Stories for October 2012

Classified Advertising Oct 31, 2012

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Editorial: In Wake of Sandy, Still Plan to Vote

Variety of choices in political landscape.

Hurricane Sandy means that the week preceding the election will not be what we were expecting. This editorial is being written Sunday night, Oct. 28, as forecasters predict five inches of rain and 65-mile-per-hour winds over the next two days. With some predicting that power could take a week or more to restore, we have to worry about the likely condition of the Eastern seaboard will be on Election Day, Nov. 6. Absentee voting in person had been cancelled for Monday, and most government offices were closed in anticipation of the storm. What will this mean for voter turnout, for access to voting places on Election Day?

George Allen v. Timothy Kaine for Senate

Voters have stark choice between candidates to replace U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D).

Candidates for U.S. Senate George Allen and his Democratic challenger Timothy M. Kaine have powerful things in common. Both were popular governors of the Commonwealth of Virginia; both have long political resumes; and both men are passionate about the success of their adopted home state.

Happy Halloween

Haunting events to round out your trick-and-treat filled evening.

Get all the treats and tricks, fright-in-the-night and boo!-filled fun to be had out of Halloween this fall with a little help from some Fairfax County seasonal events.

Time for a Change

As I listened to Congressman Frank Wolf during his debate with challenger Kristin Cabral at the Great Falls Grange on Oct. 23, I realized that he was focused on his past in Congress and not the future interests of the citizens of the 10th District.

After the Storm

Thousands of residents without power as clean-up efforts continue and residents deal with downed trees, closed roads and schools in wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Hurricane Sandy battered the region Monday night, shutting down Fairfax County schools, governments, roads and voting precincts.

Fairfax County Braces for Sandy’s Arrival

Threat of flooding and high winds prompts officials to close schools, government offices and absentee voting.

As Hurricane Sandy barreled down the East Coast on Sunday, it’s beginning to look like the weather – not politics – will deliver the biggest October surprise this year.

Storm Related Closings

Current list of weather related closings that Connection Newspapers is aware of.

Area Schools Closing in Face of Weather Threat

Threat of flooding, high winds from Hurricane Sandy prompts decision.

Better safe than sorry. Based on that philosophy, Fairfax County Public Schools announced early Sunday afternoon that all FCPS schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday because of the continuing threat of flooding and hurricane-force winds from Hurricane Sandy, a “rare hybrid storm” expected to make landfall on Monday.

Vienna Halloween Parade Keeps Them Smiling

Floats, emergency vehicles, bands and costumed children set the mood for festive evening.

The weather during the 66th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 24, did not merely cooperate, it begged the community to revel in its balmy temperatures and clear skies.

Week in Fairfax

The Fairfax County School Board will hold a listening tour to help determine which schools are included in the scope of study of the upcoming Fairfax High/Lanier Middle School boundary study. The boundary study will address current and projected overcrowding in Fairfax High and Lanier Middle schools.

Veterans Career Hiring Event, American Freedom Festival to be Held Nov. 10

The second annual Veterans Career Hiring Event will be held in conjunction with the American Freedom Festival Washington presented by SKYDEX and CareerBuilder from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Patriot Center at George Mason University in Fairfax.

New Dominion Chorale Soloist, Met Star Sings with Fairfax High School

She advises would-be opera stars to take the slow road to fame.

Danielle Talamantes grew up in Vienna, attended McLean High School, and now she sings with the New York Metropolitan Opera and is the soprano soloist for the New Dominion Chorale. She has some advice for would-be opera stars: “Stay home.”

Fairfax Rotary Club Honors Judge Jennings

The Rotary Club of Fairfax honored Judge Barnard Fulton Jennings at a recent membership meeting attended by over 100 of its members and special guests. One by one, attendees paid tribute to a man who has served the people of Fairfax, the State of Virginia, and the United States for over seven decades. Introduced by his long-time family friend and Rotary Club Past President Bruce Jennings, Judge Jennings (known as Barney) was treated to a trip down “memory lane.”

GMU to Present ‘Into the Woods’

New musical theater partnership at George Mason University.

"Into the Woods," performed at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. Performances: Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. and Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20. For tickets call 888-945-2468 or visit: www.cfa.gmu.edu.

‘It’s a Fast-paced, Hilarious Show’

Woodson High presents “Bye Bye Birdie.”

A slice of Americana wrapped in music and dancing—that’s Woodson High’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” The curtain rises Friday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 3, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Burke Artist Launches ‘Barn Sale without the Barn’

Think "Upscale Tag Sale" of original art, vintage jewelry and everything in between.

A year ago, I read an article about this new phenomenon called "Barn Sales." These various groups of women in the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia would put all this beautiful antique and vintage furniture for sale in differently-styled vignettes. The kicker was that these vignettes were set up in different stalls of a barn. Each had a different look: Victorian here, retro there, Hollywood regency there, farmhouse chic there, with antiques throughout. As I watched all these people waiting in line eagerly to buy all these vintage and antique and "freshened" goodies, two things occurred to me. 1. The art I was making at the time would look amazing in this venue. 2. Between me and Sharon, we knew where to find or how to make almost everything in the show. On the way home I looked at her and said, "Sharon, let's have a barn sale this fall." and she said, "Where are we going to find a barn in Burke?" And we just decided we didn't need a barn. Hence the tag "Branches: the Barn Sale Without a Barn".

Bulova, McDonnell Honored for Community Service Work

Chairman Sharon Bulova, on behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Governor Bob McDonnell, were honored by the Arc of Northern Virginia, a non-profit organization that provides services for the intellectually and developmentally disabled, at their annual Golden Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Opinion: Be Part of the Children's Connection

Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 3.

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.

Lawmakers Debate Eminent Domain Ballot Question

Some argue amendment fails to increase property owner’s protections, but may shut down popular parades.

"A shop owner could complain they lost revenue, that festival vendors are taking their business away….What if someone decided to make that an issue and seek compensation for lost profits under (the amendment)? The Town of Vienna can’t afford to reimburse every shop owner..." — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) "(The amendment) is fair…If they run a road and cut off your driveway to the point that no one can get into your restaurant and ruin your business, you should be compensated." —Del. Dave Albo (R-42)

Obama Fires Up Fairfax Crowd With ‘Romnesia’ Quips

President delivers second GMU gender-pitch aimed at women voters.

Lillie Reynolds, a single mother from Herndon with four daughters, stood in line for nearly five hours to hear President Barack Obama speak for 25 minutes at a campaign rally at George Mason University on Friday, Oct. 19.

Voters to Determine Fate of Amendment to Limit Use of Eminent Domain

Measure will allow property owners to seek damages for loss of profits and access.

Nowhere is the debate about eminent domain more intense than the foot of King Street in Alexandria, where city officials threatened to take land owned by the Old Dominion Boat Club using the power of eminent domain for flood mitigation.

Fairfax Field Hockey Beats Lake Braddock in Regionals

Sophomore Duke scores lone goal for Rebels.

The Fairfax field hockey team defeated Lake Braddock, 1-0, in the opening round of the Northern Region Tournament on Oct. 23.

The Passover Amendment: Should Legislators Meet on Religious Holidays?

Former Del. David Englin (D-45) was behind amendment now before voters.

Every year, the Virginia General Assembly convenes several weeks after the session to react to the governor’s vetoes.

Classified Advertising Oct 24, 2012

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Burke/Fairfax Calendar, Oct. 19-Oct. 31

Get up, get out and explore before October slips away; isn't it time for that date night, volunteering you said you'd do and some family quality time?

“Hey Beez; Beez, It’s Me”

It was my father all right – in a dream. Standing five feet away, approximately, in a well-lit, local convenience store with which I am extremely familiar. This was no case of mistaken identity. Besides, he was wearing those blue, terrycloth shorts of his that my mother always hated. So yes, I called out to him, surprised as I was to see him, locally as it were.

City of Fairfax Hosts Fall Festival

More than 30,000 visitors enjoy arts, entertainment and more.

The weather could not have been more perfect for the 36th annual City of Fairfax Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13. Under bright blue skies, and crisp fall temperatures, more than 30,000 visitors enjoyed headliner bands, amusement rides, three stages of entertainment, the always-popular arts & craft show, a parade and festival food for every palate.

Visiting the Local Fire Station

As part of national Fire Prevention Week, Fair Oaks Fire Station 21 held an open house.

19th Annual Goblin Gallop is Oct. 28

Benefits families of children with cancer.

As Halloween draws near, it’s time for autumn leaves, pumpkins and the Goblin Gallop. And this year’s 19th annual event is Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.

AAA Hosts Free Car Check

A free car inspection might take some of the sting out of this winter’s weather.

Meteorologists look to the weather phenomenon La Nina for their winter predictions this year. AAA Mid-Atlantic Field Operations Manager Jeff Boone remembers something from The Farmer’s Almanac about the abundance of acorns and wooly bear caterpillars foreshadowing rough weather ahead. Computer models or natural signs, Boone and the weather folks are in agreement. The winter of 2012 could be another extra cold and stormy one for our region.

Immigration Issue High on Latino Voters’ Agenda

GMU panel addresses the impact of Latino vote in Northern Virginia.

“The demographic shifts coming to Virginia will wipe out the effects of the short-sighted anti-immigrant politicking we see now.” —Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-49)

Halloween Happenings

It’s back! This year’s haunted trail winds through Clifton’s eight-acre Buckley Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7-10 p.m. This year will include several new terrifying skits including re-enactments, popular scary movie scenes and plenty of frightening lighting and props. Parents should accompany children along the Trail. This year the Haunted Trail features several new and scarier skits from zombie land and the legendary headless horseman may ride by on his stallion from time to time.

Area Roundups

At his swearing-in ceremony in June, City of Fairfax Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne promised to give every resident an equal opportunity to participate in government.

Three Dance Scholarships Awarded

Three Fairfax County high school seniors won dance scholarships at the Fairfax County Dance Coalition (FCDC) Third Annual Gala Showcase, A Celebration of Dance, Sunday, Oct. 7. This year, says FCDC President Marilyn York, “the Arts Council of Fairfax County (ACFC) joined FCDC to expand the number of scholarships awarded.” Penelope Gross, Mason District County supervisor, and Linda Sullivan, president of the ACFC, presented the scholarships.

What Would $155 Million Bond Package Buy?

New fire stations, library renovations, park improvements and more on Nov. 6 ballot.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, Monique Bell of Oakton was helping her 5-year-old daughter McKenzie sort through a dozen Halloween craft books at the Reston Regional Library. The library, one of the busiest branches in Fairfax County, has a collection of more than 215,000 volumes and circulates more than a million books a year.

Classified Advertising Oct. 17, 2012

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Two Poor Teachers Expand in Area

A kitchen and bath remodeling company brings a one-stop-shop right to customers' front doors.

On a sunny afternoon in the parking lot of a Fairfax County shopping center, Jeff Pregman is giving a tour of his mobile showroom, a $100,000 former bookmobile that now houses an impressive selection of tiles, counter tops, faucets, flooring, light fixtures and more. Pregman is the General Manager of Two Poor Teachers, a Class A contracting company founded in 1999 that specializes in kitchen and bath remodeling. The tour is interrupted on several occasions over the course of an hour by folks peering in the windows or knocking on the door. “I love it,” says Pregman. “People see this big vehicle that says it’s a design center. They come up to see what’s what and they are blown away by what’s inside. We do get a bit of business this way.”

Editorial: Pick Your Own Election Day

It's called “absentee voting in person,” and there are a lot of reasons why you should.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. The deadline to register to vote is past, although in Northern Virginia, it's clear that a very high percentage of eligible voters are registered. Four years ago in the presidential election of 2008, there were 5,034,660 voters registered in Virginia, and 3,752,858 actually voted. Just in the month of September 2012, Fairfax County saw more than 6,000 newly registered voters, for a total of 646,881 active voters. Arlington registered more than 3,300 new voters in September, with more than 130,000 active voters total. Alexandria added more than 1,300 new voters last month alone, with 81,847 active voters.

Letter: Vote Yes for Area Parks

As Connection readers know, the upcoming election is a pivotal one. What readers may not be aware of is that a park bond referendum question is on the ballot for Fairfax County residents. I'm writing to ask readers to vote YES for the 2012 park bond.

Fairfax Field Hockey Clinches Regional Berth

Rebels beat Statesmen for undefeated district record.

Fairfax concluded the regular season with a 2-0 victory against Marshall on Oct. 11.

Defense, Running Game Lead Lake Braddock Past Robinson

Bruins have won four straight after 1-2 start.

The Lake Braddock football team beat Robinson, 32-7, on Oct. 12.

“Subjectively Speaking”

In my opinion. It’s what I think. It’s what I feel. It’s what I think I feel. It may not be something I know, but it’s certainly something that I hope I know. And if it’s not exactly something that I know, then I hope it’s something I believe.

Week in Fairfax

City of Fairfax police have arrested a Shenandoah County man in connection with an Aug. 18 hit-and-run which resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The victim was James Ralph Davidson, 52, of no fixed address; charged with felony hit-and-run was Malik Tayvon Battle, 22, of 299 Stickley St. in Strasburg.

Parents Confirm Bryan Glenn’s Death

Searchers find body of Woodson High School student in Thaiss Memorial Park.

As news of 17-year-old Bryan Glenn’s death spread throughout the community Monday, Oct. 8, condolences poured out to the Glenn family, in person and on the Facebook page launched last week to help find the W.T. Woodson High School senior who went missing on Oct. 1.

Fairfax Gets First Taste of Smashburger

Instead of cutting a ribbon, Mayor Silverthorne “smashes” burgers during grand opening in new shopping center.

Smashburger, a Denver-based burger chain, opened its first area location in the new Boulevard Marketplace on Wednesday, Oct. 3. Fairfax City Mayor Scott Silverthorne participated in Smashburger's version of a ribbon-cutting, a "ceremonial smash" with founder Tom Ryan. "I am thrilled to welcome Tom Ryan and Smashburger to the City of Fairfax, their first location in the Washington Metropolitan region,” said Silverthorne after Wednesday’s preview party. “This new restaurant, along with several others in the new Fairfax Boulevard Marketplace, is a great addition to the Fairfax family.”

Saturday Morning Coffee With Delegate David Bulova

Constituents gather at Main Street Bagel to talk local politics.

“The General Assembly is not anywhere near as gridlocked as Congress. Bills get passed in the blink of an eye, and what gets passed really does affects your day-to-day life.” —Del. David Bulova (D-37)

Affordable West Wood Oaks Apartments Completes $6.7 Million Green Renovation

West Wood Oaks Apartments celebrates the $6.7 million green renovation and brand-new clubhouse.

Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne and City Manager Bob Sisson joined residents of West Wood Oaks Apartments, located in the heart of Fairfax, to celebrate the community’s $6.7 million green renovation and brand-new clubhouse, just completed by Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC). Known as Suburbia Fairfax before the renovation, the 54-unit property is the only dedicated affordable property in the City of Fairfax by virtue of its income restrictions.

Fairfax's Providence Players--Endearing and Enduring Comedy

Providence Players of Fairfax present "You Can't Take it with You."

"A non-stop dance of human interactions and emotions—with some crazy ballet thrown in for great entertainment," said Sara Bennett of the Providence Players next production, "You Can't Take it with You," by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.

A Word With Fairfax City Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan

Superintendent Meets "Top-Notch" Principals

Since coming to Fairfax County Public Schools in July 2001, Clifton resident Peter Noonan has been on an upward trajectory. He went from being an assistant principal to a principal to a school system assistant superintendent. But he left it all in July, on the move upward, as he became the superintendent of the City of Fairfax Schools.

Whole Health Fest Gets Fairfax Fit

Get Fit City of Fairfax presents the free Whole Health Fest.

On Sunday, Sept. 23, from 1-4 p.m., the Stacy C. Sherwood Center in Fairfax was the place to be when Get Fit City of Fairfax presented the free 2012 Whole Health Fest. The 14,000-plus square feet of the facility’s main level became a maze of vendors, exhibits, demonstrations, tastings and activities, all focusing on fitness, nutrition and general wellness.

Civitan Clubs Host Annual Burke Lake Picnic

Over 300 people attended the recent picnic at Burke Lake Park for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their staff, and their families. The picnic was a combined effort of the Area 3 Civitan Clubs, including the Arlington, Fairfax, Greater Loudoun and Tysons Clubs, and the Fairfax County Department of Therapeutic Recreation, assisted by 13 members of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity at George Mason University. Members from the CFS Proud Hearts and MVLE Broadway Stars Civitan Clubs were also in attendance.

An ‘Eye-opening’ Banquet in Burke

A "hunger banquet" highlights poverty in the world.

Thirty youth from area middle and high schools gathered on Sept. 18 at their local church in Burke to experience a “hunger banquet” to increase their awareness of poverty and hunger in the world, Haiti and in Northern Virginia. When these students from Lake Braddock, Robinson and West Springfield gathered for their weekly meeting at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they were unaware of what was in store for them. Their leaders divided the students randomly into three groups—seating four students at an elegant dining table, nine students in a circle on folding chairs and the remaining 25 on cardboard laid out on the floor. The three groups represented the distribution of wealth in the world—10 percent in the high-income level, 20 percent in the middle-income level and the remaining 70 percent at the lowest level of wealth.

Column: Volunteerfest Provides Opportunities for All Interests

I’d like to encourage all Fairfax County residents to consider participating in this year’s “VolunteerFest,” sponsored by Volunteer Fairfax on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. This year marks the 18th year for VolunteerFest, and more than 1500 County residents are expected to volunteer their time at dozens of sites around the County. Tasks include landscaping, sorting and collecting food at food banks, maintaining an outdoor classroom at an elementary school, helping seniors, cleaning libraries and sorting clothes at a thrift store that funds programs for people with disabilities. A full list of events can be found at http://www.volunteerfairfax.org/. Volunteer Fairfax is much more than “VolunteerFest,” however. For 37 years, this organization has been a tremendous resource for volunteering in Fairfax County. Through a variety of programs and services, Volunteer Fairfax strengthens the capacity of its nonprofit members and offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for local citizens. Moreover, all year long they match the skills and interests of volunteers and donors to the needs of local nonprofit organizations, helping to build a better community through service.

Woodson Football Beats TC for First 2012 Victory

Titans running back Robertson runs for 176 yards in defeat.

The Woodson football team defeated T.C. Williams, 28-21, on Oct. 6.

Classified Advertising Oct 10, 2012

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Editorial: Cancer Awareness

Success with breast cancer awareness should help other cancers.

October is breast cancer awareness month. Anyone connected to media of any variety already knows this. A massive marketing success, we all know that pink shows support for breast cancer prevention, especially in October.

Fairfax Crowd Gives Obama Enthusiastic Welcome

President scores points talking about jobs, women’s rights … and Big Bird.

After a bruising debate with GOP challenger Mitt Romney, President Barack Obama did some boasting Friday, Oct. 5 at a campaign rally at George Mason University.

Column: “Less Fluid, Most Nodules Stable, Minimal Growth.”

Given how I feel now, three-plus years later, and considering the results of this most recent scan, the future may simply be what it is: not now, but later. At least, that’s the way I see it, subjectively speaking. (Now whether “subjectively speaking” is just a euphemism for “unrealistic” is likely a topic for a “future” column.)

Classified Advertising Oct. 3, 2012

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Fairfax Volleyball Focused on Beating Liberty’s Elite

Rebels finish runner-up at Hayfield Invitational on Sept. 29.

The Fairfax volleyball team is 15-4 and finished runner-up at the Hayfield Invitational.

Editorial: Last Week to Register to Vote

To vote on Election Day, you must be registered at your current address no later than Oct. 15, 2012. Registered voters should have received a new voter card in the mail by now. You can check your registration status online by visiting the State Board of Elections website at www.sbe.virginia.gov. There you can also download a voter registration form and mail or fax it to your elections office address.

Perkins, Four Independents Challenge Connolly in 11th District

This will be the first election using new district maps based on 2010 Census data. Virginia's 11th congressional district includes the City of Fairfax, most of Fairfax County and the eastern portion of Prince William County. The Towns of Clifton, Haymarket, Occoquan, and Vienna are also located in the 11th District. U.S. Rep. Gerald Connolly (D), who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2008, represents more than 650,000 residents.

County Gets Election Ready

Fairfax County prepares voters for new election measures.

"The good news in Fairfax County is that almost everyone who is eligible is registered to vote," said Cameron Quinn, Fairfax County’s chief election official. "Our problem in Fairfax County is not voter apathy, and it’s not getting people to register. What we don't have is every registered voter registered at their correct address."

Real Life Stories Told for a Critical Cause

"The Goddess Diaries" at George Mason University.

Local Oakton playwright Carol Lee Campbell has taken stories of real women's journeys from adolescence through later stages of life and used them to make a theatrical production called "The Goddess Diaries."

Storytelling Troupe Leads Audience-Riveting Workshops

Better Said Than Done Launches Storytelling Classes

Better Said Than Done, Northern Virginia’s premier storytelling troupe, is launching a series of storytelling workshops and classes for anyone who wants to learn how to tell a story that their audience will love to hear—whether that’s a personal story or the story of their business—or learn how to enhance their storytelling performances. The first workshop, "Spotlight on You," will be held on Oct. 13, 2012, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Epicure Cafe, 11213 Lee Highway, Fairfax. The fee for the workshop is $75 per person and advance registration is required. To register or for more information, go to bettersaidthandone.com and click on Classes.

Walk to Feed the Hungry

Sept. 29 was a "Day to Serve" in Springfield, Burke and Fairfax areas.

Early in the year Elder Jack Gerard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) reached out to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray to invite them to collaborate with the LDS Church in a regional "Day to Serve" to benefit all of the communities in this wide swath of the country.

CureSearch Walk Supports Childhood Cancer Research

Fairfax Corner took steps towards overcoming childhood cancer.

Overcoming childhood cancer is a struggle, and since 2010, Northern Virginia CureSearch has held walks to help raise funds for research and provide a platform of community support for children and their families.