<sh>Sept. 11 Memorial 5K Set
<bt>Applications are now being accepted for the fifth annual Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9/11 Memorial 5K Run. The race is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. The course begins and ends in Crystal City and takes runners past the Pentagon.
Proceeds from the race will be donated to public safety and military support organizations, including the Fisher House Foundation, the Wounded Warriors Project, and the Survivors' Fund. The charities selected all focus on the healing of military personnel and civilians directly affected by the war on terrorism and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. The first four races raised more than $135,000.
The race fee is $22. ($25 after Sept. 1) and all pre-registered runners will receive commemorative long sleeve T-shirts. To sign up visit www.arlington911race.com. Individual and team awards will be given to the top finishers in the field as well as the top finishers in the following categories: law enforcement, firefighter/EMS, military and prosecutor/defense attorney.
The start/finish line of the race will be in front of the Doubletree Hotel at 300 Army-Navy Drive in Crystal City. Post-race activities, including award presentations, food and beverages, and entertainment, will be held on the grounds of the hotel.
<sh>Juvenile Charged With Sexual Assaults
<bt>Arlington police officers arrested a 17-year-old county resident last week in connection with multiple sexual assaults on women in Arlington and Alexandria.
An officer responding to a sexual assault on July 26, spotted a lime-green motorcycle that matched the description provided after previous attacks. Arlington detectives shared this information with Alexandria Police and they were able to obtain a warrant for his arrest. Police are not releasing the name of the suspect because he is a juvenile.
On July 28, the suspect was arrested and a search warrant was executed at his home in the 800-block of South Glebe Road. Evidence was recovered linking him to other sexual assaults in Arlington and Alexandria, including a violent attack on Four Mile Run Trail in South Arlington on July 9.
"This was an outstanding team effort," Police Chief Doug Scott said. "Every specialized unit, patrol squad and district team pitched in to get this violent sexual predator off the streets."
The suspect is charged with rape, abduction with intent to defile and aggravated malicious wounding, among others.
<sh>Free Lawyer Consultations
<bt>Arlington residents may consult with lawyers free of charge during a special call-in program on Aug. 8, between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Falls Church law office of Reed Smith LLP.
"No Bills Night," which is sponsored by the Young Lawyers' Conference of the Virginia State Bar, will offer individuals free, confidential, 10-minute telephone consultations with lawyers. Callers may ask the attorneys questions on any legal matter. The phone number for the public service event is 703-641-4200.
Volunteer attorneys from around the area will not give legal advice, but they will attempt to identify the specific legal problem raised in the conversation, and suggest available avenues for relief.
"Often, people encounter issues requiring legal consultation, but can’t afford the accompanying fees. This is an excellent opportunity for them to speak with a legal professional who can point them in the right direction without paying a dime," said Karen Fagelson, Reed Smith’s Virginia market managing partner.
Area attorneys interested in volunteering for "No Bills Night" are encouraged to call Richard Holzheimer at 703-641-4205.
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<bt>Arlington property owners affected by flooding early last month will not receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Governor Timothy M. Kaine requested the individual assistance for Arlington and seven other localities, following severe storms and flooding in late June and early July.
The individual assistance program makes funding available for homeowners and renters in the form of grants, low interest loans, unemployment assistance and disaster housing assistance. FEMA officials had previously agreed to dispense aid to the Arlington County government.
<sh>Rabid Bat Found in Swimming Pool
<bt>A bat found in North Arlington tested positive for rabies last week, the third animal identified with the disease so far this year.
A county resident found the bat in Donaldson Run Recreation Association swimming pool, off Macy Road.
Six wild animals were found to have rabies in 2005, and two raccoons were diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.
"This is a reminder to residents that wildlife infected with rabies can pose a risk in Arlington," said Arlington County Public Health Director Reuben Varghese. "Arlington residents should avoid contact with wildlife, including bats and stray animals."
<sh>Human Rights Awards Seeks Applications
<bt>The Arlington County Human Rights Commission is accepting applications for the annual James B. Hunter Human Rights Awards.
The purpose of the Awards Program is to recognize sustained commitment and outstanding accomplishments in the area of human rights made in Arlington by an individual, a community group, a nonprofit organization or a business establishment. This year’s award recipients will be honored at a reception later in the year.
The entire application can be accessed at www.arlingtonva.us/human_rights. Applications can be mailed or delivered to: James B. Hunter, Human Rights Awards Program, Arlington Human Rights Commission, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 106, Arlington, VA 22201. Submit applications by fax to: 703-228-4390.
For more information, contact the Human Rights Commission Office at 703-228-3929. The office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.