Stories for January 2016

Stories for January 2016

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Thursday, January 28

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

Fairfax: John O’Neal Named City’s Fire Chief

The City of Fairfax has announced the appointment of John O’Neal as chief of the City of Fairfax Fire Department.

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Fairfax: Daniels Run Elementary Presents State of the School Report

“The state of Daniels Run is strong and getting stronger,” declared Daniels Run Elementary School principal Adam Erbrecht at his annual state of the schools report to the City of Fairfax School Board on Monday, Jan. 11 at the regular school board meeting.

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Chocolate Festival Returns Feb. 6-7 in Fairfax

When it comes to chocolate, the City of Fairfax does it up right.

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Snowstorm Q&A: Robinson’s Miller Watched ‘Friday Night Tykes’

Snowstorm Q&A with Robinson's Alex Miller.

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Fairfax: ‘Snowzilla,’ the Blizzard of 2016

Fairfax takes a snow day.

Snowstorm Q&A: Woodson’s Maloney Went Sledding

Snowstorm Q&A with Woodson senior Seamus Maloney.

West Springfield Gymnasts Win West Potomac Meet

Gymnastic champions.

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Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield: Winter Fun and Entertainment Guide

A sampling of events in the area this winter.

Letter: Sex Trafficking Was Illegal for Hundreds of Years

To the Editor

Your article, "Money, Lax Laws Draw Sex Traffickers” (Connection, January 21-27) states “Last year, before the state of Virginia passed its first sex trafficking laws, SB 1188 and HB 1964, it was the last state in the United States with any sex trafficking legislation.”

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Burke and Fairfax: Del. Filler-Corn Offers 16 Bills

The bills reflecting broad areas of district concerns.

Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) introduced a series of bills in furtherance of her work in education, victims’ rights, health care, public safety and prudent fiscal growth.

FCPS Award Nominations Sought

The nomination deadline is Feb. 3.

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Snow Place Like Home in Burke, Fairfax Station, Mount Vernon and Springfield

Residents, volunteers come together to dig out after Jonas drops over 20 inches.

Compared to Wednesday night’s sneak-attack dusting that caught Virginia Department of Transportation crews unprepared and commuters stuck in hours of slick rush hour gridlock, Fairfax County Supervisors think the full force of Winter Storm Jonas was weathered about as well as possible.

Wednesday, January 27

Editorial: ‘Disappointing, Not Surprising’

Bills to rein in predatory lending die in Senate committee.

Have you ever paid 36 percent interest on a loan or credit card?

Positive 2015 Real Estate Market Spurs Upbeat Outlook for New Year

Experts predict continuing positive trend.

The final figures are in, and it looks like the 2015 local housing market was a modest winner.

Building for the Future

School Board approves five-year $777 million Capital Improvement Plan.

While the rest of Fairfax County hunkered down in preparation for Winter Storm Jonas’ Friday arrival, members of the School Board held their business meeting as scheduled on Jan. 21 and approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan requiring $777 million.

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McAuliffe Visits Fairfax County Post-Blizzard

Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) visited the Fairfax County Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Jan. 24, following the worst of Winter Storm Jonas to be updated on the state of the county in the blizzard’s wake.

Fairfax County Suspends Trash Collection for Blizzard Week

Fairfax County announced on its Emergency Information website Saturday night, Jan. 23, during Winter Storm Jonas that trash and recycling collection services would be suspended for the week of Jan. 25-30.

Classified Advertising January 27, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Friday, January 22

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Fairfax County Braces for Epic Winter Storm Jonas

Chairman Bulova says VDOT was unprepared for Wednesday night, encourages residents to stay off roads during storm.

With Winter Storm Jonas looming and expected to begin Friday afternoon, a much milder dusting of snow the previous Wednesday night caught commuters and transportation workers off-guard. Treacherous, slick roads resulted in numerous accidents and forcing drivers into gridlock around Fairfax County.

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Lorton Brewer’s Wife Dies from Cancer

One week after a special ale was brewed to support her medical and other related costs, Kerri Rose of Alexandria died from cancer.

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Fairfax Station-based Marian Homes begins work on group home Fairfax for people with disabilities

2016: Another year, another demolition and another home being renovated to meet the needs of five individuals with disabilities. On an overcast Friday, Jan. 15, Knights of Columbus volunteers assisting the Fairfax Station-based nonprofit organization Marian Homes stripped carpet and hammered and knocked down walls in a single-family home on Wilson Street in Fairfax City.

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Brain Injury Services in Springfield gets survivors back into the community

In one moment, Kim Daily’s life changed forever. It was September 2011 and the Centreville resident was in a car accident where she hit her head. Afterwards she experienced some numbness and pain in her neck.

Thursday, January 21

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

Winter is coming. Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes.

Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes. Stay warm this weekend!

Fairfax Home Sales: December, 2015

In December, 2015, 76 Fairfax homes sold between $880,000-$175,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: December, 2015

Wednesday, January 20

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

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Fairfax: JCC of Northern Virginia Dance Troupe Wins First Place

On Jan. 9-10, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia’s j.dance performance troupe, The Rockdaniot, received first place in the Mini category for their ballet and contemporary routines at JUMP Dance Convention in Washington, D.C.

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Fairfax: Helping Women, Children in Shelters

Girls Inspired and Ready to Lead (GIRL) in empowering women in society.

Cheyenne Morrison, a 15-year-old resident of Fairfax was among a group of 30 girls gathered in a conference room at Fairfax City Hall on Monday morning, Jan. 18.

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Fairfax: Improving a Major City Intersection

Work begins on the Kamp Washington project.

The City of Fairfax is making major improvements to the Kamp Washington intersection (Routes 236/Main Street, Route 29/Lee Highway and Route 50/Fairfax Boulevard) and its surroundings.

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Fairfax City Council Considers Future of Green Acres

Leaders also search for community center sites.

The Fairfax City Council is trying to figure out what to do with the Green Acres Center on Sideburn Road.

Lanier Student Sings at King Festival

Lanier Middle School's Charles Wolfer.

Silverthorne is New NVTA Vice Chairman

City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne was just named vice chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

Letter: Coyotes, A Welcome Part of County’s Natural Ecosystem

To the Editor

Thank you for the article “Coyotes on the Rise in Fairfax County” (Connection, January 14-20, 2016).

Area Roundups

Area happenings in your neck of the woods.

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‘Uplifting and Impressive’ Concert

On. Jan. 12, after school, band students from Cardinal Forest Elementary School, Hunt Valley Elementary School, Keene Mill Elementary School, Orange Hunt Elementary School, Rolling Valley Elementary School, West Springfield Elementary School, Irving Middle School, and West Springfield High School met in the West Springfield High School auditorium to rehearse together, eat dinner together and perform.

Fairfax: Woodson’s Ayoub Reaches 1,000 Career Points

Senior is committed to St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Woodson senior Matt Ayoub reached 1,000 points for his career on Tuesday.

Alexandria: T.C. Williams Overcomes Double-Digit Deficit to Beat Woodson

Senior Robinson comes through at free-throw line.

The T.C. Williams boys' basketball team defeated Woodson 79-76 in overtime on Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 19

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Victor Not Victim

Leading by example.

A tall, striking figure in red, Nyrisha Beckman stands in front of a room of recent Fairfax County high school graduates; not as a cautionary tale, but rather a true inspiration.

Commentary: Transportation Improvements Will Bolster Economy

Northern Virginia Business Transportation Coalition 2016 policy statement.

We, the undersigned Northern Virginia organizations representing the vast majority of businesses and employees of Northern Virginia’s private sector and nonprofit workforce, believe that a strong, efficient regional transportation network is essential to our region’s future economic competitiveness, security, and quality of life. W

Editorial: Pay Attention

General Assembly action matters more in Virginia.

The Virginia General Assembly began its 60-day 2016 session on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

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Calls to Widen American Legion Bridge

Each weekday, nearly 300,000 vehicles cross the American Legion Bridge, and each day traffic backs up into McLean, Great Falls and beyond.

Friday, January 15

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Burke and Vienna: Orangetheory Fitness Fits Into Community

Childhood friends become married partners, gym owners.

Gaurave Batta and his wife Leyna have always been into sports and fitness. But with two small kids at home and Gaurave running his own business intelligence consulting company, they needed a solution that was efficient, above all else.

Thursday, January 14

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Coyotes on the Rise in Fairfax County

Police advise precautions

Over the last several months, Fairfax County Police said wildlife officials have received an increasing number of calls about the presence of coyotes in the area.

Fairfax, Springfield, Lorton: Stuff the Bus 2016

Fairfax County is promoting its annual "Stuff the Bus: Helping Fairfax Families" program

Fairfax Homeless Meets Grammy Winners Through VIP Experience

Meant 2 Live Foundation gave homeless families in the Fairfax community the opportunity to have the ultimate VIP experience.

Children’s Science Center Lab Brings Invention Programs to Northern Virginia

The Children’s Science Center in Fairfax has partnered with Camp Invention to bring its nationally acclaimed enrichment programs, Club Invention and Camp Invention, to the region.

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Fairfax: Ice Skating Attracts Area Residents

Some come for recreation, some for ‘special occasions.’

Hannah Zhou, a 4-year-old Vienna resident, went to the Fairfax Ice Arena with her mother Lucy, for the first time since her first skating lesson.

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Fairfax: World’s Distinguished Military Bands at Center for the Arts

Band of the Royal Marines and Band of Scots Guards performing Jan. 23.

Pomp, pageantry and stirring music from Great Britain’s esteemed military musical institutions will command attention with their extraordinary sights and sounds as they perform at the George Mason University Center for the Arts.

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Fairfax: Helmet Ordinance Discussed

Virginia code allows any county, city or town to mandate that bicycle riders ages 14 and younger wear protective helmets.

Fairfax: Full Speed Ahead for City Branding

Fairfax seeks the best way to promote itself.

During a work session last May, Fairfax City Council members discussed the creation of a City “brand” to better promote what Fairfax has to offer.

Area Roundups

Area happenings in your neighborhood

Wednesday, January 13

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West Springfield Grad Robinson Moving Up Duquesne Scoring List

Senior guard has Dukes off to best start in program history.

Duquesne senior and 2012 West Springfield guard recently moved into 11th place on the Dukes' all-time scoring list.

Classified Advertising January 13, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Tuesday, January 12

Pet Photos for the Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on Feb. 24, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 17.

Editorial: Budget Season Trainwreck?

County looks at “lines of business,” schools call for full funding.

Karen Garza didn’t move to Fairfax County from Texas to preside over the decline of Fairfax County Public Schools.

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Design Trends for 2016

Local style gurus predict the elements that will be popular this year.

The start of the year offers an opportunity to ring in new trends, particularly when it comes to a home’s interior.

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Color of the Year

Pantone honor bestowed on two colors for 2016

Two colors, Serenity (light blue) and Rose Quartz (pale pink), were recently named the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2016.

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Above a Cut

FCPS Superintendent Garza calls for no additional cuts in $2.67 billion FY 2017 budget

For Fiscal Year 2015, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza oversaw $96.5 million in cuts made from the school system’s annual operating budget. For FY 2016, it was $55.4 million, she said.

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Residents List Priorities for General Assembly

Residents tell legislators of priorities ahead of the 60-day session of the General Assembly.

Barbara Quesada, parent of a Franklin Sherman Elementary School student, reminded the General Assembly delegation from Fairfax that Nova Firearms opened its new store right next to the McLean elementary school.

Friday, January 8

Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2015

In November, 2015, 57 Fairfax homes sold between $890,000-$125,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2015

Thursday, January 7

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Remodeled Home Tour Set for Jan. 9, 2016

After multiple attempts, cramped split-level grows to generously-sized neoclassical design.

A circa 1960s split-level enhanced by a 300-square-foot addition, a reconfigured main level floor plan and a seamlessly remade front elevation will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Jan. 9.

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Fairfax Celebrating Season of Giving

City of Fairfax students celebrated the holiday season by giving back to their community.

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FACETS of Fairfax Hosts Holiday Sibling Shops

FACETS, a nonprofit that opens doors for people who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County, hosted four Sibling Shops in preparation for the holidays.

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Fairfax: Looking into the Future

Several development projects are on the horizon in the City of Fairfax.

Burke, Lorton, Springfield: What is your New Year's resolution?

Area residents share their hopes for 2016

Robinson Announces 2016 HOF Class

The Robinson Athletic Hall of Fame Committee announced the 2016 Class of the Robinson Secondary School Athletic Hall of Fame, which will be inducted on Jan. 23.

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A Night of Laughter and Jazz

Talented comic and music artists appearing at Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.

At 23 years old Haskins is a world-class trumpet player and composer/arranger. He is the originator of “ImproviStory,” a concept in which storytelling drives the creation of improvised music springing from audience interactions.

Area Roundups

Registration is open for the Winter/Spring session of the Encore Chorale at locations in Northern Virginia and singers of all vocal experience, age 55+, are welcome to join.

Wednesday, January 6

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Christmas Comes to Hanley Shelter

Christmas came early at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, courtesy of the third annual Gift of Giving event.

Tuesday, January 5

Commentary: A Workable Solution for I-66

There was a great deal of concern about “$17 tolls” inside the beltway on I-66 during the recent election. I shared those concerns as I did not want to set a precedent of tolling a road that we were not adding infrastructure to.

Editorial: New Year’s Goals

A few wishes for the Virginia General Assembly, more coming ...

Issues and elections in 2016.

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Mason, Inova to Collaborate on Personalized Medicine Research

Partnership expected to develop treatments, grow economy.

Researchers and doctors from George Mason University and Inova Health System will collaborate on a series of personalized medicine research projects under a new partnership between the two institutions.

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School Board Sued over Nondiscrimination Policy Changes

Liberty Counsel challenges board’s authority to add sexual orientation and gender identity.

When the members of the Fairfax County School Board added sexual orientation and gender identity to the school system’s nondiscrimination policy in November 2014 and May 2015, did they have the authority?