It has been an unusual month in Clarendon, as we are all working to navigate new health ordinances, keep our community safe, and find a way to put on our beloved events. As most people know, the Arlington Festival of the Arts was canceled, over Labor Day weekend. Even with every safety measure and precaution in place, it is next to impossible to ensure that sidewalk lines won't be a source of community spread. So, we all find ourselves in unchartered territory, trying to keep people engaged, when so many of us (including me!!) have total zoom fatigue. I hope our new event, Clarendon Comes Together, will be able to inspire us, remind us what is wonderful about the Clarendon and Courthouse neighborhoods, and keep us all connected. 

We have two fun contests happening throughout the month of September. The "Where's Bam Bam? Contest", sponsored by Clarendon Animal Care, is on our Instagram page and includes gift card prizes to many local restaurants and businesses. Our "Chalk Art Contest" is easy and fun for the whole family and winners get free scoops at Nicecream. 

On Saturday, September 26th, we will have curbside and walk-up donation drop offs for four of our favorite local nonprofits: Doorways for Women & Children (cleaning supplies), Bridges to Independence (linens), Aspire! Afterschool Learning school supplies and books) and Arlington Free Clinic (grocery and drug store gift cards). We hope everyone will come out to support these amazing organizations doing critical work. 

We also have a raffle with some pretty cool prizes! Make sure to purchase tickets at www.clarendon.org before we draw the winners during our live concert, on WERA 96.7, from 4:30pm-6:00pm.

I know many of you, like me, are disappointed that we can not hold Clarendon Day this year. However, I hope everyone will embrace the spirit of Clarendon Comes Together and join us for a month long celebration of everything we love about this community.