On Economic Frontline
McDonnell appoints Wood to Military Commission.
Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed Alexandria resident Lt. Gen. John R. (Bob) Wood (ret.) to Virginia's newly formed Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities. “I am most concerned about preserving jobs here in Virginia,” said Wood, a graduate of T.C. Williams High School and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Spring Hill Elementary Promotes Reading
To promote reading over Spring Break, the reading teachers at Spring Hill Elementary School encouraged students to "Get Caught Reading" in a unique location and have their picture taken.
Preparations for McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Nearly Complete
The Woman’s Club of McLean is in the final stages of preparing for the community’s first-ever Kitchen and Garden Tour, planned for Wednesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A formal “kickoff” will take place at Holyrood Drive and Countryside Court in west McLean at 10 a.m., near the six large homes that will open their kitchens and extensive gardens for the tour.
Making the Best of It
When Hurricane Sandy sent a tree slicing through her Vicar Lane home last October, Donnan Wintermute expected a long rebuilding process. What she didn't expect was her contractor to begin using the tarp over her roof as a canvas in an effort to cheer her up.
Kent Gardens Fundraiser a Success
Community Charity Champions raised $2,160 for the Kent Gardens Elementary School PTA at a fundraiser held on Tuesday, April 9, at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean.
Madeira Junior Creates Garden at Churchill Road
Girl Scout Aerryn Rees, Madeira School junior, is working toward her Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive, by creating a sustainable garden at her alma mater, Churchill Road Elementary School in McLean.
Networking for Good
WEBA Happy Hour raises funds for Laboy family.
The West End Business Association turned its April 4 monthly networking Happy Hour into a fundraiser for Alexandria Police Officer Peter Laboy and presented a check for $500 to Suzanne Laboy to kick off a year-long commitment to raise money for the injured officer and his family. “My family and I are overwhelmed at the generosity of the community,” said Suzanne Laboy after being presented a check from WEBA president Peter Baldwin at the Hawthorn Suites Hotel.
Project for the Arts to Host Spring Benefit May 16
McLean Project for the Arts' annual Spring Benefit will be held on Thursday, May 16, 7-9 p.m. at Federal Home's historic Langley Ordinary. The fundraiser is co-chaired by Katharine Powell and Molly Newberry.
Forestville Message: ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’
Forestville Elementary students gathered together on Friday, April 12, for a pep rally to wind up a week of spirit activities designed to send the message, “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.”
Great Falls Studios to Host Spring Art Festival, April 20-21
Twenty Great Falls Studios member artists—painters in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, potters, photographers, jewelers, a wood carver, stone cutter, layered paper artist and weaver—are participating in the Great Falls Studios Spring Art Festival, Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days, at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls. Everyone is welcome and the event is free.
Great Falls Senior Center Hosts ‘Home Fit’ Workshop
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) hosts the AARP “Home Fit” Workshop at its May event. Senior residents will learn how to decide those types of home adjustments needed to stay in their homes as they age.
Second Chances
The right thing to do.
Consider these facts: One in 31 Americans is in prison or jail or on probation or parole. Some 2,000 citizens have managed to find jobs in northern Virginia and this is a low seven percent increase over last year.
80th Annual Historic Garden Week Tour
Eight local homes and gardens will open as part of statewide fundraiser.
Owners of eight Old Town Alexandria's private homes and gardens will open their doors to the public, as part of the 80th Historic Garden Week, the oldest and largest house and garden tour in the nation on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour covers the northern portion of Old Town and includes houses dating as far back as 1795, all within walking distance of each other.
Bulletin Board AX
Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome. National Child Abuse Prevention Month Events SafeAssured Child Identification. SafeAssured ID Kits provide families with vital information needed by law enforcement and the media to immediately broadcast information unique to a missing child. Open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.safeassured-id.com/. Saturday, April 13, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at William Ramsey Recreation Center Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center. Darkness to Light’s (D2L) Stewards of Children. Training for parents and caregivers in the ways to better prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse. Childcare and pizza provided. Reservations limited. To register, go to: cacstewardsofchildrentraining.eventbrite.com/ Friday, April 19, 3- 6 p.m. at The Center for Alexandria’s Children, 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200 Tuesday, April 30, 3– 6 p.m. at The Center for Alexandria’s Children, 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200
Saluting ‘Allies in Prevention’
Lori Morris honored for child abuse prevention work.
Alexandria's Lori Morris was honored by Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) at the 11th Annual Allies in Prevention Awards luncheon April 2 at Maggiano's at Tysons Galleria. Morris was one of five Northern Virginia individuals recognized by SCAN and its Allies in Prevention Coalition as a local hero for her commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Video
- woodcock dancing vert Keith Ramos USFWS
- SFCD Video
- Understanding FCPS' Budget 393 comments
- McLean Family Restaurant 221 comments
- Inova Shooting Aug. 15, 2016 118 comments
- Video Released of 2009 Officer-Involved Shooting 180 comments
- Virginia Charity Event: Freezin' for a Reason 408 comments



