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He Preserved 200-Year-Old Legacy of Citizen Activism
Thomas Y. “Jay” Johnson, Jr. fought for volunteer firefighters.
Thomas Y. “Jay” Young Johnson Jr. hails from a long line of proud volunteer firefighters. His father and uncles were volunteer firefighters in Alexandria, where Jay was born, raised and educated. His early memories include doing his homework at the fire station. Now, 35 years after his father’s generation, he reflects on a distinguished history as president of the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to his family, a major influence in Johnson’s life was Mrs. Rigby, a teacher at T.C. Williams High School who arranged a part-time job for him at the Department of the Navy. He worked this job after school and in the summers, and parlayed it into a life-long career. He is now at the Pentagon as the deputy director of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Human Resources and Enterprise Support.
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Alexandria Calendar of Events
Summer Classes. Art at the Center, 2804 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-10 can participate. Register at www.artatthecenter.org or 703-201-1250.
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Letter to the Editor: Wake Up City Leaders
I own a business in Old Town. We are an advertising agency. We make TV commercials — the kind you like to hate, political. There are some 30 ad agencies in the cty like mine. But we have a problem that is not being addressed. The Internet in our town is too damn slow. (I am intentionally swearing for emphasis!) How did I discover this?
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EagleBank Lands in Old Town
Newest branch opens at 277 S. Washington St.
More than 175 people from the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and local business community joined EagleBank in celebrating the official opening of its latest branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception on June 19 at the bank's facility in Old Town. “It's great to be back in Alexandria,” said EagleBank vice president and branch manager Ed Velarde, who returns to the area following 15 years of commercial banking experience with J.P. Morgan in New York.
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Chantilly Tragedy Described As Family Murder-Suicide
Police say suspect killed brother and himself.
The tragic event in which two men were stabbed and another was shot last week inside a Chantilly home has turned into a murder-suicide. Fairfax County police identified the murder victim as Haseeb Raza, 24. They also said his suspected killer was his 20-year-old brother, Mohammad H. Raza.
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Commentary: Much To Cherish This Fourth of July
Two-hundred thirty-seven years ago, Thomas Jefferson put down his pen and sent the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. It was a steamy July day and after two days of debate and edits they emerged with the document we hold so dear and celebrate this week. A philosophical treatise and declaration to King George, it begins “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
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Preserving Vienna’s ‘Oral History’
Interns conduct interviews, create exhibit on Vienna history.
Working with Historic Vienna, Inc., interns Caroline Gardiner and Virginia Harness have undertaken a project to create an archive of town residents’ memories. Harness describes the project as an “oral history of the town.”
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Giving Circle Sponsors Car Seat Workshop
The Giving Circle of Alexandria sponsored a car seat workshop on June 8 for families that participate in playgroups for low-income families. These playgroups enables The Giving Circle to reach children who otherwise might not receive any preparation for kindergarten.
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Commentary: Distracted Driving Can Be Reckless
On July 1, a new Virginia Law goes into effect makes it clear that writing or reading emails or text messages is now a primary offense for which a driver may be stopped. The law also makes clear that if someone is convicted of reckless driving and texting/emailing while driving, there is a mandatory minimum fine of $250.
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Mount Vernon Crime Report
ASSAULT/LARCENY, 4000 block of Fielding Street, June 20, 11 p.m. A 14-year-old boy reportedly was at a local park attempting to retrieve his bicycle. Several juvenile boys confronted him and allegedly assaulted him.
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Alexandria Bulletin
Tech Zoo Tuesdays. 3-5 p.m. at Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Learn about the latest electronic reading devices or bring equipment for hands-on help. Call 703-746-1702.
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Alexandria Business Notes
Diane L. Webster was promoted to vice president, branch manager of the Prince Street branch of Virginia Commerce Bank.
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Local Safeway Prepares for Rennovation
Safeway will close its Bradlee Safeway at 3526 King St. on Saturday, July 13 at 6 p.m. as the grocer will construct a new facility at the same location.
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Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Tuesday, July 9, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.
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Keeping Tysons Moving
Annual event highlights transportation changes.
Developers of transportation projects in and affecting Tysons Corner gathered at the annual Keep Tysons Moving event Thursday, June 27, an opportunity for local companies to hear the latest updates on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail and more.
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Great Falls Native Goes ‘72 Hours’
Davina Friedlander tries for $100,000 on reality competition.
When Great Falls native Davina Friedlander got a chance to spend three days in Hawaii, it wasn’t exactly how she envisioned it. Instead of relaxing on a beach, sipping a drink and soaking up some rays, she fought hard to make it across the desolate, uninhabited sections of Lanai.
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IPAR Unveils Latest Project at Reston Hyatt
Aluminum statue to be placed in front of Hyatt at Reston Town Center.
The Initiative for Public Art-Reston gave a preview of its latest project Wednesday, June 26, with a presentation of the sculpture that will soon be placed in the park across from the Hyatt Regency Reston in Reston Town Center.
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Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce Presents Annual ACE Awards
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce swears in new board.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new board and handed out their annual ACE Awards at the Sheraton Reston Thursday, June 27.
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Shelter House Presents Changing Lives Awards
Awards given to individuals and organizations, new board sworn in. jumphead
Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that serves those affected by homelessness and domestic abuse, held their annual awards ceremony and welcomed a new board Tuesday, June 25.
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Senator Tim Kaine Tours Downtown Herndon
Senator speaks to residents, officials, business owners.
Sen. Tim Kaine (D) took a tour of downtown Herndon Friday, June 28, visiting a variety of local businesses.