Stories for August 2024

Saturday, August 31

Bluegrass in Fredericksburg

A Documentary

Bluegrass music documentary

Wednesday, August 28

Labor Day and the Need for Stronger Rights in Virginia

Labor Day is coming up next Monday, allowing us a time to pause and honor the immense contributions of the laborers who have and continue to drive the prosperity of Virginia and our nation.

Arlington NAACP Opposes Dismissal of Human Rights Commissioners

The NAACP Arlington Branch strongly opposes the Arlington County Board’s dismissal of the Human Rights Commissioners and the proposed changes to the Human Rights Ordinance which would scale back the Commission’s oversight of employment discrimination and authority to act on alleged human rights violations.

Celebration of Women’s Equality Day 2024

Workhouse Arts Center marks suffrage anniversary

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every year, officially on Aug. 26, marks the granting of women’s right to vote, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution by the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Preparing For Another Tough Budget Season

Could data centers, meals tax, or Tysons casino help out?

County supervisors are aware of the “projected shortfall based on identified county needs and equal schools growth” of $363.63 million for FY 2026. This was forecast at the Nov. 28, 2023 Budget Policy Committee Meeting and stated in the Multi-Year Budget – FY 2025 and FY 2026.

Shepherd’s Center Seeks Volunteer Drivers

Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church (SCMAFC), an all-volunteer organization, is seeking additional volunteers to support its mission of providing free transportation to seniors for medical and dental appointments or run errands to grocery stores and pharmacies.

“Flourishing After 55”

55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.

Franconia Residents Win Medals

Local Youth Land Bronze in Fly Fishing

WSHS grad won a fishing medal from Youth Fly Fishing World Championships.

Fishy

Wednesday, August 21

Potomac Home Sales: July, 2024

In July, 2024, 46 Potomac homes sold between $4,750,000-$758,000.

Potomac Home Sales: July, 2024

Thursday, August 15

Cure for Olympics Withdrawal

2024 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics offers 70 events.

Wednesday, August 14

Community-Centered Health Assessment

All residents are invited to participate in Alexandria Health Department’s 2024 Community Health Assessment, beginning with a kick-off event on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Patrick Henry Recreation Center.

School Zone Speed Cameras Back in Effect Starting Aug. 19

The City of Alexandria will resume enforcement of school zone speed cameras beginning August 19, 2024, the first day of school for Alexandria City Public Schools.

Firefighters and Friends Continue with Compassion

Firefighters and Friends, a group started by now-retired Deputy Fire Chief Willie Bailey 26 years ago, gathered at Penn Daw Fire Station on Monday, Aug. 13 to make sure students along Richmond Highway would have the supplies they need to go back to school, even if their families couldn’t afford to get them.

Alexandria Film Festival — Behind the Scenes

Interview with Patti North, executive director and founder of the Alexandria Film Festival

The Alexandria Film Festival will run from Nov. 7-10 in several venues around Alexandria. It features high quality short and feature length films, documentaries, filmmaker panels and arts presentations. This is the first in a series of articles focusing on the background, the process and a look at the movers and shakers who make it all happen.

Stringfellow Road Closed Aug. 17

Detour in place during paving as part of Route 29 Widening Project

Northbound and southbound Stringfellow Road (Route 645) between Route 29 and Centreville Farms Road will be closed to through traffic Saturday, Aug. 17 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for paving, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

“Flourishing After 55”

Alexandria Police Kill Armed Man Having Mental Health Crisis

Man in his 60s pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, Alexandria Police Officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. to a 911 call from a man asking police to check on the well-being of one of his co-workers. The caller said the co-worker had made very concerning statements about harming himself and advised he was armed with at least two guns.

Reston Community Center 2024 Preference Poll

Reston Community Center (RCC) announced it is seeking interested candidates to run for this year’s Preference Poll to fill three three-year term position seats on its nine-member Board of Governors responsible for oversight of RCC.

Providing Students Opportunities To Register To Vote

FCPS students advocate for the national High School Voter Empowerment Act.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) highlighted their July 31, 2024, TeacherDirect Bulletin with a reminder of the April 2, 2020, Code of Virginia amendment that added the provision, § 22.1-203.4 Public high schools; mandating that students have access to voter registration.

Reeves Farmhouse to Habitat for Humanity

The Arlington County Board approved an agreement to convey the Reeves Farmhouse to Habitat for Humanity of Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA), concluding a decades-long process.

Neighbors Across Arlington Enjoy National Night Out

Neighbors in communities across Arlington closed their doors and ventured out to celebrate National Night Out on Aug. 6. This nationwide event is held the first Tuesday in August to help people get to know their neighbors and to foster good community relations with the police and other emergency responders.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Opens in Franconia

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Aug. 12 at their new restaurant located at 7027A Manchester Boulevard.

Sidewalk Sale at Belle View Shopping Center

Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., experience a day of shopping and dining at Belle View Shopping Center, 1632 Belle View Boulevard.

Butterflies May Be in Trouble

This summer’s heat and drought have not only taken a toll on humans, they may also be affecting the butterfly population.

Wednesday, August 7

“Flourishing After 55”

‘Stay Away' Weekend Aug. 16-19

Georgetown Pike Bridge Traffic Shift

As part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project, a new Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495 is being built in phases to keep traffic moving throughout construction.