Petersen to Governor: Explain, Deny, Return or Resign
Petersen first Virginia legislator to suggest McDonnell resign over alleged wrongdoing in accepting gifts from prominent donor.
The tipping point for state Sen. J. Chap Petersen (D-34) was the $6,500 Rolex watch.
Terry McAulife Launches Healthcare Platform at Inova Alexandria Hospital
Affordable Care Act is a key point of distinction between candidates for governor.
Democratic candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe found himself in the emergency room this week, but it wasn't because of a medical crisis.
Hybrid Outrage at the Department of Motor Vehicles
Two legislators vow to introduce effort to repeal new tax on hybrid vehicles.
Suzanne Cleary has owned a hybrid vehicle since 2006, making her an early adopter and a proselytizer to her friends and neighbors.
Let the Sparks Fly
So. It’s July 4, 2013. Independence Day. A federal holiday celebrating our freedom from Great Britain. The National Day of the United States.
Lake Braddock Grad Rodi Headed to Hillsdale College
Former Lake Braddock volleyball player Kyra Rodi helped the Bruins win the 2011 Patriot District title.
Balenger Story: Walking Tall
Nick Balenger, paralyzed after a swimming accident, walks at the Lake Braddock graduation ceremony.
Every Lake Braddock senior who walked across the George Mason University Patriot Center stage for a diploma received applause and praise for 12 years of hard work. But only one student received a standing ovation for simply walking.
Delightful Evenings at Kate’s
Springfield Irish Pub hosts Open Mic Night on Wednesdays.
For about six years, Jim Bellas, 65, of the district, has organized the Open Mic Night on Wednesdays at Kate’s Irish Pub in Springfield’s Concorde Shopping Center. Anyone can sign up to play for free on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 11 p.m. The sets usually last between 10-15 minutes and include three to five songs.
Col. Gadson Comes to Sangster
Wounded Warriors inspire young audience.
Movie buffs might know him from his role in the 2011 blockbuster “Battleship” as Mick, the gruff wounded vet who helps save the world from aliens, but to the students at Sangster Elementary School in Springfield, he is known as real-life hero Col. Gregory D. Gadson, Ft. Belvoir garrison commander and Purple Heart recipient.
Commentary: Putting the People First
Good government isn’t as hard as politicians make it out to be. It’s really about putting the people first.
Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’
Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.
City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Local Author Wins Book Award
The Nautilus Book Award has named its 2013 Gold Winner in Religion/spirituality: “Faith Beyond Belief: Stories of Good People Who Left Their Church Behind.” Author Margaret Placentra Johnston holds degrees from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (BS, OD 1982), and the Catholic University of America (BA, 1973. MA, 1974.) From 1983 to 2003 she operated her own private optometric practice in Springfield and currently sees patients part-time in Alexandria and Georgetown.
Keys to Mobility
Keifer Wolfe receives a free car from Progressive.
Through the collaborative efforts of several local companies, Keifer Wolfe, a local military member training to be a Navy SEAL, was presented with a free Ford Escape at the Progressive Insurance building in Springfield on Wednesday, June 12, in order to replace his current transportation means—running, public transportation, and borrowing his friend’s cars—with a car of his own.
Lee Graduates Encouraged to Explore
Lancer Award to Madison Curtis and Nahom Fissaha, Faculty Award to Adeli Block and Carlos Toro.
The 417 graduating seniors of Robert E. Lee High School gathered together for the final time Monday, June 16 for the school’s annual commencement ceremony at George Mason University’s Patriot Center. Family, friends and honored guests were in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s seniors as they received recognition, rewards and finally, their diplomas.
Spartans Come Together for a Bittersweet Last Time
West Springfield High graduates urged to be “the best you possible.”
West Springfield’s Class of 2013 graduated at the Patriot Center on Friday, June 14, in front of a packed crowd of families, friends and teachers, receiving inspirational words for the future, as well as bittersweet, nostalgic memories from the past. Principal Mark Greenfelder, a fellow Spartan himself, began the graduation with words of wisdom from his favorite book “The Element,” explaining to students that in order to be happy and successful, they needed to find the intersection between what they were passionate about and what they were good at.
A Day to Remember at Edison High
Thomas Edison High School graduates urged to be “doers and not watchers.”
After an array of silver and light blue caps and gowns filled Constitution Hall at Thomas Edison High School’s graduation ceremony on Friday, June 14, the commencement began with Principal Pamela Brumfield at the podium.