People

Dancers on Display At Great Falls Library

Artist Jill Banks hosts workshop at Great Falls Library.

The conference room at the Great Falls Library was transformed into a studio of sorts Saturday, Aug. 10. Artist Jill Banks hosted a painting demonstration featuring two local dancers, and welcomed visitors and other artists throughout the day.

Geocaching Diversifies

Urbanites embracing new game

Geocaching usually has been portrayed as someone with hiking boots and a walking staff gazing afar from a hilltop in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not so anymore.

Deputy Faces Murder Charges

Craig Patterson sat stonefaced in a green jumpsuit as his voice boomed from speakers in the courtroom. Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Sengel pressed a few buttons on his laptop computer, and the 911 call began playing a key piece of evidence in the case against the 44-year-old Arlington County sheriff's deputy who shot and killed Julian Dawkins, a 22-year-old Alexandria man.

Rachel Gart and Daniel Raphael Engaged

Rachel Gart of Fairfax Station, daughter of Ron and Ilyse Gart of Fairfax Station, and Daniel Raphael of Oakton, son of Larry and Marlene Raphael of Oakton, are engaged and plan to wed in early September.

Matthew Schmitz and Megan Taylor To Wed

Megan Taylor, daughter of Daniel and Anne Taylor of Springfield, is engaged to Matthew Schmitz, son of Daniel and Nancy Schmitz of Bristol, Ill.

Paul Frank Elected McLean Orchestra Board President

Paul A. Frank has been elected president of the Board of Trustees of McLean Orchestra.

Beltrante Still Pursuing Justice

Former police detective seeks police oversight board.

D. C. residents and three U.S. Presidents have placed their trust and safety in the hands of Nicholas “Nick” Beltrante for many years before he retired from the D.C. Metro Police in 1963. Now, at 86, the twice-retired Metro D.C. police homicide/robbery detective and private investigator continues to work toward safeguarding the rights of others by proposing to the Board of Supervisors the creation of a Police Citizens Oversight Board which would be charged with investigating citizen complaints, promoting police accountability, and serving as an independent voice for citizens.

Wickedly Witty

Additional shows added for LTA’s ‘Avenue Q.’

They sing, they dance and — OMG — they even have sex. They’re the potty-mouthed puppets (and their human counterparts) of “Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning musical now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Computer Clubhouse For Young Techies

Mount Vernon children in underserved areas learn technology skills.

The Computer Clubhouse at Gum Springs Community Center offers about 150 underserved children in the Mount Vernon area the chance to learn cutting-edge software and computer skills, filmmaking, blogging, Podcasts and robotics.

Costco Prepares For Opening

Mount Vernon store to employ 200-plus and form local partnerships.

The new Costco is opening along Route 1 in Mount Vernon on Thursday, Aug. 8. The 140,000-square-foot warehouse club will employ more than 200 people, which brings the total number of Costco stores to 632 nationwide. Construction crews, vendors, landscapers, and store employees have been working around the clock for 13 weeks preparing for the grand opening, which included a VIP Open House Party on Wednesday evening.

School Notes

Bridget Thompson has been selected to receive a $1,500 college scholarship from the Military Children Program. Thompson took part in various school and community activities including environmental club, cross country, swimming, and band. She plans to attend The College of William and Mary.

Oh, What a Night

National Night Out celebrates 30 years.

Thousands of residents turned out across the city Aug. 6 as Alexandria celebrated the 30th anniversary of National Night Out, a program designed to promote neighborhood spirit and law enforcement-community partnerships in the fight against crime.

Living Legends

Richard Merritt focuses on health issues.

Born in 1943 in Greenville in Texas, Richard E. Merritt grew up in the Bellaire section of Houston and attended Austin College in Sherman, also in Texas, where he earned a B.A. in psychology. He joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in India. He was assigned to community development as an extension officer helping to improve crop yields.

Creating Jobs, Helping Community

CLRC workers learn new skills building garden boxes for sale.

Guided by summer intern Tori Jameson, 13 workers at the Centreville Labor Resource Center have learned how to build raised, garden boxes. The project was part of their continual education learning new skills and is hoped to yield both funds and jobs for the center.

If You Are What You Eat, Eat Well

Local nutritionist turns personal challenge into book and health and nutrition practice.

When Teri Cochrane’s son was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with asthma and placed on a variety of medications, including steroids. Less than two years later, doctors warned the Reston mother that he would have frequent seizures, would never have a normal childhood and would never grow taller than 5 feet 4 inches. When Cochrane’s daughter was born three years later, she also suffered from health problems, including chronic, severe abdominal pain.

The Connection