The way they tell it, Arlington Forest--70-years-old and counting--has it all: nice neighbors, proximity to parks, D.C., bike and running trails. On Saturday, at the neighborhood’s first birthday party in ten years, people interviewed had nothing but nice words for the place and the event.
“We moved here in 1997 from Maryland,” said Robert Giron, a N. 1st Street resident and literary publisher. “I was sort of kicking and screaming to cross the Potomac, but it’s the best decision I ever made in my life….I feel at home here.”
His partner, Ken Schellenberg, loves cycling and quickly listed all the trails he can reach when two-wheeling it.
“You can go from Mt. Vernon to Purcellville from Arlington Forest,” he said.
The gala event Saturday included a buffet dinner, drinks, live music. Party-goers spanned the years in life and in the neighborhood.
Max Lyons has lived in the Forest for six years. He loves the convenience and proximity to D.C., he said.
“I thought it would be a good event to meet some new neighbors, some new people, and get out of the house on Saturday night,” he said.
Liz Pennisi has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years. “I like the people. I live in a cul-de-sac, and we have a close-knit community. And I love the park. It’s really a wonderful park. And as you know, it’s great for the dogs.” Her beagle, Alice, is in her teens.
The 150 who turned out seemed to be enjoying themselves, a lot of people were up and talking, and the music was good.
“It is going so well, due to the organizational skills of the [event] Chair Person Allison Kennett,” said Julie Kirchhoff, the civic association president. “She and her committee are just fabulous, dedicated—“
Ms. Kennett cut in, “Youthful looking.”
“Yes, awesome, beautiful ladies,” Ms. Kirchhoff said.
Ms. Kennett sounded almost apologetic when she said, “We hoped for a bigger turnout, but the invitations went out late.”
But Ms. Kirchhoff wanted none of it.
“Anything bigger is like a crowd,” she said. “This is manageable, very manageable. All of our neighbors will get to talk to one another, and get to know each other tonight.” She met many people at the event but admitted she might not remember all their names.
And, there’s always the next anniversary.
Ms. Kirchhoff said, “Someone said this to me, they said, ‘This is probably just the warm-up for the 75th.’”
Ms. Kennett agreed, “I think we’re planning a 75th—or THEY are planning a 75th.”
“That’ll be a big bash,” Ms. Kirchhoff said.
Because of operator stupidity (I didn't bring extra batteries--rookie mistake) my camera didn't work, so I didn't get many photos. This spiffy new site, however, allows visitors to post photos all by themselves--that could be you! Just choose "post photo" from the "post" menu at the top of the page. Thanks! --ST
