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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Centreville, Westfield Garner Cappies Nods
‘Cabaret’ and ‘Flowers for Algernon’ are honored.
When the winners are announced during the 14th annual Cappies Gala, June 9, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., students from Centreville and Westfield high schools will be there, eager for the results.
Poem: This is NOT America’s Next Top Model
Do you know what I hate? Ketchup