People

Thinking Strategically at Churchill Road

Churchill Road Elementary school held a Strategy Game Night for Grades K-6 the evening of Thursday, April 12.

Janet O’Dell, of Great Falls, Dies

Janet Rae O'Dell, of Great Falls, passed away on March 13, 2012 from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she moved to the Washington area in 1972.

Giving Back to Mason

Steve Mullins of Great Falls returns to his alma mater to serve on the Board of Visitors.

As high school seniors across the country are currently deciding the college to attend in the fall, local entrepreneur and chief financial officer Steve Mullins reflects upon the choice he made as a senior at Annandale High School to attend George Mason University and on his recent appointment to Mason’s Board of Visitors.

Forestville Goes to World Finals

Forestville Elementary students win State Odyssey of the Mind Finals and head to 2012 World Finals.

The Forestville Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team won at the Virginia State Finals in Newport News on Saturday, April 14, and will be competing in the 2012 World Finals being held May 23-26 on the campus of Iowa State University.

Lacing Up for Gianna

Langley basketball team comes together in support of their coach’s daughter.

Throughout our high school years we have our takeaways. The people and the moments that when we are young guide us, and when we are older follow us. In 1981, at Langley High School there were two teachers who believed in an overly chatty girl with a bigger interest in her social life than studying for her next exam.

Spring Art Festival Returns

Festival to be held at the Village Green Day School Saturday and Sunday.

The Sixth Annual Great Falls Spring Art Festival and Sale, a showcase for art created locally, will be held next weekend, April 21 and 22, at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Chamber Honors Local Heroes at Valor Awards

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce held the 30th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony & Luncheon on Wednesday, April 11 at the Fort Myers Officer's Club to honor members of the Arlington County Police, Fire and Sheriff Departments, as well as the Office of Emergency Management.

Community Aims to Fill Empty Bowls

Floris United Methodist Church hosts annual Food For Others event.

More than 500 people gathered at the Floris United Methodist Church Friday, April 13 to help raise money and awareness for hungry people in the area. The annual Empty Bowls event, which raised money for local food bank Food For Others and hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE, allowed guests to enjoy soups, snacks and deserts from local eateries, as well as take home a handmade bowl made by local potters, all for a $20 donation.

ADAMS Hosts Interfaith Seder

Event brings together people of faith to discuss faith, freedom.

Andrea Barron was part of the first Jewish-Arab Seder 25 years ago, which was held in Washington, D.C. organized by local Jewish leaders to promote peace.

Recognizing Reston’s Best

Reston Interfaith, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosts annual awards gala.

The annual Best of Reston awards recognized four individuals, two organizations and two businesses Thursday, April 12 at the Reston Hyatt. Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of commerce host the awards, which celebrated their 21st year.

Gardeners Donate Produce to Share

Gardening program aims to provide fresh food for food bank clients.

As the weather warms, local gardeners are heading back to their plots. Share, a local nonprofit, will be using some of what they produce to provide fresh food to their clients. Open since 1969, Share operates a weekly food bank out of the McLean Baptist Church, as well as clothing, furniture and other family assistance.

Franconia Fifth Grader Honored for Saving Nephew’s Life

Cynthia Almendarez, 10, called 9-1-1 when nephew, 2, stopped breathing.

On the morning of July 13, 2011, Franconia Elementary fifth-grader Cynthia Almendarez was at home with her mother and 12-year-old sister when she noticed something odd. Her 18-month-old nephew, Christopher, who was usually cruising around the house and making typical toddler sounds, was quiet and gasping for breath.

The Connection