Stories for March 2024

Stories for March 2024

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Wednesday, March 27

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Dry Spell Leads to Fires

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue on Alert

Fires

“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.

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Land-Use Group Holds Supervisor’s Feet to the Fire

Committee and MWAA explain their opposition to Agape plan.

It’s one thing to deliberately misrepresent a group’s opinion about a project and another to use that opinion to help sway a vote.

$1 Billion in Refunds for Tax Year 2020 Unclaimed

Taxpayers face May 17 deadline.

The Internal Revenue Service says that almost 940,000 people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2020 but face a May 17 deadline to submit their tax returns.

Information for Candidates for Local Elected Office in Alexandria

The City of Alexandria is providing information for candidates interested in running for local elected offices.

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Cappies Review: Into the Woods at Bishop Ireton High School

Get prepared to be transported into a spellbinding fusion of classic fairy tales in Bishop Ireton's showcase of “Into the Woods.”

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Stanley Clarke Brinkley, 61, Dies March 24

Stanley Clarke Brinkley, 61, died Sunday, March 24 after a brief illness.

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Arlington’s Casual Adventure Seeks Socks to Recycle

Socks are one of the most thrown out clothing item, clogging landfills

"There is a tremendous enthusiasm for the whole repurpose movement. People love the idea of finding a new home or a new way to use something that would otherwise be discarded. Casual Adventure goes above and beyond to reach out to the community to make people more aware of the program. Year after year, people continue to find socks to bring in. Casual Adventure has always ranked in the top 10 nationally which is a win/win for everybody involved." — Mitchell McGuinness, Smartwool Regional Representative

Wrap Up for March Board Meeting

Saturday, March 16, 2024 – Regular County Board Meeting

Saturday, March 16, 2024 – Regular County Board Meeting

Arlington Doctor Who Illegally Flooded Region with Oxycodone Sentenced to 10 Years

An Arlington woman convicted of illegally prescribing and distributing over a million oxycodone pills was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

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Living Legends: The Dynamic Duo

Patty and Kate Moran making a difference in Del Ray.

Living Legends “It’s addictive here. The people are so easy to get along with.” — Patty Moran

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Alloy Personal Training Opens in Old Town

Long-time Alexandria resident Russ Merbeth hosted the Grand Opening of Virginia’s first Alloy Personal Training studio in Old Town Alexandria, along with Alexandria Vice Mayor Amy Jackson and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

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Essential Workers Appreciation

MVCS hosts 3rd annual event.

“It’s entertaining to visit the schools once a week.” — ASO Master Deputy Wakeatin Carter

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Ilda’s Overlook Senior Residences Opens in Braddock District

Senior Living

Senior Living

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FCPS Explains Opt-Out Notification for Holocaust Speaker

FCPS and Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington share insights.

FCPS opt-out

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Man Charged with Indecent Exposure at Two Malls

Man Charged with Indecent Exposure at Two Malls

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FCPS Pride Rally Mobilizes Leaders Against Lawsuit

Will FCPS continue to be safe for LGBTQIA+ students?

Pride

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Honoring Courageous Soldiers

Army Museum Commemorates D-Day’s 80th Anniversary

D-DAY

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Southern Springfield Grows

Projects underway on Loisdale Road include transportation, government and car dealers

Southern Springfield

Friday, March 22

Potomac Home Sales: February, 2024

In February, 2024, 28 Potomac homes sold between $2,450,000-$820,000.

In February, 2024, 28 Potomac homes sold between $2,450,000-$820,000.

Wednesday, March 20

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Free Tax Returns Prepared Locally

The way it works is that when you arrive you will be interviewed by a tax counselor who will collect your information and then prepare your return. A second counselor will then review your return with you and answer any questions you may have. You will receive a printed copy of your return for your records and then your return will be electronically filed for you.

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Federal Earmarks Awarded for Local Projects

Culpepper Garden received $2.03 million in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill that was signed into law on March 9 as part of an appropriations package just hours before a shutdown deadline.

Clean Out, Drop Off: E-Care on Saturday

Get a head start on spring cleaning with Arlington's Environmental Collection and Recycling (E-CARE) event on Saturday, March 23. The free clean-out and drop-off event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, at Wakefield High School (1325 South Dinwiddie Street).

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Saving the Parkway’s Trees

National Park Service forests are at risk of failure in the national capital region and beyond.

English ivy is one of the most invasive and destructive plants in the region.

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Women’s History Month With Team MVD

In celebration of Women's History Month, it's a pleasure to introduce the dedicated members of Team MVD who tirelessly serve our community.

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Mount Vernon Ladies Receive Spirit of Virginia Award

Governor and First Lady make presentation at the Estate.

“In rescuing America’s most historic home and pioneering the preservation space, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association embodies what it means to uplift the spirit of Virginia.” — Gov. Glenn Youngkin

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Breaking Down Virginia's Gaming Landscape

Balancing expansion with responsibility.

In recent years, Virginia has witnessed a significant expansion in its gaming industry.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event

News Briefs

Car Seat Inspections on March 28

Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected on Thursday, March 28, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station.

Affordable Housing For People with Serious Mental Illness

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) plans to implement an increase in rental assistance to individuals with serious mental illness.

“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.

Woodlands Education Center Opens

Woodlands Education Center Opens

Tuesday, March 19

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Are Pedestrians and Bicyclists Safe?

Crashes involving pedestrians have been increasing over the last three years, up from 144 in 2021 to 191 in 2022 to 233 in 2023.

bikes and peds

Wednesday, March 13

Gov. Youngkin Vetoes Bills to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence

Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed HB46 and SB47, sponsored by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Sen. Barbara Favola, critical bills to protect survivors of domestic violence. Nearly one third of all homicides in Virginia are domestic violence related, and nearly two thirds of domestic violence homicides in VA are committed with a firearm. The bills would not have affected law-abiding gun owners and would have saved lives.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash, Hit and Run

Police Briefs

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Fran Redmon

Philanthropist, arts supporter dies at 86.

“When you find your niche and do something about it, you’ve found your place.” — Philanthropist and Living Legend Fran Redmon

New Deputy City Manager

News Briefs

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Arena Fail

General Assembly says no to Glenndome; lawmakers to reconvene April 17.

“I just stood firm on what I believe in my heart to be in the best interest of the commonwealth, and that was just to say no to the Glenndome.” — Sen. L. Louise Lucas “We will continue to engage with policymakers in Richmond to ensure that Alexandrians ultimately get to consider a final version of this proposal.” — Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson

Equality Virginia: Finally, Marriage Equality is Codified in Virginia

Gov. Youngkin signs HB 174 which updates the Virginia Code to affirm marriage rights.

On March 8, Equality Virginia Advocates, the public policy and advocacy arm of the Commonwealth’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) equality, applauded the signing of HB 174, a bill that updates the Virginia Code with an affirmative right to marriage for same-sex couples.

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Sine Die

“Sine die” is the language that marks the end of the regular session of the Virginia General Assembly.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Bailey’s Crossroads

Detectives from FCPD Crash Reconstruction Unit (CRU) are investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcyclist that occurred in Bailey’s Crossroads.

“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.

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PathForward Receives Federal Grant for Siebert House

PathForward announced March 11 that it will receive $1,342,704 in Federal funding for purchase of Siebert House. Siebert House is an 8-unit apartment building located in the Westover area of Arlington which currently houses chronically homeless people.

Death Investigation Ruled a Homicide-Suicide

A death investigation in the East Falls Church neighborhood has been ruled a homicide-suicide following a determination of cause and manner of death by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

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Rally Against Hate Supports Rock Spring Neighbors

Arlington neighbors gathered March 1 at a Rally Against Hate held on the steps of Rock Spring UCC to show community support for neighbors whose properties had been defaced with racial slurs and swastikas on Feb. 19.

CORE and THRIVE Advancing Businesses in Fairfax County

This week, the County proudly introduces Fairfax CORE (Connecting Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs), a groundbreaking online platform designed to empower business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Fairfax County, including the towns of Clifton and Vienna and cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.

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Sine Do or Die

On Saturday evening, March 9, the 2024 General Assembly session adjourned sine die. “Sine die” is Latin for “without day,” and in legalese, if you will, it means “indefinitely.”

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South Lakes Wins State Basketball championship

Seahawks Are Champions!

Basketball

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Jazz Great Ella Fitzgerald Ties to Lorton

Recognizing influential women in local and national history

Jazz Great Ella Fitzgerald Ties to Lorton

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2024 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County

Herndon Friends honor countywide high school juniors and seniors.

Peace

Wednesday, March 6

Self-Defense Classes for Women

Round Ups

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County’s Real Estate Tax Rate Advertised at 4 Cent Increase

Fairfax County Supervisors at its March 5 meeting approved advertising a 4-cent FY 2025 real estate tax rate increase for the County Executive's FY 2025 Fairfax County Advertised Budget. The advertised rate is $1.135 per $100 of assessed valuation.

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SSA’s March Speaker Series: SSA Connection LIVE!

Every week, Senior Services of Alexandria’s “SSA Connection” provides seniors with an informative TED Talk, exercise video, recipe, and activity to brighten their week.

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The Final Countdown

We’re in the final week of the 2024 General Assembly session and we still have much work to do.

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Scam Season

Be alert for these scams that increase in spring and summer.

With warmer weather on the way, I wanted to alert you to some common scams that you should be aware of during the upcoming spring and summer months.

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Apprehension Mounts As City Council Considers Arena Proposal

Virginia General Assembly must create an authority that would own the property and lease it to Monumental for the plan to move forward.

“Recognize a fairy tale when you're told one.” — Meredith Lair, Lynhaven “The city has an AAA bond rating for a reason.” — Councilman Canek Aguirre

Disappointed in Letter on Abortion

Letters to the Editor

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Local Businesses Win Big At THE BEST Business Awards

Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses that make community involvement a priority.

Local business leaders gathered together this past Friday at the Hilton Springfield for THE BEST Business Awards Gala presented by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce recognizing outstanding businesses that make community involvement a priority.

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Tentative Agreement Between ATU Local 689, Transdev

Fairfax County Connector Bus service expected to restart Friday, March 8.

After a daylong negotiation session on Tuesday, March 5, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, representing striking Fairfax County Connector bus drivers and mechanics, reached a tentative agreement with Transdev.

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Fraley Is New CEO at United Community

United Community today announced the appointment of Leah Fraley as its new CEO, effective April 1, 2024. Leah succeeds Alison DeCourcey who left United Community in June of 2023. Bryan Rice will remain Interim CEO until April 1.

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Animal, Wildlife Reorganization Ready for Approval?

Wildlife

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FCPS Seeks 2% and 6% Pay Hikes

Could county taxpayers shoulder a quarter billion dollars in school raises?

Teachers Pay

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Can Prospective Public School Employees Afford Fairfax?

School pay scale for emerging professions hurts recruitment.

FCPS

Broken Pipe Part of Larger Project

‘No evidence that the pipe's failure had compromised the water quality of those homes.’

On Tuesday, March 5, John Lisle, vice president of marketing and communications at DC Water, said Fairfax County's Feb. 27 presentation at the Great Falls Community meeting was comparable to DC Water's previous community meetings held the week before.

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Major Sewage Line Fails Near Potomac River in Great Falls

Fairfax tests wells, positive results for coliform and E. coli

The DC Water and Sewer Authority's Potomac Interceptor sewer line at Manhole #31, approximately 400 feet (just more than a football field) from the Potomac River, and varying proximity to 18 private wells in Great Falls, 158 feet to 2,755 feet, failed on or before Feb. 12.