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Pathway to Zero in Alexandria

December 27, 2017

Viewpoints in McLean

January 2, 2018

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Herndon High Students Attract National Attention

A team of skilled students at Herndon High School have developed a company that is taking them around the East Coast and gaining national attention. The students in Mrs. Kathy Thomas’ class wrote a business plan for a company called V-LO Chip, which is a virtual location chip, asked for a virtual $500,000 startup loan, and then defended their plan before three panels of judges on Dec. 18, 2013. The students placed first in the Commonwealth of Virginia and represented the state at the Virtual Enterprise National Competition, April 1-4, 2014 in New York City. At this competition the officers and employees of V-LO Chip competed in a variety of events bringing home national honors for Herndon High School and Virginia. These competitions include: Global Business Challenge: The students are put on teams with teenagers from 10 countries around the world and assigned a business case study. The students are given 2.5 hours to work on solving the case study, which includes creating a PowerPoint and then presenting their solutions before judges. Andrea Ipinza’s team took 2nd place in the Global Business Challenge. Business Plan Presentation: The V-LO Chip officers defended their business plan before two sets of judges. The panel consisted of 10 judges who are successful entrepreneurs, businessmen and women from New York City. Trade Show: Outstanding Achievement Booth Design-V-LO Chip named TOP 10 Booth! Out of 150 booths, V-LO Chip was selected as one of the 10 best booths honored for the appearance of the booth as well as the ability for their employees to sell their product when customers visited the booth.

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Pleas for Services Increase Taxes

Council raises tax rate to fund services for seniors and schoolchildren.

Seniors will be able to keep their tax relief, and Engine 204 will remain at the city's Powhatan Park headquarters. But homeowners will see their tax bills going up once again. That's because members of the Alexandria City Council voted to increase the tax rate last week, adding $2 million to the budget proposal City Manager Rashad Young presented back in February.

Lisa Merkel Remains Herndon Mayor, Three New Council Members Elected

Lisa Merkel remains mayor after the Tuesday Town of Herndon Elections. She beat Connie Hutchinson 1,308-1,066, according to tallies made at the Herndon Community Center. “I think this is a sign that the town is open and excited about the possibility of the metro station,” said Merkel. Hutchinson, who had served as the Herndon Vice Mayor, was proud of the support she gained during her election. “I felt very honored to have the really strong support I had from the Herndon residents,” she said after the election results were posted at HCC. “I feel honored to represent the town as I had. I think there’ll be a lot of good debate on the council. The town council, which is voted biannually at large, will be Jennifer Baker with 1281 votes, Grace Han Wolf with 1,256 votes, Sheila Olem with 1,211 votes, Jasbinder Singh with 1,197 votes, Steven Lee Mitchell with 1,126 votes and Dave Kirby with 1,107 votes. “To those running who took the high road and stuck to the positive issues, I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart,” said Merkel. “That’s what Herndon is all about.”

Patricia W. MacVeagh Dies

Obituary

Patricia W. MacVeagh -- beloved wife of Charles "Pete" MacVeagh, sister of J. Wayman Williams, Jr., mother of Chip and Martha, and friend to many -- passed into the care of Our Lord on Monday, April 28, 2014. Pat was an avid horsewoman and photographer, and was a charter member of the Vienna Photographic Society. Memorial Service on Friday May 9, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, Vienna. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SaratogaWarHorse.com, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRFInc.org), or LiftMeUp.org.

A Little Team That Could

Forest Edge Elementary team goes to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

In March an intrepid group of third and fifth graders from a Reston elementary school entered a regional competition and pulled off a surprise win against students twice their age. On April 26, they doubled down at the state tournament. The Red Hot Chili Puddings are a team of rookies led by rookie coaches. Their pursuit, Odyssey of the Mind, is a world-wide creative problem-solving competition involving students of all ages. It pits bright and creative kids against each other in both spontaneous and long-term tests of intellect and creativity. This little team with the long odds won first place in their division at the regional competition — and then some.

Week in Vienna

Felony Hit-Run Is Charged Vienna police have charged a 53-year-old Vienna man with felony hit and run and reckless driving. He is Danilo Amaya-Hernandez of Glengyle Drive. He was arrested in connection with an incident that happened April 27 at 9:56 a.m. on Maple Avenue near James Madison Drive W.

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Fundraising for Lake Anne Elementary

Lake Anne Elementary PTA held a fundraiser called the ‘Dolphin Dash’ after the school’s mascot. In this fundraising dash the children go out and receive pledges (or a simple donation) for every lap they make around the parking lot. To date, they have raised upwards of $13,000 for the school. Pictured: Principal Brendan Menuey, Ed.D. and the parent who spearheaded this, Michelle Brennan, along with the dolphin and the students -- Bahran; Jinan and Martha, all fourth graders.

George Washington’s Library Selects New Class of Fellows

The new Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon has selected 18 established and emerging scholars to serve as its newest class of fellows.

Woman Convicted of Tax and Wire Fraud

Fair Oaks tax preparer filed false returns with the IRS.

Thuy Tien Le, 40, pleaded guilty last week in federal court to preparing false income tax returns and committing wire fraud.

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Earth Day in Alexandria

The annual festival opened up last month in Ben Brenman Park at 10 a.m. with greetings and a showcase of Alexandria City Public Schools students displaying and performing their ideas on upcycling in the performing arts, literature and fashion.

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Got Food?

Stamp Out Hunger food drive set for May 10.

he 2014 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service, will take place Saturday, May 10 throughout the City of Alexandria.

Column: When DNA Isn't Helpful

I could hardly contain myself that finally progress could be reported. An alleged triple murder suspect was returning to Virginia. At the least, “the” information came from various people always in the know. I must admit this old news dog could barely contain himself.

These Shelter Pets Face Challenges

Beauty is more than skin-deep.

As the old maxim goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria encourages potential adopters to apply that same advice to pets seeking new homes. “An animal can be a 10- to 20-year commitment, and it is important to select an animal that matches your lifestyle and energy level and to pick your companion based on personality rather than appearance,” said Megan Webb, executive director of the League.

Police Warn Residents: Beware Money Scams

Scammers identifying themselves as deputy sheriffs are calling Fairfax County residents and claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and must pay a court fee to avoid arrest. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is in no way associated with this scam. Sheriff's deputies will not call people asking for money nor threatening them with arrest.

City Council Approves Spending $8.1 Million

Money will renovate police firearms facility, improve downtown.

It’s full speed ahead for some major projects in the City of Fairfax. Last Tuesday, April 22, the City Council approved spending $8.1 million to develop and improve City-owned downtown properties and to renovate and expand the Police Department’s Firearms Training Center.

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