Using materials more often seen in highway signs, artist Alicia Eggert explores our relationship with time, anticipation and motion. We'll tell you more about Alicia Eggert's artwork later in our program, but first... Four hard working entrepreneurs got to pitch their business ideas before a panel of celebrity judges during Ballston's version of "Shark Tank." The Launchpad Challenge program mentored 14 contestants as they developed their ideas into business plans. And there was not one, but TWO winners! The panel of judges included Caps owner Ted Leonsis, Aneesh Chopra, former CTO for Barack Obama; Congressman Gerry Connolly, and Mark Gruhin, of the Saul Ewing law firm. To learn more about business startup opportunities, go to Ballstonbid.com or check out Arlington Economic Development at arlingtonvirginiausa.com. The work around the Clarendon metro is complete, and the result is an upgraded park and plaza where you can stroll, visit a farmers' market, listen to music, and, of course, catch the Metro. Improvements on the 1.1 acre park were done in conjunction with Metro and have yielded an active, multi-use plaza that's attractive to residents and commuters. The park is also home to the war memorial dedicated to Arlington citizens who gave their lives for our country since World War I. To find out more about park renovations or to find a park near you, check arlingtonva.us/parks. Arlington Police participated in a recent soccer tournament at Washington-Lee high school to provide at-risk youth with a day of fun and teamwork. The tournament offers teens an opportunity to learn about community recreation programs, and builds trust between teens and the community. Research shows that youth with access to fun, productive activities such as soccer are less likely to become involved in gangs or engage in substance abuse and other destructive behaviors. To learn more, check out www.preventgangsnova.org Sometimes a sign is just a sign, and sometimes it's a work of art. Alicia Eggert took her illuminated, billboard-style sculpture," You are (on) an island" to the streets of Arlington. Eggert's largest multi-media exhibition to date is on view at Artisphere until February 2. Check the schedule for her work and other exhibits and programs at www.Artisphere.com . Arlington recently honored four community members with the James B. Hunter Human Rights Award. Leslie Alden, Richard Cobb, Thomas Kelley and Margaret Patterson were honored for their commitment to cultural diversity, human rights, and helping those with little access to government. If you are passionate about helping others and want to volunteer, consider joining one of Arlington's many community groups or the human rights committee. Check our website at arlingtonva.us search commissions. Well, that's it for another week. Thanks for watching! And we'll see you Around Arlington.

• published: 19 Dec 2013
• views: 8