People

Living Legends: ‘Connie’ West: A Life Committed to Alexandria

Decades of service on city boards, commissions and agencies.

If the city ever establishes an official position of Alexandria Amanuensis, 2014 Living Legends Converse “Connie” West would be a shoo-in for the job. He has documented and continues to record officially the business of numerous Alexandria organizations as their secretary. Currently, he is secretary of Agenda:Alexandria, the Holmes Run Park Committee (which he has also chaired), and the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations.

Virginia Run Riptide Wins Second Meet

The Virginia Run Riptide traveled to Hollin Meadows in the far southeastern corner of Fairfax County and tamed the Barracuda’s, winning the meet 239-181.

Starting A Tradition

On Tuesday, June 24, Union Mill Elementary held its first Outdoor Opening to the school day.

Memorial to a K-9 Hero

Thor, a Fair Oaks firefighters’ search-and-rescue dog, is honored.

When the Fair Oaks District police and fire station renovations were dedicated June 14, part of the ceremony was for a dog named Thor and service dogs like him. A memorial to Thor now stands outside the entrance to the police station.

Colleagues Mourn GBW Instructional Assistant

After four decades there, Agnes Gordon dies at age 79.

After 43 years at Greenbriar West Elementary (GBW), instructional assistant Agnes Gordon decided she’d retire after school ended in June. So her friends and colleagues were prepared to say goodbye to her.

Young Artists Honored

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority hosted an awards and appreciation reception on June 19 for youth artists and volunteers of the Youth Arts Festival in the Vola Lawson Lobby at City Hall.

All-Star Baseball Tournaments Underway

District 9 All-Star Baseball Tournaments got underway on June 21 with Fort Hunt Little League fielding teams at the 10U, 11U, Majors, Intermediate and Juniors Divisions

National Competitor

In June Elizabeth Klein of Fort Hunt traded her graduation cap for a swim cap. Instead of walking across the stage and receiving her high school diploma, Elizabeth chose to attend the 2014 USA Special Olympic Games and swim for gold.

Filling a Special Need

Potomac resident launches www.mamiegrace.com.

Branson joined forces with her friend, entrepreneur Andrew Dunnavant, and over the past 9 months, they have built www.mamiegrace.com — a website that features not only a detailed inventory of resources from across the US, but provides reviews and information about many of the items on the list.

Toddler Takes Crown And Heads to Nationals

Sunburst Beauty Pageant crowned its 2014 Maryland state winner, May 25.

Troop Honors New Eagle Scouts

Three Scouts from Troop 944 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Halting the Summer Slide

Local educators offer suggestions to keep children learning through the summer.

Wendi Taylor, North Potomac mother of three, isn’t vacationing, however: She’s helping her three elementary school-aged boys keep their academic skills sharp.

Roads, Cars Challenge Bike Commuters

Commuting by bike poses challenges and conveniences.

The most direct way from the Saratoga Shopping Center to the Franconia-Springfield metro station by bicycle is through Hooes Road, that is, with the exception of actually getting on the Franconia-Springfield Parkway on a bicycle.

Flag Day at Union Mill

Kindergarten students participate in National Flag Day celebration.

Flags were hoisted in air as students marched to song onto the stage at Union Mill Elementary on Flag Day. The school hosted a grand old celebration of Red, White, and Blue on June 13. Kindergartners waved American flags and dressed in patriotic colors to celebrate the creation of our nation's banner.

‘Thank You for Your Time and Dedication’

City bids farewell to Councilmen Drummond and Stombres.

The City of Fairfax bid farewell last week to outgoing City Councilmen Dan Drummond and Steve Stombres in a special ceremony on the City Hall lawn. Each has served for six years, and the June 24 event included Boy Scouts, the City of Fairfax band, and the City Police and Fire Department Joint Honor Guard.

The Connection