People

Chantilly/Centreville: ‘We Are All God’s Children’

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds prayer vigil.

The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is “Love for all, hatred for none.” Its members condemn violence, terrorism and Jihad and, instead, believe in morality, justice, peace and tolerance.

Potomac: ‘Junior’ Proctor Dies at Home

Leonard Charles Proctor Jr. died Dec. 9, 2015 at his home in Derwood, Md.

Potomac: Celebrating the Life of Austin H. Kiplinger

“A life devoted to the people and passions he held most dear.”

There were very few empty seats left in the Kennedy Center’s spacious Concert Hall on Dec. 11, where nearly a thousand family members and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Austin Huntington “Kip” Kiplinger who died Nov. 20 following a brief bout with brain cancer.

Chloupek Retires from Potomac Community Center Friends Board

Recognizing more than two decades of commitment.

Twenty-five years ago, when Larry Chloupek joined the Friends of the Potomac Community Center (PCC) Board, basketball and baseball programs were popular among Potomac youngsters.

Potomac: Hunger Project Reaches 500,000 Milestone

One hundred volunteers came together at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center in Potomac to pack the 500,000th Washington Hebrew Congregation Hunger Project meal on Sunday, Dec. 6.

Potomac Snapshot: Collecting Toys

As part of Cabin John Volunteer Fire Department’s 35-year tradition, Santa Claus rode through the Cabin John, West Bethesda and Potomac communities. He and his firefighter elves are collecting toys for the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, the USMC Toys for Tots Program and the Children’s National Medical Center. See www.cipwfd.org.

Murders, Slavery and Family Feuds in Early Potomac

Potomac Community Village presents local historian Ralph Buglass.

A direct descendant of the Offutt family, whose acreage originally known as Offutt’s Crossing at the meeting of River and Falls Roads became Potomac Village in 1880, brings to life his colorful family history at the Potomac Community Village Potluck Dinner and Program on Dec. 17, 6 p.m., at the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road.

Arlington Snapshot: ‘Wreaths Across America’

“Wreaths Across America” delivered wreaths for each grave sites at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 12. See www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Arlington: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Suzanne McGrath pairs with Taste By Katie.

For anyone wondering where The Curious Grape went after closing its Shirlington restaurant this past March, Suzanne McGrath is still very much engaged in the local wine and food community, just without the restaurant.

Arlington: Bill Neikirk Launches Novel, ‘The Copperhead Club’

Spinning a tale of “sex, money, intrigue, and Washington politics.”

William (“Bill”) Neikirk says he has always wanted to write a novel, ever since he was an 8-year-old.

Arlington Snapshot: What Month Is This?

Temperatures seemed more like June on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, at Potomac Regional Overlook Park. Parents sat on picnic benches chatting as their children climbed the playground pegs, played hide and seek and ran around the park, some in their summer shorts and T-shirts.

Arlington Snapshot: Lighting of the Menorah

"Dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay." Children balanced on their ice skates sing traditional Jewish songs at Chanukah on Ice held at the Pentagon Row Ice Skating rink in Arlington on Dec. 8.

Alexandria New Briefs: Week of Dec. 9

The Dec. 8 City Council meeting marked the last with Mayor William Euille, Alexandria’s mayor for 17 years and the first African-American to hold the position.

Alexandria: Gang Violence Returns to City

Police suspect gang activity in Alexandria’s fourth unsolved murder in 2015.

It took a fourth murder in Four Mile Run Park on Dec. 4, but the Alexandria Police have finally opened the public to a hint of insight into the ongoing investigations. Police Chief Earl Cook spoke to the City Council on Dec. 8, and while he would not give details on any ongoing investigations, it’s clear police suspect the murder may be gang-related.

Alexandria People at Work: Mixing Up Traditional with New

... in historical house.

Victoria Sanchez opens the door at 310 S Asaph. It is her first visit to consult with the owner, Cheryl Jaeger.

The Connection