Thursday, February 28
Robinson Reaches Region Final Four
Robinson's season ends with loss to Wakefield in region semifinals.
Wakefield Boys’ Basketball Finishes Region Runner-Up
Warriors qualify for state tournament, will travel to Richmond.
Wakefield will face Mountain View today in the state quarterfinals.
Woodson Wins Region Title with Epic Comeback
Cavaliers erase 19-point fourth-quarter deficit against Wakefield.
Woodson will face Battlefield on Friday in state quarterfinals.
Week in Fairfax
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved Supervisor Pat Herrity’s (R-Springfield) plan and design for a Fairfax County license plate. Besides allowing residents to show pride in their community, proceeds from the license plates’ sales will go to the World Police and Fire Games, which the county is hosting in 2015.
Riverbend Opera to Open New Season
"The music of opera takes me to beautiful places in my imagination, with swirling passions and languid times of reflection," said John Turner (McLean) in describing his love for the art form. He is one of the artistic forces behind Fairfax County's own Riverbend Opera Company. With its 2013 season, Riverbend will have a double-bill of one-act works by Giacomo Puccini. Puccini's operas are some of the most performed such as "La Bohème," "Madame Butterfly" and "Tosca." Each of the one-acts, "Il tabarro" and "Suor Angelica" has "almost achingly beautiful music" said Turner.
Why a Change Is Needed for School
Fairfax High has a building capacity of 2,412 students and a current enrollment of 2,659—meaning a 110-percent building utilization. But if nothing changes, it’s projected to have 3,011 student bodies by the 2017-18 school year and a 125-percent building utilization. Lanier’s capacity is 1,307 students, and it presently has a 1,239 student population using 95 percent of its building. But if left as is, it’s projected to have an enrollment of 1,421 by 2017-18 for a 109-percent building utilization.
‘It’s All about Our Children’
Parents discuss three school-boundary scenarios.
The goal of the Fairfax High/Lanier Middle School boundary study is to remove 300 students from Fairfax and 150 from Lanier and send them elsewhere to relieve overcrowding at those two schools. But how best to do it has not yet been decided. So more than 200 people came to Lanier’s cafeteria last Wednesday, Feb. 20, to learn more about the three boundary scenarios proposed and express their opinions about them. Centreville and Chantilly residents also attended, because the changes will affect many of their children, too.
Artwork Commemorating Holocaust
Fairfax Station artist Lynn Goldstein was selected to participate in the exhibition “Resistance Through Art,” which will be on view at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) from now until April 15. The JCCNV and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington are sponsors of the exhibit. Goldstein states, “This was an opportunity to make a piece that invites viewers to interact with the work in ways that have not been possible with the paintings that I have made in the past.”
Putting a Name and Face on Chronically Homeless
At 4 a.m., under a full moon, more than 200 volunteers fanned out across Fairfax County on Monday, Feb. 25, to identify the more than 300 people who are literally homeless, living in cars, on the street or in the woods around the county. Coordinated by the Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership to End Homelessness, the weeklong effort is part of the 100,000 Homes campaign, an intensive approach to identify and find homes for the chronically homeless.
$7 Billion Budget Proposal Unveiled
Typical county household would see real estate tax bill increase by $260 annually.
“We are also forced to recognize the significant yet unknown impact that is expected from federal sequestration and the continuing challenges of a slowly recovering economy.” —Fairfax County Executive Edward L. Long, Jr.
Letter: How I Got My Dog
We had been looking for a new dog for close to 10 years—I would occasionally stop at the animal shelter or at a rescue group set-up—but I really didn't know how to pick out a dog, so I just didn't. Our previous dogs had basically just fallen into our laps by differing circumstances.
Fairfax Adult Softball Honors its Dedicated Volunteers
Fairfax Adult Softball (FAS), the largest adult ASA softball league in the country, celebrated the spirit of altruism and selfless service at Brion’s Grille in Fairfax on Sunday, Feb 10. “We run the largest adult ASA softball league in the United States,” said Christine Idip, FAS program assistant, “and we couldn’t do that without our great volunteer workforce. All of them love the game of slow-pitch softball!”
Fairfax Library Foundation Awards Continuing Education Scholarships
The Fairfax Library Foundation has announced that 13 Fairfax County Public Library employees and volunteers have each been awarded Continuing Education scholarships to foster the professional development of the Fairfax County Public Library team.
Meet Area Families’ ‘Best Friends’
When Guiding Eyes for the Blind dropped off Saki at Bridget Kennerley’s house, they made sure to tell her what to expect from the young golden retriever on that first night. What they couldn’t tell her, however, was how different her life would be every night after.
Classified Advertising Feb. 27, 2013
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Wednesday, February 27
Local Leaders Praise Transportation Funding Bill
State Senator Chap Petersen wants you to curb your enthusiasm.
Politics makes strange bedfellows, and sometimes estranged ones as well. On Saturday, the last day of the Virginia General Assembly, state legislators struck a bipartisan 11th hour deal to pass a comprehensive transportation funding plan—the first long-term plan in 27 years.
Column: To Buy Or Not To Buy
That is my question. And though I can’t quite quote Shakespeare the way I can quote The Three Stooges: “Moe, Larry, the cheese. Moe, Larry, the cheese,” “’tis nobler” to ask it nonetheless. Still, if Hamlet had been diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer, as I have, perhaps he wouldn’t have been contemplating suicide but rather allocating his monthly budget – as I do every day, with nearly every purchase. That’s my dream, “perchance” or otherwise.
Monday, February 25
City of Fairfax Wants to Get Out of Water Business
Mayor, council seek public input before April 9 vote.
In the next few days, City of Fairfax water customers will receive a letter from the City of Fairfax mayor and City Council with details about the proposed deal with Fairfax Water. The city will hold two public meetings at the Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, at 9 a.m. For more information, call 703-385-7850.
Saturday, February 23
Classified Advertising Feb. 20, 2013
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Tham's Triple-Double Leads Wakefield to State Berth
Warriors will face Woodson in Northern Region final.
Tham's triple-double is believed to be Wakefield's first since 2007.
Friday, February 22
A Lesson in Stomach Flu Survival
The ABCs of recognizing, treating and preventing stomach flu.
“The best way to prevent the stomach flu is by washing your hands, especially after using the restroom.” — Dr. Jean Glossa
Column: Definition of “Slippery Slope”
Figuratively speaking, of course. That definition being: a late stage cancer patient/survivor previously characterized as “terminal” awaiting the results of their most recent diagnostic scan. A scan that will indicate whether the tumors have grown, moved or God forbid, appeared somewhere new. If your life hung in the balance before the scan, waiting for results of this however-many-months-interval-scan will most assuredly loosen your figurative grip on your equilibrium and your most literal grip on your sanity. This is a domain, unlike the one referred to in one of the more infamous Seinfeld episodes, that one cannot master. To invoke and slightly rework Dan Patrick’s “catch” phrase: You can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it.
Choosing a Summer Camp
Region offers programs to tempt children with interests ranging from sports to drama to science.
While most of Washington is braving the winter weather, April Toman has been planning for summer. At the top of her list: choosing a camp for her two children, Claire, who is in fifth grade, and Will, who is a second grader. “I start thinking about it in January,” said Toman, who lives in Alexandria. “I talk to my kids about what they are interested in taking. There are so many options and the popular camps fill up quickly.”
Bob’s Discount Furniture Opens New Store, Donates to Area Schools
On Thursday, Feb. 14, Bob’s Discount Furniture donated a total of $13,500 to local schools at the grand opening of their new Fairfax store, located in the Greenbriar Shopping Center at 13055A Lee Jackson Memorial Highway. These donations were presented to school representatives by Cathy Poulin, public relations director of Bob’s Discount Furniture, who also celebrated the store opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The company also opened a store in Waldorf, Md. on the same day.
Mason Alumnus Promotes Biking
Joe Paisley runs an online community for cyclists to network and share common interests.
With spring right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about pulling your bike out of the garage and taking a break from the congested automobile commute with a fresh change of scenery. But cycling aficionado Joe Paisley will not let cold weather keep him off the pedals. Even in 19—degree weather, Paisley keeps his enthusiasm for cycling alive and works to spread bicycle advocacy on and off the bike.
Following in His Dad’s Footsteps
Ben Sisson is county’s Volunteer Rookie Firefighter of the Year.
Ben Sisson is just 20, but he’s just been honored as Fairfax County’s 2012 Volunteer Rookie Firefighter of the Year. He received the recognition and a plaque last Tuesday, Feb. 12, along with other volunteer firefighters, during a ceremony before the Board of Supervisors.
Dr. Allen Neil Duckworth of Springfield, 72, Dies
Dr. Allen Neil Duckworth of Springfield passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the age of 72. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Bergquist, he is survived by his wife of forty-nine years Becky, two sons, David (Alisha) Duckworth and Dr. Douglas (Jasmine) Duckworth, his daughter Dr. Beth (Michael) Flecker, his sister Debra (Win) Davis as well as 11 grandchildren and nieces Andi and Malika.
Virginia Lawmakers Strike Down Bike Safety Bills
Local cyclists vow return in 2014.
Virginia may be for lovers, but bicyclists? Not so much. On Monday, the Virginia House of Delegates killed the last bicycle bill to come before the body in a vote of 55-42. The bill, SB1060, would have added bicycles to the list of vehicles that cannot be tailgated.
Fairfax Attracts 8,400 New Jobs
Intelsat U.S. headquarters relocation most prominent announcement of the year.
In 2012, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) worked with 186 businesses adding 8,438 jobs to the Fairfax County economy.
New Approach to Helping Chronic Homeless
County joins "100,000 Homes" effort as chronic homelessness levels rise.
The number of chronically homeless individuals in Fairfax County is on the rise. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are considered chronically homeless, many living in cars or sleeping in tents. In an effort to find permanent homes for these individuals, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness is joining the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless throughout the nation.
Life and Death Online
Virginia lawmakers pass “digital assets” bill to ease parental access to deceased child’s accounts.
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the Virginia General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a bill Tuesday that makes it easier for parents and guardians to swiftly access minors online accounts after their death. The digital assets bill—co-sponsored by Delegates David Bulova (D-37) and Tommy Wright (R-Amelia)—is now headed to Governor Robert McDonnell’s desk for signature. Specifically, the bill allows a representative of the minor to obtain access to his or her digital accounts within 30 days of submitting a written request and death certificate to the social media site.
Fourth Annual Running to Remember Josh
Josh Anderson Foundation remembers teen, aims to prevent teenage suicide.
On March 18, 2009, the world lost Joshua Lee Anderson—a beloved son, brother and friend—to suicide. He was 17 years old. The Josh Anderson Foundation (JAF) was formed for two purposes: to keep Josh's memory alive and to collect funds for the education and prevention of teenage suicide. JAF's goal is to promote youth mental health awareness by bringing innovative, creative and effective programs directly into high schools. By the end of the 2012-2013 school year, JAF will have funded programs in eleven schools and impacted over 17,000 students.
A Passion for Dance
Richmond Ballet II to perform and teach master class.
The importance of dance is clear to Stoner Winslett, artistic director of the Richmond Ballet. "Dance is the expression of the human spirit through movement. It is the instinctive language of our hearts and minds," she wrote.
Robinson Gives Back
School’s Music Honor Society holds annual benefit concert at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax.
For Robinson senior and trumpet player Matt McMahon, just pulling off Saturday’s Robinson Gives Back concert will be a success in and of itself. The president of the secondary school’s 90-member Tri-M music honor society assumed most of the responsibility for organizing the annual event this year when the faculty sponsor and choral director Michael Horanski took paternity leave.
Thursday, February 21
Fairfax Home Sales: January, 2013
In January 2013, 72 Fairfax homes sold between $1,476,665-$125,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: January, 2013
New Approach to Helping Chronic Homeless
County joins "100,000 Homes" effort as chronic homelessness on rise.
The number of chronically homeless individuals in Fairfax County is on the rise. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are considered chronically homeless, many living in cars or sleeping in tents. In an effort to find permanent homes for these individuals, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness is joining the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless throughout the nation.
‘Two Symphonies and a Dance’ for Area Music Lovers
Virginia Chamber Orchestra to present early Mozart and Mendelssohn works.
There has always been the debate about the role of nature and nurture in a child’s development. This is especially true in child prodigies. Mozart and Mendelssohn were from musical homes and received encouragement in musical studies. Although Gluck sang in his church choir, his interest in music was surely of his own making as he was expected to work in his family’s forestry business.
Wednesday, February 20
Hayfield’s Overstreet Shares Vault State Title
Woodson's Freidman fourth in all-around.
Overstreet finishes top eight in two events at state meet.
Thursday, February 14
Classified Advertising Feb. 13, 2013
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Wednesday, February 13
A Positive Reflection
Joan Brady gives foster children needed exposure.
On Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, Joan Brady of Great Falls had just started a three-month sabbatical from her job with an Internet company. Newly-married, Brady, who was 36 years old at the time, was exhausted from 80-hour work weeks in a rigid corporate environment. She wanted time that fall to contemplate what to do next with her life. The next day provided answers and a sense of urgency. It was Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks, and the moving stories of heroism and tragedy on 9/11, indelibly left their mark. Brady, like many Americans, was inspired to do something new, to take more chances, to change direction.
Robinson Wrestling Wins Northern Region Title
Lake Braddock wins three individual championships.
The Robinson wrestling team won two individual region titles.
Woodson's Freidman Wins Region Title
Cavaliers finish fourth at Northern Region meet.
Freidman finished first on beam, second on floor.
Woodson Boys’ Basketball Punches Regional Ticket
Cavaliers looking to avoid repeat of late-season collapse.
The Woodson boys' basketball team reached the 20-win mark for the second straight season.
Woodson Girls’ Basketball Secures Regional Berth
Cavaliers defeat Lee in Patriot District tournament.
Woodson's Walker, Finnerty score in double figures against Lee in opening round of Patriot District girls' basketball tournament.
Editorial: On Transportation
Compromise, in the works, should include indexing the gas tax to inflation.
Virginia needs more options, not fewer, in developing revenue to pay for roads and transportation. Compromise on a plan to increase transportation revenue should not include making Virginia the only state in the nation without a gas tax. The current, ridiculously low gas tax should be indexed to inflation. The last thing the commonwealth needs is to do away with an existing, major source of money for roads.
February is ‘Share The Love’ Month at The Nest Egg
The Nest Egg in Fairfax, one of Northern Virginia's local destinations for unique home furnishings and decorative accents, has pledged to donate a portion of their sales during Valentine's week, Feb. 11-17, to Journey 4 A Cure's iPad Program. The iPad program makes a difference in the lives of youth fighting childhood cancers.
Hats Off to Democratic Women of Clifton
DWC celebrates eighth anniversary in style.
Fine millinery was on full display as the Democratic Women of Clifton gathered on Sunday, Feb. 10, to celebrate its eighth anniversary in style. The theme of this year’s party was “Hats Off to Democratic Women!” and members complied by donning an assortment of colorful chapeaus—from the classic fedora, brim snapped and businesslike, to the romantic cloche and the whimsical Victorian.
Area Roundups
Chantilly High, Fairfax High, Falls Church High, Oakton High, Robinson Secondary, Woodson High, Franklin Middle, Frost Middle, Jackson Middle, Lanier Middle and Rocky Run Middle are all schools involved in the boundary study to relieve overcrowding at Fairfax High and Lanier Middle School.
Helping Parents Battle Social Media Giants
Parents demand access to son’s Facebook account after his suicide.
Ricky Rash, a self-proclaimed “country boy” and second generation Virginia dairy farmer, enjoyed his bucolic life in Nottoway County. He and his wife, Diane, a nurse, were content to raise their four children in the same house Rash grew up in. The world of social media—Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter—held little interest for the couple who considered faith and family the bedrock of their life. But after their 15-year-old son committed suicide on Jan. 20, 2011, social media became their focus.
Friday, February 8
Classified Advertising Feb. 6, 2013
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Thursday, February 7
Public Still Hot for Ice Skating Rink in Fairfax
Michael Weiss’ former training site hosts the next generation of Olympians.
It’s one of life’s ironies: we love to complain about how cold it is, yet the arctic activity of ice skating continues to be a major recreation destination. Though he’s been a hockey guy all his life, Fairfax Ice Arena Manager Andy Heckmann doesn’t get it either. “I never understand the psychology,” he said, “why people come here when it’s cold.”It’s one of life’s ironies: we love to complain about how cold it is, yet the arctic activity of ice skating continues to be a major recreation destination. Though he’s been a hockey guy all his life, Fairfax Ice Arena Manager Andy Heckmann doesn’t get it either. “I never understand the psychology,” he said, “why people come here when it’s cold.”
Rooting for Transparency
Burke-based settlement hot on heels of anti-fraud land title certification.
Two grandmothers, Myrna Keplinger and Betty Reed, decided in 2000 that it would be nice to have an office space of their own. So they opened a realty and settlement office in the Mark Center in Alexandria and the two retired friends happily averaged 40 closings per month. Thirteen years and countless closings later, The Settlement Group grew to become the ninth largest settlement group in the region, with six offices in Northern Virginia, including locations in Burke, Franconia and McLean. As for Keplinger—she had undergone as much professional growth as had her business. She is now treasurer for the Virginia Land Title Association, on the American Land Title Association board of directors and an active member of its communications committee.
Preserving Mental Health as People Age
Experts say diet, exercise and mental stimulation are key.
“Exercise [is] the ‘lifestyle’ factor with the strongest effect. A number of different research groups have found benefits of aerobic exercise on both brain structure and function and on cognitive performance.” — Pamela Greenwood, Ph.D., George Mason University
Wednesday, February 6
February Is Heart Month
Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.
When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.
Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
Making the Difference Between Struggle and Success
Carmen Jordan of Reston has been a mentor for Fairfax Families4 Kids for six years. She is considered one of the most experienced mentors in the program. In addition to working full-time as a marquee account manager at Deltek in Herndon, Jordan makes herself available to “trouble-shoot” for the children and families she mentors. In the following column, she details her experiences with the program, and at-risk foster youth.
'Stuff the Bus’ Campaign Helps Feed the Hungry
Donations continue to increase as campaign enters third year.
Local grocery stores were packed this weekend with shoppers stocking up on Super Bowl snacks for the annual football fan party. At the Wal-Mart in Fairfax, shoppers were greeted with colorful displays of chips, dips and other party favorites. They were also greeted by volunteers from Our Daily Bread (ODB), who were handing out flyers and encouraging shoppers to donate gift cards or specific items to restock ODB’s pantry shelves. A Fairfax nonprofit for nearly 30 years, ODB provides food and other critical services to the working poor, the elderly and the disabled. More than half of ODB’s clients are local children.
From Community Eyesore to Community Asset
Transformation of Kings West Swim Club adds green space.
For several years, neighbors in the Kings Park West subdivision grappled with the problem of what to do with the big hole in the ground that was once the Kings West Swim Club.
A Ticket to Hollywood
Fairfax Academy student Maddie Assel is on American Idol.
Fairfax Academy student Maddie Assel is a bubbly, outgoing, 17-year-old. She’s busy with school, friends, college visits and—oh, yes, she’s also a contestant on American Idol.
Week in Fairfax
Firefighter Injured in Townhouse Fire, Fairfax Center House Fire Under Investigation, Citizens Fire and Rescue Academy, and Bob’s Discount Furniture Supports Area Schools
Fairfax County Police Department Warns Public of Inheritance Scam
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has received numerous reports from residents across the U.S. involving a phony inheritance proclamation.
Providence Players of Fairfax County Receive 19 WATCH Nominations
The Providence Players of Fairfax County have been nominated for 19 Washington Area Community Honors (WATCH) for artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater.
Show off Your Civic Pride
Pre-order Fairfax County license plates now.
Residents of Fairfax County can now pre-order their Fairfax County license plates online at the new Visit Fairfax website—www.fxva.com/plates/.
Community to Discuss Boundary Changes
At its business meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24, the Fairfax County School Board voted to conduct a boundary study to address overcrowding at Fairfax High School and Lanier Middle School.
Volunteering for the President
Girl Scout Troop 189 of Fairfax volunteered on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 21.
Lawmakers Provide Assembly Overview
Petersen, Bulova host Town Hall meeting in Fairfax.
Transportation, redistricting and the proposed closure of the Northern Virginia Training Center were the top issues among constituents who showed up at the Town Hall meeting hosted by Del. David Bulova (D-37) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) on Saturday, Feb. 2.