Letter: ODBC’s Summer Decision
To the Editor
New Principal at Laurel Ridge
Tonya Cox, who has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for 23 years, began her role as principal of Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax on July 1.
Alexandria in 1812
In June 1812, when the United States declared war on Great Britain and the War of 1812 began, what was Alexandria like?
Update on Local Road Projects
Reviewing Stringfellow, Route 50 and two bridges.
When Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations on June 25, he also provided an update on local road projects. A Fairfax County transportation bond was discussed, as well. “There will be a transportation bond this year, probably for $100 million,” he said. “About 15 or 16 million will be for roadway projects and 84 or 85 million will be for pedestrian and walkway projects. That includes bike lanes and bike-way improvements, and that’s a huge shift. We used to do these bonds for roads and Metro.”
Saying Goodbye at Halley Elementary
School says goodbye to a ‘true humanitarian.’
Since Halley Elementary School opened in the 1990s, Phoebe Boatright has been at the school inspiring students and helping the Lorton community. This June, Boatright retired after 46 years in education. Students, staff and parents at Halley say they will miss Boatright, who worked as a counselor at the school.
Letter: Addressing Outages in Great Falls
To the Editor
My wife and I have lived at 347 Walker Road, Great Falls, for 22 years. I understand that the semi-rural nature of the area, which includes significant tree cover, creates hazards to providing reliable electrical service that may not exist in more urban locations.
Expect HOV Lane Closures This Summer
Construction of 95 Express Lanes continues.
Drivers planning on using Interstate 95 to get to their vacation destination, or even just to get to work, should prepare for overnight and weekend HOV lane closures from Washington, D.C. to Dumfries as construction of the 95 Express Lanes continues.
Celebrating the ‘Best of Braddock’
Braddock District residents honored for service.
From 10-year-old Rohil Bhinge, who helped raise funds to complete a handicap accessible playground, to Norma Heck, who was one of the first five homeowners of North Springfield in 1955, the Braddock District is full of exceptional citizens.
Fairfax School Board Elects Chairman, Vice Chair
Tamara Derenak Kaufax and Ted Velkoff elected to lead Board.
Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee District) and Ted Velkoff (at-large) were elected chairman and vice chair of the Fairfax County School Board on Thursday night, July 10, following an abstention from some members in the election of chairman. Both will serve in their positions for one year.
Obituary: James Milton Higgins
Alexandria native James Milton Higgins died on July 7, 2014, after a hale and hearty 90 years of life.
Tiny Dancers Honored
With studios in Fairfax, Alexandria and Gainesville, the company features a performance-based ballet, tap, jazz and musical theater curriculum. Visit www.tinydancers.com.
The Making of an Author
David Vermont turns from legal briefs to a novel.
David Vermont, a workers compensation lawyer in Alexandria, never liked writing when he was younger. As a lawyer, writing 10 to 30 page briefs and proposals can be tedious. Now Vermont is also an author, with “The Last Confession of the Vampire Judas Iscariot” released in March and another book in the works.
CVHS Grad Green Chooses Basketball Over Soccer
Standout point guard to play at College of William & Mary.
Jenna Green faced the tough decision of whether to pursue basketball or soccer in college. Before she left Centreville High School, however, she found success in both. On the basketball court, Green, a standout point guard, led the Wildcats to the 2013 Concorde District championship, the program’s first since 1993. “She’s definitely the best player in the region, point guard especially,” Centreville girls’ basketball coach Tom Watson said. “Everyone knows that. Jenna has earned it. Nothing was given to her. She’s in the gym before anybody, she’s in the gym after everybody, she goes to a trainer three, four, five times a week. If you’re putting that work in, then it should come back to you.”
Swimming
The Sully Station II Piranhas had an eventful week of fast swims and family fun. The thrills began on Wednesday, July 9, with the Divisional Relay Carnival, where the team’s cheerfulness and camaraderie was once again on display. The atmosphere was electric, resulting in the first team record of the season.
Talking Transportation, County Revenue
Frey addresses Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
Transportation and Fairfax County revenue ideas were the top topics when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) spoke recently before the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations. “It’s an interesting time to be in the county,” he said during the group’s June 25 meeting. “It’s undergoing a tremendous transformation.”
Roundups: Week of July 17
Fairfax County police are looking for the person who robbed someone last weekend in the 14200 block of St. Germain Drive in Centreville. Police say the victim was walking Saturday, July 12, at 5:57 p.m., when he was approached by a teenager. The teen grabbed cash and property from the victim and fled on foot; no one was injured. The suspect was described as black, 16-17, and wearing a striped shirt with khaki shorts.
Commentary: Sharing Vision of the Future
The selection of the chair of the Planning Board is an important responsibility of the County Council — and of mine. One I take very, very seriously. The Planning Board is one of the most important institutions in our county government. Its guidance on the future of our county and the manner in which it performs its responsibilities play a key role in shaping our quality of life.
Mourning Loss of Betty Dunham
The heart of Dunham’s Motor Service.
It was 1948. Much of River Road was not paved, farming was a way of life in Potomac, people hitched their horses to a post at the crossroads of River and Falls – and Dunham’s Motor Service, Mitch Mitchell’s gas station, the Perry Store, and a bar pretty much made up the businesses of “downtown” Potomac.
Local Blog Explores Spiritual Understanding
Salma Hasan Ali reflects on Ramadan.
Four years ago, Salma Hasan Ali began writing a blog called “30 Days, 30 Deeds” to share the essence of the month-long Muslim holiday Ramadan with her children (www.30days30deeds.com). Her writings reveal a heartfelt exploration of Ramadan, but also give insight into the life of a mother seeking to inspire her children to understand the true meaning of performing good deeds, expressing gratitude, saying prayers and practicing charity.
News Brief: Kelble To Lead Potomac Riverkeeper
Jeff Kelble has been named president of Potomac Riverkeeper, Inc., effective July 14. The non-profit conservation organization is dedicated to stopping pollution and restoring clean water throughout the Potomac Watershed, home to over six million residents in Washington, D.C, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.