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Providing Programs for Those with Developmental Disabilities

PCR works with other groups to launch similar programs.

In 1994, Joan and Jim Sullivan of Potomac proposed an idea to Father John Enzler and the parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church — an idea that changed and improved services for teens and adults with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County.

Author Turns Words Into Film

Suzi Weinert’s first novel becomes Hallmark Channel original movie.

Four years ago, McLean resident Suzi Weinert wasn’t sure she was capable of finishing her first book. Now she’s preparing to watch that very same book premiere as a Hallmark Channel original movie and has released its sequel.

Reston Hosts 30th Triathlon

Event features two men who have done all 30 races.

Thirty years ago, many of Reston’s swimmers, runners and cyclists came together to host the first Reston Triathlon.

Herndon Hosts Classic Car Show

Automobiles, live music, swing dancing come to downtown.

Downtown Herndon went back in time by more than a half century Sunday, Sept. 8, for the 12th annual AARP Dulles Classic Car Show.

Tide Turns for Arlington Mill

Community center almost fell victim to recession; now ready to formally open.

Four years ago, the fate of the Arlington Mill Community Center looked moribund.

Austin Nicholls of Fairfax Troop 1530 Achieves Eagle Rank

Austin David Nicholls, an Oak Hill resident and rising junior at South Lakes High School, earned scouting’s highest rank of Eagle on June 18. Austin is a member of Troop 1530, sponsored by Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax, and it was at Pender's ReGift Thrift Store in Chantilly that he decided to do his Eagle Scout project.

Saluting Soldiers

12th annual Springfield BridgeWalk celebrates and affirms community support of Fort Belvoir’s soldiers.

For just a few minutes every year, the hum of constant traffic halts on Veteran’s Bridge in downtown Springfield as the Ft. Belvoir Fife and Drum Corps leads a contingent of soldiers, civic leaders and community participants across the bridge during the annual Springfield Bridge Walk.

Cool Cars, Hot Day in Clifton

Crowds braved 90-degree heat to attend the 14th annual Labor Day Car Show, Monday, Sept. 2, in Clifton.

Chess Champ Wins by Strategy

At the age of 9, Fair Lakes Crossing resident is ranked 4th nationally.

At the age of 9, Aasa Dommalapati, a fourth-grader at Greenbriar West Elementary, competed against the top chess players in Brazil and Canada during the summer months. She is currently ranked fourth nationally in the girls U-9 category.

A Candidate Who Takes Notes

Thanks to your newspaper I learned that Patrice Winter is running for delegate in the 37th District. On Aug. 31, I walked to her first listening session with voters. As a successful small business owner, Patrice knows it’s important to help others get started, so she chose the new American Bistro in downtown Fairfax. Thanks to Winter I now know it’s open.

Woodson’s Jacob Nelson Is Starring in Musical

Student has lead role in “High School Musical 2 Jr.”

Woodson High junior Jacob Nelson has the lead role of Troy Bolton in CentreStage Community Theatre’s production of “High School Musical 2 Jr.” Show times are Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 12, 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m., at Centreville Presbyterian Church, 15450 Lee Highway in Centreville.

Area Roundups

Now that school is back in session, Fairfax County police urge motorists to be even more vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists. Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the week and build extra travel time into their schedules. Residents may also notice police officers posted in school zones and near bus stops to help ensure pedestrian safety, plus safe loading and unloading of students. Drivers are reminded that, when bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they’re separated from the bus by a median.

Miss Israel Comes to Fairfax

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia hosts meet and greet with Yityish Aynaw.

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia will host an evening with Miss Israel, Yityish Aynaw, the first Ethiopian-born woman to win the Israeli beauty pageant, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.

Firefighters Hit the Streets to Fill-the-boot

Connolly praised Fairfax County fire department as “one of the best in the nation.”

Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 2068 kicked off its annual Fill-the-Boot drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Fire Station 14 in Burke.

Commentary: The Children Fairfax Shouldn’t Leave Behind

It’s the beginning of a new school year, and we in Fairfax are justifiably proud of our schools, which we proclaim are “among the best in the nation.” But what we don’t discuss enough is whether they are the best for all of our children. When we measure FCPS’s success, we often talk about the number of AP classes taken, high SAT scores and admissions to the best colleges and universities. These “US News and World Report” statistics measure how high our best students can go, but what about the rest? We have a minority student achievement gap. It’s narrowing but is still significant.

Angry Birds Rumored to Appear at Burke Centre Festival

... but not in the wine tent, please.

The word around the neighborhood is that Angry Birds are preening to make an appearance at the Burke Centre Festival, with sidekicks Spongebob and Elmo, too. They’ll be at home in the whimsy and sport that is the Burke Centre Festival, at 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. They might not be at the wine garden though (5-10 p.m. Saturday only). But everywhere else? Fair game.

Update on Tree Lighting Fund

Letter to the Editor

Gold company asures readers that Alexandria's spring tree lights will be on this coming season.

Going Beyond A-F in Virginia

One reader urges for as much needed time as possible to be taken when constructing a new school evaluation scale.

The Connection