Isabelle Phenix Kidder (nee Ho) passed away on 25 July 2016 in Lake Ridge, Virginia after a 2-year battle with colon cancer.
She was born on 18 October 1964 in Saigon, South Vietnam, and although raised Buddhist, she attended Catholic parochial schools in her youth. She and her family emigrated to France in March of 1981. There she attended high school at Lycee de Pontoise located north of Paris, received her diploma in 1986, and soon afterward emigrated with several of her brothers and sisters to the United States.
After attending Montgomery Community College, she transferred to the University of Maryland at Baltimore where she earned a BS degree in Dental Hygiene in 1992. She also earned a diploma from the Aspen Hill Beauty Academy in 1997 and worked for Hair Cuttery beauty salons in the greater Woodbridge area in the late 1990s. She resumed her career as a dental hygienist after moving from Dale City to Lake Ridge in 2001.
She was a member of Christ Our Lord Anglican Church in Lake Ridge, and was married in 1995. She was a singer in a Vietnamese rock group centered in Annandale, Virginia until her illness precluded further participation. She was fluent in Vietnamese, French, and English. Survivors include her husband of 21 years Mr. Ray S. Kidder, and her daughter Pauline A. Kidder of Lake Ridge, Virginia.
Additional survivors include her brothers Allan Ho of Ashburn, Virginia and Abel Ho of Derwood, Maryland, her sisters Francine Kidder of Derwood, Maryland, Caroline Bachmann of Paris, France, and Elizabeth Ho of Herblay, France. Many of her friends visited her during her last days and she will surely be missed.
A memorial service with reception will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, 20 August, at All Saints Anglican Church, 14851 Gideon Drive, Dale City, Virginia. Donations can be made in her memory to the Anglican Church in North America on-line at https://www.anglicanchurch.net/index.php/main/donate.
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A statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed a midair collision at around 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. The incident occurred while the Bombardier CRJ700, operating as Flight 5342 for American Airlines, was on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the investigation. Emergency responders are actively on the scene.
In addition to the response from the airport authorities, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has issued the following statement. At 8:53 p.m., multiple calls were received regarding an aircraft crash above the Potomac River. DC Fire and EMS, MPD, and several partner agencies have launched a search and rescue operation in the river. There is no confirmed information on casualties at this time.
Mike Berryman vividly recalls freezing nights in his prison cell, where the cold was so intense he could sometimes see his breath. On humid nights, he said, ice would form on the walls. By summer, the opposite was true — his cell became stifling, leaving him drenched in sweat, reports The Virginia Mercury.
Kings Dominion, the popular amusement park near Richmond, has announced that it will not be hosting its annual Winterfest event for 2025, despite earlier assurances to season pass holders. WinterFest, a festive holiday event that traditionally featured a dazzling light show, live performances, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to ride the park’s signature roller coasters, has been a seasonal favorite for years.
The cancellation, confirmed by WWBT-TV, comes after the event mysteriously did not appear on the park’s annual event schedule, which was released on Wednesday, January 29. Initially, Kings Dominion promised that admission to WinterFest would be included with the purchase of a 2025 season pass. The sudden absence of the event raised concerns among fans, prompting the park to address the matter publicly.
The ongoing debate over the construction of data centers in Fredericksburg took center stage during the City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, with residents and council members expressing mounting concerns about the potential environmental consequences and the lack of transparency in the approval process.
At the heart of the controversy is the city’s aggressive timeline for approving zoning changes and facilitating the development of new data centers. Local residents have voiced their concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale projects, particularly in areas close to residential neighborhoods and natural resources like the Rappahannock River. While proponents argue that data centers could bring significant economic benefits, critics worry that the city is rushing to approve projects without fully understanding or addressing the long-term consequences.
Hamilton Palmer, a Fredericksburg resident, raised alarms about the transparency of the decision-making process. At the meeting, Palmer expressed frustration over the council’s handling of the issue, particularly regarding releasing information about the proposed data centers. “There has been little effort by the city to engage the public on data centers until this past year,” Palmer said, emphasizing that many residents are still unclear about the full scope of the projects and their potential impact on the community.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
