People

‘They Love Each Other with All Their Hearts’

Chantilly High presents ‘You Can’t Take it With You.’

A funny and heartwarming story of an American family is portrayed in Chantilly High’s upcoming production of “You Can’t Take It with You.” It’s the school’s Cappies show and, said Director Ed Monk, “It’s double-cast because we have such a huge group of talented juniors and seniors.”

30 Years Prison for Handyman’s Death

Champean sentenced for May 2010 Centreville homicide.

Jose Cardona was a handyman and gardener on a huge, Centreville estate. On May 17, 2010, he also became something else — a hero who died protecting his employer’s son from armed intruders.

Opening Day for Alexandria Potomac Little League

Celebrating 10 years, players, coaches and volunteers held opening day ceremonies at Bucknell Elementary School on Saturday morning, April 13. This year’s sponsors include: AES, Beyer Subaru, Blackberry, BSN Sports, Sick’s Sporting Goods, Dick’s Trophies, Don Beyer Volvo, Dutzman Family, First Command Financial Services, Fort Hunt Body & Sol, Giant Foods, Holden & Sons, Hughes Orthodontics, Irish Plumber, Larson Orthodontics, Memory Makers, Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria, Ourisman of Virginia, RAM Technologies and TAS-Corp.

Walking for Cystic Fibrosis

More than 35 students walked on Saturday morning, April 13, at West Potomac High School to raise money and awareness as part of the “Great Strides” fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Fairfax Rotarian Visits Rotary of Saint-Louis, Senegal

Jill Lehman of the Rotary Club of Fairfax recently spent six weeks in Saint-Louis, Senegal, helping mentally disabled children and visiting the Rotary Club of Senegal, a small club of 20 members who are very active in their community.

Letter: A Misreading of History

That a few local schools are named for Confederate generals bothers Kiran Hampton [“Alarmed by School Names,” Connection, April 11-17, 2013]. The US Army and Navy have named forts and ships after Confederate heroes. The Veterans Administration provides headstones for Confederate graves. That wouldn’t have happened if they were traitors. No Confederates were convicted of treason. Hampton’s shame that Virginia fought with the Confederacy suggests a misreading of US history.

Hundreds Take Part in Reston Walk MS

More than 1,600 individuals and 50 volunteers participated in Sunday’s Walk MS presented by Booz Allen Hamilton in Reston, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s National Capital Chapter. Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras from ABC7-WJLA hosted the starting line program after participants warmed up with Zumba led by Nikki McNutt-Thiem from Full Out Fitness.

Poetry MV 4/17/2013

By Asher Ager 5th Grade Hollin Meadows ES Birds, animals, weeds, and all other beings, Spring approaches, though that might not seem now, All the beasts, plants, towers, flowers, and things, Can feel the warmth seeping through cold winter’s gown, Inofficially marking the new spring, The very official holiday will still cling, The answer to global warming is clear, We must step up and take charge of the day, Grab a took may it be shovel; or spade If you want to help this is the way, With any effort changes will be made, One of the enjoyable holidays, Earth Day is fun let it stay as it may.

Helping Homeless ‘Close to Home’

Springfield man launches the 25th Project Charity Golf Classic to benefit homeless.

“On Christmas Eve, my church has a gift-wrapping party, and we’ll wrap whatever we have, from tents and sleeping bags to flannel shirts,” Herriott said. “As The 25th Project has grown, we have expanded our goals and now provide tents, batteries, sleeping bags, tarps and other life essentials.”

Andreotta-Urben Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Mark P. Andreotta of Clifton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Ashley Marie to Andrew Paul Urben, son of LTC (Ret.) and Mrs. Edward A. Urben of Woodbridge, Va.

The Comeback Kid

Paralyzed after tragic accident, Nick Balenger throws out WSLL’s Opening Day pitch.

"You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen,” said baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.

Woodson High Celebrates ‘50 Years of Excellence’

Former students and faculty gather for an afternoon of performances, nostalgia and a dedication.

A brisk breeze and bright spring sunshine were nearly as prevalent as the pride and fond memories expressed by alumni and faculty commemorating the 50th anniversary of W.T. Woodson High School on Saturday, April 13.

Robinson Students Make the Cut for Caring

26 Acts of Kindness campaign continues.

April 1st marked the beginning of Robinson Secondary School’s “26 Acts of Kindness”—a tribute to the 26 children and adults who were killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December in Newtown, Conn. The Student Government Association (SGA) pulled out all the stops to make this “pay it forward” campaign a success, even providing t-shirts with space on the back for supporters to fill in each act of kindness performed, producing a promotional video that was uploaded to YouTube, and even establishing a Twitter site where do-gooders could post what good deeds they had done.

‘A Prestigious Honor’

Rock Spring Garden Club member Mary Cottrell receives Awards of Honor.

Arlington resident Mary Shepherd Cottrell, a long time member of Rock Spring Garden Club, has the distinction of being chosen to receive the 2013 Award of Honor from the district, state and regional levels of National Garden Clubs, Inc. “This is a prestigious honor for her, and a great honor for our club,” said Thea McGinnis, president of RSGC.

Norwood School Student Displays Art at Yellow Barn Gallery

Student presented her first collection of artwork at a Maryland gallery.

When Neelam Shaikh was in nursery school, she had an extraordinary fascination with her ability to create.

The Connection