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By: Marymount University

March 14, 2024

In a new initiative to address the growing mental health needs of the wider community, Marymount University has introduced a free counseling clinic that is open to the general public and the University community in collaboration with Marymount’s Student Counseling Services.

Launched in January, the endeavor reflects the University’s commitment to serving others while also offering valuable clinical experience to students in Marymount’s CACREP-accredited master’s programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as its doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision that will begin in Fall 2024.

The clinic’s staff of dedicated Counseling master’s students will operate under the supervision of experienced faculty and staff members. This approach ensures that clients receive high-quality care while also providing an enriching learning environment for future mental health professionals.

“Our mission at Marymount University involves not only educating our students but also serving the community,” said Dr. Lisa Jackson-Cherry, Director of Marymount’s School of Counseling. “The launch of this free mental health counseling training clinic aligns with our commitment to promoting well-being and providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for our students.”

In addition to preparing counselors-in-training with the necessary skills, knowledge and experiences required in the profession, the new clinic also aims to provide a needed service to the community by offering equitable clinical mental health counseling services to diverse populations across Virginia. Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase is much faster than the average for all occupations, illustrating the high demand for behavioral health care amidst a growing mental health crisis in the U.S.

Recent federal data shows the number of suicides has hit a record high, while the nation’s youth report worsening mental health – with 42 percent of high school-aged students stating they ‘felt so sad or hopeless for the past two weeks that they could not go about their usual activities.’

“It’s our goal to increase mental health care equity and assist in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health within marginalized communities through both telehealth and in-person counseling services available to everyone,” explained Bonnie Kuo, Coordinator of Graduate Counseling and Clinical Experiences at Marymount University. “Our intentional outreach to underserved populations and disproportionately impacted communities will assist individuals, couples, families and groups who are experiencing mental health symptoms and stressors.”

The new clinic is currently operating from the sixth floor of the University’s Ballston Center, with staff reaching out to the nearby community as well as rural areas through telehealth appointments. In-person sessions are planned to be offered starting this summer. Counseling students working in the clinic are able to apply for stipend funding through Marymount’s $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which the institution received in 2021.

“Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being – and by offering free counseling services, Marymount is contributing to the betterment of the whole community while holistically developing our students,” added Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee, Dean of Marymount’s College of Health and Education.

Marymount University invites the community to take advantage of this free mental health counseling clinic. To schedule an appointment or learn more about services offered, please email [email protected] or call 703-908-7611.

By: PC Construction and Stantec

March 13, 2024

Arlington, VA – PC Construction, a leading environmental design-build contractor on the East Coast, and Stantec, its lead design partner and global consulting and engineering firm, have been selected to design and construct a major biosolids upgrade project for the Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) in Northern Virginia. The progressive design-build project, totaling approximately $175 million, will upgrade solids handling facilities and incorporate cutting-edge technology to sustainably transform wastewater to a renewable energy source and a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

PC and Stantec will work together to design and construct the thermal hydrolysis process (THP), pre- and post-dewatering facilities, primary and secondary anaerobic digesters, odor control, biogas treatment systems and steam generation. THP will allow the WPCP to produce Class A biosolids that can be used as fertilizer and the resulting biogas will be captured, treated and used as a renewable energy source.

The design-build team is a leader in these specialized facilities, combining PC’s construction experience—including the largest THP facility in the world—with Stantec’s history of designing nearly half of the world’s THP facilities. PC and Stantec are currently in the commissioning phase for WSSC Water’s Piscataway Water Resource Recovery Facility Bioenergy Project, which will be one of only five operating THP facilities in the US.

“This is an incredibly important project for Arlington County and the community,” said Matt Cooke, President / CEO at PC Construction. “THP technology is quickly gaining traction in the US as an effective, energy efficient, and sustainable method for managing wastewater biosolids. We are excited to put our expertise in this innovative field to work to help Arlington County achieve its long-term vision.”

“The opportunity to work with Arlington County on this groundbreaking project is significant,” said Nicolle Boulay, vice president at Stantec. “The County’s priorities around sustainability align very well with Stantec’s, and we look forward to helping the County achieve its goals.”

Building on Arlington County’s Solids Master Plan, this project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region and generate negative net energy usage. Completion is projected by the end of 2029.

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About PC Construction

PC Construction offers general contracting, construction management and design-build services to private and public clients across the country. The company manages projects along the east coast from its headquarters in Vermont and a network of locations in Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina and the Mid-Atlantic. From specialized buildings to complex water and wastewater treatment plants, PC is ranked annually as one of the top contractors in the country. A construction industry leader for over 65 years, PC Construction is guided to success by its team of dedicated employee-owners.

About Stantec

Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

By: Sen. Mark Warner

March 13, 2024

Today, after the House voted 352-65 to pass the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement:

“We are united in our concern about the national security threat posed by TikTok – a platform with enormous power to influence and divide Americans whose parent company ByteDance remains legally required to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party. We were encouraged by today’s strong bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives, and look forward to working together to get this bill passed through the Senate and signed into law.”

By: VDOT Northern Virginia

March 7, 2024

Eastbound I-66 between the Fairfax Drive/Glebe Road exit (Exit 71) and the Route 29/Spout Run Parkway exit (Exit 72) will have single-lane closures, weather permitting, from 10 p.m. Friday, March 8 to 5 a.m. Saturday, March 9 to implement a traffic shift, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

During that time, the eastbound I-66 lanes beneath the Washington-Liberty High School parking garage (between North Stafford and North Quincy streets) will be shifted to the right as part of the parking garage repairs project. This shift is scheduled to be in place until this summer.                              

The Parking Garage Repairs over I-66 Project includes:

  • Garage platform and ramp repairs with joint replacement
  • Repairs to beams and columns
  • Partial removal of the elastomeric bearing sheets

The project is scheduled for completion this fall. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are reminded to use caution when traveling in active work zones. Be alert to new traffic patterns and limit distractions.

You can get traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511virginia.org, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.

By: Virginia State Police

February 8, 2024

RICHMOND – The Virginia State Police Fairfax and Culpeper Divisions will be conducting Operation DISS-rupt on all 76 miles of Interstate 66 in Virginia on Super Bowl weekend (February 10-12).   The traffic enforcement and educational safety initiative focuses on Distracted driving, Impaired driving, Speed compliance and Seat belt safety.  Preliminary data from Jan. 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023, shows 839 persons died in traffic crashes on Virginia roadways.

“The weekend of the Super Bowl is an excellent time to ‘tackle’ bad driving behaviors,” said Lt. Col. Matt Hanley, director of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Field Operations. “Additional state troopers will be on patrol along the entire I-66 corridor to enhance highway safety for all motorists.  We ask Virginians to ‘DISS-rupt’ risky driving behaviors by focusing on the roads and by designating a sober driver, especially if your Super Bowl celebration includes alcohol.”

On Jan. 10-11, 2024, Virginia State Police conducted Operation DISS-rupt on 179 miles of Interstate 95 in Virginia.   State Troopers cited 120 drivers for reckless driving, 117 drivers for speeding, 33 drivers for violating Virginia’s “Hands Free” law, and 25 drivers and passengers for seatbelt violations (one improperly restrained child).  There were no fatal crashes along the interstate during the enforcement period.

Operation DISS-rupt targets the four key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes across Virginia’s interstate system. The operation’s goal is to achieve zero fatal crashes during designated enforcement periods and to reduce the total number of crashes on our interstates for the calendar year by 10%:

  • Ditch Distractions: Virginia has a “Hands-Free” law that prohibits a driver from holding a handheld personal communications device while driving. GPS and making phone calls are still legal, as long as the device is mounted and/or not in your hands.
  • Never Drive Impaired: Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Virginia. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-hailing service.
  • Comply with Speed Limits: Posted speed limits on Virginia interstates never exceed 70 mph. So, neither should your speed. Speed-related crashes claimed 441 lives in 2022 in Virginia. Simply, drive to save lives.
  • Seat Belt Safety: Virginia law requires all front seat occupants of motor vehicles be restrained, and any passenger from birth to 18 years old be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt, no matter their seating position.

During the 2023 Super Bowl Sunday, 23 drivers were charged with Driving while Intoxicated by Virginia State Police Troopers statewide.

By: FBI Washington Field Office

February 6, 2024

Applications are now available online for the Washington Field Office’s (WFO) 2024 Citizens Academy, to be held May 1 to June 5 at the office’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The Citizens Academy program gives business, faith, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. Students gain insight into the structure and operation of the FBI, obtain an overview of the legal basis for the FBI’s jurisdiction, learn about the services the FBI provides, and even participate in firearms demonstrations and other practical problem-solving activities.

“The Citizens Academy is one of our most important community outreach events as it gives the people we serve a rare chance to see the FBI in action,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg. “Graduates will have a better understanding of how the Washington Field Office fulfills its mission and the breadth of its responsibilities. The Citizens Academy also leads to future opportunities to participate in crime prevention and youth education efforts that benefit our local communities.”

Applicants should be business, civic, faith, or community leaders; should be at least 21 years old; must live or work within WFO’s area of responsibility (Washington, D.C., and the following counties in Virginia: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Manassas, Loudoun, and Prince William), and must pass a limited background assessment with fingerprinting. Non-U.S. citizens may participate.

A nomination form is available on the Community Outreach section of our website at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/washingtondc/community-outreach. The form can also be accessed directly via https://forms.fbi.gov/fbi-citizens-academy-nomination-form-washington-field/view. Those applying for the academy for themselves, or nominating others, must complete the form and submit it according to the stated guidelines by February 29.

There is no cost to attend the academy, and individuals chosen through the selection process will be notified by email.

Questions can be directed to WFO’s Community Outreach team by email at [email protected].

By: JBG SMITH

February 6, 2024

BETHESDA, Md. (February 5, 2024) – JBG SMITH (NYSE: JBGS), a leading owner and developer of high-quality, mixed-use properties in the Washington, DC market, today announced Bar Colline – a new full-service restaurant concept from the Hilton Brothers’ H2 Collective – at The Grace and Reva (formerly known as 1900 Crystal Drive) in National Landing.

District-born hospitality entrepreneurs Eric and Ian Hilton are the innovative duo behind H2 Collective, the hospitality group that includes several restaurants, bars, and lounges located throughout the DC metro area. The Collective’s expansive portfolio includes a trio of French bistros recently included in Washingtonian’s Best 100 List (Chez Billy Sud, Cafe Colline, Parc de Ville), nightlife spots (El Rey, Players Club, American Ice Company), and the British-inspired Brighton at The Wharf.

Their new project, Bar Colline, is an elegant and dynamic interpretation of the beloved French bistro, Café Colline. Drawing inspiration from the energy and charm of Paris nightlife. Bar Colline invites guests to indulge in shareable plates paired with a selection of fun wines and inventive cocktails. The venue boasts an eclectic ambiance, a spacious bar, and a charming private dining room, perfect for hosting special celebrations or a group night out.

“We’re thrilled to welcome H2 Collective’s newest concept, Bar Colline, to the neighborhood and expect it to offer customers a unique and compelling reason to return again and again,” said Amy Rice, Senior Vice President of Retail Leasing at JBG SMITH. “In National Landing, we are focused on cultivating engaging places that create lively communities and exciting experiences, for both visitors and residents, and this means striking the perfect balance between entertainment, culinary, service, and essential retail.”

Bar Colline joins six other new street-level offerings at The Grace and Reva:

  • Bar Chinois, an industrial-chic haunt serving dumplings, shumai, and noodles recognized for its constantly evolving Chinese menu and signature French-inspired cocktail and wine program. Recent accolades include being listed in the Michelin Dining Guide USA and the Washington Post Fall Dining Guide;
  • Colada Shop, a popular DC-based cafe serving coffee, cocktails, and Cuban food;
  • Drybar, a national brand specializing in blowout services and hair styling as well as top-of-the-line tools, and hair-care products;
  • nailsaloon, a luxury, non-toxic nail salon and cocktail parlor – with four locations in the DMV – that delivers superior nail care in an indulgent, friendly, and hyper-clean environment;
  • Tatte Bakery & Café, a buzzy bakery and all-day café known for its housemade bread and pastries, coffee, and catering;
  • Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a New York-based artisanal ice cream purveyor with a fresh and ever evolving variety of flavors, from vegan to peppermint stick, in pints and sandwiches.

The Grace and Reva include a total of 808 multifamily apartments and approximately 40,000 square feet of street-level retail. Reva, the southern tower, comprises 471 apartments across a 27-story building that is situated alongside The Grace, the 337-unit, 26-story northern building.

At the center of the two new mixed-use buildings, JBG SMITH has created a retail-lined, pedestrian-friendly street under year-round stringed lighting, which will serve as an activated connection between 18th and 20th Streets. The intersecting woonerf will be shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, and low speed motor vehicles and expand the options for outdoor dining, community activations, and neighborhood programming.

JBG SMITH is also including a number of neighborhood-oriented improvements that will benefit the entire community. These include enhanced streetscapes, a grand staircase connecting to public open space, public bike facilities, and more.

JBG SMITH’s ongoing placemaking efforts in National Landing have led the charge in creating meaningful places meant to connect communities and enhance the lives of those that live, work, or visit them. In the fall, JBG SMITH welcomed visitors to Water Park, a 1.6-acre dining destination comprising 11 different food and drink concepts, and Dining in the Park, a novel culinary experience set among more than an acre of greenery, housing renowned Seven Reasons’ chef Enrique Limardo’s new concept, Surreal.

By: Virginia State Police

December 20, 2023

As we approach the holidays and the end of 2023, Virginia State Police is asking Virginians to please drive safely in the coming days, so that everyone can safely reach their holiday destinations.   Preliminary data indicates that as of Dec. 20, 2023, 813 people have lost their lives on Virginia roadways this year.  That is 76 fewer traffic deaths than in 2022 as of this same date.

“This year, Virginia appears to have reversed the trend of increasing traffic deaths,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police.  “Fortunately, the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend experienced a decrease of eight traffic deaths, from 19 to 11, on Virginia’s highways.  But that is still 11 too many. To prevent more tragedy from occurring on our roads during the coming holidays, we need all Virginians to buckle up, drive distraction free, comply with speed limits and always drive sober.”

In November, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) launched its #ToGetThere Campaign, saying Americans face 21 million chances they or a loved one could face a drunk driver over the holidays (between Nov. 1 and Jan. 1).   According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1,000 people died in drunk driving crashes nationwide in December 2021 (the most recent year data was available), which was the highest number since 2007. *

If you do plan to attend parties this holiday season, there are several options to be able to get home safely:

  1. Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a friend, call family, call a cab or use public transportation.
  2. If you know someone who has been drinking – Do not let them drive. Arrange another safe way home.
  3. Remain alert for impaired drivers and do not hesitate to notify law enforcement by dialing #77 (hands free only or have a passenger call) to notify your nearest Virginia State Police Emergency Communications Center. Your actions could save someone’s life.

With increased traffic on Virginia roadways during the winter holiday season, Virginia State Police would also like to remind travelers of Virginia’s expanded “Move Over” law. The law now requires drivers to either move over a lane, or slow down, when passing any vehicle stopped along the side of the roadway, when that vehicle is displaying flashing emergency lights, hazard lights, warning signs or flares.

By: NAACP Arlington Branch

December 18, 2023

Arlington, Virginia – “The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”) has been made aware of egregious civil rights violations in the Arlington County Detention Facility,” stated Janette McCarthy Wallace, General Counsel of the NAACP.

Today, via written letter, the National General Counsel for the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization formally calls on the Department of Justice to conduct an independent pattern and practice investigation into the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Nine people have lost their lives at the Arlington County Detention Center in the last eight years with two of those deaths occurring within the last four months.  After deaths 6 and 7, former long time Sheriff Beth Arthur defended the culture at the jail saying they provide first class medical care, and the deaths are not negligent, despite state officials finding the same sheriff in violations of regulations.  Sheriff Arthur, who resigned early from her term in January of this year, then settled the wrongful death case for over a half million dollars and changed medical providers.  “After three additional deaths, a new medical provider, and not releasing the results of the investigations of prior deaths, there is no indicator that people are going to stop dying in the jail,” said NAACP Arlington Branch President Michael Hemminger.

The Arlington Branch of the NAACP wrote to the Civil Rights Division on March 15, 2022 detailing evidence of civil rights violations that disproportionately impact Black men and other men of color. The Arlington NAACP Letter requested that the Division investigate the patterns and practice in place at Arlington County Detention Facility, “so that arrest and detention does not equate to a death sentence in our community.”

Following the seventh death, a $10M wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Arlington County and the NAACP Arlington Branch called for a Department of Justice investigation into the detention center.  Today, we renew that call to avoid another preventable death.

“We are encouraged that the General Counsel has weighed in on these tragedies in our community. The NAACP will never be silenced in our pursuit of justice,” said Hemminger.  The NAACP is conducting its own investigation of the deaths in the jail and the organization will ensure that any civil rights violation(s) pertaining to conditions while in custody are met with due accountability and justice.

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation.  Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

By: Kalis Development Corporation

December 13, 2023

Today, Kalis Development Corporation’s Nicholas Kalis announced Mayer Smile Be Bright – leasing 1,781 square feet in its Williamsburg Shopping Center – will open January 2024. Mayer Smile Be Bright is located at 6500 Williamsburg Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22213. This dental practice will be headed by Dr. Kelly O. A. Mayer DDS. Mayer Smile Be Bright joins Seven Eleven, Deli Italiano, Commonwealth Restorations and many other tenants at this center.

Construction work was performed by YBM Construction Inc. headed by Ben Bashiri 301 370-4233.  Project Management was by Colin Chiarodo, MBA. The architects are Jayanan & Burney. Architectural & Interior Design. The landlord would like to thank Nora Eways Saa of Renaud Consulting who represented the landlord and Patty I. Brown, CCIM of Marathon Realty Group, Inc. who represented the tenant. Property owned by The Kalis Companies.

By: Marymount University

December 8, 2023

Artificial intelligence has rapidly expanded in both importance and scale over recent years, with concerns about its safe use and development even leading the White House to issue an executive order related to its ‘extraordinary potential for both promise and peril.’

In higher education specifically, supplemental grants have been fundamental to advancing research that focuses on artificial intelligence. This year, Marymount University was one of only 15 universities awarded with the National Institutes of Health’s AIM-AHEAD Program for AI Readiness (PAIR) grant, which will be implemented by Marymount’s Center for Optimal Aging. A team of three Marymount faculty and staff members — Dr. Nathan Green, Dr. Patricia Heyn and Dr. Diane Murphy — were instrumental in earning this grant.

“Our excitement stems from the potential impact this grant will have in propelling our research and engagement efforts forward at Marymount’s Center for Optimal Aging,” Dr. Heyn said. “This grant is not just a financial resource, but a catalyst that will enable us to expand our scientific innovation horizons and impact more lives positively.”

The AIM-AHEAD Program for AI Readiness seeks to leverage resources to jumpstart AI research for health equity, particularly within minority-serving institutions such as Marymount — the only four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in Virginia. It integrates artificial intelligence and health care for aging facilities across the U.S., particularly within underserved communities. Through the grant, Marymount will now be connected with critical AIM-AHEAD resources such as AI/health equity experts and grant-writing coaches to establish research labs that host cross-disciplinary teams for research projects and grant writing, as well as participate in a variety of sessions and training opportunities.

The Center for Optimal Aging was founded in 2021 as the first interdisciplinary research center at Marymount, dedicated to fulfilling a critical societal need by connecting and supporting aging-related service providers, community-based groups and professionals in identifying, implementing, evaluating and sustaining best practices to maximize the health and overall well-being of older adults. Since its founding, the Center has continued to gain momentum by receiving various grants, earning recognition from notable organizations and attending prominent conferences to showcase research.

“Receiving this grant is a monumental step for Marymount’s Center for Optimal Aging and Marymount University as a whole,” Dr. Heyn added. “Our ultimate goal is to establish the Center as a leading authority in AI aging-related research and practices, contributing significantly to the well-being of older adults.”

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