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Two More Candidates

Hyland’s announced retirement yields more supervisor candidates.

Two additional candidates are interested in running for the Mount Vernon district supervisor seat as a result of Supervisor Gerry Hyland’s retirement announcement. This brings the total of announced candidates, all from the Democratic party, to four. Earlier, community activist Jack Dobbyn and School Board member Daniel Storck announced for intent.

Memorable Debate Inbound for City Council

A Special Use Permit for a Memory Care Center on King Street, immediately adjacent to the Ivy Hill Cemetery, became the biggest topic of contention in the Feb. 3 Planning Commission meeting.The Planning Commission approved the special use permit, but the debate is expected to continue when the issue is brought up again at the Feb. 21 City Council Public Hearing.

Groundbreaking Set on New Affordable Housing

With this week’s closing of construction financing for The Springs Apartments at 555 N. Thomas St., Arlington, the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for March 11, 1-2:20 p.m., and completion will be in fall 2016.

Separate But Equal Amenities for Alexandria

Class-segregated pool at proposed housing complex dampens council enthusiasm for affordable housing project.

A proposal for a mixed-use housing complex in Alexandria swiftly became an argument on classism when the developer revealed the pool would be off-limits to residents of the affordable housing section.

Working Toward Restorative Justice in Alexandria Schools

TC students take aim at suspension rates and new disciplinary policy.

A word of warning to students at T.C. Williams High School hoping to skip out on classes in the second half of their senior year: Don’t. A new policy implemented at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year gives teachers at TC final say over whether a student can pass or fail a class regardless of the final grade.

Gathering To Play the Energy Journey Game in Arlington

Is your water too hot? Did you know if you install a low faucet aerator you can reduce water use by as much as 50 percent in your home?

Too Poor for Benefits in Alexandria

New advisory panel tackles lack of healthcare options for Alexandrians.

An estimated 5,000 people living in Alexandria are without access to healthcare. Without any assistance from the state, the struggle for many Alexandrians has potential to grow into a city-wide moral and financial crisis.

Be Part of the Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 25, 2015.

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.

Arlington Aiming To Rebound

Arlington looks for new industries, double-downs on contracting.

With an average of 20 percent office vacancy across the county, it’s clear that the exodus of federal government jobs has impacted Arlington. Local neighborhoods have struggled with their own losses and have, in turn, found a diverse range of solutions to try and rebound.

Supporting Music in Alexandria Schools

Award-winning violinist helps Alexandria Public Schools play its biggest concert.

Every elementary, middle, and high school in Alexandria, 18 schools in total, came together on Janu. 7 for the biggest concert in the school system’s history: 370 students, 200 of them from local elementary schools, 170 from middle and high schools, participated in Electrify Your Strings (EYS).

Appalachian Trail: As ‘Wild’ as It Gets for Area Hikers

Film boosts interest in hiking.

After hiking a few miles into the Appalachian Trail's southernmost point in Georgia, Yorktown High School alumnae James Randle came to a realization of what an enormous task he was taking on, attempting a thru-hike on the 2,180 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Bald Eagles at Great Falls Rebuild Fallen Nest

New nest is visible from Potomac, Md. or Great Falls, Va. national parks.

The current pair of adult Bald Eagles at Great Falls have rebuilt their nest, which fell or blew down last spring. For at least 20 years, Bald Eagles, although surely not the same two birds, have been nesting on Conn Island, which is the large tree-covered island in the middle of the Potomac just above the cofferdam, up river from the Great Falls themselves.

Backyard Dreaming

Local tastemakers say winter is the best time to plan an idyllic backyard retreat.

Spring may seem light years away from the frigid January temperatures, and lounging in your backyard is probably the last thing you want to do at the moment, but landscape designers say now is the time to start planning a summer retreat.

2015 New Year Remodeling Resolutions

Improving long-term living needs and future home value.

After all the holiday festivities have passed and the ball has dropped to ring in the New Year, many homeowners are inspired to tackle resolutions that relate to their living space.

The Connection