People

Rolling with It

A new vision for the Potomac Community Center’s rink of dreams has been adopted, while plans to use the former roller hockey rink at Potomac Community Center for athletes with disabilities are being finalized. Programs could start by the summer camp season, according to council documents. Montgomery County Council held a public hearing Feb. 11 on a proposal to use $250,000 of General Obligation Bonds and community contributions to convert the dormant roller hockey rink at the Potomac Community Center into an adaptive sports court for athletes with disabilities. “The increase is needed to meet the increased demands for therapeutic recreation services for persons with disabilities,” according to County Executive Isiah Leggett. “I appreciate your prompt consideration of this action.”

Treasuring Alexandrians’ Health at the YMCA

Offering an array of activities for every age group, YMCA Alexandria continued in 2013 to serve as a center for wellness in our community and plans another rich program of services for 2014. Activities available to members — from infants to nonagenarians — include personal and group cardiovascular training and weightlifting; aquatics and a youth swim team (the Sea Dragons); aerobics, pilates, zumba, yoga, ballet, and cycling; as well as day care, after-school care, and teen leadership opportunities.

Putting the Spotlight on City’s African American History

Char McCargo Bah has a passion for Alexandria’s African American history and genealogy. Through her research, speaking, and writing on this topic, she has made a lasting contribution to the city. Bah has researched and reported on the background of Alexandria’s African American Community for more than 30 years. She had a pivotal role in the publication of “African Americans of Alexandria Virginia – Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century” (History Press, 2013), which she co-authored with four other volunteers.

Residents Discuss Route 7 Widening, Effects on Neighborhoods

Great Falls and Reston residents discuss how Route 7 construction would impact their neighborhoods.

Great Falls and Reston residents met at The Grange in Great Falls on Tuesday, Feb. 11 to voice their concerns about the 6.9-mile project along Route 7 that will widen the road from four to six lanes. A presentation led by Great Falls Citizens Association board members went into great detail about the impending changes to each intersection along the stretch, extending from Seneca Road at the edge of Reston to Jarrett Valley Drive just before Tysons Corner.

Starshine Theater Celebrates Anniversary

Starshine Theater of Great Falls is celebrating its 21st year of Performing Arts Programs for young people, with the following events:

Letter: ‘Open’ in a Snowy Night

"Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Gloom of Night…" Have you ever heard that motto before? You have if you’ve been to the New York City General Post Office. It’s not actually the official motto of the post office, but it’s engraved on the front of their building since 1896. Therefore, for the sake of this story, let’s pretend it is.

Obituary: F. William “Bill” Bauers

F. William Bauers Jr. was just 18 years old when he joined the Texas National Guard with plans of getting an appointment to West Point. But he was called to active duty less than a year later, qualified for Officer's Training School and went on to get his pilot's wings before ending up in Europe in January of 1944 flying B-26 Marauders. “It was exhilarating to be a pilot back then, to be in Europe and to be part of a force fighting against what we perceived as the enemy,” Bauers would recall of his service during World War II. “The war created a sense of urgency because we never knew when we said goodbye if it would be our last time.”

Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults

Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.

Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.

Counting the Days

In real life, murders and other crimes are not unraveled within a 60-minute television show. This is no truer than in Alexandria where the unbelievable is still incomprehensible, astounding and unresolved. Those involved with criminal investigations have difficult tasks; be assured there are no quitting times when shifts are completed.

Obituary: Louis A. Ham

Louis A. Ham of Alexandria died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at the age of 102. A longtime resident of Annandale, Lou was born Dec. 27, 1911 to Russell and Martha Ham in Charlottesville, Va. Lou married his childhood sweetheart, Myrtle French on Sept. 6, 1935. They were married for 55 years prior to her death.

Obituary: Peter C. Williams

Peter Carrington Williams, a prominent attorney and director of community service projects for the Alexandria Rotary Club, died suddenly Feb. 13 while helping a neighbor clear snow from a driveway on Collingwood Road. He was 67.

The Secret to Lasting Love

Three local couples share their secrets to a happy marriage.

Valentine’s Day is two days away. During this time filled with love and romance, three Potomac couples reflect on their relationships and what has kept their marriages strong.

Quilters Give Back to Community

Springfield Quilters’ Unlimited donate to those in need.

For members of Springfield Quilters’ Unlimited, quilting is more than just a hobby. The group provides opportunities for meeting others, as well as giving back to the community.

Elected Officials Hold Town Halls

Mental health reform, women’s health, health care and transportation were major topics at the Southern Fairfax Town Hall Meeting held in Kingstowne on Feb. 1.

New Grocery Store Opens in Fair Lakes

Features organic and all-natural products.

A new grocery store, aimed at customers interested in buying natural and organic foods, has opened for business in Fair Lakes.

The Connection