About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
Fall for the Book in September
Local book festival with something for everyone.
Your opportunity to be part of a literary celebration is about to arrive. The annual Fall for the Book Festival begins on Sept. 11. It is a week-long, multi-venue affair with free events at locations throughout Fairfax County, and beyond.
West Springfield Teacher Honored
Josh Masley, 13-year veteran, inspires students through technology and engineering.
It wasn’t enough just to use the classroom’s 3D printer to fabricate Spartan helmets out of plastic. Then students of West Springfield High School Technology and Engineering teacher Josh Masley presented the helmets to teachers and faculty as gifts. “He’s teaching his kids to appreciate other people in the building,” said Johnny Pope, an assistant principal at the school. “They have some intrinsic motivation about what they're doing.”
Springfield Celebrates 13th Annual BridgeWalk
Local leaders renew Army Community Covenant.
On a minimally muggy, late night on Aug. 22, hundreds of Springfield community members walked south across Veterans Bridge and over Old Keene Mill Road.
And Another Thing I’m “Righting” On
Not only did last week’s CT Scan indicate shrinkage, where necessary – and stability, where hoped for – it also accomplished these hoped-for goals after only two months of chemotherapy (still infused every three weeks) rather than the normal three months of chemotherapy. So depending on how the calendar/treatment schedule actually fell, I probably received two fewer infusions than usual, yet all the radiological indications – and interpretations – continue to be encouraging; after five and a half years, no less. I think I’m entitled to use the word amazing – and lucky, too.
Fairfax County’s Success Story
Economic success: 50 years in the making.
If you are a newcomer to Fairfax County, allow me to welcome you to one of the most dynamic communities anywhere in the world to live and work. It was the vision of many people to create this kind of community, so please allow me to offer a quick history lesson.
West Springfield Field Hockey Posts Winning Record at UTL
Spartans finish 2-1-1.
West Springfield will travel to face Herndon on Aug. 29.
Newcomers Guide: Springfield Demographics
Springfield demographics.
Lee Field Hockey Finishes Runner-Up in Pool A at UTL Tournament
Lancers finish 3-1, outscore opponents 17-2.
Lee surpassed its goal total from the entire 2013 season during the two-day Under the Lights tournament on Monday, Tuesday.
Editorial: Back to School - Good Steps, Good Intentions
The first day of school in Fairfax County is Tuesday, Sept. 2, but Monday, Sept. 8 is the beginning of something important. For the first time in decades, elementary school students will have a full day of school on Mondays instead of being sent home hours early. This action makes so much sense in for families with children in elementary school. The ability of Superintendent Karen Garza to facilitate this change to go into effect right away is remarkable, and we hope a promise for more changes ahead.
Newcomers Guide: Area Nonprofits
A list of nonprofits in the community.
A list of nonprofits in the community.
Greenspring Packs 250 Bags for Back-to-School Event
During the week of Aug. 11, the Human Resources department at Greenspring retirement community hosted a “Back-to-School” event.
Foster Parents Needed
For more than 114 years, United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) has empowered children, their families, and the community.
Area Teachers, Programs Honored
Three Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers and the Technology and Engineering Education program at Fairfax High School have been recognized for excellence by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association (VTEEA).
Around the World in One Day
Greenspring focuses on culture and heritage with Diversity Expo.
On Thursday, July 31, Greenspring hosted the 4th Annual Diversity Expo at the Springfield retirement community. The event, spearheaded by the community’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, provided for an eclectic cultural experience with international foods, clothing, food, music and dance.
FCPS Inducts 1,200 New Teachers
“Great Beginnings” program at South County High School prepares new and transferring teachers for their first week.
As summer vacation in Fairfax County winds down, the hallways and classrooms at South County High school are already buzzing. Beginning Aug. 18, roughly 1,200 new and returning teachers — as well as those new to the school system — took part in a week-long induction program called “Great Beginnings: The Next Generation.”
Area Teachers, Programs Honored
Three Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers and the Technology and Engineering Education program at Fairfax High School have been recognized for excellence by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association (VTEEA).
Editorial: Accountability for Police in Northern Virginia
There is more transparency in the police shooting in Ferguson last week than in police shootings in Northern Virginia.
This is not Ferguson, and tanks do not roll down the streets of Northern Virginia driven by police officers pointing sniper rifles at residents.
Removing Barriers to College
Local services help students complete college paperwork, remove barriers.
LaQuita King relocated across the state from Chesapeake, Va., to Alexandria in the summer of 2013, moving into an apartment with her aunt and three cousins. King had just graduated from high school and was looking forward to taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College. So far, that hasn’t happened.
All Write For Now
And so it goes, every three months or so; a CT Scan, a week or so of waiting, and then a face-to-face appointment with my oncologist to learn/discuss the results. Thankfully, the results continue to be amazing. My doctor has told me that I’m his third miracle; stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer patients generally don’t live beyond two years. I’m in year six.