People

Turning Spring Break into a Global Classroom

It’s one thing to read about East Asian politics in a textbook. Discussing the topic with citizens of the Republic of Korea takes the subject to a new level, as a group of Marymount University students learned over spring break.

Moroccan Days in Alexandria

Moroccan artisans have been displaying and demonstrating their arts and crafts this week in Market Square.

APD Officer Michael Nugent to Receive Gold at Valor Awards

16 officers to be honored at the 29th annual Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards.

It was a cold and icy February morning in 2014 when Alexandria police officer Michael Nugent responded to an emergency call on South Patrick Street.

Firefighter McClain's Life of Service

Firefighter McClain retires after 34 years.

One of Alexandria’s longest serving firefighters has stowed his equipment for the last time. As of April 29, Capt. Thurston McClain officially said goodbye to emergency calls and 24-hour shifts when he retired after serving 34 years with the Alexandria Fire Department.

Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax

Homes, grocery renovation and road improvements.

Several development projects are either proposed or in the works in the City of Fairfax. Below is a snapshot of some of them:

Springfield Teens Discuss Drugs, Drinking, Parties

It’s Saturday night and the kids are out and about.

“It’s 11 o’clock. Do you know where your children are?” Parents of West Springfield junior Brittany Branch and senior Sadie Shroeder would know—there is an app on their phones that lets their parents know exactly where they are.

Reston Town Center Opens Mercury Fountain

Celebration held at Reston landmark.

At almost 28 feet tall, the Mercury Fountain has become a symbol of Reston Town Center and a Reston landmark. Erected in 1990, the design of the fountain was chosen after a call for artists and interviews were conducted for a memorable attraction to the Town Center.

Fairfax Chamber Hosts Innovation Awards

Fairfax Chamber staff has active spring season.

Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) announced winners for the 1st Annual Greater Washington Innovation Awards, the premier event celebrating the thought leadership, innovation, and creativity of individuals and organizations in select industries in the Greater Washington metro area. Winners were announced live at the April 20th awards gala at the Hyatt Regency.

Rachel Carson Middle School Wins ‘We The People’ Nationals

Herndon middle schoolers crowned national champions.

They did it! In February, The Connection reported that the students of Cynthia Burgett’s special Civics class at Rachel Carson Middle School in Herndon had won the State Championship of the “We The People Competition” and were determined to bring home the gold at the National Invitationals.

Alexandria: Mistrial and Missed Trial

Just down the hall from each other, there were major developments in two Alexandria murder trials on April 23.

Alexandria: Add/Delete Budget Drama

Council members spar over last minute additions.

A preliminary discussion of the City Council’s Add/Deletes from the budget led to a heated exchange between council members during their April 28 meeting.

Veterans Receive Choral Welcome at Reagan

A group of veterans arriving at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday morning, April 15, from Knoxville, Tenn. were greeted with cheers, hugs, and patriotic music.

Obituary: Jeff K. Meadows

Obituary

Jeff K. Meadows, a former Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce board member and local entrepreneur, died in his home on April 20, 2015. He was diagnosed with cancer last September and maintained a bright outlook continually, seeking a new opportunity for good in the manner that he approached all things.

Great Day at Great Falls Elementary - Michelle Obama and Akie Abe Visit

First Ladies welcomed by school's Japanese Immersion Program students.

This week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and his wife, Akie, were welcomed during their visit to Washington, D.C., and on Tuesday, students enrolled in the Japanese Immersion (JI) Program at Great Falls Elementary School were able to showcase their language skills before First Lady Michelle Obama and First Lady Akie Abe from Japan. They made a special trip from the White House to visit the school.

Vienna’s Horse in Kentucky Derby Race

Meet the Vienna man who owns the favored horse in the Kentucky Derby.

Kaleem Shah won’t have a wager on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. “I do not gamble,” he says. But he will have much more than a rooting interest. Shah, who lives in Vienna, is the owner of Dortmund, one of the favorites in this year’s Run for the Roses.

The Connection