Stories for November 2015

South County Defense Excels in 6A North Semifinal Victory

Stallions will host Westfield in region championship game Dec. 5.

The South County football team defeated Robinson 20-15 in the 6A North semifinals on Saturday.

Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield

Weekend fun in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton and Springfield.

Associate Artists at the Workhouse: People's Choice Award Winners

The Associate Artists at the Workhouse announced the winners of the November 2015 People's Choice Award for the current exhibition during the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Paul VI Boys Soccer Captures the State Championship

On a chilly night in Richmond, the #7 seeded Panthers faced off against their arch rival and #1 seed Bishop O’Connell Knights.

Holiday Musical with Universal Appeal

Hub Theatre premiers ’Wish List.’

Fairfax’s professional Hub Theatre has developed its own welcoming way to celebrate the holiday season.

Celebrating Chanukah in Fairfax

The community is invited to celebrate Chanukah at a Chanukah Lights and Legos Party on Sunday, Dec. 6, 3–5 p.m. at Gesher Jewish Day School, 4800 Mattie Moore Court, Fairfax. S

Relationships that are True-to-Life

Fairfax High presents the play, ‘Love/Sick.’

Fairfax High is the first high school to debut playwright John Cariani’s play, “Love-Sick.”

Lunch with Santa, Caroling and Fun

City of Fairfax rings in the holiday season.

For festive fun for the whole family, the City of Fairfax is the place to be.

Children's Classic Comes to Life, and the Story Behind the Madness is Revealed ...

Have you ever had a dream so whimsical that it swept you away to another world?

Obituary: Peggy Jane Magtutu, 77, Dies

Peggy Jane Magtutu (a.k.a. Tu Tu), 77, of Cross Junction, Va., passed away on Monday, Nov. 16 in Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center.

Woodson Student Named Photography Finalist in YoungArts Foundation Competition

Rebeca Posadas-Nava, a student at Woodson High School, has been named a 2016 National YoungArts Foundation finalist in photography.

“Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers” Revisited at History Conference

The 11th annual Fairfax County History Conference was held Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, titled “Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers - Part I.”

Classified Advertising November 25, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

Burke: Robinson to Face Undefeated South County in 6A North Semifinals

Rams RB Foncha rushes for 157 yards, 3 TDs in win over Chantilly.

The Robinson football team will travel to face South County at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in the 6A North region semifinals.

Area Roundups for Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield

The inaugural Turkey Trot for Parkinson’s is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 26 at Burke Lake Park. Events including a five-kilometer run/walk and one-mile “Gobble Wobble” walk are set to begin at 9 a.m.

250 Brave Cold in 23rd Burke CROP Hunger Walk

Jennifer Weiner’s wristband read 11,188 steps. That’s how many it took the Springfield resident to complete the 3.7-mile Burke CROP Hunger Walk on Nov. 22. Weiner is Rabbi Educator for Congregation Adat Reyim, which sent more than a dozen volunteers to the fundraiser for the 14th straight year.

Camper’s Trophies and Awards Recognized

Long-time Fairfax business receives inaugural Small Business Award.

Long-time Fairfax business Camper’s Trophies and Awards is the recipient of the inaugural Small Business of the Year Award, bestowed by the City of Fairfax’s Economic Development Office.

‘People Near Us Struggle to Eat’

Our Daily Bread needs community’s help for the holidays.

It is tough to be hungry anytime, but especially during the holidays. So Fairfax-based nonprofit Our Daily Bread (ODB) is seeking individuals, families, companies, churches and community groups to sponsor individuals or families for December holiday meals.

Remodelers, Suppliers Join Forces to Help Clifton Woman

Sun Design Remodeling and partners donate services to upgrade deck and wheelchair ramp for local woman with spina bifida.

A coalition of local remodelers and home improvement suppliers are set to repair the deck and wheelchair ramp surrounding the home of Dixie Dawson, a long term Clifton resident with spina bifida.

Editorial: Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally

Every day can be “small business day.”

There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced

Transportation Strategy Update Launched

NVTA launches work on a six-year TransAction program.

Members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) chose an appropriate location to announce the launch of the organization’s TransAction update efforts last week.

Creating Great Families Through Adoption

More than 800 children in foster care in Virginia are ready and waiting to be adopted.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. With that in mind, meet two families expanded through adoption; two families whose kids describe their family as "awesome."

860 Virginia Children Need Homes

“Parental rights terminated.” “Available for adoption.” “Floundering in an imperfect system.” These words describe many children who are currently living in foster care in Virginia.

Quiet Riot: ‘C’mon Feel the Noise’

County passes new noise ordinance, will revisit effectiveness in 18 months.

The Board of Supervisors is at peace with the county’s new Noise Ordinance.

Fairfax County Updates Teacher Safety Training In Wake of Woodson Fire

Science teachers across Fairfax County Public Schools have begun mandatory updated safety training in the wake of an Oct. 30 fire at Woodson High School that injured five students and a teacher, and caused $7,500 in damage.

Fairfax Man Battles Rare Disease

Lacrosse tournament in Springfield brings attention to Goodpasture Syndrome and kidney diseases.

Proceeds raised by the tournament will go towards the American Kidney Fund. But Lane and her husband, who have children playing in the tournament, are happy that the event is raising awareness for kidney diseases.

Soccer Champs

The SYA Cardinals ’01 Red Boys Travel Soccer Team competed in the CASL Boys Jr. Showcase in Raleigh, N.C. the weekend of Nov. 14-15.

At Fair Trade Winds in Fairfax, They Sell International Handmade Products

The Gift of Fair Trade

At Fair Trade Winds, which features international products at 10420 North Street in the City of Fairfax, the store is basically 100 percent fair trade.

At Fair Trade Winds in Fairfax, They Sell International Handmade Products

The Gift of Fair Trade

At Fair Trade Winds, which features international products at 10420 North Street in the City of Fairfax, the store is basically 100 percent fair trade.

Paul VI Wins Special Olympics State Championship

Student-athletes from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax won the 2015 Virginia State Special Olympic Soccer Championship held in Virginia Beach, Nov. 7-8.

Letter: Worrying School Budget Cuts

To the Editor

I am writing in response to an article published in the last week’s Connection (“Garza Presents Budget Task Force Report to School Board.”

“A Fairfax Nutcracker” Presented by Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Ballet Company

Two venerable Fairfax County performing arts institutions are joining forces for a singular holiday season experience for the whole family.

W. T. Woodson High School's ‘Meet Me in St. Louis.’

A Heartwarming production

At first thought, it may seem that 1904 was a simpler time: no iPhones, no AP classes, no traffic to get stuck in.

America's Veterans Honored in Fairfax

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Honors America’s Veterans.

Veterans Day is more than a federal holiday. It is a time when people throughout the country remember and honor America’s military veterans and all they have done.

Laughter, Chaos and Lots of Heart on Stage in Fairfax

CFTC presents ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.’

A hilarious comedy – with or without a meal – that’s the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne is Battling Cancer

‘This is Curable, so I’m staying positive’

City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne is no stranger to challenges. After all, he served 18 consecutive years on the City Council and is currently in his second, two-year term as mayor – including all the hard work and long hours that job entails.

Football Roundups

Six of the top eight seeds advanced to the 6A North region football quarterfinals, while No. 4 Madison and No. 8 West Springfield had their seasons come to an end.

Lake Braddock Wins Girls’, Boys’ XC State Titles

The Lake Braddock girls’ and boys’ cross country teams won state championships on Nov.13 at Great Meadow.

Area Roundups

This Thursday, Nov. 19, Fairfax County Police will be joining other state and local law enforcement officers to help save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws.

Fairfax County Arts Council Awards Grants to Arts Organizations

The Arts Council of Fairfax County has awarded $379,125 in operating support grants to 44 nonprofit arts organizations in Fairfax County.

Classified Advertising November 18, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

Fairfax Home Sales: October, 2015

In October, 2015, 95 Fairfax homes sold between $1,400,000-$150,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: October, 2015

Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy.

Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield

Fun events in your neighborhood.

Fairfax County: Garza Presents Budget Task Force Report to School Board

Transparency and methodology of budget review questioned.

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza is attempting to scale a towering projected budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2017. On Nov. 9, she presented School Board members the report of budget cuts recommended by a 36-member task force she summoned earlier this year.

Fairfax: Alexandria Architectural Firm Wins Design Awards for Renovated Animal Shelter

Since its renovation and expansion in Spring 2014, Cole and Denny Architect’s design for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (FCAS) at 4500 West Ox Road has received four honor awards for design excellence.

Fairfax: Paul VI High Presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

It’s not your father’s Shakespeare; instead, it’s Paul VI High’s fresh, lively and modern take on the romantic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” It’s the school’s Cappies play and will be performed Nov. 19-22.

FoodRaiser at Fairfax High

Community helps fill Our Daily Bread’s food pantry.

The power of community was on full display Sunday afternoon as some 1,500 people came together on a Fairfax High athletic field to help Our Daily Bread (ODB) feed local families in need.

FACETS Hosts ‘A Taste of Fall’

FACETS is hosting its 16th Annual Taste of Fall with FACETS, an evening filled with food, fun, entertainment, and a live and silent auction to raise funds to help families and individuals in Fairfax County who are suffering the effects of poverty including homelessness.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunity.

Artist Teacher Exhibition Opens at Workhouse Arts Center

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Fine Arts Office, in collaboration with the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, presents the Artist Teacher Exhibition, an art exhibition recognizing the creative endeavors of FCPS artist-teachers, beginning Saturday, Nov. 14.

Area Roundups

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) announced that the application period for the 2016 Greater Washington Innovation Awards is now open through Jan. 22, 2016.

Arts Awards Presented

Public-private partnerships, innovation, and collaboration emerge as strong themes during 2015 Arts Awards ceremony.

On Friday, Oct. 30, the Arts Council of Fairfax County presented its fourth annual Arts Awards to a full house.

Classified Advertising November 11, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

Fairfax: Woodson Football Earns First Playoff Berth Since 2009

No. 15-seed Cavaliers to face No. 2. Lake Braddock on Friday.

The Woodson football team closed the regular season with a 38-14 victory over T.C. Williams on Nov. 7.

Area Coaches to be Honored for Work Empowering Girls

One strong woman builds many strong girls.

Doreen Peters will receive the Crystal Coach Award on Saturday, Nov. 21 in a pre-race ceremony that kicks off the Girls on the Run 5K, presented by Innovation Health in Woodbridge.

Fairfax To End Veteran Homelessness

Every veteran has a story, and a path to housing.

Jameel Mubaarik of Reston is a 63-year-old Army veteran and mechanical engineer, a former Reston homeowner.

Coming: Children’s Connection 2015

Get ready to send your submissions soon.

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.

Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield

Weekend events in your neighborhood.

Area Writer Celebrates With a Book Launch

‘Boundaries of the Wind’ becomes local author’s most recent work.

Urmilla Khanna was never a writer; her friends and family knew her as a doctor. Growing up in India, she knew what she wanted to do at an early age, and began her pre-med studies at the age of 15.

GMU Student Debt Zombies Join Bernie Sanders’ National Student Town Hall

In a pre-Halloween event to raise awareness on the student debt crisis, members of the Virginia Student Power Network (VSPN) dressed up as ‘Walking-Debt’ zombies during the Bernie Sanders National Student Town Hall at George Mason University on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Woodson Fire Follow-Up

Garza, school reveal what’s next.

In the aftermath of Friday’s chemical fire at Woodson High, both Superintendent Karen Garza and Principal Scott Poole sent messages Monday to the parents. Stressing that the “safety of students and staff is always the top priority in our schools,” Garza directed the following actions be taken.

Fire in Woodson High Chemistry Class Injures Six

‘Keep Those Injured in your Prayers’

Five students and a teacher were all injured in a fire last week after a chemical demonstration inside a Woodson High classroom went awry.

Fairfax's Lamb Center breaks ground for new building.

‘God Had a Plan for Us’

There is nothing like a fresh, new beginning to invigorate the spirit, and that is just what The Lamb Center is getting. On Oct. 20, it broke ground on its future, new home.

GMU Alumnus Graduates from Basic Training

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Alexander J. Bianco graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Timeless Masterpiece of Broken Hearts

Virginia Opera’s “La Boheme” at Center for the Arts.

Soon, Northern Virginia audiences will be able to be transfixed by Puccini’s mesmerizing masterwork “La Boheme.”

Burke and Fairfax: ‘Steady’ Stream of Voting at Robinson Secondary

Teri Ayres of Fairfax is in her fourth year as chief election officer at the Robinson Secondary School voting location.

Alexandria: T.C. Williams Field Hockey Secures State Berth

Titans will face Westfield in region championship game.

The T.C. Williams field hockey team beat Fairfax 1-0 on Tuesday in the 6A North region semifinals.

Fairfax County: Republicans Celebrate the Victorious

And honor the defeated

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) said he much preferred this night to the one when he was elected to his first term. A close race with his opponent meant waiting around until late into the evening. This year, Cook defeated Democrat Janet Oleszek by a more handy margin of about six percent of the vote.

Fairfax County: Palchik Upsets Incumbent Reed for Providence School Board Seat

With 58.22 percent of the vote in unofficial election results, Dalia Palchik of Annandale defeated the incumbent Providence District Fairfax County School Board representative Patty Reed, who garnered 41.31 percent.

Fairfax County: Hough Edges Incumbent Velkoff for Third At-Large School Board Seat

Fairfax resident Jeanette Hough said her race for the Fairfax County School Board started with a phone call to Springfield District representative to the board Elizabeth Schultz. “What are we going to do about the school board?” Hough remembers asking. “We’re being ignored as parents and taxpayers.”

Democrats Claim Victories in Local Elections

But General Assembly stays in the red column.

“We didn’t win the war tonight, but we did come out ahead in some of the important local battles, and that’s a good start.”

Fairfax Field Hockey Beats Herndon

Rebels to face T.C. Williams tonight in region semifinals.

The Fairfax field hockey team will face T.C. Williams tonight.

Fairfax Library Foundation Raises $197,000 at A Library Jubilee

The Fairfax Library Foundation hosted A Library Jubilee! Soiree in the Stacks on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church.