Stories for April 2012

Monday, April 30

Nutritionist Draws a Crowd at McLean High

More than 150 attend the ‘Power of Your Plate’ talks.

When a presentation draws double the audience expected, someone has hit a hot spot. On Tuesday, April 24 at McLean High School, local nutritionist Victoria Wood pulled in an audience of over 150 with her talk, "The Power of Your Plate."

Wounded Warrior Visits Langley School

Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder shares a message about service and perseverance with middle-schoolers.

Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder wasn’t able to run the Marine Corps marathon with his friends last fall. He was recovering from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan. So while they ran it without him, wearing "Brad Snyder" t-shirts, he made a plan. He said, "well alright, next year I’m going to run with you guys."

McLean High Bands Win at National Competition in Boston

McLean High School’s Symphonic, Concert and Jazz Bands all brought home first place trophies from a national band competition in Boston last weekend. In addition the school’s Percussion Ensemble received the highest "Superior Gold" rating by judges and five musicians received an "Individual Soloist Award." McLean’s bands traveled to Boston to compete in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival which pitted the music program against top programs in high schools from the East Coast to California and Alaska.

Great Falls Farmers Market Highlights Local Produce

Local farmers and vendors from Great Falls make up nearly half the vendors.

From honey to honey buns, from produce to pickles, the newly located Great Falls Farmers Market has it all. They go beyond many other local farmers markets because they are able to offer many products that are grown and produced in the village of Great Falls, taking local a step further.

Letter: Is it Worth it?

Letter to the Editor

I read with interest your recent report of the news conference held by VDOT officials on the roadway now named the 495 Express Lanes ["Fasten Your Seatbelts," Connection, April 4-10, 2012]. Your story quotes Tim Steinhilber, Transurban-Fluor's Express Lanes manager, saying that "drivers on 495 will have faster, more reliable and more predictable trips on the Capital beltway."

Great Falls Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale

The Great Falls Garden Club will hold its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. In addition to the Plant Sale, the Great Falls Garden Club will be hosting a Small Standard Flower Show from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Great Falls Library at 9830 Georgetown Pike. One can see, in the Horticulture Division, what beautiful flowers can be grown in the Great Falls area. Everyone is invited.

A Big Accomplishment for a Sixth Grader

Kayley McPhail of Great Falls who is 11 years old and in 6th grade, recently scored 11th in the Nation on the High School National French Examination.

Friday, April 27

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $825,000 ~ $967,000

In March 2012, 38 Potomac homes sold between $2,710,000-$253,000.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $825,000 ~ $967,000

Local Real Estate: March 2012 Sales in Upper $500s

Transforming a Vision into Housing, Commerce

Creating an urban development, one land bay at a time.

First in a three-part series about Potomac Yard development.

Local Man Bikes in Police Unity Tour

The motto of the Police Unity Tour (PUT) is "We Ride for Those Who Died."

Audition Workshop Set for Westfield Summer Stage

Westfield Summer Stage celebrates 12 years of summer musicals with the classic musical comedy, “Anything Goes,” to be performed in late July at Westfield High. Auditions will begin in a few weeks, so an audition workshop for prospective cast members will be held Monday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m., where material for the vocal and dance auditions will be taught.

Spotlight Shines on Local Talent

Alliance Theatre To Present Musical Showcase

Shining a spotlight on the local community’s youth, The Alliance Theatre presents its inaugural Musical Showcase, Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, at Mountain View High. The event is a fund-raiser for Mountain View to purchase additional lighting, sound and window covers for its auditorium.

Centre View Roundups -- April 25

Smoking Materials Cause Fire Fairfax County fire investigators say “discarded smoking materials” caused an accidental townhouse fire, April 12, in Centreville. The incident occurred around 3:25 p.m. at 5213 Prairie Willow Way. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear and deck area of the three-story, end unit.

Fund-Raiser Planned for Animal Shelter

Wine-tasting event is May 5.

Like a Statue of Liberty for animals, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a place of refuge for animals needing care. They often arrive ill or injured, and many have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

Come to the ‘State Fair’ at Liberty Middle School

Featuring a cast and crew of 90, Liberty Middle School presents the classic, Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, “State Fair.” Show times are Thursday-Friday-Saturday, May 3, 4 and 5, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Centre View Calendar -- April 25

To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.

Historic Huntley To Open at Last

Hybla Valley villa to become Fairfax County’s newest public park next month.

After decades of waiting, Historic Huntley will finally open its doors to the public next month. Officials with the Fairfax County Park Authority are planning a May 19 launch, a long-awaited opening for a historic property built in the 1820s by Alexandria Mayor Thomson Mason. The old house has been boarded up since being purchased by the Fairfax County Park Authority in 1989, when county leaders set out to restore the villa overlooking Hybla Valley. Since then, county voters have approved two bond referendum ballot items worth $3 million.

Debutante Ball at West Potomac High School

On Saturday, April 21, the first Power of Pink Debutante Ball was held in the Gunston Gym at West Potomac High School. The Power of Pink is a young ladies mentoring program.

Opinion: Poetry Submissions

The following poems, submitted because April is National Poetry Month, are from Mount Vernon resident John J. Finerty.

On Their Way to Iowa

Stratford Landing Elementary School’s 5th grade Odyssey of the Mind team, coached by Terri Bell, has qualified to go to the World Finals in Ames, Iowa. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving competition for students ages Kindergarten through college. The team worked on their problem in the category of Weird Science. They came in first in their division at the regional competition, which was held at West Potomac High School, and also came in first at the state finals in Newport News on April 14. The team was also the only team, out of 108 competing at the state level, that was given the Ranatra Fusca award, which is presented to a team that demonstrates exceptional creativity at the competition.

Fort Hunt Softball Volunteers Honored

More than 450 attend opening ceremonies.

The Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association (FHYAA) Girls Softball Program held its opening day ceremonies on Sunday, April 16 at Walt Whitman softball fields. More than 450 players, coaches and family members attended the event. FHYAA has 154 girls signed up to play softball this season in three different leagues: U9, U12 and U18.

Thursday, April 26

Join in Mount Vernon CROP Walk

“Because they walk, we walk” is the theme of the 32nd annual Church World Services CROP Hunger Walk on May 6. Sponsored by area churches through Ventures in Community (VIC) and starting at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road, Alexandria, the CROP Walk winds through the local community for 1.5 miles. Registration begins at 12:30 at St. Aidan’s, and the Walk begins at 1:30.

Commentary: New State Budget Misses the Mark

I voted against the final state budget last week because it fails to address our needs and reflects badly-skewed priorities. It was an eventful two days in Richmond.

Opinion: Will Virginia’s Health Care Improve Without Better Data?

The answer is “no.” The Virginia Health Reform Initiative Advisory Council (created by Governor McDonnell) stated the case for change in its 2010 report. “Virginia’s overall quality of care is average, with strengths in cardiac care, hospital care generally, and home health. Weaknesses in Virginia’s quality rankings include nursing home care, diabetes care, and maternal and child health. Specifically, Virginia ranks 41st in the nation in breast cancer death rates, and 35th in infant mortality. None of these statistics measure up to Virginia ranking sixth, nationwide, in median family income.”

Letter: Adverse Actions Have Consequences

To the Editor: Martin Tillett understandably wants to avoid having the downfall of the proposed Kings Crossing Town Center as his legacy in the civic arena. In prior letters to the Gazette, I've explained the role the Spring Bank Community Association (SBCA) played, under the leadership of Mr. Tillett and SBCA President David Dale in the demise of Kings Crossing (see my letter in the August 13, 2009 Gazette) and the resulting development of a Wal-Mart store on the property.

Letter: A Meeting Without Answers

To the Editor: Sunday April 22, at St. Stephens UMC in Burke, Fairfax County officials and elected supervisors (including Board Chair Sharon Bulova) met with over 200 volunteers from 36 church-based hypothermia shelters to ease our anxieties. We have heard rumor that the fire marshal has determined that 18 of these churches will not be able to open and operate their “hypothermia” ministry next year as they had in the past. This puts the hundreds of homeless individuals who use these facilities at risk of frostbite, hypothermia and death.

'Witness for the Prosecution' Opens at LTA

It's 1954 and Leonard Vole stands accused of the murder of a rich elderly woman whom he befriended. His wife's testimony could save him until she suddenly becomes a “Witness for the Prosecution” in the Agatha Christie thriller now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Calendar for April 25

E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.

Poetry: Words

Words

Poetry: interconnections

interconnections

Poetry

The following poems, submitted because April is National Poetry Month, are from Alexandria residents.

Poetry: botanicals

botanicals

Building Upon Layers Of History

From Native American settlements to gentrified neighborhoods.

If you stand on the roof of a high rise apartment build in North Alexandria, you can get a sense of the extraordinary flatness of the Potomac Yard. You can see the Washington Monument and the Capitol dome across a skyline unbroken by anything but the occasional lifting off of a plane from Ronald Reagan Airport. To the left are the high rise buildings of Crystal City, but they are manmade break in the flat land which runs from the Potomac River south to below Old Town before a ridge of any significant height changes the contour of the country side.

Neighborhoods: Taylor Run

BROADWAY SUCCESS Nancy A. Gibbs, who formerly lived in our neighborhood on W. Taylor Run, has produced a new hit in New York. "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a prequel to Peter Pan. It explains how Peter and the Lost Boys attained their eternal youth, and why Captain Hook pursued them so relentlessly. The New York Times reviewed the show most enthusiastically. Janet and David Beckmann, of Park Road, went up to New York to the opening night, which they enjoyed tremendously. "Peter is a tour-de-force of the imagination," says Janet. " The audience could not have been more elated."

Walkathon Supports Project Discovery

The City of Alexandria hosted the 16th annual “A Walk in the Park … Strides Toward Success” Walkathon on Saturday, April 21, at the Fort Ward Park. Proceeds from the Walkathon benefit the Department of Community and Human Services’ Project Discovery-Alexandria — a program that helps low-income and/or first-generation students at T. C. Williams High and the Minnie Howard Campus to succeed in getting into and completing college. There are almost 100 students enrolled in the program this year. Since it’s inception in 1985 over 2,000 students have benefited from Project Discovery.

Miracle Leagues Begins Second Season, Prepares for New Field

The Miracle League of Alexandria began its 2012 season April 22 with a ceremony at the Lee Center field that included the presentation of several checks that will help fund a new Miracle Field.

ACT To Kick Off Spring for Alexandria Events

Gala to honor Ticer, Ariail family.

John Porter thinks big. As this year's group of events collectively referred to as Spring for Alexandria draws near, Porter has set some lofty goals for the May 2 kick-off online giving event Spring2Action.

Appreciates BZA Decision

To the Editor: Excellent reporting as usual by Michael Lee Pope in April 18 edition of Alexandria Gazette. We agree with the decision by Alexandria BZA that the City Planning Department ignored the plain language of its own zoning code and used creative interpretations "as a ruse to avoid public participation."

Potomac Calendar April 26

To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call 703-778-9412.

The Tavern at River Falls Opens in Potomac Village

The long-awaited Tavern at River Falls is already a hit in Potomac. Finally opened after more than two years of work and determination by owner Jeff Grolig, the tavern offers a large U-shaped bar area, original photographic artwork and a menu that features tasty food created with the freshest of ingredients.

Chastain Promotes ‘The First Tee’

Luncheon raises funds, awareness for youth golf program.

“You can change a child’s life by being involved in The First Tee,” Brandi Chastain, celebrated World Cup soccer star, Olympian, author and coach told an audience of more than 200 golfers and The First Tee supporters who attended the 2nd annual golf outing and luncheon held at TPC Avenel on April 18.

Lancers Girls Lacrosse Readying for Districts

Lee, behind good senior leadership, competing hard in Patriot.

The Lee Lancers girls' lacrosse team is having a good season thus far. The team started out the spring with four straight wins during its non-district schedule. Over the past few weeks, the wins are not coming for Lee, which competes in the ultra tough Patriot District, but the team continues to play hard and, for the most part, good lacrosse.

Broadway to Wootton

ArtSpeak — a program to bring professional actors and actresses to high schools — is featuring two Broadway stars in a free event at Wootton High School. The program will highlight the talents of actress Christiane Noll and actor Brad Oscar. The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on May 3, in the Thomas S. Wootton High School auditorium.

When No Hydrant Is at Hand

Firefighters make use of alternative water sources.

While more summer-like temperatures over the weekend might have obscured the memory, last Friday, April 13, was a chilly day, in the 50s, with a significant breeze. So it was clear that firefighters in front of Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department Station 30 on Falls Road were not filling a pool to cool off.

Arlington's Mystery Tunnel

The forgotten 100 feet.

Everyone knows that Lee Highway in Arlington is Route 29. They also know that Old Dominion Drive is Route 309. That is correct, except for two-thirds of a mile from Quincy to Wakefield Streets.

Canstruction Returns

On display through April 28 are eight canstructions, made of canned and/or packaged foods, built by local architectural teams. This

‘A Delicious Bite of Knowledge’

More than 2,750 cupcakes made up the H-B Woodlawn eighth graders’ map of the world.

Labeling Energy Performance of Public Buildings

Buildings in Arlington are about to become green with envy. A new county program is now installing energy performance labels in the lobby of government buildings, and Arlington officials say they want to expand the program to private buildings. The pilot would be voluntary, potentially attracting companies that want to draw attention to buildings designed for efficiency. In the long run, though, the idea is that people would take a different approach to what kind of information is available to the public.

Orange Line Connection April 25

Saturday Nights at 11:01 11:01 Saturday Nights. Starts at 11:01 p.m. Late-night dance party. Tickets are $15/$12 students. At the Ballroom at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-228-1850.

Arlington Calendar for April 25

Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with any questions. Photos are welcome.

'God of Carnage' at Signature Theatre

It begins innocently enough: Two New York couples oozing affected politeness meet to discuss a playground scuffle between their sons. Painstakingly attentive to social niceties, they hope to talk things over in a calm, mature and rational way.

And Then there Was One

'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me' opens at Port City Playhouse.

It's been more than a quarter of a century since Irishman Brian Keenan, Englishman John McCarthy and American Terry Anderson were taken hostage in Beirut and held in a series of desolate cells throughout the city. Keenan was released after more than four years in captivity and went on to pen “An Evil Cradling,” a chilling account of his experience.

Local PUT Fund-raisers

On Thursday, April 26, Glory Days Grill — at 13850 Braddock Road in the Old Centreville Crossing Shopping Center — will host a Bartenders Night from 6-9 p.m.

Growing Up in a Virtual World

The effects of today’s technologies on the lives of teenagers.

Until recently, we didn’t know that the average teenage girl sends or receives a staggering 4,050 text messages per month. That boils down to at least one message every seven minutes during her waking hours. This is a problem, said Dr. Leonard Sax, well-known author and psychologist, not just because of the amount of time spent, but because this and other research findings show that today’s teenage girl is hyper-connected to her peers; and she is more disconnected than ever from herself.

Local Residents Nominated for Volunteer Service Awards

Clifton Sisters Engaged

Steven and Elizabeth Birk of Clifton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughters, Michelle Elizabeth and Kristin Margaret.

Bat Or Award Presented to Chantilly Scout

Madeleine LeBeau, a member of local Junior Girl Scout Troop 6730, received the Bat Or (Daughter of Light) Award in a ceremony at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, on Friday, April 20.

Letter: Exchange Student Appreciates Year

My name is Sara Segalini. I am an exchange student from Italy. I'm having a lot of fun here in Virginia and I'll never forget this year in the U.S.

Letter: Bullying Behavior

Without question, the involvement of a community is vital to dealing with bullying among youth.

Letter: Investment in America's Youth

Have parents and their baseball-oriented sons from ages 15 to 18 given much thought to the advantages of playing American Legion Baseball — a program that is extremely active in the Northern Virginia District 17 of the American Legion?

Foster, Foltz To Be Honored

Both nominated as Community Champions.

Volunteer Fairfax and Supervisor Pat Herrity will honor Ned Foster of Springfield District with a Community Champion award during the 20th Anniversary Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards sponsored by UnitedHealthcare.

Two More Weeks to Chantilly Day

Fun, food, music, a car show, children’s fair and parade — they’ll all be part of the first-ever Chantilly Day.

Botanicals

spring blooming on the walls of the Athenaeum

Audition Workshop Set for Westfield Summer Stage

Westfield Summer Stage celebrates 12 years of summer musicals with the classic musical comedy, "Anything Goes," to be performed in late July at Westfield High.

Spotlight Shines on Local Talent

Shining a spotlight on the local community’s youth, The Alliance Theatre presents its inaugural Musical Showcase, Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, at Mountain View High.

Taylor Run

Nancy A. Gibbs, who formerly lived in our neighborhood on W. Taylor Run, has produced a new hit in New York.

The Brainy Bunch

Alexandria teams head to national trivia championships.

Which U.S. president took early morning swims in the Potomac River? What were “poulaines” used to indicate in medieval Europe? What are the 10 least grossing Eddie Murphy movies?

Letter: Another Done Deal

It is no surprise to the residents of the Beauregard section of the West End that the Mayor/council and city staff are once again pulling another “done deal” in our neighborhood and that the push for a major redevelopment in this area is a result of the BRAC-133 and loss of property tax dollars.

Letter: City Can’t Subsidize Rents

There have been recent discussions in Alexandria about whether the city should purchase apartment complexes and convert them to subsidized affordable housing units.

Applause in the Form of $1,500

First Night donates to school music programs.

First Night Alexandria's board of directors voted unanimously April 19 to make monetary contributions to the music programs at T.C. Williams High School and George Washington and Francis Hammond Middle Schools.

Column: Keeping a Promise

The mission of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is to provide the environment, resources, and commitment to ensure that each and every student succeeds — academically, emotionally, physically, and socially.

State Award for Sherman

Dr. Morton Sherman, superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools, is the recipient of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals 2012 Pathfinder Award.

Fairfax Celebrates Arts

City of Fairfax Mayor’s Ball attracts hundreds.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Sherwood Center on Friday, April 20 to attend the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Ball, and to celebrate the opening of the 27th year of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival.

Curry Mantra Restaurant Celebrates Anniversary

Zagat-rated Indian restaurant Curry Mantra celebrates its one-year anniversary in April 2012 with the opening of its expansion at 9984 Main Street in Fairfax.

Going Green in Lorton

County uses reclaimed water to irrigate golf course, little league fields.

The fairways at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton and the South County Little League fields are getting a little greener this summer.

Autism Awareness at Union Mill Elementary

April is Autism Awareness month and students at Union Mill had an opportunity to participate in a sensory simulation activity during P.E. classes.

LCAC celebrates its Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

As part of National Volunteer Week (April 15 – 21), the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), a human services nonprofit providing emergency food and financial assistance along with self sufficiency programs to thousands of individuals in southeast Fairfax County, hosted a "Thank You Open House" for LCAC volunteers on Wednesday, April 18.

Workhouse Arts Center Hosts Japanese Art and Culture Day

The Workhouse Arts Center celebrated Japanese Art and Culture Day, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Gift of Trees, National Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors to the Workhouse Arts Center enjoyed and array of interesting, educational, and entertaining activities celebrating the art and culture, both ancient and modern, of Japan.

Car Show Slated for April 29

All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.

Besides being a longtime Clifton resident and its former mayor, Jim Chesley is also a classic-car aficionado. He’s president of the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, and the group is putting on a car show to benefit a children’s hospital.

Clifton Celebrates its 110th Birthday

With balloons, two cakes and a bench-dedication, residents gathered Saturday afternoon, April 21, in the town park to celebrate Clifton’s 110th birthday.

Area Roundup

Things happening in Burke, Springfield, Lorton, and Fairfax.

Good, Bad and Ugly In Virginia Budget

The Virginia Senate finally adopted the State Budget on a vote of 21-19 last week. It now goes to the Governor for his amendments.

A Peace Fellow Returns to Fairfax

Lauren Conn, a Fairfax native and graduate of Fairfax High School and the University of William and Mary, will return from Argentina this summer to begin work supporting area youth.

Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter

Wine-tasting event is May 5.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a place of refuge for animals needing care. They often arrive ill or injured, and many have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

‘Step Through the Looking Glass’

Woodson presents ‘Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk.’

To say Woodson High’s play, "Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk" is something special would be a huge understatement.

‘Arabian Nights’ at Lake Braddock

Lake Braddock students perform culturally-rich classic.

Don’t expect Disney’s "Aladdin" in Lake Braddock Secondary School’s production of "The Arabian Nights."

Burke Residents Recognized

Volunteer Fairfax, along with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, will honor 117 local volunteers during the 20th Anniversary Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards sponsored by UnitedHealthcare. The Awards will be held Friday, April 27, at the Waterford at Springfield in Springfield. With more than 500 guests expected to be in attendance, the Awards is one of the largest community-wide recognition events for volunteers.

Mount Vernon Boys’ Soccer Remains Undefeated

Castellon’s two second-half goals lift Majors past Stuart.

The Mount Vernon boys' soccer team defeated Stuart 3-1 on April 21 to remain undefeated.

Sports Briefs: Mount Vernon Crew Wins 3 Golds

The Mount Vernon crew team competed in the Baltimore Invitational Regatta on Saturday, April 14. The men’s novice 8, women’s lightweight 8 and women’s novice 4 all earned gold medals for their first-place finishes.

Churchill’s Edens, Arthur-Williams Compete at Capital Classic

Edens scores 11 in win, Arthur-Williams grabs 7 rebounds in defeat.

Two of the best basketball players Churchill has to offer stepped outside of their usual Bulldog roles during the 39th Annual Capital Classic on April 21, but that didn’t stop Sam Edens and Sarafina Arthur-Williams from having an impact during the all-day all-star event at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria.

Tensions Rising Between Arlington and Alexandria Over Transit Corridor

Alexandria leaders lash out at Arlington officials for backing out of an environmental analysis.

Tensions between Alexandria and Arlington are growing along Route 1, where city and county leaders are moving in different directions about how the jurisdictions want to create a high-capacity transit corridor.

Business Matters

Say goodbye to the Alexandria Sanitation Authority. Say hello to Alexandria Renew Enterprises, and get ready to pay two bills instead of one.

Council Notebook

Mayor Bill Euille is asking his colleagues on the City Council to refrain from answering questions about where they think the Potomac Yard Metro should be located.

Spreading the Wealth on the Campaign Trail for Alexandria City Council

Wide disparity in fundraising numbers for council candidates.

In the first three months of the year, first-time candidate Sean Holihan raised more money than any of his competitors in the campaign for cash this political season.

Wednesday, April 25

Freshman Girls Bring Home Another Victory for T.C. Crew

For the second time this season, the girls’ freshman 8 have brought home a victory for the T.C. Williams crew team, crossing the finish line nearly 10 seconds ahead of the competition at the Noxontown Regatta in Middletown, Del., this past Saturday, April 21.

T.C. Williams’ Huggins, Moss Compete in Capital Classic

Episcopal’s Fitzpatrick coaches Adala Moto, Savage.

It didn’t long for T.C. Williams senior T.J. Huggins to show he could play with some of the nation’s best at the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic

West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.

Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

Yorktown Boys’ Lax Shuts Down Washington-Lee

Patriots have won four of five since 0-7 start.

The Yorktown boys' lacrosse team has rebounded after an 0-7 start.

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment, Home & Garden and Classified ads!

Northern Region Sports Notes (April 25-May 1)

Girls sporting pink look at district lax playoffs; McLean boys tennis unbeaten; Templin leads Saxons softball over Marshall.

This week the undefeated McLean High boys' tennis team, under head coach Aavo Tomkov, had a challenging slate of competition versus Liberty District opponents. The Highlanders (8-0), earlier in the week on Tuesday, April 24, were scheduled to travel to cross-town and Liberty District rival Langley High (7-1).

Lady Saxons Surge Past Marshall in Liberty lacrosse

Swomley scores four times for first place Langley squad.

The Langley Lady Saxons notched another impressive win, defeating the George Marshall Lady Statesmen, 15-5, in a Liberty District lacrosse match-up played last Thursday, April 19.

Langley, Madison Compete in Boys Tennis

Saxons prevail to improve to 7-1.

In a Liberty District boys' tennis match on April 16, the Langley High Saxons defeated the Madison Warhawks, 6-3, in the competition held at Madison in Vienna.

Warhawks’ Softball Honors Teachers

Madison follow up festivities with District win over Fairfax.

The Madison High girls’ softball team paid tribute to four of the school’s teachers during pre-game ceremonies of the Warhawks’ Liberty District home game versus Fairfax last Friday night, April 20.

Arlington County Hopes Energy Labels Will Change Business-As-Usual Attitude

Pilot program starts with government buildings, then moves on to private buildings.

Buildings in Arlington are about to become green with envy.

Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Supporting McLean’s Clemyjontri Park

Concert in the Park moves indoors, to the home of Dan and Juliann Clemente, minutes away from the Park.

On Saturday, April 21, the Friends of Clemyjontri Park Foundation in McLean held their second annual Concert in the Park – sort of. The theme of this year’s black-tie fundraising event was "Under the Big Top" and was scheduled to take place under the park’s newly installed 900 sq. ft. canopy, built to provide shade and available for rental for special occasions.

Coming In from The Cold

Fairfax County hosts hypothermia meeting to address shelters’ concerns.

Fairfax County officials met with about 75 representatives from churches and other houses of worship Sunday, April 22, to address rumors and concerns that the County’s Fire Marshal will shut down their hypothermia programs next winter - and shut out many homeless residents - because of fire code violations.

A Taste of Vienna Celebrated

April 28 food festival benefits Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

You’d better hit the gym now if you want to prepare for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s [VVFD] first annual Taste of Vienna food festival, scheduled on April 28.

History Revisited in Vienna

Freeman Store Historical Plaque unveiled.

More than 100 members of the Vienna-area community and a cast of local dignitaries took part in the program at Freeman Store on April 21 at which the plaque commemorating Freeman Store’s historical designation in the Commonwealth was unveiled.

Baby Boomers and Beyond Health Fair Debuts in Vienna

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna and the Town of Vienna partner to host wellness exhibitions.

"Baby Boomers and Beyond" were introduced to the broad diversity of health and wellness services offered in the Vienna area at the health fair sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna [SCOV] and the Town of Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation. From health care navigation to dancing to Latin music, the four-hour exhibition on April 21 at the Vienna Community Center focused on the wellness needs of the area’s senior population.

Space Shuttle Discovery Flies Over Langley High

Harris LaTeef, a 9th grader from Langley High School and Assistant Editor of The Saxon Scope, the school newspaper, was on top of the sports bleachers capturing photos of the Space Shuttle Discovery as it passed low over Langley on its way to Dulles Airport on April 17.

Langley High Wins Science Olympiad

Langley High School's Science Olympiad team won first place in Division C (grades 9-12) at the Virginia Science Olympiad state competition, held April 14 at Westfield High School.

Letter: Deserving Better

Letter to the Editor

On Tuesday, April 10, I attended Barbara Comstock's town hall meeting in Great Falls. As a constituent, I wanted to ask her why she voted for mandatory ultrasound procedures for women (HB462) and why she voted for the so-called "personhood" bill (HB1) that would give full rights to zygotes and could restrict a woman's access to birth control, while voting against funding for two of our northern Virginia priorities: education and transportation (HB30).

Langley Crew Wins Races, Helps Community

The Langley crew team has three regattas under their belt with some great successes: Several boats have come in first, second or third in their heats. The freshmen and novice boats have produced some great times – building future successes for the team.

A Gripping Play

Langley High’s production of ‘The Crucible.’

A maddening witch hunt, a town turned on its head, and a court fallen to corruption -- and it all started with a dance; this crazed phenomenon, the hunt for witches, that swept Salem, Mass., in 1692, was depicted beautifully in Langley High School's production of "The Crucible."

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

MPA Celebrates 50 Years

McLean Project for the Arts curators select works from their favorite artists for a golden anniversary exhibition.

McLean’s reputation as a trailblazer in the world of art is little known. It has the distinction of hosting one of the longest continually-running nonprofit art centers in the Washington-area, the McLean Project for the Arts. The MPA is also the first public-private partnership in the arts in Fairfax County.

Almanac Wins Awards

First place awards include continuing coverage of Brickyard issue, and Lourie’s columns.

Celebrating Earth Day at Churchill Road

On Friday, April 20, Churchill Road Elementary School students and staff participated in a school wide pep-rally to celebrate Earth Day.

Week in Great Falls

Things happening in the Great Falls area.

Great Falls Farmers Market Returns to Village Centre

Opening day set for Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Great Falls Community Farmers Market is opening on Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the parking lot at the Walker Road entrance to the Great Falls Village Centre -- where it was the year before last.

Flourishing After 55

Flourishing after 55.

Grand Day for Great Falls Little League

Great Falls Little League (GFLL) celebrated its annual Opening Day on Saturday, April 14. Current youngsters within the league were on hand in full uniforms, excited about the prospects of the upcoming season and cherished days of team camaraderie ahead.

Great Falls Elementary Performs at Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival

Accompanied by Mamiya Worland (Sahara Sensei), 19 first graders, 12 third graders, and four fourth graders from the Japanese Immersion Program at Great Falls Elementary School performed at the Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 14.

Three Run for Mayor

Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel, Councilmembers Jasbinder Singh, Bill Tirrell seek election.

With current Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis deciding not to seek re-election, three current councilmembers will seek his spot in the town’s May 1 election. Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel and Councilmembers Jasbinder Singh and Bill Tirrell look to succeed DeBendittis, who was first elected in 2006.

Nine Run for Town Council

Candidates seek six seats on Town Council for two-year term.

Nine candidates will vie for six seats on the Herndon Town Council in the May 1 election. With three current councilmembers declaring their candidacy for mayor, three current members as well as five new candidates will run.

Taste of the Town Celebrated

Annual restaurant showcase benefits Council for the Arts of Herndon.

Samantha Hendrie of Herndon knew she didn’t have to worry about dinner for her family Thursday, April 19, she just had to bring them to Worldgate.

Museum Tells Story of pre-Reston Simon

Program features early life of founder Robert Simon.

While Robert E. Simon Jr. literally started Reston’s history, his own history goes back five decades. Reston wasn’t founded until Simon was 50, and the Reston Historic Trust attempted to fill in residents on Simon’s early life during their Thursday, April 19 program at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne.

Town Center Hosts Trayvon Martin Rally

As the Trayvon Martin case began making headlines around the nation, Rev. Mary Barrino-Smith of the Community of All People United Church of Christ decided it was time to get the local community involved. By contacting local faith communities and spreading the word online, more than 150 people attended a vigil Tuesday, April 17 at Reston Town Center.

Great Falls Elementary Poets Recognized

Friends and Neighbors Club awards nine at annual luncheon.

The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club held their 30th annual poetry contest, awarding nine Great Falls Elementary School students during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club.

Langley Choir Tours Europe

Vocal groups win one silver, three gold medals at 2012 Young Prague Festival.

On March 29, 113 Langley choral students and chaperones along with their director, Dr. Mac Lambert, and Langley High School administrator Sonya Williams gathered in the Langley High School auditorium with suitcases and passports in hand.

Tuesday, April 24

Reston Lions Meet

Paul D'Addario, who is blind from a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) caused by damaged nerve cells in his eyes, spoke to the Reston Lions Club at their meeting on Wednesday, April 18. He discussed the effects of the condition and a study he is participating in at Johns Hopkins Hospital that is helping to improve the technology needed to provide relief to those who have the same condition.

Column: Spending Plan Approved

The General Assembly passed a spending plan for FY2012-2014 last week in a session that had much more drama than most meetings of the state’s legislature. One Democratic Senator changed his vote after the budget had failed to pass in order that the constitutionally required majority could be reached; a Republican Senator got a State Police escort back to the Capitol from visiting his wife in the hospital in order that he could vote. By a one vote margin the $85 billion spending plan for the next biennium was approved.

Column: Finally - a Budget!

It started in January, 2012 when the Virginia General Assembly convened for the 2012 Session. The Democrats, unhappy over being turned down in their bid for power-sharing in committee assignments commenced a guerilla action – putting partisan politics ahead of the needs of Virginians. The first budget was DOA. The next was a refusal to negotiate. Then, it was healthcare and education. Finally, it devolved to a $300M earmark for funding Rail-to-Dulles Phase II.

The Silly and the Serious Mix at Bicycling Charity Event

Redskins’ linebacker Alexander hosts third annual Ride to Provide.

Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander along with teammate Kedric Golson and several other current and former Redskins traded in their shoulder pads and football helmets for biking shorts and biking helmets for the third annual Ride to Provide, a charity bike ride, Saturday April 21.

Letter: Herndon Elections: Vision and Action

Letter to the Editor

The Herndon Town Elections are coming up on May 1. I encourage everyone to check the candidates’ websites and attend events to learn more about them and their vision for Herndon.

Letter: Merkel for Mayor

Letter to the Editor

On May 1st, at our Community Center, you will pick a new team to guide our Town for the next two years. The leader of that team, our next Mayor, will set the agenda and represent our community at the local, county and state level. We feel the best qualified candidate is our current Vice Mayor, Lisa Merkel. We need to elect a true leader with a positive vision for our Town.

Letter: Supporting Merkel for Mayor

Letter to the Editor

I am proud to support Lisa Merkel for Mayor of Herndon. Since Vice Mayor Merkel took office in 2010, she has succeeded in re-focusing the town away from the divisive issues of immigration and day labor, and put her energies where they needed to be: land use, economic development and budget.

Viewing Space Shuttle Discovery

Floris Elementary School students and staff in Herndon held classes outside on April 17 to witness the Space Shuttle Discovery’s final flight into Dulles Airport.

Herndon Honors Volunteers

Town holds the 28th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Night.

On April 15, 425 volunteers were honored for their service to the Town of Herndon from 38 different service organization and groups. Each of the honorees contributed 100 hours or more of volunteer service in the community last year. The 28th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Night was held at the Herndon Community Center.

Worek Wants to Continue McLean Football's Winning Ways

Former Langley, Madison head coach believes Highlanders have strong program in place following three years under Jim Patrick.

This past Jan. 25, McLean High School announced that Dennis Worek would be the man to coach the Highlanders' high school football team. This after Jim Patrick stepped down as the McLean head coach to devote more time to being the school's director of student activities.

Oakton Baseball Trying to Regain its Footing

Since 6-1 start, Cougars have struggled in Concorde District play.

A tough stretch of the season has hit the Oakton High baseball team since the start up of play within the Concorde District schedule a few weeks ago. The Cougars, who were 6-1 at one point this spring, entered this week in the midst of a tough five-game losing streak.

Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget

Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.

"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.

Monday, April 23

Week in Reston

Forest Edge in World Finals

Fifth graders compete at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

A team of fifth grade students from Forest Edge Elementary School won first place in the state Odyssey of the Mind competition on Saturday, April 13, and these students will compete in Odyssey of the Mind World finals to be held next month (May 22-25) at Michigan State University, Lansing.

Letter: Reston Traffic: From Difficult to Impossible

Monday evening the county’s Department of Transportation (DOT) staff presented the Master Plan Task Force its latest analysis for traffic in Reston in 2030. The presentation was based on the task force’s current planning proposal for Reston near the Dulles Corridor, called “Scenario G.”

Kaine Sees Immigration as a ‘Talent Issue’

Senator visits Oracle, discusses immigration reform.

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D) on Monday, April 22, visited Oracle, a global technology company in Reston, to meet with leaders of the Northern Virginia technology corridor and discuss his efforts to help their businesses grow and thrive, including a comprehensive solution to the nation’s broken immigration system.

Tall Order For Smart Growth Near Braddock Road Metro

City Council members set aside commercial land-use and height limit in Parker Gray.

Remember that commercial building that was approved near the Braddock Road Metro station? Well forget about it.

Friday, April 20

Local Real Estate: March 2012 Sales in Upper $600s

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $1million~$1.25million

In March 2012, 38 Potomac homes sold between $2,710,000-$253,000.

Potomac Real Estate: March Sales, $1million~$1.25million

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $800,000~$849,000

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $800,000~$849,000

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

Community events in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Reston/Herndon area.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Community events in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment, Home and Garden and classified ads!

Thursday, April 19

Student Sleuth Takes the Stage at Rocky Run Middle

Presents “Brenda Bly: Teen Detective.”

Granted, says Theater Director Julie Wharton, “Nobody’s ever heard of this show, ‘Brenda Bly: Teen Detective,’ but it’s funny and the characters are charming.” And soon, local residents will be able to enjoy it, too, at Rocky Run Middle School.

Celebrating Opening Day for Alexandria Little League

Twenty-five teams took the field at Simpson Field for the annual Alexandria Little League opening day ceremony Saturday morning, April 14. League president Bill Gehrig introduced the teams as they paraded onto the field. Majors commissioner Rusty Rhodes and his two sons led the players in reciting the Little League Pledge.

Police Unity Tour Fund-Raisers Set

The 16th annual Police Unity Tour (PUT) ride will be May 10-12, and Centreville’s Kevin Whalen is already busily raising funds for the cause.

Commemorating A Young Life

Erin Peterson honored in song and dance.

A day before the fifth anniversary of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, two local victims — Westfield High grads Erin Peterson and Reema Samaha — were honored and remembered at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville.

Gunston Hall Museum Director Ousted by Regents After Year of Controversy

David Reese is out; Mark Whatford to serve as acting director.

After surviving more than a year of calls for his resignation, Gunston Hall museum director has been removed as head of the historic house site.

Car Show Slated for April 29 in Clifton

‘Flight 905 Heavy’ at Dulles

The Space Shuttle Discovery, atop its Boeing 747 carrier, prepares to end its last flight at Dulles International Airport on Tuesday, April 17. The shuttle will become part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The flight was referred to as “flight 905 heavy” on the air traffic control channel.

College Day At Lees Corner

Friday April 13 was "College Day" in the Chantilly Pyramid and all faculty and staff were encouraged to wear a shirt from their alma mater and to engage their students in discussions about college and careers. The effort was part of a "Crayon to College" initiative, acknowledging research that suggests that the earlier students start thinking about possible careers, the better they plan their educational paths. Here, some administrators and faculty of Lees Corner Elementary School pose for a group shot in their spirit wear.

Centre View Crime Report -- April 19

Activities reported by the Sully police department through April 13.

Centre View Calendar -- April 19

To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.

College Day at Greenbriar West

Friday, April 13, was "College Day" in the Chantilly Pyramid. All faculty and staff were encouraged to wear a shirt from their alma mater and take five-plus minutes to share their college experience with their students. At Greenbriar West Elementary School teachers started the day in class meetings by sharing where they went to college, what they studied, and things they wished they had known before going to college. The goal was to show the children that the goal of attending college is realistic for them.

New Leadership At Gunston Hall

Museum director ousted by regents after year of controversy.

After surviving more than a year of calls for his resignation, Gunston Hall museum director has been removed as head of the historic house site. In a meeting last week, the Board of Regents voted to replace David Reese, effective immediately. Mark Whatford, a senior staff member, will serve as acting director until a permanent replacement is hired. The decision comes after harsh criticism of financial mismanagement and unprofessional behavior.

Calendar for April 19

Educator: Have Students Help Shape Curriculum

Progressive educator Alfie Kohn challenged parents and teachers to go beyond comfort zones at the Burgundy Farm Country Day School Eric Sevareid Forum held April 4. “Progressive education is scary because it is unfamiliar,” said Kohn. “Progressive education has a better claim to traditional education in fact, standardized testing does not go back that far.”

Letter: True Community Business in Alexandria

I am writing to thank the Harvey family for everything they've done in the 20 years or so that we've lived in the Fort Hunt area, fully aware that they had done the same things for years before we arrived. The service provided at Hollin Hall Automotive has been fantastic over the years, and the contributions the Harvey family has made to the local Little League and other organizations have helped make this a great community. When we moved to this area, the Hollin Hall shopping center looked a bit drab, but then we went through the doors and met the people at Village Hardware, Safeway, Via Veneto, the Variety Store, etc., and we learned to love the place. Village Hardware, in particular, has made major contributions to local organizations; I have personally spread much of the free Turfus they have provided to the Ft. Hunt Little League.

Madison Boys' Tennis Falls to Talented McLean Team

But Warhawks bounce back with Liberty win over Fairfax.

On Wednesday April 11, at Madison High School, the undefeated McLean High boys’ tennis team defeated Madison 8-1. Madison was competitive in all three doubles matches and three of the singles matches against a deep and impressive Highlander team.

Sports Notes From Around the Region

Highschool, youth, college news.

49 Shopping Carts Later …

Cleanup was well underway on Saturday morning, April 14 at the tributaries of Little Hunting Creek off Buckman Road. Forty-nine shopping carts, 245-plus bags of trash, and 27 tires were collected at 10 sites from the mouth of Little Hunting Creek upstream nearly to Huntley Meadows. Fairfax County together with the Alice Ferguson Foundation collaborated in the clean-up effort. Little Hunting Creek covers over nine acres in Fairfax County and is in the watershed of the Potomac River. The Alice Ferguson Foundation established in 1989 organized watershed cleanup activities at 600 sites in five states on Saturday.

Four Stallions Make College Field Hockey Commitments

Karwel, Clifton, Bradsher, and Taillon were each instrumental in South County's run to the Northern Region crown last fall.

Next school year, four players who have been instrumental members of the South County Secondary girls' field hockey team will be going off to college where they will commit to their classroom studies as well as play field hockey at the collegiate level.

Hollin Hills Hosts 2012 House & Garden Tour

Hollin Hills, the mid-century modern neighborhood in Alexandria, hosts its next House & Garden Tour on Saturday, April 28, from noon to 6 p.m.

Centreville High Sports Notebook

Wildcat Classic golf event set for April 30.

General Dynamics and the Wildcat golf team invite the community to the 8th Annual Wildcat Classic on Monday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton. The registration fee for this year’s event is $400 per foursome and $100 per individual. Registration includes greens fees, cart, range balls, on-course challenges, a tournament goodie bag, and admission to the awards reception and tournament banquet.

A Tax Day Protest at Springfield Metro

Half dozen Northern Virginia activists handed out literature to riders on the Springfield Metro on Tax Day, April 17.

Clifton Man Honored at Public Safety Awards Ceremony

Steve McMurrer, a Fairfax County public safety communicator, is the kind of employee other employees look up to. McMurrer is always helpful and voluntarily creates training materials for use throughout the center.

Chargers Defeat Hornets in Softball

Sallberg fans 11 Herndon batters

The Chantilly High girls' softball team, earlier this week on Tuesday, April 17, won a Concorde District road game at Herndon High, 6-0.

New Sign for Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

Lake Braddock senior, Edmund Sparrow, completes project to become Eagle Scout.

A group of Boy Scouts led by Lake Braddock Secondary School senior Edmund Sparrow replaced the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum's aging sign on the corner of Ox Road and Fairfax Station Road on March 24.

Chamber to Honor First Responders with Valor Awards April 26

There was no time for careful deliberation. The water was swiftly rising as an elderly driver was trapped inside a submerged vehicle at the intersection of Edsall Road and Winter View Drive during the flash flooding that devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. Unequipped for swift water rescue, Lt. Patrick Lyon and firefighters Michael Chandler, Louis Simpson and Joseph Porcelli from Ladder Truck 208 quickly assessed the situation.

American Premiere Arrives At Workhouse Arts Center

A rare opportunity presents itself, as the Workhouse Theatre for Young Audiences is producing an American premiere of an original work written specifically for younger children. For the next several weeks, "Home" written by British playwright Lizzie Allen is being staged.

Stallions Softball Wins Hayfield Spring Break Tournament

Dillow's team, despite a youthful look, is 11-2 overall and 7-1 in district play.

Fielding a young lineup has not stopped the South County girls' softball team from having one of the better outfits in the Northern Region once again. The Stallions, with a starting lineup filled mostly with freshmen and sophomores, still showcased an impressive 11-2 overall record following a 3-2 loss at Lake Braddock earlier this week on Tuesday, April 17.

Helping Rebuilding Together Alexandria

Twenty-one volunteers from Safeway spent Thursday, April 12 constructing an outside porch and wheel chair ramp for John Patterson, a double amputee veteran of the Vietnam War. The volunteers also repaired broken faucets, painted, repaired a fence and pergola and planted a summer garden. Katherine Dixon, executive director of Rebuilding Together Alexandria said, “In addition to the $20,000 donation from Safeway, we leveraged a significant amount of volunteer help, discounted materials, and professional labor.”

Car Show Slated for April 29

All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.

Woodson High Athletes Support Cancer Research

The National Capital Area (NCA) chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has nominated 18 candidates for their 2012 "Man & Woman of the Year" campaign to collectively raise $1.1 million in just ten weeks. Last year’s campaign raised over $1 million for blood cancer research, the most ever raised by any individual chapter. All proceeds go directly to LLS to be used for research and patient services.

SCAN Names 2012 Ally in Prevention Awardees

SCAN named Erick T. King, co-founder of the Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP); Valerie Cuffee, who recently retired as division chief of Arlington County's Child & Family Services Division; and the late Cynthia Hull, former executive director of United Community Ministries, as the 2012 Allies in Prevention for Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax, respectively. The award was given at SCAN's 10th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon.

Washington Nationals Come to Greenspring

National Holiday at Greenspring: The three foam-headed Washington Nationals Racing Presidents - Tom, Teddy, and George – entertained residents and their guests at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield on Wednesday, April 11.

"Flight 905 Heavy"

The Space Shuttle Discovery, atop its Boeing 747 carrier, flies over Windmill Hill Park on Tuesday, April 17. The shuttle will become part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The flight was referred to as “flight 905 heavy” on the air traffic control channel.

Team Sisters Walk for a Cause

Syron sisters, Catherine of Burke and Judy of England, raise funds for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Considering that they live some 3568 miles apart, the Syron sisters, Catherine and Judy, remain close. Born only 15 months apart, they were raised in the North of England, moved with their family to Brussels, Belgium as teenagers, and later even shared accommodations for a few years before Catherine moved to the US, where she now lives in Burke. Sadly, they share more than just a happy childhood and continuing friendship. Catherine and Judy also share the BRCA-2 Breast Cancer gene.

FANFARE Eatery Opens at Fairfax Corner

New sports-themed eatery created by owners of Glory Days Grill.

A lot of feathers were ruffled during the grand opening celebration of FANFARE, Fairfax Corner’s newest sports-themed eatery.

Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Nancy Larsen Turner Dies

Why Early Intervention Matters

It’s a parent’s nightmare—one day—out of the blue, your princess, your first- born, your two-year-old daughter, loses her ability to speak. There’s no identifiable reason and my wife and I were devastated.

Watershed Cleanup in Alexandria

Volunteers collected hundreds of pounds of trash from Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria on Saturday, April 14. The cleanup was organized by Alexandria’s Transportation and Environmental Services, Office of Environmental Quality and Solid Waste Division in conjunction with the Alice Ferguson Foundation. The foundation, established in 1989, organized watershed cleanup activities at 600 sites in five states on Saturday.

Roundups

Raising Money to Educate Children

Project LIFE 2K/5K is Sunday, April 22.

Priya Khanna is still in high school, but she’s the chairman and CEO of a nonprofit organization, The Hollow Trunk. Comprising students from Westfield, Chantilly, Fairfax and Thomas Jefferson high schools, plus Robinson Secondary, it raises money for worthy causes.

Baseball Legend Frank Howard Visits Sportsman's Club

He took the field with the likes of Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese and Ray Campanella. But Frank Howard didn't just play with baseball's finest, he was one of them, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1960 and appearing in four All Star games for the American League from 1968 to 1971. On April 17, the former Washington Senator and Los Angeles Dodger spoke at the Alexandria Sportsman's Club and recounted some of the most memorable moments of his career.

Back to the Sixties

Robinson presents ‘How to Succeed in Business…’

t’s been a movie, a Broadway play – currently in revival – and now "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" is coming to the Robinson Secondary stage.

Fund-Raiser Set for Centreville Boy

Kyle Hahne, 7, is a baseball-loving second-grader at Cub Run Elementary. The Centreville boy is also battling leukemia.

No Butts About It: Ramparts Shifts to “No Smoking” Policy

The gang of regulars at Ramparts had a friendly wager going: How long would it take Butch Shunk to return after his vow to never again set foot in the popular Alexandria watering hole after its sudden shift to a no smoking policy on Easter Sunday? Some said three months but in the end it only took three days for the loyal customer to be back in his customary place at the end of the bar.

In Baseball, Concorde District Title is up for Grabs

No clear cut favorite as the six teams gear up for final month of regular season.

Back and refreshed from spring break week, the local high school baseball teams opened up the Concorde District portion of their schedules last week. For the final month of the regular season, the six Concorde teams, including Centre View area schools Centreville, Chantilly, and Westfield, will go head to head to determine regular season final standings and seedings for the postseason district tournament set to begin May 15.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

Community Lodgings Celebrates 25 Years, Raises $40,000

More than 170 people turned out April 15 for the 7th annual “Spring Forward to Union Street,” a fundraiser to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Community Lodgings that also recognized program participant Harriet Owusu for her exceptional strides in attaining self-sufficiency.

College Recruiting Seminar to be Held at Robinson Secondary

Parents, student-athletes to learn ins and outs of choosing a college.

A seminar to prepare parents and athletes for the college recruiting road ahead - complete with all its bumps - will be held on Monday night, May 7 at 7:30 in Russell Theater at Robinson Secondary School.

Langley Lacrosse Snaps Madison Girls' Unbeaten Streak

Saxons win riveting Liberty District contest, 13-11.

The Langley High varsity lacrosse team defeated the reigning Virginia State champion Madison Warhawks on their home turf in Vienna, 13-11, in a Liberty District showdown last Friday night between two of the state's top-ranked girls programs.

It’s OK, Come ‘Into the Woods’

Audiences throughout the country are currently enjoying two TV shows and a movie based on fairytales, so Chantilly High’s upcoming play, "Into the Woods," should receive an enthusiastic reception here.

Nancy Larsen Turner Dies

Nancy Larsen Turner, 83, formerly of Alexandria, died on March 2, 2012 at her home in Boonton, N.J. Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1928, she spent her childhood in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, where her father worked for the Park Service. She married Calhoun Harris Turner in South Carolina in 1956. After his death in 1970, she lived and worked throughout the United States and in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Raising Money To Educate Children in India

Priya Khanna is still in high school, but she’s the chairman and CEO of a nonprofit organization, The Hollow Trunk.

Madison Girls Looking to Get on a Soccer Roll

3-2-1 Warhawks aiming for their first district win this Friday night at Marshall.

With the second half of the high school girls’ soccer season having started up with district play last week, the Madison High Warhawks, while having played stretches of good soccer at 3-2-1, are still working to achieve bigger and better things.

Winifred Reilly Tracy Dies

Winifred Reilly Tracy died on April 11, at her home in Alexandria, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Rams Reach .500 Mark in Baseball

Robinson gets Concorde wins over Oakton and Westfield.

The Robinson Secondary baseball team reached the .500 record mark this past Tuesday night, April 17 when the Rams defeated host Oakton, 6-4, in a Concorde District game played in the Vienna area. It was the second district win in a row for Robinson, which had also won a road game at Westfield High, 3-1, last Friday night, April 13.

Herndon Softball Impressive Over Season's First Half

Young Hornets team set to host defending region champs Westfield this Friday night.

The Herndon High girls' softball team, under the direction of head coach Jourdan Coombs, has played with a freshness and vibrancy which has resulted in numerous wins this spring season. Despite having an overall inexperienced and young varsity roster made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores, the Hornets have proven to be a handful for their opponents to handle on way to winning seven of their first 11 games thus far, going into this week's action.

Column: Seminary Valley

The West End is about to receive a great upgrade with the installation of a new playing field at Francis C. Hammond Middle School.

Chargers Off to Fast Start in Concorde Baseball

Chantilly, following successful spring break showing, wins first two district encounters.

The winning ways for the Chantilly High baseball team have continued, from the Chargers' strong showing at a spring break tournament to its more recent victories in Concorde District games. The Chargers, under head coach Kevin Ford, won both of their district games by one run last week. On Tuesday, April 10 at Westfield High, Chantilly edged the Bulldogs, 4-3. Then in a home game last Friday night, April 13, the Chargers defeated Oakton High, 3-2.

Letter: Expertise Needed

Prior to the April 10 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), the meeting agenda listed an agenda item beginning on page 303 concerning a BOS vote to approve or turn down a new charter for the County's Tree Commission.

Letter: True Community Business

Winifred Reilly Tracy

Winifred Reilly Tracy died on April 11, at her home in Alexandria, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Letter: Neighbor Mourned

My neighbor and friend, Gen. William H. Montcrief, Jr, passed this week at 90 years old.

Letter: Just the Facts

ACPS facts ... no politics, nothing personal, no rhetoric:

Letter: A Perfect Symphony

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) marathon meeting on April 12 was a textbook perfect picture of collaborative decision-making at its best — equitable and obliging.

Letter: Too Late

I cannot understand why Mayor Euille thinks that VDOT should give Hunting Towers to the City of Alexandria.

Letter: Sound of Change

If the explosive eruption of Krakotoa in 1883 was a “sound heard ‘round the world,” the cheering you heard on Friday morning at 1 a.m., after the Board of Zoning Appeals reversed a City decision that prevented citizens from protesting a major waterfront zoning decision last January was heard all over Alexandria.

Letter: Smart Growth For Alexandria

Many Alexandrians are worried that more development inevitably means more traffic and a less desirable city.

Letter: How To Save Affordable Units

Folks need to understand a few things about Hunting Towers: * First, VDOT abused its acquisition (eminent domain) authority when it took all three towers when it only needed one and a few out buildings for the Wilson Bridge project;

Letter: Shortchanging Schoolchildren

How many more times do we have to read about the poorly performing schools twinned with internal issues?

Letter: Shortchanging Schoolchildren

How many more times do we have to read about the poorly performing schools twinned with internal issues?

New Fleet of Hybrid Trolleys on Its Way

Alexandria’s free King Street trolley service gets clean and green with the launch of an all-new fleet of hybrid trolleys on April 22.

Letter: So Much Inaccuracy from County

I went with a group of concerned citizens to file a petition today [April 13] in opposition to the County Executive’s secret agreement with Montgomery Soccer Inc. (MSI) to construct and operate soccer fields on the Brickyard School public property. When we reached Ike Leggett's office, the doors were locked and a guard was stationed at the door. We were told these doors are always locked, which is not true. We've been there before when the doors were not locked.

‘Legally Blonde’ Takes Stage at Churchill

“It’s really about being true to yourself.”

Femme fatale Elle Woods and her pocket dog Brutus will soon be sashaying into Churchill High School to entertain and delight.

Zdebski’s 5 Goals Lift West Potomac Girls’ Lax to Win

Wolverines start season 6-0, including pair of Patriot District victories.

After leading the West Potomac girls’ lacrosse team to a victory against Lee on April 13, junior midfielder Karley Zdebski showed shyness, declining a postgame interview. Unfortunately for the Lancers, Zdebski wasn’t nearly as passive during the game.

Do Backyard Hens Pose Threat to Public Health in Arlington?

Here's the scoop on potential hazards of proposed zoning change.

Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county.

Business Matters

Remember that commercial building that was approved near the Braddock Road Metro station? Well forget about it.

Week in Alexandria

The Alexandria Police Department is charging three California men with conspiracy to import marijuana into Virginia.

Virginia Supreme Court Hears Boat Club Case Against City and Restaurant

Old Dominion objects to City Council lease of public alley for private use.

Does Alexandria have the right to close Wales Alley? That’s an issue now before justices of the Virginia Supreme Court, who heard oral arguments in a case that’s divided Alexandria for years.

Wednesday, April 18

‘Marketplace’ Offers Art, Gifts, Food

Potomac Community Center to host inaugural event on April 28.

“Marketplace” — a shopping mecca for Potomac residents who love jewelry, crafts, art, flea markets, bargains, shopping and great food — will make its debut on Saturday, April 28.

Bethesda Holds Annual Literary Festival

Downtown Bethesda celebrates the diversity of modern literature by presenting the 13th annual Bethesda Literary Festival from Friday, April 20 to Sunday, April 22.

Potomac Calendar April 18

Helping Clean Up the River in Potomac

Vionny Amelia, 12 years old at Roberto Clemete Middle School, picks up trash along the bank of the C&O canal. She was one of many volunteers who participated in the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 14.

Olympic Gold Medalist Visits with Students

Four-time Olympian Steve Lopez visited Arlington Science Focus School and Washington-Lee High School to encourage students to say “yes” to a healthy lifestyle and “no” to underage drinking last week. During the school visits, Lopez who is partnering with the Century Council and its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program, stressed the importance of making responsible and positive lifestyle choices. As prom season approaches, Lopez also emphasized the importance of not drinking. Lopez spoke with third, fourth and fifth grade students at ASFS and ninth and tenth grade students at Washington-Lee. The two-time gold medal winner also spoke about his personal path to becoming an Olympic athlete and answered their questions.

Dominion Power Hosts Radio Disney

The Arlington Science Focus School second grade students participated in the Radio Disney high-energy Tree Trivia Assembly Thursday afternoon, April 12.

A ‘Shoebox Event’

Catholic Charities held a community-wide "Shoebox Event" at St. Thomas More Cathedral on Saturday, April 14 in which volunteer participants decorated and packed hundreds of shoeboxes for low-income seniors, the homeless, the hungry and those who rely on the food pantries Catholic Charities operates and supports

Arlington Homes and Gardens on Tour April 24

Tuesday April 24 Garden Club Tour. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $25 for full tour; $15 for single-sites. Featuring four private homes and gardens built in the early to mid-20th century, this tour takes visitors through the neighborhoods built as early suburbs of Washington, D.C. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Fairfax. Tickets also sold tour day at Memorial Baptist Church: 3455 N. Glebe Road, Arlington.

Orange Line Connection April 18

Arlington Calendar April 18

Arlington Crime Report -- April 18

The following crimes were reported to the Arlington County Police Department for the week of March 22 to April 2.

Arlington Bulletin Board -- April 18

Know of something missing from the community calendar? E-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome. For more volunteer opportunities, classes, announcements visit http://www.arlingtonconnection.com and click on Community.

Scoop on Chickens in Arlington

Do backyard hens pose threat to public health in Arlington?

Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county. This week, members of the Urban Agriculture Task force will conduct their first meeting. In the next year, the newly created group is expected to craft a resolution for the County Board on what kind of zoning changes — if any — should take place to ease restrictions on backyard hens.

SSSA Girls’ Lax Avenges Spring Fling Loss to Good Counsel

Reed scored 5 goals for Saints, Phillips, Fogarty add 3 apiece.

While competitive situations are the norm for the St. Stephen's & St. Agnes girls' lacrosse team, an April 14 contest against Good Counsel presented a motivational scenario that captured the Saints’ attention.

Freshmen Excel for TC Crew

The boys and girls of the T.C. Williams crew team went their separate ways this past weekend, traveling to separate regattas on Saturday that were each marked by sunny skies, stiff competition, and stellar performances by the freshman boats.

TC To Host Capital Classic

T.C. Williams High School will host a day of high school basketball all-star festivities when the 39th Annual Capital Classic comes to Alexandria on Saturday, April 21.

Sports Briefs: Mount Vernon Boys’ Soccer Remains Undefeated

The Mount Vernon boys’ soccer team defeated Falls Church 5-2 on April 16 and Robinson 2-1 on April 13 to improve to 5-0-2.

Potomac Real Estate: Sales in February, $650,000~$1million

Hendrix Keeps Lake Braddock Softball Undefeated

Bruins beat South County in battle for first place in Patriot District.

Lake Braddock's Amanda Hendrix tossed a complete game during her third consecutive start in the pitcher’s circle, holding South County scoreless after the third inning as the Bruins remained undefeated with a 3-2, eight-inning victory.

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

Reston Association Board Elects Officers

The Reston Association Board of Directors elected officers who will each serve one-year terms.

Reston Community Orchestra Celebrates ‘Caribbean Night’

"Well, that was fun, and it certainly was different!" That’s the comment that was often heard as the appreciative crowd left the Reston Community Center Saturday evening. Utilizing a different venue and a totally new theme, the Reston Community Orchestra put on a successful Annual Benefit that was pleasing to everyone.

Letter: Sad and Unfortunate

Letter to the Editor

This letter is a response to a recent column by Jack Kenny regarding the testimony of Sandra Fluke before Congress ["Creating a Need," Reston Connection, March 28-April 3, 2012].

Reston Community Players Producing Tony winner ‘August Osage County’

"With rich, memorable characters, a dark comedy about family members challenging each other" will drop in at Center Stage, said Andrew JM Regiec, director of "August Osage County." Complete with unforgettable family members living a very unique family life style the show is "fodder for how people communicate with each other with quite unexpected manners."

Column: Taking Care of the Newborn

I am in Richmond on April 18 for the Reconvened Session of the General Assembly to consider vetoes and amendments proposed by the Governor to legislation passed in the regular session of the General Assembly.

Column: Where the Bison Roam—RFM 2012

Let’s make it official. Northern Virginia’s number one farmers market, the Reston Farmers Market, will sound its opening bell of the 2012 season at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 5. Less than three weeks from now.

Love, in Black and White

South Lakes senior places ad in The Connection to ask girlfriend to prom.

Before the dress, the corsage, the dinner, way before the last dance, there is the question. And the question is how to ask that someone special to go to prom with you. South Lake senior Jeff Church of Reston wanted to ask his girlfriend, South Lakes junior Erin Flattery of Herndon, in a different way.

Letter: Herndon Elections: Vision and Action

Letter to the Editor

The Herndon Town Elections are coming up on May 1. I encourage everyone to check the candidates’ websites and attend events to learn more about them and their vision for Herndon.

Freeman Store Unveils Historic Designation

Church Street building recognized for role in Civil War.

Historic Vienna, Inc. volunteers, Town officials and other Fairfax County elected officials will gather at Freeman Store on April 21, 2 to 3 p.m., to unveil the plaque designating Freeman Store’s historic status. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, Virginia Senator Chap Petersen, Del. Mark Keam and Mayor M.

‘The Fantasticks’ Plays in Vienna

Longest-running musical in country opens April 20 for three weekends.

The longest-running show in New York City – 50 years old and going strong – comes to Vienna on April 20. It’s not the off-Broadway edition, but, it’s the next best thing. "The Fantasticks," as brought to life by the Vienna Theatre Company [VTC], opens for three weekends at the Vienna Community Center with evening and matinee performances. The storyline centers on the chicanery used by two fathers to "match" their children in marriage

Performing for Supervisors

Artistic group hosts open house April 22.

Members of the Traveling Players Ensemble provided classical entertainment in the form of King Lear - and some levity, in the form of artistic director Jeanne Harrison - to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week during its public hearings on the fiscal year 2013 budget.

‘Nerd Girls’ Founder Visits The Madeira School

On Thursday April 12, Tufts University engineering professor and "science rock star," Dr. Karen Panetta, spoke to students at the Madeira School.

Letter: Facts vs. Opinions

Letter to the Editor

Robert Cox’s letter to the editor [Laws That Violate Woman’s Right, April 11, 2012] states that Delegate Comstock voted for a law that would "take away a woman’s right to choose her own health care and instead force the Government to make health decisions for that woman."

Letter: Different Perspective

Letter to the Editor

If '"lifelong Democrat" Jim Daniels ("Missing Republican Party," Connection, April 11-17) would remove the partisan goggles he might find there really is another way of looking at the world.

Letter: Fighting for Women’s Rights

Letter to the Editor

It is time to pay attention to the serious threats to women’s rights that are taking place in our state and across the nation. At stake are fundamental liberties that affect everyone, not just women. At least 39 state legislatures in recent session and the US Congress have proposed laws restricting women's basic health care rights.

Hilton McLean Hosts Wedding Giveaway

Ten couple vie for free wedding package, honeymoon in Barbados.

On April 4 at the Hilton McLean, ten couples vied to win a wedding package valued at $28,000. And all each couple had to do was to convince a panel of judges, through video or live performance, that they deserved to win the contest. An earlier essay competition narrowed the finalists to ten.

Thinking Strategically at Churchill Road

Churchill Road Elementary school held a Strategy Game Night for Grades K-6 the evening of Thursday, April 12.

W-L, Yorktown Boys’ Soccer Play to 1-All Tie

Generals off to slow start following 2011 National District title.

After a 16-win season that included a National District title and a trip to the Northern Region semifinals last year, the Washington-Lee boys’ soccer team is still trying to settle into a groove in 2012. Facing rival Yorktown on April 16, the Generals didn’t do themselves any favors while trying to elevate their level of play.

Historical Society to Present ‘A Photographic Tour of Old Great Falls’

The Great Falls Historical Society will present "A Photographic Tour of Old Great Falls" as narrated by Kathleen Murphy, GFHS President, on Wednesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Library Meeting Room, 9830 Georgetown Pike.

The Forestville School Bell

The school bell that is now situated in front of the new Great Falls fire station has a history dating back to 1889. George and Alice Hicks Gunnel sold one acre of land to the Forestville School Trustees in 1889 so that they could build a new schoolhouse on Georgetown Pike in the current location of "The Old Schoolhouse."

Whitman Senior McGill Thriving in Return from Injury

Left-handed pitcher has not allowed an earned run in 19 2/3 innings.

Whitman senior pitcher Ryan McGill is thriving after missing most of his junior season due to injury.

Janet O’Dell, of Great Falls, Dies

Janet Rae O'Dell, of Great Falls, passed away on March 13, 2012 from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she moved to the Washington area in 1972.

Giving Back to Mason

Steve Mullins of Great Falls returns to his alma mater to serve on the Board of Visitors.

As high school seniors across the country are currently deciding the college to attend in the fall, local entrepreneur and chief financial officer Steve Mullins reflects upon the choice he made as a senior at Annandale High School to attend George Mason University and on his recent appointment to Mason’s Board of Visitors.

Forestville Goes to World Finals

Forestville Elementary students win State Odyssey of the Mind Finals and head to 2012 World Finals.

The Forestville Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team won at the Virginia State Finals in Newport News on Saturday, April 14, and will be competing in the 2012 World Finals being held May 23-26 on the campus of Iowa State University.

Lacing Up for Gianna

Langley basketball team comes together in support of their coach’s daughter.

Throughout our high school years we have our takeaways. The people and the moments that when we are young guide us, and when we are older follow us. In 1981, at Langley High School there were two teachers who believed in an overly chatty girl with a bigger interest in her social life than studying for her next exam.

Spring Art Festival Returns

Festival to be held at the Village Green Day School Saturday and Sunday.

The Sixth Annual Great Falls Spring Art Festival and Sale, a showcase for art created locally, will be held next weekend, April 21 and 22, at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Flourishing after 55

"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 30 - May 4.

Chamber Honors Local Heroes at Valor Awards

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce held the 30th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on Wednesday, April 11 at the Fort Myers Officer's Club to honor members of the Arlington County Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments, as well as the Office of Emergency Management.

Salma Hasan Ali Bridges Divides with Her Personal Stories

Sharing stories, making connections.

Potomac’s Salma Hasan Ali has learned “the power of sharing personal stories.” “Stories humanize,” she said.

Contest: Name the Mini

New miniature horse will debut at Potomac Community Center Marketplace.

Squeals on Wheels, Potomac's traveling petting zoo, has recently acquired a tiny miniature horse.

Board Names ‘Honored Citizens’

To acknowledge the support that volunteers have provided Arlington Public Schools, the Arlington School Board will recognize 15 Honored Citizens at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Ceremony on Thursday, April 19.

Competing in Economics Championships

Three teams of students from Wakefield, Washington-Lee and Yorktown high schools will travel to the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond on Friday, April 20 to compete in the state championship of the Governor’s Challenge for Economics and Personal Finance.

Teen Summer Expo on Saturday

Finding a summer job or volunteer experience will be easier for teens who attend The Arlington Teen Summer Expo, Saturday, April 21, at the Washington-Lee High School, located at 1301 N Stafford Street Arlington.

Whitman Grad Helping in Peru

Sacred Valley Project promotes academic, personal growth for Peruvian girls.

Community Aims to Fill Empty Bowls

Floris United Methodist Church hosts annual Food For Others event.

More than 500 people gathered at the Floris United Methodist Church Friday, April 13 to help raise money and awareness for hungry people in the area. The annual Empty Bowls event, which raised money for local food bank Food For Others and hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE, allowed guests to enjoy soups, snacks and deserts from local eateries, as well as take home a handmade bowl made by local potters, all for a $20 donation.

Reston Celebrates 48th Birthday, Simon’s 98th

Lake Anne hosts annual Founder’s Day activities.

Reston founder Robert Simon officially founded the community that bears his name in his 50th year, in 1964. Forty-eight years later, Simon celebrated his 98th birthday at the Lake Anne Plaza Saturday, April 14.

ADAMS Hosts Interfaith Seder

Event brings together people of faith to discuss faith, freedom.

Andrea Barron was part of the first Jewish-Arab Seder 25 years ago, which was held in Washington, D.C. organized by local Jewish leaders to promote peace.

Recognizing Reston’s Best

Reston Interfaith, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosts annual awards gala.

The annual Best of Reston awards recognized four individuals, two organizations and two businesses Thursday, April 12 at the Reston Hyatt. Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of commerce host the awards, which celebrated their 21st year.

Gardeners Donate Produce to Share

Gardening program aims to provide fresh food for food bank clients.

As the weather warms, local gardeners are heading back to their plots. Share, a local nonprofit, will be using some of what they produce to provide fresh food to their clients. Open since 1969, Share operates a weekly food bank out of the McLean Baptist Church, as well as clothing, furniture and other family assistance.

McLean High Hosts ‘Smash’ Viewing

Students discuss realities of careers in show business.

Executives from the television show "Smash" visited McLean High School Monday afternoon, showing theater students clips from the show and hosting a discussions about the realities of life in show business. Alan Paul, associate director at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C. spoke to students about what they could expect if they hoped to work onstage or onscreen for a living.

Tuesday, April 17

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $850,000~$960,000

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $850,000~$960,000

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Monday, April 16

Robinson Girls' Soccer Hopefully on the Mend

Rams looking to get players back for season's second half.

The Robinson Secondary girls' soccer team opened the second half of the season with a close 2-1 road loss at Chantilly High earlier this week on Tuesday, April 10. It was the Concorde District opener for the Rams, whose record stood at 3-2-1 following the setback to the highly-ranked Chargers. Few girls' soccer teams across the Northern Region probably needed last week's spring break to rest and mend like Robinson, which has faced an assortment of injuries thus far. Rams' head coach Jim Rike, going into the Chantilly game, was looking forward to his squad getting into the district portion of its schedule but disappointed the spring break week, in which the Rams did not have any scheduled games, had not resulted in more girls being healthy enough to get back on the field for the Chargers.

Lee Girls Softball in a Winning Mindset

Lancers, under coach Willemssen, set to host Annandale this Friday night.

One week following spring break has seen the Lee High girls' softball team already match last year's win total of five. With the second half of the regular season ahead, the Lancers are now set to delve into the bulk of their Patriot District schedule, where they will hope to earn several more victories.

Fairfax Rebels Softball Enjoying Strong Start to Season

The team, under coach Hoffert, is ready for the tough district schedule ahead.

After winning four of their first six games to open the current season, only losing to Liberty District opponents Madison and Mclean High, the Fairfax Rebels girls' softball team seems to be adapting well to their new coach, Matt Hoffert. And Hoffert has a clear view of what he would like to accomplish with his team this spring, explaining that he sees this season as one where his players will continue learning how to practice better and improving as a team.

Saturday, April 14

Reston Raiders Compete in National Ice Hockey Championships

12-under team trades pins with players from other states.

The Reston Raiders won their first game, 4-2, over a team from Arizona at the USA Hockey 12 and Under Tier II National Championships, which ran March 28 through April 1 at the twin rink Ashburn Ice House and SkateQuest Reston facilities.

Friday, April 13

Mount Vernon Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

In February 2012, 22 Potomac homes sold between $1,950,000-$380,000.

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

Arlington Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012

Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

In February 2012, 120 Alexandria homes sold between $2,375,000-$92,000.

Alexandria Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

Franconia Fifth Grader Honored for Saving Nephew’s Life

Cynthia Almendarez, 10, called 9-1-1 when nephew, 2, stopped breathing.

On the morning of July 13, 2011, Franconia Elementary fifth-grader Cynthia Almendarez was at home with her mother and 12-year-old sister when she noticed something odd. Her 18-month-old nephew, Christopher, who was usually cruising around the house and making typical toddler sounds, was quiet and gasping for breath.

Faith Notes (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community.

Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Board of Zoning Appeals Overturns Planning Director's Determination on Waterfront Plan

City officials vow to appeal ruling to Circuit Court in dramatic turn of events.

The waterfront plan is dead, at least for now.

Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

April 13-20.

Things to do in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Faith Notes (Reston/Herndon)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community, including special holiday services.

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

April 13-20.

Community events in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

April 13-20.

Things to do in the Reston/Herndon area.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

April 13-19.

Community events in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

April 13-20.

Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Thursday, April 12

CVHS To Present ‘Radium Girls’

In Orange, N.Y., from 1924 to the late 1930s, the U.S. Radium Corp. employed hundreds of women to paint the faces of watches and clocks.

Working on Campus Safety

Reema Samaha’s Family Still Grieves

A 2006 Westfield High grad, Reema Samaha was a talented dancer and actress. The daughter of Mona and Joe Samaha of Centreville, she was also one of the victims at Virginia Tech. Below, her father reflects on his feelings, five years after that tragic day.

Virginia Tech Tragedy: Five Years Later

Erin Peterson’s family then and now.

For Celeste and Grafton Peterson, on April 16, 2007, the world as they knew it changed forever. That was the day their daughter — and only child — Erin was killed in the massacre at Virginia Tech.

Kidney Walk To Raise Funds, Awareness

Chantilly resident Jummy Olabanji has the distinction of being an on-air reporter with WJLA, the local ABC TV affiliate; and in 2002, she was part of the first class to graduate from Westfield High.

Centre View Calendar -- April 11

To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.

Gershwin Songs, Dazzling Dancing

Westfield presents the musical, “Crazy for You.”

Featuring a cast and crew of 50, Westfield High presents its Cappies entry, the George Gershwin musical, “Crazy for You.”

Easter Eggstravaganza at Gum Springs

The staff at the Gum Springs Community Center held an Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 7. More than 60 children and their parents participated in the afternoon events. Easter baskets were filled with grass, goodie bags with treats were distributed, lunch was served in the cafeteria and crafts followed. The children made Easter bunny masks and jeweled eggs and colored in drawing sheets before going into the gym for a few games. At 3 p.m., the children paraded outside for an Easter Egg Hunt in the field.

State and Local Leaders Clash Over Responsibility of Secondary Roads

State responsibility of secondary roads dates to Great Depression.

Who is responsible for fixing potholes on Fairfax County roads? State leaders in Richmond want to hand over control to transportation officials at the Fairfax County Government Center. But Chairwoman Sharon Bulova is joining with leaders in Loudoun County and Prince William County to oppose the move.

At the Library

Thursday/April 12 AARP Tax Assistance. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Free tax assistance. Preference given to older adults. Adults. 703-765-3645.

Letter: Full Time Attention

To the Editor: Virginia House of Delegates Member David Englin (D-45) has announced that he was unfaithful to his wife. As a result, he has stated that he will not run for reelection to his delegate seat so that he can take the time to repair his marriage. The announcement is noteworthy because the next election for his delegate seat does not occur until November 2013, 19 months from now. The announcement begs the question: If Delegate Englin needs to refrain from running for reelection in order to repair his marriage, why has he decided to hold on to his delegate seat until the end of 2013?

Hollin Hills Tour Highlights Modern Style

The Hollin Hills House and Garden Tour will be held Saturday, April 28 from noon to 6 p.m. The homes were designed by architect Charles Goodman and are noted for their expanses of glass and integration with their wooded an hilly environment. The theme of the tour is: “Modern: Then + Now” and will include homes with the original footprint and those that have had additions designed which are compatible with the Modern style.

Gala To Support New Hope Housing

New Hope Housing’s Gala 2012 fundraiser will take place on Saturday, April 21 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Waterford Reception in Springfield. The evening’s program will unfold “On the Boardwalk,” with attendees invited to come in sea-side inspired dressy casual. A reception and silent auction will kick off festivities, followed by dinner, a live auction, and dancing.

Chamber Hosts Workshop on Contracting

Learn about opportunities to contract with the IRS and the GSA with “Contacts-for-Contracts” hosted by the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce. Jacob “Jake” Hansen, director of procurement for the Internal Revenue Services, and Damon McClure, deputy director for Center IT Schedule Operations Integrated Technology Service, Federal Acquisitions for GSA Schedule will be the featured speakers on Thursday, April 19, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road. Meet the decision makers and learn what is needed to stay competitive in today’s contracting environment. Early bird cost is $25 for reservations by April 13, and then $35. Contact the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce at 703-360-6925 or make reservations online at www.MtVernon-LeeChamber.org.

Help Cleanup Little Hunting Creek

On Saturday, April 14, at noon, Del. Scott Surovell and Supervisor Jeff McKay will host a creek cleanup for Little Hunting Creek in coordination with the Friends of Little Hunting Creek and the Alice Ferguson Foundation Potomac River Cleanup.

Mount Vernon Crime Report April 11

Activities reported by the Mount Vernon police department through April 6.

Meeting Springfield Beauty Queens

Miss Greater Springfield Scholarship Program holds Pageant Workshop.

And the winner is…actually we won’t know who the winners of the next round will be until the Miss Virginia Pageant is held in Roanoke. Those coveted crowns will be handed out on June 30 at the Civic Center.

Coffman, 64, To Run His 35th Boston Marathon

Sixty-four years old, he’s lean and light on his feet, his hair thick and white, and he glows with health and resilient cheerfulness.

Alexandria on Tour During Garden Week April 21

Information Centers and Restroom Facilities: Alexandria Visitors Center — The Ramsey House, 221 King street in Alexandria. Call 703-746-3301.

Letter: Missing in Abortion Debate

Letter to the Editor

A constant theme among letters to the editor is that of abortion activists eager to advance the cause of liberal women to abort arguably future Democrat voters, which is the ultimate oxymoron. The espoused opposition theme to any effort to educate the public seems to be, as stated by a reader in the March 22-23 edition of this paper, “restricting a woman’s right to decide what happens to her body when she is pregnant.”

Candle Causes Lorton House Fire

Neighbor rescues family minutes before home collapses.

A neighbor rescued two women, one juvenile and a dog from a house fire Saturday, April 7, in Lorton, minutes before the home collapsed, according to officials with the Fairfax County Fire Department. The cause of the blaze was an unattended candle.

Paul VI Math Students Place First in Statewide Competition

Paul VI’s Senior Math League placed first in the state in a contest run by the Virginia Mathematics League, placing above local schools including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, Marshall, McLean, West Springfield, Woodson, Fairfax, George Mason, Oakcrest, and Bishop O’Connell.

The Boss Never Says: ‘Stop Clowning Around’

From pharmacy technician to clown.

Clown alley of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has a vacancy. Across the entire United States, the odds of being chosen are 308 million to 1. Narrow it to Estill Springs, Tenn. and the odds become 2100 to 1. Chris Sullivan, pharmacy technician, beat both odds and is the newest and youngest clown in the alley.

Donations Made by FAS to Enhance Fields

“As part of a continued commitment to honor Fairfax County residents, Fairfax Adult Softball [FAS] took the initiative to improve several Fairfax County Park Authority softball fields this spring,” according to John Carney, FAS President. FAS donated over $110,000 to improve infields at Braddock Park, Nottoway Park, Lake Fairfax Park and Mason District Park.

Music, Murder and Pie-Making

Fairfax High presents “Sweeney Todd.”

Combine murder, revenge, pies and music, and the result is Fairfax High’s upcoming play, “Sweeney Todd.” The musical thriller takes place in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution and will be performed over two weekends.

Nimiry’s Hat Trick Leads TC Boys’ Soccer to Victory

Titans score five goals in Patriot District opener against West Potomac.

The T.C. Williams boys’ soccer team had struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities early in the season, managing just six goals in five games en route to a 0-4-1 record. Against the Wolverines on April 10, the Titans found several ways to get the job done.

Rollicking Musical Comes to Life

Paul VI presents ‘Hello, Dolly!’

The romance of 1880s New York will come to life on stage when Paul VI presents its Cappies play, “Hello Dolly!” It features a cast and crew of 70, plus a full orchestra. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, April 20-21, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, students and senior citizens; at the door or at www.paulvi.net.

“Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You”

A riveting saga of survival at MetroStage.

He was just 4 years old when his father hurriedly whisked him away one dark, moonless night into the unknown. For Jay Alvarez, the journey was profound and one he shares in a riveting performance of “Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You,” a one-man show written and performed by Alvarez chronicling his family's flight from Fidel Castro's Cuba in 1964.

Alexandria Woman Wins $250,000

Eckley Finn of Alexandria was with her husband when they discovered she’d won $250,000 in Mega Millions.

Local Man Charged: Online Solicitation

Arrested in statewide sting targeting child predators.

Anarug Sharma, 35, of Fairfax, was one of 20 people across Virginia arrested last week as a result of “Operation Phalanx” – an undercover operation targeting alleged child predators. It was a collaborative effort between Virginia's two Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces and the attorney general’s office.

Irene R. Jones Dies

Irene Reid Jones, 89 of Martinsville, Va., formerly of Warrenton, died on April 1, 2012, at Landmark Center, Stuart. She was born on Aug. 14, 1922 in Fauquier County, Va., a daughter of the late Eppa Clark Reid and Maude Lillian Moffett Reid; predeceased by her daughter, Delores M. Jones; five brothers and three sisters.

Fairfax County Parkway Overpass Opens

Donegal Lane access shuts down.

On Tuesday, April 10, VDOT closed Donegal Road in Springfield as part of phase III of the $23 million Fairfax County Parkway project.

I-95 Total Overnight HOV Closure

The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-95 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on Friday night, April 13 at 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. Saturday morning April 14, between Exit 169 Franconia Road /Keene Mill Road (Route 644) and Exit 152 Dumfries Road (Route 234).

Richard Sandford Laurent Dies

Richard Sandford Laurent, 59, of Alexandria, died peacefully on April 7 at the Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center after a brief illness.

Fairfax County Board Opts In for Phase 2 of Dulles Rail

Obstacles still ahead for $2.7 billion project.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, April 10, to approve the county’s participation in Phase 2 of the $2.7 billion Dulles Metrorail Project.

Ed Long Named County Executive

Long, former deputy county executive, begins April 25.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed Edward L. Long Jr. as county executive on Tuesday, April 10. Long, who will replace Anthony H. Griffin on April 25, has more than 34 years of experience with the county, and retired as deputy county executive and chief financial officer in May 2011.

Alexandria Calendar April 11

Herrity Recovering Well from Open-Heart Surgery

“Famous sense of humor” intact, friends say.

After undergoing open-heart surgery last week, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) is recovering well, and his “famous sense of humor is intact,” according to friends and family members.

Animal Rescue Recognition

Fairfax County Animal Shelter recognized for animal rescue and programs.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter received accolades from the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) for two programs and a large-scale animal rescue in 2010 - 2011.

Cook Announces Braddock Citizen Governance Conference

Conference scheduled May 5.

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) announced plans for an all-day conference designed to turn residents into decision-makers who play a key role in determining the future of the Braddock district.

In Support of Stratford Hall

Members and friends of the Alexandria Committee of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association gathered March 8 at the residence of Latane and Patricia Montague on Prince Street for an evening celebration, rasing funds for Stratford Hall, home of the Lees of Virginia and birthplace of Robert E. Lee.

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Easter Bunny’s Four-Legged Friends in Potomac

An Easter Egg Hunt for dogs was held Saturday, April 7 to benefit the Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

Farmer Opposes County Bid Procedure

Farmer Sophia Maravell, who is spearheading Brickyard Educational Farm (BEF) on the Montgomery County schools land along Brickyard Road in Potomac, stated concerns to Montgomery County this week about the county’s acceptance of a bid for a sublease leading to the construction of parking lots and soccer fields on the site.

Potomac Fine Arts April 11

Month of April 'Variety Art' Exhibit. Bernie Wilder, a Potomac-based artist who began donating to Child Welfare Services' Adopt a Social Worker program a decade ago, is presenting "Variety Art." To benefit the county’s Child Welfare Services “Adopt A Social Worker” Program. The exhibit features 24 pieces of art from seven artists. The artists represented are Wilder, a Potomac resident and oil painter; Rockville resident Marla Rudnik, a metal sculptor and jewelry maker; Rockville resident Shelley Bain, an acrylic painter; Potomac resident Valen Brown, an acrylic painter; District of Columbia resident Lou Kaplan, an oil painter; Potomac resident Ruja Shemer, a watercolor painter; and Rockville resident Nadia Azumi, a silk painter. At Amici Miei Ristorante, 1093 Seven Locks Road in the Potomac Woods Plaza in Potomac. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Potomac Calendar April 11

Thrift Sale Benefits Church Outreach, Local Charities

Area residents peruse hundreds of items for sale at the annual St. Francis Episcopal Church this past weekend, with proceeds going to the parish’s outreach program and other local charities.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

Tibetan Monks Share Their Culture

The Gaden monks of Tibet ended their tour of Northern Virginia Monday, April 9 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.

From Pharmacy Technician to Clown

WWE at Arlington National Cemetery

WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon and WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston participated in a wreath-laying ceremony on March 22 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After the ceremony, they were joined by WWE Superstar Mick Foley and WWE Divas The Bella Twins to pay a special visit to wounded military personnel at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Yorktown Student Qualifies for Junior Olympics

Christian "Chrissy" Thomas, a junior at Yorktown High School in Arlington, has qualified and received an invitation to shoot in the National Junior Olympic Rifle Championship to be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 13-18. She will compete in the small bore category.

Ribbon Cutting at New Hospital

The new IAH Mark Center had an official ribbon-cuttling ceremony on Wednesday, April 4.

Richard Sandford Laurent

Richard Sandford Laurent, 59, of Alexandria, died peacefully on April 7 at the Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center after a brief illness.

Arlington Calendar April 11

Irene R. Jones

TRCA Spring Meeting and Elections

The Taylor Run Citizens Association will host its annual Spring Meeting on Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

Roundups

Residents Asked To Donate Dresses for Prom

Washington-Lee High School will once again be holding its annual "Formals For Five" sale on April 25 and 26. To enable all girls to afford a dress for Prom, gently used formal and semi-formal dresses are being collected, as well as jewelry and handbags. The sale will be open to girls at all Arlington high schools. All proceeds will be donated to Arlington Public Schools. Tax receipts can be obtained for value of donation. To donate a dress, contact Coordinator Kristi Berkland at promdressdonation@gmail.com for information on drop-off locations.

Migratory

Great Egrets winter in Mexico and South America and breed along the shore, passing through this area in migration.

Horwitt, Garden Club To Be Honored

Joan Horwitt (individual winner) and the Rock Spring Garden Club (group winner) have been named 2011 Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteers Award winners for their contributions to Arlington’s natural resources and public spaces. They will be honored at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 at the recessed Arlington County Board meeting in the County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 3rd floor.

Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” at O’Connell

The drama students at Bishop D.J. O’Connell are far into rehearsals and set design for the upcoming performances of “The Matchmaker.” The play opens on Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Additional shows will be held on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday afternoon. Elizabeth Milam directs the play.

Old Town History: Bank of Alexandria

A fairly nondescript building sits on southeast corner of North Fairfax and Cameron Streets. It’s a bit taller than the others nearby, and forms a quiet bookend for the distinctive Carlyle House next door. It’s anonymity, however, belies its rich history.

Letter: Value of an Ombudsman

Recently a new group, Democrats for a Better Alexandria, has suggested that the City needs an Ombudsman (or Ombudswoman). According to Wikipedia, an Ombudsman is a person who acts as a trusted intermediary between government, and constituents, representing the broad scope of constituent interests.

Letter: Don’t Encourage ‘Magic Bullets’

As a desperate high school student just sliding by, I too would hope for a magic bullet cram course to improve my standardized test scores and chances of getting into college.

Letter: Fixing Flaws, Building on Successes

The following open letter is addressed to school staff and residents.

Kidney Disease Facts

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Letter: Consider Children’s Safety

The following letter was sent to the City Council and School Board.

Letter: Clear Cutting Of Trees

This morning I watched as contractors for WMATA cut down tree after tree after tree along the property line adjacent to my apartment complex.

Letter: Another Step for Smoke-Free City

The Mayor and City Council are to be congratulated for steps they have recently taken to address what Surgeon Generals of the U.S. have called the two leading causes of preventable death and disease in America: tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. In January, the City Council, by a vote of 5 to 1, authorized the placement of signs discouraging smoking in all City-owned parks, playgrounds and bus shelters.

County To Honor Police Volunteers

Meet the Fairfax County Police Department’s volunteers on Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center Board Room.

Letter: Hybrid School Board?

That in the past few months there have been issues of extraordinary concern and increasing public outrage over ACPS is well-understood.

County Shelter Receives Awards

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter received accolades from the Metropolitan Council of Governments for two programs and a large-scale animal rescue in 2010 - 2011

Public’s Help Sought in Exposure Cases

Fairfax County Crime Solvers is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the men responsible for at least nine, reported indecent exposures in the Sully Police District.

Letter: Pay More Attention To City Schools

Where there’s smoke there’s usually fire. Unfortunately, for Alexandria City Public Schools, too few people have pulled the alarm.

Letter: GW Memorial Parkway Metro?

Although officially it is referred to as the Potomac Yard Metro, if the option to move the tracks closer to the GW Memorial Parkway is used, it creates a construction zone on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and furthermore creates a right-in right-out for the trucks and mechanical equipment to use.

Letter: Time To Step Down?

The following letter is addressed to Dr. Morton Sherman, Superintendent of Schools, Alexandria City Public Schools.

Letter: Best Way To Spend $7 Million?

The mayor and the City Council have proven again that they do not represent their Alexandrian citizens.

Letter: Support Cleaner Environment

As a 14-year-old boy growing up in Virginia, I am so happy that President Obama has taken the time to create a plan to clean bodies of water and major rivers of the pollutant mercury.

Letter: Re-evaluate Public Amenities

The recently released Beauregard Small Area Plan Draft includes a complicated and risky provision that earmarks the increase in property tax revenue generated in the plan area into a separate fund.

City Wins Technology Solutions Award

PTI lauds email migration to cloud services.

The City of Alexandria, the first jurisdiction in the state to transition from on-premise enterprise messaging to cloud services, has been awarded the Technology Solutions Award for 2011-2012 by the Public Technology Institute.

Historical Society To Honor Madison, Lee

The Alexandria Historical Society has selected local historian Robert L. Madison and journalist Michael Lee Pope as winners of Special Alexandria History Awards for 2012.

Keep Pets Out of Hot Vehicles

As the region transitions into spring and the warm weather that accompanies it, Alexandria’s animal control officers will be enforcing the new ordinance passed in November 2011 prohibiting the confinement of animals in vehicles when the outside temperature is at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Firefighters Respond to House Fire in Alexandria

On Sunday, April 8, at approximately 10:15 p.m., the Alexandria Fire Department assisted by the Arlington County and Fairfax County Fire Departments responded to a reported house fire at 1147 Palmer Place in Alexandria.

City Council To Hold Hearing on Tax Rates

The Alexandria City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2012 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Rates on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in City Council Chambers, Room 2400 (2nd Floor) at Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St. On March 13, the Alexandria City Council voted 5-2 to authorized advertising a maximum possible real residential property tax increase to $1.008 per $100 assessed value, an increase of one cent.

Police Investigate Attempted Abduction

Alexandria Police are investigating an attempted abduction and assault that occurred in the 2200 block of Mill Road. Around 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 10, two females were grabbed by a man and pulled into a vacant building.

New Board Members at Volunteer Alexandria

Seven new members have been elected to Volunteer Alexandria’s Board of Directors.

Notice of Hearing

A criminal hearing will be held in Alexandria General District Court on Thursday, April 19, 2012, located on the second floor of 520 King Street, Alexandria, VA, on the following: Case GC12-1410.

Ireton Grad Rodriguez Earns Prestigious Sports Award

Football star served as Army Football team captain last fall.

Andrew Rodriguez, a 2008 graduate of Bishop Ireton High (Alexandria) and a member of the Army football team, was awarded the 2011 James E. Sullivan Award by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) at the prestigious New York Athletic Club on March 20.

Centreville High Sports Notebook (March 19 through April 6)

Wildcats' track opens with tri-meet at Oakton.

The Centreville High track and field teams opened their season in a tri-meet at Oakton High against division rivals Oakton and Chantilly on March 28. Wildcat coach Givon Holmes used the meet for an opportunity to look at the talent of new team personnel, as many athletes were participating in events for the first time.

Centreville Softball in Winning Mode Under Dutton

Wildcats sport winning record going into Friday's Concorde home game with Herndon.

All things considered, coming off a three-win season in 2012, being under a new head coach, and playing a tough schedule over the season's first half, the Centreville High girls' softball squad has been quite impressive thus far this spring.

Chantilly's Gembarowicz Tosses Softball Perfect Game

Charger pitcher fans 19 in spring break tournament win.

The Chantilly High girls' softball team received perhaps the best pitching outing by a Northern Region player thus far this season when senior Emily Gembarowicz, during the Chargers' spring break trip to Myrtle Beach last week, tossed a perfect game, no-hitter in her team's 6-0 win over Jamestown High (N.Y) on the morning of April 3.

New Life as a Texas Ranger for Snyder

Former Westfield baseball star is no longer part of Orioles' organization.

Westfield High graduate Brandon Snyder, the first round baseball selection of the Baltimore Orioles in the 2005 first year player draft, made the 25-member Texas Rangers roster which broke spring training camp to begin the new season last week.

McLean Baseball Hands Bruins Their First Loss

Highlander left-handed pitcher Brock Hunter holds Lake Braddock bats down in spring break tournament game win.

The McLean High baseball team handed previously unbeaten Lake Braddock its first loss of the season last week, 5-2, in a spring break tournament game played Tuesday, April 3 at McLean High School.

Madison Boys Tennis Triumphant at South Lakes

Liberty District win puts Madison over the .500 mark.

This past Monday, April 9, the Madison High boys' tennis team improved its season record to 3-2 with a 7-2 win at Liberty District rival South Lakes in Reston.

Seahawks Take First two Games in S.C.

South Lakes baseball competing in out-of-state spring break tourney.

The South Lakes High baseball team won its first two games at the BATRUP Tournament over spring break week (April 2-6) in Bluffton, S.C.

Herndon Boys' Soccer Ready for District Play

Lanigan's Hornets enter this week's play unbeaten through six games.

The Herndon High boys' soccer team has experienced a successful opening half of the season, going 4-0-2 over its first six games. The team's solid play thus far has the Hornets in a good mindset as they prepare for a tough Concorde District schedule ahead.

Ireton Graduate Earns Prestigious Sports Award

WP Boys’ Soccer Falls Victim to Nimiry’s Hat Trick

Wolverines drop Patriot District opener against T.C. Williams.

Playing for the first time in 18 days, West Potomac dropped to 2-3 with its third straight defeat.

TC Crew Concludes Spring Break with Intra-Squad Scrimmage

The T.C. Williams crew team wrapped up a week of two-a-day practices over spring break by holding a time trial and an intra-squad scrimmage on April 7 at the Dee Campbell Boathouse in Old Town.

SSSAS Girls’ Lax To Host ‘Spring Fling’

The 21st Annual St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Girls’ Lacrosse "Spring Fling" will take place on Saturday, April 14 at SSSAS. First games start at 10 a.m.

O’Connell Baseball Struggles with Fundamentals

Carson home run goes for naught in loss to St. Mary’s Ryken.

The Bishop O’Connell baseball team’s level of execution early in the April 7 contest in Arlington was what head coach Rick Hart expects from his players. But as the game progressed, O’Connell’s execution faltered and the Knights wound up on the wrong end of a 12-6 final score.

Business Matters

The city’s latest round of business and professional license taxes, which were due in March, reveal a city on the rebound.

Council Notebook

Del Ray is sometimes called “the little neighborhood that could,” a reference to the area’s history as a residential spot for railroad workers at Potomac Yard.

School System Presents Site Plan to City Hall for Jefferson-Houston

Old school would be demolished; new school to be constructed in its place.

After years of failing test scores and faltering attendance, school officials now have a plan to demolish the existing Jefferson-Houston School and build a new one.

What Will Happen to Hundreds of Workforce Units at Southern Edge of Old Town?

Fate of Hunting Towers is at stake as VDOT considers sale on the open market.

After almost a decade as a reluctant landlord, the Virginia Department of Transportation is getting out of the property rental game.

Wednesday, April 11

Lunch with a Legend

Reston founder Bob Simon celebrates 98th birthday.

Everybody knows Robert E. Simon, Jr. After all, he is Mr. Simon the visionary, the master urban planner and real estate developer.

Founder’s Day

Join Reston Historic Trust and the Reston Museum at Founder’s Day on Saturday, April 14 at Lake Anne Plaza to celebrate Reston’s 48th and founder Robert E. Simon, Jr.’s 98th birthday

New at Lake Anne

Installation and performance combine action and form.

Reston Community Center, the Initiative for Public Art – Reston, Friends of Lake Anne and the Reston Museum are co-presenting Out of Place, a site-situated installation and contemporary dance performance conceived by architect Ronit Eisenbach and dance artist Sharon Mansur, inspired by the history of the planned community of 1960s New Town of Reston and the sculpture and architecture of Lake Anne Plaza. The dance performance will take place on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza.

Column: A Different Perspective

Listening to two or more eyewitness accounts of an incident helps us understand how perspective influences the way we see things. Accounts can differ based on the physical location of a witness in relation to an event, but the testimony of someone who saw what happened can also be influenced by that person’s beliefs and attitudes towards the persons and circumstances involved.

Column: Reston Growing?

Ever read Supervisor Cathy Hudgins monthly newsletter and understand it? I am speaking specifically of the Land Use section. It is written in legalese to be designed (perhaps deliberately) to obfuscate the uninitiated. Do we know where to find a copy of the Planned Residential Community (PRC) plans? Do we know where to locate a Tax Map? Can one readily read and understand a Tax Map? Occasionally, an address is given to help us mere mortals locate a property. Clue: check the Reston Regional Library.

Raising Money, Awareness of Kidney Disease

Local resident, TV reporter in 2012 Kidney Walk.

Chantilly resident Jummy Olabanji has the distinction of being an on-air reporter with WJLA, the local ABC TV affiliate; and in 2002, she was part of the first class to graduate from Westfield High.

Creating a Downtown

Revitalization of Downtown Herndon key for Town Council candidate.

Eric Boll may be knocking on your door one day soon. Boll is one of the nine candidates in the running for the six seats on the Herndon Town Council.

John E. Petersen, GMU Professor, Dies

John Earle Petersen, 71, a former councilmember for the City of Fairfax and leading authority in the field of public finance, died April 4 of a heart attack at his home in the City of Fairfax. The city has lowered its flags to half-staff in his honor.

Author Michael Dirda Comes to Flint Hill

Michael Dirda, former Washington Post Book World Editor and Pulitzer-Prize winning critic, will meet with Flint Hill School’s Middle and Upper School students on Tuesday, April 17.

Marking History on Lawyers Road

Hunter Mill Defense League unveils State Historic Marker.

On Saturday, April 7, the Hunter Mill Defense League [HMDL] unveiled a State Historic Marker commemorating the November 26, 1861, skirmish between Union troops, the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Confederate troops, the 1st North Carolina Cavalry, serving under General J.E.B. Stuart.

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment and Classified Ads!

Alegria Opens at Church Street

Patrick and Julie Bazin’s Mexican restaurant features small plates, specialty tacos and tequila.

There aren’t many restaurants that have patrons waiting outside for the restaurant’s door to open for the first time to the public. It’s even rarer when the restaurant advertised no opening date until the day prior to opening. But nothing is surprising when the restaurant is the eagerly-awaited Alegria, the Mexican taco and small-plate margarita café owned and run by Vienna’s own Patrick and Julie Bazin. On April 5, Alegria welcomed its first customers, opening five minutes early from its scheduled time.

McLean Rotary Honors Vienna Youngster

On April 3, the Rotary Club of McLean honored Noah Haefner, a seventh grader at Longfellow Middle School, for his efforts to support the McLean Stop Hunger Now project. Noah and his fellow Student Council representatives raised more than $2,600 for the next meal packaging day scheduled for Nov. 10, 2012 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean.

Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

Reston Association Announces Election Results

Two new at-large Board members elected, one re-elected.

Residents of Reston elected two new at-large members of the Reston Association Board of Directors Tuesday, Donna Miller Rostant and Michael Sanio. The two will replace directors Paul Thomas, who did not seek re-election and Tom Vis, who was not re-elected. Richard Chew, who served as an at large director until 2011 was elected after running unopposed for the South Lakes District director seat.

Letter: Laws That Violate Woman’s Right

Letter to the Editor

Anne Gruner's letter to the editor ["General Assembly More Productive Than reported," Connection, March 28-April 3, 2012] fails to note that the General Assembly's job is specifically to pass legislation as it relates to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Should we commend the General Assembly for doing its job?

First Quarter Numbers Tell ‘A Great Story’

McLean, Great Falls real estate market 9.5 percent up.

The real estate market in McLean and Great Falls for the first quarter 2012 in terms of sales over first quarter 2011 is up 9.5 percent.

Week in McLean

Things happening in the McLean area.

Childhelp to Host Fashion-Show Fundraiser

On Sunday, April 15, the DC Chapter of Childhelp Wings will host an "afternoon of fashion, fun, and philanthropy" at the Tysons Corner Bloomingdale’s.

Roller Coaster Mystery Ride

McLean Community Players present ‘Deathtrap.’

"Deathtrap," by Ira Leven, has been fascinating audiences more than 30 years, since it debuted on Broadway. "Experiencing 'Deathtrap' is like your first visit to a circus, a thrilling delight with every twist and surprise," said veteran McLean Community Players’ director Jerry Bonnes.

Flourishing after 55

"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 15-21.

McLean’s Winter Guard Wins Regional Competition

McLean High School’s Winter Guard took first place in their division at the Atlantic Indoor Association’s Regional Championship last Saturday night at Woodbridge High School. The competition, which closes out the indoor season, pitted McLean’s 12 member team against 15 regional groups.

Leadership Arlington’s Monte Carlo Night Draws Crowd

A record-setting crowd of more than 450 community stake-holders attended Leadership Arlington’s Annual Monte Carlo Night on March 17 at Reagan National Airport.

Meslar Named ‘Inspiring Champion’

Keri Ann Meslar of Arlington received the Inspiring Champions Award for her leadership for Blondes vs. Brunettes in the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Titanic Centennial

A local connection to historic story

This month marks the centennial of a great sea tragedy.

In Potomac Village

To better serve their customer base, Village Settlements, Inc., and its affiliated law firm of Savitz, Parker, Hollman, Simon, Hahn & DeLisi, LLC, have opened an office in the Semmes Building located at 10220 River Road, Suite 207, in Potomac.

Letter: Help Maintain Neglected Fields

Dear MSI Executive Director and Board Members: This open letter is asking you to hold back and defer signing the sublease for the Brickyard Road School site.

Parents Seek Answers at ‘Facebook 101’

‘Facebook 101’ draws scores to seminar at Churchill.

Facebook’s goal is to make the world more open and connected. But if millions of people are connected, “it’s hard to think of a population that big without any crime,” said Brooke Oberwetter, of Facebook.

Letter: Argentina National Day Celebration

It is interesting to share the wonderful and challenging moments in the history of the Argentinean National Day Festival Celebration.

KSR Pet Care Donates to Pets with Disabilities

KSR Pet Care LLC, serving North-Arlington, Falls Church and McLean, traveled April 8 to the rescue site of Pets with Disabilities to hand over $900 in donations to Joyce Darrell and Mike Dickerson, founders and constant caretakers of the dogs in the rescue

Horwitt, Garden Club To Be Honored

Bells Mill Students Take First in State

Next: Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Iowa.

A team of third and fourth graders will represent Bells Mill Elementary School at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Iowa this May.

Friends of Mill Plan for Future

More programs, Route 7 expansion discussed at Friends off Colvin Run Mill meeting.

While Colvin Run Mill’s claim to fame is its glimpse into life as it was 200 years ago, in the past, the Friends of Colvin Run Mill are just as concerned with its future.

Cleaning Herndon’s Streams and Paths

Herndon Environmental Network hosts first group cleanup.

Charlotte Anderson, 12, knew there would be plenty to pick up while picking up trash along the stream in downtown Herndon, near the Fortnightly Library. But Anderson didn’t expect the first thing found to be a shopping cart, considering the site is almost a mile away from the closest grocery store.

Helping Hungry Kids in Reston

Reston-based group is in third year of providing weekend meals.

Three years ago, Sandy Amato and Connie Laurent-Roy began their quest to feed hungry children in the Reston area. They began simply, in Amato’s basement, making about 80 meals a week for some children at Dogwood Elementary School that qualified for free lunches. The meals are for children to eat on weekends, when they cannot get meals at school.

Tuesday, April 10

Breast Care ‘Under One Roof’

New Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health highlighted at McLean Woman’s Club meeting.

On Tuesday, April 3, representatives from Virginia Hospital Center addressed the Woman’s Club of McLean on the hospital’s new Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health. The center, which in 2011 received a significant gift from the locally based Reinsch Pierce family, is an advanced facility that offers patients all necessary medical, surgical and related services "under one roof," and has a staff specifically dedicated to breast health, according to the speakers.

Impeccably Styled Show

McLean High’s production of "A View from the Bridge."

It feels just a bit claustrophobic sitting in McLean High School’s small Black Box theatre for the McLean Theatre Company’s production of "A View from the Bridge." The simple set with the round dining room table and the worn armchair feels almost too real, as though there are actually people living here. So when the actors enter, the audience is pulled headlong into the searing family drama of the Carbones, Italian Americans in 1950s Redhook whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of a pair of illegal immigrants to their home.

Spring Art Exhibit Opens at Great Falls Library

An art exhibition featuring 43 paintings, photographs, art quilts and other new works by Great Falls artists, opened April 3 and will be displayed through the end of the month at the main conference room of the Great Falls Community Library. Several of the artists are exhibiting with Great Falls Studios for the first time. The show is sponsored by Great Falls Studios, a network of artists based in Great Falls.

Colvin Run Students Win Odyssey of the Mind Competition

On March 31, Colvin Run Elementary school fifth graders participated in the NOVA North Odyssey of the Mind competition held at Langley High School. A total of 100 plus teams from Northern Virginia participated in this competition.

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Friday, April 6

Spring Break Camp at Children’s Theatre

The Heroes were on stage competing against the Villains in a rehearsal of “Family” Feud while across the hall a sequel to the “Gingerbread Boy,” the “Gingerbread Girl” was in early stages at Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre’s Spring Break Camp. MVCCT also offers summer camp programs for youth and teens. For more information visit www.mvcct.org

Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County

U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.

The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.

Firefighters Honored for Huntington Rescue Efforts

The water was swiftly rising as two women were frantically trying to evacuate the Arlington Terrace neighborhood during the flash flooding that devastated the Huntington area on Sept. 8, 2011. As first responders from Penn Daw Fire Station 11 arrived on the scene, they realized that one of the women was eight months pregnant and the other was clinging to her 2-week-old newborn baby.

Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus Scholars

The Mount Vernon Knights of Columbus have selected its Outstanding Young Man and Outstanding Young Women for 2012. They each will receive a $1,250 scholarship grant.

Jerome Nathan Sonosky Dies

Jerome (“Jerry”) Sonosky, a lawyer whose 40-year legal career started in the House of Representatives serving his hometown congressman and concluded as a partner with the law firm of Hogan Lovell (formerly Hogan and Hartson), died March 22, 2012, at Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 82. He died from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Irene Marie Pippin Dies

Irene Marie Pippin, nee Sangiolo, died in Boston, Mass. on March 25, 2012 after a long illness. She was born on July 7, 1964 in Framingham, Mass. Irene is formerly of Carlisle, Mass. and also lived for 10 years in Alexandria. She most recently resided in Groton, Mass. Irene spent 8 years living in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands from 1968 -1973 and 1981-1984, where she entered high school as a senior and graduated in 1982. While working on Kwajalein she met her future husband David who was working for GTE at that time.

Letter: Choose the Right Path

To the Editor: On March 24, the Fairfax County Republican Committee (FCRC) held an extremely successful convention at West Springfield High School. With over 1000 attendees, this is the largest convention anyone can recall the Fairfax GOP ever having, and it is a sign of great things to come in 2012 and beyond.

West Potomac Prepares ‘Seussical the Musical’

The West Potomac Theatre Department, headed by Philip Lee Clark, will present “Seussical the Musical” in the school’s Springbank Auditorium with performances for the public beginning April 25.

At Regional Science Fair

Megan McKinney, a junior at Mount Vernon High School stands next to her finished project board in the Robinson Secondary School field house just before the start of the 57th Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair on March 16. McKinney compared the rate at which different types of grass absorbed nitrogen. The goal would be to plant grasses that would reduce detrimental runoff into important watersheds.

Mount Vernon Crime Report April 4

Activities reported by the Mt. Vernon police department through March 30.

County Launches Transit Study

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has launched its 2050 Countywide Transit Network Study. This study includes a survey of the public to develop recommendations for where Metrorail should be extended, where streetcars, light-rail or other transit modes are appropriate, and where dedicated lanes that allow buses to move faster could be built. The study will recommend transit improvements in various corridors that work together to improve/facilitate movement throughout the county, as well as how these transit modes can be phased-in and funded over time.

Area Health Students Win State Awards at Conference

Twelve Health and Medical Sciences students from Fairfax County Public Schools won awards at the 32nd annual HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) State Leadership Conference held recently in Williamsburg.

Easter Egg Hunt for the Visually Impaired

On Saturday March 31, the Alexander Graham Bell Chapter of the Pioneer Volunteers and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind held their 33rd annual Easter Egg Hunt for the visually impaired at the Centreville Moose Lodge, Chapter 2168, in Fairfax.

Bittersweet Wins Eighth Annual Great Rum Punch Challenge

Bittersweet was the big winner with its “Pomander Punch” on March 24 at the Eighth Annual Great Rum Punch Challenge at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, beating out runner-up Gadsby’s Tavern Restaurant, the defending champ Dogfish Head, and worthy competitors Bacardi, FireFlies, and RedRocks. This is the third win for Bittersweet, which took top honors in 2007 and 2009.

Egg Hunting in Clifton

After missing the previous year, the Town of Clifton held its Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday March 31 thanks to the efforts of the Clifton, Fairfax and Fairfax Station au pairs with Cultural Care Au Pair.

Notes from the Artistic Director

Patrons ask how do I come up with a season of plays and musicals, and I always respond that every single show has a different story of how it got to my desk. Favorite actors bring their favorite plays to my attention and if I fall in love with the play, it feels like a match made in heaven. Our reputation for launching new musicals (chamber size musicals-four to six characters, no more than five musicians, unit set) means I get a lot of demo tapes sent in my direction.

Mount Vernon Bulletin Board April 4

Register for Summer Camp MVCCT's Summer Camp. Two-week sessions: July 2 to July 13; July 30 to Aug. 10; Aug. 13 to 24; One week: July 23 to 27. Prices range from $270-$650, discounts for Early Bird, siblings, and all day attendance available. At Heritage Presbyterian Church, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. To register for camps, visit www.MVCCT.org

Representing Oakton High

The Oakton High School Jazz Band B performed at the annual Chantilly Invitational Jazz Festival on March 17, with over 20 other area high school jazz bands.

Vienna Egg Hunt Draws Hundreds

Finding, decorating and rolling eggs keep children busy on grounds of Freeman House.

Amid great fanfare, a rather large fuzzy, furry Easter bunny arrived at Freeman House grounds on March 31, kicking off the annual Easter egg hunt and roll sponsored by the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation and Historic Vienna, Inc.

19-Year-Old Pianist Wins with 103-Year-Old ‘Rach 3’

Min Ji Lee won first prize playing one of the most challenging piano concertos in the standard classical repertoire — Sergei Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor.

Gift Shop Hosts Meet the Artist Exhibit

What do Alexandria Meals on Wheels, Carpenter's Shelter and Christians for Sudan have in common? These three and many others receive financial support from the Historic Christ Church Gift Shop.

In Support of Child & Family Network Centers

On March 22, the home of designer Sydnye Pettengill served as the backdrop for The Child & Family Network Centers’ benefit kickoff. The event honored CFNC donors, and introduced 2012 Benefit Chair Elizabeth Reynolds Marino. Steering committee members include Lizzie Siegel, Ann Scully, Kim Gess and Lisa Herget. Committee chairs include Twig Murray, Tandy Harrison, Shazalynn Winfrey, and Alex Deringer.

Column: Taylor Run

SHERLOCK TO VANDERBILT Daniel Sherlock has been accepted for the master’s program in special education at Vanderbilt University. Daniel worked for years for the therapeutic recreation program here in Alexandria, as a result of which he developed his interest in the work.

Column: Seminary Valley

If it is Spring Break, graduation must not be far away. Congratulations are definitely in order for 10 T.C. Williams seniors who started out their ACPS careers at James K. Polk Elementary School as kindergartners. These Owl-Titans are: Michelle Avila, Haley Cooper, Abby Cox, Phillip Espinoza, Tiffani Gibson, Sam Jones, Layla Mustafa, Franz Vosseler, Rebecca Wood-Conover and Scott Young. Well done!

Old Town History: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary

Martha Washington was ailing terribly in April 1802. Searching for help in that era of primitive medicine, she sent a man with a note to an apothecary in Alexandria. “Mrs. Washington desires Mr. Stabler will send by the bearer, a quart bottle of his best castor oil, and the bill for it.” Sadly, the treatment did not improve her health and she died the following month.

Wedding Vendors Gather at Carlyle House

Stacey Hawkins, Annette Miller and Karen Kilday hosted a wedding vendor fair March 24 at the historic Carlyle House in Alexandria. Calling Card Events specializes in small events and programs at historic sites in the local area. Caterers, vacation planners and gift shops staff were on hand to offer information and samples of most of their services. The group is planning two more wedding vendor events at Collingwood on June 16 and July 21.

‘Banking on Our Future’

Chairman, Founder and CEO of Operation Hope John Hope Bryant gave a special presentation to the afterschool math students at Hammond Middle School on March 29. Starting out with the theme of respect of each other and oneself, Bryant dove into the source of real wealth: that which is within each person. Bryant initiated a program “Banking on Our Future” to foster dignity and hope and teach financial literacy and economic self-sufficiency to low-income communities in the U.S., South Africa and Haiti. For more information on the program visit www.operationhope.com.

‘Hopa Tropa Kukerica!’

The Ambassador Theater presented “Hopa Tropa Kukerica!,” a Bulgarian masquerade with puppetry, song and dance April 1 at the George Washington Masonic Temple in Alexandria. The play was conceived and directed by Lilia Slavova with choreographer Ivan Dimitrov, set designer Antonio Petrov, puppet design by Julia Tashev and music arranger Petko Kilov. For more information on upcoming events visit www.aticc.org

Sportsman's Club to Host Frank Howard April 17

Washington baseball legend Frank Howard will be the guest speaker at the April 17 meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman's Club.

GenOn Donates $25k to the Alexandria Seaport Foundation

Representatives of GenOn gathered Feb. 10 at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation to work side by side with ASF apprentices and mark the donation of $25,000 to the nationally acclaimed nonprofit.

Helping Inova

The Board of Lady Managers held a fundraiser at The Little Theatre of Alexandria March 13 to raise money to purchase new anesthesia machines for Inova Alexandria Hospital. The new machines are part of the board's latest $500,000 pledge for the hospital. Above, event chair Barbara Brenman, Board president Cynthia Puskar and first vice president Ruth Corlett serve punch during intermission of “Heaven Can Wait.” For more information email TheBoardofladyManagers@gmail.com.

2012 Living Legends of Alexandria Honored

The 5th Annual Meet the Legends reception was held March 22 at the U.S. Patent and Trade Office where more than 300 people gathered to celebrate the 2012 Living Legends of Alexandria.

At GWMS

Recording artist and blues preservationist Curtis Blues sang and played at George Washington Middle School on March 2 to more than 300 students and teachers. His educational performance on the Mississippi Delta Blues wove together music, history and an inspirational message about creativity and character. Blues’ visit was sponsored by the Hammerheads, an afterschool club whose members had recently finished building their own cigar box guitars. Tech Ed teacher Kyle Godfrey sponsors the club in partnership with the Alexandria Seaport Foundation.

Cherry Dishes Compete in Alexandria

Restaurants help celebrate George Washington’s birthday.

Twelve years ago, the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee was looking for a way to get the local restaurants involved.

Adams, Harris Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Larry H. Adams, of Fairfax County, are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Akilah Adams to Wesley Alan Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harris of Columbia, Md.

Letter: Radle Endorses Shuttleworth

When I made the careful decision to enter the Democratic Congressional [8th district] primary, my goals were to help address the serious needs of the American people, invest in our future, enhance our quality of life, instill confidence in our nation, prevent future government shutdowns, and expand opportunity for every American.

Thursday, April 5

Reenacting ‘Stations of the Cross’

As a time-honored tradition, each year 8th graders in the St. Timothy School National Junior Honor Society perform a play for the entire school reenacting the "Stations of the Cross" — the final steps that Jesus took on his journey to the cross. This year's play was directed by 8th graders Beth Ghyzel and Chelsea West, costumes were made by Madison Ojeda, and Jesus was played by Daniel Caracciolo. The play was overseen by faculty members Mrs. Cowan, Mrs. Young, and Mrs. Toohey.

Chess Competitors at Poplar Tree Elementary

Students from Poplar Tree Elementary School participated in the Virginia Scholastic and Collegiate Chess Championships earlier this month in McLean. The tournament was organized by the Virginia Chess Federation. These students placed 9th in the tournament. Pictured with Principal Sharon Williams are: Austin Song, Asrith Biradavolu, Richa Misra, Sunny Ahuja, Alice Cao-Dao, Aarav Bajaj and Pravalika Putalapattu.

Maxwell Read Goes to State Geography Bee

Maxwell Read, a sixth-grade student at Greenbriar West Elementary School, won the school-level competition of the Nation Geographic Bee on Dec. 15 and advanced to the State Level this week. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 24th annual National Geographic Bee. The Bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

‘Many Cultures, One School’

Poplar Tree Elementary School students, staff, and parents recently celebrated Heritage Night with the theme “Many Cultures, One School.” Students from Mrs. Reynolds’s Kindergarten class, Miss Beverage’s third grade class, and Miss Rowland’s fourth grade class performed as well as three students from Chantilly High School. Following the performances, students went to different stations to work on crafts from around the world.

Centre View Calendar -- April 4

To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.

Supervisors OK Pohanka’s Plan in Chantilly

Pohanka Honda is coming to Chantilly. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently gave its building proposal a checkered flag, clearing the way for it to build a Honda dealership here.

Two Grieving Mothers Seek Answers

Kim Nelson goes to bed at night hoping she’ll someday see her daughter again; Gil Harrington knows she’ll never be able to because her own daughter is gone forever. Saturday, March 31, they were together in Fairfax seeking information about what happened to their girls and doing what they could to prevent similar tragedies from befalling someone else’s child.

Two Years in Prison for Conspiracy, Tax Crimes

A Fair Oaks man was sentenced last week in federal court to two years in prison for secretly conspiring to act as an agent of the Pakistani government in the U.S., without telling federal authorities about this affiliation, as required by law. He is Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, 62, a U.S. citizen and resident of the Penderbrook community.

Centre View Roundups April 4

Free Carseat Inspections Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, April 5 and April 19, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed. However, because of time constraints, only the first 35 vehicles arriving on each date will be inspected. That way, inspectors may have enough time to properly instruct the caregiver on the correct use of the child seat. Call 703-814-7000, ext. 5140, to confirm dates and times.

Lawson Honored as Officer of Quarter

Police officers don’t have to be out on the streets to make a difference in their communities. School Resource Officers (SRO)s make an impact every day, and for all he’s done in that capacity, PFC Steve Lawson was honored recently as the Sully District Station’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee’s Officer of the Quarter.

Remembering Erin Peterson

Joyful music will fill the air when the Fifth Annual Erin Peterson Fund Gospel Celebration is held Sunday, April 15, at 4 p.m., at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville. Erin worshiped with her family here and, after she died in the April 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy, her own family and her church family celebrated her life together.

Bull Run Elementary Is K-5 Team Champ

Bull Run Elementary School Chess Team won the 2012 Virginia Scholastic K-5 team Chess Championship. Fourth grader Eli Kirtley led the way with six victories in six games, good enough to make him the individual 2012 Virginia K-5 Chess Champion.

Easter Egg Hunt for the Visually Impaired

The Alexander Graham Bell Chapter of the Pioneer Volunteers and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind held its 33rd annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 31 for the visually impaired at the Centreville Moose Lodge, Chapter 2168, in Fairfax. The beeping eggs, built by the Alexander Graham Bell Chapter of the Pioneer Volunteers, emit a variety of tones for visually impaired children to hone-in on, allowing them to use their ears and sense of touch to find the eggs.

Fairfax Residents Awarded Inspiring Champions Award

The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter recognized thirteen individuals as Inspiring Champions at a special reception on Feb. 29 at its corporate offices in Fairfax.

Letter: It Takes Community To Prevent Bullying

As a private, not-for-profit agency focusing on bullying prevention and intervention in northern Virginia since 2009, we at Fairfax Partnership for Youth, Inc. are pleased to see your recent pieces focusing on this critical issue for youth. We have been encouraged by the Fairfax County Public School System’s

At the Libraries

Thursday/April 5 Small Wonders. 11 a.m. Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville. Stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-830-2223.

Westfield’s Dezelick Receives National Honorable Mention

When it comes to talent, those who’ve seen Westfield High senior Colby Dezelick perform — first as a dancer with Encore Theatrical Arts Project in Chantilly and then as an actor on the Westfield stage — know he’s got what it takes to succeed. And now it’s official.

The Power of One in 'On the Waterfront' at The American Century Theatre

It has been hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, winning eight Academy Awards for an all-star cast that included Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden. But for playwright Budd Schulberg, himself an Oscar winner for Best Story and Screenplay, the 1954 film version of “On the Waterfront” was never quite the story he wanted told.

Arlington Crime Report -- April 4-10

The following crimes were reported to the Arlington County Police Department for the week of March 22 to April 2.

Orange Line Connection April 4-10

Arlington Calendar April 4-10

Field Notes: Remembering Margaret Lundy Dell

On Feb. 1, my mother-in-law passed away. What’s remarkable is that she was a woman not only of exceptional years, 103, but also quite memorable.

‘Tiger Trot’ 5k Will Take Off April 15

Holy Child’s race is open to entire community.

At 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, the hills of Potomac will abound with runners competing in the 2nd annual Holy Child “Tiger Trot” 5K. The young women of the Connelly School of the Holy Child, their parents, siblings, grandparents, faculty and friends are eagerly awaiting the starting signal for this fun-filled yet challenging community event. The proceeds of the 5K run/walk will support both the Cabin John Fire Volunteer Fire Department and the wellness programs at the Connelly School of the Holy Child.

Fashion Event Raises Funds for McPaw

Animal lovers gather to support new center.

Animal lovers and fashionistas filled the second level of the Friendship Heights’ Bloomingdale’s, enjoying a fashion show, champagne and the opportunity to raise funds for McPaw (Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being) to support the new Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Even Ruby, an adorable and adoptable shelter dog was on hand for the ceremonies. As McPaw volunteer Madeleine Mersky explained, “Ruby is single and looking!”

Potomac Schools April 4-10

To have an item listed mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Call 703-778-9412.

Potomac Calendar April 4-10

Churchill High School Observes Autism Month

Increasing awareness of a burgeoning disability.

New statistics concerning autism have again propelled the topic of autism and its effects to the forefront of the news. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, autism now affects 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys — a rise of 23 percent in the past two years. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. — and many consider it a national epidemic.

Thousands To Untrash The River

More than 228 tons of trash removed last year; volunteers needed.

Every spring, Jim Heins hikes the entire C&O Canal, starting in Cumberland and ending in Georgetown.

C&O Canal: With Love Comes Responsibility WMCCA

Another spring and another love affair with the C & O Canal Historical Park! Yes, we may brave the cold for a few winter visits, but there is nothing like springtime on the Canal. We who live here are fortunate to have easy access to this incredibly lush, tranquil treasure of natural, historic and recreational resources.

Arts Night at the Art Gallery

On March 31, P.A.I.N.T (Potomac Artists in Touch) hosted the first Potomac Arts Night at The Art Gallery of Potomac. The event was moderated by Dalton Delan who has produced concerts at The White House and Kennedy Center.

Supervisor Herrity Undergoes Open-Heart Surgery

Now recovering at Inova Fairfax Hospital in ICU

Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield), 52, underwent open-heart surgery today at 7 a.m., and is currently recovering in the intensive care unit at Inova Fairfax Hospital, according to a statement released by his office at approximately 3 p.m. Thursday, April 5. The surgery was conducted at Inova’s Heart and Vascular Institute by Dr. Alan Spier and Dr. Niv Ad, and the surgeons have informed the supervisor’s family that the surgery went as expected.

Two Artists Exhibit Works at The Art Gallery of Potomac

This month The Art Gallery of Potomac will present a show entitled "Through Our Eyes" which will highlight paintings by two artists inspired by their travels to Ireland and Italy.

County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse

Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.

Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.

Eggstravaganza!

Jubilee Christian Center event features music, moon bounces and egg rolls for every age.

Ever since Dolly Madison, wife of the fourth American president, organized an egg roll down the hilly lawn of the Capitol building in 1810, egg rolls have become an Easter tradition.

‘There’s Always a Void’

Two grieving mothers seek answers here.

Anyone for Bike Riding?

Fairfax County’s creating a Bicycle Transportation Plan.

Besides being fun and good exercise, bicycle riding can also help improve transportation in Fairfax County. So the county’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a series of meetings to further develop a countywide Bicycle Transportation Plan.

Residents Speak Out about Bike Plan

Fairfax County’s creating a bicycle-transportation network.

With help from Toole Design Group and Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB), Fairfax County is currently developing a bicycle master plan.

Nutty: Squirrel Jams Transmission

A customer had his nearly new 2011 Toyota Camry towed into Alexandra Toyota because the transmission would not shift.

Alexandria and Arlington at odds Over Streetcars Versus Bus-Rapid Transit

Transit riders could have to get off the Arlington streetcar to board an Alexandria bus.

Arlington and Alexandria planning officials are moving in different directions along Route One.

A Modern Rapunzal Meets Her Match

The Hub Theater presents ‘John & Beatrice.’

Finding true love in today's busy world is more challenging than ever. Navigating all the possibilities is truly mystifying," said Helen Pafumi, director for the Hub Theater's upcoming "John & Beatrice," a comedy with bite.

Violinist Midori Rehearses with Arlington Youth Symphony

World-renowned Japanese-American violinist Midori brought her Orchestra Residencies Program to Arlington and Alexandria this year as part of March’s Arts in the Schools Month this past week. Midori established her Orchestra Residencies Program to support and encourage youth orchestras in the U.S. Each year, two youth orchestras are chosen by an independent committee for week-long residencies by Midori, who collaborates on a wide range of activities with both the youth orchestras and their partner professional orchestras.

Women’s Club Raises Money for Scholarship

Midday Saturday and Sunday, members of the Arlington Women’s Club held a bake sale and paper shredding in the club parking lot on South Buchannan Street in Arlington. The club is raising money for its scholarship recipient Stephanie J. Colon who is in her second year at Virginia Commonwealth University. Every four years, the member committee selects an Arlington County student for the $2,500-a-year scholarship. General manager Scott Myers of Shred Station Express on General Washington Drive in Alexandria brought over a shredding truck for the event. Boy Scouts from Troop 648 (Arlington Forest United Methodist Church) helped unload the boxes from the cars that came with papers and documents. Club members filled two tables with homemade cakes, cookies and more.

The Power of One

Springfield resident stars in 'On the Waterfront.'

It has been hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, winning eight Academy Awards for an all-star cast that included Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden. But for playwright Budd Schulberg, himself an Oscar winner for Best Story and Screenplay, the 1954 film version of "On the Waterfront" was never quite the story he wanted told.

Two Workhouse Artists Travel Abroad

Carol Iglesias goes to France and Hadrian Mendoza travels to China.

The Workhouse Arts Center has announced that two of its artists will be traveling abroad this spring to fulfill one month artistic residencies. Carol Iglesias, an Associate Artist at the Workhouse, will be traveling to Dinan, France and Hadrian Mendoza, a Studio Artist of Building W-8, will be traveling to Fuping, China.

Destination Smile Offers Free Clinic April 27

Journey to perfect smile begins at Destination Smile.

It was all smiles last year when Lorton dentists Kristina Biggs and Flavia Tingling celebrated the first anniversary of their dental practice by donating dental care to dozens of uninsured children in the area.

Firefighters Honored for Lorton Rescue

The water was swiftly overtaking a Lorton intersection as deadly flash flooding devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Fire Station 24 arrived on the scene, multiple vehicles had been swept into the intersection by the force of the fast moving floodwaters.

League Honors Whipple, Ticer

On Sunday, March 25, the League of Women Voters from Arlington, Falls Church, and Alexandria honored retiring state Senators Mary Margaret Whipple (above) and Patsy Ticer for their years of service at a reception and tea held in Fairlington.

Author Chet Nagle to Speak at GOP Women Meeting

The Republican Women of Clifton's (RWC) April general meeting will be held on Monday, April 16, when Chet Nagle, author of the book "Iran Covenant," will speak about the military options the U.S. and Israel face regarding Iran's nuclear weapons program.

Adams, Harris Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Larry H. Adams, of Fairfax County, are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Akilah Adams to Wesley Alan Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harris of Columbia, Md. The couple plan to wed on Nov. 10, 2012. Both members of the happy couple reside in Alexandria.

Republican Women of Clifton Hold Membership Tea

The Sixth Annual Membership Tea of the Republican Women of Clifton (RWC), held at the home of First Vice President Alice Butler-Short on March 24, was a huge success. Over sixty members and potential members attended the tea. It was a grand sit-down affair, and ten guests signed up to become members of the club. RWC membership is open to both residents and non-residents of Clifton.

Hunger Cravings

D'Arcy Sampson (red hair) and friend Hannah Bunting prepare for the midnight premiere of the mega-hit "The Hunger Games" last week at Fairfax Corner’s Rave Motion Picture theaters.

Letter: Keeping His Promise

Letter to the Editor

From the day Governor McDonnell took office, he has concentrated his efforts on getting Virginians back to work. It looks like his policies are working. MoneyRates.com has just ranked Virginia as the "Best State to Make a Living."

Fairfax County Overpass Opening

Donegal Lane access shuts down April 10.

On Tuesday, April 10, the Virginia Department of Transportation is permanently closing the intersection of Donegal Lane and the Fairfax County Parkway, and simultaneously opening the overpass carrying the new alignment of Rolling Road over the parkway.

Above and Beyond

Burke firefighters honored for heroism.

The water was swiftly rising, surrounding a police officer trapped on the hood of his vehicle during the deadly flash flooding that devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Burke Fire Station 14 arrived on the scene in Great Falls, a rescue boat had already tried and failed to reach the stranded officer.

Burke’s Great Harvest Bakery Wins Award

Named in the top 10 for annual sales growth.

Burke’s Great Harvest Bread Company located at 6030-G Burke Commons Road received an award during the company’s recent annual convention in San Diego, Calif.

Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21

Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.

The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.

Letter: Is Current Spending Valid?

The March 22-28, 2012 Mount Vernon Gazette front page article “Hyland Calls For a Meals Tax” that would impose a 4 percent tax on meals that is for education and roads.

Letter: Choose Right Path

On March 24, the Fairfax County Republican Committee (FCRC) held an extremely successful convention at West Springfield High School. With over 1000 attendees, this is the largest convention anyone can recall the Fairfax GOP ever having, and it is a sign of great things to come in 2012 and beyond.

Herndon Baseball Off to Fast 4-0 Start

Hornets spending spring break week in Myrtle Beach; South Lakes baseball notches first win.

The Herndon High baseball team is spending its spring break week competing in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Hornets, who won their first three games of the season prior to making their trip down south, saw their record improve to 4-0 with a 13-5 win over Monticello High (Charlottesville) this past Saturday, March 31 in its first of three scheduled games in the Gamecock state. Herndon was scheduled to play games versus Pickerington High School North (Ohio) at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3 of this week, and Hancock County High (Lewisport, Kent.) on Thursday, April 5 at 3 p.m. Herndon's spring break games are taking place at Griffith Stadium at the Cal Ripken Experience facility in Myrtle Beach.

Column: State: Local Streams and Rivers Are Polluted

Last week, I received a report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding Mount Vernon and Lee’s rivers and streams.

UCM Receives Grant from Foundation

United Community Ministries was recently awarded a grant of $15,000 from the Devotion to Children Foundation.

Saxons' Softball Enters Spring Break With Winning Mark

Langley shuts down South Lakes for Liberty win; In girls' lacrosse, Saxons, Highlanders meet in early season cross-town match.

Going into this week's spring break, the Langley High girls' softball team, under head coach Jessica Roche, had put together a winning record at 3-2. The Saxons, in a high-scoring road game last Thursday, March 29 versus Liberty District opponent Stone Bridge High in Ashburn, lost to the Bulldogs 11-7. Langley opened the game's scoring in the top of the first inning with two runs, the highlight being a two-run double off the bat of senior third baseman Julia Weeks. However, the home team Bulldogs, an inning later, answered with three runs in the second and four more in the third to build a 7-2 lead.

Centreville High Sports Report

Wildcat girls improve to 4-0 in lacrosse.

On Monday, March 26, the Centreville girls varsity lacrosse team improved its record to 4-0 by beating the Edison Eagles, 18-5. Sophomore Caroline Bollman (2 goals/1 assist) started the Wildcats moving toward victory with a nice feed from junior Carly Sane (6 goals/2 assists).

County Launches Transit Study

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has launched its 2050 Countywide Transit Network Study.

Madison Softball Captures Own Spring Break Tournament

Warhawks win two Saturday games, including finals victory over Centreville.

The Madison High girls' varsity softball team won its own ‘Madison Spring Break Tournament’ last Saturday afternoon, March 31 with an impressive 8-2 finals win over Centreville High. That same day, in a morning game versus Annandale High, the Warhawks defeated the Atoms handily, 19-0, in a semifinals contest of the tournament. That set up the title game between Madison and Centreville, which had defeated West Potomac in the other semifinals matchup. The participating schools in the Madison Spring Break Tournament were: Lee, Edison, Annandale, Mount Vernon, West Potomac, Centreville, and the host Warhawks.

Area Health Students Win State Awards at Conference

Letter: ACVA’s Fruit Salad

Old Town Alexandria is not the same market as The City of Alexandria. Tourism ads for Old Town are not all tested before reaching the world.

Letter: Schools Should Re-Do Budget

Time is running out or Alexandria’s Adult Education program. In three months, our successful Alexandria Adult Learning Center will cease to exist.

City of Alexandria Launches Mobile Website

The City of Alexandria has launched a new mobile-friendly design that makes it easier to browse the City's website on a smartphone. Approximately 20 percent of all visitors to the City's website now access the web from a mobile device.

South County Competing at the Mingo Bay Baseball Classic

Stallions playing three games in South Carolina over spring break.

For the third straight year, the South County High baseball team is spending its spring break week competing at the Mingo Bay Baseball Classic, at the Carolina Forest venue in Myrtle Beach, S.C. There, South County, last year's Patriot District and Northern Region champions, had won its first two games going into its final game of the trip on Wednesday, April 4.

The Winding Baseball Trek Towards Becoming a Cincinnati Reds’ Fan

With Opening Day here, its’ fun to follow more than one major league team.

I did not grow up as a Reds’ fan. In fact, Cincinnati’s great Big Red Machine caused me great heartache when, as a 12-year old boy growing up in Northern Virginia, I watched on TV as my favorite team, the Red Sox, lost to Sparky Anderson’s crew, 4-3, in Game 7 of the 1975 Fall Classic. I had been ecstatic after Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning game-winning home run had given the ‘Sox a 7-6 win in Game 6. But following the Game 7 loss, in which my favorite player, the great Carl Yastrzemski, flew out to end the game in the bottom of the ninth inning at Fenway Park, I was in tears – a broken kid.

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment, Classifieds and Home and Garden ads here!

Centreville Girls Enjoying Four-Game Win Streak

Wildcats preparing for next week's start of Concorde soccer play.

The Centreville High girls' soccer team, following a breakthrough 2011 season a year ago which saw the Wildcats go 13-3 and advance all the way to the Northern Region tournament semifinals before their season ended with a Final Four loss to eventual state champion McLean, is off to a solid start this spring. Centreville, after beginning the season with a 2-0 road loss at W.T. Woodson High (Patriot District) on March 13 and then playing visiting Yorktown High (National District) to a 1-1 tie two days later, is currently on an impressive four-game win streak with the victories coming over visiting T.C. Williams (Patriot), 5-0, on March 19; at West Springfield (Patriot), 1-0, on March 23; a 2-1 triumph on March 27 over guest McLean (Liberty District), the same Highlanders' squad which ended the Wildcats' hopes of qualifying for the state AAA playoffs last year; and a decisive victory at Wakefield High (National), 8-0, last Thursday night. (See Centreville High Sports Notebook for details of the Wakefield game.)

Paul VI Defeats Coolidge in City Title Game

Panthers finish best-ever boys' basketball season 35-3.

The Paul VI High boys' basketball team concluded its historic 2011-12 winter season with a win in the Abe Pollin City Title Championship Game over DCIAA Champion Coolidge, 70-64.

Business Matters

Alexandria's chief tourism promoter Stephanie Pace Brown is leaving a city her organization calls “Charm-ville.”

Week in Alexandria

In an emotional speech to the Alexandria Democratic Committee Monday night, four-term Del. David Englin (D-45) said he will not seek reelection to the House of Delegates next year.

Alexandria City Council Campaign Shifts Westward As Two New Candidates Enter Race

Displacement of poor and Latino citizens to be central issue in upcoming campaign.

With two more candidates entering the race for Alexandria City Council, the lines of combat are moving west.

Wednesday, April 4

Episcopal Boys’ Lax Team Cruises Past T.C. Williams

Junior Dubose, freshman Davy score 3 goals for Maroon.

In an Alexandria public-private school matchup, public school T.C. Williams was no match for Episcopal, which built a 9-0 lead and cruised to a 16-2 victory on March 31.

TC Rowers Take Home Three Victories at Noxontown

The T.C. Williams crew team traveled to the St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Del., on March 31 to compete in the Noxontown Regatta, a contest that saw the Titan rowers go up against some of the best boats in the Mid-Atlantic region and come home with three victories by the end of the day.

West Potomac Senior Belanger Throws No-Hitter

Wolverines win spring break tournament on home field.

Josh Belanger didn’t need expectations, first-pitch strikes or a consistent breaking ball to give his fellow Wolverines the career-best effort they were looking for.

Sports Briefs: West Potomac Softball Starts 9-1

The West Potomac softball team concluded its appearance at the Madison spring break tournament with three consecutive victories, improving its record to 9-1.

Lake Braddock Baseball Team Suffers First Loss

Bruin left-hander Rogers pitches well in defeat.

Regardless if one viewed the glass as half full or half empty, the Lake Braddock baseball team suffered its first loss of the season on April 3 and head coach Jody Rutherford was less than enthused with the Bruins’ effort.

Churchill Girls’ Lax Receives Early-Season Wake-Up Call

Bulldogs respond to Damascus loss by beating Paint Branch.

Senior standout Mairin Hall said the Churchill girls’ lacrosse team doesn’t want to dwell on its March 26 loss to Damascus — the program’s first loss to a Montgomery County team since 2010 — but the defeat just might provide motivation for a Bulldog group rarely challenged in recent seasons.

Sophomore midfielder Emily Spack is the Yorktown girls’ lacrosse team’s second-leading goal-scorer with 13.

With all six of its regular-season non-district games in the books, Yorktown girls' lacrosse coach Crystal Morgan hopes the Patriots made a reasonable case for being a regional contender.

W-L Boys’ Lax Loses to Oakton

The Washington-Lee boys’ lacrosse team failed to score in the first half and managed just one goal in the first three quarters as the Generals lost to Oakton 14-2 on March 30 at Herndon High School.

Arlington Aerials Have Successful Championship Showing

The Arlington Aerials gymnastics team attended the Level 8-9 State Gymnastics Championships on March 24 and 25. The meet was held at the U-Turn Sports Center in Richmond.

Schweiker, Harris Lead Oakton Boys’ Lax Past W-L

Cougars improve to 2-3 with 14-2 victory against Generals.

Jack Harris scored four consecutive goals during a five-minute stretch in the first half and Oakton cruised to a 14-2 victory against Washington-Lee on March 30 at Herndon High School.

Column: Strengthening, Not Blocking, Health Care Law

I am one of millions of Americans waiting for the Affordable Care Act to be put into law so that I can have some relief from my troubles with our broken health care system. March 23 marked the two-year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

Above and Beyond

Firefighters honored for Reston rescue efforts.

The water was swiftly rising at the intersection of Reston's Stuart Mill Road and Birdfoot Lane as deadly flash flooding surged throughout Fairfax County on Sept. 8, 2011. Two vehicles stranded at the intersection were quickly swept out to a tree line 150 feet into the water with a family of three and a single driver still inside.

Column: Back to the Classroom

I am spending some more time back in the classroom recently. Last week I taught social studies to fourth graders at Lake Anne Elementary School. The students were courteous and well behaved, clearly eager to learn, and as diverse as the world around them.

Column: Class Warfare From the Top Down

Don’t know about you, but I am getting fed up picking up the paper nearly every day and reading of the latest efforts to weaken worker organizations, freeze pay, cut benefits, and downsize jobs across the economy. Corporate CEOs and Boards of Directors have been terrorizing workers for years. Now, politicians have their sights set on civil servants, especially down the road in Washington.

Heroes of Mount St. Helens

Reston resident writes about role of gophers.

Among the smallest of the animals that live on Mount St. Helens, the northern pocket gopher has been credited with aiding in the restoration of Mount St. Helens. "Gopher to the Rescue," a newly released book written by Reston resident Terry Jennings, examines the role of gophers in eco-system recovery following a volcanic eruption.

Column: Are We Still Slaves?

This Friday evening, April 6, Jews the world over will be celebrating the first night of Passover with a traditional meal called the "Seder." A ritual celebrated every year commemorating the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt 3,323 years ago.

Herndon Masonic Lodge Receives National Award

The Masonic Information Center (MIC) has awarded Herndon Lodge one of just 18 national Mark Twain Awards for demonstrating excellence in 2011 Masonic activities.

Democratic Lawmakers Address Social Justice Forum in Vienna

Event hosted by SALT and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.

Fairfax County’s Democratic lawmakers knew they were preaching to the choir – and some of the preachers - at the legislative wrap-up session hosted by Social Action Linking Together (SALT) and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organization in Vienna on Saturday.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

VDOT officials say I-495 Express Lanes will be just that.

Predictable, safe and reliable is not how most motorists would describe driving on the obstacle course known as the Capital Beltway.

Phase 1 of Dulles Metrorail 67 Percent Complete

Phase 2 hits a snag as Loudoun County Supervisors debate opting out.

VDOT officials delivered good news and bad news on the 23-mile Dulles Corridor Metrorail project during a news conference March 29 at the VDOT Virginia Megaprojects office.

A Triumph of Artistry

'Side Man' arrives at 1st Stage.

Director Michael Dove has created an unflinching, poignant look into deep corners of lives unraveling. His production of "Side Man" is a strong play for adults who want to be fully transported by awe for what creative talent can accomplish.

“Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 15-21.

Week in Vienna

Things happening in the Vienna area.

Campaigning for Kaine in Vienna

Anne Holton, former first lady of Virginia, met with more than 40 local business owners, community leaders and supporters at Yama Sushi restaurant in Vienna on Saturday, March 31, during an event hosted by Delegate Mark Keam (D- 35).

Freedom Hill Elementary Hosts International Day

School celebrates the global diversity of its student body.

Freedom Hill Elementary School [FHES] celebrated the diversity of its student population with an enthusiastically-attended International Day on March 30.

Letter: Radle Endorses Shuttleworth

Vienna Students Win DAR Good Citizens Awards

Two Vienna high school seniors recently won DAR Good Citizens awards from Fairfax County Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Letter: ‘Just Let Me Call Virginia Home’

From the scenic Shenandoah And the Piedmont’s freckled hills To the Tidewater’s windswept shore Where the dogwood blooms, with the coming of Spring The Old Dominion reigns evermore.

Virginia Chess Champions

Colvin Run Elementary School won the 2012 Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Championships K-3 Chess Tournament.

Colvin Run Elementary School (CRES) students participated in the 2012 Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Championships Chess Tournament held on March 17-18, 2012 at Best Western Tysons Westpark Hotel, McLean, Virginia.

Week in McLean

Things happening in the McLean area.

Outstanding Contributions

McLean Community Center honors Joann Berkson and Dick La Porte.

The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) 8th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception was held on Sunday, March 25, in the Community Hall. The theme was "Italy" and Center volunteers were treated to a catered lunch by Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant and live music by The Wayne Tympanick Trio. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

Bishop O’Connell Students Awarded at Science Fair

Five students from Bishop O'Connell High School presented independent research projects at the Northern Virginia Regional Science Fair held at Wakefield High School in early March. All five of them returned to school with multiple awards and recognition.

Six Run for McLean Community Center’s Board

Three adult, two teen positions available.

Six McLean tax district residents have qualified to run for seats on the McLean Community Center’s 2012–2013 Governing Board. The board sets policy and provides general oversight for all the facilities and programs of the Center, including the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Center. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

Ordinary Heroes

When most people hear the word "hero," they think of the man with tights and a cape.

Tuesday, April 3

Great Falls Goes Egg Hunting

Optmist Club hosts annual Children’s Spring Festival and egg hunt.

The Great Falls Village Green was littered with 7,000 brightly colored eggs Sunday afternoon. Most of the eggs were filled with candy, but 900 of them contained $10,000 worth of gemstones donated by Jorge Adeler of Adeler Jewelers.

Possible Future for Historic Buildings?

Community members come up with conceptual plan for Grange, schoolhouse.

Having historic properties such as the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls has become a bit of a mixed blessing for the community. On one hand, the properties represent living history, both are in the National Register of Historic Places, and are relics of a different age.

Longfellow’s Science Bowl Stars

Four eighth graders headed to second straight nationals.

For four members of the Longfellow Middle School Science Bowl team, this year is another chance to compete in the National Science Bowl Finals. After winning the state competition for the second straight year, the four members of the team are studying up and are eager for their return trip to nationals.

Langley Presents ‘The Crucible’

Tale of Salem Witch Trials will be performed black box style.

When it came time to present their Spring show, Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," the Langley Theatre Department decided to think a little inside the box. A black box theater, that is.

Council Responds to County Water Ordinance

Councilmembers decide to address legislative ordinance issues with county.

The Herndon Town Council unanimously passed a response to the Dec. 6, 2011 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ decision to regulate water sales and rates from non-county providers.

Egg Hunting in Brown’s Chapel Park

Community Center hosts annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt.

As children ages 1 through 9 gathered at Brown’s Chapel Park in Reston Saturday morning, they separated themselves by age group and massed along the borders of several different roped off areas. The areas were filled with colored eggs, which meant that for many children, filling their baskets would come down to strategy.

Future of Silver Line Discussed

Panel discusses labor agreements, Loudoun County’s decision.

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion in Reston Wednesday, March 28 about the future of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line. The discussion featured Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Scott York and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President Jack Potter.

Smartphone Technology Helping Children Get Fit

Chesterbook Elementary opens outdoor fitness trail.

We all know children love using technology, so why not use technology to show them the correct way to exercise? Chester the Chipmunk, the mascot of Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, was pleased to introduce the school's outdoor QR Fitness Trail Monday, March 26. QR stands for Quick Response, and it is the next-generation coding system that allows smartphones to quickly read data.

From Slime to Simple Machines

Great Falls Elementary kicks off new science enrichment program.

Great Falls Elementary School (GFES) is going where few elementary schools have gone before, into the exciting world of science enrichment.

Above and Beyond

Herndon firefighters honored for heroism.

The water was swiftly rising as a lone woman was frantically crying for help from the roof of her car during the deadly flash flooding of Sept. 8, 2011.

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.

Monday, April 2

Alexandria Native Quinn Hynes in "The Hunger Games"

Student answers call for extras.

Poverty and defeat are the trademarks of District 12, the coal-producing region of Panem in Suzanne Collins’ box office success, “The Hunger Games.” For Alexandria native Quinn Hynes, however, being a member of District 12 was a dream come true.