Thursday, April 30
Summer Sailing Camp: Outside, Hands-On, Empowering
Amy Zang has just returned from a week sailing the British Virgin Isles with nine members of her extended family ranging from her 78-year-old, legally-blind father to her brother's 4- and 6-year old children.
Diverse Camps Offer Summer Fun
Northern Virginia has scores of local camps for summer learning and fun.
Scores of local camps in Northern Virginia that offer many opportunities for summer fun and learning. Here is a sampling of diverse camps that range from art to theater to field trips to swimming, tennis and music. There's even a camp for aspiring musicians who want to form a band.
Summer Fun for Adults
The region offers a wide range of programs for adults.
Summer fun is no longer reserved for children. Whether one’s interests lie in exploring nature and hiking in the woods or immersed in history, art and literature on a university campus, the region abounds with warm weather opportunities.
Marymount Technology Institutes for Ages 14-18
Marymount has summer programs for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in technology. Gain technology skills and hands-on experience; create a mobile app or take part in a cyber competition in health care; meet fellow students who share your excitement about technology; network with technology professionals about career possibilities. Summer Technology Institutes' 2015 Programs:
Commentary: Play Unified
In my 20-plus years in Special Olympics I still, on occasion, make the same mistake. I miss the boat. I underestimate the abilities either cognitive or physical of our Special Olympics athletes; athletes with intellectual disabilities. But by continually making this mistake, I, in essence, pretty much make them like everyone else; just another person, available to be judged and limited by what we see or what we think we see. You see, the limitations that all of us place on each other determine how we perceive each other, treat each other, like each other, fear each other, raise each other up or marginalize each other.
Wednesday, April 29
How to Prepare for Summer Camp Away
Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.
Julie Kaminski remembers the language from her desperate letters to her parents: “I love you. I want to come home now!” She recalls penning a dramatic plea to be rescued from residential summer camp more than 40 years ago. Today, Kaminski is preparing for her daughter's first camp experience away from home this summer.
Congressional Schools of Virginia is Celebrating 75 Years
The Congressional Schools of Virginia in Falls Church marked its 75th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration on April 24 and 25, with events attended by hundreds of students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.
Local Brain Training Center to Hold Brain OlympicsRx
LearningRx-Fairfax hosting a free day of fun brain-related competitions.
To raise awareness about the brain’s ability to change at any age, LearningRx brain training centers across the United States are holding a Brain OlympicsRx event. The local cognitive skills center, LearningRx Fairfax, will be holding its event on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 4 p.m.
Camps and Schools Notes
The Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports team, a Fairfax County Neighborhood and Recreation Services Therapeutic Recreation program, is recruiting new players.
Column: Deep Space Mind
Commentary
A few years back (OKAY, more than a few years back; I’ll blame the cancer for my time lapse), there was a spin-off from the original Star Trek: Star Trek: The Next Generation captained by Jean-Luc Picard (a.k.a. Patrick Stewart) which itself spawned two other spin-offs: Star Trek Voyager and Deep Space Nine (commanded by Avery Brooks, a.k.a. Captain Sisko).
Tuesday, April 28
Editorial: Fostering Connections, Faltering
Why are federal dollars acceptable for roads, but not for helping foster children?
While there is plenty of competition for the title “most vulnerable,” foster children are certainly among them.
Number of Homeless Declines in Arlington
Change in methodology has effect on number.
The numbers from Arlington County’s yearly Point in Time Count are once again showing the effort to reduce homelessness is getting results.
Arlington: Four Yorktown Grads Work to Keep ‘Taste By Katie’ Alive
Young entrepreneur seeks help from community to fund new freezer.
One of the most popular items at “Taste By Katie” is the homemade ice cream Katie Gilman makes once a week, with flavors based on customer requests. But unless she raises enough money for a new freezer this month, her ice cream is off the menu.
Column: Bringing Champions Together
Commentary
In my 20-plus years in Special Olympics I still, on occasion, make the same mistake. I miss the boat. I underestimate the abilities either cognitive or physical of our Special Olympics athletes; athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Arlington: O’Connell Softball Scores 9 in 7th Inning to Beat Lake Braddock
Giaquinto hits 3-run homer, pitcher Ohanian beats former team.
Tommy Orndorff, in his 30th season coaching the Bishop O’Connell softball program, wasn’t pleased with the Knights’ performance in recent weeks.
Local Volunteers Assist Nonprofits on Volunteer Arlington Day
More than 140 local volunteers from various Arlington Chamber of Commerce member businesses and organizations lent a helping hand to area nonprofits as part of the 16th Annual Volunteer Arlington Day on Tuesday, April 21.
Letter: Community Grieves For Homicide Victim
Letter to the Editor
Bonnie Black, 42, an Arlington County resident did not live far from me — only blocks away. She was the victim of an apparent homicide, and her body was discovered on April 17, 2015 in her home.
Neighborhood Outlook: A Snapshot of Upcoming Arlington Developments
New developments are springing up in Arlington.
Tinker, Woodworker, Beekeeper, Santa Lives in Arlington
How one senior in Arlington spends his “retirement.”
Paul Dietz wears a quilted vest over a well worn plaid flannel shirt.A badge about scouting is on his sleeve. His uniform of baseball cap, work shoes, and pockets full of tools is topped off by a full white beard and the twinkly eyes to go with it.
'Flourishing After 55' for the Week of May 4-9
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for May 4-9.
Arlington: County Board Approves $1.16 Billion Budget
Schools adopt Tier One reductions.
After months of negotiations, the Arlington County Board and School Board settled on a compromise that sees cuts to projects on both sides.
Monday, April 27
Child Pornography Yields 16-Year Prison Sentence
Patrick Joseph Friedel, 29, of Arlington was sentenced Friday, April 24, to 192 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for the production and possession of child pornography.
Class of 2015: Arlington Has New Tree Stewards
Tree Stewards volunteer to keep communities green.
Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria graduated a class of 20 new Tree Stewards on April 14.
Thursday, April 23
Transurban Begins Grant Program for Express Lanes Corridor Nonprofits
Transurban, the company that operates the 95 and 495 Express lanes, announced earlier this month the launch of a community grant program for non-profit organizations working in or benefiting the Express Lanes corridor.
50 Shades of Gray in Home Decorating
Creating interior design through simplicity.
"Gray is a new hot color, the neutral color in today's mainstream. It is the new beige," said to Gayle Yoxtheimer, interior design specialist. She said another trend is less of everything: "You remember the ‘80s when people had a lot of tassels and bows and large florals?"
Edible Plants Provide Double Benefit: Unique Niche and Food
"Estoy listo para cortar este rama." Eduardo Santos calls down the 60- foot maple tree in an Arlington backyard to Tom Hayes who is waiting on the ground. Santos has tied himself off with a white safety rope. He is ready to begin sawing the big limbs and Hayes will grab the large branches as they are cut and lowered.
Trendy Bathroom Transformations
Designers share the hottest ideas in lavatory design.
Imagine stepping into a resort inside the comfort of your own home. Contemporary, spa-like bathrooms with clean lines and features such as floating vanities, open shelving, innovative storage and low-maintenance materials are on trend this year in bathroom remodeling projects.
Editorial: Connection Papers Win Awards
Variety of coverage honored at annual Virginia Press Association conference.
On Saturday, April 18, a group of journalists from the Connection Newspapers traveled to Roanoke for the annual Virginia Press Association event to collect awards for business reporting, government writing, writing about health, science and the environment, feature writing, sports writing, column writing, obituaries, cartoons, entertainment pages and writing, public safety writing, editorial pages and writing, page design, informational graphics and more.
Wednesday, April 22
Thomas Jefferson Class of 2019: 70% Asian, 1.6% Black
Some say unbalanced admissions demographics at Northern Virginia’s top high school speaks to system-wide equity problems.
Consider: 70.2 percent Asian, 20.7 percent White, 5.1 percent Multiracial/Other, 2.4 percent Hispanic, 1.6 percent Black: This is the ethnic breakdown of the 493 students admitted to the 2019 class of the Fairfax County Public Schools magnet institution Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Tuesday, April 21
‘West Side Story’ Opens Thursday
Yorktown Theatre Arts presents its spring musical “West Side Story,” Thursday through Saturday, April 23-25 at 7 p.m. in the school theatre located at 5200 Yorktown Blvd.
Arlington Sewer Maintenance Rediscovers Manhole
John Lyles, assisted by Dodolvo Sanchez, Arlington sewer maintenance, is cutting out a square around a “lost” manhole.
Yorktown Coding Club is Competing in California
Yorktown High School Coding Club students (from left) Brandon Peck, Ji Lee, and Evan Cater are traveling to San Francisco on April 21-25 to compete in the Microsoft U.S. Imagine Cup 2015 Finals.
Arlington County Police Chief Douglas Scott Retires
Colleagues praise his leadership.
A retirement party was recently held for former Arlington County Police Chief Douglas Scott. His last day on the job was March 20, after serving in his role for 12 years in the county. He was praised for his integrity, thoughtfulness, leadership and partnership.
Letter: Buses on Shoulder: Transit’s New Champion?
Letter to the Editor
Allowing buses to use the shoulder on crowded I-66 is smart. It is low cost, requires little or no additional construction, is unobtrusive and can be implemented quickly.
Arlington: Yorktown Girls’ Lax Shows ‘Mental Toughness’
Patriots win five straight after dropping season opener.
The Yorktown girls’ lacrosse team’s motto of “mental toughness” was put to the test following the first game of the season, when the Patriots opened the 2015 campaign with a 22-11 loss at home against a talented Centreville team on March 16.
Candidates Debate Future of Arlington’s Growth
Arlington County Board Democratic candidates debate future of Arlington‘s growth.
With County Board members Mary Hynes and Walter Tejada announcing that they would not seek reelection to their seats, six Democrats have thrown their names into the ring to be one of the party’s two candidates to the County Board this fall.
Thursday, April 16
Arlington Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 222 Arlington homes sold between $1,954,000-$6,000.
Arlington Home Sales: March, 2015
Wednesday, April 15
Moving for Academic Excellence
Researchers say frequent physical activity can lead to success in school.
Inside an elementary school classroom in Bethesda, Md., a class of third grade students is divided into small groups and given a task: to cross a desert using a limited supply of tools that often include a jump rope, a foam noodle or a scooter. Their mission is to devise a plan to cross the desert without touching the sand.
National POW Day in Arlington
Bob Noble lays a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, April 9. The wreath ceremony was in celebration of national POW day, which honors former prisoners of war. Noble, 90, while serving with the Third Army in Europe during WWII was captured by Nazis and liberated after 122 days in a Nazi POW camp.
Tuesday, April 14
‘Ban the Box’ Effort
Burke Brownfeld, member of the board of directors of Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) announces an award presented by Mondre Kornegay to Alexandria Mayor William Euille for his efforts to eliminate the “check the box” initiative which required a former offender to check yes on employment forms.
Northern Virginia's New Animal Hospital
Dr. Dana Carr (left) and Dr. Adrienne Hergen, pictured with pups Lola and Widgit, are the veterinarians at the newly opened Shirlington Animal Hospital located near the Shirlington Dog Park.
Arlington: Pitching Staff Gives O’Connell Softball Chance to be ‘Special’
Freshman Sandercock throws no-hitter, strikes out 12 against Holy Cross.
The Bishop O'Connell softball team improved to 10-0.
Send in Mother's Day Photos
Deadline for submissions is May 1.
Mother’s Day is May 10 and, every year at this time, The Connection calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.
Editorial: Counting Homeless; Solution Is Housing
Results of the annual census of homeless show progress, persistence of the problem, and some worrying trends.
On the night of Jan. 28, 2015, there were 1,204 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax County area.
Arlington: Yorktown Musicians Rated ‘Superior’
Groups judged with high school bands from North Carolina and Massachusetts.
Yorktown High School’s Concert Band, led by Brian Bersh, and Yorktown’s Madrigals, led by Roger Oliver, travelled to Richmond on Friday, April 10, to perform at the Dixie Classic Festival, held at Hanover High School from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County
"One of the most important things we do."
Holocaust survivor Michel Margosis spoke before the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, April 7, when the Board of Supervisors made a proclamation declaring April 16 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County.
TechShop Arlington Celebrates 1st Birthday April 18
TechShop To Host Tours at Open House
Some folks always want to build “it” with their own hands, whatever “it” may be. Inventors/entrepreneurs believe a solid, hand-held prototype will help sell a new idea. All they lack is a modern $1,500,000 (give or take a few dollars) workshop in the garage or basement. Now they have one, here in Arlington, and it is open 24 hours a day.
Arlington: “Flourishing After 55” April 27-May 2
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for April 27- May 2.
Arlington: Students Making, Donating Baby Blankets
When Madelyn Kellen was growing up, her family always performed community service together during the holiday season, whether that meant volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping a family in need.
Column: Improving Economic Equality for Women
Commentary
I have been surrounded by strong women all of my life. My grandmother was a suffragette, economics professor, labor leader, and advocate for most of her 98 years. My mother is famous in the intellectual disability community for her work with the ARC. One of my four incredible sisters has been CFO in our family business for a generation. My oldest daughter shares management responsibilities for our largest store, and my wife has long been a powerful voice for women in business.
Letter: Thoughts on Wellbeing
Letter to the Editor
Thanks so much for the Connection's “Wellbeing” section. I think the wellbeing efforts in our community are a serious benefit to us.
Arlington: Reevesland Renovations Put on Indefinite Hold
When Ron Battocchi first moved to Boulevard Manor neighborhood in Arlington in 1977, he said one of the first knocks at his door was from his new neighbor: Nelson Reeves.
Thursday, April 9
D.C. Design House
McLean showcase home opens to the public April 12.
Local interior design enthusiasts will have an opportunity to tour a much-anticipated unveiling this weekend when the 2015 Design House opens in McLean on Sunday, April 12 at noon, with ticket sales benefiting the Children’s National Health System.
Wednesday, April 8
Editorial: A Big Election Year in Virginia
Register, research, vote. And vote again.
Every year is an election year in Virginia. Here are a few examples that demonstrate that while elections are ubiquitous in Virginia, they are neither simple nor unimportant. Wade in, a lot depends on figuring this out and voting. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of candidates.
More Than 200 Attend First Fairfax County Budget Hearing
Schools, libraries, economic development authorites and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
More than 200 people packed the Fairfax County Government auditorium Tuesday, April 7, and 60 speakers were scheduled to testify before the Board of Supervisors on the advertised budget. The hearing began with a presentation by School Board Chairman Tamara Derenak Kaufax. Members of the Fairfax County School Board sat in the front row, gave a standing ovation, and remained standing as Kaufax finished her testimony to begin the budget hearings.
Exhibit Spotlights Black History in Arlington
The Arlington Historical Society (AHS) and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington (BHMA) inaugurated the first permanent museum exhibit on the black experience in Arlington County with a reception on Saturday, April 4 at the Arlington Historical Museum. Attendees included members of the Arlington County Board, School Board and history activists.
Column: The Fact Is Not Yet The Matter
I don’t know which is worse: the extra-special, extra-expensive, dental cleaning (the kind that requires Novocain and involves the actual dentist, not merely the hygienist) that I have scheduled for April 8th – or my next hopefully-not-do-or-die CT Scan, moved up a month from my usual three-month interval because of a suspicious formation seen on my most recent scan back in mid-February.
Tuesday, April 7
Birth: de Windt
Gavin and Wendy de Windt of Arlington announce the birth of their son, Dashiell Everett de Windt on March 5, 2015 at Virginia Hospital in Arlington.
Arlington: Marymount Students Help Make a Basketball Tourney Special
Jimmy McKay knew it would be fun to volunteer at the 20th Annual Northern Virginia Special Olympics Basketball Invitational Tournament on Saturday, April 4, at Marymount University.
Hat Tricks from Burns, Newsome Not Enough for Washington-Lee
Generals fall to Madison, drop to 1-3.
Back-to-back goals by Kieran Burns gave the Washington-Lee boys’ lacrosse team a first-quarter lead. Jackson Newsome’s second goal tied the score early in the second quarter.
History Lesson: Arlington's McKinley Elementary and the Cold War
This article was originally published in the McKinley Elementary School newspaper.
Did you know that there is a fallout shelter under McKinley? A fallout shelter is a room that was used in case of a nuclear attack.
Column: Supporting Herring’s Actions on Immigration
Commentary
The following elected officials and immigration advocates expressed support this week for Attorney General Mark Herring's decision to support targeted immigration reform that "will increase state tax revenue, enhance public safety, and help avoid tragic situations in which parents are deported away from their U.S. citizen children."
'Flourishing After 55' for the Week of April 20-25
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for April 20-25.
Simply Unaffordable: An Uncertain Future for Affordable Housing in Arlington
New Master Plan lays out uncertain future for Affordable Housing in Arlington.
A new Affordable Housing Master Plan released in March laid out Arlington County’s dire Affordable Housing needs. Hoping for approval before the plan is brought to the County Board in July, the Affordable Housing Study Working Group presented its findings to the Transportation Commission on April 2. The Master Plan was approved unanimously.
Insufficient Data: Arlington Meter Increase Deferred
Arlington’s Transportation Commission recommends County Board defer action on increases to meter rates and hours.
A last minute plea from local business owners and lingering doubts compelled the Transportation Commission to reconsider, and ultimately recommend deferring, a proposal from Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services to increase the meter rates and hours.
Thursday, April 2
Arlington Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Arlington Weekend Fun: April 3-5
Wednesday, April 1
‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’
Residents of local senior living communities share their experiences.
“I didn’t want to come here,” said Bill Woessner, referring to Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls. “That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife of more than 50 years, with plenty of her native Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice. “He really didn’t. We have a lovely house here in Great Falls and I don’t think he was ready to budge. But how long after we got here did that change?” she turned to her husband and asked. “At least a day,” he laughingly replied. “Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probably wasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”
Bridge Reconstruction on Route 27
The Virginia Department of Transportation has begun a $29.3 million project to improve the Route 27 (Washington Boulevard) bridge over Route 110 (Jefferson Davis Highway) in Arlington.
Creative Aging Festival Coming in May
Includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
A Creative Aging Festival will take place throughout the month of May at 100-plus local venues in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The month-long festival includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
County Adult Centers Offer Seniors Activities, Social Interaction
In 2014, the attendance at Fairfax County senior centers was 277,342.
At the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, volunteer Frank Bauer sees zumba and yoga classes “flowing into the main room sometimes,” he says, revealing how popular those classes are at the center, which caters to seniors 55 and older. This Kingstowne center, one of 14 senior centers throughout Fairfax County, offers classes and activities to keep seniors active.
Column: Manifest Destiny
I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why would I say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit that cancer is having an effect on me.
Fit for the Golden Years
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend.
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
72-year-old Filmmaker Debuts Alzheimer’s Documentary
When Barbara Klutinis’ husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she had no idea how she was going to get through the ordeal ahead of her. After joining a support group and hearing the stories of others going through the same thing, Klutinis realized she was not alone. Inspired by the experience, she decided to make a documentary about the lives of couples coping with the disease. The film, “The Sum Total of Our Memory: Facing Alzheimer’s Together,” will screen at the NOVA International Film Festival Friday, April 17, 1 p.m., at the Angelika Film Center in Fairfax.
Life at Culpepper Garden
Award-winning retirement community celebrates 40th anniversary.
It is St Patrick's Day at Culpepper Garden in Arlington, and there is a party underway downstairs. As the accordionist touches the black and white keys, Marilyn Jarvis stands up and makes her way to the aisle, grabs a partner, Adrianna Bustamante, and begins tap dancing to "The Sidewalks of New York."
Lee Senior Center in Arlington Is a Creative Hub
Painting, pottery, rock bands, and social dance are big hits.
A passer-by at Lee Center in Arlington stopped in to see the country music players the other day and left feeling this group of musicians was worth staying to hear for the whole hour.