride about his company’s development of the Halstead, the Pike’s first major redevelopment in decades, and reported solid leasing results for both retail and residential units. And, Tim Riordan of the Penrose Group explained how in today’s tight credit market projects in places like Columbia Pike can still get financing. For information about redevelopment projects along the Pike click here. For information about streetscape improvement projects click here.

 

The next gathering of the Columbia Pike Business Opportunity Network will be held at 8:00 am on Wednesday, March 18 at the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204 www.arlingtondrafthouse.com). Our special guest will be Arlington County Board Chair Barbara Favola. These events, co-presented by CPRO and AED’s BizLaunch, offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet other local business people, promote their own businesses and develop new contacts. Thanks to our sponsor, Arthur Lander, CPA and Attorney at Law (www.arthurlander.com), the event is FREE but registration is required. You won’t want to miss this gathering of Pike area business, government, and non-profit leaders.  To register online click here, then scroll to the bottom of that web page. For more information please call Pam Holcomb at 703-892-2776.

 

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CPRO is again pleased to be partnering with Arlington County’s Housing Division to bring local residents a one-stop shopping opportunity for all your home improvement needs. Whether you are looking to put an addition on your home, remodel a kitchen or bath, install energy efficient replacement windows, or to pursue dozens of other projects, expert exhibitors will be on hand to answer your questions, show you their products, and explain how they can help you enhance the beauty, value, and energy efficiency of your home. Plan to attend this wonderful, local home show on Saturday, April 11, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Walter Reed Community Center. Admission is FREE.   Arlington’s Fresh AIRE initiative will give a FREE compact fluorescent light bulb to the first 200 attendees who visit their booth. You’ll also enjoy a variety of FREE classes and seminars. Booth space is available for home improvement professionals interested in exhibiting, and sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information go to www.arlingtonhomeshow.org or call CPRO at 703-892-2776.  

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Rincome Thai Cuisine

3030 Columbia Pike

Arlington, VA 22204

 

Did you know that we have a real, live “Cheers” bar on Columbia Pike? Complete with a cast of characters who stake ownership to bar stools and hold court for hours in the evenings? O.K., it’s a little different than the 80’s Boston TV bar. For one thing, this watering hole is above ground, framed by large windows lined with orchids and decades-old jade plants, with delicious smells of Asian food wafting from the kitchen. Sisters Mihee Pansiri and Miok An own Rincome and they are the ones that tend the bar. But, just like Cheers, if you are a regular, everybody really does know your name. Click here to read the remainder of this article…

 

Prime retail space is available in the Westmont Shopping Center at Columbia Pike and S. Glebe Rd. The space formerly occupied by Hollywood Video has 6438 sq. ft. on the ground floor, and 3512 sq. ft. of basement level storage, and offers excellent visibility from the Pike’s busiest intersection. A smaller space next door is also available. It offers 1037 sq. ft. on the ground floor, and 486 sq. ft. of basement level storage. Interested parties should contact Marianne Pukal of Polinger Shannon and Luchs at (301) 968-9134. Tell her CPRO sent you!

Come Join Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE) to tally and pick up trash from Four Mile Run at the Arlington Mill Community Center from 9:00am-12:00pm on March 14^th. Access to the stream valley is easy, and there is plenty to do without getting in the water. To register or get additional information, call 703-228-6406 or email volunteer@arlingtonenvironment.org.

Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh is holding a series of “town meetings” to answer questions regarding the Library’s proposed FY2010 Budget and its impact. The last of these meetings will be held at the Columbia Pike Library on April 1, starting at 7pm. For more information, click here.

The Columbia Pike Community Chorus (CPCC) and MusiKids (grades 1-5) are welcoming new and returning singers for a June 14^th presentation of “Music from the Best of Broadway.” All are welcome; no auditions are required. Rehearsals for CPCC are Mondays from 7-9 pm starting April 13; and Mondays from 5:30-6:15 pm starting April 20^th for the MusiKids. Both rehearsals and performance will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2217 Columbia Pike. For more information contact Barbara Stefan at 703-920-7077 or musicmin@tecarl.org.

 

The Pike’s JOURNEYoga (2628 Columbia Pike,) is offering a number of great opportunities this month. Celebrate the spring equinox on March 20 from 7-9 pm by participating in the Mala Practice-108 Sun Salutations! There will be two special workshops for Runners, a Form and Focus Workshop on Saturday, March 21^st from 3-5 pm and a Strength and Stretch Workshop on Sunday, March 22^nd from 3-5 pm. There is also a special discount on classes (3 classes for $30) this month for newcomers to JOURNEYoga. For more information, go to www.JOURNEYoga.com.

The Arlington United Methodist Church (UMC) – now celebrating its 150^th anniversary--and the Goodwill of Greater Washington are co-hosting a Traveling Trunk Show and Donation Drive on March 15^th at 1:00 pm. The event will be emceed by blogger Em Hall (locally renowned “DC Goodwill Fashionista” (http://dcgoodwillfashions.blogspot.com). The event takes place at the church (716 S. Glebe Rd) and will show off contemporary and vintage fashions of Goodwill for men, women and children. In addition, donations will be accepted during the trunk show and resold in Goodwill area stores. For more information, go to www.arlingtonumc.com.

The Kenmore Middle School PTA is conducting a Silent Auction and Raffle on Friday, March 20 from 6:30 to 9:45 pm. The purpose of the event is to raise funds to support the school’s Arts and Communications Technology Focus Program. The community is invited to attend, and admission is FREE. The auction will feature donations from restaurants, theaters, fitness studios, and other businesses and individuals. You can purchase dinner foods provided by the likes of Red Hot & Blue, and enjoy entertainment by student musicians and dancers. For more information contact co-chairs Sharon Beermann-Curtin at sbeermas@hotmail.com or Karen Landini at landkam@yahoo.com.

 

Whether you’d like to sharpen your street cycling skills, learn more about bicycle maintenance and repair or would like to participate in a bicycle mechanics workshop, there’s something of interest at the Arlington Career Center this spring. “Cycling With Confidence, LAB Traffic Skills 101” is a two session class that will meet on Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 to 9:30 pm and Saturday, March 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (bike and helmet required.) The class fee is $85 for Arlington residents, and $65 for seniors. “Bicycle Maintenance & Repair” will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 6:30-9:30 pm. The fee is $39 for Arlington residents and $29 for seniors. And, Bicycle Mechanics Workshop, a self directed hands-on sequel to any other bicycle class, will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 6:30-9:30 pm. Fees are $39 for Arlington residents, $29 for seniors. TO REGISTER, contact Arlington Adult Education (703-228-7200 or www.arlingtonadulted.org).

 

If you or someone you know produces handmade arts and crafts and would like to sell at the Farmers Market please contact CPRO at 703-892-2776. The 2009 opening of the market will occur on Sunday, May 3 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and return each Sunday through November.

 

A special series of three chain making workshops will be offered at the TJ Art Studios for adults of all levels. Participants can create a variety of sterling silver chains, from basic chains to learning how to apply different patterns, textures and other medals. Workshops take place on March 23, 30, and April 6 from 7:00-9:30 pm; registration deadline is March 20^th. For more information about workshop session content and fees, and to register, contact Jessica Sauer at jsauer@arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-5922.

 

CPRO’s annual membership drive is underway. Each year CPRO gratefully receives a grant from Arlington County that covers almost one-third of our budget. For the other two-thirds we rely on the support of our members, as well as organizations and companies who sponsor our events. Today, our members include 20 civic organizations, 65 businesses, and more than 180 local residents. Please join them in becoming a CPRO member today. To access a residential/civic or business membership form, please click here. Thank you!

 

As always, the CPRO staff welcomes your input. Email your suggestions, questions, comments, and offers of assistance to Jim Whittaker at jwhittaker@columbiapike.org; Pam Holcomb at pholcomb@columbiapike.org; or Amy McWilliams at amcwilliams@columbiapike.org or call 703-892-2776. Know someone who would like to receive the CPRO e-Newsletter? Please send us email addresses and we will add them to our distribution list.   As always, for more information about what’s happening on the Pike go to www.columbiapike.org.