Stories for September 2014

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

High-Powered Hayfield Football Beats Washington-Lee

After three losses against tough opponents, QB Isaac leads Hawks to win.

The Hayfield football team defeated Washington-Lee 49-20 on Friday night.

Family Runs the Race for Every Child

Noah Coffman, 14, ninth grader at Edison High School, with parents Lisa and Greg Coffman of Alexandria, participated in the second annual Race for Every Child to benefit Children's National Health System.

AARP Joins Our Daily Bread in September Food Drive

This month AARP reached out with Our Daily Bread to help Fairfax county residents with food assistance for needy families.

Local Group Gives Scholarships to Women

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave out $10,000 in scholarships to college women to kick off the start of the school year. Six women from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, ranging in ages and opportunities, were presented scholarships during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club on Friday, Sept 19.

Students, Parents and Teachers Plea for Later Start Times

Students, parents and advocacy groups flooded the School Board’s public comment period with pleas to approve later start times for students next year during Sept. 19 meeting.

Portrait of a Graduate Approved

The Portrait of a Graduate has been drawn. This “portrait” - a part of the plans for the proposed strategic plan - was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Fairfax County School Board meeting after the board discussed it for more than an hour.

Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan

Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.

Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters

The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.

Ring Cycle

Lee graduate features in boxing documentary.

Christian Vick was a standout basketball player for Robert E. Lee High School, but boxing was really his first sport. A family sport. His father James worked in boxing promotion for Washington, D.C. boxers Maurice Blocker and Simon Brown, and his great uncle Louie Vick was a heavyweight fighter. And Vick grew up spending every Saturday with his father and brother Zachary, watching bouts of Sugar Ray Leonard and Hector Camacho on the family room floor.

Fall Fun 2014

Upcoming family-friendly events in the area.

Post-Chemo Weak

For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.

Foust Bridging Political Divide

Democrats hope Foust’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” connects with voters.

Straightening his tie, John Foust is preparing for yet another “meet-and-greet” event at the Clifton home of Democratic supporters Terry Matlaga and Kevin Bell.

Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle

Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.

The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.

Award-winning Author Returns to Springfield

West Springfield graduate discusses his books, signs copies at Richard Byrd Library in Springfield.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, award-winning author, Louis Byrd, returned to Springfield just in time for “Fall for the Book,” an annual event that brings authors from across the nation and across the world to Fairfax County to share stories about their work and their experiences.

Springfield Resident Visits Capitol Hill

On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Jennifer Basik of Springfield met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C. as part of the Direct Selling Association’s second annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill.

Construction Nearly Done on the 95 Express Lanes

The construction on the 95 Express Lanes is 90 percent complete and on schedule to open in early January 2015.

Superheroes Meet Real Heroes

Marvel Universe Live! performers honor area firefighters.

Performers of Marvel Universe Live! honored firefighters outside the Patriot Center in Fairfax on Friday, Sept. 12.

Classified Advertising September 17, 2014

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Springfield Home Sales: August, 2014

In August 2014, 168 Springfield homes sold between $1,100,000-$179,000.

Springfield Home Sales: August, 2014

Alice in Nevermore

Local theater company explores imagination at Workhouse.

For the next month, Barbara Lawson is leading a triple life. A freshly minted West Springfield senior, 17-year-old Lawson plays the title character in the Pandemonium Theatrical Productions setting of “Alice In Wonderland,” as well as Virginia in the same company’s “Nevermore,” a dark musical exploring the demons of Edgar Allen Poe.

New Analysis of Accotink Creek Underway

Department of Environmental Quality resumes project after EPA lawsuit.

When Meghan Walker paddles a canoe upstream from Lake Accotink looking for garbage, not much surprises her anymore. “The sky’s the limit for odd trash,” she said. “A big find last time was a wheel and tire -- still attached. That’s impressive.”

Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season

Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.

Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.

A Different Path to a 4-year Degree

NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.

Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Later High School Start Times for 2015?

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Letter: Springfield Seniors Deserve Better

Letter to the Editor

On Sept. 13, 2014, I received The Herrity Report with the remarkable absence of any report on the Lorton Workhouse that he had earlier denounced as a wasteful bailout of a mismanaged operation. Supervisor Herrity failed to report that on Sept. 9, 2014, the Board spent another $3 million for an events center that could lose more of our taxpayer money.

Scared, Hopefully Not to Death

One of my greatest fears (or regrets, if I am in fact the cause of my own decline) is that my own stubbornness, stupidity, “male blockheadedness” and/or refusal to believe/pay attention to signs, symptoms, indications and instructions/health advisories from my oncologist about my health will lead to my premature death.

Commentary: Protecting Those Threatened by Domestic Violence

September marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – landmark legislation in which our nation committed new prevention and response resources so that our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends would no longer have to suffer in silence through domestic abuse.

Robinson Football Improves to 3-0 with Win Over Rival Lake Braddock

Rams build 19-0 lead, hold on to beat 'contender.'

Lake Braddock improved to 3-0 with a 19-17 win over Lake Braddock on Friday.

Gas Station Runs Backpack Drive

You may have noticed the sign “You Pump We Donate: Back to School Backpack Drive for Area Kids,” in front of the Cardinal Plaza Shell gas station on Old Keene Mill Road.

U.S. Army Chorus to Perform at Springfield Church

In celebration of the Westwood Baptist Church's 50th Anniversary in 2014, The U.S. Army Chorus presents a fun evening of music from its varied repertoire featuring tunes from the last five decades at Westwood Baptist Church, 8200 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. The concert is free, and everyone is invited.

Area Schools Celebrate New Beginning

What’s new at Irving Middle, Lake Braddock Secondary and Sangster Elementary?

Rising seventh grade students at Washington Irving Middle School are not the only ones preparing for changes this upcoming school year. “This is the first year that we’re going to teach the Civics and Economic class to all eighth grade students at the honors level,” said Assistant Principal Rick Mondloch in an interview on Aug. 18.

Full Day Monday Challenges Discussed

The implementation of “full day Mondays” has been anything but easy for area elementary schools. The challenges that Fairfax County Public Schools faced to bring more hours to elementary students’ school year was addressed by Superintendent Karen Garza and several board members during a school board meeting on Sept. 4 at Jackson Middle School.

Portrait of a Graduate Discussed

The heart of the school system’s new strategic plan is closer to being approved. The Fairfax County School Board discussed the five component Portrait of a Graduate - with some asking for a component emphasizing a caring quality - at Monday’s work session.

Classified Advertising September 10, 2014

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"Change the World Day" At Messiah United Methodist Church

More than 350 members of Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield took church to the community Sunday, Sept. 7, performing 30 mission projects including repairing a boardwalk maintenance at Hidden Pond Nature Center; serving meals at Rising Hope UMC (Route 1 corridor) , Capitol Hill UMC (DC) and Fisher House (military veterans); sorting donations at area charity thrift stores and building fences at picnic tables at Camp High Road, a United Methodist camp in Manassas.

Lake Braddock XC Delivers Strong Showing at Monroe Parker Invite

Motivated boys’ team seeks state title after finishing 2nd in 2013.

Lake Braddock boys' XC placed first at the M

Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit

Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.

“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”

New Principal Starts at West Springfield

Michael Mukai brings “champion” philosophy from Robinson.

Earlier this summer, West Springfield High School needed a principal... and a head custodian. Michael Mukai, who started on the first day of school as permanent relief for interim Principal Becky Brandt, said the two positions are more similar than different.

Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?

Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.

With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.

Time Sensitive

As much as I don’t want to be cognizant of date, time and place, relative to February 27, 2009 when Team Lourie first received the stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis on yours truly, I am (a terminal diagnosis will do that to you). Moreover, as often as I write about the need to live forward, rather than die backward (if you know what I mean), I still struggle with the application.

Extreme Politics

Foust, Comstock stake out opposing positions during first debate in hyper-partisan 10th district Congressional race.

Forget first-debate politeness. Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust — the candidates vying to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district — sustained the hyper-partisan tenor of their campaigns during a debate-style forum hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in Herndon last week.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

Classified Advertising September 3, 2014

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Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’

Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.

“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.

Concerts from Kirkwood to Kick off New Season

Concerts from Kirkwood, the series of free concerts presented by Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, begins its 2014 – 2015 season on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. as organ virtuoso Aram Basmadjian takes the console to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the installation of Kirkwood’s Allen organ.

Seniors Exhibit Original Artwork at Greenspring

On Thursday, Aug. 21, Greenspring retirement community celebrated American Artist Appreciation Month by hosting an art show for the many resident artists and artisans at the community to showcase their work. More than 35 residents exhibited at the show, which ranged in style from watercolors and oil painting to pottery and photography.

Senior Centers in Fairfax County

A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015

A list of annual community events in the area.

I Scream

…for ice cream; from Brigham’s in Boston, the local New England establishment of my youth where I spent dollars – although it was likely cents back in those days – many afternoons, evenings and weekends.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Lake Braddock’s Edwards Makes First Start at QB

Bruins defeat West Potomac in season opener.

Lake Braddock defeated West Potomac 30-6 on Friday.

Opinion: Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied

On Friday, Aug. 29, was one year since a still unidentified Fairfax County police officer shot and killed an innocent, non-violent, unarmed John Geer as he stood in the doorway of his Springfield home.