People

Herndon High Presents ‘Hansel and Gretel’

Annual children’s production tells classic fairy tale.

The Herndon High School Theater Department will present their annual children’s show starting Friday, Feb. 15, featuring “Hansel and Gretel.”

Public Still Hot for Ice Skating Rink in Fairfax

Michael Weiss’ former training site hosts the next generation of Olympians.

It’s one of life’s ironies: we love to complain about how cold it is, yet the arctic activity of ice skating continues to be a major recreation destination. Though he’s been a hockey guy all his life, Fairfax Ice Arena Manager Andy Heckmann doesn’t get it either. “I never understand the psychology,” he said, “why people come here when it’s cold.”It’s one of life’s ironies: we love to complain about how cold it is, yet the arctic activity of ice skating continues to be a major recreation destination. Though he’s been a hockey guy all his life, Fairfax Ice Arena Manager Andy Heckmann doesn’t get it either. “I never understand the psychology,” he said, “why people come here when it’s cold.”

Preserving Mental Health as People Age

Experts say diet, exercise and mental stimulation are key.

“Exercise [is] the ‘lifestyle’ factor with the strongest effect. A number of different research groups have found benefits of aerobic exercise on both brain structure and function and on cognitive performance.” — Pamela Greenwood, Ph.D., George Mason University

'Stuff the Bus’ Campaign Helps Feed the Hungry

Donations continue to increase as campaign enters third year.

Local grocery stores were packed this weekend with shoppers stocking up on Super Bowl snacks for the annual football fan party. At the Wal-Mart in Fairfax, shoppers were greeted with colorful displays of chips, dips and other party favorites. They were also greeted by volunteers from Our Daily Bread (ODB), who were handing out flyers and encouraging shoppers to donate gift cards or specific items to restock ODB’s pantry shelves. A Fairfax nonprofit for nearly 30 years, ODB provides food and other critical services to the working poor, the elderly and the disabled. More than half of ODB’s clients are local children.

Column: Maestro’s Musings

It’s hard to believe that it's my 25th anniversary as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. The centerpiece of my anniversary year will be the world premiere of an epic symphonic piece composed by yours truly and my wife, Kathryn Vassar Kluge.

Packing up Power Packs

Union Mill Elementary students assemble 248 weekend meal-packs.

Fifth-graders from Union Mill Elementary assembled 248 Weekend Power Packs for FCPS students who would not otherwise have meals to eat on weekends.

Celebrating De Lazzari’s 103rd Birthday

Long-Time participant at Clara Barton Center.

Montgomery County Recreation helped Rita De Lazzari, a long-time participant in the Clara Barton Community Center’s Senior Neighborhood Program, celebrate her 103rd birthday on Jan. 23.

It’s All About the News

Potomac’s Monika Samtani is reporter/anchor for WUSA9.

Two forty-five a.m. finds most people asleep, but for Potomac’s Monika Samtani the day is just beginning. That’s the time her alarm clock rings, launching her out of bed and out the door, all in time to arrive at the WUSA9 newsroom by an invigorating 3:30 a.m.

A Ticket to Hollywood

Fairfax Academy student Maddie Assel is on American Idol.

Fairfax Academy student Maddie Assel is a bubbly, outgoing, 17-year-old. She’s busy with school, friends, college visits and—oh, yes, she’s also a contestant on American Idol.

Former Delegate Bob Hull Named NOVA-Annandale Community Outreach Specialist

Robert D. “Bob” Hull, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, was recently named the community outreach specialist for the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). Hull began his new position Jan. 10.

Three Speakers to Address GOP Women of Clifton

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) will feature two outstanding members at its February meeting—Dr. Ileana Johnson, bestselling author of U.N. Agenda 21: Environmental Piracy, and Stephanie Reis, founder of the Omaha ACT for America Chapter as well as property rights advocate Martha Boneta.

Week in Fairfax

Firefighter Injured in Townhouse Fire, Fairfax Center House Fire Under Investigation, Citizens Fire and Rescue Academy, and Bob’s Discount Furniture Supports Area Schools

Greenspring Republicans Host Pete Snyder

Last year, the Greenspring Republican Club hosted Pete Snyder as the chairman of the Virginia Victory 2012 campaign, a coordinated campaign in support of Republican candidates across the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Snyder was invited again to speak to the Greenspring Republican Club, but this time as a candidate for lieutenant governor.

Obituary

Mary Neale Garrett

Mary Neale Garrett died Jan. 29, 2013 in Alexandria, Va. She was born Sept. 10, 1928 in King William County, Va. to Clyde Neale Garrett and Mary Robinson Garrett.

Volunteering for the President

Girl Scout Troop 189 of Fairfax volunteered on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 21.

The Connection