Stories for February 2015

Wednesday, February 25

Arlington County Manager Avoids Tax Rate Increase

Homeowners to face rise in property taxes through higher assessments.

Beneath the surface of the County Budget there are several notable changes that could have a sizable impact on the lives of many Arlingtonians.

Fern and Otter Come to ‘Work’

“My dogs Fern and Otter, both adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. They love to come to work with me at the shelter.

“Sam and Frodo are both rescue cats. Frodo, the big orange guy with the furry feet, came from Home Alone Feline Rescue in 2011. He is part Maine Coon and part American bobtail. Lou and I had been thinking about getting a second cat as a companion for Frodo when I ran into Lee District School Board member Tammy Koufax at a community event in Springfield in August 2013..."

Shelter Gets Creative To Save Lives

Volunteers, social media assist in pet adoptions.

Since 2013, Fairfax County has been the largest jurisdiction in the United States with a placement rate of animals above 90 percent. Last year alone, nearly 2,500 animals were adopted, which is nearly double the adoptions just two years earlier.

Column: Not So Late This Time

But real-time once again: February 20, 11 hours, approximately, after our regularly-scheduled, post-scan meeting with the oncologist at 10:00 this morning.

Letter: Caring for Veterans

Letter To The Editor

The VA and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) are now researching possible complementary treatments for veterans that will be more holistic, patient-centered, and less drug-based.

“Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for March 9-12

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for March 9-12.

Cats and Children Connect Through Reading

Animal Welfare League of Arlington launches Paws and Read program.

Schoolchildren in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas have an opportunity to improve their literacy by reading books to shelter cats through the Paws and Read program

‘Adopt It Forward’ at Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Select shelter animals receive boost they need for adoption.

For people who cannot adopt themselves but want to help shelter animals find homes, Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s Adopt It Forward program offers a special opportunity to help shelter animals who may be harder to place and often spend a long time in the shelter.

Picking Up Protects People and Pets

Both people and dogs can get sick from a variety of pathogens that can be found in dog poop — Giardia, Salmonella, Parvovirus, and round and hookworms to name a few.

Addressing Campus Sexual Assault

By Adam P. Ebbin - State Senator (D-30)

With only a few days left in this year’s legislative session, the General Assembly has finished much of its business. Republicans have defeated commonsense proposals to raise the minimum wage, close the health care coverage gap, and my bill to keep guns away from toddlers. Negotiators from the House and Senate are inching closer to a final budget deal. Governor McAuliffe has already begun signing some bills into law. Even so, a handful of high-profile issues have yet to be resolved. Notably, we are still working towards a final compromise on how best to prevent and respond to sexual assaults at our colleges and universities.

Sports Briefs

Dominique Tham, a senior on the Wakefield boys’ basketball team, and head coach Tony Bentley were recognized as the best in Conference 13 this year.

“Flourishing After 55” for the Week of March 9-12

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for March 9-12.

Arlington Boy Wins President's Day Contest

Gavin Ohler, 10, of Arlington, won third place in LearningRx Nat’l President’s Day Contest, by reciting the U.S. Presidents in order while playing Hannon on the piano.

Tuesday, February 24

Editorial: Managing Mental Illness in Jails

Natasha McKenna’s death provides window on national concern.

A national report released on Feb. 11 highlighted the prevalence of people with mental illness incarcerated in local jails.

Thursday, February 19

Arlington Home Sales: January, 2015

In January, 2015, 146 Arlington homes sold between $2,300,000-$40,000.

Arlington Home Sales: January, 2015

Wednesday, February 18

Arlington: Washington-Lee’s Sophie Hatcher Wins Region All-Around Title

Yorktown’s Kane places 2nd in AA, W-L finishes 3rd in team standings.

The W-L gymnastics team had its streak of three straight region titles snapped.

Black History Month Celebrations

Local students learn about the history and accomplishments of African-Americans.

Fourth grade student Eli West crafted a poem this month that was modeled after Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous, “I Have a Dream” speech.

Stalled Labor Market Slows County Budget

Proposed budget calls for no real estate tax rate increase, but average homeowner would pay $184 more.

Supervisor Jeff McKay pointed out an irony in County Executive Ed Long’s proposed $3.8 billion budget. Three planning positions would be eliminated from the budget even though Long suggested the county needs more efforts to raise revenue from commercial and industrial venues.

Column: Real-Time, Really Late

I’m not a night owl. More of an early bird, worms notwithstanding. But given the contents of last week’s column, “Scantsy,” I find it difficult to write about anything else while waiting for the results of my CT Scan.

Incremental Defeats

Northern Virginia Democrats face major defeats and minor victories.

Halfway through every session of the Virginia legislature, bills from the House are sent to the Senate for a vote and vice-versa. The event is called crossover, and in 2015 this will be marked by the complete absence of major reforms the Democratic minority hoped to push through.

From ‘Warm Room’ to Warm House

Where AIRE makes a difference.

During these cold winter days, I sometimes think back — not fondly — to the place in our home that we called the “warm room.” We bought our 1942 colonial in Arlington more than 30 years ago.

Alexandria Celebrates International Women’s Day

Ten Thousand VIllages Sales Benefit Alexandria’s Domestic Abuse Program

Thirteen year old Sage Boucher knew it was International Women’s Day on March 8th. She alerted her family to the fact when she checked her social media in the morning: “TUMBLR had it, and I always checks GOOGLE graphics first thing because if something is going on the graphic will hint at it.” They were going to get cupcakes to celebrate. Sage loves the idea of celebrating women.

Chalice Theatre presents “Children of Eden” in Arlington

It’s a Family Affair

Chalice Theatre of Arlington is putting on the musical “Children of Eden” through March 15th.

Protecting Dominion’s Monopoly Earnings

This past week marked “Crossover” in Richmond, after which time each chamber of the General Assembly only works on legislation passed by the other chamber. Ten of my bills have passed the Senate and now await consideration by the House of Delegates.

More than Meets the Eye

Arlington siblings want to provide support and insight for other dyslexics while having fun.

Jack and Sara Jane Owens are like many brothers and sisters. They get along, they help each other out, they playfully tease each other and know when to let the other shine. They share one more thing that other people can't tell from a quick glance: They're both dyslexic.

School’s 10th Anniversary Includes Alumni Reunion

Two of the alumni are now teachers at HGS. Hope Peele, Class of 2007, holds a B.A. in human services from Elon University and serves as the HGS internship and community service coordinator.

Students Create Golf Apparel

Using a grant from the cotton industry, Marymount University fashion design students worked in teams to create golf apparel in the junior and young men’s size range for high school students.

Standing Up 2 Cancer in Arlington

Celebrating the one-year anniversary of surviving “major league” cancer, Alexandria resident and retired Air Force veteran Pat Malone held a 24-hour marathon fundraiser at Fire Works American Pizzeria & Bar in Arlington.

Thursday, February 12

Winter Harvest in Arlington

Half a dozen vendors set up tables laden with winter fruits and vegetables, handmade jams and jellies, grass-fed meats, eggs and home cooked foods, freshly baked pies and breads at the Sunday farmers market on Columbia Pike.

Matthew Charged In West Potomac Alumna Hannah Graham Murder

Suspect faces life in prison.

Nearly five months after the disappearance of University of Virginia sophomore and West Potomac High School alumna Hannah Graham, the primary suspect in her death investigation has been indicted by a grand jury in Albemarle County.

Fairfax County Judge Orders More John Geer Materials Released

Family’s lawyer’s motions supported.

Though extensive, the thousands of pages of documents, dozens of audio files and handful of videos released last month by Fairfax County, documenting the shooting death of Springfield resident John Geer, aren’t exhaustive.

Wednesday, February 11

Arlington's ‘Love the Run You’re With’

Valentine’s Day race draws a crowd.

After weeks of miserable cold, the weather warmed up just enough to make the Pacers Running “Love the Run You’re With” 5 kilometer race in Arlington bearable.

Letter: Failing in Their Duties

Letter to the Editor

I applaud your editorial on the Geer murder (“No Justification for Secrecy, Delay on Geer Shooting,” Connection, February 4-10, 2015). The Connection has done yeoman’s work in keeping this tragedy in front of the public, unlike other newspapers which are johnnie-come-latelies.

Editorial: Not the First or Only Time

Secrecy around police shootings has been a problem for at least a decade.

The official position of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on the need for changes in policy after the shooting of John Geer by police in Springfield in August of 2013 appears to be that this is the first time police policies have been a problem: “Policies for handling police-involved incidents, which served us well for decades, were inadequate in this complicated situation.”

Column: ‘Scantsy’

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to characterize the feelings I regularly experience during the final few weeks leading up to my every-three-month CT Scan, and even more so the feelings I experience waiting the following week or so to see my oncologist to discuss the results.

Scott, Tejada To Move on

Two Arlington Public Figures announced that they will finish their term of service in 2015. Arlington Police Chief M. Douglas Scott will retire in March after 12 years as Arlington’s Chief of Police. County Board member Walter Tejada has decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for another term in office.

Groundbreaking Set on New Affordable Housing

With this week’s closing of construction financing for The Springs Apartments at 555 N. Thomas St., Arlington, the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for March 11, 1-2:20 p.m., and completion will be in fall 2016.

Democratic Committee Backs Primary

At its monthly meeting, the Arlington County Democratic Committee voted unanimously in favor of a primary for local candidates in the November 2015 election.

Board Revisits Plan To Address Growing Enrollment

Goal of 725 new elementary school seats no later than September 2018.

The Arlington School Board responded to the County Board’s decision not to approve a new elementary school site with a statement expressing the School Board’s renewed commitment to engaging with the community to find a solution.

Only Days Left To Enroll

ENROLL-Virginia’s certified navigators and in-person assisters will be extending their work hours this last weekend of open enrollment in healthcare.gov to assist last-minute walk-ins from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, and from 1 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Kenmore Middle School.

Synetic Stages Its 11th Wordless Shakespeare

Presents the comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing," with no dialogue.

Synetic Theater in Crystal City is staging the Shakespeare comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing," set in the 1950s Las Vegas, from Feb. 11 through March 22.

‘Love the Run You’re With’

Valentine’s Day race draws a crowd.

After weeks of miserable cold, the weather warmed up just enough to make the Pacers Running “Love the Run You’re With” 5 kilometer race in Arlington bearable.

Selling Land for Affordable Housing

Approximately 200 commissioners of the National Capital Presbytery gave unanimous approval on Jan. 27 for Arlington Presbyterian Church to sell its property to the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) to build approximately 140 units of affordable housing on the church site along Columbia Pike.

Police Warn of Telephone Scam

The Arlington County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a missed jury duty telephone scam targeting residents.

W-L’s Guenther, Yorktown’s Kappel Win Wrestling Titles

Generals tie for fourth, Patriots finish sixth at conference tournament.

The Washington-Lee and Yorktown wrestling teams were well represented in the final round of the Conference 6 championship tournament Saturday at Hayfield Secondary School, but each school managed to win just one individual title.

Legislating Against Discrimination

I passed several bills last week that would advance equality for women, gay and lesbian married couples, and LGBT state employees.

News Brief: Only Days Left To Enroll

Tuesday, February 10

Arlington: W-L’s Guenther, Yorktown’s Kappel Win Wrestling Titles

Generals tie for fourth, Patriots finish sixth at Conference 6 tournament.

Washington-Lee and Yorktown each brought home one individual title from the Conference 6 tournament.

Friday, February 6

Young Professionals Program in Arlington

Leadership Arlington's newest class of the Young Professionals Program gathered Saturday, Jan. 24, for the first time at a day-long retreat sponsored by Marymount University.

Arlington Atheletes Participating in 30th Annual Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints

More than 1,700 rowers from 13 states and the District of Columbia participated in the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints on Saturday, Jan. 31 at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria.

Thursday, February 5

Arlington County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

Highlighting contributions by the Latino community.

Each September, the President of the United States proclaims “National Hispanic Heritage Month.” Nothing in the document says contributions by Hispanics must or should be restricted to a single month.

Gathering To Play the Energy Journey Game in Arlington

Is your water too hot? Did you know if you install a low faucet aerator you can reduce water use by as much as 50 percent in your home?

Empowering Nurses To Improve Patient Care in Arlington

What achieving Magnet Nursing Status means to Virginia Hospital Center.

With the current emphasis on patient experience and patient satisfaction in hospitals nationwide, Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) is part of that drive to excel.

Fairfax County Goes Public with Geer Documents

FCPD report confirms John Geer was shot while unarmed, hands raised.

Of the seven eyewitness accounts of the shooting death of John Geer, only one describes Geer quickly bringing his hands down to his waist. That was the perspective of PFC Adam Torres, the officer who shot Geer in the chest, killing him in the doorway of his home on Aug. 29, 2013.

Wednesday, February 4

Editorial: No Justification for Secrecy, Delay on Geer Shooting

Everything about this case erodes public trust and demonstrates police departments should not be allowed to apply “blanket” exemptions to release of information.

After waiting 17 months for any information about the investigation into the shooting death of John Geer, the information released last week is deeply troubling.

GMU Students Rally to Lower Student Debt

Members of GMU Student Power Travel to Richmond to voice concern over rising debt.

Twelve students from George Mason University traveled to Richmond with the Virginia Student Power Network, rallying and calling for debt-free education, and for increased educational opportunities for undocumented students. Rodrigo Velasquez, a junior at Mason from Springfield and GMU Student Power’s organizer, was one of the 12 from Mason who also went to Richmond.

Column: The Past Future is Now Present

Presumably, maybe even obviously, nearly six years into a “terminal” diagnosis, arrangements for a smooth transition of power should have been made already.

Gun Violence, Monkeys and Tax Loopholes

Thanks to all who attended my recent legislative Town Hall Meetings in Arlington and Lee District. We discussed issues including the budget, ethics reforms, gun safety, homelessness among our veterans, and transportation improvements on Route 1.

W-L’s Sophie Hatcher Wins Conference All-Around Title

McLean wins team championship, W-L places second.

Members of the Washington-Lee gymnastics team swarmed Sophie Hatcher after judges posted the senior’s floor routine score during Monday’s Conference 6 championship meet at McLean High School.

After Defeat of Jefferson Site Project: What Next?

Unanswered questions divide County Board on proposal.

With the defeat of the proposed Thomas Jefferson Elementary School at the Arlington County Board, the public schools face overcrowding and a widening of the school “relocatables” program.

Suspect Arrested In Hit and Run

The Arlington County Police Department has taken into custody and charged a 39-year-old Fairfax woman, following a Jan. 27 accident in the 3600 block of Columbia Pike. The woman was denied bond and is currently being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Machete Attack Yields Life Sentence

A 30-year-old man was found guilty Jan. 29 of aggravated malicious wounding in the Arlington County Circuit Court for a machete attack on two victims outside of Central Library in June 2013. The jury sentenced Derrick Sutherland, of no fixed address, to life in prison without parole.

Tuesday, February 3

Arlington: Washington-Lee's Sophie Hatcher Wins Conference All-Around Title

McLean wins team championship, W-L places second.

Washington-Lee will compete for its fourth consecutive region championship on Feb. 11.

Local Prep Football Coaches React to End of Super Bowl XLIX

Majority say they would have called a run play from 1-yard line.

Lake Braddock football coach Jim Poythress sticks up for Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.