January 25 – 31, 2007
Two N. Va. Figure Skaters Medal at Nationals
Two 15-year-old Northern Virginia figure skaters have scored medals at the U.S. National Figure Skating Championships now underway in Spokane, Washington. Armin Mahbanoozadeh of Great Falls won first prize the novice men’s competition this week and Ashley Wagner of Alexandria came in third in the junior ladies. Mahbanoozadeh had been the recipient of a training grant from the Michael Weiss Foundation, established by the accomplished Northern Virginia skater who ended his amateur career last year and is now skating professionally. Mahanoozadeh trains in Reston.
Flu Virus Hits Sunrise But Has Passed, Spokesman Says
Responding to a concerned inquiry from the a visitor to a resident at the Sunrise in Falls Church, Doreen Randall, director of facility confirmed to the News-Press Tuesday at a flu virus had struck a number of residents and staff members, but as of the time of the interview, it had “left the building.” Last week, according to a visitor to the facility, when she and a friend arrived they were required to wash her hands before entering. Inside, she said, the dining room was closed and residents were confined to their rooms. Her friend’s mother, the resident, reported that some of the residents were ill and being fed only broth. She complained that upon leaving, within two days, both she and her friend were very ill with identical flu symptoms. She said she remained ill into last weekend and was concerned that visitors were not notified about the risk of contracting a virus upon entering the facility.
Baha’i’s Celebrate 30th Anniversary in Falls Church
The local, City of Falls Church-based chapter of the Baha’i faith that asserts the unity of all great world religions and the “promise of world peace” is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Falls Church this month, and two representatives presented the City Council with gifts of appreciation Monday. They praised the positive environment the City provides for their assembly in the City.
Post Office Opens Hearing Process for Relocation
The U.S. Postal Service began its formal process for relocating its facility in the 300 block of W. Broad St. Monday night, as its Eastern U.S. Real Estate Manager from North Carolina appeared before the Falls Church City Council to spell out the process. She also hosted a public hearing Monday at the Falls Church Community Center. The current post office location will become unviable once the City of Falls Church terminates its month-to-month lease of the land it owns that is now used as the post office’s parking lot. The City has announced it is negotiating with Atlantic Realty for the sale of that property as part of a major City Center redevelopment. The USPO’s Jean Scholl Berg came up from Greensboro, N.C., Monday, notifying the Council of its procedure in such cases, including the advertising for offers of a new site. She told the News-Press that she “hopes” a new location can be found in the City of Falls Church, and that finding a location in the City will be a priority. But it is not an absolute requirement, she said, based on the best options before the post office. The only absolute prohibition in selection of a new site, she said, was that it cannot be built in a flood plain.
15-Year-Old McLean Prodigy to Perform With Fairfax Symphony
Ji-Yong, a 15-year-old pianist from McLean, will perform Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto with the Fairfax Symphony in March, it was announced yesterday. The Korean-born talent will appear on March 17 as part of the symphony’s 50th anniversary season with a Masterworks Series concert at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. Dvorak’s New World Symphony and an original work by the orchestra’s music director, William Hudson, will be performed. Ji-Yong became the first person ever to win the New York Philharmonic’s Young Artist Competition at age 10 and has been performing at major venues since.
