People

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.

Potomac: Two Generations of Sidewalk Advocates

Completion of missing link on River Road allows for safe walking to Potomac Village.

We made lives safer, said Jim Schleckser. Keshav Gupta, 27, likes to be independent. Because of a community wide effort to build the last portion of a sidewalk on River Road around one of the most treacherous curves in the county, Gupta can now can walk to the bus stop instead of having his family drive him there.

‘Social Media: The Good, The Bad, The Selfie’

Church to host seminar for parents.

Instagram, FaceBook, SnapChat, YouTube and Twitter are just a few types of familiar social media. They are convenient ways of staying in touch, viewing photos, gaining information and keeping current. However, deciding how much time on digital devices is enough for children, controlling the contacts and internet safety of one’s child and cyber-bulling are worries for parents.

Port City Playhouse Presents ‘Stick Fly’

Port City Playhouse in Alexandria will present "Stick Fly," Lydia R. Diamond’s wry but affectionate look at the experiences of upper-income African-Americans, from May 1 through May 16.

The Connection