People

Surviving Christmas Day in Solitude

Ideas for coping with being alone on the holiday

While Christmas Day will be different and difficult for many this year, it will be especially difficult for seniors who live alone and will be in solitude because of COVID-19 risks.

There’s No Place Like Home in Fairlington

Affordable housing project breaks ground

Construction of The Waypoint of Fairlington officially kicked off Dec. 9 with a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the affordable housing development on the site of a former parking lot of Fairlington Presbyterian Church.

Toys for Tots in Alexandria

Thousands of toys donated for local families

Alexandria Fire Chief Corey Smedley was on hand at AFD headquarters Dec. 10 to receive more than 2,000 toys collected as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ annual Toys for Tots campaign.

Candyland: Rocket Fizz Opens in Fairlington Centre

The phrase “excited as a kid in a candy store” took on new meaning as Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop opened its doors Dec. 11 among the shops in Fairlington Centre.

New Partnership Helps Alexandria Residents Facing Eviction

ALIVE! with support from an ACT for Alexandria Resilience Fund grant is working in partnership with the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, Legal Services of Northern Virginia, and Lazarus Ministry Christ Church to stand up the Alexandria Eviction Prevention Program (AEPP).

‘Too Blessed to be Stressed’

Jim Henson dies of lung cancer at 84

Jim Henson was a man-about-town, known for his dapper dressing, infectious smile and engaging personality.

‘The Miracle of Lights’

Hanukkah observed Dec. 10-18

Menorahs are lit, dreidels are spun and latkes are served as Jewish families across the city celebrate Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival that began Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 18.

‘We’re Better Off Because He Protected Our Country’

Fairfax City honors WWII vet with 100th-birthday parade

As the Knights of Columbus marched past his Fairfax City home last week, Marine Corps and WWII veteran Jim “Horse” Smith raised his arm and saluted.

Virginia House of Delegates Commends Local Group

Laurel Hill Park Volunteer Team commended in Joint Resolution

The Virginia House of Delegates commended the Laurel Hill Park Volunteer Team (PVT) by Joint Resolution 257, delivered by Del. Kathy Tran (D-42), in a brief presentation ceremony on Dec. 12 in the Lorton Park.

Lt. Laitinen Gives Sully Police Station Update

Warns residents to lock their cars to prevent thefts

At the Dec. 2 meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), Lt. Josh Laitinen, the assistant station commander, gave local residents an update on crimes in the community.

Pandemic is Forcing Business Changes, but Life is Good in Arlington

Jason Andelman has just spent all day packaging his hundreds of boxes of chocolates for shipping.

ArPets: The Secret to Happiness

Want to be happy? Do something for someone else.

"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else."

Herndon High Runner Captures First at Cross Country League 5k Race

Gillian Bushée flies through school's cross county record

The most challenging distance to go for Herndon High School freshman and cross country runner Gillian Bushée of Reston was the distance from her bed to the front door each morning.

Virginia Master Naturalist Program Graduates Spring Class

The 2020 Spring class of Virginia Master Naturalists (VMN) graduated, finally, in a Zoom ceremony on Dec. 14.

A Holiday Season Reimagined

The pandemic leads to altered and new traditions.

When schools adjourn for winter break, the anticipation of a COVID-19 pandemic holiday season will become a reality.

The Connection