Stories for March 2015

Stories for March 2015

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Tuesday, March 31

Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy

Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.

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Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights

Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.

Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.

Monday, March 30

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Fairfax County School Board Votes Down Veterans Day School Holiday

Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.

Friday, March 27

Editorial: Good, Bad and Ugly

A look at recently ended session of the Virginia General Assembly.

The 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to an end last week, and some of the biggest news was about what it did not do.

Thursday, March 26

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Mount Vernon: The Magic of Giving Back

Friends of UCM hosts annual Spring Gala for United Community Ministries.

United Community Ministries executive director Nichelle Mitchem wasted no time addressing the challenges she and the multi-faceted service organization are facing. Heavy on her mind is the Healthy Families program, aimed at preventing child abuse through intensive home visits to first-time parents, that’s slated to be eliminated in FY2016.

News Briefs for the Week of March 25

News Briefs

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Mount Vernon: Remembering Hannah Graham

A remembrance at West Potomac Softball home opener.

Ruddy cheeks glistened with sweat and tears following a home opener for the West Potomac softball team.

Obituary: Evelyn May Poole

Obituary

Evelyn May Poole died in her home on March 19, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Letter: Predictable MVCCA

Letter to the Editor

Reminiscent of the movie "Groundhog Day," if it is March, it is time for the MVCCA to enact a budget resolution in time to be considered by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) during its budget deliberations. Invariably, the resolution urges the BOS to raise every category of tax to the maximum amount possible in order to fund the grand designs of MVCCA leaders. This year is no exception.

Letter: Supervisors OK Raises

Letter to the Editor

Well, your taxes will be going higher again. Despite a revenue shortfall for the next Fairfax County budget year, on March 3, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS) continued to disregard the taxpayer by approving a $20,000 raise (26.66 percent in pay that will total $95,000 annually for a part-time supervisor job and the chairman's salary was increased $25,000 (33 ⅓ percent) for a total of $100,000 annually.

Letter: Stand Up For Safety

Letter to the Editor

I am mother of two elementary school kids, a resident of Alexandria, and am deeply concerned about a bill pending in Congress that would force each state to recognize concealed carry permits from every other state.

Letter: Is a House of Worship Just Another House?

Letter to the Editor

Saturday night March 21, 2015, sometime during the night, person or persons unknown, broke into Messiah Lutheran Church. They broke in through a window and broke several doors looking for whatever monies they thought we might have. Nothing was vandalized, this time. Several years ago, a break in occurred. Then a stained glass window was broken and a cross was damaged.

Column: Why Little League Matters

Commentary

As I write this, millions of boys and girls in countries around the world are beginning another season playing baseball and softball in more than 7,000 Little League programs. Little League is the world’s largest youth sports organization, run in large part by adult volunteers who give their time and energy to create the opportunity for children from age 4 to 18 to play baseball and softball on local neighborhood fields with their friends and classmates.

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Mount Vernon: West Potomac Softball Looking for Conference 7 Supremacy

Orleans’ pitching heroics help Wolverines beat Majors in opener.

West Potomac senior Jayne Orleans headed to the dugout to get warm after pitching five innings during the Wolverines’ season opener against Mount Vernon on March 18.

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Mt. Vernon: NOVA's Scholarships Provide Security Net

In 2011, Mount Vernon resident Dr. Glenn B. Fatzinger and his daughter Jennifer created a pair of scholarships to memorialize their wife and mother Harriet H. Fatzinger. Harriet was an elder and chair of the Congregational Care Council at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, where she helped co-founded a regular Friday-night fellowship program called Agape Reservoir that continues to serve individuals with special needs in the Mount Vernon Area.

Wednesday, March 25

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Mount Vernon: West Potomac Softball Looking for Conference 7 Supremacy

Orleans’ pitching heroics help Wolverines beat Majors in opener.

West Potomac softball is off to a 4-0 start.

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Notes from the Producer: ‘The Island’ Returns to MetroStage.

I have wanted to bring “The Island” back to our stage since 1991 when it was first produced in our little storefront on Duke Street. Original cast member Doug Brown has returned to the role of Winston 24 years later. In the theatre, time really does fly.

Column: Health Matters More

I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.

Tuesday, March 24

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Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds

Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.

“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”

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Fairfax County Students Win Science Awards

Students from across the county recognized at 60th Annual Fairfax County Regional Science And Engineering Fair.

High school students from Fairfax County schools attended the annual regional science fair held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, March 20-22, to compete for prizes and recognition.

Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger

Letter to the Editor:

We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.

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Emotional Beginning for Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission

While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request.

Friday, March 20

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Hannah Graham remembered at West Potomac Softball home opener in Mount Vernon

Ruddy cheeks glistened with sweat and tears following a home opener for the West Potomac softball team.

First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission

With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.

Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open

NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.

Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County March 20-22, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Alexandria/Mt Vernon Weekend Entertainment: 03/20/15

Thursday-Saturday/March 19-21

Commentary: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities

Letter to the Editor

The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.

Thursday, March 19

Mount Vernon Home Sales: February, 2015

In February, 2015, 71 homes sold between $845,000-$155,000 in the Mount Vernon area.

Mount Vernon Home Sales: February, 2015

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People At Work: ‘Have To Choose To Believe’

McCoart and Brock minister at Emmanuel Episcopal.

The Rev. Charles C. McCoart Jr. (Chuck) tosses a dog treat to Brock, his 120-pound German shepherd, takes a final gulp of diet soda and slips the Lenten purple stoll over his white robe. This is the Second Sunday of Lent and the Family Service at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Russell Road where McCoart has been since June 2013. He has welcomed 55 new families into the church since then. He says today there will be a children's message where he will compare a climbing wall that has handholds and footholds to what it is like following God — ascending higher — sometimes it's scary, sometimes it's tiring or exciting but it's worth it in the end.

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Alexandria: Aldersgate Stages "Pride and Prejudice"

Presents Jane Austen's tale of manners, love and misunderstanding in class-conscious England.

Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is putting on "Pride and Prejudice," Jane Austen's classic tale of manners, love and misunderstanding in class-conscious England in the early 19th century. Directed by Mary Ayala-Bush, the show runs through March 29.

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Alexandria: Developing in the City

One hotel property opens, another remains stalled.

While developments at one Carr hotel property in Alexandria remains stalled due to an impending decision by Virginia’s Supreme Court, another Carr property opened across town.

Alexandria Police Briefs: 03/19/15

A young man was found dead in the 2800 block of Park Center Drive. The 17-year-old male was found discovered at 7:45 a.m. on March 13 in a back corner of a local apartment complex.

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Students From Around Fairfax County Recognized for Promoting Peace

After a friend of South County High School senior Sakira Coleman was sexually assaulted while running on a local public path, Coleman decided to take action and started the “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night” program.

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Mount Vernon: BI Girls’ Lax Now 'The Hunted'

Defending Champion BI Girls’ Lax open seasons with win over Georgetown Visitation.

After a three-goal performance against Georgetown Visitation on Tuesday, including the game-winner with 5:44 remaining, Bishop Ireton senior Kelly Mathews tried to describe the difference between the Cardinals’ outlook in 2014, and how they approach things now after winning WCAC and state championships last season.

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There’s No Place Like Home, Alexandria

Carroll takes the helm at Inova Alexandria.

When Susan Turner Carroll, the recently named CEO of Inova Alexandria Hospital, says she is from Alexandria, she means it.

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Alexandria: IB to the Rescue?

Jefferson-Houston to expand International Baccalaureate program.

Alexandria’s unaccredited Jefferson-Houston elementary and middle school is expanding its International Baccalaureate (IB) program to the full school in hopes of reforming the school’s image. Jefferson-Houston will be the first and only school in the Alexandria school system to have a full International Baccalaureate program.

Alexandria: Waterfront Developer Muddies Public Relations

Residents, council members disparage company’s email.

A select group of Waterfront residents received an unexpected email from EYA, the developer currently set to redevelop the Robinson Terminal South site.

West Potomac Cadet CSM Kelia Aardema Wins "Commander's Award"

West Potomac Cadet CSM Kelia Aardema

Column: Family Matters, Prevent Colon Cancer for Self and Loved Ones

Commentary

It may never feel like a “good time” to have a colonoscopy. You might have already used the excuse that the preparation day before a colonoscopy is unpleasant and cuts into your busy schedule — and then you put it off another year. But momentary discomfort or inconvenience is a small price to pay for saving your life.

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Alexandria: 2015 Generation to Generation Gala

Senior Services of Alexandria hosted its annual Generation to Generation Gala on Feb. 28 at the Mark Hilton Hotel.

Obituary: Larry Myron Wheeler

Obituary

Larry Myron Wheeler, Lt. Col USMC (Ret. Reserves), died March 5, 2015 at Hospice Savannah.

Column: The Buck Stops with Us

Commentary

Earlier this month, I was one of a group of teachers who met with senators on the Hill to weigh-in on the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

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Column: Young at Heart, Rebuilding Together Alexandria

Commentary

We spend a lot of our time helping limited income elderly and disabled residents remain homeowners. By making repairs and upgrades to their homes, we are able to keep homes safer, healthier and more affordable for aging seniors so they can remain in them.

Obituary: Julia Anne Perry Pattie

Obituary

Julia Anne Perry Pattie, age 103, of Alexandria, died March 11, 2015. She was born May 16, 1911 in Orange, Va., to Frank B. Perry and Lula Inez Perry.

Letter: Leadership Suggestion

Letter to the Editor

I am somewhat elated and thankful for the letter printed Feb. 5, "Don't Complain, Help Fix," responding to an earlier letter printed Jan. 29, "Vision for the City" regarding our acting city manager Mark Jinks.

Letter: Thank You, Mr. McLean

Letter to the Editor

The following letter is addressed to Alexandria resident Scott McLean.

Letter: TC Field Lights Still a Bad Idea

Letter to the Editor

Over the last year, the Alexandria School Board and concerned citizens have spent a great deal of time in trying to investigate and comment on this issue.

Letter: United We Win, Divided We Fail

Letter to the Editor

William Goff hit a homerun in my eyes when he pointed out in his letter that we are losing neighborhood battles one by one because we’re only seeing these issues through local eyes rather than being proud of and caring for all of Alexandria. Bill Euille ran on a “One Alexandria” mantra, but since then it’s been anything but one Alexandria.

Letter: We’re in Trouble

Letter to the Editor

Uh oh. We’re in trouble. All three Democratic contenders for mayor believe a new metro is necessary.

Column: The Top 20: A 2015 Legislative Summary – Part II

Commentary

This is Part II of my column regarding the Top 20 legislative highlights from the 2015 General Assembly session. Last week, I discussed the top 7. Here are the rest.

Letter: Be Part of the Solution

Letter to the Editor

The schools in the Mount Vernon and Lee communities are scheduled to receive $150 million worth of renovations and facility improvements over the next five years.

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Nova nursing students awarded Harriet H. Fatzinger Memorial Scholarships at Fort Belvoir

In 2011, Mount Vernon resident Dr. Glenn B. Fatzinger and his daughter Jennifer created a pair of scholarships to memorialize their wife and mother Harriet H. Fatzinger.

Homeowner Shoots Burglary Suspect in Mount Vernon area of Alexandria

Charges are pending an investigation for a 27-year-old northern Virginia man who was shot while allegedly attempting to enter a private residence on the 5700 block of Lenore Lane in Alexandria, according to Fairfax County Police.

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First Meeting Set for Fairfax County Police Commission

With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by board chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.

Wednesday, March 18

Where are Fort Hunt Spanish Immersion graduates now?

Many graduates of the Fort Hunt Spanish immersion program have continued learning the language through middle and high school. Some have gone on to study abroad in Spanish language countries, while others found the language to be helpful in their careers.

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Mount Vernon: FHES Spanish Immersion Program Marks 25th Anniversary

From the Fort Hunt Elementary School PTA’s bi-weekly publication, El Zorro.

Over the past two-and-a-half decades, about 1,000 Fort Hunt students have moved on from their primary schooling years having learned more than just the three Rs. They also came away speaking Spanish.

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Surovell Kicks Off Senate Campaign

Mount Vernon residents Lyn Snodgrass, Alan Edelstein and Jim Seeley engaged Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) in a banquet room of The Landing restaurant in Woodbridge.

Column: Money Matters

It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.

Tuesday, March 17

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Leadership Fairfax Hosts Supervisors Breakfast

State of the County Address, supervisors’ questions and an award ceremony top the agenda.

The agenda and the speakers have to be of significant interest to get some 300 people to brave local traffic and attend a meeting that started at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Fairfax (LFI) apparently succeeded in offering both in the ballroom of the Fairview Park Marriott on Friday morning, March 13, hosting its 24th Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast.

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The Right Fit: Choosing a Summer Camp

How parents can ensure positive summer experiences for their children.

Though the official start of spring is still days away and the frigidity of winter is still recent on the minds of many, Janelle Wright, a Potomac, Md., mother of two, has already mapped out the summer for her children.

Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy

Time for change in public access to police information.

The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.

Friday, March 13

Students Discuss Experiments at Science Fair

Parents and students filled West Potomac High School's Auxiliary Gym for the annual Science Fair, held on Feb. 7.

TC Trio Competes at State Gymnastics Meet

Three members of the T.C. Williams gymnastics team received the opportunity to compete in the VHSL individual state meet as alternates on March 8 at Patriot High School.

‘Bye Bye Birdie’ Opens Friday

The curtain rises Friday evening for the first performance of Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre’s “Bye Bye Birdie."

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Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School Turns 50

Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday afternoon, March 4.

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Celebrating the Persian New Year

The Nowruz Festival will be held March 15 at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria.

Following 3,000 years of customs and traditions, the colorful Nowruz Festival — the Persian New Year celebration — will be held Sunday, March 15 at the John Carlyle Square Park near the King Street Metro in Alexandria.

Mount Vernon Crime: 03/11/15

The following incidents were reported by the Mount Vernon District Police Station.

Bishop Ireton Senior In All-Star Game

Senior Ice Hockey Captain, Ryan Scott, represented the Bishop Ireton Cardinals at the 2015 Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) All-Star Game on Feb. 18 at the Ashburn Ice House.

Salute to Women Awards

Eleven women will be recognized for their accomplishments in civic life at the Alexandria’s Commission for Women’s 35th Annual Salute to Women Awards.

News Brief: Matthew Trial Date Postponed

At a March 4 hearing in Albemarle County Circuit Court, Judge Cheryl Higgins granted the man charged with abducting and murdering Hannah Graham a continuance.

Storck Sets Meeting Hours

Fairfax County School Board Member Dan Storck will host Saturday Community Office Hours.

Accidental Townhouse Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire on Feb. 16, at approximately 1:55 a.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The townhouse is located at 5237 Pleasure Cove Court.

Accidental Apartment Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a garden apartment fire on Feb. 4, at approximately 11:25 p.m., in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. The apartment is located at 3143 Southgate Drive.

Peter Mayer Enthralls at St. Aidan’s

Also at Focus concert, Lea warms up the night.

The snow was still thick on the ground Saturday night, March 7, and temperatures were finally just beginning to warm, when the two folksingers Peter Mayer and Lea, like thawing springtime breezes, took their turns regaling the audience in the sanctuary at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church.

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Mount Vernon Author Pens ‘Presidents in Crisis’

Michael Bohn applies his first-hand experience in the White House.

The first time Mount Vernon author Michael K. Bohn put his pen to paper, it wasn’t to draft one of his six books.

Letter: Keep No Stone Dust Pledge

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: My thanks go to the Connection Newspapers and Jay Spiegel for his letters to the Editor such as “Avoid Stone Dust Surface”, August 2014, for providing the information on the Off Leash Dog Area (OLDA) at the Westgrove Park.

Letter: For the Good Of All

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: In my opinion and regrettably, most politicians in Richmond or Washington, DC today — in either party — lack the leadership skills and the ability to work with others to solve problems. Most politicians today seem to prefer pointing fingers and assigning blame, instead of working cooperatively to get things done.

Letter: Record of Lowering Taxes

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: While the people in Dumfries already know about Mayor Foreman’s record, I am writing today to share it with a larger audience. That’s because the mayor recently announced that he is running for State Senate from the 36th District, which is now an open seat due to incumbent Sen. Toddy Puller’s retirement.

Column: Legislature Passes Veterans Employment Grant Program

The 2015 General Assembly session has come to a close and even with all the twists and turns I personally encountered this session it was still productive.

Mount Vernon Sports Briefs 3/11/15

Mount Vernon's Alliyah Stevens placed in three events at the 5A state indoor track meet on Monday andTuesday in Hampton. Stevens placed third in the triple jump (37-8 1/2), fourth in the 55-meter hurdles (8.5) and fifth in the long jump (17-7).

Burning the André Bluemel Meadow

Burn experts from the Virginia Department of Forestry arrived early Feb. 12 to conduct a burn of the Andre Bluemel Meadow at River Farm.

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United Community Ministries Names Officers

United Community Ministries (UCM) elected new officers and five new directors at its annual meeting in December. Officers elected for 2015 are: Christiane Gigi Hyland, Esq., board chair; Charles O’Connor, vice chair; Joseph Conti, treasurer; and Janet Heddesheimer, secretary. Joining the UCM board are: Abigail Arms, Diane Brooks, Suzy Coffey, Claudia Creo, and Kenneth Disselkoen. The new members joined the board as Charles King, 2014 vice chair, retired from service.

West Potomac Senior to Play in National Festival

Erika Larsen, a senior at West Potomac High School, will join other musicians from across the nation as part of Music for All’s 2015 Honor Orchestra of America.

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Matching Students with Tutors

Building Better Futures at TC.

The bell rings at 3:15 pm, reverberating off the hallways. School is out at T.C. Williams High School, and a few students start filtering into the library for tutoring assistance under the Building Better Futures (BBF) program supported since its inception in 2003 by the Campagna Center.

Thursday, March 12

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Democrats Hold Mardi Gras Straw Poll in Alexandria

Surovell, Sargeant lead.

As the saying goes: In Virginia, every year is an election year. And every election year is replete with straw polls. The first such event leading up to the June 9 Democratic primary was a Mardi Gras-themed dinner party held March 7 at Don Beyer Volvo in Alexandria.

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Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards

Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.

It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.

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Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability Adds Leaders at Mount Vernon Meeting

Michelle Evans, the new public affairs director for the Virginia Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability, explained to group members how important it is to like and share and Tweet stories online, related to their goal of increased transparency and accountability.

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Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia

Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.

After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.

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Historic Virginia in Gardens

This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.

The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.

Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment

Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.

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Telegraph Road Widening Completed in Alexandria

Though the morning of the ribbon-cutting was damp and chilly, Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) said he was thankful the ceremony was scheduled for Wednesday rather than Thursday.

Wednesday, March 11

Column: How Lucky Am I

You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”

Friday, March 6

Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax

The first residents move into Kate’s Place.

Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.

Thursday, March 5

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Rising Hope Mission Church in Mount Vernon Hosts Nightly Shelters

At 7 p.m. doors to Rising Hope Mission Church open for guests to sign in. Promptly at 7:10, volunteers begin serving dinner. On a chilly, rainy, mid-December night, the volunteers from Aldersgate United Methodist Church prepare beef steak with gravy, beans and corn for about 20 homeless individuals.

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Fairfax County hosts first Inmate Resource Fair.

They’re hoping the third time will be a charm: 34-year-old Demeterius Spann of the Richmond Highway area of Alexandria and 29-year-old Nydale Sheppard of Reston have each been incarcerated three times.

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2015 General Assembly Session Draws to a Close

The 45-day 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to a close last week, one which Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) described as “pretty calm, mainly because guys on either side have stayed away from divisive social issues they’ve pushed in the past,” and Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) assessed, “For the most part, I think they did accomplish some good things.”

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New Packaging Brewing Company Opens in Lorton

With the capacity to churn out over 4,000 barrels annually, Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton can claim the title of Fairfax County’s largest packaging brewery.

Wednesday, March 4

Column: General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die

Commentary

The 2015 session of the General Assembly has officially adjourned. Bills I introduced that now await Governor McAuliffe's signature include legislation on issues from job placement and hospital patients' rights to tax refunds and ethics reform.

Column: Sole-Searching

There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.