Stories for September 2014

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Week in Fairfax

What's happening this week in Fairfax.

Letter: Hitting the Ground Running

Letter to the Editor

Barbara Comstock, a candidate for Congress in the 10th District, has a proven record of getting results.

The Lamb Center Celebration Banquet

Fairfax City day shelter for the homeless hosts biggest fundraiser of the year on Oct. 7.

The Lamb Center is hosting their annual Celebration Banquet on Oct. 7, at The Waterford at Fair Oaks. Each fall, members of the community are invited to attend this event designed to celebrate the ongoing mission of The Lamb Center and learn more about the ways in which The Lamb Center is serving poor and homeless individuals in Fairfax County.

KidsFest Offers Two Days of Fun

Fall for Fairfax KidsFest returns to the Fairfax County Government Center on Oct. 4-5.

Enjoy the best that fall has to offer at the 22nd annual Fall for Fairfax KidsFest, Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.

A Classic Message Play

Providence Players of Fairfax present “Of Mice and Men.”

One of Nobel Prize recipient John Steinbeck’s most acclaimed works, "Of Mice and Men," is coming to the James Lee Community Center Theatre.

Crafts, Festivals and Dancing

A sampling of local, fun events this fall.

Below is a partial listing of some fun and exciting autumn events happening in the local area:

It’s Almost Time for Fairfax Fall Festival

Crafts, food, music, children’s rides and lumberjacks.

There’s something for everyone at the Fairfax Fall Festival. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, Oct. 11 (rain date, Oct. 12), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and offers everything from crafts to food, music, children’s activities, rides, four stages of entertainment and lumberjacks.

Help Feed Local People

Complete the Circle FoodRaiser is Nov. 9 at Fairfax High.

September is Hunger Action Month, and Our Daily Bread (ODB) and Food for Others are trying to help. They’re seeking community members to form teams, gather food items and come to the Complete the Circle FoodRaiser on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1-2:30 p.m., on Fairfax High’s practice field.

Local Group Gives Scholarships to Women

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave out $10,000 in scholarships to college women to kick off the start of the school year. Six women from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, ranging in ages and opportunities, were presented scholarships during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club on Friday, Sept 19.

Students, Parents and Teachers Plea for Later Start Times

Students, parents and advocacy groups flooded the School Board’s public comment period with pleas to approve later start times for students next year during Sept. 19 meeting.

Portrait of a Graduate Approved

The Portrait of a Graduate has been drawn. This “portrait” - a part of the plans for the proposed strategic plan - was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Fairfax County School Board meeting after the board discussed it for more than an hour.

Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan

Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.

Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters

The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.

Thou Hast it Now: Robinson Speech and Drama

New teacher replaces 33-year veteran.

Megan Thrift’s classroom has over 30 doors to lock at the end of the day. There are dressing rooms, a black box theater, main stage entrances and a vault full of stockpiled stage pieces and props from decades of shows. Perhaps there’s one for each year her predecessor Chip Rome served as theater director at Robinson Secondary School.

Fall Fun 2014

Upcoming family-friendly events in the area.

Post-Chemo Weak

For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.

Great Falls Community Plants White Oak Trees

Great Falls residents' contributions to the GFCA Legacy Oak Tree Program resulted in the first planting of large white oaks around the village area in early September.

Foust Bridging Political Divide

Democrats hope Foust’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” connects with voters.

Straightening his tie, John Foust is preparing for yet another “meet-and-greet” event at the Clifton home of Democratic supporters Terry Matlaga and Kevin Bell.

Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle

Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.

The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.

Superheroes Meet Real Heroes

Marvel Universe Live! performers honor area firefighters.

Performers of Marvel Universe Live! honored firefighters outside the Patriot Center in Fairfax on Friday, Sept. 12.

‘You Just Have to Believe’

Local girl competes in national solo ice dancing championship.

Just 15, Paul VI sophomore LaDan Nemati has a full plate. From November-February, she skates with a synchronized skating team in Delaware; and during the spring, summer and early fall, she does solo ice dancing.

Music and Food Under the Stars at Fairfax Old Town

The City of Fairfax Old Town and Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department hosted an evening under the stars with music by the Legacy Brass Quintet on Friday Sept. 12.

Classified Advertising September 17, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Fairfax Home Sales: August, 2014

In August 2014, 79 Fairfax homes sold between $1,345,000-$170,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: August, 2014

Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season

Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.

Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.

A Different Path to a 4-year Degree

NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.

Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Later High School Start Times for 2015?

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

In Fairfax County alone last year, there were over 150 suicides.

The numbers are staggering. In the United States, one person dies by suicide every 18 minutes.

Scared, Hopefully Not to Death

One of my greatest fears (or regrets, if I am in fact the cause of my own decline) is that my own stubbornness, stupidity, “male blockheadedness” and/or refusal to believe/pay attention to signs, symptoms, indications and instructions/health advisories from my oncologist about my health will lead to my premature death.

Commentary: Protecting Those Threatened by Domestic Violence

September marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – landmark legislation in which our nation committed new prevention and response resources so that our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends would no longer have to suffer in silence through domestic abuse.

Robinson Football Improves to 3-0 with Win Over Rival Lake Braddock

Rams build 19-0 lead, hold on to beat 'contender.'

Lake Braddock improved to 3-0 with a 19-17 win over Lake Braddock on Friday.

Fire Department Expands Service and Equipment for Animal Rescue, Care

The City of Fairfax Fire Department has expanded the range of emergency medical services to include four-legged patients. Responding to a growing need, the department recently acquired specialized equipment and training to care for pets rescued from fires and other emergencies.

Tiny Dancers Named ‘Best Dance Studio’

Tiny Dancers, located near Fairfax City, has been voted Best Dance Studio in the recent annual poll of readers of Washington Family Magazine.

A New Face at Laurel Ridge

Tonya Cox takes the helm as principal.

Born in Norfolk and raised in the Alexandria part of Fairfax County, Tonya Cox figured she’d either go into education like her mother or ministry like her father. Then, while in college, she substituted for her mother, during spring and summers, and was hooked.

Hunger for Awareness

Amos Desjardins runs 500 miles for hunger awareness.

Runner Amos Desjardins, of Alexandria, is running 500 miles in Virginia to raise awareness for hunger and food insecurity. Del. David Bulova (D-37) said that he feels fortunate to be able to join him for part of his run through the 37th district.

Full Day Monday Challenges Discussed

The implementation of “full day Mondays” has been anything but easy for area elementary schools. The challenges that Fairfax County Public Schools faced to bring more hours to elementary students’ school year was addressed by Superintendent Karen Garza and several board members during a school board meeting on Sept. 4 at Jackson Middle School.

Portrait of a Graduate Discussed

The heart of the school system’s new strategic plan is closer to being approved. The Fairfax County School Board discussed the five component Portrait of a Graduate - with some asking for a component emphasizing a caring quality - at Monday’s work session.

Classified Advertising September 10, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit

Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.

“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”

‘ARTS by George!’ to Kick Off New Season

A great evening of arts and entertainment for a great cause at Mason.

Kick-off the local arts and entertainment season celebrating the arts and benefiting student scholarships at this year's George Mason University "ARTS by George!" gala.

Gaelic Football Comes to Fairfax

The sport combines elements of soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball and American football.

“What sport are they playing? It’s not soccer,” said a park visitor, watching people use their hands to throw and bounce a soccer ball on an open field, on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Providence Park in Fairfax.

Attending Classes in a Foreign Country

Fairfax Academy student will spend school year in Korea.

Normally, Serena Gregory would have just begun her last year at Chantilly High, caught up in the excitement of new classes, old friends and the thrill of being a senior.

Obituary: Hayes Roosevelt Woods, 77, Dies

Hayes Roosevelt Woods, 77, of Sanford, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 at Duke Hospital, in Durham, N.C. Hayes went to Lee County Training School and New Hope School. His last job was in the city of Fairfax.

Letter: Focusing on Suicide Prevention

Letter to the Editor

To kick off National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 8-12), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is announcing its goal to reduce the annual suicide rate in the United States 20 percent by 2025.

Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?

Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.

With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.

Time Sensitive

As much as I don’t want to be cognizant of date, time and place, relative to February 27, 2009 when Team Lourie first received the stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis on yours truly, I am (a terminal diagnosis will do that to you). Moreover, as often as I write about the need to live forward, rather than die backward (if you know what I mean), I still struggle with the application.

Extreme Politics

Foust, Comstock stake out opposing positions during first debate in hyper-partisan 10th district Congressional race.

Forget first-debate politeness. Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust — the candidates vying to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district — sustained the hyper-partisan tenor of their campaigns during a debate-style forum hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in Herndon last week.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

Classified Advertising September 3, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’

Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.

“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.

The Ball Kid Experience

Local tennis kids were ball kids for the major players at CitiOpen.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a ball kid at one of the major tennis tournaments?

Runfest 2014 Set for Sept. 14

Lace up your shoes! It’s time to get ready for the Paul VI Catholic High School (PVI) Runfest 2014.

Senior Centers in Fairfax County

A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015

A list of annual community events in the area.

I Scream

…for ice cream; from Brigham’s in Boston, the local New England establishment of my youth where I spent dollars – although it was likely cents back in those days – many afternoons, evenings and weekends.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Opinion: Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied

On Friday, Aug. 29, was one year since a still unidentified Fairfax County police officer shot and killed an innocent, non-violent, unarmed John Geer as he stood in the doorway of his Springfield home.

Opinion: School Jitters

Most children in our region experienced their first day of school this week. Back to school is an exciting time for students as they shop for new clothes and supplies, learn their schedules, play sports, and meet new teachers. It can also be a stressful time since a new school year means change.