Transportation Pie
To the Editor: A recent breakfast gathering of the transportation cognoscenti of the region and hosted by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance posed this question: How will our various Northern Virginia jurisdictions split up the pie of new transportation money? County leaders or their representatives from Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington and Loudoun comprised the panel of presenters. Perhaps the most interesting information, however, came from the discussion sheets provided to the audience.
Business Notes
Pennoni Associates, an ENR Top 100 engineering, design, and consulting firm, is pleased to announce that William Allen, PE, has joined the firm as a vice president and will focus on business development. He previously worked as director of project development, large projects group for Skanska USA Civil, Inc. Allen has 40 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry, primarily through the management of large engineering and construction organizations. He has a proven record of success in marketing and in the acquisition of major projects and has built profitable engineering and construction business lines. Allen has extensive expertise in creating and implementing public-private partnership projects. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, he is a registered professional engineer in eight states, including Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. He is involved with many organizations, including ACEC, ASCE, AASHTO, APWA, SAME, the Design-Build Institute of America, and the American Underground Construction Association. He also served on the board of directors of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.
Buuletin Board
Through June 12 Independent Living Project. Fairfax County is offering this free six-week program that includes a gentle exercise program to improve strength and balance, presentations on county services, a healthy cooking demonstration, advice on how to manage health care and prescriptions, and more. Led by professional social workers, the group meets weekly at the Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/independent.htm or call 703-324-7210, TTY 711.
The Battle of Ox Hill
The Battle of Ox Hill, the Confederate name for what the Union Army called the Battle of Chantilly, took place on the afternoon of Sept. 1, 1862. The fighting occurred during a fierce storm that field reports described as so thunderous it drowned out the cries and clamor of the battle. Dry ammunition became scarce, and the fighting degenerated into a brawl of bayonets and musket clubs. The chaotic conflict lasted a little more than two hours and ended at dark as a stalemate. Two Union divisions under the command of Gen. Isaac Stevens and Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny engaged Confederate troops at Ox Hill and both commanders were killed.
Column: Airing on the Side of Caution
I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote. That is to say that 1.7 million voters went missing in the Commonwealth.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
100 New Citizens Sworn In
Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.
The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter
Each year, the nonprofit Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FFCAS) raises money to pay for things the shelter can’t afford. And in June, it holds a wine-tasting and invites the public to participate. In past years, it’s been at a beverage store. “But this time, we’re doing something totally different,” said FFCAS President Evelyn Grieve. “We’re having it at Paradise Springs Winery. And besides the wine-tasting, there’ll be appetizers, desserts and a raffle.”
Summer Fun in Herndon
Herndon Festival, new concert series highlight summer events.
Whether it’s downtown or the surrounding areas, there’s plenty of summer fun to be had in Herndon. Though it takes place a few weeks before the official start of summer, this weekend’s Herndon festival marks the start of the season for many.
Herndon Pays Tribute to the Fallen on Memorial Day
Annual Memorial Day ceremony held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
Herndon residents gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day. The annual ceremony featured members of the American Legion, Herndon High School Naval JROTC and guest speaker Dr. Duane C. Young, a retired Army major.
Underdog Marshall Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Statesmen one win shy of states after 0-7 start.
The Marshall baseball team will face Lake Braddock in the regional semifinals.
The Power of Persistence
New laws will deal with mental health, campus safety.
In a little over a month, two new bills dealing with mental health and college safety will take effect in Virginia. And both are a result of the work of two members of the Angel Fund board and a small group of politicians.
Learning about Middle Ages
Representatives from the London Brass Rubbings Center visited Virginia Run Elementary School in April to present the history, people, and lifestyles of the Middle Ages.
School Notes
Peter Hawes, a 2012 graduate of the University of Mary Washington, has received a U.S. Fulbright grant for 2013-2014.
From the Performers’ Point of View
Singers, musicians talk about Chantilly’s upcoming show.
Performing in Chantilly High’s annual Jazz & Pizzazz show is more than being a student entertaining the community; it’s also about carrying on a tradition for more than a quarter of a century.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
The sacrifices of those who died in war.
1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.