People

Reston National Golf Stays the Course - for Now

Appeal decision to be announced April 15.

Julie Bitzer moved to a home near the Reston National Golf Course so she can indulge in her favorite past time as often as she likes. “I’m a golfer,” she said. “I was ecstatic I could live at and see the golf course and the open space.” With a home that faces the expansive greens of the 18-hole course, she felt her lifestyle and home were at risk when RN Golf - owned by Northwestern Mutual - appealed the Fairfax County Planning and Zoning staff’s decision that the course could not be converted to a residential area. She was not the only one to be concerned by the appeal.

Computers, Radios, Vehicles, Firearms Center Renovation

Pardiny makes his pitch for budget funds.

Everyone wants a piece of the City of Fairfax budget pie, including the Police Department. Below are some of the items its leader requested during a Dec. 2 joint work session of the City Council and Planning Commission. The first thing on Police Chief Carl Pardiny’s FY 2016 CIP list was money for information technology. “We’re replacing the department’s 22 servers and office computers, plus the mobile laptops used by the officers in their cruisers,” he said.

Two Years Probation for Fairfax Resident

Created phony stamps; defrauded Postal Service.

A local man has been sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay tens of thousands of dollars in restitution to the U.S. Postal Service. He is Brian Kim, 38, of Fairfax. This past summer, he pleaded guilty in federal court to defrauding the U.S. Postal Service. He admitted doing so by counterfeiting and selling approximately $76,000 in postage stamps at two packaging centers he owned and operated in Northern Virginia. One’s in Fairfax and the other is in Arlington.

Burke Sweethearts Take the Long Road to the Altar

Chris Rowson, Kellie McDonald engaged.

Chris Rowson, 29, and Kellie McDonald, 27, from Burke, got engaged on Saturday, Jan. 17 at Fairview Elementary School in Fairfax Station, where the couple were both students. McDonald was in shock when Rowson proposed, as she had suspected that he would do it in February during a planned trip to Florida. But despite being “taken off guard,” she said that it could not have been a more perfect time and place.

Filler-Corn Announces Legislative Agenda

Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) recently unveiled the legislation she has introduced for consideration by the 2014 General Assembly. Among Delegate Filler-Corn’s legislative priorities are education, public and campus safety, workforce development, childcare safety, creating the new Virginia economy and looking out for our seniors.

Art Gives Comfort to Hospice Patients

”People who dedicate their time to hospice patients are extremely kind and generous,” said Sophia Youn, creator of heARTpiece, a program at Optum Palliative and Hospice Care in Fairfax, formerly Evercare Hospice, that encourages meaningful interaction between volunteers and patients through art.

Colleagues Praise Mount Vernon's Puller

State senator to retire at end of current session.

Calling State Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller’s announcement to retire “bittersweet,” Del. Mark Sickles explained that it is “bitter because her absence will leave a gaping void here in Richmond; sweet because nobody has done more in one life to deserve less hectic years at home with friends and family.”

LTA Presents 'The Game's Afoot' in Alexandria

It's a cross between an Agatha Christie murder mystery and a Ken Ludwig modern farce.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria is presenting the witty and fast-paced "The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays," Jan. 17 through Feb. 7.

People At Work: On Route, Collecting Trash in Alexandria

It was 7 a.m. and 25 degrees in the truck yard. The hose on the trash compactor at T.C. Williams high school had frozen up and city resources for trash collection were reconfigured on the spot.

‘The Journey to be Free’ in Alexandria

It was standing room only in City Council Chambers as the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. poster exhibition program began on Monday afternoon. The contest, originating in 1990 by the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black History, Inc. (ASPBH, Inc.), highlights the artwork of Alexandria City Public School students.

Mathews Win Final 2014 Herndon Good Neighbor Award

The final Good Neighbor winner was awarded at Herndon Town Council’s Jan. 13 meeting. Shannon and David Mathews, Summerfield Drive, were awarded due to their helpful nature and big hearts.

Claudette Ward of Centreville: 80 Years Young

Family, friends celebrate her birthday on Sunday.

More than 100 family members and friends gathered Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, in Centreville United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall to celebrate Claudette Ward’s 80th birthday.

The Dream is Alive

Reston Community Center holds annual celebration for MLK holiday.

Reston Community Center is keeping the dream alive. RCC’s annual Hunters Woods luncheon program to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and analyze current issues in racism was held on Monday, Jan. 20, with keynote speaker Anna Deavere Smith’s series of monologues showing Restonians how Americans have reclaimed grace in the face of adversity.

Chantilly: Otal Named Elementary School Counselor of the Year

Brookfield’s Otal Honored

Brookfield Elementary counselor Carole Zendle wanted to nominate Kathleen Otal, the previous school year, for the FCPS Elementary School Counselor of the Year. But, saying she doesn’t do her job for recognition, Otal wouldn’t let her. This school year, though, Otal — also at Brookfield — relented. Zendle nominated her and Otal won.

A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. in Arlington

“The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Arlington County held its 46th annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday evening, Jan. 18, at Washington-Lee High School.

The Connection