<sh>Construction Milestone Celebrated.
<bt>The steel framework of the new Shirlington Library and Signature Theatre complex has been completed and was celebrated with a ceremonial topping off Aug. 5.
A long-standing ironworkers' tradition, the structure's uppermost steel beam was maneuvered into place. Then the beam was decorated with a flag and an evergreen tree to represent the life and growth of the building.
The 68,000 square-foot building, adjacent to a new public plaza, will house a 15,000-square-foot library on the first floor with offices and performance space for the Signature Theatre on the second and third floors. It is expected to be open in the summer of 2006.
The building was designed by the Lukmire Partnership and built by Sigal Construction Corporation.
<sh>Cell Phones Sought for Women
<bt>Soroptimist International of Arlington, a nonprofit service organization that assists underpriveleged women, is collecting unwanted old cell phones to help raise money for a scholarship.
For every phone that is donated, the organization will earn between 50 cents and $25 from another nonprofit that recycles cell phones. By the end of the year, Soroptimist members hope to collect at least 500 phones.
Each year Soroptimist awards the Women’s Opportunity Award to a “Head of Household” woman with dependents and financial need. The award includes a $1,000 cash grant dedicated toward continuing the woman's higher education. The recipient must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at a college/university or technical/vocational school.
To contribute an old cell phone, stop by the Soroptimist's drop box location at the Cingular Wireless Store in Ballston Common Mall (located on the first floor next to Bailey Sports Pub). Or contact Ilse Williams at 703-404-8943 or swilliams@siarlington.org to have a cell phone picked up.
<sh>Suicide Prevention Walk
<bt>The Washington, D.C., Out of the Darkness Community Walk, a 5K walk to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention, has been scheduled for Oct. 2. It will be one of nearly 50 similar walks occurring this fall nationwide, which are expected to raise over $1.5 million and bring to light a topic that is often shrouded with stigma. In 2004, 25 community walks brought together over 4,000 walkers and raised more than $830,000. Visit outofthedarkness.kintera.org/faf/home to register, set up a personal home page and begin fund-raising. For more information call 888-333-AFSP, ext. 13. Participants who raise $150 or more will receive a 2005 Out of the Darkness T-shirt on the day of the event.