People

The Potomac Chamber of Commerce named the Potomac citizens of the year this past week. The Citizen of the Year, Youth of the Year, and Businessperson of the Year are scheduled to ride in convertibles in the Potomac Day parade on Oct. 20.

‘Bless this Creature’

Mouth open, Noah Bumanis, of Potomac, looked skyward as the Rev. Dr. Ann Laprade placed her hands on his back and blessed him Saturday, Oct. 6 at Potomac United Methodist Church.

MPO Jeffrey Randall ‘Randy’ Burchfield Retires

On Oct. 1, MPO Jeffrey Randall “Randy” Burchfield retired from the Town of Vienna Police Department after 27 years of service to the citizens of Vienna.

Vienna Resident Completes 40-day Himalayas Expedition

Justin Gilbert, 48, of Vienna, recently completed a 40-day expedition in the Himalayas of India with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

Briscoe, Conroy Receive Chamber Recognition

Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy with the HBC Realty Group of Keller Williams Realty received the award for Corporate Social Responsibility from the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

Blessing of the Pets

The blessing of the pets is held annually on a weekend near Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.

NAACP Chapter To Honor Retired Arlington Educator

Macekura talks about his involvement in integration of county’s public schools.

On Saturday, Oct.13, the Arlington Branch National Association of Colored People (NAACP) will honor former Arlington educator Joseph Macekura at its 66th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet for his work helping to integrate Arlington Public Schools, most notably helping four African-American students enroll in Stratford Junior High School (now known as H-B Woodlawn Secondary School), which made it the first school in Virginia to be integrated.

New Man at Centreville High School’s Helm

Martin Grimm begins first year as principal.

Martin Grimm, Centreville High’s new principal, has spent most of his life coaching, teaching and leading children. So it’s understandable how he ended up in education.

SROs: Making Differences in Students’ Lives

Officers discuss their roles at Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition meeting.

“It’s probably one of my toughest assignments,” Ballantine said at the quarterly meeting of the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria on Sept. 17. “It’s challenging to ensure the safety and security of the kids. But the beauty of this job is it’s not so much about law enforcement; it’s more about mentoring.”

Wake for an Irish Restaurant: Pat Troy Bids Farewell to Ireland's Own

After decades in business, outspoken restauranteur sells his business and enters retirement.

Friends and supporters — and even some former enemies — gathered at Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own Restaurant last weekend to say goodbye.

26 New Citizens Sworn in at Market Square

In celebration of Citizenship Day, 26 Virginia residents took the oath of allegiance to the United States and were sworn in as citizens on Sept. 11 in Market Square.

Todd Nedorostek, Arborist on Wheels

Through Tour des Trees, he combines love of trees and cycling.

Todd Nedorostek enjoys two things in his life: taking care of trees and cycling. The 42-year-old certified arborist of Alexandria participates in a fundraising event called Tour des Trees, which enables him to combine these two passions.

Picnic Benefits Friendship Firehouse

The historic Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association hosted an afternoon picnic on Sept. 23 in Aspen Green at the Virginia Theological Seminary.

A True Green Progressive—Paul Hughes

A couple of weeks ago, we lost a very special man. Paul Hughes, a long-time environmental activist and green business entrepreneur, died from a massive heart attack.

The Connection