The Arlington Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce that ACA won first prize for kids art classes in all of Greater Boston in the "Parents Pick Awards" sponsored by Nickelodeon and ParentsConnect.com.

ACA invites you to see what all the buzz is about, and sign up for aclass for your kids (or yourself).  Fall classes begin Sept. 22. Seethe complete fall catalog at www.acarts.org/classes.php.

Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect,the online resource for parenting advice and community, asked parentsto pick the best services in their local communities via the 2008Parents' Picks Awards.

The Arlington Board of Selectmen voted unanimously, 5-0, Sept. 6 to approve all-alcohol liquor licenses for two restaurants, Tango and Mifune. Neither restaurant can start serving under the licenses until they have approval from the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission and have the licenses from the Board of Selectmen. The process can take as long as eight weeks.

Arlington's new Engine 1 in a photograph taken by Bill Stremfer photo (from www.firenews.org, used with permission).

The Arlington Fire Department is on the move. With a revamped Park Circle station open last fall and plans to upgrade Central and Highland Stations some years away, the firefighters are ready to roll with a new 2008 Seagrave Marauder. The $425,000 behemoth was delivered in mid-July and placed in service Aug. 1.

Spy Pond playground, closed since early August because of sand wasps, has reopeneden. The Arlington Health, Recreation, and Public Works departments have been monitoring wasp activity at the playground since its closing. An abundance of wasps posed a safety hazard to visitors. The Park and Recreation Commission will be discussing a long-term solution for the playground surfacing which will help eliminate the situation in future years.

The Town of Arlington thanked residents for patience and understanding during this time.

For additional information please contact Joe Connelly, Director of Recreation at 781-316-3881.

School  expert downplays division; challenges in next year noted

The Arlington School Committee moved forward Sept. 4 to seek a newsuperintendent and heard differing views about the committee’ssolidarity. An official with long experience in school matters praisedthe committee’s relative strengths as a committee member raised doubtsand noted key challenges in the school year ahead.

The action was swift and unanimous. In special session, the committeevoted, 6-0 (Sue Sheffler was not present), to name a subcommittee thatwill consider how to fill the position of superintendent of schools,left vacant Aug. 7, Nate Levenson unexpectedly resigned. Named tothe panel were Denise Burns, committee chair; Jeff Thielman and LebaHeigham. 

A 50-year-old Arlington woman was injured Aug. 30 after a car lurched forward, hitting the front of Trader's Joe's in Arlington Heights and pinning her, Arlington police reported. Keum Hwang was struck after Adrienne Tashjian, 83, of 15 W. Chardon Road, Winchester, was attempting to park her 2008 Cadillac, and she accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake, police said. As a result, her vehicle lurched forward, striking Hwang at about 5:35 p.m.

Union leader cites power, notes it's a negotiation year

Who are the new teachers, staff? (PDF list for Aug. 29, 2008)

Three workers toil on Sunday, Aug. 31, to get the Stratton playground, under construction since late June, ready for the opening of school. New sod is in place, but it's not set yet for children's feet.

The unpaid hands of volunteers reach across Arlington, supporting a series of services. Among many groups one could name are recreation, conservation, transportation and our schools.

Volunteers drive the efforts of more than 100 boards and commissions for the town and schools. Many work largely out of the public eye (though some do get more than their share of political scrutiny). YourArlington wants to know what Arlington volunteer group deserves praise. 

Let the public know your choices by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of this story and by listing the groups you favor -- and, briefly, why you favor them.