Wednesday, November 26
Glory Days in Alexandria
ASC celebrates Old Oaken Bucket rivalry.
From George Washington High School’s opening in 1935 until 1968, Thanksgiving mornings were synonymous with the pinnacle matchup of Virginia high school football. Residents and visitors braved plummeting temperatures and postponed culinary preparations to attend the grand spectacle of talent and grit known as the Old Oaken Bucket rivalry between GW and Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School.
Arlington: Synetic Stages ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Brings classic French fairy tale to life using silent, movement-based adaptation.
Synetic Theater is staging the French fairy tale, "Beauty and the Beast," Dec. 3 through Jan. 11.
Arlington: School Board Faces $20 Million Budget Gap
County Board details gaps in funding for 2016 budget.
With no tax rate increases, the Arlington County Board is projecting a $24 million gap between revenue and expenditures for fiscal year 2016.
Column: ‘Shrinkage’
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).
(Arlington) Thanksgiving Q&A: Yorktown's McBride Working To Recover from Knee Injury
Senior football, basketball player enjoys listening to Frank Sinatra.
Yorktown quarterback Joe McBride suffered a knee injury during football season.
Tuesday, November 25
And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist. At this meeting, I am examined, and of course, the radiologist’s report of the most recent scan is discussed, and plans for the future – stay the course and/or adjust or switch altogether – are considered.
“Shrinkage”
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs.
An Exceptional Education
Exceptional Schools Fair offers parents a chance to learn more about schools for their children with special needs.
Maureen Kleinman wandered from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from schools that cater to students who have special needs. She asked questions about each school’s resources and environment.
Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM
Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.
Education on Wheels
Mobile classroom brings tutoring to students.
When Chris Sexton noticed her 10-year-old son was having educational difficulties, she searched for ways to help him. She found a solution in what she calls a “magic school bus.” The bus driver, and teacher, was Anne Thomas of Alexandria.
November Raises Awareness and Celebrates Caregivers
Resources available for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Mary Driver-Downs has been one of the primary caregivers for her mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for the past six years. It has been a difficult journey, but one she says is well worth it.
Giving Thanks Through Music
Raising money for the Fred Begun Scholarship Fund.
At first glance, one might not think that Pilates instructor Julie Begun and high school student Ramone Cason have much in common. But this Thanksgiving their worlds might collide. Cason, his mother, three siblings, relatives and friends will gather for Thanksgiving dinner in the Casons’ one-bedroom apartment in Arlington. The 16-year-old might entertain the group with a musical performance. Although he has never been to an orchestra performance, he dreams of being a professional bass drummer.
Turkey Carving 101
Local chefs offer advice for slicing the star of the Thanksgiving table.
Few things symbolize Thanksgiving like a whole roasted turkey on a platter, but when it’s time for dinner, neatly sliced pieces of meat look even more appealing. Whether it’s sliced at the table or in kitchen, turkey carving can be a daunting task, however. A few local chefs share their favorite turkey-carving methods to create an impressive holiday platter.
Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Ideas for giving thanks in style.
Whether one’s taste in table settings is subtle or over-the-top, it is possible to give thanks in style. From centerpieces to table runners, local designers say the right combination of accessories can create a Thanksgiving table that guests will remember long after the holiday.
Arlington: ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns
Once again the stage was a flutter with fairies and clowns, mice and dolls, soldiers and snowflakes, flowers and Clara as the students at Kenmore Middle School prepared for performances of “The Nutcracker.”
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.
Arlington: ‘Flourishing After 55’
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs, 12/8-13/14
Monday, November 24
Honoring the Spirit of Community in Arlington
Arlington Community Foundation hosts annual luncheon.
More than 360 people, including government officials, business and nonprofit leaders, as well as civic activists, gathered at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel on Nov. 12 to participate in the Arlington Community Foundation’s annual Spirit of Community Award Luncheon, now in its 21st year.
Arlington: Crime Report
LARCENY FROM AUTO/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY (SERIES), 1600 block N Colonial Terrace, Sometime between 1700 hours on Nov. 11 and 0720 hours on Nov.
Arlington Commentary: Giving Thanks for Anti-Hunger Programs
Working to keep children fed.
When I was a kid, Thanksgiving meant stuffing myself beyond the point of comfort, flitting gleefully between turkey, casseroles, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, and of course pie. The object was to eat to the point of needing to loosen the belt, and then wait a few hours until there was room to start all over again with leftovers.
Arlington Brief: Santa Assists Small Business Day
Nearly 150 small businesses in Arlington will participate in the third annual Arlington Small Business Day, Saturday, Nov. 29.
Thursday, November 20
W-L Boys’ XC Makes First State Appearance in 33 Years
Generals finish eighth in 6A race at Great Meadow.
The W-L boys' cross country team competed at Great Meadow on Nov. 15.
Arlington Home Sales: October, 2014
In October 2014, 226 Arlington homes sold between $2,860,000-$62,000.
Arlington Home Sales: October, 2014
Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.
Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.
As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.
Wednesday, November 19
Editorial: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Arlington: A New Audience for a Beloved Tale
When Mozart wrote “The Magic Flute” in the late 1700s, it's hard to imagine he envisioned an audience entirely filled with elementary school children.
Thriving in Arlington
Local nonprofit fights to offset funding loss from Fannie Mae. jump
The reactive approach to homelessness isn’t working. For Thrive, an Arlington-based nonprofit that provides financial assistance to local citizens in need, the aim is to end homelessness by keeping it from happening in the first place.
Arlington County Board Cancels Streetcar
Fisette cites “political realities.”
After nearly 10 years of planning, the Arlington County Board has decided to end the Arlington-Fairfax Streetcar project.
Arlington Sports: Correction
In the Nov. 12 edition of The Arlington Connection, it was incorrectly reported that the Washington-Lee cross country program had no runners qualify for the state meet.
Arlington: 100,000th Bike Donated
In honor of America Recycles Day, a national initiative of nonprofit Keep America Beautiful, Arlington-based nonprofit Bikes for the World donated its 100,000th bike for reuse on Saturday, Nov. 15, at a ceremonial loading of the bike into a shipping container headed to a community in Costa Rica.
Arlington: Scout Project Rolls On
Eye-catching homemade signs caught more than eyes. They also caught a large number of donors living in the Nottingham area, thanks to Marcus Ayoub. Marcus organized nine other members of Troop 647, Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by the local Church of the Covenant, in a bicycle collection project to earn his Eagle Rank.
Arlington Letter: Helping Those In Need
I recently read an opinion article on helping those in need during the week of Thanksgiving.
Arlington: Craft and Flea Market at Kenmore
Tables topped with jewelry crafts, baked goods, clothing, household items and more filled the main hallway of Kenmore Middle School on Saturday, Nov. 15, for the annual Craft and Flea Market.
Arlington: 11th Annual Canstruction Arrives
Build-Out Night for the 11th annual Canstruction in Northern Virginia started at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at Reagan National Airport.
And the Bands Played On
Two local high schools reach finals.
“I was absolutely thrilled with [my students’] efforts” in “very difficult conditions for a marching band,” said Band Director Adam Foreman of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria.
Column: And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.
Arlington: “Flourishing After 55”
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Dec. 1-6.
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Dec. 1-6.
Arlington Opinion: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeting by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Tuesday, November 18
Arlington: Wakefield Football Earns First Playoff Win
Warriors defeat Potomac Falls, will face Tuscarora.
Wakefield defeated Potomac Falls in first round of 5A North region playoffs.
Friday, November 14
Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.” Years later, after a chemotherapy infusion, I saw my oncologist walking through the Infusion Center and asked him if my thinning hair might be a result of this most recent chemotherapy drug (not all chemotherapy results in hair loss). His response was similar to what my friend had advised me in 2009. He said: “You can blame me,” (which of course, I understood to mean, cancer/the treatment of cancer) “for anything.”
Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things. And thanks to a great friend, Rebecca Nenner, whom I have written about previously, I have/have had to become more open, and consequently, have assimilated into my life many non-Western, non-traditional alternatives (pills, supplements, super foods, activities/behaviors, etc.) with which I was totally unfamiliar (I’m a sports and chocolate kind of person), in an attempt to outlive my prognosis.
Arlington’s Signature Presents 'Sex With Strangers'
Opposites attract as two strangers are trapped by a snowstorm in a secluded cabin.
Signature Theater in Arlington is staging the savvy and sexy "Sex With Strangers" through Dec. 7, 2014.
Wednesday, November 12
McLean Location for 2015 DC Design House
House will benefit Children’s National Health System.
The new country estate at 956 Mackall Farm Lane in McLean will be the location for the 8th annual DC Design House, a project that raises money to benefit Children’s National Health System. The 2015 DC Design House will be held from April 11 to May 10.
New Interior Design Book Features Local Tastemakers
Interior designers offer advice on creating an elegant home.
Fall not only brings vibrantly colored leaves and pumpkins, but it also ushers in a slew of new book releases. Among those is an interior design book featuring local designers.
Editorial: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need
Roll up those sleeves and help.
This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities. That is to say, more than a quarter of a million people, including many children, go hungry on a regular basis.
Trick or Treat in Shirlington
Zombies, firefighters, cheerleaders and frozen princesses filled the sidewalks with dozens of other costumed characters for an afternoon of Trick or Treating in Shirlington on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 1.
‘Flourishing After 55’
From Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Nov. 24-30.
From Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Nov. 24-30.
General Election Results
Source: Virginia Department of Elections, unofficial as of Nov. 11.
Virginia Department of Elections, unofficial as of Nov. 11.
Coalition Questions Housing Priorities
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) will challenge County Board Chair Jay Fisette Nov. 13 to ensure the county takes action starting this year on affordable-housing development.
Two Sentenced for Bank Robberies
Alphonso Stoddard, 59, of Forest Heights, Md., and James McNeal, 63, of Hyattsville, Md., were sentenced today to life in prison and 15 years in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit bank robbery, armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need
Roll up those sleeves and help.
This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities.
Marymount’s Annual Pink Dinner
For four years and counting the Pink Dinner at Marymount University has raised awareness on campus and in the community about breast cancer, early detection and treatment options.
Grant To Increase Social Inclusion
Arlington County Parks and Recreation will be promoting inclusion beyond what is currently being provided thanks to a $10,000 grant from the National Inclusion Project.
Art at Walter Reed Senior Center
Eight local artists, students of 92-year-old artist Blanche Kirchner, held a showing of their works, Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Walter Reed Senior Center. According to Marcia Kot, center director, the senior artists presented more than 50 oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings.
Supporting Programs To Prevent Domestic Violence
WHC Sisterhood to host annual holiday boutique.
Want to get a jump on holiday shopping – but also have the opportunity to make a difference in the community? The 28th annual Washington Hebrew Congregation Sisterhood Holiday Boutique is a community bazaar that affords shoppers the opportunity to find a variety of holiday gifts for everyone on their lists.
Column: Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.”
Her Birthday Wish: Support Make-A-Wish Foundation
Nonagenarian sees her wishes come true.
For her 90th birthday, Ruthjoy Leventhal requested “absolutely no gifts” from family and friends — but asked that each make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation where she has served as a volunteer for many years making wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. And her wish was granted - and granted - and granted again.
Tuesday, November 11
Wakefield Football To Host First Playoff Game
Warriors will face Potomac Falls at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Wakefield will host Potomac Falls on Friday.
Thursday, November 6
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.
Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. Long-time Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help his neighbor Elsa Armendaris.
Cookbook Offers Hearty Dinners
Local chefs use seasonal produce to create new dishes.
When the weather turns chilly and the produce at farmers’ markets change from bright orange tomatoes to thick skinned squash and pumpkins, Dorothy Myers faces a culinary conundrum.
Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Experts say complementary medical treatments can help relieve anxiety and other mental disorders.
When 35-year-old Andrea Evenson decided to try meditation, exercise and yoga to deal with her anxiety, she had already been on a myriad of anti-anxiety medications.
Column: November Is Adoption Month
Here’s how to help find a forever family for children and teens waiting in foster care.
If you are lucky, you don't know what it's like to live in the precarious limbo that defines foster care in this country.
W-L Boys’ XC Wins Conference 6 Championship
Girls’ finish runner-up, qualify for regionals.
The W-L boys' cross country team won the Conference 6 title.
Wednesday, November 5
HOT Topic
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.
Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
Arlington Votes
A morning of low turnout at Arlington’s Madison and Marshall precincts.
Arlingtonians lined up to vote on Election Day to choose between Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie.
And the Bands Played On
Two local high schools reach finals.
“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of the students’ efforts throughout the day. It was by far the coldest, windiest, and rainiest day they have had to perform in all year,” said Brian Bersh, band director of Yorktown High School in Arlington.
A Library for Gardening Tools
Check out a garden tool as if checking out a library book.
If you’re engaged in fall clean-up or gardening and find that you’re missing a key tool to finish your project, imagine being able to go to your local library and check out one, just as you would check out a book.
Addressing Metro Capacity
The opening of the Silver Line is a major milestone for our region.
Siting the Arlington Heritage Center
The board and members of the Arlington Historical Society have followed proposed changes to the Courthouse area as a result of the Envision Courthouse Square Planning and Urban Design Planning Study.
Soup & Pie Bazaar & Yard Sale
The Arlington Church of the Brethren held its annual Soup & Pie Bazaar & Yard Sale at the church on N. Montague Street in Arlington on Saturday, Nov. 1.
“Flourishing After 55”
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Nov. 17-22.
“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Nov. 17-22.
Patrick Henry Elementary Honored
The Virginia Board of Education recognized Patrick Henry Elementary School on Oct. 23 as a Title I Distinguished School.
National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Named
Nineteen Arlington students are semifinalists in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Knopf To Lead 55+ Travel Office
Christine Knopf has been named supervisor of Arlington County’s 55+ Travel Office. An Arlington resident, she has been a county employee for nine years in the Department of Parks and Recreation, Sports and Recreation Division.
State Honors County’s Housing Efforts
Arlington County has received two state awards for its efforts to preserve affordable housing and meet housing needs along Columbia Pike.
County: ‘Banning the Box’
Arlington County is “banning the box” on county employment applications, eliminating questions about criminal convictions.
Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center Opens
The Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Center in Falls Church has expanded with a second office located at 1307 North Highland Street in Arlington.
Column: Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things.
Northern Virginia Democrats Hold Their Ground
In uneasy election, Beyer takes 8th district, but leaves Senate too close to call.
Despite the election still being too close to call, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner gave his supporters at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City a full smile and a victory speech. With less than 1 percent of the vote favoring Warner over his Republican challenger Ed Gillespie, the question is whether or not Gillespie will ask for a recount. But if this was troubling Warner as much as it was the Democrats gathered the night of Nov 4, he didn’t show it.
Tuesday, November 4
Arlington Votes
A morning with the election staff and voters at Arlington’s Madison and Marshal precincts
Arlingtonians lined up to vote on Election Day to choose between Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie. At a more local level, they also chose a candidate to represent the 8th district in the House of Representatives, to vote on the candidates for County Board and School Board, and to vote on four bonds.