Stories for April 2012

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Lancers Girls Lacrosse Readying for Districts

Lee, behind good senior leadership, competing hard in Patriot.

The Lee Lancers girls' lacrosse team is having a good season thus far. The team started out the spring with four straight wins during its non-district schedule. Over the past few weeks, the wins are not coming for Lee, which competes in the ultra tough Patriot District, but the team continues to play hard and, for the most part, good lacrosse.

Fairfax Celebrates Arts

City of Fairfax Mayor’s Ball attracts hundreds.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Sherwood Center on Friday, April 20 to attend the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Ball, and to celebrate the opening of the 27th year of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival.

Area Roundup

Things happening in Burke, Springfield, Lorton, and Fairfax.

‘Arabian Nights’ at Lake Braddock

Lake Braddock students perform culturally-rich classic.

Don’t expect Disney’s "Aladdin" in Lake Braddock Secondary School’s production of "The Arabian Nights."

Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic

West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.

Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

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Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget

Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.

"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.

Local Real Estate: March 2012 Sales in Upper $600s

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

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Sports Notes From Around the Region

Highschool, youth, college news.

On Wednesday April 11, at Madison High School, the undefeated McLean High boys’ tennis team defeated Madison 8-1. Madison was competitive in all three doubles matches and three of the singles matches against a deep and impressive Highlander team.

A Tax Day Protest at Springfield Metro

Half dozen Northern Virginia activists handed out literature to riders on the Springfield Metro on Tax Day, April 17.

Washington Nationals Come to Greenspring

National Holiday at Greenspring: The three foam-headed Washington Nationals Racing Presidents - Tom, Teddy, and George – entertained residents and their guests at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield on Wednesday, April 11.

FANFARE Eatery Opens at Fairfax Corner

New sports-themed eatery created by owners of Glory Days Grill.

A lot of feathers were ruffled during the grand opening celebration of FANFARE, Fairfax Corner’s newest sports-themed eatery.

Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Why Early Intervention Matters

It’s a parent’s nightmare—one day—out of the blue, your princess, your first- born, your two-year-old daughter, loses her ability to speak. There’s no identifiable reason and my wife and I were devastated.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

Lancers’ Baseball Team Taking Small Steps Forward

Lee showing gradual improvement under coach Dowling.

The Lee High baseball team, going through a rebuilding season under head coach John Dowling, has struggled to win ball games this season. But the Lancers have been in many of their games before tough late innings have led to losses.

Hendrix Keeps Lake Braddock Softball Undefeated

Bruins beat South County in battle for first place in Patriot District.

Lake Braddock's Amanda Hendrix tossed a complete game during her third consecutive start in the pitcher’s circle, holding South County scoreless after the third inning as the Bruins remained undefeated with a 3-2, eight-inning victory.

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Lee Girls Softball in a Winning Mindset

Lancers, under coach Willemssen, set to host Annandale this Friday night.

One week following spring break has seen the Lee High girls' softball team already match last year's win total of five. With the second half of the regular season ahead, the Lancers are now set to delve into the bulk of their Patriot District schedule, where they will hope to earn several more victories.

Reston Raiders Compete in National Ice Hockey Championships

12-under team trades pins with players from other states.

The Reston Raiders won their first game, 4-2, over a team from Arizona at the USA Hockey 12 and Under Tier II National Championships, which ran March 28 through April 1 at the twin rink Ashburn Ice House and SkateQuest Reston facilities.

Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012

Franconia Fifth Grader Honored for Saving Nephew’s Life

Cynthia Almendarez, 10, called 9-1-1 when nephew, 2, stopped breathing.

On the morning of July 13, 2011, Franconia Elementary fifth-grader Cynthia Almendarez was at home with her mother and 12-year-old sister when she noticed something odd. Her 18-month-old nephew, Christopher, who was usually cruising around the house and making typical toddler sounds, was quiet and gasping for breath.

Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

April 13-20.

Things to do in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Meeting Springfield Beauty Queens

Miss Greater Springfield Scholarship Program holds Pageant Workshop.

And the winner is…actually we won’t know who the winners of the next round will be until the Miss Virginia Pageant is held in Roanoke. Those coveted crowns will be handed out on June 30 at the Civic Center.

Letter: Missing in Abortion Debate

Letter to the Editor

A constant theme among letters to the editor is that of abortion activists eager to advance the cause of liberal women to abort arguably future Democrat voters, which is the ultimate oxymoron. The espoused opposition theme to any effort to educate the public seems to be, as stated by a reader in the March 22-23 edition of this paper, “restricting a woman’s right to decide what happens to her body when she is pregnant.”

Fairfax County Parkway Overpass Opens

Donegal Lane access shuts down.

On Tuesday, April 10, VDOT closed Donegal Road in Springfield as part of phase III of the $23 million Fairfax County Parkway project.

I-95 Total Overnight HOV Closure

The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-95 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on Friday night, April 13 at 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. Saturday morning April 14, between Exit 169 Franconia Road /Keene Mill Road (Route 644) and Exit 152 Dumfries Road (Route 234).

Fairfax County Board Opts In for Phase 2 of Dulles Rail

Obstacles still ahead for $2.7 billion project.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, April 10, to approve the county’s participation in Phase 2 of the $2.7 billion Dulles Metrorail Project.

Ed Long Named County Executive

Long, former deputy county executive, begins April 25.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed Edward L. Long Jr. as county executive on Tuesday, April 10. Long, who will replace Anthony H. Griffin on April 25, has more than 34 years of experience with the county, and retired as deputy county executive and chief financial officer in May 2011.

Herrity Recovering Well from Open-Heart Surgery

“Famous sense of humor” intact, friends say.

After undergoing open-heart surgery last week, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) is recovering well, and his “famous sense of humor is intact,” according to friends and family members.

Animal Rescue Recognition

Fairfax County Animal Shelter recognized for animal rescue and programs.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter received accolades from the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) for two programs and a large-scale animal rescue in 2010 - 2011.

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

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Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County

U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.

The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.

Supervisor Herrity Undergoes Open-Heart Surgery

Now recovering at Inova Fairfax Hospital in ICU

Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield), 52, underwent open-heart surgery today at 7 a.m., and is currently recovering in the intensive care unit at Inova Fairfax Hospital, according to a statement released by his office at approximately 3 p.m. Thursday, April 5. The surgery was conducted at Inova’s Heart and Vascular Institute by Dr. Alan Spier and Dr. Niv Ad, and the surgeons have informed the supervisor’s family that the surgery went as expected.

County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse

Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.

Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.

Eggstravaganza!

Jubilee Christian Center event features music, moon bounces and egg rolls for every age.

Ever since Dolly Madison, wife of the fourth American president, organized an egg roll down the hilly lawn of the Capitol building in 1810, egg rolls have become an Easter tradition.

The Power of One

Springfield resident stars in 'On the Waterfront.'

It has been hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, winning eight Academy Awards for an all-star cast that included Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden. But for playwright Budd Schulberg, himself an Oscar winner for Best Story and Screenplay, the 1954 film version of "On the Waterfront" was never quite the story he wanted told.

Fairfax County Overpass Opening

Donegal Lane access shuts down April 10.

On Tuesday, April 10, the Virginia Department of Transportation is permanently closing the intersection of Donegal Lane and the Fairfax County Parkway, and simultaneously opening the overpass carrying the new alignment of Rolling Road over the parkway.

Burke’s Great Harvest Bakery Wins Award

Named in the top 10 for annual sales growth.

Burke’s Great Harvest Bread Company located at 6030-G Burke Commons Road received an award during the company’s recent annual convention in San Diego, Calif.

Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21

Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.

The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.

The Winding Baseball Trek Towards Becoming a Cincinnati Reds’ Fan

With Opening Day here, its’ fun to follow more than one major league team.

I did not grow up as a Reds’ fan. In fact, Cincinnati’s great Big Red Machine caused me great heartache when, as a 12-year old boy growing up in Northern Virginia, I watched on TV as my favorite team, the Red Sox, lost to Sparky Anderson’s crew, 4-3, in Game 7 of the 1975 Fall Classic. I had been ecstatic after Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning game-winning home run had given the ‘Sox a 7-6 win in Game 6. But following the Game 7 loss, in which my favorite player, the great Carl Yastrzemski, flew out to end the game in the bottom of the ninth inning at Fenway Park, I was in tears – a broken kid.

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Bruins off to Super Fast Start in Baseball

Rutherford's Lake Braddock team preparing for season's second half.

The wins have just kept on coming over the first half of the season for the Lake Braddock Secondary baseball team, which is competing locally in Northern Virginia over this week's spring break week.

Lake Braddock Baseball Team Suffers First Loss

Bruin left-hander Rogers pitches well in defeat.

Regardless if one viewed the glass as half full or half empty, the Lake Braddock baseball team suffered its first loss of the season on April 3 and head coach Jody Rutherford was less than enthused with the Bruins’ effort.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

VDOT officials say I-495 Express Lanes will be just that.

Predictable, safe and reliable is not how most motorists would describe driving on the obstacle course known as the Capital Beltway.

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.