Wednesday, June 26
Column: No Shame in Crying
Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).
Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Engagements
Justin Paul Robinson and Sarah Catherine James Engaged
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Cindy Robinson of Ashburn announce the engagement of their son, Justin Paul Robinson, 24, to Sarah Catherine James, 23, daughter of Robert and Lucy of Metuchen, N.J.
Balenger Story: Walking Tall
Nick Balenger, paralyzed after a swimming accident, walks at the Lake Braddock graduation ceremony.
Every Lake Braddock senior who walked across the George Mason University Patriot Center stage for a diploma received applause and praise for 12 years of hard work. But only one student received a standing ovation for simply walking.
Viewpoints
Lake Braddock Graduates Discuss: Where are you going next and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lake Braddock graduates discuss their futures.
Children Dig Into Reading
Summer reading program sparks enthusiasm in area libraries.
This year’s summer reading program in Fairfax County libraries provides children and their parents with enriching opportunities they can sink their hands into.
Join the ‘Extravacatza’
In hopes of encouraging people to adopt cats and kittens, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter has designated July as “Extravacatza.” Adoptive families will receive half-off adoption fees, plus free spay and neuter, on cats and kittens. Senior cat adopters will receive gift bags.
Tuberculosis Clinic Set Up at Lee High School
Three people at the school identified as having active TB.
Following reports that as many as 430 students and faculty at Robert E. Lee High School could have been exposed to tuberculosis, Fairfax County Health Department officials set up a special clinic on Friday, June 21, to provide testing and information on the infectious disease.
Fairfax to Celebrate Independence Day
The City of Fairfax has planned a host of activities for Thursday, July 4, including a parade in historic downtown Fairfax, and music and fireworks at Fairfax High School.
True Food Kitchen Opens at Mosaic
True Food Kitchen is scheduled to open its doors to the public in summer 2014 at Mosaic in Fairfax.
Animal Shelter Fundraiser Proves Big Success
Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter held a fundraiser for the shelter, June 9, at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton. Nearly 200 people attended the event, called “Wine, Whiskers & Wags,” and raised $6,000 for the shelter.
Postcards for Wounded Veterans
During May, for Military Appreciation Month, students at Oak View Elementary School wrote over 1,300 postcards to wounded veterans at Ft. Belvoir.
Potoman/North Sends off Talented Players
The Potomac/North U16 and U19 teams, full of Fairfax County players, both took home the Gold Medal Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23 the VA Commonwealth Games (The Virginia Olympics) for Field Hockey at the University of Virginia.
SkateFest Raises $11,500 for Children’s Hospital
Skateboarders from all over compete in Sk8 for a Cause.
Some 250 skateboarders from as far away as Missouri and Pennsylvania traveled to Wakefield Skate Park in Annandale Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22, to compete in the seventh Annual SkateFest—Sk8 for a Cause, which raised $11,500 for Children’s National Medical Center in the district.
Meier Reflects on His Decade at Robinson
Search continues for school’s new principal.
Robinson Secondary School still hasn’t found a new principal—but then, Danny Meier is a hard act to follow. He retired recently after serving 29 years with FCPS, the last 10 as Robinson’s leader.
Week in Fairfax
Robbery and Shooting in Mantua, Countywide Transit Network Study, Chick-fil-A Seeks People to Dress as Cows.
Meier: ‘A Supporter, Leader and Listener’
Although Danny Meier’s now retired as Robinson’s principal, he left his mark on the school and his colleagues say he led it well. “He’s a great leader because he’s quick at evaluating situations and has the background to make logical decisions,” said school administrative assistant Sue Henderson. “It’s also a great loss because I’ll miss him as a friend.”
Tuesday, June 25
Local Artist to Exhibit Beach Series At Katie’s Coffee House
Local artist Jane Rader will be exhibiting her “Beach Series” photographs at Katie’s Coffee House at 760 Walker Road in Great Falls during the month of July. The digital images on canvas feature beach scenes in a contemporary, impressionistic style. As a painter and graphic designer, Rader’s soft focus style of photography allows the artist to paint with her camera. Her beach series was photographed in 2010 along the coast of Virginia.
Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’
Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.
City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Two Area Residents Elected to Hope Connections Board
Hope Connections for Cancer Support, the local nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of the disease, has elected four new members to its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is made up of 19 members; the four new members include two from Fairfax County: Sharon Glickman and James J. Lynch, Ph.D.
Week in Great Falls
Starshine Theater to Present Summer Camp Production
Starshine Theater of Great Falls is enrolling student actors, singers and dancers, ages 6 through 19, for its 20th annual summer camp production. This July, the student cast presents the original musical drama, "The Dragons of Darkmoor: How Magic Came Into The World."
Monday, June 24
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.
Thursday, June 20
Classified Advertising June 19, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Clifton Holding Outdoor Weekend Painting Festival
The Art Guild of Clifton is hosting the first annual Clifton Plein Air (outdoor) Painting Festival, rain or shine, Saturday-Sunday, June 22-23. That Saturday, concurrent with the Clifton Wine Festival, artists may set up anywhere in the corporate town limits, except for the Town Park, where the wine festival is being held.
Student Wins Contest for Literature Letter
Local eighth grader Christine Wang has won first place (for grades six through eight) in the Letters about Literature contest sponsored by the Library of Congress. She wrote her award-winning letter about the book, “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang. Christine, 13, even got to read her letter recently at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville. The book’s a graphic novel in hardcover, comic-book form. It contains three connected stories that become one at the end, and they appealed to her on a personal level.
Fairfax High Celebrates Graduation
Commencement ceremony highlights achievements of 585 graduates.
A packed basketball gym with threatening weather looming outside made for a dramatic start to the graduating Class of 2013’s commencement ceremony at Fairfax High School Thursday, June 13.
Supervisors Pass Home Day Care Ordinance
Bulova calls for town hall meeting to educate providers on new rules.
“There is a tremendous need for quality child care in the county and we want to help make sure there are a sufficient number of providers available.” -- Board Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)
Saying Goodbye to a ‘Great Place’
Woodson graduates challenged to remember.
W.T. Woodson High School’s Class of 2013 gathered together for the final time Thursday, June 13 at Robinson High School’s Henry M. Smith Field House for its annual commencement ceremony. Students, faculty, family members, and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate the culmination of the school’s 50th anniversary.
Robinson Graduates Offered ‘Tips for Success’
Robinson High School seniors received their diplomas at the 2013 Commencement Ceremony held at the Patriot Center. Not only notable for its size, the graduates received over $4 million in scholarship money for their continuing education.
Wednesday, June 19
Springfield Boy Scouts Help Plant Trees at Burke Lake Park
New trees replace mature ones torn down by Burke Lake Dam renovation.
When the renovation of Burke Lake Dam began last fall, many residents in the leafy South Run neighborhood were concerned about the dozens of mature trees construction crews had to rip out to gain access to the dam.
Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95
As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.
Week in Fairfax
Fair Oaks Townhouse Fire
Fire officials say a blaze last week at a Fair Oaks townhouse caused an estimated $50,000 damage. The single-family home is at 4815 Green Duck Lane, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Thursday, June 13
Classified Advertising June 12, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Column: Full Circle
I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.
Rock the Pink at Occoquan
The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Wednesday, June 12
Week in Fairfax
Volunteer Charged With Embezzlement
Volunteer charged with embezzlement, jewelry theft is investigated, utility bill scam.
Robert ‘Bob’ C. Russell, 84, Dies
Robert "Bob" C. Russell, born June 6, 1929 in Elkins, W. Va. died Sunday, June 2 in Elkins. He resided in Fairfax City for over 40 years and actively contributed to the Fairfax community for over 55 years. Russell graduated from Elkins High School where he was active in both choral and instrumental music and was recognized for his musical abilities.
On the Campaign Trail
Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.
Fairfax Celebrated
The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.
Students Put Fun Into Fundraiser
The Barnes & Noble in Fair Lakes hosted a recent book fair with a percentage of sales going to the Mountain View High School Scholarship Foundation. The event included face painting, storytelling, music and an art display.
Sunrise Seniors Welcome Visitors For Open House
Sunrise Senior Living’s Director of Sales Valerie Parker, and Sales Assistant Shelley Jennings are always pleased to show off the facility at Fair Oaks on Joseph Siewick Drive in Fairfax.
Robinson Drama Camp For Students, All Ages
A summer of fun and adventure is in store for those attending this summer’s Robinson Drama Camp. For the rising kindergartners through eighth graders: Curtain Call camp consists of half-day camps in morning and afternoon sessions, each week, from July 1-26.
Local Schools Win Seven Cappie Awards
Robinson captures five, including Best Musical.
Not only did Robinson Secondary win five of the eight Cappies awards for which it was nominated, but it took home the prize for Best Musical for its production of “Hairspray.” It was honored Sunday night, June 9, at the 14th annual Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Creating Livable Community For All Ages
County and local organizations seek to find and meet seniors’ needs.
People over 55 make up approximately 30 percent of Fairfax County’s population, making them the largest population group. Many of that group have chosen, or plan, to spend their later years in Fairfax County, but as they age in place, there are certain services and resources needed.
Volunteering Gives Seniors a Sense of Fulfillment
Shepherd Center network provides opportunities for seniors to help seniors.
Kathy Tugendhat chairs the Adventures in Learning organizing committee at Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV). She teaches conversational ESL at Patrick Henry Library, one-on-one. On Wednesdays in the summer months, Tugendhat tells stories and leads songs for youngsters on the grounds of the Little Library. She sings with the Vienna Choral Society because she loves it. “It keeps me young,” said Tugendhat. She’s also 80 years old.
Thursday, June 6
On Her Way to Carnegie Hall
Maggie Kirtley Rocky Run Middle School student.
As a finalist in the American Fine Arts Festival competition, Maggie Kirtley, has earned the opportunity to perform piano in Carnegie Hall in New York City.
State Title
Chantilly High's Alex Watson and Jonah Williams won the Virginia State Title for Public Forum Debate at the VHSL State Debate Tournament.
Free EKGs in Lopynski’s Honor
On April 26, 2009, Ryan Lopynski was a freshman at Virginia Tech who’d come home to Clifton’s Hampton Chase community to visit his family and seek a summer job. But he collapsed at home and suffered a fatal heart attack.
Wednesday, June 5
Lake Braddock Baseball Advances to State Semifinals
Bruin pitcher Rogers earns quarterfinal win against Patriot.
The Lake Braddock baseball team will face Great Bridge in the state semifinals.
Lorton Hope and Health Festival a Fun-filled Success
Lorton Community Action Center meets goals set.
The Lorton Hope and Health Festival was scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, but a good-sized crowd had already gathered in the park venue located behind Lorton Public Library and alongside the headquarters of festival organizers Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) quite some time before the first words of the official welcome were spoken.
Area Roundups
Firefighters Provide Smoke Alarms
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is launching “Safety In Our Community” in hopes of preventing 911 calls. This Friday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m., Fire Chief Richard Bowers will kick off the initiative at Station 40 in Fairfax Center to publicize this safety message.
Encore Dance Show Is This Weekend
Encore Theatrical Arts Project will be performing in “Style, A Celebration in Dance,” this Saturday, June 8, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 9, at 3 p.m., at NOVA’s Ernst Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.
Sundog Productions Opens, Reduces Carbon Footprint
Textile plant using green and sustainable solutions expands and celebrates grand opening.
Think a “Made in America” product that features custom tie-dye, all created in an eco-friendly way is too good to be true? Sundog Productions has it all and recently celebrated the grand opening of its 40,000-square-foot facility on Saturday, June 1. Located at 3850 Jermantown Road, Sundog Productions is the only manufacturing facility on the East Coast to adopt a method of green energy that powers the entire production process all under one roof. By using solar energy, the company estimates that it avoids CO2 production of about 80 tons a year. Jack Levenson, development director from Amidus, a clean energy company headquartered in Maryland, headed the solar installation.
Cappies Review: Enjoying ‘Happily Ever After’
Paul VI Catholic High School’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, no one was getting any younger waiting around for a princess to arrive suitable enough for marriage to Prince Dauntless. But what could that be splashing around in the moat? A fish? A frog? Or maybe, as they would soon discover, a welcome change.
Chasing Cow Costume Record
Ever dream of being part of a world record event? Join Chick-fil-A of Northern Virginia on July 2nd at the Patriot Center located on the campus at George Mason University in Fairfax as they attempt to break the world record for the "number of people dressed as cows gathered in one place."
Boy Scout Earns Medal of Merit
Chris Mayhew of Fairfax honored as “exceptionally brave and courageous” young man.
Smiling with his head slightly bowed, Boy Scout Christopher Mayhew of Fairfax was greeted with thunderous applause as he accepted the Medal of Merit during the spring Court of Honor.
Free EKG Screenings in Lopynski’s Honor
Class of 2008 Robinson graduate Ryan Lopynski was a freshman at Virginia Tech who’d come home to Clifton’s Hampton Chase community to visit his family and seek a summer job. But on April 26, 2009 he collapsed at home and suffered a fatal heart attack. Afterward, his parents established the Ryan Lopynski Big Heart Foundation to honor his life and to raise public awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in young adults.
Allison Hunter Wins $2,500 Robinson Scholarship
The Lunsford/Behrend Scholarship. The Lunsford/Behrend Scholarship Fund, Inc., which has awarded a scholarship annually for the past seven years, was started by Robinson band alumni in honor of Robinson band directors James G. Lunsford and Jack Behrend, who taught and inspired hundreds of students during their tenure at the school during the 1970s. Hunter, who played first chair euphonium at Robinson, was selected from a pool of applicants who were evaluated earlier this year.
Cappies Review: A Spectacle Not to Be Missed
Robinson Secondary School’s production of “Hairspray.”
With bold characters, fun songs, and cans upon cans of hairspray, this production is a spectacle not to be missed.
Adam’s Angels Hosts 5K Fundraiser
Raises money for scholarships and heart research.
With his life stretched out before him, this would have been the spring Adam Seymour graduated from Lynchburg College. Instead, it’s time for an annual 5K race in his memory—but one whose proceeds may help save other lives.
Viewpoints
How is new technology impacting community life?
Individuals talk about how technology effects their everyday routines.
Being Connected in a Positive Way
Supervisor Cook’s town hall meeting found valuable by those wanting to connect.
Braddock District residents were hit by a message as big as Facebook and as ubiquitous as the Internet itself. Their communities are embracing the virtual world to keep up with the actual one. Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted a seminar called “Community Communication in the Digital Age,” which focused on the swiftly changing manner in which people interact with one another in their own neighborhoods.
‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs
A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.
Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.
Tuesday, June 4
And the Winners Are …
Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.
The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Fashion Show Proceeds Presented to Artemis House
Proceeds from the recent Spring into Summer Fashion Show were presented by OLGC Women’s Club members Renie Langan, Marti Campo, and Karen Ryan to Laly Goodmote, director of the Artemis House.
A Shear Madness of an Evening
1st Stage presents "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward.
Light-hearted fare has arrived at Tysons 1st Stage in the guise of Noel Coward's 1941 hit, "Blithe Spirit." It is a lovely dessert-like confection of escapist froth and meringue. But its age—it was written during the "keep calm and carry on" times of the London Blitz of World War II—is beginning to show even under the assured direction of Lee Mikeska Gardner.
Experiencing All-American Football Camp
Local players gain exposure to college coaches during camp and develop skills for football and life.
Over the past two years, over 100 athletes who have attended the camp are playing NCAA football, including 48 who received Division I scholarships in 2012.
Cappies Review: ‘Don’t Count on Forever’ at TJ
Running the yearbook, finding a date to prom, and writing a speech for graduation are the least of Lisa’s worries when she learns of her parents’ long-coming divorce. Such is the life of senior Lisa Solheim in Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology’s production of “Don’t Count on Forever.”
Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles
Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.
Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.
Monday, June 3
Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships
Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.