People

Teaching Children To Be Charitable

Experts say modeling, nurturing are keys to raising generous children.

Elena Santiviago walked her 6-year-old son down the aisle of a grocery store near her Arlington home. They picked up five boxes of toothpaste and two bottles of mouthwash, several bars of soap and a few sticks of deodorant. The shopping trip was part of a school project in which students fill holiday stockings with personal hygiene items for the homeless.

Art Educator Releases Two Books

Stories offer children and parents innovative ways to explore art.

Elizabeth Augenblick Smith, 10, spent a recent Saturday afternoon gluing strips of brightly hued tissue paper to create a collage. There were no rules or guides to follow.

Holiday Sibling Shop Spreads the Spirit of Giving

FACETS hosts a traditional Holiday Sibling Shop.

FACETS, a non-profit in Fairfax that helps those affected by poverty, hosted a Holiday Sibling Shop on Dec. 16 at the Ragan Oaks Community Center that allowed children living in an affordable housing community to shop for donated gifts to give to their siblings during the holiday season. According to James Wilson, a community advocate for FACETS, the Holiday Sibling Shops not only give children the chance to shop for gifts, but also reduce stress the families may face.

Robert Werth of Springfield Takes Reins of National Transportation Organization

Robert M. Werth, of Springfield, a leader in accessible transportation for more than three decades, has taken the helm of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) as its new president.

Making Runners, Walkers Happy

Last-minute holiday gift ideas at local business in Springfield.

Metro Run and Walk in Springfield, a locally owned and family-operated store, has a variety of gifts available for runners and walkers at a discounted price, starting with the 13 Days of Christmas sale on Dec. 13.

Helping Homeless Pets Find Homes

Join in the holiday spirit of giving and help save lives with the ‘Twelve Days of Adoptables,’ a partnership between the Washington Humane Society and the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. These organizations are joining forces to get the word out about some very special pets.

Gift Baskets from Great Harvest

Local business in Burke offers last-minute gift ideas.

At Great Harvest Bread Company in Burke, customers can eat a freshly made bakery sandwich and complete some last-minute holiday shopping at the same time. The local bread and other baked-goods company, which also has a location in Lorton, provides a variety of gift baskets and products like baked goods and tea towels for a last-minute holiday shopper on any budget.

Vola Lawson Dies at 79

Former City Manager was a trailblazer for women, minorities.

In the midst of the turbulent race relations of the 1960s, a proper Southern Belle from Atlanta joined the Urban League in picketing Alexandria's City Hall, where the Confederate flag still flew proudly above Market Square. Little did the young bride know just how much her courage and leadership would help shape the next five decades of the city's history.

Come Home to a Luxury Bedroom

Local designers unveil inviting spaces that are perfect for dreaming of sugarplums.

Bedrooms are no longer just for sleeping, at least according to some local designers. They’re for relaxing and watching television, but they’re also for reading and for eating a lazy weekend breakfast. In fact, some modern bedrooms are probably larger than their owners’ first apartments. Three local tastemakers unveil master bedrooms that are so opulent and amenity-filled that it’s surprising their owners ever want to leave.

Lady Statesmen Gymnasts Win Third Place in Season Opener

The George C. Marshall Lady Statesmen Gymnastics team kicked off their 2013-14 season with a third place finish in a six-team contest at Washington & Lee High School in Arlington.

Jingle on Lake Anne Plaza Draws Crowds

Local art showcased at Reston Community Center.

There was a heavy turnout at Reston’s Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday. Two events were being held in conjunction with each other, one the reception at Lake Anne Reston Community Center for the Gifts from the HeART Exhibit.

Bobbie Kilberg Honored as Business Hall of Fame Laureate

The 2013 Washington Business Hall of Fame Laureate and Northern Virginia Technology Council President and CEO Bobbie Green Kilberg with Virginia Governor Bob O’Donnell and Junior Achievement student and student at George C. Marshall High School Matt Colwell.

Herndon Lights Christmas Tree

Families gather at event hosted by Town of Herndon and Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Despite cold weather, scores of people showed up to hear the singing of Christmas carols at the Town Square in downtown Herndon. Eileen Curtis, president of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, greeted everyone on Saturday evening, Dec. 7.

Herndon Community Center Holds Annual Arts and Crafts Show

Local artists and entrepreneurs arrive for Sunday show despite snow.

More than 50 local artists came to the Herndon Community Center located at 814 Ferndale Avenue for the 35th Annual Arts and Crafts Show. Kevin L. Mitchell, resident of Fredricksburg arrived with a display of handcrafted wire sculpture figures. "Over the years I discovered my artistic voice, and I started bringing my works to comic conventions this year," said Mitchell. He has a variety of designs in his catalog from sports figures to science fiction themed figures.

‘Old Fashioned Holiday’ at Frying Pan

Brisk weather was not a deterrent to the hundreds who came out to celebrate the ‘Old Fashioned Holiday on the Farm’ at Frying Pan Farm Park on Dec. 7. Hundreds enjoyed the holiday music, pictures with Santa, close-up meetings with farm animals, roasted marshmallows, crafts, food, hayrides and pony rides.

The Connection