Thursday, January 31
Titans Hand Spartans First Home Loss Since 2009
TC’s Roberts scores 18 points before leaving with wrist injury.
The T.C. Williams girls' basketball team is tied with West Springfield atop the Patriot District standings, but the Titans won both meetings with the Spartans this season.
Freidman Leads Woodson Gymnastics to Patriot District Title
Cavaliers senior wins all-around championship.
Woodson, Lake Braddock advanced to Northern Region gymnastics meet.
Letter: Taking Exception on Medicaid Expansion
Your recent editorial ["Expanding Medicaid Good For Virginia," The Connection, January 23-29, 2013] is noble in its desire to "extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance." If public policy making were just that easy. The editorial then goes on to indifferently say, "the Federal government picks up the tab.
Editorial: Extreme, But Brief, Volunteering
More than 150 volunteers needed to survey chronic homeless for three days in February.
The real solution to homelessness is housing. This week in Northern Virginia, a point-in-time survey will record all of the “literally homeless” individuals and families in the region. Last year, on Jan. 25, 2012, there were 1,534 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community; 697 of them were single individuals and 837 were people in families. A third of the total number of homeless were children. Nearly 60 percent of the adult members of the homeless families were employed.
Wednesday, January 30
Classified Advertising Jan. 30, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Where Do You Go, What Do You Do for Fun?
What do you high school students do for fun?
Arts Blossom in Former Prison
Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton continues tradition of transformation.
Prisoners—drunks, petty thieves, assaulters, even suffragettes—quite literally laid the foundation for the Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton.
Springfield Rotary Supports Edison Academy
The Rotary Club of Springfield recently donated a complete video camera recording system to Edison Academy for use by students and faculty members.
Keene Mill Loves to Square Dance
Keene Mill students dressed in their western garb for the 22nd Annual Hoedown held on Friday, Jan. 4 in the school gymnasium.
Local Business Supports Operation Gratitude
Vienna, Springfield business owner promotes another opportunity for a random act of kindness.
It all started with a “tweet” from NBC News Correspondent Ann Curry last month suggesting a creative way to honor the 26 lives that were lost at a Newtown, Conn. elementary school. Why can’t we all try to perform at least 26 random acts of kindness this next year?
Civic Pride on the Road
Fairfax County license plates available soon.
You can flaunt your car and show off your civic pride, thanks to a customized Fairfax County license plate approved Tuesday, Jan. 29, by the Board of Supervisors.
Keep Gas Tax; Cut Meals Tax; Add ‘Sausage’
Proposed changes to governor’s transportation funding plan receive local support.
After a week in which news from Richmond was dominated by partisan skirmishes, Northern Virginia Del. Dave Albo (R-41) joined with other lawmakers to refocus the legislature on the state’s transportation funding crisis, presenting an alternative to a controversial plan proposed by Governor Robert McDonnell (R).
Robinson Stands Up to Cancer
Robinson DECA chapter raises Cancer awareness and $5,000.
Robinson Stands Up to Cancer, a series of events put on by students at Robinson Secondary School, reached out to the community to raise money for cancer research and treatment, while raising awareness about those in need.
Del. Bulova and Sen. Petersen Host Fairfax Town Hall Meeting
On Saturday, Feb. 2, Del. David Bulova (D-37) is holding a Town Hall meeting with Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the council chamber of Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street. They will provide an overview of issues that are currently before the General Assembly. All constituents are invited to share their ideas and thoughts on issues that are important to the community.
Burke Wellness Center Opens
Brings massage, acupuncture, pilates, yoga, and fitness classes.
The Wellness Center will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 5276 Lyngate Court in Burke.
A Chorus of Praise
Fairfax County mentors celebrated during National Mentor Month.
Can we get an “amen?” The joyful noise coming from the David R. Pinn Center in Fairfax on Saturday wasn’t a gospel revival, but it was just as inspiring and enlightening.
Column: A Simple Question
I don’t quite know how to start this column so I’ll begin with its ending: “I’m fine.”
Nazi Commonwealth
Bipartisan team seeks compensation for victims of forced sterilization.
Nobody knows how many people are survivors of Virginia’s forced sterilization program, which targeted people with mental illness, mental retardation or epilepsy. But a bipartisan effort now under consideration in Richmond would hand each and every one of them a $50,000 check from the people of Virginia. According to one calculation, that could mean as much as $73 million.
Indoor Winter Fun with Children
Ideas for entertainment when Jack Frost appears.
Winter weather often means limited open air playtime for some children. “It is very important for children to get as much outdoor activity as possible, but there are times when it is not safe for them to be outside for an extended length of time, or any time at all, because it is too cold. ” said Shannon Melideo, chair of the Education Department at Marymount University in Arlington. “There are many other things that children can do besides sledding and ice skating.”
Winter Fun with Food
Easy and tasty ideas for winter meals.
The stove is fired-up, a sauté pan is sizzling and the thud of a steel knife blade hitting a wooden chopping block fills the air along with the woodsy aroma of fresh thyme. The temperature outside is frigid, but the kitchen feels like an inferno as Chef Kristen Robinson drives a knife though a fennel bulb, kale leaves and a tough-skinned butternut squash with staccato succession.
Friday, January 25
Classified Advertising Jan. 23, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, January 24
Volunteering to Cheer
Special Olympics “Cheer Team” wows crowd with high-energy performance.
Like many girls, Jacquelyn Hoffmeier of Burke always wanted to be a cheerleader. The 25-year-old, born with Down Syndrome, finally got her chance to perform on Friday, Jan. 11. Hoffmeier, along with seven of her Special Olympics teammates, cheered and danced before a crowd of nearly 200 parents and students during halftime at the West Springfield High School girls’ basketball game.
National Day of Service Launches Inauguration
Local residents give back to their communities and pledge ongoing service.
“Our volunteers packaged food at our Vienna Pantry and delivered it to 30 clients throughout the Fairfax County area who receive supplemental food from us every two weeks for approximately four months.” Lisa Whetzel, executive director, Our Daily Bread
Jail Tours Provide Wake-Up Call for At-Risk Teens
The Sheriff’s Office runs the Teen Awareness Program (TAP).
“At-risk kids are able to see and hear first-hand the effects of making a right decision versus a wrong decision,” says Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Steve Elbert, about the tours and presentations he leads at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Office initiated the Teen Awareness Program (TAP) a year ago, in partnership with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, to become part of the court’s diversion program for first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders.
Area Roundups
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host a presentation by resiliency expert Nan Henderson, “Resiliency in Action: How Families, Schools and Communities Create ‘Bounce Back’ Kids,” on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Robinson Secondary School cafeteria. Robinson is at 5035 Sideburn Road in Fairfax.
Editorial: Expanding Medicaid Good for Virginia
Real health coverage for an additional 400,000 people is in reach.
Virginia has an opportunity to expand Medicaid in a way that could extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance while the Federal government picks up the tab; Virginia would pay 10 percent of the additional cost after 2020.
News Briefs
As Democratic delegates fight to keep firearms further from school property, Republican Bob Marshall (D-13) is pushing legislation to bring more guns in. Marshall is the chief patron of HB 1557, which would require every school board in the state to designate one volunteer to carry a concealed weapon on school property. Training for selected volunteers would be provided by either the Virginia Center for School Safety or the NRA, of which he is a member.
Four Northern Virginia Senators Targeted
Redistricting effort puts Fairfax County seats in the spotlight.
Four Northern Virginia state Senators are targets of a Republican-led effort to draw new districts — Sen. George Barker (D-39), Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34). Democrats say the redistricting effort is a cynical attempt to take advantage of the absence of Sen. Henry Marsh (D-16), a prominent civil rights veteran, who was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration on Monday. But state Sen. John Watkins (R-10) of Powhatan defended the effort as a way to create a sixth majority black Senate district in Southside. It passed the Senate on a 20-to-19 vote.
Making Schools Safer
Two Northern Virginia Democrats take part in panel to consider school security.
Do Virginia schools need more guns? That question is at the heart of a debate that’s now reaching a fever pitch in the commonwealth, especially after a man with a Bushmaster assault rifle blasted his way into a Connecticut elementary school and killed 20 children and six adults before killing himself. Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell responded to the tragedy by creating a School Safety Task Force, which is considering a proposal for every school in Virginia to have an armed school resource officer.
Column: The Best of Intentions, I’m Sure
Regularly, throughout my now nearly four years of living as a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer “diagnosee”/survivor, I have had conversations where the person with whom I’ve been speaking–in response to a query of mine, said about a particular set of their circumstances: “Oh, it’s nothing, really. I mean, it’s not cancer, so it’s not as bad as what you’re (meaning me) going through.” Said with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity to me of course, and with my feelings/reaction most definitely in mind; for a long time, I simply acknowledged their empathy/sympathy and continued on with our conversation as if no emotional pot–of mine, had been stirred.
Wednesday, January 23
Searching for ‘The New Virginia Way’
Need to change the way Virginia supports people with disabilities.
In light of Virginia’s settlement with the Department of Justice over Virginia’s state institutions for people with disabilities, also known as training centers, it is time for us to enter “The New Virginia Way.”
Greenspring Welcomes Eric Whitson as Director of Sales
Eric Whitson recently joined Greenspring, an Erickson Living retirement community in Springfield, as the new director of sales.
Springfield-based Band Returns to Chantilly Festival
Potomac Jazz Project, based in Springfield, is participating for a third straight year at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly, performing four jazz shows daily for visitors and exhibitors.
Springfield Home Sales: December, 2012
In December 2012, 125 Springfield homes sold between $799,900-$174,888.
Springfield Home Sales: December, 2012
Tuesday, January 22
Fairfax Families4Kids
Fostering bonds with children.
Nationwide, more than 463,000 children live in foster care. In many states, including Virginia, the number of foster youth has tripled in the last 25 years. As of Sept. 30, 2011, nearly 5,000 youth were in foster care in Virginia, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Physical abuse is the most common reason children enter foster, but it’s not the only reason. Often there’s emotional abuse, sexual abuse and the parent or caretaker’s inability to provide a safe environment due to substance abuse.
A Family Made Whole
After a tragic loss, Reston couple creates a family through adoption.
The Granvilles look like a made-for-TV family. On a bright October afternoon, Chris, a computer engineer, is teasing his teenage son, Kenny, about what kind of pet to adopt, while Tiffany sits on a sofa, cradling Elijah, Kenny’s baby brother, who has just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Fish? No way,” Kenny, 15, says. “They just go ‘round and ‘round in a bowl.” Kenny is lobbying hard for a dog or—at the very least—a guinea pig or hamster.
Monday, January 21
A 10-Year Mission: End Homelessness
Our Fairfax-Falls Church community is one of the most affluent in the country. Our schools are second to none. We are the home for many Fortune 500 businesses. Even with the challenging economy, our unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country.
Sunday, January 20
Classified Advertising January 16, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, January 18
Queen of Household Hints to Share Five Essentials Every Home Should Have
Heloise to headline 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center.
The high priestess of household hints will share her domestic wisdom this weekend at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. A nationally syndicated columnist, Heloise is one of the presenters scheduled to headline the weekend’s show.
Thursday, January 17
Defense Propels TC Boys’ Basketball Past Lake Braddock
Titans hold Bruins scoreless for 7-minute, 31-second stretch.
The T.C. Williams boys' basketball team used a 17-0 run to pull away from Lake Braddock on Jan. 11.
Editorial: Transportation Money
Eliminating the gas tax makes no sense.
Virginia, and especially Northern Virginia, is woefully short on funds for transportation. One reason is that its gas tax, a logical way to fund transportation infrastructure, is one of the lowest in the nation, and has remained flat since the ’80s, since it is not indexed for inflation. So the buying power of the gas tax has been dwindling.
West Springfield Police and Green Hills Join Forces
Supervisor Lt. James Tanler of the Neighborhood Patrol Unit, Crime Prevention Officer J.T. Frey and the Green Hills Estate Property Manager Claudia Lazo decided it was time to bring a little cheer to the Green Hills community in West Springfield after a year that held a shooting in an occupied home and other drug related activity in the neighborhood. The force and the Green Hills community celebrated their efforts and progress towards making the neighborhood safer with a visit from Santa.
Becky’s Pet Care Wins ‘Business of the Year’
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters honors Springfield businesses.
Becky's Pet Care won the Business of the Year title from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. The Business of the Year award is a national award presented to a member, who has demonstrated outstanding business practices and vision in maintaining and growing their business. The rigorous application process includes a comprehensive evaluation of the member's commitment to the profession, management philosophy, community involvement and client satisfaction.
Military Building Named After Walter Hollis of Springfield
Military buildings are typically named after persons deceased who have made significant contributions to an organization, but recently the Hon. John McHugh, secretary of the Army and Springfield resident, granted an exception to that rule.
The Washington Gas Project Building Receives Award
The Washington Gas project received an Award of Excellence from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP) in the category of Best Building, Non-Institutional Facility on Nov. 14 at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner at a banquet hosted by NAIOP’s Northern Virginia chapter.
Springfield Resident Publishes New Book
“Cold War: Murder in the Heartland” is written by Robert Tecklenburg, a resident of Springfield. Published by Penumbra Publishing and distributed by Baker and Taylor and Ingram, the book tells the story of “a peculiar death in a small rural community . . . rumors of Soviet spies . . . strange goings-on and suspicious character everywhere.
Springfield Youth Earns Eagle Scout Rank
Gerry Souser, 17, recognized at Immanuel Bible Church ceremony for earning 134 merit badges.
“Because of all of these and so many more adventures and experiences, I feel that I am having the best scouting experience that anyone could ever imagine or ask for, and Merit Badges were just a part of it…”
Wednesday, January 16
Springfield Neighbors Recall Truman Inauguration in 1949
As Washington prepares for Presidential Inauguration, Jim Upp, Scott Shipe, and Gray Parks recount their experiences of 64 years ago.
The inauguration of President Truman in 1949 produced many firsts—first to be nationally televised, first to be openly integrated, first to debut the current presidential seal.
Fairfax/ Springfield Area Roundups
President Barack Obama has designated Saturday, Jan. 19, as a national day of service. Volunteer Fairfax is partnering with Points of Light and Target to put on a signature, national-service project in Washington, D.C., linking the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. with inauguration events and engaging political leaders, celebrities and the community in service and dialogue.
Tuesday, January 15
The New Year, Same as the Old Year?
Having survived almost four full years from the date of my original diagnosis/prognosis doing what I’ve done, all I should feel is: that anything is possible. I’m living proof.
Letter: All Talk No Action
I appreciate your Jan. 3-9, 2013, publication issue which contained the views and objectives of our local elected politicians.
Springfield Junior Releases Second Book
A new children’s book, “Sam Saddlebags, Horse Detective: The Case of Horseshoe Cove,” has been released by a Springfield author. The book is the second in a series by Irene Martinko, a junior at West Springfield High School.
Springfield Dentist Inducted to International College of Dentists
A local dental practitioner, Dr. Robert Argentieri, was inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists at its 83rd Annual Convocation in San Francisco, California on October 19, 2012.
Friday, January 11
Springfield Home Sales: November, 2012
In November 2012, 128 Springfield homes sold between $870,000-$171,000.
Springfield Home Sales: November, 2012
Classified Advertising Jan 9, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, January 10
Little Mermaid Comes to Springfield
Performances begin Friday; portion of proceeds benefits Hurricane Sandy victims.
In a magical kingdom under the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Will Ariel get her wish and find true love?
Fairfax Nonprofits Awarded $218,000 in United Way Grants
Several nonprofits providing health and education services in Fairfax County were awarded 20 grants totaling $218,360 from the United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) during the Tuesday, Jan. 1, Board of Supervisors meeting. The funds came through designations to the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Impact Fund in United Way NCA’s annual workplace giving campaign.
Fairfax County License Plates?
Herrity proposes developing county license plate to support tourism.
“I look forward to being one of the first residents to get my hands on a Fairfax County license plate.” Supervisor Pat Herrity
McKay Elected Chairman of Transportation Commission
Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) was unanimously elected chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) at the organization’s meeting held Thursday, Jan. 3. McKay, who is in his second term representing the Lee District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, replaces Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette as NVTC chairman.
Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?
2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.
The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.
Wednesday, January 9
Mount Vernon Boys’ Basketball Destroys Edison
Majors open 2013 with a 34-point win against the Eagles.
Mount Vernon jumps on Edison with 17-2 first-quarter run.
Mount Vernon Beats Edison in Battle of National District Girls' Basketball Powers
Majors claim sole possession of first place in the district.
Mount Vernon senior point guard Taylor Dunham had a big third quarter for the Majors.
Youthful Spartans Avoid Three-Game Losing Streak
West Springfield improves to 11-2 after losing standouts Robinson, Battle.
The West Springfield girls' basketball team blew an 18-point lead against West Potomac on Jan. 8 but held on to win.
“If It Ain’t Broke…”
Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.
Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area
Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.
Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.
Unforgettable Spaces
Local designers share their favorite home designs from 2012.
Local interior designers spend their days mixing colors, accessories and furnishings to create chic and stylish rooms. As the new year begins, some local tastemakers look back on some of their most memorable accomplishments.
Express Buses from Burke to Tysons
Fairfax County to launch Express Connector bus service.
Get ready to ride the 495 Express Lanes. For free. Really.
Fairfax Symphony Announces String Competition
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announces dates for the 2013 Dorothy Farnham Feuer Memorial String Competition.
Tuesday, January 8
Fairfax Residents Discuss Their New Year’s Resolutions
"Exercise more, I feel like that's the most common one..."
Express Lanes Ahead of Schedule
A look back at transportation developments in the area in 2012.
When thinking of the past year’s events that impacted Springfield, it’s hard not to include transportation in the equation.
Friday, January 4
Local Leaders Predict Hot Topics in 2013
We asked local movers and shakers to tell us what headlines they’d like to see in the New Year, what issues will dominate the political agenda, what their New Year’s resolutions are, and their Express Lane experiences. If our prognosticators are correct, the top three issues that dominated the headlines last year will again dominate this year. In order of priority: transportation, transportation and transportation.
Connolly: Good News in Phase One, Phase Two
Q&A with U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) on challenges and opportunities of 2013.
Q: What do you consider to be the number one issue affecting our community? A: Protecting and growing Northern Virginia’s economy and our vibrant public-private partnership with the federal government remains my number one priority for Northern Virginia. As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that oversees government contracting, federal workers, information technology, and other related areas, I continue to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain the balance between government functions performed by our dedicated federal workforce and those best served by the private sector.
Ireland’s Embassy Hosts Wild West Irish Tours and Dervish’s Cathy Jordan
Kevin Conmy, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Ireland welcomed guests at a reception held on Thursday, Dec. 13 to highlight The Gathering, a community-led initiative that encourages overseas visitors who are Irish-born, Irish-bred or Irish in spirit to join Irish people for family reunions and cultural, sporting and other events during 2013, and which is being promoted by the Springfield-based tour company Wild West Irish Tours.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names President/CEO
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors appointed Debra Harrison as its president/CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Her appointment comes following the unanimous recommendation of the search committee chaired by board member John Lockhart following a four-month national search.
Classified Advertising January 2, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, January 3
Happy New Year, Keep in Touch
Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.
As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.
Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year
Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.
Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.
The Quest for Youth and Beauty
Spending billions of dollars to improve one’s appearance.
Hiba Hakki reclines on an exam table as a physician picks up a syringe with his latex-gloved hand and points it at her face. He inserts the needle into the flesh around her eyes. She cringes slightly. This is a Botox injection, just one of the cosmetic procedures Hakki undergoes for the sake of beauty.
Lines of My Life
Like most people, I have material, so to speak, that I use repeatedly (ad nauseam, some might say). Most are lines from “The Three Stooges,” “M*A*S*H,” “Star Trek” (the original) and “Seinfeld.” As I entered into the cancer world, I continued to use this material – where/when appropriate, as many of you regular readers know. However, as my time in the cancer conundrum has continued (thank God!) and evolved, I have found myself uttering and muttering à la “Popeye the Sailor Man,” amusing myself, mostly, but always with the best of intentions: my survival. A few examples follow. (My answers are in quotes.)
Coming in From The Cold
A night at Burke United Methodist Church’s hypothermia prevention shelter.
Musa L. gently draped a blanket over his wife, and promised her the new year would be better for both of them. She was sleeping on a foam pallet at the Burke United Methodist Church. Musa and his wife were among nearly 40 homeless adults seeking shelter from the frigid temperatures at the church on Friday, Dec. 21.
Readers of the Pack
What Fairfax County residents read in 2012.
According to Mary Mulrenen, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County readers selected many of the same fiction and non-fiction favorites that caught the attention of book-lovers nationwide. Dr. Seuss, science-fiction and, once again, lawyers (John Grisham’s 25th legal thriller) topped the charts.
Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?
Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.
Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.