People

Burke, Clifton Team in Race Across America Powered by Trane

Team Green Beret Foundation set to raise funds for wounded or ill Army Special Forces Warriors.

Setting off from Oceanside, Calif. on Saturday, June 15, three Burke residents and one Clifton man will take part in the world’s toughest bicycle race in the hope of raising awareness and much needed funds for the Green Beret Foundation. With the finish line in Annapolis, Md. the team will cycle three thousand miles over a period of six days. “Looking at our capabilities and being respectful to the organization and our sponsors, we think six days is a good time,” said David Viens, a team member. “This gives us an average of 20 miles per hour,” he said.

Engagements

Myra Aznar to Marry Jason Simon

Edgar and Virginia Aznar of Burke announce the upcoming June wedding of their daughter, Myra Aznar, to Jason Simon, in Charleston, S.C. Jason is the son of Steve and Karen Simon of Heritage Court, Conn.

Local UMW Student Honored

William “Heath” Sharp of Arlington, a senior at the University of Mary Washington, was recognized for his outstanding undergraduate research at the Virginia Psychological Association’s spring conference April 25 in Richmond.

Finding One's Calling

Local nursing student finds career path during service project in Kenya.

College is a time of figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life.

This Week in Potomac

Whitman’s 50th Anniversary Walt Whitman High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Michael Porter Denker

Obituary

Michael Porter Denker, 66, co-owner of Hopkins & Porter Construction, a residential design/build firm based in Potomac, died May 22, 2013, at Casey House in Gaithersburg. He had been diagnosed with melanoma in the summer.

Sharing in the joy of volunteering

KEEN Sports Day gets volunteers from Au Pair of America

“I loved volunteering at the KEEN Sports Day,” said Camila Souza, who works for a Potomac family through Au Pair of America. “It made me realize that I can make a difference just by giving a high five — or by cheering on these young people as they run bases or learn a new dance. I was there to give him support — but he gave me inspiration.”

Wootton, Whitman Win Cappie Awards

Two local schools won acting awards at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Understanding Same Frustrations, Challenges

Hope Connections for Cancer Support offers group counseling, education and inspiration.

Potomac’s Lori Nam and her husband moved to Potomac with the optimistic dreams of all newlyweds — the opportunity to build a life near family and friends, the excitement of beginning promising careers, looking forward to children and active healthy lives.

Schools

School Notes

Zachary James Madison graduated magna cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College with a bachelor of arts degree in English. He is a graduate of Yorktown High School and the son of George and Carol Madison of Arlington.

Creating Livable Community For All Ages

County and local organizations seek to find and meet seniors’ needs.

People over 55 make up approximately 30 percent of Fairfax County’s population, making them the largest population group. Many of that group have chosen, or plan, to spend their later years in Fairfax County, but as they age in place, there are certain services and resources needed.

Rogers’ Retirement Dream

Aging-in-place remodel required a generator, much to relief of their neighbors.

Ted Rogers, 73, recently completed a senior-friendly makeover to his home, with the help of a master builder to meet his often challenging technical requirements.

Crafting a Wheel-chair Friendly Master Bath

Acessibility designer inspired by personal experiences.

“We are seeing more seniors choosing to stay in their homes than ever before,” says aging-in-place specialist Russ Glickman.

Volunteering Gives Seniors a Sense of Fulfillment

Shepherd Center network provides opportunities for seniors to help seniors.

Kathy Tugendhat chairs the Adventures in Learning organizing committee at Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV). She teaches conversational ESL at Patrick Henry Library, one-on-one. On Wednesdays in the summer months, Tugendhat tells stories and leads songs for youngsters on the grounds of the Little Library. She sings with the Vienna Choral Society because she loves it. “It keeps me young,” said Tugendhat. She’s also 80 years old.

Senior Volunteers to Help all Ages

Before heading to the home of the 83-year-old woman she visits each week, Diane Stoy calls to make sure her friend is up for a visit. The answer is almost always yes.

The Connection