Stories for January 2017

Victims of Tribe-For-Rent Scam to Get $15 Million Payout in Settlement Agreement

15,000 Virginia victims get $6 million worth of predatory loans absolved, $9 million in cash awards.

The commercial features images of teepees and a tribal drumbeat. The company billed itself as having ties to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. But Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says that was nothing more than a fraud, a scheme he calls rent-a-tribe.

Arlington County Board Notes

“Flourishing After 55” in Arlington

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Feb. 6-10.

Suspect Arrested in Arlington Mill Homicide

Shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, Arlington County Police officers were dispatched to the 5100 block of 7th Road S. to investigate a death.

Submit Photos to Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 15.

In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs

To Move Or Not To Move: Local family moves mother into newly opened Kensington Falls Church.

One of the most heart-wrenching decisions that Denise Schossler, her two siblings and her 95-year-old mother had to make was whether or not to move her into an assisted living facility, leaving the home where she’s lived since 1954.

So Much Happening, Don’t Blink

Demonstrations at Dulles in reaction to travel ban; fast moving General Assembly lacks transparency; other key issues.

As this date approaches, the General Assembly has a serious transparency issue, as it continues to kill most proposed legislation with unrecorded voice votes in subcommittee, with no accountability or record of how members voted.

Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls

Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.

Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.

Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program

Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.

This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.

Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles

Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.

Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.

Tree Stewards Gather to Celebrate New Year

For a Tree Steward, having fun while protecting local trees is important.

Residents Meet with Legislators in Richmond

With the Virginia General Assembly underway, many individuals and groups are traveling to the capital of the Commonwealth to lobby lawmakers.

Bipartisan Agreement Forged in House Panel on Reducing Suspended Driver’s Licenses

Republicans work with Cabinet officials to craft changes to let more people keep drivers licenses.

After Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe called on lawmakers to find a way to restore driver's licenses to people charged with crimes that had nothing to do with driving, Republicans responded. Now both sides are crafting a compromise that could end up being a hallmark of the 2017 session.

Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors

The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.

Mental Illness Takes Center Stage in Richmond

Death of Fairfax County inmate among recent controversies prompting action.

The death of a woman who struggled with mental illness at the Fairfax County jail is among the many recent controversies in Virginia correctional facilities, a reform effort that spans from changing how deaths behind bars are investigated to how law-enforcement officers interact with suspects who suffer from mental illness.

In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs

Police Car Takes Fire while in Pursuit in Great Falls

Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waving a gun.

Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.

Party-Line Vote Protects Child Labor at Tobacco Farms in Virginia

Republican-led House panel kills effort to craft new protections for kids in unrecorded vote.

In an unrecorded party-line vote, House Republicans killed a bill that would have cracked down on child labor at tobacco farms in Virginia.

Here’s what’s in store at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington this winter:

Here’s what’s in store at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington this winter.

Part I: A three-part series focusing on prisoner reentry in Northern Virginia.

Employment and housing prove to be major hurdles.

In Virginia, 38,000 citizens were incarcerated in 2016. Almost 90 percent of those released return home.

Royal Intrigue and Sharp Wits in the 12th century from The Arlington Players

TAP presents "The Lion in Winter."

The Arlington Players (TAP) is presenting "The Lion in Winter" from Jan. 27 to Feb. 11.

Arlingtonians Making History

Arlington Democrats Mobilize Under Slogan ‘One of Many’

The Arlington Democratic Committee enjoined Arlington residents to join fellow Virginians in a Weekend of Action coinciding with Inauguration Weekend and the Women's March.

Bolstering Hope in Arlington

Yoga and Beer fundraiser scheduled to help local girl fighting rare genetic disease.

Ellie McGinn is horse crazy. Like many 8-year olds, she loves all animals, but horses are her favorite.

Commentary: What’s a Couple Thousand Bills, Anyway?

Jan. 11 marked the beginning of the 2017 General Assembly 46-day “short” session.

Letter to the Editor: Concerned Clergy in Arlington

An open letter to members of the state legislature.

We write to you this week to encourage your opposition to bills in both the House of Delegates and the Senate that, in denying full and equal rights and protections to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Virginians, violate the deeply held convictions of our various faith traditions.

What’s New in Arlington?

A look at recent retail and restaurant additions to Rosslyn, Ballston and Crystal City.

Every month in Arlington, stores and restaurants close their doors for the last time while others down the street open for the first time.

LLS Fundraiser in Arlington

Caroline Sullivan is representing Bishop O'Connell High School as a candidate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Student of the Year Campaign.

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, for Jan. 29-Feb. 3.

Prayer Service in Arlington

James West, Kevin Cramer, Alana Douglas and M. Jachuku Howard of Marymount University’s Black Student Alliance presented excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” at an interfaith prayer service at the Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Arlington’s Yorktown HS Swim and Dive Results

In a loud and spirited contest, the Yorktown Patriot boys' team outscored the Washington & Lee Generals in 9 of 12 events, winning 169-146, while the girls' team won 5 of 12 events, prevailing 164-151.

Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria Gather To Celebrate New Year

For a Tree Steward, having fun while protecting local trees is important.

Introducing Mixed-Income, Multifamily Union on Queen in Arlington

The Bozzuto Group and non-profit developer Wesley Housing Development Corporation have opened Union on Queen, a mixed-income, multifamily community in Arlington.

Editorial: America in Black & White

Growing up in America in the 1950s and 1960s, many children watched television only in black and white. Some children believed that the world beyond where they could see was only black and white, devoid of color even though their homes, their neighborhoods, their schools, their crayon boxes were filled with colors.

Letter to the Editor: Protesting Vote Suppression

I am fed up with gerrymandering and other tactics politicians use to stack the votes in their favor!

Letter to the Editor: Stopping Gerrymandering in Virginia

As the new legislative year begins in Richmond, I hope more voters will join the effort to stop gerrymandering in Virginia.

Opinion: Counting on Our Reps in Congress

Sound the call to action; resist changes that are against the values and beliefs of most Virginia voters.

While most voters in the United States did not vote for Donald Trump for president, it was all the more so here in Northern Virginia.

Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors

The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.

Giving Back to the Community: Volunteers spruce up Fairfax group home on MLK Day.

On a day dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory, people throughout the country honored his legacy Monday by doing various projects to help others.

Unseasonable in Arlington

Thomas and Melissa Cornils share a father-daughter moment in the sun outside Toby’s Ice Cream in Westover on Sunday, Jan. 15. Paul Miller at Toby’s said he was amazed at how many ice creams he had sold that morning: normally this time of year it’s all about hot coffee.

Arlington Home Sales: December, 2016

In December, 2016, 224 Arlington homes sold between $2,700,000-$128,000.

Arlington Home Sales: December, 2016

Dairy Godmother Says Goodbye to Del Ray

Dairy Godmother frozen custard shop in Del Ray is closing their doors.

Senate Panel Kills Effort to Allow Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

Supporters say they’ll continue to press the issue, citing concerns over safety.

Undocumented immigrants in Virginia will not be getting a driver’s license anytime soon, although advocates for the idea say they will keep pressing lawmakers on the issue.

Democrat Disunity

Alexandria Democrats unite to support ACA, but Warner draws fire for amendment vote.

As Republicans in Congress begin the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more than 100 citizens from throughout the region rallied on Jan. 15 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in support of affordable healthcare.

Online Virginia Lottery Sales? Don't Bet On It

House panel rejects bill that would allow for sale of lottery tickets over the internet.

A coalition of convenience store owners and religious conservatives worked to till an effort from the Virginia Lottery to allow for online gambling, thwarting an effort aimed at increasing sales among millennial gamblers. The bill, introduced by Del. Roxann Robinson (R-27), was defeated with an overwhelming vote by a House General Laws subcommittee Tuesday afternoon.

Hosting a President for Dinner at Arlington's Liberty Tavern

General manager looks back on the day President Obama paid his restaurant a visit.

Eight years of the Obama administration come to a close this week. During their tenure in town, the president and his family were known to venture across the river for dinner on occasion, enjoying meals in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and more.

Concert in Arlington Pays Tribute to Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Voices in Unison

With song, speech and dance, the Arlington community celebrated the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the 48th consecutive year.

Arlington Democrats Unite to Support ACA, but Warner Draws Fire for Amendment Vote.

Democratic Disunity

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the number of uninsured Virginians has fallen by 31 percent.

Fabric Place Basement Alexandria Grand Opening

Resistance, the Arlington Way: Logistics for the Women’s March on Washington

Key Bridge Being Repaired

Work is underway on repairs to the Key Bridge connecting Rosslyn to Georgetown.

“Flourishing After 55” in Arlington

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Jan. 22-28.

Preparing for End of Life in Arlington

After an advance directive, a POST form.

Hospice and palliative care doctors like Dr. Matt Kestenbaum of Arlington's Capital Caring Hospice have been engaging in discussions with their patients about their final wishes regarding medical treatment for as long as they've been practicing end-of-life care.

Doorways of Arlington Receives Dominion Grant

Doorways for Women & Families, a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter for homeless families in Arlington, was the recipient of a $10,000 grant awarded recently by the Dominion Foundation, the charitable arm of Dominion Resources.

The Arlington Community Foundation Awards Nearly $100,000 to Twenty-Six Nonprofit Organizations and Schools

The Arlington Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently approved grant awards totaling $97,794 to 26 nonprofit organizations and schools through its Homelessness Prevention – Looking toward Tomorrow, Fund for Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) and Arlington Education Fund grant programs.

Police Warn of Missed Jury Duty Phone Scam

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

Arlington Property Values Rise

Arlington County property values showed modest growth again for 2017, with property values growing 2.9 percent over 2016, according to county officials.

Arlington's Poet Laureate Speaks at Writers Resist Event

Arlington Poet Laureate Katherine Young, along with Gregory Luce, Jacqueline Jules, Holly Karapetkova, Naomi Thiers, Francisco Aragón, Susan Mockler, and other Arlington poets read poems in support of democracy, free expression, and inclusion at One More Page Books, at 2200 North Westmoreland Street, Arlington, on Sunday, January 15th.

CycleBar Columbia Pike Offers Sense of Community

Arlington has a new destination for a high-energy, calorie-torching workout.

Senate Panel Approves Crackdown on Internet Lenders in Virginia

Bill would subject unregulated loans to rules that apply to consumer-finance loans.

The Wild West of online lending is about to become a little tamer. That’s because a state Senate panel narrowly approved a bill that would subject internet loans to the same restrictions that currently exist for consumer finance loans, a move that would cramp the anything-goes culture of online loans in Virginia.

Planning for Summer Camp

Local camp fairs help families navigate the maze of summer camp offerings.

In an effort to confront religious intolerance, a group of local middle school students will attend a camp aimed at bringing together children from different religions and giving them the chance to come together, make new friendships, visit houses of worship, learn about other traditions and practice dialogue to confront Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.

Opioid Treatment Service Jan. 17

Addiction Help

As you are well aware, the heroin and opioid dependency problem is growing across the nation, the Commonwealth, and our community is not being spared. The CSB has adjusted resources to help meet this critical demand for people seeking treatment; a new program begins soon. We need your help spreading the word about it. The CSB is holding an open forum for anyone who is seeking help for a loved one or knows of someone who might need help.

Senators to Alexandria: Clean Up Your Act by 2020 or Lose State Funding

Lawmakers poo poo city efforts to flush raw sewage.

Members of the Virginia state Senate say they’re tired of hearing excuses about sewage from city officials in Alexandria, and they’re pushing ahead with a plan that one senator calls “the nuclear option.” This afternoon, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that sets a firm deadline for Alexandria to clean up its act — 2020. If city officials are unable to stop dumping more than 10 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River every year, Alexandria would lose all state appropriations until the problem is fixed.

Predatory Lenders Work Behind the Scenes to Avoid Regulation and Evade the Law

Campaign contributions and political connections used to sidestep crackdown.

Predatory Loans in the Crossfire: Lawmakers conflicted about how to handle high-interest loans.

Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion

Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.

The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”

In Session: Briefs

It doesn’t take much rain to trigger Alexandria’s 19th century sewage system to start dumping raw sewage into the Potomac River — about 0.03 inches, to be precise.

New Year, New Order: Organizing an unruly linen closet

If retrieving an item from the top shelf of one’s linen closet sets off an avalanche of mismatched sheets and tattered towels, it might be time for a linen closet reorganization.

Commentary: Republican Repeal Plan Promises Health Care Chaos

Over the course of a normal week, my office receives thousands of letters, emails, phone calls, and tweets from Northern Virginians.

Editorial: About the Connection

Happy New Year. We need your help in 2017.

Breakfast After the Bell in Arlington

Minor change to morning meal makes major difference in Arlington school.

Tina Oxendine wasn’t sure about the new breakfast program.

Fisette Elected Arlington Board Chair

For the fifth time in his 19 years on the County Board, Jay Fisette was unanimously elected County Board chair.

“Flourishing After 55” in Arlington

From Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Jan. 16-21.

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Jan. 16-21.

Arlington Entrepreneur Devoted to Service, Community

Displaying a spirit of curiosity and innovation.

Arlington resident and entrepreneur Garrett O’Shea is using his new startup to help local residents, nonprofits and businesses with their shipping needs.

A Step Closer to Nauck Town Square in Arlington

The Arlington County Board approved on Jan. 3 the purchase of the last of three properties needed to build the planned Nauck Town Square, in the heart of the Nauck neighborhood.

Arlingtonian on "Jeopardy!"

Blair Moorhead, a social worker from Arlington, got the final "Jeopardy!" question right on her appearance Monday, Jan. 9 and moved on to the next round of the TV game show.

Arlington Delegation Gets Earful

Residents recommend issues to address in new legislative session.

State Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) told a crowd of roughly 70 Arlington residents on Jan. 5 that he and his colleagues took the comments and feedback from residents provided at meetings like this seriously, and would incorporate the comments into their work at the short session of the General Assembly which begins Wednesday.

Arlington Hotline Yields Leads, No Evidence of Fraud

In 2015, Arlington County’s Waste, Fraud and Abuse Hotline was opened to allow employees to confidentially report potential cases of financial malfeasance.

Arlington Board Approves Polling Changes

The Arlington County Board in December adopted changes to the ordinance on precincts and polling places to relocate several polling places and create two new precincts.

Arlington Woman Sentenced for Counterfeit Handbag Scheme

Praepitcha Smatsorabudh, 41, of Arlington, was sentenced Dec. 21, 2016 to 30 months in prison for running a multiyear scheme to defraud department stores across the country.

Netherlands Carillon to be Restored

The Netherlands and the National Park Service (NPS) have joined forces to restore and improve the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington.

Energy Masters Program in Arlington Receives State Awards

The Energy Masters program received awards for leadership in energy efficiency from the Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference Awards and the state’s inaugural Virginia Energy Efficiency Awards, attended by Governor McAuliffe.

Diocese of Arlington Car Ministry

On Thursday, Jan. 5, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington gave a donated car to 34-year-old Wade Sheriff, a mother of three girls in need of a car.

Arlingtonian is National Award Winner

The NBCC Foundation, an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC), recently awarded one of the 2016 Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) professional development awards to Dr. Susan F. Branco, of Arlington.

Arlington Free Clinic Receives $10,000 Grant

Vanessa Serrano, a social services case manager at Arlington Free Clinic, works with a patient to assess his needs and to navigate him to the most appropriate community resources.

Marymount University Studying Lab Dogs

Dr. Stacy Lopresti-Goodman, an associate professor of psychology at Marymount University, is shown with Belle, a dog rescued by Beagle Freedom Project. Lopresti-Goodman has conducted a study of the psychological impact of laboratory experiments on dogs.

Fairfax Lawmakers’ Last Call for Input

More than 80 speak at General Assembly public hearing.

“We’re not letting teachers do their jobs,” was the plea from Jo Neuber of Vienna, Co-chair of the organization Class Size Counts.

Organizing a Home Office

Design ideas for workspace order.

Whether located in a basement, spare bedroom or kitchen corner, one of the keys to creating a functional home office is organization.

Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session

Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative

Keeping Resolutions

Realistic goals and specific plans among keys to success.

Keeping Resolutions

Legislators To Hold Public Hearing

Viewpoints: Arlingtonians' Resolutions for 2017

Arlington's Signature Theatre Stages ‘Titanic’

360-degree production depicts ship's fateful journey.

Signature Theatre in Arlington is staging the Tony Award-winning Best Musical "Titanic," a 360-degree production in the Max theater, from now through Jan. 29.

Letter to the Editor: Burdensome Requirement in Arlington

Kate Bates, president & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce released the following statement regarding the Arlington County Board's approval of an amendment that requires a second signature in order to remove vehicles that are illegally parked on private property:

Letter to the Editor: Who's at Fault in Arlington?

The Arlington County Board has spent considerable time and effort advocating for a "second signature" requirement and other measures to make it more difficult for property owners to tow illegally parked automobiles. This effort defies logic.

Arlington: An Inclusive Community

The Arlington County Board on Dec. 22 issued a letter, in Spanish and English, reaffirming the county’s commitment to welcoming immigrant populations, regardless of legal status.

Letter to the Editor: Growing Together in Arlington

This fall for my storytimes, I made a “Friendship Tree,” which serves as a fun reminder that while we are unique individuals with different needs, we also come together to enjoy stories in a cheerful, social environment and participate together as a united community.

Deconstruct vs. Demolish in Arlington

An Aging-in-Place Home

They plan to grow old in the house, and made it not only green but “silver.”

Planning and Budget Season Starts for Arlington County

Parks and Recreation planning receives early 2017 focus, but school and Metro issues loom over spring budget discussions.

2017 will start off with some good news for Arlingtonians that use parks and community facilities.

Six To Be Inducted in Washington-Lee High School Hall of Fame

The Washington-Lee High School Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Class of 2017, will take place at a halftime presentation during the Jan. 13 boys basketball game vs. South Lakes.

Get Fit for the New Year in Arlington

MADabolic opens new gym in Clarendon.

Marked white, teal and black weighted balls slam into the ground. Heavy ropes snake up and down through the air. Running shoes sprint across the floor.