Thursday, July 31
WGCC Swim Team Wins Division-A Championship
Lightning swimmers break several records.
Last year, the WGCC Lightning swimmers lost the Country Club Swimming and Diving Association championship title by a half a point to Kenwood. Had any one WGCC swimmer finished one place higher during the two-day league championship meet, the team would have won. Many of the team's swimmers trained hard all winter with that half-point on their minds. This past week, the team moved three steps closer to claiming that title with decisive victories in three of their biggest meets this season.
Plot for Hunger Eagle Scout Project
Puwen Lee from Arlington Food Assistance Center Volunteer Services and Plot Against Hunger manager and Hunter Moore, director of Culpepper Garden Retirement Community, examined a recently constructed raised garden plot for the retirement community residences by Gianni Snidle from Arlington Boy Scout Troop 111.
Double Honors
Leadership Arlington President & CEO Betsy Frantz has been recognized with two major awards for her work at the organization and in the community.
Primed To Learn about Work
Summer school program matches students with potential careers.
Julia Payne spent a week of her summer calling local restaurants asking them if they would like to hand out coasters and condoms for World Aids Day. She said this with a laugh, remarking on how some people had interesting responses to that offer.
Flourishing After 55, Aug. 11-16
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, Aug. 11-16.
Democrats Have Treasurer Candidate
Carla de la Pava is the only candidate to file to seek the Democrats’ nomination to be the next Arlington County treasurer.
Consolidating Human Services
The Arlington County Board on July 24 approved a lease agreement that will consolidate its Department of Human Services programs at the Sequoia Plaza complex at 2100 Washington Blvd.
Pay through Parkmobile
Arlington County has partnered with Parkmobile USA, Inc., to bring residents and visitors a mobile payment solution for parking at all 5,329 metered spaces throughout the county.
Join the Auxiliary Police Unit
The Arlington County Police Department is offering an opportunity for residents to serve their community by becoming a sworn Auxiliary Police Officer.
Wednesday, July 30
Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding
For some, it starts out on two wheels.
Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.
Serving Families For 90 Years
Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.
An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.
Column: “CanSir”
When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.
Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia
On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.
Governor's Mansion, Confidential
Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.
When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.
Thursday, July 24
Wakefield Rising Senior Tham is Warriors' Force in the Paint
Q&A: The oldest of eight children, Tham enjoys Meek Mill, NBA 2K.
Wakefield rising senior Dominique Tham has helped guide the Warriors boys' basketball team to the state tournament each of the last two seasons.
Pet Connection July 2014
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”
Rising Senior Tham Is Wakefield’s Force in the Paint
The oldest of eight children, Tham enjoys Meek Mill, NBA 2K.
Dominique Tham has been a force in the paint for head coach Tony Bentley’s Wakefield boys’ basketball program which has reached the state tournament each of the last two seasons.
Wednesday, July 23
Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women
Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.
When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.
Commonwealth Circle Scholarships
Scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded to four Arlington County and Falls Church City high school seniors who plan to pursue an education leading to careers in community or public service.
More Connect With Kids Champions
Besides Washington-Lee's Dave Soles and Williamsburg's Will Smolinski, the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families had awarded three other Arlington Public Schools employees as Connect with Kids Champions.
Pet photo: Grif
"Grif" with friend James Schwind.
Pet photo: Peanut
Pet photo
Puppies Destined for Important Work
Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.
Finding Loving Homes for Loving Animals
Homeward Trails held an adoption event at Wylie Wagg, 2509 Franklin Road, Arlington.
Mentor Program Expands Into Arlington
A Space of Her Own seeks volunteers.
SOHO is a locally-born mentoring program that pairs adult mentor with fifth graders from lower income households who have a passion for art.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
'Animals Are So Resilient'
AWLA and SPCA help pets and their families in the Arlington area.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington offers a Baby Ready Pets class for people to prepare themselves, their home, and their animals for welcoming a new baby into the home.
Flourishing After 55
From Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Aug. 4-14.
Coaches Honored as 'Connect With Kids Champions'
Several dozen people gathered at Catholic University of America last month to witness two Arlington Ultimate Frisbee coaches, Will Smolinski and Dave Soles, being recognized for their work with the sport during the Major League Ultimate game between the DC Current and the New York Rumble.
Funding Plan Emerges for Streetcar Project
County Board forgoes federal funds to expedite Columbia Pike project.
When federal officials denied Arlington County's request for a Small Starts grant, advocates for the streetcar project went back to the drawing board. Now the three Arlington County Board members who support the $300 million project say they will forgo federal funds altogether, using state money set aside for transportation.
Clarendon-Barton Interim Open Space
Arlingtonians are encouraged to "bring your own game" to the new open space at 2409 Clarendon Boulevard.
Pub Crawl Crackdown
New permitting system designed to help cover public safety expenses.
The turning point for Arlington's burgeoning pub crawl may have been St. Patrick's Day, a time when the Arlington County Police Department found itself swamped by hordes of drunken revelers.
Marquee Tenant For Central Place
Corporate Executive Board to add 800 new jobs; building to be known as CEB Tower.
Right now, it's a temporary park — a placeholder at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and North Lynn Street. But when the soaring new building is constructed at Central Place, it will be known as the CEB Tower.
Arlington Teasers: 7/23/14
Arlington Teasers for 7/23/14
Friday, July 18
“Flourishing After 55”
Events for those 55 or older.
Opinion: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 13, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Briefs: Lander Elected School Board Chair
During its annual organizational meeting on July 1, the Arlington School Board unanimously elected James Lander as chair for the 2014-15 school year.
Briefs: New Board at Historical Society
Three new members of the Arlington Historical Society’s board were chosen at the June 24 board meeting at the Hume School. The new directors are:...
News Briefs: Debate in 48th District Race
The two candidates seeking to represent Arlington and McLean in the House of Delegates have agreed to two debates before the Aug. 19 special election.
Thursday, July 17
Arlington Home Sales: June, 2014
In June 2014, 286 Arlington homes sold between $2,518,420-$125,000.
Arlington Home Sales: June, 2014
Wednesday, July 16
Transitway to the Future
Alexandria and Arlington set to break ground on region's first transitway with dedicated lanes.
This week, elected leaders and government officials from Alexandria and Arlington will turn swords into plowshares, setting aside their previous differences about the Crystal City Potomac Yard transitway and wielding ceremonial shovels to break ground.
Yorktown Grad Flynn Working to Overcome Knee Injury
Q and A: Soccer standout missed senior season, will play at U of Tennessee.
Yorktown graduate Meghan Flynn will play soccer at Tennessee.
Financial Education for College Students
Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.
As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.
Numbers Indicate Stable Market
June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.
The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.
Between Halves
At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.
Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
‘An Evening With Danny Kaye’
Brian Childers brings a Hollywood legend to life in this musical.
Actor Brian Childers has been playing Hollywood star Danny Kaye in numerous incarnations for 13 years. He will be returning to The American Century Theater in Arlington for “An Evening with Danny Kaye” from Friday, July 18 through Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Gunston Arts Center, Gunston Theatre 2, Arlington. This show is part of the Robert M. McElwaine Reflections series.
Donaldson Run Defeats Lee-Graham
The Donaldson Run Thunderbolts defeated the Lee-Graham Dolphins, 237-183, at its fourth NVSL Division III Meet of the season.
Letter: Fighting for Clean Water
To the Editor
Wednesday, July 9
Classified Advertising July 9, 2014
Read the lastest ads here!
A New Work Order
Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.
Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.
Craftsman-style Bungalow Meets Open Floorplan
Updates help make 80-year-old house in Arlington’s Bluemont neighborhood a home.
Coming across an 80-year-old bungalow in an otherwise up-and-coming neighborhood, today's buyer may get excited about the possibilities, but will probably end up walking away.
You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?
Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.
Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Garza is among the local residents who have closely followed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Swimming
WGCC Remains Undefeated
Last Tuesday night, the undefeated WGCC Lightning swimmers traveled across the river to take on one of their Division A rivals, Congressional Country Club.
Learning Animal Rescue in Kenya
During a recent trip to Kenya, a group of Marymount University students learned firsthand about animal trauma, poaching, and how rewarding it can be to put their compassion into action.
New Chamber President Chosen
Katharine (Kate) Roche has been selected as the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s new president and CEO.
Yorktown Senior Joins Arlington CERT
Pierce Jennings, a Yorktown High School Senior, has become the first teen active duty member of the Arlington Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Streetcar To Take Center Stage in Special Election
House of Delegates special election to focus renewed attention on streetcar issue.
When voters in the 48th House District head to the polls on Aug. 19 to select a candidate in a special election to replace longtime Del. Bob Brink (D-48), the Columbia Pike Streetcar proposal will once again be on the ballot.
Simon To Resign from School Board
Opening prompts special election for this fall.
Simon said he loved doing the work of the School Board and thanked those who supported his campaign in 2012. But he said that he must make his family a priority and resign the seat.
O’Leary Steps Down
Longtime treasurer resigns, prompting special election.
In a county known for people who come and go, County Treasurer Frank O'Leary has provided a sense of continuity to Arlington politics since 1983. But now, after more than 30 years in office, O'Leary is stepping down.
Rotary Is All Around
85 years of service, and counting.
In conversation, it becomes clear that Rotary’s idea of “community” is not limited to one’s own city or county, but stretches coast-to-coast and extends to other countries.
An Opening for a Princess
Encore Stage & Studio will be presenting “Once Upon A Mattress,” a musical adaptation of the classic tale of the “Princess and the Pea,” from July 18-27 at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, 125 S. Old Glebe Road.
‘Flourishing After 55’
Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for July 21-25
McCrae Named Transportation Director
The Arlington School Board named David McCrae as the new director of Transportation Services at its July 1 meeting.
New Principal at Taylor Elementary
Harold Pellegreen has been named principal of Taylor Elementary School.
New Principal at Henry Elementary
Annie Frye was named principal of Henry Elementary School during the School Board’s organizational meeting on July 1.
New Principal at Drew Model
The Arlington School Board appointed Darryl Carlos Evans as the new principal of Drew Model School.
Tuesday, July 8
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.
Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals
On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.
Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success
For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.
Monday, July 7
Operation Ready Rescue
More than 100 Arlington County students participated in the first Operation Ready Rescue workshop on Thursday, June 26, at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in South Arlington.
Thursday, July 3
WGCC Swimmers Crush Edgemoor
The Washington Golf and Country Club (WGCC) Lightning defeated Edgemoor in a lopsided victory.
Wednesday, July 2
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Passing Tournament Champions
The Washington-Lee Generals football team began their spring passing tournament season in great form.
Brink Takes Administration Job
Longtime delegate to become deputy commissioner for aging services.
When asked about his new job as deputy commissioner for aging services in Virginia, longtime Del. Bob Brink (D-48) says he has a personal interest in the topic — one that's becoming more pressing every day.
Summer Health and Safety Hazards
Keeping danger at bay during warm weather months.
Summer comes but once a year. From picnics and days at the pool to backyard barbeques and day-long hikes, many people spend the season outdoors.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).
Tuesday, July 1
Flourishing After 55
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for July 14-19.
Arlington Police Report
The following incidents were reported by the Arlington Police Department.
Grateful to Children's National
After raising $712,000 last year, Children’s National Health System has set a goal of raising $1 million through the 2nd annual Race for Every Child in September.
Turning Tables
Vinyl records are back in style, especially with young listeners.
In an age when music is always digitally accessible via apps like Spotify and iHeart Radio, consumers in their 30s, 20s and even teens are opting to purchase vinyl copies of their favorite albums.
Board Approves Woodstock Park Improvements
The Arlington County Board approved a $644,127 contract on June 17 to reposition and reconstruct the tot and youth playgrounds, and to rebuild the basketball court at Woodstock Park.
Blitzkrieg Special Election for Arlington House Seat
Democrats to choose House of Delegates candidate this weekend.
Democrats are preparing for a lightning-fast special election this weekend, a caucus that will choose the party's candidate for the House of Delegates seat vacated by longtime Del. Bob Brink (D-46).