Arlington Civitans Open Air Flea Market This Saturday

The Civitan Open Air Flea Market, one of Northern Virginia’s largest and oldest public flea markets, is back this Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the I-66 garage in North Arlington (4001 15th St. N, Arlington, VA), adjacent to Washington-Liberty high school and the Arlington Planetarium.

Over 150 vendors can be found at the Market selling a variety of goods ranging from books, clothes, furniture, garden tools, household goods, jewelry, shoes, toys, records, and so much more. Spread out over five levels of a 20,000 square foot parking garage, the flea market was originally conceived as a way for local people to sell goods in a central location.

Proceeds support causes espoused by the Civitans. For more information, visit arlington-fleamarket.com.

Independence Remembrance Announced by Village Society

The Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) sent a message inviting all to a remembrance of the role of Virginia in the independence of our country, the founding documents and contributions to democracy. In 75 minutes, VPIS says, attendees will leave the event refreshed, with new patriotism and appreciation for our country and freedoms.

The July 4 remembrance will begin with Chamber music at 11:40 a.m., and the program will begin at 12:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by VPIS and free and open to the public, will be held at the (air conditioned) Falls Church Episcopal’s historic chapel at 115 E. Fairfax St.

To learn more, visit VPIS.org.

“Just Another Day” Exhibit Opens at ARTfactory

“Just Another Day,” a new exhibit on display through July 27 at ARTfactory (9419 Battle St., Manassas, VA), challenges the notion that Black women as artists are required to attach political narratives to their work. The exhibit, curated by Zsudayka Nzinga for The Infinity Collective, explores the freedom to create artwork that is not laden with the required Black narratives of social Justice, racism, and equality. Instead, it is a visual representation of Black women claiming the space to simply exist and share and celebrate moments of the mundane.

The irony of this approach is that the very act of Black women working to create without the requirement of being political inherently makes the work political. The exhibition challenges the viewer to disconnect from the need to over explain the Black woman experience or only be able to find relatability within their work when linked with a social/political cause. Traditional celebrations of Black women’s artwork focus on othering and fetishism by making the lived experiences of the artists into bullet points for social change, rather than allowing space for existence without assigning a job to their identity.

The works’ thematic content focuses on moments with family, moments of rest and relaxation, celebrations of culture that aren’t calls for action, the exploration of fashion, and images that may explore trauma from the perspective of human experience and not as Black bodies seeking respite.
For more information, visit virginiaartfactory.org/the-infinity-collective-just-another-day.

Post Names General Dynamics a 2024 Top 10 Workplace

The Falls Church based General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics, announced today that it was named to The Washington Post’s Top Workplaces 2024 list. GDIT was ranked number seven among largest companies in the DC metro region.

“Receiving this award for the third consecutive year is a testament to our commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive and innovative culture at GDIT,” said Amy Gilliland, GDIT’s president. “We have made significant investments in benefits, professional development and wellness programs based on what employees have indicated is important to them. When employees feel like they are seen, heard and fully supported, they can bring their best to the mission.”

In addition to flexible work schedules and comprehensive health benefits, GDIT has significantly enhanced its commitment to employee well-being through the “How Are You, Really?” mental health awareness campaign, launched in fall 2021. Over the last two years, the company has added more resources to this program, including monthly webinars on emotional wellness, employee assistance programs, access to online therapy, mental health resource guides, mindfulness sessions and family support services.

Virginia State Police: Celebrate July 4 With Safety In Mind

The Fourth of July means feasts, fireworks, and parties, but the Virginia State Police (VSP) are asking that this include focus and sobriety as well. The 2024 summer driving season has gotten off to a deadly start, they say, with preliminary numbers showing 13 fatalities over the Memorial Day holiday. VSP also investigated an additional 25 fatalities in the week following Memorial Day.

If you do plan to drink at a July 4 party, please plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or make sure you have a rideshare service or taxi handy. You can also utilize public transportation. Party hosts are encouraged to serve non-alcoholic drink options, and to make sure guests do not drink and drive home from their event.

As part of its efforts to increase safety and reduce traffic fatalities on Virginia’s highways during the Fourth of July holiday, Virginia State Police will increase patrols between July 3 and July 7, with a focus on the first and last days of the operation, which are expected to be the busiest travel days.

Virginians are also reminded to follow Virginia’s “Move Over” law. State law requires motorists to either move over a lane, or if that is not safe, slow down, for any vehicle on the shoulder with emergency markings such as flares, emergency lights, emergency triangles, or flashing lights.