"cristina and amber kissing scenes"

Potomac: Shops Prepare for the Holidays

A variety of gift ideas.

The interior of Cabin John Mall is one of Potomac’s best kept secrets for holiday gift shopping.

Working toward English Literacy in Alexandria

Campagna Center program helps immigrants.

"Good morning ladies." Marcia D'Arcangelo stands in the large central room greeting teachers and students as they walk by, headed for their English classes. She is director of the New Neighbor ELL program in Alexandria funded by the Campagna Center. "We have nine different levels here. We recently added a new entry level of literacy when we discovered some people didn't know the basics of the English language, like the alphabet," D'Arcangelo said.

Centreville/Chantilly Roundups, Nov. 6, 2014

Community newsbriefs in Centreville and Chantilly for the week of November 5th.

Alexandria: Flood of Sewage

Burst water line on South Jordan Street results in flooding of 14 homes.

Helping a crew remove his water-damaged belongings from his 89-year-old mother’s home was not how Guy Foster, discharged from the Navy in 1969, had planned on spending his Veterans Day.

Alexandria: ‘I Wanted A Better Life’

Civil Rights pioneer Nelson Greene Sr. dies at 100.

When Nelson Greene Sr. came to Alexandria in 1953, blacks were the target of racial discrimination, schools were segregated and a poll tax was required to vote.

Alice in Nevermore

Local theater company explores imagination at Workhouse.

For the next month, Barbara Lawson is leading a triple life. A freshly minted West Springfield senior, 17-year-old Lawson plays the title character in the Pandemonium Theatrical Productions setting of “Alice In Wonderland,” as well as Virginia in the same company’s “Nevermore,” a dark musical exploring the demons of Edgar Allen Poe.

Week in Fairfax

What's happening this week in Fairfax?

‘It’ll Make People Laugh, Feel Good’

Centreville High presents comedy, “Funny Money.”

An aptly named show that’ll have the audience roaring with laughter, “Funny Money” is Centreville High’s upcoming Cappies play.

Fifth Grade Class Reunites with Retiring Teacher

George Weiner and 1987-1988 fifth grade class reunite at White Oaks Elementary.

For a group of adults in their late thirties, coming together for their fifth grade class reunion is somewhat uncommon. But students of George Weiner, a teacher at White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, say he was such a special and amazing teacher that there was no way they could forget fifth grade.

‘Family-Friendly, Magical and Heartwarming’

Robinson presents children’s play, “The Snow Queen.”

Based on the same Hans Christian Anderson tale as the Disney movie, “Frozen,” Robinson Secondary presents the children’s play, “The Snow Queen.”

‘Never Off Duty’

Firefighter reports Centreville blaze, helps rescue woman.

Bill Moreland, a captain with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, didn’t make it to a dinner date with his wife, last Friday. But he had a good excuse: He was busy helping save someone’s life.

Storms Leave 2 Dead, Power Out

At least two dead in Fairfax; 285,000 residents still without power after Friday night’s hurricane force winds.

Winds of more than 70 miles per hour swept through Fairfax County Friday night. Power went out as the storm blew into the area around 10:30 p.m. with hurricane force winds sounding like a freight train. The sound made some residents think a tornado was upon them, and many took refuge in basements.

Freak Storm Hits Reston

Strong winds knock out power and phone service, causing tree damage.

On Friday night a line of powerful storms moved through the D.C. area. The storms hit the Reston area around 10:30 p.m., taking many residents by surprise. The storms knocked out power and phone reception throughout Reston and caused significant tree damage.

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.

Honoring the County’s Devotion to Animals

Shelter’s renovation and expansion are celebrated.

Residents, politicians and even four-footed alumni flocked to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter on Saturday, May 17, to celebrate completion of its renovation and expansion. It was a long time in coming, so it made the event even sweeter. “We’re making history today for the animal shelter, Animal Services division, police department and county,” said shelter Director Tawny Hammond. “Fairfax is a national role model and leader, and it’s a very exciting day.”

‘Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again’

Chantilly’s Emily Price has come a long way. In 2006, at age 14, she played Dorothy in The Alliance Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Now 22, she’s performing in the Broadway national tour of “Mamma Mia!” The hit musical will be at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., March 4-9. In the story, a young woman named Sophie is getting married in Greece. She wants to learn who her father is, so she invites three former suitors of her mother’s to the wedding. “I play Ali, one of Sophie’s best friends, who’s come to the Greek island as a bridesmaid,” said Price. “Ali’s quirky, funny and excited to be reunited with Sophie. I love it; I get to jump around and have a blast every night with wonderful performers. The audience loves the show — we always get a great reaction.” Price was drawn to acting as a child. “I was shy, so this was a great outlet for me,” she said. “I also fell in love with the idea of diving into someone else’s shoes and getting into their feelings and lives on stage.” Her first show was Alliance’s “Oliver” in 2003, followed by “The Music Man” in 2004. “I grew up with [Alliance founder] Elaine Wilson as my director,” said Price. “She allowed the ensemble members to work together to create something artistic. I remember having a lot of fun — it was like theater camp for me. I was also a counselor during their summer production of ‘Willy Wonka.’”

Three Decades Behind Bars

Man sentenced in killing of Centreville handyman.

When criminals targeted the home of a wealthy Centreville man, two years ago, their motive was money — they planned to rob him and leave. Murder wasn’t on the horizon. But when the homeowner’s handyman, Jose Cardona, tried to stop them, he paid with his life.