Thursday, February 28
Robinson Reaches Region Final Four
Robinson's season ends with loss to Wakefield in region semifinals.
Wakefield Boys’ Basketball Finishes Region Runner-Up
Warriors qualify for state tournament, will travel to Richmond.
Wakefield will face Mountain View today in the state quarterfinals.
Woodson Wins Region Title with Epic Comeback
Cavaliers erase 19-point fourth-quarter deficit against Wakefield.
Woodson will face Battlefield on Friday in state quarterfinals.
Area Roundups
The Fairfax County Police Department is looking for vehicles in working condition that people no longer want or need and would be willing to donate. They could help their public safety community and receive a tax deduction at the same time. Every year, the department uses about 20 cars to help train and prepare officers for the rigors of police work. Donated cars could be used as a faux suspect’s get-away car, helping officers with their precision pursuit driving techniques. Later, when the car is no longer in driving condition, it will be cut up (for training on how to cut into crashed cars), blown up (providing training for Explosive Ordinance officers) or shot (used as a prop in an active-shooter scenario).
Putting a Name and Face on Chronically Homeless
At 4 a.m., under a full moon, more than 200 volunteers fanned out across Fairfax County on Monday, Feb. 25, to identify the more than 300 people who are literally homeless, living in cars, on the street or in the woods around the county. Coordinated by the Fairfax-Falls Church Partnership to End Homelessness, the weeklong effort is part of the 100,000 Homes campaign, an intensive approach to identify and find homes for the chronically homeless.
$7 Billion Budget Proposal Unveiled
Typical county household would see real estate tax bill increase by $260 annually.
“We are also forced to recognize the significant yet unknown impact that is expected from federal sequestration and the continuing challenges of a slowly recovering economy.” —Fairfax County Executive Edward L. Long, Jr.
Letter: How I Got My Dog
We had been looking for a new dog for close to 10 years—I would occasionally stop at the animal shelter or at a rescue group set-up—but I really didn't know how to pick out a dog, so I just didn't. Our previous dogs had basically just fallen into our laps by differing circumstances.
Fairfax Adult Softball Honors its Dedicated Volunteers
Fairfax Adult Softball (FAS), the largest adult ASA softball league in the country, celebrated the spirit of altruism and selfless service at Brion’s Grille in Fairfax on Sunday, Feb 10. “We run the largest adult ASA softball league in the United States,” said Christine Idip, FAS program assistant, “and we couldn’t do that without our great volunteer workforce. All of them love the game of slow-pitch softball!”
Fairfax Library Foundation Awards Continuing Education Scholarships
The Fairfax Library Foundation has announced that 13 Fairfax County Public Library employees and volunteers have each been awarded Continuing Education scholarships to foster the professional development of the Fairfax County Public Library team.
Meet Area Families’ ‘Best Friends’
When Guiding Eyes for the Blind dropped off Saki at Bridget Kennerley’s house, they made sure to tell her what to expect from the young golden retriever on that first night. What they couldn’t tell her, however, was how different her life would be every night after.
At Home in Burke
At age 7, Fritz is a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix. After being picked up as a rescue dog at a Petsmart in Oklahoma, Anne Wood drove 700 miles to bring Fritz back home to Burke with her. “She stayed on my lap the entire time and did not move a muscle,” said Wood. “I think on some level she realizes that we saved her.”
Classified Advertising Feb. 27, 2013
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Wednesday, February 27
Local Leaders Praise Transportation Funding Bill
State Senator Chap Petersen wants you to curb your enthusiasm.
Politics makes strange bedfellows, and sometimes estranged ones as well. On Saturday, the last day of the Virginia General Assembly, state legislators struck a bipartisan 11th hour deal to pass a comprehensive transportation funding plan—the first long-term plan in 27 years.
Column: To Buy Or Not To Buy
That is my question. And though I can’t quite quote Shakespeare the way I can quote The Three Stooges: “Moe, Larry, the cheese. Moe, Larry, the cheese,” “’tis nobler” to ask it nonetheless. Still, if Hamlet had been diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer, as I have, perhaps he wouldn’t have been contemplating suicide but rather allocating his monthly budget – as I do every day, with nearly every purchase. That’s my dream, “perchance” or otherwise.
Saturday, February 23
Classified Advertising Feb. 20, 2013
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Tham's Triple-Double Leads Wakefield to State Berth
Warriors will face Woodson in Northern Region final.
Tham's triple-double is believed to be Wakefield's first since 2007.
Friday, February 22
Column: Definition of “Slippery Slope”
Figuratively speaking, of course. That definition being: a late stage cancer patient/survivor previously characterized as “terminal” awaiting the results of their most recent diagnostic scan. A scan that will indicate whether the tumors have grown, moved or God forbid, appeared somewhere new. If your life hung in the balance before the scan, waiting for results of this however-many-months-interval-scan will most assuredly loosen your figurative grip on your equilibrium and your most literal grip on your sanity. This is a domain, unlike the one referred to in one of the more infamous Seinfeld episodes, that one cannot master. To invoke and slightly rework Dan Patrick’s “catch” phrase: You can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it.
‘Free Money’ for Schools
Fairview Elementary School No. 1 in area in collecting Box Tops.
Since the beginning of the school year, Fairview Elementary School students have collected more than 25,000 Box Tops, which equates to $2,500 cash for the school and school programs. As of their recent contest, which ended Jan. 31, Fairview moved into first place out of 1,069 schools in a 25 mile radius and into eighth place out of 2,197 schools in a 50 mile radius, according to the Box Tops for Education website. The school is 13th in Virginia, and 778th out of 89,127 schools enrolled in the program across the nation.
Destination: Orlando
Members of Potomac River Running training program have been preparing since September.
When contemplating Disney princesses, one immediately thinks of fairy godmothers and pumpkin carriages, flying carpets and pet tigers, flaming red hair and fishtails. Inner strength is a characteristic these women share—one of which we are quick to remind young girls—and so is rescue-ability. But for 16 local female runners who have been training since last fall to complete a half marathon, the Disney Princess is all about being their own hero.
Dr. Allen Neil Duckworth of Springfield, 72, Dies
Dr. Allen Neil Duckworth of Springfield passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the age of 72. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Bergquist, he is survived by his wife of forty-nine years Becky, two sons, David (Alisha) Duckworth and Dr. Douglas (Jasmine) Duckworth, his daughter Dr. Beth (Michael) Flecker, his sister Debra (Win) Davis as well as 11 grandchildren and nieces Andi and Malika.
Virginia Lawmakers Strike Down Bike Safety Bills
Local cyclists vow return in 2014.
Virginia may be for lovers, but bicyclists? Not so much. On Monday, the Virginia House of Delegates killed the last bicycle bill to come before the body in a vote of 55-42. The bill, SB1060, would have added bicycles to the list of vehicles that cannot be tailgated.
Fairfax Attracts 8,400 New Jobs
Intelsat U.S. headquarters relocation most prominent announcement of the year.
In 2012, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) worked with 186 businesses adding 8,438 jobs to the Fairfax County economy.
New Approach to Helping Chronic Homeless
County joins "100,000 Homes" effort as chronic homelessness levels rise.
The number of chronically homeless individuals in Fairfax County is on the rise. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are considered chronically homeless, many living in cars or sleeping in tents. In an effort to find permanent homes for these individuals, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness is joining the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless throughout the nation.
Life and Death Online
Virginia lawmakers pass “digital assets” bill to ease parental access to deceased child’s accounts.
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the Virginia General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a bill Tuesday that makes it easier for parents and guardians to swiftly access minors online accounts after their death. The digital assets bill—co-sponsored by Delegates David Bulova (D-37) and Tommy Wright (R-Amelia)—is now headed to Governor Robert McDonnell’s desk for signature. Specifically, the bill allows a representative of the minor to obtain access to his or her digital accounts within 30 days of submitting a written request and death certificate to the social media site.
Fourth Annual Running to Remember Josh
Josh Anderson Foundation remembers teen, aims to prevent teenage suicide.
On March 18, 2009, the world lost Joshua Lee Anderson—a beloved son, brother and friend—to suicide. He was 17 years old. The Josh Anderson Foundation (JAF) was formed for two purposes: to keep Josh's memory alive and to collect funds for the education and prevention of teenage suicide. JAF's goal is to promote youth mental health awareness by bringing innovative, creative and effective programs directly into high schools. By the end of the 2012-2013 school year, JAF will have funded programs in eleven schools and impacted over 17,000 students.
A Passion for Dance
Richmond Ballet II to perform and teach master class.
The importance of dance is clear to Stoner Winslett, artistic director of the Richmond Ballet. "Dance is the expression of the human spirit through movement. It is the instinctive language of our hearts and minds," she wrote.
Robinson Gives Back
School’s Music Honor Society holds annual benefit concert at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax.
For Robinson senior and trumpet player Matt McMahon, just pulling off Saturday’s Robinson Gives Back concert will be a success in and of itself. The president of the secondary school’s 90-member Tri-M music honor society assumed most of the responsibility for organizing the annual event this year when the faculty sponsor and choral director Michael Horanski took paternity leave.
A Guide to Fun
Three area mothers publish guide to kid-friendly activities in Northern Virginia.
Rather than brood about the lack of cultural resources for new mothers living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, three local writers took it upon themselves to fill the information void. Bloggers Claudine Kurp, Amy Suski and Micaela Williamson have recently self-published “Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition,” a 220-page toddler-to-teen tome providing hundreds of honest reviews, insider tips and top picks from all manner of child-friendly culture in the area.
Burke Fiancée Says 'Yes' Post-marathon
Burke resident Jessica Puentes was crossing the finish line of the Miami Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society when she saw her boyfriend Vic Nguyen holding up a sign that read "Will You Run With Me For The Rest Of Your Life?"
Burke Surgeon Gains National Recognition
Richard Derner, DPM, FACFAS, of Burke, is the new secretary and treasurer of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national association of over 6,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Dr. Derner was installed to his position at the ACFAS 71st Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas.
Burke Youth to Present Musical Esther
Senior and junior high school youth from Burke Presbyterian Church will present the musical Esther from Feb. 28 through March 3. Esther is by local playwrights Martin and Janice Landry. All performances take place at Burke Presbyterian Church, 5960 Oak Leather Drive, Burke.
Thursday, February 21
Burke Home Sales: January, 2013
In January 2013, 21 Burke homes sold between $620,000-$189,000.
Burke Home Sales: January, 2013
New Approach to Helping Chronic Homeless
County joins "100,000 Homes" effort as chronic homelessness on rise.
The number of chronically homeless individuals in Fairfax County is on the rise. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are considered chronically homeless, many living in cars or sleeping in tents. In an effort to find permanent homes for these individuals, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness is joining the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless throughout the nation.
‘Two Symphonies and a Dance’ for Area Music Lovers
Virginia Chamber Orchestra to present early Mozart and Mendelssohn works.
There has always been the debate about the role of nature and nurture in a child’s development. This is especially true in child prodigies. Mozart and Mendelssohn were from musical homes and received encouragement in musical studies. Although Gluck sang in his church choir, his interest in music was surely of his own making as he was expected to work in his family’s forestry business.
Wednesday, February 20
Hayfield’s Overstreet Shares Vault State Title
Woodson's Freidman fourth in all-around.
Overstreet finishes top eight in two events at state meet.
Lake Braddock Wins First District Title Since 2002
Gregorits named MVP of Patriot District tournament.
The Bruins' season ends with a loss to Robinson in the regional quarterfinals.
Thursday, February 14
Classified Advertising Feb. 13, 2013
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Wednesday, February 13
A Positive Reflection
Joan Brady gives foster children needed exposure.
On Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, Joan Brady of Great Falls had just started a three-month sabbatical from her job with an Internet company. Newly-married, Brady, who was 36 years old at the time, was exhausted from 80-hour work weeks in a rigid corporate environment. She wanted time that fall to contemplate what to do next with her life. The next day provided answers and a sense of urgency. It was Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks, and the moving stories of heroism and tragedy on 9/11, indelibly left their mark. Brady, like many Americans, was inspired to do something new, to take more chances, to change direction.
Robinson Wrestling Wins Northern Region Title
Lake Braddock wins three individual championships.
The Robinson wrestling team won two individual region titles.
Woodson's Freidman Wins Region Title
Cavaliers finish fourth at Northern Region meet.
Freidman finished first on beam, second on floor.
Woodson Boys’ Basketball Punches Regional Ticket
Cavaliers looking to avoid repeat of late-season collapse.
The Woodson boys' basketball team reached the 20-win mark for the second straight season.
Woodson Girls’ Basketball Secures Regional Berth
Cavaliers defeat Lee in Patriot District tournament.
Woodson's Walker, Finnerty score in double figures against Lee in opening round of Patriot District girls' basketball tournament.
Editorial: On Transportation
Compromise, in the works, should include indexing the gas tax to inflation.
Virginia needs more options, not fewer, in developing revenue to pay for roads and transportation. Compromise on a plan to increase transportation revenue should not include making Virginia the only state in the nation without a gas tax. The current, ridiculously low gas tax should be indexed to inflation. The last thing the commonwealth needs is to do away with an existing, major source of money for roads.
Time to Pass Go for a Good Cause
Sixth annual Monopoly Tournament benefits Lorton Food Pantry, offers volunteer opportunities.
You may not get a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, or prime boardwalk property, but Realtors Ron Kowalski and Susan Borrelli, founders of Lorton’s annual Monopoly Tournament, said players of all ages will have a blast competing in the sixth annual game tournament at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Hats Off to Democratic Women of Clifton
DWC celebrates eighth anniversary in style.
Fine millinery was on full display as the Democratic Women of Clifton gathered on Sunday, Feb. 10, to celebrate its eighth anniversary in style. The theme of this year’s party was “Hats Off to Democratic Women!” and members complied by donning an assortment of colorful chapeaus—from the classic fedora, brim snapped and businesslike, to the romantic cloche and the whimsical Victorian.
Area Roundups
Chantilly High, Fairfax High, Falls Church High, Oakton High, Robinson Secondary, Woodson High, Franklin Middle, Frost Middle, Jackson Middle, Lanier Middle and Rocky Run Middle are all schools involved in the boundary study to relieve overcrowding at Fairfax High and Lanier Middle School.
Letter: Does VRE Need More State Oversight?
Two bills (SB 1210 and HB 2152) before the Virginia General Assembly would give the state two more votes on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board.
Burke Florist Unfazed by Valentine’s Day Rush
Flowers ‘n’ Ferns is well prepared for its 33rd rose rodeo.
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but when it comes to Valentine’s Day, fresh flowers are a must-have. For area florists like Karen Fountain, the second-generation manager of Flowers ‘n’ Ferns in Burke, the romantic holiday is often the highest grossing single day of the year.
Helping Parents Battle Social Media Giants
Parents demand access to son’s Facebook account after his suicide.
Ricky Rash, a self-proclaimed “country boy” and second generation Virginia dairy farmer, enjoyed his bucolic life in Nottoway County. He and his wife, Diane, a nurse, were content to raise their four children in the same house Rash grew up in. The world of social media—Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter—held little interest for the couple who considered faith and family the bedrock of their life. But after their 15-year-old son committed suicide on Jan. 20, 2011, social media became their focus.
Friday, February 8
Classified Advertising Feb. 6, 2013
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Thursday, February 7
Rooting for Transparency
Burke-based settlement hot on heels of anti-fraud land title certification.
Two grandmothers, Myrna Keplinger and Betty Reed, decided in 2000 that it would be nice to have an office space of their own. So they opened a realty and settlement office in the Mark Center in Alexandria and the two retired friends happily averaged 40 closings per month. Thirteen years and countless closings later, The Settlement Group grew to become the ninth largest settlement group in the region, with six offices in Northern Virginia, including locations in Burke, Franconia and McLean. As for Keplinger—she had undergone as much professional growth as had her business. She is now treasurer for the Virginia Land Title Association, on the American Land Title Association board of directors and an active member of its communications committee.
Wednesday, February 6
February Is Heart Month
Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.
When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.
Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
West Springfield Grad Robinson Excelling at Duquesne
Freshman point guard is Dukes’ second-leading scorer.
West Springfield graduate April Robinson has helped the Duquesne women's basketball team to a 17-4 record this season.
Making the Difference Between Struggle and Success
Carmen Jordan of Reston has been a mentor for Fairfax Families4 Kids for six years. She is considered one of the most experienced mentors in the program. In addition to working full-time as a marquee account manager at Deltek in Herndon, Jordan makes herself available to “trouble-shoot” for the children and families she mentors. In the following column, she details her experiences with the program, and at-risk foster youth.
'Stuff the Bus’ Campaign Helps Feed the Hungry
Donations continue to increase as campaign enters third year.
Local grocery stores were packed this weekend with shoppers stocking up on Super Bowl snacks for the annual football fan party. At the Wal-Mart in Fairfax, shoppers were greeted with colorful displays of chips, dips and other party favorites. They were also greeted by volunteers from Our Daily Bread (ODB), who were handing out flyers and encouraging shoppers to donate gift cards or specific items to restock ODB’s pantry shelves. A Fairfax nonprofit for nearly 30 years, ODB provides food and other critical services to the working poor, the elderly and the disabled. More than half of ODB’s clients are local children.
Lake Braddock’s Butler Too Much for TC
Senior totals 29 points, 22 rebounds in OT victory.
The Lake Braddock girls' basketball team on Tuesday beat T.C. Williams for the second time this season.
From Community Eyesore to Community Asset
Transformation of Kings West Swim Club adds green space.
For several years, neighbors in the Kings Park West subdivision grappled with the problem of what to do with the big hole in the ground that was once the Kings West Swim Club.
Greenspring Republicans Host Pete Snyder
Last year, the Greenspring Republican Club hosted Pete Snyder as the chairman of the Virginia Victory 2012 campaign, a coordinated campaign in support of Republican candidates across the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Snyder was invited again to speak to the Greenspring Republican Club, but this time as a candidate for lieutenant governor.
Show off Your Civic Pride
Pre-order Fairfax County license plates now.
Residents of Fairfax County can now pre-order their Fairfax County license plates online at the new Visit Fairfax website—www.fxva.com/plates/.
Community to Discuss Boundary Changes
At its business meeting on Thursday, Jan. 24, the Fairfax County School Board voted to conduct a boundary study to address overcrowding at Fairfax High School and Lanier Middle School.
Volunteering for the President
Girl Scout Troop 189 of Fairfax volunteered on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 21.
Lawmakers Provide Assembly Overview
Petersen, Bulova host Town Hall meeting in Fairfax.
Transportation, redistricting and the proposed closure of the Northern Virginia Training Center were the top issues among constituents who showed up at the Town Hall meeting hosted by Del. David Bulova (D-37) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) on Saturday, Feb. 2.