Editorial: Be Part of Children's Connection 2014
Annual edition showcases youth art and writing.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.
Column: Since It Ain’t Broken...
Apparently, at least in the near term, we’re (meaning my oncologist) not going to fix it. And by fix it, I am referring to my chemotherapy infusion, which will continue to be every three weeks, as it has been for almost six years; save for a year or so when I was able to take pills at home, and on-site infusions were not necessary.
Stephanie Maxwell Engaged to Matthew Hurtz
Daniel and Kerry Maxwell of Springfield, are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie Laura Maxwell to Matthew Neil Hurtz, son of Michael and Kathy Hurtz of Midlothian, Va.
Nick Cabrejos To Perform at The Empire Nightclub
Singer/songwriter Nick Cabrejos, 24, of Singleton’s Grove in Centreville will perform on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. at The Empire Nightclub and The Alchemy Room, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield.
Column: ‘Shrinkage’
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield, Mount Vernon: What Are You Thankful for This Thanksgiving?
“I’m thankful for my family, my relative health and my eighth grade Civics students at South County Middle School.”
Sun Shines on Pohick Church Christmas Mart in Lorton
In recent years, it’s poured on people like Janice Cranel while they waited for the Pohick Church Christmas Mart to open. Rain or shine, they would still line up in front of the modest red brick building where colonial celebrities like George Washington, George Mason and their families attended services. “We come for the fellowship, the delicious luncheon, sweet ladies, arts and crafts, jewelry and Christmas decorations,” said Cranel.
Seniors in Burke and West Springfield Look for More Activity Space
Larry Mark is 83, lives in West Springfield and practices tai chi with his wife Mary. They go to a class that meets once a week at the Burke Conservancy on Burke Centre Parkway. “It’s interesting,” he said. “It helps your balance and strengthens your neck and other muscles. Everybody needs better balance.”
ECHO Steps Up Holiday Giving in Burke and Springfield
Duane Carlson and his wife Alice are sorting canned goods into a long row of evenly spaced paper bags, each representing a family. On the Monday before Thanksgiving, there’s a vibrant energy among volunteers buzzing around the Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) building in Springfield. The nonprofit basic need for assistance organization is open year-round, and now it has the feeling of Santa’s workshop.
Fairfax Resident Talks Victorian Christmas at Burke Historical Society
Electricity didn’t come to Burke until 1928. That meant no one could power strings of lights to decorate Christmas trees; they had to use real candles and assume the very real fire hazard risk. Fortunately, fireproof fake trees made of goose feathers or chenille had already been around since the 1880s.
95 Express Lanes Scheduled to Open in December in Stafford County and Fairfax County
Beginning next month, a 29-mile stretch of I-95 should look a little different. Existing HOV lanes will change to “Express Lanes,” offering drivers with an E-ZPass a less congested alternative. The change affects 95 starting in Stafford County around Garrisonville Road, north to I-395 in Fairfax County by Edsall Road.
And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist. At this meeting, I am examined, and of course, the radiologist’s report of the most recent scan is discussed, and plans for the future – stay the course and/or adjust or switch altogether – are considered.
“Shrinkage”
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs.
An Exceptional Education
Exceptional Schools Fair offers parents a chance to learn more about schools for their children with special needs.
Maureen Kleinman wandered from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from schools that cater to students who have special needs. She asked questions about each school’s resources and environment.
Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM
Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.
November Raises Awareness and Celebrates Caregivers
Resources available for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Mary Driver-Downs has been one of the primary caregivers for her mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for the past six years. It has been a difficult journey, but one she says is well worth it.
Turkey Carving 101
Local chefs offer advice for slicing the star of the Thanksgiving table.
Few things symbolize Thanksgiving like a whole roasted turkey on a platter, but when it’s time for dinner, neatly sliced pieces of meat look even more appealing. Whether it’s sliced at the table or in kitchen, turkey carving can be a daunting task, however. A few local chefs share their favorite turkey-carving methods to create an impressive holiday platter.
(Burke) Thanksgiving Q&A: Bruin QB Edwards Happy to be Practicing
Lake Braddock will face Westfield in 6A North semifinals Saturday.
Lake Braddock will face Westfield in the 6A North region football semifinals.
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.
Springfield Town Center Opens in Time for Holidays
The sun-drenched and shiny new Springfield Town Center is now opened, just in time for the Holidays. In addition to anchor stores Macy's, Target, and JCPenney, there's a bunch of new boutique stores and restaurants like Maggiano's, and a new Nordstrom Rack coming.