The Arlington Historical Society recently received an $18,000 grant from the Center for Urban Education, honoring the memory of a longstanding community leader.
The grant honors John Marr, who twice served as president of the Arlington Ridge Civic Association beginning in the 1970s, shepherding community response on a number of major redevelopment, transportation and public-works initiatives.
“He was graced with the ability to see the big picture and see all sides of a situation,” the Arlington Historical Society noted. “His many years as a military leader enabled him to listen, think and communicate clearly and calmly, and synthesize multiple perspectives. All made for an invaluable combination to enable all sides to come to agreement.”
The Center for Urban Education recently dissolved, and its members decided the Historical Society would be the appropriate beneficiary of its remaining assets. Richard Herbst, president of the Arlington Ridge Civic Association, presented the contribution.
The society “is proud and grateful to be the recipient of a donation in memory of a community hero like John Marr,” its leadership said.