Stories
Reston Community Orchestra Wraps up 25th Season
Reston Community Orchestra welcomes youth for season finale.
The Reston Community Orchestra concluded their 25th season Sunday, May 19, with a performance at the Reston Community Center.
Katherine Hanley Shelter Hosts Open House
Shelter houses more than 20 families at a time.
Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that operates two homeless shelters in Fairfax County, as well as a domestic abuse shelter, hosted an open house at their Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax Tuesday, May 14.
Herndon Farmer's Market Opens With New Activities
Cooking demos, live entertainment, extended hours part of this year’s market.
The Herndon Farmers Market has returned for the season, in a new location and with new extended hours designed to make shopping for fresh produce and other goods easier.
Sara's Head Shaving Birthday Party
Sara Raffel's little brother Ryan lost his battle with AML, a form of leukemia, on Aug. 11, 2012 — less than a year after diagnosis and just two days before his 6th birthday.
Power of Pink
The Power of Pink members celebrated their 2nd annual Debutante Cotillion Ball on Saturday evening, May 11, at West Potomac High School. Four students — Kaya Hampton, Genesis Taylor, Shaliyah Hollins and Kisanet Asfaha — were honored at the ball. The Power of Pink is a mentoring program for high school students. The members participate in workshops, cultural and community service projects. The program also includes fundraising activities to help support college scholarships. This year’s sponsors included the Apple Store at Pentagon City and Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs
Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Resurgent Majors Advance to Regional Quarterfinals
Mount Vernon repeats as National District champion.
The Mount Vernon boys' soccer team will host T.C. Williams in the regional quarterfinals.
Column: Commission Praises Foundation
The Ronald M. Bradley Foundation recently received an “Excellence in Aging Award for an Organization” for its commitment to the City of Alexandria’s holiday Meals-on-Wheels program.
Alexandria Bulletin Board
Information on events going on in Arlington.
Column: Observing Memorial Day
Public invited to May 27 ceremony at Alexandria National Cemetery.
Memorial Day is about remembering those who died for our values to make our way of American life possible. This honoring of the memories of the fallen and the values for which they died is not limited to one day.
Eating Fresh and Local
Potomac Farmers Market, every Thursday, for vegetables.
Corey McCleaf will bring 33 varieties of fruit to the Potomac Farmer’s Market this summer. Emily Starck will sell 53 varieties of heirloom tomatoes during the farmer’s market season, which runs Thursday afternoons from May through October at Potomac United Methodist Church. Keisha and Scotty Sherman, of Simply Delicious Desserts, work with 50 pounds of rhubarb every morning, and make breads, cakes, ginger strawberry tea, scones, cookies and cupcakes. They also brought their “goodies” to the Strawberry Festival last weekend.
Military Notes
Information on Alexandria natives in the military.
Dick Hagen and ‘Hawaii:’ Potomac Hunt Race Heroes
A loose horse adds drama to 61st annual race program.
Headed down the half-mile homestretch, going hell bent for leather toward the finish line, were six race horses and their jockeys all vying for the Labadie Mill Perpetual Trophy, a mile and a half flat race for ladies only. It was the fifth race of the Potomac Hunt’s 61st annual race program. It was not exactly billed as the featured event, or the most exciting. That was soon to change.
Local Artist Overcomes TBI With Passion for Art
Brian Menish makes art, defies Traumatic Brain Injury.
After years of intensive physical, speech and occupational therapy, Menish not only survived, but he now has regained the ability to walk and participate in nearly every activity of a typical 24-year-old male.
Love Your Body – Northern Virginia Yoga and Wellness Day
Free Public Event presented by Beloved Yoga ~ Proceeds Benefit Reston Interfaith
“At Love Your Body Day, everyone can learn about the many ways to take care of their bodies from the inside out – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to feel stronger, healthier, and better able to manage stress,” says Maryam Ovissi, co-owner of Beloved Yoga.
Reston’s ‘Party With a Cause’
Bad weather not a problem at Relay for Life.
To officially begin the event survivors from the area walk a lap amongst themselves wearing purple to signify the disease they overcame.
Alarmed Over Crescent Apartments Future
Faith communities and residents host a walk to raise awareness of possible loss of affordable housing.
On Sunday, May 19, V.O.I.C.E (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) walked with many residents of Reston, and tenants of Crescent Apartments to raise awareness of affordable housing in Reston and more specifically—plans to redevelop the Crescent Apartments on North Shore Drive from 181 units to much larger 700-900 units.
Residents Meet Police Officers And K-9s
Local residents attending a recent meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee learned about the work done by the K-9 officers and their dogs. Officers Matthew Kunstel and Marshal Thielen talked to the crowd and children enjoyed petting their dogs.
Singers, Dancers, Musicians Galore
Chantilly’s annual Jazz & Pizzazz is May 29-June 1.
Chantilly High’s Jazz & Pizzazz isn’t just any musical-entertainment show. It’s a high-octane, raise-the-roof extravaganza featuring award-winning singers and dancers in colorful and energetic spectacle. This year’s event, the 27th annual, runs Wednesday-Saturday, May 29, 30 and 31 and June 1, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.ChantillyChoral.org. They’re also available at the door, but Friday and Saturday nights usually sell out, so advance purchases are recommended for those shows.
Springfield Joins Bike to Work Day
Self-powered commuters enjoyed bike service, snacks and a chance to give feedback.
Though the Metro Park pit stop for Bike to Work Day 2013 didn’t technically open until 6:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17, the first biker showed up at 6:15, according to stop Manager Nancy-jo Manney.
Calendar-CV
Ongoing The Airbus IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, is showing movies including “Hubble,” “Fighter Pilot,” “Space Junk,” “Air Racers”, “The Dream is Alive” and ”Star Trek: Into the Darkness”. Visit http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/ or call 703-572-4118 for the movie schedule.
Calendar
Ongoing Summer Classes. Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-10 can participate. Register at www.artatthecenter.org or 703-201-1250. Art Exhibit. Through Sunday, May 26, Thursday, Friday and Sunday noon-4 p.m.; Saturday 1-4 p.m. at The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. See works by Mary Margaret Pipkin. Free. Visit www.mmpipkin.com.
Brief: Honored at William & Mary
Brian Anthony Rabe, of Springfield, graduated from the College of William & Mary on Sunday, May 12, with a Bachelor's in both biology and chemistry, membership in Phi Beta Kappa and an overall 4.0 GPA.
Sergeant Charles Matthew Gildon and Sara Elisabeth Peltier Engaged
Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Lynne Gildon, of Fairfax Station, are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Sergeant Charles Matthew Gildon to Sara Elisabeth Peltier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Wallys Peltier, of Marshall, Va., and Ms. Melissa Graves, of Fairfax.
Fairfax County Band Directors Recognize Solo Performers
The Fairfax County Band Directors Association has recognized 15 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students for excellence in solo instrumental music performance as part of the 2013 Fairfax County Band Directors Association Solo Competition.
Week in Fairfax
Final Parkway Paving Underway and Fairfax Farmers Market Is Open
Brief: VDOT Announces New Northern Virginia Leadership
The Virginia Department of Transportation named Helen L. Cuervo P.E. district administrator for VDOT’s Northern Virginia District, and Renée N. Hamilton deputy district administrator.
Reston Concerts on the Town Announces its 2013 Season
Reston Concerts on the Town Announces its 2013 Season
Brief: Chic Envy Hosts Military Spouse Appreciation Event
Upscale consignment boutique Chic Envy and the National Military Spouse Network (NMSN), a networking, mentoring and professional development organization committed to empowering military spouses, teamed up to host the third annual military spouse appreciation event on Monday, May 6.
Brief: 30 GMU Students, Faculty Rally Over Keystone XL Pipeline
Over 30 students leaders, faculty and Virginians rallied Friday, May 17, at a press conference in advance of Sen. Mark Warner’s commencement address Saturday to tell the Senator that they oppose the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.
Bringing to Life ‘Is He Dead?’
Providence Players present recently unearthed Mark Twain comedy.
It is rare that a play written by one of America's iconic writers is found and produced a century after it was written. But the Providence Players are bringing to life "Is He Dead?" written by Mark Twain in 1898 and first published in print in 2003.
Commentary: Every Two Years
I told the several people who were present that I thought we needed a new Fairfax Resolves, remembering the resolution that the citizens of Fairfax County had drawn up to list their grievances against England before the revolution.
Brief: Tiny Dancers Offer Themed Week-long Camps
There’s something big afoot at Tiny Dancers this summer as they offer their award-winning program of themed, week-long camps.
Half Marathon To Support Families
Fundraiser includes 1K fun run.
Several thousand runners and spectators will gather for the fourth annual Alexandria Running Festival Half Marathon and 5K this weekend.
CES’s 7th Annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance
The girls from Centreville Elementary School danced the night away at the Black and White Ball in April, with their fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles and in one case, an older brother. Since its beginning seven years ago, the dance has grown and this year had the biggest turnout of attendees in the dance’s history. This year’s theme was a Black and White Ball and the girls and their dates came decked out in true princess fashion. DJ Patrick Fitzgerald from BossHogg Entertainment kept the girls and their dates dancing well into the night. The girls also took home a souvenir photo courtesy of YanzEvents Photo Booths. CES noted the support of local businesses: Chipotle, Virginia Tire and Auto, Guapos, Manhattan Bagel, Baskin Robbins, Brick’s Pizza, Centreville Tire and Auto, Domino’s Pizza, Centreville Dance, and Amanda Lauser with Lia Sophia.
Brief: GMU President Named Honorary Member of Rotary Club of Fairfax
The Rotary Club of Fairfax inducted Dr. Angel Cabrera, the newly-inaugurated president of George Mason University, as an honorary member on April 29. According to Laura Hills, the club’s president, “It is our tradition to make the George Mason University president an honorary member of our club. We were thrilled to bestow this honor upon Dr. Cabrera.”
Racing in the Clifton Caboose Twilight Run
The 15th annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run included a 1-mile fun run/walk at 6 p.m., and the 5K at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18.
Three Musicals Garner Cappies Nods
Fairfax, Woodson, Paul VI are all recognized.
When the winners are announced during the 14th annual Cappies Gala, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., students from Fairfax, Woodson and Paul VI high schools will be there, eager for the results. That’s because each school was nominated for awards for their musicals.
Column: Reston Marches to Support Neighbors
It was a lovely Sunday afternoon, ideal for marching to support our neighbors in Lake Anne’s Crescent Apartments and support some old-time Reston values.
Week in Herndon
Memorial Day Observance at Chestnut Grove. Town of Herndon Holiday Schedule. 2013 Herndon Festival Set for May 30-June 2. Delegate Rust Receives ‘A+’ Rating. Are You Missing Money?
Roundups
Walker Honored by Franklin Band Director Lawrence Walker was at Franklin Middle School when it opened in 1984. And after 30 years with FCPS — 28 of them at Franklin — he retired in June 2012. But his many contributions to the school and to the youth of Fairfax County have not been forgotten. In a ceremony at the May 9 meeting of the School Board, it was revealed that Franklin is naming its music department the Lawrence Walker Music Department. And area music students will still benefit from his expertise when he returns this summer to continue directing Franklin’s annual Band and Orchestra Camp, June 24-July18.
School Notes
Aun Kei Hong of Centreville graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in computer engineering from RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering in the winter 2012-13 quarter. Thoa Jennifer M. Tran, of Centreville, received the Dr. Clyde S. & Pauline F. Stine Scholarship from Millersville University. Daniel Deskin Nicoll graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in history. A graduate of Bishop Ireton High School, he is the son of Scott and Colleen Nicoll of Centreville.
Calendar-P
Ongoing Mommy & Me (& Daddy, Too). Third Tuesday each month. 10 a.m. at Rockville Town Square. Meet for a morning out with active learning and creative play with lunch specials, story time, arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, prizes and more. Visit rockvilletownsquare.com/events/mommy-and-me. On the Square: May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15. The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park has announced its 2012-2013 season. There are fairytale princesses, and a guest artist with a bilingual twist. 301-634-5380 or www.thepuppetco.org. Cinderella, through June 9, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
2nd Annual RC Mania at WPHS
Flying conditions were near perfect on Sunday, May 19, as RC Mania got underway in the back fields at West Potomac High School. Hosted by the West Potomac High School Engineering Club, the Technology Student Association and Technology and Engineering Department, the event drew upon dozens of model airplane, cars and trucks and boat enthusiasts.
Brief: Local Students Receive the Allstate Foundation Achievement Award
Fairfax High School student Drew Bonner, and Patrick O’Connor from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology, were chosen as two of 10 students across the state to receive an academic scholarship from The Allstate Foundation and the Virginia High School League (VHSL).
Herndon Joins Bike To Work Day
On Friday, May 17, the Town of Herndon hosted a bike pit stop close between the Herndon Depot Train Museum and old Town Hall, just off the W&OD trail.
School Notes
Christine Quetsch from Chantilly High School is a recipient of a 2013 Celebrate Fairfax Community Spirit Scholarship. Andrew Criminski, the son of Scott and Charmain Criminski of Oak Hill, and Therese Criminski of San Diego, has been named to Randolph-Macon Academy's dean's list for the third quarter of the 2012-13 school year. Andrew is a senior at Randolph-Macon.
We Are Family
Community celebrates foster families during annual 5K walk at Lake Accotink.
They walked, ran or rode trikes, all in celebration of foster families at Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, May 18.
Flourishing After 55 May 22
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for June 1-8.
Buisness Notes
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics formerly the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality; medical complications; patient safety; average patient stay; expenses; profitability; patient satisfaction; adherence to clinical standards of care; post-discharge mortality; and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. The study is celebrating its 20th year. Four more retailers have opened their doors at Fair Oaks Mall. The Art of Shaving, Clarks, Sports Zone Elite and Zumiez are joining the expanding lineup at the area’s premier shopping destination.
Potomac Entertainment Calendar May 22
Information on entertainment events in Potomac.
Bulletin Board-cv
Through June 12 Independent Living Project. Fairfax County is offering this free six-week program that includes a gentle exercise program to improve strength and balance, presentations on county services, a healthy cooking demonstration, advice on how to manage health care and prescriptions, and more. Led by professional social workers, the group meets weekly at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/independent.htm or call 703-324-7210, TTY 711.
OrangeLine
Go Dancing At the Ballroom at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-228-1850. Salsa Tuesdays. 7:30-8:30 p.m. dance class; 8:30-11 p.m. dancing. Dance Wednesdays. 7:30-8:30 p.m. dance classes; 8:30-11 p.m. dancing. Tickets are $15/$12 at door. On Wednesdays, dance at Artisphere to zydeco, cajun, rock, R&B and swing. 11:01 Saturday Nights. Starts at 11:01 p.m. Late-night dance party. Tickets are $15/$12 students.
Chantilly’s Next Stop: The Kennedy Center
Funny, heartwarming play receives 11 Cappie nominations.
Chantilly High’s Cappies play was called, “You Can’t Take It with You.” But if all goes well for the school at next month’s Cappies ceremony, Chantilly could take home some trophies for its side-splitting play. It received 11 nominations, and all the high-school theater winners will be unveiled, June 9, during the 14th annual Cappies Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Learning about Immigration Reform
Forum provides information about a national debate.
As Congress tries to tackle immigration reform, residents gathered in an auditorium at Kenmore Middle School on Tuesday, May 14, to learn about the various and complex parts of this issue. U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) started the forum off by speaking of one area of common ground between both sides of the immigration reform debate.
Brief: Nereids Synchronized Swimmers Place at Regionals
The Northern Virginia Nereids synchronized swimming team qualified for the Age Group National Synchronized Swimming competition after a successful showing at the South Zone Region A Regional Competition in Washington, D.C. the weekend of May 3-5.
A New Jefferson-Houston
The ground has been broken on the new site for the Jefferson-Houston Elementary School. The event featured a visit from the Washington National’s Running President Thomas Jefferson.
Ballpark Bus Ups Reston 'Nattitude'
Reston Town Center showed some serious "Natitude" on Saturday, May 11 when the Ballpark Bus made its debut, shuttling over 40 baseball fans to Nationals Park from Clyde's of Reston.
Transatlantic Hip-hop Festival Returns to Arlington
Last Thursday, People gathered at the Artisphere on Thursday, May 16, to attend another event of the second annual Urban Corps hip-hop festival that was taking place in Washington from May 12-18.
Centreville, Westfield Garner Cappies Nods
‘Cabaret’ and ‘Flowers for Algernon’ are honored.
When the winners are announced during the 14th annual Cappies Gala, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., students from Centreville and Westfield high schools will be there, eager for the results. That’s because both schools were nominated for awards for their Cappies shows. Centreville received nominations for its high-spirited musical, “Cabaret,” and Westfield was recognized for its touching play, “Flowers for Algernon.”
Letter: Failing Grades on Air Pollution
Republican members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works put corporate polluters ahead of our health by boycotting the nomination of Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Each day this vote is delayed, health risks increase for millions of Virginians.
2013 Athletes of the Year
Britt McHenry to keynote Sportsman’s Club dinner May 29.
Washington sportscaster Britt McHenry will be on hand as 26 of the city’s best high school athletes are honored for their academic and athletic excellence at the 57th annual Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Awards dinner May 29 at the Westin Carlyle Hotel. A sports reporter for ABC7/WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8, McHenry is also the host of News Channel 8's High School Sports Final. Her keynote address will be the first given by a female in the history of the Sportsman’s Club.
Brief: Eight FCPS Students Honored for Writing
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have received certificates for superior writing in the 2013 Achievement Awards in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
Brief: Homestretch Hosts Benefit Breakfast
The event helps raise more than $100,000.
Homestretch hosted its annual benefit breakfast on Wednesday, May 15, and raised over $100,000 for its program and services.
Remembering a Promise To Remember
Alexandria war memorial is decaying.
The monument in front of Alexandria's railroad station is a pledge that residents who die in wartime service never will be forgotten. How, then, could the monument itself be so forgotten? On Monday, Nov. 11, 1940, a crowd of 3,000 gathered for the dedication. Speakers, whose words were not recorded, undoubtedly said the sacrifices of the dead would be remembered forever. But time has affected the stones representing those promises. Decay has set in. Joints are opening. Mortar and caulking have fallen aside, preparing the way for further damage. Those who participated in the long-ago ceremonies would be taken aback at what is visible today.
Working To Help Ex-Offenders
Local probation office reintegrates ex-offenders into community.
Probably the only time the average citizen hears about the Department of Corrections probation program is when something goes wrong. An offender on probation violates his or her terms of her parole and commits a crime. The public is outraged and concerned about their safety and the safety of the community.
Herndon High Presents ‘Improvathon’
The event honors Chuck Stanley.
For the past four years the Stanley family has been awarding a scholarship to a Herndon High School theatre arts student in memory of their son and brother, Chuck Stanley. This year, the HHS Drama Department decided to show their thanks.
Volunteers To Place 5,000 Flags
On Saturday May 25, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 609, American Legion Post 1775 along with other veterans and volunteers will place more than 5,000 American flags at the graves at Alexandria National Cemetery, 1450 Wilkes St., Alexandria. It is the oldest veterans cemetery in the U.S., established in 1862.
It’s on to The Kennedy Center
Robinson’s musical, “Hairspray,” nominated for eight Cappies.
Each year, the Cappies program honors the best in high-school theater, and Robinson Secondary’s high-octane musical, “Hairspray,” has been nominated for eight awards.
A Joyous Occasion
To the Editor: Artists, their families and friends, and members of the community who attended the opening reception of “Art Uniting People” at the Lee Center not only got to see some powerful, moving, sad, jarring and funny works of art including photography, paintings, sketches and sculpture, they also got a chance to learn what it takes to be happy with Liberian-born storyteller Vera Oye' Yaa-Anna who told her tale of the king of the historic city of Timbuktu who was always unhappy no matter what his loyal subjects and servants tried to do. With the help of dancers Diane Freeman and Thomas Lee and drummers Yerone Sanders and Joseph Ngwa, the audience was soon clapping, dancing in their seats, down the aisles and on stage and chanting “I am Happy.” A few tried drumming including an intrigued four-year-old.
Lake Braddock Teacher, Burke Swim Coach Promotes Water Safety
Alexandria resident, Lake Braddock teacher Miriam Lynch helped organize a congressional hearing to increase awareness.
With the summer swimming season just about to kick off, the excitement of a freshly opened pool or beach may cause eagerly returning patrons to forget their number one priority as patrons: safety.
Calendar
Ongoing Food Truck Thursdays. In the surface parking lot at the corner of Crystal Drive and 18th Street. Line Dancing Class. Fridays, 10-11 a.m. Line dancing with Barbara Allen. Covers the basic steps, then combines them to music for a gentle aerobic workout. More experienced line dancers are welcome as they can assist newer dancers. At Aurora Hills Senior Center. Call 703-228-5722. Theater Performance. Through Saturday, May 25, see “Club de Caballeros” at Gunston Arts Center Theater Two, 2700 S. Lang St. Performances on Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m., with tickets $30/general; $25/student or senior. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with tickets $35/general; $30/student or senior. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
‘Lights Out’ District?
To the Editor: Keeping the streetlights on in Alexandria starts with city hall’s new Call-Click-Connect system, where like Dorothy going to Oz, you click three times and land in a place that asks you to “call the power company.” The city stays out of the loop and in the happy zone. You’re on your own road to discovery, dude. Arriving to the Historic District by Metro, you may begin your journey to the water by traversing the western end of King Street’s “lights out” district, where night-shuttered businesses and few restaurants create a picture of gothic gloom. It is here, like Pepper and Martin, whose shop is fronted by an unlit streetlamp, you might feel the need to squint.
Potomac Bulletin Board May 22
Information on events going on in Potomac.
Help Keep The Lights On
To the Editor: I thought you would be interested in an update about the ongoing saga of the Christmas tree lights on King Street. They were all turned off April 15 and the short-run effort to keep them on through this spring did not work. Now The trees have been trimmed on King Street. It was a long overdue procedure to maintain the tree canopy over the city. As far as we know now the budget has been created and the lights will not be on again until Thanksgiving this year.
Educational Crisis
To the Editor: Reporter Michael Lee Pope’s two articles, “Historic Tax Hikes” and “Uncertainty Haunts Groundbreaking,” are inextricably linked. In the former Mr. Pope writes: “One of the leading drivers of the need for capital spending is the public school system.” In the latter he states: “when the new $45 million Jefferson-Houston School facility opens its doors, it may not be under the control of city leaders.” Jefferson-Houston School, my family’s failing neighborhood school, becomes the responsibility of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2014.
Remembering Paige Saucedo
Herndon High hosts annual event in memory of its late teacher.
The second annual Paige R. Saucedo Memorial ESOL Scholarship Fund Event was held on Saturday, May 18, at Herndon High School. The occasion marked the second anniversary of the sudden passing of Herndon High’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department chair, Paige Saucedo.
Bookstores Abound
To the Editor: I would like to comment on two recent items in the Gazette Packet: a letter in the May 9 issue ("A City's Priorities" from Carl A. Posey), and the item in the May 16 "Business Matters" column headlined "Books Without Bookstores." I agree strongly with Mr. Posey's point that Alexandria's library system needs to receive high priority in Alexandria's budgets, but I take issue with his statement that "Alexandria is a community where no bookseller can survive." The "Books Without Bookstores" item stated that Alexandria is "bereft of a place to buy books." I disagree.
Teaching Geography in Peru
Arlington resident Alison Foley develops program in Pariahuanca and San Miguel de Aco.
Remember those fun geography games in elementary school? Well, Arlington resident Alison Foley is using those past experiences to introduce geography to the children and young people of Peru through MUNDO the program she co-created with her Peace Corps site mate Keren Eyal in Ancash, Peru.
Rachel Carson Middle Performs Original Show
One act show written and staged by students with assistance of Arena Stage Artists.
The students of Rachel Carson Middle School performed an original production this past week. The play, “Grayscale,” is one the students wrote and staged with the help of Arena Stage artists.
Potomac Real Estate May 22
Kim Farina, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that the Potomac office was recognized for outstanding performance in April.
Potomac School Notes May 22
School notes for Potomac natives.
Crime
The following incidents were reported by the Arlington Police Department. MALICIOUS WOUNDING, 4200 block of N. 2nd Road. At 6:59 a.m. on May 10, a verbal argument escalated out front of an apartment building and the victim was assaulted by three subjects. The victim was stabbed in the left side of the torso during the assault. A 37-year-old Arlington man, a 43-year-old Arlington man and a 25-year-old Hyattsville, Md. man were arrested and charged with malicious wounding. They were held without bond.
Modernizing Potomac Elementary
Plans underway for new school building, last to be modernized in Churchill cluster.
Potomac Elementary School will have a new building by January 2018, without delay.
Celebrating Achievement
Award promotes Northern Virginia’s leadership diversity.
The nonprofit organization Virginia Leadership Institute (VLI) held its Top 10 Under 40 awards reception on May 7 at Kora Restaurant in Crystal City to honor black leaders in Northern Virginia. In a room filled with dozens of attendees along with award recipients and their families, 10 people were celebrated for their achievements in business, politics, civic engagement and philanthropy. Representing the scope of cities and counties making up Northern Virginia, honorees were from Alexandria, Arlington, the Town of Dumfries, Fairfax County, Loudon County, and Prince William County.
Picnic Honors Volunteers
Montgomery County Muslim Foundation celebrates award.
More than 350 people gathered at Black Hill Regional Park to honor Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) volunteers and to celebrate their “2012 Exceptional Partner Award,” presented by Giant Foods and Manna.
Bulletin Board
Thursday/May 23 Spring Carnival. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Washington Golf and Country Club. Arlington Food Assistance Center is hosting boardwalk performers, carnival treats and entertainment. Visit www.afac.org for more. Annual Senior Law Day. 12:30-4 p.m. at Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. Enjoy a proclamation, exhibitions, photo identification cards and more. 703-228-0948.
