Stories for April 2012

Friday, April 27

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Thursday, April 26

'Witness for the Prosecution' Opens at LTA

It's 1954 and Leonard Vole stands accused of the murder of a rich elderly woman whom he befriended. His wife's testimony could save him until she suddenly becomes a “Witness for the Prosecution” in the Agatha Christie thriller now playing at The Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Arlington's Mystery Tunnel

The forgotten 100 feet.

Everyone knows that Lee Highway in Arlington is Route 29. They also know that Old Dominion Drive is Route 309. That is correct, except for two-thirds of a mile from Quincy to Wakefield Streets.

Canstruction Returns

On display through April 28 are eight canstructions, made of canned and/or packaged foods, built by local architectural teams. This

‘A Delicious Bite of Knowledge’

More than 2,750 cupcakes made up the H-B Woodlawn eighth graders’ map of the world.

Labeling Energy Performance of Public Buildings

Buildings in Arlington are about to become green with envy. A new county program is now installing energy performance labels in the lobby of government buildings, and Arlington officials say they want to expand the program to private buildings. The pilot would be voluntary, potentially attracting companies that want to draw attention to buildings designed for efficiency. In the long run, though, the idea is that people would take a different approach to what kind of information is available to the public.

Orange Line Connection April 25

Saturday Nights at 11:01 11:01 Saturday Nights. Starts at 11:01 p.m. Late-night dance party. Tickets are $15/$12 students. At the Ballroom at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Call 703-228-1850.

Arlington Calendar for April 25

Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with any questions. Photos are welcome.

'God of Carnage' at Signature Theatre

It begins innocently enough: Two New York couples oozing affected politeness meet to discuss a playground scuffle between their sons. Painstakingly attentive to social niceties, they hope to talk things over in a calm, mature and rational way.

And Then there Was One

'Someone Who'll Watch Over Me' opens at Port City Playhouse.

It's been more than a quarter of a century since Irishman Brian Keenan, Englishman John McCarthy and American Terry Anderson were taken hostage in Beirut and held in a series of desolate cells throughout the city. Keenan was released after more than four years in captivity and went on to pen “An Evil Cradling,” a chilling account of his experience.

Council Notebook

Mayor Bill Euille is asking his colleagues on the City Council to refrain from answering questions about where they think the Potomac Yard Metro should be located.

Tensions Rising Between Arlington and Alexandria Over Transit Corridor

Alexandria leaders lash out at Arlington officials for backing out of an environmental analysis.

Tensions between Alexandria and Arlington are growing along Route 1, where city and county leaders are moving in different directions about how the jurisdictions want to create a high-capacity transit corridor.

Wednesday, April 25

Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic

West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.

Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

Yorktown Boys’ Lax Shuts Down Washington-Lee

Patriots have won four of five since 0-7 start.

The Yorktown boys' lacrosse team has rebounded after an 0-7 start.

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment, Home & Garden and Classified ads!

Arlington County Hopes Energy Labels Will Change Business-As-Usual Attitude

Pilot program starts with government buildings, then moves on to private buildings.

Buildings in Arlington are about to become green with envy.

Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

Flourishing After 55

Flourishing after 55.

Friday, April 20

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $800,000~$849,000

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $800,000~$849,000

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment, Home and Garden and classified ads!

Thursday, April 19

Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

Nancy Larsen Turner Dies

Nancy Larsen Turner, 83, formerly of Alexandria, died on March 2, 2012 at her home in Boonton, N.J. Born in Ogden, Utah, in 1928, she spent her childhood in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, where her father worked for the Park Service. She married Calhoun Harris Turner in South Carolina in 1956. After his death in 1970, she lived and worked throughout the United States and in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Do Backyard Hens Pose Threat to Public Health in Arlington?

Here's the scoop on potential hazards of proposed zoning change.

Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county.

Wednesday, April 18

Olympic Gold Medalist Visits with Students

Four-time Olympian Steve Lopez visited Arlington Science Focus School and Washington-Lee High School to encourage students to say “yes” to a healthy lifestyle and “no” to underage drinking last week. During the school visits, Lopez who is partnering with the Century Council and its Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix program, stressed the importance of making responsible and positive lifestyle choices. As prom season approaches, Lopez also emphasized the importance of not drinking. Lopez spoke with third, fourth and fifth grade students at ASFS and ninth and tenth grade students at Washington-Lee. The two-time gold medal winner also spoke about his personal path to becoming an Olympic athlete and answered their questions.

Dominion Power Hosts Radio Disney

The Arlington Science Focus School second grade students participated in the Radio Disney high-energy Tree Trivia Assembly Thursday afternoon, April 12.

A ‘Shoebox Event’

Catholic Charities held a community-wide "Shoebox Event" at St. Thomas More Cathedral on Saturday, April 14 in which volunteer participants decorated and packed hundreds of shoeboxes for low-income seniors, the homeless, the hungry and those who rely on the food pantries Catholic Charities operates and supports

Arlington Homes and Gardens on Tour April 24

Tuesday April 24 Garden Club Tour. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $25 for full tour; $15 for single-sites. Featuring four private homes and gardens built in the early to mid-20th century, this tour takes visitors through the neighborhoods built as early suburbs of Washington, D.C. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Fairfax. Tickets also sold tour day at Memorial Baptist Church: 3455 N. Glebe Road, Arlington.

Orange Line Connection April 18

Arlington Calendar April 18

Arlington Crime Report -- April 18

The following crimes were reported to the Arlington County Police Department for the week of March 22 to April 2.

Arlington Bulletin Board -- April 18

Know of something missing from the community calendar? E-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome. For more volunteer opportunities, classes, announcements visit http://www.arlingtonconnection.com and click on Community.

Scoop on Chickens in Arlington

Do backyard hens pose threat to public health in Arlington?

Do backyard hens pose a risk to public health in Arlington? That question will be at the center of a debate now taking place in the county. This week, members of the Urban Agriculture Task force will conduct their first meeting. In the next year, the newly created group is expected to craft a resolution for the County Board on what kind of zoning changes — if any — should take place to ease restrictions on backyard hens.

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

W-L, Yorktown Boys’ Soccer Play to 1-All Tie

Generals off to slow start following 2011 National District title.

After a 16-win season that included a National District title and a trip to the Northern Region semifinals last year, the Washington-Lee boys’ soccer team is still trying to settle into a groove in 2012. Facing rival Yorktown on April 16, the Generals didn’t do themselves any favors while trying to elevate their level of play.

Flourishing after 55

"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 30 - May 4.

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.

Board Names ‘Honored Citizens’

To acknowledge the support that volunteers have provided Arlington Public Schools, the Arlington School Board will recognize 15 Honored Citizens at the Volunteer Appreciation Reception and Ceremony on Thursday, April 19.

Competing in Economics Championships

Three teams of students from Wakefield, Washington-Lee and Yorktown high schools will travel to the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond on Friday, April 20 to compete in the state championship of the Governor’s Challenge for Economics and Personal Finance.

Teen Summer Expo on Saturday

Finding a summer job or volunteer experience will be easier for teens who attend The Arlington Teen Summer Expo, Saturday, April 21, at the Washington-Lee High School, located at 1301 N Stafford Street Arlington.

Tuesday, April 17

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $850,000~$960,000

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: February 2012 Sales from $850,000~$960,000

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Friday, April 13

Arlington Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

In February 2012, 174 Arlington homes sold between $2,023,700-$91,100.

Arlington Real Estate: Top Sales in February 2012

Thursday, April 12

“Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You”

A riveting saga of survival at MetroStage.

He was just 4 years old when his father hurriedly whisked him away one dark, moonless night into the unknown. For Jay Alvarez, the journey was profound and one he shares in a riveting performance of “Be Careful! The Sharks Will Eat You,” a one-man show written and performed by Alvarez chronicling his family's flight from Fidel Castro's Cuba in 1964.

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

Tibetan Monks Share Their Culture

The Gaden monks of Tibet ended their tour of Northern Virginia Monday, April 9 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington.

From Pharmacy Technician to Clown

Clown alley of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey has a vacancy. Across the entire United States, the odds of being chosen are 308 million to 1. Narrow it to Estill Springs, Tenn. and the odds become 2100 to 1.

WWE at Arlington National Cemetery

WWE Executive Vice President of Creative Stephanie McMahon and WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston participated in a wreath-laying ceremony on March 22 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After the ceremony, they were joined by WWE Superstar Mick Foley and WWE Divas The Bella Twins to pay a special visit to wounded military personnel at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Yorktown Student Qualifies for Junior Olympics

Christian "Chrissy" Thomas, a junior at Yorktown High School in Arlington, has qualified and received an invitation to shoot in the National Junior Olympic Rifle Championship to be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 13-18. She will compete in the small bore category.

Arlington Calendar April 11

Residents Asked To Donate Dresses for Prom

Washington-Lee High School will once again be holding its annual "Formals For Five" sale on April 25 and 26. To enable all girls to afford a dress for Prom, gently used formal and semi-formal dresses are being collected, as well as jewelry and handbags. The sale will be open to girls at all Arlington high schools. All proceeds will be donated to Arlington Public Schools. Tax receipts can be obtained for value of donation. To donate a dress, contact Coordinator Kristi Berkland at promdressdonation@gmail.com for information on drop-off locations.

Horwitt, Garden Club To Be Honored

Joan Horwitt (individual winner) and the Rock Spring Garden Club (group winner) have been named 2011 Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteers Award winners for their contributions to Arlington’s natural resources and public spaces. They will be honored at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 at the recessed Arlington County Board meeting in the County Board Room, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 3rd floor.

Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” at O’Connell

The drama students at Bishop D.J. O’Connell are far into rehearsals and set design for the upcoming performances of “The Matchmaker.” The play opens on Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Additional shows will be held on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday afternoon. Elizabeth Milam directs the play.

O’Connell Baseball Struggles with Fundamentals

Carson home run goes for naught in loss to St. Mary’s Ryken.

The Bishop O’Connell baseball team’s level of execution early in the April 7 contest in Arlington was what head coach Rick Hart expects from his players. But as the game progressed, O’Connell’s execution faltered and the Knights wound up on the wrong end of a 12-6 final score.

Wednesday, April 11

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment and Classified Ads!

Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

Flourishing after 55

"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 15-21.

Leadership Arlington’s Monte Carlo Night Draws Crowd

A record-setting crowd of more than 450 community stake-holders attended Leadership Arlington’s Annual Monte Carlo Night on March 17 at Reagan National Airport.

Meslar Named ‘Inspiring Champion’

Keri Ann Meslar of Arlington received the Inspiring Champions Award for her leadership for Blondes vs. Brunettes in the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Titanic Centennial

A local connection to historic story

This month marks the centennial of a great sea tragedy.

Letter: Argentina National Day Celebration

It is interesting to share the wonderful and challenging moments in the history of the Argentinean National Day Festival Celebration.

KSR Pet Care Donates to Pets with Disabilities

KSR Pet Care LLC, serving North-Arlington, Falls Church and McLean, traveled April 8 to the rescue site of Pets with Disabilities to hand over $900 in donations to Joyce Darrell and Mike Dickerson, founders and constant caretakers of the dogs in the rescue

Horwitt, Garden Club To Be Honored

Tuesday, April 10

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Friday, April 6

Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County

U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.

The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.

Notes from the Artistic Director

Patrons ask how do I come up with a season of plays and musicals, and I always respond that every single show has a different story of how it got to my desk. Favorite actors bring their favorite plays to my attention and if I fall in love with the play, it feels like a match made in heaven. Our reputation for launching new musicals (chamber size musicals-four to six characters, no more than five musicians, unit set) means I get a lot of demo tapes sent in my direction.

Thursday, April 5

The Power of One in 'On the Waterfront' at The American Century Theatre

It has been hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, winning eight Academy Awards for an all-star cast that included Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden. But for playwright Budd Schulberg, himself an Oscar winner for Best Story and Screenplay, the 1954 film version of “On the Waterfront” was never quite the story he wanted told.

Arlington Crime Report -- April 4-10

The following crimes were reported to the Arlington County Police Department for the week of March 22 to April 2.

Orange Line Connection April 4-10

Arlington Calendar April 4-10

County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse

Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.

Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.

Nutty: Squirrel Jams Transmission

A customer had his nearly new 2011 Toyota Camry towed into Alexandra Toyota because the transmission would not shift.

Alexandria and Arlington at odds Over Streetcars Versus Bus-Rapid Transit

Transit riders could have to get off the Arlington streetcar to board an Alexandria bus.

Arlington and Alexandria planning officials are moving in different directions along Route One.

Violinist Midori Rehearses with Arlington Youth Symphony

World-renowned Japanese-American violinist Midori brought her Orchestra Residencies Program to Arlington and Alexandria this year as part of March’s Arts in the Schools Month this past week. Midori established her Orchestra Residencies Program to support and encourage youth orchestras in the U.S. Each year, two youth orchestras are chosen by an independent committee for week-long residencies by Midori, who collaborates on a wide range of activities with both the youth orchestras and their partner professional orchestras.

Women’s Club Raises Money for Scholarship

Midday Saturday and Sunday, members of the Arlington Women’s Club held a bake sale and paper shredding in the club parking lot on South Buchannan Street in Arlington. The club is raising money for its scholarship recipient Stephanie J. Colon who is in her second year at Virginia Commonwealth University. Every four years, the member committee selects an Arlington County student for the $2,500-a-year scholarship. General manager Scott Myers of Shred Station Express on General Washington Drive in Alexandria brought over a shredding truck for the event. Boy Scouts from Troop 648 (Arlington Forest United Methodist Church) helped unload the boxes from the cars that came with papers and documents. Club members filled two tables with homemade cakes, cookies and more.

League Honors Whipple, Ticer

On Sunday, March 25, the League of Women Voters from Arlington, Falls Church, and Alexandria honored retiring state Senators Mary Margaret Whipple (above) and Patsy Ticer for their years of service at a reception and tea held in Fairlington.

Adams, Harris Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Larry H. Adams, of Fairfax County, are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Akilah Adams to Wesley Alan Harris, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Harris of Columbia, Md. The couple plan to wed on Nov. 10, 2012. Both members of the happy couple reside in Alexandria.

Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21

Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.

The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.

Classified Advertising

Read the latest Employment, Classifieds and Home and Garden ads here!

Wednesday, April 4

Sophomore midfielder Emily Spack is the Yorktown girls’ lacrosse team’s second-leading goal-scorer with 13.

With all six of its regular-season non-district games in the books, Yorktown girls' lacrosse coach Crystal Morgan hopes the Patriots made a reasonable case for being a regional contender.

W-L Boys’ Lax Loses to Oakton

The Washington-Lee boys’ lacrosse team failed to score in the first half and managed just one goal in the first three quarters as the Generals lost to Oakton 14-2 on March 30 at Herndon High School.

Arlington Aerials Have Successful Championship Showing

The Arlington Aerials gymnastics team attended the Level 8-9 State Gymnastics Championships on March 24 and 25. The meet was held at the U-Turn Sports Center in Richmond.

“Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for April 15-21.

Letter: Radle Endorses Shuttleworth

When I made the careful decision to enter the Democratic Congressional [8th district] primary, my goals were to help address the serious needs of the American people, invest in our future, enhance our quality of life, instill confidence in our nation, prevent future government shutdowns, and expand opportunity for every American.

Letter: ‘Just Let Me Call Virginia Home’

From the scenic Shenandoah And the Piedmont’s freckled hills To the Tidewater’s windswept shore Where the dogwood blooms, with the coming of Spring The Old Dominion reigns evermore.

Bishop O’Connell Students Awarded at Science Fair

Five students from Bishop O'Connell High School presented independent research projects at the Northern Virginia Regional Science Fair held at Wakefield High School in early March. All five of them returned to school with multiple awards and recognition.

Tuesday, April 3

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.

Video: Englin Admits to Being Unfaithful in Marriage; Announces He Will Not Seek Fifth Term

Delegate makes announcement in emotional speech to Alexandria Democratic Committee

In an emotional speech to the Alexandria Democratic Committee Del. David Englin (D-45) announced he will not seek a fifth term to the Virginia House of Delegates.