Saturday, March 30
Classified Advertising March 27, 2013
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Thursday, March 28
Week in Fairfax
The first-ever 5K walk dedicated to crime victims in Fairfax County will be held in honor of the 2013 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This free event is slated for Sunday, April 21, at 4:30 p.m., at Fairfax Corner. It’s hosted by the Victims Services Section of the county Police Department and the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation. Area residents may join the professionals who support local victims of homicide, trauma, sexual and domestic violence, child physical and sexual abuse, stalking human trafficking and suicide as they walk together.
Love Keeps You Grounded
Hub Theatre presents "A Man, His Wife and His Hat."
Fairfax's professional Hub Theatre continues to delve into delightfully complicated aspects of love by playwrights often new to the D.C. area. Now the Hub is bringing on Lauren Yee's play described as a "klezmer-inspired love triangle between a man, his wife and a hat."
Fundraiser for Fairfax Girl, Age 8
Tara Sankner, an 8-year-old Fairfax resident, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and the local community is rallying ’round to show its support. She and a fundraising and support team called “Pray for Tara” wore special, pink T-shirts and participated in last Saturday’s, March 23, Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. Tara ran and walked in both events and also had a donation table there.
Fairfax to Present Spotlight on the Arts
28th annual festival runs from April 19 to May 6.
Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts, featuring more than 40 Fairfax-area events showcasing local performance and visual artists, announced its schedule for the 28th annual festival that runs from Friday, April 19, to Monday, May 6. This year’s Spotlight, themed “An Artistic Kaleidoscope,” features not only artists from established arts groups familiar to Spotlight fans, but also artists from nontraditional arts and cultural groups from the area. Spotlight’s wide-ranging event schedule reflects the depth and diversity found in Fairfax’s cultural community.
Connolly’s Art Contest Deadline April 5
High school students residing in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District are encouraged to participate in Congressman Gerry Connolly’s annual Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. Connolly is accepting artwork entries at his Annandale and Prince William District Offices until April 5.
Fairfax Adult Softball Continues to Support Special Olympics
Participants, family, friends and supporters of Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. (FAS) united together on Jan. 27 for the 13th Annual Bowling Tournament to benefit Northern Virginia Special Olympics and Fairfax County Park Authority field improvements.
Fairfax Animal Shelter Undergoing Renovation, Expansion
The county is renovating and expanding the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at 4500 West Ox Road to provide state-of-the-art intake and adoption services for the animals that it cares for each year. The addition section was completed in December 2012, with an estimated completion date for the entire project set for July 2013.
Protecting Both Gun Rights and Public Safety
It was an historic year in the Virginia General Assembly. We passed a once-in-a-generation transportation funding bill and laid the foundation for 400,000 thousand Virginians to gain health insurance through an expansion of Medicaid that will create nearly 30,000 new health care jobs.
Muslim Women Encouraged to Explore STEM
Six women share their success story at the Lorton Library.
The Nubian Benevolence Association was the official sponsor for the Muslim Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) presentation at the Lorton Community Library on Saturday, March 23, but there was little doubt that Hajjar Ahmed, daughter of the organization’s co-Founder Hossam Ahmed, was the driving force behind the event.
Woodson Graduate Directs Award-winning Film
Nicole Rosen’s 16-minute “Toy Soldier” will show at the GI Film Festival in May.
When Nicole Rosen sets out to make a film, she doesn’t shy away from sensitive subject matter—she pursues it. One of her first projects in high school was called “Life Chronicles.” “Basically I shot people who were dying, suffering from terminal diseases,” Rosen said. “They wanted to film their lives for their families. I think it really hit something—my first really intense experience in filmmaking.”
Editorial: More Obstacles to Transparency
General Assembly puts more information out of public reach, but other factors also limit access.
The first paragraph of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, passed by the General Assembly in 1968, states that all public records "shall be presumed open." It doesn’t add, “except when we don’t want to,” although that provision does seem to be available in many cases. Individual government entities have a variety of ways of making it hard for the public to access public information.
Column: 14.8 Percent
That is the percentage of diagnosed lung cancer patients who survive beyond five years, according to The National Cancer Institute’s SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2009, in a graph published in the Feb. 26, 2013 Washington Post’s weekly Health & Science section. As a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivor beginning his fifth year post-diagnosis, charting my prospects in such a cold and impersonal manner is both chilling and arguable. “Chilling” in that facts speak for themselves and are hardly made up of whole cloth, to invoke one of the late Jack Kent Cooke’s more famous quotes. And “arguable” in that charts, statistics, etc., may very well measure the mean, but it sure doesn’t measure the man (this man, anyway). Meaning, from my perspective: sure, the chart is scary as hell, but I’m not sure I’m on it, if you know what I mean? (I know you know what I hope.)
Better Training, More Technology
The bipartisan commission released findings, recommendations regarding long lines on Election Day.
"The commission has identified a variety of improvements and efficiencies to ensure access and convenience for voters in future elections.” —Sharon Bulova
Governor Approves Conditional Budget for Medicaid Expansion
Vote-swapping operation traded transportation votes for Medicaid money.
Half a million uninsured Virginians may be eligible for Medicaid under an agreement now being worked out in Richmond — a deal in which Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell agreed to include Medicaid expansion as part of the budget if Senate Democrats supported a transportation package.
Wednesday, March 27
Lake Braddock Boys’ Soccer Beats Robinson
First-year Robinson coach Garza not pleased with Rams’ effort.
The Lake Braddock boys' soccer team scored the final three goals during a 3-1 victory against Robinson.
Tuesday, March 26
Fashions, Music and Silent Auction
Fairfax Salvation Army fundraiser set for the Waterford
The latest looks for spring, live entertainment, luncheon and a silent auction are all in store for those attending the 33rd annual fashion show benefiting the Fairfax Salvation Army. It’ll be held Friday, April 12, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall), but reservations must be made by March 27.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Q&A with SALT Coordinator John Horejsi.
“When there are bills affecting the wealthy the committee rooms are filled to capacity, but when issues affecting the needy, the hearing rooms are empty.” —SALT Coordinator John Horejsi
Monday, March 25
Between a Rock And a Hard Place
Plain talk about proposed county, FCPS budgets.
In the presentation of the Fairfax County Executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget, there’s a slide titled, “Turned over Every Rock” – and that about sums up the county’s current financial picture. After cutting back as much as it can and looking everywhere possible for extra funding, it still doesn’t have enough money to do everything on everyone’s wish list.
Friday, March 22
Classified Advertising March 20, 2013
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Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2013
In February 2013, 60 Fairfax homes sold between $1,138,096-$150,800.
Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2013
Thursday, March 21
Champions Fighting Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter recognizes its advocates.
The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter recognized 12 individuals as “Inspiring Champions” at a special reception on Jan. 31 at its corporate offices in Fairfax. Among the honorees are Oakton resident Rick Gow, honored for distinguished work in promoting Alzheimer’s awareness.
Lives Are on the Line
Upcoming 5K raises money for cancer patients, research.
BethAnn Telford and Vanessa Spiller are at different points in their cancer journeys. Spiller is in remission from breast cancer, and Telford is still battling brain cancer as hard as she can. But both women will participate in the upcoming Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K Saturday, March 23, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. The event was created in their honor last year and raises money for two cancer organizations.
Sequester’s Impact in Fairfax County? TBD
Local leaders say “uncertainty” biggest fallout of sequester so far.
“From the perspective of business community, businesses are adept when they understand what’s coming. They see a problem; they solve it. The uncertainty is driving them crazy.” —Jerry Gordon, president of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)
The Bad News, the Good News
Q&A with Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee)
Q: What are you hearing from your constituents about sequestration concerns? A: “Where are the grownups?! I don’t think most folks are focusing on the economic or political impact, although there are certainly concerns about furloughs and potential job losses from those who work for the Federal Government or contractors that do business with the Federal Government. Most people seem to be shrugging their shoulders and commenting on Washington idiocy.”
Sequestration: Local Perspective
Springfield small-business owner tackles the sequester.
“The uncertainty is the worst thing. How did we get into this? How do I survive and make sure my employees have a good standard of living? It’s mind-boggling,” Tony Coombs, owner of TC Associates—a Springfield-based cyber-security and professional consulting firm—said during an interview at his headquarters last week.
St. Patrick’s Day With Connolly
More than 1,400 attend congressman’s St. Patrick's Day Fete.
A record-breaking crowd of more than 1,400 packed the shamrock-festooned Kena Temple ballroom Sunday night for Congressman Gerry Connolly's 19th Annual St. Patrick's Day Fete. As dozens of elected officials and Democratic candidates lined the stage behind him, Connolly announced the winners of the straw polls for Virginia's Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
‘Christ Alone’ in Fairfax
Jubilee Christian Center puts on an original drama with adapted music.
“Musically, the people in this church are really talented. I’ve been blown away by that.” —Producer-director Tim Buck of Burke
Week in Fairfax
Want to see a new dog park in Fairfax County? Or would you prefer your favorite rec center to stay open a little longer? The Fairfax County budget is now in your hands. Temporarily. The Board of Supervisors is currently in the process of crafting the FY 2014 budget, and they want your help.
Editorial: Say Yes to Health Coverage
Governor, state panel must accept coverage for 400,000 Virginians without health insurance.
More than 140,000 residents of Fairfax County have no health insurance. That’s more than 13 percent of the slightly more than 1 million people who live in the wealthiest county in the nation. Arlington and Alexandria have similar percentages of uninsured.
Column: Just Wondering
Having never attended medical school (and not really having had the grades or commitment to do so), and having only completed 10th grade biology and freshman year astronomy, and rarely even driven by a medical school growing up, my understanding and/or instincts regarding how a medical professional plans and/or prepares for his day is as foreign to me as sugar-free chocolate (if I’m going down, I’m going down swinging; in truth however, considering the anti-cancer, alkaline diet I’m following, I do need to swing a little less frequently).
The Sound of Music
Enhancing your child’s music education during Music in Our Schools Month and beyond.
From the powerful sounds of a high school band to the soothing melodies sung in a kindergarten music classroom, local music educators are using the month of March to raise awareness of the benefits of learning music.
Wednesday, March 20
Hyland’s 8 Goals Help Rams Edge Bruins
Junior scores game-winner with 16 seconds remaining.
The Robinson girls' lacrosse team overcame a four-goal first-half deficit to beat Lake Braddock on Tuesday.
Tuesday, March 19
Community Honors Sandy Hook Victim
The gray skies, frigid temperatures, and howling winds were not enough to deter 100 people from coming out to honor the Sandy Hook victims last Sunday, March 3, at Lake Fairfax Park as they ran and walked 26 laps for each of the lost lives.
Bulova Appoints Mary Cortina, Faisal Khan to Park Authority Board
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) recently appointed two new representatives to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board.
Thursday, March 14
Classified Advertising March 13, 2013
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Letter: CVHS Needs Volunteers
The Centreville High School PTSA is hosting the 2013 CVHS All-Night After-Graduation Party on June 18, 2013 at Dave & Busters.
Decorating for Easter
Easy ideas to welcome spring into your home.
From floral arrangements that burst with pastel blooms to candles that fill one’s home with scents reminiscent of warm weather, local style experts offer suggestions for accents that welcome spring.
The Region’s Best Home Designs
Local contractors get top honors for remodeling projects.
From designing a kitchen with a concave glass tile backsplash to creating a backyard with a fireplace and pool, some local home remodelers were honored recently with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) 2013 Regional Contractor of the Year awards for design acumen. Winning projects ran the gamut from historic preservation projects to environmentally conscious conceptions.
Recycle, Reuse, Remodel
Remodeling often affords an opportunity to re-purpose existing materials by donating to those less fortunate. Ask your remodeler if there is a plan or policy for saving materials for re-use rather than sending it to a land fill. Every project is different. And some materials are more easily removed and saved than others. Here are a couple of organizations that accepted used materials.
World’s Fanciest Rummage Sale Coming April 7
Rumor has it that the “world’s fanciest” rummage sale will feature some of the crystal light fixtures and other items recently replaced in the remodeling of the Ritz-Carlton Tysons.
‘How to Fall in Love’
Hopkins & Porter, Inc. will be offering "How to Fall in Love with Your Home Again,” a free design and remodeling seminar on Thursday, March 21, 6-8 p.m. This seminar will include a complimentary supper with opportunity to discuss one's own project with professional staff.
Virginia Garden Week to Feature NoVa Gardens
80th Historic Garden Week, April 20-27, 2013
Historic Garden Week 2013 will feature approximately 200 private homes and gardens open on 32 separate tours throughout the state of Virginia over eight consecutive days. It is the largest ongoing volunteer effort in Virginia and represents the coordinated efforts of 3,400 club members. One hundred percent of tour proceeds are used to enhance Virginia’s landscape. For 80 years, the grounds of the commonwealth’s most cherished historic landmarks have been restored or preserved with help from proceeds from Historic Garden Week including Mount Vernon, Monticello and the grounds of the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
Wednesday, March 13
Column: Writing What Four
As far as anniversaries go–and I hope this one “goes” a lot further; acknowledging, dare I say celebrating my four-year survival anniversary from “terminal” stage IV (inoperable, metastasized) non-small cell lung cancer, a diagnosis I initially received on Feb. 27, 2009, along with a “13-month to two-year prognosis” from my oncologist, is certainly column-worthy.
Editorial: Hybrid Hijinks
Discouraging innovation in high-tech Virginia.
Consider this as a possible scenario (although perhaps we should have saved this for April 1): Fewer people are smoking, and many of those who do are smoking less. Virginia’s cigarette tax, the lowest of any state at 30 cents a pack, is a declining revenue source. Higher cigarette taxes are proven to reduce smoking. Under current logic in the commonwealth, there would be two courses of action to raise revenue: a) cut the cigarette tax, and b) charge non-smokers a fee to make up the difference and to compensate for the fact that they don’t pay cigarette taxes.
EPA Will Not Appeal Court Decision on Accotink Watershed
EPA regulations could have cost county $300 million.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effectively ended a two-year legal battle with Fairfax County when the agency announced last week it will not appeal a federal court decision favoring Fairfax County’s handling of the Accotink Creek watershed.
Bicyclists Pedal Onward, Despite Legislative Losses
FABB promotes extended hours on W&OD Trail.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, Northern Virginia bicyclists are back on the roads and trails, despite the Virginia General Assembly’s antipathy for bike safety bills this session.
Fairfax Reenacts Mosby’s Raid
Civil War re-enactors kick off 150th anniversary commemoration.
Despite the brutal and bloody nature of America’s Civil War, it’s still an integral part of the rich history that comes with living in this area of the country. People seek it out, seek to interact with it and learn more of it—they love to see history being preserved as authentically, yet nonviolently, as possible.
Sharks Take a Bite Out of Cancer
Swimmers raise $17,000 for breast cancer awareness during annual marathon.
One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes, and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S. On Sunday, March 3, 38 members of the Shark Tank Racing Squad swam for three hours to put a dent in that brutal statistic.
‘At Some Time, Everyone Needs a Helping Hand’
Wounded veteran talks about the value of serving others.
Two years ago, Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Justin Constantine shared his personal story with Mountain View High students. Severely injured during the War in Iraq, he had a long road to recovery and now helps other wounded veterans.
Father Runs Marathon in His Son’s Honor
Fairfax teen is in remission from leukemia.
This Saturday, March 16, Glen Goold is running in the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Marathon in Washington, D.C., to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. And fueling his every footstep will be the knowledge that his son Spencer is now in remission from this disease.
Letter: Preserving Electoral Board Integrity
The integrity of our elections administration is too important to be trusted in the hands of someone who may have ulterior motives or seek partisan advantage. For that reason I am pleased that Hans von Spakovsky will no longer be on the Fairfax County Electoral Board.
The Irish ‘Rose’ of Burke
Briana Apgar shares her experiences as the 2012 Washington Rose.
The Rose of Tralee Festival is celebrated in Irish communities worldwide. Each Rose Centre selects a female with Irish heritage between the ages of 18-27 as their “Rose,” who will serve as a role model and ambassador for their community at the international festival in Ireland, where one international Rose of Tralee is selected.
Sisters Thai Come to Town
New restaurant adds spice to Old Town Fairfax.
With its bookcase-lined walls, artfully-arranged floral pillows, bone china tea cups and fresh flowers, the newest restaurant in Old Town Fairfax seems more European bistro than Asian contemporary. And that’s the point.
Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K Races
* The Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K are slated for Saturday, March 23, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. Participants may walk or run a USATF-certified 5K course at 8:30 a.m., or participate in a 1K kids’ fun run at 8 a.m.
Roundups
Free Carseat Inspections
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, March 14, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.
Friday, March 8
Classified Advertising March 6, 2013
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Week in Fairfax
A 40-year-old man died at around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, after driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Little River Turnpike for several miles and striking a Fairfax County Police cruiser head-on. The officer, 28, from the Mason Police District, was en route to assist fellow officers after hearing radio traffic about the speeding vehicle in the wrong lanes. He suffered numerous injuries in the crash, was trapped in his vehicle and had to be cut out of the car before he could be transported for medical attention. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where he is in a stable condition.
Empty Bowls Event Raises $18,000
Our Daily Bread’s signature fundraiser benefits Fairfax County residents living below the poverty line.
As the Fairfax Saxophone Quartet played dulcet American swing standards to an audience of 300, the atmosphere inside the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center last Thursday night struck a balance between light-hearted and serious. While outwardly entertaining, with balloon animals, face-painting, live music and close to 400 colorful handmade bowls available to take home, the fifth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser highlighted a humbling reality: the large population of working poor in the Fairfax County area.
Fairfax Author Writes Memoir on Caring for Mother
Fairfax author M. Elizabeth Sweeney published a memoir to help caregivers and aging parents. Nineteen million Americans are caring for someone over the age of 75, and Sweeney was one of them—yet she couldn't find a book about the eldercare issues she encountered with her mother. So she decided to write it.
Fairfax Residents Star in New Production
Clifton Dinner Theater presents “Murder Me Always.”
Mystery, intrigue and laughs are all on the menu when the Clifton Dinner Theater presents its new show, “Murder Me Always.” And two Fairfax residents have starring roles. Performances are slated for March 14-16, at the Clifton Town Meeting Hall, 12641 Chapel Road in the Town of Clifton. Shirley’s Catering of Clifton is providing the dinner, all three nights, and wine and beer will be available.
Two Historic Measures Mark Assembly Session
Q&A with Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41).
Transportation funding was one of the big stories to come out of Richmond during the 45-day “short session,” but it wasn’t the only one. Unlike Congressional gridlock, where lobbyists, special-interest groups and political aspirations converge to slow down legislation, the pace in Virginia’s capitol is fast and furious. Legislation gets passed in the blink of an eye. It’s a pace Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, the second-term Democrat representing nearly 90,000 residents in Burke, Fairfax and West Springfield, knows well.
Animal Shelter Seeks Senior Citizens
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is looking for people with spare time who’d like to help improve the quality of life for homeless animals. Currently, the shelter has around 100 volunteers, but it’s trying to double that number by attracting senior citizens to lend a hand.
Beware of Phone Scam
Dozens of senior citizens have been victimized by telephone scammers in recent weeks, and Fairfax County police are urging residents not to give out or verify financial information over the phone. In the latest scam, victims are receiving calls from someone pretending to be from a utility company, delivery service or sweepstakes. Residents are told their service will be discontinued unless they pay by phone immediately. Frightened at the thought of no heat, power or phone, for example, victimized seniors provide their account numbers and payment information over the phone.
Police Dispatchers Serve as Vital Links
Frequently the first, and sometimes the only, contact citizens may have with the City of Fairfax Police Department is the professional voice answering a call in the department’s Communications Center. Eight full-time and two part-time dispatchers, normally working in shifts of two, staff the center.
Unprecedented Interference With the Election Process
I am extremely upset by the recent interference of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee in the election process in Fairfax County. The term of one of the Republicans on the Electoral Board is expiring. By law, and by historical precedence, the chairman of the Fairfax County Republican Committee has the prerogative of requesting the Circuit Court to fill this position with a selection of his choice.
Promoting Peace Among Youth
Twelve young adults receive 2013 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County.
At a reception held at the Clifton Community Hall on Sunday, March 3, the Herndon Friends Meeting presented the 2013 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County to 12 exceptional area young adults.
Letter: We Need A Real Leader in Virginia
According to a Feb. 25 article in “Politico,” two prominent Republican CEOs lambasted GOP gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli at the Feb. 22 meeting of the Republican Governors Association, saying his hard core socially conservative policies will make Virginia less attractive for business, and he is out of the Virginia mainstream.
Thursday, March 7
Woodson Boys’ Basketball Reaches State Semifinals
Cavaliers’ season ends with loss to Henrico in Richmond.
The Woodson boys' basketball team won 25 games this season.
Column: E-male
My oncologist is a man. He has e-mail. He works for an HMO that encourages/advertises its connectivity and responsiveness – electronically, to its members. If I want to get medical answers in a reasonable amount of time – save for an emergency, typing, “mousing” and clicking is the recommended methodology. No more phone calls, preferably. Though pressing keys on a keyboard rather than pressing buttons on a phone might have felt counter-intuitive at first as a means of receiving prompt replies, it has proven over these past few years to be a fairly reliable and predictable information loop. Not in minutes necessarily, but more often than not during the same day – and almost always by the very next day. In fact, I’ve received e-mails from my oncologist as late as 9:18 p.m. (time-stamped) after a sometime-during-the-day e-mail had been sent.
Putting a Face on Homelessness
462 homeless interviewed during Registry Week, an intense effort to document Fairfax County’s chronic homeless.
"We have to step up to this question. … Are we going to walk away from this tonight and say, 'That's just the way people live?’ Well, it's not the way people should live." —Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill)
The Snowquester Hits the Area
Snowstorm’s impact downgraded, but slushy roads still a problem.
The National Weather Service Wednesday downgraded its Snowquester forecast from 8-10 inches to about 4-6 inches in the region. At 3:18 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, the NWS predicted total snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches in Fairfax County before the storm fizzles out later that night, and north winds with gusts up to 45 mph in some areas, making driving hazardous.