People

McLean, Vienna: Marshall High to Present ‘The Sea Cook: A Story for Girls’

What happens when you put together a female cast of pirates, an innovative set design, and the creative writing of a talented former student? You get “The Sea Cook: A Story for Girls,” a feminist revision of the classic story “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Town of Vienna Names Public Works Director

Michael Gallagher is the Town of Vienna’s new public works director, but he is not a new face to the Town or its residents. Gallagher has worked in Vienna’s public works department for six years, most recently, since May, as acting director. He was named public works director on Sept. 21.

Inova’s Knox Singleton Receives Community Leadership Award

J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, was recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award. The longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia, it was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Raise the Region Gala on Oct. 7, 2016 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.

Fairfax: ‘It’s a Place that Feels Like Home’

Cobbdale Assisted Living opens in Fairfax.

Cobbdale Assisted Living opened Sept. 1 in the City of Fairfax. But instead of being in an industrial-looking facility, it’s in a renovated home in a quiet, established, residential neighborhood.

Paws4People Night at Mookie’s BBQ

Mookie's BBQ owner Brian Varani was influenced by 12-year-old Dylan Kurtz to host a Paws4People day. Mr. Varani's wife Megan said, "Dylan’s spirit of giving was contagious and a great reminder that no matter how busy and hectic life might get, you should always make time to give back."

Mount Vernon: Celebrating Joshua Owusu’s Life

Stratford Landing student loses brain cancer battle.

Joshua Owusu’s bell-like soprano voice floated through the reception hall, carrying the words “Maybe we found love right where we are,” from singer Ed Sheeran’s hit “Thinking Out Loud.” A video projected on one side of the hall showed Owusu, a sixth grader at Stratford Landing Elementary School, performing confidently and innocently onstage, sharply dressed with suspenders and a clip-on bow tie.

Mount Vernon: Lockard Named Interim Superintendent

Garza leaves Dec. 19.

Dr. Steven Lockard will take over for Dr. Karen Garza as Fairfax County Schools superintendent for the interim period while the School Board searches for her replacement.

Mount Vernon: Bryant Focuses on Enhancing Student Success

Seeks to ensure students have plans for their future.

Bryant Principal Tanganika (Tangy) Millard isn’t basking in last year’s graduation success. Millard is working to ensure her students receive individualized and real-time attention required to succeed as adults.

Mount Vernon: Annual Swing Pink Charity Event Returns

The Mount Vernon Athletic Club (MTVAC), a fitness and tennis club, will hold its 11th Annual “Swing for Pink” tennis charity event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 28 from 6:30-11 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Mount Vernon: Graves Places First Runner Up

In Ms. Senior Virginia America Pageant.

Betty Ann Crews Graves, 78, of the Mount Vernon/Gum Springs area placed First Runner Up in the Ms. Senior Virginia America Pageant on July 14 in Falls Church.

Mount Vernon: Habitat NOVA Celebrates Completion of Two New Homes

Two families are joined by 90 volunteers.

Two families achieved their dream of building and owning their own home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia (Habitat NOVA). On Sept. 18 the Mansaye and Omar families were joined by more than 90 volunteers, Habitat NOVA board members and staff, project partners, and guests in celebration of their newly completed homes.

Alexandria: Carson, Napoli Wed

Carl E. “Forthe” Carson IV and Megan Marjan Napoli were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church by Father Tom Donaldson on Sept. 16, 2016 in Chicago, Ill. A wedding reception and dinner followed at the History Museum of Chicago.

Alexandria: School Redistricting Forums Begin

Reading between the lines.

After 17 years of static school lines, Alexandria City Public Schools is making motions to begin the process of redistricting. By the start of the 2018 school year, new school lines that incorporate two new schools and other expansion projects will cause shifts in school populations across the city.

Alexandria: Domestic Homicide on Duke Street

In the middle of October, as police were attending events to commemorate and raise awareness for domestic violence month, Alexandria experienced its first domestic homicide of 2016.

Alexandria People at Work: Shaping Her Life, Her Art

Renee Altman wedges off a large chunk of high-fired stoneware clay and puts it on the workbench. "It's like kneading dough. I usually do this 100 times." Altman owns The Clay Queen Pottery on Mt. Vernon Avenue.

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