Fifty military veterans who sustained life altering injuries during combat received new Segway vehicles at a ceremony today in front of the Marine Corps Memorial in Rosslyn.

The charity Segs4Vets arranged to give the vehicles to the wounded warriors, many of whom are amputees. Some of the Segways are specially outfitted to accommodate individual disabilities, such as having a built-in seat for when the user becomes too tired to stand.

Jerry Kerr started the organization in September 2005. He had broken his neck in 1998 and was paralyzed from the neck down. Although he has some movement now, he was told he would never be able to walk again. That prompted him to devote time to investigating what technologies were available to allow him to become more mobile.

“When I became permanently disabled, when I realized that my world had changed forever, I started to learn about what we had, how I was going to get around, how I could interact in society again,” said Kerr.

Kerr has particular interest in technology that aids people, but doesn’t draw attention to their disabilities. When the Segway came out, he found it fit the bill.

Once Kerr discovered how much his life had improved through the use of a Segway, he got the idea to give one to an injured person returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, and the program has blossomed since then.

The Arlington County Police Department helps out Segs4Vets by providing training to the recipients, many of them coming from Walter Reed Medical Center. This allows the users to learn about the vehicles and get on them right away instead of having to wait for the once-a-year training sessions held in Washington D.C., San Antonio and San Diego.

“It originally started because they needed a place to store the Segways, and ACPD was interested in storing some of them,” said ACPD Retired Captain David Herbstreit. “Out of that, we saw an opportunity to go ahead and step into it a little deeper.”

Herbstreit is one of the founding members of the partnership between ACPD and Segs4Vets. Now, there are nearly two dozen participants in the ACPD. Lt. Mark Belanger is one of them. He’s been assisting for about nine months and has trained 18 Segway recipients, along with their spouses and other family members.

“It’s important that there’s a local group they can turn to,” said Belanger. “It’s nice to get someplace close, they don’t have to wait a year.”

Retired Staff Sgt. Robert Canine is one of the many who traveled from across the country to be at the ceremony. He received his Segway in the fall of 2010, and now volunteers with Segs4Vets.

Canine lost both legs below the knee from an injury he sustained in May 2009 in Baghdad, Iraq. He explained that an armor-penetrating explosive device hit the vehicle he was in, and he feels lucky to be alive.

Canine went through physical therapy at Walter Reed Medical Center for a year and half. He couldn’t walk well on his new prosthetics, but received his Segway within months of returning home. Canine says it’s been a huge boost to his mobility and allowed him to get around outside.

“I could keep up with my son on his bike, I could walk the dog,” said Canine. “It just felt good to be able to do something.”

Canine said the device is particularly helpful when he needs to get around campus at the University of Missouri, where he’s attending classes. The Segway allows him to get around more quickly, and prevents him from from becoming exhausted while walking.

“It’s a great mobility tool to help me get through the day,” said Canine. “I’m very grateful for the Segs4Vets organization.”

Corporal Brandon Rumbaugh lives in Silver Spring and heard about the program through his physical therapist. He claims he feels lazy sitting in his wheelchair all day, and is excited to be able to use his new Segway when out in public.

“It’ll be nice to get out of my wheelchair and be able to stand up instead of always sitting down,” Rumbaugh said. “Eventually, I just want to get rid of my wheelchair.”

During the Segway training sessions, recipients learn how to handle the device and safely operate it around other people. They also learn how to get on and off, how to handle falls, safety for going through doors and potential hazards they could encounter like wet or uneven surfaces.

“It’s hard at first, but it’s just like riding a bike,” Rumbaugh said.

Currently, Segs4Vets has given away more than 900 Segways, and has a waiting list of more than 1,000 people.

“Every year we get further behind. Our list of applicants grows every year,” said Kerr.

Anyone interested in donating to Segs4Vets can do so through the charity’s website.

A woman was sexually assaulted last night as she walked into her apartment building in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. The victim managed to fight back, however, and the suspect left some incriminating evidence at the scene as he fled.

From this week’s Arlington County crime report:

SEXUAL BATTERY, 05/15/12, 2900 block of S. 13th Street. At 9:33 pm on May 15, a victim was walking into her apartment building when a subject ran up from behind and sexually assaulted her. The victim began throwing punches and was able to take the subject to the ground. As the suspect fled the scene, he dropped his cell phone and car keys. Police have knowledge of the suspect’s identity, but have been unable to locate him at this time.

Police say the incident was not related to a series of sexual assaults Friday night.

The rest of the crime report, after the jump.

ROBBERY, 05/09/12, 900 block of N. Stafford Street. On May 9 at 2:21 pm, a known suspect to the victim took cash out of the victim’s coat pocket, pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head. The suspect fled the scene and was located a short time later by police in bushes behind a restaurant. Johan Middelthon, 46, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with robbery and malicious wounding. He was held on no bond.

ROBBERY, 05/12/12, 2600 block of S. Eads Street. On May 11 at 11:15 pm, a male subject attempted to grab money out of the hand of a female victim. The victim punched the subject in the face and fled the scene on foot. John Dingle, 39, of Stafford, VA, was arrested and charged with attempted robbery. He was held on a secured bond.

ROBBERY, 05/15/12, 100 block of S. Utah Street. On May 15 at 3:30 pm, a subject grabbed landscaping equipment from a previous employer and tried to flee the scene. The owner ran after the subject to recover the equipment and a physical altercation ensued. The suspect fled the scene in his vehicle and was located by police in Fairfax County. Kris Curtis, 26, of Arlington, VA, was arrested and charged with robbery, attempted malicious wounding and assault and battery. He is being held without bond.

BURGLARY, 05/11/12, 1500 block of N. 19th Street. Between 7:30 am on May 10, and 6:45 pm on May 11, an unknown subject(s) entered an apartment and stole various items. Property reported stolen include a bike, iPad, camera and laptop. There is no suspect description.

BURGLARY, 05/12/12, 800 block of S. 18th Street. Between 8:30 pm on May 11, and 8:50 pm on May 12, an unknown subject(s) entered into an apartment and stole two laptops. There is no suspect description.

BURGLARY, 05/12/12, 200 block of N. Piedmont Street. Between 11:45 am and 1 pm on May 12, a resident returned home to find her living room window open and laptop missing. There is no suspect description.

BURGLARY, 05/12/12, 2100 block of S. Nelson Street. Between 4:30 am and 5 pm on May 10, an unknown subject(s) entered a residence and stole various items. Property reported stolen include $10,000 in cash, jewelry, and a kitchen blender. There is no suspect description.

BURGLARY/STALKING/UNLAWFUL FILMING, 05/13/12, 800 block of N. Quincy Street. On May 13 at 12:05 am, an ex-boyfriend entered the victim’s apartment unknowingly after sending her a topless photo of herself while she slept. The subject made over 50 attempts to contact the victim by phone and was reported yelling inappropriate comments outside of her apartment. Trevor Frye, 27, of Arlington, VA, was arrested and charged with burglary, stalking and unlawful filming. He was held without bond.

SEXUAL ASSAULT, 05/12/12, 2100 block of N. Lee Highway. On May 12 at 12:19 am, a male subject approached a female victim walking home alone and grabbed her. The subject was attempting to take the victim to the ground while sexually assaulting her and covering her mouth. The victim punched the subject, then she was thrown into the bushes. The suspect fled the scene. The suspect is described as a black male, wearing khaki pants, a red and white checkered long sleeve shirt and black gloves.

SEXUAL ASSAULT, 05/13/12, 300 block of N. Oxford Street. On May 13 at 2 am, a female victim reported she was sexually assaulted by a male [suspect]. The victim and her boyfriend attended a cookout with the subject, where they consumed alcohol. The victim reported the sexual assault after waking up in the middle of the night to find the subject on top of her in the boyfriend’s apartment. Federico Alfonso Umana Barrera, 35, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with sexual assault and forgery of a public document.

PEEPING, 05/12/12, 900 block of N. Barton Street. At 12:19 am on May 12, a female victim was alerted to a noise outside her living room window and when she looked a male subject was standing in the window watching her. Police located the suspect a short time later behind an adjacent apartment complex. Erdenbulag Khosbagana, 31, of Arlington, VA was arrested and charged with peeping.

STOLEN VEHICLES

05/09/12, Vespa LX50 Scooter, Brown, 3200 block of N. 10th Street

A race through Arlington this Saturday, May 19, not only gives competitors a chance to show off their speed, but also helps injured wildlife.

The 2nd Annual Turtle Trot 5K takes runners along the W&OD trail. Proceeds help with the rehabilitation of injured local turtles and wildlife, and with providing shelter until they can be released back into the wild. Some money also goes toward educational programs at Long Branch Nature Center.

Following the race, the whole family can enjoy educational booths, games and displays, some of which feature live animals. Onlookers can also cheer on the stars of the “real turtle race.”

The 5K starts close to the picnic pavilion in lower Bluemont Park, near Wilson Blvd and N. Manchester Street. Sign up can be done online through Friday, or on location starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. The race begins at 10:00 a.m.

The W&OD trail will not be closed during the race, so runners must share the trail. Others who plan to use the trail at that time are encouraged to be patient and be mindful of runners.

For more information, call 703-228-6535.

Arlington County is preparing to move forward with utility undergrounding and street improvements along Columbia Pike.

The County Board is expected to approve a contract for work along a section of the Pike at its meeting this Saturday, May 19. The $5.7 million contract would go to Sagres Construction Corporation, and includes work from S. Wakefield Street to Four Mile Run.

Utility underground is the first phase of the project, to be followed by a variety of additions and upgrades. Some of the improvements include new bus shelters, traffic signals, bike racks, ADA compliant ramps, street lights, trees and wider sidewalks. That stretch of Columbia Pike will also be resurfaced with a new layer of asphalt.

County staff has been working to ensure customers have access to all the buildings along the affected stretch of road, as well as to public transportation. Lane closures and traffic disruptions should be expected during construction, but will be during non-rush times. Night work is also possible, which could create some construction noise.

A Department of Environmental Services spokeswoman said assuming the board approves the contract on Saturday, work should begin in July. It will take about 15 months to complete. Project updates will be posted on the county’s website.

Local state lawmakers are speaking out against a vote by the Virginia House of Delegates to deny a General District Court judgeship to an openly gay prosecutor.

Richmond prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland, a former Navy fighter pilot whose judicial nomination was supported by Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), failed to receive the 51 votes necessary in the 100-member House of Delegates. Del. Bob Marshall (R), who led the charge against Thorne-Begland’s nomination, cited his public opposition to the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy 20 years ago, while still in the Navy, and his expressed support for same-sex marriage.

Thorne-Begland is “an aggressive activist for the pro-homosexual agenda,” Marshall said in a press release. “Can this candidate swear the required oath to support our state’ constitution if he has already indicated by his past actions that he does not support that section of our constitution barring same-sex legal relationships?”

State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D), the first openly gay member of the Virginia General Assembly, argued that Thorne-Begland was rejected solely on the basis of being openly gay. He also condemned the state Senate leadership for dodging a vote on the nomination.

“The debate in the House of Delegates was homophobic and embarrassing, and showed a disrespect to a chief deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney and decorated veteran who was honorably discharged,” Ebbin told the Washington Post. “It’s also offensive that the Senate Republican leadership wouldn’t even grant Lt. Thorne-Begland the courtesy of a Senate vote.”

On Twitter, Del. Alfonso Lopez (D), who along with Del. Patrick Hope (D) was among the 33 “yes” votes for Thorne-Begland, Tweeted about the vote in real time early yesterday morning.

“Shameful,” Lopez said. “Virginia and Mr. Thorne-Begland deserved better. I have a feeling the Commonwealth will be in national headlines again.”

Del. Bob Brink and Del. David Englin, Democrats who both represent portions of Arlington, were among the 26 lawmakers who did not cast a vote on Thorne-Begland.

Update at 1:55 p.m. — Del. Marshall and Sen. Barbara Favola (D) appeared on NewsChannel 8′s NewsTalk program this morning to discuss the judicial vote. 

Update at 3:35 p.m. — Del. Brink has issued a statement to ARLnow.com regarding his absence from the voting.

Due to previously scheduled travel out of the country, I was absent for the May 14 session of the House — the first session I’ve missed in my 15 years as Delegate. The House minutes reflect that I was granted a leave of absence for this reason.

Tracy is my friend. For several weeks, after the right-wing threat to his nomination became known, along with other concerned members of the General Assembly including my colleague Adam Ebbin, we strategized on the steps needed to get him confirmed. I deeply regret that we were unsuccessful.

The rejection of this eminently well qualified lawyer, in addition to its unfairness to him, is a loss to Virginia’s justice system and another black mark on Virginia’s reputation.

It goes without saying that I would have vigorously supported and voted for Tracy if I had been present.

Photo via Office of Sen. Adam Ebbin

Need a good laugh?  Tonight’s “Laughter Yoga” session might be just what you’re looking for. The free program takes place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street).

Laughter yoga is a practice started in India in 1995 to let people experience the medical benefits of laughter. The sessions are based on medical research indicating the human body apparently cannot tell the difference between real laughter and fake laughter.

Some of the benefits reportedly include an immune system boost, increased oxygen intake, increased “feel good” hormones and reduced stress hormones. To get the full benefits, a person must laugh heartily for a sustained period of time, about 15 minutes.

The four elements of laughter yoga are clapping and chanting, breathing, childlike playfulness and exercises.

“It’s geared to anyone who can laugh… of any fitness or mobility level,” the session’s instructor, Diane Cohen, told ARLnow.com. “At a time when many don’t have a reason to laugh, laughter yoga brings laughter — for no reason — to anyone willing to laugh. It’s non-political, non-religious, non-judgmental, non-competitive.”

Update 12:25 p.m. — A library spokesman has requested we clarify that this event is neither sponsored nor programmed by the library.

Arlington is again on the Amazon.com list of The Top 20 Most Well-Read Cities, but this year it moved up.

Arlington was listed as #7 on the list, moving up 3 spots from last year’s #10 position. Alexandria also moved up the list from its spot at #2 last year. It has overtaken Cambridge, Mass. to become the #1 most well-read city in America.

Alexandria also has the distinction of liking spicy books. According to the press release, “Virginia is for lovers – Alexandria, Va., that is, which tops the charts in the Romance book category.”

Localities had to have at least 100,000 residents to be considered for inclusion on the list. Amazon.com compiled the data of all book, magazine and newspaper sales in both print and e-reader formats since June 1, 2011.

Here is the full list:

1.  Alexandria, Va.
2. Cambridge, Mass.
3. Berkeley, Ca.
4. Ann Arbor, Mich.
5. Boulder, Colo.
6. Miami
7. Arlington, Va.
8. Gainesville, Fla.
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Salt Lake City
11. Pittsburgh
12. Knoxville, Tenn.
13. Seattle
14. Orlando, Fla.
15. Columbia, S.C.
16. Bellevue, Wash.
17. Cincinnati
18. St. Louis
19. Atlanta
20. Richmond, Va.

New GOP County Board  Candidate — Crystal City resident and Republican activist Matt Wavro has stepped up to run on the GOP ticket for Arlington County Board in the fall. [Sun Gazette]

Arlington Cops Recognized — Five Arlington cops have been recognized by Virginia State Police for their exceptional work in deterring auto theft. The Law Enforcement Office Award competition — which recognizes efforts to combat car theft — is judged by partnering law enforcement agencies, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and insurance industry representatives. [Arlington County]

Remembering Swillers Music — Back in the mid-20th century, Swillers Music was the place in Clarendon to buy musical instruments, sheet music, and even turntables or radios. The bygone store also had its own recording studio. [Library Blog]

Arlington: The Palo Alto of the East?– The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service is touting the our tech-savvy county as “the Palo Alto of the east coast” via Twitter.

Flickr pool photo by Divaknevil

Attacks on two women on the same night, believed to be by the same suspect, have Arlington County Police cautioning walkers, particularly women. Both incidents took place late last Friday, May 11.

The first occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the 3300 block of Washington Blvd, according to police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. A 26-year-old female walked home alone after having spent a night out with friends. After she typed in the security code to open her garage door and walked inside the garage, she noticed the suspect standing at the bottom of her driveway. She became frightened and tried to close the automated garage door, but the man allegedly rushed toward her and stuck his hand over a sensor, causing the door to re-open. She made it inside the house, locked the door and called police while the suspect fled the scene.

According to Sternbeck, the victim described the suspect as a black man with a dark complexion and short hair, about 5’11″, 200 pounds and around 30 years of age. At the time, he had been wearing khaki pants and a red and white checkered shirt. The victim noted that she saw the suspect wearing black gloves when he put his hand over the garage sensor.

About an hour later, an individual matching the same description is believed to have attacked a woman in the 2100 block of Lee Highway. The 24-year-old female was walking home alone when the suspect allegedly grabbed and sexually assaulted her. The woman struggled and managed to punch the suspect in the stomach. He then reportedly threw her in some bushes and fled.

This victim told police that the suspect had covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, and was wearing black gloves.

“Based on their descriptions and the similiarities in the incidents, we believe it’s the same individual,” Sternbeck said.

Police are reminding people to be aware of their surroundings, not to walk alone and to carry a cell phone for emergencies. Walkers are warned not to put themselves in vulnerable situations, or to have the “that can’t happen to me” mentality.

“We want people to be educated if they’re going to be out late at night,” Sternbeck said. “These are things you need to be aware of.”

Anybody with information about the suspect that may lead to his arrest is asked to call the police non-emergency number, at 703-558-2222.

Bloomers in Shirlington is encouraging women to take off their bras for a good cause. This Saturday, May 19, the store will host its 2nd Annual Bra Drive.

The drive started last year at the Old Town store, and this year the newer Shirlington location (4150 Campbell Avenue) will participate as well. Donations of new or gently used bras are accepted, and will be given to BraRecyclers. The organization distributes bras around the world to women and girls who have been stricken by disaster, or are in a state of transitioning back into self-sufficiency.

Megan Monticone, who is in charge of social media for Bloomers, explained that although all styles and sizes are needed, there is a particular need for donations of maternity bras, nursing bras and bras for larger breasted women, such as sizes DD and higher. Those tend to be harder to come by and more expensive than other types of bras.

“For women who are in positions of trying to transition, it’s hard to get the right size and be able to afford it,” Monticone said.

Customers can bring in bras to the Shirlington location from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Anyone who donates will receive a 20% discount off the cost of one new bra at Bloomers. Customers who donate will also receive a tank top, while supplies last. Those who can’t make it on Saturday are encouraged to drop off a donation any time this week, but the discount will only apply on Saturday.

Bloomers will also donate $1 to BraRecyclers for every new “Like” on its Facebook page during the month of May.

Arlington National Cemetery will play host to a historic event this weekend, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the song Taps.

The anniversary of the National Song of Remembrance will be marked with a ceremony on Saturday, May 19, in the cemetery’s Old Amphitheater. There will be participants from TAPS 150, an organization devised to commemorate the anniversary, along with Bugles Across America, an organization to recruit volunteers for playing Taps at veterans’ funerals.

Hundreds of buglers from around the country will take part in the ceremony, which starts at 10:00 a.m. There will be speakers, special music and a playing of Taps at the event. After that, the buglers will move to sites throughout the cemetery to simultaneously play Taps following the noon chimes.

“Buglers from all over the United States are coming to Arlington National Cemetery to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sounding Taps in America’s most sacred shrine,” the TAPS 150 website reads. “These are dedicated musicians who believe that a live sounding of Taps is not only appropriate but deserved and even indispensable for those who have served our nation in uniform.”

The website also claims the simultaneous playing should allow people to hear the echo of the tune nearly anywhere in Arlington.

The event is free and open to the public.

Taps was first arranged in July 1862 — during the Civil War — by Union General Daniel Butterfield. Butterfield created the tune to honor his fallen soldiers after the bloody Seven Days Battles near Richmond.

Photo by Tim1965

A contract worth more than $760,000 to improve the Clarendon Metro Plaza is up for approval at the County Board meeting this Saturday, May 19. The board is scheduled to vote on granting the contract to Fort Myer Construction Corporation.

The revamp involves installing new landscaping, pavers, irrigation, seating, lighting, curbs and gutters. It’s designed to provide a larger public space where community functions, such as the farmers’ market, can be held.

The plaza’s fountain will stay, but will receive upgraded water lines. Additionally, the changes should improve drainage in the plaza.

The ADA-compliant design also includes new sidewalk ramps, a curb extension at the northwest corner of Clarendon Blvd and N. Highland Street and new pedestrian crossings at Clarendon Blvd, N. Highland Street and Wilson Blvd.

The county has been coordinating with WMATA during the planning process. However, the site is, and will remain, county property up to the elevator and escalator landing areas. The Department of Parks and Recreation will continue its maintenance of the plaza.

Construction, which was expected to have begun already, is now anticipated to begin shortly after board approval. It will be completed in phases so pedestrians continue to have access to the Metro escalators and elevators.

Sketches of the proposed changes were released last summer, and can be found with additional details of the plan on the county’s website.

Update on 5/16/12 — Project Manager Tom Hutchings says the county wants to avoid interfering with major events near the plaza this summer. Construction is expected to start after the Air Force Cycling Classic Clarendon Cup on Saturday, June 9. The goal is to have the plaza finished before Clarendon Day at the end of September.