Thursday, January 30
Confused and then Infused
Since March 6, 2009, nearly five years now, save for nine months when I was taking an oral chemotherapy medication at home, every three weeks I have been infused with some sort of chemotherapy drug. In that time, I have certainly become familiar and fairly well-known to the various staff at The Infusion Center. What follows is the most recent exchange with the receptionist in Oncology, as best as I can recall it.
Debate Over School Budget Continues
Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.
Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.
Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations
Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.
While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.
Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman
During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.
One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.
Wednesday, January 29
Yorktown Gymnastics Wins National District Championship
W-L wins Invite title, places second in district standings.
The Yorktown gymnastics team snapped Washington-Lee's streak of National District championships.
Letter to the Editor: Consider Redistricting
To the Editor: Alexandria’s School Board has spent a year dodging decisions about Jefferson-Houston School, including opportunities to pause and evaluate whether the new $44 million building was needed given documented east-side classroom overcapacity and the school’s academic slump since 2008. But this avoidance must give way in the face of an emerging crisis.
Ethics and Marriage Equality Dominate News
The major news story that broke last week was the 14-count felony indictment filed against former Governor McDonnell and his wife for ethics violations. There is no question that public confidence in government officials has diminished. The people of Virginia expect accountability from their elected officials, and my colleagues and I have invested a lot of time and effort in crafting legislation to meet that expectation. Many provisions I proposed have been endorsed by the Senate Rules Committee.
Winter Fun for Every Age and Interest in Arlington
Places to go, things to do.
Winter weather may make getting out and about a little harder, but it will not stop Arlingtonians from having fun. Whether enticed by sports, art, literature, movies or music, Arlington has a plethora of exciting activities to beat, or embrace, the cold.
“Flourishing After 55”
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Feb. 10-15.
Cooking for the Cold
Local chefs suggest hearty, bone-sticking recipes
On a frigid winter day, you might find Chef Cary Prokos preparing chicken for a long soak in a red wine marinade for Coq au vin, standing over a cauldron of bouillabaisse to ensure that his scallops, rockfish and other seafoods are seasoned with hefty proportions of saffron and garlic to create a hearty soup. His goal is to create meals with enough brawn to stand-up to the ravenous, cold-weather induced appetites of the patrons at his Potomac restaurant, Normandie Farm.
Toy-buying Changes with the Times
After 20 years in Potomac, the specialty toy store, Toys Unique, will be closing in March, leaving a hole in the hearts of area residents of all ages. Since it opened in 1994, the neighborhood shop has been supplying locals with a variety of high quality classic toys expertly selected by its owner and displayed in an old-time setting.
Arlington Officials Release Previously Secret Construction Bids
County leaders change position on secrecy of bids; refuse to reveal expectations.
New documents released by Arlington County officials show the four bids for the new aquatics center at Long Bridge Park range from $81.9 million to $82.8 million.
Friday, January 24
ArtJamz
Visitors flock to 251 S. 18th St. to participate in Crystal City ArtJamz on Jan. 12. Families with children ages 3 and up enjoyed drinks, pizza and music while creating art on a canvas.
Local Photographer To Exhibit at Sugarloaf Festival
Tomlinson’s nature photos on display.
Arlington resident Peter Tomlinson’s nature and wildlife photos will be displayed at the 2014 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival from Friday, Jan. 24 until Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
Crafting Mental Health Legislation
Across political divide, students find common ground.
Two University of Virginia students, Jarrod Nagurka and Rachel Deitch, both of Arlington, helped craft a bipartisan mental health bill that Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) and Del. Joseph R. Yost (R-12) have introduced to the Virginia House of Delegates. The legislation, officially called HB 206, will require Virginia institutions of higher education to dedicate a portion of their websites to mental health resources available to students on campus.
Rare Arctic Snowy Owl Brings Birders to Arlington
Every afternoon for the last two weeks, for about an hour or so before dusk, the area between the parking lot at Gravelly Point in Arlington and National Airport fills up with folks carrying tripods, cameras, spotting telescopes, and binoculars.
Richmond Report: State Budget Considerations Begin
Last week, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia’s 8th District announced he would not seek re-election. For 23 years he has ably represented the progressive values of the people of Northern Virginia. He has been an advocate for our environment, a fighter for equality and a strong champion of universal health care. Northern Virginia is a better place to live and work because of his leadership. I am proud to have been represented by him in Congress, and to have represented him in Richmond. After his many decades of service to our community, I wish him a long and happy retirement.
Thursday, January 23
Classified Advertising January 22, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 22
State Budget Considerations Begin
Last week, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia’s 8th District announced he would not seek re-election. For 23 years he has ably represented the progressive values of the people of Northern Virginia.
Letter: Time to Move Forward
To the Editor: I am writing in response to Linda Greenberg's letter "Catering to the One Percent" in the Jan. 15 edition of the Gazette. Her question, "Why isn't the city expanding car lanes to ease congestion" deserves an answer.
How To Keep One’s Financial Affairs in Order
Plan, plan, plan — it’s never too early. This was the mantra at last week’s Senior Speaker Series event: Planning for your Family’s Future, sponsored by Senior Services of Alexandria and ACT for Alexandria. Temple Beth El Hebrew Congregation hosted a crowd or more than 100 for a panel discussion about the steps we all need to take to protect our assets and put our legal affairs in order.
Local Photographer To Exhibit at Sugarloaf Festival
Arlington resident Peter Tomlinson’s nature and wildlife photos will be displayed at the 2014 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival from Friday, Jan. 24 until Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
Into the Budget Fray
Bulova highlights accomplishments, challenges in annual address.
Despite the lingering impact of an anemic economy, and the regional ripple effects of federal sequestration, Fairfax County residents will see some concrete signs of progress this year.
Editorial: Extend Health Coverage in Virginia
Standing on what is essentially scorched earth, Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly have condemned hundreds of thousands of poor Virginians to living without health coverage even though it would be fully funded by Federal money for the next three years, and with Virginia paying 10 percent after five years.
Friends Forever
Since it had been more than a few months, today I summoned up the courage to Google my long-time friend and fellow stage IV lung cancer survivor, Suzanne. Suzanne and I had been years out of touch (for no real reason other than initiative and the geographic consideration that she lived in Barnstable, Ma. and I live in Burtonsville, Md.) and recently back in touch – due to our identical cancer diagnoses. I learned that she had succumbed to her disease back in October, 2013. We last had contact electronically back in the summer. She was extremely weak then, she said, too weak to talk, so e-mailing was best. In that e-mail, ultimately her last, she wrote that the most recent chemotherapy drug with which she was infused was no longer effective and that her oncologist had no other drugs left to recommend. Not that she said it in so many words, but at that point her prognosis was grim. She offered that her two boys were with her and from them she would gain great comfort. The news was very unsettling to me and I was afraid that this e-mail might be our last – and so it was.
Friday, January 17
Arlington Home Sales: December, 2013
In December 2013, 219 Arlington homes sold between $2,260,000-$100,000.
Arlington Home Sales: December, 2013
Thursday, January 16
Classified Advertising January 15, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Virginia Supreme Court Opens Access to Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments
Policy change overturns blackout instituted in 2008.
Members of the Virginia Supreme Court have a New Year’s Resolution — become more transparent.
Wednesday, January 15
W-L Gymnastics Winning Despite Loss of ‘Fab Four’
Hatcher twins, freshman Shea lead Generals.
Washington-Lee is the two-time defending region gymnastics champion.
Encore Presents ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’
Final performances of the Encore Stage & Studio Theatre’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Obituary
Allan R. Plumley, Jr.
Allan R. Plumley, Jr. died on Dec. 26, 2013 at Virginia Hospital Center, in Arlington, due to complications following a fall. He was 80 years old. A fourth generation lawyer, Mr. Plumley was born in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 14, 1933, and raised in Wilmington, Del., where his father, a patent attorney, was an executive with DuPont.
Capitals Blood Drive: Giving Blood
The Washington Capitals and Inova Blood Donor Services held the Capitals annual winter blood drive on Saturday, Jan. 4, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex
Day of Service
Arlington for a Clean Environment coordinated volunteers to clean up Barcroft Park at 4200 S Four Mile Run Drive on Saturday, Jan. 4, as part of Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Commonwealth Day of Service events.
Schools Budget Requires Tough Choices
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget of $2.5 billion for FY 2015 will require an additional $98.1 million, or 5.7 percent increase compared to FY 2014, from Fairfax County.
From Late Night Comedy to Your Bedroom
Why the General Assembly matters more in Virginia than most states.
The Virginia General Assembly began its annual session last week on Jan. 8. The actions of the Virginia General Assembly matter more to localities than it would in many other states. In Virginia, localities have only the power specifically granted by the General Assembly, the Dillon rule. So, for example, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County in Maryland recently voted to increase the minimum wage in those localities. They didn’t need permission from Maryland General Assembly to do so. Arlington and Alexandria might be inclined to follow suit (the District government also voted to increase the minimum wage) but do not have that power.
In Case Someone Is Wondering
I don’t mind being alive, really I don’t. Occasionally though, I receive well-intended inquiries – electronic and otherwise, from people (who know my cancer story) who are sort of wondering if perhaps I’m not. When people haven’t heard from me in a while – and this is a category of people with whom I don’t have regular/recurring interactions, but rather a group of people who reach out and attempt to touch me (figuratively speaking) every three or four months or so – there is a presumption on their part that my silence (so far as they know) is not in fact golden, but rather ominous, as in the cancer might have won and yours truly didn’t. And when I respond, their pleasure/relief at my not having succumbed to the disease is quite positive, generally speaking. Their honesty and joy in learning that I’m still alive is both rewarding and gratifying. Rewarding in that they care and gratifying in that I must be doing something right which enables me to sustain myself through a very difficult set of medical circumstances: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the terminal kind (is there any other kind?).
Let Sun Shine on Virginia’s Financial Disclosure Laws
State legislators turn attention to ethics in wake of McDonnell gift scandal.
As members of the Virginia General Assembly convene for the first time since last February, legislators are stampeding to introduce ethics legislation in response to the gift scandal which engulfed then Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R). The revelations last spring about numerous undisclosed gifts and purported loans from businessman Jonnie Williams to McDonnell — including a $6,500 Rolex watch engraved to the "71st Governor of Virginia" and $35,000 in gifts and catering for his daughters’ weddings — shined a spotlight on Virginia’s porous financial disclosure laws.
Summer Camp: Start Planning Now
Applications for many camps open in January.
The frigid January temperatures can make summer feel like a distant fantasy of sunscreen and popsicles, but it’s actually not that far away. If you have children who want to attend camp after the current school year ends, now is the time to start planning, said experts. In fact, registration for many camps begins this month.
Creating Books with Children
Experts say helping little readers become authors can deepen a love of reading.
K.J., 8, and his sister Kalina, 3, love reading books, particularly books they’ve written themselves or with their mother. In fact, K.J. is an avid reader of both homemade and traditionally published books, and his sister is following in his footsteps.
Thursday, January 9
Classified Advertising January 8, 2014
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Wednesday, January 8
Living With My Decisions
On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
Kitchen Organization for the New Year
Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.
If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."
Top Designs of 2013
Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.
From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.
Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid
Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.
It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.
Commentary: Christine Candio, RN, FACHE/CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital
2014 promises to be a year of significant change in the healthcare landscape. Most notably, the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) “individual mandate” takes effect, requiring Americans to obtain health insurance by March 31 (or pay a penalty).
Flourishing After 55
Fun senior activities
Arlington Bulletin Board for 1/8/14
Arlington Bulletin Board for 1/8/14
Arlington School Notes for 1/8/14
School Notes for 1/8/14
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
People
People Notes
The Arlington Young Democrats held elections for their 2014 Executive Board at the NRECA Building in Ballston.
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.
Building on Its History
Arlington Unitarian Church dispalys its social justice roots.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington has built a place for meeting, singing and advancing social justice and responding to this need for a community connection.
Gifts That Give Hope
Visitors attend the third annual Gifts that Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair inside Calvary United Methodist Church on Dec. 14.
Gifts That Give H
Visitors attend the third annual Gifts that Give Hope Alternative Gift Fair inside Calvary United Methodist Church on Dec. 14.
Capital Debate
Streetcar funding to take center stage during consideration of capital improvement plan.
For years, the debate over streetcars has been about planning and vision. Now members of the Arlington County Board are about to reach into the pockets of taxpayers, including the $300 million project in the capital improvement plan.
Aquatics Facility Underwater
County officials delay $80 million facility after construction bids bust the budget.
Construction bids came in "significantly higher" than estimates, so she would not be bringing the construction contract to the County Board in early 2014 as expected. Now county officials have launched an investigation to determine why the bids were so high and what the county's next steps should be.
Calendar Events for 1/8/14
Calendar Events for 1/8/14
Thursday, January 2
Classified Advertising January 1, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 1
Anticipation
Costly initiatives, a special election and steady rise in student enrollment.
In looking ahead for what Arlington will be facing in 2014, a number of issues have carried forward from last year.
Top Sports Moments of 2013
The year 2013 provided several exciting moments in local sports.
Potomac Chapter of Virginia Native Plant Society Donates Flora of Virginia to Arlington County
Steve Young, vice president of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s Potomac chapter, presented a copy of the Flora of Virginia to the Arlington County Board at the Board's Dec. 17 meeting.
Bulletin Board for 1/1/14
Bulletin Board items for 1/1/14.
Jay Fisette to Serve as 2014 Arlington County Board Chairman
Arlington County Board Vice Chairman Jay Fisette will serve as the Board Chairman for 2014, outgoing Chairman J. Walter Tejada announced Tuesday.
Ceramic Therapy for a Wounded Warrior
Like many Wounded Warriors from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Meadows suffers from traumatic brain injury. He is currently an active-duty patient in the TBI unit of the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.
“Flourishing After 55”
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, Jan. 6-14.
Locals Donate to Toys for Tots
Implementing an idea from Phil Williams of the Clifton-Hoadly-Area-Pancake-Society, Gary Binge (president of the Kena Shrine Antique Car Club in Fairfax) and Clifton’s Jim Chesley co-chaired the first annual NoVA Cruise & Collection of Toys for Tots. Then they held a gathering of car enthusiasts, Dec. 15, at the Juke Box Diner in Manassas and donated toys they’d collected for the U.S. Marine Corps’s Toys for Tots program.
Arlington Calendar for 1/1/14
Arlington calendar for 1/1/14
Arlington County Board Accepts Updated Bluemont Neighborhood Conservation Plan
The Arlington County Board today accepted the updated Bluemont Neighborhood Conservation Plan, allowing the Bluemont Civic Association to pursue funding to transform the neighborhood to an “urban village” with slower traffic, better sidewalks and revitalized commercial corridors.