Thursday, May 31
Reduce Crime: Buy Books
Richard Byrd Library hosts sale to support program for juvenile offenders.
Is there a new approach that works to turn juvenile offenders around? Yes - it is the Fairfax County Public Library's Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) program. According to FCPL Program Manager, Ted Kavich, CLTL uses the power of literature to transform troubled youth through reading and group discussion.
Kicking Up Their Heels
Encore presents ‘Dancin’ Fool’ at NOVA.
Premiering their new show here before taking it to Greece this summer are the singers and dancers of Encore Theatrical Art Project. They’ll perform "Dancin’ Fool" on Saturday, June 9, at 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 10, at 1 and 4 p.m.
Local Teacher Honored
Melanie Davis, a Jr. Kindergarten teacher at Kiddie Country Developmental Learning Center, was chosen by Fairfax County Preschool Division of Early Childhood Education as one of five community preschool teachers to be honored at the First Annual Exemplary Inclusive Practices Community Preschool Teachers Awards ceremony on May 17.
Bruins Baseball Reaches Region Semifinals
Clutch game-winning bunt by O'Connor; solid pitching by Church, Rogers lead Lake Braddock past McLean.
A perfectly executed bases loaded suicide squeeze play by Dylan O'Connor saved the day for the Lake Braddock Secondary baseball team and provided the winning run for the host Bruins in their dramatic 6-5 extra innings victory over McLean in a Northern Region quarterfinals playoff game played on Memorial Day afternoon.
Westfield High to Host Spring Jubilee
State tournaments set to be held in baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and tennis.
Westfield High will host the upcoming Virginia High School League (VHSL) State AAA Spring Sports Jubilee from Tuesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 9. The Spring Jubilee will determine state AAA champions in baseball, softball, boys' and girls' tennis, soccer, and lacrosse. Westfield High is located at 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.
Wednesday, May 30
Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny
$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’
Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
Area Students Win Merit Scholarships
Six Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been named winners of Merit Scholarship awards by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). T
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Home & Garden and Classified ads!
Tuesday, May 29
Column: Off Topic, Almost
If only it were that simple. And as much I’d like to turn the cancer switch off, finding that switch has proven to be extremely challenging.
Thursday, May 24
Classified Advertising
Read the lastest Classified, Home and Garden, and Employment ads!
Rams Defeat Westfield in Rainy Concorde Title Game
Robinson baseball builds 3-0 lead before weather delay; Go on to 4-2 title game victory.
Both the Westfield and Robinson baseball teams, along with competing against one another in Tuesday night’s Concorde District tournament baseball championship game, had to deal with sloppy, rainy weather conditions as well. Ultimately, following a third inning delay due to rain, the Rams of Robinson came away with a 4-2 finals win.
Paul VI Baseball Grabs Another State Title
Panthers battle through illnesses to gain crown in Emerson’s final season.
Fresh off their third Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship in the last six years, the Paul VI High Panthers’ baseball team had one more goal this past week: to win another Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) state title for their departing skipper Billy Emerson.
‘Happily Ever After’ at Workhouse
Full of energy with plenty of foolishness to sweeten the life lessons hidden in plain sight, the magical fairy tale "Rapunzel" is given an appealing live production rendition at the Workhouse Studio 3 for Young Audiences.
Wednesday, May 23
Lake Braddock Baseball Wins Patriot District
Bruins beat West Springfield for second title in three years.
The Lake Braddock baseball team pounded 10 hits and played solid defense behind starting pitcher Michael Church en route to a 7-2 victory against West Springfield on May 21 in the Patriot District championship game.
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 25-31.
Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.
Springfield Days – the Ultimate ‘Staycation’ May 31-June 3
Event features food, fun, entertainment for pets and people.
Everyone has their favorite Springfield Days event, whether it’s the cardboard boat regatta, the amusement rides, the petfest or the farmers market. Whatever it is, the annual community-wide celebration has something fun, entertaining and exciting for everyone.
Recognition is Given for Play’s Premiere
Robinson receives 10 Cappie nominations.
In November 2011, Robinson Secondary had the honor of performing the world premiere of an original play, Ken Ludwig’s "Midsummer/Jersey." And now, that play has received 10 Cappie nominations for excellence in high-school theater.
Director Retires On a Happy Note
On Sunday, May 20, at NOVA, Robert (Bob) Hegerich directed The Wakefield Chorale for the last time. After 30 years of leadership, he stepped down and will start a new phase in his life, yet to be announced. With his unique one-finger style of directing, he will be missed not only by the 70 plus singers of all ages (from 13 to 90) but the many senior citizens we sang for in the senior residences all over Northern Virginia.
LBSS Odyssey of the Mind Team Competes at World Level
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Odyssey of the Mind team has won the right to compete at the World Level Competition to be held at Iowa State University May 22-26. International and U.S. teams progress to the World Level after rigorous competition at the regional and state levels. Team members are CheyAnne Rivera, Crystal Luong, Rusty Ford, Noah Woodruff, Nick Wilcher, Nan Denette and Ryan Ford.
Stechschulte, Lowe Engaged
John and Jodi Stechschulte of Columbus, Ohio, announce the engagement of their daughter, Lisa Marie Stechschulte, to Adam Glenn Lowe, son of Roger and Alexis Lowe of Burke.
Cub Scouts Promoted to the Next Rank
On Sunday, May 20, Cub Scout Pack 1345 held their annual Advancement Ceremony at the Ponds Community Center. The Pack, chartered by Burke Center Conservancy, recognized the accomplishments of 42 scouts whose achievements during the year earned them advancement to the next cub scout rank. The pack also welcomed three new scouts that will form the next den of Tiger Cubs this fall.
Governor Signs Voter ID Bills
McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.
Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.
Tuesday, May 22
Column: Living Longer, Sort of Prospering
Though my column has appeared in the newspaper as usual the last few weeks, I haven’t felt much like writing. Typically, I’m weeks ahead with my column inventory, having regularly found the time and inclination to put pen to paper and provide the prose you regular readers have come to expect.
Friday, May 18
Joining ‘Voices of Now’
Local schools perform at Arena Stage.
Last week, drama ensembles from five Fairfax County Schools performed at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. as part of a youth drama program called "Voices of Now."
Thursday, May 17
Planning to Vote?
Nearly 200,000 voter registration cards mailed this week.
Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, if you are planning to vote in the June 12 primary elections in Fairfax County, check your new voter registration cards mailed out this week.
Springfield Resident Receives Literary Merit Award
The Lord Botetourt Medal, established in 1772 "for the honor and encouragement of literary merit," is presented to a graduating senior who has "attained the greatest distinction in scholarship." Rebecca Koenig, of Springfield, received this award on Sunday, May 13 at the College of William & Mary’s Commencement ceremony.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ at West Springfield High School
There may be no place like home, but when it comes to musical theater, there’s no place like West Springfield High School. Last night, West Springfield took the audience somewhere over the rainbow in their production of "The Wizard of Oz."
Fresh and Exciting
Hayfield’s production of ‘The Children’s Hour.’
Behind every rumor lies some small ounce of truth. Hayfield Secondary School’s production of "The Children’s Hour" showed a small town turned upside down with a little white lie that was maybe not so little after all.
Student at Paul VI Wins Poetry Contest
The school community at Paul VI High knows Sean Pugerude as an outstanding actress and singer who dazzled audiences last month in the lead role of the musical, "Hello Dolly."
Springfield Mall – From Eyesore to Shopping Mecca
$200 million Springfield Mall renovation set to begin in July.
"What about Springfield Mall?" That’s the question Supervisor Jeff McKay(D-Lee) said he hears the most from constituents since mega-developer Vornado purchased what it called the "1.4 million-square-foot fixer-upper" in 2006 for $171.5 million.
TD Bank Plan Moves Ahead
West Springfield Civic Association concerns addressed.
TD Bank, one of the nation’s 10 largest banks, has moved a step closer to opening a drive-thru branch in West Springfield’s Cardinal Forest Plaza shopping center.
Mulan Comes to Burke
Northern Virginia Players present Disney classic.
Northern Virginia Players will present Disney’s Mulan Jr. beginning Saturday, May 25 at Burke Community Church. The heartwarming tale begins when the Huns have invaded China, and it’s up to misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor. Mulan is a celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit, includes musical favorites such as "Honor to Us All."
Robinson Girls Lax Made Forward Progress This Spring
Rams, under their new head coach, had a good second half to the season.
The Robinson Secondary girls' lacrosse team saw its first season under veteran head coach Liz Case come to an end this past Tuesday night, May 15 when the Rams lost to defending Northern Region champion Madison, 19-13, in a first round game of the 16-team region playoffs. The postseason contest took place at Madison High School in Vienna.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, classified and Home and Garden!
Wednesday, May 16
Woodson Boys’ Lax Wins Patriot District
Cavaliers avenge losses to Annandale, South County.
The Woodson boys' lacrosse team defeated South County on May 11 to win the Patriot District tournament title.
Woodson Girls’ Lax Wins 3rd Straight Patriot Title
Finnerty’s five goals push Cavaliers past Lake Braddock.
After losing to the Bruins in the regular season, Woodson beat Lake Braddock, 14-11, in the Patriot District girls' lacrosse tournament final on May 11.
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 18-25.
Entertainment in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Events happening in the community.
Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 18-25.
Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Building Confidence in Ourselves
We face a myriad of challenges today, but perhaps no challenge is greater than overcoming a pervading loss of confidence.
Fairfax County Students Win Technology Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) middle and high school students won first place awards in 19 categories at the 2012 Virginia Technology Student Association (TSA) State Leadership Conference, held last week in Richmond. The three days of competitive events and displays of student work culminated in FCPS winning the Lynn P. Barrier Outstanding School Division Award for middle schools for the third consecutive year.
Obituary: Diana Janice Richards, a Long Time Burke Resident, Dies
Diana Janice Richards of Centreville, Va. passed away peacefully from cancer on May 9, 2012. She was born in 1939 in upstate New York, daughter of John R. Schmidburg and Rose Hornick.
Tuesday, May 15
Game On
George Mason University students develop video games aimed at curtailing gang recruitment in Virginia.
Law enforcement officials now have two unlikely weapons in the fight against gang activity in Virginia: video games and college students.
Column: “Psycho-not-so-matic” Anymore
Whatever I thought was only happening in my head – or not, or was really happening physically – or not, is the muddled description of the thoughts and emotions that this cancer survivor/cancer patient-still-receiving-treatment feels every time I make a 24/7 self assessment (which is often).
Monday, May 14
Friday, May 11
Mother's Day 2012
We asked our readers to submit photos in honor of Mother's Day, which is on May 13.
Classified Advertising
Read the Latest in Employment, Home and Garden and classified!
Thursday, May 10
Presidential Visit to Washington-Lee
President Barack Obama made his first visit to Washington-Lee High School on Friday, May 4.
‘The Arabian Nights’ at Lake Braddock
The sound of drums filled the air as the cast lined the aisles, chanting in unison. Voices flew from all sides of the auditorium and the audience remained entranced throughout Lake Braddock High School’s production of "The Arabian Nights."
Grassroots Government 101
First Braddock ‘Citizen Governance Conference’ draws future decision-makers.
Sitting in a conference room discussing issues such as land use, aging and transportation may not seem like the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. But the opportunity to have a voice in the future of the Braddock district drew nearly 75 residents to the first Citizen Governance Conference, hosted by Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) at Frost Achievement Finance Park on May 5.
County Launches Project To Combat Lyme Disease
After an unseasonably warm winter, Fairfax County health officials are bracing for a proliferation of tick infestations as well as a potential surge in new cases of Lyme disease.
Robinson Girls Lacrosse Advances to Regionals
Rams win Concorde playoff opener over Chantilly Chargers.
Both teams showcased their scoring prowess last Friday evening, May 4 when Robinson and Chantilly met in a first round Concorde District girls' lacrosse playoff contest at Robinson Secondary. With a Northern Region playoff seeding on the line and a chance to advance to the district semifinals, both teams played with passion and determination. For the winner, it would be the first game of what could be an extended postseason. For the losing team, it would mark the end of the season. In the end, Robinson, the six-team district tournament's No. 4 seed, held off a ferocious late game Chantilly rally and defeated the Chargers, 19-16.
Patriot District Lax Tourneys in Full Throttle
Boys and girls title games set for Friday evening at Lee.
The semifinals rounds of both the girls’ and boys’ Patriot District lacrosse tournaments were scheduled to take place earlier this week at Lee High School in Springfield.
Northern Virginia Bill Signing Puts Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence in Spotlight
A rare moment of bipartisanship between Republican governor and Democratic legislators.
Strangulation will be punished more aggressively to combat violence against women. Campus police will work with other police agencies to crack down on domestic violence of unmarried couples. And the telephone number for a human trafficking hotline will be placed in the restrooms at strip clubs across Virginia.
Wednesday, May 9
Clifton Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
It’s the 40th annual Spring Homes Tour.
French chandeliers, antique furnishings, original paintings and whimsical collections are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 40th annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and includes a marketplace, silent auction and raffle, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Paradise Springs Winery.
Veterans Golf Classic Honors Heroes
On Friday, May 18, Brian Thacker, US Army Recipient of the highest award, will be Grand Marshall Guest of Honor at the Veterans Golf Classic at Quantico’s Medal of Honor Golf Course.
Tuesday, May 8
The Best Seats Outside the House
Local designers offer tips for creating a spectacular patio or deck.
Warm weather means more time spent lounging by the pool or grilling on the patio. A winter-worn outdoor space can make popular warm weather pastimes less than appealing. Creating a space that provides both comfort and style can be a daunting undertaking. Local designers are offering suggestions for creating a luxurious retreat fit for relaxing or outdoor entertaining.
Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.
Column: “I’m Fine”
Mostly. All things considered, and as a stage IV (terminal) lung cancer patient, it’s impossible – for me, to not consider all things.
Friday, May 4
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
May 4-11.
Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Thursday, May 3
Chick-fil-A Opens in Springfield
One hundred people camped outside of Chick-fil-A's newest store in Springfield for 24 hours before its opening, starting from 6 a.m. on April 25 through 6 a.m. on April 26, to receive a year's worth of free food (52 coupons) as part of Chick-fil-A's "First 100 Celebration."
Community Champions
Julie Clemente founded Friends of Clemyjontri Inc. in 2006 to raise money for park improvements. In 2011, Clemente organized and headed the effort to create the Friends of Clemyjontri website; worked with CapitalOne to create a credit card with a photo of Clemyjontri on the front to help raise funds for the park, and has created opportunities to raise additional funds.
Fairfax Dentists to Donate iPods to Alzheimer’s Patients
Fairfax dentists at Smiles At Fairfax Corner, are helping local Alzheimer patients in the community by launching a "Tuned For Memory" event. The event will run from Tuesday, May 1 through Friday, June 1.
Explosives Ordinance Unit Presented in Fairfax
The robot, unofficially known in the Fairfax EOD unit as "Charlotte," is the most common robotic platform used by police departments in the Unite States and has been used by the Fairfax County Police Department since 2002.
Teens Promote Diversity
Students find creative ways to promote diversity through volunteering.
Joanna Shows remembers what it was like to be held back, just because she was a woman.
Value of Volunteer Hours: $4.5 million
Legacy of Community Service? Priceless.
"Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous sentiment was echoed by numerous community and civic leaders who gathered at the Waterford in Springfield Friday, April 27, to celebrate 118 Fairfax County volunteers during the 20th annual Volunteer Service Awards hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.
Northern Region Sports Notes (May 2-8)
Fairfax Adult Softball signup; Wildcats baseball hosting benefit game; McLean tennis rolling; Langley softball wins.
The Centreville High varsity baseball team will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Washington, D.C. chapter of Operation Homefront during its home game on Tuesday, May 8 against Concorde District rival Oakton.
Robinson Boys' Lacrosse Poised for Big Postseason
Rams finish regular season over .500 at 6-5.
It has been a season of streaks for the Robinson Rams boys' lacrosse team, which has won or lost this spring in bunches. But the Concorde District squad has been playing a good brand of lacrosse of late and appears to be at a good place with the postseason set to begin this Friday night with the start of the six-team district tournament.
Lake Braddock Baseball Versatile in Victory
Bruins beat Woodson with power, pitching and execution.
After falling behind early in Tuesday’s game at Woodson, the Lake Braddock baseball team put on a third-inning display of offensive versatility.
Wednesday, May 2
Classified Advertising
Read the Latest Employment and Classified ads!
Editorial: Reminders to Press Ahead for Housing
Spring discussion on hypothermia shelters could help preparations for winter.
In February, 2007, 59-year-old Robert Bruce Miller was found dead outdoors in Chantilly. Miller was homeless, known to businesses and residents in the area. He died of hypothermia, exposure to the cold.
Volunteer Police Officers Saluted at Ceremony
West Springfield, Franconia volunteers receive awards.
"We need a big golden arch, like McDonald's, and a sign that says more than one million served." Fairfax County Police Chief, Col. David Rohrer, was referring to the milestone achieved by the county’s Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) during a recent ceremony honoring FCPD volunteers.
Celebrating Earth Day
Clean Fairfax Council hosts 2012 celebration.
A fundamental part of the mission of the Clean Fairfax Council is to "encourage environmental stewardship and urban sustainability" in Fairfax County, working in partnership with numerous governmental agencies and volunteer groups. As the organizers of the Fairfax County Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration for more than 10 years, the Council insured that the 2012 event, held on Saturday, April 28 at the Fairfax County Government Center was loaded with educational workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, food and fun.
University Mall Begins $30 Million ‘Transformation’
Fairfax center will double in size and include new Giant Food store.
After five years of planning, shovels will be ready to hit the ground this June for the $30 million top-to-bottom transformation and expansion of the University Mall Shopping Center in Fairfax.
In Case of Emergency
A look at Fairfax County’s 911 center.
Being a dispatcher in Fairfax County’s state-of-the-art, 911 center sounds like an exciting job. It’s also stressful, tiring, rewarding and, at times, harrowing.
Tuesday, May 1
Column: News That’s Fit To Print
As our Publisher and fellow cancer survivor, Mary Kimm, e-mailed back to me last week: “Who knew ‘stable’ could be so exciting?”