Stories for December 2015

Stories for December 2015

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Wednesday, December 30

Classified Advertising December 30, 2015

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Friday, December 25

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Fairfax: Paul VI Signings

Paul VI students sign to play in college.

A Year in Review, Highlights of 2015

A year in Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton and Springfield.

Letter: Why Drug Problems Remain in 2016?

To the Editor

As published in your paper, the Fairfax County police described heroin to be a “big problem now” which is “definitely here” amongst certain high school age students as presented to the Lake Braddock Secondary School PTA (“Youth Heroin Use Described As ‘a Big Problem’, Connection, Dec. 10-16, 2015).

Del. Filler-Corn Receives the Jobs for America’s Graduates’ National Network Leadership Award

Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) was honored by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) with their National Network Leadership Award in Washington, D.C.

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Debating All Things Metro

Northern Virginia Transportation Commission facilitates public forum with new Metro chief.

When then Falls Church City Council member Dave Snyder was assigned to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) in 1994 as part of his duties, he says he never suspected that his “luck” would lead him to a topic and to work that is as vital to and as challenging for the region today as it was when he entered that arena more than twenty years ago.

Editorial: Merry Christmas

The pages of the Connection have been full of holiday spirit for more than a month. Menorah lightings, group and individual efforts to help the needy, stories of giving, secular celebrations, religious celebrations.

Wednesday, December 23

Classified Advertising December 23, 2015

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Tuesday, December 22

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Fairfax, Vienna: Fourth Thai By Thai Opens in Dunn Loring

Chief Chef Eed Banchanurat Landon loves to listen to and accommodate her customers. When those at the Sterling location of her Thai By Thai restaurants started requesting other dishes than were on the menu -- things they remembered eating back in Thailand -- she was happy to oblige.

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Fairfax County School Board Opens the Door for School Name Changes

No decisions made to affect current school names.

The Fairfax County School Board did not change any names of schools at its Dec. 17 regular business meeting.

Thursday, December 17

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Fairfax County: McAuliffe Proposing More for Education

Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D, left) unveiled his budget proposal for $1 billion in public and higher education investment at Mark Twain Middle School in Alexandria on Dec. 16, as part of the total state budget he plans to roll out on Thursday, Dec. 17.

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Fairfax Station Woman Survives Lung Cancer Scare

Early detection and new screening technology caught nodule in early stage.

It was not Fairfax Station resident Jackie Marino’s first time visiting the Burke Allergy and Asthma Center with a resurgent sinus infection. The elementary school Spanish teacher had cycled through treatment several times, complaining of a sinus infection, receiving antibiotics, seeing some resolution and then returning when the infection came back.

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Fairfax: Menorah Bringing Light to Mosaic

Children shrieked and chased each other through the passageway beneath the Mosaic District towering Christmas tree, while a trio of cantors from Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church led a small crowd in festive Hanukkah songs such as “I Am a Latke.”

Wednesday, December 16

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax.

Jewish Community Center to Host J Fest

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (the J) is hosting its annual J Fest and Movie Screening on Friday, Dec. 25 at 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax.

City Council Honors Armistice Turtora

Field at Van Dyck Park is named after her.

For nearly six decades, Armistice Turtora has been actively involved in the City of Fairfax, and whatever she has done has improved it for the better

Fairfax Starts Work on ’FY 17 Budget

Preliminary projections forecast a $2.3 million shortfall.

The City of Fairfax’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget is not scheduled for adoption until April 2016. Yet work is already well underway toward crafting that proposed budget.

Classified Advertising December 16, 2015

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All Aboard the Ho Ho Ho Train

At Burke Centre Station, Santa trains educate young riders about rail safety.

It was a typical scene at Burke Centre Station, a line of people waiting for the train

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Lake Braddock Girls Beat Robinson

The Lake Braddock girls’ basketball team defeated rival Robinson 42-34 on Dec. 11.

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In Fairfax, A Dance for All

Fairfax ballerinas redefine traditional images of grace and beauty.

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is literally a child’s dream, with visions of toys coming to life, anthropomorphic creatures and the supernatural manifesting in vivid detail on stage.

Tuesday, December 15

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Partnership Launches ‘Build a Village’ Campaign

Goal to end homelessness in Fairfax County by 2018 looms; more than 400 children are among the homeless here.

Dozens of business leaders, elected officials and advocates for ending homelessness gathered Monday, Dec. 14 in the offices of Piedmont Fund Services in Herndon to launch the “Build a Village” campaign.

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Lessons in Charitable Giving

Conversations, modeling behavior and hands-on actions can help teach children about benevolence and compassion.

Matthew Mamalian’s holiday shopping list included some items that might seem atypical for a 12-year-old middle school student: shampoo, socks, soap and a few snacks.

Saturday, December 12

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Burke: Freshman James Provides Spark for Undefeated Lake Braddock

Guard scores 12 points, Bruins beat Robinson to improve to 4-0.

The Lake Braddock boys' basketball team beat Robinson 66-54 on Friday.

Thursday, December 10

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Burke: Marsden Speaks on Future of Local Transportation

State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) reminded the audience at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke that even though their lifestyle and relationships with gasoline, cars and roads may be different than people in more rural parts of Virginia, most counties in the state must play by the same rules in terms of paying taxes and seeing transit maintenance and development come back from Richmond.

Wednesday, December 9

Editorial: Safety Net for Holiday Celebrations

It’s an opportunity to talk about responsibility, alcohol and planning ahead.

The holiday party season is here, and we will almost all be celebrating in some way. Some ways will involve celebrations that include alcohol.

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Ideas for Decking the Halls

Local designers create opulent holiday designs.

From traditional to glamorous, fresh to faux and high-end to old school, local tastemakers tell how they create dazzling holiday design extravaganzas.

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Citizen Speakers Turn Out for J.E.B. Stuart High Name Change

School Board to take action Dec. 17

J.E.B. Stuart High School senior Whitten Rutledge is proud of his school, mostly.

Community Menorah Lighting at Mosaic

Returning to Mosaic District in Fairfax, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and community partners present Light Up the Night! Community Menorah Lighting at Mosaic on Sunday, Dec. 13, 4–5 p.m.

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Holiday Dance Thrills at Center for the Arts

Captivating tap with Savion Glover.

Bursting with holiday cheer the Tony Award winning Savion Glover returns to the Center for the Arts with a memorable evening of miraculous tap footwork and plenty of charm and wit called “Savion Glover with “DANCE HOLIDAY SPeCTaCULaR.”

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Fairfax Area Fifth-Grader Designs Prize-Winning Poster

Elise Davidson, a fifth-grader from Colin Powell Elementary School, won first prize in the Saris Bicycle Poster contest for the entire state of Virginia.

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University Drive in Fairfax Going on a Diet

It will have narrower travel lanes, center turn lane and bike lanes.

University Drive is going on a diet, but not the kind involving food. Instead, new markings will narrow the road’s travel lanes to make room for a center turning lane, plus a bike lane on each side.

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Fairfax Residents Assail Plans for Shirley Gate, Popes Head Roads

Residents question necessity of interchange, extension.

Almost nobody who attended the meeting, with the exception of Fairfax County Department of Transportation representatives and Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield), thought that the extension project for Shirley Gate Road was necessary.

Letter: Dispelling Confusion

To the Editor

I so much appreciated Tim Peterson's article, "Special Bible Exhibit at First Church of Christ, Scientist" (Christian Science church in Springfield), published in the Nov. 26 issue of The Connection.

Fairfax County Companies Designated as Best Workplaces for Commuters

Ten companies in Fairfax County were honored as Best Workplaces for Commuters.

Classified Advertising December 9, 2015

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Conservatory Ballet’s The Nutcracker Spreading Holiday Cheer

More than 85 area students make holiday magic come to life performing in Conservatory Ballet’s 43rd annual production of “The Nutcracker.”

Thursday, December 3

Merry and Fit

Support groups help members maintain fitness during season of indulgence.

Just after 7:30 on a recent Sunday morning, the steady beat of Cold Play’s "Viva la Vida" pulsed through the warm, sleepy air.

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Voter Services Chair Recognized by Supervisors

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented the Barbara Varon Award to Sidney Johnson, Voter Services chair of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA), on Nov. 17.

County Limits Dog Tethering

“Man’s best friend deserves legal protection,” said Peggy Marshall, who adopted her best friend, Bianca.

Environmental Quality of Life

Advisory Council issues 512-page vision for county environmental policy.

Flooding will rise in concern in Fairfax County as a result of climate change, warned Stella Koch, chairperson of the county’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

Week in Fairfax

Civil War Photo Exhibit at Historic Blenheim

Dozens of photographs taken during the American Civil War are on display now through Dec. 31 at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, 3610 Old Lee Highway.

Cappies Review: A Vibrant Interpretation of a Well-Loved Tale

Paul VI's production of ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream.’

Two tangled couples are better than one and fairy mischief produces hilarious results - two truths that were proved at Paul VI Catholic High School in their production of “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”

PVI Student-Athletes Sign to College Teams

Seventeen student-athletes from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax recently signed letters of intent to play collegiate sports.

George Mason Student Wins National Pageant Title

>At 20 years old, Kira Omans is the youngest contestant and the first Chinese adoptee to win the Pacific Miss Asian American pageant.

Kira Emily Omans is the first adoptee to win the national title of Pacific Miss Asian American.

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Tender Comedy About Substance Over Mere Beauty

Providence Players presents ‘Snow White and the Family Dwarf.’

There are cheeky dialogue, comic turns and magical moments intended to treat everyone with the utmost respect and love in the Providence Players upcoming production of “Snow White and the Family Dwarf.”

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Encore Presents ‘Christmas in New York’

Encore Presents ‘Christmas in New York.’

If it is December, it is time for Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s annual holiday show. And this year’s Broadway-style, original musical – celebrating Encore’s 20th anniversary – is called “Christmas in New York.”

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Locals Honored for Attractive Yards

City presents 2015 Residential Appearance Awards.

Each year, the City of Fairfax’s Community Appearance Committee honors local homeowners who have particularly attractive yards.

Lake Braddock Football Falls in Region Semifinals

Bruins lose to Westfield for third straight season.

The Westfield football team traveled to Burke on Nov. 28 and defeated Lake Braddock 31-7 in the 6A North region semifinals.

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Burke Turkey Trot Raises $5,500 for Parkinson's Disease

About 500 people participated in the Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run for Parkinson's Disease on Thanksgiving Day at Burke Lake Park, raising $5,500 for the cause.

Commentary: Carrying Out the Life-saving Mission

Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program is dedicated to keeping our most vulnerable community members safe during the long, harsh winter months.

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Cappies Review: An Excellent Performance Regarding a Terrible Play

Sardines fell from above and squelched underfoot. The set rocked as actors fell down stairs and broke through windows.

Performance of Ellington’s Jazz “Nutcracker Suite” Benefits Burke Charity

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke will host a live performance of Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” from 1960.

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Adam Torres trial for murder of John Geer postponed until April 2016

Former Fairfax County police officer Adam Torres was charged with second-degree murder in August this year for shooting Springfield resident John Geer in August 2013. The trial was scheduled to begin on Dec. 14, but a continuance was recently granted to the defense, pushing it back until April 18, 2016.

Wednesday, December 2

Classified Advertising December 2 , 2015

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