People

Baby Bust

Declining birth rates lead to shrinking Kindergarten enrollments.

Declining birth rates and the pandemic have conspired to send Alexandria's Kindergarten enrollment down 17 percent since 2018, a trend that school officials say will have a long-term influence on how the division operates and plans for the future. Some of the decline is driven by the pandemic as parents opted for private schools or kept their children in daycare rather than enroll them. But the long-term forecast for schools will be shaped one birth at a time.

Michael Pope, Alexandria Gazette Packet Win Multiple SPJ Dateline Awards

The Washington, D.C., Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced the recipients of its 2021 Dateline Awards for journalism excellence June 15 in a virtual presentation.

Going for the Gold

Noah Lyles headed to Tokyo Olympics

Only a few short years ago, Noah Lyles could be seen warming up to the strains of James Brown’s “I Feel Good” as he trained on the track of Parker-Gray Memorial Field at what was then T.C. Williams High School.

James Kunder of Alexandria Commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy

James Kunder of Alexandria was recently (June 4th) commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy upon completion of Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.

Home of the Brave in Mount Vernon

‘Flags for Heroes’ on display at Cedar Knoll

The strains of Amazing Grace filled the air as a lone bagpiper stood among hundreds of American flags overlooking the Potomac River as part of the 4th annual Flags for Heroes display June 27 on the grounds of Cedar Knoll Restaurant.

History Tells How Burke, VA Almost Disappeared

Burke, Virginia, now an 11.5 square mile unincorporated section of Fairfax County with a population of roughly 41,000, was fated to disappear in 1951.

Official Ribbon Cutting Held for Central Green Park in Lorton

Central Green Park, part of Laurel Hill Park in Lorton, officially opened with a commemorating ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25; the area was previously opened for public use in September 2020 (see “Springfield Connection”, October 14, 2020, page 2).

‘We’ve Been Doing God’s Work with Our Hands’ in Fair Oaks

King of Kings Lutheran Church celebrates 50 years.

The past, present and future united during the 50th anniversary celebration of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Fair Oaks.

Arlington Teen Makes Olympic Swim Team

Torri Huske missed graduation – the Olympics were calling.

One of Yorktown High School’s graduating class of 2021 couldn’t make it.

Your Help Needed in Protecting Our Water in Arlington

Streams eroding under pressure of development; Potomac Conservancy advocates to save water quality

Controversial Stream Restoration Techniques Divide Residents

Pandemic-Delayed Ribbon Cutting Held in Herndon

Town officials, Chamber members, and guests welcome District Floor Depot

District Floor Depot celebrated the Ceremonial Grand Opening of its third and newest branch at 1051 Elden Street, Herndon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Thursday, June 23, that was supposed to happen over a year ago.

Vienna Cathedral Brass Debuts in Herndon

Vienna ensemble delivers versatility and virtuosity

The Cathedral Brass of Vienna Presbyterian Church performed a free outdoor concert titled "Americans We" at 7 p.m. on the Arts Herndon Lawn Stage, located adjacent to its arts center in the heart of the historic downtown district.

‘Reston Baby’ Promotes Reading from Birth

Reston Historic Trust shepherds and cheerleads community-collaborated project

Reston Historic Trust celebrated the release of its children’s board book, “Reston Baby” (2021), art by Molly Bergin, published by duopress, by throwing a launch party on Tuesday, June 15, at its museum located at 1639 Washington Plaza.

Environmental Expo Finds a Home in Fort Hunt Park

Tents, causes, and horrid tales of the lanternfly highlight the event.

Environmental Expo

Behind the Scenes at Summer Concerts on the Green in Great Falls

Celebrate Great Falls presented another evening of its 2021 Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre.

The Connection