Wednesday, March 30
Editorial: Money to Treat Addiction, Mental Health Issues
Affordable Care Act could pay for help, better health for 100,000 uninsured people in Virginia with mental illness or addiction issues.
Poor people without health insurance in Virginia are being unnecessarily tortured, in some cases to death, by a General Assembly that refuses to expand Medicaid.
Commentary: Congress Must Act on the Growing Opioid Epidemic
Our nation is in the midst of an exploding opioid epidemic.
Commentary: Progress on Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations
Thoughtfulness and deliberation should not be construed as resistance or foot dragging.
A tremendous amount of progress has already taken place to implement many of these recommendations.
Sex Trafficking Young Victims in Northern Virginia
Federal funds for gang task force expire April 1.
The first article in an occasional series on human sexual trafficking in Northern Virginia.
Arlington Snapshot: Art Show Open to the Public
IB art students at Washington-Lee High School will present their IB Studio Art Exhibition on April 5 after school (reception begins at 3 p.m.) and April 6, all day until 4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Mrs. Arlington Puts Spotlight on Child Sexual Abuse
In an effort to combat child sexual abuse, Jen “Elizabeth” Peace is using her title as Mrs. Arlington to teach educators, parents and those with access to children how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.
Arlington: CorePower Yoga To Open Studio
CorePower Yoga is opening a new studio in Pentagon City at 560 12th Street South. Studio manager DeDee Cai will officially open doors to the brand’s fifth Washington D.C. location later this month.
Arlington Snapshot: Celebrating Her 98th Birthday
Eleanor W. Bune, of Arlington,, celebrated her 98th birthday on March 14, with her daughter, Karen L. Bune, and friends. Her daughter arranged a small dinner party that was held at a local restaurant.
Arlington Snapshot: Teaching Award
Karen L. Bune, an adjunct professor at Marymount University in the Department of Forensic and Legal Psychology, received the outstanding adjunct teaching award on March 17. Bune has been teaching at Marymount for 14 years. Bune is an Arlington resident, and is e
Runners Create Donation Pages to Benefit Arlington Thrive
It’s been a few months since the Resolve to Run group signed up on a snowy night in January to run the 5K or Ten Miler to benefit Thrive Arlington.
Arlington: 22 Stories in Pentagon City
Developers ask for height exceptions for Metro Park 6.
Pentagon City is transforming. Tucked away between the Pentagon City Metro Station and Crystal City, the Metropolitan Park area is nearing the end of a complete rebuilding that began in 2004.
Tuesday, March 29
Arlington: W-L Sophomore Edelstein Earns Win Against West Potomac
Generals win third straight with 5-4 victory over Wolverines.
Washington-Lee won its third straight game on Monday.
Eating Smart
Profile: Jean Janssen, force behind area’s Smart Markets.
Food shoppers should take their collective hats off to Jean Janssen. She is the motivating spirit behind the area’s Smart Markets
Wednesday, March 23
Editorial: Purple State
Nonpartisan redistricting could support the best interests of the population, not the politicians.
Classified Advertising March 23, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Arlington: Better Buses
Arlington County applies for funding to improve its public transit.
From better bus stops to shorter waiting times, if a series of grant applications from the regional and state authorities go through, Arlington’s public transit could see some new improvements.
Arlington Snapshot: First Day of Spring?
Despite threatened rain, an Arlington woman and her dog celebrate the first day of spring with a walk in Gulf Branch Park. The dog was unwinding after 23 houseguests had just left and he finally got to sniff some leaves and chase a few squirrels.
Arlington Snapshot: Spring Planting
James Corbett stops by the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) table where Rosemary Jann, a volunteer, gives away bean seeds as well as a variety of herb seeds including thyme, tarragon, basil and cumin. Other seeds are offered to grow a plot for AFAC to feed the families served by the organization. Corbett has a table at the AFAC “Plot Against Hunger” summer season kick-off that demonstrates beekeeping. In two more weeks he will have his colonies in. He sells honey and raises bees as a pollination service for orchards.
Arlington Letter: Continue Fighting World Poverty
Letter to the Editor
Last week, I joined 200 volunteers from all 50 states on Capitol Hill to advocate for global health funding on behalf of the ONE Campaign, a nonpartisan advocacy group that pushes for effective government programs to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease in the developing world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Arlington All In Conference Addresses the Dangerous Years
“It’s your job to explain to me the consequences of my actions,” teen tells mom.
Mother and son sat on the stage of the George Mason Founder’s Hall auditorium last Saturday, and talked as though they were in their kitchen at home. Kate McCauley and David Balick were discussing those dangerous years between 6th and 12th grade, when teens may exercise poor judgement and parents may overreact, or not react enough.
Monday, March 21
Friday, March 18
Arlington: Yorktown Boys' Lax Team Beats Pair of Perennial Powers
Patriots follow win over Chantilly with double-OT victory against Langley.
The Yorktown boys' lacrosse team beat Langley in double overtime on Thursday.
Thursday, March 17
Arlington Home Sales: February, 2016
In February, 2016, 137 Arlington homes sold between $2,550,000-$30,000.
Arlington Home Sales: February, 2016
Wednesday, March 16
Arlington: Wakefield Boys’ Basketball Loses in State Semifinals
Sophomore Cooper shows promise in playoff defeat.
The Wakefield boys' basketball team lost to L.C. Bird in the state semifinals.
Tuesday, March 15
Private Schools: When Leaving Unexpectedly
Spring is time to commit to one’s school of choice.
When Ashley and Clark Leonard enrolled their son in a local independent school, they were excited about the prospect of him thriving in a new, smaller academic environment.
Arlington Letter: Support Clean Power
Letter to the Editor
In Sen. Adam Ebbin's recent commentary on the General Assembly session (“Governor’s First Vetoes and Ongoing Supreme Court Battle,” March 9), he concluded that Governor McAuliffe was right to veto legislation (SB21) that attacked the state's implementation of the Clean Power Plan.
Arlington Snapshot: Donating 500 Books
The women of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women partnered with The Reading Connection and the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing to host a celebration in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday and present The Reading Connection with 500 books donated from Pi Beta Phi. On Feb. 29, the children at the Columbia Grove apartments enjoyed being read to by members of Pi Beta Phi as well as receiving temporary tattoos, stickers, and a certificate of participation. At the end of the party, a cake was served to all who attended and each child went home with a new book for their own home library. The Reading Connection will distribute the remaining books donated from Pi Beta Phi at other literacy events they hold regularly at 13 read aloud sites throughout the metro D.C. area.
Arlington: Concert at Culpepper Garden
The Arlington Philharmonic’s Youth Chamber Music program, Crescendo, arrived on March 6 to play a concert of Tango, Pop and Jazz music in the Culpepper Garden Senior Center.
Arlington: Volunteers Assist REEP’s Mission To Educate
Organization helps immigrants to assimilate.
Arlington County’s English language program for immigrants and refugees will mark its 40th anniversary on April 29 with an all-American celebration — complete with cotton candy, balloon animals and a cake walk.
Arlington: Wakefield High School Welcomes French Lycée Teacher
Parlez-vous ... Arlington?
Encouraging Language Study When Katy Wheelock began teaching at Wakefield, there were seven sections of French. By the time she received the Exemplary French Program award, there were nine. Wakefield also began offering two additional higher level classes, French 5 (a pre-AP class) and Advanced Studies of French (a post-AP class which APS is hoping to offer as a dually-enrolled class in the future). Under her leadership, Wakefield: * had an active chapter of the French Honor Society the “SHF”, or Societe’ Honoraire de Francais, and took part in the Grand Concours. * had two candidates who were wait-listed for Virginia’s Summer Governor’s Academy program, * students entered the Creative Writing Contest sponsored by SHF and wrote original poetry, in French, which they read aloud for World Languages Week at a countywide public event. * has gotten involved with Sister City Arlington-Reims committee for exchange opportunities (outbound to Reims 2013, inbound 2012, 2014); * had numerous guest speakers: David Biette, director, Canada Institute, Wilson Center (Jan 2015) and Idriss Fall, reporter, Voice of America (focus on Senegal, Africa) (Feb 2015) * established pen-pals for individuals; * Skyped with a Peace Corps volunteer about her life, usage of French etc. * welcomed five French high school students into their homes; * has set up a French Club; * students travelled to Reims for Spring Break 2014; * held a Declamation Contest, a juried contest in front of nearly 600 students. Miss Virginia International, Kristyn Admire, a linguist herself, came to encourage students to continue their foreign language studies in the future. * took part in a contest sponsored by the French Embassy in Washington D.C. called “Dis-moi dix mots qui te racontent” * allowed Wheelock to go on a French Embassy sponsored “Stage Pédagogique de Courte Durée” (short term teaching course) where she was one of 10 U.S. teachers in the country selected for an teacher immersion at CAVILAM in Vichy, France. Wheelock said she hopes to be able to visit middle school French teachers and students in level 1, at least once per year, to encourage more students to continue to level 2. She would like to see more students go on to language in high school and would like to see world languages become a core subject, as it is all throughout Europe. Wheelock also hopes to establish a stronger “college link” to show students the college opportunities for language study, how successful completion of advanced classes can earn college credits, how language can lead to studying abroad, internships, and and eventually, job opportunities.
Rosslyn Overhaul
Largest redevelopment on-record approved for Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood.
With five phases of development spread across 25 years, the newly approved Rosslyn Plaza will be the single largest redevelopment in the Rosslyn neighborhood. At the March 12 County Board meeting, the board unanimously approved five new buildings along the Rosslyn waterfront. The new project, proposed by Vornado/Charles E. Smith and Gould Property Company, will include 2.5 million square feet in office, residential, retail, and hotel space. However, while the County Board approved the project, some local residents were not as enthusiastic.
‘Do You Keep a Gun in Your Home?’
Starting conversations about gun safety can help prevent play date tragedies.
Starting the conversation felt awkward. After all, she didn’t want to offend another parent.
Arlington Column: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
... of the 2016 General Assembly session.
The Virginia General Assembly finished its work for the 2016 legislative session a day early and adjourned a “long” 60-day session where we made progress on many issues but fought bitterly on several others. Because the improving economy has led to increased revenue collections, we were able to invest in critical areas and make a sizable deposit to our Rainy Day Fund without increasing taxes.
Monday, March 14
It Takes a Village
Campaign designed to end homelessness in Fairfax County.
When speaking with Kathy Albarado, one might not guess that she’d experienced periods of homelessness as an adolescent.
Thursday, March 10
Commentary: A Step Backwards for Virginia
Virginia New American leaders respond to the nomination of Ken Cuccinelli for the State Supreme Court.
From immigration to contraception to climate change denial to LGBT rights, Ken Cuccinelli has built a career on extreme conservative positions that are out of step with Virginia today.
Wednesday, March 9
Arlington County Board To Consider Rosslyn Redevelopment Plan
Rezoning and phased development to be reviewed.
The aging Rosslyn Plaza Park could be undergoing a massive overhaul after the upcoming March 12 County Board meeting.
Arlington: High-Occupancy Discussion
Arlingtonians share concerns about upcoming I-66 expansion.
After a year of meetings and hearings, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is beginning to move into the final phase of outreach for the I-66 transformation projects. At a regional level, most of the criticism was centered around the new tolling and extended High Occupancy Vehicle restrictions. For Arlington, the concerns are a little different.
Arlington Freedom Rider Remembers the Struggle
“If you’re going to die, make it worthwhile.”
Joan Mulholland says she was born in the South but she began to recognize in the 1950s about the divide between the races and wonder how she could change things.
Arlington Snapshot: At Gala
Five singers set the stage for Opera Nova’s production of “Treemonisha” in the fall with a gala fund-raising brunch on March 5 at the Washington Golf & Country Club in Arlington. The abbreviated Scott Joplin opera will be performed for as many as 3,500 school children in the fall at Thomas Jefferson Community Theater.
Arlington Snapshot: Protecting Personal Security and the Environment
Arlington’s Solid Waste Bureau offers “free paper document shredding” every month. Watch old medical records, credit card receipts, tax returns, and the like being turned into harmless confetti. It is enough to make an identity thief cry. Scraps are recycled, so some trees are also saved. The shredding takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the county yard, 4300 29th Street, South (near Shirlington, off South Arlington Mill Road). Next event is April 2.
Arlington Snapshot: ‘The True Adventures of Pinocchio’ To Open Thursday
“The True Adventures of Pinocchio,” the Yorktown spring production, will be staged March 10, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m., with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on March 12. Tickets are $10 at the door and are available at yhstheatre.org/pinocchio. Premium tickets with reserved seating are $50 each, and there is a 6 p.m. pre-show dinner cafe for $10. On Saturday, March 12, there will be an ice cream social with the cast immediately following the matinee, at a cost of $3.
Arlington Thrive Board Appoints Schneider as Executive Director
Arlington resident grew up here steeped in a tradition of community involvement.
Andrew Schneider said he grew up in a home in Arlington which was already very community oriented. His mother worked for Habitat for Humanity.
Novel’s Authors To Sign ‘High Hand’ in Clarendon
Three writers create a political thriller.
It’s not often that an award-winning journalist, a world-renowned scientist and a retired senior government official come together to write a spy thriller.
Tuesday, March 8
Editorial: Making Good Choices on Saint Patrick’s Day
Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), will offer the 2016 St. Patty’s Day SoberRide program, providing free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Thursday, March 17.
Nanny Suites Add Value
High-end live-in quarters attract au pairs and can increase property values.
When Peggy Delinois Hamilton relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and began working full-time after spending eight years as an at-home mother of two children, childcare was one of her top concerns.
Remodeled Home Tour Set for March 12
Home evolves from center hall colonial to open plan with boldly original finishes.
To satisfy a couple's evolving lifestyle requirements, Sun Design Remodeling dramatically reconfigured the home's first level, introducing a “kitchen-centric” plan that better supports everyday uses and entertainment needs.
Buying or Selling?
A primer for doing either and avoiding pitfalls.
Here we are, once again right on the heels of the spring/summer real estate season when it seems like “For Sale” signs become the most common lawn ornament or condo window decoration.
Arlington Letter: Taking Care of All Students
Letter to the Editor
The following letter was sent to Arlington Public Schools’ families and staff.
Arlington Letter: Primary Contrast
Letter to the Editor
Virginia Democrats have now had their say and we congratulate Hillary Clinton on her victory in [Virginia’s March 1] primary. And we thank Bernie Sanders as well for continuing to run a strong, issue-focused campaign.
Column: Governor’s First Vetoes and Ongoing Supreme Court Battle
Commentary
The 2016 General Assembly will be wrapping up its work this week, and of the more than 3,200 bills and resolutions that were introduced, over 1,350 pieces of legislation have passed both chambers. Those bills are now on their way to Governor McAuliffe’s desk, who has 7 or 30 days to act on them depending on how close to the end of session they passed. The Governor has approved many of these measures but he has also issued vetoes for a handful of bills that he believes are unnecessary or unconstitutional.
Arlington Column: State Budget Takes Shape
Commentary
This past Sunday, the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees unveiled their $109 billion budget proposals for the upcoming biennium.
Teen Trafficking Awareness Event in Springfield
West Springfield High School and Just Ask Prevention Project will hold an awareness night to address the issue of sex trafficking in the region on Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at West Springfield High School, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield.
Arlington: Parks Helps Wakefield Earn State Quarterfinal Victory
Warriors advance to state final four, will face L.C. Bird.
The Wakefield boys' basketball team defeated Deep Run on Saturday.
Thursday, March 3
Small Lifestyle Changes Can Have Big Impact
Researchers found that moderate weight loss improves health.
Dropping as little as five percent of one’s body weight can lead to significant health improvements, according to a new study published in the Cell Metabolism journal.
Managing Medication Can Be Challenging
“Let’s Talk about RxSM” helps seniors avoid prescription drug mishaps.
It was around 2 a.m. on a frigid winter night when Janet Russell was awakened from her sleep by the sound of woman calling for help.
Wednesday, March 2
Classified Advertising March 2, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Arlington: County Board Clashes Over Playground Construction
If there’s one place in Arlington where you're likely to see more arguments than at a playground, it's the County Board. An argument between neighborhood residents against their civic association and the Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee escalated to a disagreement between members of the County Board, but one that ended with unanimous approval.
Arlington: Minding the Budget Gap
Quick look at the Arlington County Schools budget.
Arlington County has a revenue sharing agreement with the school system, where the schools automatically receive 46.5 percent of the local taxes revenue.
Arlington: Draft Childcare Regulations Withdrawn
Controversy forces County Board to reconsider regulations.
The Arlington County Board on Feb. 23 pulled draft revisions of Chapter 52 child care regulations from the public comment website after voluminous comments, "some quite pointed," had been received criticizing a number of the draft provisions.
Tuesday, March 1
Arlington: Changes Proposed for ART Local Bus Routes
Public input sought.
Arlington has developed draft recommendations to improve bus service in the county. The 10-year transit development plan for ART and Metrobus routes contains proposals for 36 routes to enhance or restructure their services. One of these proposals would be a headway-based route that would connect Skyline, Pentagon City and Crystal City.
Arlington Snapshot: Blood Drive Results
More than 80 people participated in a Feb. 21 blood drive hosted by the Boy Scouts from Troop 111 at St. Agnes Parish Center. Seventy-three 73 pints of blood were collected.
Arlington Obituary: Estela Cristina (Vila) Gibbon
Estela Cristina Gibbon, age 103, of Arlington, died on Jan. 15, 2016, with her family at her side in the Falls Church Sunrise. Estela was born in Santiago, Dominica Republic on May 15, 1912.
Arlington Resident Revels in ‘Car-lessness’
Being car-free is the new normal for younger generation.
In a world with too many cares, having no car means one less headache. Katy Lang is an example of the trend among “under 30s” Arlington residents: they don’t have a car. Lang became “carless” over five years ago. Lang is an organization development consultant for the American Chemical Society, downtown.
Report: Striking Increase in Arlington Residents Seeking Assistance
Arlington safety-net report draws crowd.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 17,000 Arlington residents are living at or below the Federal poverty level of $24,250 for a household of four.