Friday, January 29
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Jan. 29-Feb. 7
Entertainment
Events in Alexandria and Mount Vernon, Va.
Mount Vernon: Several Projects Taking Shape in 2016
Including commercial, residential, hospital and U.S. Army.
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. The development, now named “South Alex,” will feature 400 apartments, 41 townhomes and 44,000 square-feet of ground-level retail space. The project team is hoping to break ground by the second quarter of 2016.
Thursday, January 28
Snowstorm Q&A: South Lakes’ Caloyannides Built an Igloo
Snowstorm Q&A with South Lakes volleyball player Melody Caloyannides.
Snowstorm Q&A: West Potomac’s Lisenby Got into Snowball Fights
Snowstorm Q&A with West Potomac junior Brandan Lisenby.
Snowstorm Q&A: Mount Vernon's Ray Spent Quality Time with Family
Snowstorm Q&A with Mount Vernon guard Chanise Ray.
Snowstorm Q&A: Episcopal’s Blair-May Enjoyed Late-Night Walk
Snowstorm Q&A with Episcopal running back Eli Blair-May.
Snowstorm Q&A: TC’s James: Titans Won’t Be Affected by Storm
Snowstorm Q&A with T.C. Williams guard Tavaris James.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Discussing Renovations
The Mount Vernon Kiwanis Club dined at the newly renovated Cedar Knolls restaurant on the George Washington Parkway on Jan. 6. The new managing partner and chef, Andrew Holden, spoke to the club about the process of organizing the renovations of a historical restaurant, and his plans for future expansion of dining arrangements and then getting into lunch service. After his presentation, Club President Joanne Malkin, on right, and president-elect Vivien Peterson, on left, presented Holden with a club baseball cap as a token of appreciation.
Springfield Art Guild Speaks at Civic Association
The Springfield Art Guild (SAG) made a presentation about all of its many offerings to the Springfield Civic Association at its Tuesday, Jan. 19 meeting at Crestwood Elementary School.
Springfield: Challenger Disaster Remembered
Greenspring’s Tak Kato recalls disaster 30 years ago.
Greenspring resident Tak Kato spent his career as an electrical engineer working in the research, design, and development of operational systems and satellite technology for international space programs.
Commentary: Reining in Predatory Towing
Aside from the snowstorm of the century, this week brought the start of consideration of legislation and initial work on our state budget.
Letter: Maintaining Bike Trails
To the Editor
I am writing to express my concern that the bike trails in our community are not being properly maintained by the county of Fairfax.
Clifton: Helping Tragedy Survivors
For the second year in a row, the Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) donated $3,300 to Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors (TAPS).
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happenings in Fairfax.
Fairfax: John O’Neal Named City’s Fire Chief
The City of Fairfax has announced the appointment of John O’Neal as chief of the City of Fairfax Fire Department.
Fairfax: Daniels Run Elementary Presents State of the School Report
“The state of Daniels Run is strong and getting stronger,” declared Daniels Run Elementary School principal Adam Erbrecht at his annual state of the schools report to the City of Fairfax School Board on Monday, Jan. 11 at the regular school board meeting.
Alexandria: TC Gymnast Lager Wins All-Around
Junior is last remaining competitor from championship team.
T.C. Williams gymnast Caitlyn Lager won the all-around at a meet on Jan. 20 at West Potomac.
Mount Vernon Letter: Doomed Proposal
Letter to the Editor
In last week's Gazette, newly elected state Sen. Scott Surovell discussed a portion of his 2016 legislative agenda.
Mount Vernon Letter: Kudos on Snow Removal
Letter to the Editor
For the first time in the 18 years I have lived on Duke Drive, the VDOT snow plow came down my side of the street after I sought constituent services from our new state delegate, Paul Krizek.
Mount Vernon Letter: An Invitation
Letter to the Editor
I have a suggestion for Mr. Medico (Letter: “Efforts Still Infringe on Rights”) and Mr. Spiegel (Letter: “Gun Laws not Being Enforced”). Rather than trading barbs, claims and counter claims, how about all of us go out to dinner, talk and see if there is any common ground.
Mount Vernon Column: Reining in Predatory Towing
Commentary
Aside from the snowstorm of the century, this week brought the start of consideration of legislation and initial work on our state budget.
Mount Vernon Column: Time To Raise Minimum Wage
Commentary
Many readers know that I work for a nonprofit headquartered on Richmond Highway, in the heart of Mount Vernon. Small nonprofits like mine face many of the same troubles as small businesses: money is always hard to come by and we must operate within very small margins. Indeed, we rely on the generosity of the public for our support. Many of the people we serve are barely making it; they work long hours and struggle to get by. Helping people is what we do but wouldn’t it be better if they could do more to help themselves? The best way to make that happen is to raise the minimum wage.
Mount Vernon Brief: McNaughton Renovation to Start
Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled at noon on Saturday, Jan. 30, for the Fairfax County Park Authority’s renovation of the baseball fields at McNaughton Park, 5320 Pole Road, in Alexandria. The public is invited to these brief ceremonies featuring local officials, members of the Park Authority Board and the athletic community.
Alexandria Letter: Praising Treatment of Staff
As an Old Town resident, it is always enjoyable to walk around during and after a snowstorm. My wife and I had dinner on King Street and a few warm drinks at places that stayed open.
Chocolate Festival Returns Feb. 6-7 in Fairfax
When it comes to chocolate, the City of Fairfax does it up right.
Alexandria Letter: Vote in Primary
Letter to the Editor
There is an important election coming soon, on Tuesday, March 1, the primary election for President of the United States.
Snowstorm Q&A: Robinson’s Miller Watched ‘Friday Night Tykes’
Snowstorm Q&A with Robinson's Alex Miller.
Alexandria Letter: Helping Homeless Cats
Letter to the Editor
The feral cats, homeless cats, stray cats, wild cats, street cats, and alley cats among others are members of the same species of cats. Because these cats lack food, shelter, and water, it prompts them to hunt and scavenge t
Alexandria Letter: Why Develop Small Area Plans?
Letter to the Editor
The City of Alexandria invests thousands of dollars, in the form of employee man-hours and contractor fees, to develop the small area plans.
Alexandria Column: Maintaining Memory
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
If you are a fellow baby-boomer, does an occasional lapse in memory sometimes make you wonder if it is something more serious than a momentary distraction? A
Snowstorm Q&A: Woodson’s Maloney Went Sledding
Snowstorm Q&A with Woodson senior Seamus Maloney.
West Springfield Gymnasts Win West Potomac Meet
Gymnastic champions.
Mount Vernon: Missing Cat
Summer Breeze got lost Jan. 21 behind the Hybla Valley Veterinary Hospital in Alexandria. She is an indoor cat and very skittish. If seen, call Christy at 703-209-0306 or 703-360-0758 or Raychel at 571-235-5467.
Alexandria Mentor of the Month
Reading Buddies: Yahia and Sharon
I have been working with Ms. Sharon for about three years and it is a lot of fun. My favorite moment was when we went to IHOP and shared stuff about ourselves.
Alexandria: The Accidental Mentor
Commentary-Community Lodgings
Mentoring a teenage girl was the last thing on Dana Gilbertson's mind in 2013 when she visited Community Lodgings, an Alexandria nonprofit that offers transitional and affordable housing and youth education to low-income, predominantly Latino families. Gilbertson had intended to start a birthday program for the Community Lodgings youth, something that she had seen in her native Wisconsin.
Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield: Winter Fun and Entertainment Guide
A sampling of events in the area this winter.
Letter: Sex Trafficking Was Illegal for Hundreds of Years
To the Editor
Your article, "Money, Lax Laws Draw Sex Traffickers” (Connection, January 21-27) states “Last year, before the state of Virginia passed its first sex trafficking laws, SB 1188 and HB 1964, it was the last state in the United States with any sex trafficking legislation.”
Snowstorm Q&A: Lake Braddock's Jones Had First Snow Driving Experience
Snowstorm Q&A with Lake Braddock catcher Caroline Jones.
Burke and Fairfax: Del. Filler-Corn Offers 16 Bills
The bills reflecting broad areas of district concerns.
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) introduced a series of bills in furtherance of her work in education, victims’ rights, health care, public safety and prudent fiscal growth.
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston
Snowstorm Q&A: Hayfield’s Wieland Passed Time with Netflix
Snowstorm Q&A with Hayfield softball player Brittany Wieland.
South Lakes HS in Reston to Host Broadway Cabaret
NoVa Mini Maker Faire and Battle of the Bands.
Reston South Lakes High School Chorus Department will soon begin its 11th year of Broadway Night. Another upcoming event which will be hosted at South Lakes HS and Langston Hughes Middle School is the annual NoVa Mini Maker Faire.
Helping Neighbors in Reston Cope with Blizzard
These three gentlemen took it upon themselves to dig people out from the "Blizzard of 2016.”
Reston: Local Students Win National recognition at Junior Theater Festival
Students from Lopez Studios, Inc. in Reston won a Freddie G Award for Excellence in Ensemble Work and student Kendyl Florence earned a Freddie G Outstanding Student Director and Choreographer at the 2016 Junior Theater Festival, held Jan. 15, 16 and 17 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga.
Snowstorm Q&A: Westfield’s Karl Practiced on Turf in Basement
Snowstorm Q&A with Westfield field hockey player Mackenzie Karl.
Reston: New Managing Director at Helios HR
Madelyne D’Angelo is the new managing director at Reston-based Helios HR, a human capital management and talent acquisition firm.
Commentary: Progress on Transportation
In the early years of the 20th-century travelers were advised not to come to Virginia because of the poor condition of the roads.
Herndon and Reston Winter Fun Guide
Stay active by running some races, find out if we have six more weeks of winter (we hope not), or enjoy some s’mores by the campfire.
Reston and Herndon Dig Out Of Blizzard
Blizzard limits public transportation, volunteers and crews step up.
Government, schools and libraries were closed throughout Reston and Herndon as the area continued to shovel out the snow from blizzard Jonas.
Potomac: Churchill Boys’ Basketball Team Shifts Gears
Bulldogs extend win streak to five with OT victory over Einstein.
The Churchill boys' basketball team has won five straight.
Snowstorm Q&A: Wakefield’s Tham Got into Sibling Snowball Fight
Snowstorm Q&A with Wakefield football player Anthony Tham.
Herndon Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Herndon Police Reports from Jan. 11-17.
Notable incidents from the Herndon Police Reports from Jan. 11-17.
Snowstorm Q&A: Madison’s Walker Shoveled Snow for 13 Hours
Snowstorm Q&A with Madison basketball player Taiga Walker.
Alexandria: Tragedy and Charity For Deputy Sheriff
Hardships continue for deputy sheriff, while family and coworkers help.
People at the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department say good things about Sergeant Chris O’Dell, but one of the most telling stories about O’Dell is when he saved an inmate’s life in August 2014.
Oak Hill/Herndon: What's Coming?
Sites and developments to look at in Herndon area.
Sites and developments to look at in Herndon area.
Snowstorm Q&A: Langley’s Duenkel Watched Movies with Family
Stnowstorm Q&A with Langley lacrosse player Halle Duenkel.
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Winter Fun and Entertainment
Winter Events and Activities to Keep You Warm
Winter Events and Activities to keep you warm
Alexandria: Achieving ‘Passable’ Roads
On Wednesday morning, Jan. 27, the city announced that all streets in Alexandria were passable for emergency vehicles, but warned that “passable” may mean only one lane is clear.
Snowstorm Q&A: McLean’s Norton Went Sledding
Snowstorm Q&A with McLean softball player Bella Norton.
People at Work: Keeping the City Safe in Snowstorm
Team works 24/7.
It is Thursday before the big snowstorm predicted to hit the D.C. area with up to two feet of snow.
Sports Roundups
Sporting news in your area.
Snowstorm Q&A: Herndon’s Bradley Snowed in with Best Friend
Snowstorm Q&A with Herndon gymnast Alexa Bradley.
Alexandria Snapshot: New Deputies
The Alexandria Sheriff's Office welcomes three new deputies to it ranks. From left: Dwayne Rogers, Emily Morris and Morgan Garner were sworn in at the Alexandria Courthouse on Friday, Jan. 22, shortly before the courthouse closed early in advance of the blizzard. The three received their badges and Edward Semonian, Clerk of the Circuit Court, administered their oath of office. The recruits begin training this week.
FCPS Award Nominations Sought
The nomination deadline is Feb. 3.
Neighbors: Taylor Run
Forty-eight years ago was the first time a group of children from three families on Shuter’s Hill went caroling during the Christmas break. They needed something to do because so much Christmas activity happened before Christmas when youths were still in school.
Alexandria Brief: Join in 8th Annual Cherry Challenge
The 8th Annual Cherry Challenge will be held Jan. 28 through Feb. 11.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna.
Alexandria Digs Out From Epic Snowstorm
"Obviously this was a historic event that pushed us to the brink."–Yon Lambert
After days of being at a standstill, Alexandria is slowly recovering after nearly two feet of snow paralyzed the city in the worst single storm to hit the area since the Knickerbocker Storm of 1922.
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Vienna Police Reports from Jan. 15-21.
Notable incidents from the Vienna Police Reports from Jan. 15-21.
Snow Place Like Home in Burke, Fairfax Station, Mount Vernon and Springfield
Residents, volunteers come together to dig out after Jonas drops over 20 inches.
Compared to Wednesday night’s sneak-attack dusting that caught Virginia Department of Transportation crews unprepared and commuters stuck in hours of slick rush hour gridlock, Fairfax County Supervisors think the full force of Winter Storm Jonas was weathered about as well as possible.
Kilmer Middle School Student Writes Prize Winning Essay
Catherine Tadlock, an eighth-grader at the Joyce Kilmer Middle School in Vienna, won first place in the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association (TOGA) Middle School Essay Contest.
What to Do This Winter in Vienna
Fun to Fun Fundraisers coming up.
The thought of snow sends Northern Virginians into survival mode, discouraging the scheduling of mega-events.
Alexandria Neighborhood Outlook: Developments Underway for Oakville, Eisenhower, Landmark
Incremental steps require time and negotiations.
With the approval of the Oakville Small Area Plan by the City Council in late 2015, that small corner of Alexandria is receiving a major facelift. The area referred to in council discussions as the “Gateway to Alexandria” will see expanded density and retail as the city braces for the opening of the nearby Potomac Yard Metro Station.
June Shea, Shea Studio Interiors, Recognized For Excellence in Customer Service
June Shea, Shea Studio Interiors of Fairfax Station, won “Best Of Customer Service" for 2016.
Appetite: 3 Tables to Reserve for Alexandria Restaurant Week
Do Alexandria’s many restaurant deals have you stymied? Here are three menus to consider.
As Alexandrians dig themselves out from their recent string of snow days, Restaurant Week arrives at the perfect time to provide a respite from the shoveling. Here are three eateries worthy of saving a spot for in the coming week.
Centreville Snapshot: Annual Holiday Program
The children of Clifton Children’s Academy performed their annual Holiday Program for parents Dec. 15, at the Sully Government Center. The preschool students created holiday art projects to decorate the center. Clifton Children’s Academy, started in 1997, serves families in the Clifton, Chantilly and Centreville areas. Pictured is the Panda Class, with teacher Natalia Malley and Program Director / teacher Vanessa Kott, students from left are Charles Kurzinger, Lexi van de Graaff, Julia Young, Taylor Hoffman, Arjun Sinha, Penelope Pappas, Cristiano Marquez and Charleigh Kinnie.
Centreville Snapshot: Cadet of the Month
Sophomore Jonathan Sison (left) of Centreville accepts the December 2015 Cadet of the Month award from Marine Military Academy Superintendent Col. R. Glenn Hill.
Great Falls: What's Coming?
In the pipeline for Great Falls ...
Several times a year, the Connection will map coming land use issues; to let us know about projects we’re missing, email kmoore@connectionnewspapers.com.
Great Falls Girl Scout Troop 1991 Earns the Silver Award
The girls of Great Falls Girl Scout Cadette Troop 1991 earned the organization’s Silver Award—the highest award for a Girl Scout Cadette.
Centreville Snapshot: NOVEC Reports Few Outages
The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative has had relatively few power outages on Jan. 23 despite significant winds and two feet of snow that have turned the Mid-Atlantic states white. Line and tree crews responded to power-outage reports since Saturday morning when Blizzard Jonas intensified in Northern Virginia.
Fairfax County Snapshot: Pajama Donations
On Dec. 17, preschool and elementary school students from eight Chesterbrook Academy locations in Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax and Herndon joined together at Chesterbrook Academy Kids Campus in Chantilly to sort toy and pajama donations they collected and pack them up for delivery. The toys were donated to children in the Northern Virginia area through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The 117 sets of pajamas collected were donated to the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, which assists families experiencing homelessness.
The Week in Burke
Broken Sprinkler Pipe at Heatherwood and FCPS Award Nominations Due
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to Heatherwood Retirement Community in Burke Saturday night after a sprinkler pipe burst due to heavy snow on the structure’s roof.
Chantilly: Cookie-Fueled Success
Latin students of St. Veronica School in Chantilly saw cookies as the secrets to their success on the Certamen circuit.
Chantilly Snapshot: ‘Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk’
Take two popular fairytales, add a couple gigantic puppets and mix well, and the result is Chantilly High's upcoming children's show, “Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk.”
Centreville Resident: ‘I’ve Got a Golden Ticket’
“American Idol” sends Westfield’s Sara Sturm to Hollywood.
It’s too early to know whether Centreville resident Sara Sturm will be the next American Idol; but at least, she has a chance. That’s because, after auditioning on the singing-competition show that aired Jan. 13 on national TV, she received a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Mason Neck Lions Donate Bus Stop Bench in Lorton
Members of the Mason Neck Lions Club placed their latest donated bench at a bus stop along Richmond Highway on Jan. 15, according to a release from Lion Joseph Chudzik.
Vienna Girl Scout Aids in Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
Meghan Parmer, a 15–year-old Girl Scout from Vienna and member of the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Council, completed Outward Bound Costa Rica’s Sea Turtle Retreat Destination.
New Eagle Scouts in Vienna and Oakton
Austin Allison, James Crowley, Cameron Farmer, of Oakton, and Tate Wilhelm (Vienna) received their Eagle Scout designation at a Troop 152 Court of Honor at the Vienna Presbyterian Church. Friends, family, community members and BSA leaders attended the celebration.
Langley Dominates Briar Woods on Ice
The Langley Saxons Ice Hockey Team defeated Briar Woods 8-2 last Friday night, Jan. 15 at Skatequest in Reston.
Wednesday, January 27
‘Colors of the Winter’ at Katie’s Coffee
Great Falls Studios photographer Jim Diedrich (Jamesdiedrich.com) is the featured artist for February at Katie's Coffee.
Editorial: ‘Disappointing, Not Surprising’
Bills to rein in predatory lending die in Senate committee.
Have you ever paid 36 percent interest on a loan or credit card?
Positive 2015 Real Estate Market Spurs Upbeat Outlook for New Year
Experts predict continuing positive trend.
The final figures are in, and it looks like the 2015 local housing market was a modest winner.
Building for the Future
School Board approves five-year $777 million Capital Improvement Plan.
While the rest of Fairfax County hunkered down in preparation for Winter Storm Jonas’ Friday arrival, members of the School Board held their business meeting as scheduled on Jan. 21 and approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan requiring $777 million.
McAuliffe Visits Fairfax County Post-Blizzard
Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) visited the Fairfax County Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Jan. 24, following the worst of Winter Storm Jonas to be updated on the state of the county in the blizzard’s wake.
Fairfax County Suspends Trash Collection for Blizzard Week
Fairfax County announced on its Emergency Information website Saturday night, Jan. 23, during Winter Storm Jonas that trash and recycling collection services would be suspended for the week of Jan. 25-30.
Classified Advertising January 27, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Leadership Arlington Welcomes New Class of Leaders
On Wednesday, Jan. 20, Leadership Center for Excellence, powered by Leadership Arlington, welcomed its newest class of the Young Professionals Program as it gathered for the first time for a day-long retreat.
Centreville/Chantilly: Honoring Veterans
Boy Scout Troop 1995, Venture Crew 5 and Girl Scout Troop 2878 from the Chantilly/Centreville area headed out to Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Maryland on Dec. 12 to participate in the Wreaths Across America (WAA) Event.
Potomac Real Estate Sales Associate Honored
Sales associate Mary Jo Joyce of the Potomac office of Weichert, Realtors, was individually recognized for her success during the month of December.
Potomac Snapshot: Grilled Snowman
Pete Passero's snowman built on the snow piled up on the grill — don't try to cook a steak.
Potomac’s Ronnie Chantker Leads Rotary
Assumes role of district governor-elect.
"Service Above Self” is the motto of Rotary International — an organization that Potomac’s Ronnie Chantker has been chosen to lead. She has adopted the motto as her creed and lives it every day as she dedicates her time and talents to local, national and international projects that make our world a better place to live for scores of people and families.
High Rent Among Challenges for Potomac Businesses
New government regulations could also have an impact.
Local businesses in Potomac will remain relatively stable, but could face new hurdles in 2016, predicts Potomac Chamber of Commerce President Adam Greenberg.
Arlington Snapshot: Shared Goals
Arlington Public Library staff presented the The Reading Connection with a check for more than $2,400 — representing a $1 donation from the Friends of the Arlington Public Library for each person who completed 2015 Summer Reading.
Arlington Snapshot: Snow Trees
Trees on N. River Street taken by Alison Ming, a 9th grader at Yorktown High School.
Arlington Letter: Tone Deaf County
Letter to the Editor
Once again, the Arlington County government has proven to be completely tone deaf when dealing with residents.
Arlington Column: Lopez Submits 2016 Legislative Agenda
Commentary
My legislative agenda reflects the values and priorities of our community.
Arlington Column: A Blizzard of Bills and Budget Amendments
Commentary
Last week the General Assembly kicked into high gear holding committee hearings to review the thousands of bills considered during the “long” 60-day session.
It’s the Law: Shoveling Required
Arlington is known as a walkable community but that reputation can get buried when snow comes down and ice builds up. Clear pedestrian routes after a snowstorm ensure access to work, schools, services and everyday mobility, which is why Arlington has a snow removal ordinance.
Arlington Blizzard Update
Arlington has entered Phase 3 of snow operations as of Monday, Jan. 25. This means that crews are now widening primary and secondary arterial roadways, and beginning the process of cleaning residential streets.
Arlington: Young Leads 25th Christmas Bird Count
Spotting some new species locally and missing others.
It is 7 a.m. at Theodore Roosevelt Island on Dec. 19, windy and expected to warm up to the 40s. Almost seven hours later, Bill Young and his team of eight will have recorded 2,533 birds with 60 different species in Subsector 5 for the Audubon's 116th annual Christmas Bird Count.
Arlington: Beyer Reviews His Work in Congress
And gains Republican opponent in Mike Webb.
It’s been a little over a year since U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8) took office, and both the first term congressman and his political opposition have been busy in that time.
Arlington: Transforming Four Mile Run
Neighborhood Outlook
Columbia Pike is the fastest growing area of Arlington. The Columbia Pike corridor is estimated to experience a 21 percent population growth, twice Arlington County’s anticipated 11 percent growth.
Friday, January 22
Fairfax County Braces for Epic Winter Storm Jonas
Chairman Bulova says VDOT was unprepared for Wednesday night, encourages residents to stay off roads during storm.
With Winter Storm Jonas looming and expected to begin Friday afternoon, a much milder dusting of snow the previous Wednesday night caught commuters and transportation workers off-guard. Treacherous, slick roads resulted in numerous accidents and forcing drivers into gridlock around Fairfax County.
Burke and Springfield: Lake Braddock Musical Theatre presents Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Since October, Lake Braddock junior Josh Lee has been transforming into Beast. He’s not ‘a beast,’ though he stands fairly stout at a formidable six-plus-feet-tall; Lee is cast as the dark and complex title character in his school’s Musical Theatre production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Lorton Brewer’s Wife Dies from Cancer
One week after a special ale was brewed to support her medical and other related costs, Kerri Rose of Alexandria died from cancer.
Fairfax Station-based Marian Homes begins work on group home Fairfax for people with disabilities
2016: Another year, another demolition and another home being renovated to meet the needs of five individuals with disabilities. On an overcast Friday, Jan. 15, Knights of Columbus volunteers assisting the Fairfax Station-based nonprofit organization Marian Homes stripped carpet and hammered and knocked down walls in a single-family home on Wilson Street in Fairfax City.
Brain Injury Services in Springfield gets survivors back into the community
In one moment, Kim Daily’s life changed forever. It was September 2011 and the Centreville resident was in a car accident where she hit her head. Afterwards she experienced some numbness and pain in her neck.
Serial Peeper Sought in Springfield
Fairfax County Police reported a series of peepings around Gloucester Avenue and Giles Place in Springfield between Dec. 29, 2015 and Jan. 15, 2016. Detectives believe one male suspect was involved in each of the incidents, fleeing after peeping into homes.
Thursday, January 21
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Jan. 22-31
Entertainment
Events in Mount Vernon and Alexandria, Va.
Weekend Events in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Lorton, Clifton and Springfield
Winter is coming. Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes.
Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes. Stay warm this weekend!
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 102 homes sold between $3,400,000-$181,084 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: December, 2015
Springfield Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 129 Springfield homes sold between $844,900-$220,000.
Springfield Home Sales: December, 2015
Reston Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 93 Reston homes sold between $1,695,000-$165,000.
Reston Home Sales: December, 2015
McLean Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 104 homes sold between $3,430,800-$136,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: December, 2015
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 63 homes sold between $1,125,000-$180,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: December, 2015
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 17 Great Falls homes sold between $4,100,000-$460,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2015
Fairfax Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 76 Fairfax homes sold between $880,000-$175,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: December, 2015
Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 17 homes sold between $945,000-$150,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2015
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 70 homes sold between $1,100,000-$183,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: December, 2015
Centreville Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 76 Centreville homes sold between $1,089,809-$170,000.
Centreville Home Sales: December, 2015
Burke Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 54 Burke homes sold between $675,000-$145,000.
Burke Home Sales: December, 2015
Mount Vernon Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 121 homes sold between $1,815,000-$100,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: December, 2015
Arlington Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 225 Arlington homes sold between $2,150,000-$120,000.
Arlington Home Sales: December, 2015
Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 214 Alexandria homes sold between $1,762,500-$110,000.
Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2015
Potomac Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 49 Potomac homes sold between $2,700,000-$560,000.
Potomac Home Sales: December, 2015
Reston and Herndon: Weekend Events
Winter is coming. Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes.
Winter fun in Reston and Herndon.
Weekend Events
Winter is coming. Call venues for schedule changes.
Winter is coming. Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes.
Wednesday, January 20
Commentary: Surovell’s 2016 Legislative Agenda: Part II
Last week, the 2016 General Assembly gaveled into action.
The Rules Committee assigned me to three committees.
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happenings in Fairfax.
Fairfax: JCC of Northern Virginia Dance Troupe Wins First Place
On Jan. 9-10, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia’s j.dance performance troupe, The Rockdaniot, received first place in the Mini category for their ballet and contemporary routines at JUMP Dance Convention in Washington, D.C.
Fairfax: Helping Women, Children in Shelters
Girls Inspired and Ready to Lead (GIRL) in empowering women in society.
Cheyenne Morrison, a 15-year-old resident of Fairfax was among a group of 30 girls gathered in a conference room at Fairfax City Hall on Monday morning, Jan. 18.
Fairfax: Improving a Major City Intersection
Work begins on the Kamp Washington project.
The City of Fairfax is making major improvements to the Kamp Washington intersection (Routes 236/Main Street, Route 29/Lee Highway and Route 50/Fairfax Boulevard) and its surroundings.
Fairfax City Council Considers Future of Green Acres
Leaders also search for community center sites.
The Fairfax City Council is trying to figure out what to do with the Green Acres Center on Sideburn Road.
Lanier Student Sings at King Festival
Lanier Middle School's Charles Wolfer.
Silverthorne is New NVTA Vice Chairman
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne was just named vice chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.
Letter: Coyotes, A Welcome Part of County’s Natural Ecosystem
To the Editor
Thank you for the article “Coyotes on the Rise in Fairfax County” (Connection, January 14-20, 2016).
Area Roundups
Area happenings in your neck of the woods.
‘Uplifting and Impressive’ Concert
On. Jan. 12, after school, band students from Cardinal Forest Elementary School, Hunt Valley Elementary School, Keene Mill Elementary School, Orange Hunt Elementary School, Rolling Valley Elementary School, West Springfield Elementary School, Irving Middle School, and West Springfield High School met in the West Springfield High School auditorium to rehearse together, eat dinner together and perform.
Mount Vernon Obituary: Memorial Service for Mary Jane Tucker
Mary Jane Tucker of Alexandria died with her family by her side on Saturday, May 23, 2015. She was 81 years old.
Mount Vernon: Advocate Against Opioid Abuse Attends State of the Union
Don Flattery’s son suffered an OxyContin addiction, died at 26 from an overdose.
Kevin Flattery had everything before him. A 2010 graduate of the University of Virginia, he had moved to Los Angeles after college and was starting a career in the film industry. “He was doing everything he wanted,” said Kevin’s father Don Flattery.
Mount Vernon: Remembering Edward Yellman
Edward K. Yellman, a retired colonel in the U.S. Army and father of five, died at his home in Alexandria on Monday, Jan. 4, 2016.
Column: Surovell’s 2016 Legislative Agenda, Part II
Commentary
The Rules Committee assigned me to three committees.
Mount Vernon Column: Seeking ‘Solar Co-ops’ for Residents
Commentary
One of the areas of my legislation this year includes continuing state Sen. Scott Surovell’s efforts to enact solar net metering policies in the Commonwealth. Currently there are several problems with solar panel construction in residential areas, which affect much of the heavily-wooded Mount Vernon community.
Mount Vernon Letter: Gun Laws Not Being Enforced
Letter to the Editor
John K. Bergen [“Let’s Agree on Common Sense,” The Gazette, Jan. 14] is an ineffective advocate for the gun control organization he represents.
Mount Vernon Letter: Efforts Still Infringe on Rights
Letter to the Editor
John Bergen’s response [“Let’s Agree on Common Sense,” The Gazette, Jan. 14] to my letter to the Mount Vernon Gazette about protecting the Second Amendment U.S Constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners is typical of liberals who use whatever means, supportable or not, to support their positions.
Cabrera: Automobile Detective of Alexandria
The case of the blinking AVS light.
Blink. Blink. The hood of the 2007 Toyota Highlander is propped open. Cristoper Cabrera, certified technician at Jack Taylor's Alexandria Toyota Scion, is sitting in the driver's seat, a bulky black machine on his lap, scanning the codes for a blinking AVS light. "It will give me some ideas on where to look."
Alexandria: Family, Friend Mourn Loss of Gordon Pickett Peyton, Jr.
Attorney, Commissioner of Accounts dies after long illness.
Gordon Peyton had a secret, a skeleton lurking in the closet of the proud, lifelong Virginian: He was actually born in Washington, D.C.
Little Theatre of Alexandria Hosts Area Actors Showcase
LTA to host D.C.-area actors showcase.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, whose productions have starred the likes of Dermot Mulroney and Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, will play host to the Washington area’s first actors showcase Feb. 12-14, providing the opportunity for local talent to be seen by top casting directors and industry professionals from New York City.
Fairfax: Woodson’s Ayoub Reaches 1,000 Career Points
Senior is committed to St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Woodson senior Matt Ayoub reached 1,000 points for his career on Tuesday.
Alexandria: Murders Spotlight Gang Presence
MS-13 gang members in custody over Beverley Park and Four Mile Run homicides.
After months of investigating, two of Alexandria’s 2015 homicide cases may have been solved. Police announced on Jan. 13 that suspects were in custody for the murders of Jose Luis Ferman Perez and Eduardo David Chandias Almendarez.
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston.
General Dynamics to Move to Reston
Post office and upcoming Reston Polar Dip at Lake Anne.
Reston resident Doris Tyler, owner of Chesapeake Chocolates at the Lake Anne Village Center, has set up a Go Fund Me account to raise money to open a post office in the Lake Anne Village Center.
Alexandria: T.C. Williams Overcomes Double-Digit Deficit to Beat Woodson
Senior Robinson comes through at free-throw line.
The T.C. Williams boys' basketball team defeated Woodson 79-76 in overtime on Tuesday.
Best of Reston Winners Announced
Honorees for silver anniversary event announced.
More than 750 people attended last year’s Best of Reston Awards for Community Service.
Commentary: General Assembly 2016 Session Underway
After the usual business of organizing for a new legislative session, the General Assembly got underway without major incident.
Commentary: 2016 Politics and Better News
My plan for today was to discuss the silly season of Virginia’s General Assembly session which opened Jan. 13.
‘Muted’ Now On Display
New exhibit at Torpedo Factory emphasizes subtleties.
“Muted,” a new art exhibit showcasing the serene and subdued, hangs this month in the Art League Gallery. The works on display range from photography to painting to sculpture and were selected by Allison Nance. Nance, curator of the Hillyer Art Space in Washington D.C., chose 93 art pieces from 485 submissions. She explained her decisions during a reception at the Art League gallery on Thursday night, Jan. 14. “I thought a lot about subject matter and the way the pieces personally made me feel,” said Nance.
Alexandria Column: SSA Gala To Honor Members of the Community
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) announced that this year’s annual Generation to Generation Gala will recognize two Alexandria families for their long-term commitment to giving back in the local community.
Alexandria Letter: Regulating Tour Buses
Letter to the Editor
The Alexandria city manager is about to release his appointments to the newly reconstituted Tour Bus Task Force.
Alexandria Letter: Keep Open Little Longer
Letter to the Editor
I lament the closing of small, boutique shops in Old Town like Why Not. But there is one element that wasn't mentioned that I believe contributes to the failure of these little places: their hours.
Alexandria Letter: Best Use Of $6 Million?
Letter to the Editor
Reflect back to November 2013, Mayor Euille had just won a 4th term in an uncontested mayoral election — a landslide victory and his agenda had been totally embraced by the populace.
Alexandria Letter: Preserve Local History
Letter to the Editor
This week began with the 44th Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day set aside to remember the man, the mission and the history.
Reston Sports Roundups
Sporting events in Reston
South Lakes Produces Multiple Winners at Liberty Flames Invitational
Seniors Golden Kumi-Darfour, Anas Fain and Skander Ballard closed out their regular season high school careers with wins at the Liberty Flames High School Invitational indoor track and field meet Jan. 15-16 at Liberty University in Lynchburg.
Week in Herndon
Weekly happenings in Herndon.
Herndon Vice Mayor Connects with Runnymede
Honoring the history of Herndon.
In November of 2015 Herndon’s Vice Mayor Jennifer Baker visited England and met Derek Cotty, Mayor of Runnymede, Herndon’s sister city. Runnymede is a water-meadow alongside the River Thames in the English county of Surrey, and just over 20 miles (32 km) west of central London.
Herndon High Prepares For Winter Cabaret
Broadway music and dance at Herndon HS.
Herndon High students have been rehearsing for the annual winter cabaret show.
Herndon Crime Reports
Notable Incidents from the Herndon Police reports from Jan. 4-10.
Notable Incidents from the Herndon Police reports from Jan. 4-10.
Herndon: The Mark of Excellence
Herndon High’s Navy Junior ROTC demonstrates discipline and preparedness.
“Commander, United States Navy, arriving!” announced a Herndon cadet on Friday, Jan. 15 as Commander Ross Piper, U.S. Navy, was piped aboard.
Column: Update on Transportation Projects
Commentary
We have been making progress on a number of transportation projects in Northern Virginia. A partial list of key transportation projects in our area is provided below. A complete list of transportation projects can be found at: http://virginiaroads.org/. Real-time snow plowing progress may also be monitored at this website during snowy weather.
Centreville Snapshot: United in Song
Centreville Pyramid Choir encompasses Union Mill, Centreville, Centre Ridge and Colin Powell elementary schools, Liberty Middle School and Centreville High School.
Centreville Snapshot: DAR Donation
Recently, the Centreville-based Lane's Mill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, planted a Flame Maple tree at Ormond Stone Middle School. Present for the tree planting were: Principal Amielia Mitchell, Assistant Principal Christine Sciabica, several students, and members of the chapter.
Police Seek Identities of Suspects
Fairfax County Police are seeking a man and two women suspected in a theft at the Toys R Us store in the 13000 block of Fair Lakes Shopping Center on Saturday, Dec. 19, at around 9 p.m.
Chantilly: Fairytales, Puppets and Laughter for Everyone
Chantilly High presents “Jack and Jill and the Beanstalk.”
Take two popular fairytales, add a couple gigantic puppets and mix well inside the mind of Chantilly High Theater Director Ed Monk, and the result is the school’s upcoming children’s play.
Tuesday, January 19
Victor Not Victim
Leading by example.
A tall, striking figure in red, Nyrisha Beckman stands in front of a room of recent Fairfax County high school graduates; not as a cautionary tale, but rather a true inspiration.
Commentary: Transportation Improvements Will Bolster Economy
Northern Virginia Business Transportation Coalition 2016 policy statement.
We, the undersigned Northern Virginia organizations representing the vast majority of businesses and employees of Northern Virginia’s private sector and nonprofit workforce, believe that a strong, efficient regional transportation network is essential to our region’s future economic competitiveness, security, and quality of life. W
Editorial: Pay Attention
General Assembly action matters more in Virginia.
The Virginia General Assembly began its 60-day 2016 session on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Vienna Sports Roundups
Sports in Vienna
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna.
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Vienna Police reports: Jan. 8-14.
Notable incidents from the Vienna Police reports: Jan. 8-14.
Letter: Standing and Walking Again
To the Editor
I am writing you to tell you about a neurological physical therapy center located in Vienna that is doing amazing things to help many disabled residents of Fairfax County.
Vienna: Applications Accepted for Lifetime Leadership Program
Leadership Fairfax is now accepting applications for its Lifetime Leadership Program (LLP) Spring semester, beginning on March 30.
Tysons Chamber Kicks Off 2016 Job Shadow Program
Maureen Loftus, executive director of LearningRx of Vienna and Reston is leading the fourth annual Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) job shadow program for 60, 11th and 12th grade students of Oakton, James Madison and George C. Marshall high schools in Fairfax County, where students will shadow professionals in various industries for one day in January or February.
Vienna Athlete ‘Slides’ Towards 2018 Winter Olympics
Veronica Day competes in skeleton, nationally and internationally.
While watching the 2010 winter Olympics bobsled and skeleton runs staged in Canada, James Madison High School graduate Veronica Day joked to her college roommate they they, too, should learn to bobsled.
Oakton Teen Gets the Nobel Experience
Interest in science and medicine leads to Stockholm trip.
Ekaterina Forkin, a sophomore at Oakton High School, spent several days in Stockholm Sweden learning about how Nobel laureates are selected.
McLean and Great Falls: Delegates, Senators Meet Constituents
McLean delegates and senators discuss guns, foster care, nursing, student debt, Judge Jane Roush and more.
Alexandra Reed Lajoux advocates for youth in foster care without a home, “sans domicile fix, as the French say.”
Week in McLean
Weekly happenings in McLean.
McLean: Once Upon A “Crime”
‘Goldilocks on Trial’ Receives verdict at TheatreMcLean.
TheatreMcLean enters the courtroom with the children’s comedy “Goldilocks on Trial” by Fairfax County educator and playwright Ed Monk.
Potomac Letter: More School Funding Needed
Letter to the Editor
The following statement was issued by Montgomery County Board of Education President Michael Durso and Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers on the County Executive's Capital Budget Recommendation.
McLean Swim Teams Beat Madison
The McLean swim teams defeated Madison on Jan. 15.
Letter: Honoring Those Who Serve
To the Editor
The Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards (VSAs) are produced by Volunteer Fairfax. Every day our community is served by dedicated volunteers and each year we have the opportunity to honor them at this county-wide celebration.
Weekend Snapshots: Potomac River, Potomac After Hours
Ceokick Bonnet, Zane Gross, Andrew Levine, Jack O'Donnell, and Alex Kline at the Potomac Community Center on Friday night, Jan. 15, for Potomac After Hours for middle schoolers. See www.activemontgomery.org.
Potomac Brief: New Voting System
The Montgomery County Board of Elections encourages residents to become familiar with the new, paper-based, digital image scan voting system prior to arriving for the Presidential Primary Election, Tuesday, April 26, or during Early Voting, April 14 - 21. Demonstration voting units will be available at the Montgomery County Board of Elections, 18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3121; telephone 240-777-8500; MD Relay: 1-800-735-2258.
Column: The General Assembly Convenes
Commentary
As the 2016 General Assembly legislative session began on Jan. 13, it was my honor to take the oath of office for the sixth time to serve the people of Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Lee in the state legislature. I formally introduced my friend and colleague, Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), to the Senate, and I look forward to working with him, Sen. Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William) and the five other new senators to get things done on your behalf.
Arlington: Keeping King’s Legacy Alive
Arlington celebrates its 47th annual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute.
The audience in the auditorium at Wakefield High School got to its feet, hands joined and sang. From hundreds of Arlingtonians — diverse in age and race — came the chorus of “We Shall Overcome” at the end of the 47th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 17.
Treating Arlington
How Virginia’s decision not to expand Medicaid impacts Arlingtonians.
Where do you go when you’re sick?
Where We Live: Chesterbrook Woods
My husband and I purchased our home in Chesterbrook Woods in January 2007 and moved to the neighborhood in April 2010.
Arlington: Fire Station Task Force Welcomes Public Input
Task Force will “listen” not just “hear.”
One of the first residents to take up the microphone during the 20-minute “open mike” portion of the Jan. 14 meeting of the Fire Station 8 Task Force was Amanda Mackaye.
McLean: Crashes Diminished
Dangerous McLean intersection at Old Dominion and Bellview fixed.
Numerous car accidents, including one fatality, prompted neighbors around the intersection of Bellview Road and Old Dominion Drive to action.
New Eagle Scouts in McLean Ready to Soar
On Tuesday, Jan. 5, Boy Scout Troop 1130 of McLean awarded the Eagle Rank to four scouts -- Jacob Ryan, Andrew Ryan, John Hudson, and Nadim Najjar.
‘1776’ the musical arriving at the Alden
"I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a congress.
Resolve to Run and Benefit Arlington Thrive … Together
“Fear not. You are among friends.”
New Year’s resolution already a thing of the past? At the point in January when many Arlingtonians have just given up their new year’s resolve, there is a group just making a resolution.
Opposing Views on Display at Saturday’s Protest in McLean
Protesting, supporting gun store near school
Two groups of protestors faced each other across the parking lot entrance to McLean gun store NOVA Firearms on Saturday, Jan. 16.
Kindergartners Study Dr. King
Churchill Road kindergartners have spent the last several weeks studying Martin Luther King, Jr.
Northern Virginia Chamber Hires VP and Counsel
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber), formerly the Fairfax Chamber, has hired Michael Forehand as vice president of Government Relations and Counsel effective Jan. 18.
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Launches New Brand
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce launched its rebrand and restructure to the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber)
Week in Great Falls
Senior Center Event to Discuss Human Genome Project
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) speaker for February is Carla L. Easter, Ph.D., chief of the Education and Community Involvement Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Her topic will be The Human Genome Project.
UPS Store Opens in Great Falls
The UPS Store, located at 9893 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, opened on Monday, Jan. 4.
Student Art on Exhibit at The Arts of Great Falls School
The Arts of Great Falls School and Gallery held its seventh annual student art exhibition and awards ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 756 Walker Road in Great Falls.
Living on the Land: ‘Semi-Rural’ Great Falls
Dairy farming was the most prevalent economic activity in the Great Falls area from the 1880s, after the Civil War, through to 1989, when the very last functioning dairy farm was sold.
Gail Péan’s Paintings on Exhibit at Katie’s Coffee House
Oil Painter Gail Péan is currently the featured artist at the Old Brogue (Katie’s Coffee House) dining room through Jan. 31.
Great Falls Boy Scouts Earn Eagle Scout Rank
Boy Scout Troop 55 achieves its 100th Eagle Scout.
Boy Scout Troop 55, sponsored by St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, promoted five scouts to the Eagle Rank.
Great Falls Writers Group Hosts Youth Writing Contest
Cash often motivates students to do anything — even homework.
Calls to Widen American Legion Bridge
Each weekday, nearly 300,000 vehicles cross the American Legion Bridge, and each day traffic backs up into McLean, Great Falls and beyond.
Monday, January 18
Swords, Sorcery and Laughs
Port City Playhouse presents “Medieval Story Land.”
Red Knight Productions and the Port City Playhouse in Alexandria are presenting "Medieval Story Land" now through Jan. 30.
Meet the Chef: Virtue Feed & Grain
Energy, camaraderie, chaos personify Duncan’s kitchen.
"Corner," Corporate Executive Chef Graham Duncan calls as he heads down the stairs and makes the sharp turn to the kitchen at Virtue Feed & Grain on Union Street. It is a bustling Friday lunchtime, and he squeezes by the line cook grilling Virtue and lamb burgers.
Saturday, January 16
Great Falls: Langley Defense Stifles Madison in Conference 6 Matchup
Saxons hold Warhawks without field goal for nine-plus minutes.
The Langley girls' basketball team defeated Madison 38-27 on Friday.
Great Falls: Langley Takes Sole Possession of First in Conference 6
Tarpley comes up clutch in victory over Madison.
The Langley boys' basketball team defeated Madison 62-57 on Friday.
Friday, January 15
Burke and Vienna: Orangetheory Fitness Fits Into Community
Childhood friends become married partners, gym owners.
Gaurave Batta and his wife Leyna have always been into sports and fitness. But with two small kids at home and Gaurave running his own business intelligence consulting company, they needed a solution that was efficient, above all else.
Former Springfield Supervisor Elaine N. McConnell Dies at 88
When the aquatic plant Hydrilla was invading Burke Lake in the mid-1980s, there was an attempt to introduce a population of grass carp to eat it. Michael Frey, former Sully District Supervisor, convinced then-Springfield District Supervisor Elaine N. McConnell to put the first fish into the lake at a press event.
Thursday, January 14
Coyotes on the Rise in Fairfax County
Police advise precautions
Over the last several months, Fairfax County Police said wildlife officials have received an increasing number of calls about the presence of coyotes in the area.
Alexandria: TC Grad Schedler Sets Susquehanna 3-Point Record
T.C. Williams graduate Angie Schedler set a Susquehanna University record by making seven 3-pointers in a game.
Commentary: Surovell’s 2016 Legislative Agenda: Part I
On Jan. 13, I take my oath of office as your state senator.
Week in Springfield
Weekly happenings in Springfield
Clifton Family Raising Puppy for Canine Companions for Independence
Clifton residents Michael, Susan and Zachary Kehoe are raising an assistance dog-in-training for Canine Companions for Independence.
Springfield Man Receives National Award from the American College of Physicians
Jack Ginsburg, MPE, of West Springfield, has been awarded the Distinguished Contribution by National or Chapter Staff Award from the American College of Physicians (ACP), the national organization of internists.
Fairfax, Springfield, Lorton: Stuff the Bus 2016
Fairfax County is promoting its annual "Stuff the Bus: Helping Fairfax Families" program
Fairfax Homeless Meets Grammy Winners Through VIP Experience
Meant 2 Live Foundation gave homeless families in the Fairfax community the opportunity to have the ultimate VIP experience.
Children’s Science Center Lab Brings Invention Programs to Northern Virginia
The Children’s Science Center in Fairfax has partnered with Camp Invention to bring its nationally acclaimed enrichment programs, Club Invention and Camp Invention, to the region.
Fairfax: Ice Skating Attracts Area Residents
Some come for recreation, some for ‘special occasions.’
Hannah Zhou, a 4-year-old Vienna resident, went to the Fairfax Ice Arena with her mother Lucy, for the first time since her first skating lesson.
Fairfax: World’s Distinguished Military Bands at Center for the Arts
Band of the Royal Marines and Band of Scots Guards performing Jan. 23.
Pomp, pageantry and stirring music from Great Britain’s esteemed military musical institutions will command attention with their extraordinary sights and sounds as they perform at the George Mason University Center for the Arts.
Fairfax: Helmet Ordinance Discussed
Virginia code allows any county, city or town to mandate that bicycle riders ages 14 and younger wear protective helmets.
Fairfax: Full Speed Ahead for City Branding
Fairfax seeks the best way to promote itself.
During a work session last May, Fairfax City Council members discussed the creation of a City “brand” to better promote what Fairfax has to offer.
Area Roundups
Area happenings in your neighborhood
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston.
Changes At Reston North Point Village Center
Foto Image to close, Pet Valu to open.
Foto Image located at 1436 North Point Village Center will be closing on Jan. 30.
Fairfax Area Becomes a ‘No Drone Zone’
FAA shuts down drone clubs within a 30-mile radius of Washington, D.C.
Over twenty drone hobbyists met at Reston Nova Labs to discuss recent emails announcing the extension of FAA's "no drone zone" deeper into Virginia and Maryland in a 30-mile radius beyond Ronald-Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C.
Reston Crime Reports
Notable incidents from Jan. 6-11.
Reston: Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy
Anna Deavere Smith returns to Reston for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration.
Reston Community Center presents the 31st Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Jan. 16-18, 2016.
Letter: A Great Experience
To the Editor
I read with interest your article in the on the opening of Not Your Average Joe's at Reston Spectrum (Reston Connection, Jan. 6-12, 2016).
Obituary: Priscilla Ames, Reston Activist, Dies
Priscilla Ames was an advocate for the less-fortunate and a voice for progressive social justice.
Commentary: Clearing an Obstacle to Gun Violence Prevention in Virginia
Virginia has the dubious distinction of having had the biggest mass murder in history—Virginia Tech in 2007, and the first televised shooting—Smith Mountain Lake in 2015.
Week in Herndon
Weekly happenings in Herndon.
Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry’ Come to Herndon Elementary
Herndon Elementary fourth and sixth grade students met with historical reenactors of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry.
Herndon Crime Reports
Activities reported Dec. 28, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016
Herndon: Taiko Drumming at Fox Mill Elementary
At Fox Mill Elementary School students not only learn the Japanese language, but also gain exposure to Japan’s culture.
Wednesday, January 13
Special to Community of Faith
Thanksgiving and Christmas is always a time of God displaying His great love for us. God’s love was expressed in many ways during our Saturday, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 LINK Holiday Programs.
New Vice President at National Student Clearinghouse
The National Student Clearinghouse, headquartered in Herndon, announced Mary C. Chapin as Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Mount Vernon Brief: Police Investigating ATM Fraud
Fairfax County Police believe a man used a counterfeit ATM card to withdraw cash from a SunTrust Bank machine around 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2015. The machine is located at 5922 Richmond Highway.
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield and Mount Vernon: Suds That Save
20 local breweries craft a beer to support one of their own.
Lawrence “Lance” Rose was born in September 2015, two months premature, to parents Matt and Kerri Rose of Alexandria. Just one month before, Kerri had been diagnosed with stage-four adenocarcinoma: stomach cancer.
Mount Vernon Obituary: Kenneth Earl Blunt
Long-time Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce member and owner of Travelers Motel, 5916 Richmond Highway, peacefully passed on Jan. 2, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was a successful business man, Navy veteran, and member of many organizations including, 32 Degree Freemason, Kiwanis Club International, and Belle Haven Country Club.
Mount Vernon Letter: Board’s Lack of Transparency
Letter to the Editor
This week, the newly elected Fairfax County Board of Supervisors held its first meeting.
Mount Vernon Letter: Let’s Agree On Common Sense
Letter to the Editor
Here are a few things which might help Frank Medico [Letter, “Infringing on Second Amendment,” The Gazette, Jan. 7] understand the current debate.
Mount Vernon: A Farewell to Ruth Ann Harvey
Family, friends recall her life of faith.
Ruth Ann Harvey died on Jan. 8, at the Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Hunt. She was 92 years old.
Mount Vernon Column: Surovell’s 2016 Legislative Agenda: Part I
Commentary
On Jan. 13, I take my oath of office as your state senator. I am planning on introducing approximately forty bills and about a dozen budget amendments in our 60-day session.
Mount Vernon Column: Krizek Announces 2016 Legislative Agenda
Commentary
The 2016 legislative session is underway and it’s already a whirlwind. Endless meetings — and meetings about meetings — I’ve hardly had a chance to find my office.
Alexandria: Big Trouble in Little Businesses
Why Not closing, Old Town Coffee Tea and Spice hanging in the balance, and questions surround future of small business in Old Town.
Within the next few months, Old Town Alexandria will be losing one of its small business institutions and a second one remains at risk for closure.
Alexandria Letter: Honoring Robert E. Lee
Letter to the Editor
After the despicable murders in Charleston, S.C. by a mentally unbalanced youth, the City Council, as it should, wanted to express its condemnation of that heinous act. The appropriate action would have been a resolution to that effect.
Alexandria Letter: Cap Number Of Residents
Letter to the Editor
The Gazette Packet’s front page article [“Neighborhood Subdivided,” Dec. 24, 2015] about our City Council’s wrong-headed approval allowing a developer to cram an infill house betwixt two properties he owns in Clover-College Park was disheartening for many reasons.
Alexandria Letter: Tremendous Resource
Letter to the Editor
A community with good parks and adequate sports fields signals a city's strong values and commitment to the health and welfare of its citizens, both young and old. Never before has this been more important in Alexandria than now, as the School Board prepares to move forward the Parker-Gray Stadium project at T.C. Williams High School.
Alexandria Letter: Wishing New Board Success
Letter to the Editor
Congratulations to the returning and newly elected members of the Alexandria City Public School Board. Winning a local election takes a lot of time, effort, and money — yours as well as your supporters’ — and marshalling all those resources towards positive effect is hard work.
Alexandria Letter: Schools Face Growth Crisis
Letter to the Editor
I feel compelled to write to you to correct your headline "Minnie Howard Miniaturized Improvement Budget" in the Dec. 23 addition. This led your readers to believe the School Board cut the Minnie Howard project. This is not the case.
Alexandria Letter: Support Police in Budget
Letter to the Editor
Several Alexandria crime reports for essentially the entire month of December show that besides one recorded homicide, we had 105 assaults, 9 robberies, and 115 thefts/break-ins (includes 17 car thefts) during that very short time span.
Alexandria Letter: New Trail Needs Repair
Letter to the Editor
The new trail at Four Mile Run Park looks to be a nice addition for birders, fishermen, and a new hangout area for loiterers and their trash.
Alexandria Letter: TC Stadium Project Overdue
Letter to the Editor
This year T.C. Williams High School is celebrating its 50 year anniversary. In 1969, I was a member of the freshman football team at T.C. Williams. Our school colors were Red and Gold then, but we were still the original Titans. My parents would come and sit in the same bleachers that are on our field today. The tops may have gone through replacements, but the existing structure has never been upgraded or reconfigured.
Alexandria Letter: Improve Ethics Rules
Letter to the Editor
The Virginia state ethics requirements are extremely lax, almost non-existent in fact.
Alexandria Letter: In Praise of Sunlight
Letter to the Editor
Mayor Silberberg’s proposal to improve the way Alexandria addresses city government ethics has merit.
Alexandria Letter: Racism–The 8th Deadly Sin
Letter to the Editor
At one time or another, we all have come across references to the 7 deadly sins. Doing some research revealed they were referenced back to the 4th century.
Alexandria Remembers ‘Shadow’ Sebele
EHS plans memorial for standout player, coach.
Soccer fans on two continents are mourning the loss of Abel “Shadow” Sebele, a 2009 graduate of Episcopal High School who was killed Jan. 7 when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in San Diego.
Alexandria Sportsman’s Club to Host Nats’ Scialabba
Director of Player Development to preview upcoming season.
Mark Scialabba, director of Player Development for Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, will be the featured speaker at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club meeting Jan. 19 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Alexandria: Arch Campbell Delights Crowd at Beth El Synagogue
Speck’s finance lecture includes movie reviewer’s retrospective.
David Speck, managing director of Speck-Caudron Investment Group, can’t predict exactly what the stock market will do and Arch Campbell can’t predict which movie will win next year’s Oscar. However, as experts in their fields — finance and movie reviews, respectively, they can speak with confidence and authority about their subjects.
Alexandria Commentary: A Fan for Life
Column–Rebuilding Together Alexandria
Robert Morrison’s been waiting and hoping. It’s been a long time since he’s seen his beloved Redskins perform so well. Sadly, the playoff loss ended their season, but then he’s used to the team’s ups and downs. When he first moved into his Alexandria home with his wife, it was an up year, as the Redskins went to the Super Bowl led by Quarterback Bill Kilmer and Coach George Allen.
Alexandria Commentary: Participate in MLK Community Summit 2016
The Annual MLK Community Summit is an opportunity for people of Alexandria and surrounding communities to come together to honor the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by performing community service projects.
Clougherty's Late Free Throws Push Chantilly Past Herndon
Chargers junior finishes with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Chantilly girls' basketball team defeated Herndon 50-48 on Monday.
Arlington: Yorktown Freshman Hays Wins All-Around
Patriots have won all four meets this season.
The Yorktown gymnastics team has won each of its four meets this season.
Great Falls: Langley Guard Galiani Breaks Program Scoring Record
Saxons beat McLean, lose to Fairfax.
Paige Galiani took over sole possession of first place on the Langley girls' basketball program's all-time scoring list.
Hayfield Gymnast Overstreet Returns for Senior Season
Two-time state champ considered quitting due to back pain.
Hayfield senior Molly Overstreet placed first on bars at a recent meet.
West Springfield Grad Robinson Moving Up Duquesne Scoring List
Senior guard has Dukes off to best start in program history.
Duquesne senior and 2012 West Springfield guard recently moved into 11th place on the Dukes' all-time scoring list.
Classified Advertising January 13, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
West Potomac Dominates Mount Vernon in Second Half
Wolverines get physical, earn third straight conference win.
The West Potomac boys' basketball team beat Mount Vernon 68-48 on Tuesday.
Koresh Dance Company to Hold Residency in Herndon
Classical Ballet Theatre of Northern Virginia is about to make local dance history: For the first time ever, Philadelphia’s renowned Koresh Dance Company will be setting its internationally acclaimed choreography for dance students at Classical Ballet Theatre in Herndon.
Sports Roundups
Sports happenings
PenFed to Move to Tysons
Tysons location attracts new corporate headquarters.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed), one of the largest credit unions in the nation, will relocate its corporate headquarters to the Tysons Corner area as it expands its operations.
Area Roundups
The Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation, Inc., (JGH) invites applicants for its 36th Annual Jewel Scholarship award.
Weichert, Realtors Recognizes Lex Lianos of Vienna Office
Bruce Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that Lex Lianos of the Vienna office was recognized for exceptional industry success during the month of December.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Town of Vienna Police Department from Jan. 1-7.
Emmaus United Church of Christ Welcomes New Minister
Emmaus United Church of Christ (UCC) of Vienna welcomes the Reverend Kristen Curlee as its new minister this January after an 18-month nationwide search.
Vienna Teen Recognized for Saving Family’s Lives
Charlotte Heffelmire was presented with a Citizen Lifesaving Award Thursday, Jan. 8, by Chief Richie Bowers and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
Week in McLean
Weekly happenings in McLean.
Two Companies Bring Their Magic to McLean for 2016 Puppetry Festival
Children can enjoy two puppet shows and learn how to make their own puppets at a Puppetry Festival sponsored by The Alden in McLean on Saturday, Feb. 20.
Peggy Wallace Kennedy to Speak at Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at The Alden
Peggy Wallace Kennedy, daughter of former Alabama governor and segregationist George Wallace, is the keynote speaker for the McLean Community Center’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.
McLean Community Center Seeks Board Candidates
The McLean Community Center (MCC), a Fairfax County Government special agency, is seeking candidates to run for seats on its 2016-2017 Governing Board.
McLean Artist’s Work at NOVA-Loudoun
Oil paintings by Susan La Mont of McLean, will be on exhibition in Waddell Gallery at the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College from Jan. 5 to Feb. 5.
Potomac School Seniors Named Semifinalists in Intel Research Competition
Potomac School seniors Madeline Dubelier and Gianmarco Terrones have been named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2016, a prestigious pre-college science and math competition.
Shakespeare at Alden
Alden Theatre welcomes American Shakespeare Center and ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare.’
Back by popular demand the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) on Tour brings its unique hallmark to William Shakespeare performances at the Alden Theatre.
McLean Chocolate Festival Returns Jan. 31
The Rotary Club of McLean is hosting its fifth annual Chocolate Festival at the McLean Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Weichert, Realtors’ McLean Dolley Madison Office, Top Associates Recognized
Bruce Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that the McLean/Dolley Madison office was recognized for exceptional performance during the month of December.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls
Letter: The Brooks Farm and the Community’s Future
To the Editor
It is crucial to elevate awareness of the long-term comprehensive plan for Great Falls. When I grew up in this town, residents banded together to protect the rural and picturesque beauty.
Letter: Preserving Rural Community
To the Editor
Why should anyone be surprised that the Fairfax County Planning Commission staff recommended approval of the rezoning for Brooks Farm development (“What’s Happening in 2016 in Great Falls?” - Great Falls Connection, Jan. 6-12, 2016).
Letter: Concerned for School Bus Stop Safety
To the Editor
I am a seventh grade student at Kilmer Middle School.
Elvis at Great Falls Library
Creative book displays promote reading.
Jan. 8 was Elvis Presley’s birthday and the perfect inspiration for a new book display at Great Falls Community Library.
GFHoops to Host Second Shots for Shots Campaign
A long line in a grocery store can be tedious or lead to great things.
State Sen. Favola, Del. Murphy Hold Public Hearing in Great Falls
A couple of dozen people attended the Saturday public hearing in Great Falls held by Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34).
Great Falls Doctor Receives Award from the American College of Physicians
April S. Fitzgerald, MD, FACP, of Great Falls, has been awarded The Herbert S. Waxman Award for Outstanding Medical Student Educator by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the national organization of internists.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: ‘Into the Woods, Jr.’
Aldersgate Community Theater will present "Into the Woods, Jr.," a family-friendly musical in Wesley Hall of Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 1301 Collingwood Road. Shows are Jan. 15-18 and Jan. 22-24. See acctonline.org. Above, Jack (Grant Hamilton) sings with the Townspeople, after the magic beanstalk appears.
Tuesday, January 12
Alexandria: LTA Stages Docu-Drama, ‘Grey Gardens’
Story of Jackie Kennedy's relatives and the American Dream gone wrong.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) is staging "Grey Gardens" from Jan. 16 to Feb. 6, 2016. Based on a true story and the 1975 cult documentary, it is an exploration of the American Dream gone wrong and what it means to become a social pariah.
Alexandria Appetite: 3 Healthy Eats to Start the Year Off Right
Trying to balance a new year’s resolution with reality?
It’s a new year, and your willpower to maintain your fitness goal is still going strong. With one eye on the scale and the other on your social calendar, it can be tough to find a middle ground. Here are three restaurants that make keeping your resolution a little easier.
Centreville Snapshot: 10-Mile Hike at the Battlefield of Antietam
After a five year hiatus, Troop 30 of Centreville returned to the Battlefield of Antietam for a history-filled campout before the holidays.
Chantilly Brief: Free Gardening Seminars
Merrifield Garden Center's free seminars on gardening, landscaping and decorating begin on Jan. 16. The following sessions will be held at its Fair Oaks location at 12101 Lee Highway. The "Just For Kids" session on Feb. 13 is the only one that requires registration; see https://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/whats-happening/2016-winter-spring-seminar-schedule/ .
New Sully Supervisor Chooses Her Team
Board of Supervisors has final say on Kathy Smith’s nominees.
New Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith (D) has been busy choosing her team to assist her in issues regarding Sully. At press time on Tuesday, Jan. 12, she planned to announce her nominees to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which has the final say on their approval.
‘I’ve Loved What I’ve Been Doing’
Michael Frey reflects on his 24 years as Sully supervisor.
Fairfax County budget shortfalls? Ribbon-cuttings to attend? Meetings between eager developers and angry residents? No longer Michael Frey’s personal problems. That’s because — for the first time in nearly four decades — his time is finally his own.
Potomac Pilates To Relocate to Potomac Village
Larger site to accommodate more students.
The Potomac Pilates studio will be relocating to the heart of Potomac Village from the Potomac Tennis Club on Potomac Tennis Lane. Helen Marshall, owner of Potomac Tennis Club, has decided that the multi-use facility, frequented by hundreds of Potomac residents each month, will be closing permanently in April.
Potomac Snapshot: Contest Helps the Needy
Tree decorating designs donated to local charities.
A snowman and the Grinch helped brighten this past holiday season for some community members in need.
Potomac Snapshot: Happy Birthday, C&O Canal Park
Park staff, volunteers, and visitors observed the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s 45th birthday with birthday cake, music, and 19th century games at Great Falls Tavern, on Saturday, Jan. 9. Thirty years of public debate over the future of the “Grand Old Ditch” ended on Jan.8, 1971 when President Nixon signed legislation creating the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
Potomac Column: Deportation Threats Against County Residents
Commentary
Our nation faces a significant humanitarian challenge in how we deal with the thousands of children and families fleeing violence in Central America. Current conditions in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras merit granting special temporary protection to these children and parents who have legitimate reason to fear for their lives if returned to their countries.
Arlington: Residents, County Officials Tour Local Park
Local residents and county officials tour area around Jennie Dean Park.
From dog walkers to day laborers, artists to auto shops, there’s much packed into the area around Jennie Dean Park. The area’s small enough in size that the Arlington County Board and representatives of the local civic federation were able to walk the entire perimeter on Jan. 10, but big enough in interest that each board member was accompanied by nearly a dozen local citizens.
Arlington Snapshot: ‘Topping Out’ Celebration
The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) celebrated the “Topping Out” of The Springs Apartments on Jan. 6. The celebration marks the building construction reaching its highest point.
Arlington Letter: Help County’s Most Vulnerable
Letter to the Editor
I would like to commend new County Board members, Christian Dorsey and Katie Cristol, for their new year’s day addresses focusing our vision on rebuilding faith in Arlington government and helping the county’s most vulnerable.
Arlington Letter: More Science, Less Fear
Letter to the Editor
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics entitled “Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children” (Boukhris 2015) may have caused unnecessary harmful repercussions among pregnant women and new mothers.
Arlington Brief: County, Hospital Negotiating
The Arlington County Board approved last month an agreement to grant Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) an option to purchase county-owned land. This agreement, reached at the board’s December meeting, will allow VHC to expand onto 5.5 acres.
Arlington Brief: Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested
The Metro Transit Police Department arrested a suspected bank robber during the evening of Jan. 8. The suspect, a 45-year-old man, was taken as he exited the Eastern Market Metro station. He was charged with bank robbery and attempted bank robbery and is currently being held pending extradition.
Arlington Brief: New ‘Open Door Mondays’
The Arlington County Board kicked off its 2016 Open Door Mondays on Monday, Jan. 4, with a session at Langston-Brown Community & Senior Center and Park.
Brief: Preserving Arlington’s Past
The county’s History Task Force has made its final recommendations to the county manager for how to preserve Arlington’s history online. Using an online survey, they garneted 450 responses, to determine how to make archival information available to residents online in the most effective way.
Arlington Brief: Booklet To Document Little Saigon
A collaboration of three Arlington organizations will create a full-color booklet to document Little Saigon, a community of Southeast Asian immigrants that sprang up in Arlington after South Vietnam fell in 1975. The booklet is titled “Echoes of Little Saigon: Southeast Asian Immigration and the Changing Faces of Arlington.”
Arlington Brief: Fire Station Task Force Named
The County Board appointed Noah Simon as chair of its Fire Station No. 8 Task Force on Dec. 15. The task force is charged with reviewing viable sites for a replacement Fire Station 8 — currently located at Lee Highway and North Culpepper Street. Simon, who served on the Arlington School Board in 2013-2014, is a former Capitol Hill staffer and previously worked for the American Red Cross.
Arlington Brief: Bank Robber Sought
A subject described as a black male in his late 30s wearing glasses, a black baseball hat, gloves, a light grey hooded sweatshirt and dark sweatpants with a plaid red scarf over his mouth robbed the Wells Fargo Bank located at 1429 South Fern Street in Arlington on Thursday, Jan. 7, at approximately 10:10 am.
Pet Photos for the Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on Feb. 24, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 17.
Editorial: Budget Season Trainwreck?
County looks at “lines of business,” schools call for full funding.
Karen Garza didn’t move to Fairfax County from Texas to preside over the decline of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Design Trends for 2016
Local style gurus predict the elements that will be popular this year.
The start of the year offers an opportunity to ring in new trends, particularly when it comes to a home’s interior.
Color of the Year
Pantone honor bestowed on two colors for 2016
Two colors, Serenity (light blue) and Rose Quartz (pale pink), were recently named the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2016.
Above a Cut
FCPS Superintendent Garza calls for no additional cuts in $2.67 billion FY 2017 budget
For Fiscal Year 2015, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza oversaw $96.5 million in cuts made from the school system’s annual operating budget. For FY 2016, it was $55.4 million, she said.
Residents List Priorities for General Assembly
Residents tell legislators of priorities ahead of the 60-day session of the General Assembly.
Barbara Quesada, parent of a Franklin Sherman Elementary School student, reminded the General Assembly delegation from Fairfax that Nova Firearms opened its new store right next to the McLean elementary school.
Monday, January 11
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Jan. 15-24
Entertainment
Events in Alexandria City and Mount Vernon, Va.
Friday, January 8
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 75 homes sold between $1,650,000-$189,900 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: November, 2015
Springfield Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 103 Springfield homes sold between $854,000-$167,500.
Springfield Home Sales: November, 2015
Reston Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 74 Reston homes sold between $1,425,000-$155,000.
Reston Home Sales: November, 2015
McLean Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 67 homes sold between $3,775,000-$163,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: November, 2015
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 65 homes sold between $1,150,000-$192,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: November, 2015
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 13 Great Falls homes sold between $2,750,000-$455,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2015
Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 57 Fairfax homes sold between $890,000-$125,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2015
Chantilly Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 13 homes sold between $720,000-$171,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: November, 2015
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 45 homes sold between $1,200,000-$10,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: November, 2015
Centreville Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 61 Centreville homes sold between $845,000-$155,000.
Centreville Home Sales: November, 2015
Burke Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 35 Burke homes sold between $625,000-$120,000.
Burke Home Sales: November, 2015
Mount Vernon Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 84 homes sold between $1,625,000-$119,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: November, 2015
Arlington Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 183 Arlington homes sold between $1,933,539-$30,000.
Arlington Home Sales: November, 2015
Alexandria Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 156 Alexandria homes sold between $3,450,000-$91,500.
Alexandria Home Sales: November, 2015
Potomac Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 45 Potomac homes sold between $3,275,000-$110,800.
Potomac Home Sales: November, 2015
2016: The Year Ahead in Burke
With winter vacation, unseasonably warm weather and 2015 in their rear-view mirrors, community leaders and elected officials from the Fairfax County School Board, Board of Supervisors, General Assembly turn their attention to some of the most significant issues, developments or decisions in 2016.
Thursday, January 7
2016: The Year Ahead in Lorton, Fairfax Station and Clifton
With winter vacation, unseasonably warm weather and 2015 in their rearview mirrors, community leaders and elected officials from the Fairfax County School Board, Board of Supervisors, General Assembly turn their attention to some of the most significant issues, developments or decisions in 2016.
Springfield in 2016
With winter vacation, unseasonably warm weather and 2015 in their rear-view mirrors, community leaders and elected officials from the Fairfax County School Board, Board of Supervisors, General Assembly turn their attention to some of the most significant issues, developments or decisions in 2016.
Remodeled Home Tour Set for Jan. 9, 2016
After multiple attempts, cramped split-level grows to generously-sized neoclassical design.
A circa 1960s split-level enhanced by a 300-square-foot addition, a reconfigured main level floor plan and a seamlessly remade front elevation will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Alexandria/Mount Vernon Weekend Fun: Jan. 8-17
Entertainment
Events in Alexandria City and Mount Vernon, Va.
Kilroys in Springfield Hosts Christmas Day of ‘Giving Back’
Americas Adopt A Soldier held their Fourth Annual Christmas Day of “Giving Back” on Friday, Dec. 25, at Kilroys in Springfield.
Fairfax Celebrating Season of Giving
City of Fairfax students celebrated the holiday season by giving back to their community.
FACETS of Fairfax Hosts Holiday Sibling Shops
FACETS, a nonprofit that opens doors for people who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County, hosted four Sibling Shops in preparation for the holidays.
Fairfax: Looking into the Future
Several development projects are on the horizon in the City of Fairfax.
Burke, Lorton, Springfield: What is your New Year's resolution?
Area residents share their hopes for 2016
Robinson Announces 2016 HOF Class
The Robinson Athletic Hall of Fame Committee announced the 2016 Class of the Robinson Secondary School Athletic Hall of Fame, which will be inducted on Jan. 23.
A Night of Laughter and Jazz
Talented comic and music artists appearing at Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.
At 23 years old Haskins is a world-class trumpet player and composer/arranger. He is the originator of “ImproviStory,” a concept in which storytelling drives the creation of improvised music springing from audience interactions.
Area Roundups
Registration is open for the Winter/Spring session of the Encore Chorale at locations in Northern Virginia and singers of all vocal experience, age 55+, are welcome to join.
Burke Women Walk with Purpose
Morning walk becomes personal crusade against litter.
On the walk back, they take out the garbage bags they brought with them and they don gloves. Then they get to work picking up trash they see on the way back to Cohen’s house.
Mount Vernon: Gearing Up for 2016 Challenges
Looking at the year ahead.
With winter vacation, unseasonably warm weather and 2015 in their rearview mirrors, community leaders and elected officials from the Fairfax County School Board, Board of Supervisors, General Assembly turn their attention to some of the most significant issues, developments or decisions in 2016:
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Teen Heads to National Competition
Jackson J. Harvey, a student at West Potomac Academy in Alexandria will advance to the American Bankers Association (ABA) national competition, Lights, Camera, Save!
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Book Donations
Waynewood's Junior Girl Scout Troop 6931 delivered on Dec. 16 more than 400 new and gently-used books to United Community Ministries (UCM) of Alexandria as a result of their fall book drive. The majority of the contributions came from the Waynewood Elementary School teachers and students. The books will be provided to children of clients to bring home and encourage the love of reading.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Baking Pies To Donate
Boy Scouts from Troop 888, sponsored by Heritage Presbyterian Church, stand with some of the more than 50 fresh apple pies that Scouts of the Troop prepared and baked on Dec. 12 in the kitchen of Plymouth Haven Baptist Church. The pies were donated to local organizations including Rising Hope Mission Church and the Elks Lodge soup kitchen.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Grand Champions
At the Dec. 12 Winterfest Dance Invitational hosted by Hylton High School, the Carl Sandburg Middle School Dance Team, won first place trophies in the Pom, Jazz and Hip Hop categories against five other middle school dance teams.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Scholarship Award
Mount Vernon High School senior Rosemary Morataya received a silver award from The Hispanic Heritage Foundation.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Student Leader
Martha Gallagher, West Potomac Class of 2017, has been appointed to the Fairfax County School Board's Student Leadership Development Program. At the Dec. 10 orientation meeting, she is with School Board Member (Mount Vernon) Karen Corbett Sanders and School Board Member (At-Large) Ryan McElveen.
Mount Vernon Snapshot: Folk Dancers
Alexandria residents Lillie and KD Soriano, as part of Hulala, performed Filipino folk dances for the Christmas celebration at the Mrs. Philippines Home for Senior Citizens in Oxon Hill, Md.
Mount Vernon Letter: Political Correctness
Letter to the Editor
Political correctness run amok has begun to seep into the precincts of Fairfax County.
Mount Vernon Letter: Infringing on Second Amendment
Letter to the Editor
Liberal gun control advocates, particularly politicians, repeat the same talking points whenever there is a shooting by terrorists or other criminal types.
Mount Vernon Letter: Inova–Don’t Forget People
Letter to the Editor
After Inova threatened to close Mount Vernon Hospital a decade ago — some say to enhance their leverage with local elected officials — much praise is now being lavished on this health care leviathan.
Mount Vernon: Serving the Blind Gives Vision to the Seeing
Removing 67 cataracts in a week.
Kieran Grogan’s three-week trip to Tarapoto, Peru not only changed his career path; it also revolutionized his view on life.
Column: What's Ahead in the State Legislature
Commentary
The 2016, 60-day session of the Virginia General Assembly gavels in on Jan. 13.
Column: Ready To Serve Mount Vernon
Commentary
The New Year is ringing in many changes to our community including the passing of the baton of local government leadership from my friend and mentor, Gerry Hyland, to me.
Mount Vernon Brief: Victim Shot during Robbery
An employee was robbed and injured at the Computer and Cellular store, at 2790 Beacon Hill Road in the Alexandria-area of Fairfax County, on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Wednesday, January 6
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston
Not Your Average Joe’s Opens at Reston Spectrum
New restaurant at Fountain Drive in Reston opens in January.
The Reston Spectrum at 1845 Fountain Drive now hosts Not Your Average Joe’s, a Massachusetts-based restaurant chain, known for stone-hearth pizzas, salads, unique burger combos and other casual fare.
Obituary: Edward Gordon Nusbaum, 86, of Reston, Dies
Edward Gordon Nusbaum of Reston died peacefully in his lakeside home on Dec. 25, 2015.
Letter: Careless Driving
To the Editor
My wife and I are in Reston every six weeks or so. We may notice the traffic more than folks who are here all the time. But we are always amazed at the careless driving.
Commentary: Reston, A Look at 2015
Despite less than an ideal economy, the Hunter Mill District continues to evolve at a fast rate. Everywhere I go in the District, I see new business opening, adding to our vibrant downtowns and business corridors.
A Diva’s Story Next for Reston Community Players
Tony Award winning ‘Master Class’ at CenterStage.
Who could resist a play with the main character described as “the Kardashian of her time,” asked Kate Keifer, co-producer of “Master Class,” the upcoming Reston Community Players production. “Audiences will be blown away” in this Tony Award winning play written by Terrence McNally about diva Maria Callas.
Commentary: New Year Resolutions
Resolutions for the new year are easy to make; I have made dozens in my lifetime.
Commentary: Tall Oaks—Do It Right!
Independent Progressive
When Fairfax County approved the new Master Plan for Reston land use in 2014, I was among those pleased that key elements of Mr. Simon’s founding vision were maintained.
Herndon and Reston: South Lakes Indoor Track Adds Qualifiers
Golden Kumi-Darfour took full advantage of the winter break, using the time to qualify for the state indoor track meet in both the 500 and 1000 meter runs.
Herndon-Reston Youth Softball Looking for Players
Herndon-Reston Youth Softball is looking for girls of all skill levels to participate in the team.
Week in Herndon
Weekly happenings in Herndon.
Herndon Crime Reports
Notable police activities reported from Dec. 21-27.
For details contact 703-435-6828 or email herndonpd.pio@herndon-va.gov. Visit www.herndon-va.gov for more.
Herndon: Only LIGHT Can Do That!
A living history musical celebrating the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
ArtSpace Herndon presents Only LIGHT Can Do That! on Jan. 16, 4-5 p.m. at Floris United Methodist Church. Only LIGHT Can Do That! is a living history musical celebrating the genius, the greatness, the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
What’s Happening in 2016 in Herndon?
Following the purchase of the Ashwell property which created a contiguous 4.675 acres of Town-owned land in Herndon’s downtown, the Town issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Nov. 2, 2015.
The Absurd Beauty of Everyday Life at Herndon's NextStop
NextStop brings area premiere of ‘Middletown.’
A quirky comic play with profoundly heartfelt themes is coming to Herndon. Written by award winning, contemporary playwright Will Eno, “Middletown” is a “modern companion to the beloved Thornton Wilder classic, ‘Our Town,’” said Evan Hoffmann, NextStop artistic director.
Herndon: Shoes, Gift Cards for Hutchison Students
The Council for the Arts of Herndon joins Dranesville Supervisor John Foust’s office every holiday season to gather new shoes and gift cards for children at Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon.
Fifth, Sixth Graders Experience Camping at Wolf Trap
First-time campers had a fun experience at an overnight camp out at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Friday and Saturday on Columbus Day weekend. I
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls, Sports Roundups
Sporting events in your area.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
New Year on a High Note in Vienna
Vienna’s music venue ready for 2016.
I.M.P., owner of Washington, D.C.’s 9:30 Club announced it has entered into a partnership with Jammin Java and its co-owner/booker Daniel Brindley.
People: 2016 Nominees for Living Legends of Alexandria
Living Legends of Alexandria announced this year’s nominees on Dec. 10 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria. Music by the NOVA Community Chorus, Alexandria Band and Jazz Ensemble set the stage for a tribute to the 2016 Living Legends of Alexandria nominees. Dr. Jimmie McClellan, Dean of Liberal Arts and 2012 Living Legend of Alexandria, introduced the 2016 nominees.
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable cases from Vienna Police reports from Dec. 24-30.
Notable cases from Vienna Police reports from Dec. 24-30.
Vienna: What’s on Radar for 2016
Local officials look out over the horizon in the new year in Vienna.
What does 2016 look like to elected officials and the business community serving the greater-Vienna area?
Cooper Students Send Snack Packs to Groveton
Cooper students send snack packs to Groveton.
Alexandria Snapshot: Archaeological Find
Francine Bromberg, city archaeologist, is on hand to answer local citizen’s questions on Jan. 5 about the latest archeological find.
McLean and Great Falls: An Outstanding Year
Real Estate market in McLean and Great Falls in 2015.
The numbers are in for 2015 in McLean and Great Falls and the market is up almost 11 percent over 2014 in terms of number of sales.
Letter: School Project Lacks Vision
Letter to the Editor
The Patrick Henry School and Recreation Center Project time clock has begun in earnest.
Week in McLean
A fundraiser for Kent Gardens PTA has been announced by HBC Realty Group’s (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Champions
Alexandria Letter: Expensive Visit
Letter to the Editor
As much as I enjoy patronizing downtown Alexandria, I will never again spend my money or plan any events in the city.
Alexandria Letter: Be Nice to One Another
Letter to the Editor
As we kick off another New Year, let us abandon some of the negative practices of the Old Year regarding the interactions of the mayor and City Council.
Column: A New, Shared Sense of Purpose
I thank you for this great honor of serving as your mayor. This is a time for a new, shared sense of purpose, to paraphrase Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
Middle School: Launching Pad to Success or Pipeline to Failure?
Commentary
Per recent studies, our middle schools nationwide are often overlooked, frequently allocated secondhand resources and habitually saddled by low expectations, yet it is the critical period in a child's education and development.
Meet Sheriff Kincaid in McLean
First woman to lead county Sheriff’s Office to speak at the event hosted by the McLean area branch of AAUW.
The McLean Area American Association of University Women (AAUW) branch event on Saturday, Jan. 16 features the first woman to lead the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office in its 273-year history, Sheriff Stacey Ann Kincaid.
Alexandria Snapshot: ‘Installation Celebration’
Parkfairfax Brigade with Mayor-elect Allison Silberberg at her "Installation Celebration” at the George Washington Masonic Temple on Sunday, Jan. 3.
Alexandria People at Work: Helping in Bird Count
It was Saturday, Dec. 19 at Monticello Park on Beverly Street. Tom Albright has just joined the team recording the birds in part of Subsector 4 for the Christmas Bird Count. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is held nationwide each year from Dec. 14-Jan. 5. It serves as an early census on the winter birds. Albright has been participating in this annual event at Monticello since 2004.
Alexandria Viewpoints: New Year’s Resolutions Aren’t for All
New Year’s Resolutions are a tradition most common in the Western Hemisphere in which a person makes a promise to himself for some kind of self improvement or act of kindness to others in the upcoming year.
Alexandria City Council Gears Up for New Year
City officials look at challenges and opportunities in 2016.
The Alexandria City Council brought in 2016 with a roar of bagpipes. The City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums played in the auditorium of T.C. Williams High School for the council’s Jan. 4 installation, but soon, it was right back down to business.
Alexandria Welcomes the New Year
First Night fireworks usher in 2016.
Revelers from throughout the region descended on the Alexandria waterfront to watch fireworks light up the sky over the Potomac River and usher in 2016 as part of the 21st annual First Night Alexandria celebration.
What’s Happening in 2016 in McLean?
A preview of the issues, events that will mark the new year.
McLean Citizens Association has advocated for McLean and its people for 100 years.
McLean Community Foundation Announces Grant Request Deadline
The McLean Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its current grants cycle until Feb 1, 2016.
Centreville Letter: A Goal for the New Year
Letter to the Editor
Looking around my neighborhood, I see houses are all covered in pretty lights and everyone's Christmas tree has been displayed.
Great Falls: Veterinary Clinic, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital to Merge
Mission: first-class pet care in Great Falls.
The Georgetown Pike Veterinary Clinic is a familiar sight tucked comfortably in the Village, but next month the operation is seeing big changes. Come Feb. 1, the clinic will be merging with Seneca Hill Animal Hospital and relocating to Seneca’s facility down the road.
What’s Happening in 2016 in Great Falls?
A preview of the issues, events that will mark the new year.
Fairfax County Planning Commission staff published its report to recommend approval of the rezoning of Brooks Farm on New Year’s Eve.
Cedars Luncheons for Great Falls Seniors End After 55 Years
Dec. 15 marked the end of an important era for Great Falls seniors.
Centreville/Chantilly: Looking into the Future
Homes, stores, restaurants and a roundabout.
With the downturn in the office market, developers are instead planning to build residential and commercial uses on vacant parcels of land in the Westfields area of Chantilly. Below are details about what’s on the horizon, including plans for a memory-care facility off of Route 50 west.
Christmas Comes to Hanley Shelter
Christmas came early at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, courtesy of the third annual Gift of Giving event.
WMCCA Column: What’s Trending
Yes, indeed. It was a very busy year. Many thanks to all the citizens who took time in 2015 from their busy schedules and personal obligations to take on a variety of very interesting, but challenging and time-consuming issues critical to ensuring environmental integrity and the overall quality of life in the Potomac Subregion.
Potomac Letter: In Support of Brickyard Solar Farm
Letter to the Editor
Over the past couple months I've been reading in this paper about the proposed Brickyard solar farm. To my dismay, I’ve seen a number of denunciations of the proposal from those who oppose change and want the organic farm back.
Potomac Letter: More Concerns Over Solar Array
Letter to the Editor
The following letter was addressed; Dear Neighbors and Hard Working Advocates for The Common Good
Letter: Unite With Singing
Letter to the Editor
The following open letter is addressed to Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the National Football League.
Bethesda Country Club Women Capture Challenge Cup
With long drives, solid putts and confident chips, the 18-hole women of Bethesda Country Club (BCC) won the Challenge Cup for the first time since the competition began eight years ago.
Potomac Brief: Residents Can Help Set County Budget Priorities
Five budget forums scheduled.
Five Montgomery County budget forums in January seek input from residents about Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget priorities. The first forum will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6 at the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring.
Tuesday, January 5
Arlington: Wakefield Boys' Basketball Wins Holiday Tournament
Warriors improve to 11-0 with victory over Robinson.
The Wakefield boys' basketball team won the George Long holiday tournament.
Potomac: ‘Peter Pan Jr.’ Flies into Randolph Road Theatre
BRAVO Productions presents Jan. 16-17 performances.
Peter, Pan, Wendy, John, Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and definitely the notably evil Captain Hook will be “flying into” the Randolph Road Theatre on Jan. 16 and 17 to entertain youngsters and their families.
Potomac: South Glen Band Rocks at Old Anglers Inn
“Many professionals are really interested in exploring their creative bent.”
It’s not unusual to spot Potomac’s South Glen Band unloading their amps, drums, keyboard and other instruments at Old Angler’s Inn on MacArthur Boulevard.
Commentary: A Workable Solution for I-66
There was a great deal of concern about “$17 tolls” inside the beltway on I-66 during the recent election. I shared those concerns as I did not want to set a precedent of tolling a road that we were not adding infrastructure to.
Potomac: A Farewell to 2015
Reminiscing through the year.
Let’s wrap it up. It’s time to bid farewell to 2015 but not before reporting on Diana and Bill Conway’s traditional Christmas party. They start by calling the fire department alerting members not to worry about reports of smoke surrounding the Conway’s River Road home.
Editorial: New Year’s Goals
A few wishes for the Virginia General Assembly, more coming ...
Issues and elections in 2016.
Mason, Inova to Collaborate on Personalized Medicine Research
Partnership expected to develop treatments, grow economy.
Researchers and doctors from George Mason University and Inova Health System will collaborate on a series of personalized medicine research projects under a new partnership between the two institutions.
School Board Sued over Nondiscrimination Policy Changes
Liberty Counsel challenges board’s authority to add sexual orientation and gender identity.
When the members of the Fairfax County School Board added sexual orientation and gender identity to the school system’s nondiscrimination policy in November 2014 and May 2015, did they have the authority?
Arlington: College Applications Submitted — The Long Wait Begins
Navigating the process to admission.
The waiting begins for four Arlington high school seniors who have submitted their college applications due in early January. They discuss the college application process, the details, frustrations and strategies.
Vienna: New Year’s Hopes, Resolutions
What are your hopes and resolutions for 2016?
Arlington Brief: Coffee in the Beer Garden
Every Wednesday in January, Arlington Neighborhood Village (ANV) welcomes residents to “Coffee and Conversation” at the Westover Market Beer Garden & Haus,10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free.
Arlington: OAR Provides Gifts for Children of Prisoners
Volunteers fill church for annual wrapping event.
Volunteers gathered around tables piled with wrapping paper and looked at their individualized lists of children.
New Year’s Resolutions for Arlington County Board
New leadership faces new challenges and old problems.
While many of the goals set by the Arlington County Board for 2016 were familiar, like expanding school capacity, signs of the new perspectives and new leadership began to take hold at its Jan. 1 meeting.
Arlington: Signature Stages ‘West Side Story’
Iconic show is a 1950s musical adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."
Signature Theatre in Arlington is staging "West Side Story," considered to be one of the greatest musicals of all time, through Jan. 24.
St. Francis Creche Preschool Holds Christmas Pageant
Preschool pageant