Stories for April 2013

Yoga Week Comes to the Area

Local effort offers budding yogis a chance to improve their minds, bodies and spirits with free or $5 classes.

D.C. Yoga Week Runs through May 5 For more information and a list of participating studios, visit HYPERLINK "http://dccy.org/" http://dccy.org/. “This event will raise awareness about how great yoga is for your mind, body and spirit.” — Amanda Shipe, Mind Your Body Oasis, Arlington

Looking “ASCANce”

It wasn’t exactly “Executive Clemency.”

Programming Marathon at TJ 

Area high schoolers impress instructors at the 24-hour computer programming marathon.

When a voice over the loudspeaker announced, “free swag outside,” a stampede of teenagers cleared out the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST) gymnasium in less than a minute. Even after almost 20 hours of coding and programming, the students were at no loss for enthusiasm, especially for free paraphernalia decorated with the TJ Hackathon logo. Kim Holton, a volunteer whose son was participating in the hackathon, said, “They all seem really tired and they’re dragging, but they’re excited.”

Fairfax Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, a highly-decorated Blackhawk pilot.

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess of Fairfax, a highly-decorated U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot, was killed Tuesday, April 23, in Afghanistan, according to a Pentagon report from Friday, April 26.

Chantilly Day Entertainment Schedule

Performers will entertain at the stage in the Kmart parking lot. Exact times may vary slightly. 10-10:20 a.m. – PRO Martial Arts 10:25-10:45 a.m. – Competitive jump roping; Wholesome Campus 10:50-11:10 a.m. – Former astronauts Carl Walz and Frank Culbertson will speak. 11:15 a.m.-noon – Soul Raising Visions rock band 12:15-1 p.m. – ...AND WHAT ARMY 1:15-2 p.m. – THEYCALLMEPIANO 2:15-2:45 p.m. – Westfield High Jazz Combo 3-4 p.m. – Stolen Camaros rock band

Hot Exhaust Causes House Fire

A house fire April 10 in the Fairfax Center area caused an estimated $231,500 damage. Fairfax County fire officials say it began accidentally when the hot exhaust of a riding lawn tractor ignited nearby dry ground cover.

Classified Advertising April 24, 2013

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Behind the Scenes: Bill Keech Jr. Talks about Chantilly Day

Bill Keech Jr. is president of the Westfield Business Owners Assn. and the Chantilly-Centreville Chamber of Commerce, both of which are putting on Chantilly Day, along with Kaiser Permanente. Q: How will the second annual Chantilly Day build on last year’s event? A: It is hard to build on an event that was so successful last year. The momentum is building and everyone is excited about this year’s Chantilly Day. We are welcoming the designation of the "Air & Space Capital of Virginia" and the fantastic lineup in the business showcase, live entertainment, family games and our very special honored guest astronauts, Carl Walz and Frank Culbertson Jr.

Editorial: Connection Guide to Parks Wins ‘Best in Show’

Investigative reporting, in depth coverage, education writing, photography, art, design, sports, garner Virginia Press Association honors.

The Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association, with winners announced on Saturday, April 20, in Norfolk.

Roundups

Sexual Assault and Burglary Fairfax County Police are investigating the sexual assault of a 27-year-old Centreville woman. The incident occurred Sunday, April 21, around 3 a.m. Police say the woman was asleep inside her home in the 13000 block of Winding Oak Circle when she was awoken by a man sexually assaulting her. But she fought him off and he fled on foot. Investigation also revealed that electronic equipment had been stolen from her residence. Entry was apparently gained through an unlocked door. The suspect was described as possibly Hispanic, 25-35, about 5 feet 7 inches, with a medium build and wearing a dark hoodie and dark pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, text “TIP187” plus a message to CRIMES/274637 or call police at 703-691-2131.

Elephant Artist Inspires Youth

On Thursday, April 11, 30 children from The Apple Tree School of Fairfax had the opportunity to paint alongside Kelly Ann, a 17-year-old Asian elephant with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, at the George Mason University Patriot Center.

Studio BE Pilates Hosts 'Grand Re-opening' in Fairfax Corner

Studio BE Pilates is planning a "Grand Re-opening Day" on Thursday, April 25, in celebration of its new location in Fairfax Corner.

Hot Exhaust Causes $231,500 House Fire

A house fire April 10 in the Fairfax Center area caused an estimated $231,500 worth of damage. Fairfax County fire officials say it began accidentally when the hot exhaust of a riding lawn tractor ignited nearby dry ground cover. Flames then quickly spread, catching the home’s siding on fire, as well.

Raising Money for Police Unity Tour

The Police Unity Tour (PUT) is a 230-mile bike ride, May 10-12, and City of Fairfax police officers ride with Fairfax County’s PUT Chapter IV.

‘A Sweet Story From a Simpler Time’

Fairfax High presents musical, “Hello, Dolly.”

Rousing music and a tender romance in turn-of-the-century New York—Fairfax High’s FX Players bring it all to life in the musical, “Hello, Dolly.”

Fairhill Elementary in-school Banking Days

April is National Financial Literacy Month and Sandy Spring Bank is celebrating by taking to the classroom to give children hands-on experience learning about money. On Wednesday, April 17, at Fairhill Elementary School, the bank set up its weekly in-school branch to help teach children about banking in a real world atmosphere.

Collecting for Those in Need

GMU student coordinates care campaign for domestic abuse shelter residents.

Joy Tharrington, a senior psychology major at George Mason University (GMU) and starting forward on their women’s basketball team, has been coordinating an effort with her teammates and members of the track and field teams to collect small, but comfort-providing items for the women and children being protected at Artemis House, the county’s only crisis domestic violence shelter, run by Shelter House, Inc.

A Beautiful Mind

Powerful play takes students inside the mind of autistic teen.

In 1996, Bernie DeLeo was exactly where he thought he should be. A former actor-turned-film producer and writer, DeLeo was living in New York City with his wife and young son. He had an agent, and had just gotten work on a sitcom—Life’s Work—starring Michael O’Keefe. But one weekend, while he was in Los Angeles, he got a call from his wife that irrevocably changed the course of his life. Charlie, his 3-year-old son, had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism.

Art Competition Winners Announced

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) attends ceremony at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.

More than 200 high school students and their parents and teachers gathered at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center last week to hear U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) and judges from across Virginia’s 11th Congressional District announce the winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition.

‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’

“Hairspray” takes the stage at Robinson Secondary.

Robinson Secondary’s Cappies production is “Hairspray,” and Director Chip Rome is more excited about this show than he’s been about any show in “quite some time.”

South County Soccer Club Bonds in Bermuda

While other Elite Clubs National League soccer teams took a well-deserved break, one team went on the trip of a lifetime. FC Virginia U14s traveled to Bermuda over the Easter holiday, having the opportunity to experience island life while also playing against the full Bermuda women’s national team, and a high school team from Florida.

Fairfax County Budget Reflects ‘Increasing Needs, Decreasing Revenues’

"We as a board spend a lot of time talking about helping people in need, I can only say that when it came time to tax them, they were sadly forgotten." —Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)

Runners Line Up to Stop Child Abuse

Great Falls neighbors join in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which helps explain why 300 runners gathered at 9 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, grouped in teams with names like "Peggy's Posse," "Kids4Kids" and—a favorite—"Team Baxter" (named after organizing member Kim Roellig's dog) on Saturday, April 13.

Housing Market: ‘Sell and Buy’

Sustained low interest rates and rising prices have energized the marketplace.

The local real estate market is thriving, with Realtors reporting multiple offers on homes in some areas and dwindling inventory of homes for sale. At least two things are contributing to this change in the market.

What Housing Slump?

Real estate experts explain the rise in luxury condominium sales

When a retired couple decided it was time to leave their sprawling suburban home, they wanted to downsize without giving up luxury. As a result, they purchased a high-end condominium and hired Bethesda, Md., based interior designer Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design to create a serene and sophisticated space.

Karen Garza Hired as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools

FCPS Board lauds Garza’s “openness” and “willingness to engage” community.

The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved educator Karen Garza of Texas to be the next superintendent of the 181,000 student district at its April 18 school board meeting.

Classified Advertising April 17, 2013

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Fairfax Home Sales: March, 2013

In March 2013, 76 Fairfax homes sold between $1,125,000-$155,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: March, 2013

Local Real Estate: February 2013 Sales $650,000~ $699,999

Local Real Estate: February 2013 Sales $700,000~ $749,999

Roundups

Route 50 Traffic Delays From Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m. and continuing through the day on Saturday, April 20, VDOT will be doing signal work at the intersection of Route 50 and Lee Road in Chantilly as part of the Route 50 widening project. The permanent signal poles and signal heads will be removed, and new temporary signal poles will be installed with new overhead span wire and temporary signal heads.

WFCM Needs Donations, Plans Food Drive

WFCM Needs Donations

During the month of March, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) served 328 households — representing 1,028 people — with food from its food pantry. But it needs help from area residents to continue to help people in need in the local community.

Breaking a Sweat for Homeless Pets

<On Sunday, April 14, the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, a nonprofit that assists the animal shelter, in conjunction with Metro Run & Walk and Olde Towne Pet Resort, held a race at Burke Lake Park to raise funds for the shelter. Over 200 people, many with their dogs, participated in the event and several dogs available for adoption also participat

Week in Fairfax

Fairfax Rotarian Visits Rotary of Saint-Louis, Senegal

Jill Lehman of the Rotary Club of Fairfax recently spent six weeks in Saint-Louis, Senegal, helping mentally disabled children and visiting the Rotary Club of Senegal, a small club of 20 members who are very active in their community.

Letter: A Misreading of History

That a few local schools are named for Confederate generals bothers Kiran Hampton [“Alarmed by School Names,” Connection, April 11-17, 2013]. The US Army and Navy have named forts and ships after Confederate heroes. The Veterans Administration provides headstones for Confederate graves. That wouldn’t have happened if they were traitors. No Confederates were convicted of treason. Hampton’s shame that Virginia fought with the Confederacy suggests a misreading of US history.

‘A Fantastic Piece of Escapism’

Woodson High presents Tolkien’s classic, “The Hobbit.”

Welcome to Middle Earth, as envisioned by J.R.R. Tolkien in Woodson High’s production of “The Hobbit.” It’s the adventure of a peaceful homebody persuaded by a wizard to help a group of militant dwarves reclaim their treasure from a marauding dragon. “One of our biggest challenges was building a huge, dragon puppet,” said Director Terri Hobson. “There’ll be lots of caves, rocky hills and earth tones. And we actually have five girls who are being trees.”

Helping Homeless ‘Close to Home’

Springfield man launches the 25th Project Charity Golf Classic to benefit homeless.

“On Christmas Eve, my church has a gift-wrapping party, and we’ll wrap whatever we have, from tents and sleeping bags to flannel shirts,” Herriott said. “As The 25th Project has grown, we have expanded our goals and now provide tents, batteries, sleeping bags, tarps and other life essentials.”

Andreotta-Urben Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Mark P. Andreotta of Clifton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Ashley Marie to Andrew Paul Urben, son of LTC (Ret.) and Mrs. Edward A. Urben of Woodbridge, Va.

The Comeback Kid

Paralyzed after tragic accident, Nick Balenger throws out WSLL’s Opening Day pitch.

"You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen,” said baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.

Woodson High Celebrates ‘50 Years of Excellence’

Former students and faculty gather for an afternoon of performances, nostalgia and a dedication.

A brisk breeze and bright spring sunshine were nearly as prevalent as the pride and fond memories expressed by alumni and faculty commemorating the 50th anniversary of W.T. Woodson High School on Saturday, April 13.

Editorial: Value-added Evaluation?

TJ admissions illustrate growing gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”

More than 181,000 students attend Fairfax County Public Schools. So why do the 480 students who were accepted for next year’s freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology seem so important? Fairfax County Public Schools have a single elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ is frequently referred to as the top high school in the country. Dramatic disparity in the makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of disparity in early identification of students as gifted and talented, of access to advanced classes and enrichment, and in the basic education that the Fairfax County Public school system offers to all of its students.

Robinson Students Make the Cut for Caring

26 Acts of Kindness campaign continues.

April 1st marked the beginning of Robinson Secondary School’s “26 Acts of Kindness”—a tribute to the 26 children and adults who were killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December in Newtown, Conn. The Student Government Association (SGA) pulled out all the stops to make this “pay it forward” campaign a success, even providing t-shirts with space on the back for supporters to fill in each act of kindness performed, producing a promotional video that was uploaded to YouTube, and even establishing a Twitter site where do-gooders could post what good deeds they had done.

Robinson Coach Rike Reaches 500 Wins

60-year-old has coached Rams girls’ soccer for 32 years.

Rike coached the Falls Church boys' soccer team for five years before taking over the Robinson girls' program.

Column: A False Sense of Security

Not that there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, as a four-year, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer survivor, it’s amazing to have any security, false or otherwise, whatsoever.

‘We Have Not Forgotten’

Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.

Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.

West Springfield Woman at Boston Marathon Carried to Safety by NFL Champ Joe Andruzzi

Friends and family pray for the Wittich family.

The Wittich family of West Springfield was excited about attending the Boston Marathon, one of the historic city’s prominent annual civic pride events. On Saturday, April 13, Christine Wittich, a West Springfield High School student, posted several tweets about the upcoming trip. “Wittich invasion has commenced. Is Boston ready?” and “Yay for being that matching family,” with a photo of mom Julie and sisters in matching blue t-shirts. But after Monday’s bomb blasts transformed the Boston Marathon into a scene of chaos and terror, leaving three dead and more than 100 injured, Wittich’s tweets became more muted.

Editorial: Voting Again

Every year is election year in Virginia, and it’s a bit much.

The most hotly contested race for statewide office in Virginia, the Republican contest for lieutenant governor, will be decided at a statewide convention on May 18. That’s about a month from now.

Local Real Estate: February 2013 Top Sales

April 17 Well-being Festival Prevents Extinction of a People

GMU professor brings health to Maijuna indigenous people, whose population has dwindled to 400.

The Mason Center for Social Entrepreneurship and the Center for Consciousness and Transformation have partnered with Mason ethnobiologist Dr. Mike Gilmore and Mason students to bring clean drinking water as well as proper sanitation and hygiene to the Maijuna communities, an indigenous people in the Peruvian Amazon whose population has been reduced to the low number of 400 individuals. The Maijuna are dying due to dysentery and waterborne diseases contracted from contaminated drinking water.

Roundups

Body Found in Fair Oaks

Fairfax County firefighters responded to an outside fire, Sunday, April 7, around 12:05 p.m., at Route 50 and the Fairfax County Parkway in Fair Oaks. While battling the blaze, they discovered the body of an unidentified adult male.

Classified Advertising April 10, 2013

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Week in Fairfax

Body Found in Fair Oaks and Apple, Vantria Federal Credit Unions Announce Merger

City Votes 6-0 to Get Out of Water Business

Cost of owning water system outweighs civic pride.

After a half century of controlling its own water system, the City of Fairfax voted unanimously Tuesday, April 9, to get out of the increasingly costly water business.

Jewish Film Festival Opens on April 18

Festival opens with “Hava Nagila: The Movie” at Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia in Fairfax.

The Northern Virginia Jewish Film Festival (NVJFF) will celebrate its 13th year of Culture, Community and Chutzpah as it screens 13 films from April 18-28. Presented by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and Angelika Film Center & Café at Mosaic, the festival committee previewed more than 70 Jewish-themed or Israeli-made films to comprise this year’s selections.

Enjoying Frozen Treats to Help Fairfax Girl

Rita’s Italian Ice raises money for Tara Sankner.

Standing on a crate behind the counter of Rita’s Italian Ice, 8-year-old Tara Sankner of Fairfax scooped the cool, frosty treat into cups for customers. Some came there Monday evening because the weather was warm and they enjoy Rita’s offerings. Many others came because the Fairfax location was holding a fundraiser for Tara, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer.

County to Complete Road Projects

Projects that came in under-budget free up $11.2 million.

Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists received a bonus Tuesday, April 9, when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors reallocated $11.2 million in existing funds to complete more than 12 planned pedestrian and road improvement projects.

Animal Control Officer Nabs Elusive Shih Tzu

Officer’s dogged pursuit saves sly pup from life on the streets.

Just 13 pounds of matted fur and fluff, “Biscuit,” a sly shih tzu, evaded capture in the Franconia area for nearly two years, porch-surfing and stealing cats’ food to survive.

Police Receive Alarming Number of Tax Fraud Reports

As annual tax returns are being calculated and submitted in a last-minute furor across the country, Fairfax County Police have received an alarming report of 75 to 100 cases of tax identification fraud in recent weeks. Detectives are warning residents of the scam and urge them to take precautions to prevent being victimized.

Robinson Students Commit to 26 Acts of Kindness

The number 26 is in honor of the 20 students and six staffers killed during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Even if only 10 percent of Robinson Secondary School’s almost four thousand students accept the Student Government Association (SGA)’s 26 Acts of Kindness Challenge during the month of April, that would still mean 10,400 random acts of kindness and courtesy added to the world. Not a bad achievement.

Column: Asked and Answered

I think about it enough, I don’t want to think about it too much. What’s “it?” Cancer.

Children ‘Dress Up With Grown-ups’

Medical Care for Children Partnerships funds medical, dental care for children of uninsured working families in Fairfax County.

“To me, children are the most beautiful creatures of God and there is nothing comparable to being able to give them a healthy and happy smile.” —Dr. Tehreem Butt, recipient of the Dr. Jorge Arnoldson Award

Letter: Alarmed by School Names

Letter to the editor

Classified Advertising April 3, 2013

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Roundups

Italian Ices for Tara

Italian Ices for Tara Tara Sankner, an 8-year-old second-grader at Lees Corner Elementary, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and the local community is rallying ’round to show its support. On Monday, April 8, from 6-8 p.m., area residents can enjoy sweet treats while raising money to help with Tara’s medical bills.

Foundation Prepares to Promote Mental Health

Josh Anderson Foundation to sponsor events across county for mental health and depression awareness.

Before Fairfax County students finish the school year and head to summer break, they first must deal with exams, both final and for AP classes. This can lead to a lot of stress over the final two months of school, pressure the Josh Anderson Foundation is determined to relieve.

Robinson Boys’ Lax Beats Defending State Champ Langley

Sophomore Jasien leads Rams with three goals against Saxons.

Robinson boys' lacrosse coach Matt Curran doesn't want the Rams getting cocky after beating defending state champion Langley.

The Perks of Planning a Park

The City of Fairfax launched a new website Monday— Our Parks, Our Future—where citizens can engage, communicate and collaborate with the Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department and other residents on a new parks master plan for the city.

Egg Hunters on a Roll at Van Dyck Park

Van Dyck Park was filled with more than 1,500 egg-hunters on Monday, April 1, when the City of Fairfax hosted its annual Easter Egg Hunt at the new, larger location.

Parkinson’s Patient Records Original Album to Benefit Research

Ken Fauteux has already raised $1,700 with his record “KFO: Lake Peace.”

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, there are about 1 million Americans currently living with the disease, with 60,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Not all of them can say they’ve turned their condition into a creative, charitable endeavor.

Father-Son Band Raises Money for Breast Cancer Research

Waiting Man with Treece to perform at Fat Tuesday’s.

“We were just jamming, and swore we wouldn’t do gigs,” said Pete Laiti (53), guitarist and singer for the group Waiting Man. “But if we ever did, it would be for charity.” This Saturday Waiting Man, together with Laiti’s son Patrick, 27, look to pack the house at Fat Tuesday’s Mardi Gras-themed bar and restaurant in Fairfax.

Fairfax Rotarian Visits Rotary of Saint-Louis, Senegal

Jill Lehman of the Rotary Club of Fairfax recently spent six weeks in Saint-Louis, Senegal, helping mentally disabled children and visiting the Rotary Club of Senegal, a small club of 20 members who are very active in their community

Willow Springs Participates in National PTA Program

Students at Willow Springs Elementary in Fairfax participated in the National Parent Teacher Association Reflections program, a national PTA arts recognition and achievement program for students.

Grown-up Play About Grown-up Things

Providence Players of Fairfax present "Dinner with Friends."

Sitting around a table at a recent rehearsal, Providence Players of Fairfax Director Tina Thronson and some of her cast discussed the troupe's funny yet bittersweet Pulitzer Award winning next play, "Dinner with Friends" by Donald Margulies.

Fairfax Student Wins Columbus Essay Contest

Claire Wang, a junior at Trinity Christian School (TCS) of Fairfax, won the state level Christopher Columbus Essay Contest sponsored by the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution.

‘Familiar Fairytale With a Talented Cast’

Paul VI presents “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Colorful costumes, an elaborate set, songs, dances and a classic musical comedy—they’re all part of Paul VI’s upcoming production of “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Housing Market: Strong, But Slowing

Sustained low interest rates and rising prices have energized the marketplace, but cuts to government expenditures will eventually cool things down.

A few weeks ago, George Mason University Professor Stephen Fuller, Ph.D, published an update of his July 17, 2012 report that projected imminent and hard-hitting economic effects from sequestration.

Letter: A Photo ID: Victory for Voters

The voters of Virginia won a great victory when Governor McDonnell signed SB 1256, which changes Virginia’s law to require a recent photo ID as the only acceptable identification for voting. Thus, a positive identification can now be made with a visual check to verify that the person coming to vote is actually who he claims to be.

Column: Paying More for Less

Poorer taxpayers are hit the hardest.

When it was first presented to the board, I described the county executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget as asking taxpayers to pay more for the same services, and asking county employees to work harder for the same pay. It’s clear that county taxpayers are hurt by this budget.

Hackathon to Promote Invention

24-hour computer science event to be held April 26-27.

The first time Mayank Jain heard of a hackathon was as a freshman at the University of Illinois. Having graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in June 2012, a tournament such as this, where students collaborated and created software projects within a short window of time, was what he was looking for from the field of computer sciences.

Column: Selfless or Selfish

Selfless or Selfish

Fairfax County’s Homeless Population Declines 12 Percent

Emphasis on rapid re-housing, prevention keys to success.

Despite economic obstacles and fallout from across-the-board sequester cuts, Fairfax County’s number of homeless individuals declined 12 percent decline in the past year, and 26 percent since 2007.