Stories for January 2015

New Health Club in Alexandria/Mount Vernon Offers ‘Judgment Free Zone’

“Biggest Loser” finalist attends ribbon-cutting.

Planet Fitness, the health club franchise known for its “judgement free zone,” opened its second club in in December. Located at 5960 Richmond Highway, the club celebrated with a ribbon-cutting party on Jan. 14. Special guest, “The Biggest Loser” finalist, David Brown, was available to talk about fitness tips, and his own fitness philosophy.

New Health Club in Alexandria/Mount Vernon Offers ‘Judgment Free Zone’ delete

“Biggest Loser” finalist attends ribbon-cutting.

Planet Fitness, the health club franchise known for its “judgement free zone,” opened its second club in in December. Located at 5960 Richmond Highway, the club celebrated with a ribbon-cutting party on Jan. 14. Special guest, “The Biggest Loser” finalist, David Brown, was available to talk about fitness tips, and his own fitness philosophy.

Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment

How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Alexandria Working Against a Slowdown

Alexandria developments hope to reverse job loss trends.

When asked how Alexandria’s doing, interim City Manager Mark Jinks’ reaction is tepid. The good news is that income is high, as is hotel occupancy, but it basically stops there.

Alexandria: T.C. Williams Gymnastics Has Sights Set on Regional Berth

Defending conference champs field 2nd complete team in 3 decades.

T.C. Williams gymnastics won a six-team meet at West Potomac on Jan. 22.

A Challenge for Garza: Excessive Homework

To the Editor: Your article “How Does She Do It” - Karen Garza’s vision: the irresistible force moving immovable object of Fairfax County Public Schools (The Connection,December 24-10, 2014) showed FCPS Superintendent Dr. Garza as a force for change. In the Fairfax County school system, students demonstrate excellence by collaborating and achieving good grades with the assistance of teachers.

Cartoon: Elephant in Diplomacy Shop

Diplomacy Shoppe

Column: Traffic Caught

If I were writing this column in Massachusetts – where I was born and mostly educated (K-12), and had a thick Boston accent, that’s how court would likely be pronounced; changing a noun into a verb.

Strategy to Succeed

Students master their own learning styles to overcome challenges.

Students who have learning and financial challenges often also face challenges getting into and attending college.

Editorial: Baby Steps, Not Enough

Supervisors should take action, not defer to “outside expert,” on absurd and outrageous behavior of police department.

Finally, now that the Fairfax County Police Department has taken stonewalling into the arena of the absurd, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has at least said it is time for change. It is a step, but a step that continues the appearance of obfuscation if not outright obstruction.

Political Jockeying in Mount Vernon

With Puller’s retirement, the race is on.

Soon after state Sen. Toddy Puller’s retirement announcement, candidates for the vacated seat are already emerging.

Colleagues Praise Mount Vernon's Puller

State senator to retire at end of current session.

Calling State Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller’s announcement to retire “bittersweet,” Del. Mark Sickles explained that it is “bitter because her absence will leave a gaping void here in Richmond; sweet because nobody has done more in one life to deserve less hectic years at home with friends and family.”

Alexandria: Final Performances

The 2015 cast of Aldersgate Church Community Theatre presents the final performances of their production of “Shrek, Jr.” this weekend. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings, Jan. 23 and 24 at 7:30 and Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. A special matinee performance is on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1071559

LTA Presents 'The Game's Afoot' in Alexandria

It's a cross between an Agatha Christie murder mystery and a Ken Ludwig modern farce.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria is presenting the witty and fast-paced "The Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays," Jan. 17 through Feb. 7.

Lower Price, Higher Demand in Alexandria

The appearance of gas for under $2 a gallon at the new Liberty gas station at 442 North Henry St. in Alexandria attracted enough attention that regular ran dry while this photographer was trying to fill the tank.

Fairfax County Delivers Geer Documents

Thirty days after a court order by Fairfax Circuit Court judge Randy Bellows, Fairfax County has produced documents concerning the shooting death of John Geer.

People At Work: On Route, Collecting Trash in Alexandria

It was 7 a.m. and 25 degrees in the truck yard. The hose on the trash compactor at T.C. Williams high school had frozen up and city resources for trash collection were reconfigured on the spot.

‘The Journey to be Free’ in Alexandria

It was standing room only in City Council Chambers as the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. poster exhibition program began on Monday afternoon. The contest, originating in 1990 by the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black History, Inc. (ASPBH, Inc.), highlights the artwork of Alexandria City Public School students.

Could Fairfax County End Veteran Homelessness in 2015?

Chairman Bulova, Fairfax County take on national Mayors Challenge.

The transition from serving in the armed forces to civilian life is often not simple. While in Fairfax County there are more than 12,000 veteran-owned businesses, indicating a significant measure of success, for others the path is far more difficult.

Supporting Music in Alexandria Schools

Award-winning violinist helps Alexandria Public Schools play its biggest concert.

Every elementary, middle, and high school in Alexandria, 18 schools in total, came together on Janu. 7 for the biggest concert in the school system’s history: 370 students, 200 of them from local elementary schools, 170 from middle and high schools, participated in Electrify Your Strings (EYS).

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bulova Releases 2015 State of the County Address

Despite a projected shortfall of nearly $100 million facing Fairfax County going into the FY 2016 budget, Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova remains encouraged by a 2014 that she said was full of accomplishments.

Alexandria: Senior Guard Hill, Rebounding Propel Titans in Second Half

TC beats West Potomac to improve to 5-1 in Conference 7.

The T.C. Williams boys' basketball team will face Woodson on Friday.

Column: Seasonal Seven Dwarfs

Sneezy, Coughy, Phlegmy, Stuffy, Achy. No-Sleepy and Post-Nasal Drippy; and no Doc, which is possibly what led to this column being written.

Scott Surovell (D-44) Announces Bid for State Senate

Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) used his blog and e-newsletter to make his intention known: Less than a week after Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) announced she would not look to serve another term, Surovell declared he would run for the vacant seat on Sunday, Jan. 18.

Alexandria Real Estate: 2014 Top Sales

Alexandria/Mount Vernon: Timely Donations

Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce collected and donated winter coats, sweaters, hats, scarves, and gloves to local non-profits that help the homeless. The "Warmer Winter" initiative was headed by Jane Gandee, owner of ServiceMaster Restore and a member of the Chamber Board of Directors.

Preparing the Roads in Alexandria

It is 7 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14 and Mike Haynes is checking in with a City of Alexandria truck driver after dumping in 2 tons of salt from his loader. The trucks had been out working since 1 a.m. preparing for predicted snow and sleet.

News Briefs: Pedestrian Killed on Route 1 Alexandria

Fairfax County Police Department crash reconstruction detectives are investigating a crash that took place at around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. John Henderson, a 40-year-old Alexandria area man, was reportedly sitting in the center of Route 1 northbound just prior to Southgate Drive outside of the crosswalk.

People At Work: Making Pasta - and More - in Alexandria

In the kitchen with Chef Jenrri

Flour sprayed through the air as Chef Henry Jenrri sprinkled the metal ravioli mold before spreading the sheet of pasta over the top. He filled each indentation with spinach filling, folded the large sheet of pasta over the top and pressed the rolling pin back and forth to separate the raviolis.

Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2014

In December 2014, 182 Alexandria homes sold between $3,495,000-$145,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: December, 2014

Open Door, Open Hearts at Rising Hope in Alexandria

Homeless and needy come in from the cold for a Merry Christmas

“We had a spectacular Christmas!” declared the Rev. Keary Kincannon of Rising Hope United Methodist Church, which serves the homeless and needy along the Route 1 corridor.

Celebrating Life of Aldo Leopold in Alexandria

The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust sponsored a Read-a-Thon in honor of the 128th birthday of environmentalist Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 10.

Masonic Memorial in Alexandria Turns Blue

In recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the George Washington Masonic Memorial was illuminated in blue throughout the evening of Friday, Jan. 9 to show support for Alexandria's law enforcement officers and Project Blue Light.

General Assembly Fairfax Delegation Holds Public Meeting Prior to Session in Richmond.

Justin Dolan addressed the state delegates and senators from his wheelchair rather than the podium. The 34-year-old Falls Church resident has cerebral palsy, and received an Individual & Family Developmental Disabilities Support waiver.

Fairfax County Supervisors Seek Outside Help with Transparency

“Independent expertise” to advise on information disclosure policies.

Eight days after offering the public the first of any kind of official explanation for officer-involved shooting of Springfield resident John Geer, the Board of Supervisors took another step.

Alexandria: T.C. Williams Boys’ Basketball Firing on All Cylinders

Titans beat 2014 region finalists Woodson, Lake Braddock.

T.C. Williams defeated Lake Braddock 69-58 on Tuesday night.

Backyard Dreaming

Local tastemakers say winter is the best time to plan an idyllic backyard retreat.

Spring may seem light years away from the frigid January temperatures, and lounging in your backyard is probably the last thing you want to do at the moment, but landscape designers say now is the time to start planning a summer retreat.

Column: $32.99 Plus Shipping

For one box of 54 petite Belgian waffle cookies in three delicious flavors: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vanilla; an extravagance to be sure, available during the holidays; this recipient (actually, my wife, Dina, was the recipient) very happy to oblige and indulge.

People at Work: Sweets at the Sugar Cube in Alexandria

Finding the right candy from throughout the U.S.

People at work: "Please pass the M&Ms," a small voice pipes up from his seat at the end of the table. He stares at his large white sugar cookie a moment before beginning his masterpiece. "M&Ms are new this year," says Alyssa Theodore, owner of The Sugar Cube on King Street in Alexandria. "I'm pretty sure they'll be the hit."

Alexandria Neighborhood

TAYLOR RUN

SHUTER’S HILL ECUMENICAL CAROLERS The carolers were rewarded with marvelous weather for their Christmas collection for Children’s Hospital.

Mount Vernon, Alexandria Communities Mourns Death of Herb Harris

Former member of Congress, district supervisor.

Former Mount Vernon Supervisor and U.S. Rep. Herbert Harris died at his home in Mount Vernon on Dec. 24, 2014. He was 88 years old.

Alexandria: Saved from Dog Meat Farm

Rescued dogs from Korea arrive at animal shelter.

The vans pulled up a little after 8 p.m. at the delivery doors of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter on Monday evening, Jan. 5. Eleven large traveling crates were removed and brought indoors.

Celebrating the Holidays with Alexandria Seaport Foundation

Staff, friends and supporters of the Alexandria Seaport Foundation gathered for a final holiday party in the Duke Street workshop at the Robinson Terminal South on Dec. 9. The boats in progress were decked out with festive greens as the work tables were laden with food and wine. The ASF will vacate the current premises later in 2015 when demolition for redevelopment begins at the terminal.

Ushering in the New Year in Alexandria

First Night fireworks light up Alexandria.

Fireworks lit up the sky over the Potomac River to usher in 2015 as part of the 20th anniversary of First Night Alexandria.

Alexandria Civil Rights Pioneer Ferdinand Day Dies

The force behind the philosophy of “Every Student Counts.”

When Ferdinand Day was born in 1918, Virginia had just passed its first compulsory school attendance law for children ages 8-12. But with legalized segregation, funding for the education of African American students was sorely limited, with only four black public high schools in the entire state. It would take decades before one existed in Alexandria.

Secret Santas in Alexandria

Departmental Progressive Club collects toys for Jefferson-Houston families

Members of the Departmental Progressive Club stopped by Jefferson-Houston Elementary School Dec. 15 to deliver more than 100 toys for students in need. “We are so thankful for what the Departmental Progressive Club has done,” said Jefferson-Houston principal Chris Phillips. “Each toy here means one more kid will wake up happy.”

Column: Down and Not Out, Yet

Thankfully (so far as I know, which isn’t very far), after a five-week interval between infusions, which included two additional weeks of pre-chemotherapy lab work and an out-of-the-ordinary 24-hour urine collection (“creatinine clearance”) to boot – to more accurately measure my kidney function in hopes of meeting a 1.6 threshold – muster was finally passed, and I was subsequently infused without any further adieu.

Overnight I-66 Closures in January

All lanes of Interstate 66 in one direction will close intermittently between midnight and 5 a.m. on several dates in January for the installation of gantries. Each closure will last up to 30 minutes.

Alexandria Budget Looms Over 2015 Plans

Alexandria city officials discuss goals and funding for 2015.

For Alexandria City Council, 2015 kicks off with a continuing discussion of the budget and the city’s priorities. With an anticipated decrease in federal spending, city officials are preparing for a difficult budget process.

Alexandria's Year of the Manhunt

Local law enforcement looks back on pursuing a killer and plans ahead for 2015’s goals.

For much of Alexandria’s law enforcement, 2014 was defined by a manhunt across state boundaries to catch a suspect in killings that haunted the city’s streets for 10 years. In 2015, the most immediate concern for the police and sheriff’s office is the no less complicated task of finding a way to maintain their efficiency with the prospect of a tightening budget from the city.