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Samantha Bird Wins Gold in Ulman Cancer Fund Triathlon

Iron Girl all-female race took place in Ellicott City, Md.

Finishing more than 10 seconds ahead of her closest competitor, Burke resident Samantha Bird was the overall champion at the Iron Girl all-female sprint triathlon held in Ellicott City, Md. on Aug. 17.

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Everybody Goes to Spartans

Family-owned restaurant bustles with local patrons.

“Have you been to Spartans? Everybody goes there,” said Diane Thompson, a former teacher at Terra Centre Elementary School. She lives in Springfield now but likes to hang around Burke because it has a “more small town feel.”

Help Students Prepare for a Healthy School Year

As the summer draws to a close and parents look ahead to the school year, the change in daily routine offers an opportunity to change our routine meals. Setting our students and families up for success can come in many forms. Eating better meals and more frequently as families are just two ways we as parents can help our students excel.


A County of 186,785 Students

Welcome to the 2014-15 school year. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students, parents, and educators. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to prepare for another school year that builds on our tradition of excellence at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Classified Advertising August 27, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Burke Home Sales: July, 2014

In July 2014, 59 Burke homes sold between $680,500-$199,000.

Burke Home Sales: July, 2014


What’s on the Ballot; How to Vote

Election Day is Nov. 4, 2014, but you can vote as early as Sept. 19.

Every year is Election Year in Virginia. This year, every Virginia voter will choose one member of the U.S. Senate and their member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Welcome to Fairfax County

Welcome to Fairfax County, the best place in the country to live, work and play. Fairfax County is home to a fantastic public school system, top tier business and shopping opportunities, compassionate human services, and some of the best parks and open spaces in the D.C. Metropolitan region.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.


Fall for the Book in September

Local book festival with something for everyone.

Your opportunity to be part of a literary celebration is about to arrive. The annual Fall for the Book Festival begins on Sept. 11. It is a week-long, multi-venue affair with free events at locations throughout Fairfax County, and beyond.

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Accotink Church Reverend Prepared to Perform Same-Sex Marriage

Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael was part of statewide effort.

“I would expect most people wouldn’t want to get married on the spot by a minister they don’t even know,” said Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, minister of Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke. Sammler-Michael, himself from Fairfax, was one of 30 clergymen around Northern Virginia and 60 across the state that had been organized and planned to be present at local courthouses on Thursday, Aug. 21.

And Another Thing I’m “Righting” On

Not only did last week’s CT Scan indicate shrinkage, where necessary – and stability, where hoped for – it also accomplished these hoped-for goals after only two months of chemotherapy (still infused every three weeks) rather than the normal three months of chemotherapy. So depending on how the calendar/treatment schedule actually fell, I probably received two fewer infusions than usual, yet all the radiological indications – and interpretations – continue to be encouraging; after five and a half years, no less. I think I’m entitled to use the word amazing – and lucky, too.


Fairfax County’s Success Story

Economic success: 50 years in the making.

If you are a newcomer to Fairfax County, allow me to welcome you to one of the most dynamic communities anywhere in the world to live and work. It was the vision of many people to create this kind of community, so please allow me to offer a quick history lesson.

A Prime Location

Popular businesses drive customers to gift shop.

Is it at the town center or the shopping center? Burke residents know. The Picket Fence is at the Burke Town Center, next to a newly-opened Sweet Frog, a Giant grocery store, a BB&T bank, a dry cleaner and a Starbucks. Owner Billie Thomas believes that The Picket Fence is situated in a prime location.

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For the Birds

Burke store helps bring nature closer to home.

Is it true that when one holds a bird in one’s hand, the bird gets so nervous it dies? No, said Steve Pyne, owner of the Wild Bird Center in Burke. This is the type of expertise and more that customer Kathy Morris can rely on when she comes in the store.


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West Springfield Field Hockey Posts Winning Record at UTL

Spartans finish 2-1-1.

West Springfield will travel to face Herndon on Aug. 29.

Newcomers Guide: Burke Demographics

Burke demographics.

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Robinson Field Hockey Wins Pool B at UTL Tournament

Rams finish 4-0 at two-day event.

Robinson field hockey is off to a 4-0 start.


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Woodson Football Trying to Get ‘Back on the Map’

New head coach Dougherty brings up-tempo spread offense.

Woodson football opens the 2014 season on Aug. 29 at Oakton.

Editorial: Back to School - Good Steps, Good Intentions

The first day of school in Fairfax County is Tuesday, Sept. 2, but Monday, Sept. 8 is the beginning of something important. For the first time in decades, elementary school students will have a full day of school on Mondays instead of being sent home hours early. This action makes so much sense in for families with children in elementary school. The ability of Superintendent Karen Garza to facilitate this change to go into effect right away is remarkable, and we hope a promise for more changes ahead.