Stories for February 2024

Wednesday, February 28

Senior Living: Helping Seniors Age Safely and Successfully

Home for Life 2024 Expo is slated for April 12.

Senior living

Local Couple Feared Dead in Yacht Hijacking

Former Del Ray residents Brandel, Hendry missing in Caribbean.

“Kathy and Ralph were just now beginning to talk about coming in to land again since Kathy just had a grandson.” — Donna Anderson

The governor has provided little in the way of a preview of what legislative actions he may take, including whether he will sign, amend, or veto bills that would increase the minimum wage and better protect communities from gun violence.

Acrobatic Avians Are Active Now

Woodcocks choose forests, forest edges, shrubby areas near fields and wet meadows for their mating sites.

Bitter Pill in Fentanyl Response

Should severe penalties or drug education/treatment prevail?

Virginia’s General Assembly, which convened on Jan. 10, for a 60-day ‘long session’, is considering several fentanyl related bills to address the significant rise in synthetic opioid overdose deaths among Virginians. Fentanyl is now Virginia’s deadliest killer.

St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide

A local nonprofit organization will sponsor free safe rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

250 Years of Revolutionary History

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, I wanted to highlight another anniversary in Virginia’s revolutionary history.

Mount Vernon Celebrates 18th Century Style

George Washington honored with food and a look back in history

Not many could have a 297th birthday and have hundreds show up at the house to celebrate. President George Washington is one of those few, still remembered and admired, more than two hundred years after his death in December 1799 at age 67. His restored estate at Mount Vernon again hosted an event in celebration of surveyor, military man, army general, statesman, first United States President, and farmer, and provided celebrants with a view back into his life and times.

Living Legend Carolyn Lewis

Educator improving the lives of others.

Carolyn Lewis has seen Project Discovery Alexandria grow to an organization with 20 chapters in seven states providing guidance to students pursuing higher education.

Annual Gala and Silent Auction

The 2024 Senior Services of Alexandria Annual Gala and Silent Auction is Saturday, March 16 from 6-10 p.m. at The Westin Alexandria Old Town

Is This Acceptable?

Letters

Bridging the Gap

CCNA hosts community leaders to address health, education inequities.

“As the community celebrates Black History Month, one of the challenges that we don’t often discuss is mental wellbeing.” — Rawle Andrews Jr.

School Board Approves $3.8 Billion Budget

Mateo Dunne proposal not to increase pay for top division leadership rejected by Board; Supervisors will influence budget.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, the twelve-member Fairfax County School Board approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Advertised Budget 11–0 with one abstention.

Inova Blood Drive, March 8, in Fairfax

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Mourn Loudoun County Firefighter Killed in Explosion

NIOSH, Federal Investigation Underway

Firefighter

Gun Safety Bills Head to Governor’s Desk

Rally cry in Richmond: ‘Sign the Bills’

Gun Bill

Fed Up: Fairfax Connector Workers on Strike

Union cites unfair labor practices and Transdev’s ‘slow-walking the talks.’

Bus Strike

Tuesday, February 27

County Executive Presents FY 2025 Advertised Budget

Tax increase proposed; jobs cut; state underfunds schools; supervisors will make changes.

Budget

Senior Living: Six in 10 People with Dementia Will Wander

Alzheimer’s Association offer tips to prepare for this emergency situation

Dementia

Wednesday, February 21

Car Seat Inspections on Feb. 29

Roundups

Donate Supplies to The Lamb Center

The Lamb Center, a nonprofit, daytime drop-in center for the homeless, needs the following supplies

Potomac Home Sales: January, 2024

In January, 2024, 43 Potomac homes sold between $3,375,000-$675,000.

FACETS’ Hypothermia Program Experiences Increase in Clients

With growing need and colder weather, seasonal shelter connects guests with services through April 1.

FACETS began its annual Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program in late November and has experienced an increase in demand with cold weather and local need pushing up the numbers of people seeking shelter.

A Culinary Tour of the World in Fairfax City

Winter Restaurant Week is Feb. 26-March 3.

It’s always a good time to visit Fairfax City – but especially during Restaurant Week. That’s when both locals and visitors get a chance to enjoy delicious meals at the City’s restaurants for lower-than-normal prices.

Lorton Book Event Draws Large Crowd

40,000 books available to open the world for all.

The Lorton Community Center and Library know that reading opens the world.Their February 10th book drive and family literacy fair aimed to be sure that area families and educators had a means to open that global door to knowledge, learning, and adventure, for all.

Teen Dies in Lorton Crash

A 19-year-old died from injuries after running into the back a roll back dumpster truck yesterday morning on Richmond Highway at Giles Run Road in Lorton.

Preschool Mail Carriers Deliver Valentines

FCPS teacher broadens students' learning and social skills through play.

Valentines

Tuesday, February 20

Fixing Something That Isn’t Broken

Opinion/Letter to Editor

Metro Funding: Va. Should Contribute $180 Million

Smart Growth

February’s Big Buzz About Bees

Could the Honeybee become a Virginia mascot?

Bees they a buzzin'

House of Delegates Considering SB 280, Medical Aid in Dying

Death with dignity bill passed in Virginia Senate.

Death with Dignity

Letter: Are Fairfax County Workers Shortchanged in Proposed Budget?

letter

TJ Admissions Upheld

DOJ Releases Uvalde Review in mid-January

Where are comments by Fairfax County and Virginia on recommendations?

Review

Thursday, February 15

Club Studio Tysons Corner Preview Center is Now Open!

Club Studio is a cutting-edge fitness experience that brings state-of-the-art amenities and boutique fitness classes together in one gym. The new 48,000 square foot club in Vienna features five innovative boutique fitness studios that were carefully curated to create a unique experience, along with recovery services (including cryotherapy), plenty of free weights, strength and cardio areas, functional training area, locker rooms and more.

Wednesday, February 14

Local Rock Band’s Original Song up for Award

With a handful of original songs and a show every weekend, the Mojo Aces have an ace in the hole this time around.

local band

“Flourishing After 55”

Office of 55+ Programs

Arlington Police Arrest Crystal City Rape Suspect

Arlington News Briefs

New Race and Social Equity Officer

Alexandria News Briefs

Senate Version of Potomac Yard Arena Proposal Hits a Speedbump — or Roadblock?

Last November, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced his proposal to relocate the Washington Wizards NBA team and the Washington Capitals NHL team from DC across the river to a $2 billion arena to be built in the City of Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood.

Crossover Report

Concerns on transit infrastructure, labor agreements and the impact on our greater metro area lead to “no” vote on the Arena bill.

We have officially reached Crossover in the 2024 General Assembly session! Now, we in the House will turn our attention to the bills that the Senate has sent to us to consider.

Car Seat Inspections, Thursday, Feb. 15

Roundups

Mason Is Praised for Regional Leadership

Friends, colleagues recall his governance and consensus-building.

Besides all he did for the City of Fairfax, former Mayor John Mason also played an important part in the county and region.

Snapshot of John Mason’s Life and Legacy

Born Jan. 27, 1935, in Springfield, Mass., John Mason had a distinguished, 20-year career in the U.S. Army before retiring as a colonel in 1976.

Celebrating Black History Month in the Mount Vernon District

History is all around us in Fairfax County, and especially when you live here in the Mount Vernon District!

Investing in Families with Solutions that Work

Fifty-percent of Americans have less than $400 in their bank accounts, putting them one emergency expense from a devastating financial crisis. In Alexandria and south Arlington, more than 30% of families are unable to cover basic needs.

Pohick Church, Still Thriving after 250 Years

“As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our church home, let us admire the witness of our spiritual ancestors – not because they are pillars of morality and perfection -- but precisely because they are not. Because they answered the call anyway and entered into a lifetime process of transformation that formed them into true leaders.” — The Very Rev. Dr. Lynn Ronaldi, Rector

Open Letter to Ted Leonsis from Andrew Macdonald

Potomac Yard not suitable for Arena.

We want to make sure that there is no misunderstanding that many Alexandrians are angry about the prospect of Virginia taxpayers having to pay to build your sports arena at Potomac Yard.

African American Heritage Trail

Ribbon cutting officially opens South Route.

“This is another thoughtful way to engage everyone who comes to Alexandria.” — U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8)

Monumental First Step

Va. House passes bill to advance Potomac Yard entertainment complex; local opposition continues.

“Today’s vote is an important milestone in the efforts to bring a sports and entertainment district to Potomac Yard.” — Mayor Justin Wilson

Fentanyl Called Deadliest Drug Threat

Multi-tiered response seeks to save lives

Fentanyl

Wednesday, February 7

Arlington News Briefs

Wrap up of Saturday, Jan. 20, 2023 – Regular County Board Meeting

Arlington Innovation Fund Launches Inaugural Startup Grantees

Arlington Economic Development (AED) announced the selection of five Arlington-based startups as recipients of Catalyst Grants from the Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF).

Help Stuff the Bus for Britepaths

News Briefs

Suspect in Car Break Ins Arrested

Officers from the Franconia District Station arrested a man suspected of breaking into multiple cars in Lorton.

Kids Open New Children’s Space at Cub Run Rec Center

More than a dozen eager kids, joined by their excited parents, celebrated the opening of a brand-new space at Cub Run Rec Center especially for them.

USDA Now Accepting Applications for Veterinary Services Grant Opportunities in Designated Areas of Virginia

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has nominated five veterinary services shortage areas in the Commonwealth that have a need for veterinarians practicing food supply veterinary medicine.

Commercial Burglaries in Mount Vernon Police District

Detectives from FCPD Criminal Investigations Division are investigating multiple burglaries in the Woodlawn and Sacramento Shopping Centers.

Guilty Plea in Conspiring To Sexually Exploit Children

A Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) attorney pleaded guilty last month to conspiring to sexually exploit numerous children.

Tri Pointe Homes To Open Two New Townhome Communities

The projects add more than 220 new homes in Alexandria.

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc., one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., wil hold the grand opening of two new townhome communities in Alexandria. Eisenhower Pointe will open in the West End neighborhood on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.

Win Some, Lose Some

12 out of 23 is not so bad.

Bills are on the move this fourth week of session here in Richmond! I have had several “losses” this week with my legislation, but they are outweighed by my “wins”.

Fill the Fridge for Carpenter’s Shelter

Carpenter’s Shelter needs help to Fill the Fridge from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24. Your help is needed to fill the refrigerators, freezers and pantries at the Hoffman Center and Alexandria Community Shelter (ACS).

Donald Dinan

Alexandria Aces founder dies at 74.

“Don was a walking encyclopedia and a wealth of knowledge.” — Alexandria Aces owner Frank Fannon

Chamber Business Scholarships for High School Seniors

Applications are now open for business scholarships for graduating high school seniors provided by Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

Police Seek Help Identifying Carjacking Suspects

Detectives from FCPD Major Crimes Bureau are releasing images from Jan. 25's armed carjacking in the Mount Vernon District, and requesting assistance from community members.