Stories for March 2016

Stories for March 2016

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Thursday, March 31

Fairfax Station Artist Part of "After the Holocaust" Exhibit

Fairfax Station artist, Lynn Goldstein, was selected to participate in the exhibition, “After the Holocaust,” which will be on view at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) April 5 until May 19.

Donate Used Skating Equipment to Support Kids on Ice

Don’t know what to do with your used old ice skates? Hockey skates and equipment?

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Fairfax Teen to Hold Stress Management Workshop

Stress management workshop to be held Saturday, April 2, in the Fairfax United Methodist Church.

It doesn’t matter what Molly McCracken’s personal issues were last year.

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Fairfax: Songs, Dances and Fun for Everyone

Paul VI presents ‘Emma, a Pop Musical.’

With Director Katherine Miller likening it to a “Disney-Channel movie,” Paul VI High will present “Emma, a Pop Musical,” April 8-10.

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In Fairfax, Eggstravaganza Brings Community Together

The grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center was filled with bouncing children, hopping Easter bunnies and rolling eggs on Saturday, March 26 for Jubilee Christian Center’s Eggstravaganza.

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New decision-making training meant to alter how Fairfax County police officers approach use of force

Making decisions can be instinctual, from the gut. It can also be practical and informed, coming to the best judgement considering all variables. For police officers responding to calls where there might be a threat of violence to civilians and or themselves, their decision whether to use force and which type to neutralize the situation quickly must be a hybrid.

Area Roundups

Area happenings in Burke and Fairfax.

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Easter Egg Hunt in City of Fairfax

Thousands come out in search of Easter eggs at Van Dyke Park.

More than 4,500 people attended the eighth-annual City of Fairfax Easter Egg Hunt at Van Dyke Park and the Sherwood Community Center on Saturday, March 26.

Wednesday, March 30

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Burke: Robinson Boys’ Lax Avenges Loss to Yorktown

Rams win with strong defense, Daniel’s 5 goals.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team defeated Yorktown earlier this season.

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Fairfax: Woodson Girls’ Lax Dominates Lake Braddock in Second Half

Sophomore Dougherty leads Cavaliers with six goals.

The Woodson girls' lacrosse team beat Lake Braddock 18-4 on Tuesday.

Editorial: Money to Treat Addiction, Mental Health Issues

Affordable Care Act could pay for help, better health for 100,000 uninsured people in Virginia with mental illness or addiction issues.

Poor people without health insurance in Virginia are being unnecessarily tortured, in some cases to death, by a General Assembly that refuses to expand Medicaid.

Commentary: Congress Must Act on the Growing Opioid Epidemic

Our nation is in the midst of an exploding opioid epidemic.

Commentary: Progress on Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations

Thoughtfulness and deliberation should not be construed as resistance or foot dragging.

A tremendous amount of progress has already taken place to implement many of these recommendations.

Fairfax Connector Considering Service Changes, Seeks Public Input

Fairfax Connector is proposing service changes for implementation in June 2016.

Sex Trafficking Young Victims in Northern Virginia

Federal funds for gang task force expire April 1.

The first article in an occasional series on human sexual trafficking in Northern Virginia.

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Clifton: Region's Best Kitchen Design Over $150k

Tops-in-category “COTY” winner in Clifton opens for tour April 9.

An expansive Clifton kitchen recently named the Washington area's “Best for over $150,000” will be opened to the public Saturday April 9 from 12-4 p.m.

Supporting Fairfax Salvation Army

Fundraiser for Fairfax Salvation Army set for the Waterford.

The hot looks for spring, live entertainment, a luncheon and a silent auction are all in store for attendees of the 36th annual fashion show benefiting the Fairfax Salvation Army. It will be held Friday, April 15, from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (off the ring road across from Fair Oaks Mall).

Tuesday, March 29

Eating Smart

Profile: Jean Janssen, force behind area’s Smart Markets.

Food shoppers should take their collective hats off to Jean Janssen. She is the motivating spirit behind the area’s Smart Markets

Letter: Where is Civilian review Panel?

To the Editor

Last October, the 40 strong Ad Hoc Commission to Review Police Procedures, set up by Chairman Bulova and her Board of Supervisors (BOS), unanimously adopted a large number of recommendations, which they submitted to the BOS.

Friday, March 25

Celebrating Easter and Spring

Lenten and Spring events.

Thursday, March 24

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

Principal Shares ‘Lanier Lessons’

Erin Lenart presents her first State of the School report.

Erin Lenart, principal of Lanier Middle School (LMS) presented her first State of the Schools to the City of Fairfax School Board on March 7.

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Fairfax: Magical, Fictional ‘Almost, Maine’

Providence Players present a romantic-comedy aimed directly at the heart.

Love can be so utterly complex, yet so invigorating as the unexpected comes into view. But then what?

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Fairfax: Award-Winning ‘in a word’ Receiving Area Premiere

A dark comedy at Fairfax’s Hub Theater.

Fans of new plays have an opportunity to take in a “beautiful and funny play” about regular people trying to make sense of a family mystery, said Helen Pafumi, artistic director, Fairfax’s Hub Theatre.

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Fairfax: Students Collect Socks for Homeless Families

Doing a good deed for others has led to state recognition for three Lanier Middle School students.

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Fairfax: 'We’ll Create a Vibrant, Mixed-Use Community’

Second meeting on fate of Paul VI building and property.

Street connectivity and what to do about the existing building remained top priorities of residents attending the second meeting about the fate of Paul VI High’s current site.

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Fairfax: Residents Have Their Say to Consultants

Discuss Paul VI site’s history, connections, drainage and traffic.

The firm that will redevelop the current site of Paul VI High School continues to seek the opinions of the surrounding residents.

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Fairfax: Ammazzalorso Announces His Candidacy for Mayor

Says two candidates are needed to debate the issues.

Schoolteacher Tom Ammazzalorso is challenging incumbent Scott Silverthorne to be the mayor of the City of Fairfax.

Area Roundups

Weekly happenings in the area

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High School Seniors Tour Local Bank, Compete for Scholarships

On March 16, Virginia high school seniors from eight schools across the area spent the day at Burke & Herbert Bank as part of Bank Day, a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia Bankers Association (VBA) Education Foundation and the Virginia Bankers Association Leadership Division.

Wednesday, March 23

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Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Awards $380,000 in Local Grants

Five of 36 grant awardees speak at “Cocktails & Conversation” event.

When Lorton residents Marcy Mager and husband David Lunter’s daughter Michell Merhige was killed in 2009, they wanted to establish a scholarship in her honor but knew handling the financial logistics would be tricky.

Editorial: Purple State

Nonpartisan redistricting could support the best interests of the population, not the politicians.

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Connolly Announces Re-Election Campaign

More than 1,000 attend annual St. Patrick's Day event.

On Thursday night, in front of more than 1,000 supporters who packed the Kena Shriners' Temple for his 22nd Annual St. Patrick's Day event, Gerry Connolly officially announced his re-election campaign for Congress in Virginia's 11th Congressional District.

Classified Advertising March 23, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Thursday, March 17

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Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Springfield: Brain Injury Services honors volunteers and community partners

Maya Simbulan of Fairfax is thankful for being normal. The Lake Braddock Secondary School freshman would like to pursue work with computer graphics and plays electric wheelchair soccer.

Burke: Alcohol and Speed Suggested Factors in Fatal Crash

Crash reconstruction detectives are investigating a fatal car crash that occurred March 14 around 12:23 a.m. near Burke Commons Road and Roberts Common Lane.

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Fairfax County Public Schools to Seek FEMA Relief Funds

Winter Storm Jonas, Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse 2.0 — no matter what it’s called, the county-crippling January 2016 blizzard cost Fairfax County Public Schools $7.2 million to pay for employee overtime compensation, additional contractors and equipment rental.

Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2016

In February, 2016, 57 Fairfax homes sold between $970,000-$145,299.

Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2016

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

Letter: Promoting Economic Vitality of Fairfax City

To the Editor

As the local Fairfax City election approaches on May 3, 2016, now is the time to say “yes” to a forward-looking vision for Fairfax City’s future.

Fairfax: City Sets Advertised Real-Estate Tax Rate

But the actual number may change in coming weeks.

In February, Fairfax City Manager Bob Sisson presented his proposed FY 2017 budget for the City.

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Fairfax: Silverthorne, ‘I’m Up to the Task’

City of Fairfax Mayor kicks off re-election campaign.

Before an enthusiastic crowd of some 150 people, City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne officially kicked off his reelection campaign, Sunday afternoon, at Red, Hot & Blue.

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Food Trucks are the Kitchen at Local Breweries

Food trucks serving microbrewery customers across the area.

At Port City Brewing in the western Alexandria, the “pearl,” a layered dish of macaroni and cheese, baked beans and barbecue meat, is downed with a micro beer so it’s known to bring on a “food coma” of sorts.

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Del. Filler-Corn Champions New Laws Preventing, Combating Sexual Assault

On Friday, March 11, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), flanked by leading voices in the fight against campus and domestic sexual assault participated in a press conference in Richmond on the last day of the 2016 General Assembly session announcing the passage of several bills addressing this issue.

Celebrating the Spring Holidays

Spring is here.

Letter: Gerrymandering Promotes Partisanship and Polarization

To the Editor

Everywhere we turn today, the media is bombarding us with antics of the current presidential campaign.

Letter: Time to Speak Out for Quality of Life in Fairfax County

To the Editor

Fairfax County is a composite of many things that make the quality of life rich for people living here.

Caregiving

Workshops and seminars for seniors and caregivers.

Wednesday, March 16

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Burke: Robinson Boys’ Lax Beats Broad Run in Season Opener

Two-time defending state champs have new leaders.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team defeated Broad Run on Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 15

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Real Food for Kids' Culinary Challenge

11 teams of middle and high school students compete in school food competition.

Eleven teams of middle and high school students competed in the fourth annual Real Food for Kids' Culinary Challenge on Saturday, March 12 at Robinson Secondary School.

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Mission: Promoting Peace

22 students or student groups receive the Student Peace Award, for their efforts to promote peace.

With causes ranging from anti-bullying efforts to human trafficking awareness to interfaith dialogue, students in Fairfax County were recognized for their peacemaking efforts at the 11th Annual Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County on March 13.

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Encouraging STEM-curious Youth

Third Annual STEM Symposium draws a crowd at the Nysmith School.

“We need people in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields today, tomorrow and as far as we can envision.”

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No E-Z Answers on I-66

VDOT’s Transform I-66 Inside the Beltway meeting leaves public waiting for answers.

There were also questions and comments of a financial nature.

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And the Winner Is...

Wakefield Forest Elementary School student to compete at Scripps’ National Spelling Bee.

After 11 rounds of competitive play, fourth grade student Eric Kim, from Wakefield Forest Elementary School, was declared the champion for correctly spelling every word thrown at him.

Private Schools: When Leaving Unexpectedly

Spring is time to commit to one’s school of choice.

When Ashley and Clark Leonard enrolled their son in a local independent school, they were excited about the prospect of him thriving in a new, smaller academic environment.

Editorial: Homelessness on Its Way Out in Fairfax

Homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring; 776 fewer homeless individuals in 2016 than in 2008.

Homelessness is down in Fairfax County in every major category, a fact confirmed on Jan. 28, 2016, the annual Point in Time Count.

Legislative Wrap-Up Forum

Learn what your area legislator did during the Virginia General Assembly.

FCPL to Hold Community Forum

Fairfax County Public Libraries will hold community forums to see public opinion on what is needed in the community.

‘Do You Keep a Gun in Your Home?’

Starting conversations about gun safety can help prevent play date tragedies.

Starting the conversation felt awkward. After all, she didn’t want to offend another parent.

Monday, March 14

It Takes a Village

Campaign designed to end homelessness in Fairfax County.

When speaking with Kathy Albarado, one might not guess that she’d experienced periods of homelessness as an adolescent.

Friday, March 11

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Fairfax: Beauty of the American Songbook

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra presents Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Spring is arriving with its jaunty cherry blossoms and daffodils.

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Burke Historical Society begins new research education series.

When Col. Blake Meyers’ (U.S. Army, ret.) mother and grandmother died, he inherited boxes of family records that no one had ever taken the time to archive, much less even go through and organize.

Thursday, March 10

Fairfax County: Commonwealth's Attorney Finds No Criminality in Paul Guida In-Custody Death

After a determination from the medical examiner that Falls Church resident Paul Guida, 68, died of natural causes while in the Sheriff’s custody at the Fairfax County Detention Center, Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond F. Morrogh concluded there was no evidence of criminality associated with involved law enforcement or staff at the jail.

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Fairfax and Mount Vernon: Matthew Takes on Four More Life Sentences with Guilty Plea for Murders

Jesse L. Matthew, Jr., now 34, will never leave prison. Matthew was already beginning to serve three consecutive life sentences after he entered an Alford Plea for charges of abduction, sexual assault and attempted murder in Fairfax in 2005.

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

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Fairfax: Oak Valley Center Joins PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families, a local nonprofit helping youth with a variety of challenges and qualities succeed, will assume operations of Fairfax-based Oak Valley Center.

Letter: Hug Your Dog

To the Editor

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. My first dog, Leroy, was here before I was, and would follow me around the house to keep me out of trouble.

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Fairfax: Gifted Dancers, Thrilling Artistry

George Mason University School of Dance presents Dance Gala.

“These are exciting times for the Mason School of Dance; we want to share our excitement with all of Northern Virginia,” said Susan Shields, director School of Dance, George Mason University.

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Fairfax: Pancakes for a Cause

Breakfast event raises funds for Ellie’s Hats.

Some 200 people enjoyed a pancake breakfast, Saturday morning, at American Legion Post 177 in the City of Fairfax.

Fairfax: Asking the Needed Questions

City Council and staff discuss City housing policy.

The City’s housing policy was one of the items discussed during the Fairfax City Council’s recent mini-retreat at the Blenheim Interpretive Center.

Sports Roundups

Sports happenings

Area Roundups

Area happenings

Letter: How Come Cat ‘Beats’ State Champions?

To the Editor

Your Feb. 25-March 2 cover story was about a cat and buried on page 12 was the article on both Robinson Boys and Girls swim teams winning State Titles!

Commentary: A Step Backwards for Virginia

Virginia New American leaders respond to the nomination of Ken Cuccinelli for the State Supreme Court.

From immigration to contraception to climate change denial to LGBT rights, Ken Cuccinelli has built a career on extreme conservative positions that are out of step with Virginia today.

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Fairfax: Jara Honored as Officer of Year

Feted at City Police Department’s awards ceremony.

Officer Alex Jara is just 26, yet he’s already served with the military overseas and with the City of Fairfax Police Department for three-and-a-half years.

Tuesday, March 8

Laptop Donations in Fairfax County

Help homeless youth in Fairfax County by donating laptops and tablets. Donate a working laptop or tablet through Friday, March 11.

Editorial: Making Good Choices on Saint Patrick’s Day

Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), will offer the 2016 St. Patty’s Day SoberRide program, providing free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Thursday, March 17.

Editorial: Bringing Back the Electric Chair

In a world: Barbaric.

No doubt Virginia and Texas will be the last two states to continue with the death penalty until, inevitably, evolving standards of decency lead the U.S. Supreme Court to declare that the death penalty is unconstitutional.

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Nanny Suites Add Value

High-end live-in quarters attract au pairs and can increase property values.

When Peggy Delinois Hamilton relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and began working full-time after spending eight years as an at-home mother of two children, childcare was one of her top concerns.

Remodeled Home Tour Set for March 12

Home evolves from center hall colonial to open plan with boldly original finishes.

To satisfy a couple's evolving lifestyle requirements, Sun Design Remodeling dramatically reconfigured the home's first level, introducing a “kitchen-centric” plan that better supports everyday uses and entertainment needs.

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Buying or Selling?

A primer for doing either and avoiding pitfalls.

Here we are, once again right on the heels of the spring/summer real estate season when it seems like “For Sale” signs become the most common lawn ornament or condo window decoration.

Teen Trafficking Awareness Event in Springfield

West Springfield High School and Just Ask Prevention Project will hold an awareness night to address the issue of sex trafficking in the region on Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at West Springfield High School, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield.

FCPS Students Named to 2016 Virginia Honors Choir

High school and middle school students named to honors choir.

Monday, March 7

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Burke and Fairfax: Super Tuesday 2016 Viewpoints

Who did you vote for, and what are some of the most important issues for you in this election?

John Kasich. He’s the more moderate option. I really don’t want Trump to win and I want a more moderate fiscal budget, with more equitable wealth distribution.

Thursday, March 3

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Fairfax County: Commission Recognizes Outstanding Women in Government Work

Edwyna Wingo of the Chantilly area began her career with Fairfax County as a nurse in the Health Department on Sep. 1, 1965 and worked her last full day Oct. 1, 2011.

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Police Arrest 20 for Heroin Use in One Day

Operation Save-a-Life offered low-level offenders the chance at recovery treatment rather than jail time.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Fairfax County Police served 20 arrest warrants, all for possession and or distribution of heroin.

Small Lifestyle Changes Can Have Big Impact

Researchers found that moderate weight loss improves health.

Dropping as little as five percent of one’s body weight can lead to significant health improvements, according to a new study published in the Cell Metabolism journal.

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Managing Medication Can Be Challenging

“Let’s Talk about RxSM” helps seniors avoid prescription drug mishaps.

It was around 2 a.m. on a frigid winter night when Janet Russell was awakened from her sleep by the sound of woman calling for help.

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Four-Cent Tax Rate Increase, with Side of Vitriol

Reconsideration hours later gives same result; board will consider putting meals tax to referendum in November.

Tuesday morning, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted for a four-cent tax rate increase, advertising a tax rate of $1.13 per $100 of assessed value.

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Presentation on Putin at George Mason University

Distinguished Russian scholar and lecturer, Dr. William E. Pomeranz, addressed members of the George Mason community last week on the current political climate created by President Vladimir Putin in light of recent Russian actions in Syria and Ukraine.

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Inner Peace Through Dance and Movement

Richmond Ballet II and Pulitzer Prize winner Sarah Kaufman at the JCCNV

Movement and dance are beautiful to behold.

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Fairfax: Sisson Presents Proposed FY 2017 City Budget

Recommends 2.7-cent real estate tax rate hike.

Think it’s tough balancing a household budget? Try dealing with one that is more than $166 million.

Wednesday, March 2

Classified Advertising March 2, 2016

Read the latest ads here!