Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults
Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.
Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.
Senior Housing Options: Something for Everyone
Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and At Home in Alexandria (AHA) cosponsored a speaker series event about Senior Housing: New & Innovative Solutions at Charles Beatley Library last Wednesday.The overflow crowd heard from a panelist of experts on the different types of senior housing options ranging from the “Village” concept, to modifying your existing home, to moving into a senior complex that provides needed amenities. Deciding to make a change in your housing situation can be very stressful, and this session offered straight talk about viable options.
Incorporating Math and Science Into a Child’s Day
Simple suggestions for supporting math and science learning.
Maria Kennedy was driving her 5-year-old son to pre-school when he asked a question that stunned her. "Mommy, why is the sun following us?" Kennedy, who says she was stuck in rush-hour traffic and running late for work wasn’t sure how to respond.
Counting the Days
In real life, murders and other crimes are not unraveled within a 60-minute television show. This is no truer than in Alexandria where the unbelievable is still incomprehensible, astounding and unresolved. Those involved with criminal investigations have difficult tasks; be assured there are no quitting times when shifts are completed.
World Record Set at MidAtlantic Erg Sprints
A new world indoor rowing record was set in Alexandria at the 29th MidAtlantic Erg Sprints, which was held in the Gerry Bertier Gymnasium at T.C. Williams High School on Saturday, Feb. 1. The record was set by Tom Darling of the Cambridge Boat Club in Massachusetts. Competing in the 2000-meter race for veteran men age 55-59, Darling blasted the hinges off the previous world record by covering the distance in a time of 6:12.6, which was over six seconds faster than the previous record of 6:18.6 set by Dick Cashin in 2009.
Animal Welfare League Launches CAT Campaign
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has launched the Care And Transform capital campaign to secure a $670,000 in funding for a building renovation that will improve the intake and quality of life for feline and small companion animals at the shelter.
Obituary: Louis A. Ham
Louis A. Ham of Alexandria died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at the age of 102. A longtime resident of Annandale, Lou was born Dec. 27, 1911 to Russell and Martha Ham in Charlottesville, Va. Lou married his childhood sweetheart, Myrtle French on Sept. 6, 1935. They were married for 55 years prior to her death.
Replacing Baird
Three candidates vie for Democratic nomination to School Board.
Two-term School Board member Sally Baird says she will not seek another term, opening up the seat to a new generation of leadership.
Obituary: Peter C. Williams
Peter Carrington Williams, a prominent attorney and director of community service projects for the Alexandria Rotary Club, died suddenly Feb. 13 while helping a neighbor clear snow from a driveway on Collingwood Road. He was 67.
Celebrating a Second Lifetime
Local doctor undergoes second bar mitzvah at the age of 83.
When Dr. Scheldon Kress was called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah 70 years ago, some important family members were missing from the coming of age ritual: his parents. Last month, Kress, who never knew his father and whose mother died when he was 8, had a second bar mitzvah. This time, family surrounded him: his wife of 59 years, Rose; his three children; their spouses and his seven grandchildren. The ceremony was held at Har Shalom, a Potomac synagogue. “It was thrilling to see my children and grandchildren contribute and realize that the event was so meaningful for them. [It was] something that they would remember through their lifetimes, and it would inspire them,” said Kress, who is a physician and still practices medicine. Boys become a bar mitzvah when the reach the age of 13. Because Jewish tradition says 70 years is a lifespan, the age of 83 is an opportunity to celebrate another bar mitzvah, though not everyone chooses to do so.
Commentary:Budget Debate Begins
This week in Richmond brought some surprises, good news and some frustration. First the good news. On Sunday, the House and Senate announced their budgets signaling the beginning of budget negotiations. Senator Puller was able to secure language to prioritize funding for preliminary engineering and environmental studies necessary to continue the U.S. 1 Multimodal Transit Analysis Study. I am hopeful we can keep that in the final budget once the negotiations begin. Second, the Senate budget amendments also proposed some Senate Republicans’ alternative way to provide insurance coverage to low income Virginians using a “revenue recovery fund” instead of an outright Medicaid expansion. There is some bipartisan support for expanding coverage, but it is not clear if there are enough votes to get legislation through the House of Delegates.
Brief: Board Seeks Student Election Aides
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is seeking school-age students, grades 6-12, to participate in its “Future Vote” program. Future Vote students will serve as Election Day student aides during the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election on Tuesday, June 24. There are also opportunities for students to assist the Board of Elections with a variety of activities before Election Day. Students and their guardians must attend mandatory training to participate in the Future Vote Program and, if applicable, students will receive Student Service Learning credits. Most students work in precincts near their home.
News Brief: C&O Canal Park Staff Advise Caution
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) urges park visitors on the towpath to use caution following the recent winter storms. Weather conditions including ice, heavy snow and high winds may cause trees and branches to become weakened with the potential of falling. Avoid the park if winds are gusting and use caution during or following a storm event. If bicycling, wear a helmet at all times. If caught in a high wind situation, find an open area away from trees and stay there until the winds subside. If encountering a hazardous situation or downed tree, report to park staff. Park maintenance staff will be respond to hazardous conditions and remove downed trees as they are reported. At this time the park will remain open to the general public.
Potomac Grocer Opens in Potomac Village
Surprise family or friends with stuffed pork tenderloin with currants and raisins — or take home a lobster tail with truffle butter. Try the grilled asparagus or chicken pesto penne — or choose among side dishes such as orzo salad, quinoa salad, or a salmon spread. Then move on to the dessert case — and try to decide which delectable sweet will best complete the meal. Several years ago, River Falls resident Tom Spencer realized that Potomac needed a neighborhood gourmet market and carry-out restaurant with delicious and nutritious prepared for busy professionals, students, moms and dads who are on their way home from work, sports practices or school. His dream of providing Potomac with this concept came to fruition on Wednesday, Feb. 12 with Potomac Grocer — only to be closed by the snowstorm on Thursday and Friday. But now they are open and ready for business.
Commentary: Funding Successes in Senate
On Sunday, Jan. 16 the Senate Finance Committee presented its biennial budget for 2014-2015. In a year of fiscal constraints, projected revenue shortfalls and deep partisan divides in the legislature, I have to commend my fellow senators for coming up with a budget that balances policy initiatives, pre-existing responsibilities and financial reality. I was proud to be appointed to three subcommittees of the Finance Committee: General Government & Technology, Health and Human Resources, and Transportation.
Brief: Apply for Cybercivility Task Force
Montgomery County Public Schools is seeking applicants for its newly created Cybercivility Task Force. The Cybercivility Task Force will develop strategies to raise awareness of the need for cybercivility in how students and adults communicate online. It will also guide the creation of tools for schools, parents and community members that encourage conversations about cybercivility. Superintendent Joshua P. Starr published an open letter to MCPS parents in December about the need for a communitywide dialogue on how to teach students to be safe and civil online. Starr wrote the letter in response to several inappropriate comments that were made to him on Twitter as he was deliberating whether to close schools due to inclement weather.
Brief: Apply for Cybercivility Task Force
Montgomery County Public Schools is seeking applicants for its newly created Cybercivility Task Force. The Cybercivility Task Force will develop strategies to raise awareness of the need for cybercivility in how students and adults communicate online. It will also guide the creation of tools for schools, parents and community members that encourage conversations about cybercivility. Superintendent Joshua P. Starr published an open letter to MCPS parents in December about the need for a communitywide dialogue on how to teach students to be safe and civil online. Starr wrote the letter in response to several inappropriate comments that were made to him on Twitter as he was deliberating whether to close schools due to inclement weather.
Schools’ Band Director Honored
Jane Morgan, the band director at Stratford Landing Elementary School and Waynewood Elementary School, has been named the 2013-14 Elementary Band Director of the Year by the Fairfax County Band Directors Association. Morgan has been teaching band at Stratford Landing since 1999, and said she has learned a great deal from her students. It is her students that have brought her the most joy in her position, Morgan said. “It’s great to see what the kids accomplish and how far they go,” Morgan said. “They just keep me fresh every day.” Morgan has also taught middle and high school students.
Oratorical Winner: Jacob Atagi
Jacob Atagi, is the winner of this year's American Legion Post 24 Oratorical Contest. A freshman at West Potomac High School, Atagi represented Post 24 at the 17th District American Legion Oratorical Contest Jan. 25 at McLean Post 270.
Honoring George Washington
Mount Vernon was visited by many Monday all hoping to honor General George Washington. Members of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry’s Old Guard fired a 21 gun salute in honor of Gen. George Washington on Monday morning at the Mount Vernon Estate. Gov. Terry McAuliffe was in attendance at the Monday morning wreath laying at Washington's tomb in Mount Vernon.