People

Letter: Brick Sidewalks Need Repair

To the Editor: There is a very serious problem existing in the Old Town area of the city. This problem is to be found on many sidewalks. When we walk on the sidewalks, we have a problems existing under our feet. That problem is a horrific danger. People are falling because of loose bricks, broken bricks, missing bricks and holes between bricks. The problem may have arisen by excessive rains and heavy snowstorms that have hit the city several months ago. I have not seen or heard of any repairs to these bricks. Some of these problems may have existed prior to these storms. Repairs of the bricks in Old Town streets will enable walkers to walk into restaurants and shops without literally falling into them.

Letter: Alexandria Isn’t Arlington or D.C.

To the Editor: Something smells very rotten indeed in the process regarding the proposals for food trucks in our city. The panel who toiled long and hard and the concerned citizens who attended those meetings have been completely disregarded. The panel was not even allowed to issue a final report after eight months of meetings. Worse, city staff reported that many issues were decided unanimously by the panel — totally false! What is the rush in bringing this type of trade to our city? One can only assume that this is being driven by city staff as the final proposal is nearly identical to what was first proposed. This entire process makes a mockery of civic engagement and I fear what that impression holds for our future.

Letter: Best Suited For Congress?

To the Editor: To hear Mayor Bill Euille tell it, Alexandria will be just fine if we have more development. His vision for Alexandria is to sell historic City Hall to a developer to put up more condos for the very wealthy. That way, we can erect the Taj Mahal of city halls in Eisenhower Valley to showcase our rise from historic seaport to generic urban center.

Letter: Be Selective on Food Truck Sites

To the Editor: The City of Alexandria is about to entertain the idea of food trucks. We can look at the issue from two perspectives.

Del Ray Art Market Opens for Season

For the fifth year, artists filled the Nicholas A. Colasanto Park offering their work for sale at the annual Del Ray Art Market. More than 25 artists have signed up for the monthly market. The market is held on the second Saturday of the month from May through October.

Know Stroke’s Warning Signs

Do you think you would recognize if you or a loved one were having a stroke? Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical to minimizing serious or permanent disability from stroke; yet, a study in the journal “Stroke” published in March found that one in five U.S. women couldn’t name even one symptom of stroke. In previous studies, men have fared no better.

Day of Service in Support of Child Development Center

On Thursday, May 8, 22 volunteers descended upon Main Street Child Development Center (Main Street) from Keller Williams Capital Properties’ Fairfax offices. To celebrate RED Day 2014, Keller Williams’ annual day of service, the firm’s affiliates shut down worldwide so that employees can serve local organizations. This year Keller Williams coordinated its volunteer activities with Main Street, a Fairfax-based preschool that serves predominately low-income working families.

Our Daily Bread Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Fairfax-based charity Our Daily Bread celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 2 at “Do You See What I See?” in association with Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts. The evening featured an art show with works by local artists, a variety of performances, wine and appetizers from Dolce Vita and a celebration of Our Daily Bread's work to empower struggling families throughout the Fairfax County area to move from need to self-sufficiency.

2012 Woodson Grad Wins Scholarship

Cochlear implants help him overcome deafness, find success.

Fairfax’s Will Andes lost his hearing as a newborn. A preemie, he developed an infection, and a high bilirubin level plus treatment with the antibiotic gentamicin caused a profound hearing loss. But he didn’t let it hamper his desire to accomplish to lead as normal a life as possible and accomplish worthwhile things. And now, he’s one of just five students in North America to receive a Graeme Clark Scholarship from Cochlear Americas.

New Life Proposed for Old Apartments

Modern, multifamily homes, townhouses planned in the City.

When Oak Knolls Realty Corp. acquired the Oak Knolls Apartments a year ago, more than 30 of the units weren’t habitable. “There was water damage and they hadn’t been maintained property,” said land-use attorney Lynne Strobel, representing the new owner. “Now they’ve undergone extensive renovations and 100 percent of the units are habitable.”

Fairfax Mayor for a Day

Fairfax City Mayor Scott Silverthorne recently hosted Providence Elementary second-grader Thomas Simione as Mayor for a Day. The son of Cindy and Robert Simione of the Mosby Woods community, Thomas got to visit various City departments to see how they’re run. And during the April 22 City Council meeting, Thomas and Providence kindergartner Abby Killian helped proclaim April as Spring Cleanup Month. Unlike Silverthorne, who was recently re-elected to office, Thomas won the mayor’s role in a raffle.

Netcasters Reborn

The ecumenical music group from the Springfield-Burke area was originally formed over 30 years ago.

You hear about babies being born in the back seats of cars, but sometimes good ideas are, too. Six months ago on the way back from singing at a church service in Romney, W. Va., a small group of vocalists and musicians that had formerly sung together decided that the there was simply too much harmony between them to let it go. With that, The Netcasters were reborn.

Del. Filler-Corn Appointed to State Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation

Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) was appointed to the Virginia Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation in April. This Commission is comprised of members of the General Assembly to promote the Commonwealth’s interest between other states and the federal government. The Commission formulates proposals for cooperation between Virginia and other states as well as formulating proposals concerning interstate contracts and conferences. Additionally, the Commission monitors and makes recommendations concerning federal policies that are of concern to the Commonwealth.

Keeping Youth Happy and Healthy

NEXUS Conference discusses best strategies.

According to the Fairfax County 2012-2013 Youth Survey, youth with fewer assets were more likely to be depressed. These assets include high integrity, extra-curricular activities, help from parents, and more. This topic, along with ways to promote positive health for children and youth, was discussed at this year’s NEXUS conference at the Virginia Hills Center on May 9. The conference centered on ways to keep youth mentally and physical happy and healthy.

Landfill Decision Deferred to June 17

If approved by Board of Supervisors, Lorton landfill will operate until 2034.

Before a public hearing on May 13 in which over 99 people signed up before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors regarding an application to extend the life of the Lorton landfill until 2034, Frank McDermott, an attorney representing EnviroSolutions, said he had never experienced such nastiness and misrepresentation in a land use case. The EnviroSolutions application to extend operation of their construction landfill until 2034 has led to controversy in the Lorton community and beyond. Despite months of debate, the decision was deferred by the Board of Supervisors to June 17.

The Connection