Friday, December 21
Fairfax Rotary Club Awards Global Grant Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Fairfax, a part of Rotary District 7610 in Northern Virginia, recently awarded the Global Grant Scholarship to a young woman from Fairfax City. Sophie McManus learned she was the winner of the competitive scholarship on Nov. 4, nudging out many other young people from the area.
Welcoming Scouts
Willow Springs Elementary holds Girl Scouts Investiture/Rededication Ceremony.
The Willow Springs Elementary School Girl Scouts held an investiture/rededication ceremony on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. Investiture welcomes new members into the Girl Scout family for the first time.
Paco Peña 'Flamenco Vivo' at GMU
Flamenco guitar legend appears with The Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company.
Named the “Best Flamenco Guitarist” by America’s Guitar magazine for five consecutive years, Paco Peña brings his troupe of flamenco singers, musicians and dancers to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at 8 p.m. for a tour through the history of flamenco.
Fair Oaks Hospital Receives National Recognition
One Virginia hospital was among The Leapfrog Group’s annual class of “Top Hospitals” announced in Baltimore, Md. on Dec. 4. Inova Fair Oaks Hospital’s management and staffs for the first time completed the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, being transparent on patient safety and achieving the "Top Hospital" award.
Thieves Target Cars in Parks
Detectives are investigating an apparent series of credit card thefts from vehicles parked at area parks. Many of the crimes have taken place at Burke Lake Park, but there were others at Wakefield and South Run Recreation Center. Detectives from the West Springfield Police District Criminal Investigation Section are working collaboratively with the Financial Crimes Unit to apprehend suspects on over two dozen cases; with the most recent six taking place at Burke Lake Park since Thanksgiving.
Touching For Sure, But Not Always
Usually, but not always, when I show for my scheduled post-chemotherapy/post-scan appointment with my oncologist, I am physically examined (touching, feeling). Recently, due to some enhanced computer and facility upgrades, I was shown the actual scans, digitized. However, on more than one occasion over the last 18 months or so, after we discussed the results of my most recent CT Scan – and lab work, no physical exam was performed. Apparently, as I later learned, the good results from my scan sort of trumps any need to feel for physical manifestations.
How the Powerless Access Power
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Instincts…
Forty-five months later, I am still dealing with feelings – as in still living, for which I am amazingly fortunate. However, those feelings seem to sometimes have a mind of their own, and accordingly tend to take over and rewire one’s brain (figuratively speaking).
Wednesday, December 19
Avoiding Jet Lag
Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.
Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Children
Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.
Present Needing to be Accounted For
As a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosee/patient/survivor/anomaly, living long--whether prospering or not, is not the simple and presumptive proposition I had anticipated. No more do I anticipate living the same number of years and in the same relative good health that my parents (both deceased), experienced well into their 80s. Now, my life revolves around my oncologist and the CT Scans and lab work that precede our recurring appointments.
A Life Lesson in Giving Back
An immigrant’s son becomes state delegate and introduces the Virginia DREAM Act.
My father was born in a small town in the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. He was one of 22 brothers and sisters from the same parents. At the age of 19 he came to this country with $280 in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I was 5 years old. He then took one class a semester at George Mason University every year, until he graduated from college one month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.
Pay Now, Bye Later
Contrary to last week’s column, if I do pay for it now (things I can’t afford), then I’ll be so in debt later that I may end up saying “bye” anyway--from the stress of it. And if that were to happen; dying with a smile on my face, so to speak, would I be truly better off now anticipating that later was not going to be my problem? Do I want to be a modern day version of George Raft, the American actor from the 1930s and 40s best known for his portrayals of mobsters, who said about his Hollywood money: “I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly.”
Three Narcotics K-9s Support the Force
Leroy, Lucy and Vegas are trained and ready for duty. With their keen sense of smell, they are experts at scanning wide varieties of locations and assisting patrol officers with requests for service on a 24/7 basis. These dogs are busy, industrious professionals.
Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting
Should access to guns be limited or expanded?
Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.
Tuesday, December 18
Immigrant Experience Guides Success
Delegate Mark L. Keam
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.
Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Classified Advertising Dec. 19, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Enhanced Security Around Schools
FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.
Monday, December 17
Going Casual for a Cause
Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.
Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.
Understanding Yoga
Local yogis explain popular styles of yoga.
Joanna Mosely says she can’t tell a downward facing dog from a baby cobra. She belts out a perplexed “huh?” when asked if she knew the difference between Ashtanga and Bikram.
Preventing Holiday Weight Gain
Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.
Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.
Keys to Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
Finding balance can preserve one’s well-being.
Food, festivities and friends are synonymous with the holidays. However, celebrations can take a toll on your health.
Brief: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installs New Leadership
Brief: There were multiple transfers of the torch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installation Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6 at NVAR Headquarters in Fairfax
Thursday, December 13
Classified Advertising Dec. 12, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Schools Attract Immigrants to Fairfax
Our community of 200 single family homes in central Fairfax is far more culturally diverse than when Hickory Farms was built while the first wave of refugees from the Vietnam War resettled in the Washington area in the late 1970s. While the Vietnamese led the way, the biggest impact on our community has been the second wave of Indian, Pakistani, and Korean immigrants who have sought out new lives in Fairfax County.
Opinion: American Conversations from Nepal
Although it is a little over six years since I first landed in the USA from Nepal, it is not too early to say that I am living the dream. For me, the American dream is not about amassing money and living in luxury, but about living freely and fully in mutual harmony in a community. It is about happily raising a family in a peaceful and safe environment, giving kids the best education possible, and adapting to the American culture of “giving.”
Letter: Saving the World, or at Least Fairfax County
I’ve lived here my entire life. I’ve ventured through trails all over Northern Virginia, I’ve gazed upon the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, I’ve sat next to the awesome power that makes up the tidal region of the Potomac River, I’ve stalked trout lying in a stream bed, slowly making their way up to the surface and back down once again.
Editorial: Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
We are a nation of immigrants, to invoke the title of John F. Kennedy’s posthumously published book; undeniably a nation descended from immigrants and a nation greatly augmented by immigration. From this perspective, with the first immigrants motivated by the search for religious freedom, even Christmas is a religious holiday of immigrants.
Wednesday, December 12
Local Grapplers Thrive at NOVA Classic
South County, Lake Braddock and West Springfield among schools to produce at least one individual champion.
Strong Defensive Effort Leads Robinson Boys’ Basketball to Victory
Rams limit rival Lake Braddock to season-low 41 points.
The Robinson boys' basketball team defeated Lake Braddock, 55-41, on Dec. 7.
Butler Leads Bruins to First Win
Senior finishes with 23 points, 23 rebounds against Robinson.
The Lake Braddock girls' basketball team defeated Robinson, 43-25, on Dec. 7.
Week in Fairfax
Find out what is going on this week in Fairfax.
Making Spirits Bright
FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.
No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime.
Brief: Santa Gives Gift of Respite
Special needs, children of veterans and wounded warriors share Christmas cheer.
Brief: Santa delivered gifts to each of the 23 children in attendance at the annual holiday party for children with disabilities and their families as well as families of veterans, active military and wounded warriors on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Centreville Moose Lodge in Fairfax.
Brief: Mayor Silverthorne Speaks at Fairfax Rotary Club Meeting
Brief: The Rotary Club of Fairfax welcomed City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne as its keynote speaker at the Dec. 3 membership meeting at the American Legion Hall.
Holiday Favorites at GMU
American Festival Pops Orchestra to present “Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season.”
Under the direction of founder and artistic director Anthony Maiello, Northern Virginia’s very own 60-member American Festival Pops Orchestra (AFPO) will soon be performing a sparkling musical celebration befitting the Holiday Season at the Mason Center for the Arts.
Brief: Cats and Dogs Find Homes at Fairfax Farrish Subaru
Brief: The Humane Society of Fairfax County (HSFC) kicked off its “Home for the Holidays” campaign on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Farrish Subaru Dealership in Fairfax County.
Taste of Braddock Kicks off Holiday Season
Eighteenth annual event draws more than 300 for food, fun, holiday cheer.
Braddock Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted the 18th Annual Taste of Braddock event in Braddock Hall, welcoming more than 300 members of the community, including Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34).
Project Pearly Whites
Fairfax foundation launches campaign to raise money for children who need dental care.
Imagine a child sitting in school with a toothache so bad he needs a root canal.
Brief: Animal Shelter to Host an Open House
Brief: Are you interested in snuggling a downy, soft kitten? Exercising an energetic hound? Or answering questions about reptiles, rabbits or many other animals in the Fairfax County Animal Shelter?
Column: No Free Lunch on Transportation Funding
Column: Next month, the General Assembly returns to Richmond, and transportation funding will be on the agenda.
Ballet Arts Ensemble Presents ‘Nutcracker’
Kailey Leinz of Burke to star in the "Nutcracker in a Nutshell."
The Ballet Arts Ensemble of Fairfax will perform “Nutcracker in a Nutshell,” a condensed version of the classic holiday ballet, on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall at the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria campus, at 3001 North Beauregard St.
Fairfax County's Holiday Season
A collection of events to fill your days with cheer.
Make every last day of the year a festive one, be warmed by the holiday spirit of the season and spend time with friends and family--Fairfax County has something for everyone to take joy in before the year is up.
Tuesday, December 11
Sikhs Bring Foundation of ‘Service to Others’
Fairfax Station temple active in community outreach.
On a recent Thursday evening, Ajaib Singh, 78, one of the founding members of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia, politely escorts a visitor to the area where one removes shoes and dons a headscarf.
Dynamic and Diverse
New immigrants bring religious diversity to Fairfax County.
At the intersection of Hooes Road and Silverbrook Drive, on the dividing line between Lorton and Fairfax Station, is the largest Hindu structure in three states.
Bienvenido! Huān yíng! Welcome!
Chantilly Bible Church thrives on diversity by providing outreach to immigrants.
Pastor Isaac Huang vividly remembers the day he landed in the United States from Taiwan. It was Jan. 7, 1982, and Huang, 25, was looking forward to studying computer science at Old Dominion University.
Being Muslim in Fairfax County
Immigrants face the challenge of balancing Islamic faith and American culture.
Over the years, Muslims from different countries migrated and settled in the Fairfax County area; however, the children of immigrant parents often struggle the most because they have to balance their Islamic faith along with the influence of American culture.
Friday, December 7
Classified Advertising Dec. 5, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, December 6
Woodson Bigs Show Perimeter Touch Against Robinson
Cavaliers open season with 17-point win against the Rams.
The Woodson boys' basketball team defeated Robinson, 68-51, on Nov. 30.
Immigration Assistance Organizations
A list of some local non-profit organizations that provide immigration assistance, also provided by Fairfax County at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/organizations.htm.
Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response
The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms. Historically the churches in the United States have been immigrant churches. Who among us cannot trace one’s ancestors back to a country outside the U.S.? The church’s care and concern for countless European immigrants is well known. Today, we the faith community are called to welcome immigrants with similar hospitality.
Editorial: Holiday Revels With a Safety Net
A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.
You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013. And there are many other varieties of holiday festivities, many involving more than a drink or two. So make a plan.
Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia
Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.
The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.
Wednesday, December 5
Week in Fairfax
Hit-and-run arrest, driver damages police headquarters, two hospital ATMs skimmed, help cheer up sick children, holiday lighting safety tips, and home child-care facilities
The Fairfax Mosaic of Holiday Fun
The Mosaic District offers a tapestry of shopping, dining and entertainment for the holidays.
Since its official opening in September, the Mosaic District in Fairfax has created a buzz among local shoppers.
Letter: Another Look At Diversity
In reading “Embracing Our Diversity” by U. S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, in the Nov. 22, 2012 edition of The Connection, I nearly choked when I came to his third paragraph in which he made the following statement: “I tell them that America, a country of immigrants, is a place of opportunity where you can pursue your dreams and raise your families without fearing that somebody's government is going to tell you what to think, how to express yourself, what to believe or how to worship.” My question to the representative is this: What rock have you been living under for the past two years?
A Premiere of Hilarity and Weight
The Hub Theater presents “How I Paid for College.”
"My life is a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle I have to put together while wearing mittens" is one of the off-beat lines that powers "How I Paid for College," by Helen Hayes Award-winning playwright Marc Acito. The premiere play opens Friday, Dec. 7, at the ever-adventurous Hub Theater in Fairfax.
‘The Food Was Fabulous’
Fairfax student’s team wins culinary challenge.
Five stars are given to America’s top restaurants, and at a recent culinary competition, a student team from The Chantilly Academy captured the top prize, the Five Star Award.
Human ‘Jean’ Therapy Helps Homeless
Fairfax County kicks off second annual Jeans Day on Dec. 14.
Everyone knows that gene therapy can help scientists treat a number of debilitating diseases, but what about human “jean” therapy?
Board Selects Appointees to Election Commission
Bi-partisan group will review election process.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed representatives to the Bi-partisan Election Process Improvement Commission, which was created by the board after long lines were reported across various voting precincts during the most recent election.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Receives Grant to Reach New Audiences
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Rocco Landesman announced that the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra is one of 153 not-for-profit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Challenge America Fast-Track grant.
‘Cold War II’ at South Run
CrossFit Liberation of Lorton hosts Mid-Atlantic region competition.
There’s still another hour to go before sunrise, and it’s a numbing 30 degrees Fahrenheit inside the Field House at South Run Rec Center. And yet, hundreds of competitors continue to stream inside, dragging coolers, gym bags, bedrolls and cases of water—anticipating two full days of pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits.
Police Promote ‘Safe December’
How to get drunk drivers off the roads?
A demonstration showcasing the training of officers in getting drunk drivers off the roads was provided by the Fairfax County police on Friday, Nov. 30, in preparation for their annual campaign, “Safe December.” PFC Bistline kicked off the demonstration with a brief presentation, hitting on key points in training, as well as guidelines in detecting and apprehending drivers under the influence.
Animal Advocates Honor Marsden
State Sen. Marsden awarded “Legislator of the Year” for efforts against fox penning.
State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Humane Society of the United States Tuesday, Dec. 4, for his ongoing efforts against what many call the cruel practice of fox penning in Virginia.
Day Shifts, Night Shifts On the Road to Success
An Indian immigrant’s story: Making it and giving back.
When the chain pharmacy he worked for opened a drive-through pharmacy, it was the final straw for Amit Shah of Fairfax.
Building a Better Life
An Afghan immigrant’s story: From Soviet war to American Dream.
“Personally, I never think anyone is better than me, and I never think I’m better than anyone,” Bob Zahory of Centreville chuckles as he offers up another pomegranate lemonade.
Living Life in ‘The Dream Land’
Jorge Adeler shares his story of the American Dream coming true.
The American Dream has been shared for generations—some call it an idea; others call it a reality. Many people come leaving behind former lives in search for better ones, not only for themselves but also for their children.
Social Programs Adapt To Fulfill Immigrant Needs
Fellowship House, Interfaith help immigrants on their way to self-sufficiency.
A visitor to Hunter’s Woods Fellowship House in Hunter’s Woods Square in Reston could hear 21 different languages.