Thursday, April 30
What's Coming in the Fairfax Station, Lorton, Clifton Area
Gambrill Pointe subdivision Gambrill Pointe Court and Ridge Creek Way. These 20 homes on roughly 11 acres are in the process of being sold.
What’s Coming in Burke?
Sites and developments
The project by Henley Construction Company, Inc., includes renovating the 68,500 square feet of the previous school building, as well as 20,500 square feet of additional space.
Lorton: Chill and Cloudy Skies Don’t Damper SpringFest Fairfax
Nina Mendez of Springfield is a big fan of Earth Day. “I want to clean the world and make it better,” she said.
Fairfax Station: Garden Club Brightens Blue Star Memorial
Since its dedication on June 10, 2007, ladies of the Dominion Valley Garden Club have maintained a colorful, patriotic garden in front of the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum.
Students Celebrate Burke School’s 75th Anniversary
Virginia Lee Fowler Hyer is the oldest of seven girls who used to live in the “top of the hill” home now referred to as the Silas Burke House. She attended Burke School from 1944 through 1949 and on April 23, crossed the building’s threshold again to witness a program celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Fairfax County School Board to Consider Nondiscrimination Policy Change
When the members of the School Board reconvene on May 7, they’re scheduled to act on whether or not to add “gender identity” to the list of nondiscrimination categories for all Fairfax County Public Schools students, employees or applicants for employment.
Mount Vernon: Looking Ahead
Development is underway along Route 1.
The former Penn Daw Plaza shopping center was rezoned as part of a 2012 Comprehensive Plan amendment for the Penn Daw area and is set to be replaced by a mixed-use development called One Kings.
APD Officer Michael Nugent to Receive Gold at Valor Awards
16 officers to be honored at the 29th annual Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards.
It was a cold and icy February morning in 2014 when Alexandria police officer Michael Nugent responded to an emergency call on South Patrick Street.
Alexandria: 800 Volunteer To Fix Homes
More than 800 Rebuilding Together Alexandria volunteers spread out across the city providing free repairs and upgrades to 40 low-income homeowners during National Rebuilding Day on Saturday, April 25.
Alexandria People At Work: Robotic Camera Inspects Sewers
Finding roots, rats and clogs.
The large white van backs up to the upstream manhole in the alley at Jefferson and Payne. It will take Keith Kehter, about 10 minutes to set up the inspection site with bright orange cones, drag out the hose and cable and warm up the program on the computer.
$1,276,909 Raised by Spring2ACTion
Alexandria comes together for its 5th annual giving day.
Alexandria’s annual online giving day, Spring2ACTion, generated $1,276,909 for 129 Alexandria nonprofits in just 24 hours on April 22.
Mount Vernon: Festive Start to Fort Hunt Fast Pitch Season
Fort Hunt Softball held its Opening Day celebration on Sunday, April 12, at the Walt Whitman softball complex. Approximately 400 people including players, family members and volunteers attended. The party started off with a picnic, games and dancing.
Firefighter McClain's Life of Service
Firefighter McClain retires after 34 years.
One of Alexandria’s longest serving firefighters has stowed his equipment for the last time. As of April 29, Capt. Thurston McClain officially said goodbye to emergency calls and 24-hour shifts when he retired after serving 34 years with the Alexandria Fire Department.
Letter: Value of Public Servants
Letter to the Editor
From the beginning, residents of Old Town have only wanted the very best for the Old and Historic District, starting with the group of women who spearheaded the drive that made us the third nationally designated Historic District in the country.
Letter: Massive Debt
Letter to the Editor
This letter was triggered when I heard the three mayor candidates tell an audience last Thursday, which included me, why they should be mayor.
Letter: Value of Sweet Briar
Letter to the Editor
In a world that is poised to degrade distinction as discrimination, well-done single sex education is a gem that must not be tossed away.
Letter: Different Perspective
Letter to the Editor
I’ve been observing and testifying at City Council meetings since James Moran was mayor.
Letter: Protect Old Town’s Historic Nature
Letter to the Editor
The other day, my good friend Poul Hertel was reading a speech that George Washington gave to a very skeptical House of Representatives. Instead of getting angry (as had been expected), Mr. Washington called on everyone to "Unite our efforts to improve our immense advantage."
Letter: Squelching Comments
Letter to the Editor
The Potomac Yard property is underutilized and I support efforts to locate a metro rail station at Potomac Yard.
Letter: Cartoon Not Funny
Letter to the Editor
As program chairman of Alexandria’s Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War, I have planned programs for the last two years to illuminate truths about various aspects of the War, including its causes.
Letter: A Different Vision for City
Letter to the Editor
I’m not going to tell you which mayoral candidate to vote for on June 9, but I am going to tell you which two Democrats you shouldn’t vote for and why.
Letter: Too Much Spending
Letter to the Editor
Spending taxpayer money seems to be the mantra of this mayor and his compliant council.
Letter: Focus on Middle Schools
Letter to the Editor
The following is an open letter to the mayor, City Council and School Board.
Letter: ‘Simply Can’t Have It All’
Letter to the Editor
Several neighborhood associations hosted the first Mayoral debate in the MacArthur School cafeteria last Thursday, April 23. As a relatively new Alexandria resident and voter, it was a good opportunity for me to learn about old and new city issues as well as to observe the candidates, and watch them interact.
Column: Animeals on Wheels
Providing assistance to senior pet owners.
It’s well known that pets can play a significant role in the quality of a senior’s life by providing personal companionship.
Letter: Record of Leadership
Letter to the Editor
I have known Paul Krizek, who is running to be our next delegate, for years.
Letter: Get To Know Bennett
Letter to the Editor
In just over six weeks, Candice Bennett has emerged as a strong contender for Mount Vernon District Supervisor.
Letter: Disappointing Budget Vote
Letter to the Editor
The following open letter was addressed to Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland.
Neighborhood Outlook: Sites and Developments to Look at in Herndon Area
Sites and developments to look at in Herndon area.
Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax
Homes, grocery renovation and road improvements.
Several development projects are either proposed or in the works in the City of Fairfax. Below is a snapshot of some of them:
Springfield Teens Discuss Drugs, Drinking, Parties
It’s Saturday night and the kids are out and about.
“It’s 11 o’clock. Do you know where your children are?” Parents of West Springfield junior Brittany Branch and senior Sadie Shroeder would know—there is an app on their phones that lets their parents know exactly where they are.
Reston Celebrates New Monumental Sculpture
Artwork by Patrick Dougherty hosted at Reston Town Center.
Visitors to Reston Town Center will notice a prominent new public art piece located near the Greater Reston Arts Center art gallery on Market Street. This sculpture is a creation by Patrick Dougherty, an internationally acclaimed artist who creates enormous art installations out of tree saplings. Helping as a project assistant for this sculpture was Alexandria resident Matthew Harwood. “He is a wonderful person to work with, Pat has quite an artistic following,” said Harwood.
Reston Town Center Opens Mercury Fountain
Celebration held at Reston landmark.
At almost 28 feet tall, the Mercury Fountain has become a symbol of Reston Town Center and a Reston landmark. Erected in 1990, the design of the fountain was chosen after a call for artists and interviews were conducted for a memorable attraction to the Town Center.
Fairfax Chamber Hosts Innovation Awards
Fairfax Chamber staff has active spring season.
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) announced winners for the 1st Annual Greater Washington Innovation Awards, the premier event celebrating the thought leadership, innovation, and creativity of individuals and organizations in select industries in the Greater Washington metro area. Winners were announced live at the April 20th awards gala at the Hyatt Regency.
Rachel Carson Middle School Wins ‘We The People’ Nationals
Herndon middle schoolers crowned national champions.
They did it! In February, The Connection reported that the students of Cynthia Burgett’s special Civics class at Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon had won the State Championship of the “We The People Competition” and were determined to bring home the gold at the National Invitationals.
Summer Sailing Camp: Outside, Hands-On, Empowering
Amy Zang has just returned from a week sailing the British Virgin Isles with nine members of her extended family ranging from her 78-year-old, legally-blind father to her brother's 4- and 6-year old children.
Diverse Camps Offer Summer Fun
Northern Virginia has scores of local camps for summer learning and fun.
Scores of local camps in Northern Virginia that offer many opportunities for summer fun and learning. Here is a sampling of diverse camps that range from art to theater to field trips to swimming, tennis and music. There's even a camp for aspiring musicians who want to form a band.
Column: Celebrating Mom and Dad Without Selling Either Short
Commentary
In today’s marketing environment, it seems as though one gender cannot make progress without disparaging another.
57 Different Summer Camp Choices
Glen Echo offers wide selection of arts in wide open spaces.
A lump of brown clay sits on the potting wheel. Water is added as the wheel begins to turn, teenage hands cup around the clay to begin forming the sides, then start in the middle and work outward.
Summer Fun for Adults
The region offers a wide range of programs for adults.
Summer fun is no longer reserved for children. Whether one’s interests lie in exploring nature and hiking in the woods or immersed in history, art and literature on a university campus, the region abounds with warm weather opportunities.
Marymount Technology Institutes for Ages 14-18
Marymount has summer programs for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in technology. Gain technology skills and hands-on experience; create a mobile app or take part in a cyber competition in health care; meet fellow students who share your excitement about technology; network with technology professionals about career possibilities. Summer Technology Institutes' 2015 Programs:
Commentary: Play Unified
In my 20-plus years in Special Olympics I still, on occasion, make the same mistake. I miss the boat. I underestimate the abilities either cognitive or physical of our Special Olympics athletes; athletes with intellectual disabilities. But by continually making this mistake, I, in essence, pretty much make them like everyone else; just another person, available to be judged and limited by what we see or what we think we see. You see, the limitations that all of us place on each other determine how we perceive each other, treat each other, like each other, fear each other, raise each other up or marginalize each other.
West Potomac Rides Seven-Game Win Streak to First Place
Wolverines win 9 of 11 prior to Tuesday’s loss to Annandale.
Leading off the bottom of the sixth inning, West Potomac right fielder Rocky Iboleon got the fastball he wanted and drove it to deep left.
T.C. Crew Wins Big at Charlie Butt Regatta
Boys’, girls’ 1V boats capture first, team wins nine races.
The T.C. Williams crew team brought its power to the Georgetown waterfront on April 25 to compete at the Charlie Butt Regatta. Racing against top boats from the region, the TC team won nine races, including top honors for the girls’ and boys’ first varsity boats.
Alexandria: Mistrial and Missed Trial
Just down the hall from each other, there were major developments in two Alexandria murder trials on April 23.
Alexandria: Mayoral Standoff
First debate in race for mayor focuses on failing infrastructure.
Differences between incumbent Mayor William Euille, current Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg, and former Mayor Kerry Donley emerged during a debate as the three took turns directing blame for Alexandria’s current problems on each of the other two during the first mayoral debate. The debate, held in Douglas MacArthur Elementary School on April 23, primarily focused around issues of parking and city infrastructure.The shifting blame became most apparent during the candidates’ discussions on BRAC-133.
Alexandria: Add/Delete Budget Drama
Council members spar over last minute additions.
A preliminary discussion of the City Council’s Add/Deletes from the budget led to a heated exchange between council members during their April 28 meeting.
Veterans Receive Choral Welcome at Reagan
A group of veterans arriving at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday morning, April 15, from Knoxville, Tenn. were greeted with cheers, hugs, and patriotic music.
Got Food?
Stamp Out Hunger food drive set for May 9.
The 2015 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, will take place Saturday, May 9 throughout the City of Alexandria.
Trending in Mount Vernon
Waterfront, rebuilding and townhomes.
Chris White, an Alexandria-based Long and Foster agent, says business is booming for waterfront property in the Mount Vernon area. Whether it’s canals, creeks or the open river, “anything you can stick a boat into” is getting a lot of attention, he said. In particular, homes with dramatic river views, sellers of those in the $1-2 million range are getting close to their asking price.
Obituary: Jeff K. Meadows
Obituary
Jeff K. Meadows, a former Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce board member and local entrepreneur, died in his home on April 20, 2015. He was diagnosed with cancer last September and maintained a bright outlook continually, seeking a new opportunity for good in the manner that he approached all things.
One Injured In Hotel Fire
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue investigators determined that an accidental electrical fire ignited a blaze that destroyed the Quality Inn & Suites hotel located at 8849 Richmond Highway.
Mount Vernon: More Money For Route 1
Improvement projects for corridor gather momentum.
Fairfax County elected officials were pleased with recent announcements from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and Commonwealth Transportation Board that included increased funding for transportation improvements along U.S. Route 1.
Mount Vernon: John Geer Protest
Adam Buchanan of Springfield was among a group of about 20 protesters in front of the Fairfax County Government Center prior to the Ad Hoc commission meeting on April 27. He began following the case of John Geer after some of his friends who lived nearby where Geer was killed told him about the incident. “I’m glad to hear about the grand jury,” Buchanan said, “but all these cases, why are people getting killed in these situations? What can be done to prevent this in the future?”
Protest Precedes Police Meeting at Fairfax County Government Center
Themed subcommittees announced at second police review commission meeting.
Increased Fairfax County Police presence was noticeable at the rear of the room after three masked men entered the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Wednesday, April 29
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: May 1-3
Fun events in Alexandria and Mt. Vernon for the weekend of May 1-3.
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun May 1-3
Fun events in the Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, and Manassas areas for the weekend of May 1-3.
Centreville Girls’ Soccer Ties Herndon
After suffering its first loss of the season, the Centreville girls’ soccer team responded with a goal in the first minute of its following match against Herndon.
How to Prepare for Summer Camp Away
Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.
Julie Kaminski remembers the language from her desperate letters to her parents: “I love you. I want to come home now!” She recalls penning a dramatic plea to be rescued from residential summer camp more than 40 years ago. Today, Kaminski is preparing for her daughter's first camp experience away from home this summer.
Congressional Schools of Virginia is Celebrating 75 Years
The Congressional Schools of Virginia in Falls Church marked its 75th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration on April 24 and 25, with events attended by hundreds of students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.
Local Brain Training Center to Hold Brain OlympicsRx
LearningRx-Fairfax hosting a free day of fun brain-related competitions.
To raise awareness about the brain’s ability to change at any age, LearningRx brain training centers across the United States are holding a Brain OlympicsRx event. The local cognitive skills center, LearningRx Fairfax, will be holding its event on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 4 p.m.
Camps and Schools Notes
The Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports team, a Fairfax County Neighborhood and Recreation Services Therapeutic Recreation program, is recruiting new players.
Burke: Lake Braddock Softball Suffers First Loss
Villanova commit Jones has three hits, home run against O’Connell.
The Lake Braddock softball team is 11-1 after losing to O'Connell on April 25.
Mount Vernon: West Potomac Rides 7-Game Win Streak to First Place
Wolverines win 9 of 11 prior to Tuesday’s loss to Annandale.
The West Potomac baseball team sits atop the Conference 7 standings with a 6-1 record.
Column: Deep Space Mind
Commentary
A few years back (OKAY, more than a few years back; I’ll blame the cancer for my time lapse), there was a spin-off from the original Star Trek: Star Trek: The Next Generation captained by Jean-Luc Picard (a.k.a. Patrick Stewart) which itself spawned two other spin-offs: Star Trek Voyager and Deep Space Nine (commanded by Avery Brooks, a.k.a. Captain Sisko).
Great Day at Great Falls Elementary - Michelle Obama and Akie Abe Visit
First Ladies welcomed by school's Japanese Immersion Program students.
This week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and his wife, Akie, were welcomed during their visit to Washington, D.C., and on Tuesday, students enrolled in the Japanese Immersion (JI) Program at Great Falls Elementary School were able to showcase their language skills before First Lady Michelle Obama and First Lady Akie Abe from Japan. They made a special trip from the White House to visit the school.
Alexandria Mayoral Standoff
First debate in race for mayor focuses on failing infrastructure.
Differences between incumbent Mayor William Euille, current Vice Mayor Allison Silberberg, and former Mayor Kerry Donley emerged during a debate as the three took turns directing blame for Alexandria’s current problems on each of the other two during the first mayoral debate.
Q&A with Kathy Smith, Supervisor Candidate
School Board member wants to tackle new position.
Kathy Smith, Sully District representative on the Fairfax County School Board, is running as the Democratic candidate for the supervisor’s seat being vacated by Michael Frey.
Roundups for the Week of April 29, 2015
Roundups for the Week of April 29, 2015
Neighborhood Outlook: Sites and Developments to Look at in Reston
Sites and developments to look at in Reston area.
Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on Chantilly's Horizon?
Homes, shops, restaurant and Wegmans proposed for Westfields.
With the downturn in the office market, developers are looking at vacant parcels of land in the Westfields area of Chantilly as a place for residential and other uses, instead.
Guevara Wins GOP’s Nod
A 16-vote victory to become Republican candidate for supervisor.
It’ll be John Guevara vs. Kathy Smith in the upcoming race to represent the Sully District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Chantilly Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the Fair Oaks District Police Station.
Centreville Boys’ Lax Bounces Back
The Centreville boys’ lacrosse team suffered a defeat at the hands of Chantilly on April 16, but rebounded with a come-from-behind victory against a quick Fairfax squad on Wednesday, April 22.
Potomac: Leonard Proctor Celebrates His 85th Birthday
Surrounded by Potomac friends and Potomac lore.
If you have lived around Potomac for more than just a few years there are several things you would think of immediately when the name Leonard Proctor is mentioned. He is a superb horseman, you’d never plan a party without first checking the date with him, he is an avid fox hunter and most important, he is an outstanding individual admired by a legion of friends.
Vienna’s Horse in Kentucky Derby Race
Meet the Vienna man who owns the favored horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Kaleem Shah won’t have a wager on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. “I do not gamble,” he says. But he will have much more than a rooting interest. Shah, who lives in Vienna, is the owner of Dortmund, one of the favorites in this year’s Run for the Roses.
Potomac: Two Generations of Sidewalk Advocates
Completion of missing link on River Road allows for safe walking to Potomac Village.
We made lives safer, said Jim Schleckser. Keshav Gupta, 27, likes to be independent. Because of a community wide effort to build the last portion of a sidewalk on River Road around one of the most treacherous curves in the county, Gupta can now can walk to the bus stop instead of having his family drive him there.
Potomac Home Sales Slow But Steady
Appearance and pricing are keys to selling.
The residential real estate market in Potomac didn’t have quite the boom this spring that some Realtors had predicted. The first four months of 2015 have brought slow, but steady sales.
‘Social Media: The Good, The Bad, The Selfie’
Church to host seminar for parents.
Instagram, FaceBook, SnapChat, YouTube and Twitter are just a few types of familiar social media. They are convenient ways of staying in touch, viewing photos, gaining information and keeping current. However, deciding how much time on digital devices is enough for children, controlling the contacts and internet safety of one’s child and cyber-bulling are worries for parents.
Potomac: Documentary Details Team JOY's Journey to Special Olympics World Games
“Let me win. But, if I cannot win, let me be brave in my attempt.” Team JOY, a Special Olympics cheerleading team from Montgomery County makes this pledge of Special Olympians every time they enter into competition — and their courage and bravery have helped them to become champions.
Potomac Business Outlook: Little Growth
High cost of doing business makes survival a challenge.
The state of the business environment in Potomac has changed little in recent years as the cost of doing business in the area makes it difficult for small businesses to survive, say those familiar with the area’s business climate.
Potomac: Face of America at Falls and River
About 600 riders, including approximately 130 injured veterans, rode through Potomac en route to the Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, Pa. Saturday morning, April 25, around 9:30 a.m.
LTA Presents 'The Odd Couple'
Neil Simon comedy has been reinvented as ladies take over roles of Unger and Madison.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria is presenting "The Odd Couple" (The Female Version) from now through May 16. Unger and Madison are at it again — Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is — in Neil Simon’s comic classic. The comedy has been reinvented from a different perspective as the women take over the roles of the mismatched couple to give this well-known play a whole new life.
Port City Playhouse Presents ‘Stick Fly’
Port City Playhouse in Alexandria will present "Stick Fly," Lydia R. Diamond’s wry but affectionate look at the experiences of upper-income African-Americans, from May 1 through May 16.
Tuesday, April 28
Potomac: Long-Awaited Renovations Begin at Rink
Pam Yerg, who works with children with disabilities in sports, began looking at the dormant roller hockey rink at the Potomac Community Center with vision in 2012. The long process of working with the county Department of Recreation and involving nearby neighbors started then.
Potomac Sports Briefs for the Week of April 29, 2015
The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team extended its winning streak to 12 games with victories over Wootton (14-8, April 23) and Walter Johnson (16-5, April 25).
Beloved McLean Day Turns 100 This Year
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the McLean Day festival’s existence. A number of enhancements will give the beloved festival a “facelift,” while still maintaining the hometown feel and fun for which it has come to be known.
Editorial: Fostering Connections, Faltering
Why are federal dollars acceptable for roads, but not for helping foster children?
While there is plenty of competition for the title “most vulnerable,” foster children are certainly among them.
Foodie Alert!
Gourmet food trucks will change the food game at McLean Day 2015.
Now celebrating 100 years, McLean Day continues to evolve with the times. This year, the food offerings will be changed by the appearance of several popular gourmet food trucks offering everything from eggrolls and lobster rolls to fried Oreo cookies and crepes.
Meet the Governing Board Candidates
Tax District residents asked to Vote for 2015-2016 MCC Governing Board Members.
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) annual Governing Board election takes place at McLean Day from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.
Great Falls Farmers Market Celebrates ‘Field to Table’
Opening day highlights local, sustainable food source in residents’ backyards: deer.
On Saturday, April 25, Great Falls restaurants helped kick off opening day for the summer season at the Great Falls Farmers Market with a focus on a local, sustainable food source in residents’ backyards, deer.
Great Falls Citizens Association Calls Vote on Brooks Farm Development
More than 1,400 residents have petitioned to oppose the rezoning, according to Great Falls Citizens Association.
Letter: Who Pays for a Mistake?
To the Editor
So the agreement was reached to pay John Geer's family just under $2.95M for the mistake of a police officer. My heart goes out to the family.
Forestville Promotes and Celebrates Character
To the tune of the Bugler’s Dream Olympic song, winners of the Pliers of Kindness, walked down the red carpet to receive the very coveted yellow construction helmet and a cookie.
Taste of Vienna Serves Up Food and Fun
Sponsored by Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, the annual food-fest draws hundreds throughout the day.
The 2015 Taste of Vienna was the chilliest food-fest since its inception – and cloudy, as well - but the weather did not appear to keep away local and not-so-local folks from coming by to sample signature dishes of popular restaurants, and, if you were a kid, to bounce in the bounce house.
Vienna Rotary Honors ‘Service Above Self’ Recipients
Awards presented to outstanding VPD, VVFD and town employees.
The Rotary Club of Vienna awarded 2014 M. Jane Seeman Service Above Self awards to outstanding members of the Vienna Police Department, Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, and Town of Vienna staff on April 22.
Family Fun in Vienna Begins in May
Summer Concert Series, ViVa! Vienna! highlight spring, summer fun.
Fun activities starting in Vienna in May.
Spring Hill Elementary Celebrates Earth Day
Students recognize Earth Day with performance, art, and fashion competition.
Earth Day at Spring Hill Elementary School is a big event. Students start well in advance planning and practicing performances, creating original artwork, or designing outfits made of recycled materials.
Neighborhood Outlook: Development and Land Use in McLean
An occasional series on development and land use in McLean.
Number of Homeless Declines in Arlington
Change in methodology has effect on number.
The numbers from Arlington County’s yearly Point in Time Count are once again showing the effort to reduce homelessness is getting results.
A Night Out with the Women of McLean
Women’s Club raises funds for charities.
The New Dominion Women’s Club held its annual “Arts Night Out” on Friday, April 24 at the McLean Project for the Arts in the McLean Community Center.
Neighborhood Outlook: 1,400 Residents Oppose Brooks Farm Redevelopment
What's coming in Great Falls.
Arlington: Four Yorktown Grads Work to Keep ‘Taste By Katie’ Alive
Young entrepreneur seeks help from community to fund new freezer.
One of the most popular items at “Taste By Katie” is the homemade ice cream Katie Gilman makes once a week, with flavors based on customer requests. But unless she raises enough money for a new freezer this month, her ice cream is off the menu.
Column: Bringing Champions Together
Commentary
In my 20-plus years in Special Olympics I still, on occasion, make the same mistake. I miss the boat. I underestimate the abilities either cognitive or physical of our Special Olympics athletes; athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Arlington: O’Connell Softball Scores 9 in 7th Inning to Beat Lake Braddock
Giaquinto hits 3-run homer, pitcher Ohanian beats former team.
Tommy Orndorff, in his 30th season coaching the Bishop O’Connell softball program, wasn’t pleased with the Knights’ performance in recent weeks.
Local Volunteers Assist Nonprofits on Volunteer Arlington Day
More than 140 local volunteers from various Arlington Chamber of Commerce member businesses and organizations lent a helping hand to area nonprofits as part of the 16th Annual Volunteer Arlington Day on Tuesday, April 21.
Letter: Community Grieves For Homicide Victim
Letter to the Editor
Bonnie Black, 42, an Arlington County resident did not live far from me — only blocks away. She was the victim of an apparent homicide, and her body was discovered on April 17, 2015 in her home.
Neighborhood Outlook: A Snapshot of Upcoming Arlington Developments
New developments are springing up in Arlington.
Tinker, Woodworker, Beekeeper, Santa Lives in Arlington
How one senior in Arlington spends his “retirement.”
Paul Dietz wears a quilted vest over a well worn plaid flannel shirt.A badge about scouting is on his sleeve. His uniform of baseball cap, work shoes, and pockets full of tools is topped off by a full white beard and the twinkly eyes to go with it.
'Flourishing After 55' for the Week of May 4-9
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for May 4-9.
Arlington: County Board Approves $1.16 Billion Budget
Schools adopt Tier One reductions.
After months of negotiations, the Arlington County Board and School Board settled on a compromise that sees cuts to projects on both sides.
Monday, April 27
Child Pornography Yields 16-Year Prison Sentence
Patrick Joseph Friedel, 29, of Arlington was sentenced Friday, April 24, to 192 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for the production and possession of child pornography.
Class of 2015: Arlington Has New Tree Stewards
Tree Stewards volunteer to keep communities green.
Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria graduated a class of 20 new Tree Stewards on April 14.
Friday, April 24
Sharing Health Tips in Springfield
Springfield Community Day brings together health and fun.
Northern Virginia Community College students got a chance to showcase their knowledge about health and fitness during Springfield Community Day held at the NVCC Medical Campus on Saturday, April 18. Sarah Young and her classmates Trista Johnson and Andrea Diaz, dispensed information about the importance of dental hygiene and urged everyone to visit the dentist every six months. “Toothbrushing can’t reach everywhere. A lot of dental issues you don’t feel or you don’t have pain until it’s too late and you lose that tooth,” said Young.
Fairfax Old Town Square Debuting in Style on May 2
Ribbon-cutting and Derby-Q event.
The City of Fairfax’s brand-new Old Town Square will make its debut Saturday, May 2, with two special events. First, at 9 a.m., will be the official ribbon-cutting on the City’s new gathering place that features decorative fountains.
Woodson High Premieres Musical 'Waiting'
Seated right onstage, the audience becomes part of the action when Woodson High presents an original musical, “Waiting.” It presents a slice of teenage life, as seen through the eyes of servers at a diner. The cast and crew of nearly 70 have been rehearsing since February, and the show is the world premiere of a play by Sarah Motes Ashley. She and Woodson Director Terri Hobson attended Woodson together as teens.
Fairfax High Presents 'Big: The Musical'
In today’s world, many young people spend so much time on their smartphones that they miss chances to just go out and play. But Fairfax High’s production of “Big: The Musical” reminds them and others to sometimes be kids again and have fun doing so.
Not Enough Progress Made on Affordable Housing in Alexandria
Alexandria Needs Assessment finds affordable housing severely lacking.
The 2010 City Council Strategic Plan laid out seven main goals for the city’s long-term development. Goal number one was to “achieve a net increase in the number of dedicated affordable rental and ownership units in the city by 2015.”
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 24-26, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, April 23
Transurban Begins Grant Program for Express Lanes Corridor Nonprofits
Transurban, the company that operates the 95 and 495 Express lanes, announced earlier this month the launch of a community grant program for non-profit organizations working in or benefiting the Express Lanes corridor.
Springfield Family Donated Books to Establish Libraries in Africa
As parents of three homeschool children, North Springfield residents Adam and Jerritt Dayhoff go through a lot of books. They were reminded just how many books, as well as how many they weren’t using, when the family moved to the area in September 2012.
Fairfax County and Springfield Communities Celebrate the Life of Karen Brown
Springfield resident Sam Martin remembers Karen Brown as the exemplary neighbor. “She was a wonderful friend who wouldn’t drive by the house without stopping,” he said. “She was always welcoming you in, and a fantastic cook.”
South County High School Team to Compete in National Math Competition
It’s a question math students often ask their parents and teachers: When will I use this in real life? Last winter, South County High School math teacher Daniel Southard gave his students a concrete answer, attached to a financial incentive.
“Can You See Me?” Campaign Shines Spotlight on the Homeless
Volunteers and representative from Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) assembled mannequins representing homeless men, women, children, families and veterans on Friday, April 17 at the Fairfax Government Center.
Local Nonprofit Group Presents 'Perils of the College Drinking Culture' Program
The final quarter of the 2014-2015 school year has arrived. For thousands of area high school seniors that means time to say farewells to friends, teachers, and the familiarity of the routines and activities of the past four years. For many of them, it also means time to prepare for that first year of college, and possibly their first time away from home and daily parental guidance.
No Charges in Lorton and Centreville-area CVS Robberies on Easter
Police are continuing to investigate a pair of armed robberies that occurred at CVS stores on April 5, Easter Sunday, and whether or not they are related.
Completed Sidewalk Connects Burke Commons Road to Roberts Parkway
Construction of a new stretch of sidewalk along Burke Commons Road only took about six months to complete. But getting to that point took much, much longer.
Budget Gets Marked Up
Supervisors scheduled to adopt budget next Tuesday, April 28.
The Board of Supervisors marked up the proposed budget Tuesday, April 21, by increasing school funding, adding key economic growth positions and restoring money to suggested cuts to "critical" human service programs Tuesday morning, April 21, according to its Chairman Sharon Bulova.
Connecting Outside to In
“When we started this company twenty seven years ago, our core specialty was opening up views and creating visual continuum,” explains Craig Durosko, chairman and founder of Sun Design Remodeling. “That said, creating a more functional relationship between the house and its setting has always been the larger proposition we explore with homeowners.” “Simply put, Northern Virginians like their green backyards and temperate climate, so finding ways to connect the house with what's just outside your door is a strong local incentive-- especially as spring unfolds into summer.”
Pirate Fest Returns to Lake Fairfax on May 2
When the Fairfax County Park Authority wanted to create a new cultural resources event for the public, Pirates was an alluring theme for citizens and their families.
Project BEST Sparks Excitement for Science
Student-led nonprofit wows middle schoolers with experiments.
Watching yeast rise may not be the most exciting, unless it involves baking cinnamon rolls, but by the end of the day, middle school students from Fairfax County will have had a chance to extract strawberry DNA, study soap molecules, learn about centripetal force and build a motor from scratch. These are the experiments Project BEST, Building Excitement for Science and Technology, had at Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston on Saturday, April 18 during its third annual Science Innovation and Inspiration Youth Conference.
Column: Institutional Stress
The ship of state of the Old Dominion that traces its beginnings to a meeting of the colonists in the church at Jamestown in 1619 showed some stress lines last week as the legislative body, the General Assembly, turned a one-day reconvened session to consider the Governor’s amendments into two days of meetings with incomplete results.
Linking Dance With Poetry and a Social Cause
“Persistent Voices” to explore the effect of AIDS.
The visionary choreographer Daniel Phoenix Singh is returning to Reston CenterStage with a premiere of his newest dance theater work, “Persistent Voices.” Singh is known for crossing cultural and artistic boundaries in his dance works. He wants his works to communicate to an audience as “a vehicle for social change and community development.”
Reston Golf: Mulligan or Bogey?
Reston homes and golf course still up in the air.
Some Reston homeowners are left lamenting at the 19th hole, RN Golf Management is left deciding if it has the stamina to play an extra round, and the Board of Zoning and Appeals gave both sides a mulligan. Whether either side wanted one or not.
Renovating the Historic House
Expert Murray Bonnitt says be prepared for extra and unexpected delays and expenses when renovating a historic property.
Renovating a historic home is a labor of love and can be a test of real patience. Do you think renovating your own modern home is a challenge? Try one from the 19th century. With so many homes in the region from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century, a significant commitment to maintaining them comes with a desire to make them compatible for our time.
Transformation: from Swamp to Gorgeous Design
"In 1995 when I first started working on this yard, it was basically a swamp with dense trees growing straight up because they had nowhere to go."
50 Shades of Gray in Home Decorating
Creating interior design through simplicity.
"Gray is a new hot color, the neutral color in today's mainstream. It is the new beige," said to Gayle Yoxtheimer, interior design specialist. She said another trend is less of everything: "You remember the ‘80s when people had a lot of tassels and bows and large florals?"
Edible Plants Provide Double Benefit: Unique Niche and Food
"Estoy listo para cortar este rama." Eduardo Santos calls down the 60- foot maple tree in an Arlington backyard to Tom Hayes who is waiting on the ground. Santos has tied himself off with a white safety rope. He is ready to begin sawing the big limbs and Hayes will grab the large branches as they are cut and lowered.
Staged to Sell
Real estate agents give the lowdown on getting your home ready for the market.
When a Burke family hired E. Diane Neustrand to sell their home, she did her standard walk-through of the house to assess it, but when she reached the dining room, she stopped cold.
Historic Home on the Market
18th-Century Shreve House for sale.
After stepping through the handmade, mahogany front door of a home nestled in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, visitors might feel as though they’d been transported back to the late 1700s, the period during which this Virginia home was built.
Alexandria Real Estate Agent Gets Top Honor
Allison Goodhart selected as one of REALTOR Magazine’s ‘30 under 30’ for 2015.
A local, young professional has joined ranks of the real estate elite. Allison Goodhart of The Goodhart Group at McEnearney Associates, Inc. in Alexandria was selected as one of REALTOR Magazine’s “30 under 30” for 2015. Chosen from a pool of close to 400 nominees from around the country, the finalists were judged on community service, work ethic and commitment to their clients.
On Tour: Aging in Place Renovation
A Vienna whole house remodel that incorporates an Aging-In-Place solution will be featured in the Parade of Homes/ Remodeled Home Tour April 25-April 26.
Autumn Wood Wraps Up, New Opportunities at Fallsgate
Autumn Wood, a community of 18 homes off Georgetown Pike, is a bright spot for new homes in Great Falls over the past several years. Most homes sold between $2 million and $2.5 million, and during several of the last few years sales of Gulick have made up nearly half of the sales in that price range in Great Falls.
Outlook Optimistic for Local 2015 Real Estate Market
After what seemed to be an endless winter, spring has finally come calling, signaling the start of the year’s first real estate high season. Homes trade hands all year long, but spring is often for buyers, seller, agents, brokers and lenders like those weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas; buyers at full speed searching out the best bargains and sellers looking to move their wares without having to resort to price-slashing sales tactics.
Editorial: Connection Papers Win Awards
Variety of coverage honored at annual Virginia Press Association conference.
On Saturday, April 18, a group of journalists from the Connection Newspapers traveled to Roanoke for the annual Virginia Press Association event to collect awards for business reporting, government writing, writing about health, science and the environment, feature writing, sports writing, column writing, obituaries, cartoons, entertainment pages and writing, public safety writing, editorial pages and writing, page design, informational graphics and more.
Wednesday, April 22
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun April 24-26
Events near Centreville and Chantilly for April 24-26
Potomac Weekend Fun: April 24-26
Entertainment
Weekend entertainment in the Potomac area: April 24-26
Column: Veto Session on Ethics, Voter ID, Government Surveillance
Commentary
Last week, we returned to Richmond for the annual Reconvened or Veto Session where we considered about 20 vetoes and 60 Governor's amendments to various bills. First, Governor McAuliffe signed the state budget we passed so there were no budget amendments to consider for the first time in my six sessions. However, that did not speed things up.
2015 Best of Reston Community Service Awards Gala on April 30
The 24th Annual Best of Reston Community Service Awards Gala will take place on Thursday, April 30, at Hyatt Regency Reston, 1800 Presidents Street, 6-10 p.m.
Community Rallies Behind Fire Victims
After a Mount Vernon High School student and family lost their home in a fire on April 14, principal Nardos King sent an email the following Friday morning to school staff and the Mount Vernon “Keep In Touch” contact list asking for donations to help the family start over.
T.C. Williams Crew Excels at Smokey Jacobs Regatta
Titans finish first in six races, capture second place in four others.
The T.C. Williams boys’ and girls’ crew teams reunited in Occoquan on April 18 to take on tough competitors in the Smokey Jacobs Regatta.
Obituary: Sam Hinson
Obituary
Samuel Laing Hinson, Jr., Colonel, USAF (ret), died April 11, 2015. Born Sept. 1, 1919, he was raised in Albany, Ga., the youngest of seven children.
Alexandria: Battle of Robinson Terminal South Ends
Council approval yields compromises amidst unyielding opposition.
In a 5-1 vote, the City Council approved EYA’s redevelopment of Robinson Terminal South. In many ways, the City Council public hearing on April 18 was largely a repeat of the April 9 Planning Commission and a number of committee hearings before that. Many of the same voices from the audience voiced the same concerns or showed the same support.
Thomas Jefferson Class of 2019: 70% Asian, 1.6% Black
Some say unbalanced admissions demographics at Northern Virginia’s top high school speaks to system-wide equity problems.
Consider: 70.2 percent Asian, 20.7 percent White, 5.1 percent Multiracial/Other, 2.4 percent Hispanic, 1.6 percent Black: This is the ethnic breakdown of the 493 students admitted to the 2019 class of the Fairfax County Public Schools magnet institution Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Expanding Circle of HOPE
Empty Bowl event at Herndon Floris United Methodist Church raises $36,025.68.
On April 10, the 8th annual Empty Bowls event was hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE at Floris United Methodist Church on Frying Pan Road in Herndon. Proceeds went directly to Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food to needy people in Northern Virginia.
Letter: Police Oversight Board Needed
Letter to the Editor
As a lifetime resident of Mt. Vernon District, and a Mt. Vernon appointee to the Fairfax County Human Services Council (HSC), I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting and volunteering on behalf of Mt. Vernon and Fairfax County residents.
Citizen Kaufman, Attorney Yeatts
Herndon's 20 year town attorney to retire in June.
Lesa J. Yeatts will replace Richard B. Kaufman as Herndon's Town Attorney in June.
Fairfax County Pays $2.95 Million to Settle John Geer Wrongful Death Suit
More than seven months after the Geer family lawyer Michael Lieberman filed a $12 million wrongful death civil suit in Circuit Court against Fairfax County Police, the two sides reached a $2.95 million settlement, announced Tuesday, April 21.
Alexandria: Plaque Recalls Education Before Desegregation
Alumni of Parker-Gray High School gather.
Alumni and city officials gathered on April 16 for the unveiling of a plaque outside the Alexandria City Public Schools’ Central Office commemorating Parker-Gray High School.
One-Arm Bandit, Artificial Turf, Meals Tax and Metro
Public hearing on proposed budget next Tuesday, April 28.
Herndon's Town Council will host a public hearing next Tuesday, April 28 to give residents the opportunity to speak on all matters in this year's proposed budget and town plans.
Obituary: Peter Smolka
Obituary
Peter Henry Smolka, of Alexandria, was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1919.
Lyles Crouch Students Remember Abraham Lincoln
On the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the students in the Lyles-Crouch After School Theater program presented an original play “Abraham Lincoln: And Now He Belongs to the Ages.”
Obituary: Thomas Richard Downs
Obituary
Commander Tom R. Downs, USN, Ret., 91, a 57-year resident of Alexandria, who was the first Trustee Emeritus of the Alexandria Symphony, dating from the early 1990s, died on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. A burial service with full military honors will be held Friday, May 8, 9 a.m. at Old Post Chapel, Fort Myers.
Obituary: Boyakin Old Bird
Obituary
Boyakin Old Bird died at his home at Westminster Canterbury of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, Va., on April 17, 2015.
Letter: Waterfront: Ample Public Input
Letter to the Editor
Kathryn Papp’s April 16 letter to the editor “No Longer 2006” perpetuates many incorrect and misleading statements about the city’s Waterfront Small Area Plan.
Letter: Rationale of ‘Preferred Site?’
Letter to the Editor
The City of Alexandria is going to choose its newest "potential income generator," the Potomac Yard Metro Station. Just two choices merit consideration if the city chooses to continue with the Metro Station proposal.
Week in Herndon
Weekly happenings in Herndon.
People At Work: Spring Warms into Hot Market
It is spring and the real estate market is hot. Mary Moran puts her access card in the lock box, uses her own personal code, opens the front door and walks into the hallway. According to Mary Moran, Realtor for Long & Foster, in the spring the market picks up because of weather. Houses look better, snow is gone and they are easier to show.
Letter: Greatest Show On Earth
Letter to the Editor
It's finally here — the augur of the rites of spring — the greatest show on earth, well no, not the circus, well maybe, but I was thinking of the final budget vote due this week.
Letter: Which Yesterday?
Letter to the Editor
On Saturday, April 18, Mayor Euille voiced his support for the plans offered by EYA at the Robinson Terminal South site along the waterfront.
Letter: A Fresh Approach
Letter to the Editor
On Tuesday, June 9, citizens will have the opportunity to elect the Democratic Party’s candidate to be the next Mayor of Alexandria. There are three choices: incumbent Mayor Bill Euille, Former Mayor Kerry Donley, and Vice-Mayor Allison Silberberg.
Column: Legislature Upholds Governor’s Vetoes
Commentary
Last week, members of the General Assembly returned to Richmond for the 2015 veto session — the annual wrap-up that concludes our legislative cycle. We voted on the governor’s vetoes and amendments to bills that were passed in January and February. We made progress in many ways — but I believe we missed opportunities to strengthen our ethics laws, protect Virginians’ privacy, and at long last close the health care coverage gap.
Column: Pins and Needles
Commentary
This column isn’t about acupuncture or knitting, any more than last week’s column was about nausea.
Cartoon: Civil War Reenactment
Civil War Reenactment
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
Greater Vienna Optimists Honor Local High School Juniors
Youth Awards of Excellence renamed in honor of founder TR Cook.
The Optimists’ slogan is, “bringing out the best in kids.” On April 15, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna recognized outstanding high school juniors from George C. Marshall, James Madison, and Oakton high schools at its newly-renamed TR Cook Awards of Excellence presentation at Madison.
Historic Vienna, Inc. Used-book Sale Draws Hundreds of Buyers
When the Vienna Community Center opened at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, book lovers moved in, snaking their way around the hallway.
Vienna Volunteers Honored
Individuals, businesses, recognized for contributions to community.
More than 35 volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the Vienna community at the 14th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Reception held on April 14 at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s Flame Room.
Week in McLean
Weekly happenings in McLean.
Mount Vernon: Martin, Smith Lead Majors to Comeback Win over Titans
Mount Vernon boys’ lacrosse improves to 5-1, TC falls to 3-7.
The Mount Vernon boys' lacrosse team overcame a 7-1 deficit to beat T.C. Williams 12-11.
McLean Little League Holds Opening Day Parade
Hundreds of athletes from 107 teams march down Westmoreland Street.
On its 60th Anniversary, hundreds of baseball and softball players from 107 teams marched down Westmoreland Street with parents and local dignitaries for the McLean Little League Opening Day Parade last Saturday, April 18.
Letter: Deeply Scarred by a Raccoon
To the Editor
As dusk came the sky was a heavy mixture of black and large slowly counter-clockwise rotating swirls of light gray.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls.
Tuesday, April 21
Chantilly Students are Opening a Serious Chapter in History with 'Radium Girls'
Chantilly High is performing the play, “Radium Girls.”
A slice of American history is presented in Chantilly High’s production of the drama, “Radium Girls.” It features a cast and crew of 35, and Director Ed Monk says his young thespians are doing a terrific job.
Westfield High Presents "Pajama Game" May 1-2
“Pajama Game” is Westfield High’s Cappies show.
Featuring a cast and crew of 60 and a 25-piece orchestra, Westfield High presents the musical comedy, “Pajama Game.” It’s the school’s Cappies show and the students have been rehearsing since March.
Centreville High Takes on Teddy Roosevelt, Murder and Comedy
Centreville High presents “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
A comedy about an unlikely subject, “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place in a house in Brooklyn in the 1930s. Two, sweet, elderly ladies, the Brewster sisters, live there and are well-liked by everyone. But they have a big secret ...
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of April 22
Crews began several weeks of final milling and paving on April 16 at the Stringfellow Road widening project in Chantilly. Milling began to tie in intersections at Fair Lakes Boulevard, Route 50 and streets between. Final paving will last through May 4.
Westfields Sprint Triathlon to Benefit Charities
The 3rd Annual Westfields Sprint Triathlon will kick-off from Cub Run Rec Center, 4630 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 26. Participants will swim, bike, and run in and around the Westfields corporate campus.
Centreville: International Showcase Set for Saturday
Centreville’s diverse restaurant scene will be front and center at the Centreville International Showcase, this Saturday night, April 25, from 6-9:30 pm., at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road in Centreville.
Commentary: Schoeneman and 'Restoring Trust'
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Commentary: Guevara on Targeting Taxes
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Fairfax Pitcher Leckert Throws 3-Hit Shutout Against McLean
Rebels improve to 8-4 with 1-0 win over Highlanders.
The Fairfax baseball team beat McLean 1-0 on April 17.
Commentary: Litzenberger talks 'Proven Experience'
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Chantilly/Centreville Sports for the Week of April 22, 2015
When Victor Chen came to Chantilly from Lake Braddock in 2014, the long-time girls’ lacrosse coach didn’t expect sudden success for the Chargers, a program that had fallen on tough times.
Vienna: Oakton Pitcher Jones Tosses Complete Game
Cougars improve to 9-0 with win over Centreville.
The Oakton baseball team is off to a 9-0 start.
Inspiration Day Brings Empowering Speakers to Potomac
MoverMoms to host event.
“Inspiration Day is an event that gives our community a chance to come together, connect, and feel inspired,” said Salma Hasan Ali, chief inspiration officer (CIO) of MoverMoms. “It’s a day when we invite our members along with the larger community to take a pause from their busy lives, listen to three amazing speakers — and leave feeling fulfilled, empowered and motivated.”
Potomac: Bullis 5K Run/Walk/Buddy Run Returns
Events raises funds for local causes.
"Stepping Towards a Better Future — Come Run … Come Walk … Come Change a Life" is the theme of the 7th annual “Bullis Gives Back” 5K Run/Walk and Buddy Run — a theme that Bullis students embrace through doing.
Potomac Sports Briefs for the Week of April 22, 2015
The undefeated Churchill and Wootton boys’ lacrosse teams will face one another at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23 at Churchill High School.
Langley Case Day Seniors to Attend United States Supreme Court Tuesday
Langley senior Eryney Marrogi sat on the judicial bench four seats from U.S. Supreme Court Clerk Gen. William K. Suter, retired. Suter and Marrogi grilled Langley seniors Katherine Cassidy, Madeline Shaw, Cameron Davis and Paul Dell for 15 minutes each.
Potomac: RW Restaurant Group Purchases Tavern at River Falls
The Tavern at River Falls has been purchased by Robert Wiedmaier’s restaurant group.
Tavern at River Falls has been acquired by the RW Restaurant Group — partners Robert Wiedmaier, Frank Shull, Joe Lively, and Brian McBride — who own and operate 10 other restaurants that span Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.
Contemporary Overhaul for McLean Community Center
Center renovation, adding 7,750 square feet, is scheduled for completion in 2018.
When the McLean Community Center was built in 1974, community centers were designed similar to schools, said architect Greg Lukmire, "institutional facilities that could withstand all sorts of abuse."
McLean Community Players to Present 'Barefoot in the Park'
Sweet innocence is arriving as “Barefoot in the Park” makes a rare appearance, courtesy of the McLean Community Players (MCP). Written by Neil Simon, one of America’s premiere comic writers, the play centers on an unlikely newlywed couple moving into a tiny fifth-floor walk-up apartment in New York City.
Artist’s Homecoming in Great Falls
Great Falls painter Judith St. Ledger-Roty exhibits at Katie’s, shows new Artists' Atelier.
Guests at a reception at Katie's Coffee House at the Old Brogue on April 11 not only got a close-up look at the work of Great Falls painter Judith St. Ledger-Roty, but also a sneak preview of the art studio she and nine others will be opening in May.
Colvin Run Mills Hosts Restoration Celebration
Community attends Great Falls park open house.
Guests and residents of Fairfax County attended a free ceremony and open house at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls the afternoon of Sunday, April 19. In addition to brief remarks made by local and county delegates, the event was an opportunity for visitors to tour the restored and fully operational mill.
22 Houses on 52 Acres Proposed for Brooks Farm in Great Falls
Public hearing on Brooks Farm proposal scheduled for June 10 at Planning and Zoning.
Basheer/Edgemoore, a builder, wants to build 22 houses on the 51.97 acre Brooks Farm property. The Department of Planning and Zoning received the fourth and latest iteration of the proposal last week.
‘West Side Story’ Opens Thursday
Yorktown Theatre Arts presents its spring musical “West Side Story,” Thursday through Saturday, April 23-25 at 7 p.m. in the school theatre located at 5200 Yorktown Blvd.
Arlington Sewer Maintenance Rediscovers Manhole
John Lyles, assisted by Dodolvo Sanchez, Arlington sewer maintenance, is cutting out a square around a “lost” manhole.
Yorktown Coding Club is Competing in California
Yorktown High School Coding Club students (from left) Brandon Peck, Ji Lee, and Evan Cater are traveling to San Francisco on April 21-25 to compete in the Microsoft U.S. Imagine Cup 2015 Finals.
Arlington County Police Chief Douglas Scott Retires
Colleagues praise his leadership.
A retirement party was recently held for former Arlington County Police Chief Douglas Scott. His last day on the job was March 20, after serving in his role for 12 years in the county. He was praised for his integrity, thoughtfulness, leadership and partnership.
Letter: Buses on Shoulder: Transit’s New Champion?
Letter to the Editor
Allowing buses to use the shoulder on crowded I-66 is smart. It is low cost, requires little or no additional construction, is unobtrusive and can be implemented quickly.
Arlington: Yorktown Girls’ Lax Shows ‘Mental Toughness’
Patriots win five straight after dropping season opener.
The Yorktown girls’ lacrosse team’s motto of “mental toughness” was put to the test following the first game of the season, when the Patriots opened the 2015 campaign with a 22-11 loss at home against a talented Centreville team on March 16.
Candidates Debate Future of Arlington’s Growth
Arlington County Board Democratic candidates debate future of Arlington‘s growth.
With County Board members Mary Hynes and Walter Tejada announcing that they would not seek reelection to their seats, six Democrats have thrown their names into the ring to be one of the party’s two candidates to the County Board this fall.
Friday, April 17
South County Pyramid Holds Art Show
Student artwork from six schools was on display at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
Student artwork from six local schools was featured during the South County Pyramid Art Show held for the first time last week at the Workhouse Arts Center, Building W-16, in Lorton. The artwork came from student artists at Laurel Hill Elementary, Newington Forest Elementary, Silverbrook Elementary, Halley Elementary, South County Middle School, and South County High School.
Creating Fun and Awareness with FACETS
Three high school young men designed and implemented a drug and alcohol prevention event at the Mott Community Center April 4 with help from FACETS.
Cannons, Hayrides Music and Fun at Fairfax's Civil War Day
Civil War Day set for Historic Bleinheim on April 25.
Civil War camp life and weapon-firing demonstrations are among the highlights of the 15th annual Fairfax Civil War Day. It’s set for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. Courtesy of the City of Fairfax, Historic Fairfax City Inc. and the Fairfax Rifles – Company D of the 17th Virginia Infantry Living History Organization – residents will be able to step back in time for a glimpse of life here in the early 1860s.
Obituary: Willie L. Hudgins, Jr., of Reston, Dies
Willie L. Hudgins, Jr., beloved husband of Cathy Hudgins — Fairfax County Hunter Mill District supervisor — died Saturday, April 11, 2015. He was 72 years old. Willie was born March 5, 1943, in LaCrosse, Va. After attending both undergraduate and law school at Howard University, he and the Hudgins family moved to Reston. They have lived in Reston since 1969.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 17-19, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
New Train Debuts on Metro's Blue Line
7000-series train gets positive passenger reviews.
It is a project that has been five years in the making. On April 14, the Washington Metro’s new 7000-series train debuted, transporting passengers from the Franconia-Springfield Station on Tuesday morning. “Good morning, customers. Welcome aboard Metrorail’s new 7000-series train,” said the operator as the train pulled into the station.
Lake Braddock, Hayfield and TJHSST Win Japan Bowl
Competition tests students’ knowledge of history, language, culture and more.
Every year, high school students studying Japanese have a chance to participate in the National Japan Bowl, a competition that tests their knowledge of Japanese history, language, culture and more. Some of the country’s top language students make it to D.C. to compete; however, more than just classroom attendance is required in order to do well.
Burke Filmmaker’s Work Will Help Others
Zinn’s documentaries going to schools, hospitals and rehab centers.
Monica Zinn is just 21, but she’s already made two documentaries with the potential to change people’s lives for the better. And now, both have been selected for distribution to K-college schools, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation programs in English-speaking countries worldwide.
Thursday, April 16
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 87 homes sold between $2,150,349-$215,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2015
Springfield Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 131 Springfield homes sold between $795,000-$160,000.
Springfield Home Sales: March, 2015
Reston Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 111 Reston homes sold between $2,300,000-$170,000.
Reston Home Sales: March, 2015
McLean Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 83 homes sold between $3,805,000-$137,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: March, 2015
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 62 homes sold between $1,590,000-$191,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: March, 2015
Great Falls Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 15 Great Falls homes sold between $1,575,000-$695,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: March, 2015
Fairfax Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 64 Fairfax homes sold between $1,252,065-$185,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: March, 2015
Chantilly Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 16 homes sold between $736,500-$11,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: March, 2015
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 69 homes sold between $1,580,000-$208,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: March, 2015
Centreville Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 87 Centreville homes sold between $1,475,141-$179,900.
Centreville Home Sales: March, 2015
Burke Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 37 Burke homes sold between $890,000-$188,000.
Burke Home Sales: March, 2015
Mount Vernon Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 117 homes sold between $1,300,000-$100,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: March, 2015
Arlington Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 222 Arlington homes sold between $1,954,000-$6,000.
Arlington Home Sales: March, 2015
Alexandria Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 200 Alexandria homes sold between $3,600,000-$98,700.
Alexandria Home Sales: March, 2015
Potomac Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 37 Potomac homes sold between $2,725,000-$425,000.
Potomac Home Sales: March, 2015
Nordstrom Rack Opens at Springfield Town Center
Seattle-based family clothing retailer Nordstrom will open the 176th location of its Nordstrom Rack discounted store at Springfield Town Center.
West Springfield Theatre Presents 'Merrily We Roll Along'
For a group of high school drama students full of hopes and dreams for the future, the message in performing a show where the tragic consequences of poor decisions are played out over the course of 20 years isn’t lost on them.
Earth Day Celebration: 2015 SpringFest Fairfax at the Workhouse Center
An Earth Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without ponies and food trucks. At least the combined Earth Day and Arbor Day event in Fairfax County, known as SpringFest Fairfax, wouldn’t.
Fairfax County Task Force to Recommend Sexual Assault Education Reforms
Fairfax County is examining how it prepares students to prevent and respond to sexual assault. In December, Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) brought forward a board matter concerning sexual assault culture. County staff responded in March with a report that assesses what Fairfax County Public Schools is doing in this area.
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Gives Grants to Local Nonprofits
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announced the winners of its 2015 Community Investment Grants. The organizations, all of which provide support in critical areas of need throughout Northern Virginia, have received grants that will further their impact on the health, education, and general well-being of neighbors, communities, and the entire region.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: April 17-19
Weekend events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon April 17-19
Democrats Debate for District Supervisor
South County Federation hosts supervisor candidates’ forum.
Members of the South County Federation civic association welcomed the four Democratic candidates to replace Gerry Hyland as Mount Vernon District supervisor for a debate during their April 14 meeting in the South County High School Library.
‘Blue Sky’ Projects: Build or Renovate?
Fairfax County Public Schools hosts Region 3 community meeting.
Mount Vernon residents Cathy Hosek and Shelly Good-Cook spent their Wednesday night in the Hayfield Secondary School cafeteria, engaging in discussion about how to improve their area schools and community.
Mount Vernon: All-State Outfielder Zyzyk Transitions to Catcher
Towson signee changed positions to help team.
Ten months removed from a trip to the Conference 13 championship game, the Mount Vernon softball team prepared to enter the 2015 season anchored by all-state outfielder Stormy Zyzyk and promising young pitcher Susannah Anderson.
Letter: Fairfax Won’t Charge Officer
Letter to the Editor
This is a story of two governments handling of whether to hold police officers accountable when they have clear evidence the officer shot and killed an unarmed citizen.
Little League Opening Day in Mount Vernon
It was a day to “play ball” and 1,200 boys and girls showed up in Mount Vernon to do just that. Saturday, April 11, was opening day for the Fort Hunt, Alexandria-Potomac and Woodlawn Little Leagues.
Mount Vernon Woods Elementary Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Supervisors congratulate Mount Vernon Woods on 50-year milestone.
Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School students turned the Board of Supervisors auditorium into a concert hall Tuesday morning, April 7.
Mount Vernon Crime Report for the Week of April 15
The following incidents were reported by the Mount Vernon District Police Station.
Citizens Divided over Development’s Impact
While earlier meetings on the Robinson Terminal South Development tended to primarily pit local citizens against city staff and representatives from EYA, the developer, the proposal of four special use permits for the development drew a mix of reactions at the April 9 Planning Commission Special Public Hearing. After a presentation explaining the changes made to the site, the public responded with some in favor of the proposed buildings, some opposed, and many expressing opinions somewhere in between. Following the public discussion, the Planning Commission ultimately voted unanimously to approve the special use permits for the site.
Businesses Join Local Nonprofits for 24-Hour Charity Drive
Spring2ACTion emphasizes off-line community building.
Five years ago, ACT for Alexandria helped raise $100,000 for local charities at its first annual Spring2ACTion event. Last year, the organization raised over $1 million for 121 local nonprofits. At this year’s city-wide event on April 22, ACT for Alexandria’s Chief Program Officer Brandi Yee says the goal is to exceed 10,000 donors. Last year, the program had 7,516 total donors to the event, but this year Yee hopes a more public presence and greater involvement in the community can help bolster that number.
Alexandria: Eisenhower Ave. Field Fails as TC Stadium Alternative
Site on Eisenhower Avenue can’t match TC Stadium
Following suggestions expressed at public hearings that a new AlexRenew Field on Eisenhower Avenue be developed as a substitute for the lights and expansion at T.C. Williams’ High School’s Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium, Alexandria city staff analyzed the suggestion and reported back to City Council with a resounding no.
City Hall Briefs: April 15
In his State of the City address on April 14, Mayor William Euille reflected on recent Potomac Yard and waterfront development milestones.
People at Work: Mind the Mat
Laugh, dance and sweat—yoga combines it all.
The door opens and a crowd streams out the door clutching mats as Pilates Boot Camp is over. Smiles line the lobby waiting to sign in for the next class. Katie walks to the desk and stops to say hello. Paige Lichens, yoga instructor at Mind the Mat in Del Rey says, "Her husband just started."
Alexandria: Bishop Ireton Girls’ Lax Throttled by Top-Ranked McDonogh
Cardinals suffer first loss, remain focused on championships.
The Bishop Ireton girls’ lacrosse team is still considered one of the best in the nation and the Cardinals’ goals remain intact. But on Saturday afternoon in Owings Mills, Md., the defending WCAC and VISAA state champions were reminded that they can still end up on the wrong end of a blowout.
Titan Girls Sweep Noxontown No. 3 Regatta
TC boats win every race, retain Ward Wallace Cup
The T.C. Williams girls’ crew team put in a virtuoso performance, winning every race in which they participated, in the Noxontown No. 3 Regatta in Middletown, Del., on April 11. Winning boats included the girls’ first 8, the girls’ second 8, the girls’ lightweight 8, the girls’ freshman 8, the girls’ third 8, and the girls’ fifth 8. The TC boys spent their Saturday competing in a scrimmage against Westfield and Washington-Lee High School in Bull Run.
Honoring King through Service
Staff and students from two Alexandria City public schools gave up their time on Jan. 19 to give back to their communities in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
Cat in the Hat Encourages Reading in Alexandria
A life-size Cat in the Hat visited elementary schools across Alexandria City public Schools last month for read Across America Day.
Wednesday, April 15
SFA Gala Committee Represents 235 Years of Commitment
The 2015 Gala Committee brings 235 years of experience to the task of planning and hosting the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s (SFA) 29th Annual Gala on April 25.
Alexandria Students Help Replenish Food Pantry
The students of Grace Episcopal School in Alexandria helped feed those in need and the hungry in Alexandria by creating a gigantic, canned and boxed-food “Bountiful Basket” bunny on March 31.
First Family Visits Alexandria on Easter
First Family worships at Alfred Street Baptist Church.
Members of Alfred Street Baptist Church received an unexpected visit from the First Family at the 10:30 a.m. Easter Resurrection service.
Letter: Decision Now Rests with Council
Letter to the Editor
If there was ever an occasion to disband a City Commission and reappoint a new one, it occurred last Thursday, after the Planning Commission’s consideration of the Robinson Terminal South development.
Letter: A Positive Campaign
Letter to the Editor
I believe that electing Allison Silberberg as the next mayor of Alexandria is the most reasonable, respectful, and logical choice that an intelligent and informed voter can make. We get the government that we deserve.
Letter: Go to the Theatre
Letter to the Editor
I recently performed at Bishop Ireton High School in the musical, "The Drowsy Chaperone."
Letter: No Reason To Change
Letter to the Editor
What an interesting election our local race is shaping up to be.
Letter: City Hall Not for Sale
Letter to the Editor
There is no plan to sell, privatize, redevelop or otherwise dispose of Alexandria’s City Hall.
Celebrating National Library Week
The congregation of Trinity United Methodist Church gathered in the churchyard after services on Sunday morning, April 12, for the grand opening of A Free Little Library.
Alexandria: Emma's Espresso & Wine Bar Opens
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the breeze outside of the newly opened Emma’s Espresso & Wine Bar on Saturday morning, April 11.
Intergenerational Volunteering in Alexandria
The community room at the Annie B. Rose House was a buzz of activity as students from Burgundy Farm Country Day School joined senior residents to assemble emergency go-kits in January.
Alexandria: Philanthropy Summit to Honor Local Leaders
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8), for decades known for his charitable works throughout the region, will keynote the 17th annual Business Philanthropy Summit honoring Alexandria’s top leaders for their service to the community. Sponsored by Volunteer Alexandria, the event will be held May 6 at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria.
Moving for Academic Excellence
Researchers say frequent physical activity can lead to success in school.
Inside an elementary school classroom in Bethesda, Md., a class of third grade students is divided into small groups and given a task: to cross a desert using a limited supply of tools that often include a jump rope, a foam noodle or a scooter. Their mission is to devise a plan to cross the desert without touching the sand.
Alexandria: Annual Spring Clean-Up is on April 18
The city's annual Spring Clean-Up program will begin Saturday, April 18.
National POW Day in Arlington
Bob Noble lays a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, April 9. The wreath ceremony was in celebration of national POW day, which honors former prisoners of war. Noble, 90, while serving with the Third Army in Europe during WWII was captured by Nazis and liberated after 122 days in a Nazi POW camp.
TranZitionMe Health & Fitness Opens in Alexandria
The yoga studio at TranZitionMe Health & Fitness held its grand opening on Sunday, April 12 at 2815 Duke St.
Column: A Rebuilding Block Party
Commentary
Spring is here so it’s time to start having some block parties. That’s what we plan on doing during National Rebuilding Day on April 25 when 10,000 volunteers nationwide will be sprucing up homes and communities.
Mentor of the Month: Jacqueline Walker
Jacqueline “Jacque” Walker and Danny participate in the Wright to Read mentoring program. Here are their views on mentoring:
History Lesson: Four Alexandrians Died in Pursuit of John Wilkes Booth
April 1865 was one of the most eventful months in the history of our nation.
Column: Seeking Economic Equality for Women
Commentary
I have been surrounded by strong women all of my life. My grandmother was a suffragette, economics professor, labor leader, and advocate for most of her 98 years.
Fairfax: Woodson Boys’ Soccer Blanks Lake Braddock
Yaglou, Clark score goals for Cavaliers.
The Woodson boys' soccer team improved to 2-0 in the Conference 7 standings.
International Showcase Coming to Centreville on April 25
Dance, music and food will showcase Northern Virginia’s diversity at the Centreville International Showcase on Saturday, April 25. It’ll be held from 6-9:30 p.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, near New Braddock Road and Centrewood Drive.
Ackridge Plans for Residents to Live, Work and Play
Akridge plans mixed-use, residential community.
A plan is afoot to transform 50 acres of vacant land along Route 28 and Stonecroft and Westfields boulevards in Chantilly. Being proposed for what would be called The Preserve at Westfields are 155 townhouses, 650 apartments, plus retail and other amenities.
Sully District Supervisor Candidate: John Guevara
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Sully District Supervisor Candidate: John Litzenberger
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Centreville: SYA Girls Softball Celebrates Opening Day
Opening day for SYA girls softball was Saturday, April 11, at Colin Powell Elementary. Before playing, teams paraded around the field.
Centreville/Chantilly Crime Report for the Week of April 15
The following incidents were reported by the Sully District Police Station.
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of April 15
Fairfax County police arrested a 17-year-old boy last week on charges including auto theft.
Centreville/Chantilly Sports Briefs for the Week of April 15
The Centreville boys’ lacrosse team opened its Conference 5 schedule with an 11-8 win at Oakton on April 8.
Chantilly: Southwestern Youth Association Honors Its Volunteers
The Southwestern Youth Association held its annual Volunteer Awards casino night on Saturday, March 21 at the Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. SYA honored volunteers from all of its sports for their commitment and service in 2014.
Tuesday, April 14
Sully District Supervisor Candidate: Brian W. Schoeneman
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Letter: Inappropriate ‘Choices’
Letter to the Editor
My name is Donna McHugh and I am writing in response to your article [“Moving: From Institution to Community”] printed on April 2 regarding the Northern Virginia Training Center.
Letter: Education Is for All
Letter to the Editor
After the horrific terrorist attack on a university in Kenya which left 147 students dead, Christian and Muslim leaders in Nairobi have joined together in preaching unity and discouraging division between faiths.
Potomac Sports Briefs for the Week of April 15
The Churchill boys’ lacrosse team defeated Whitman 12-3 on Monday, improving the Bulldogs’ record to 8-0.
Potomac: Accident on Parkway
One person was seriously injured and two others others hurt on Sunday evening, April 12, when a car went down an embankment off the Clara Barton Parkway near Glen Echo.
Potomac: Tiger Trot Celebrates 5th Year of Fun Run/Walk
Annual event benefits school’s wellness progam and Cabin John fire department.
At 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 19, runners will take their places, listen for the starting gun — and then sprint down the scenic route through the hills and valleys of Potomac.
‘Ban the Box’ Effort
Burke Brownfeld, member of the board of directors of Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) announces an award presented by Mondre Kornegay to Alexandria Mayor William Euille for his efforts to eliminate the “check the box” initiative which required a former offender to check yes on employment forms.
Northern Virginia's New Animal Hospital
Dr. Dana Carr (left) and Dr. Adrienne Hergen, pictured with pups Lola and Widgit, are the veterinarians at the newly opened Shirlington Animal Hospital located near the Shirlington Dog Park.
Column: Community Educational Resources
As a former teacher and educator, I like what I have been seeing recently of the vast array of educational resources in our community.
Opinion: Wolf Trap—A Park and Theatre
One of the many advantages of living in this wonderful place called Reston is having the national treasure, Wolf Trap Farm Park, right around the corner. Wolf Trap was created by the Congress in 1966 as a national park following the donation of the 130-acre grounds by Catherine Filene Shouse to the United States.
‘Old Wicked Songs’ at Tysons 1st Stage
Masterful production to run through May 3 at Tysons.
High accolades are due for the 1st Stage production of “Old Wicked Songs,” a play powered by a heart-tugging premise, precise high-caliber acting, with an evocative set and piano music from composer Robert Schumann that opens anyone’s heart to tenderness.
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Honors Three Town of Vienna Police Officers
On March 26, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce awarded Town of Vienna Police Officers, MPO Tim Seitz, Officer Marcos Herrera and Officer John Digan with Certificates of Valor at the 37th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony.
Reston Founder's Day Art Show and Awards Ceremony
League of Reston Artists display art at Reston Community Center.
On April 12, friends and members of the League of Reston Artists met at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery located at the Reston Community Center for a reception.
Shepherd’s Center Volunteers Honored
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV), Executive Director Michelle Scott honored SCOV’s 237 volunteers, recognizing outstanding contributions with a pin presentation to several of the service organization’s members.
Arlington: Pitching Staff Gives O’Connell Softball Chance to be ‘Special’
Freshman Sandercock throws no-hitter, strikes out 12 against Holy Cross.
The Bishop O'Connell softball team improved to 10-0.
Opinion: Reston’s Future - A Primer
A lot has been discussed recently in the blogosphere regarding the Reston Association Board’s unanimous decision to send to member referendum the question of borrowing up to $2.65 million for the purchase and renovation of the old Reston Visitors Center and the associated open space it sits on.
Opinion: D-Day for Reston National Golf Course
By the time you read this, the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will have made its decision on the technical merits of the claim by the owners of Reston National Golf Course (RNGC) that they should be allowed to sidestep the normal process to develop 166 acres of open space into residential housing.
Vienna Idol Returns for Fourth Year
Auditions open to vocalists and musicians through May.
Growing bigger every year with stakes growing higher, as well, Vienna Idol kicked off its qualifying rounds – auditions – in early April. Local musical talent is vying for a $1,000 grand prize in 2015.
'101 and Tons of Fun' for Reston's Founder Bob Simon
Founders Day celebrates Reston's first 51 years and Simon's first 101 years.
After Bob Simon cut his 101st birthday cake, Jo Marshall and the band Natural Selection sang, "You're Still the One."
Board of Supervisors Honored Langley Swim and Dive
Sheriff Stacey Kincaid gave Langley High School Girls Swim and Dive team an extra splash of praise Tuesday, April 7 while the Board of Supervisors were recognizing the team for winning the VHSL 6A state championship this past winter, the sixth time in the school's history.
Langley High School’s ‘Book of Days’ Shakes Small-Town Morality
Performance in Reston while high school venue undergoes repairs.
Langley High School’s spring production of Lanford Wilson’s “Book of Days” will run on April 23-25 at Hunter Woods Elementary School in Reston. The show must go on even while Langley is undergoing major renovations.
McLean Community Center Names Kay Bransford 2014 Outstanding Volunteer
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) Volunteer Appreciation Reception was held on Sunday, March 22, in the Community Hall.
Some Lunacy for Springtime by Reston Community Players
Reston Community Players presents a fun, diverting show.
“A great distraction from the everyday” is how director Adam Konowe describes the Reston Community Players’ next production, “The Fox on the Fairway.” And the madcap comedy was written by popular local area playwright, Ken Ludwig.
Thirteen Young Artists Awarded Scholarships by The Alden
The Alden in McLean awarded scholarships to13 local high school students for successfully competing in the 2015 James C. Macdonald Fine Arts Scholarship Competition.
McLean Gymnastics: Remarkable Season
The Board of Supervisors honored McLean High School's girls gymnastics team for winning the Virginia High School League 6A state championship, the team's first.
Art Studio Opens In Downtown Herndon
Herndon studio offers programs in arts and cutting edge technologies.
A new art studio on Monroe Street in downtown Herndon boasts the only purpose built 3-D printing studio in the Northern Virginia area.
Send in Mother's Day Photos
Deadline for submissions is May 1.
Mother’s Day is May 10 and, every year at this time, The Connection calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.
Editorial: Counting Homeless; Solution Is Housing
Results of the annual census of homeless show progress, persistence of the problem, and some worrying trends.
On the night of Jan. 28, 2015, there were 1,204 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax County area.
Colvin Run Mill to Reopen
Colvin Run Mill Park Manager Mike Henry is planning for busy weeks ahead. A Restoration Celebration will take place at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site on April 19. There will be an official grand reopening ceremony open to the public at 1 p.m.
Herndon Woody’s Golf Range to Close This Fall
Time of transition for Fairfax County golf ranges.
This fall will be the final season for Woody’s Golf Range located on Route 7 in Herndon. After 35 years in operation, business owner Woody FitzHugh is closing the range.
Letter: Oak Tree Planting Program Underway
Letter to the Editor
The Great Falls spring 2015 Legacy White Oak planting program is underway now, as described in this week's Connection (“Legacy White Oak Project.) There are options for planting trees in local parks as well as at homes, schools, churches and businesses.
Hate Vandalism Swiftly Purged
Spray painted swastikas were quickly purged from two power boxes along Seneca Road in Great Falls this week.
Principal of the Year
Herndon High principal William Bates honored.
William Bates, who has served as principal at Herndon High School since 2009 and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for 15 years, has been named the FCPS 2015 Principal of the Year and is the recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.
Deer Population in Great Falls: A Historical Perspective
There was a time in Great Falls when residents provided most of their own food from start to finish: They grew vegetables in their gardens, fruits in their orchards, grains in their fields, and livestock in their pastures.
Volunteers Honored
Mayor Lisa Merkel greeted each Herndon volunteer individually as they entered Herndon's 31st Annual Mayor's Volunteer Appreciation Awards.
Lift Me Up Honored for 40th Anniversary
The Board of Supervisors told Laura Smith she can bring a real horse with her for Lift Me Up!'s 50th anniversary ceremony.
14 Hours, Three Days, 200 Speakers
Schools, libraries, economic development authority and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
The Board of Supervisors listened to more than 14 and a half hours of testimony from approximately 200 speakers Tuesday through Thursday, April 7-9.
Northwest Federal Cuts Ribbon on New Herndon Branch
To celebrate the official opening of its newest Herndon branch at 2545 Centreville Road in Village Center, Northwest Federal Credit Union held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 26.
5K Run & Walk Supports A Cure for Ellie Fund
Promoting health and physical fitness; bringing the community together.
The 2nd Annual Fairlington 5K Run & Walk was held Saturday morning, April 11. The family friendly event is hosted by Abingdon Elementary School and the Fairlington Citizens Association.
Arlington: Yorktown Musicians Rated ‘Superior’
Groups judged with high school bands from North Carolina and Massachusetts.
Yorktown High School’s Concert Band, led by Brian Bersh, and Yorktown’s Madrigals, led by Roger Oliver, travelled to Richmond on Friday, April 10, to perform at the Dixie Classic Festival, held at Hanover High School from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County
"One of the most important things we do."
Holocaust survivor Michel Margosis spoke before the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, April 7, when the Board of Supervisors made a proclamation declaring April 16 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County.
TechShop Arlington Celebrates 1st Birthday April 18
TechShop To Host Tours at Open House
Some folks always want to build “it” with their own hands, whatever “it” may be. Inventors/entrepreneurs believe a solid, hand-held prototype will help sell a new idea. All they lack is a modern $1,500,000 (give or take a few dollars) workshop in the garage or basement. Now they have one, here in Arlington, and it is open 24 hours a day.
Arlington: “Flourishing After 55” April 27-May 2
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for April 27- May 2.
Arlington: Students Making, Donating Baby Blankets
When Madelyn Kellen was growing up, her family always performed community service together during the holiday season, whether that meant volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping a family in need.
Taste of Vienna Serves Up Food and Family Fun on April 25
Thirty restaurants bring their signature dishes to grounds of Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
Thirty local restaurants have signed up to participate in the 4th Annual Taste of Vienna celebration, coming up on April 25, on the grounds of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department [VVFD]. Taste of Vienna is sponsored and hosted by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
Column: Improving Economic Equality for Women
Commentary
I have been surrounded by strong women all of my life. My grandmother was a suffragette, economics professor, labor leader, and advocate for most of her 98 years. My mother is famous in the intellectual disability community for her work with the ARC. One of my four incredible sisters has been CFO in our family business for a generation. My oldest daughter shares management responsibilities for our largest store, and my wife has long been a powerful voice for women in business.
Letter: Thoughts on Wellbeing
Letter to the Editor
Thanks so much for the Connection's “Wellbeing” section. I think the wellbeing efforts in our community are a serious benefit to us.
Arlington: Reevesland Renovations Put on Indefinite Hold
When Ron Battocchi first moved to Boulevard Manor neighborhood in Arlington in 1977, he said one of the first knocks at his door was from his new neighbor: Nelson Reeves.
Monday, April 13
Alexandria: Old Town Homes Open for Garden Week April 18
On April 18th, owners of six of Old Town Alexandria's finest private homes and gardens will open their doors to the public, as part of the 82nd Historic Garden Week, the oldest and largest house and garden tour in the nation.
Saturday, April 11
Divided Fairfax County School Board Passes Salary Increase for 2016, to $32,000 from $20,000.
Just over a month after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to give the next board a $20,000-a-year pay raise, the School Board followed suit. In a 5-4 vote (three abstentions) at the April 9 meeting, the board approved raising the member salary from $20,000 to $32,000, with an additional $2,000 annually for the board chair.
Friday, April 10
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 10-12, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, April 9
Melissa Belote Ripley Went From Summer League Standout to Olympian
Melissa Belote Ripley’s former swimming coach Ed Solotar had two requirements: “You’ve got to want to win and want to get better,” said Belote Ripley, who was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up in Springfield. “To have to have that burning desire to always be the best, a fire in your belly to really want to win, to work -- that was easy for me, that’s just how I was.”
Workhouse Center Helps Vets with Artistic Expression
“This is going pretty deep for me,” said Lewis Walls. “But it’s going to bring me a lot of closure too.” Walls, a veteran stationed at Fort Belvoir, stood behind a spotlit music stand in front of an audience that filled the Vulcan Gallery of the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
Burke School Set to Celebrate 75th Anniversary
The Burke School is turning 75. The building at the corner of Burke Lake and Lee Chapel Roads, dedicated in 1940, was built to accommodate the student population overflowing older three-room schoolhouse that was first built in 1912. The new school project benefited from the Works Progress Administration under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “New Deal.”
Burke United Methodist Church Supports Dominican Republic Mission
Members of Burke United Methodist Church are finishing what they started three years ago in the Dominican Republic. A mission team from the church began working on a house for local clergyman in Sosúa, Pastor Jeremias. During construction, Jeremias died of complications from brain cancer. Funds for the house went to help with the pastor’s medical bills so the building was never completed.
The Pothole Picture in Fairfax County
Two “p”s become prominent and problematic this time of year: pollen and potholes. The Virginia Department of Transportation can at least do something about the latter, if not the former.
‘Drive to Donate’ Campaign Raises Funds for Fire and Rescue Departments in Fairfax
Transurban, operator of the I-95 and I-495 Express Lanes, designated March 21 for a “Drive to Donate” campaign. All tolls collected on that day from the nearly 40 miles of lanes stretching from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County would be donated to local Fire and Rescue departments.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: April 10-12
Entertainment
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: April 10-12
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun: April 10-12
Entertainment
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun: April 10-12
Chief Postal Inspector Awarded
The Law Enforcement Commendation Certificate and Medal were presented to Chief Inspector Guy Cottrell of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at the George Washington Chapter meeting of the Sons of the American Revolution on March 14.
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes Girls' Lax Defeats Hutchinson School
Senior midfielder Ellie Majure and the St. Stephen's & St. Agnes girls' lacrosse team defeated Hutchinson School
Titan Girls’ Crew Dominates at Noxontown No. 2 Regatta
T.C. Williams boat beats national champion.
The T.C. Williams girls’ crew team fought off challenges from a field of tough competitors, as well as high winds, to dominate the second Noxontown Regatta in Middletown, Del., on April 4. The Titan girls’ lightweight 8’s victory against three-time national champion Holy Spirit was just one of many outstanding performances for the day. The Titan boys’ crew team took a break for the weekend to recharge for next week’s competition at the Bull Run Marina.
D.C. Design House
McLean showcase home opens to the public April 12.
Local interior design enthusiasts will have an opportunity to tour a much-anticipated unveiling this weekend when the 2015 Design House opens in McLean on Sunday, April 12 at noon, with ticket sales benefiting the Children’s National Health System.
Alexandria Student Receives Top Scholarship
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria's Executive Director Beth Lovain presented SFA's largest 2015 award during a surprise classroom visit at T.C. Williams High School Monday, April 6.
Alexandria: Notice of Intent on Waterfront Planning
A three-year legal battle between three Old Town residents and the City of Alexandria reached another milestone when, on March 27, the Virginia Supreme Court upheld the Alexandria Circuit Court’s dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the city’s Waterfront Plan zoning.
Alexandria: Dead Body Found
The Alexandria Police Department is conducting an investigation into the death of a 21-year-old male in the 5800 block of Quantrell Avenue.
Letter: ASF: Worthy Of Support
Letter to the Editor
The director of development for the Alexandria Seaport Foundation’s letter to the editor in the March 26 issue of the Gazette Packet advised us of the relocation of the ASF from the Robinson Terminal warehouse to the “little red-roofed building” floating at the foot of Queen Street.
Classified Advertising April 8, 2015
Read the latest ads here!
In the Kitchen: Christophe Poteaux of Bastille, Old Town
Ingredients are important to the French.
A bucket of 5-inch long pod-shaped razor clams from Virginia Beach sits on the counter ready for the lunch special at Bastille.
DiPatrizio Named New Postmaster of Alexandria
Mario DiPatrizio was recently named postmaster of Alexandria. DiPatrizio, a postal employee of more than 23 years, replaces John Brodbeck who has moved to a new position in Baltimore.
Mount Vernon: Sports Briefs for the Week of April 4
Sports Briefs for the week of 04/08/15
Alexandria: Living Legends Gather for 8th Annual Reception
More than 200 people gathered for the 8th Annual Meet the Legends reception on March 19 at the Patent & Trademark Office Madison Building.
Wednesday, April 8
Lake Braddock Baseball Motivated by Subpar 2014 Season
Bruins beat defending Conference 7 champion West Springfield.
The Lake Braddock baseball team defeated West Springfield on Tuesday to improve to 7-1.
Letter: Fund Law Library
Letter to the Editor
The following open letter was addressed to Mayor William D. Euille.
Letter: An Idea To Gnaw On
Letter to the Editor
I speak for the neglected and now about- to- be displaced beavers of the George Washington Parkway.
Alexandria: Planning Comission is Considering Reducing Parking Options
Planning Commission updates policy on residential parking spaces.
A proposed text amendment to the Alexandria Parking Standards will decrease the amount of parking spaces residential property developers will be required to provide.
People at Work: Unwined
A world-wide perspective.
"No this isn’t really a brie; it looks like it but is not the same texturally. It is made by a Vermont creamery, Jersey cow milk." Vanessa Moore, proprietor of Unwined in the Bradlee Shopping Center added, "the rind is wrapped in tree bark but it's runny inside. You just scoop it out. It is so good." Marion Brady is looking for an Easter gift for dinner and says she doesn't know all of these cheeses and doesn't want something too strong. she knows she can always get something special here.
Letter: Fiduciary Responsibility
Letter to the Editor
Thanks to Vice-Mayor Allison Silberberg for speaking out against the outrageous proposal of selling City Hall [“Selling Alexandria’s City Hall,” Gazette Packet, April 2].
Letter: Pot of Gold?
Letter to the Editor
When I opened my April 1 edition of the Gazette Packet and read the article entitled “Selling Alexandria’s City Hall,” I assumed that the newspaper was paying homage to April Fool’s Day. Reading on, I found that the article was chronicling a real City Council debate — one held on March 17.
Letter: Costs of Development
Letter to the Editor
Councilwoman Del Pepper likens opening a new fire station without any firefighting equipment or firefighters to opening a library without any books as if she and her colleagues were somehow disinterested bystanders, instead of the elected officials in charge of an incompetent city government which lets this happen.
Letter: Focus Attention On School Buildings
Letter to the Editor
Citizens of Alexandria, I have written several articles in this newspaper not only to inform you of what is happening in the city but also to raise your ire on important issues so you will take action. I have a confession to make I have been holding out on you. I have been hoping that things would change, however things have not changed and they are spiraling out of control and the whole academic and economic well being of our city will be affected unless we act. Put away the partisan politics; we have no need and no time for that nonsense. Here is the story.
Letter: Non-Stop Spending
Letter to the Editor
The City Council-created mega-spending tsunami has begun. Unless you and your neighbors replace this mayor and City Council with fiscally sensible people and demand the city charter be changed to impose a spending restriction on our elected officials, there is nothing you can do about the enormous wave of debt soon to engulf you. Pointless even to hold on to your wallet.
Letter: Not a Priority
Letter to the Editor
Last Tuesday night over 100 members of the Mt. Vernon community met with Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), in efforts to prioritize funding in their upcoming two year transportation budget for the widening of Route 1 from Jeff Todd Way (Roy Rogers) to Napper Road (Costco).
Letter: ‘Conscience’ Held At Bay
Letter to the Editor
At the behest of a friend, I paid a recent visit to the Fairfax GOP webpage fairfaxgop.org/nomination/ – the link entitled “Nomination Process Information” is displayed prominently on the committee’s homepage – and from the outside looking in, it does seem rather certain the Fairfax GOP has (either inadvertently or deliberately) omitted Virginia House District 44 from this year’s “call for candidates.”
Commentary: ‘All Clear’ Given To For Sale Signs
Commentary
Who would have thought that a single individual taking a stand for the First Amendment would prompt Alexandria to remove a 50-year old ordinance from the books?
Letter: Prioritizing Improvements
Letter to the Editor
My name is Paul Krizek, and I am running for delegate in Virginia’s 44th District.
Vander Zee Reception Offers a Breath of Spring
Art reception celebrates end of winter.
When Nancy Ziegler’s husband died in 2006, a friend gave her a gift certificate to be used at The Art League. It was there that she discovered her artistic talents and has been a flourishing artist ever since.
Royal Visit to Mount Vernon
Prince Charles charms fellow visitors at the Estate.
There was a buzz on March 18 throughout the D.C. Metropolitan area as Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visited sites in Washington D.C. and beyond. Mary Beth Powers said that she was caught off-guard as she was driving down the George Washington Parkway when the Prince’s motorcade came by on its way to Mount Vernon. Mike and Artemis Davey somehow ended up in the motorcade in their VW Bug “Herbie.” “People all along the side were waving Herbie on,” said Artemis Davey.
Editorial: A Big Election Year in Virginia
Register, research, vote. And vote again.
Every year is an election year in Virginia. Here are a few examples that demonstrate that while elections are ubiquitous in Virginia, they are neither simple nor unimportant. Wade in, a lot depends on figuring this out and voting. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of candidates.
More Than 200 Attend First Fairfax County Budget Hearing
Schools, libraries, economic development authorites and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
More than 200 people packed the Fairfax County Government auditorium Tuesday, April 7, and 60 speakers were scheduled to testify before the Board of Supervisors on the advertised budget. The hearing began with a presentation by School Board Chairman Tamara Derenak Kaufax. Members of the Fairfax County School Board sat in the front row, gave a standing ovation, and remained standing as Kaufax finished her testimony to begin the budget hearings.
Mount Vernon: Foreman Drives Senate District
GOP candidate spends day seeing the 36th top to bottom.
By 2:30 p.m. on April 2, Dumfries Mayor Jerry Foreman had already attended meet-and-greets in Stafford, Quantico and Montclair. His fourth stop was the home of Susan Valentine in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria. A fifth event, an ice cream social called “Get the Scoop on Jerry,” awaited him at the finish line in Dumfries.
Mount Vernon: Surovell, Krizek Deliver Petition on Route 1 Widening
Following a public meeting held March 31 at the South County Government Center to discuss the different projects the Northern Virginia Transit Authority is considering, Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) and 44th District House of Delegates candidate Paul Krizek submitted a petition to the Transit Authority demanding the widening of Route 1 be made a higher priority.
Mount Vernon: Hundreds Attend Budget Hearing
Schools, libraries, economic development authority and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
More than 200 people packed the Fairfax County Government auditorium Tuesday, April 7, and 60 speakers were scheduled to testify before the Board of Supervisors on the advertised budget. The hearing began with a presentation by School Board Chairman Tamara Derenak Kaufax.
Celebrating ‘March for Meals’
Senior Services of Alexandria and local elected officials, schools, and community volunteers served as March for Meals champions.
Column: City, Shelter Working Together
Commentary
The animals at Alexandria’s Vola Lawson Animal Shelter are cozier than ever these days, thanks to a new state-of-the-art heating system recently installed.
Exhibit Spotlights Black History in Arlington
The Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington (BHMA) inaugurated the first permanent museum exhibit on the black experience in Arlington County with a reception on Saturday, April 4 at the Arlington Historical Museum. Attendees included members of the Arlington County Board, School Board and history activists.
Model Train Show at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
Nestled off Fairfax Station Road is a historic gem that combines the history of the Civil War with model trains.
Letter: Concerned About Artificial Turf
Letter to the Editor
I just finished reading that South County High School is planning on installing artificial turf to two grass fields.
Clifton Girl Scouts Collect and Donate Diapers
Clifton Girl Scout Troop 4617 collected and delivered more than 5,000 diapers to local charities that help new mothers in need.
Merrifield Center Services Opens
On March 27, the Fairfax County - Falls Church Community Services Board's (CSB) new Merrifield Center Services was officially opened with a ceremony of local leaders and stakeholders.
Fairfax Students Compete in Mini-Urban Challenge
In a competition that tested not only students’ robotics and engineering abilities, but also their public speaking and leadership skills, the Mini-Urban Challenge brought teams of high school students together to program and build miniature robots using LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit to move, autonomously, through a 42-by-10-foot model city.
This One’s for Morgan
Brain cancer survivor to compete in the 119th Boston Marathon in honor of pediatric brain tumor patient.
On April 20 of this year, I will be running my fourth Boston Marathon in honor of a beautiful little girl who is 6 years old and battling brain cancer from Center Moriches, New York (Suffolk County).
Dr. Glover Receives Distinguished Alumni Award for Urology
Dr. William Lloyd Glover, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. was awarded the George Washington University Distinguished Alumni Award for Urology on March 14, 2015 at the meeting of the Harry C. Miller Society of GWU urologists.
Registration Opens for Service Animals Eye Exams
To honor the guide dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs and animals assisting people with disabilities
“Classic Broadway” at Mason Stage on April 12
Broadway’s classic tunes are headed to Northern Virginia as Todd Ellison and friends take center stage at the Center for the Arts with a tribute to “Classic Broadway.”
Paul VI Presents 'The Addams Family'
A continuation of the popular, 1960s TV show, “The Addams Family” will take the stage at Paul VI High. A musical comedy, it features a cast and crew of 75 and promises to be rollicking, good fun.
Register to Be an Organ Donor
More than 123,000 people across the country are in need of an organ transplant, and more than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day. Every ten minutes someone is added to the organ donor waiting list.
Robinson Junior Nominated to Join Future Medical Leaders
Natalie Hessler, a junior at Robinson Secondary School, has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston, on June 24-26.
Cartoon: Impending Doom
“With the extended pay hours, it was felt a greater sense of impending doom would yield better compliance.”
Column: The Fact Is Not Yet The Matter
I don’t know which is worse: the extra-special, extra-expensive, dental cleaning (the kind that requires Novocain and involves the actual dentist, not merely the hygienist) that I have scheduled for April 8th – or my next hopefully-not-do-or-die CT Scan, moved up a month from my usual three-month interval because of a suspicious formation seen on my most recent scan back in mid-February.
Alexandria's Living Dead: Actors Pose as Famous Dead at Ivy Hill
Reenactors give visitors first-person biographies of the dead at Ivy Hill Cemetery.
Like any good host, many of Ivy Hill Cemetery’s permanent residents greeted visitors at the front gate. Despite many being deceased for well over a century, on April 4, the tenants were brought to life by costumed reenactors who guided visitors on tours of the cemetery.
Living Legend, Alice P. Morgan: A Lifetime of Getting People Involved
Never too young or too old to volunteer.
Suppose you must select one word to describe 2015 Living Legend Alice P. Morgan. There are many choices: groundbreaker, activist, and nurturer come quickly to mind. But perhaps the most all-encompassing is inclusive. Morgan is about including people. For example, when Morgan chaired Alexandria’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebrations, she found a way to include anyone who showed an interest, even children.
Local Students Take on Poodle Skirts, Rotary Phones for 'Bye Bye Birdie'
Liberty Middle presents the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Featuring a cast of 60, the iconic musical, “Bye Bye Birdie” will burst upon the stage at Liberty Middle School. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, April 16, 17 and 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 during school lunches and at the door.
Meet GOP Candidates for Sully Supervisor
Backgrounds of the Republican contenders.
Three men are competing in the Republican primary to run in November for the Sully District supervisor seat being vacated by incumbent Michael Frey. They are John Guevara, Brian Schoeneman and John Litzenberger.
Sports Briefs: 04/08/15
Sports Briefs
Walney Bridge Detour to Begin April 13
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has begun work on the Walney Road Widening and Bridge Replacement project.
Three Republic Candidates Have Their Eyes on the Prize
Three Republican candidates for Sully District supervisor debate the issues.
School Board member Kathy Smith will be the Democratic candidate hoping to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor. But the Republican candidate will be chosen April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High.
Centreville: Raising Money for Police Unity Tour
All during April, Glory Days Grill in Centreville will donate 10 percent of all food and drink receipts to the upcoming Police Unity Tour, May 9-12.
Chantilly: Reducing Congestion, But Adding Students
Proposed plan amendment would allow homes at Stonecroft/Westfield boulevards.
Across Stonecroft Boulevard from the Sully District Governmental Center in Chantilly are 50 acres of undeveloped, vacant land. And an amendment to Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan for this site is now being reviewed.
Centreview Roundups: 04/08/15
Centreview Roundups: 04/08/15
Letter: Based on Character
Letter to the Editor
I am writing to express my support for John Guevara for Sully supervisor.
Letter: Running for Morgan
Letter to the Editor
On April 20 of this year, I will be running my fourth Boston Marathon in honor of a beautiful little girl who is six years old and battling brain cancer from Center Moriches, N.Y.
Suspect Sought: Wearing Dark Hood/Cap
Detectives are investigating two incidents of armed robberies involving CVS stores in Fairfax County on Sunday, April 5.
Frey Hosts His Last Town Hall Budget Meeting
County, schools see lean times.
Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey oversaw his last Town Hall Budget meeting on March 25. The topic of the meeting were the Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposals for both Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Column: On the Banks of Bull Run 150 Years Ago
Commentary
One hundred and fifty years ago, on the same day General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Fairfax County witnessed the last gun battle of the war.
Tuesday, April 7
Historian Ralph Buglass to Give Presentation on Offutts Crossroads
Historian Ralph Buglass to give slide show presentation at Potomac Library.
The Potomac Village Crossroads where River Road and Falls Road meet was known in the 1800s as Offutts Crossroads, named for one of the founding families who owned the acreage surrounding the area. The Offutts have a colorful history, sprinkled with stories of murders, family feuds and lawsuits.
Protecting the Watershed in Potomac
More than $370,000 in grants approved to improve water quality and manage stormwater runoff.
More than $370,000 in grants approved to improve water quality and manage stormwater runoff.
Register for 17th Annual Paws in the Park
Registration is open for the 17th Annual Paws in the Park dog walk and festival, one of the largest dog walks in the D.C. area. As a signature special event of the Montgomery County Humane Society, held in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, it raises funds to help rescue, care for and adopt homeless and abandoned animals.
Potomac: Romm Brothers Lead Wootton Boys’ Lax to Victory
Freshman Mason produces hat trick against Whitman.
After the Whitman boys’ lacrosse team scored back-to-back goals to pull within one in the third quarter, Wootton’s senior leader and his freshman brother gave the Patriots some breathing room and helped assure they would enter spring break undefeated.
Potomac: Local Workshops Provide Help for Parents
Local parent workshops make the challenges of parenting easier.
Workshops are held at the YMCA’s Bethesda office as well as local libraries. Trained staff are available to lead workshops tailored for specific groups and address specific issues.
Potomac: Serving Locally and Globally
Potomac resident supports local youth and international programs.
Ishrat Husain has had a long career in formulating strategies, developing operations and managing health, population and poverty reduction operations at the World Bank.
‘The Big Event:' A networking opportunity for Potomac-area business owners
A networking opportunity for local business owners.
Potomac business owners will have an opportunity to introduce themselves to the greater community later this month at “The Big Event.”
Birth: de Windt
Gavin and Wendy de Windt of Arlington announce the birth of their son, Dashiell Everett de Windt on March 5, 2015 at Virginia Hospital in Arlington.
Arlington: Marymount Students Help Make a Basketball Tourney Special
Jimmy McKay knew it would be fun to volunteer at the 20th Annual Northern Virginia Special Olympics Basketball Invitational Tournament on Saturday, April 4, at Marymount University.
Hat Tricks from Burns, Newsome Not Enough for Washington-Lee
Generals fall to Madison, drop to 1-3.
Back-to-back goals by Kieran Burns gave the Washington-Lee boys’ lacrosse team a first-quarter lead. Jackson Newsome’s second goal tied the score early in the second quarter.
History Lesson: Arlington's McKinley Elementary and the Cold War
This article was originally published in the McKinley Elementary School newspaper.
Did you know that there is a fallout shelter under McKinley? A fallout shelter is a room that was used in case of a nuclear attack.
Column: Supporting Herring’s Actions on Immigration
Commentary
The following elected officials and immigration advocates expressed support this week for Attorney General Mark Herring's decision to support targeted immigration reform that "will increase state tax revenue, enhance public safety, and help avoid tragic situations in which parents are deported away from their U.S. citizen children."
Week in Reston
Weekly in happenings in Reston.
Letter: Keeping Reston Pollution Free
To the Editor
The work on the New Herndon Monroe Metro station has begun and will negatively impact the surrounding Reston community almost immediately
Letter: Taking Exception on ‘Education Taxes’
To the Editor
It's the lofty tone of certainty that grates. Bob Simon ("Turning Every Rock for Education Budget," Reston Connection, April 1-7), who, I hazard a guess, is comfortably able to pay ever-rising RE taxes, suggests that the county's rate should be jacked up yet again -- an extra penny yielding $22 million in revenue. Why didn't we all think of this? Why not two pennies for $44 million?
Column: A Hundred Fifty Years Ago
The first person I ever knew who wrote a weekly newspaper column was a teacher in the high school I attended who wrote a column during the period 1961-1965 entitled, “A Hundred Years Ago: The Civil War Day By Day.” He did not have to think of a new topic every week; he simply reported what was known to be going on a 100 years before during that week.
Del. Rust Receives OPAL Award
The American Society of Civil Engineers awarded Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-86) an Outstanding Project And Leaders (OPAL) award in Arlington on March 26, for his lifetime achievement in government. The national OPAL award was established 15 years ago, to recognize outstanding civil engineering leaders whose lifetime accomplishments and achievements have made significant differences.
Herndon Sixth-grader Wins Second Place at State Geographic Bee
Siddharth Krishnakumar, a sixth-grader from McNair Elementary School, Herndon, took second place at the 2015 Virginia Geographic Bee held March 27 at Longwood University in Farmville.
Herndon Concert Bands Honored
Symphonic and Wind ensembles continue their tradition of excellence.
The Herndon High School Symphonic and Wind Ensembles continued their tradition of excellence at the Virginia State Assessment evaluation on March 20 and 21, with the Wind Ensemble garnering an overall superior rating and Symphonic receiving an excellent rating.
Northwest Federal and Town of Herndon Celebrate First Icebreaker Run
On March 22, 229 participants were off and running in the Town of Herndon’s inaugural “Ice Breaker Family Fun Run.”
Opinion: On the Banks of Bull Run 150 Years Ago
One hundred and fifty years ago, on the same day General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Fairfax County witnessed the last gun battle of the war.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
Still Honoring Vets in Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools Board votes down calendar amendment to make Veterans Day a holiday.
Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.
Foust Runs for Re-election
Dranesville Supervisor highlights his quality of life results, agenda.
At a campaign kick-off event held on Saturday, March 28, Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) announced that he will run for a third term to represent the Dranesville District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Foust was elected to the Board in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011.
Week in McLean
Weekly happenings in McLean
McLean Citizens Association Hosts Meeting on Protecting Community’s Tree Cover
Supervisor John Foust remembers learning that 119 trees would be removed for his planned office in McLean. It wasn't a decision without controversy, Foust said, when he told authorities to halt those plans.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls.
Provisioning for Community’s Well-being in Great Falls
Great Falls is just coming out of a colder than usual winter, with lower temperatures for longer, and more snow than expected, which discouraged many people from going outdoors altogether – (unless to spend more time at the ski slopes).
Publishing Panel Planned for Great Falls Book Festival
Discussion to offer advice on how to get published.
Proven experts in all facets of publishing offer a glimpse into the highly-competitive publishing world by offering advice, answering questions and sharing their inspirational – and sometimes surprising -- secrets to their phenomenal success at a publishing panel from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. during the Great Falls Book Festival on May 2 at the Great Falls Library.
Encouraging, Inspiring and Rewarding Young Writers
Youth Creative Writing Contest winners to be announced at the Great Falls Book Festival.
More than 100 sixth-graders from Forestville Elementary School participated in the Great Falls Writer’s Group (GFWG) first Youth Creative Writing Contest. Winners will be announced and read their works during the afternoon event themed “Every Child Is A Storyteller” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the first Great Falls Book Festival at the Great Falls Library.
Great Falls Writer’s Group Combines Perspective About Time in First-Ever Group Anthology
En masse, Great Falls Writer’s Group (GFWG) members put pens to paper for the group’s first published work, “Passages On Time.” The collaborative effort is being published this week and will be available at the first Great Falls Book Festival on Saturday, May 2.
'Flourishing After 55' for the Week of April 20-25
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for April 20-25.
“An Evening with the Authors,” First-ever Great Falls Book Festival to Be Held May 2
Fifteen local authors representing many genres unite for “An Evening with the Authors” to discuss their recently published books and how and why they journeyed into writing. Their books will be available for signing from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 2 at the Great Falls Library.
Great Falls' Legacy White Oak Project
Great Falls seeks to restore a thinning legacy.
Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) has dug into its new goal of planting 15 more white oaks this spring around the library, Colvin Run Mill, Riverbend Park, Nike Park, Turner Farm, Grange and Lockmead Park.
Simply Unaffordable: An Uncertain Future for Affordable Housing in Arlington
New Master Plan lays out uncertain future for Affordable Housing in Arlington.
A new Affordable Housing Master Plan released in March laid out Arlington County’s dire Affordable Housing needs. Hoping for approval before the plan is brought to the County Board in July, the Affordable Housing Study Working Group presented its findings to the Transportation Commission on April 2. The Master Plan was approved unanimously.
Insufficient Data: Arlington Meter Increase Deferred
Arlington’s Transportation Commission recommends County Board defer action on increases to meter rates and hours.
A last minute plea from local business owners and lingering doubts compelled the Transportation Commission to reconsider, and ultimately recommend deferring, a proposal from Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services to increase the meter rates and hours.
Friday, April 3
Real Estate Tax Rate Is Still a Work in Progress in City of Fairfax
In the city manager’s proposed budget for FY 2016, the residential real-estate tax rate would increase by 2.5 cents – to 1.065 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The City Council can ultimately decide to lower the tax rate but, for now, it’s advertising it at the proposed amount. Meanwhile, it’s holding public hearings and workshops on the budget, so the idea will receive a great deal of thought and discussion before the budget is finally adopted and the tax rate is set.
Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust Completes Purchase of Springfield Town Center
The Philadelphia-based firm Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced April 1 it had closed on acquiring Springfield Town Center from the previous owners at Vornado Realty Trust, based in New York.
Alexandria: Titans Seize the Day at St. Andrew’s
T.C. crew finishes first or second in six races.
The T.C. Williams crew team braved wintery conditions on Saturday, March 28 to compete in its first away race of the spring 2015 rowing season – the Noxontown Regatta, which was held at St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Del.
Wonder Women: Salute to Women Awards Honors 11
Salute to Women Awards honors 11.
T.C. Williams High School principal Suzanne Maxey was one of 11 women, including three from the Alexandria City Public School system, honored March 26 at the 35th annual Salute to Women Awards.
Thursday, April 2
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 3-5, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Classified Advertising April 1, 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Fairfax: PVI Pitchers Riddick, Coritz Combine for 5Inning No-Hitter
Panthers sweep frigid doubleheader from Marshall, West Potomac.
The Paul VI baseball team swept a doubleheader from Marshall, West Potomac.
Northern Virginia Nereids Send Synchronized Swimming Duet of Woodson and Robinson Students to Nationals
High school juniors Margot Baden and Jackie Hafner, students at W.T. Woodson High School and Robinson Secondary School respectively, and their coach chose to set their duet synchronized swimming routine to a medley of music from the “Batman” franchise.
Missing Civil War Marker Plaques Find a Home at Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
When Fairfax Station native Lee Hubbard was stationed with the U.S. Army in Baltimore, he would come home every weekend, sometimes more often than that. On a visit in the spring of 1959, Hubbard and his brother Bob went to check out something some local children had been talking about.
Joe Murray of Alexandria to Run for 39th District Senate Seat
Alexandria resident Joe Murray recently announced his bid for Virginia’s 39th District Senate seat, which includes parts of Fairfax County, the city of Alexandria and Prince William County.
Marsden Announces Re-election Campaign
Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) announced his intent to continue as a Virginia state senator in a March 26 statement.
Prisoner Escapes from Fairfax Hospital, Gets Recaptured
Social media aids manhunt
Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, Wossen Assaye overpowered the female member of his two-guard private security detail while the male was out of his hospital room. Assaye was reportedly in shackles on a hospital gurney before the struggle.
Springfield: Getting into Marian Homes
Remodeling project to provide for residents with intellectual and or physical disabilities.
When the new residents of Marian Homes’ latest remodeling project move in to the Gresham Street house in north Springfield, Fairfax resident and Marian volunteer John Germain hopes they feel at home.
Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax to Close by March 2016
From institution to community, finding homes for those hard to place.
Joseph McHugh has lived at the Northern Virginia Training Center for 35 years, moving in when he was a teenager. McHugh has cerebral palsy and colostomy and severe spasticity issues. At the training center, McHugh works with a speech pathologist, nurse, on-campus dietician and is close to an X-ray machine, dental facility and clinic on the grounds.
Potomac Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Potomac Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Arlington Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Arlington Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Mount Vernon: Focus Music Celebrates 100 Shows
Two talents on the American folk music scene – Susan Greenbaum and John Flynn – performed to audience acclaim Saturday night, March 14, at the Church of St. Clement on North Quaker Road to mark Focus Music’s 100th Alexandria concert since its inception 13 years ago.
Mount Vernon: Fort Belvoir Swim Team Competes Nationally
Five members of the Fort Belvoir Swim Team recently competed at the NASA Junior National Championship Cup swim meet in Clearwater, Fla.
Sargeant Kicks Off Mount Vernon Supervisor Campaign
Of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors district seats, all of which are up for election this fall, the Mount Vernon spot is already being contested by four candidates.
Alexandria: People vs Parks on Potomac Yard Impact
Draft Environmental Impact Statement details Potomac Yard Metro impact on parks and neighbors
The Potomac Yard Metro plan moves forward with the release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement developed by the City of Alexandria alongside the Federal Transit Administration and the National Park Service.
Wednesday, April 1
Obituary: Geoffrey Williams
Obituary
On Thursday, March 19th, 2015, Geoffrey Christian Williams passed away of natural causes. Beloved father of Carolyne Williams and Sally Williams Bartolotta.
South County Federation to Host Mount Vernon Supervisor Debate
All four candidates vying for the seat of retiring Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) will square off in a debate hosted by the South County Federation at its monthly meeting on April 14.
Mount Vernon: McKay Will Seek Re-Election
Jeff McKay (D-Lee) will seek his third term as Lee District Supervisor. The Alexandria resident formally began his campaign at a March 28 event held at Walker’s Grille in the Alexandria area of Lee District.
Mount Vernon: Storck Launches Supervisor Campaign
Currently serving his third term as a member of the Fairfax County School Board, Dan Storck kicked off his campaign to replace a retiring Gerry Hyland (D) as the next Mount Vernon District supervisor.
Mount Vernon: Police Searching for Suspects in Huntington-area Homicide.
Fairfax County Police found 64-year-old Santos Rafael Zelaya inside a residence with multiple gunshot wounds, according to a department release.
Letter: Continue to Support Officers Who Do Good
Letter to the Editor
I have been very impressed with how powerful this local newspaper has been concerning our Fairfax County Police.
Mount Vernon: West Potomac Baseball Eyes Conference 7 Championship
Junior slugger Sara now known power threat, No. 1 pitcher.
The West Potomac baseball team graduated its top two pitchers from last season, and on March 28 the Wolverines were no-hit and committed nine errors against Paul VI during a game played in low-30-degree temperatures. However, after the frigid 12-0, five-inning loss at Waters Park in Vienna, West Potomac head coach Jim Sullivan and standout junior Jamie Sara spoke of a brighter — and hopefully warmer — future for the Wolverines.
Selling Alexandria's City Hall
A costly repair bill for City Hall creates discussion of potential public/private partnership.
Facing a $53 million heating ventilation and air conditioning price tag for City Hall, some on the City Council have begun questioning the wisdom of continuing to operate in City Hall. At a City Council Work Session on March 17, discussion became heated after Mayor William Euille said he had his own ideas for the future of the building and referred to the City Hall property as “a pot of gold.”
Alexandria: Compromise on Waterfront Barging
After a long tug-of-war between local residents and waterfront property developer EYA, acting City Manager Mark Jinks announced an agreement with EYA to use barging instead of trucking to transport materials to and from the South Robinson Terminal development.
Some Gave All: Police Memorial in Alexandria Dedicated to Fallen Officers
Police memorial dedicated to fallen officers.
Judy Birney was just 12 years old when her father, youth detective Conrad Birney, was killed responding to a bank robbery in 1972. She went on to follow in her father’s footsteps, serving as an Alexandria police officer until 1999. On March 28, she joined more than 350 people for the dedication of the Alexandria Fallen Officers Memorial honoring the sacrifice of her father and 17 others who died in the line of duty.
Obituary: ‘The Original Ballyshaner,’ Judge O'Flaherty
Judge Daniel O’Flaherty dies at 89.
To anyone appearing in his courtroom, his name invoked fear. But those who knew Judge Daniel O’Flaherty, knew him as a kind and quiet man, a proud Irishman devoted to his family and the City of Alexandria.
Commercial Community Appearance Awards in Fairfax
Three buildings and grounds are honored.
Three City of Fairfax buildings and their grounds were honored recently with 2014 Commercial Community Appearance Awards. Their owners/managers received certificates at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting.
Maestro’s Musings: ‘Dare to Think Heroically’ Opening Night
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform a pair of concerts titled "Dare to Think Heroically" on Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 E Campus Dr. This is the fourth concert program in a season-long celebration of the theme "Dare To..."
Preview: MetroStage Presents ‘The Island’
Play depicts human dignity and justice during the 1970s Apartheid.
As part of the 30th anniversary season, MetroStage in Alexandria is staging "The Island" now through April 26. The highly charged two-person play is set on Robben Island, South Africa, and depicts the plight of two political prisoners, John and Winston, as they perform labor by day and rehearse Sophocles’ "Antigone" by night.
Letter: Choose ‘No Build’ For Potomac Yard
Letter to the Editor
Recently, there have been a number of briefings regarding the proposed Metro Station in Potomac Yard. At every one of these briefings, City staff described the four alternatives that were under consideration (now reduced to two). Alternative A, which will cost about $209 million, is adjacent to Potomac Greens, and Alternative B, which is calculated to be $268 million, is very close to the Potomac Yards mall, but is also on a scenic easement owned by the National Park service. Neither location will be outfitted with a Kiss-and-Ride lot, so potential riders must walk to these locations. This may be difficult for some, especially for the handicapped.
Letter: Make Veterans Day School Holiday
Letter to the Editor
I was disappointed to read that the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment making Veterans Day a school holiday.
Hub Theatre Delves into the Daring Life of “The Typographer’s Dream”
The venturesome, daring folk at the Hub Theatre are continuing to bring audiences bold new works by playwrights less often produced in the area. For its spring production, the Hub is producing the area premiere of the provocative and insightful “The Typographer’s Dream” written by Obie-Award winning playwright Adam Bock.
Northern Virginia Film Fest, April 13-19 at Angelika Film Center
“Creating a slice of Hollywood in Northern Virginia” is what the inaugural Northern Virginia International Film Festival is setting out to become for local and independent filmmakers and audiences, according to Fernando A. Mico, festival director.
Letter: Viable Options May Cost City
Letter to the Editor
When someone says he or she favors a Metro on Potomac Yard, the next question needs to be, “Which one?”
Column: Join in Fight against Child Abuse
Commentary
A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in our country, one of the worst records among industrialized nations that results in the death of between four and seven children each day. These tragic fatalities are just the tip of the “iceberg” of consequences our community faces due to child victimization.
‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’
Residents of local senior living communities share their experiences.
“I didn’t want to come here,” said Bill Woessner, referring to Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls. “That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife of more than 50 years, with plenty of her native Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice. “He really didn’t. We have a lovely house here in Great Falls and I don’t think he was ready to budge. But how long after we got here did that change?” she turned to her husband and asked. “At least a day,” he laughingly replied. “Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probably wasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”
Bridge Reconstruction on Route 27
The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun a $29.3 million project to improve the Route 27 (Washington Boulevard) bridge over Route 110 (Jefferson Davis Highway) in Arlington.
Creative Aging Festival Coming in May
Includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
A Creative Aging Festival will take place throughout the month of May at 100-plus local venues in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The month-long festival includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
County Adult Centers Offer Seniors Activities, Social Interaction
In 2014, the attendance at Fairfax County senior centers was 277,342.
At the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, volunteer Frank Bauer sees zumba and yoga classes “flowing into the main room sometimes,” he says, revealing how popular those classes are at the center, which caters to seniors 55 and older. This Kingstowne center, one of 14 senior centers throughout Fairfax County, offers classes and activities to keep seniors active.
Fit for the Golden Years in Potomac
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
Column: Manifest Destiny
I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why would I say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit that cancer is having an effect on me.
Fit for the Golden Years
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend.
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
Nysmith School Students Interview War Veterans
Richard Graff didn't hesitate to describe his darkest days while serving in World War II. "Every combat soldier has to get used to the bodies," he said. "Whenever I think back to that one day when I didn't think I would have another day, you bet, I'm glad to be here," Graff said.
72-year-old Filmmaker Debuts Alzheimer’s Documentary
When Barbara Klutinis’ husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she had no idea how she was going to get through the ordeal ahead of her. After joining a support group and hearing the stories of others going through the same thing, Klutinis realized she was not alone. Inspired by the experience, she decided to make a documentary about the lives of couples coping with the disease. The film, “The Sum Total of Our Memory: Facing Alzheimer’s Together,” will screen at the NOVA International Film Festival Friday, April 17, 1 p.m., at the Angelika Film Center in Fairfax.
Helping Hands
Senior Services of Alexandria
Five years ago, Mary Lee Anderson was asked if she could help Senior Services of Alexandria set up an information database. Since that time, what was supposed to be a part-time commitment has turned into a second career for the international telecommunications corporate executive.
Arlene Hewitt Sets the Pace for Seniors in Alexandria
A recipe for activism at any age.
She is four feet 10 inches tall and 84 years old. She tutors children who cannot read; she champions health insurance for the uninsured in Alexandria; she meets with mayors and senators; she takes 90-year-old gentlemen out to dinner; she wants to reduce the teen pregnancy rate in Alexandria; and she never lets more than a few days go by without chatting with her children or grandsons, usually via email or skype.
Aging in Place
Finding out about the latest services and programs.
Alexandria is a great place to be a senior – there are so many different services and organizations with programs designed to help older residents remain in their homes and age in place safely and in a healthy environment.
Life at Culpepper Garden
Award-winning retirement community celebrates 40th anniversary.
It is St Patrick's Day at Culpepper Garden in Arlington, and there is a party underway downstairs. As the accordionist touches the black and white keys, Marilyn Jarvis stands up and makes her way to the aisle, grabs a partner, Adrianna Bustamante, and begins tap dancing to "The Sidewalks of New York."
Lee Senior Center in Arlington Is a Creative Hub
Painting, pottery, rock bands, and social dance are big hits.
A passer-by at Lee Center in Arlington stopped in to see the country music players the other day and left feeling this group of musicians was worth staying to hear for the whole hour.
Inclusive Camaraderie for Seniors in Alexandria
Class offers a place to chat and get balanced.
Margaret Lewis got things going for seniors at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, starting the first Tai Chi class, knitting group and square dancing classes about 15 or 20 years ago. “It all started with Margaret Lewis,” says Donna MacDonald.
Getting Dirty for a Good Cause
Staff and volunteers plant native grasses along Big Rocky Run.
Wearing sturdy boots and wielding shovels and wheelbarrows, some two dozen people recently left their comfortable offices to dig in the soil at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. When they were done, a variety of native grasses had been planted to beautify the Big Rocky Run stream valley and help stabilize the banks there. Participating were staff members and volunteers from Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), Stormwater; Park Authority; and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD).