People

Honoring Jeffrey; Helping Others

Angel Kisses 5K/2K is this Sunday.

Jeffrey Virostek was 2 when he was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). He went into remission after aggressive treatment and a bone-marrow transplant; and for nine months, he was able to just be a little boy again, playing with friends and enjoying his family.

Students, Teachers Exhibit Together

Art reception at Lake Anne Reston Community Center.

On Sunday, May 5, students and teachers in Reston Community Center’s visual arts program assembled in a reception to meet with friends and relatives. The work is on display now at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne.

Business Matters

A quiet stretch of Eisenhower Avenue is about to get a new lease on life — nightlife, to be exact.

Sengel Honored

SAR presents Law Enforcement award.

The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal to Commonwealth's Attorney S. Randolph Sengel for his distinguished career enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sengel was presented the award April 27 in a ceremony at Belle Haven Country Club. He has served as a prosecutor in Alexandria since 1979 and was first elected Commonwealth's Attorney in 1997.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Ceremony pays tribute to fallen officers.

Dozens of active duty and retired law enforcement personnel joined Chief of Police Earl Cook and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne as they placed a wreath at the Police Memorial in Waterfront Park May 6 to pay tribute to Alexandria police officers and sheriff's deputies who have died in the line of duty. Cook read each of the 16 names inscribed on the memorial, dating back to Constable Elijah Chenault, who was the first reported officer killed in the city in 1823, and ending with Corporal Charles W. Hill, who was slain in March of 1988.

Changes Under Foot

Old Town Masterpieces closing after 35 years.

They grew up together in Iran, and in 1971, Ahmed Loghmanian and Hossien Garakyaraghi made the move to America to study at George Washington University. But it wasn't long before the pull of the family business back home beckoned them to open Old Town Masterpieces, a landmark Oriental rug store closing its doors after 35 years in business. “I think he met George Washington,” Loghmanian said in jest to Garakyaraghi, his lifelong friend and brother-in-law. “That's how long we've been here.”

Raising Healthy Children with Healthy Minds

Back in 2011 President Obama announced the creation of a National Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive country-wide plan to increase the number of Americans who are healthy, both mentally and physically at every step of their lives. In the wake of Newtown, a new discussion erupted over mental health and the need to improve services. That was wonderful news to advocates, families and those with mental illnesses themselves. But it soon became obvious that in many circles what political leaders were talking about was not more and better services that would guarantee good mental health for everyone, but putting people away without due process, in other words a return to those past practices that destroyed people’s minds and lives as well as their families.

The Astonishing Motor 8

In less than two weeks, May 20 to be exact, the final segment in the brutal and senseless shooting of an Alexandria police officer gets under way in the city’s Franklin P. Backus Courthouse. Officer Peter Laboy was shot in the head on routine daytime duty, suffering a catastrophic brain injury, on Feb. 27. This story has resonated around the Commonwealth and throughout the nation and generated thousands of prayers on his behalf.

Woman’s Club of Arlington Holds Art Show and Sale

Those braving the rain storm on the evening of April 19 to attend The Woman’s Club’s Art Show and Sale enjoyed some great art, delicious snacks and objects to bid on for the Silent Auction and “Boozy Cake” raffles.

Esten Concert Raises $22,000

A night of songs, jokes and nostalgia in Old Town benefits T.C. Williams grads.

The Durant Arts Center multipurpose room rarely gets as glamorous as it did on Friday night, May 3, when The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria ushered Charles “Chip” Esten onto its brightly lit stage. The “Nashville” star, who plays Deacon Claybourne on the hit series, informed the audience of Alexandrians that though he would be whoever they wanted him to be that night at autograph time — Deacon, Charles or Chip — he was the boy they knew. “It’s Chip not Charles. It’s Puskar,” said the star as he walked on.

Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’

Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.

“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams

Women Mean Business

In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.

Potomac School Notes May 8

News and notes on students from Potomac.

McLean Day Only Gets Better With Age

This year’s Saturday, May 18 celebration approaches centennial.

The McLean Community Center’s annual community festival is approaching its 100th anniversary.

Town Holds Big Truck Days

Children invited to explore equipment at Public Works Maintenance Complex.

The Town of Herndon opened up its Public Works Maintenance Complex and its large vehicles May 2 and 3 for the annual Big Truck Days. The event gave families and children a chance to explore some of the town’s heavy maintenance equipment.

The Connection