Claude Moore Colonial Farm future up in the air
The relationship between the National Park Service and the park is set to end as of Dec. 21, but that does not necessarily mean the park will be permanently closing. NPS and the volunteer group overseeing the park, Friends of Claude Moore Colonial Farm, earlier this year were in negotiations to extend the agreement to the park but talks fell short in March. National Park Service Spokeswoman Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles says NPS never intended to close the park, but it will close for the winter as it always has. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) has introduced legislation, H.R. 5201, co-sponsored by Congressman Donald Young (R-AK) that would keep Claude Moore Colonial Farm open and begin a new agreement with the Friends of Claude Moore Colonial Farm. –MB
Arlington Black Heritage Museum finds a home
The Arlington Black Heritage Museum has been open since 1996, but you probably have never heard of it. That is because it’s always been an online museum until now. Though it is in a temporary space until funds are raised and a permanent location is found, the Arlington Black Heritage Museum now calls the top floor above the Sun Trust Bank (3108 Columbia Pike) home. Exhibits are being worked on, but you can learn about three predominantly African American communities in Arlington, the life of John Robinson and how Arlington black women had to travel to D.C. to give birth since it was not allowed in the county, museum volunteer Portia Clark tells ArlNow. –LN
Ballston Quarter announces stores
Months away from the opening of Ballston Quarter, the revamp of Ballson Commons Mall, we’re hearing of some stores that will be coming to the area: Steadfast Supply, Gossip, Potomac River Running, Scout and Molly’s Boutique and Francesca’s join previously announced Punch Bowl Social, Cookology and Regal Cinema, along with restaurants Timber Pizza Co., Cucina Al Volo and Ice Cream Jubilee. –MB
One Loudoun gives up on baseball
For years there has been a push to get baseball in Loudoun through a minor league team that would have been dubbed the Loudoun Hounds. Plans can officially be considered squashed as One Loudoun, the latest location that was to be home to the team’s stadium, is working with the county to rezone the 23 acres back to a mixed-use site for restaurants, retail and residential. Plans include a craft brewery and a hotel along with more office space and retail. –LN
