Friday, August 29
What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax
On the horizon for local residents are some mixed-use projects, school-boundary changes, potential traffic shifts and the reopening of a historic and much-loved eating place.
Rock the Block! Celebrates Summer’s Last Hurrah
Residents enjoy concert in downtown Fairfax.
The City of Fairfax held another Rock the Block! on Friday, Aug. 22. This is the second installment of the inaugural event, which started this year on July 25. The free outdoor concert series took place on University Drive between North and Main streets.
Help Students Prepare for a Healthy School Year
As the summer draws to a close and parents look ahead to the school year, the change in daily routine offers an opportunity to change our routine meals. Setting our students and families up for success can come in many forms. Eating better meals and more frequently as families are just two ways we as parents can help our students excel.
A County of 186,785 Students
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students, parents, and educators. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to prepare for another school year that builds on our tradition of excellence at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Thursday, August 28
Classified Advertising August 27, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Fairfax Home Sales: July, 2014
In July 2014, 82 Fairfax homes sold between $1,000,000-$162,500.
Fairfax Home Sales: July, 2014
Wednesday, August 27
What’s on the Ballot; How to Vote
Election Day is Nov. 4, 2014, but you can vote as early as Sept. 19.
Every year is Election Year in Virginia. This year, every Virginia voter will choose one member of the U.S. Senate and their member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Welcome to Fairfax County
Welcome to Fairfax County, the best place in the country to live, work and play. Fairfax County is home to a fantastic public school system, top tier business and shopping opportunities, compassionate human services, and some of the best parks and open spaces in the D.C. Metropolitan region.
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.
Accotink Church Reverend Prepared to Perform Same-Sex Marriage
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael was part of statewide effort.
“I would expect most people wouldn’t want to get married on the spot by a minister they don’t even know,” said Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, minister of Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke. Sammler-Michael, himself from Fairfax, was one of 30 clergymen around Northern Virginia and 60 across the state that had been organized and planned to be present at local courthouses on Thursday, Aug. 21.
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.
Newcomers Guide: Fairfax Demographics
Fairfax demographics.
Robinson Field Hockey Wins Pool B at UTL Tournament
Rams finish 4-0 at two-day event.
Robinson field hockey is off to a 4-0 start.
Woodson Football Trying to Get ‘Back on the Map’
New head coach Dougherty brings up-tempo spread offense.
Woodson football opens the 2014 season on Aug. 29 at Oakton.
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.
Friday, August 22
Elementary Schools Prepare for New School Year
As the beginning of the school year approaches and teachers return to their classrooms, principals and administrators are busy organizing and planning to ensure a successful start of the year.
Cycle Fest Set for Sept. 14
The community is invited to the 5th Annual Northern Virginia Cycle Fest ride on Sunday, Sept. 14. Cycle Fest benefits the Wounded Warrior Project and Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA).
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happenings in Fairfax.
Brian Wilk Wins FoodRaiser Art Contest
Fairfax-based charities Our Daily Bread (ODB) and Food for Others (FFO) have announced the winner of its third annual Complete the Circle Art Contest. Fairfax City resident and James Madison University student Brian Wilk’s design was chosen from a host of images submitted by community members as the design that hundreds of participants will turn into a “living picture,” photographed from high above by Art for the Sky’s Daniel Dancer on the practice field at Fairfax High School, on the afternoon of Nov. 9, 2014.
Kindergartners Explore Providence Elementary
Providence Elementary held an orientation on Aug. 14 for incoming kindergartners.
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).
Wake Up Call
Dressed in green and gold and bursting with energy, George Mason University alumna and Washington, D.C. television news reporter Angie Goff woke up the City of Fairfax starting at 4:30 on Aug. 14 with live broadcasts near George Mason's main campus that aired on the NBC affiliate News4.
Thursday, August 21
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.”
‘It’s Nice to Shop Outdoors’
Farmers Market at Government Center is a hit with the customers.
Whether customers are looking for juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, coconut cupcakes or homemade ice cream, they’ll find all those things and more at the farmers market at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Getting Drenched to Help Others
The Ice Bucket Challenge has a simple premise, but it’s doing a great deal of good. To raise money to fight ALS, people all over the country have been making videos of themselves getting buckets of ice water dumped on their heads.
Wednesday, August 20
Robinson’s Obregon to Play Lax at Maryland
Q&A: Senior is attending her third different high school.
Robinson senior Isabel Obregon is committed to play lacrosse at the University of Maryland
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.
Classified Advertising August 20, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, August 14
Winston’s Unveils New Heating and Air Conditioning Company
Winston’s, an award-winning service provider in NOVA since 1978, has announced the opening of its newest company, Winston's Heating and Air Conditioning. With 77 years of experience between them, Winston's licensed technicians, Tom Lucas and Jim Hall, know their heating and cooling.
Rose Marie Worcester, 85, Dies
Rose Marie (Crismond, Wood) Worcester passed on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at home in Jacksonville, Fla., with her family by her bedside.
One-Way or Two-Way?
City Council mulls traffic changes.
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.
Man Guilty of Creating Phony Postage Stamps
Fairfax resident defrauded U.S. of $76,000 revenue.
A local man pleaded guilty last week in federal court to defrauding the U.S. Postal Service. He is Brian Kim, 38, of Fairfax.
City to Participate in Charrette
Will discuss plans for downtown development.
In collaboration with the Northern Virginia regional Commission (NVRC), the Fairfax City Council will hold a planning workshop, or charrette, about the downtown area in early November.
University Mall Theatres Launch ‘Save our Butts’ Campaign
Movie theater uses Kickstarter to fund overdue improvements.
University Mall Theatres, in Fairfax, needs $100,000 to replace its second-hand seats. Nearly each seat in the 23-year old theater has been repaired with duct tape to cover up tears and exposed foam.
Playing to Win
Serious local tennis competitors share their approach to the game.
As the U.S. Open approaches, several local tennis students are competing in their own United States Tennis Association (USTA) local competitions. There are several levels of tournaments to choose from as well as age groups whether they're entry-level, intermediate, or advanced. “Central to tennis is competition. They learn to win and how to lose,” according to Coach Wayne Bryan.
Letter: Why Join the Climate Change Debate?
To the Editor
The author of “Global Warming is Impacting Us Now” (Connection, Aug. 7-13, 2014) is right: we’re already seeing impacts of climate change in our communities.
Vossler Latest to Lead Robinson Football Program
29-year-old is Rams’ fourth head coach in five years.
Robinson will open the season on the road against Lee.
Safety at a Crossroads in Poor Communities Across Northern Virginia
Less affluent neighborhoods in Northern Virginia suffer from higher pedestrian fatalities.
A national database of pedestrian crashes compiled by Governing Magazine shows 95 pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia between 2008 and 2012. While 26 of the pedestrian fatalities occurred in wealthy neighborhoods, where the per capita income is more than $53,000, a much larger number happened in poor communities like this stretch of Route 1 in Mount Vernon.
Wednesday, August 13
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
Heads Up Football Flourishing in Fairfax County
Program reduces concussion risk by teaching players to take the “head” out of tackling.
It wasn’t that long ago when youth football coaches believed a player’s toughness was measured by his ability to play through the pain. Concussions and other serious injuries were just “part of the game.”
Organized for School Year
Local organizers offer suggestions on dealing with the summer mess.
When summer comes to a grinding halt in a few weeks, a new school year will begin. From alarm clocks and school bells to piles of homework assignments and sports schedules, maintaining a coordinated household can be difficult, however. Local organizers are offering simple suggestions to help make the transition from summer to the start of the school year seamless.
Write Now, I Just Don’t Know
The biggest writing problem that I have, other than the ones you regular readers generally know about, is writing a current column on the weekend immediately preceding the next Wednesday’s publication date, when I am still waiting on results from my most recent CT Scan. This isn’t like putting the cart before the horse, this is more like putting the horse in the cart and pulling it.
Homelessness: Source of Trauma for Children
Nearly 700 children live in emergency homeless shelters in Fairfax County at some point during the year.
Summer vacation is wrapping up; kids everywhere are gearing up for the return to school. Stores are filled with school supplies; back-to-school advertising fills our TVs, radio and mailboxes. Many families are hustling from store to store getting supplies, backpacks, clothes and haircuts. As children, while we hated to see summer end, we fondly remember the yearly ritual and the excitement and anticipation of getting all those new things.
Classified Advertising August 13, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, August 7
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happenings in Fairfax.
Willow Springs Elementary Teachers Learn New Ways to Teach Science
Next fall, students in Fairfax will join a growing movement of innovative science achievement and learning in Virginia. Teachers from Willow Springs Elementary were selected to join a year-long, free professional development project designed to change the way science is taught in schools across the state.
Letter: Partnership for Children
To the Editor
Novus/Cafritz has been a supporter of Fairfax CASA for several years as a sponsor of our Run for the Children, which is held each May at the Fairfax County Courthouse. This past fall, we met with Novus and they offered to provide free office space in their new development when it is built!
Nonprofits Launch Housing Challenge
FACETS, five other nonprofits announce effort to get more vulnerable people housed.
FACETS, a nonprofit that opens doors by helping parents, their children and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County—along with five other Fairfax nonprofits—is challenging itself throughout the next year to find homes for even more precariously housed and homeless people. Every quarter the group of six will set new, high goals as part of this Fairfax Housing Challenge (#ffxhousingchallenge) in an effort to end homelessness.
Chinese Get Glimpse of American Schools
Group visits Lanier Middle and Fairfax High.
In mid-July, an envoy from China visited the United States – but the trip had nothing to do with politics. Instead, a group of teenage students, plus some parents and teachers, visited Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High to see firsthand what schools are like in the U.S. They were here via a program sponsored by the City of Fairfax and the American Assn. of School Administrators (AASA).
City Council Mulls Traffic Changes
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.
‘It Was Definitely Humbling’
Chinese and Fairfax High students share impressions of each other.
The teenagers played soccer, ate ice cream, joked with their friends and walked with their heads down, eyes on their Smart phones and tablets. In short, they looked just like their American counterparts – except these students live in China.
Residents Honored for Their Homes’ Yards
The City of Fairfax’s Community Appearance Committee has honored three homes with Residential Appearance Awards. Committee Chairman Kirk Holley presented them to the winning homeowners at the July 22 City Council meeting.
Honored by Supervisors
Norma Heck, who has been an owner of a home in North Springfield since 1956, was recognized last week by the Board of Supervisors for her service and dedication to the community.
Letter: Lifesaving Community
To the Editor
I wanted to write and publicly thank everyone who helped with my blood drive on Aug. 1. So many people helped, from St. Andrew's Catholic Church who hosted us, Joyce Krolicki from Paul VI and Brenda Tingen from Inova who supported and guided us, my friends
Letter: Global Warming Is Impacting Us Now
To the Editor
On Wednesday, July 30, I joined hundreds in Washington, D.C. to show my support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan by testifying at the public hearing.
Environmental Leader Joins NOVA Parks Board
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) has welcomed Laura Grape to its Board. Grape will replace Jean Packard, who recently retired from the Board after 24 years of service.
Neighbors, Police, Firefighters Promote Safe Neighborhoods
Supervisor John C. Cook visits neighborhoods on National Night Out.
Neighborhoods throughout Fairfax County held National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime” events on Tuesday, Aug. 5. These events are designed to promote crime prevention activities, partnerships between law enforcement and the community, and neighbors getting to know each other.
George Mason Athletes Inspire
Student athletes from George Mason University discussed their experience facing challenges in school and sports to students in the Summer Extending Learning Time (SELT) Program at Robinson Secondary School cafeteria in Fairfax on July 31.
Principals Visit Island in Chesapeake Bay
Environmental lessons will be incorporated in classroom teaching.
From July 30 to Aug. 1, 24 principals from elementary and middle schools in Fairfax County embarked on a journey to Port Isobel, located near the island of Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.
Traffic Changes on I-95
Left-turn Lanes to Close at Franconia-Springfield Parkway Interchange
On Aug. 8, or shortly around this date, all left turns from Franconia-Springfield Parkway and left turns to and from I-95 north and south will close to allow for widening of the ramps connecting the I-95 HOV Lanes and Franconia-Springfield Parkway.
Greenspring Recognized for Awarding 32 Scholarships
Students receive $10,000 each for college or trade school.
Greenspring Village recently awarded 32 student dining services employees scholarships of $10,000 each, and was recognized for this achievement at a recent Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Fairfax Considering Changes to Rules on Food Trucks
Planning Commission continues food truck discussion.
Fairfax County is considering a change to the zoning rules concerning the operation of food trucks within the county. Under new rules, vendors would pay under $200 for licensing and would require permission from property owners.
Honored by Supervisors
Resolution honors Braddock Resident Norma Heck for years of community service.
Norma Heck, who has been an owner of a home in North Springfield since 1956, was recognized last week by the Board of Supervisors for her service and dedication to the community.
School Board Funds Full Day Mondays
School system has over $38 million surplus.
The Fairfax County School Board voted at its last meeting to approve funding for full day Mondays for elementary-school students. The board voted back in June to approve ending half-day Mondays, but voted to fund the move, which will cost $7,639,300 at its July 24 meeting.
Planning Commission Tables Residential Studio Amendment
Discussion on affordable housing likely to continue.
Although more than 15 public meetings and seven committee sessions have been held since Oct. 13, the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted unanimously last week to table the proposed Residential Studio Amendment, which would have provided apartments to residents working low-income jobs.
Income Growth in Fairfax and Alexandria Lags Behind State and National Averages
Loudoun is the one bright spot in the region.
Paycheck growth in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria are lagging behind the state and the nation, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Wednesday, August 6
Crime Solvers Hold 5K, Raise Money
In the second year, the race has gained momentum, more runners, and two vendors.
Early Saturday morning, runners and walkers alike descended onto Fairfax Government Center for the second annual Crime Solvers 5K and helped raise money for Fairfax Crime Solvers. “[We’re] just a partnership to keep our community safe,” Fairfax County Crime Solvers President and Chairman, Jody Donaldson said.
Preventing Sports Injuries
How to keep kids safe while they’re having fun.
As students prepare to return to school, one activity many look forward to is sports. While the benefits of athletic activities are numerous, however, so are injuries.
Editorial: Brightening Outlook for End of Summer
Local pleasures to offset discouraging news.
The news here has been a bit discouraging, and that’s without considering the human tragedy and disaster of several different international situations.
Friday, August 1
Area Roundups
Weekly happenings in the area.
Chess Phenomenon Combines Talent and Hard Work
Greenbriar West Elementary student places second in international chess tournament.
Aasa Dommalapati, 10, of Centreville, a rising fifth grade student at Greenbriar West Elementary School in Fairfax, won the silver medal in the Girls Under 10 category at the 2014 Pan-American Youth Chess Festival held in Mexico.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Robinson grad performs in “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.” And right there with them will be Robinson Secondary graduate Spencer Boyd.
Jewish Community Center Announces Fall 2014 Course Schedule
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) has announced the Fall 2014 course schedule for the Adult Learning Institute (ALI).
The End of an Era
After 33 years, Robinson’s Chip Rome retires.
It’s the end of an era at Robinson Secondary: Legendary Theater Director Chip Rome has retired. In 1981, he became the fourth drama teacher the school hired that year, and he more than provided stability. He spent all 33 years of his FCPS career there.
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happenings in Fairfax.
Commentary: Fairfax County Takes Steps To Improve Senior Services
Fairfax County is actively working to improve services to seniors and make the County friendlier to those growing older in our communities. One of the most prominent advancements has been the 50 + Action Plan developed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.
A Night at the Aquarium for Fairfax Youth
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington members take a private overnight tour of Baltimore's National Aquarium.
Ten students from the Fairfax branch (Murraygate chapter) of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington got a sneak peak of Shark Week by spending the night among them at the Baltimore Aquarium at the seaport in Baltimore. They spent a “night at the museum” as part of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program sponsored by COX Communications last Friday, July 25.