Top 5 of July: Principal Cliff Hardison, Costco and a Missing Woman

Just in case you missed it last week, here's a roundup of the top Greater Alexandria Patch headlines from the month of July.

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A few stories caught the attention of Greater Alexandria Patch readers this month. Here are the top 5 stories on the site from July.

Once you're done reviewing the list, let us know if you're surprised by this month's top stories. Which story had you talking to neighbors or co-workers at the water cooler the next day?

5. Voila Pastry & Cafe to Open Next Week

Prepare your palate for freshly made pastries made from scratch at Voila Pastry & Cafe which is scheduled to open next week, according to an A.J. Dwoskin & Associates news release. The cafe wil serve coffee, pastries and brunch at its new location next to New China Taste at the Huntington Station Shopping Center on North Kings Highway.

Voila had a soft opening July 20. Owner Mekdeswork Altaye said their grand opening event is scheduled for Aug. 11.

4. Police: Woman Reported Missing Saturday from Marlan Drive

The Fairfax County Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in finding Anna Ruth Mazurek, 38, last seen near the 7000 block of Marlan Drive in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County. 

She is 5-feet-4 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds. She has hazel eyes and brown shoulder-length hair with a scar on her left forearm. She was last seen wearing a blue and white paisley long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and black shoes with hot pink shoelaces.

According to police, the woman returned home on her own and unharmed that following Sunday.

3. Countdown to Costco: Store Slated for August Opening

It's the second week of July and we think it's officially appropriate to start counting down the days until Costco opens on Richmond Highway.

Construction on Costco Wholesale is still underway, as the store is slated for an August opening. So, residents of the Route 1 corridor have just a few weeks to wait it out before they have the opportunity to step foot in the new store.

Costco is scheduled to open Aug. 8.

2. Faculty, Students Remember Principal Cliff Hardison

After the death of West Potomac High School's Principal Cliff Hardison, friends and students took to Twitter and Facebook to honor the man who served as a leader for the school since 2009.

When Assistant Superintendent Deborah Tyler wrote and sent a letter to inform families of Hardison's death Tuesday, a small group of current students and alumni went to the school to paint the rock in his honor. Among the group was senior class president Sarah McKeown, 2013-2014 student body president Mary Hill, Joe Quinn and Katie Garay (class of 2013) and Nell McKeown (class of 2012). Along with colorful handprints, the rock now reads, "United for Mr. Hardison," "We Love You" and "Forever a Wolverine."

1. West Potomac Principal Unexpectedly Dies Tuesday

West Potomac High School's principal Cliff Hardison died Tuesday after complications from a recent illness. According to John Torre with FCPS, when they learned of Hardison's passing, Assistant Superintendent Deborah Tyler wrote and sent a letter to inform families of West Potomac students.

More Top Stories from July:

Two-Car Accident on Fort Hunt Road Sends One to the Hospital

Alexandria Woman Charged in Death of Baby Who Died in Hot Car

Pier 1 Imports Coming Soon to Richmond Highway