News and Notes

It might seem a little cold for commencement ceremonies, but Neal Porter of Fairfax, Va. was humming Pomp and Circumstance on Dec. 18 when he graduated from Clarion University in Clarion, Penn. Porter earned a bachelor of science degree in communication.

In business news, The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has awarded Mitretek Systems a $64.6 million five-year contract to provide engineering support for the U.S. D.O.T.’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program.

While the end of the year is a time for celebration, it’s also a time to remember those who are less fortunate. Homestretch is looking for those willing to contribute to brighten up the lives of others during this holiday season. To make a gift, you can bring it to the Homestretch offices (370 S. Washington St., Falls Church) or visit them on the Web at catalogueforphilanthropy.org/dc.

For those artsy ones among us, Out of the Woodwork Productions is holding an Art Contest for Jr. and Sr. High School Students to create a design for the 2005 Virginia Renaissance Faire T-Shirt that most represents the Renaissance and the educational mission of the company. Entries will be displayed and the winners will be announced at a gala in early March. For details on the contest visit the website at www.varf.org.

Athletes interested in participating in the 11th Annual Indoor Bay Soccer Cup Feb. 26, in Hampstead, Md. should visit the tourney’s web page at www.usamateursports.com. The competition is offered to kids between ages 10 and 18. Teams will play a minimum of three games. And a very special congratulations to Mr. Blackwell and Mrs. Betsy Hawethorne who celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary Wednesday night by taking in a movie.

The News-Press staff is looking forward to the grand openings of Z-Pizza and Baja Fresh. Z-Pizza will open its doors shortly in the West End Shopping Center in Falls Church, while Baja Fresh opens where Play It Again Sports used to be in the West Falls Plaza.