Friday, June 28
Lake Braddock Grad Rodi Headed to Hillsdale College
Former Lake Braddock volleyball player Kyra Rodi helped the Bruins win the 2011 Patriot District title.
Wednesday, June 26
Column: No Shame in Crying
Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).
Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Engagements
Justin Paul Robinson and Sarah Catherine James Engaged
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Cindy Robinson of Ashburn announce the engagement of their son, Justin Paul Robinson, 24, to Sarah Catherine James, 23, daughter of Robert and Lucy of Metuchen, N.J.
Balenger Story: Walking Tall
Nick Balenger, paralyzed after a swimming accident, walks at the Lake Braddock graduation ceremony.
Every Lake Braddock senior who walked across the George Mason University Patriot Center stage for a diploma received applause and praise for 12 years of hard work. But only one student received a standing ovation for simply walking.
Viewpoints
Lake Braddock Graduates Discuss: Where are you going next and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lake Braddock graduates discuss their futures.
Children Dig Into Reading
Summer reading program sparks enthusiasm in area libraries.
This year’s summer reading program in Fairfax County libraries provides children and their parents with enriching opportunities they can sink their hands into.
Tuberculosis Clinic Set Up at Lee High School
Three people at the school identified as having active TB.
Following reports that as many as 430 students and faculty at Robert E. Lee High School could have been exposed to tuberculosis, Fairfax County Health Department officials set up a special clinic on Friday, June 21, to provide testing and information on the infectious disease.
Animal Shelter Fundraiser Proves Big Success
Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter held a fundraiser for the shelter, June 9, at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton. Nearly 200 people attended the event, called “Wine, Whiskers & Wags,” and raised $6,000 for the shelter.
SkateFest Raises $11,500 for Children’s Hospital
Skateboarders from all over compete in Sk8 for a Cause.
Some 250 skateboarders from as far away as Missouri and Pennsylvania traveled to Wakefield Skate Park in Annandale Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22, to compete in the seventh Annual SkateFest—Sk8 for a Cause, which raised $11,500 for Children’s National Medical Center in the district.
Workhouse Holds Summer Art Party on the Quad
Community invited to soak up art, artists and arts education programs.
It was a celebration of the arts when the Workhouse Arts Center hosted its Summer Art Party on the Quad on Saturday, June 22 in Lorton. The Art Party included art projects, storytelling for grownups, music, bubble art, interactive history, artist demos, tours of the former Lorton Prison and a community pillow fight.
Meier Reflects on His Decade at Robinson
Search continues for school’s new principal.
Robinson Secondary School still hasn’t found a new principal—but then, Danny Meier is a hard act to follow. He retired recently after serving 29 years with FCPS, the last 10 as Robinson’s leader.
Second Saturday Walkers Vote for Favorite Art
Three artists from the Workhouse Associate Artists (WAA) were chosen as People's Choice Award winners for their current exhibition in Gallery 902 (Building W9) at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
Christ United Methodist Church Breaks Ground
Pastor John Speight broke ground on a vision that he'd been pursuing for 20 years on Sunday, June 2nd, as the Christ United Methodist congregation broke shovels into soil to begin the foundation for a new, visible church building location
Celebrating Independence Day at Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center will celebrate Independence Day with live music, a patriotic exhibition and a fireworks show on July 6.
Meier: ‘A Supporter, Leader and Listener’
Although Danny Meier’s now retired as Robinson’s principal, he left his mark on the school and his colleagues say he led it well. “He’s a great leader because he’s quick at evaluating situations and has the background to make logical decisions,” said school administrative assistant Sue Henderson. “It’s also a great loss because I’ll miss him as a friend.”
Tuesday, June 25
Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’
Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.
City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Monday, June 24
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.
Thursday, June 20
Classified Advertising June 19, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Clifton Holding Outdoor Weekend Painting Festival
The Art Guild of Clifton is hosting the first annual Clifton Plein Air (outdoor) Painting Festival, rain or shine, Saturday-Sunday, June 22-23. That Saturday, concurrent with the Clifton Wine Festival, artists may set up anywhere in the corporate town limits, except for the Town Park, where the wine festival is being held.
Stallions Honor 56 Graduates
South County High sends off its first graduating class.
South County High School has said goodbye to its first graduating class. The school, known as South County Secondary School until middle school students were relocated to a nearby building last year, held its commencement ceremony for the class of 2013 on Monday, June 17 at the Patriot Center.
Student Wins Contest for Literature Letter
Local eighth grader Christine Wang has won first place (for grades six through eight) in the Letters about Literature contest sponsored by the Library of Congress. She wrote her award-winning letter about the book, “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang. Christine, 13, even got to read her letter recently at the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville. The book’s a graphic novel in hardcover, comic-book form. It contains three connected stories that become one at the end, and they appealed to her on a personal level.
Supervisors Pass Home Day Care Ordinance
Bulova calls for town hall meeting to educate providers on new rules.
“There is a tremendous need for quality child care in the county and we want to help make sure there are a sufficient number of providers available.” -- Board Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)
Saying Goodbye to a ‘Great Place’
Woodson graduates challenged to remember.
W.T. Woodson High School’s Class of 2013 gathered together for the final time Thursday, June 13 at Robinson High School’s Henry M. Smith Field House for its annual commencement ceremony. Students, faculty, family members, and distinguished guests were on hand to celebrate the culmination of the school’s 50th anniversary.
Robinson Graduates Offered ‘Tips for Success’
Robinson High School seniors received their diplomas at the 2013 Commencement Ceremony held at the Patriot Center. Not only notable for its size, the graduates received over $4 million in scholarship money for their continuing education.
Wednesday, June 19
Springfield Boy Scouts Help Plant Trees at Burke Lake Park
New trees replace mature ones torn down by Burke Lake Dam renovation.
When the renovation of Burke Lake Dam began last fall, many residents in the leafy South Run neighborhood were concerned about the dozens of mature trees construction crews had to rip out to gain access to the dam.
Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95
As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.
South County Middle Celebrates First Anniversary
The new school praised as “cornerstone of the community.”
After just one year, the South County Middle School Mustangs are already charging ahead toward a bright future: On Sept. 4, 2012, the school opened, boasting long, shiny hallways and advanced technological equipment. It recently commemorated its one-year anniversary with a ceremony involving the staff, members of the student body, members of the superintendent’s office, and members of the Board of Supervisors. Staff members donned matching polos with the school’s logo on it, and speakers wore shirts that had the school’s name and “The Only Solution” printed on the back.
Thursday, June 13
Classified Advertising June 12, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Column: Full Circle
I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.
Area Roundups
Fairfax County police have charged a Lorton man with two sexual offenses. He is Tabbasum H. Gilani, 29, of 7965 Almeda Court. On Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m., officers were called to 6364 Springfield Plaza to speak with a 23-year-old woman who reported that she’d been sexually assaulted.
Rock the Pink at Occoquan
The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Father and Son
Captain Nick Salameh, of Fairfax Station, with his son Shepherd, almost 4, in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. Shepherd could barely contain himself as he sat on the side of the road waiting for daddy to come down the parade route, sirens screaming … then … all of a sudden, the door swings open and the crowd heard, “Come on Shepherd!” The little guy went running to the engine. Salameh has been serving for 28 years as a captain in the Arlington County Fire Department.
Wednesday, June 12
Bill Kristol to Speak at GOP Women Meeting
The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) June meeting will feature Bill Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, who will speak about “The Political Situation.” The event will be on Wednesday, June 26, at the Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station. The social hour will begin at 7 p.m. when refreshments will be served. President Alice Butler-Short will open the business meeting at 7:30 p.m., after which Kristol will present his topic and answer questions.
‘Urban Decay 4’ at Workhouse
A show of distinctive urban sensibility with plenty of social commentary.
"Urban Decay 4" exhibition. Gathering together "low-brow" art that aims to challenge the tried-and-true, "Urban Decay 4" curator Debra Yarrington has brought together a show of distinctive urban sensibility with plenty of social commentary. The dozens of works displayed by nearly 30 different artists from Fairfax County and far beyond include large-scale three-dimensional wooden creations some with a sheen of glass-like luster, hanging art with a punk culture perspective or with a colorful cartoon-like appearance.
Father’s Day Photo Gallery
Father's Day photo with seven month-old Brian Maloney with his father Dr. Mike Maloney on their first Christmas together.
On the Campaign Trail
Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.
Fairfax Celebrated
The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.
Burke, Clifton Team in Race Across America Powered by Trane
Team Green Beret Foundation set to raise funds for wounded or ill Army Special Forces Warriors.
Setting off from Oceanside, Calif. on Saturday, June 15, three Burke residents and one Clifton man will take part in the world’s toughest bicycle race in the hope of raising awareness and much needed funds for the Green Beret Foundation. With the finish line in Annapolis, Md. the team will cycle three thousand miles over a period of six days. “Looking at our capabilities and being respectful to the organization and our sponsors, we think six days is a good time,” said David Viens, a team member. “This gives us an average of 20 miles per hour,” he said.
Robinson Drama Camp For Students, All Ages
A summer of fun and adventure is in store for those attending this summer’s Robinson Drama Camp. For the rising kindergartners through eighth graders: Curtain Call camp consists of half-day camps in morning and afternoon sessions, each week, from July 1-26.
Local Schools Win Seven Cappie Awards
Robinson captures five, including Best Musical.
Not only did Robinson Secondary win five of the eight Cappies awards for which it was nominated, but it took home the prize for Best Musical for its production of “Hairspray.” It was honored Sunday night, June 9, at the 14th annual Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Thursday, June 6
Roundups
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, June 6, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.
Free EKGs in Lopynski’s Honor
On April 26, 2009, Ryan Lopynski was a freshman at Virginia Tech who’d come home to Clifton’s Hampton Chase community to visit his family and seek a summer job. But he collapsed at home and suffered a fatal heart attack.
Wednesday, June 5
Lake Braddock Baseball Advances to State Semifinals
Bruin pitcher Rogers earns quarterfinal win against Patriot.
The Lake Braddock baseball team will face Great Bridge in the state semifinals.
Lidia Soto-Harmon Honored as Woman of Vision
The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) honored Lidia Soto-Harmon, chief executive officer of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC), at its annual Celebration of Service awards ceremony held on May 2, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner in McLean.
Marsha Manning Named FCPS Outstanding First-Year Principal
Marsha Manning, principal at South County Middle School, has been named the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) 2013 Nancy F. Sprague Outstanding First-Year Principal. The announcement was made by FCPS Deputy Superintendent Richard Moniuszko at FCPS Honors, a ceremony for the winners of FCPS employee awards. Manning, who was a subschool principal at South County Secondary (now High) School before being named principal at the new South County Middle School in 2012, is praised for developing a can-do culture at the new school.
Lorton Hope and Health Festival a Fun-filled Success
Lorton Community Action Center meets goals set.
The Lorton Hope and Health Festival was scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, but a good-sized crowd had already gathered in the park venue located behind Lorton Public Library and alongside the headquarters of festival organizers Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) quite some time before the first words of the official welcome were spoken.
Chasing Cow Costume Record
Ever dream of being part of a world record event? Join Chick-fil-A of Northern Virginia on July 2nd at the Patriot Center located on the campus at George Mason University in Fairfax as they attempt to break the world record for the "number of people dressed as cows gathered in one place."
Boy Scout Earns Medal of Merit
Chris Mayhew of Fairfax honored as “exceptionally brave and courageous” young man.
Smiling with his head slightly bowed, Boy Scout Christopher Mayhew of Fairfax was greeted with thunderous applause as he accepted the Medal of Merit during the spring Court of Honor.
Free EKG Screenings in Lopynski’s Honor
Class of 2008 Robinson graduate Ryan Lopynski was a freshman at Virginia Tech who’d come home to Clifton’s Hampton Chase community to visit his family and seek a summer job. But on April 26, 2009 he collapsed at home and suffered a fatal heart attack. Afterward, his parents established the Ryan Lopynski Big Heart Foundation to honor his life and to raise public awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in young adults.
Allison Hunter Wins $2,500 Robinson Scholarship
The Lunsford/Behrend Scholarship. The Lunsford/Behrend Scholarship Fund, Inc., which has awarded a scholarship annually for the past seven years, was started by Robinson band alumni in honor of Robinson band directors James G. Lunsford and Jack Behrend, who taught and inspired hundreds of students during their tenure at the school during the 1970s. Hunter, who played first chair euphonium at Robinson, was selected from a pool of applicants who were evaluated earlier this year.
Cappies Review: A Spectacle Not to Be Missed
Robinson Secondary School’s production of “Hairspray.”
With bold characters, fun songs, and cans upon cans of hairspray, this production is a spectacle not to be missed.
Adam’s Angels Hosts 5K Fundraiser
Raises money for scholarships and heart research.
With his life stretched out before him, this would have been the spring Adam Seymour graduated from Lynchburg College. Instead, it’s time for an annual 5K race in his memory—but one whose proceeds may help save other lives.
Viewpoints
How is new technology impacting community life?
Individuals talk about how technology effects their everyday routines.
Being Connected in a Positive Way
Supervisor Cook’s town hall meeting found valuable by those wanting to connect.
Braddock District residents were hit by a message as big as Facebook and as ubiquitous as the Internet itself. Their communities are embracing the virtual world to keep up with the actual one. Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted a seminar called “Community Communication in the Digital Age,” which focused on the swiftly changing manner in which people interact with one another in their own neighborhoods.
‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs
A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.
Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.
Tuesday, June 4
And the Winners Are …
Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.
The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles
Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.
Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.
Monday, June 3
Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships
Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.