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Montie Martin

Stories by Montie

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Pioneering Change For Autism

University of Virginia seminar studies tension between “The Science & Lived Experience of Autism.”

Despite a recent surge in attention and research over the past decade about autism, controversy exists.

Pups and Pilsners Beer Festival To Return

Pups and Pilsners Is Coming Back!

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Exchange of Independence

Sister city high school exchange focuses on culture, national independence days

The U.S. and France have deep historic connections. The French provided assistance during the American War of Independence, and the Americans played a vital role in the liberation of occupied France during WWII. In an effort to deepen ties of friendship, Alexandria and her French sister city Caen have restarted a month-long high school exchange program with a focus on cultural understanding.

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Spring Fun

Crystal City 5k runs return in April.

Say goodbye to winter woes over a friendly 5k run this April in Crystal City. Races return this spring every Friday, and offer participants a chance to get out and go.

The Coolest Cats

King Street Cats celebrates 10 years

The Alexandria-based no kill animal shelter King Street Cats has a lot to purr about in 2013. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the all-volunteer organization that services kitty lovers throughout the region.

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Pick of the Patch

Annual fundraising pumpkin sale now through Oct. 31

The search for the perfect pumpkin is never easy. Size and color considerations must be taken into account, and quality is king. The variety of pumpkins at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, available now through Oct. 31, make the search a little easier.

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Bavarian Fun

Oktoberfest in Shirlington brings crowds, culture and craft beer.

The Oktoberfest at Shirlington Village returned for its 13th installment on Saturday, Oct. 6, with lederhosen, dirndls and good cheers for all.

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CureSearch Walk Supports Childhood Cancer Research

Fairfax Corner took steps towards overcoming childhood cancer.

Overcoming childhood cancer is a struggle, and since 2010, Northern Virginia CureSearch has held walks to help raise funds for research and provide a platform of community support for children and their families.

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Miss Greater Springfield Crowned

Jennifer Gilbert, 23, of Fairfax, wins contest.

Glamour and grace were on full display at this year’s 2013 Miss Greater Springfield beauty pageant, held Saturday, Sept. 22. A total of 13 contestants from across Virginia vied for a title to promote platforms of personal commitment to the community at large.

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Fall Fun: Beer and Brats

Bands, bratwurst, and brews to celebrate Bavaria

What to do and see this fall

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For Racers, A Bridge Not Too Far

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon set for Oct. 7.

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon is back for its third installment on Sunday, Oct. 7, and it has come a long way since the early days of shoestring budgets.

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A Statue with 100 Names

The confederate statue in Alexandria recalls city’s past, restoration planned to ensure its future.

The Battle of Antietam was fought on Sept. 17, 1862, and marked the single bloodiest day during the U.S. Civil War. Over the course of the battle, nearly 23,000 soldiers lost their lives. Among the units that fought for the Confederacy was the 17th Virginia Infantry regiment, which was comprised of young men from Alexandria.

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Good Tunes, Good Beer, Good Boy

Pooches welcome at Pups and Pilsners beer festival.

Sunny skies and full bodied Spanish wine welcomed visitors to the Crystal City Taste of Wine and Jazz festival on Sunday, Sept. 16.

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Cheers to Wine and Jazz

Crystal City to hold 6th annual Taste of Wine and Jazz.

Crystal City uncorks good times along with food and wine at this year’s Vintage Crystal: Taste of Wine and Jazz on Sunday, Sept. 16. Now in it’s 6th year, the event promises to build on a distinctly Latin theme.

Enjoy the Music, Enjoy the Wine

Crystal City Water Park entertains Friday evenings in September.

Fine vintages, live music, tasty fare and friendly crowds, all in a scenic outdoor venue, make Friday evenings at the Crystal City Water Park one of Arlington’s most entertaining hidden gems.

Date Night Means Columbia Pike

Convenient location for an evening out.

For off the beaten path fun in Arlington, consider an evening out at the 2900 block of Columbia Pike. With Thai food, film, comedy and live music all in one convenient location, make it a date night to remember.

Tax Holiday This Weekend Exempts School Supplies

Annual event assists customers and businesses.

A sharp new wardrobe, a perfect notebook, and a new school year go hand in hand. Back-to-school shopping is a yearly tradition for students and parents, and this weekend marks the seventh year of Virginia’s school supply tax holiday.

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World of Beer Arrives in Arlington

Fans of craft beer can grab a pint and enjoy a truly global selection of brew at World of Beer, ready to serve on Aug. 6. The Ballston location is the first branch to open in Virginia, and owners are enthusiastic about the location.

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What about Meow?

King Street Cats raises awareness for shy and mature cats.

Mature and shy cats at animal shelters do not make immediate impressions, and are often overlooked by the young and outgoing. Through no fault of their own, these cats have a difficult time finding a loving home.

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Makara Selected as Torpedo Factory Artist of Year

Her solo exhibition, “Masks,” at Target Gallery.

Veteran Torpedo Factory artist Susan Makara was honored on Thursday, July 12, with an official award ceremony as the 2012 Artist of the Year.

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The Smoking Trail

New cigarette trafficking law aids enforcement.

Virginia has long been known as a tobacco-friendly state. Tobacco was one of the first major commercial products for New World European settlers, and the state remains one of the largest producers today. Virginia is also home to some of the cheapest cigarettes in the country.

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On the Lookout for Eels

There’s something slimy in Arlington’s water systems. Hidden beneath the surface, slithering under sediment, and as likely to call sewers as well as streams their home is the Anguilla rostrata, or more commonly known as the American eel.

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Naadam Celebrates Independence

Mongolian community in Arlington celebrates Independence Day with games, food and music.

The Mongolian community in Arlington celebrated 91 years of independence from Manchurian rule on Sunday, July 8 at Barcroft Park. The celebration, known as Naadam, highlights traditional Mongolian culture through the three games of archery, horse back riding, and wrestling.

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Guns from the South

July 1 marks lifting of 19-year restriction on hand gun purchases.

On July 1, the 19-year restriction on handgun purchases in Virginia became null and void. The measure was signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell Feb 28, and effectively allows an unlimited number of handgun purchases to individuals in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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The Coolest Places in Town

City recreation centers maintain power, air-conditioning, during heat wave and devastating storm

Many Alexandria residents remained without power over the weekend when a freak storm hit the region late Friday night, June 29.

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Guns from the South

July 1 marks lifting of 19-year restriction on hand gun purchases.

On July 1, the 19-year restriction on handgun purchases in Virginia became null and void. The measure was signed by Gov. Bob McDonnell Feb 28, and effectively allows an unlimited number of handgun purchases to individuals in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

July 1, Fewer Gun Restrictions

Legislation going into effect this week in Virginia includes multiple bills that ease any restrictions on guns.

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Fit To Frame

Arlington artist receives 2012 VAP residency

Skill, creativity and workmanship are necessary elements for any career artist. Work that is judged worthy by peers through a juried process, however, adds a new level of professionalism.

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First-Year Principals Note Challenges, Accomplishments

Arlington principals share experiences after one year on the job.

Arlington County Public Schools are in the last throes of the academic year, and as summer break approaches, Bridget Loft and Kenwyn Schaffner reflect on their time as principals one year on the job.

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Fit To Frame

Arlington artist receives 2012 VAP residency.

Skill, creativity and workmanship are necessary elements for any career artist. Work that is judged worthy by peers through a juried process, however, adds a new level of professionalism.

Getting Involved

Youth empowerment symposium highlights area non-profits.

On Wednesday, June 27, Arlington residents are invited to join the Empowering Arlington Youth symposium, a panel discussion of youth-centered, non-profit organizations.

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A Night at the Races

The Fund for Alexandria’s Child holds annual fundraiser on the Potomac.

Sport a favorite hat and enjoy a cruise on the Potomac River for A Night at the Races, this year’s premier fundraising event for The Fund for Alexandria’s Child.

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A Night at the Races

The Fund for Alexandria’s Child holds annual fundraiser on the Potomac.

Sport a favorite hat and enjoy a cruise on the Potomac River for A Night at the Races, this year’s premier fundraising event for The Fund for Alexandria’s Child.

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Energetic Ensemble, Electric Evening

Batala Washington opens for Artomatic 2012.

On Friday, May 18, an immense display of synchronized drumbeats and vibrant rhythms performed by Batala Washington hailed the grand opening of Artomatic 2012.

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Students Perform at The Kennedy Center

An honor for George Washington Middle School.

Students with the George Washington Middle School Orchestra wowed audiences at the Kennedy Center April 30.

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Memories for Mom

A memory book makes for thoughtful Mother’s Day gift.

This Mother’s Day go beyond breakfast in bed and give mom a gift she’ll always remember, a memory book from the whole family.

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Arlington Arts Gallery Highlights Diversity of Local Artists

Nestled along the intersection of George Mason Drive and Lee Highway is the Arlington Arts Gallery, a hidden gem of diversity that highlights the work of local artists who come from an array of cultural backgrounds.

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The Brainy Bunch

Alexandria teams head to national trivia championships.

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

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Tibetan Monks Share Their Culture

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

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Friday 5k Fun Runs Return to Crystal City

Friday 5k fun runs will return this spring as racers hit the streets in Crystal City.

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Marking Jewish Exodus from Egypt

Second annual Seder Summit entertains and educates.

Male bonding over ribs, beer and scotch were front and center Sunday, March 18 at Beth Sholom synagogue.

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Centreville Author Publishes Lessons From Counterinsurgencies

Lessons from historic counter insurgencies come to light in “Isolating the Guerilla,” a new book by Centreville resident Lieutenant Colonel Michael Trevett, chief of Aerial Sensors Branch with the Intelligence and Security Command at Ft. Belvoir.

The March for Art

Target Gallery partners with March of Dimes for outreach and support.

March Art Reach is in full swing at the Target Gallery, and Friday, March 16 offers an opportunity to purchase panel works by local artists at steep discounts.

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Register for Diamond Derby Race in Crystal City

Diamond derby race day March 10. <sh>Diamond derby race day March 10.

March 10 promises to be a day of cycles and stunts as competitors of all levels vie for prizes and cash rewards at Diamond Derby, a first of its kind event for Crystal City.

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For Pets from Paradise, Alexandria Is Heaven

Adoption opportunities for kittens in need

The U.S. territory of St. Croix is a Caribbean paradise. A rolling sea surrounds lush beaches, the climate is warm year-round, and there are few crowds. The same island features that make for an amiable habitat for humans, however, are disastrous for local animal populations.

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Dressed To Impress

High fashion requires more than good looks. High fashion requires a complete approach that combines education and real world experience. For those who study at the West Potomac Academy of Fashion Design, the ins and outs of the industry are taught through coursework that emphasizes creativity grounded in practicality.

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Reflecting on When Black History Was Ignored

Funn’s role extended to series of lectures for police.

Slaves were happier than Northerners believed, and African Americans made no notable contributions to society. So says the 1957 school textbook, “Virginia: History, Government, Geography.”

Inspire Love

…with a few good words

Roses are red and chocolates taste great, I like your style, let’s go on a date. Corny, sincere, pleasant or tongue in check, the gift of words is a unique present for that special someone this Valentine’s Day.

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Norovirus Outbreak Spreads to Schools, Community

February is peak season for virus outbreaks.

Repeated bouts of diarrhea, severe nausea and acute onset are symptoms of the calici family of viruses. Commonly referred to as the stomach flu, the norovirus is particularly active in February and has already contributed to outbreaks throughout the Arlington County Public School system.

Not Another Valentine’s Day

Some alternatives to the usual fare.

Roses, chocolates and Hallmark Cards are standard Valentine’s Day fare. Gifts with a personalized element, however, are all the more significant for impressing that special someone.

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