Army Force Reduction Coming: Fort Belvoir community voices concerns
Members of the Fort Belvoir community —civilians, active duty, retirees of each military branch — gathered Jan. 23 to learn about the future of the garrison. The listening session titled “Army Force Structure and Stationing” was one stop on a 30-installation tour to gather community input for the Army senior leadership as it prepares to further reduce the size of the force.
Mount Vernon High School Hosts ‘Care Packing’ for Deployed Soldiers
There are all kinds of flash mobs. Instead of a marriage proposal or elaborate dance routine, more than 200 Mount Vernon High School students and members of the community descended on the school’s cafeteria on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to assemble care packages for deployed soldiers.
The Changing Face Of Mount Vernon
Land use (re)development highlights.
A look at land use changes and proposals targeting the Mount Vernon area.
Barbara Birra, charter member of Yacht Haven Garden Club in Mount Vernon, turns 100.
At 100, longtime Yacht Haven resident Barbara “Bobbie” Birra still lives independently, enjoys gardening, playing Bridge, being part of her church community and exercising.
ECHO Volunteer and Springfield Resident Turns 90
Mary Stuart of Springfield has been volunteering at ECHO for over a decade. She works in the linens and housewares departments of the faith-based charity (Ecumenical Community Helping Others), putting together donated sheets, towels and bathmats for clients.
The Changing Face of Springfield
Land use (re)development highlights.
GSA: The largely vacant warehouse off Loisdale Road in Springfield is currently in the running to become the new headquarters of the FBI.
Sixteen-year-old South County Student Battles Brain Cancer, Wins $1,000
While spending a month in Philadelphia, Catherine and Serena Lommasson of Lorton found the best cheesesteak in town. Beck’s Cajun Cafe, a vendor in the train station won their favor with andouille sausage added to the iconic sandwich.
The Changing Face of Fairfax Station, Lorton and Clifton
Land use (re)development highlights.
In largely residential areas, land use officials in the offices of Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Jeff McKay (D-Lee) say to expect to see more “infill” redevelopment in the future.
Derelict Barge Remains in Belmont Bay, South of Lorton
This ship hasn’t come in: A 50-foot, steel-hulled landing craft resting about 110 feet offshore in Belmont Bay has held its position for years. The WWII-type landing craft was used as a barge to haul materials for constructing the Fairfax Yacht Club in the 1980s.
Eileen Filler-Corn Holds First Mid-Session Office Hours in Springfield
Though Del. Eileen Filler-Corn made headlines in the first week of the General Assembly for her proposed legislation on how sexual assault on college campuses is reported, she was game for any topic at her first mid-session office hours.
The Changing Face of Burke
Land use (re)development highlights.
Terra Centre Elementary School renovation: The project by Henley Construction Company, Inc., includes renovating the 68,500 square feet of the previous school building, as well as 20,500 square feet of additional space. Completion is expected around June this year.
Friends of Sadie Blood Drive Enters Sixth Year in Burke
Sadie Lauer’s Neuroblastoma is in remission. She still has a tumor, buried near the top of her lungs, however it has no active cancer cells. Aside from “late effects” of her chemotherapy treatment, Sadie is a happy, healthy five-and-a-half-year-old girl.
Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment
How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.
Alexandria Working Against a Slowdown
Alexandria developments hope to reverse job loss trends.
When asked how Alexandria’s doing, interim City Manager Mark Jinks’ reaction is tepid. The good news is that income is high, as is hotel occupancy, but it basically stops there.
Reston’s Beaver Gate
Reston Association seeks to address Reston’s busy beavers.
The Glade Stream Valley in Reston has been home to beavers for over 25 years. Reston Association’s environmental resource manager, Claudia Thompson-Deahl said beavers originally entered the stream system from the Twin Branches end, probably traveling up from the Potomac River via Difficult Run.
Herndon, Reston Galleries Attract Art Lovers
Exhibits at ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE on display through February.
In January, both the ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE community art galleries opened new art exhibits at their locations. ArtSpace Herndon located at 750 Center Street in downtown Herndon opened the soloist exhibit “In Warm Observations: People and Places” by artist Jill Banks.
Area’s Silver Lining
Reston, Herndon area residents mindful of transportation changes.
On July 26, 2014, Phase 1 of the Silver Line opened. Metro General Manager Richard Sarles introduced a list of speakers at the dedication ceremony in a tent at the new Wiehle-Reston East station in Reston.
Alexandria: T.C. Williams Gymnastics Has Sights Set on Regional Berth
Defending conference champs field 2nd complete team in 3 decades.
T.C. Williams gymnastics won a six-team meet at West Potomac on Jan. 22.
Fairfax’s Barborek Wins All-Around at W-L Invite
Conference 6 championship meet scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2.
Fairfax senior Rachel Barborek is the defending Conference 6 all-around gymnastics champion.
School Holds Bullying Prevention Week
The week of Jan. 12, Churchill Road Elementary School students participated in Bullying Prevention Week. Organized by school counselors Jamie Meyers and Alex Mantel, peer mediators created thematic posters and fifth and sixth grade students filmed anti-bullying skits that were aired on the morning Bobcat News broadcast.