Stories for December 2014

Column: Level Best

If I wanted to rationalize the benefit of delaying my heretofore every-three-week chemotherapy infusion from three weeks to four and now on to five, possibly six – and that’s dependent on improved results from a second/maybe even third retest upcoming (this retest a bit more involved than drawing blood) – I would say it’s only fitting that I should have a break/brake; after all, it is the holiday season when all good things; yada, yada, yada. If only it were that simple.

Potomac’s Arden Courts Celebrates 20 Years

A facility for memory care.

Arden Courts in Potomac, the first community built by Manor Care dedicated to those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Nov. 5. More than 200 healthcare professionals, government officials, resident families and local businesses in the community came out in support.

Column: The New Normal

Loosey goosey, I suppose. As much as one might prefer some predictability in their life (certainly a cancer patient would – I know I would), I may be entering a cycle of permanent unpredictability.

Letter: Do Fairfax County Police Act with Impunity?

Fifteen months, after the shooting of John Geer, no officer has been identified, no charges have been filed, no grand jury has been convened and no reason has been given to the family or the public.

I would like to begin by saying that I have always and still do support the police as a whole. I appreciate the job that they do and the risks they take on a daily basis in an effort to keep the public safe. The ongoing policy in Fairfax County of police self-investigation, when officers are involved in possible crimes, has to change.

Letter: Giving Pets a Loving Home

To the Editor

It is evident that the influx of cats and dogs in shelters is a problem.

Fairfax Academy Students Create Own Horror Films

All three levels of the Professional Television Production classes at the Fairfax Academy recently presented original horror films they created based on only two sentences given to them by their teacher, Matthew Balthrop, a new addition this year to the Fairfax Academy family.

Magical Music and Dance

QuinTango comes to JCC in Fairfax on Jan. 10.

Tango. The word conjures earthy dance and sizzling music. "Tango dance best exhibits this: two people create a dance so seamlessly, so beautifully it takes your breath away," said Joan Singer, founder of Northern Virginia's QuinTango.

Four Plays to Offer Drama and Comedy

Fairfax High presents Winter One-Act Festival.

Both comedy and drama will take the stage when Fairfax High presents its student-directed, Winter One-Act Festival. The curtain rises Thursday-Friday, Jan. 8-9, at 7:30 p.m. Four plays are offered; tickets are $5 at the door.

‘Children Are Going to Love These Books’

Scout donates original works to Hanley Shelter.

Eagle Scout projects are all about helping people, and Garrett Anderson’s project certainly fits the bill. Thanks to his efforts, children staying at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter now have 11 new and original books to read and enjoy.

Letter: Taking Exception on Express Lanes

To the Editor

An article was recently published in your newspaper discussing the new I-95 express lanes (95 Express Lanes Open, The Connection, Dec. 18-24, 2014). One statement in the article read, “Construction manager for the project John Morse, of VDOT, said that the addition of a third lane will solve a number of problems and give people options other than waiting in traffic.”

Gifts for the Home

Local shop owners offer suggestions to make holiday shopping easier.

While holiday shopping is part of the spirit of the season, for some choosing a present for everyone on their list can be overwhelming. Local small business owners come to the rescue with gift ideas for the home.

Irresistible? How Karen Garza Creates Change in Fairfax County Schools

Karen Garza is a good listener. And once she’s listened, she is, admittedly, not very patient. “If there's a real issue, I don't think it has to be debated for 10 or 15 years,” Garza said in an interview. “Either we're going to do something about it or not.”

FCPS Chief Karen Garza and Her Previous Life in Texas

“When I hired Karen in 2005,” former Superintendent of Houston Independent School District (HISD) Dr. Abelardo Saavedra said, “the position of chief academic officer had been open several months. I went looking for her. I’d never met her but I’d heard about her. There is a big difference between a mid-sized district and a larger one; the dynamics are completely different. I was taking a risk because she came from a mid-sized one of about 40,000 in Corpus Christi, and ours was much bigger. She adjusted very quickly.”

Saving Historic Homes

Residents could live virtually rent-free in exchange for repairing and maintaining homes.

Fairfax County might soon breathe life into historic homes that have fallen into disrepair. If an ordinance adopted by the County Board of Supervisors last month becomes law, the county will be one step closer to establishing a resident curator program.

2015 New Year Remodeling Resolutions

Improving long-term living needs and future home value.

After all the holiday festivities have passed and the ball has dropped to ring in the New Year, many homeowners are inspired to tackle resolutions that relate to their living space. 2015 may be the year you want to remodel your home to allow for the changes occurring in your life.

Fairfax County Public Schools Needing Community’s Help

Superintendent Karen Garza begins and ends her Listening Tour meetings with a plea to those in the room — parents, teachers, employees, unions — to help her achieve what needs to be done for their school system. “I am going to need your help,” she says to audiences who voice concerns about class size, resources for special education, and teacher salaries.

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza Bio

Current Position: Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent

Timeline of Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza’s career in education.

1986-1991: Elementary School Teacher, Yoakum, Texas (1,539 students, 38% white and 50% Latino and spends about $8,000 per pupil).

Skating Fun for Burke Centre at Fairfax Ice Arena

Michael and Emmett Pellegrino of Burke didn’t have to wait much to see Santa. Just long enough to have their ice skates tied. The Burke Centre Conservancy had rented out Fairfax Ice Arena and asked the jolly old man to make an appearance.

Editorial: Merry Christmas

A message of peace and joy.

Merry Christmas. It’s a magical time of year, and perhaps Connection Newspapers has over indulged in displaying the many rituals of Christmas on our pages in the past few weeks. In events around the area, a sense of community has infused holiday parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, choral performances, singing of carols and other traditional events with warmth and joy.

When Dad (or Mom) Is High School Sports Coach

Local coaches and athletes share their feelings about the relationship between parent/coach and child/athlete.

Betters Said Than Done Helps You Tell Your Story

As the new year approaches, people may begin to ponder what resolutions they will make for 2015 - losing weight, getting a new job, quitting smoking, eating healthier. What about learning the art of storytelling as the means to self-improvement?

Protecting Dogs in the City of Fairfax

City Council passes one-hour maximum tethering ordinance.

When the Fairfax City Council last week passed one of the most stringent tethering laws in the state, it pleased many residents and animal advocates. “It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of work,” said Fairfax resident Tim Parmly, who directs an equine-welfare group. “It’s an ordinance much-needed to protect the dogs in this City.”

‘The American Dream’

The story of success via hard work makes the book a good gift.

Merrifield Garden Center has been a magnet for Northern Virginia gardeners since the store was founded by entrepreneurs and friends Bob Warhurst and Buddy Williams in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County in 1971. Since then, the company has expanded to two more stores in Northern Virginia: Fair Oaks in Fairfax and Gainesville in Prince William County.

95 Express Lanes Open

Transportation project culminates after a decade and four governors.

The 95 express lanes opened on Sunday, Dec. 14, after a decade of planning and since breaking ground almost two years ago. Gov. Terry McAuliffe--joined by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, members of the Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford counties board of supervisors, and representatives from VDOT and Transurban--cut the ribbon on Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Alexandria.

ODB’s Thank You to Combined Properties

Combined Properties donated store space at Courthouse Plaza in Fairfax City so that Our Daily Bread (ODB) and six other local organizations could conduct Fall Food Drives every Saturday from Nov. 1 through Dec. 13. This is its sixth year of supporting these food drives.

Cappies Review: Near Miraculous Production

“The Miracle Worker” at Paul VI Catholic High School.

“Helen, the chick has to come out of its shell sometime…you come out too!” For Helen Keller, life was a black void of ignorance. Almost sealed off from the outside world, pampered by her parents, she understood only desire and reward.

Taste of Braddock Kicks Off Holidays

The annual Taste of Braddock reception was held at Supervisor John Cook’s office on Dec. 10. It was a wonderful time for community members to come together to kick off the holiday season and share in some delicious food from Braddock District businesses.

Letter to the Editor: Giving Pets a Loving Home

To the Editor: It is evident that the influx of cats and dogs in shelters is a problem. With so many animals and not enough families to adopt them, a solution needs to be implemented to decrease the population being brought in.

Bringing Smiles to Military Families in Lorton

Operation Homefront, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, held a Holiday Toy Party for children of enlisted soldiers in Lorton. Five hundred families registered online to be part of the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Column: A Level That’s Anything But

This is not a home improvement reference, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column.

Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2014

In November 2014, 60 Fairfax homes sold between $1,545,000-$187,500.

Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2014

Arts Council, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Move to a New Home

The Arts Council of Fairfax County and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra have moved to Merrifield, thanks to a space proffered by HITT Contracting, Inc. to the County.

Church Without Walls Finds Its Way

Church of the Apostles continues despite losing “The Meeting Place.”

Not all those who wander are lost. The Church of the Apostles has offices in Fairfax but it has held services in different locations since losing “The Meeting Place” in Pickett Road in 2012, where it had been since 1974.

An Essay To Remember

Local educators offer advice on acing independent school admission essays and interviews.

While many are knee-deep in wrapping paper and eggnog, some students are holed up with computer keyboards and books of quotations. In addition to driving to the mall for holiday shopping, some parents are throwing rapid-fire questions at their children to make sure they are fast on their feet.

Commentary: Helping People without Homes

The weather has turned colder and the holidays are in full swing, which means it’s the time of year when people ask “what can we do for the homeless now that it’s so cold?” Or “how can we help the homeless have a good Christmas?”

Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping, remember tens of thousands of local children are short of food as well as presents.

The holidays are for giving. Christmas and Hanukkah are about children and family, about sharing, about joy, about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see few signs of families in need as we go about our daily lives and holiday shopping. Our neighborhoods are largely segregated economically; we mostly see the people who are most like ourselves economically.

Connolly To Hold 22nd Telephone Town Hall Meeting for Fairfax County, Prince William County and City of Fairfax

The representative is just a phone call away. Rather than cramming thousands of constituents into a single room, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) is hosting his 22nd “telephone town hall meeting” where people call in for an hour-long virtual session. The event is set to take place Dec. 16 at at 8 p.m.

Holiday Mischief at the North Pole

Encore presents musical show, “3 Days ’til Christmas!”

Reindeer, elves and dancing snowflakes are all part of the holiday joy in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s upcoming musical extravaganza, called “3 Days ’til Christmas!” it’ll be presented at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.

House Fire Leads to Teen’s Arrest

Believing he set fire to his own home, authorities arrested a 19-year-old Fairfax man last week and charged him with arson. They did not release his name, but the incident occurred Tuesday, Dec. 2, around 8:30 p.m. and caused an estimated $250,000 damage.

Fairfax City Offers Unique Holiday Products and Services

Instead of driving to one of the malls take a venture to the town of Fairfax. There you will be delighted with thoughtful gift ideas and services. In a visit to Fairfax Town Center, nestled by diverse dining options on University Drive and Main Street, one can find a handful of small businesses offering unique products.

Cameron's Chocolates Has Scrumptious Gifts

Store in Fairfax Circle Shopping Center employs people with intellectual disabilities.

Looking for holiday gift ideas of hand-dipped chocolates and fresh-baked-from-scratch muffins, try Cameron's Coffee and Chocolates located in the Fairfax Circle Shopping Center. Owners Jim and Ellen Graham of McLean named their store, which opened Oct. 1, 2013, after their daughter Cameron, 24, who has intellectual disabilities.

‘Every Storm Has its Challenges’

City of Fairfax prepares in advance for snow removal.

Because last winter was so severe, the City of Fairfax had to remove a larger amount of snow and ice than it had anticipated. Staff cleared nearly 40 inches of snow, costing $502,000 and causing a drain on city resources.

Christmas Cookies, Carols and Crafts

Children enjoyed lunch with Santa, Christmas music and holiday crafts, Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax.

95 Express Lanes, a Preview

All signs point to getting an EZ Pass.

Like a long-awaited summer blockbuster, signs on billboards along Route 1 and banners hanging on bridges that cross I-95, tease commuters about the coming of the nine-mile extension of the 95 express lanes.

Editorial: Make a Plan, Talk About It

Here is help in keeping impaired drivers off the roads.

The holiday party season is upon us, and with it an increase in drinking and driving. It’s up to you to make a plan to get home safely.

Column: ‘Quality of Life’

If I’ve heard it once – from my oncologist – I’ve probably heard it a dozen times over the last nearly-six years.

Nai-Tetteh's Defense Leads Robinson to Comeback Win over Lake Braddock

Senior's two steals, 14 fourth-quarter points propel Rams to victory.

Robinson beat Lake Braddock 65-59 Monday.

‘Skate with Santa’ at Fairfax Ice Arena

Beginners, experienced skaters enjoy the adventure of ice skating.

For some ice-skating is a challenge, especially for those of us who didn’t grow up in colder climates. Trying to stand on ice skates, stopping, and turning takes some practice. For others ice-skating is part of being in a hockey league or improving one’s skills in competitive skating. And for some it’s a special time to return to the ice and introduce their children to the fun of skating. And so it was for one family this past Sunday at Fairfax Ice Arena.

Exploring the Magical World

Providence Players present “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Time for a family theater event full of wonder. The Providence Players of Fairfax are presenting a show that "families can all enjoy together about a magical world; the world of Narnia," said Brian O'Connor, director of the upcoming "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe."

‘Dream Come True’ for Lamb Center

City Council paves way for move to new site and building.

Since 1992, The Lamb Center in Fairfax has served as a place of refuge for the poor and homeless. It’s a daytime, drop-in shelter providing hot meals, showers, laundry services, and recovery and employment counseling.

Fairfax City Council Supports Lamb Center Project

During the Nov. 18 public hearing on The Lamb Center’s request to move to a new building in a different part of Fairfax City, people spoke on both sides of the issue.

Facets New Executive Director Brings Perspective and Experience

Margi Preston started as Executive Director of Facets of Fairfax officially on Nov. 17. But she attended its fall fundraising event, A Taste of Fall, on Nov. 15 and witnessed the dedication of Facets staff and supporters in helping individuals and families experiencing poverty in Fairfax County.

GMU Chosen To Join Healthy Campus Initiative

George Mason was recognized for its commitment to health and wellness.

George Mason University’s well-being and wellness programs recently received national recognition when the Fairfax-based university was chosen as the first higher education institution in Virginia to join the Healthy Campus Initiative, an effort to encourage colleges and universities to make their campuses healthier by adopting guidelines around food and nutrition, physical activity and programming.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Signs On for $403 Million Loan

Low-interest federal loan will help finance Phase 2 of Silver Line.

Phase two of the Silver Line construction got a boost towards its 2018 estimated completion date. After nearly a year of discussion, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize a federal loan agreement to the tune of $403 million.

Fairfax County Facing More Budget Strain

County Executive and FCPS Superintendent present adverse forecasts.

Days before the traditional loosening of belts for Thanksgiving, Fairfax County officials discussed the need for tightening theirs.

Letter: Two Ideas to Address Rape

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: As many of us recoil from the recent UVA sexual assault article in Rolling Stone, tremendous accusations are being thrown at the university and others like it across the country. While UVA is not innocent and its infamous privileged “party culture” is partly to blame, there are two clear pieces of the story that no one seems to be addressing.

Letter to the Editor: Two Ideas to Address Rape

To the Editor: As many of us recoil from the recent UVA sexual assault article in Rolling Stone, tremendous accusations are being thrown at the university and others like it across the country. While UVA is not innocent and its infamous privileged “party culture” is partly to blame, there are two clear pieces of the story that no one seems to be addressing.

Editorial: Be Part of Children's Connection 2014

Annual edition showcases youth art and writing.

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.

Column: Since It Ain’t Broken...

Apparently, at least in the near term, we’re (meaning my oncologist) not going to fix it. And by fix it, I am referring to my chemotherapy infusion, which will continue to be every three weeks, as it has been for almost six years; save for a year or so when I was able to take pills at home, and on-site infusions were not necessary.

Merriment Entertainment

Gilbert and Sullivan's “H.M.S. Pinafore” from Virginia Opera at GMU Center for the Arts.

Fresh as ever in a world in which "things are seldom what they seem" the irreverent comic musical, "H.M.S. Pinafore" from the franchise of Gilbert and Sullivan will soon dock at the Center for the Arts. It is helmed by the Virginia Opera.