🌱 Arrest For Assault Of 81 Year Old + Fire At Springfield Restaurant

Good morning, Mount Vernon. I'm Miranda Fraraccio and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less, including:

• Man arrested for carjacking and assaulting an 81-year-old at the grocery store
• Springfield restaurant catches fire on Valentine's Day
• LEGO Discovery Center coming to Springfield this summer

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Here are the top five stories today in Mount Vernon:

1. Terrell Hardy, 34, was arrested by police for allegedly assaulting and carjacking an 81-year-old woman in Fairfax County on Feb. 11. The incident took place outside an Alexandria grocery store on Richmond Highway. Hardy also faces charges of theft as well as assault on law enforcement officers during his arrest. (WJLA)
2. In nearby Springfield, Mike's American Grill experienced a fire on Valentine's Day, causing diners to evacuate. No injuries have been reported, and firefighters were able to get the fire under control around 11 p.m. It is unclear to what extent the restaurant was damaged in the incident. (WUSA9.com)
3. Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria will support the master of divinity program at General Theological Seminary in New York for the next five years. The latter seminary will undergo renovation and work to serve its community better during this period. The partnership aims to address the shortage of clergy in the Episcopal denomination, which has seen a 20 percent drop in membership over the past 10 years. (The Washington Times)
4. Andrew Litterst is the new LEGO Master Model Builder at the LEGO® Discovery Center Washington, D.C. He will be in charge of designing, building, and installing models at the LEGO Discovery Center, which is set to open in the Springfield Town Center this summer. The new center will feature 12 themed zones and a variety of LEGO experiences, such as a train ride and a laser maze. (NBC 4)
5. During the Fairfax County Public Schools Board meeting on Feb. 9, various resolutions were approved, and updates were presented. The Board recognized National Career and Technical Education Month and National School Counseling Week, approved a resolution for School Board Clerk Appreciation Week, and heard a resolution from Superintendent Reid for School Board Appreciation Month. The Board also approved new policies, school calendars for the next three years, and more. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. (Press Release Desk)

Coming up around Mount Vernon:

Thursday, February 16

• Thirsty Thursday Wine Tasting At Woodlawn Press Winery (3:00 PM)

Saturday, February 18

• As You Like It At Heritage Presbyterian Church (7:00 PM)

Sunday, February 19

• Laugh N Shine Comedy Open Mic At Hops N Shine, Alexandria (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Check out this list of the "must-see" places in the D.C. area you have to visit to celebrate America's Black history this year. (Fairfax County Government via Facebook)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Mount Vernon area! Get all the property details at the link. (Mount Vernon Patch)
• Check out all the cuties at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter in the video at the link. The staff loves these adoptable pets – you could, too! (Fairfax County Animal Shelter via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• NOVA Virtual 50+ Employment Expo - Registration is OPEN! (February 17)
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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.