To have engagements, weddings, obituaries, or other significant personal events listed in The Arlington Connection, e-mail arlington@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407. Photos are welcome.
Air Force Airman Tigist K. Belema has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Kebede Belema Weldemariam of Arlington. Belema is a 2006 graduate of H.B. Woodlawn High School, Arlington.
Air Force Airman Lindsey A. Jaxel has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Jaxel is the daughter of Robert and stepdaughter of Susan Jaxel of S. Barton St., Arlington. In 2006, the airman graduated from Wakefield High School, Arlington.
Longtime successful Arlington businessman and current President of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Richard V. Doud, Jr., will be honored as the 2008 recipient of the Arlington Community Foundation’s annual William T. Newman, Jr. Spirit of Community Award. The award ceremony and luncheon will be held at noon on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Sheraton National Hotel. The Spirit of Community Award recognizes and honors those people who have demonstrated tireless and unselfish commitment to improving the quality of life in Arlington.
Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 2 Albert Santiago has been mobilized and activated for deployment overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the son of Luz Delgado of Fort Evans Road, Leesburg, Va. Santiago graduated in 1986 from Washington Lee High School, Arlington, Va., and received a bachelor's degree in 2003 from Strayer University, Ashburn, Va.
April Pinch-Keeler was honored by Elon University as a “Hometown Hero.” President of MVLE, a non-profit devoted to helping people with disabilities find employment and support services, Pinch-Keeler has expanded the reach of MVLE through federal contracts with the Government Printing Office and Walter Reed Medical Center.
Karen Cleveland, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia was awarded The Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman 2008 EXCEL Award by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. The two other award recipients were Linda Dunphy, executive director of Doorways for Women and Families and Layli Miller - Muro, executive director of Tahirih Justice Center.
TD Bank has named Steven Vitalie a "Hometown Hero" to mark the opening of its newest Fairfax County location and to advance the bank's commitment of giving back to the communities it serves. As the Hometown Hero, Vitalie designated the 911 Scholarship Fund to receive a cash donation from the bank.
Arlington Superintendent Dr. Robert G. Smith has received the 2008 Outstanding Professional Educator Award from the University of Maryland College of Education.