Wednesday, January 31
Pedestrian Dies after Hit and Run in December
Police Briefs
Historic District Is Essentially Finished
Letters to the Editor
Reality Check Needed Before Pursuing Sports Complex at Potomac Yard
Letters to the Editor
Potomac Yard Virtual Sessions Feb. 1; Pop Up Feb. 3
Alexandria News Briefs
Police Continue Search for Hit & Run Driver
Victim Mary Wong dies more than a month after she was left injured on road.
The victim of the hit-and-run crash on Huntsman Boulevard has succumbed to injuries inflicted on Dec. 23 (see Connection, January 18-24, page 2).
Herndon Seeks Business Owner to Serve on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
The Town of Herndon is seeking an energetic, results-oriented business owner to serve an unexpired term on the Herndon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (HDEIC)
VA Legislators Aim for Assault Weapon Bans
Will new seats mean new votes?
Virginia came close to banning sales of assault weapons in 2020 when the House passed a bill banning them by a narrow 51-yes to 48-no vote. In the Senate Judiciary committee that year however, three Democrats: Senators Creigh Deeds, Chap Petersen, and Scott Surovell, surprised many by voting with Republican committee members to fail to move the bill forward in the Senate.
New President, New Ideas Coming to FABB
Bicycling group continues to grow with biking efforts in Fairfax County.
Over at the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, 2024 will start out with a new president, as former president Bruce Wright steps down and newly elected Joy Faunce takes over.
Alternatives to Revenue Model for County Park Authority
FCPA’s recreation participation skews wealthier and whiter than the population of Fairfax County.
Pathway Homes Receives $30K Grant to Support Upkeep on 500+ Homes
Homes and services are key to recovery and resident successPathway Homes received a $30,000 grant from Sentara, one of the nation’s top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems, to help support ongoing maintenance for the over 500 properties that Pathway owns, leases and manages in Northern Virginia.
Combating Animal Cruelty
During the summer and fall, I heard from constituents who believe that there should be stiffer penalties for those who hurt household pets. We have seen examples of this in our community. Last summer, someone left sausages with fish hooks on Duke Street in Alexandria outside for animals to eat.
Virginia's Great Outdoors Act
As we hurdle towards crossover day in just two short weeks here in Richmond, I’d like to bring you along on the journey of one of my bills this session. As I have mentioned in previous columns, one bill I introduced this session is the Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act, HB 1297.
Alexandria Police Department Investigates False Threats on Schools as Swatting
On Jan. 24, City of Alexandria Police Department received multiple calls threatening the safety of two Alexandria City Public Schools.
ACHS to Host Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints
Feb. 3 event is the largest indoor rowing championship.
Alexandria City High School will host more than 1,500 rowers Feb. 3 as the host site for the 2024 East Coast USRowing Indoor National Championship.
2024 Spring Garden Market at River Farm
The American Horticultural Society’s annual Spring Garden Market at River Farm will be April 12-13.
Ribbon Cutting for Soma Yoga Healing Center
Soma Yoga is a center dedicated to helping clients improve their quality of life in a safe and nurturing environment.
Beyer Supports 401Kids Savings Act
The new bill would create children’s savings accounts (CSAs) for every single child in America, building lifelong wealth and economic self-sufficiency for kids from families with limited resources.
The Chamber ALX’s CareerCon: A Post-Grad Masterclass
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce CareerCon, presented by Virginia Tech Innovation Campus on Friday, Feb. 16
New Food Establishments Open in Lorton
The growing area in Lorton off Silverbrook Road welcomed two new restaurants in January as this Liberty Market area grows with the population in southern Fairfax County.
Biden, Harris Visit Northern Virginia
Second stop of Vice President Kamala Harris’s Reproductive Freedom Tour
President and VP
Friday, January 26
Thursday, January 25
13th Anniversary at Port City
13th Anniversary at Port City
Wednesday, January 24
Alexandria News Briefs: $5 Million Damage in Warehouse Fire
Alexandria News Briefs
Learning about Police Animal Protection Unit
Officers deal with everything from dogs to bats to snakes.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Animal Protection Unit has some 30 officers, and Sgt. D.L. Cook, a field supervisor with that unit, recently spoke about its responsibilities.
Officer of the Quarter: PFC Jackson Russell
PFC Jackson Russell is the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Quarter for October, November and December 2023. He was honored at the Jan. 10 meeting of the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
Snow Days!
Two snow storms last week each gifted Montgomery County with about 4 inches of snow, and closed school for three days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Children's Almanac — Hoover Middle, Mrs. Bryant's Grade 6
Students in Mrs. Bryant’s Grade 6 English class, Hoover Middle School
Children's Almanac — Hoover Middle, Mrs. Bryant's Grade 6
Preserve Access to Telehealth for Seniors with Medicare
Current flexibilities will end on Dec. 31 unless the Biden administration and Congress take action.
Senior Living
Arrests Lead to Seizure of Firearms and Methamphetamine
Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau have charged two suspects in connection to a December robbery in Vienna that led to the seizure of 13 firearms and four pounds of methamphetamine.
Tight Knit Circle of Friends
Women gather each week to create and connect.
The soft click-clack of knitting needles is barely audible over the chatter that fills the library of Margaret Overcash’s McLean home. She and three of her oldest friends have gathered for their weekly knitting session.
MVHS To Perform ‘Tales of Anansi’
The perfect show to help kick off celebration of African-American History Month.
The theater students at Mount Vernon High School will put on the world premiere of the play “Tales of Anansi,” written by Prentiss Matthews III. This children’s play, inspired by African folk tales, follows a tiny spider from Africa who is sneaky and causes mischief, but also has important lessons about friendship and honesty.
Bills, Bills, Bills
We are in the midst of the second full week of session down here in Richmond, and our work is picking up quickly!
Washington Legacy Foundation Announces Essay Contest
Competition open to 7th and 8th grade students.
“This is a unique chance for budding historians in our community to showcase their knowledge, analysis, and writing skills.” — George Washington Legacy Foundation president Marion Moon
Debra Roepke Appointed Executive Director of Alexandria Seaport Foundation
The Alexandria Seaport Foundation Board of Directors has Debra Roepke as Executive Director. A distinguished nonprofit leader and recognized expert in volunteer engagement and management, Roepke will spearhead a transformative journey for the Foundation, leading initiatives to expand the Foundation’s capacity, enhancing the skills-based Apprentice Program, and aligning efforts with the evolving needs and aspirations of the young adults the foundation serves.
Circuit Breakers
Titan Robotics begins 10th season.
“We have to design, manufacture, program and test the robot all from scratch on our own.” — Titan Robotics team president Charlie Sokolove
FCPS Proposed Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan
Climate change, gerrymandering, and inequitable funding discussed.
Climate change, gerrymandering, and inequitable funding discussed.
Investing in Public Safety
Public Safety
January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month
Prevention, detection, badge-to-badge support, and data gathering.
Cancer Month
Tuesday, January 23
Preserve Access to Telehealth for Seniors with Medicare
Current flexibilities will end on Dec. 31 unless the Biden administration and Congress take action
Senior Living
Thursday, January 18
Wednesday, January 17
Health Department Shares Details of Measles Exposures
Alexandria News Briefs
Potomac Home Sales: December, 2023
In December, 2023, 43 Potomac homes sold between $4,450,000-$683,000.
Potomac Home Sales: December, 2023
500 Affordable Rentals in Tysons
The Exchange at Spring Hill Station is planned to be the largest fully committed affordable housing community in Tysons with more than 500 affordable rental homes for residents earning 60 percent or less of Area Median Income.
Early Voting Begins for March 5 Presidential Primaries
Early voting begins for the March 5 dual presidential primary elections in the City of Alexandria. The ballots will contain a contest for either the Democratic or Republican nominee for President of the United States. In dual primary elections, voters may vote in either primary, but not both.
12th Annual Chocolate Festival at McLean Community Center
Mars to present History of Chocolate!
12th Annual Chocolate Festival, which is a delectable celebration set to occur on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at the McLean Center located at 1234 Ingleside Street, McLean, VA 22101. The event will run from 11 pm to 5 pm.
Multiple Rotary Clubs Collaborate for Rise Against Hunger
Volunteers and sponsors needed.
Volunteers and sponsors are sought for the Rise Against Hunger Food Packaging event at Aldrin Elementary School, 11375 Center Harbor Road, Reston, VA, Saturday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; set-up at 8:30 a.m.
Women’s Personal Safety Presentation
Roundups
Supervisors to Decide on Chantilly Data Center
Public hearing is set for next Tuesday, Jan. 23.
Penzance wants to build a 402,000-square-foot data center off Route 50, Stonecroft Boulevard and Auto Park Circle in Chantilly.
Expanded Virginia Gambling to be Considered by General Assembly
Virginia’s legal gaming landscape has shifted rapidly over the past five years. In decades past, legal gambling was limited to the Virginia Lottery, authorized in the early 1990s through a statewide referendum. Prior to five years ago, the only other legal form of wagering in Virginia was charitable bingo and “pull-tab” machines.
Police Officer Joins Parade for Dying Boy
During the Jan. 10 meeting of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Capt. Dan Spital, the station commander, took a few minutes to honor one of his officers, MPO Mike O’Brien.
Spotlighting the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate
The Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services facility empowers individuals and families.
The Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate in Reston is a vital, active neighborhood hub. Located at 12125 Pinecrest Road, Dogwood Elementary School, a Fairfax County Title 1 grant program school, anchors the community.
Great Falls Garden Club Youth Native Garden Grant
The Great Falls Garden Club in partnership with Friends of the Great Falls Library is sponsoring a $300 Youth Native Habitat Garden Grant to be awarded to a student in Grades 5 -11 who lives in the 22066 zip-code. Application materials will be available on Feb. 15 at the GF Library and on-line at GFGardenClub.org.
Reporting From Richmond
Gen Assembly
Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail Keep Rolling
Kind words shared online fuel their efforts.
MV Trail
Tuesday, January 16
Volunteer Fairfax Mobilizes Hundreds for
Weekend of Service 2024 benefits those in need and bolsters volunteerism.
Volunteerism
Reston Community Center’s Annual MLK Celebration
Rev. William J. Barber II calls on us to recommit to the fight for justice and remember the real King.
MLK Day
Are You Ready for This?
Early voting for U.S. Presidential primary begins Friday, Jan. 19 in Fairfax County.
voting
Monday, January 15
Wednesday, January 10
Beaty Triumphs in Special Election
Substitute teacher wins District A school board seat.
School board
Opposition to the Proposed Reston Casino
During the 2023 legislative session, State Senator David Marsden advanced legislation authorizing a casino development in Fairfax County, with Reston suggested as a likely location. While the bill didn’t pass, lawmakers are already pledging to reintroduce it this coming session.
Fairfax High’s Choral Cabaret is Friday
News briefs
City Launches ‘Community Engagement’ on Arena
The City of Alexandria announced plans for “community engagement events to share the vision for the proposed Entertainment District at Potomac Yard,” and gather input from Alexandria residents, civic and organizational leaders, and other stakeholders.
2024 Legislative Agenda: FILING BILLS
State Senators are limited to introducing 21 pieces of legislation this session, so I am hard at work putting the final touches on my package of bills for 2024.
Fairfax NAACP President Michelle Leete – A Champion for Civil Rights
The Fairfax County NAACP branch announced the sudden passing of its president, Michelle Leete, last weekend.
Tuck Everlasting
ACCT presents musical version of beloved children’s novel.
“You don’t need to live forever, you just need to live.” — A signature line in the ACCT musical ‘Tuck Everlasting’
Car Crimes Are on ACE Units Radar
Useful in Mount Vernon for carjacking and auto thefts.
The Fairfax County Police Department is taking another step to get tough on car theft with the Auto Crimes Enforcement Unit known as “ACE.”
Ken Plum: Earning the Public’s Trust
After 50 years in public service to Virginia as a teacher, as the Fairfax County Public Schools Supervisor, and as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for 44 years, Delegate Ken Plum, is retiring.
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Mount Vernon Bikeshare Virtual Public Meeting
FCDOT will host a virtual meeting on expanding the Capital Bikeshare network in the Mount Vernon District on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Curtain Call
ACHS theater teachers Bachman, Jones honored.
“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of being part of a theater department partnership is pretty special.” — ACHS theater department teacher Leslie Jones
Tuesday, January 9
For 2024 Meals, Think Virginia
Traditional Virginia foods can brighten your table and your tales.
Think Va