Stories
Mount Vernon’s Floyd Captures Second Region Title
Majors finish fourth at region wrestling championships.
Centreville's Ryan Sepulveda challenged Mount Vernon's Dusty Floyd and held a 1-0 lead midway through the third period. But Floyd would not be denied as he tied the score with an escape and produced the winning points with a takedown in the final minute. Fans on both sides of the gym at Hayfield Secondary School chanted "Let’s go Dusty!" as Floyd won a 3-1 decision on Feb. 11.
W-L Girls’ Gymnastics Captures First Region Title
Generals edge McLean by less than four-tenths of a point.
Washington-Lee won the 2012 Northern Region championship, holding off McLean by less than four-tenths of a point.
Game Benefits Scholarship Fund
In honor of Catholic schools week, St. Timothy School hosted a Student vs. Faculty/Alumni basketball game last week, raising over $10,000 to set up an educational scholarship fund as a memorial to pay tribute to the late Barbara Mertens, a St. Timothy teacher who lost her battle against cancer this past September. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Arlington diocese, Mertens was an inspiration to everyone she met. Her joy was bringing Christ to the children each and every day at school. She also believed every child should have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education if they desired one. Her motto was "God is good, all the time, God is good … and so are you."
Centre View Entertainment Feb. 16-22
To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.
Two Receive $10,000 Scholarships
Eight local area businesses are helping make the dream of a college education a reality for two high school seniors. Thanks to their generosity, each student received a $10,000 In Hope Freedom Rings Foundation (IHFR) scholarship.
Peeps and Positive Behavior
Candies are part of Franklin’s anti-bullying program.
Marshmallow Peeps are soft, tasty candies popular during holidays throughout the year. They’re also playing a role in Franklin Middle School’s efforts to encourage positive behavior in its students.
Letter: Shared Values
The following is an open letter to the Ahmadiyya Islamic Community.
Freezin' for A Reason
Matt Brick, proprietor of Brick's Pizza in Centreville, prepares to and jumps into Lake Anne on Feb. 4 as part of the Freezin' for a Reason Polar Dip in Support of Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, a camp that serves families that have a child with a life-threatening illness. Started by the Toth family of Vienna five years ago, the fundraiser has become a popular event at Lake Anne Plaza, with 185 jumpers this year. To date, this year's polar plunge has raised $73,000 for the charity. Brick raised $2,201.
2011-12 CVHS Science Fair
First place winners in the Centreville High School Science Fair are eligible to participate in the Fairfax County Public Schools Regional Science Fair in late March.
Overcoming Hardships to Graduate at Mountain View
At the outset of Mountain View High’s winter graduation last week, Assistant Principal and emcee Gary Morris told students about to receive their diplomas to be strong.
Jagels and Jobs: Words of Wisdom
Principal Dave Jagels began his address to Mountain View’s graduating seniors by relating a story about the Great Blondin, who invented the high-wire act. He said the story spoke to him about the journey that many of them had to take to reach where they are today.
PJammin for a Cause
Schools raise almost $5,000 for childhood-cancer research.
When it comes to raising money for a good cause, even the youngest schoolchildren can help. And last week, students at Centreville High, Liberty Middle and Centreville Elementary raised nearly $5,000 for childhood-cancer research.
Statistics Show Less Crime in Sully, Fair Oaks
When it comes to places to live, the Sully and Fair Oaks districts are among the tops in Fairfax County. And four public-safety officers presented crime statistics to back it up at the Jan. 25 meeting of the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
Making the Grade
Local school officials offer strategies for strengthening study habits.
When Jackie Jackson’s son brought home his report card recently, the Centreville mother of three was shocked. "His grades had fallen to an unacceptable level," said Jackson
Roundups Feb. 16-22
Fairfax County police are searching for a man who reportedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl last week in Fair Oaks. The incident occurred last Wednesday, Feb. 8, around 6:20 a.m. Police say the teen was walking to catch her school bus near the intersection of Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive when a man allegedly followed her, made comments of a sexual nature and touched her inappropriately.
Talent Sought for Musical Showcase
The Alliance Theatre is looking for young talent for its first annual Musical Showcase to be held Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, at Mountain View High School. Directors are Cathy Arnold and Jen Farmer. Individuals, small groups and large-group acts will perform and also participate in full-cast musical numbers that will be taught and rehearsed for the showcase.
Potomac Calendar Feb. 15-21
To have community events listed free in The Potomac Almanac, send e-mail to almanac@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call 703-778-9412.
Whitman Grad’s Paromi Tea Makes Its Mark
Paul Rosen loved the taste of "bush tea" from the U.S. Virgin Islands where he grew up — tea that was created from the herbs and flowers native to the environment. When he returned as a teenager to the Bethesda, he was unable to find teas with the "fresh as the day it was picked" aroma and taste that he desired. Because of his passion to satisfying this tea craving, he was inspired to research hundreds of varieties of tea — and to launch his own tea company, Paromi Tea.
Having Heart in Lorton
The Lorton Workhouse Arts Center held its 2nd Annual Saturday Art Walk last weekend, which allowed visitors to walk the halls of each building, interacting with artists.
MoverMoms Celebrate 5 Years of Helping Others
More volunteers always welcome.
Chief Inspiration Officer Salma Hasan Ali describes the power of MoverMoms this way: "It might seem like it’s a drop in the bucket, but when people collectively do just a little, the bucket suddenly becomes full."
‘Crafting for a Cure’ Benefits Ovarian Cancer Research
Taking control through their craft.
All are touched by cancer, some more than others. Five Potomac women who met every week in a crafting group were devastated when one of their members was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As an antidote to worrying and losing sleep while their friend was fighting the disease, they mobilized — and "Crafting for a Cure" was born. They started selling belt buckles, necklaces, earrings, and brooches — and donating all their profits for ovarian and gynecological cancer research.
"Is He Dead?" At Winston Churchill High School
The throaty guffaw you just heard emanating from the great beyond belongs to Mark Twain, who is no doubt getting a kick out of the posthumous success of his 1898 play "Is He Dead?" — an exceedingly silly doodle of a comedy that Twain never saw produced in his lifetime.
‘Coming to America’ at Robinson Middle
It’s one thing to read about history in a textbook, but another thing entirely to experience it "firsthand."
Flourishing After 55
"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for Feb. 27- March 2.
Frida Kahlo: Her Photos At Artisphere
The celebrated artist’s life revealed through personal photographs.
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)’s extraordinary life and iconic biographical paintings have earned her international renown in the world of modern art.
People of Faith Gather to Support Marriage Equality
Holding red heart balloons and handing out candles and flowers, nearly 200 guests gathered in the shadow of the historic Fairfax County Courthouse to celebrate the union of a one couple on Valentine’s Day.
Entertainment
Feb. 15-21
Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with any questions. Photos are welcome.
Talk of the Town: Sweet Nothings
Talk of the Town
Public Safety in the Local Area
Sheriff’s Office, State Police representatives speak.
Public safety and traffic were among the topics when representatives from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police spoke recently in Centreville. They addressed the Jan. 25 meeting of the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
"Really Really:" Reasonable Doubt
Spellbinding 'Really Really' debuts at Signature.
Did he or didn't he? It was the college party of the year and ambitious young co-ed Leigh finally gets her man, the All-American rugby captain Davis. But all is not what it seems as events unfold in the spellbinding production of "Really Really," now playing at Signature Theatre.
Schools Feb. 15-21
The founding classes of Yorktown High School will hold a joint reunion Oct. 19 – 21, at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington. Alumni from Yorktown High School Class of 1963 are participating in a Class Reunion Website at http://classreport.org/usa/va/arlington/yhs/1963/ There are no registration fees required to join in the fun. Each class member has full participation privileges.
Bulletin Board Feb. 15-21
Know of something missing from the community calendar? E-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome. For more volunteer opportunities, classes, announcements visit http://www.arlingtonconnection.com and click on Community.
Week in Fairfax
Things happening in the Fairfax area.
Har Shalom Players To Perform ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
Musical harkens to ‘50s and ‘60s
It’s 1958 — and Conrad Birdie is coming to the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio to plant “One Last Kiss” on 15-year-old Kim MacAfee’s lips. The story continues as Kim’s family gets ready to appear on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” where Conrad Birdie will be serenading Kim.
Honoring Grads Who Choose to Serve
Burke moms lobby school board to recognize enlistees during graduation ceremonies.
When Carolyn Kellam’s 17-year-old son, Danny, asked for permission to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps last year, she said "the mom in me was scared to death, but the citizen in me was very proud."
Overlee Clubhouse is gone
Generations of swimmers in the Northern Virginia Swim League know the Overlee Clubhouse on Lee Highway, Arlington. Thousands of youngsters literally competed in its shadow.
Letter: Elections for Family And Community
To the Editor: We need effective, sustainable solutions. When more than 100 million Americans are living in poverty, struggling to keep their homes, when millions of Americans are unemployed and others have given up, we need jobs.
Fairfax Fashion Student Sketches a Winning Dress
For 17-year-old Samantha Bryant, Feb. 3 should have been like any other school day. It was noon, when she normally left W.T. Woodson High School and drove to Fairfax Academy where she studies fashion design.
Robinson in Pink
Two Robinson students promote breast cancer awareness.
There will be 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer among women in the United States, according to Susan G. Komen’s website.
Week in Burke
Things happening in the Burke area.
Pedestrian Improvements Coming Soon to the Burke Centre Parkway
A $150,000 Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) grant will make it a little safer for students and pedestrians at Terra Centre Elementary School in Burke.
Fairfax County Considers Meals Tax Referendum
Revenue would be earmarked for transportation projects.
Last week, it looked as if the Virginia General Assembly might give Fairfax County a new funding tool: the right to generate new revenue through user fees, such as tax on restaurant meals, which would drive down the County’s reliance on property taxes.
Letter: A River Runs Through It (and That’s a Shame)
A river runs through Arlington, sucking in the unsuspecting. It’s The-School-Lottery-River.
New Officers at Salvation Army
Captains Alan and Mary Gonzalez have been appointed the new Corps Officers for The Salvation Army Arlington Corps located at 518 S. Glebe Road.
New Waste Disposal Agreement
The Arlington County Board approved a new Waste Disposal and Service Agreement between Arlington and Alexandria and Covanta Alexandria/Arlington Inc.
Exhibiting ‘Art Without Borders’
JAMmARTt (Jews and Muslims Making ART Together) will celebrate the opening of its exhibition Art Without Borders: A Celebration of Humanity at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, Goldman Art Gallery, with a reception on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Public Hearing For Reevesland
A public hearing on the future of Reevesland will be held on March 8, 7 p.m. at the Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th St. S.
Leadership Arlington Graduates 36
Leadership Arlington celebrated the graduation of the second Young Professionals Program class, completing a four-month leadership development program.
Young Democrats To Host Convention
The Young Democrats Club at Washington-Lee High School will be hosting a High School Democrat’s Convention on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., open to all students.
Fisette Elected Chairman of NVTC
Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette has been elected the chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, a transportation advocacy group for the region.
Last Jews of Yemen Exhibit at B'nai Tzedek
Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac, held a reception on Tuesday, Feb. 7, for the opening of the “Last Jews of Yemen” photography exhibit — portraying one of the oldest indigenous Jewish communities in the Middle East, and the last surviving remnant of this ancient community.
Board Approves Redevelopment
The Arlington County Board approved a plan to redevelop a 1.13-acre, block-long site in the commercial heart of Clarendon with two office buildings and ground floor retail.
Board Approves Mixed-Use Building
The Arlington County Board approved a plan on Jan. 21 to redevelop a Virginia Square site that now houses the Arlington Funeral Home with a public plaza and a nine-story mixed-use commercial building that will include offices, ground-floor retail and a black box theater.
State Board Honors Schools
Ten Arlington schools earned 2012 Virginia Index of Performance awards. The awards were created by the State Board of Education in 2007 to promote advanced learning and achievement.
Barbara Parkinson, Longtime Connection employee
Barbara Jean Parkinson, age 67 of Sterling, Va., died Feb. 7, 2012 at her residence.
Proposal for Reducing Odor Causes Stink
Construction seeks to eliminate stench from sewer line vents.
Construction along the C&O Canal to help eliminate stench is currently causing a stink. The parking lot at Anglers Inn on MacArthur Boulevard, used by kayakers enjoying the Potomac River as well as runners, hikers and bikers traversing the Billy Goat Trail and towpath, is now filled with construction equipment and no parking signs. The public can’t access the lower lot at this time.
River Road Bike Path Moves Forward
Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation intends to build a 1,200-foot, five-foot wide bike path on the north side of River Road, from Riverwood Drive to River Oaks Lane. The county will need to acquire the land, finalize engineering and begin construction. The target completion date of the $400,000 project is Spring 2013.
Planners Release Book Featuring Historic Sites
The 10th- anniversary edition of the award-winning “Places from the Past: The Tradition of Gardez Bien in Montgomery County, Maryland,” a book that inventories the county’s historic sites, is now available online.
Copper Gutter and Downspout Thefts Investigated
Detectives from the 1st and 2nd District Investigative Sections continue to investigate over two dozen incidents of theft of copper gutters and copper downspouts from area residences.
Bill Would Set Aside Unallocated Money for Preschool Funding
Effort seen as way to use money for preschool rather than returning it to the general fund.
Every year, millions of dollars worth of preschool funding goes unused. Here in Alexandria, for example, Virginia offered $1.6 million worth of matching funds for preschool programs in the city.
New City Manager Offers Proposal to Increase Average Residential Property Tax Bill by $52
Rising property values mean most residential property owners would pay more.
With two months under his belt as the city’s new chief executive, City Manager Rashad Young proposed his first budget to City Council members on Valentine’s Day.
Redevelopment Spotlight Moves to Alexandria's West End
Developers stand to gain a fortune, but what about low-income residents?
Ever since city officials annexed the half of Alexandria west of Quaker Lane in 1952, the West End has had to fight for a place at the table.
Council Notebook
The Fat Lady has yet to sing an aria for the waterfront plan, and now the controversial upzoning has been put on hold. At least for now.
In Session
Abortion has sparked some of the sharpest exchanges in the General Assembly session this year, with two controversial bills making it out of the House of Delegates at the halfway point this week.
Alexandria Paramedic Remembered for Perpetual Optimism and Wry Humor
Joshua Weissman, 33, dies while responding to a car fire on Interstate 395.
Joshua Weissman, a popular and optimistic Alexandria paramedic with a wry sense of humor, died last week after receiving a head injury while responding to a fire on Interstate 395. He was 33.
Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age
Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.
For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.
