Thursday, May 30
Lake Braddock Baseball Beats Marshall in Region Semifinals
Bruins secure state berth, will face Oakton in region final.
The Lake Braddock baseball team scored 13 runs in the fourth inning to pull away from Marshall.
Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.
Wednesday, May 29
Classified Advertising May 29, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Splat! Boom! Bang!
Springfield musician makes classical music playful and accessible to children.
"I love to see kids get involved during a concert. It’s absolutely hilarious; they are up and down, whooping and hollering, listening to the music and the story." —Cory Hills
Summer Fun in Fairfax
The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.
Carfest Revs Up Springfield Days
Popular event open to all makes, models.
Carfest fans, it’s time to start your engines. One of the most popular attractions of Springfield Days returns this year, featuring cars in all makes and models, including antiques, muscle, classics, street rods, customs and exotics.
Weekend at Springfield Days
A community wide celebration returns Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2.
Springfield Days is a community wide celebration that takes place the weekend after Memorial Day each year. This year it will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, with multiple events on each day. Springfield Days includes many different types of events and activities that provide fun and entertainment to all ages. Visit http://www.springfielddays.com/ for more information.
Brief: Max Muscle Springfield Open
The fourth Max Muscle in the Northern Virginia area opened on Friday, May 3, at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new store with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Remembering Fallen Comrades
American Legion hosts Memorial Day ceremony.
Amongst all the commotion with supporters of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) funneling into the auditorium for the Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony in Springfield, Gary Welch tapped the microphone letting everyone know 2:59 p.m. was approaching. 2:59 was the appropriated time when everyone was to silently honor those who served in the armed forces.
Brief: Golf Program Helps Wounded Warriors
On Thursday, May 16, the Northern Virginia Military Ministry Outreach hosted a benefit dinner at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield to raise money for the Fort Belvoir Wounded Warrior Golf Program (FBWWGP). By pairing PGA professionals with returning disabled veterans, the program aims to “support the Army’s commitment to the rehabilitation and successful transition of the wounded, ill, and injured soldiers back to active duty or veteran status.” But as the participants of the program can attest to, it achieves so much more.
Lynbrook Elementary First to Fly Air Quality Flags
Lynbrook Elementary School, in partnership with TrailsforYouth.Org, is raising special, colored flags every morning to help teachers, students and members of the community be aware of daily air quality conditions. The effort is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s School Flag Program. Lynnbrook is the first public school in Fairfax County to start a new flag program to identify air quality pollution days to help students and the community to stay healthy.
The Gift of Dance
Girl Scout Nicole Frazzini launches Project D.A.N.C.E. and helps girls build self-esteem.
Nicole Frazzini discovered the joy of expression through dancing at an early age. By the time she was 5 years old, the South County High School junior was already a competitive dancer.
Workhouse Promises Fireworks, Free Concerts, Artistic Programs
Since opening in 2008 as the Workhouse Arts Center, the staff within the stately red bricks of what was originally a Progressive Era prison has worked to develop the site as a central fixture of the Lorton community.
South County’s ‘Music Man’ Wows Audiences
Colorful costumes, stunning vocals and intricate comedic timing were just a few key elements of the South County High School Theatre’s production of “The Music Man,” which packed the Dale S. Rumberger Auditorium May 3-4 and 10-11.
Richard Byrd Library Adds Mystery to Summer Book Sale
Every summer, booklovers and bargain hunters eagerly await the Friends of the Richard Byrd Library book sale, one of the largest in the region with more than 10,000 books, many in pristine condition.
Energy and Intensity Fill the Stage
Braddock Theatre's presentation of “Rashomon.”
With various interpretations of a single event during the rainy season in ancient Kyoto, Lake Braddock Theatre's presentation of Fay and Michael Kanin's adaptation of Ryunosuke Akutagawa's “Rashomon” brought the dramatic realities of the samurai code, bushido, to life through both intensity and humor.
Column: Airing on the Side of Caution
I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
100 New Citizens Sworn In
Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.
The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 28
Lake Braddock Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Bruins beat Madison, will face Marshall.
The Lake Braddock baseball team is one win away from heading back to the state tournament.
Celebrating Partnerships
Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.
He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.
Thursday, May 23
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
The sacrifices of those who died in war.
1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.
Tea Party Ticket
Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.
Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.
Wednesday, May 22
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs
Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Springfield Joins Bike to Work Day
Self-powered commuters enjoyed bike service, snacks and a chance to give feedback.
Though the Metro Park pit stop for Bike to Work Day 2013 didn’t technically open until 6:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17, the first biker showed up at 6:15, according to stop Manager Nancy-jo Manney.
Brief: Honored at William & Mary
Brian Anthony Rabe, of Springfield, graduated from the College of William & Mary on Sunday, May 12, with a Bachelor's in both biology and chemistry, membership in Phi Beta Kappa and an overall 4.0 GPA.
We Are Family
Community celebrates foster families during annual 5K walk at Lake Accotink.
They walked, ran or rode trikes, all in celebration of foster families at Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, May 18.
Brief: Nereids Synchronized Swimmers Place at Regionals
The Northern Virginia Nereids synchronized swimming team qualified for the Age Group National Synchronized Swimming competition after a successful showing at the South Zone Region A Regional Competition in Washington, D.C. the weekend of May 3-5.
Letter: Failing Grades on Air Pollution
Republican members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works put corporate polluters ahead of our health by boycotting the nomination of Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Each day this vote is delayed, health risks increase for millions of Virginians.
Brief: Eight FCPS Students Honored for Writing
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have received certificates for superior writing in the 2013 Achievement Awards in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
Brief: Homestretch Hosts Benefit Breakfast
The event helps raise more than $100,000.
Homestretch hosted its annual benefit breakfast on Wednesday, May 15, and raised over $100,000 for its program and services.
Tuesday, May 21
South County Baseball Wins Patriot District Championship
Stallions beat defending state champion Lake Braddock.
South County will host Robinson in the first round of the Northern Region baseball tournament. Lake Braddock will host Chantilly.
Friday, May 17
Classified Advertising May 22, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Springfield Home Sales: April, 2013
In April 2013, 148 Springfield homes sold between $1,575,000-$145,000.
Springfield Home Sales: April, 2013
Thursday, May 16
Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue
Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.
Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.
TC Baseball Secures First Regional Berth Since 2009
Titans beat Lee in Patriot District tournament quarterfinals
The T.C. Williams baseball team will travel to face top-seed Lake Braddock in the Patriot District semifinals on Friday.
Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes
Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.
In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.
Irving Middle Presents... “Empty House?”
Middle school students bring the arts to life in a play all of their own.
Irving Middle School advanced theater arts students are set to present “Empty House?” in two performances on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
Brief: Springfield Area Roundups 5/15
Six Month Investigation Nets Several Suspects and Cycle Fest Ride on Sunday, May 19
‘Annie, Jr.’ at Springfield Estates
Springfield Estates is not just your typical elementary school. It is not only occupied by neighborhood children but by youth from all over the Springfield and Alexandria area who have enrolled in the AAP program. Year after year students from all different backgrounds flock to SEES for another school year together. But in 54 years of schooling, Springfield Estates has never had a showcase of talent such as “Annie, Jr.”
Classified Advertising May 15, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Key Middle Officer Honored
Rudy Coffield is the FCPS 2013 Distinguished School Resource Officer.
n full policeman’s regalia—bus driver hat and all—Master Police Officer (MPO) Rudy Coffield is an imposing figure. The meticulously assembled uniform commands respect: His gleaming badge, crackling radio and holstered firearm immediately convey an unwavering attention to detail, rule, law and purpose.
Fairfax County a ‘Trailblazer’ in Using Social Media
Sign up for Technology Town Hall on June 1.
The digital and information revolutions have changed nearly every aspect of our lives. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, tablet computers and laptops, many Americans are connected to the Internet almost constantly. This rapidly increasing ubiquity of the Internet has helped people connect across geographic and cultural barriers.
Quick Takes
Q&A with Pastor King Rhodes.
Pastor King Rhodes is founder and senior pastor of His Church International Christian Center (HCICC) in Springfield, and has been involved in Christian ministry and community outreach for more than 20 years. As a longtime advocate for foster youth, Rhodes and his ministry help support the mission of Fairfax Families4Kids, a foster-mentoring program for teens in Fairfax County. On Saturday, May 18, Rhodes’ church will sponsor the organization’s 5-K Walk during Foster Care Appreciation Month.
‘Day Prom’ Celebrated
Eight high schools participate in daytime prom for special needs students.
Prom is pretty intimidating as it is: date, hair, dress, food, limo, flowers, dancing... gasp. But the annual event is also a privilege, a rite of high school passage that bonds students through shared experience for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many students with special needs will never share that experience with their peers. Their physical or intellectual disabilities can make participating in such a large and emotional gathering overwhelming, uncomfortable, and in some cases, simply impossible.
Ride of the Patriots
It's time for the annual Ride of the Patriots, a Memorial Day tradition in the City of Fairfax.
Odds are, residents of the City of Fairfax will hear them before they can see them. Each year, more than 4,000 motorcyclists descend on the city, gathering at Patriot Harley Davidson from across the country, coming together to share stories, compare notes from the road and honor those who have served the country.
Friday, May 10
Thursday, May 9
Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure
Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.
Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.
Special Olympics Athletes Compete, Students Volunteer at George Mason Swim Meet
More than 130 swimmers, parents and friends of the Potomac Marlins USA Swimming year-round swim team volunteered April 28 to host the Northern Virginia Special Olympics Swim Meet held at George Mason. They came from all over the county for the Marlins' 17th year hosting this meet which brings together athletes throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Through the Looking Glass
Northern Virginia Players presents “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.”
Beginning May 17, the Northern Virginia Players will perform Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” Join Alice's madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game.
Opinion: The Power of Tourism
From May 4 through 12, we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week—a time when we applaud the impact our multi-faceted industry has on our community, the commonwealth and the nation.
Exploring Nursing
Springfield school provides everything a person needs to start a medical field career.
Offering a two-year Virginia State Board of Nursing accredited Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) course, The Fairfax County School of Practical Nursing provides everything a person needs to begin a career in the medical field.
Letter: Bookfair in Support of School
On Friday, May 17, the Barnes & Noble at Fair Lakes will host a book fair to raise funds for the Mountain View High School Scholarship Foundation. From 5-9 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, storytelling, bookmark making, musical performances and an art display while purchasing books for graduations, birthdays or personal enjoyment.
Lost Sheep, Looking for Bo Peep?
Fairfax County teachers are used to shepherding their students though many challenges during the school year, so perhaps it wasn’t too much of a stretch for Lees Corner fourth grade teacher Katie Talbot to come to the aid of some lost sheep in her Virginia Run neighborhood on April 13.
Clifton Homeowners Welcome Visitors
It’s time for the 41st annual Spring Homes Tour.
An English garden, 18th-century furnishings and a pool with waterfalls are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 41st annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the fun includes a marketplace and silent auction at the Paradise Springs Winery.
Wednesday, May 8
Classified Advertising May 8, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Lake Braddock Girls’ Lax Advances to Patriot District Final
Bruins beat West Springfield in OT in semifinals.
The Lake Braddock girls' lacrosse team will face Woodson in Patriot District championship.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Tuesday, May 7
Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.
Friday, May 3
Classified Advertising May 1, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, May 1
‘Great Performances’ at Mason
Featured acts include the Joffrey Ballet, Sir James Galway, and four productions from the Virginia Opera.
Though not exactly suffering from a surplus, it’s clear from their new lineup that the staff behind the George Mason University Center for the Arts is driving forward, sequester or not.
Opening Doors for Neighbors in Need
FACETS marks 25 years of community service.
“A few years ago my life underwent two major changes that shook my world. … My husband and I separated and then I lost my job.” Lisa, a Fairfax mother, delivered that blunt statement during her speech to a crowd of more than 400 people during FACETS’ “Opening Doors” Benefit Breakfast on April 25.
Letter: TJ: Competition, Not Quotas
Your editorial, "Value-added Evaluation," [The Connection, April 18-24, 2013] seems to appear regularly—in slightly different forms and it remains misguided.
Springfield Man Arrested for Producing Child Pornography
Andrew Choi, 35, of Springfield, was arrested Friday, April 26, on charges of production and possession of child pornography.
Innovation Fair at Keene Mill
The 28 student teams brainstormed problems with current products they use on a regular basis and then researched and created solutions to those problems.
Fairfax County Union Officials Say Board’s Budget Fails Staff, Residents
Supervisors maintain cuts necessary to eliminate projected $169 million shortfall.
On the day the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the FY2014 budget, the leaders of Fairfax County’s four public employee unions issued a joint statement saying the budget “failed” staff and county residents.
Area Students Win Virginia History Day Awards
Students from three Fairfax County public schools earned awards at the 2013 Virginia History Day competition, held in Williamsburg.