Stories for May 2016

Burke and Springfield: History in Basements

Nathaniel Lee’s book inspires new look at railroads.

Nathaniel Lee was always inspired by the long history of trains and railroads. As a child he stumbled upon an abandoned train station while exploring the woods of Northern Virginia. “I grew up next to the railroad.

Community Forum Series Focuses on Disability Services

For those unable to attend the Fairfax Area Disability Service Board’s monthly meetings, June will be an opportunity to voice concerns in person to board members regarding community disability services.

Springfield: Suspects Arrested in May 21 Armed Robbery Case

Three days after an armed robbery and gunfight that broke out in Springfield’s Brookfield Plaza, Fairfax County Police announced Tuesday, May 24, that two men have been arrested in connection with the case.

Springfield Days Returns to the Sweet Spot

Market Expo, PetFest, Cardboard Regatta among community festivities.

Springfield resident Ron Hilbig’s small business Turtle Hill Originals was supposed to be a fun retirement job. Now in his second year of creating custom decorative mirrors, picture frames and treasures boxes, he still works full time as communications director at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield.

Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance

Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis

If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines

Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.

Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing

FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.

In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

Burke: Bishop Pitches Bruins to Conference 7 Championship

Lake Braddock baseball wins second straight conference title.

The Lake Braddock baseball team won the Conference 7 championship.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.

Burke: Quashie’s OT Goal Gives Lake Braddock Conference 7 Title

Bruins beat T.C. Williams after surrendering pair of two-goal leads.

The Lake Braddock boys' soccer team won the Conference 7 championship.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities

Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.

Springfield: Robbery at Brookfield Plaza, 1 Person Shot

A person was shot during a robbery in Springfield on Saturday, May 21.

Springfield Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 190 Springfield homes sold between $940,000-$165,900.

Springfield Home Sales: April, 2016

Week in Springfield

Weekly reports from the Springfield area.

Transportation Authority to Hold Hearing, Public Meetings

On June 9, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) will hold a Public Hearing on its Draft FY2017 Program.

Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences

Offering to bring balance into gender issue.

For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

Fairfax Station, Lorton, Springfield, Mount Vernon: Lawmakers Report on 2016 General Assembly

Diversifying the economy, expanding Medicaid and school funding discussed.

Del. Dave Albo (R-42) introduced himself as a rare breed, an elected official in Virginia who happens to also be a Republican.

Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance

When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

Mount Vernon: Browne Academy Turns 75

One of Virginia’s first racially integrated schools celebrates with arts, picnic and assembly.

Independent school Browne Academy didn’t begin its daylong celebration of the institution’s 75th anniversary trumpeting the fact it was founded as one of the first racially integrated schools in Virginia.

Week in Springfield

Weekly happenings in Springfield

Springfield: A Losing Season; a Winning Heart

With 0-15 record, Lee High Lancers baseball coach Matt MacDonald works on rebuilding season.

Lee High School's baseball coach Matt MacDonald, 34, of Old Town Alexandria has his heart in baseball.

Springfield Crime Reports

Notable criminal incidents in Springfield

Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors

West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”

Burke and Springfield: Girls Explore STEM Careers

Girls Scouts present innovative projects at NOVA.

Girls Scouts ventured beyond camping and cookie sales Saturday, May 7, at the Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, where they explored fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Missiles and Guns in the Backyard and the School Parking Lot

Library series delve into the secrets of Fairfax County.

The first of three Forgotten Fairfax series debuted on Saturday, May 7 at the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

West Springfield Ends Strain's No-Hit Bid, Beats Lake Braddock

Spartans secure top seed in Conference 7 tournament.

The West Springfield baseball team defeated Lake Braddock 3-1.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose

In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.

Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose

Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.

South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Moves to Address Department Cyberbullying

After the suicide of Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff and suspected cyberbullying of the 31-year-old that came to light after her death, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue is cracking down on workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day

Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.

Springfield: West Springfield Teacher Winner in Teacher of the Year Competition

Stephanie Shimp, who teaches social studies at West Springfield High School, is one of two teachers in Virginia named a state winner in the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year competition, sponsored by National History Day.

Springfield: Lee High School Report

Happenings at Lee High School.

Area Crime Reports

Incidents around Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton and Springfield

Burke and Springfield: Community Joins Together to Bid for a Cause

Nearly 100 people gathered to raise money for community-based children’s programs on April 29 at Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s “Annual Spring Event, Luncheon and Silent Auction.”

Burke and Springfield: Robotic Team Excels, Needs Support

The West Springfield High School/Lake Braddock Secondary School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team (RTR Robotics Team 2421) won the first regional event of the 2016 FRC season March 4-6 at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Va

Burke and Springfield: Local Students Do Well at National Japan Bowl

Thomas Jefferson High School and Lake Braddock Secondary Take Home Awards.

Language students put their knowledge to the test at this year’s 24th annual National Japan Bowl Competition. S

Burke and Springfield: Area Roundups

Area happenings in Burke and Springfield

Law Enforcement Classes for Teens

The Fairfax County Police Department will host two week-long programs this summer for high school students.

Community Remembers Holocaust, Honors Victims and Survivors

More than 400 people remembered victims and survivors of the Holocaust on Sunday at an interfaith service in Fairfax at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.

Letter: Budget Reflects Commitment to Education

To the Editor

The April 21-27, 2016 edition included an article discussing the Supervisors’ approval of a 4-cent tax increase as part of an overall budget. T

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Farmers Markets in Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.

Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail

Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”

One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

County Budget Approved

Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”

When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.