Stories
Potomac School Notes
School Notes for the Potomac area.
Military Notes January 16
Military Notes for January
A New Home in Five Easy Pieces
Trend grows for modular homes.
The Plymouth Haven neighborhood is welcoming another new modular home, the third in the last five years. Last week, Plymouth Haven native, Jim Harvey, and his wife Colleen, watched a crane operator lift the modules of their new home into place. Jim Harvey had mixed feelings as the new house replaced the one he grew up in with six brothers.
New Theatre for Young Artists To Perform ‘Music Man’
Local students in Bravo@Kat Theatre for young artists’ production.
There may be trouble in River City — but at the new Bravo@Kat Theatre for young artists, there’s only the excitement and thrill of the inaugural performance of Meredith Wilson’s play, “The Music Man.” On Jan. 19 and 20, the Olney Theatre Center’s historic stage will reverberate with familiar tunes from “The Music Man” while 35 young performers from Montgomery County entertain and delight their audience.
‘To Reach the Beach’
The West Potomac Dance Team took over the floor at the boy’s varsity basketball game against Lee during halftime last Friday evening, Jan. 11.
Looking Back on a Satisfying Career
Richard Bowles always knew he’d someday be a doctor. “My dad was a doctor and I used to ride on calls with him,” he said. “I think he had a big influence on me. I was around medicine all my life and I looked up to him, so there was never any question about what I wanted to do.”
Visitors from Spain
McLean School of Maryland families hosted 7 teenage Spanish Exchange Students from Colegio Europeo Madrid for a month.
Letter to the Editor: Move Forward on Rink Modification
As the current chair of the Friends of the Potomac Community Center, Inc., as well as a long-time Potomac resident, it saddens me to hear the negative feedback coming from a very few neighbors concerning the proposed modification of the current roller rink.
Economic Development Topic of Chamber Meeting
The future of economic growth in Fairfax County will be found in the new field of personalized medicine, along with the current growth sectors of IT, and financial services according to Dr. Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority speaking to the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.
School Notes for Centreville and Chantilly
School Notes for Centreville and Chantilly
Column: Transportation Debate Begins
Governor McDonnell’s transportation proposal dominated the first three days of session. I welcome this long-overdue debate.
Column: General Assembly Gets Underway
The Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond last Wednesday. So far one of the major issues is whether or not to lift the moratorium on mining uranium.
The Bare Necessities
LTA debuts “The Full Monty.”
The year is 1992 and unemployment is high in Buffalo, N.Y., where former millworker Jerry Lukowski hatches a plan to earn some quick cash by producing a Chippendale’s-style strip show in “The Full Monty,” now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.
Steep Canyon Rangers returning to The Birchmere
It's only the beginning of January, but the Steep Canyon Rangers have their whole year booked.
Drop Off Site for Shelter’s Wish List
Jodi Casamo, owner of Casamo Court Reporting and also three large dogs, contacted the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria when she realized that having her office nestled in the heart of Old Town could be a strategic drop-off point for individuals desiring to donate items to the shelter.
Letter to the Editor: Former School Board’s Achievements
Last week, newly-elected city leaders were sworn into office, and seven members of the Alexandria School Board — Mimi Carter, Yvonne Folkerts, Sheryl Gorsuch, Blanche Maness, Helen Morris, Art Peabody and Charles Wilson — ended their terms of service.
Letter to the Editor: Overpowering Gun Lobby
I’m a retired, wounded, and decorated army veteran who was raised during the Great Depression , served overseas in an infantry division in World War II, made the Inchon D-Day landing with the 1st Mar Div in the Korean War, was in the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, and also served in NATO in the Middle East.
Championing Lynhaven, Education and Voter Registration
Rosa Byrd: Protecting her neighborhood, improving her city.
Rosa Byrd and her husband Jack have lived in Alexandria for more than 50 years and for much of that time she has been a community leader and champion for causes to make her Lynhaven neighborhood a safe place to live.
United Way Awards Non-Profits $105,300
United Way of the National Capital Area awarded grants to 10 local non-profits through the Alexandria Community Impact Fund a total of $105,300 lon Tuesday, Jan. 8, at City Hall.
Column: Must an Affordable Neighborhood Be Lost?
Soon we’ll celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday — a day for service. But I want to suggest that it should be a day for justice, beginning in our own backyard. The injustice that my family and our neighbors are experiencing in the Beauregard area is “a threat to justice everywhere.”
Raising Awareness, Money at Fairfax High
Seniors organize fundraising for Lou Gehrig’s Disease
For three Fairfax High School seniors--Hannah Kostoff, Carley Rolincik and Ryan Hess--a school marketing project became an opportunity to advance a noble cause. On Saturday, Jan. 12, the three seniors organized a fundraising and awareness event for the Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Column: Success of Playfest in 2012
Students, staff and some community members all came together to create something meaningful and beautiful for the Playfest at T.C. Williams High School Black Box Theatre last November.
Column: Some Thoughts on Transportation
Transportation funding is going to be a big issue this General Assembly session. The Governor has taken the step of agreeing we need more revenue and tax increases to pay for transportation; but the details of his initial proposal are cause for concern.
Column: GOP Stands in the Way of Voter Issues
As the Virginia General Assembly begins its annual winter session, there are many areas of policy that require urgent attention. As we move forward, attention will be paid to transportation, education, and the way we fund our priorities in the Commonwealth, as it should be.
Two Charged in Stolen Police Cruiser Cases
Alexandria Detectives have charged two men in connection with the two stolen police cruiser cases from December 2012.
New Administrators at Central Office
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Morton Sherman has appointed two new Alexandria City public Schools Central Office staff members.
Lights To Be Replaced At Simpson Park
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is replacing the existing athletic field lights at Simpson Park, 426 E Monroe Ave.
DASH Increases Service To Community College
Riders on the Alexandria Transit Company’s (DASH) AT6 route will see more frequent service between the King Street Metrorail Station and the Northern Virginia Community College, starting this week.
Obituary: Willard F. Townsend
Lt. Col. Willard F. Townsend (USAF-Ret.), age 79, of Pike Road, Ala. died on July 31, 2012.
Obituary: Muriel S. Rector
Muriel S. Rector, 90, formerly of Alexandria, died on Dec. 19, 2012, in Kilmarnock, Va.
Obituary: Edward Arthur Daggit
Lt. Col. Edward Arthur Daggit Ph.D., USA Ret., age 80, of Harrisonburg, Va., died on Friday Jan. 11, 2013.
Week in Reston
Body found on a Reston path identified and History of Reston program continues
Obituary: Hilary Carr
Hilary Carr, 62, of Alexandria, died on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.
Obituary: Helen D. Anderson
Helen D. Anderson died Jan. 9, 2013.
Celebration to Focus On Community Service
Former NAACP Chairman Julian Bond to deliver keynote address at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration.
The Reston Community Center presents the 28th Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Jan. 19 and 20, 2013.
Letter: Park Authority’s Clarification
John Lovaas addressed the need to preserve and manage natural areas in Fairfax County [County Failing to Preserve Natural Resource Areas, Reston Connection, Dec. 12-18, 2012]. Although we concur with that need, we felt compelled to clarify several points in his column pertaining to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 23,136 acres of parkland.
Commentary: Smoke and Mirrors
One of my mentors in my earliest years in the General Assembly was Delegate Dorothy McDiarmid who served off and on from 1960 to 1989. First elected on a platform of keeping the public schools open during racial desegregation, the gentlelady from Fairfax Mrs. McDiarmid went on to successfully add kindergarten to the public school system of the state and to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Her supporters gave her the campaign slogan, “The Lady Has Clout.” Delegate McDiarmid taught me to look carefully at political proposals for many lacked substance and were simply “smoke and mirrors.”
Springfield Neighbors Recall Truman Inauguration in 1949
As Washington prepares for Presidential Inauguration, Jim Upp, Scott Shipe, and Gray Parks recount their experiences of 64 years ago.
The inauguration of President Truman in 1949 produced many firsts—first to be nationally televised, first to be openly integrated, first to debut the current presidential seal.
Column: Off to Do the People’s Work in Richmond
Our long-time state legislators—Delegate Ken Plum and State Senator Janet Howell—always begin the Reston new year with their (not really a) town hall get-together for constituents. They invite us to come and talk about the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session in Richmond when all 100 delegates and 40 senators convene for 45 or 60 days to consider thousands of new laws promoting the general welfare and a bright future for all Virginians.
Bragging Big
American Century Theater shows off through Feb. 2.
Aubrey Piper is self-centered and self-deluded, a pathological liar and shameless publicity seeker determined to climb Philadelphia’s social ladder by any means necessary in George Kelly’s Pulitzer Prize nominated “The Show Off,” a production by The American Century Theater now playing at Gunston Theatre Two in Arlington.
Students Get Blast From the Past
Reston Rotary tours elementaries with Thomas Jefferson re-enactor.
Students across Reston elementary schools got a blast from the past Tuesday, Jan. 8 and Wednesday, Jan. 9, courtesy of the Reston Rotary Club. Bill Barker, an actor who has played Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg since 1993, toured Forest Edge, Terraset, Dogwood, Fox Mill, Hunters Woods and Lake Anne Elementary Schools to tell the students about his life and beliefs.
Feeling Fine Art
Third DC Tattoo expo hosted in Arlington
The hum and whiz of needlework welcomed visitors to the third DC Tattoo Expo, held Jan. 12 and 13 at the Crystal Gateway Marriot in Arlington.
Best of Reston Named
Individuals, organizations, businesses recognized at annual awards announcement.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith named their 2013 Best of Reston award winners Thursday, Jan. 10. The annual awards recognize individuals, organizations and companies that represent the community’s founding ideals.
Week in Herndon
The Town of Herndon is accepting grant proposals of up to $5,000 through the Virginia Commission for the Arts Local Government Challenge Grant Program for projects to be implemented in FY2014.
Teacher Reads from Her First Book of Poems
McCabe hopes for new manuscript to become second book.
Yorktown High School English and creative writing teacher Melanie McCabe read a selection of poems from her first book, “History of the Body,” at Westover Branch Library on Monday, Jan. 7.
Colorful, Satirical Musical Revue
Elden Street Players to present “Tom Foolery.”
Be inspired as "Tom Foolery" takes audiences into the world of Tom Lehrer who delighted so many with his musically-based attacks and banter on everything, both high-brow and low. The time is the 1960s, when there were "few if any restrictions to what could be said about life, but always with tongue-in-cheek" said Adriana Hardy, director of the Elden Street Players (ESP) production.
Town Launches Customer Service Initiative
Town services to be more customer friendly, new feedback methods created.
The Town of Herndon announces a new customer service initiative Monday, Jan. 14, called “Count ON Us.” Named to connect with the town’s new branding strategy, the initiative will focus on increasing customer satisfaction with the town’s services.
Rust Speaks on Current Session
Transportation high among priorities for residents.
Del. Tom Rust (R-86) addressed his constituents at the Herndon Municipal Center Saturday, Jan. 12 to give an update on the current General Assembly session.
Medicaid Reform Could Benefit All of Us
Commentary
Medicaid reform and expansion, in front of the General Assembly this year, could in the long run provide benefits to all Virginians while also relieving pressure from human service programs run by local governments.
Cooper Middle Students Visit Pine Spring Elementary
On Wednesday Dec. 19, 40 Cooper Middle School students visited their sister school, Pine Spring Elementary, and threw a holiday party.
Traveling Down A Familiar Road
Transportation funding, education top agenda at town hall with Sen. Petersen, Del. Keam.
“The biggest example of ‘tragic mismatch’ since I wore madras slacks and white socks in 1980 to my first middle school dance.” That’s how Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) described Republican Governor Robert McDonnell’s transportation funding plan, which calls for an increase in the sales tax and eliminates the $17.5 cents per gallon gas tax.
Area Roundups
Resiliency Expert to Speak at Robinson
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host a presentation by resiliency expert Nan Henderson—Resiliency in Action: How Families, Schools and Communities Create 'Bounce Back’ Kids—on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School. This free presentation is designed for parents, school staff, and community members.
Wolftrap Elementary to Honor Former Teacher Candace Leyton
Wolftrap Elementary School will hold a dedication ceremony for the new Candace Leyton Innovation Learning Lab on Monday, Feb. 4, at noon. The addition to the front of the school is named after the late Candace Leyton, who taught at the school for 23 years.
Week in Vienna
Town Hall renovations underway, standing meetings relocated, searchable town code available online, family skating at Vienna Community Center, ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Kennedy Center trip, and Wood Bat Softball Tournament registration open
Robinson Offers Pair of Children’s Shows
Presenting “Waking Sleeping Beauty” and “The Lorax” this weekend.
The only thing better than one children’s show is two children’s shows, and Robinson Secondary’s Production Company class, RoProCo, is presenting a double bill this weekend.
PostNet Business Center Opens in Vienna
Print shop supports businesses and non-commercial needs.
When James Cudney turned his back on the road warrior life a couple of years ago, he turned inward to the community that his family lived in, loved and supported. If he was going to downshift a speed, he was going to center his professional life in Vienna.
Crime Reports
MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 800 block of S. Ivy Street. At 7:55 p.m. on Jan. 3, a married couple got into a verbal dispute. The argument escalated and the wife stabbed her husband in his arm with a folding knife. The victim was transported to Virginia Hospital Center for medical treatment of the stab wound. A 20-year-old Arlington woman was arrested and charged with malicious wounding.
James Madison Dance Team Wins Large Varsity Pom Division
The James Madison Varsity Dance Team competed at the 2012 Mason Dance Team Invitational on Sunday, Dec. 9, among 32 other dance teams.
Family Remembers Life and Legacy of Kidnapped Libyan Human Rights Activist
Mansur Rashid Kikhia’s family lives in McLean and Vienna area.
Nineteen years ago, on Dec. 10, 1993, Libyan human rights activist and lawyer Mansur Rashid Kikhia, was kidnapped from his hotel room in Cairo, Egypt and spirited out of the country. Last month—December, 2012—Kikhia’s death in Tripoli was confirmed to his family, now living in the Vienna and McLean areas. On Saturday, Jan. 12, Kikhia’s family and friends celebrated the life of a man dedicated to human rights for all.
Tysons Service District Created
New tax district will help fund Tysons Corner improvements.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted eight to two to create a Tysons Corner Service District, which is expected to raise money to help cover the estimated $3.1 billion in new roads and public transit development planned for the area.
District Orchestras Perform at Langley High
Langley High hosts District XII Junior and Senior Orchestras.
One hundred and sixty-five students from 11 middle schools and 14 high schools participated in District XII Junior and Senior Orchestras Jan. 4-5 at Langley High School. Guest conductors worked with the students for two days and presented a superb concert.
Week in McLean
New scenic pull-off and parking area at Langley Fork and McLean senior source volunteer opportunity
Meet New St. Luke School’s Principal
St. Luke Elementary School in McLean has welcomed Principal Louis Silvano. He has been busy this first semester building relationships with the school’s students and staff.
PAUL Opens Bakery Café at Tysons Galleria
Established in Lille, France in 1889, PAUL Bakery is an international chain with nearly 500 stores in 25 countries, and in such prime locations as Barcelona, Brussels, Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Moscow, Paris, Singapore and Tokyo. On Monday, Jan. 14, PAUL opened its first bakery café in Virginia in the Tysons Galleria shopping mall in McLean. (This is the fifth PAUL bakery café in the Washington, D.C. area.)
Mason’s School of Art Presents ‘Draw(n) Out’ Exhibit
George Mason University's School of Art is presenting "Draw(n) Out," an exhibition featuring works by nationally recognized artists from across the United States, including a selection of artists represented by galleryELL in Brooklyn, N.Y. The exhibition will be on display in the Fine Art Gallery in the Art and Design Building on Mason's Fairfax Campus from Jan. 22 through Feb. 15. Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 6-8 p.m.
Letter: Too Little, Too Late
Kyle McCauley heaped praise on Del. Barbara Comstock for her efforts to "increase the in-state slots guaranteed for Virginia's students to 75 percent" [Increasing Slots for Virginia Students, Connection, January 9-15, 2013].
Korean Teachers Visit Churchill Road
On Friday, Jan. 11, Churchill Road hosted the Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education, a delegation comprising 45 Korean teachers.
Express Buses From Burke to Tysons
Fairfax County launches Express Connector Bus Service.
With the expansion of Tysons Corner firmly underway, Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is getting ahead of the commuting curve with the launch of its new Express Connector bus service utilizing the recently opened 495 Express Lanes to carry commuters from Burke to Tysons Corner.
Spirit of Holidays at Churchill Road
Churchill Road students embodied the spirit of the holidays through a variety of service learning projects.
Letter: A Vote to Remember
I was interested to read Supervisor John Foust's column about the challenges facing Fairfax County in 2013, and especially his comments about the financial challenges the county faces [Challenges Facing Dranesville in 2013, Connection, Jan. 2-8, 2013].
Letter: Doing the Right Thing on Guns
The issue of gun control has been in the news lately, with everyone from President Obama to a British TV host voicing their opinion since the tragic shooting in Newton, Conn.
Health Advisory Committee to Consider Policy of Withholding Recess as Punishment
Should the last-resort punishment be scuttled?
Should students be punished by having their recess time revoked?
