Stories for July 2012

VDOT Unveils EZ-Pass Flex

New transponder will allow HOV access to 495 Express Lanes.

The Virginia Department of Transportation unveiled the EZ-Pass Flex Wednesday, July 25 in Tysons Corner. The new pass will allow users of the 495 Express Lanes, which are scheduled to open at the end of this year, to switch between tolled and toll-free (for vehicles with more than three people) use.

Weekly Entertainment (Burke/Fairfax/Fairfax Station/Springfield)

July 27-August 10.

Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Fairfax Station/Springfield.

Volunteers Needed

Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax Burke Needs Drivers and Office Workers: SCFB was the winner of 2011-2012 Best of Braddock Award for Club or Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District due in part to the Center’s Medical Transportation and Companion Shopping programs offering free transportation to seniors in the Fairfax and Burke area who no longer drive.

Pets of Fairfax: Popular Around Town

The Ardingers, a Fairfax family of four, have had a Golden Retriever since their two children, Mitchell and Mackenzie, were young. Yet when their mother, Melinda, fell in love with the small Chihuahua, the household expanded to include a dog that was smaller than some of their past cats.

Classified Advertising (July 25, 2012)

Read the lastest Classified, Employment and Home and Garden ads!

Letter: Expansion of Medicaid

Letter to the Editor

One of the key issues in the Affordable Care Act is the multi-billion dollar expansion of Medicaid. It’s going to cost individual states billions of dollars to enroll all the potential recipients and Virginia will be responsible for at least an additional $1.18 billion.

Check One off the Bucket List

Local woman to compete in Ironman World Championship.

Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford has participated in two Ironman competitions in Lake Placid, N.Y., and in several half-Ironman events. But for her, being accepted into the upcoming Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, is the top of the mountain.

Asian Culture Celebrated

The 9th Annual Asian Festival was held on the campus of George Mason University.

Column: A Life Worth Living, Still

It might be my age (as in getting older), or it might be the fact that I have cancer (you think?), but my brain and the related physical and mental tasks it coordinates are not exactly working at peak efficiency.

Derek Lee, South Lakes Baseball, 1983

South Lakes slugger was drafted five times before playing for Minnesota Twins.

Derek Lee is remembered at South Lakes high school, and by those that watched him play baseball, for his ability to do one thing — swing the bat.

Taline Tahmassian, Langley Soccer, 2001

Langley star recorded 96 goals and before winning NCAA title at Santa Clara.

How good Taline Tahmassian was on the soccer field can be measured by the pages of old newspapers. Tahmassian and the Saxons could be seen celebrating in photographs while snappy headlines chronicled their victories in a week-by-week scrapbook of archived clippings.

Nate Friends, McLean Soccer, Basketball, 1991

Friends dominated the basketball court and soccer field to help McLean to several regional tournament appearances.

Chantilly coach Jim Smith was a relative unknown when he took over the reeling McLean High School boys basketball team back in 1989.

Get Your OlymPet

Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s special adoption event runs through Aug. 11.

Dogs, cats, birds and other small animals will be showcased at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Summer OlymPETS adoption event through Saturday, Aug. 11.

Editorial: Separate and Unequal?

If we don't believe that poor students are less innately talented, then the disparities in Northern Virginia are truly unfair.

The numbers are eye-popping. Latino students are 22 percent of Fairfax County Public Schools students, but 2.7 percent of the incoming Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology freshman class, the class of 2016. Of the 480 students, seven are black. That's 1.4 percent, while black students are 10 percent of the county school system.

Consumer Confidence on the Rise in Washington Region

Survey participants perceive regional economy better than broader national picture.

Consumer confidence is on the rise, according to results of a new survey by the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Local Real Estate: Sold in May 2012, $650,000~$699,999

Fairfax Home Sales: June, 2012

In June 2012, 111 Fairfax homes sold between $1,145,000-$135,000.

Fairfax Home Sales in June, 2012

Heading to States

West Springfield Little League 9-10 American All-Stars Head to States.

West Springfield Little League American All-Stars win district title.

Pedaling with Pals

Potomac Pedalers provides group rides for area cyclists.

Cyclists of all ages and ability levels can participate in group rides with the Potomac Pedalers.

Fairfax Station Swims Past Fairfax

Area Swimming Report

Fairfax Station, Hunt Valley, Little Rocky Run, Burke Station win.

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

July 19-26.

Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.

Inaction May Cause Federal Officials to Create Health-Care Exchange for Virginia

January 2013 is the deadline for the commonwealth to create authority for exchange.

Virginia is suffering from deadline fever, although Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling for a second opinion.

Are We Really Happy?

GMU Provost Peter N. Stearns publishes book about modern times and happiness.

"Satisfaction Not Guaranteed" is the title of a recently published book by local scholar, Peter N. Stearns, the George Mason University Provost. The book sifts through a question that some people may pose to themselves, "but are we really happy?"

Our Daily Bread Seeks Donations for "Back To School" Program

Fairfax-based charity Our Daily Bread (ODB) is seeking donations from the community to provide school supplies to needy children who attend school in the Fairfax County area as part of its Collect for Kids Back to School Program.

Winning Gold at Senior Games

Greenspring resident wins three medals in track & field events at the Virginia Senior Games.

Greenspring resident Dr. Dick Ernst is no stranger to local, state, and national senior games; he first attended the National Senior Games in 1999 held in Orlando, Fla. as a member of a seniors’ basketball team.

Right on Target

93-year-old Greenspring resident wins gold at Virginia Senior Games.

Not long after "The Hunger Games" blockbuster created a buzz around the sport of archery, Greenspring resident Charlie Edwards shot for gold at the Virginia Senior Games in May.

Suspended Prison Sentence for Former Band Director

Former Robinson band director must register as sex offender.

When Michael Keith Cook was sentenced last week for computer solicitation of a child under age 15, he didn’t lose his freedom. But even before he set foot in the courtroom, he’d already lost something precious to him – his career as a school band director.

Assuring Safe Passage

Crossing guard Gaela Hime receives Best of Braddock Award for 27 Years of Safe Passage.

When Gaela Hime started out as a crossing guard, 27 years ago, or "back in the day," crossing guards had to wear skirts and high heels.

Honoring Best of Braddock

Eight honored for volunteer service at Annual Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony.

Braddock District Council of Community Associations and Braddock District Supervisor John Cook presented the Best of Braddock Awards Wednesday night, July 11.

Column: Circumstances Be Damned

If only it were as easy to actually live it as it is to write it. As much as I believe what I write, it’s still difficult to ignore certain facts (“the underlying diagnosis,” as I often refer to my diagnosis) and the feelings associated with it.

Fairfax County, VDOT File Suit Against EPA

New EPA rules will impact homeowners, developers and could cost taxpayers nearly $500 million.

Fairfax County and the state of Virginia filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, July 12, challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new storm water regulations for the Accotink watershed, claiming the agency’s requirements are costly, onerous and vastly exceed its legal authority.

President Comes to the Area

Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.

Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.

Herrity, Hugo Respond to Obama’s Visit

Both Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) held a joint press conference Saturday afternoon, speaking to local Romney supporters prior to President Obama’s campaign rally at Centreville High. Said Herrity: "It was nice to see so many people from Little Rocky Run stop by and pick up Romney signs and stand with us."

The Smoking Trail

New cigarette trafficking law aids enforcement.

Virginia has long been known as a tobacco-friendly state. Tobacco was one of the first major commercial products for New World European settlers, and the state remains one of the largest producers today. Virginia is also home to some of the cheapest cigarettes in the country.

Classified Advertising (July 18, 2012)

Read the latest Classifieds, Employment and Home and Garden ads!

In Search of a ‘Forever Home’

Humane Society of Fairfax working for animal and human welfare.

Look up Petfinder.com on your Internet browser page. It’s a site where animal welfare groups can promote animals they have available for adoption. Type in a town or zip code. Let’s use Alexandria as an example. Check "Cat" for "Type of Animal." Hit "Search."

Childhood Hobbies: Finding the Right Fit

Experts offer suggestions for choosing extracurricular activities for the fall.

While many are still basking in the lazy days of summer, Anna Faust is planning her 5-year-old son’s after-school activity schedule for the fall.

Editorial: Leaving Millions on the Table

Virginia should embrace opportunity for more health care coverage for poor residents.

Chances are that if you are reading this, you have employer-provided health insurance. While you might worry about the young adults in your family or the lower wage workers in your organization, you also know that if you are sick, you can go to the doctor.

Local Real Estate: Top Sales in May 2012

Home Remodeling 101

Experts offer suggestions for a timely and efficient renovation.

Whether expanding a home or just remodeling an existing interior space, building projects can be daunting, especially if the goal is to be finished by a certain date. "If you wanted to get going on a project and your goal was to be done by Thanksgiving, the planning process and permit process is probably as long as the building process, but you don’t want to rush through those aspects of it and then wish you’d done something differently," said David Vogt of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

Week in Fairfax

News in Fairfax.

Telford in Contest to Enter Ironman

Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford was diagnosed with a Stage III brain tumor in 2005, and is still fighting for her life. But she works full time and, via her nonprofit fundraising organization, Team BT, she raises money for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).

Practicing What They Preach

Local theater teachers perform ‘Into the Woods.’

Six drama teachers headline the cast of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s summer production of "Into the Woods." They include Fairfax High’s Wendy Knight and Paul Rubenstein and Woodson High’s Terri Hobson.

GOP Hosts ‘Super Saturday’

Republicans rally at the Fairfax Victory Office.

Record-breaking temperatures could not keep more than 100 volunteers and supporters from gathering at the Fairfax Victory Office to participate in the Republican Party’s "Super Saturday" call-to-arms on July 7 targeting a dozen battleground states, including Virginia.

Apple Federal Credit Union Launches School Supplies Drive

Apple Federal Credit Union this month launched its fifth annual Northern Virginia school supply drive, with a new pledge this year: Apple will match dollar for dollar cash contributions up to $5,000 to help ensure Fairfax County’s underprivileged children have the tools needed for academic success this fall.

Addressing the Shortfall

The culture of a people is judged, in part, by how it treats its most vulnerable.

The County is currently developing proposals to address the over $9 million shortfall in the budget for the Community Services Board (CSB).

Keeping the Pressure On

Tired of paying both City of Fairfax and Falls Church water bills, one Fairfax County man becomes a vocal water activist.

Every three months, Fairfax County resident Kirk F. Randall reluctantly writes a check to the City of Fairfax for his water bill, and fumes about it.

Letter: Obtaining Solar Panels

In light of the recent storm and power outages, I began to think more about solar power. If our home had solar panels and battery storage, we may not have been able to operate the air conditioning, but we could have run fans, had lights on, charged phones, and maybe cycled the refrigerator on a few times.

"You Will Get Wet!"

Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day competition always a hit with crowds.

Mike Savory staked out a prime spot to see one of his favorite Fourth of July events, the Old-Fashioned Fireman’s Day in historic downtown Fairfax.

Column: A Victim of My Own Circumstances

Outliving one’s prognosis leads to all sorts of twists and turns and treatment conundrums: the longer one lives, the fewer the treatment options.

Beat Heat, Reduce Carbon Pollution

To the Editor:

Classified Advertising (July 11, 2012)

Read the latest Classifieds, Home and Garden and Employment ads!

Editorial: Every Vote in Virginia Will Count

Top presidential donor zip codes in this area show Virginia is purple; Romney or Obama to be decided on Election Day.

If you wonder if presidential politics really matters in this area, consider that Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland hold some of the top zip codes for contributions to the two major party candidates.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Can Help Prevent More Tragedies

To the Editor:

Appreciation for Bulova

To the Editor:

County Board Recognizes Steve DeBenedittis

At its meeting this morning at the Fairfax Government Center, Fairfax County Board Chair Sharon Bulova and the entire Board of Supervisors recognized Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis for his six years of service to the town.

Pushed to the Limit

Food pantries seek help for county’s most vulnerable residents.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, it’s already 103 degrees in Reston - the 10th straight day temperatures hover near or above 100 degrees after a derecho storm swept through the region on July 29, causing extensive power outages.

9th Asian Festival Celebrating the Year of the Dragon

Festival will take place July 21-22 at GMU.

This year, the 9th Asian Food and Tennis Festival is celebrating the year of dragon. The Festival is a two-day, free admission event to promote greater understanding of the Asian countries and cultures. It will be held at the George Mason University on July 21, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on July 22, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is open to the public.

Weekly Entertainment (Burke/Springfield/Fairfax/Lorton)

July 7-20.

Entertainment in Burke/Springfield/Fairfax/Lorton.

Coach Garza Leaves Mount Vernon for Robinson

Led Majors boys’ soccer for nine years.

Robert Garza takes over as head coach of the Robinson boys' soccer program after nine seasons with Mount Vernon.

Column: Writing On!

It was June ’09 when I published my first column in the Connection Newspapers about being diagnosed with cancer. It was actually a column detailing the diagnostic steps I had taken during the first few months of the year attempting to identify the pain I had initially felt under my right-side rib cage in late December.

After the Storm

Area residents cope with no power, no air-conditioning and soaring temperatures.

More than 80,000 residents were still struggling with power outages and triple-digit temperatures Monday after a wave of violent thunderstorms slammed the region Friday, June 29, packing hurricane-force winds that uprooted trees, downed power lines and knocked out power to more than 1 million homes.

DAR Recognizes Local Area Students

Anna Maria Fitzhugh Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, recently presented several awards at local schools.

Silverthorne Sworn In as City of Fairfax Mayor

Promises diversity, accountability as city moves forward with economic growth.

Speaking at swearing-in ceremony, R. Scott Silverthorne promised to recognize and reflect the city’s growing diversity as he became the 10th person to serve as mayor of the City of Fairfax on Wednesday, June 27.

Dads, Sons Discuss Serious Child’s Play

Besides police and sheriffs, some Fairfax fathers and sons also attended last week’s press conference on replica weapons. The sons hadn’t done anything wrong, but they regularly use these weapons to play a popular game called Airsoft.

When Dangerous Games Turn Deadly

Police warn public about replica firearms.

It was shortly before midnight when City of Fairfax police rushed to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a man there carrying a gun. He’d already pointed his weapon at several people when officers confronted him, had him drop the gun and arrested him.

Robinson Students Place Second in the Nation

A team from James W. Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, recently placed second in the Nation in Systems Control Technology. The competition was held in Nashville, Tenn., at the Gaylord Resort on June 24.

Finding a Home for the Golden Years

Experts offer advice on choosing a retirement community.

When Jim Upp’s wife Jeannie died in 2006, the Fairfax senior citizen found himself surrounded by a lifetime of memories in the spacious home where the couple had raised three children.

Editorial: New Laws, Assault on Freedom?

oting restrictions, abortion restrictions, DUI restrictions, fewer gun restrictions, more go into effect July.

A plethora of new laws will go into effect in the Commonwealth on July 1, including restrictive new procedures for voting, and the loosening of multiple gun regulations.

Family, Friends Recall Marine’s ‘Restless Spirit’

Niall Coti-Sears killed in Afghanistan.

Niall Coti-Sears enjoyed playing Chopin, composing music, skiing, discussing philosophy, playing soccer, hiking, horseback riding, reading about physics and making others laugh. His loved ones knew him for his energetic, adventurous and positive spirit.

City of Fairfax Announces State of Emergency

Fourth of July celebration still on.

City of Fairfax officials announced a state of emergency today as more power crews arrived in the city to restore electricity to the 900 homes still without power, according to Mayor Scott Silverthorne.

Storms Leave 2 Dead, Power Out

At least two dead in Fairfax; 285,000 residents still without power after Friday night’s hurricane force winds.

Winds of more than 70 miles per hour swept through Fairfax County Friday night. Power went out as the storm blew into the area around 10:30 p.m. with hurricane force winds sounding like a freight train. The sound made some residents think a tornado was upon them, and many took refuge in basements.

Despite Failing Grade on Transparency, Law Enforcement Officials Resist Opening Access

Advocates for public access remain frustrated by persistent lack of transparency.

Back in March, Virginia received a failing grade from the State Integrity Investigation as the result of a systematic lack of transparency.