Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Letter to the Editor: Increase Natural Lighting
To the Editor: I am a graduate of Carl Sandburg Middle School and still have many friends that go there. I attended the presentation on the plans to renovate Carl Sandburg Middle School, and I was impressed by how much it will be renovated.
Letter to the Editor: What Moran Stands For
To the Editor: As someone who is active in the community and the Democratic candidate for Delegate from Virginia’s 42nd district in last year’s election, I offer my enthusiastic endorsement of Congressman Jim Moran in the Democratic Primary on June 12.
Serving the Muse and the Community
Peter Lattu turns to poetry and volunteering.
How to fill the void after the dog dies: That was the dilemma facing Peter Lattu. For several years, Lattu had taken his border collie on three long walks a day. But many empty hours stretched before the Alexandria resident when the dog was gone. "I needed things to do," said Lattu.
Planning Delays Vote on Dog Park
The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted May 31 to defer a final vote on the proposed Interim Off Leash Dog Park (OLDA) for Westgrove Park until July 19.
Huntington Residents Await Storm Season as They Gear up for November Bond Referendum
Fairfax voters to determine the fate of flood mitigation along Cameron Run.
Everyone in the neighborhood near the Huntington Metro station has a story. Pregnant women rescued by firefighters in rafts. Waste-deep water. Mold. Mildew.
Voters to Determine Republican and Democratic Candidates for House and Senate
Low turnout expected in June 12 primary.
Election officials are expecting an extremely low turnout for the June 12 primary, ranging from 3 percent in Arlington to 15 percent in Alexandria.
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment and Classified Ads!
Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.
A Commitment to Social Justice
Walker discusses her faith as a Unitarian Universalist.
“I consider myself a mystical humanist,” said the Rev. Kate Walker of the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, where she has preached for almost four years. “I put a great deal of faith in the human spirit, intellect and heart, but I am also very open to the depths of mystery and all that I can’t explain. There is a sense of divinity and sacredness in this world that I engage with on a daily basis.”
Calendar for May 31
E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with questions.
Torpedo Factory Welcomes Guest Artists for Summer 2012
The Torpedo Factory Art Center announces the Visiting Artists who will be in residence during June, July and August 2012. Now in its third year, the goal of the Visiting Artist Program is to expose the Torpedo Factory Art Center’s visitors and patrons to a rotating group of accomplished artists and provide a unique opportunity to interact, explore and exchange ideas. The Visiting Artists will be working in studios throughout the 76,000-square-foot art center and will be actively involved in art enrichment events throughout the summer months in which they will demonstrate and discuss their work.
Taste of Del Ray is Sunday, June 3
Hell’s Kitchen Winner to Judge 4th Annual Taste of Del Ray
Mark your calendars, clean your palates and prepare for the fourth annual Taste of Del Ray, sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association. The event will take place on Sunday, June 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. This year’s celebrity chef is Rock Harper — winner of Season 3 "Hell’s Kitchen" — the Gordon Ramsey cooking competition on FOX-TV.
Dentists Help UCM Program Participants
Drs. James Geren, Henry Rollins and Zeyad Mady and their entire team at Alexandria Cosmetic Dentistry donated dental services valued at $13,440 on Saturday, May 19, through their Dental Day program for individuals who cannot afford necessary procedures. Twenty-five UCM program participants received treatments that relieved the pain caused by dental issues and helped them smile again. UCM is deeply thankful for the long-time support of Dr. Geren and his associates.