July 24, 2018
Aspire! to Greatness

A local Arlington nonprofit is asking students to reach for the stars.

Aspire! Afterschool Learning is an educational organization with the mission of closing the achievement gap for Arlington’s most at-risk individuals--economically disadvantaged students in grades 3-5. The achievement gap can be seen right here in Arlington where 1 in 5 economically disadvantaged third graders fell behind in reading two years ago; the following year, as fourth graders, 1 in 3 was falling behind (compared to just 5-6% of their non-disadvantaged peers).

Aspire’s dedicated staff and volunteers are committed to providing these at-risk students with the tools to excel in school and in life through daily sessions and summer programs. There is a strong focus on literacy skills with read aloud and guided reading programs. Each year, more than 90% of the students they serve improve their reading levels. The organization also takes a holistic approach to teaching. There are “Math Mondays” and modules of Project-Based Learning (PBL) designed to teach social and practical skills while building confidence.

Aspire! began nearly 25 years ago as Greenbrier Learning Center and has since evolved into the nonprofit we see today. Their work has helped countless children in that time, and they continue to grow in an effort to provide the highest quality educational experience for their students. They are currently developing a state-of-the-art facility in partnership with Arlington County Parks and Recreation, and local businesses, including Perkins + Will, HITT Contracting, GHT Limited and HomeAid of Northern Virginia. Their new space, once completed, will enable the program to serve two to three times more students. The funds for this project are provided through donations from individuals and organizations.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating to Aspire, please follow the link below. 
Sold Out Sip & Mingle

Get ready to meet neighbors and network with other Ballston tenants and employees at the Ballston BID’s quarterly Sip & Mingle Happy Hour. Each happy hour features different spaces and places the neighborhood has to offer, plus we'll highlight neighborhood news and updates each quarter.

Tomorrow's happy hour is sponsored by our friends at  Marymount University . This Sip & Mingle will feature refreshing beer, wine, and cocktails sponsored by  Belle Isle Premium Moonshine .

Rustico  will be serving up a delicious array of fan favorites, and giving away a gift card to their Ballston Location!

Our charitable partner this month is the  Animal Welfare League of Arlington . They'll be bringing along a few of their adorable--and adoptable--furry friends for you to meet. You just might fall in love!

Tomorrow's Sip & Mingle is officially sold out. We'll catch you next time in October!
Making Time for Self Care

Are you a woman in public policy juggling multiple responsibilities--a full-time job, fundraising, traveling and taking care of your family and yourself?! Do you feel burned out, stressed and pulled in 20 different directions? Are you tired, depleted and not showing up as the best version of yourself?

Our daily routine and responsibilities often mean we relegate our health and wellness to the back burner as something we will do when "we have time or when things slow down". This can have a negative effect on our health and our ability to have long-term influence on the issues that are important to us.

Join  Wellness Expert + Health Coach , Ingrid Vaicius , for a delicious Sweetgreen salad and an interactive lunchtime workshop where you will learn easy to implement and practical wellness strategies that will have a huge impact on your health and productivity. You’ll walk out of this workshop with the tools you need to feel energized so you can focus on work and living your best life. The most effective and practical ways to feel vibrant and clear-headed and the choices you need to make to increase productivity.
We Want to Hear From You

We want to make the  BallstonConnect Podcast  the best it can be! Our goal is to create a podcast that connects the community, a podcast that informs Arlington, but more to the point, a podcast someone will actually listen to. We think it's already pretty great, but it's what you think that really matters.

Please help us improve the BCP by listening to our most recent episode with guest, Brett Snyder of  Knucklepuck , and answering a short survey.

We know you're busy, so let's sweeten the deal a bit. Anyone who completes the survey will be automatically entered to win one of two $50 gift cards to the Ballston restaurant of the winner's choosing .

Winners will be announced July 27th!
Your New Office Awaits

Our friends at TechSpace Ballston are running a free rent summer special! One month free rent  with a 6+ month signed agreement if signed by August 31, 2018.

TechSpace is Built for Business. It is where growing companies office to get work done - it is why we’re the smart choice for office space.

TechSpace Ballston  is located at 4075 Wilson Blvd. on the 8th floor at  Two Liberty Center . 

View their tour availability  and book a time that works for your schedule. 
Bird is the Word

You may have noticed the new electric scooters with the funny name around Arlington. Bird is a last-mile, electric scooter sharing company dedicated to bringing low-cost, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to urban communities.

Take one of these babies for a spin with just the tap of a button. Download the Bird app and use the code BirdBallston for a free ride up to $5 for new users.

Just remember to park your scooter so it doesn't block use of the sidewalks after your ride!

If you are interested in bringing a Bird "nest" to your business or building, please contact nest@bird.co