Welcome to Support Arlington Center

Support Arlington Center is a citizens' group dedicated to keeping Arlington Center thriving with diverse, successful small businesses. It was started in June 2016 during the alarming rate of empty storefronts and exorbitant rent increases. The group works with Town members, business owners and the community to encourage shopping and dining in Arlington Center. The group consists of Arlington residents, business owners, and visitors who love and support Arlington Center. We feel a special responsibility as the site of Town Hall, Robbins Library, Arlington High School, the Town Garden, Arlington Town Day, Jason Russell House, Cyrus Dallin Museum, Spy Pond, the Boys and Girls Club, the Senior Center, the main post office, and much more. Learn more about Support Arlington Center and join the conversation on Facebook. 

​"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead

Featured Business of the Month
​Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts

Located at 301 Broadway since 2010, Zhen Ren Chuan is a martial and healing arts studio that offers a complete education in the study of the human mind and body. Zhen Ren Chuan, meaning “The Art of the True Human Being”, encompasses correct and well-balanced exercises, movements and forms that date back hundreds and thousands of years. Offering adult lessons and children’s programs, they teach and instill the knowledge of Eastern ancient self-defense, relaxation techniques, martial arts methodology, values, and ancient traditions.

The core of Zhen Ren Chuan’s movement and philosophy stems from the arts of Baguazhang, Chinese Shaolin / White Crane Gong Fu (Kung Fu), Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qi Gong (Chi Kung). They also offer Chinese Chin Na, Judo and traditional Chinese and Japanese weaponry. Sparring, Iron Palm and Iron Body training is available to advanced students who have developed the proper foundations, skills and discipline. 

One of the key elements to Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts philosophy is giving to others. In 2009, the studio started a community garden where they plant strawberries, blueberries, peppers, tomatoes, herbs and flowers for neighboring businesses and friends of the community. It has generated a feeling of community around Arlington Center, as local restaurants are using the herbs in their signature dishes--anyone can come by and take the fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as enjoy the perennials they have planted over the years. The studio also leads community trash clean-up activities at Spy Pond and runs food drives for the Arlington Food Pantry.  In addition, Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts operates Alton Street Boxing and Fitness as a means to facilitate a broader outreach in the community. They are currently offering boxing and fitness classes for people with Parkinson's Disease (as an affiliate of Rock Steady Boxing).  

FUN FACT: The owner, Charles DeVirgilio received Arlington Chamber of Commerce's award of "2018 Community Business of the Year" for Zhen Ren Chuan. 

Contact Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts today!
Phone: (781) 646-8660
Website |  Facebook |  Watch a video of the community garden

Events, Recent News & Articles

Come to the community workshop on Town business sign regulations 
October 29, 2018  |  7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Ottoson Middle School Cafetorium, 63 Acton Street
Learn more >

It's an Arlington Tradition! Trick or Treat Arlington
October 31, 2019  |  3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Children ages 10 and under are invited to show off their Halloween costumes and trick or treat at Arlington businesses from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 31.
Look for poster in the windows of participating businesses.
Learn more > 

Aeronaut Arlington had a successful run in Whittemore Park in July, August and September
​- Take the beer garden survey
- Read press release 

​Letter to the Editor about Arlington's vacant storefront bylaw featured in the Boston Globe
How one Massachusetts town [Arlington] is tackling vacant storefronts
Read letter >

Listen to podcast interview with Support Arlington Center
Arlington Entrepreneurs interviewed co-founder Alyssa Clossey about the importance of small business shopping and how Support Arlington Center was formed. 
Listen now >

​Goals of the new bylaw for Vacant Store Fronts
Read more >
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Boston Globe featured article: Residents pressure Arlington Center Landlords to fill growing vacant storefronts
Read more >
Arlington Cable News story on Support Arlington Center
Read more news >
Email Support Arlington Center  |  Photo credits: ​www.cambridgeville.com (home page photo) and Cheryl Freeman (secondary page photos)