Stories for November 2012

Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response

The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms.

Editorial: Learning in a Global Community

Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages.

This week our ongoing series about immigration in Fairfax County takes a look at county schools, and some of the joys and challenges of having a diverse student body that speaks as many as 160 different languages at home.

Classified Advertising Nov. 28,2012

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The Area Roundups

Clifton horse parade, FCPS superintendent search, police collect toys for sick children, Fairfax County Animal Shelter offering free spay or neuter for first 100 animals adopted, Cold War Competition to benefit veterans, Christmas tree fire safety, and Clifton Town Council meeting

Week in Fairfax

Police collect toys for sick children, Fairfax County Animal Shelter to offer free spay or neuter for the first 100 animals adopted, Remembering Leslie Prokop, Woodson Drama Night Out, First bike sharing system implemented at GMU, and Christmas tree fire safety

Parent Perspective on Boundary Changes

After Monday’s boundary-change meeting, some parents discussed their own concerns with the potential changes.

Buoyant Holiday Fare

Providence Players present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

A delightfully boisterous, but controlled chaos lit up a recent rehearsal of the Providence Players' next production, the family-friendly holiday treat "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." Over a dozen joyously energetic middle school and high school students were rehearsing their roles under the watchful eye of Director Beth Whitehead (Mantua).

‘All I Want for Christmas’

Encore dancers present annual holiday show.

A great way to kick off the holiday season is by seeing Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, “All I Want for Christmas.” This song-and-dance extravaganza aims to delight audiences of all ages.

Seeking Relief for Fairfax and Lanier

Parents discuss school boundary changes.

School boundary changes are never easy and, no matter how they end up, somebody’s always unhappy. But when schools are projected to be at 125 percent and 109 percent of their building capacities in just a few more years, something has to be done in advance to prevent it.

Area Roundups

Police collect toys for sick children, Fairfax County Animal Shelter to offer free spay or neuter for the first 100 animals adopted, Cold War Competition to benefit veterans, and Christmas tree fire safety

Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits

Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.

As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.

Building a Savings Stockpile on Shoestring Budget

Money experts say it is possible to save, even on a limited income.

Even though Mary Beth Lanvin is employed full-time with a company that offers generous retirement benefits, she can’t afford to contribute to a 401(k).

Avoiding Holiday Debt

Plan now to prevent post-holiday bills.

Festive store displays mean the holiday shopping season is in full swing.

Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving

Financial experts offer suggestions for ensuring one’s donations are well spent.

’Tis the season for giving, and that includes donations to charities.

Brief: Helping Animals Find Homes for the Holidays?

Special adoption promotion to help animals find homes.

Brief: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering a free spay or neuter for the first 100 cats, kittens, dogs or puppies adopted from the shelter through Dec. 31.

We Are the World, at Garfield

Teachers discuss challenges of teaching English as a Second Language.

Garfield Elementary School in Springfield, like all of Fairfax County, has a population that reflects a wide range of backgrounds.

Marshall High is the Face of Fairfax County

Upwards of 90 countries represented by student population.

The schools that feed into George C. Marshall High School are the academic home to children from all over the world.

Brief: History Conference Focuses on Conflict and Courage

Local historians honored.

Brief: The eighth Annual Fairfax County History Conference was held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in the City of Fairfax.

Brief: Community Meetings to Help Search for Superintendent

Brief: On Sept. 22, 2011, Superintendent Jack D. Dale announced his intention to retire from Fairfax County Public Schools effective June 30, 2013.

Uranium Money Spreads Across Virginia in Radioactive Debate

Upcoming General Assembly session to feature effort to lift ban on uranium mining.

The uranium deposits under the farmlands of Pittsylvania County are miles away from Northern Virginia, but the debate about what happens there is shaping up to be one of the hottest issues of the upcoming General Assembly session.

Classified Advertising Nov 21, 2012

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Fairfax Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 64 Fairfax homes sold between $1,330,000-$97,000.

Fairfax Home Sales in October, 2012

Stepka, Bowles Lead Woodson Boys’ Basketball

Cavaliers focused on postseason success.

The Woodson boys' basketball team went 13-1 against the Patriot District during the 2011-12 regular season.

Buy Now, Pay Later

Meaning: If I’m terminal, why deprive myself because of cost? If, in fact, I’m only living once – as the old saying goes, and somewhat less of a life than I had anticipated, shouldn’t I, at the very least, “Pull my pants down and slide on the ice,” as prescribed by Dr. Sidney Freedman in an episode of M*A*S*H, way back when?

Viewpoints in BFLS: What Are You Thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day?

Residents of Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station/Lorton and Springfield answer the question, "What are you grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day?"

Brief: NAACP, Fairfax County Branch Elects New President

Brief: Campaigning on the platform, “A New Beginning,” Shirley Ginwright was elected president of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP. Ginwright pledged to increase membership, membership participation, civic engagement, and community involvement.

Put the Zip on Homelessness

Second Annual Jeans Day Campaign to End Homelessness launches.

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber), in partnership with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness, The Connection Newspapers and Apple Federal Credit Union, has announced the 2nd Annual Jeans Day to Put the ZIP on Homelessness (http://jeansday2012.eventbrite.com).

Season of Giving Well Under Way

Local organizations “are dependent on the community.”

As the holidays approach, the spirit of giving spreads throughout Fairfax County. Many organizations, such as Food for Others and the Lorton Community Action Center, make it their mission to distribute the necessary services to those who need them in their communities.

Brief: Fairfax Physician Elected Medical Society of Virginia President

Brief: On Sat., Nov. 3, Russell C. Libby, M.D., FAAP was installed as president of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) during the organization’s annual meeting at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg.

‘The Funniest Farce Ever Written’

Fairfax High presents the comedy, “Noises Off.”

Featuring a cast and crew of 25, Fairfax High presents the play, “Noises Off.” Show times are Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.fxplayers.org and $15 at the door.

Financial Education: Moves to Make Before the Holidays

Before the rush of the holiday season, local financial experts say it might be time for a money tune-up. What should one do and when? Three local money gurus offer their top tips for getting one’s financial house in order.

Mason Enterprise Center Expands

Ribbon cutting for updated facilities in Fairfax.

All throughout election season, the public was bombarded with ads criticizing the “other side” for being anti-small business, and not doing enough to encourage the growth of entrepreneurship.

Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity

If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.

Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture

So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.

Editorial: Diversity Growing

Tune in to our series on immigration.

This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.

Fairfax Becomes Immigrants’ Gateway

Focus on immigration.

Yesuf Beshir spent nearly three years gathering the mountain of paperwork he needed to leave Ethiopia and emigrate to America.

A Way Out of No Way

Two women — one African-American and one from Africa — learn to see America through each other’s eyes.

Rosemary Osei, 22, and Lillie Reynolds, 61, have been good friends for four years. The two women, who help teach special needs students at a Vienna elementary school, are sometimes mistaken for mother and daughter.

Viewpoints: Immigrants’ Experiences on Becoming Americans

On Sept. 22 at the Multicultural Festival on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, 25 people participated in a naturalization ceremony that made them American citizens.

Giving Thanks in Style

Area tastemakers offer ideas and inspiration for Thanksgiving table settings.

There’s more to an elegant Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Local design experts say that with a little planning and a few natural elements, it is possible to set a Thanksgiving table that is as tantalizing as the food it holds.

Getting Organized for Thanksgiving

Local experts offer a survival guide.

Jill Mahon is hosting her family for Thanksgiving next week, which is, of course, the kick-off of the holiday season. But for Mahon, the holidays herald an organizational nightmare.

Week in Fairfax

Total Framing, at 9528 Main St. in Fairfax, will hold its second annual blood drive in honor of Owen Wicks (the son of a Clifton Elementary alumnus) and Ryan Dillon (whose father was a former Clifton Elementary P.E. teacher). Both lost their battles with Osteosarcoma earlier this year, but this blood drive is to honor their memories and help others battling cancer and other diseases and conditions requiring transfusions.

Oak View Honors Veterans

Two assemblies gathered during the morning, with military color guard and military parents dressed in uniform. Student musicians played patriotic music to honor the veterans and the children watched and listened as military service members shared with them.

Building Tomorrow’s Cyber Defenders

Local students participate in cybersecurity camp.

“I discovered I really like this and, when I go to GMU, I’ll change my major from chemistry to computers.” -Fairfax High senior Jessica Miers

Fairfax Baskin-Robbins Reopens

Kids of all ages celebrate grand re-opening.

A sweet tooth and a head for business must run in the family. Fai Ulit might have been doing just fine as a veterinarian nurse, but with a mother and aunt and uncle owning successful Baskin-Robbins ice cream store franchises in Northern Virginia, it’s no wonder that Ulit decided to take the plunge and scoop up a franchise of her own.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally

Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.

Long Lines Revisited

Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.

“I plan to present this issue to the Board of Supervisors at our next meeting and suggest the formation of a bi-partisan commission to identify ways to reduce lines, decrease wait times and streamline our election process.” —Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)

Holiday Shopping Trend

Show support for local businesses.

Get ready to toss out the candy corn and grab the candy canes. Black Friday—the hottest holiday shopping day of the year—is right around the corner. What’s one of the biggest trends this year? Shopping locally. Below is a list of local “mom and pop” niche stores that make vital contributions to the local economy, generate jobs and offer unique products and stellar personal service. Unlike many big national chains, they know their products, and are able to accommodate special requests. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person to help you. Who could ask for a better holiday gift?

Robinson’s Schweikert Places Fifth At State Cross Country Meet

Junior earns all-state with time of 18:08.

Robinson's Macey Schweikert on Nov. 10 earned all-state for the second straight year.

Holiday Service Projects

Join Democratic Women of Clifton to benefit local nonprofits.

Holiday service projects will be the focus of the next general meeting of the Democratic Women of Clifton on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. The location is the Clifton Community Hall, 12641 Chapel Rd., Clifton, VA 20124. Following a short meeting, at about 4 p.m. the DWC will reconvene at a local restaurant in Clifton for a holiday celebration. Again this year, the DWC will participate in holiday projects with two local organizations.

Cappies Review: A Hilarious Show

W. T. Woodson HS presents "Bye, Bye, Birdie."

A pop superstar, multitudes of screaming girls and headaches from parents and boyfriends across town—no, this isn't a Justin Bieber concert. It’s the premise of W.T. Woodson High School’s hilarious production of “Bye, Bye, Birdie!”

Classified Advertising Nov. 14, 2012

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Column: Weight For It

This reference is not about pounds, per se. It is about the two largest tumors in my lungs, inoperable in that they are located between the two halves which make up the whole lung.

Long Lines on Election Day ‘Unacceptable’

Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.

While voter turnout in Fairfax County on Election Day was at an all-time high--80.5 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, compared to 78.7 percent in 2008--some voters faced long lines and endured hours of waiting in the cold to cast their ballots.

Classified Advertising Nov. 7, 2012

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Burke/Fairfax Calendar, Nov. 8-18

Get out and about with these events in Burke and Fairfax.

Gearing Up for Turkey Trots

Fitness experts offer tips for getting in shape.

Before the bird is carved on Turkey Day, Arlington resident Nina Elliot will be hitting the pavement. The mother of two is running in the 7th Annual Arlington Turkey Trot.

Cutting a Rug

Researchers say dancing can improve balance and mental ability in seniors.

Springfield resident Fred Griffin enjoys a good hoe down and takes pleasure in doing a do-si-do. In fact, he has been square dancing since high school.

Locals Join All-Star Line-up at Metro Cooking Show

Area specialty food entrepreneurs among the attractions at the 2012 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.

When celebrity chefs and Food Network stars were in Washington last weekend for what has become a Super Bowl for foodies (Giada De Laurentiis, Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and The Chew’s Michael Symon and Carla Hall were just some of the famous faces), some area culinary enthusiasts joined them as well.

Dogtopia Comes to Springfield

New facility welcomes first guests.

The grand opening celebration of Dogtopia in Springfield on Saturday, Nov. 3, had barely begun before a steady stream of party poochers were taking over the spacious lobby and accompanying their humans on staff-guided tours of the new facility.

British Murder Mystery at Robinson Secondary

Theater students present “Night Must Fall.”

A British murder mystery, “Night Must Fall,” is Robinson Secondary’s upcoming play. It’s slated for Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 15, 16, 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.robinsondrama.org and $12 at the door.

Fairfax Votes ‘Yes’ On Bond Package

$155 million will be used to upgrade, renovate fire stations, libraries, parks and make storm water improvements.

On Tuesday, Fairfax County voters overwhelmingly approved $155 million in bonds to upgrade and renovate libraries, parks, fire stations and courtrooms, and to make storm water improvements to address flooding in the Huntington neighborhood.

Eminent Domain Amendment Prevails by Wide Margin

Some lawmakers predict amendment will cost taxpayers millions down the road.

Local lawmakers said they were not surprised that nearly two and half million voters (74.6 percent) approved a state constitutional amendment last night further restricting Virginia’s power of eminent domain.

Fairfax Republicans Come Together for Election

What started as a night of hope for the Fairfax County Republican Committee ended on something of a sour note, as Republican presidential, senate and congressional candidates were not able to oust incumbents.

Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents

President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.

In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.

Different Perspective

Visiting journalist from Nicaragua interviews voters in Northern Virginia.

Virginia citizens came out to vote early this morning to elect their next president after a campaign in which the candidates of the Republican and Democratic party spent at least $2 billion in search of votes.

Obama, Clinton, Kaine Fire Up Virginia Crowd

Campaign rally in Bristow, Va. attracts 24,000 supporters.

President Obama, President Clinton, and Senate hopeful Tim Kaine gather supporters at a Virginia rally.

Romney at GMU: ‘He Believes in Us’

Fairfax crowd gives Romney ‘energetic’ welcome as more than 10,000 supporters gather inside and outside Patriot Center.

By the time GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney took center stage at George Mason University’s Patriot Center around 4 p.m. Monday, the crowd was fired up.

Editorial: Feeling Important

Presidential campaigns traverse Northern Virginia on last days, mark the importance of every vote.

The images from the last weeks of the presidential Election of 2012 make it clear that it would be hard to overstate the importance of voting, especially in Virginia, especially in Northern Virginia.

Absentee Voting Down Slightly from 2008 Election

More confusion about redistricting reported at polls, not Voter ID.

The line of 100-plus voters casting absentee ballots at the Reston Government Center Friday evening moved quickly.

First-time Voters Viewpoints: "Who are you voting for and why?"

"I'll be voting for Barack Obama for several reasons. First of all, I've been pretty liberal all my life and I've grown up overseas in France, Belgium and Greece and it's no secret that Europe is pretty liberal also. It put American politics into perspective for me and helped shape my views. Also, I'll be going to college next year and it's increasingly expensive..."

Column: Hands of Time

On the one hand, I want to take note every month on the 27th as yet one more notch on my living-with-cancer belt. On the other hand, maybe I don’t need a belt to be notching but rather a life to be living. Perhaps it’s time, nearly 44 months post-diagnosis – at press time, to stop counting backwards and try more living forwards.

Costumes Galore at Goblin Gallop

The 19th annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 28.

Satire, Comedy and Beautiful Costumes

Paul VI Presents ‘Tom Jones.’

Featuring a cast and crew of about 65, Paul VI presents the comedy, “Tom Jones.”

Letter: Anything But Affordable

Letter: The Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable and will cause great harm to Americans if not repealed.

Letter: Unnecessarily Negative

Letter: I was saddened by the cover of the last week's Connection for the partisan display of support for one political party over the other.

Letter: Vote ‘Yes’ to Protect Property

Letter: Why is there an amendment to the Virginia Constitution on the Nov. 6th ballot?

Town Hall Meeting Focuses on Parkway

Fairfax County Parkway the subject at well-attended meeting.

In conjunction with the Springfield District Council, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity (R) hosted a panel of local and state transportation authorities for a Town Hall Meeting, held at the James W. Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax.