Art of Movement Thrives at Workhouse
Lesley Spalding runs 15 exercise classes for 250 people a week.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton offers Art of Movement classes in vibrant formats that are “off the beaten path.” The fall season started Sept. 16 with 19 certified instructors teaching everything from Pilates to yoga to hula to zumba to jazzercise to “strong graceful body.” About 250 people of all ages can sign up for eight-week classes, six days a week, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. The next session starts Nov. 11. “We’re always seeking and reaching out to make sure we’re on top of our game with the latest information,” said Program Director Lesley Spalding, 51, of Rolling Valley in Springfield. “We’re all certified in every aspect.”
Car Show at Edison High
Junior class holds fundraiser with games, booths, bagpiper.
Edison High School’s junior class held a car show and community sale last Saturday, Sept. 14, as a fundraiser. The event brought out the community for games, booth vendors selling books and jewelry, inflatables and even a bagpiper.
Agility Cats Perform at National Cat Show
Reston woman’s Abyssinian cats are famous for athletic prowess.
Cat trainer and breeder Lisa-Maria Padilla, 52, of Reston, appeared with her blue Abyssinian cats at the National Capital Cat Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly over the weekend, Sept. 7-8.
Gros To Lead Glasgow Middle School
Doctoral candidate to mentor most ethnically diverse school in Alexandria.
On July 1, Penny Gros, 43, of Burke was named the new principal of Glasgow Middle School, an ethnically diverse school in Alexandria. It’s the best fit for the Spanish-speaking doctoral candidate in her 19th year in education. “This school is a perfect fit for my background, experience and passions,” she said. As a true melting pot, Glasgow Middle has 1551 students enrolled who were born in 65 different countries and speak 57 languages — Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, among others. The school demographics are: 46 percent Hispanic, 24 percent White, 15 percent Asian, 11 percent Black, 31 percent ESOL. There are 16 percent of students in the Level 4/Advanced Academics program and 10 percent in the AVID program. And 75 percent of the students are on the free/reduced lunch program. In terms of student counts, Glasgow has 579 in sixth grade, 480 in seventh grade and 492 in eighth grade.
Agility Cats Perform at National Cat Show
Reston woman’s Abyssinian cats are famous for athletic prowess.
Cat trainer and breeder Lisa-Maria Padilla, 52, of Reston, appeared with her blue Abyssinian cats at the National Capital Cat Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly over the weekend, Sept. 7-8. The show featured 450 cats from 40 pedigreed breeds from around the world — Sphynx to Burmese to Maine Coons to Persians — plus hybrids, crossbreeds and mutations. There were six all-breed categories, two specialty rings, household pets in eight rings, plus a display of feline agility. In addition to the cat judging, vendors sold feline products, jewelry, food, and artwork. Cats were also available for adoptions.
Gros to Lead Glasgow Middle
Doctoral candidate to mentor most ethnically diverse school in Alexandria.
On July 1, Penny Gros, 43, of Burke was named the new principal of Glasgow Middle School, an ethnically diverse school in Alexandria. It’s the best fit for the Spanish-speaking doctoral candidate in her 19th year in education. “This school is a perfect fit for my background, experience and passions,” she said.
Thousands Attend Burke Centre Festival
Free event provides entertainment, a wine garden and children’s activities.
Thousands attended the Burke Centre Festival last Saturday and Sunday at the Burke Centre Conservancy festival grounds. The free event off Burke Centre Parkway included live entertainment, bands, dancers, puppet shows, interactive wildlife shows, a wine garden, amusement rides, arts and crafts show, a blood drive, children’s activities and special appearances by the Angry Birds, SpongeBob and Elmo.
Chess Champ Wins by Strategy
At the age of 9, Fair Lakes Crossing resident is ranked 4th nationally.
At the age of 9, Aasa Dommalapati, a fourth-grader at Greenbriar West Elementary, competed against the top chess players in Brazil and Canada during the summer months. She is currently ranked fourth nationally in the girls U-9 category.
Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Burke?
Interviews conducted by Steve Hibbard at the Pohick Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Burke.
“There is the Burke Lake Park where I go to play volleyball with friends. There’s Kingstowne for shopping and the movie theater.”
Insiders’ Tips: What are some of the best things about living here?
Interviews conducted on Friday, Aug. 16 at The Virginian senior living community along Route 50 in Fairfax.
“Since I lived by Wolf Trap, years ago, they used to have fireworks on July 4th. Living here in the Virginian, it’s convenient to stores and shopping centers. There are many activities at The Virginian—it’s your choice. Every day there’s something going on—exercise, Bingo, Bridge, card games and entertainment at night.”
Raising Awareness for Honey Bees
Tangles Salon in Burke holds party for National Honey Bee Day.
Tangles Hair Salon and Spa of Burke held a beehive party last Saturday, Aug. 17, in honor of National Honey Bee Day at the store in the Burke Commons shopping center next to Walmart.
Learning About Vegan Cooking
Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton offers a variety of culinary classes.
Chef Kathleen Linton, 52, of Lorton teaches culinary arts classes at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton—everything from “Cajun-Louisiana Secrets” to “Cooking with Beers” to “Catch the Burger Craze.” Last Saturday, the specialist in Southern and Thai cuisine held a one-day workshop on vegan cooking. The cost was $65/Workhouse member; $75/nonmember, and $25 for the cost of food. For those who aren’t familiar with vegan, Linton explains: “Nothing with a mother. No milk, no dairy, no eggs, no meats and no cheese.”
David Fee to Lead Hunt Valley
Easy-going, approachable principal offers inclusive style of leadership.
After 18 years in education, David Fee was named new principal of Hunt Valley Elementary School in Springfield on July 1, taking over the position from former principal Pat Small who retired on June 30.
Brotemarkle Named Principal of Terra Centre
As a relationship-builder, he plans to be visible to students and staff.
“He’s a very collaborative leader and he’s a great listener. He always seeks input from staff and parents when he makes decisions.” Dr. Mahri Aste, Ph.D., principal of Mosby Woods
Computer Clubhouse For Young Techies
Mount Vernon children in underserved areas learn technology skills.
The Computer Clubhouse at Gum Springs Community Center offers about 150 underserved children in the Mount Vernon area the chance to learn cutting-edge software and computer skills, filmmaking, blogging, Podcasts and robotics.
Costco Prepares For Opening
Mount Vernon store to employ 200-plus and form local partnerships.
The new Costco is opening along Route 1 in Mount Vernon on Thursday, Aug. 8. The 140,000-square-foot warehouse club will employ more than 200 people, which brings the total number of Costco stores to 632 nationwide. Construction crews, vendors, landscapers, and store employees have been working around the clock for 13 weeks preparing for the grand opening, which included a VIP Open House Party on Wednesday evening.
Growing Your Business in Springfield
Community Business Partnership coaches entrepreneurs.
Juli Monroe, author of The Enthusiastic Networker—Growing a Successful Business, told a group of 20 people last Friday, Aug. 2, how to get their books published at the monthly networking breakfast of The Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia, located in Springfield.
‘Collect for Kids’ Needs Donations
Deadline for collecting school backpacks and calculators is Aug. 12.
Our Daily Bread in the City of Fairfax is trying to increase its capacity to collect school supplies to help 2,000 students by partnering for the third year with the “Collect for Kids” Back-to-School program. That’s 1,217 more than last year’s 783 number of students who benefited. The deadline for cash donations, backpacks and scientific calculators is Aug. 12. “We’ve already purchased the supplies; we’re hoping to get the cash donations,” said Our Daily Bread Executive Director Lisa Whetzel. “If they can give us cash, we buy supplies in bulk.” A $30 donation will help two students with school supplies.
Opportunity Neighborhood
Organization celebrates first anniversary with bus tour.
Opportunity Neighborhood, a group that helps children succeed in school and life, celebrated its first anniversary with an 11-stop bus tour targeting Mount Vernon schools and neighborhoods along Route 1. The tour highlighted the areas that are served by the organization which supports young people from “cradle to college to career.” The tour started at the South County Government Center, which houses Human Services agencies in Fairfax County.
Classes Offer Liquified-Fun
Mount Vernon RECenter offers 13 water aerobics classes.
For people with joint or arthritis problems, the gentle resistance that water aerobics provides is the perfect remedy for fun and exercise.
Richardson to Lead White Oaks Elementary
New principal’s strength is in building new relationships.
At the age of 37, Ryan Richardson was named the new principal of White Oaks Elementary School in Burke on July 1. The school is projected to have 790 students and a staff of 75 in September.
Mystical Arts of Tibet Visits Unity
Monks create elaborate mandala sand painting with multiple meanings.
For five days last week, Unity of Fairfax Church hosted The Mystical Arts of Tibet, a touring group of 11 Tibetan Buddhist monks who worked in shifts to create a mandala sand painting on a template etched on a 4x4-foot wooden platform. They are from the Drepung Loseling Monastery near Lhasa, Tibet, but cannot return due to Chinese oppression.
Friends of W&OD Hold 10K Race
‘Green Race’ nets $3,500 for upkeep and maintenance of trail.
ome 320 runners took part in the seventh annual Friends of the W&OD 10K Race in the Town of Vienna on Saturday, July 27, helping to raise $3,500. The Washington area’s only “Green Race” started at the caboose at the old Vienna Train Station and proceeded along the 12-foot wide W&OD Trail.
Salata Named Ravensworth Principal
Roxanne Salata, 41, has a motto she likes to use: People first and paper second.
Film Fest Showcases Local Filmmakers
Clifton Film Fest held under the stars at Workhouse Arts Center.
Hundreds of people turned out for the fifth annual Clifton Film Fest under the stars, complete with a “Red Carpet,” at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton Saturday. It’s the only local, community-wide film festival that’s not in D.C.
Cliff Hardison, 60, Dies
Principal of West Potomac High School was dedicated to students.
Cliff Hardison, the principal of West Potomac High School since 2009, died from lung cancer on Tuesday, July 23. He was 60 and did not smoke. “It’s really a sad day and really a shock to everyone,” said Del. Scott A. Surovell (D-44). “Cliff was a real gentleman; his first priority was his students. He loved West Potomac High School and his staff respected him.”
Redding Named Principal of Barrett Elementary
Using a family-focused style, he will lead an ethnically diverse school.
Dan Redding, 42, was named the new principal on July 1 of Barrett Elementary, one of the most diverse schools in North Arlington, originally built in 1939.
Colette Bounet Named Principal of Barcroft Elementary
Her diverse background and style bring comparisons to Barack Obama.
Colette Bounet, 42, often receives comparisons to Barack Obama, as the daughter of a white mother from France and a black father from the U.S. Virgin Islands. A single woman, she runs 10-milers, speaks fluent Spanish, French and a local Moroccan dialect, and is a frequent flyer around the world.
Celebrating in Style
47th annual Independence Day Parade held in Fairfax.
The City of Fairfax held its 47th annual Independence Day Celebration in historic downtown on July 4th. Among this year’s entries were eight high school marching bands from as far west as Nebraska and Minnesota. This year’s Grand Marshall was the Hon. Quin S. Elson, a long-time community activist and Fairfax Police Youth Club volunteer.
Smith Named Principal of Drew Model School
Jacqueline Smith leads melting pot of school in Montessori training.
The students know her for her engaging smile. And after serving as interim principal for more than a year, Jacqueline Smith, 53, is the new principal of Drew Model School, a Montessori school in South Arlington. It helps that the Arlington View resident speaks fluent Spanish and French. She also has two master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, and education leadership, with a focus on multicultural bilingual education – a necessity for leading the melting pot that is Drew.
FACETS Holds Academic Achievement Party
Some 32 youth honored for getting A’s and B’s on report cards.
FACETS held an Academic Achievement Party last Thursday, June 27, at Old Town Hall in Fairfax City to honor 32 youth who earned A’s and B’s on their report cards and for the 13 students who graduated from high school, 12 of whom are moving on to higher education. After a potluck dinner, Mike Collins from Rep. Gerry Connolly’s office (D-11th) distributed awards and goodie bags.
SkateFest Raises $11,500 for Children’s Hospital
Skateboarders from all over compete in Sk8 for a Cause.
Some 250 skateboarders from as far away as Missouri and Pennsylvania traveled to Wakefield Skate Park in Annandale Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22, to compete in the seventh Annual SkateFest—Sk8 for a Cause, which raised $11,500 for Children’s National Medical Center in the district.
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.
Workhouse Holds Summer Art Party on the Quad
Community invited to soak up art, artists and arts education programs.
It was a celebration of the arts when the Workhouse Arts Center hosted its Summer Art Party on the Quad on Saturday, June 22 in Lorton. The Art Party included art projects, storytelling for grownups, music, bubble art, interactive history, artist demos, tours of the former Lorton Prison and a community pillow fight.
MVHS Wins Cappie Award
Mount Vernon High won a Cappie trophy
Mount Vernon High won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
George Washington Birthday Celebration in Alexandria
Feb. 18-20: Washington’s Birthday Weekend includes Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball, Medeira Wine Tasting, and 10-K run
Thousands will join in the revelry for the 280th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the largest George Washington birthday parade in the country, free admission to historic sites, 18th-century dance classes, popular walking tours, and even a Cherry-themed challenge among local restaurants.
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