Fairfax

NOVA holds commencement ceremony May 12

By Amelia Breeden
[Photo: NOVA Community College on Facebook]

JR Bontrager is an inspiring example of resilience and determination. At 46, he recently returned to NOVA, where he is studying engineering while also working full time as director of technology at 3D Herndon. As this year’s commencement speaker, JR is eager to share his personal journey, hoping to inspire others to take advantage of NOVA at any age or stage in their careers. Access to continuous education, he argues, is especially crucial in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving workplace.

An artist by nature, JR has a gift for designing and crafting creative solutions. At 3D Herndon, he specializes in 3D design, printing and scanning. The company is known for its innovative projects, including:

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Annual Eagle Festival to be held at Mason Neck State Park

By Amelia Breeden
Mason Neck Eagle Festival photo op with eagle

Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation: Mason Neck State Park will host the 26th Annual Eagle Festival on May 11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Park staff along with many exhibitors will be on the visitor center lawn for a full day of animal shows, hands-on activities, and outdoor recreation clinics that aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia as well as foster stewardship of our environment.

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VRE unveils ambitious expansion plans to meet projected 2050 Demand

By Potomac Local News

In a bold move to accommodate the region’s growing transportation needs, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has unveiled extensive expansion plans that will transform the commuter railroad landscape by 2050.

The proposal was unveiled at the VRE Operations Board meeting on Friday, March 15, 2024. Backed by financial forecasts and strategic ridership projections, it outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance service frequency, extend operational hours, and cater to burgeoning populations and evolving travel patterns.

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Cold cases solved: Police arrest Stafford man in murder cases dating back nearly 40 years

By Potomac Local News
Harrison arrested

Police in Stafford and Fairfax counties say they arrested a suspect in the slayings of 18-year-old Amy Baker and 4032-year-old Jaqueline Lord in 1989 and 1986, respectively.

Stafford County Sheriff’s Major Shawn Kimmitz credits the excellent work of detectives from both agencies, who used DNA evidence to identify a suspect.

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Will I-95’s E-ZPass lanes go both ways? They’re looking into it

By Mike Salmon
Looking south along the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes near Springfield. [Photo courtesy of Transurban]

Suppose the latest idea on the Interstate 95 E-ZPass Lanes comes to fruition. In that case, drivers can access lanes in both directions during rush hours, creating a busier highway transportation system while offering more choices to drivers.

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Paradise Springs Winery represents Fairfax Global Wine Showcase in Paris

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Visit Fairfax]

The winery, already the first bi-coastal wine brand in the United States after opening a second location in Santa Barbara, CA, will showcase several of its key blends, including last year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup Case Winner, the 2021 Petit Verdot, at the Wine Paris Vinexpo event. The renowned international wine and spirits exhibition, one of the largest wine shows in the world, is scheduled from February 12 – 14 in Paris, France.

In addition to the Petit Verdot, the winery will also be pouring the Cabernet Franc Petit Manseng and the specialty PVT (50% Petit Verdot/50% Tannat), which will also be served at the U.S. Ambassador’s home during the U.S. Ambassador Dinner this week.

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Health notes: Play4Kay Pink Game, new imaging center opens, RAHD honored

By Uriah Kiser
Photo: Cancer survivors at the 2023 Play4Kay Pink Game at GMU.

Sentara sponsors Play4Kay Pink Game

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) is set to sponsor the George Mason University women’s basketball Play4Kay Pink Game for the fifth consecutive year. The event, part of the #Play4Kay initiative by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, aims to combat cancers affecting women. The GMU women’s basketball team will face Saint Joseph’s University at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, February 8, with tip-off at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by Sentara, the game includes activities to raise awareness and celebrate female cancer survivors.

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GMU announces enhanced security measures for spring commencement

By Uriah Kiser
Commencement 2017. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University

George Mason University is implementing enhanced security measures to prioritize the safety and security of all attendees at the upcoming Spring Commencement and individual college and school degree celebrations.

Security checkpoints will be set up at the entrances to EagleBank Arena’s Spring Commencement and the various degree celebrations at EagleBank Arena and the Concert Hall, on the Fairfax Campus. All graduates and guests must pass through these checkpoints, where thorough security procedures will be conducted.

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