Stories for June 2013

Lake Braddock Grad Rodi Headed to Hillsdale College

Former Lake Braddock volleyball player Kyra Rodi helped the Bruins win the 2011 Patriot District title.

Column: No Shame in Crying

Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).

Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?

The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.

Balenger Story: Walking Tall

Nick Balenger, paralyzed after a swimming accident, walks at the Lake Braddock graduation ceremony.

Every Lake Braddock senior who walked across the George Mason University Patriot Center stage for a diploma received applause and praise for 12 years of hard work. But only one student received a standing ovation for simply walking.

Delightful Evenings at Kate’s

Springfield Irish Pub hosts Open Mic Night on Wednesdays.

For about six years, Jim Bellas, 65, of the district, has organized the Open Mic Night on Wednesdays at Kate’s Irish Pub in Springfield’s Concorde Shopping Center. Anyone can sign up to play for free on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 11 p.m. The sets usually last between 10-15 minutes and include three to five songs.

Col. Gadson Comes to Sangster

Wounded Warriors inspire young audience.

Movie buffs might know him from his role in the 2011 blockbuster “Battleship” as Mick, the gruff wounded vet who helps save the world from aliens, but to the students at Sangster Elementary School in Springfield, he is known as real-life hero Col. Gregory D. Gadson, Ft. Belvoir garrison commander and Purple Heart recipient.

Commentary: Putting the People First

Good government isn’t as hard as politicians make it out to be. It’s really about putting the people first.

Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’

Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.

City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Housing’s Roaring Rebound?

Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.

In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.

Classified Advertising June 19, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Local Author Wins Book Award

The Nautilus Book Award has named its 2013 Gold Winner in Religion/spirituality: “Faith Beyond Belief: Stories of Good People Who Left Their Church Behind.” Author Margaret Placentra Johnston holds degrees from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (BS, OD 1982), and the Catholic University of America (BA, 1973. MA, 1974.) From 1983 to 2003 she operated her own private optometric practice in Springfield and currently sees patients part-time in Alexandria and Georgetown.

Keys to Mobility

Keifer Wolfe receives a free car from Progressive.

Through the collaborative efforts of several local companies, Keifer Wolfe, a local military member training to be a Navy SEAL, was presented with a free Ford Escape at the Progressive Insurance building in Springfield on Wednesday, June 12, in order to replace his current transportation means—running, public transportation, and borrowing his friend’s cars—with a car of his own.

Lee Graduates Encouraged to Explore

Lancer Award to Madison Curtis and Nahom Fissaha, Faculty Award to Adeli Block and Carlos Toro.

The 417 graduating seniors of Robert E. Lee High School gathered together for the final time Monday, June 16 for the school’s annual commencement ceremony at George Mason University’s Patriot Center. Family, friends and honored guests were in attendance to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s seniors as they received recognition, rewards and finally, their diplomas.

Spartans Come Together for a Bittersweet Last Time

West Springfield High graduates urged to be “the best you possible.”

West Springfield’s Class of 2013 graduated at the Patriot Center on Friday, June 14, in front of a packed crowd of families, friends and teachers, receiving inspirational words for the future, as well as bittersweet, nostalgic memories from the past. Principal Mark Greenfelder, a fellow Spartan himself, began the graduation with words of wisdom from his favorite book “The Element,” explaining to students that in order to be happy and successful, they needed to find the intersection between what they were passionate about and what they were good at.

A Day to Remember at Edison High

Thomas Edison High School graduates urged to be “doers and not watchers.”

After an array of silver and light blue caps and gowns filled Constitution Hall at Thomas Edison High School’s graduation ceremony on Friday, June 14, the commencement began with Principal Pamela Brumfield at the podium.

Supervisors Pass Home Day Care Ordinance

Bulova calls for town hall meeting to educate providers on new rules.

“There is a tremendous need for quality child care in the county and we want to help make sure there are a sufficient number of providers available.” -- Board Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)

Saying Goodbye to a ‘Great Place’ 

Woodson graduates challenged to remember.

W.T. Woodson High School’s Class of 2013 gathered together for the final time Thursday, June 13 at Robinson High School’s Henry M. Smith Field House for its annual commencement ceremony. Students, faculty, family members, and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate the culmination of the school’s 50th anniversary.

Springfield Boy Scouts Help Plant Trees at Burke Lake Park

New trees replace mature ones torn down by Burke Lake Dam renovation.

When the renovation of Burke Lake Dam began last fall, many residents in the leafy South Run neighborhood were concerned about the dozens of mature trees construction crews had to rip out to gain access to the dam.

Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95

As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.

Letter: Putting the People First

To the Editor:

Good government isn’t as hard as politicians make it out to be. It’s really about putting the people first. The IRS certainly wasn’t putting the people first when it harassed, humiliated and held up the applications of conservative groups. Nor when it held off on releasing the $125 million share owed to Virginia as part of a Medicaid fraud settlement. It did just the opposite.

Week in Springfield

Look at 'the Other Side of the Wall'

“From the Other Side of the Wall,” a presentation by Palestinian farmer and Director of Tent of Nations Daoud Nassar, will take place June 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath Street in Springfield. Tent of Nations, a peace center located on the Nassar family farm near Bethlehem, emphasizes building bridges of understanding, reconciliation and peace in a region torn by conflict. Contact: Mill Olver, 703-569-3099 or beveolv@aol.com.

Summer Camps from Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is offering a variety of camps this summer for tots to teens — and some for parents and grandparents to participate — at all skill levels and at locations across the county. Details about all Montgomery Parks camps are available online at www.MontgomeryParks.org/Camps where visitors can search offerings by age, location, camp type and weeks.

Classified Advertising June 12, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Column: Full Circle

I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.

Creating Attractive Access

Front elevation universal design solution is both functional and architecturally appropriate.

In many respects, well-executed universal design speaks to the hope that a better world is not only possible, but within our grasp. Certainly the intention is to include people with challenged mobility. And it follows that a good universal design solution can be an enhancement not just for one person, but for everyone.

‘Mr. Springfield’ Comes Full Circle

Todd Lattimer is named senior vice president of First Virginia Community Bank.

Pinstripes. His sharp power suit (purchased from long-time customer Francis Tailors in Annandale) is about the only quality Todd Lattimer shares with the stereotypically stingy, cold, possibly monacled, yet well dressed image of a banker.

Graveside Service for Grace Thomas at Arlington National Cemetery

Grace Thomas, a long-time Springfield resident, died April 19 in Haverhill, Mass., of natural causes. She was 82. Thomas was born on June 13, 1930, in Saunderstown, R.I. The former Grace Lorena Matterson, she married Walter R. Thomas in 1950. They were married for 59 years.

Class of ‘62 Remembers Fallen Classmates

In memory of three class members lost in Vietnam, the class awards scholarship to Sophia Kim.

Senior classes of past and present generations apart were honored on Thursday, June 6 at Robert E. Lee High School for the annual senior awards ceremony. Current students, just weeks away from graduation, received awards from the academic and athletic departments. In addition to these superlatives were scholarships given to selected students who demonstrated excellence in character and academics. Speaking in regards to these honors Principal Abe Jeffers said, “We have quite a tally of scholarships with a total of about $2.1 million.” One in particular was the Class of 1962 Blackburn, Brown and Plunkett Memorial Scholarship.

Springfield Dads

Harold and Kyle Michael of Springfield relax in the park while Kyndra hangs around.

Lancers Show Fun Side of Science

Children flock to presentations put on by students.

The Lancers provided a piercing glimpse into how young minds can embrace the implications of science and showcase them in a fun and educational way. Robert E. Lee High School held its second annual Community Science Day, an event where high school students present projects to both judges and interested families. The exhibitions, which were created predominantly by seniors, covered a wide range of topics, from food and calories to cosmic rays. Young children filtered from room to room, engaging in the activities that aimed to cultivate an interest in the subject matter.

Feeling Special for a Day

Accotink Academy students show off more than custom-made clothing at Fashion Show and Shoot.

The Accotink Academy Fashion Club, led by the secondary school teachers Nina Lojanica (“Mrs. L”) and Fallon Keplinger, hosted their annual Fashion Show and first professional fashion shoot on Thursday, June 6, on site at Accotink Academy in order to celebrate the handmade clothing the members of the club produced and styled.

Rock the Pink at Occoquan

The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.

On the Campaign Trail

Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.

Establishment Wins Democratic Primary

State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.

Fairfax Celebrated

The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.

Local Schools Win Seven Cappie Awards

Robinson captures five, including Best Musical.

Not only did Robinson Secondary win five of the eight Cappies awards for which it was nominated, but it took home the prize for Best Musical for its production of “Hairspray.” It was honored Sunday night, June 9, at the 14th annual Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Lake Braddock Baseball Advances to State Semifinals

Bruin pitcher Rogers earns quarterfinal win against Patriot.

The Lake Braddock baseball team will face Great Bridge in the state semifinals.

Week in Springfield

Arrest in Thefts of Apple Products, A Story ‘From the Other Side of the Wall.'

A Video Appeal to Save the Trails

Irving Middle School student raises environmental awareness through film.

WAKEFIELD PARK, located in Annandale, is highlighted as an example of trails that have erosion as a result of biking in wet conditions. Zachary compares the trails at this park to those at Fountainhead Park in Woodbridge. Wakefield does not have the sufficient funds to maintain trails as Fountainhead does, and as a result the paths are not protected as well.

Friends Team Up for Successful Book Sale

Four-day sale at Byrd library nets $9,483.

The Friends of the Richard Byrd Library’s used book sale soared, providing the Springfield community with a source of intellectual enrichment and literary diversions.

Cappies Review: Giving New Life to a Timeless Story

Robert E. Lee High School’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”

“Into the Woods” is acclaimed as one of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest masterpieces, with magnificent wit and beautiful music, bringing the Brothers Grimm fairy tales back to life in a new light. With impressive ensemble vocals, a wonderful orchestra, and standout performances from within the cast, Sondheim’s vision was brought to the stage of Robert E. Lee High School.

Greenspring Scholarships Presented

The Greenspring retirement community in Springfield held its annual scholars awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 29. In 1999 Greenspring established the Scholars’ Fund, which provides scholarships to local high school students who have worked in various dining services capacities at the retirement community. In addition to receiving a wage, students may be eligible for scholarships paid directly to the college or professional school of each student’s choice.

Chasing Cow Costume Record

Ever dream of being part of a world record event? Join Chick-fil-A of Northern Virginia on July 2nd at the Patriot Center located on the campus at George Mason University in Fairfax as they attempt to break the world record for the "number of people dressed as cows gathered in one place."

Boy Scout Earns Medal of Merit

Chris Mayhew of Fairfax honored as “exceptionally brave and courageous” young man.

Smiling with his head slightly bowed, Boy Scout Christopher Mayhew of Fairfax was greeted with thunderous applause as he accepted the Medal of Merit during the spring Court of Honor.

‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs

A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.

Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.

And the Winners Are …

Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.

The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles

Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.

Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.

Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships

Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.