Stories for October 2014

Ten Days in Diplomacy

Woodson High junior reflects on her experiences with High School Diplomats program at Princeton.

“OK, everybody, I got the call! The buses are coming! I repeat, The buses are coming!” With those words, an excited cheer rises among the giant mob of American students, our nervousness and excitement feeding off of each other, spreading through the crowd like an electrical impulse.

WWII History and a Mystery Unveiled

Fairfax volunteer’s book, “South Pacific Cauldron,” is published.

To patrons of the Fairfax Regional Library, Alan Rems is a familiar face. A 10-year volunteer there, he’s in the Virginia Room every Tuesday, helping people with genealogy matters. And last year, he received a pin for putting in 1,000 volunteer hours.

Proposal to Swap Offices for Condos

Part of a plan to redevelop Mantua Professional Center.

Nearly four acres of the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road are available for development, and the IDI Group Cos. hopes to build 80 condos there off Silver King Court. Details of the plan were presented during the Oct. 7 work session of the Fairfax City Council.

Fairfax High’s Homecoming Parade

Fairfax High’s Homecoming Parade was Friday, Oct. 24.

Colorful Costumes at Goblin Gallop

The 21st annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 26, at Fairfax Corner.

City of Fairfax Band Turns 45

The band kicks off their 45th season on Nov. 1.

In 1969, Nixon was president, men walked on the moon, gas cost 35 cents a gallon, and the war in Vietnam raged on. In Fairfax, a group of musicians came together to play one summer concert as the City celebrated the Fourth of July.

Colorful Costumes at Goblin Gallop

The 21st annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 26, at Fairfax Corner.

High Schools to Start Later Next Year

School Board approves later start times.

Phyllis Payne has been fighting for more sleep for a decade. On Oct. 23, it all paid off. The co-founder of Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal - or SLEEP - saw the Fairfax County Public School Board approve to move high school start times ahead by 30 minutes, 11-1.

Fairfax County Calendar

Your guide to entertainment in Fairfax County.

For those looking to fill their calendar with some home-brewed, Fairfax County fun stuff (read: entertainment and diversion), The Connection's Fairfax County Entertainment Calendar has many options: weekend jaunts and larks; date night inspiration; winter-to-spring fun; day-long festivals and events; art-outings; family fun-and-learning fusions; plays and shows; beyond-Small Business Saturday local shopping and bazaars; markets of handcrafted wares; music; 1Ks to marathons... the list goes on. If you know of an event not listed in our entertainment calendar, email it to south@connectionnewspapers.com for happenings in south Fairfax County or north@connectionnewspapers.com for entertainment in the northern parts of the county.

Poll Position

Local academics following the 11th Districts race say there’s really no substitute for the strength of incumbency.

Despite low public opinion of President Obama and a minimally productive Congress, representative Gerry Connolly has plenty going for him as the incumbent seeking re-election in Virginia’s largely democratic 11th district.

Board Approves Bicycle Master Plan

The Fairfax County Government Center has several massive parking lots. Many hundreds of spaces. But Bruce Wright and members of the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling only needed some rack real estate in front of the building. They rode into the afternoon session of the Board of Supervisors on two wheels apiece from Reston, taking the West Ox Road Side Path.

Stage Presence

Cappies recognized among arts leaders at Arts Council awards.

After Bill Strauss first approached Judy Bowns about creating a student-driven arts awards and journalism organization 16 years ago, the ensuing creative partnership resembled a pair of cartoon characters.

Addressing Domestic Violence

Cook and Silverthorne host domestic violence awareness fundraiser.

Joe Meyer, executive director of the Reston-based Shelter House organization that provides support for victims of domestic violence, began his remarks at the Coyote Grille in Fairfax with some sobering statistics.

Fairfax Field Hockey Wins Sixth Straight Title

Rebels beat Madison to capture Conference 6 championship.

Fairfax will face Robinson tonight in the opening round of regionals.

Running Out of Efficacy

Not that I’m the least bit worried (actually, I’m the most bit worried), but surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis years beyond one’s original prognosis does present its own unique set of problems. Most notably, and most personally for me, they concern treatment options. Specifically, what drugs, targeted or otherwise, can be infused and/or swallowed (when in pill form, like Tarceva) and for how long, when signs of internal organ damage are indicated on regular lab tests?

Column: Running Out of Efficacy

Not that I’m the least bit worried (actually, I’m the most bit worried), but surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis years beyond one’s original prognosis does present its own unique set of problems.

Substance Abuse Forums to be Held Nov. 10 and 18 in FCPS

The signs and symptoms of teenage drug abuse, the actions parents can take, and where to find supportive resources will be shared at an upcoming “Protect Against Substance Abuse” community program, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, at South County High School, and Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Fairfax High School. The nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) and its work group, PROTECT (Parents Reaching out to Educate Communities Together), will present this educational program.

Editorial: Change for the Better in Fairfax County Schools

Later start times, full-day Mondays; who knows, next maybe gifted-and-talented programs for poor students?

Who says big bureaucracies can’t make big changes? One year into the tenure of Karen Garza, we have two huge changes that between them impact almost every single student, every family with children in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Local Foundation Promotes Campus Safety

The VTV Family Outreach Foundation, a Centreville-based national non-profit campus safety advocacy organization, held their 2014 annual meeting last weekend at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. VTV was formed by the families of victims and survivors of the April 16, 2007 mass shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Opinion: Vote ‘Yes’ on Transportation Bond

When you enter the voting booth on Nov. 4, you’ll be asked to vote Yes or No on a $100 million Fairfax County transportation bond. (Bonds are a form of long-term borrowing to finance public facilities and infrastructure and spread the costs over a long time frame. Virginia law requires that general obligation bonds be approved by voters in a referendum.)

Ages 18-24-Year Olds Needed for Survey

To meet its grant requirement for a Virginia Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive Grant, the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC) needs to gather at least 300 surveys in a 30-day timeframe that ends Nov. 15.

Revisiting War of 1812 in Fairfax

The War of 1812 will be revisited at the Fairfax County 10th Annual History Conference: “Fire, Flight and Fury – The War of 1812 200 years Later.”

It’s ‘Like a Dream Come True’

Fairfax Police Chief Carl Pardiny eager to groom future leaders.

Col. Carl Pardiny was born and raised in Pittsburgh, but has spent nearly his entire, adult life with the City of Fairfax Police Department. He started its K-9 and Bike Patrol programs and was twice selected as the Department’s Officer of the Year.

City of Fairfax is Virginia’s eCity

The City of Fairfax was named last week by Google Corp. as the eCity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was selected for inclusion on a list of “digital capitals of America” for 2014.

Firefighters Raise Funds for Breast-Cancer Research

(From left) are Joe Charley with Firefighters Union 2702, Fairfax City Mayor Scott Silverthorne and Fairfax City Fire Chief Dave Rohr, with Councilman David Meyer looking on, as Silverthorne proclaims October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Helping End Hunger One Step At a Time

The 22nd Annual Burke Area CROP Walk to be held Nov. 23.

Area residents can help end hunger and raise funds for disaster relief on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the 22nd Annual Burke Area CROP [Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty] Hunger Walk – a humanitarian outreach to our local, national, and international communities.

Seniors Compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze

Hundreds participate in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

Whack! Smack! These were the constant sounds going back and forth during the pickleball finals at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington. The pickleball games were part of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics taking place at several venues throughout the region.

Thirty-Six FCPS Students Named to Virginia Honors Choir

Vocal musicians from 14 Fairfax County public schools have been named to the Virginia Honors Choir for 2014. This select choir is open only to the top 125 singers from around the Commonwealth of Virginia, and is the highest honor a choir student can attain during his or her high school career.

Library Celebrates 75th Anniversary

On Saturday, Oct. 18, the Fairfax County Public Library system held their annual Library Jubilee Gala.

‘We Owed that to the Victim’

Police charge Jesse Matthew with 2005 Fairfax crimes.

The wheels of justice may turn slowly – but, apparently, they keep on turning. And now, nine years after a young Fairfax woman was attacked in her own neighborhood by an unknown assailant, a suspect has been charged with the crime.

Connect Four

Complete ballot of 11th District candidates faced off in Lake Ridge.

It wasn’t so much a down and dirty debate as a no-frills four-way question-and-answer session. Not that AARP and the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA), two of the sponsors of the “Meet the Candidates” series billed the Oct. 14 event as such. Tuesday’s meeting was the penultimate of seven events in the series.

Lyme Disease, ‘The Great Imitator’

Lyme disease association holds forum on impact of disease on Fairfax County students.

Kate Sheridan was a star athlete and an A-student up until the fifth grade when she suddenly developed flu-like symptoms and one day woke up with a rash on her face in the shape of a bullseye. Her parents took her to the doctor and she was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Soon, she was in a wheelchair and was transferred to a special needs class. “Losing control over your body and feeling yourself sliding backwards and there’s nothing you can do to stop it,” have been her experience since she was diagnosed.

Robinson's Freeman Wins Matchup of Standout Goalkeepers

Rams earn regional berth with tournament victory over Centreville.

The Robinson field hockey team defeated Centreville 3-0 on Monday.

Connolly to Hold Open Season Workshop for Federal Employees and Retirees

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11) will hold his annual Open Season Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 15 to help federal employees and retirees navigate through the many changes in the 2015 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, dental and vision insurance programs, and flexible spending accounts. The federal government’s Open Season runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 8.

Column: Self-Indulgent or Self-Effacing

After re-reading last week’s column: “Not in the Mood,” I began wondering if that column had strayed beyond the boundaries, so to speak, and was too much about me and not enough about my circumstances.

Fairfax Education Summit to Be Held on Oct. 25

The Fairfax County School Board will host Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) fifth annual Education Summit, Mapping Your Student’s Unique Journey: Explore the Many Choices in Fairfax County Public Schools, on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 a.m. at Edison High School.

Self-Indulgent or Self-Effacing

After re-reading last week’s column: “Not in the Mood,” I began wondering if that column had strayed beyond the boundaries, so to speak, and was too much about me and not enough about my circumstances. Certainly I understand, given my column’s recurring theme, that the subjects of me and my circumstances – and the personal stories I share with you regular readers – are basically the same. Still, I never want the content to be considered important because it’s MY life that’s being profiled. Quite the contrary. If the columns were any more about me, you wouldn’t be interested.

Editorial: Yes to Fairfax Transportation Bond

$84 million for pedestrian, bike and trail improvements.

Of more than 75 projects included in the current proposal, on the ballot for Nov. 4, all but seven are designed to make Fairfax County safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Delay in Shooting Investigation Decried

Supervisors urge action by U.S. attorney.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors decided they’ve exercised enough patience with U.S. Attorney Dana Boente’s office. Now more than 13 months after Fairfax County police shot and killed John Geer, standing unarmed in the doorway of his Springfield home, Board chairman Sharon Bulova addressed the silence from Boente.

Fairfax Home Sales: September, 2014

In September 2014, 81 Fairfax homes sold between $1,469,005-$135,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: September, 2014

Crashing the Parties

Marc Harrold, Libertarian; Joe Galdo, Green, run for Congress.

Marc Harrold is a self-professed creature of habit. He’s been going to the same bars and restaurants near his Fairfax home for years, where the close friends he’s made there say his great sense of humor and diverse intelligence help him “hold court” and converse easily with anyone, on any subject.

Changes in Store

‘Transformative’ new Springfield Town Center to open Oct. 17.

Lee District supervisor Jeff McKay has been preparing for Friday’s Springfield Town Center ribbon cutting since he was a kid. “As someone who’s spent my entire life here,” said McKay, “I’ve been acutely aware of the decline over the years.”

Sarvis: Warner-Gillespie Debate ‘Disappointing’

Libertarian candidate says chamber’s decision to include only major-party candidates in U.S. Senate debate a “disservice” to voters.

After a full day of campaigning at Fort Belvoir on Friday, Oct. 11, Robert Sarvis talked about his campaign for U.S. Senate, and his disappointment in not being invited to participate in Tuesday’s U.S. Senate Debate — a major televised debate hosted by The Fairfax Chamber at Capitol One’s convention center in McLean. “The Fairfax Chamber informed us that it was nothing other than ‘tradition’ to only invite major party candidates,” Sarvis said. “But this was after we formally requested an invitation, noted that over 145,000 Virginians voted for Robert Sarvis for governor in 2013, and sent them a petition signed by over 1,000 Virginians in support of a three-candidate debate.”

Warner, Gillespie Clash in U.S. Senate Debate

Stark distinctions on same-sex marriage, immigration, abortion and healthcare.

In front of an audience of Northern Virginia business leaders, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie honed their attacks on each other during a sharp, wide-ranging debate Tuesday evening, Oct. 7.

21st Annual Goblin Gallop is Oct. 26

Benefits families of children with cancer.

When the leaves turn colors and the weather becomes crisp, Halloween soon follows. And that means it’s time for the Goblin Gallop. This year’s event, the 21st annual, is slated for Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.

Humor to Hold One's Own As 50 Approaches

A singular performer is coming to the area. Annabelle Gurwitch, who co-hosted TV's "Dinner and a Movie," has been seen on a wide variety of television shows including "Seinfeld" and is the author of "I See You Made an Effort: Compliments, Indignities, and Survival Stories from the Edge of 50" will be at the JCC of Northern Virginia. She will be doing her signature comedic riffs on marriage, parenting and insights into turning middle-aged.

Getting Children Excited for Halloween

Local experts offer advice for keeping trick-or-treating fun, not scary, for small children.

For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. From Power Rangers and athletes to princesses and pirates, dressing up in their spookiest or most imaginative attire and trolling the streets in search of treats is a major part of the fun for school-age children. For younger children, however, the ghosts and goblins who are meant to entertain can cause too much of a fright.

The Private School Admissions Process

Local educators offer insider tips on how to select and get a child admitted to the perfect school.

While this school year might still feel new, some parents are already thinking next fall. Or if they’re not, they should be. For parents who are considering sending their children to one of the area’s private schools for the 2015-2016 school year, the application process should be underway.

Not in the Mood

Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy. Moreover, in spite of my best psychological efforts, generally speaking, there seems little I can do to diminish its effect. More often than not, it’s merely time; simply time passing and/or time spent trying to talk myself out-of how I feel and in-to how I haven’t failed.

Editorial: Coming - Children’s Connection

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.

Robinson’s Myers Earns Top-15 Finish at Glory Days Invite

Senior places 13th hours after taking SATs.

Robinson's Patrick Myers placed 13th at the Glory Days Invitational.

Fairfax Field Hockey Earns Top Seed in Conference 6 Tournament

Rebels beat defending state champion Westfield on Oct. 6.

The Fairfax field hockey team enters the Conference 6 tournament as the No. 1 seed.

Successful Switch

Woodson’s Reed thriving at outside hitter following change in approach.

Mackenzie Reed made the transition from libero to outside hitter.

Column: Not in the Mood

Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy.

Seeing Red and Blue with Connolly

Colleagues say Gerry Connolly’s vision central to productivity.

Gerry Connolly doesn’t have 20/20 vision. His round wire-framed spectacles and cropped salt-and-pepper mustache have long accessorized his look, whether sporting a black pinstripe suit or a billowy navy University of Virginia windbreaker

Safety Apps are Now Available

See Something, Send Something: This app is a nationwide suspicious-activity reporting tool to help fight terrorism and criminal activity. It does not replace 911 for emergency situations.

Suggestions to keep outdoor spaces functional through the fall

As the air turns crisp and we settle into fall, the time is ideal for creating a cozy setting, whether it’s elegant or rustic or modern. Many people have adapted part of their landscape as an outdoor room.

Week in Fairfax

What's happening this week in Fairfax?

Message to Fairfax High School Community

Principal discusses school’s response to student’s death.

Following the unexpected death of Fairfax High School junior Cara Golias, school Principal David Goldfarb sent the following message to the Fairfax High community last Friday, Oct. 3:

‘Scape Sensations’ Opens at Old Town Hall

Doris Jenkins and Betty Baumgartner, Fairfax Art League members, will share an art exhibit together. With their show, "Scape Sensations," they are the featured artists for October at the Old Town Hall in Fairfax.

CureSearch Walk at Fairfax Corner

Fairfax’s Tara Sankner is a friendly, softball-playing 9-year-old. She also has an astrocytoma, a treatable but inoperable form of brain cancer.

Children Have Fun at Safety Day

The City of Fairfax Police Department held Kids’ Safety Day on Saturday morning, Sept. 20, outside police headquarters.

‘I Realized I Could Conquer This’

Fairfax fire captain is Honored Hero in Light the Night Walk.

City of Fairfax Fire Capt. Joe Schumacher beat cancer not once, but twice. And he’ll soon serve as an Honored Hero for this year’s Light the Night Walks in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

It’s Officially Fire Prevention Week

The City of Fairfax officially proclaims Oct. 5-11 “Fire Prevention Week.”

Bio and Q&A with Gerry Connolly

Q: What do you think are your top three accomplishments in office? A: * The Silver Line. I wasn’t alone, but I'm very proud of my championship of the Silver Line and the fact that it's up and running and succeeding. It took 19 years to sort of get people to reimagine it and get it built. It was a long, tough struggle.

Pounding the Pavement

First annual 5K raises awareness of teen driving safety.

Robin Wallin of Alexandria has been training for this day at Cameron Run Regional Park for three months. She and sister-in-law Carolyn Wiser of Baltimore used a seat-to-5K app on their smartphones to prepare for the Oct. 4 race, encouraging each other through Facebook messaging.

New Packard Center Honors Suffragists in Occoquan

The characteristically humble Jean Packard allowed just a little egotism at the idea of seeing her name on a new center at Occoquan Regional Park.

Gone Girls Next Door

PSA roll-out marks one-year anniversary of “Just Ask” project.

On a sunny afternoon, a police officer pulls over a young male driver. There’s an innocent-looking, girl-next-door type in the back seat of the car. The driver responds to the officer’s basic questions with cold indifference. When questioned, the girl in the back says she’s fine. Maybe she betrays a hint of unease.

‘A New Day Has Dawned’

Same sex marriage goes forward in Virginia.

At 10:01 a.m. on Oct. 6, Cathy Baskin of Ravensworth Baptist Church in Annandale received her usual New York Times set of alerts. “I read it 15 times,” said Baskin. “This can’t be true.”

Iturbe’s Score Avoids Overtime, Defeats Robinson

Rams’ Arnsmeyer comes up short against former coach.

The Chantilly field hockey team defeated Robinson, 1-0, on Tuesday.

Letter

Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations.

Dear Chairman and Board Members: The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations (the Federation) appreciates the many years of support that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) has provided to the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). Recently, the FCPL introduced new policies that the Federation decided to examine.

Focus on Transportation

Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance presents regional priorities at 10th annual event.

“What You Need to Know about Transportation in Five Minutes or Less” was the working title of this year’s Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTA) seminar and reception held on Sept. 30 at Capital One’s auditorium in McLean.

Column: Week Of, Weak On, Week Off

This column completes the three-week arc which describes what I have endured mostly successfully for approximately five years now: chemotherapy every three weeks – with one year off for good behavior (not really good behavior; the year off was to switch to a twice-daily pill, Tarceva, to be taken at home, since the previous treatment was no longer stemming the tide). It’s been my experience that these anti-cancer drugs don’t exactly work forever.

Mason Professors Win Virginia Center of Aging Grant

Funding will be used to study Alzheimer’s disease.

Two George Mason University professors recently won a prestigious and competitive grant that they hope will lead them closer to success in their fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Fairfax Fall Festival Means Family Fun

Children’s rides, crafts, food and entertainment.

When it comes to family fun, it’s hard to beat the Fairfax Fall Festival. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 11 (rain date, Oct. 12), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and features a cornucopia of entertainment, including Journey and Bruce Springsteen tribute bands, a lumberjack competition, food, crafts and carnival rides.

George Mason Holds 3rd Patriot

Intercollegiate Golf Invitational

George Mason University held it’s third Annual Intercollegiate Golf Invitational on Sept. 27-29 at Laurel Hill Golf Course in Fairfax. Seventeen college teams accepted George Mason’s invitation and fielded a total of 104 players.

Community Mourns Local Girl, 16

Missing since Sunday, Cara Golias was found dead in a park.

Just a month before her 17th birthday, friends, family members and classmates from Chantilly, Centreville and Fairfax are mourning the loss of a local girl. The body of Cara Lynn Golias, 16, of the City of Fairfax, was found Monday afternoon in Hemlock Overlook Regional Park in Clifton.

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

Revenge and Passion on Mason Stage

Virginia Opera opens 40th season with a full-of-life "Sweeney Todd."

“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd…” Such are well known lyrics for those familiar with the musical "Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." Good news is coming. The production of “Sweeney” as a rarely done opera is arriving from the Virginia Opera.

The Arts Council of Fairfax County Moves to Merrifield

The Arts Council of Fairfax County has moved to Merrifield. Their new address is 2667 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, two blocks from the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro Station on the Orange Line.

City Approves Money for Charrette

Focus will be on Fairfax’s downtown development.

It’s full speed ahead for a planning workshop, or charrette, the City of Fairfax will hold in November. It’ll do so along with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and the focus will be on the downtown area. It’s a hands-on, design-oriented event and will involve both professionals and residents.

Area Roundups

Commander Bud Bishop of the Springfield Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #7327 announces this year’s VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary “Voice of Democracy” Scholarship Competition. Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Look! Up in the Sky!

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s an unmanned aircraft system.

Parish Hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke was at full capacity on Wednesday, Sept. 24, for an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI-GMU) lecture by Christopher Vo titled “Drones: Our New Toys, Tools, and Robot Companions.”

Suzanne Scholte Fighting for Recognition in 11th District

Suzanne Scholte knows she has her work cut out for her. “This isn’t a race anybody's thinking is worth looking at,” she said at a meet and greet event in Montclair last weekend. “I think it was described as ‘Quixotic.’”

Herrity Calls for Heroin Problem Update

“Heroin is here, it’s on our doorstep, it’s in our communities and it often goes unnoticed,” said supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). Citing a 163 percent rise in heroin overdoses in Northern Virginia between 2011 and 2013, Herrity proposed a successful motion to the Board of Supervisors last week, asserting the County Executive report back to the board on just how bad the heroin problems in Fairfax County are and how they could be dealt with.

Bruins Win Silver Bracket at Rebel Volleyball Invitational

Fairfax’s Powers, Pittman earn all-tournament honors.

The Lake Braddock volleyball team won the Silver Bracket title at a tournament at Fairfax High School.

Great Falls Writers Launch Speaker’s Series

Great Falls Park inspires Pamela Palmer’s Feral Warrior novels.

More than 30 people attended the first Great Falls Speaker’s Series at Great Falls Library on Tuesday, Sept. 23 to hear author and Herndon resident Pamela Palmer read from the latest book in her Feral Warrior series — “Wulfe Untamed” — and to learn about her storytelling process in a question-and-answer discussion.

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Voting Early, Absentee

Elections 2014

Virtually every voter in Virginia is eligible to vote absentee, which includes voting in-person absentee at a variety of locations from now through Nov. 1.

Column: Pre-Chemo Peek

I realize, given last week’s column: “Post-Chemo Week,” this week’s column about the preceding week (week-of, actually) of chemotherapy might be a bit bass-ackward, but it seemed reasonable to me that if you regular readers had an interest in the week-after, perhaps you’d have a similar interest in the week-before.