Stories for February 2012

Stories for February 2012

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Wednesday, February 29

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Yorktown Boys End Season in Region Quarterfinals

Earley finishes career as school’s all-time leading scorer.

Jack Earley finished his high school career as the Yorktown boys’ basketball program’s all-time leading scorer. But with the Patriots’ season on the line against Fairfax in the regional quarterfinals on Feb. 22, Earley’s opportunities to put the ball in the bucket were few and far between.

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Next Level

Masha Harmon, a senior at Yorktown High School, has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, W. Va

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Arlington Superintendent Suggests Raising Class Sizes to Balance Budget

$493.8 million spending plan represents a 4 percent increase over last year’s budget.

With Arlington’s classrooms bursting at the seams, school officials say there’s no end in sight.

Column: State Shirks Transportation Responsibility

Maybe we should rename our County The Bank of Last Resort.

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Bone Marrow Donor Drive for 13-year-old Leukemia Survivor

Shynia Milligan's family is coordinating the bone marrow drive at Almas Temple, on K Street in Washington, D.C.

Thirteen-year-old Shynia Milligan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in the summer of 2010. AML is a life-threatening blood cancer.

Classified Advertising

Read this weeks great jobs and get your home ready for spring with our home services directory!

Tuesday, February 28

Column: “Battling Cancer”

I suppose, as a cancer patient, there’s a presumption/understanding that not giving into cancer and its potential ravages is an ongoing battle – to the death, if you will. And I imagine, on many levels, some truer than others, it is. War is indeed waged – so to speak, in hopes of defeating this horrible disease (enemy).

Thursday, February 23

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Arlington Pet Connection

Feb. 22-28

Readers responded to the Connection’s request to share photos of their pets.

Orange Line Connection Feb. 22-28

Orange Line Connection

Arlington School Notes Feb. 22-28

Arlington School Notes

Arlington Calendar Feb. 22-28

Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with any questions. Photos are welcome.

New Aquatics Center Opens

The new Yorktown High School Aquatics Center has officially opened. The facility contains an eight-lane competition pool with a separate diving well and a separate instructional pool. The diving area, completely separated from the lap lanes, includes two one-meter springboards. The instructional pool includes a handicapped accessible ramp. A wet classroom, available for pool party rentals, and a spectator area with capacity in excess of 200 overlooking the pools are also available.

"Flourishing After 55"

"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for March 5-10.

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For Pets from Paradise, Alexandria Is Heaven

Adoption opportunities for kittens in need

The U.S. territory of St. Croix is a Caribbean paradise. A rolling sea surrounds lush beaches, the climate is warm year-round, and there are few crowds. The same island features that make for an amiable habitat for humans, however, are disastrous for local animal populations.

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They Focus on ‘Orphan’ Disease

Malignant mesothelioma appears in 3,000 cases annually

Malignant mesothelioma is a tumor found in the lining of the lungs, heart or stomach. Exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma. It lies dormant and asymptomatic within people for as long as 50 years before it erupts. Once diagnosed — 3,000 cases annually — the disease is always fatal.

Column: Seminary Valley

If you lived in Seminary Valley in the 1960s and ’70s, you knew the McKeon family and their eight children: Charles McKeon, Jr., Sharon, Brian, Peggy, John, Pat, Keen and Marie. Last week, the Valley and Alexandria lost Mae McKeon, formerly of Strathblane Place. Marie (Zack) still lives in the original family home and it was the scene of a reunion after Mae’s service at Blessed Sacrament.

Column: National Controversy and Budget Process Begins

Crossover Week at the General Assembly found us in the national media spotlight of Saturday Night Live, CNN and the Rachel Maddow Show. Over 1,000 demonstrators appeared at the State Capitol this week.

Column: On the Way to $85 Billion Budget

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling broke a tie in the evenly divided Senate chamber at the beginning of the Session. This provided Republican organizational control of the Senate even though a lawsuit is still pending on whether the power should be shared. In taking this step, many bills have been passed that were voted down by a more moderate Senate in past years.

Letter: Prompt Action, Good Work

I am writing to commend the City of Alexandria’s Office of Environmental Quality for its prompt response to a concern I passed along to them this past Wednesday, Feb. 15. That morning, I was walking my dog in the Chinquapin woods, like I do every weekday just before dawn

Letter: Invaluable Assist for Seniors

With all the talk about the rapid growth of the aging population, here in Alexandria there is an answer that benefits our community by supporting seniors who want to stay in their homes.

Letter: Manager’s Budget Lacks Vision

Alexandria's city manager's proposed budget reveals a flawed focus and vision. Instead of proposing major budget cuts in public safety and scaling back the major capital improvement projects, our city manager has instead preferred to cut jobs and reward the speculative metrics of more expenditures on public safety and priority development projects.

Letter: Displacing The Poor

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Beauregard Small Area Plan working session held at the Landmark Mall. As many of your readers may be aware, this plan is quite contentious — particularly to the residents of the West End neighborhood who will be most impacted.

Letter: Congressional Satirist?

Let’s not lose our faith in Rep. Moran’s ability to surprise. As background, he gamely decided to co-sponsor the STOCK Act which prohibits congressmen from buying or selling securities based on “congressional nonpublic” information.

Letter: Honoring George Washington

I commend Mayor Euille for proclaiming February 2012 as a month-long celebration to mark George Washington’s 280th birthday and the Birthday Committee for planning and facilitating the events and activities throughout the month.

Letter: Say Thanks in the Budget

Scott Gordon wrote a very moving tribute to our Alexandria First Responders in his Feb. 16 letter entitled "Say Thanks." He's right; the spirit of his letter and his recommendation to just say thanks are both spot on.

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Bulldogs, Warriors Take it to the Wire

Westfield emerges victorious in first round region playoff action.

Monday night’s first round Northern Region boys’ high school basketball playoff game, between a physically strong Westfield squad versus a running, defensive-pressure oriented Wakefield opponent, was pretty much close throughout. Both teams, with their seasons on the line, played as if there were no tomorrow. The result was like a close boxing match gone the distance as both the Warriors and home team Bulldogs continually took one another’s best shots only to come right back and deliver one themselves.

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Voters to Have Final Say on Eminent Domain Amendment

Opinions are divided as to what kind of influence the amendment could have if passed.

This fall, voters across Virginia will be confronted with a hotly debated amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to limit the ability of local governments to use the power of eminent domain.

Wednesday, February 22

Column: Marking Time

As much as I don’t want to be ever-mindful of today’s date – relative to when I first learned of my diagnosis, that Thursday three years ago this very week, when my Internal Medicine doctor called me with the results of the biopsy (confirming the malignancy); and of course all that had preceded it and all that has happened since.

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United Way Awards More Than $150,000

Benefitting 17 Arlington nonprofits.

United Way of the National Capital Area presented a ceremonial check on Feb. 14 totaling more than $150,000 to Arlington officials representing 20 grants awarded to 17 Arlington County nonprofits.

Encore Hosts President’s Day Mini Camp.

More than 20 students signed up for Encore Stage & Studio’s theatre workshop at the Cherrydale United Methodist Church on Lorcom Lane.

Column: Looking Ahead Despite Disappointments

The 2012 General Assembly has passed “Crossover,” when each house must complete action on all of its legislation that is to "crossover" to the other body.

New Shuttle Service Begins in Arlington Cemetery

The National Park Service has plans to have in service a number of new transportation options for visitors to the National Mall and Memorial Parks and Arlington National Cemetery in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the end of March. The first of these options is a shuttle within Arlington National Cemetery that was scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 20.

New Aquatics Center Opens

The new Yorktown High School Aquatics Center has officially opened. The facility contains an eight-lane competition pool with a separate diving well and a separate instructional pool.

Tuesday, February 21

Employment and Classified Ads Feb. 22, 2012

Classifieds Feb. 22, 2012: Job Opportunities, Yard Sales, Home Repairs and Handyman Services

Column: Bringing Job Search Assistance

Valentine's Day was very special this year at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House (OPMH) in Alexandria. The church hosted the latest event in Senior Services of Alexandria' Speaker Series titled, "Staying Connected: Employment and Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors in Alexandria.”

Column: Conservatives Shape Legislation

The Virginia General Assembly has moved into the halfway point, a time of year we call crossover. During crossover, legislation that has passed from one chamber will go to the other for consideration.

Free Foreclosure Prevention Clinics Offered

Housing Counseling Services will host multiple Foreclosure Prevention Clinics during the month of February. Clinics are currently scheduled for Feb. 20, and 27 at 12 p.m. in Conference Room 3 of the City of Alexandria Office of Housing, 421 King Street, Suite 200.

Barbara Parkinson, Longtime Connection employee

Barbara Jean Parkinson, age 67 of Sterling, Va., died Feb. 7, 2012 at her residence. Born on Sept. 17, 1944 in New York she was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Lundy.

Monday, February 20

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House Rejects Amendment Requiring Consent for Ultrasound Procedures

Effort was reaction to bill requiring women seeking abortions to undergo transvaginal ultrasound.

The effort to require women seeking abortions to undergo an ultrasound has also sparked some of the most heated debate in Richmond this year.

Saturday, February 18

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Alexandria Man Arrested for Attempting to Detonate Bomb in Suicide Attack on Capitol

Suspect is an immigrant from Morocco who is illegally present in the United States.

Federal agents arrested a 29-year-old man residing in Alexandria for attempting to detonate a bomb in a suicide attack on the U.S. Capitol Building as part of what he intended to be a terrorist operation.

Friday, February 17

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Wakefield’s Majano Captures Second Region Title

Senior grappler earns fifth victory against Edison’s Jacobson.

Henry Majano sat perched upon the first-place level of the awards podium during the Northern Region wrestling championships at Hayfield Secondary School. Sporting a headband and a "Wakefield Wrestling" T-shirt, Majano envisioned himself returning to his place atop the podium after his 132-pound title match.

Thursday, February 16

W-L Girls’ Gymnastics Captures First Region Title

Generals edge McLean by less than four-tenths of a point.

Washington-Lee won the 2012 Northern Region championship, holding off McLean by less than four-tenths of a point.

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Making the Grade

Local school officials offer strategies for strengthening study habits.

When Jackie Jackson’s son brought home his report card recently, the Centreville mother of three was shocked. "His grades had fallen to an unacceptable level," said Jackson

Flourishing After 55

"Flourishing After 55" from Arlington’s Office of Senior Adult Programs for Feb. 27- March 2.

Frida Kahlo: Her Photos At Artisphere

The celebrated artist’s life revealed through personal photographs.

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)’s extraordinary life and iconic biographical paintings have earned her international renown in the world of modern art.

Entertainment

Feb. 15-21

Know of something missing from our community entertainment Calendar? Send it to The Arlington Connection, e-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412 with any questions. Photos are welcome.

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"Really Really:" Reasonable Doubt

Spellbinding 'Really Really' debuts at Signature.

Did he or didn't he? It was the college party of the year and ambitious young co-ed Leigh finally gets her man, the All-American rugby captain Davis. But all is not what it seems as events unfold in the spellbinding production of "Really Really," now playing at Signature Theatre.

Schools Feb. 15-21

The founding classes of Yorktown High School will hold a joint reunion Oct. 19 – 21, at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington. Alumni from Yorktown High School Class of 1963 are participating in a Class Reunion Website at http://classreport.org/usa/va/arlington/yhs/1963/ There are no registration fees required to join in the fun. Each class member has full participation privileges.

Bulletin Board Feb. 15-21

Know of something missing from the community calendar? E-mail it to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome. For more volunteer opportunities, classes, announcements visit http://www.arlingtonconnection.com and click on Community.

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Out & About

Kate Juhl, a resident of one of Community Residences group homes in Arlington.

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Overlee Clubhouse is gone

Generations of swimmers in the Northern Virginia Swim League know the Overlee Clubhouse on Lee Highway, Arlington. Thousands of youngsters literally competed in its shadow.

Letter: Elections for Family And Community

To the Editor: We need effective, sustainable solutions. When more than 100 million Americans are living in poverty, struggling to keep their homes, when millions of Americans are unemployed and others have given up, we need jobs.

Letter: A River Runs Through It (and That’s a Shame)

A river runs through Arlington, sucking in the unsuspecting. It’s The-School-Lottery-River.

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New Officers at Salvation Army

Captains Alan and Mary Gonzalez have been appointed the new Corps Officers for The Salvation Army Arlington Corps located at 518 S. Glebe Road.

New Waste Disposal Agreement

The Arlington County Board approved a new Waste Disposal and Service Agreement between Arlington and Alexandria and Covanta Alexandria/Arlington Inc.

Public Hearing For Reevesland

A public hearing on the future of Reevesland will be held on March 8, 7 p.m. at the Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 16th St. S.

Leadership Arlington Graduates 36

Leadership Arlington celebrated the graduation of the second Young Professionals Program class, completing a four-month leadership development program.

Young Democrats To Host Convention

The Young Democrats Club at Washington-Lee High School will be hosting a High School Democrat’s Convention on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., open to all students.

Fisette Elected Chairman of NVTC

Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette has been elected the chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, a transportation advocacy group for the region.

Board Approves Redevelopment

The Arlington County Board approved a plan to redevelop a 1.13-acre, block-long site in the commercial heart of Clarendon with two office buildings and ground floor retail.

Board Approves Mixed-Use Building

The Arlington County Board approved a plan on Jan. 21 to redevelop a Virginia Square site that now houses the Arlington Funeral Home with a public plaza and a nine-story mixed-use commercial building that will include offices, ground-floor retail and a black box theater.

State Board Honors Schools

Ten Arlington schools earned 2012 Virginia Index of Performance awards. The awards were created by the State Board of Education in 2007 to promote advanced learning and achievement.

Barbara Parkinson, Longtime Connection employee

Barbara Jean Parkinson, age 67 of Sterling, Va., died Feb. 7, 2012 at her residence.

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Bill Would Set Aside Unallocated Money for Preschool Funding

Effort seen as way to use money for preschool rather than returning it to the general fund.

Every year, millions of dollars worth of preschool funding goes unused. Here in Alexandria, for example, Virginia offered $1.6 million worth of matching funds for preschool programs in the city.

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Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age

Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.

For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.

Tuesday, February 14

Column: "Diseased"

But not sickness. Not health, either, as last week’s column ended. At least that’s the way I characterize my having stage IV lung cancer. And I don’t know if I’m splitting hairs here, since I’ve never worked in a salon, although I do get my hair cut regularly; but I have been accused of speaking double-talk.

Friday, February 10

"Josephine Tonight" Debuts at MetroStage

Long before she sashayed her way to international acclaim, she was simply Freda Josephine McDonald, born to a washerwoman in St. Louis in the early 20th century. But her exotic appeal and sensuous performances propelled her onto the world stage as Josephine Baker, whose early years are the subject of the musical "Josephine Tonight," now playing at MetroStage.

Thursday, February 9

Arlington Entertainment

Feb. 8-15.

Calendar

30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder

‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’

Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections

The Play’s the Thing

Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.

Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.

Details of the Offense

In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.

Progress Report from Labor Resource Center

The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.

‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High

One-act play festival takes the stage.

Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Campbell Takes a Look Back

Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.

Heading for Huntsville

CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.

The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.

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Valentine's Day Décor

In honor of Cupid's day, share ideas for sweetening a home or dining table.

Whether planning a dinner party for friends, a romantic meal for two or a breakfast surprise for children, local designers say simple accents can create a festive atmosphere on Valentine's Day.

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Tightening Asbestos Regulations

Bill protecting workers passes Senate with unanimous vote.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Yet labor advocates say the people who are licensed to remove asbestos may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.

Wednesday, February 8

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Whelden, Paduda, Jeney Win Titles for Yorktown

Patriots finish third at National District wrestling meet.

Yorktown heavyweight Charlie Whelden has battled the injury bug throughout his high school career. On Feb. 4, a partially torn meniscus in his right knee wasn’t enough to keep "Ox" from capturing a National District championship.

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Washington-Lee Wrestling Finishes District Runner-Up

Two Generals win individual National District championships.

The Washington-Lee wrestling team’s "light guys" made sure the Generals were well represented at the 2012 National District tournament.

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Wakefield’s Majano Wins Third Consecutive District Crown

Battle-tested senior has sights set on state championship.

Wakefield senior wrestler Henry Majano took another step toward his ultimate goal of winning a state championship, adding another accolade to his already impressive resume.

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House on a Hill

Contemporary in Oakton transformed into welcoming southern colonial.

Hunstville, Ala. is a pretty small town-- yet it has three historic districts and more homes in the national register than most places twice its size. Growing up in such a community, Gina Jones is understandably attracted to welcoming porches and grand foyers--hallmarks of the antebellum style.

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Remodeling: An Opportunity To Follow One’s Passion

Adding that personal touch.

Having remodeled thousands of projects over the past 25 years, our clients' reactions tell us that some of the most successful projects often address a specific passion or interest. Folks seem to be spending more and more time at home not only working, but also enriching their lives through personal interests.

Editorials: Access to Activities for Home Schoolers; Action in Richmond; Changes in Gun Laws

Families who home-school their children in this area take a burden off crowded schools, and off taxpayers who pay on average between $12,000 and $16,000 per year per child in school depending on where in Northern Virginia.

Board Approves Redevelopment

The Arlington County Board approved a plan to redevelop a 1.13-acre, block-long site in the commercial heart of Clarendon with two office buildings and ground floor retail.

Apple Honors Jamestown

Apple Inc. selected Jamestown Elementary School as an Apple Distinguished Program for the 2011-12 school year. Jamestown is one of 49 schools nationwide recognized by Apple.

Nottingham Wins Video Contest

Earth Charter International selected Nottingham Elementary School’s "It Starts With One" video as the first winner of its first-ever international video contest.

Community Input Sought On School Overcrowding

The number of Arlington County school children continues to increase and Arlington Public Schools is looking at a variety of ways to meet this growing need, including expanding its footprint on school property, and on county property for potential joint-use facilities.

Board Approves Improvements

The Arlington County Board on Jan. 21 approved funds to renovate High View Park playground and to support nine other parks projects.

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Welcome to Crystal Couture 2012

Crystal Couture 2012 opened to the public on Feb. 7 in the food court at 1750 Crystal Drive in Crystal City and will run through Feb. 11.

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Norovirus Outbreak Spreads to Schools, Community

February is peak season for virus outbreaks.

Repeated bouts of diarrhea, severe nausea and acute onset are symptoms of the calici family of viruses. Commonly referred to as the stomach flu, the norovirus is particularly active in February and has already contributed to outbreaks throughout the Arlington County Public School system.

Not Another Valentine’s Day

Some alternatives to the usual fare.

Roses, chocolates and Hallmark Cards are standard Valentine’s Day fare. Gifts with a personalized element, however, are all the more significant for impressing that special someone.

Flourishing After 55

Flourishing after 55.

Tuesday, February 7

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Arlington County Board to Consider More Changes to Sign Ordinance

Elected officials to consider commercial signs along roadsides.

For Dan Magnolia, the headache of dealing with Arlington County government is a sign of the times. Visitors to his business in south Arlington are likely to see a four-foot by three-foot sign announcing the business.

Column: Back On The Juice…

The chemotherapy juice, that is. Going forward now, every three weeks until I’ve completed six infusions, finishing sometime around mid May barring any foreseen – and previously experienced blips (meaning delays): levels, counts, readings, etc., that would compel my oncologist to stop åhe treatment and await results of a retest

Friday, February 3

Column: Musings from the Maestro - Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Valentine's Day Weekend Concert

On Feb. 11 and 12, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra continues its season-long celebration of The Music of Dreams with its Valentine’s Day weekend concerts entitled "Prescient Revelation." I’m very excited about our thrilling series of concerts and its historic line-up of guest artists — truly a season of living legends.

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Cementing the Districts

Republicans try to lock in eight-to-three advantage in congressional redistricting.

Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape.

Thursday, February 2

Moderate Mutiny

With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb. In an interview on Thursday, Jan. 19, Kaine said he hopes to promote a "talent economy" in Washington. It’s a reality the former governor says has become evident in the last few decades, when Virginia moved from being one of the lowest median income states to being one of the wealthiest.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Lunar Chinese New Year festivities continued this past weekend, attracting hundreds of thousands of shoppers and visitors to Fair Oaks Mall. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the Chinese traditional calendar, based on the phases of the moon and the solar year. The year is 4710 and celebrates the dragon, which is considered the luckiest sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, power and good luck.

Commentary: Dulles Rail Phase II: A Common Sense Approach

This spring the Fairfax and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will be required to make a final decision to opt in or out of Phase II of the Dulles Rail project. Rail through Tysons past the airport and into Loudoun is the largest public works project in the history of the Commonwealth and it has significant financial implications to the counties, its residents and businesses, and especially to the users of the Dulles Toll Road. As the Dulles corridor and Tysons are the economic engines of the region and the Commonwealth the project also has telling implications on our future job growth.

Letter: Waste of Taxpayer Money

I recently received a "Richmond Update" from Del. Jim Le Munyon advising: "I have proposed an additional $400,000 in the state budget for the State Police to more effectively conduct background checks for individuals desiring to purchase a firearm. Recently, a constituent brought to my attention the significant delays some purchasers were experiencing in receiving the results of their background checks …"

Remembering Harry Heisler

Wife mourns husband of 28 years.

Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.

Fulfilling a Dream

Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.

Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."

‘We’re Really Frustrated’

Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.

Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.

Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace

At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.

SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?

State and gas company disagree over report.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.

Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly

Windows smashed, property damaged.

The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.

Wednesday, February 1

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Clark, Generals Dominate National District

W-L wins third consecutive district gymnastics title.

The Washington-Lee gymnastics team put on a show Jan. 26, capturing the district championship by nearly 17 points over second-place Yorktown. The Generals produced the district’s top three all-around gymnasts and four of the top five. W-L occupied the top five places on beam, top four on vault, top three on bars and top two on floor. But the Generals’ display of dominance was no one-hit wonder. W-L has captured the last three district titles and has not lost a regular season meet in the three years.

Sports Briefs: W-L Boys Win Swim Districts

The Washington-Lee boys’ swim team won the National District title, posting a score of 404 during the championship meet Jan. 26-28 at Yorktown Aquatic Center.

Marymount Professor Receives State Faculty Award

Kathleen Garces-Foley honored in Rising Star category.

It takes scholarship, professionalism, solid teaching and commitment to community to be considered for the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award. Kathleen Garces-Foley, a professor of religion at Marymount University, is one of two Virginia professors to be honored with the award in the 2012 Rising Star category.

Getting Dressed for Crystal Couture

Annual event spotlights local designers.

Models, fashion, accessories and sales promise to be front and center as the fourth Crystal Couture event hits the runway at the Crystal City Shops Feb. 7-11.

KidzJamz in Crystal City

The atrium outside of the King Street Blues in Crystal City was transformed into a studio for young artists on Saturday, Jan. 28

Column: "Progression"

There’s a word – in a medical context, anyway, that you don’t hear every day. And if you’re a stage IV lung cancer survivor – like me, 35 months post-diagnosis, it’s hardly the word you ever want to hear – or see – describing the most recent CT Scan of your lungs (Mediastinum) where your malignant tumors have been in "partial stable remission" going on two-plus years now. "Progression" means growth. Growth means the relative calm under which you’ve existed for the last few years is officially over.

Family and Friends Recall Librarian Gertrude Frankel

A couple weeks after Arlington resident Gertrude Frankel died, her daughter Karen Frankel called the city of Alexandria to ask about insurance benefits. The

Bamberger Named Chair of APAH

Rita Bamberger, principal and senior vice president of The Holladay Corporation, was unanimously elected chair of the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) effective Jan. 1

Looking for Things to Do?

County offers host of winter activities.

As its residents get ready for cold weather and potential snow, Arlington's community and cultural centers also prepare for winter.