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.
Supervisors Pass Home Day Care Ordinance
Bulova calls for town hall meeting to educate providers on new rules.
“There is a tremendous need for quality child care in the county and we want to help make sure there are a sufficient number of providers available.” -- Board Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)
Saying Goodbye to a ‘Great Place’
Woodson graduates challenged to remember.
W.T. Woodson High School’s Class of 2013 gathered together for the final time Thursday, June 13 at Robinson High School’s Henry M. Smith Field House for its annual commencement ceremony. Students, faculty, family members, and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate the culmination of the school’s 50th anniversary.
Letter: Putting the People First
To the Editor:
Good government isn’t as hard as politicians make it out to be. It’s really about putting the people first. The IRS certainly wasn’t putting the people first when it harassed, humiliated and held up the applications of conservative groups. Nor when it held off on releasing the $125 million share owed to Virginia as part of a Medicaid fraud settlement. It did just the opposite.
Week in Springfield
Look at 'the Other Side of the Wall'
“From the Other Side of the Wall,” a presentation by Palestinian farmer and Director of Tent of Nations Daoud Nassar, will take place June 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath Street in Springfield. Tent of Nations, a peace center located on the Nassar family farm near Bethlehem, emphasizes building bridges of understanding, reconciliation and peace in a region torn by conflict. Contact: Mill Olver, 703-569-3099 or beveolv@aol.com.
Creating Attractive Access
Front elevation universal design solution is both functional and architecturally appropriate.
In many respects, well-executed universal design speaks to the hope that a better world is not only possible, but within our grasp. Certainly the intention is to include people with challenged mobility. And it follows that a good universal design solution can be an enhancement not just for one person, but for everyone.
‘Mr. Springfield’ Comes Full Circle
Todd Lattimer is named senior vice president of First Virginia Community Bank.
Pinstripes. His sharp power suit (purchased from long-time customer Francis Tailors in Annandale) is about the only quality Todd Lattimer shares with the stereotypically stingy, cold, possibly monacled, yet well dressed image of a banker.
Graveside Service for Grace Thomas at Arlington National Cemetery
Grace Thomas, a long-time Springfield resident, died April 19 in Haverhill, Mass., of natural causes. She was 82. Thomas was born on June 13, 1930, in Saunderstown, R.I. The former Grace Lorena Matterson, she married Walter R. Thomas in 1950. They were married for 59 years.
Class of ‘62 Remembers Fallen Classmates
In memory of three class members lost in Vietnam, the class awards scholarship to Sophia Kim.
Senior classes of past and present generations apart were honored on Thursday, June 6 at Robert E. Lee High School for the annual senior awards ceremony. Current students, just weeks away from graduation, received awards from the academic and athletic departments. In addition to these superlatives were scholarships given to selected students who demonstrated excellence in character and academics. Speaking in regards to these honors Principal Abe Jeffers said, “We have quite a tally of scholarships with a total of about $2.1 million.” One in particular was the Class of 1962 Blackburn, Brown and Plunkett Memorial Scholarship.
Springfield Dads
Harold and Kyle Michael of Springfield relax in the park while Kyndra hangs around.