Stories for March 2015

Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy

Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.

Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights

Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.

Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.

Fairfax County School Board Votes Down Veterans Day School Holiday

Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.

Editorial: Good, Bad and Ugly

A look at recently ended session of the Virginia General Assembly.

The 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to an end last week, and some of the biggest news was about what it did not do.

City of Fairfax Seeks Public Input to Improve Old Lee Highway

To the City of Fairfax, Old Lee Highway is a critically important road leading residents to homes, schools, businesses, shopping, the police station, Sherwood Community Center and Van Dyke Park. But believing it can be improved, the City applied for and received a grant for technical assistance to help determine what should be done there.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - March 27-29, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

George Mason’s Dance Company Presents “2015 Dance Gala Concert”

Dance is a captivating art form. An exploration set to music. It is motion and stillness, turns and jumps done with personal style. It is “Shakespeare in the air,“ according to William Reeder, dean, George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts. He called dance at Mason “simply extraordinary, and world-class.”

The Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke Hosts Spring Fashion Show

The Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke held its first fashion show for the fashion conscious women of Fairfax and Burke.

West Springfield High School Hosts Job and Opportunity Fair

Robinson graduate Jackson Muse was looking for some professional direction. Currently a junior political science major at Shepherd University in West Virginia, he’s worked at Barnes & Noble but is potentially interested in counseling for the Fairfax County Park Authority, or helping open the new Wegmans at Hilltop Village Center.

Del. David Bulova's Safe Sleep for Infants Bill Signed Into Law

On March 17, Governor McAuliffe signed into law House Bill 1515 sponsored by Del. David Bulova (D-37) to require that hospitals and others providing maternity care give new parents information on safe sleep environments for newborns.

League of Women Voters Hosts Forum on Firearms, Domestic Violence and Suicide in Burke

Among intimate partner homicides in Fairfax County in 2009 and 2010, firearms were the fatal weapon 60 percent of the time, nearly double the next closest implement: knives. Fairfax County domestic violence coordinator Sandra Bromley shared this and further information at an information forum on gun use in domestic violence and suicide held at Pohick Library on March 22.

Fairfax: Is Robinson Boys Lacrosse Team Confident or Cocky?

Defending state champion Rams have high expectations.

Robinson improved to 3-0 with win over Dominion.

Column: Health Matters More

I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.

Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds

Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.

“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”

Fairfax County Students Win Science Awards

Students from across the county recognized at 60th Annual Fairfax County Regional Science And Engineering Fair.

High school students from Fairfax County schools attended the annual regional science fair held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, March 20-22, to compete for prizes and recognition.

Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger

Letter to the Editor:

We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.

Emotional Beginning for Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission

While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request.

First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission

With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.

Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open

NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.

Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County March 20-22, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Commentary: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities

Letter to the Editor

The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.

Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2015

In February, 2015, 50 Fairfax homes sold between $720,000-$135,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2015

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: February, 2015

In February, 2015, 51 homes sold between $1,100,000-$125,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: February, 2015

Connolly's ‘Holiest Day of the Year’

For 20 years Gerry Connolly has hosted an annual St. Patrick’s Day event. What started in his home has now become one of the biggest fundraising events in Northern Virginia. As John Wittman from Fairfax Station said, “Throw in some great Irish fare and I’m there!”

Insight Memory Care Center Celebrates New, Larger Building in Fairfax

It was raining outside, but warm and cheerful inside, when dignitaries gathered March 4 to cut the ribbon celebrating Insight Memory Care Center’s new home.

Students From Around Fairfax County Recognized for Promoting Peace

After a friend of South County High School senior Sakira Coleman was sexually assaulted while running on a local public path, Coleman decided to take action and started the “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night” program.

Fairfax High Band Students Shine

Fairfax High band members made their school proud at the recent, All-District Band auditions, March 6, at West Springfield High. Fairfax had the most students selected of any high school in the district. Some 36 FHS band students were chosen and another nine were named alternates.

Fairfax Man’s Relative Who Died in 1863 Is Reburied

James Davis died in 1863, but he was just buried last Monday in the Oakton Baptist Church Cemetery in Chantilly.

Lake Braddock and Robinson Update Security

According to school releases, Lake Braddock and Robinson Secondary Schools have each updated security features on their campuses.

First Meeting Set for Fairfax County Police Commission

With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by board chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.

Column: Money Matters

It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.

Leadership Fairfax Hosts Supervisors Breakfast

State of the County Address, supervisors’ questions and an award ceremony top the agenda.

The agenda and the speakers have to be of significant interest to get some 300 people to brave local traffic and attend a meeting that started at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Fairfax (LFI) apparently succeeded in offering both in the ballroom of the Fairview Park Marriott on Friday morning, March 13, hosting its 24th Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast.

The Right Fit: Choosing a Summer Camp

How parents can ensure positive summer experiences for their children.

Though the official start of spring is still days away and the frigidity of winter is still recent on the minds of many, Janelle Wright, a Potomac, Md., mother of two, has already mapped out the summer for her children.

Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy

Time for change in public access to police information.

The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.

Woodson Boys' Basketball Falls in State Semis for Third Straight Season

Cavaliers can't get over hump against defending 6A champ Colonial Forge.

The Woodson boys' basketball team lost to Colonial Forge 59-51 Friday in the 6A state semifinals.

ROUNDUP: Woodson Boys Lose, Westfield Boys Win in 3OT

Madison girls lose in OT, Oakton girls fall to hot-handed Bethel.

Roundup of 6A state semifinal action.

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales in January, 2015

In January 2015, 27 Potomac homes sold between $5,500,000-$330,000.

Potomac Real Estate: Top Sales in January, 2015

Tiny Dancers Summer Camp

There’s something afoot at Tiny Dancers in Fairfax City this summer, as they offer their award-winning program of themed, week-long camps.

Facts and Details on Kate’s Place

Kate’s Place is new, permanent housing owned by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. It’s on the campus of the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter and will serve county families who’ve experienced chronic or frequent homelessness and are in need of supportive services.

The New School of Northern Virginia Presents ‘The Laramie Project’

Students at The New School of Northern Virginia (NSNVA) are presenting a challenging, and controversial play this March: “The Laramie Project.” In 1998, a young college student named Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die in a brutal act of antigay violence.

Column: The World Comes to Fairfax

World Police & Fire to be held in Fairfax County this summer.

From June 26 to July 5, Fairfax County will host the 16th World Police & Fire Games. This international event—one of the largest of its kind—will attract between 15,000 to 30,000 visitors from all over the world, and will feature over 12,000 police officers, firefighters, customs, and correction officers competing in over 65 different sporting events.

A Heartbeat Through the Universe

Virginia Opera presents “La Traviata.”

Be smitten with Violetta, the brave woman who learns that “love can be inspired by a passing glance,” but happiness is not such an easy journey. This is the grand sweep of Verdi’s “La Traviata,” the world’s most performed opera, coming to the Center for the Arts, courtesy of Virginia Opera with music by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

Fairfax City Manager Presents Proposed New Budget

Would raise tax rates, fund employee merit raises.

The thing to remember about the proposed City of Fairfax budget for FY 2016 is that it’s still a work in progress. City Manager Bob Sisson presented it last Tuesday, March 3, to the City Council, but there will be work sessions and public hearings before it’s finally adopted on April 29.

A Face-off in a Fast-paced Competition

Students from local middle schools compete in the National Science Bowl.

Students from five local middle schools traveled to Newport News to compete in the regional competition for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science’s National Science Bowl (NSB) at the Jefferson Nuclear Lab. The competition took place Saturday, March 7. Students from Longfellow Middle School will compete in the National Finals, held in Washington, D.C. from April 30 to May 4, for their first place win in Saturday’s competition.

Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards

Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.

It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.

Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia

Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.

After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.

Historic Virginia in Gardens

This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.

The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.

Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment

Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.

John Cook Announces Re-Election Bid for Braddock Supervisor

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) was first elected to represent the Braddock district in a 2009 special election. He won his first full term in 2011 and on March 3 formally announced he would seek another term to sit on the Board of Supervisors.

Fairfax League of Women Voters to Hold Firearms Forum in Burke

What is Fairfax County doing to cut down on firearms-related suicide and domestic violence? The Fairfax-area League of Women Voters will host an informational public forum to discuss the topic at Pohick Regional Library in Burke on March 22.

Westfield Boys’ Basketball Team Wins 6A North Region Title

Bulldogs defense puts clamps on defending champ Woodson.

Westfield beat Woodson 52-43 in the 6A North region final.

Fairfax Gymnast Barborek Wins State All-Around Title

Senior takes advantage of second chance, wins as alternate.

Fairfax gymnast Rachel Barborek won the state all-around title.

Column: How Lucky Am I

You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”

Guilty or Innocent? What’s the Truth?

City of Fairfax Theatre Company presents ‘Doubt: A Parable.’

Uncertainty about whether a priest committed a crime is at the heart of “Doubt: A Parable,” the upcoming play by the City of Fairfax Theatre Company.

Police Investigate Spotlighting Incident

Police are investigating an incident involving spotlighting the agency’s helicopter, creating dangerous visibility issues for the pilot and crew.

Letter: An Inspiring Story

To the Editor

The article “Fairfax County Animal Shelter Gets Creative to Save Lives,” (Connection, February 26-March 4, 2015) inspired me by how dedicated the volunteers are to provide the best care for the animals they take in and find them a new home as soon as possible.

Family Ties Face the Unexpected

Providence Players of Fairfax to present "Other Desert Cities."

Does a daughter have the right to write a family “tell-all” memoir that will upset her orderly, well-to-do family? The Providence Players of Fairfax County invite you to reflect on that question and more with its next production, “Other Desert Cities.”

Kamp Washington Triangle Redevelopment Approved for City of Fairfax

Residential/retail project will include 24 affordable units.

It is not a perfect project and not everyone got what they wanted. But it will be a vast improvement over what’s there now, and it includes some much-needed affordable housing.

Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax

The first residents move into Kate’s Place.

Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.

Ayoub Shoots Woodson Boys' Basketabll into Third Consecutive Region Final

Cavaliers will face Westfield in 6A North region championship game Saturday.

Woodson defeated Battlefield 80-66 Wednesday.

Fairfax County hosts first Inmate Resource Fair.

They’re hoping the third time will be a charm: 34-year-old Demeterius Spann of the Richmond Highway area of Alexandria and 29-year-old Nydale Sheppard of Reston have each been incarcerated three times.

2015 General Assembly Session Draws to a Close

The 45-day 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to a close last week, one which Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) described as “pretty calm, mainly because guys on either side have stayed away from divisive social issues they’ve pushed in the past,” and Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) assessed, “For the most part, I think they did accomplish some good things.”

Special Screening of Honor

Film screening March 16 to help WWII veterans travel to their monument.

The Honor Flight Network transports aging veterans to visit memorials built in Washington D.C. in their honor.

Column: Sole-Searching

There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.