Saturday, June 30
Severe Storms Rock Region; 1.5 Million Homes Without Power
Virginia Governor announces State of Emergency.
Following the aftermath of last night's surprise thunderstorms, many local residents woke up to significant amount of damage. Fallen trees and branches were spread across the area, and power outages were abundant.
Friday, June 29
Weekly Entertainment (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
June 29-July 6.
Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Classifieds and Employments ads!
Thursday, June 28
Mason Launches Veteran Scholarship
A much-needed $6000 donation helps kick–start the endowment into gear.
Joshua Lawton, a now senior program analyst at the Department of Veterans Affairs, was watching a documentary on the WWII generation when an idea suddenly struck him—George Mason University (his university at the time) should start a veterans’ scholarship.
Erin Greer Mealy Engaged to Matthew David Clark
Rick and Peggy Mealy of Clifton are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Greer Mealy, to 1LT Matthew David Clark, U.S. Army, son of David and AnnMarie Clark of Fairfax. The couple graduated from Robinson Secondary School, Fairfax, in 2004.
Realtors Launch ‘Ask Me!’ Campaign
Association points towards positive trends in region’s real estate market.
Realtors say there is room for hope in the northern Virginia real estate. Due to an increase in demand, the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors launched its "Ask Me!" campaign to help educate both consumers and agents about the positive trends in the region's real estate market.
There’s An App for That!
Visit Fairfax launches app that helps visitors and residents navigate summer fun.
If your travel backpack is loaded down with maps, visitor’s guides, and other paper paraphernalia to plan your summer outing, just toss it.
Wednesday, June 27
Party Like It’s 1776
City of Fairfax Hosts 46th Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration.
Since 1776, Americans have celebrated our independence from the tyranny of King George III with parades, picnics and booming fireworks.
World Premiere Opera by Fairfax's Sean Pflueger
Sean Pflueger of Fairfax, a 2012 Arts Council of Fairfax County Strauss Award recipient for music composition and performance will be presenting his world premiere of "Child in the Midst, A Horror Opera" at the Capital Fringe Festival. It will be sung in English.
Letter: Deepening the Crisis
If you think the local economy is looking anemic now, just wait until we get Sequestration (the legal inevitable result of our legislators reaching no agreement about our national budget).
‘Big Love’ Next for Hub Theatre
"A roller coaster of fun and emotion" is how Hub Theatre Artistic Director Helen Pafumi described its next production, "Big Love" by Charles Mee. "An enduring and epic love story. It’s about conquering our basic needs and embracing our better selves. And it tackles these difficult discussions with theatricality, poetry, and power," Pafumi said.
A Story of Courage and Survival
Fairfax mother, son overcome life-threatening illnesses.
Natanael Justiniano is just 11 years old, yet he’s beaten leukemia twice and just celebrated his one-year anniversary of a lifesaving blood transplant.
Hitting on the Sweet Spot of Summer
One of the most beloved summer pastimes is all over Fairfax.
Tennis is everywhere in Fairfax this summer. As the weather starts heating up and the days get longer, more and more people are flocking to the courts to get their adrenaline fix, work on their backhand swing or just have fun with friends and neighbors. Whatever the reason people grab for their racquets it is clear that the opportunities for tennis players are everywhere.
Connolly Addresses 280 New Citizens
"You will help freshen America and help us remain a strong and dynamic society," Congressman Gerry Connolly told hundreds of new U.S. citizens and their families June 22 during a naturalization ceremony in a packed auditorium at Robinson High School.
Column: A GAP In My Thinking
Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to buy a new car (in this instance, “new” means different, not a current model year). Estimated repairs at 137,000 miles that could have escalated into the unknown – and unaffordable – thousands compelled me to fish so I wouldn’t have my bait cut (and I don’t even like to fish).
Tuesday, June 26
Editorial: Case Closed. Why the Secrecy?
No reason for police to exercise "blanket" approach, shielding every document in every case.
Connection readers know that we respect and appreciate our public safety professionals.
Monday, June 25
Even in Closed Cases, Police Maintain Culture of Secrecy
Public must rely on information police agencies choose to share, even if it's wrong.
In December of 2008, the Fairfax Police Department chased 19-year-old Hailu Brook across the county line into Arlington and shot him dead.
Friday, June 22
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
June 22-29.
Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.
Thursday, June 21
Week in Fairfax
News in Fairfax.
Three Fairfax High Students Are Honored
During last week’s graduation ceremony, Fairfax High honored three seniors with special awards. Robbie Ashton received both the Outstanding Senior and Service awards. Shannon Parker was given the Faculty Award, and Jake Snyder, the Fairfax Award.
‘This Is Fairfax; This Is a Family’
High school graduates 587 students.
As the seniors in royal-blue caps and gowns entered Fairfax High’s field house for their graduation, last week, parents eagerly waved and shouted, hoping to catch their children’s eyes, if only for a second. And with 587 students graduating last Thursday, June 14, that wasn’t easy to do.
County Board Objects to ‘Transit Funding Game’
Local leaders say policy shift disruptive, costly.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors strongly criticized a McDonnell administration plan to overhaul the way it handles transportation funding, calling the move politically-motivated "funding games."
People, Places and Programs
This week in Fairfax County.
The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) awarded Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, "Public Official of the Year" at its annual awards ceremony in Fairfax on June 13.
‘Tomorrow Is Up to Us,’ Woodson Graduates Told
W. T. Woodson High School graduates its senior class.
Parents and friends settled into their seats just before 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, all eager to watch the seniors of W. T. Woodson High School become graduates.
Strong Leaders and Great Followers
Robinson’s Class of 2012 graduates.
The seniors enjoyed their last few hours as Robinson students at their graduation ceremony reminiscing about old memories and new beginnings. On May 14, in the Patriot Center at George Mason University, Robinson Secondary School’s class of 2012, their teachers and parents said goodbye.
Olympic Hopefuls
Two area divers qualify for 2012 USA Diving Olympic trials.
Dominion Dive Club, a top six nationally ranked USA Diving club, announced that two of its divers – current and former – have qualified for the 2012 USA Diving Olympic Trials.
Fairfax Board Objects to Governor’s Transit Funding Game
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed a regional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton on Tuesday, June 19, objecting to the administration’s attempt to circumvent the efficient transit funding system used successfully in Northern Virginia for decades.
Fitness Center Members Receive Lifesaving Award
On June 18, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Ed Brinkley presented Life Saving certificates to Mary Butler, Damian Hawkins, Nick Taktak, Sandy Weaver, Minh Huynh and Chuck Wright for their efforts to help save the life of fellow Fairfax County employee Gary Oswald on Feb. 24.
17 Year Old's Political Career Shows Persistence
Evan Draim's efforts allowed him to win a delegate position in this year's Republican National Convention
While most 17 year olds were getting ready for prom or playing a varsity sport, Evan Draim was making phone calls, shaking hands, and giving speeches. That was because throughout spring, Draim was a campaigning to win one of the three delegate positions in Virginia's 8th congressional districts. "I wanted to show that the Republican party is interested in younger voters and is interested in the issues that they care about," said Draim about his interest in Republican politics.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Home and Garden and Classified ads!
Wednesday, June 20
Column: Where To Begin?
I realize this admission may sound weird, but having cancer is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky to be alive, and quite happy about it, too. But waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. some bad cancer news to appear (lab work, scan, advisory from my oncologist), is tiresome because it’s always so worrisome.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
Tuesday, June 19
Local Real Estate: Sold $575,000~$599,999 in April 2012
Local Real Estate: Sold $575,000~$599,999 in April 2012
Fairfax Home Sales: May, 2012
In May 2012, 93 Fairfax homes sold between $1,175,000-$150,000.
Fairfax Home Sales in May, 2012
Making the Most of Summer
Advice for planning warm weather activities for children.
"I’m bored, there’s nothing to do," is a phrase often uttered by children during the summer. The end of the school year leaves many parents scrambling for activities to keep their young ones active and stimulated. Experts say it is important to plan activities to keep children safe and out of trouble.
Editorial: Summer Projects
Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Connection.
The summer is in full swing at the Connection, with many interns and staff members focused on some light and some more serious summer projects.
Monday, June 18
Bruins' Postseason Soccer Run Ends at State Semis
After tough start to season, Lake Braddock emerged as region power.
Lake Braddock Secondary's dramatic turnaround boys' soccer season in which the Bruins won just two of their first nine games before emerging as a Patriot District and Northern Region force the remainder of the spring campaign came to a tough ending last Friday afternoon, June 8 at Westfield High School when the local squad lost its Virginia State AAA semifinals playoff game by penalty kicks to opponent Albemarle High of Charlottesville, 2-1.
Friday, June 15
Father's Day Photo Gallery 2012
We asked our readers to send in pictures in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, June 17. Here are their submissions.
Thursday, June 14
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
June 15-22.
Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.
Postal Carriers Participate in Food Drive
Postal carriers from Union Branch 567 (Alexandria City and parts of southeastern Fairfax County) not only delivered mail, but also picked up non-perishable food items from every house where food was set out on Saturday, May 12. The drive resulted in 4,430 pounds of food for UCM — or about a two week’s supply of food for the organization’s food pantry.
Reception Honors Fairfax Mayor Robert Lederer
Retiring mayor praised for redevelopment of Old Town Fairfax.
When Kim Luckabaugh’s young son was in the hospital, fighting a battle with cancer, she would frequently stop by Sweet Life Café in the City of Fairfax to get him some ice cream to take to the hospital.
Adam Erbrecht New Principal of Daniels Run Elementary
Providence Elementary Assistant Principal Adam Erbrecht will be the new principal of Daniels Run Elementary. The announcement was made on May 31 to the Daniels Run staff.
Student Talent on Display
Fairfax Academy holds annual Creative Works Showcase.
Students in the Fairfax Academy displayed their signature projects last Tuesday, June 5, during the annual Creative Works Showcase. They sang, danced, played music, showed films they’d made and displayed their graphic-art, fashion, foreign language and photography skills.
Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards
Paul VI takes Lead Actress in a Musical honor.
Woodson High won three awards, and Fairfax, Paul VI and Robinson Secondary, one each, at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
8 Year Old's 9-1-1 Call Saves Mother's Life
Second grader Katie Lee commended by county.
Stratford Landing Elementary School staff and students gathered for an assembly June 6 to honor 8-year-old Katie Lee whose quick response saved her mother’s life.
Skateboarding for a Cause
SkateFest 2012 to raise money for Children's National Medical Center.
Skaters from all over Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and beyond will travel to Wakefield Skate Park in Annandale, on June 22 and 23 to participate in the 6th annual SkateFest. The festival celebrates National Go Skateboarding Day and raises money for Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Community Engagement Includes Philanthropy
Corporate and individual philanthropy are critical elements of engaged communities.
End-of-the-Year Art Show at Woodson High
On June 6, Woodson High School’s art students of all grades showcased their artwork for the community at the Woodson’s annual end-of-the-year Art Show. Senior art students enjoyed their last high school art show, while others experienced their first public showing.
Robinson Boys Reach Semifinals
Rams defeat Mount Vernon in penalty-kick shootout.
Thanks to memories from practices with his club team, Robinson goalkeeper Josh Penn stepped up and sent the Rams boys' soccer team to the region semifinals.
Wednesday, June 13
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Classified and Home and Garden Ads!
Editorial: Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, benefit public good and fill gaps since government cannot do it all.
A few weeks ago, the Connection was lucky enough to be included in a group of Fairfax County organizations honored for their efforts in giving back to the community.
Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Learning from His Father’s Mistakes
Growing up estranged from his own father, one man decides to give his sons a different life.
Wanting the best for my two sons yet having concerns about raising them properly, my wife and I looked into various parenting education programs offered through Fairfax County. This is how I discovered the Fathers In Touch Program.
Thursday, June 7
FACETS’ Amanda Andere Named Northern Virginian of the Year by Northern Virginia Magazine
Leadership around preventing and ending homelessness cited.
Amanda Andere, the executive director of FACETS, a nonprofit that opens doors by helping parents, their children, and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County, was selected by Northern Virginia Magazine as a 2012 Northern Virginian of the Year for her outstanding leadership that is helping FACETS grow its efforts to end homelessness as well as her community commitment.
Robinson Senior Receives Band Scholarship
Graduating senior Nathaniel "Nate" Banks of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax received $2,500 on May 29 as the 2012 recipient of The Lunsford/Behrend Scholarship.
Telephone Call Scam Targets the Elderly
The City of Fairfax Police Department is advising citizens to be aware of an ongoing telephone scam targeting elderly individuals. Citizens responding to fraudulent telephone calls are at risk of significant financial loss.
Letter: Metro Stations Shape Communities
Letter to the Editor
Part of what makes the metro so beneficial to local communities is its ability to reduce dependence on automobiles – automobiles that cause congestion, pollution, and safety concerns.
Celebrate Fairfax Honors 2012 ‘Lords and Ladies’
Honorees saluted for community volunteerism.
Celebrate Fairfax kicked off its 30th anniversary with a salute to the 2012 Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees during a dinner and awards ceremony at the Fairfax County Government Center Tuesday, June 5.
Whoville Hits Fairfax
Premiere set for Friday, June 8 at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke.
A group of over 70 performers made up of everything from former Coast Guard members to financial planners, will all take on different roles of characters from some of the most beloved children's literature of all time.
‘Whatever I Do Will Only Make Me Stronger’
Robinson student wins Hispanic Leadership Alliance scholarship.
Born in Bolivia, Lucia Maldonado came to the U.S. at age 7 with her mother and younger sister. Now 18, she’s about to graduate from Robinson Secondary School and is the recipient of a Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship.
Planning for the Future
Robinson’s Latin American Student Association is growing.
To encourage leadership among Robinson Secondary School’s Hispanic population, Ruth Azimi and Enrique Fernandez co-sponsor LASA, the Latin American Students Association. It’s helping the students’ parents, as well.
In Region Soccer Title Game, Robinson Boys Prevail
Yardley's overtime goal lifts Rams past local rival Lake Braddock.
In a tense, back and forth championship game last Saturday night at Robinson Secondary, local high school boys' soccer opponents Robinson and Lake Braddock played with emotion, grit, and determination through an entire 80 minutes of regulation play and nearly 10 more minutes of overtime before the region title game's first and only goal was scored.
Patriot District Well-Represented at Baseball Region Semis
Bruins, Spartans both win to advance to title game.
A trip to the Northern Region tournament title game and a seeding in the state playoffs were on the line last Wednesday evening, May 30 at Madison High School in Vienna where two regional semifinals baseball games took place. The double-header postseason action showcased contests between Lake Braddock and Westfield, followed by West Springfield versus Langley in the nightcap. At night's end, it was the two teams from the Patriot District - Lake Braddock and West Springfield - which won, both in decisive fashion, to earn a spot in Saturday's finals where West Springfield edged the Bruins, 3-2, for the championship.
Wednesday, June 6
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment and Classified Ads!
Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Tuesday, June 5
Fairfax County Board Expands Scope of Community Services Board Audit
Social service agency scrutinized for projected $9 million shortfall that threatens services to children and disabled.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday, June 5, to expand the scope of a financial audit for the Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall.
Friday, June 1
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.
Burke Honors the Fallen
Down a private road, just off the heavily-traveled Burke Centre Parkway, about 30 people gathered under the shade of a large Oak tree Monday to honor those who sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms.