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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Hello, Labor Day
Here’s something you’re already well aware of: The office is closed today. Woohoo! Happy Labor Day, everyone. And to those that do have to work today, hang in there, I’m thinking of you. I’ll be spending my day off with friends at The Winery at Bull Run to cheers to the end of the summer. We booked a group wine tasting, which includes a flight of seven wines and a souvenir glass. After, we’ll buy bottles of our favorites and soak up the sun on the winery’s picnic tables. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // The Winery at Bull Run: 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville; $20 per person for group tastings
Here’s how to help the environment right now
The end of the summer is rightfully marked with high temperatures and much-needed R&R on Labor Day. But the world news doesn’t take a pause for the holiday, and coverage has been focused on recent reports of the Amazon Forest being on fire. The tragedy of the world’s “lungs,” has seemingly caught the attention of celebrities, influencers and Facebook fundraisers, and social media has exploded with information on how to help. But if you’re looking to help the environment, you can contribute right here in NoVA. Stopped using plastic bags at the grocery store (including those for your produce)? Check. Started using a reusable coffee cup for your daily coffee fix? Check. Signed up to help the Potomac Conservancy clean up the Potomac River on Sept. 7, at Jones Point Park? Not yet, you say? Well register to spend a few hours of your Saturday morning picking up trash out of our region’s river and primary water source. It won’t make the Amazon stop burning, but it will help you see your efforts at work in real time. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant // Jones Point Park: Jones Point Drive, Alexandria; Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-noon; free
You are what you listen to
I have always had a very good memory. From my favorite piece of clothing as a 5-year-old to the details of early family vacations, I recall it all. One aspect of my childhood I remember vividly is the sounds of jazz music percolating throughout the house, courtesy of my father. While my Moscow-born dad really isn’t a fan of music (weird, I know), jazz is the one exception, and I loved it. I learned the meaning of soul from Billie Holiday and the power of language from Frank Sinatra all before the age of 10, and lucky for me that love for one of the original genres of music hasn’t faded. This Saturday, I will be listening to the rhythms of up-and-coming artists at the Rosslyn Jazz Fest for an entire afternoon of blues, funk and more, which you can read about here. And hopefully when I see my dad in a few weeks, I’ll be the one passing along knowledge of his favorite tunes for a change. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant //Gateway Park: 130 Lee Highway, Arlington; Sept. 7, 1-7 p.m.; free
REACH for the stars
For anyone that has driven by The Kennedy Center recently (or really in the last couple of years), you’ve likely noticed the construction. Rising out of the ground—and finally ready to open—is The REACH, a multi-building campus that adds a whole new element of icon status to the world-class performing arts venue. It’s fresh. It’s modern. And it aims to bring the arts closer than ever with open-to-the-public practice studios, lecture halls and other spaces designed for artist and public to interact. I got a behind-the-scenes tour over the summer (and wrote about it here) and I’m so excited to go this week for the free opening festival. The lineup has something for everyone with dozens of performances, workshops, classes and more. I plan to be there on Sept. 11, to see Alan Menken (the man behind many of Disney’s classic, modern tunes) perform with the National Symphony Orchestra. Check out the full calendar here. -Katie Bianco, Editor // REACH Festival: 2700 F St. NW, Sept. 7-22; most events free
The return of dinner at Stomping Ground
Even though I’m a professional eater and have driven very far to eat hours-long tasting menus, I also love being able to walk into a neighborhood restaurant, especially one with good food. I’m pumped for the return (after a few years) of dinner service at Del Ray’s Stomping Ground. I’m letting it settle in for a minute—it opened last Thursday—but I’m sure I’ll find my way there soon. -Stefanie Gans, Dining Editor // Stomping Ground: 2309 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Want more fun? Check out the September issue’s NoVA in 19 to see what else should be on your radar as we kick off the fall season.