CTB OKs Funding for Roundabout
Residents opposing it say they’ll keep on fighting.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has greenlighted a plan to build a controversial roundabout to improve traffic flow at the Braddock/Pleasant Valley roads intersection by Cox Farms in Centreville. Last Wednesday, June 18, the CTB awarded a $4.178 million contract to Fort Myer Construction Corp. to do the work. Furthermore, VDOT revealed it had found surplus money to complete the necessary funding for the project whose cost has escalated from its originally anticipated $2.6 million to $5.82 million.
Raising Funds and Awareness for Autism
Teams spark spirit at 14th Annual Autism Speaks 5K/Fun Walk on July 4.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The Autism Speaks 5K/Fun Run is living proof that joint efforts and collaboration are powerful. More than 100 teams gather forces each year to run and walk for their brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, friends and school-mates — and also to support the drive to find a cure and better treatments for autism. The teams, made up of runners/walkers of all ages represent swim clubs, schools, families, friends and companies; many participants have been touched by autism and want to help raise funds and awareness for this important cause.
Sandburg Scholar Society Hosts Inaugural Ceremony
Parents, staff, and 62 students gathered on Monday, June 9, to celebrate the first induction of the Sandburg Scholar Society at Carl Sandburg Middle School. The Sandburg Scholar Society recognizes students for outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. The Society is a school organization run without bylaws and governed only by the expectations set forth by its sponsors under the leadership, directives, and pleasure of the school administration.
‘Thanks for Making This Vision Happen’
Expansion, renovation of Fair Oaks District Police Station celebrated.
When the Fair Oaks District Police Station was built in 1982, it met the needs of the employees. It opened in 1983 with some 65-70 police officers and a handful of civilians.
Rocky Run Student Chosen As NASA Cassini Scientist
Rocky Run 7th grade student Nidhi Nagireddy was recently selected to be an “NASA Cassini Scientist for a Day.”
Apple Scholars Named
This year’s 36 “Apple Scholars” were selected from more than 400 applications that were reviewed by a committee of 30 judges from the Apple FCU membership community.
Fort Hunt Softball Wraps Up Season with Championship Play
Mavericks win 12U Fort Hunt Championship, Flying Tigers Win 18U Fort Hunt Title.
In what proved to be a nail-biting 12U Championship game, the Fort Hunt Mavericks defeated the Fort Hunt Thunder in 5-4 victory in girls fast pitch softball on Sunday, June 8. With the stands packed at Walt Whitman Middle School, the battery of Katheryn Sowell and Charlotte Krell led their fellow Mavericks, coached by Ricky Sowell, to victory.
Whaley Inspires Female Golfers
Pro golfer speaks at the First Tee of Montgomery County luncheon.
As the keynote speaker of The First Tee of Montgomery County luncheon and golf outing held at TPC Avenel on June 2, Whaley personalized her message of the importance of golf for girls and women.
Music by the River
At the waterfront last month, Sam Jones, a local acoustic guitar player, played some eclectic rhythm and blues music for passersby. His favorite song is Sinatra's "Call Me Irresponsible.”
Third Place in World Finals
The seventh grade Nysmith Odyssey of the Mind team traveled to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Ames, Iowa, recently and took home the trophy for third place in the world.
ARHA To Celebrate Its 75 Year History
This year the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) celebrates 75 years of service in the community. From its inception in 1939, the organization has provided affordable and low income housing and services, to thousands of families and spearheaded millions of dollars in redevelopment projects in the City of Alexandria.
Snapshot: Fishing
A family fishes in the Potomac at Jones Point with the Wilson Bridge in the background.
On the Waterfront
The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association celebrates the launch of its blog at the Waterfront Market on June 17. Joining in the celebration are members of the Old Town Business and Professional Association. From left, in back, are Bill Butcher and Fred Parker. In the front are Meshelle Armstrong, Janet Barnett, Patricia Washington and Carol Supplee.
Commentary: State Budget, Federal Grand Jury and Court Challenges
The last two weeks in Richmond have been unusually busy.
First, ethics are back at the forefront. in the wake of the resignation of state Sen. Phil Puckett and change in control of the State Senate, the new state budget was written under one-party control. A $1.6 billion shortfall due to lagging income tax collections forced cuts which I detailed two weeks ago: K-12, higher education, affordable housing, healthcare, and funding for continued planning for improvements on U.S. 1 was removed from the budget.
Column: Year in Review for SSA
Senior Services of Alexandria gathered with its board, staff, and community supporters to celebrate accomplishments over the past year on behalf of Alexandria’s senior community.
Commentary: State Formula Hurts Public Schools
There’s been some commentary on Fairfax County school budget issues and a total misuse of the term “underfunding.” A recent Washington Post news story included the false claim that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors underfunded the school system. My reaction to this is more than academic — it’s personal. Not only am I a proud K-8 product of FCPS, but I’ve also got a daughter in our school system and a son just a few years behind.
Pets Can Suffer in Summer Heat
It can be very tempting to bring your dog along for your round of errands when he is staring at you with those big brown eyes. Unfortunately it can be very dangerous, and illegal, to leave your dog in the car while you shop.