Friday, September 28
Letter: To Feel Better About 1040
I see in the Aug. 30 addition of the Springfield Connection (“‘Somebody Else’ Didn't Come”) that Dave Albo received his marching orders from the Karl Rove propaganda machine and has weighed in on the presidential election. Typically, while regurgitating a stock campaign line based on a distorted quote taken out of context, he managed to lard things up with a basic load of self-promotion.
Letter: Land Preservation Success
You often don’t hear stories of government actually working well, so I thought people would enjoy hearing about Virginia’s great successes in land preservation.
South County Middle School's First Year
South County Middle School students kick off first year as “mustangs.”
“We really, really like kids here,” said Rita Clarke, one of the front office staff at the brand-new South County Middle School in Lorton. And it shows.
GOP Women of Lorton Host Former Congressman
Artur Davis addressed a Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) gathering at the home of one of its members in Lorton. The former Congressman from Alabama explained why he left the Democratic Party and joined the GOP.
Burke’s Pumpkin Playground
When Fred Dickinson, general manager of the Burke Nursery and Garden Center, started the pumpkin festival with his wife Cassandra 17 years ago, he said he had no idea it would grow to be such a large event. In fact, the nursery didn’t start to sell carving pumpkins until the last two weeks of October.
Fall Fun Festivals
Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. will present the 20th annual Fall For Fairfax KidsFest this weekend at the Fairfax County Government Center. Enjoy exciting, interactive and educational programs, entertainment and activities. Fall For Fairfax KidsFest is specially designed for families with elementary and pre-K aged children. There will be three stages of free entertainment, including the Inova Health Stage and the Fall for Fairfax Kids Stage.
Letter: State Vs County on Transportation
When I read my colleague Supervisor John Cook’s Sept. 13 Connection column advocating that Fairfax County take over state roads, I wondered how our taxpayers would feel about accepting a $150 million per year unfunded mandate from the state. That would be a slap in the face given everything that the County has done to balance its budget and provide for our residents during difficult budget years.
Good News on Housing Market
Realtors host economic summit.
The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), in partnership with the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis hosted their Annual Economic Summit at the Mason Inn Conference Center. The housing market is a key driver of the economy and home ownership is almost synonymous with the “American Dream,” so it’s no wonder that this year’s distinguished panel played to a packed house of realtors, brokers, economists and area business people.
Fall Fun at Workhouse Arts Center
Whether you are an art aficionado, music lover, cinephile or nature enthusiast, there’s something to enjoy at Lorton’s Workhouse Arts Center this fall. Set on 55 acres of land in the former D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory, the Workhouse provides a home for more than 100 of the region’s finest professional and emerging artists, classes and arts education programs for people of all ages and artistic abilities, cooperative studios, performance and theatre venues, dedicated gallery and exhibition space, and event facilities. For more information, visit www.WorkhouseArts.org or call 703-584-2900. The center is located at 9601 Ox Road in Lorton.
Get Ready for Clifton Day
45th annual festival is Sunday, Oct. 7.
Live bands, moonbounces, handmade crafts, Civil War re-enactors, food galore, pony rides and a unicyclist — all these things and more will be part of the 45th annual Clifton Day. The festival is slated for Sunday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Rain date is Oct. 14.)
Thursday, September 27
Hendersons Are Winners in Return to West Potomac
Bruins overcome 16-7 halftime deficit to beat Wolverines.
Quarterback Caleb Henderson, linebacker Jon Henderson and defensive coordinator Eric Henderson came out on the winning end during their return to West Potomac.
Classified Advertising Sept 26, 2012
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McLean's Cordial Debate Turns Controversial
Allen, Kaine battle for Northern Virginia votes.
“I’m open to dialogue, and I don’t see how openness is something controversial.” —Tim Kaine "If you want a job, you ought to join the Allen team.” —George Allen
Fairfax County Fall Fun Calendar
Along with the seasonal changes of fall—“sweater weather,” the oft-sighted decorative pumpkin, new menus and produce, and the swath of color across the treeline in every direction—come the fall events. Apple picking, parading through town in costume and spending time enjoying fall in Fairfax County are musts. Here are some favorite events to aid and abet your celebration of the season at hand.
Wednesday, September 26
Column: My Team
Not literally, of course. Nor am I the coach or the general manager. But I do feel like an owner, in that there are people that I invest in – again not literally, but definitely emotionally.
Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon
Police make discovery during welfare check, believe husband killed family before turning gun on himself.
A Herndon family of four was found dead in their home on Point Rider Lane the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fairfax County Police responded after a co-worker of one of the family members reported that they had not been to work this week.
Keeping Tysons Corner Moving
Event provides updates on 495 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail.
In the next 15 months, Tysons Corner will see almost $5 billion in new transportation projects come online.
Friday, September 21
Children Enjoy Kid Fest in Clifton
Kid Fest, a day of fun reuniting children sent to other schools after Clifton Elementary was closed, was held Saturday, Sept. 15, in the Clifton Town Park.
Kid Fest, a day of fun reuniting children sent to other schools after Clifton Elementary was closed, was held Saturday, Sept. 15, in the Clifton Town Park.
Historical-Novel Author Comes to Clifton Sunday
The Clifton Café will host the signing of a new historical novel, “Madness: The War of 1812,” by Dennis Byrne (father of Clifton Betterment Assn. member Don Byrne) this Sunday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m.-noon. The Clifton Café is at 7144 Main St. in Clifton.
Black Chamber of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Night Mixer
With access to capital and opportunity for growth at an alarming low for black-owned businesses, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on this small business crisis at the 4th Annual Candidates’ Night reception on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Hilton, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield. The annual nonpartisan NVBCC Candidates’ Night Mixer gives candidates and elected officials the opportunity to meet business owners face-to-face, and allows members of the African American community the chance to express their concerns about the future of Northern Virginia. Already, a dozen candidates and elected officials have been confirmed.
Area Roundups
Financial crimes detectives were alerted to the issue when they began to receive complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and, primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines. An alert customer spotted the skimming device on the machine and contacted hospital security who immediately called police on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Dam Project Worries South Run Residents
South Run residents want unofficial park entryway shut down permanently.
Chris Amans and his wife, Brenda Riffe, have lived in the leafy neighborhood of South Run in Fairfax Station since the community was developed in the mid-1980s. Bordered by Lee Chapel Road, Route 123, and the Fairfax County Parkway, many of the community’s 500 homes, which sell for close to $1 million, back up to Burke Lake Park. While they love the neighborhood’s mature trees, expansive 1/2-acre lots and access to Burke Lake Park, they have never been happy with the fact that their Laketree Drive cul-de-sac has become an unofficial entrance to the popular Burke Lake trails.
County Combats Chronic Homelessness
Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’
Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.
Letter: A Major Disappointment
I could have attached a legitimate photo of a sick and starving deer within Fairfax County—but that serves little except to tug at the emotional heartstrings. Overpopulation of deer in Fairfax County is a reality and it is a problem that must be faced square-on, using science, biology, personnel majoring in the wildlife career field and an understanding of the alternative costs of managing the deer herd.
Classified Advertising Sept 19, 2012
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Thursday, September 20
County Launches Safety Campaign
How to participate in Fairfax County’s ‘30 Ways in 30 Days’ campaign.
In the past 12 months, Fairfax County residents have experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies, from an earthquake and a tropical storm to floods, a tornado and a derecho.
Wednesday, September 19
Lake Braddock Field Hockey Beats TC in OT
The Lake Braddock field hockey team defeated T.C. Williams, 2-1, in overtime on Sept. 14.
Column: Refillable. Rechargeable. Reusable.
More like replaceable. Obviously, I want to remain positive and believe that today is not a good day to die (Worf from “Star Trek: Next Generation”) and that there will be many more tomorrows to live for and days beyond that to plan for. However, having a terminal disease has a tendency to darken up those rose-colored glasses.
Friday, September 14
Thursday, September 13
Christen, Lake Braddock Girls’ XC Win at Monroe Parker
Defending state champ Chase withdraws due to lower-body pain.
The Lake Braddock girls' cross country team won the Monroe Parker Invitational.
Area Roundups
News from the week in Fairfax Station.
Andreotta-DiCosmo Wedding
Mr. and Mrs. Mark P. Andreotta of Clifton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kimberly Beth to Christopher John DiCosmo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Natale J. DiCosmo of Draper, Utah.
Kid Fest in Clifton
Food, fun, music and games in the park.
Music, games, food and an all-around good time—that’s what’s in store for those attending Kid Fest in Clifton. It’s slated for this Saturday, Sept. 15, from noon-5 p.m., in the town park.
South County QB Symmes Scores 3 TDs in Defeat
Stallions lose second straight heartbreaker.
South County was stopped at the Oakton 8-yard line on its final possession.
Fairfax Station/Springfield, Sept. 21-26
If you're interested in a little time-on-the-town, fall fun and activity to broaden your horizons and round out your week, you're in the right place.
Wednesday, September 12
Classified Advertising Sept. 12, 2012
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Column: Trip Without a Fall
Recently, for the first time in nearly two years, I took a trip without having my car. Significant to me in that not “having my car” meant not being able to transport/have all my cancer things.
Tuesday, September 11
‘A Morning Just Like This One’
Fairfax County pays tribute to victims of 9/11 attacks.
The mournful tone of a single bell tolling three times—once for each site that was struck on Sept. 11, 2001—echoed in the Fairfax County Government Center chambers this morning as community leaders, police, firefighters and citizens gathered to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorists attacks 11 years ago today.
Friday, September 7
Letter: ‘Somebody Else’ Did Come
State Delegate Dave Albo (R-42) wrote a distorted article [“‘Somebody Else’ Didn’t Come,” Connection, Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2012], repeating a false mantra about business owners that was attributed to President Obama by virtually every speaker at the Republican national convention.
Letter: A ‘Very Angry’ Delegate
Albo’s assertion against unemployed persons rests weakly on the false concept of a static economy. Economic mobility in our nation is truly dynamic.
Letter: Misinterpreting the President
I was sorry to see Delegate Albo jump on the bandwagon of misinterpretation for partisan ends [“‘Somebody Else’ Didn’t Come,” Connection, Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2012].
Letter: They Did Build it
While I don’t agree with Dave Albo on everything, he was absolutely correct with his “Somebody Else Didn’t Come” editorial [Connection, Aug. 30-Sept. 5, 2012].
‘Ride To Thrive Polo Classic’ to Be Held Sept. 8
‘Ride To Thrive Polo Classic’ to Be Held Sept. 8
The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP), based in Clifton, will host its sixth Ride To Thrive Polo Classic on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Chetwood Park in The Plains, Va. Gates open at noon, with the polo game beginning at 3 p.m. featuring Team Chetwood Park/Golden Zebra versus Team Los Tigres.
Matthew Egeland and Kaylee Ahnberg Engaged
USAF Colonel (Ret.) Loren and Kathy Ahnberg of San Antonio, Texas (formerly of Fairfax Station) have announced the engagement of their daughter, Kaylee Danielle, to Matthew Nicklas Egeland.
Shopping with Sheriff
Fairfax County partners with Target to help homeless children purchase school supplies.
Nearly 30 children and their parents got the chance to "Shop with the Sheriff” on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The annual shopping spree pairs deputies and volunteers from the Fairfax County sheriff's office with local homeless children who need a little help with back-to-school supplies.
The Little Red Schoolhouse That Could
Springfield one-room schoolhouse gains historic status on National Register.
Nearly four years after deciding to shut down the popular elementary school because of shrinking enrollment, mounting parental pressure and ardent emotional appeals swayed Fairfax County’s School Board to re-open the rural community school.
Balancing Act: Between Nice-to-Have and Have-to-Have
Fairfax County needs new financial tools.
We’ve been lucky in Fairfax County. Spared the worst of the Great Recession with its mortgage crisis and unemployment, the County has still had to balance falling revenue and service delivery. Human services, libraries, and parks have all taken a hit—and our school budget, while not cut—has struggled to meet the needs of a growing student body.
Fairfax Symphony Opens its 55th Season
On Sept. 22, the Fairfax Symphony will open its season with a concert at 8 p.m. at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax. The season will mark the beginning of a new three-year focus in programming called “Mischief in Music: Wit, Insolence and Insurrection.” As explained by Maestro Christopher Zimmerman, “So often symphonic music is regarded as something abstract and emotionally unspecific. Over the next three years the orchestra will play music by a variety of composers whose message and expressive aims are deliberate, be they light-hearted, semi-provocative or completely out of the box.”
Thursday, September 6
Classified Advertising Sept. 5, 2012
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Wednesday, September 5
South County Volleyball Drops Season Opener
Stallions fall to Yorktown in five despite Bruder’s 18 kills.
Trista Barnhart is in her second season as South County head volleyball coach.
Senior Trio Leads Woodson Volleyball
King, Dallman, Price hope to soften the loss of two all-state athletes.
The Woodson volleyball team defeated Chantilly, 3-1, on Sept. 4.
Centreville Edges Lake Braddock in Season-Opening Thriller
Wildcats score in final minute to beat Bruins, 28-27.
Centreville overcomes 13-point deficit to beat Lake Braddock.
Column: Symptoms or just Sometimes
Making the best of a bad situation, that’s how I roll (I’m a Red Sox fan after all). Some days are easier than others, some symptoms/treatments/results are better than others. And some columns make more sense than others. But that’s cancer for you: an equal opportunity “screwer-upper.”