People

Commentary: Inova Alexandria Hospital Honored in National Surveys

Hot off the presses, the latest “Best Hospital” survey by U.S. News and World Report magazine hit newsstands this month, and I’m proud to announce that Inova Alexandria Hospital is again ranked among the nation’s best for providing highly skilled inpatient care. U.S. News ranked us #6 among hospitals in the Washington metro area, #8 in Virginia and a high-performer in six areas of clinical care (health.usnews.com/best-hospitals).

30 Years Later, Springfield Family Still Thankful to Children’s National

After being a patient at Children’s National as a child, Justin Golart giving back through 5K.

After raising $712,000 last year, Children’s National Health System has set a goal of raising $1 million through the 2nd annual Race for Every Child in September. Ashley Husich, the race manager for the event, said that last year, the inaugural year for the race, surpassed expectations with 3,946 participants, and this year they are hoping to have 5,000.

Scholarship Winners

The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. awarded 42 scholarships to students in the region. More than 500 applications were received and reviewed by a panel of judges that included Greater Washington, D.C. McDonald’s owners and operators.

New Principal at Laurel Ridge

Tonya Cox, who has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for 23 years, began her role as principal of Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax on July 1.

Saying Goodbye at Halley Elementary

School says goodbye to a ‘true humanitarian.’

Since Halley Elementary School opened in the 1990s, Phoebe Boatright has been at the school inspiring students and helping the Lorton community. This June, Boatright retired after 46 years in education. Students, staff and parents at Halley say they will miss Boatright, who worked as a counselor at the school.

Celebrating the ‘Best of Braddock’

Braddock District residents honored for service.

From 10-year-old Rohil Bhinge, who helped raise funds to complete a handicap accessible playground, to Norma Heck, who was one of the first five homeowners of North Springfield in 1955, the Braddock District is full of exceptional citizens.

Fairfax School Board Elects Chairman, Vice Chair

Tamara Derenak Kaufax and Ted Velkoff elected to lead Board.

Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee District) and Ted Velkoff (at-large) were elected chairman and vice chair of the Fairfax County School Board on Thursday night, July 10, following an abstention from some members in the election of chairman. Both will serve in their positions for one year.

Obituary: James Milton Higgins

Alexandria native James Milton Higgins died on July 7, 2014, after a hale and hearty 90 years of life.

Tiny Dancers Honored

With studios in Fairfax, Alexandria and Gainesville, the company features a performance-based ballet, tap, jazz and musical theater curriculum. Visit www.tinydancers.com.

The Making of an Author

David Vermont turns from legal briefs to a novel.

David Vermont, a workers compensation lawyer in Alexandria, never liked writing when he was younger. As a lawyer, writing 10 to 30 page briefs and proposals can be tedious. Now Vermont is also an author, with “The Last Confession of the Vampire Judas Iscariot” released in March and another book in the works.

Mourning Loss of Betty Dunham

The heart of Dunham’s Motor Service.

It was 1948. Much of River Road was not paved, farming was a way of life in Potomac, people hitched their horses to a post at the crossroads of River and Falls – and Dunham’s Motor Service, Mitch Mitchell’s gas station, the Perry Store, and a bar pretty much made up the businesses of “downtown” Potomac.

Local Blog Explores Spiritual Understanding

Salma Hasan Ali reflects on Ramadan.

Four years ago, Salma Hasan Ali began writing a blog called “30 Days, 30 Deeds” to share the essence of the month-long Muslim holiday Ramadan with her children (www.30days30deeds.com). Her writings reveal a heartfelt exploration of Ramadan, but also give insight into the life of a mother seeking to inspire her children to understand the true meaning of performing good deeds, expressing gratitude, saying prayers and practicing charity.

The Power of Friendship

Local group pairs teen mentors with special needs children.

One of the highlights of 8-year-old Sophie Gottfried’s week is spending time with her 17-year-old friend Allie Wiener. Despite their age difference, the two girls have an extraordinary bond.

Financial Education for College Students

Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.

As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.

Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area

For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.

The Connection