Stories for May 2016

Arlington: Luke Sends Balloon to Heaven to Honor Dad

TAPS sponsors five-day event over Memorial Day.

Luke Carron sat at the edge of the astroturf waiting for the balloon release that will carry the note to his father in heaven.

Rolling Thunder Rides Through Arlington

Thousands come out for annual motorcycle rally.

Thousands of bikers filled the Pentagon parking lots before roaring out of the north entrance, driving across the Arlington Memorial Bridge and around the National Mall, before their final stop in West Potomac Park.

Arlington: Neighbors, Colleagues Honor Firefighters of Hall’s Hill

Reunion of firefighters, families, and neighbors was tribute to early firefighters.

“How did I keep up a positive attitude despite segregation? I believe most of us wanted to prove that we were as good or better than the other firefighters in the county,” said Hartman Reed.

Arlington: Project Made Winter Warmer

Students organized gloves, hat and scarf drive.

The students in Mrs. Byron’s and Mrs. Kirsch’s TA [home room], at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, completed their IB community project by doing a gloves, hat, and scarf drive.

Arlington: ‘Family Is Family’ in 'La Cage Aux Folles'

Signature stages gender-bending musical comedy “La Cage Aux Folles.”

Signature Theatre in Arlington is staging "La Cage Aux Folles," a musical about family, identity and loving who you are, May 31 through July 10, 2016. The play is based on a book by Harvey Fierstein ("Newsies," "Kinky Boots") and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman ("Hello, Dolly!," "Mame").

Arlington: Marymount Farmers Market Opens

The Marymount Farmers Market opened despite a steady rain on Saturday, May 21.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.

Burke: Robinson Boys' Lax Earns State Tournament Berth

Rams pull away from Yorktown in second quarter.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team beat Yorktown in the region quarterfinals.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Arlington Snapshot: Support Red Nose Day

Members of the Arlington Woman's Club showed off their Red Noses at their Shred Event last week in support of Red Nose Day, May 26, that helps underserved children with both school supplies and food, in the U.S. and overseas. Visit RedNoseDay.org.

Arlington Arts Center Selects New Executive Director

Holly Koons McCullough has been named the new executive director of the Arlington Arts Center (AAC). She brings more than 20 years of curatorial and administrative experience in the visual arts to AAC.

Arlington: Foster Parents Celebrated at Gala Dinner

Foster parents were hesitant at first, now committed.

One of the attendees asked an honoree at the May 16 gala dinner for foster parents how long she and her husband had been foster parents.

Philippine Oriental Market: Food Lover’s Dream

A profile of Chef Evelyn Bunoan.

Most people drive by the Philippine Oriental Market on Lee Highway in Arlington and don’t recognize it as the go-to place for the local Filipino community. Why?

Arlington Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 264 Arlington homes sold between $2,391,430-$120,000.

Arlington Home Sales: April, 2016

Robinson Boys' Lax to Host Yorktown with State Berth at Stake

Rams star Daniel still bothered by 2015 home loss to Patriots.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team will host Yorktown at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the 6A North region quarterfinals.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

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Arlington: Building Better Businesses

County Board candidates talk commerce in local debate.

The core differences between the Democrats, and even the independent running for County Board, are slim. So when the three candidates met the evening of May 16 for a debate, the conversation centered around differing approaches to the same issues affecting the county.

Arlington: Gearing Up for Bike to Work Day

Local cyclists share tips for new riders.

On May 20, expect to see more Arlington commuters leaving the cars in the garage. Annual “Bike to Work” day encourages commuters to try out a car-free lifestyle, and some of the local experts are ready with tips for new riders.

Arlington: Children's Chorus Performs 'El Sombrero Magico'

Little noticed in the bustling arts scene in the Washington area is a chorus of Arlington Spanish-speaking children who sing and cavort on stage.

Arlington: Task Force Votes To Keep Fire Station 8 at Current Site

Questions continue about how to improve response times.

Attendees at the penultimate meeting on Fire Station 8 shook their heads.

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Arlington: Schools To Dip Into Reserves

School Board sacrifices future budgets to avoid cuts in 2017.

The good news is that the Arlington School Board approved a budget without cutting any of the proposed programs from the $582 million budget the School Board sent to the County Board.

Arlington: Responding to Metro Delays and Closures

Arlington leadership and ridership look at upcoming Metro changes.

From elected officials to Metro riders just passing through, this has been the response to the long-awaited plan to fix the Washington Metro.

Arlington: Fashion Center Expands with Shake Shack

Rachad Alaour, general manager, cuts the wide green ribbon on Wednesday, May 4 for the opening of Shake Shack at Pentagon City. Laurie Van Dalen (left), general manager for Fashion Center, says they began the expansion of Fashion Center 20 months ago and Shake Shack is the first of five businesses to open in this new space. Megan Purtell, assistant general manager, is at far left.

Arlington: Career Coach Writes Book

Arlington career coach offers advice to career changers.

For many individuals, making a career change can feel like a being on a never-ending road trip.

Arlington Snapshot: Sartorial Splendor

Northern Virginia was well represented at the Virginia Gold Cup this year.

Arlington: Fire Station 8 Task Force Nears Decision

Task force will vote on options May 12.

The Fire Station 8 Task Force narrowed down its options during its meeting on April 26, and will now vote on May 12 to narrow the decision down to one proposal going forth to the County Board.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Arlington: Garvey, Gutshall in Democratic Primary

Democratic Primary pits incumbent Libby Garvey against establishment-backed newcomer Erik Gutshall.

Two years ago, County Board member Libby Garvey refused to back the Columbia Pike Streetcar.

Arlington Snapshot: Happy Mother’s Day

My three grandsons — Blaise, age 4; Zachary Replogle, age 2; and Isaac Replogle, age 5 — are bringing flowers home to Mom from the Mother’s Day brunch at the Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road.

Arlington Letter: Mom’s Health Month

Letter to the Editor

Having a new baby … the happiest time of a woman’s life, right? Not always.

Arlington: New Owner-Chef Leads La Côte d’Or

Attention to culinary detail.

La Côte d’Or, on the border of Falls Church and Arlington, has a new owner. The restaurant was purchased in February by Chef Jacques Imperato.

Two Arlington Foster Parents Advise: ‘Just do it’

Recalling the challenges and joys.

Scott and Marcy Burka are Arlington's Foster Parents of the Year. In addition to their three birth children, they’ve provided five long-term placements, including two sibling groups of three. Scott Burka works in real estate and Marcy Burka is an accountant.

Arlington Brief: Honoring Original Fire Station 8 Firefighters

The John M. Langston Citizens’ Association of Hall’s Hill - Highview Park in Arlington will be commemorating “the heroism of the original 14 Negro firefighters who served in Fire Station 8.”

Arlington: Chef Introduces New Lineup of Nats-inspired Ice Creams

Arlington Chef Katie Gilman, owner of Taste - Inventive Food by Katie Gilman - a carry-out restaurant and catering business, has created a lineup of Nats-inspired ice creams as part of her concept of “perfect scoops” of ice cream.

Arlington: Virginia Cancer Specialists Honored

VCS provides pro bono care for Arlington Free Clinic patients.

Maria, a middle-aged El Salvadoran woman, was upset. She had been referred to Arlington Free Clinic (AFC) after being seen in the emergency room for internal bleeding. Maria came to her appointment at AFC with a stack of bills from the hospital, which she could not sort out.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

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Culinary Passion: A Taste of Hawaii

Profile: Mikala Brennan

When you think of the tropics and of Hawaii, your visions probably include palm trees, sandy beaches with crashing waves, and a whole lot of sunshine. But you probably don’t even know about Hawaiian food, which is both tropical and somewhat Mainlandish. To learn about the real deal, head to Arlington’s Hula Girl restaurant, owned and cooked for by a Hawaiian native, Mikala Brennan.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.

Arlington County Offers Summer Camps for Kids

Gulf Branch Nature Center features three different sessions.

Arlington County offers nine sessions of weekly summer camp beginning June 27 and running through the week of Aug. 29-Sept. 2. Times for the sessions vary. Some of the camp content is repeated at each location and different park locations so the camp brochure indicates campers should attend only one session.