Stories for January 2013

Stories for January 2013

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Thursday, January 31

Freidman Leads Woodson Gymnastics to Patriot District Title

Cavaliers senior wins all-around championship.

Woodson, Lake Braddock advanced to Northern Region gymnastics meet.

Letter: Taking Exception on Medicaid Expansion

Your recent editorial ["Expanding Medicaid Good For Virginia," The Connection, January 23-29, 2013] is noble in its desire to "extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance." If public policy making were just that easy. The editorial then goes on to indifferently say, "the Federal government picks up the tab.

Editorial: Extreme, But Brief, Volunteering

More than 150 volunteers needed to survey chronic homeless for three days in February.

The real solution to homelessness is housing. This week in Northern Virginia, a point-in-time survey will record all of the “literally homeless” individuals and families in the region. Last year, on Jan. 25, 2012, there were 1,534 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community; 697 of them were single individuals and 837 were people in families. A third of the total number of homeless were children. Nearly 60 percent of the adult members of the homeless families were employed.

Wednesday, January 30

Classified Advertising Jan. 30, 2013

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Where Do You Go, What Do You Do for Fun?

What do you high school students do for fun?

Workhouse Artists Win People's Choice Award

Six artists from the Workhouse Associate Artists (WAA) were chosen as People's Choice Award winners for their current exhibition in the Vulcan gallery (Building W16) at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.

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Arts Blossom in Former Prison

Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton continues tradition of transformation.

Prisoners—drunks, petty thieves, assaulters, even suffragettes—quite literally laid the foundation for the Workhouse Arts Center at Lorton.

‘Dance Your Heart Out’ in February

In honor of National Heart Month, Metropolitan Fine Arts Center (MFAC) of Alexandria and Fairfax Station is featuring their “Dance Your Heart Out” campaign, offering unlimited adult dance and mind/body classes throughout February for a special price of $110.

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GOP Women Discuss Property Rights, Elections

Martha Boneta, Virginia farmer and property rights advocate, spoke to the Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) watched by Congressman Artur Davis, who also talked to the group, RWC President Alice Butler-Short and best-selling author of Agenda 21, Environmental Piracy, Dr. Ileana Johnson.

Area Roundups

Clifton Town Council meeting and Workhouse Studio artists and instructor get published

Fairfax Rebels Helps Lanier Middle Prep for High School

On Dec. 17, Fairfax High students Mackenzie Ardinger, Brynn Brezovsky and Brooke Attkisson went to Sidney Lanier Middle School in the name of self-awareness and self-confidence, to share something they called the “For Me Project” with the middle schoolers.

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Girl Scout Flowers, Butterflies at InovaCares for Seniors Center

Residents of the InovaCares for Seniors Center in Fairfax will enjoy a season of beautiful flowers and butterflies in the coming spring.

ATM Skimmer Suspect Arrested

Fairfax County police detectives on Monday arrested a man in connection with the skimming of ATM cards at bank machines at local hospitals. He is Loan Cicio, 39, of 2230 George C. Marshall Drive in Falls Church.

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‘Peanuts’ Comic Strip Comes Alive

Fairfax High presents, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder—the whole “Peanuts” gang—shows up for Fairfax High’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

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Civic Pride on the Road

Fairfax County license plates available soon.

You can flaunt your car and show off your civic pride, thanks to a customized Fairfax County license plate approved Tuesday, Jan. 29, by the Board of Supervisors.

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Keep Gas Tax; Cut Meals Tax; Add ‘Sausage’

Proposed changes to governor’s transportation funding plan receive local support.

After a week in which news from Richmond was dominated by partisan skirmishes, Northern Virginia Del. Dave Albo (R-41) joined with other lawmakers to refocus the legislature on the state’s transportation funding crisis, presenting an alternative to a controversial plan proposed by Governor Robert McDonnell (R).

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Robinson Stands Up to Cancer

Robinson DECA chapter raises Cancer awareness and $5,000.

Robinson Stands Up to Cancer, a series of events put on by students at Robinson Secondary School, reached out to the community to raise money for cancer research and treatment, while raising awareness about those in need.

Del. Bulova and Sen. Petersen Host Fairfax Town Hall Meeting

On Saturday, Feb. 2, Del. David Bulova (D-37) is holding a Town Hall meeting with Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the council chamber of Fairfax City Hall, 10455 Armstrong Street. They will provide an overview of issues that are currently before the General Assembly. All constituents are invited to share their ideas and thoughts on issues that are important to the community.

Burke Wellness Center Opens

Brings massage, acupuncture, pilates, yoga, and fitness classes.

The Wellness Center will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 5276 Lyngate Court in Burke.

A Chorus of Praise

Fairfax County mentors celebrated during National Mentor Month.

Can we get an “amen?” The joyful noise coming from the David R. Pinn Center in Fairfax on Saturday wasn’t a gospel revival, but it was just as inspiring and enlightening.

Column: A Simple Question

I don’t quite know how to start this column so I’ll begin with its ending: “I’m fine.”

Nazi Commonwealth

Bipartisan team seeks compensation for victims of forced sterilization.

Nobody knows how many people are survivors of Virginia’s forced sterilization program, which targeted people with mental illness, mental retardation or epilepsy. But a bipartisan effort now under consideration in Richmond would hand each and every one of them a $50,000 check from the people of Virginia. According to one calculation, that could mean as much as $73 million.

Indoor Winter Fun with Children

Ideas for entertainment when Jack Frost appears.

Winter weather often means limited open air playtime for some children. “It is very important for children to get as much outdoor activity as possible, but there are times when it is not safe for them to be outside for an extended length of time, or any time at all, because it is too cold. ” said Shannon Melideo, chair of the Education Department at Marymount University in Arlington. “There are many other things that children can do besides sledding and ice skating.”

Winter Fun with Food

Easy and tasty ideas for winter meals.

The stove is fired-up, a sauté pan is sizzling and the thud of a steel knife blade hitting a wooden chopping block fills the air along with the woodsy aroma of fresh thyme. The temperature outside is frigid, but the kitchen feels like an inferno as Chef Kristen Robinson drives a knife though a fennel bulb, kale leaves and a tough-skinned butternut squash with staccato succession.

Friday, January 25

Classified Advertising Jan. 23, 2013

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Thursday, January 24

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South County High Picks Mr. Stallion 2013

Holds Fifth Annual Male Beauty Pageant.

Ten male students from South County High School set the stage on fire at the Dale S. Rumberger Auditorium of the South County High School in Lorton, during the Fifth Annual Mr. Stallion Pageant on Thursday, Jan. 17. The event, described by Alison Andrews, one of the coordinators and class sponsors, as “a take on female pageant” and a quest for “bragging rights,” was well attended by parents and students, who kept yelling for more as participants appeared on stage.

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Union Mill Holds Winter Concerts

Fifth and sixth grade band students from Union Mill Elementary performed in their Winter Band Concert on Wednesday, Jan. 16, led by band teacher Laura Seifried. First-year band students performed “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Old MacDonald Had a Band,” “Ode to Joy,” and “Hard Rock Blues.” The sixth grade band students performed “Bag ‘O Blues,” and several holiday pieces including “Frosty the Snowman,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!”

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Volunteering to Cheer

Special Olympics “Cheer Team” wows crowd with high-energy performance.

Like many girls, Jacquelyn Hoffmeier of Burke always wanted to be a cheerleader. The 25-year-old, born with Down Syndrome, finally got her chance to perform on Friday, Jan. 11. Hoffmeier, along with seven of her Special Olympics teammates, cheered and danced before a crowd of nearly 200 parents and students during halftime at the West Springfield High School girls’ basketball game.

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National Day of Service Launches Inauguration

Local residents give back to their communities and pledge ongoing service.

“Our volunteers packaged food at our Vienna Pantry and delivered it to 30 clients throughout the Fairfax County area who receive supplemental food from us every two weeks for approximately four months.” Lisa Whetzel, executive director, Our Daily Bread

Jail Tours Provide Wake-Up Call for At-Risk Teens

The Sheriff’s Office runs the Teen Awareness Program (TAP).

“At-risk kids are able to see and hear first-hand the effects of making a right decision versus a wrong decision,” says Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Steve Elbert, about the tours and presentations he leads at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The Sheriff’s Office initiated the Teen Awareness Program (TAP) a year ago, in partnership with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, to become part of the court’s diversion program for first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders.

Area Roundups

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host a presentation by resiliency expert Nan Henderson, “Resiliency in Action: How Families, Schools and Communities Create ‘Bounce Back’ Kids,” on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Robinson Secondary School cafeteria. Robinson is at 5035 Sideburn Road in Fairfax.

Editorial: Expanding Medicaid Good for Virginia

Real health coverage for an additional 400,000 people is in reach.

Virginia has an opportunity to expand Medicaid in a way that could extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance while the Federal government picks up the tab; Virginia would pay 10 percent of the additional cost after 2020.

News Briefs

As Democratic delegates fight to keep firearms further from school property, Republican Bob Marshall (D-13) is pushing legislation to bring more guns in. Marshall is the chief patron of HB 1557, which would require every school board in the state to designate one volunteer to carry a concealed weapon on school property. Training for selected volunteers would be provided by either the Virginia Center for School Safety or the NRA, of which he is a member.

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Four Northern Virginia Senators Targeted

Redistricting effort puts Fairfax County seats in the spotlight.

Four Northern Virginia state Senators are targets of a Republican-led effort to draw new districts — Sen. George Barker (D-39), Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34). Democrats say the redistricting effort is a cynical attempt to take advantage of the absence of Sen. Henry Marsh (D-16), a prominent civil rights veteran, who was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration on Monday. But state Sen. John Watkins (R-10) of Powhatan defended the effort as a way to create a sixth majority black Senate district in Southside. It passed the Senate on a 20-to-19 vote.

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Making Schools Safer

Two Northern Virginia Democrats take part in panel to consider school security.

Do Virginia schools need more guns? That question is at the heart of a debate that’s now reaching a fever pitch in the commonwealth, especially after a man with a Bushmaster assault rifle blasted his way into a Connecticut elementary school and killed 20 children and six adults before killing himself. Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell responded to the tragedy by creating a School Safety Task Force, which is considering a proposal for every school in Virginia to have an armed school resource officer.

Column: The Best of Intentions, I’m Sure

Regularly, throughout my now nearly four years of living as a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer “diagnosee”/survivor, I have had conversations where the person with whom I’ve been speaking–in response to a query of mine, said about a particular set of their circumstances: “Oh, it’s nothing, really. I mean, it’s not cancer, so it’s not as bad as what you’re (meaning me) going through.” Said with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity to me of course, and with my feelings/reaction most definitely in mind; for a long time, I simply acknowledged their empathy/sympathy and continued on with our conversation as if no emotional pot–of mine, had been stirred.

Wednesday, January 23

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Woodson Boys’ Basketball Extends Win Streak to 12

Cavaliers adapt to TC’s physicality in second half.

The Woodson boys' basketball team outscored T.C. Williams 23-14 in the fourth quarter.

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Searching for ‘The New Virginia Way’

Need to change the way Virginia supports people with disabilities.

In light of Virginia’s settlement with the Department of Justice over Virginia’s state institutions for people with disabilities, also known as training centers, it is time for us to enter “The New Virginia Way.”

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Wonderful Tunes, Wonderful Voices

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington comes to the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.

Continuing to expand its Performing Arts Series, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) is bringing the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (GMCW) to the local area for an evening of entertainment of Broadway show tunes, pop music and traditional choral music.

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Local Dancers Perform With Renowned Group

Mark Morris Dance Group, Dance Gala at Mason.

The celebrated Mark Morris Dance Group will soon bring its energy and style, its live music repertoire and several local dancers to enthrall audiences at the Mason Center for the Arts.

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Presenting Living History

The Manassas National Park Battlefield heralds in the new year with a living history lesson.

Workhouse Joins in Statewide Preservation Project

The Workhouse Prison Museum/Workhouse Arts Center has been selected to participate in a statewide project designed to help improve care of collections for museums, libraries and archives.

Overcrowded Classes

To the Editor: Our world-class schools are the number one reason businesses and families come to Fairfax County. But people will not move here once they see many of our overcrowded classes.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: December, 2012

In December 2012, 62 homes sold between $1,700,000-$161,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: December, 2012

Tuesday, January 22

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Fairfax Families4Kids

Fostering bonds with children.

Nationwide, more than 463,000 children live in foster care. In many states, including Virginia, the number of foster youth has tripled in the last 25 years. As of Sept. 30, 2011, nearly 5,000 youth were in foster care in Virginia, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Physical abuse is the most common reason children enter foster, but it’s not the only reason. Often there’s emotional abuse, sexual abuse and the parent or caretaker’s inability to provide a safe environment due to substance abuse.

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A Family Made Whole

After a tragic loss, Reston couple creates a family through adoption.

The Granvilles look like a made-for-TV family. On a bright October afternoon, Chris, a computer engineer, is teasing his teenage son, Kenny, about what kind of pet to adopt, while Tiffany sits on a sofa, cradling Elijah, Kenny’s baby brother, who has just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Fish? No way,” Kenny, 15, says. “They just go ‘round and ‘round in a bowl.” Kenny is lobbying hard for a dog or—at the very least—a guinea pig or hamster.

Monday, January 21

A 10-Year Mission: End Homelessness

Our Fairfax-Falls Church community is one of the most affluent in the country. Our schools are second to none. We are the home for many Fortune 500 businesses. Even with the challenging economy, our unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country.

Sunday, January 20

Classified Advertising January 16, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Friday, January 18

Queen of Household Hints to Share Five Essentials Every Home Should Have

Heloise to headline 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center.

The high priestess of household hints will share her domestic wisdom this weekend at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. A nationally syndicated columnist, Heloise is one of the presenters scheduled to headline the weekend’s show.

Thursday, January 17

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Defense Propels TC Boys’ Basketball Past Lake Braddock

Titans hold Bruins scoreless for 7-minute, 31-second stretch.

The T.C. Williams boys' basketball team used a 17-0 run to pull away from Lake Braddock on Jan. 11.

Woodson’s Boock Sets Career High in Win Against South County

Senior scores 20 points in fourth game back from finger surgery.

The Woodson boys' basketball team went 7-0 during the first half of its Patriot District schedule.

Editorial: Transportation Money

Eliminating the gas tax makes no sense.

Virginia, and especially Northern Virginia, is woefully short on funds for transportation. One reason is that its gas tax, a logical way to fund transportation infrastructure, is one of the lowest in the nation, and has remained flat since the ’80s, since it is not indexed for inflation. So the buying power of the gas tax has been dwindling.

Workhouse to Host a Family Volunteer Day

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Workhouse Arts Center is hosting Volunteer Fairfax’s fourth annual Day of Service on Jan. 21, 2013 at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road in Lorton (free admission).

Letter: A Shameful Sight

While home on Christmas break, I decided to take a nostalgic hike along the Little Rocky Run creek. Everything was as I remember with the exception of a small plateau on a steep hill face near the end of Marble Stone Drive. I saw scattered about the burned aluminum remains of a 24-pack of Natural Light, sprinkled with a healthy dose of glass bottle shards—all of which seemed to be a sort of sacrificial offering to the skull of a deer mounted on a stick at the center of the plateau.

Wednesday, January 16

Area Roundups

Resiliency Expert to Speak at Robinson

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will host a presentation by resiliency expert Nan Henderson—Resiliency in Action: How Families, Schools and Communities Create 'Bounce Back’ Kids—on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School. This free presentation is designed for parents, school staff, and community members.

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Robinson Offers Pair of Children’s Shows

Presenting “Waking Sleeping Beauty” and “The Lorax” this weekend.

The only thing better than one children’s show is two children’s shows, and Robinson Secondary’s Production Company class, RoProCo, is presenting a double bill this weekend.

Tuesday, January 15

The New Year, Same as the Old Year?

Having survived almost four full years from the date of my original diagnosis/prognosis doing what I’ve done, all I should feel is: that anything is possible. I’m living proof.

Miranda See and Davis Ford Wed

Miranda Nicole See and Davis Earle Ford exchanged vows and held their reception with dinner on Friday, Dec. 21 at The Tower Club in Vienna.

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Boy Scouts Collect 3,200 Pounds of Food

Boy Scouts of America Troup 1104 did volunteer work at their annual food drive event on Saturday, Nov. 10. Troop 1104, along with Cub Scout Pack 1861, collected over 3,200 pounds of food for families in need at the event.

Friday, January 11

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: November, 2012

In November 2012, 64 homes sold between $1,492,000-$127,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: November, 2012

Stafford Company Expands to Fairfax County

Professional Lifestyle Innovations LLC (PLInnovations), a local health and fitness company, is expanding its services to Fairfax County, specifically to serve new customers in Fairfax Station, Clifton and Lorton. Based out of Stafford, Va., the company recently launched its new website, www.plinnovations.com. PLInnovations’ website allows clients to purchase and download fitness plans designed for personalized, in-home fitness training.

Comedic Wit and Wisdom Fills the Workhouse

Once it was a place with the clanging noise of jail bar cells closing, but now laughter regularly wafts through the Workhouse. The source is the liveliness and vigor of stand-up comics of distinct genres and attitudes filling the seats as comedy nights are now a fixture at the Workhouse.

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Republican Women of Clifton Launches 2013 Speaker Program.

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) will launch its 2013 speaker program with former Congressman Artur Davis talking about the recent election. The meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, which is a new location for RWC events in 2013. Members and guests are invited to the social hour that will begin at 7 p.m. when refreshments will be served.

Area Roundups

South County High School Class of 2015 Student Government Association will be hosting the Fifth Annual Mr. Stallion, a male beauty pageant, on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Twelve young men, including 2011 winner Mark Gavino and 2012 winner Brent Bainwol will be competing in this year's event.

Classified Advertising Jan 9, 2012

Read the latest ads here!

Thursday, January 10

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Saturday Night Fever at Milano’s

Friends, family throw surprise party to celebrate Milano’s restaurant and owner Jimmy Goranitis’ birthday.

On a typical Saturday night, Milano’s restaurant, a Springfield institution, is packed with regulars and newcomers. But last Saturday was different. There was standing room only in the restaurant as more than 100 family, friends, customers and employees eagerly waited for owner Jimmy Goranitis to walk through the doors so they could shout “surprise!” They were celebrating his 55th birthday as well as the 33rd anniversary of the family-owned restaurant.

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Fairfax Nonprofits Awarded $218,000 in United Way Grants

Several nonprofits providing health and education services in Fairfax County were awarded 20 grants totaling $218,360 from the United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) during the Tuesday, Jan. 1, Board of Supervisors meeting. The funds came through designations to the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Impact Fund in United Way NCA’s annual workplace giving campaign.

Fairfax County License Plates?

Herrity proposes developing county license plate to support tourism.

“I look forward to being one of the first residents to get my hands on a Fairfax County license plate.” Supervisor Pat Herrity

McKay Elected Chairman of Transportation Commission

Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) was unanimously elected chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) at the organization’s meeting held Thursday, Jan. 3. McKay, who is in his second term representing the Lee District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, replaces Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette as NVTC chairman.

Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?

2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.

The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.

Wednesday, January 9

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Parents Plead for Delay in Training Center Closing

Timeframe for closure puts disabled adults at risk, advocates say.

When it was Kenneth Gans’ turn to speak to the panel of Virginia state legislators, the 78-year-old father of a severely-disabled son kept his remarks brief.

“If It Ain’t Broke…”

Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.

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Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area

Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.

Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.

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Unforgettable Spaces

Local designers share their favorite home designs from 2012.

Local interior designers spend their days mixing colors, accessories and furnishings to create chic and stylish rooms. As the new year begins, some local tastemakers look back on some of their most memorable accomplishments.

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Express Buses from Burke to Tysons

Fairfax County to launch Express Connector bus service.

Get ready to ride the 495 Express Lanes. For free. Really.

Fairfax Symphony Announces String Competition

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announces dates for the 2013 Dorothy Farnham Feuer Memorial String Competition.

Friday, January 4

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Local Leaders Predict Hot Topics in 2013

We asked local movers and shakers to tell us what headlines they’d like to see in the New Year, what issues will dominate the political agenda, what their New Year’s resolutions are, and their Express Lane experiences. If our prognosticators are correct, the top three issues that dominated the headlines last year will again dominate this year. In order of priority: transportation, transportation and transportation.

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Connolly: Good News in Phase One, Phase Two

Q&A with U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) on challenges and opportunities of 2013.

Q: What do you consider to be the number one issue affecting our community? A: Protecting and growing Northern Virginia’s economy and our vibrant public-private partnership with the federal government remains my number one priority for Northern Virginia. As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that oversees government contracting, federal workers, information technology, and other related areas, I continue to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain the balance between government functions performed by our dedicated federal workforce and those best served by the private sector.

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Ireland’s Embassy Hosts Wild West Irish Tours and Dervish’s Cathy Jordan

Kevin Conmy, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Ireland welcomed guests at a reception held on Thursday, Dec. 13 to highlight The Gathering, a community-led initiative that encourages overseas visitors who are Irish-born, Irish-bred or Irish in spirit to join Irish people for family reunions and cultural, sporting and other events during 2013, and which is being promoted by the Springfield-based tour company Wild West Irish Tours.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names President/CEO

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors appointed Debra Harrison as its president/CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Her appointment comes following the unanimous recommendation of the search committee chaired by board member John Lockhart following a four-month national search.

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Robinson Boys’ Basketball Finishes Runner-Up at Pohanka Tourney

Rams beat Wilson, South County, lose to Mountain View in final.

The Robinson boys' basketball team lost to Mountain View in the championship game of the Pohanka Chantilly Basketball Classic.

Classified Advertising January 2, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Thursday, January 3

Happy New Year, Keep in Touch

Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.

As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.

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Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year

Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.

Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.

The Quest for Youth and Beauty

Spending billions of dollars to improve one’s appearance.

Hiba Hakki reclines on an exam table as a physician picks up a syringe with his latex-gloved hand and points it at her face. He inserts the needle into the flesh around her eyes. She cringes slightly. This is a Botox injection, just one of the cosmetic procedures Hakki undergoes for the sake of beauty.

Lines of My Life

Like most people, I have material, so to speak, that I use repeatedly (ad nauseam, some might say). Most are lines from “The Three Stooges,” “M*A*S*H,” “Star Trek” (the original) and “Seinfeld.” As I entered into the cancer world, I continued to use this material – where/when appropriate, as many of you regular readers know. However, as my time in the cancer conundrum has continued (thank God!) and evolved, I have found myself uttering and muttering à la “Popeye the Sailor Man,” amusing myself, mostly, but always with the best of intentions: my survival. A few examples follow. (My answers are in quotes.)

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Coming in From The Cold

A night at Burke United Methodist Church’s hypothermia prevention shelter.

Musa L. gently draped a blanket over his wife, and promised her the new year would be better for both of them. She was sleeping on a foam pallet at the Burke United Methodist Church. Musa and his wife were among nearly 40 homeless adults seeking shelter from the frigid temperatures at the church on Friday, Dec. 21.

Readers of the Pack

What Fairfax County residents read in 2012.

According to Mary Mulrenen, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County readers selected many of the same fiction and non-fiction favorites that caught the attention of book-lovers nationwide. Dr. Seuss, science-fiction and, once again, lawyers (John Grisham’s 25th legal thriller) topped the charts.

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Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?

Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.

Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.