Wednesday, February 29
Healthiest School
Marine Corps Marathon honors Lynbrook Elementary.
On Thursday Feb. 8, the students of Lynbrook Elementary School received the Marine Corps Marathon Healthy School Award for most participants in the event for the eleventh consecutive year. In what has become a popular school tradition, 300 students participated in the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon Healthy Kids Fun Run on Oct. 29, 2011, an event that was marked with the worst weather in recent memory.
Column: State Shirks Transportation Responsibility
Maybe we should rename our County The Bank of Last Resort.
Griffin’s Final Budget
Outgoing county executive proposes 6.1 percent budget increase compared to last year.
Appearing before members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the last time, outgoing county executive Anthony Griffin had the luxury of taking the long view. When considering the challenges that currently confront the county, Griffin reminded the elected officials that it wasn’t all that long ago that Fairfax County has essentially a rural backwater of the capital.
Nourishing Body and Soul
Fourth annual fundraiser draws 300 attendees.
Professional and student artists have been busy shaping and decorating nearly 500 bowls for the fourth annual Empty Bowls event, hosted by Our Daily Bread, a nonprofit that works to eliminate hunger, homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County.
Burke Presbyterian Youth Present ‘Charlie Brown’
Area youth present classic family musical.
The old gang may not be as trendy as The Simpsons, but everyone still knows and loves Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts crew.
Letter: Keeping the Potomac River Clean
Letter to the Editor
As a proud member of the Northern Virginia community who spent my high school years rowing on the Potomac River, I am very concerned about the condition of this beloved waterway.
Candidates Wanted for the American Legion’s Boys State
The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, is inviting all members of Springfield and surrounding communities to join them in sponsoring young men to attend the 70th Session of Virginia Boys State.
Springfield’s Immanuel Bible Church Installs New Pastor
Nearly 3,000 attend ceremony for Jesse Johnson.
Jesse Johnson, formerly Pastor for Outreach at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., was installed as Lead Teaching Pastor at Springfield’s Immanuel Bible Church during three services on Sunday, Feb. 26.
Walter Alcorn Selected as Citizen of the Year
Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn will be honored as the 2011 Citizen of the Year at the annual awards banquet of the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations ("Federation") and SAIC on Sunday, March 25 at the Tysons Corner Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Bone Marrow Donor Drive for 13-year-old Leukemia Survivor
Shynia Milligan's family is coordinating the bone marrow drive at Almas Temple, on K Street in Washington, D.C.
Thirteen-year-old Shynia Milligan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in the summer of 2010. AML is a life-threatening blood cancer.
Classified Advertising
Read this weeks great jobs and get your home ready for spring with our home services directory!
Tuesday, February 28
Column: “Battling Cancer”
I suppose, as a cancer patient, there’s a presumption/understanding that not giving into cancer and its potential ravages is an ongoing battle – to the death, if you will. And I imagine, on many levels, some truer than others, it is. War is indeed waged – so to speak, in hopes of defeating this horrible disease (enemy).
Kaine Touts ‘Talent Economy’ at Fairfax Company
In bid for U.S. Senate seat, Kaine holds economic roundtables.
During a campaign stop at a Fairfax workforce development company on Thursday, former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) emphasized the need to foster a "talent economy" that will reboot America’s drive to the top of the economic ladder.
The Bus Was Stuffed
Local food pantries receive record donations from 2nd annual Stuff the Bus campaign.
Fairfax County’s second annual Stuff the Bus campaign roared to the finish line last week, collecting more than 25,604 pounds of food and $3,483 – a 26 percent increase in food, and a 236 percent increase in cash over 2011 totals.
Thursday, February 23
Miller Leads West Springfield to District Title
Senior scores 21 points in championship game, named tournament MVP.
The West Springfield girls’ basketball team defeated T.C. Williams twice by a combined four points during the regular season, with each contest decided in the final seconds. When it came time to determine the 2012 Patriot District champion, senior guard Jordan Miller and the Spartans showed no desire for another dramatic finish.
Springfield Connection Carrier of the Year Honored
Among The Connection’s many excellent carriers, Marie Laverdiere is honored for her service, reliability and dedication as 2011 Springfield Connection Carrier of the Year.
On Nepal, With Love
Recent Nepalese immigrant uses Public Access TV Show to bring about positive change.
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are more than 9,400 Nepalese living in the U.S. Krishna Sharma of Springfield, founder and CEO of Vision for Nepal, hopes to reach many of these immigrants and others sympathetic to Nepal through his TV program, "American Conversations," which airs on Fairfax Public Access Channel 30 on Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m.
A Heartfelt Anniversary
Greenspring couple celebrates 65 years of marriage on Valentine’s Day.
At 89, Ray Wright is as quick with a quip as Jack Benny.
Voters to Have Final Say on Eminent Domain Amendment
Opinions are divided as to what kind of influence the amendment could have if passed.
This fall, voters across Virginia will be confronted with a hotly debated amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to limit the ability of local governments to use the power of eminent domain.
Wednesday, February 22
Sheehy Donates $10K to Housing and Community Services
Sheehy Ford/Nissan-Springfield recently donated $10,000 to Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia (HCSNV), a non-profit organization that provides emergency housing assistance to more than 300 families in Fairfax County each year.
Week in Springfield
Things happening in the Springfield area.
Column: General Assembly Halftime Report
If you haven’t been following the General Assembly this year, I thought it would be appropriate to fill you in on the first half of the session.
Column: Marking Time
As much as I don’t want to be ever-mindful of today’s date – relative to when I first learned of my diagnosis, that Thursday three years ago this very week, when my Internal Medicine doctor called me with the results of the biopsy (confirming the malignancy); and of course all that had preceded it and all that has happened since.
Tuesday, February 21
Employment and Classified Ads Feb. 22, 2012
Classifieds Feb. 22, 2012: Job Opportunities, Yard Sales, Home Repairs and Handyman Services
Monday, February 20
Schultz Requests Public Hearing on Honor Cords for Military Enlistees
After a majority (7-5) of Fairfax County School Board members resisted a uniform policy to recognize military enlistees with honor cords during graduation ceremonies at its Feb. 13 work session, Elizabeth Schultz (Springfield) launched a campaign for a public hearing on the issue.
Friday, February 17
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Feb. 23-29
Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Feb. 22-29
Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Thursday, February 16
Making the Grade
Local school officials offer strategies for strengthening study habits.
When Jackie Jackson’s son brought home his report card recently, the Centreville mother of three was shocked. "His grades had fallen to an unacceptable level," said Jackson
People of Faith Gather to Support Marriage Equality
Holding red heart balloons and handing out candles and flowers, nearly 200 guests gathered in the shadow of the historic Fairfax County Courthouse to celebrate the union of a one couple on Valentine’s Day.
Honoring Grads Who Choose to Serve
Burke moms lobby school board to recognize enlistees during graduation ceremonies.
When Carolyn Kellam’s 17-year-old son, Danny, asked for permission to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps last year, she said "the mom in me was scared to death, but the citizen in me was very proud."
Fairfax County Considers Meals Tax Referendum
Revenue would be earmarked for transportation projects.
Last week, it looked as if the Virginia General Assembly might give Fairfax County a new funding tool: the right to generate new revenue through user fees, such as tax on restaurant meals, which would drive down the County’s reliance on property taxes.
Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age
Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.
For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.
Wednesday, February 15
Veterans Honor Area Residents
Local students, teacher, public safety officials, businesses recognized.
Paarth Jain, a sixth grader at Keene Mill Elementary, woke up early on Sunday to catch his 4 a.m. flight with his family from Miami to arrive at home in Springfield for a very special event he could not miss: the Springfield Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7327 and the Ladies Auxiliary awards ceremony honoring local students, a teacher, public safety officials and businesses at JW & Friends Restaurant in Springfield on Sunday, Feb. 12.
Editorial: Saving the Bay - A Good Investment
Cleaning up the water that runs into the Chesapeake Bay will help create jobs and economic activity in Virginia.
A plan to raise $300 million in bonds to upgrade wastewater treatment plants around the commonwealth stalled in a House of Delegates committee last week, a setback in meeting EPA requirements to clean up the water that leads to the Bay.
Tuesday, February 14
Column: "Diseased"
But not sickness. Not health, either, as last week’s column ended. At least that’s the way I characterize my having stage IV lung cancer. And I don’t know if I’m splitting hairs here, since I’ve never worked in a salon, although I do get my hair cut regularly; but I have been accused of speaking double-talk.
Monday, February 13
Obituary: Barbara Parkinson, 67, Longtime Connection Employee, Dies
Barbara Jean Parkinson, 67, of Sterling, Va., died Feb. 7, 2012 at her residence. Born on Sept. 17, 1944 in New York she was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Lundy.
Friday, February 10
Cracking Down on Texting While Driving
Bill would make it a primary offense rather than a secondary offense.
Although he hasn’t been reading them while driving, state Sen. George Barker (D-39) has been receiving a flood of emails about distracted driving. Increasingly,
Thursday, February 9
30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder
‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’
Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri
Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections
The Play’s the Thing
Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.
Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.
Details of the Offense
In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.
Progress Report from Labor Resource Center
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.
‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High
One-act play festival takes the stage.
Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Campbell Takes a Look Back
Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.
Heading for Huntsville
CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.
The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.
Bulova, Marsden Present Report from Richmond
Area legislators host town hall meeting to get feedback from constituents.
Less than a month after Virginia’s General Assembly convened on Jan. 11, the GOP’s effective control of both houses has paved the way for a slew of conservative social legislation, from broadening gun rights to curbing abortion and voting rights.
President Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights
Local homeowners, housing advocates say president’s plan gives homeowners important safeguards.
Tina Kotson of Springfield, a homeowner of five years, said she thought it would be fairly easy to refinance her current 5.65 percent mortgage and take advantage of today’s lower rates.
Valentine's Day Décor
In honor of Cupid's day, share ideas for sweetening a home or dining table.
Whether planning a dinner party for friends, a romantic meal for two or a breakfast surprise for children, local designers say simple accents can create a festive atmosphere on Valentine's Day.
Tightening Asbestos Regulations
Bill protecting workers passes Senate with unanimous vote.
It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Yet labor advocates say the people who are licensed to remove asbestos may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.
Wednesday, February 8
Lee Duo Returning to Regionals
Leah Michetti and Katie Stewart are heading back to the Northern Region gymnastics meet.
Liberatore Leads Bruins to District Gymnastics Title
Senior wins all-around championship after back-to-back runner-up finishes.
After her routine, Caitlin Liberatore cracked a wide smile when judges revealed a score of 9.575. It was enough to win the event, but was it enough to win the all-around crown?
House on a Hill
Contemporary in Oakton transformed into welcoming southern colonial.
Hunstville, Ala. is a pretty small town-- yet it has three historic districts and more homes in the national register than most places twice its size. Growing up in such a community, Gina Jones is understandably attracted to welcoming porches and grand foyers--hallmarks of the antebellum style.
Remodeling: An Opportunity To Follow One’s Passion
Adding that personal touch.
Having remodeled thousands of projects over the past 25 years, our clients' reactions tell us that some of the most successful projects often address a specific passion or interest. Folks seem to be spending more and more time at home not only working, but also enriching their lives through personal interests.
Editorials: Access to Activities for Home Schoolers; Action in Richmond; Changes in Gun Laws
Families who home-school their children in this area take a burden off crowded schools, and off taxpayers who pay on average between $12,000 and $16,000 per year per child in school depending on where in Northern Virginia.
Two Students Receive $10,000 Scholarships
Eight local area businesses are helping make the dream of a college education a reality for two high school seniors.
Week in Springfield
Things happening in the Springfield area.
Volunteers Support Greenspring’s Oral Rehydration Project
Greenspring residents, staff assemble 5,300 kits for children suffering across the globe.
The statistics are startling. More than 1.5 million children across the globe die each year because of dehydration associated with diarrhea.
Green Dot Card Scam
Fairfax County police investigating slew of scams targeting seniors.
When a 70-year-old Burke woman answered her phone this week, the caller told her she’d won 3.5 million dollars and a brand new Mercedes. But there was a catch.
McDonald’s Announces 2012 Hispanic Scholarship Program
The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund (HCF), will be honoring exceptional Hispanic students in the Greater Washington, D.C., area with the 3rd Annual McDonald’s Hispanic College Fund Scholarship Program.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Help American Cancer Society
Last October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department donned pink shirts to help the American Cancer Society increase awareness of breast cancer.
Tuesday, February 7
Column: Back On The Juice…
The chemotherapy juice, that is. Going forward now, every three weeks until I’ve completed six infusions, finishing sometime around mid May barring any foreseen – and previously experienced blips (meaning delays): levels, counts, readings, etc., that would compel my oncologist to stop åhe treatment and await results of a retest
Monday, February 6
Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community.
Brigadier General from Fairfax Dies in Afghanistan
Terence Hildner, 49, highest ranking officer to die in Afghanistan.
Brigadier General Terence J. Hildner of Fairfax, a highly-decorated officer who received the Bronze Star Medal for combat heroism, died Feb. 3 in Kabul of apparent natural causes, military officials announced Saturday.
Friday, February 3
Woodson’s Dash Makes Collegiate Decision
Cav wide receiver set to play for first-year football program.
W.T. Woodson High senior football player Marcus Dash, earlier this week on the Feb. 1 National Signing Day for high school athletes, was scheduled to sign a college letter of intent to play NCAA Div. 2 football at Alderson-Broaddus (A-B) College in Philippi, West Va.
Cementing the Districts
Republicans try to lock in eight-to-three advantage in congressional redistricting.
Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape.
Young Lancer Girls Showing Improvement on Hardwood
Despite poor win percentage, Lee High team is getting better.
This has been a tough, rebuilding season for the Lee High girls’ basketball team, which carried a 2-15 overall record going into this week’s play. Nevertheless, Lancer head coach Harold Jackson said his team has shown good improvement over the course of the winter season, even if it cannot be measured with wins and losses.
Woodson Tops Lake Braddock in Boys’ Basketball
Woodson sharp-shooter Tommy Stepka hurts Bruins with long range shooting.
The three-point shot is arguably the most satisfying in basketball. When coupled with aggressive defense, it can make a team virtually unstoppable. The Woodson High boys’ team connected on seven 3-pointers and buried visiting Patriot District opponent Lake Braddock defensively to win 73-50 last Friday night, Jan. 27.
Thursday, February 2
Moderate Mutiny
With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb. In an interview on Thursday, Jan. 19, Kaine said he hopes to promote a "talent economy" in Washington. It’s a reality the former governor says has become evident in the last few decades, when Virginia moved from being one of the lowest median income states to being one of the wealthiest.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year
Lunar Chinese New Year festivities continued this past weekend, attracting hundreds of thousands of shoppers and visitors to Fair Oaks Mall. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the Chinese traditional calendar, based on the phases of the moon and the solar year. The year is 4710 and celebrates the dragon, which is considered the luckiest sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, power and good luck.
Commentary: Dulles Rail Phase II: A Common Sense Approach
This spring the Fairfax and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will be required to make a final decision to opt in or out of Phase II of the Dulles Rail project. Rail through Tysons past the airport and into Loudoun is the largest public works project in the history of the Commonwealth and it has significant financial implications to the counties, its residents and businesses, and especially to the users of the Dulles Toll Road. As the Dulles corridor and Tysons are the economic engines of the region and the Commonwealth the project also has telling implications on our future job growth.
Letter: Waste of Taxpayer Money
I recently received a "Richmond Update" from Del. Jim Le Munyon advising: "I have proposed an additional $400,000 in the state budget for the State Police to more effectively conduct background checks for individuals desiring to purchase a firearm. Recently, a constituent brought to my attention the significant delays some purchasers were experiencing in receiving the results of their background checks …"
Remembering Harry Heisler
Wife mourns husband of 28 years.
Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.
Fulfilling a Dream
Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.
Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."
‘We’re Really Frustrated’
Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.
Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.
Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace
At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.
SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?
State and gas company disagree over report.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.
Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly
Windows smashed, property damaged.
The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.
‘King and I’ at Key Middle
After three months of preparation, the Key Middle School Theater presented ‘The King and I’ on Jan. 26, 27 and 28.
Burke: A History of Pies, Racing and Summer Fun
Burke Historical Society hosts descendent of famous Burke family.
When Mike Copperthite dug into his family’s history last year, he struck pies. Fifty thousand of them.
Putting Food on the Table
Food banks struggle to keep shelves stocked in winter.
n a bright winter Saturday afternoon, bus driver Lynn Temple boxed up jars of peanut butter and cans of food donated by shoppers at Giant grocery store in Lorton.
Column: Progress on Transportation, Government Efficiency
Week #4 of the General Assembly saw two of my bills pass and many controversial proposals starting to hit the floor of the House of Delegates.
Wednesday, February 1
West Springfield’s Robinson Getting Back in Shape
Standout point guard returns after missing five weeks with injured ankle.
April Robinson, a 2011 first-team All-Met selection, has worked on her endurance since returning to the lineup after missing more than a month with an injured ankle. Monday’s match-up with T.C. Williams was Robinson’s fourth game after her five-week layoff and the Titans put her to the test. TC pressured Robinson in the backcourt and forced her to work up and down the floor.
President Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights
Gives speech to crowd at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church.
Calling the continuing depression in the housing market a "make-or-break" moment for the middle class, President Barack Obama delivered a short and pointed speech this morning about his proposed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights to an audience in Falls Church.
Letter: Schools Have Too Much Power
Letter to the Editor
I just read an article by Michael Lee Pope ["Politics of Notification: Father takes his plight for increased parental notification to Richmond," Connection, Jan. 26-Feb. 1] It is simply wrong!
Springfield Estates Elementary Receives Grant
Graham Road Elementary School and Springfield Estates Elementary School have each received a $100,000 grant from Target to support a program of each school’s choice.
Assembly at Half-way Point
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn reflects on General Assembly session so far.
The 2012 General Assembly session is nearly at its half-way point. In just two weeks, we will reach the "cross-over" phase of the current session, signifying that the House of Delegates has concluded its scheduled business and will begin working on legislation that has already been passed by the State Senate.
Officer Who Made Difference
First African American female officer retires from FCPD.
As the youngest daughter of a preacher in Oak Hill, W. Va., Annie Mack-Evans said she knew growing up that her life’s calling was to "Do all you can do and leave the outcome to God."
Greenspring Premieres Redesigned Medical Center
On Friday, Jan. 27, Greenspring Medical Center hosted an open house for residents and guests to preview the redesign of the center.
Girl Scouts Invited to Community Celebration
This year Girl Scouts of the USA is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the South Central Fairfax Association of the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) is conducting a special event and opening it up to the community at Springfield Mall on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Letter: Benefits of Smaller Class Sizes
Letter to the Editor
We have a great school system in Fairfax County. Our test scores are high, our students are engaged in challenging educational curriculums, and our schools have received national recognition as being some of the best in the nation.
Column: "Progression"
There’s a word – in a medical context, anyway, that you don’t hear every day. And if you’re a stage IV lung cancer survivor – like me, 35 months post-diagnosis, it’s hardly the word you ever want to hear – or see – describing the most recent CT Scan of your lungs (Mediastinum) where your malignant tumors have been in "partial stable remission" going on two-plus years now. "Progression" means growth. Growth means the relative calm under which you’ve existed for the last few years is officially over.