Stories for February 2013

Stories for February 2013

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Thursday, February 28

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Wakefield Boys’ Basketball Finishes Region Runner-Up

Warriors qualify for state tournament, will travel to Richmond.

Wakefield will face Mountain View today in the state quarterfinals.

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Woodson Wins Region Title with Epic Comeback

Cavaliers erase 19-point fourth-quarter deficit against Wakefield.

Woodson will face Battlefield on Friday in state quarterfinals.

Classified Advertising Feb. 27, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Wednesday, February 27

Arlington Bulletin Board Feb. 27

The bulletin board for events and news in Arlington.

Group Founded To Promote Streetcars

A pro-streetcar group, Arlington Streetcar Now, announced its formation at the Arlington County Board meeting on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Orange Line Calendar Feb. 27

Calendar for events happening around the Metro Orange line.

Arlington Calendar Feb. 27

Entertainment calendar for the Arlington area.

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Encore Stage & Studio Presents ‘Big Bad’

Mr. Wolf is in the defendant’s seat, and the plaintiffs, represented by the Fairy Godmother, take the witness stand one by one to tell of their traumatizing stories of their encounters with Mr. Wolf.

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Silent Shakespeare

Synetic Theater makes a splash with “The Tempest.”

With more than 2,500 gallons of water and a lot of creativity, Arlington’s Synetic Theater transforms its Crystal City stage into Prospero’s magical island in “The Tempest,” the ninth production in the groundbreaking theater’s Silent Shakespeare series.

Arlington School Notes Feb. 27

School notes for Arlington natives.

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Ribbon-cutting for Lee Highway Murals Draw Crowd

Residents chose their own public art.

A Feb. 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the formal dedication of an art project on Lee Highway near North Monroe Street.

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Column: Before Adopting a Pet …

How to determine and find the perfect pet for one’s lifestyle.

Before you answer that online or classified ad for an adorable, floppy-eared puppy or ask to see that frisky kitten in the pet store window there are a few things you should consider before purchasing a pet.

Household Queen Comes Home to Arlington

Heloise reminisces and offers special tips to local homemakers.

If you have a household problem, there’s a good chance she’s got a solution.

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Crew Rows for Humanity

The ergometers were in place and in action by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at Ballston Commons.

Saturday, February 23

Classified Advertising Feb. 20, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Tham's Triple-Double Leads Wakefield to State Berth

Warriors will face Woodson in Northern Region final.

Tham's triple-double is believed to be Wakefield's first since 2007.

Friday, February 22

Column: Definition of “Slippery Slope”

Figuratively speaking, of course. That definition being: a late stage cancer patient/survivor previously characterized as “terminal” awaiting the results of their most recent diagnostic scan. A scan that will indicate whether the tumors have grown, moved or God forbid, appeared somewhere new. If your life hung in the balance before the scan, waiting for results of this however-many-months-interval-scan will most assuredly loosen your figurative grip on your equilibrium and your most literal grip on your sanity. This is a domain, unlike the one referred to in one of the more infamous Seinfeld episodes, that one cannot master. To invoke and slightly rework Dan Patrick’s “catch” phrase: You can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it.

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Choosing a Summer Camp

Region offers programs to tempt children with interests ranging from sports to drama to science.

While most of Washington is braving the winter weather, April Toman has been planning for summer. At the top of her list: choosing a camp for her two children, Claire, who is in fifth grade, and Will, who is a second grader. “I start thinking about it in January,” said Toman, who lives in Alexandria. “I talk to my kids about what they are interested in taking. There are so many options and the popular camps fill up quickly.”

Thursday, February 21

Arlington Home Sales: January, 2013

In January 2013, 132 Arlington homes sold between $1,500,000-$75,000.

Arlington Home Sales: January, 2013

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Alexandria Police Shield Information on Officer-Involved Shooting

Law-enforcement officials use exemption to withhold incident report.

Why did Alexandria police officers kill Taft Sellars?

Wednesday, February 20

“Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for March 4-9.

Orange Line Calendar Wednesday, Feb. 20

Orange line calendar for Arlington.

Arlington Entertainment Calendar Wednesday, Feb. 20

Entertainment calendar for Arlington.

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Marymount Students Plan Fundraising Fashion Show

Event will raise money for needy students in Haiti and the U.S.

A group of Marymount University students are celebrating Black History month in high style, literally. The school’s African-Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) is presenting its fifth annual charity fashion show, “Voyage to Utopia.”

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Witness for Marriage

Nearly 50 people gathered on the Arlington County Courthouse Plaza on Thursday morning, Valentine’s Day, for a rally in support of marriage equality in Virginia.

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Uncommon Valor

Survivors reunite for 68th anniversary of Iwo Jima.

The morning of Feb. 19, 1945, dawned eerily quiet as Private First Class Carl Norton made his way toward the shores of the remote Japanese island of Iwo Jima. But in an instant, the 20-millimeter dual purpose guns buried in the side of Mount Suribachi exploded, erupting into one of the bloodiest battles in U.S. history.

Column: State’s Limiting of Free Market

The Virginia General Assembly will soon enact legislation that directs the State Corporation Commission to perform plan management functions for participation in a federal health benefits exchange (HBE) program.

Column: Moving Parts

Thanks to all of you who attended one of the town meetings in Mount Vernon or Old Town on Saturday. It’s always good to hear what’s on your mind, and your input helps me represent you better.

Arlington Bulletin Board

Arlington Bulletin Board for February through April.

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The No Fear in Love Race

The No Fear in Love Race will be held at Marymount's Ballston Center, 1000 North Glebe Road in Arlington, on Saturday, Feb. 23.

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Development Money At Issue As Arlington Prepares For Fiscal Year 2014

Residents say the county is too willing to accept density at their expense.

Hold your wallets. It’s that time of year again.

Tuesday, February 19

Wakefield Topples TC in Northern Region Tournament

Warriors beat Titans for first time since 1996.

The Wakefield boys' basketball team will face Langley in the region quarterfinals.

Thursday, February 14

Classified Advertising Feb. 13, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Wednesday, February 13

W-L Repeats as Northern Region Gymnastics Champion

Generals thrive despite just one top-three individual finish.

W-L, McLean finish 1-2, respectively, for the second straight year.

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A Positive Reflection

Joan Brady gives foster children needed exposure.

On Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, Joan Brady of Great Falls had just started a three-month sabbatical from her job with an Internet company. Newly-married, Brady, who was 36 years old at the time, was exhausted from 80-hour work weeks in a rigid corporate environment. She wanted time that fall to contemplate what to do next with her life. The next day provided answers and a sense of urgency. It was Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks, and the moving stories of heroism and tragedy on 9/11, indelibly left their mark. Brady, like many Americans, was inspired to do something new, to take more chances, to change direction.

Orange Line Calendar Feb.-March

Orange Line Calendar for February through March

“Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for Feb. 24- March 2.

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‘Shakespeare’s R&J’

Tragic tale debuts at Signature Theatre.

At first glance, they are the model of Catholic school conformity, trained to recite in unison as they learn their catechism. But then an illicit copy of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is discovered, disrupting the lives of four prep school boys in “Shakespeare's R&J,” now playing at Signature Theatre.

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Arlington Calendar Feb.-April

Arlington Calendar for February-April

Editorial: On Transportation

Compromise, in the works, should include indexing the gas tax to inflation.

Virginia needs more options, not fewer, in developing revenue to pay for roads and transportation. Compromise on a plan to increase transportation revenue should not include making Virginia the only state in the nation without a gas tax. The current, ridiculously low gas tax should be indexed to inflation. The last thing the commonwealth needs is to do away with an existing, major source of money for roads.

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Extreme Recess Hockey

The viewing stands in Kettler Capitals Iceplex at Ballston Commons filled with parents and children and dozens of volunteers as the Washington Capitals took to the ice for practice on Friday morning, Feb. 8.

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Fashion’s Favorites

Fifth Crystal Couture rocks the runway.

Bikinis, suits, and the finest local apparel greeted visitors at the fifth installment of Crystal Couture, held Feb. 5-9. The fashion event drew large crowds as designers shared the spotlight with their creative takes on summer style.

Column: Bishop Reflects On Pope’s Decision

The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, released the following statement on Feb. 11 in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement that he will resign the papacy:

Column: Good News on Medicaid and Redistricting

While I unfortunately usually alert you about troubling developments, I am happy to share some good news from the last week. Two promising developments— redistricting and the Medicaid expansion — give me optimism about the prospects for the remainder of the legislative session.

Playground Improvements Approved

The Arlington County Board approved funds on Jan. 26 to reconstruct Tuckahoe Park playground. In a separate action, the board approved funding for eight resident-driven park improvement projects across the county.

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The Reeves Historic Farmhouse

What To Do with Farmhouse?

Arlington County is seeking preliminary, informal ideas for the adaptive reuse of the Reeves Historic Farmhouse and its detached garage through a Request for Interest.

Neighborhood College Teaches How County Operates

Seeking to empower residents who could use the lessons most.

"Arlington County's "Neighborhood College" is: (A) Eight weeks of programs abut Arlington government; (B) A means of "leveling the playing field" between residents in well-to-do neighborhoods and residents in less-well-to-do neighborhoods in Arlington; (C) A tool allowing members of Arlington civic groups to become more effective in community affairs; (D) An entry to "The Arlington Way"; or (E) All of the above. The answer is "(E)."

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Artist Publishes ‘Flowers in Art’

Cindy Ann Coldiron’s latest book follows floral theme.

Arlington glass artist Cindy Ann Coldiron’s new book, “Flowers In Art: Contemporary International Artist”, is a collection of floral theme artwork from across the globe. More than 50 well known, established and emerging artists/designers from the U.S., Canada and Ireland and elsewhere are showcased in the book including some local artists from Fairfax and Alexandria.

Friday, February 8

Classified Advertising Feb. 6, 2013

Read the latest ad here!

Thursday, February 7

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Preserving Mental Health as People Age

Experts say diet, exercise and mental stimulation are key.

“Exercise [is] the ‘lifestyle’ factor with the strongest effect. A number of different research groups have found benefits of aerobic exercise on both brain structure and function and on cognitive performance.” — Pamela Greenwood, Ph.D., George Mason University

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Expanding the First Aid Battlefield Toward Mental Health

Legislators to consider $2 million for Mental Health First Aid.

The idea of first aid dates back to Order of St. John, a medieval society of knights that offered training in how to treat common battlefield injuries.

Week in Alexandria

Two properties at the heart of Alexandria’s controversial waterfront plan went on the market this week, opening a new chapter in the ongoing saga about redevelopment in Old Town.

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Huntington Residents Remain Unprotected in the Face of Flooding

$30 million floodwall is at least two years away.

Fairfax County voters may have approved a $30 million floodwall for Huntington, but neighbors in this working-class neighborhood don’t seem particularly satisfied.

Wednesday, February 6

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Public Information Comes at a Price in Arlington

Billing system includes $30 charge for six-line summary of secret investigation.

Want a booking photo in a high profile case? Prepare to pay $24.

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February Is Heart Month

Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.

When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.

Column: A Complicated Answer

And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least

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Joint-Use Agreement for Field

Bishop O’Connell High School President Kathleen Prebble and Marymount University President Matthew D. Shank met Jan. 30 to finalize the agreement for joint use and maintenance of O’Connell’s new baseball field.

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Guild Donates $42,500 to Local Organizations

The Dominion Guild has been raising funds since 1986 for distribution to qualifying projects and entities serving the Northern Virginia Community.

Letter to the Editor: Hunger's Impact

To the Editor: As Congress returns to Washington and gets back to the important work of balancing our budget, they are going to have to make some difficult decisions.

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The Final Countdown

Remembering the Space Shuttle Columbia.

He was just 16 minutes from home. As a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Arlington native David Brown was going through final landing preparations aboard STS-107 to conclude what for 16 days had been a routine mission. At 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2003, that changed.

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At the 89th Annual Arlington Business Gala

The Arlington County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 89th annual business gala at the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City on Saturday, Jan. 26.

County Approves Pharmacy’s Historic Designation

The Arlington County Board voted unanimously in a recessed meeting Tuesday, Jan. 29, to recognize Green Valley Pharmacy located at 2415 Shirlington Road as a historic district.

Column: Medicaid Expansion, Transportation and Uranium

This week’s General Assembly session included “Crossover” on Tuesday — after which the House and Senate may only work on bills approved by the other body.

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18 Arlington Charities Receive United Way Funds

United Way of the National Capital Area awarded 20 grants totaling $202,000 on Jan. 29 to 18 member organizations serving Arlington County. The funds came through designations to the Arlington Community Impact Fund in United Way NCA’s annual workplace giving campaign.

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Residents Voice Neighborhood Concerns

Tejada hears comments on overcrowding, job opportunities.

Residents from all over Arlington asked questions and voiced their concerns about affordable housing and other issues at a town hall-style meeting in Drew Community Center on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

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Partnership Spotlights ‘Connect With Kids’ Champions

The Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families has named four Connect With Kids Champions for their extraordinary efforts to let young people know they are cared for and valued in the community. The Partnership selects CWK Champions twice annually to acknowledge those who are making a difference in the lives of Arlington youth.

Bulletin Board

Arlington Bulletin Board for February-March.

School Notes

School Notes for Arlington locals.

Tuesday, February 5

W-L Gymnastics Wins Fourth Consecutive District Title

Generals look to repeat as Northern Region champions.

The Washington-Lee gymnastics team is undefeated in regular-season meets during the last four seasons.