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.
Arlington’s Loss with Death of ‘Mr. Reilly’
A Remembrance
Dr. Reilly Lewis passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest in his home in Arlington on June 9.
Renovating the Historic House
Expert Murray Bonnitt says be prepared for extra and unexpected delays and expenses when renovating a historic property.
Renovating a historic home is a labor of love and can be a test of real patience. Do you think renovating your own modern home is a challenge? Try one from the 19th century. With so many homes in the region from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th century, a significant commitment to maintaining them comes with a desire to make them compatible for our time.
Kenmore Students Put Art on the Table in Arlington
Seventh Grade Art students create designer tables for gallery show and sale.
With power tools and the gift of color, Kenmore Middle school art students designed and constructed 39 coffee tables that went on display in the gallery space in Arlington’s Ballston Mall.
Talking with Birds
One Arlington family discusses the joys of adopting several birds and a rabbit.
Thirteen-year-old Julia Adde delights in having her pet parrot, Boo Boo sit with her while she does her homework. Boo Boo, an eclectus parrot, was the fourth and most recent bird to join the Adde household.
Healing from Domestic Violence
The Women’s Group of Mount Vernon holds 10th anniversary.
”It took me almost 20 years to look in the mirror to say ‘I love myself, I know I’m grand,’” said Mattie Palmore, co-founder for The Women’s of Mount Vernon, Inc. “I Love Myself, I Know I’m Grand” was the theme for the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Gum Springs Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Pirates Take Over on Halloween at Del Ray Home
Pirate Lady shares her methods for creating the perfect scary house.
”It’s like being a kid all over again. You get to create your own little world. One that everyone else gets to enjoy with you,” says Tami Sarjeant, owner of 1407 Russell Road in the Del Ray area of Alexandria.
Seniors Compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze
Hundreds participate in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
Whack! Smack! These were the constant sounds going back and forth during the pickleball finals at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington. The pickleball games were part of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics taking place at several venues throughout the region.
Senior Olympics Takes Spotlight
Hundreds participate for Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Whack! Smack! These were the constant sounds going back and forth during the pickleball finals at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington.
Oronoco Condos Almost Sold Out
Size matters in 60-unit residences with panoramic views.
The Oronoco Waterfront Residences, condominiums at 601 N. Fairfax St., are almost completely sold out. Only six units are left and sales began in May. Panoramic views of Oronoco Park, Old Town and the Potomac River as well as expansive city skyline views, are at least part of the reason. Then there is sheer size.
Bonefish Grill Opens Its Doors
Now open for brunch, lunch and dinner in Pentagon Row.
Located next to the outdoor ice rink in Pentagon Row, Bonefish Grill opened at the end of last month to the public. Cutting the ribbon on opening day were Arlington Chamber President Kate Roche, Arlington County Board member Walter Tejada, Bonefish Grill Managing Partner Jason Steenrod, Bonefish Grill Joint Venture Partner Debra Peterson and Bonefish Grill team members.
The Ball Kid Experience
Local tennis kids were ball kids for the major players at CitiOpen.
Ever wonder what it takes to be a ball kid at one of the major tennis tournaments?
Playing to Win
Serious local tennis competitors share their approach to the game.
As the U.S. Open approaches, several local tennis students are competing in their own United States Tennis Association (USTA) local competitions. There are several levels of tournaments to choose from as well as age groups whether they're entry-level, intermediate, or advanced. “Central to tennis is competition. They learn to win and how to lose,” according to Coach Wayne Bryan.
A Night at the Aquarium for Fairfax Youth
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington members take a private overnight tour of Baltimore's National Aquarium.
Ten students from the Fairfax branch (Murraygate chapter) of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington got a sneak peak of Shark Week by spending the night among them at the Baltimore Aquarium at the seaport in Baltimore. They spent a “night at the museum” as part of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program sponsored by COX Communications last Friday, July 25.
Concert Series Kicks Off at Fairfax Government Center
Bluegrass band Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie played for an enthusiastic crowd.
Despite the hurricane warnings and the dismal weather, area residents turned out for the first Ellipse Summer concert at the Fairfax Government Center last Thursday, July 3. Originally planned for the government center “backyard” lawn, the bluegrass band Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie moved to the lobby of the government center instead, proving that the concert would go on come rain or shine.
America Eats Tavern Opens at Tysons
American cuisine and culture on display at the Ritz-Carlton.
America Eats Tavern (AET), the new restaurant helmed by Spanish-born and award-winning celebrity chef José Andrés and business partner Rob Wilder, opened in the Tysons Corner Ritz-Carlton last month.
NASA Comes to Colvin Run Elementary
Space station astronauts speak live to students.
Students got a real hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experience by linking directly with the NASA international space station.
Celebrating Independence at Mount Vernon
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon honors nation’s independence with several historical activities.
George Washington (portrayed by actor Dean Malissa) welcomed guests to Mount Vernon estate the morning of July 4.
Flag Day at Union Mill
Kindergarten students participate in National Flag Day celebration.
Flags were hoisted in air as students marched to song onto the stage at Union Mill Elementary on Flag Day. The school hosted a grand old celebration of Red, White, and Blue on June 13. Kindergartners waved American flags and dressed in patriotic colors to celebrate the creation of our nation's banner.
Renovated Courts at Montgomery Park Open to Public
The courts at Montgomery Park are open to the public again after a major renovation.
‘Greatest Generation’ Visits Rocky Run Middle School
Students hear first-hand accounts from WWII veterans on D-Day festival.
Students at Rocky Run Middle School received the greatest history lesson on D-Day: first-hand accounts from the men and women who served in World War II. The “greatest generation” officers visited the school for an all-day festival where seventh graders got to hear eyewitness accounts of what happened during the war from the men and women who served there. First-hand accounts included recollections from being enemy prisoners, successful missions, air raids, and special operations. Students had the opportunity to sit down with the veterans and interview them individually. Interviews were conducted all day in the cafeteria as well as the media room.
Saying Goodbye at Lee High
"I feel amazing," began Aaron Jenkins, the commencement speaker for Robert E. Lee High School. He then proceeded to take a selfie from the stage with the more than 350 seniors in the background. Jenkins thanked all the families, friends, and significant others who helped the graduates get to this moment. He told the audience of eager graduates, "I see the world when I look at you," and urged them to wear their robes and caps all day long in celebration. Jenkins, the program director of Operation Understand D.C., asked the captive audience "who are you? Who do you want to be? Make a choice, choose the road, and keep standing out."
Stallions of 2014 Celebrate Graduation
Over 500 students graduated from South County High School and celebrated their achievement at the commencement on June 19 at the Patriot Center.
AWLA Cats Get New Home
Newly improved facilities unveiled to the public.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington unveiled its newly renovated cat and small animal facility on Thursday, June 5.
Center Keeps Seniors Fit
The Walter Reed Community Center kicked off a 55+ Fitness Day with Boomer Boot Camp at 9 a.m. on May 14 and ended with an afternoon of meditation at the end of the day.
Future Fund Gala Honors Organizations That Help Veterans
Gala awards grants from the next generation of philanthropists.
The Future Fund held its gala aboard the Cherry Blossom on Friday, May 16. The Fund raised approximately $52,000 that evening. The Future Fund engages young professionals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s in philanthropic efforts.
Cycling on National Bike Day
Students and teachers bike to school.
Walt Whitman Middle School was one of more than 30 Fairfax County public schools participating in National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 7. National Bike Day is part of the national program Safe Routes to School.
Learning about Nature for Community Stewardship Day
TC students took part in various Earth Week activities throughout the area.
Approximately 370 students from the new International Academy at T.C. Williams High School took part in Earth Week on Friday, April 25. International Academy students broke into groups across the area to participate in Earth Week activities along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Weather Doesn't Spoil Easter Egg Fun
The youngsters braved the winter chill at Great Waves Park at Cameron Run in Alexandria on Wednesday, April 16.
Protecting Youths Against Substance Abuse
Panel shares stories and advice.
Fairfax County's Unified Prevention Coalition sponsored a forum on the effects of substance abuse on the county's middle and high school children. The resource fair and panel discussion was led by parents, young adults and professionals from the coalition's PROTECT (Parents Reaching Out To Educate Communities Together) task force. "It's been so long, I'll still be emotional about it," said Greg Lannes about his daughter's heroin overdose in 2008. Alicia Lannes had been 19 when she died and had always been a model student with straight A's. He pointed to the lone framed photo of her on the table and asked the audience, "Does that look like a heroin addict? How did she get to that point?"
Choral Festival Fills Hayfield
More than 900 middle school sixth-graders participated in the all-Fairfax county choral festival on Saturday, April 26. The festival featured 120 schools in the county. With so many students, the auditorium at Hayfield Secondary School was filled to capacity.
Easter Fun
The Easter Bunny welcomed warmer weather and perfect sunny skies as he greeted the kids at Upton Hill Park in Arlington on Thursday, April 17.
Teaching Financial Skills
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and former Gov. Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, visited Hollin Meadows Elementary School on Friday, April 11 to teach a financial literacy lesson to the school’s fourth graders. The event was sponsored by American Bankers Association and was part of its 18th annual Teach Children To Save Day.
Little Theatre of Alexandria Celebrates 80 Years
Supporters and company members came out on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate Little Theatre of Alexandria's 80th anniversary extravaganza. The evening began with a champagne reception where patrons had a chance to reminisce about the organization's years of productions and events.
Good Shepherd Housing Celebrates 40 Years
Anniversary gala brings in $272,000.
Good Shepherd Housing & Family Services celebrated 40 years of delivering continuous community service and promoting self-sufficiency to those in need in Fairfax County with a fundraising gala at the Westin Hotel in Alexandria on Saturday, April 12.
SWAN: Support Women Artists Now
An evening of empowerment and energy.
To commemorate Women’s History Month in March, the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association featured an evening of women-performed arts including poetry, dance performances, visual arts, and music.
Night Honors Women’s Contributions to Community
Ten women were recognized by the Commission for Women for their contributions to the Alexandria community at the Salute to Women Awards at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Monday, March 31.
Elementary School Students Partner with ASO
Orff Ensemble works with El Sistema consultants in workshops.
John Adams Elementary School in Alexandria and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra held their second week-long El Sistema workshop during the week of March 24.
Spring Fun for Dogs
Say goodbye to the dreadful polar vortex and ring in warmer weather with your dog at James Hunter Park.
Spring Fun: The Ninja Gym
Looking for something a step up from the traditional gym? Urban Evolution in Alexandria offers parkour classes for ages 6 and up.
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 70 Years
Three themes: Community, accessibility and connection.
The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year by expanding its outreach efforts.
AWLA in Midst of ‘Care and Transform’ Campaign
Funds will expand facility for cats and small animals.
Animal Welfare Leagues animals getting a new home.