Stories for October 2016

Week in McLean

Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors

Things That Go Bump in the County

Center for Local History explores local folklore and hauntings.

Deep in the Arlington Center for Local History are a set of files.

Football, Friends, French: Getting Immersed in Arlington

Sharing in each other’s cultural perspectives.

There were three French girls at the Yorktown Homecoming game. The only problem was, they had no idea what was happening on the field

Exchange with French Lycee Dispels Stereotypes

Broadening their education

When they had a reception/picnic at the Iwo Jima Memorial, the parents, teachers, and youths taking part in the exchange between Lycée Marc Chagall in Reims, France and the four Arlington high schools were at ease with each other.

Classified Advertising October 26, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Turkey Trot Kicks Off

Arlingtonians came out on the evening of Oct. 19 to register for the Arlington Turkey Trot.

Arlington Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Two Alexandria Banks

On October 20, 2016, Budder Khan, a 26-year-old resident of Arlington, pleaded guilty to two counts of Bank Robbery.

Making STEM Fun for Children

Event offered opportunity to learn about STEM subjects.

A local educator used carrots and broccoli to teach girls about science and technology.

Inbound Traffic

Looming noise mitigation and traffic overflow concerns haunt I-395 project.

The I-395 extension is here. As the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) gets closer to the project’s start in spring, 2017, outreach has started to the affected communities near the road and to the County Board.

Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax

After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.

American Elections: French Perspective

I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.

Column: No to the Meals Tax

A food tax is not a silver bullet.

I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.

Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education

Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.

Column: Yes to the Meals Tax

Reduces dependence on property tax.

As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].

Letter: Supporting Meals Tax

Letter to the Editor

I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.

Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option

Letter to the Editor

After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.

Advice from the Pros

Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.

From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.

Arlington: The Unconventional Race

8th District election pits Beyer against Hernick.

While the nation chooses between two Presidential candidates of extreme political and temperamental differences, voters in Virginia’s 8th District face a different kind of decision. As Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Beyer runs for reelection, he faces opposition from an un-Trump-like Republican candidate. Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.

Arlington: Generations of the Bean

Arlington entrepreneurs quit their day jobs to launch coffee shop.

For many people, coffee is a utility. It's a necessary pick-me-up to get through the long work day. That's how Chase Damiano saw coffee until he met Robbie Peck. For Peck, coffee was something more. It was an art. More than just a stimulant, for Peck, every cup of coffee is a blend of carefully selected scents and tastes. When their coffee shop, Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters, has its grand opening Saturday, Oct. 22, Peck and Damiano hope to change how Arlington County sees coffee.

Arlington: Lessons in Housecleaning

Learning to be green.

The five-week Green Housecleaning class for immigrant women began in 2013 as the vision of Andres Tobar, director of the Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC), who said, "We have SEEC that was established in 2000 to help find connect immigrant daylaborers with temporary employment, but these are almost always men. There was nothing for the women. This Green Housecleaning class gets to women with the toughest challenges."

Arlington: Multi-Faith Group Pursues Social Justice

Campaign involves housing affordability, public education investment, immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, and gun safety.

Before 1,100 faith community leaders at Oakton High School on Oct. 16, Attorney General Mark R. Herring added his name to those of more than 105 other state and elected officials around the country who are calling on gun manufacturers to step up gun safety efforts.

Arlington: Generations of the Bean

Arlington entrepreneurs quit their day jobs to launch coffee shop.

For many people, coffee is a utility. It's a necessary pick-me-up to get through the long work day. That's how Chase Damiano saw coffee until he met Robbie Peck.

Arlington: What a Dump

Arlington recycling event makes junk work for charities.

This E-Care recycling event, which takes place twice a year in Arlington, provides the opportunity to get rid of hazardous household material, trash or junk that cannot be put in the garbage, but also accepts things like eyeglasses, shoes, bikes, and other items which would work in another country.

‘We Are All Arlington!’

Arlington celebrates its diverse history of 40 years of immigration.

The program was part of “Welcoming Week,” an annual series of events in communities across the U.S. that bring together immigrants and U.S. born residents in a spirit of unity.

Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area

As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.

Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5

Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.

A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.

Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration

DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.

Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.

Home Improvements for the Holidays

Local contractors say there is time to spruce up your house and yard.

Changing temperatures and falling leaves are a signal the holidays are near. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, homes are filled with guests and schedules are stacked with parties. Getting one’s home guest ready by the holidays may be daunting, but it’s doable with proper planning and realistic expectations, say local contractors.

Arlington Home Sales: September, 2016

In September, 2016, 220 Arlington homes sold between $2,375,000-$104,500.

Arlington Home Sales: September, 2016

Classified Advertising October 12, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Arlington: Ambar Combines Balkan Countryside with Urban Feel

New restaurant on Wilson Boulevard.

Favorite Balkan dishes with a modern twist have arrived in Arlington with the opening of Ivan Iricanin's new Ambar restaurant on Wilson Boulevard. Iricanin sits at a table refurbished from the previous restaurant and looks around the new space designed by his wife, Nya Gill. "Final touches," he said as the fresh plants are arranged in the overhead room-length rectangular planter, "and opening only two days late."

Arlington Snapshot: Family Weekend

A jazz brunch, a street fair, comedy night and talent show are a few of the highlights of Marymount University’s annual Family Weekend, “Fleur Power: Peace, Love & Family."

Arlington Snapshot: Fall Heritage Festival

The Walker Log House at Gulf Branch Nature Center will host a Fall Heritage Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15, 1-5 p.m. To step back in history and try old-time games and crafts, make a corn husk doll, try on a coonskin cap, or work the cider press. Cost is $5.

Arlington Brief: Police Arrest Driver In Pedestrian Collision

The Arlington County Police Department has taken into custody Shahed Quayum, 49, of Arlington, following the Oct. 4 pedestrian collision in the 3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard. Quayum has been arrested and charged with DUI maiming.

Snapshot: Senior Olympics Swimming

See more Senior Olympics Swimming photos on Facebook.

From the Beginning to the End

982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.

Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal

The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.

Seminars on Downsizing

The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.

Arlington: Where Learning and Camaraderie Doesn’t End

Inside Langston-Brown Senior Center.

The Langston-Brown Senior Center at 2121 N. Culpepper St., one of six senior centers in Arlington, offers field trips, classes focusing on health, consumer education, cooking and languages as well as dancing lessons, sports and yoga. Most classes are free with a Senior 55+ pass at a cost of $20.

Arlington: Learn about Healthy Aging

The Virginia Hospital Center Senior Health Program offers healthy aging lecture series at its South Arlington campus, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Sessions are 11 a.m.-noon. RSVP for each event at 703-558-6859.

Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax

League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.

The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.

Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer

Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.

Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options

Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.

Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.

Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens

Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.

Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More

Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.

With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.

Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living

Making room for older family members.

Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.

Senior Living: Regaining Mobility

Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.

Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”

Medicare Open Enrollment Nears

Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.

Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.

Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference

Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.

Arlington: Clement Challenges Garvey

Garvey faces longshot opposition from Clement.

The odds are not good for Audrey Clement. In November, Clement is the sole opposition to Libby Garvey, the incumbent County Board chair.

Arlington: Buddy Walk for Awareness

The 12th Annual Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia Buddy Walk took place Sunday, Oct. 2, around the Mason Pond at George Mason University. The Buddy Walk was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Arlington: Day Laborer Program Praised

The Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC) celebrated its 16th anniversary on Sept. 29 at the home of Eisenberg-Davis on S. Irving Street.

Arlington Snapshot: Early Fall

Four Mile Run on late Monday afternoon, Oct. 3, as it meanders between George Mason Drive and Walter Reed Drive in south Arlington.

Arlington Snapshot: Tom & Deniz Hair Studio Now Open

Tom & Deniz Hair Studio at 3510 Lee Highway celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 1. Tom Cakirca brings over 30 years of salon experience in Istanbul, Manhattan, Beverly Hills, and Washington D.C. to his salon. Cakirca, a color specialist, is assisted by his wife, Deniz a make-up artist and hair stylist for Turkish television.

Arlington: Brunch Preview of Joplin’s ‘Treemonisha’

In a matter of days, joyful singing will burst from the confines of Washington Golf and Country Club, courtesy of Opera NOVA.

Arlington: An Oasis for Uninsured Working People

Annual gala is main source of funding for non-profit Arlington Free Clinic.

The last person you expect to see at the Arlington Free Clinic is your own family doctor. But he’s there, volunteering his time to work with Arlington’s uninsured. It is one of the main tenets of the Arlington Free Clinic (AFC): This isn’t just health care for the people who can’t afford doctors, or free health care that is “good enough” — It’s premium medical care. The doctor knows you by name, or knew you when you had your first child and is now coaching you through breast cancer.

Arlington: 1000 Degrees Pizza Adds New Location

1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, a fast-casual American spin on authentic, hand-tossed Neapolitan pizza, arrives on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 3400 Columbia Pike, Suite 200.

Arlington: New LEGO Store Arrives

The new LEGO store at Pentagon City has opened, offering hundreds of LEGO construction sets and products

Arlington: Signature Theatre Stages ‘The Gulf’

Comedy about two women fishing on the Alabama Delta and their tumultuous relationship.

Signature Theatre's ARK theater in Arlington is staging "The Gulf" by Audrey Cefaly from now through Nov. 6. The world premiere comedy is about Betty and Kendra who waste away a summer day fishing on the Alabama Delta. Suddenly, their lazy afternoon turns to chaos when the motor breaks, stranding the two, and their tumultuous relationship, in the Gulf.