Thursday, May 30
Lake Braddock Baseball Beats Marshall in Region Semifinals
Bruins secure state berth, will face Oakton in region final.
The Lake Braddock baseball team scored 13 runs in the fourth inning to pull away from Marshall.
Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.
Wednesday, May 29
Classified Advertising May 29, 2013
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Splat! Boom! Bang!
Springfield musician makes classical music playful and accessible to children.
"I love to see kids get involved during a concert. It’s absolutely hilarious; they are up and down, whooping and hollering, listening to the music and the story." —Cory Hills
Summer Fun in Fairfax
The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.
A Time of Remembrance
Memorial Day ceremony held at Ox Hill Battlefield Park.
The Battle of Ox Hill was fought Sept. 1, 1862 in a torrential thunderstorm. When it ended, two key Union generals were dead and more than 1,500 soldiers had been killed or wounded.
The Battle of Ox Hill
The Battle of Ox Hill, the Confederate name for what the Union Army called the Battle of Chantilly, took place on the afternoon of Sept. 1, 1862. The fighting occurred during a fierce storm that field reports described as so thunderous it drowned out the cries and clamor of the battle.
Richard Byrd Library Adds Mystery to Summer Book Sale
Every summer, booklovers and bargain hunters eagerly await the Friends of the Richard Byrd Library book sale, one of the largest in the region with more than 10,000 books, many in pristine condition.
Energy and Intensity Fill the Stage
Braddock Theatre's presentation of “Rashomon.”
With various interpretations of a single event during the rainy season in ancient Kyoto, Lake Braddock Theatre's presentation of Fay and Michael Kanin's adaptation of Ryunosuke Akutagawa's “Rashomon” brought the dramatic realities of the samurai code, bushido, to life through both intensity and humor.
Brief: Science Program Allows Hands-on Experience
Local students travel to Geneva to learn about particle physics.
Seniors Daniel Rice of Chantilly and Jonathan Young of Vienna spent a week analyzing particle physics data from the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hedron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Column: Airing on the Side of Caution
I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
A Soldier’s Story
Burke man honored for heroism in disrupting pivotal “Easter Offensive.”
In November, 1971, Captain Denis Gulakowski began what he thought would be a relatively “safe” tour of duty in Vietnam. The Cold War military conflict had escalated steadily since 1955, and reached a high of 500,000 troops in 1967. By late 1971, the number of American troops in-country had been greatly reduced as President Richard Nixon implemented his “Vietnamization” program to extract the United States from the war.
Being a Warrior, Now and Then
Q&A with Lt. Col. Gulakowski: Reflections on Vietnam legacy.
Lt. Col. Denis Gulakowski of Burke is a retired Army officer who served more than 25 years. From November 1971 until November 1972, he did a tour of duty in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he participated in several battles, one of which disrupted the North Vietnamese attempt to overrun areas of South Vietnam during the Easter Offensive (Nguyen Hue Campaign) of 1972.
Robinson Student Receives Scholarship
Maritza Villarroel honored by Hispanic Leadership Alliance.
Just 18, Robinson Secondary senior Maritza Villarroel plans to go to college and someday become a nurse. And thanks to a scholarship from the Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA), she’ll soon start her journey.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
100 New Citizens Sworn In
Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.
The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.
Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 28
Lake Braddock Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Bruins beat Madison, will face Marshall.
The Lake Braddock baseball team is one win away from heading back to the state tournament.
Local Student to Receive Statewide Award
A Floris fifth-grader honored for excellence in math.
A Floris Elementary School fifth-grader has been selected as the Virginia recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association of Gifted Children.
Celebrating Partnerships
Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.
He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.
Thursday, May 23
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
The sacrifices of those who died in war.
1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.
Tea Party Ticket
Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.
Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.
Wednesday, May 22
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs
Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Springfield Joins Bike to Work Day
Self-powered commuters enjoyed bike service, snacks and a chance to give feedback.
Though the Metro Park pit stop for Bike to Work Day 2013 didn’t technically open until 6:30 a.m. on Friday, May 17, the first biker showed up at 6:15, according to stop Manager Nancy-jo Manney.
We Are Family
Community celebrates foster families during annual 5K walk at Lake Accotink.
They walked, ran or rode trikes, all in celebration of foster families at Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, May 18.
Brief: Nereids Synchronized Swimmers Place at Regionals
The Northern Virginia Nereids synchronized swimming team qualified for the Age Group National Synchronized Swimming competition after a successful showing at the South Zone Region A Regional Competition in Washington, D.C. the weekend of May 3-5.
Letter: Failing Grades on Air Pollution
Republican members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works put corporate polluters ahead of our health by boycotting the nomination of Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Each day this vote is delayed, health risks increase for millions of Virginians.
Brief: Eight FCPS Students Honored for Writing
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have received certificates for superior writing in the 2013 Achievement Awards in Writing by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).
Brief: Homestretch Hosts Benefit Breakfast
The event helps raise more than $100,000.
Homestretch hosted its annual benefit breakfast on Wednesday, May 15, and raised over $100,000 for its program and services.
It’s on to The Kennedy Center
Robinson’s musical, “Hairspray,” nominated for eight Cappies.
Each year, the Cappies program honors the best in high-school theater, and Robinson Secondary’s high-octane musical, “Hairspray,” has been nominated for eight awards.
Lake Braddock Teacher, Burke Swim Coach Promotes Water Safety
Alexandria resident, Lake Braddock teacher Miriam Lynch helped organize a congressional hearing to increase awareness.
With the summer swimming season just about to kick off, the excitement of a freshly opened pool or beach may cause eagerly returning patrons to forget their number one priority as patrons: safety.
Tuesday, May 21
South County Baseball Wins Patriot District Championship
Stallions beat defending state champion Lake Braddock.
South County will host Robinson in the first round of the Northern Region baseball tournament. Lake Braddock will host Chantilly.
Friday, May 17
Classified Advertising May 22, 2013
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Burke Home Sales: April, 2013
In April 2013, 54 Burke homes sold between $670,000-$130,000.
Burke Home Sales: April, 2013
Thursday, May 16
Fairfax County Attracts Innovative Technology Firms
More than 1,400 jobs added to local economy in first quarter.
Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013.
Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue
Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.
Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.
Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes
Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.
In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.
Classified Advertising May 15, 2013
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Key Middle Officer Honored
Rudy Coffield is the FCPS 2013 Distinguished School Resource Officer.
n full policeman’s regalia—bus driver hat and all—Master Police Officer (MPO) Rudy Coffield is an imposing figure. The meticulously assembled uniform commands respect: His gleaming badge, crackling radio and holstered firearm immediately convey an unwavering attention to detail, rule, law and purpose.
Fairfax County a ‘Trailblazer’ in Using Social Media
Sign up for Technology Town Hall on June 1.
The digital and information revolutions have changed nearly every aspect of our lives. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, tablet computers and laptops, many Americans are connected to the Internet almost constantly. This rapidly increasing ubiquity of the Internet has helped people connect across geographic and cultural barriers.
Quick Takes
Q&A with Pastor King Rhodes.
Pastor King Rhodes is founder and senior pastor of His Church International Christian Center (HCICC) in Springfield, and has been involved in Christian ministry and community outreach for more than 20 years. As a longtime advocate for foster youth, Rhodes and his ministry help support the mission of Fairfax Families4Kids, a foster-mentoring program for teens in Fairfax County. On Saturday, May 18, Rhodes’ church will sponsor the organization’s 5-K Walk during Foster Care Appreciation Month.
‘Day Prom’ Celebrated
Eight high schools participate in daytime prom for special needs students.
Prom is pretty intimidating as it is: date, hair, dress, food, limo, flowers, dancing... gasp. But the annual event is also a privilege, a rite of high school passage that bonds students through shared experience for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many students with special needs will never share that experience with their peers. Their physical or intellectual disabilities can make participating in such a large and emotional gathering overwhelming, uncomfortable, and in some cases, simply impossible.
Ride of the Patriots
It's time for the annual Ride of the Patriots, a Memorial Day tradition in the City of Fairfax.
Odds are, residents of the City of Fairfax will hear them before they can see them. Each year, more than 4,000 motorcyclists descend on the city, gathering at Patriot Harley Davidson from across the country, coming together to share stories, compare notes from the road and honor those who have served the country.
Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy Places in National Competition
The past couple months have been an eventful time for Virginia Christian schools as they worked hard to prepare for the regional and state Old Dominion Association of Church Schools (ODACS) and the national American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) competitions of 2013. Twenty-eight students from Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy were able to participate in these competitions all the way to the national level.
Brief: Week in Burke
Armed Robbery in Burke Area
Police made an arrest in an armed robbery case that occurred Wednesday, May 8. Around 10:50 p.m. a woman entered the Shell gas station, located at 6054 Burke Commons Road, displayed a handgun and demanded cash from a store employee.
Robinson Boys’ Lax Finishes Concorde Runner-up
Rams bounce back with regional win over Lake Braddock.
The Robinson boys' lacrosse team will face McLean at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
Friday, May 10
Thursday, May 9
Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure
Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.
Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.
Special Olympics Athletes Compete, Students Volunteer at George Mason Swim Meet
More than 130 swimmers, parents and friends of the Potomac Marlins USA Swimming year-round swim team volunteered April 28 to host the Northern Virginia Special Olympics Swim Meet held at George Mason. They came from all over the county for the Marlins' 17th year hosting this meet which brings together athletes throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Police Charge Local Man With Burglary
Fairfax County police have charged a Fairfax man with burglary and destruction of property. He is Monte Tobias Moyer, 27, of Aristotle Drive. Police responded to a home in the 11300 block of Aristotle Drive on Tuesday, April 30, shortly before 9 a.m., for a report of a break-in there.
Through the Looking Glass
Northern Virginia Players presents “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.”
Beginning May 17, the Northern Virginia Players will perform Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” Join Alice's madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game.
Opinion: The Power of Tourism
From May 4 through 12, we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week—a time when we applaud the impact our multi-faceted industry has on our community, the commonwealth and the nation.
Exploring Nursing
Springfield school provides everything a person needs to start a medical field career.
Offering a two-year Virginia State Board of Nursing accredited Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) course, The Fairfax County School of Practical Nursing provides everything a person needs to begin a career in the medical field.
Letter: Bookfair in Support of School
On Friday, May 17, the Barnes & Noble at Fair Lakes will host a book fair to raise funds for the Mountain View High School Scholarship Foundation. From 5-9 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, storytelling, bookmark making, musical performances and an art display while purchasing books for graduations, birthdays or personal enjoyment.
Lost Sheep, Looking for Bo Peep?
Fairfax County teachers are used to shepherding their students though many challenges during the school year, so perhaps it wasn’t too much of a stretch for Lees Corner fourth grade teacher Katie Talbot to come to the aid of some lost sheep in her Virginia Run neighborhood on April 13.
Clifton Homeowners Welcome Visitors
It’s time for the 41st annual Spring Homes Tour.
An English garden, 18th-century furnishings and a pool with waterfalls are among the delights awaiting all those attending the 41st annual Clifton Spring Homes Tour. It’s slated for Thursday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the fun includes a marketplace and silent auction at the Paradise Springs Winery.
Discussing ‘Saturday Night in the Suburbs’
Lake Braddock seniors discuss sex, drugs and social media.
What really happens in the suburbs on Saturday nights? At an open forum at Lake Braddock Secondary School on Wednesday, May 1, community parents had the opportunity to have their fears and concerns over this question confirmed, assuaged, and in some cases, postponed. Special guests for the night were five high school seniors who had volunteered to discuss a range of topics—including illegal alcohol and marijuana use, depression and social media use—and field cross-examination from concerned parents.
Burke Civil War Marker Unveiled
The sign commemorates the “Bog Wall Ambush,” an 1861 Civil War skirmish.
Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and members of the Fairfax County History Commission gathered at the intersection of Dunleigh Drive and Braddock Road on Sunday, May 5, to dedicate a new historical marker commemorating the “Bog Wall Ambush,” an 1861 Civil War skirmish. The Fairfax County History Commission hosted the dedication ceremony, which was followed by a reception at historic Oak Hill.
White Oaks Wins Science Olympiad Medals
With 22 different categories from engineering, chemistry and forensics to medical science, children from the fifth and sixth grades at White Oaks Elementary in Burke worked hard to make it all the way to the state level of the Science Olympiad tournament.
Wednesday, May 8
Classified Advertising May 8, 2013
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Lake Braddock Girls’ Lax Advances to Patriot District Final
Bruins beat West Springfield in OT in semifinals.
The Lake Braddock girls' lacrosse team will face Woodson in Patriot District championship.
Woodson Girls' Lacrosse Returns to Patriot District Championship Game
Dunn, Lightfoot lead Cavaliers past Annandale in district semifinals.
The Woodson girls' lacrosse team will face Lake Braddock in the Patriot District tournament final for the second straight year.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Tuesday, May 7
Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.
Friday, May 3
Classified Advertising May 1, 2013
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Wednesday, May 1
Five Northern Region Athletes Compete at Capital Classic
Wakefield senior Moore leads Northern Region scorers with 12 points.
The District All-Stars defeated the Suburban All-Stars; the United States All-Stars beat the Capital All-Stars.
‘Great Performances’ at Mason
Featured acts include the Joffrey Ballet, Sir James Galway, and four productions from the Virginia Opera.
Though not exactly suffering from a surplus, it’s clear from their new lineup that the staff behind the George Mason University Center for the Arts is driving forward, sequester or not.
Opening Doors for Neighbors in Need
FACETS marks 25 years of community service.
“A few years ago my life underwent two major changes that shook my world. … My husband and I separated and then I lost my job.” Lisa, a Fairfax mother, delivered that blunt statement during her speech to a crowd of more than 400 people during FACETS’ “Opening Doors” Benefit Breakfast on April 25.
Innovation Fair at Keene Mill
The 28 student teams brainstormed problems with current products they use on a regular basis and then researched and created solutions to those problems.
Fairfax County Union Officials Say Board’s Budget Fails Staff, Residents
Supervisors maintain cuts necessary to eliminate projected $169 million shortfall.
On the day the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the FY2014 budget, the leaders of Fairfax County’s four public employee unions issued a joint statement saying the budget “failed” staff and county residents.
Area Students Win Virginia History Day Awards
Students from three Fairfax County public schools earned awards at the 2013 Virginia History Day competition, held in Williamsburg.