Stories for November 2013

Classified Advertising November 27, 2013

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Usury Explosion: Northern Virginia Becomes Hotbed for Car-Title Lending Industry

Route 1 corridor currently has eight locations; soon to get ninth.

In the last three years, dozens of new car-title lending businesses have popped up in neighborhoods across Northern Virginia — the result of recent regulations opening the door to a business that charges as much as 264 percent a year on loans.

Area Roundups

News occurring in the Fairfax County area.

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum to Host Holiday Model Train Show

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will hold its 24th annual Holiday Train Show on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.

GOP Women Support Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) donated $500 to TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), which has been caring for the families of America's fallen heroes since 1994. Pictured from left are: Alice Butler-Short, RWC President, Kathy Stephens, Case Worker Advocate, Survivor Ronni Bennett, and Survivor Rebecca Morrison. The Republican Women of Clifton have adopted TAPS as their charity for 2014 and look forward to raising funds for this very worthy cause.

It’s Time to Celebrate Christmas in Clifton

Parade, homes tour to be held on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Twinkling lights, the sound of caroling, a parade on horseback and beautifully decorated houses in a storybook setting – all that and more means Christmas in Clifton. And the public’s invited to join in the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Weichert, Realtors’ Burke/Fairfax Station Office Recognizes Top Associate

Sales Associate Youssef Zeroual of the Burke/Fairfax Station office was individually recognized for his exceptional industry success during the month of October, as announced by Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors.

Column: "Scanticipation"

When I get CT-Scanned on Wednesday, November 27th, it will be nearly four months since my last diagnostic scan. That occurred during my hospital "staycation" during the first week of August, when I was admitted due to the extremely abnormal fluid buildup in my left lung.

Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows

Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts

Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.

Opportunities to Serve Others on Thanksgiving

Local charities in need of help from the community.

Rahsan Baatin bikes to his Arlington, Va., office on most days. He runs every day. His wife Victoria swims each morning. The two are gearing up to spend Thanksgiving morning running The Trot for Hunger, a 5k race to raise more for the local charity SOME (So Others Might Eat).

Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.

"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.

While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.

Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival

Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.

"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.

Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving

So many needs, so many great organizations, give locally where your heart leads you.

The holidays are about giving. They are about children. The holidays are about sharing, about joy, about alleviating suffering for others. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation.

Thrasher-Walker Leads Westfield to Playoff Victory over Robinson

Bulldogs receiver Burns thrives in wildcat role.

Westfield will face Lake Braddock in the 6A North semifinals.

Fairfax County Holiday Calendar

Your guide to holiday events in the Northern Virginia area.

West Springfield’s Alcorta Wins State XC Title

Lake Braddock boys finish second, girls third.

West Springfield senior Caroline Alcorta set a meet record with a time of 17:13.

Classified Advertising November 20, 2013

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Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books

Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.

Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.

Finding Balance Through Exercise

Centeredbeing studio in Lorton aims to make community healthy and balanced.

Centeredbeing studio in Lorton is more than just a place for yoga and pilates. According to Suzie Carmack of Lorton, who founded Centeredbeing in 2008, the studio is about trying to get people to live more centered and balanced lives and to take the time to move and be mindful.

Shopping for a Good Cause

Lorton’s Attic provides revenue and services for programs and clients of the Lorton Community Action Center.

At Lorton’s Attic, the thrift store owned and operated by the Lorton Community Action Center, holiday shoppers can buy new gifts for everyone on their list, while at the same time donating to a local charity.

Encouraging People to ‘Live Like Nick Did’

Memorial blood drive, Nov. 30, will honor Nick Franca.

If he’d lived, Nick Franca would be celebrating his 24th birthday on Dec. 4. But the Town of Clifton native and 2009 Centreville High grad died of a form of cancer called neuroblastoma, in May 2011, at age 21.

Housing Trends Continue, With Exceptions

Realtors optimistic with increasing prices and low rates, despite uncertainty among buyers and sellers.

In the spring of 2012, one of the greatest fears and biggest question marks for Realtors in Northern Virginia was the potential effects of Sequestration on the market.

Holocaust Survivors Honored at Mason

Jewish Student Association hosts ‘Expressions of the Holocaust: a Dinner Honoring Survivors.’

On Nov. 13, George Mason University’s Jewish student association, Mason Hillel, organized and hosted “Expressions of the Holocaust: a Dinner Honoring Survivors.” The date for the event was chosen with care – just days after the 75th anniversary of the Nov. 9 -10 Kristallnacht – “Night of Broken Glass.”

Lynn Goldstein Wins Best-in-Show Award

Fairfax Station artist, Lynn Goldstein was selected to receive the Best-in-Show award for her painting, "Facing West-On Stage," at the national exhibition, "Shades of Pastel," in Frederick, Md.

Connolly to Hold Health Plan Workshop

Federal employees, retirees, and annuitants are invited to attend Congressman Gerry Connolly’s annual Open Season Workshop this Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Getting Ready for Guests at Thanksgiving and Beyond

Ideas for prepping your home so that visitors feel welcome.

When Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season next week, it will mean an onslaught of house guests for some. Local style gurus offer simple ideas for getting your home ready for visits from friends and family.

Learning to Create an Organized Holiday Season

Local pros offer tips for staying on track from Thanksgiving and beyond.

"If you’re organized, you’ll definitely experience less stress this holiday season," said professional organizer Susan Unger, of ClutterSOS in Vienna. "If you figure out what your goal is and map out everything in advance, you won’t find yourself staying up late wrapping presents and other chores and you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends."

Teaching Children to Make Holiday Gifts

Local art experts offer crafty gift ideas.

Gifting your child’s teacher, grandparents or other family members with holiday cheer doesn’t have to add another line item to your budget. Homemade gifts from children are among the most cherished, say experts, and creating them can be as memorable for the child as the recipient.

Tips for Holiday Card Photos

Local photographers offer suggestions for taking great family photos.

Amber Wilson has spent the last week scouring her computer files in search of the perfect pictures for her holiday card. One image missing from her collection is a shot of her entire family.

Column: Cost of Living

As the person primarily responsible for stocking the house with supplies and maintaining miscellaneous inventory, I am frequently in stores (supermarket, drugstore, pet store, etc.) buying the staples (not an office supply reference) our family needs to maintain our lifestyle, such as it is.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Like a Chef

Local chefs and culinary experts share family stories and recipes.

As a teen, Chef Guiseppe Ricciardi’s Thanksgiving dinners were anything but traditional. Ricciardi , the proprietor of Dolce Vita and Dolce Veloce in Fairfax, moved to New York from Italy with his family when he was 14. His family celebrated Thanksgiving in their new country, but they put an Italian twist on the holiday.

Holiday Cooking with Children

Local culinary instructors offer suggestions for bonding in the kitchen.

Maria Kopsidas recalls childhood holidays filled with turkey, sweets and merriment. Because she grew up in a family of professional chefs, cookbook authors and culinary enthusiasts, the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas always brings fond food recollections.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Shop in McLean

Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 30. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as a dedicated day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.

Stallions Trample Titans' Postseason Excitement

South County outscores T.C. Williams 37-6 in final two-plus quarters.

South County defeated T.C. Williams 51-27 in the first round of the 6A North region football playoffs on Friday.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: October, 2013

In October 2013, 69 homes sold between $1,150,000-$127,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: October, 2013

Classified Advertising November 13, 2013

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Running on Her Own

West Springfield’s Alcorta posts 3rd-best time in Burke Lake history.

West Springfield senior Caroline Alcorta produced the third-best time in Burke Lake Park course history.

South County Theatre Presents ‘The Miracle Worker’

Most people know of Helen Keller, but not everyone knows how her inspiring story came to be.

The Devereux Family Comes to Life

Lynn Garvey-Hodge brings historic family to life at the Clifton Community Women’s Club.

Lynn Garvey-Hodge took members and guests at the Nov. 7 meeting of the Clifton Community Women’s Club back in time to the 19th century during her latest historical re-enactment, "Railroads: Rough and Regal Times- Meet Mrs. John Henry Devereux."

Saxophone Concerto at Mason

Soloist Carrie Koffman brings ‘melting tone and touching sensitivity.’

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and music director Christopher Zimmerman will perform a concert of both familiar and new works on Saturday, Nov.16, 8 p.m., at the George Mason University – Centre for the Arts Concert Hall.

Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work

In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.

Potters Return to Colvin Run Mill

Local potters returned to Colvin Run Mill the first weekend of November for their holiday sale. Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located in Alexandria.

Editorial: Proof Every Vote Matters

Elections have consequences, including very close races.

Tuesday morning, a full week after an Election Day that included races that were more suspenseful than anticipated (and also many races that were foregone conclusions), we are probably more than a month away from certifying the winner of the Virginia Attorney General race.

It Wasn’t Fun While It Lasted

But it was only a week, and I was able to leave under my own power, assisted by a wheelchair, which is of course standard procedure when leaving a hospital after an admission, so it wasn’t a total loss. It was three months ago today, Friday, August 2nd that I was "ambulanced " to Holy Cross Hospital where I spent the beginning of my seven, first-ever nights in a hospital; pretty fortunate track record for someone my age.

Creating a Feast for the Eye

Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.

While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.

Choosing Art

Local designers offer tips on how to banish blank walls.

When Anne McCloud and her fiance, Mark Graham, moved into their Herndon home two years ago, with the exception of a large, deep red Chesterfield sofa, a present from Anne’s parents, the furniture they had was left over from graduate school: a tattered antique chair in need of reupholstering and two side tables.

Home for the Holidays

Amateur chef Dave Mulligan gets the kitchen of his dreams ... just in time for Thanksgiving.

As Dave Mulligan tells it, he owes the long-coveted "blue eyes" granite countertops now in his kitchen to events that started with a leaking shower one floor above.

Sweet Gathering in the Sunshine

Mentors, foster children and other youth learn about bees; county needs more foster families, mentors.

On a beautiful day in late summer, a group of young people of varied backgrounds, including some youth in foster care, gathered with their adult mentors under the ongoing auspices of Fairfax Families4Kids on a field trip into the countryside.

Letter: Getting Facts Right

Steve Daly writes about his concerns with the federal deficit ["Frightened by Runaway Government," Connection, Oct. 31-Nov.6, 2013].

Clifton Democratic Women Collecting for the Needy

The Democratic Women of Clifton and Northern Virginia (DWCNV) will meet Sunday, Nov. 17, from 3-5 p.m., in the Clifton Town Meeting Hall to launch the holiday season with projects benefiting area residents and children.

Veteran Election Staff Ensures Efficient Processing

Chief Election Officer at Silverbrook Elementary Krystyna Kolesar said turnout exceeded expectations.

By 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the veteran team of election officials at Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax Station had successfully processed 1,000 of its 3,000 registered voters.

Area Roundups

A look at what's happening in the area.

Burke Ballet’s 20th ‘Nutcracker’

Cast of 200 draws heavily from Buffa’s Dance Studio, welcomes professionals from Cincinnati, Colorado and Manassas companies.

Just as Clara Stahlbaum’s dream of a being whisked away by a living nutcracker prince grows increasingly fantastic over the course of the night, director Buffa Hargett’s vision of a perfect performance of "The Nutcracker" ballet has evolved dramatically from mere scenes performed at local shopping malls to a staggering 200-person full production celebrating its 20th anniversary onstage.

For Whom The [School] Bell Tolls

School district works toward later start times for high schools.

Would you send your teenagers to school or put them behind the wheel after allowing them to down two or three alcoholic beverages?

‘It’s a Really Fun Horror Story’

Robinson presents ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’

Horror, romance, music – and a hungry, man-eating plant – they’re all in Robinson Secondary’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors."

Classified Advertising November 6, 2013

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GMU Rector Visits Penn State

Athletic program explored.

As the Pennsylvania State University community geared up for a busy home football weekend, a visitor from Fairfax was present in the stands: CDaniel Clemente, Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors.

Yoga Community Lauds New Smithsonian Exhibit

Sackler exhibit is first of its kind.

Yoga instructor Luann Fulbright of McLean moved her practice from the mat to a gallery recently when she joined diplomats, philanthropists, artists and fellow yogis at a gala to celebrate the opening of "Yoga: The Art of Transformation" at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. It is the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga.

Column: This Spud’s For You

There’s more talk now than ever before, about the possibility of the Washington, D.C. professional football team changing its name.

Fairfax County Wants You

County launches "Transportation Dialogues" to get feedback on public’s priorities.

Not since 1987 — when today’s 40-something motorists were newly-minted drivers — has Fairfax County seen any new revenue stream for its traffic-choked roadways or relief for the region’s chronic gridlock.

Stacey Kincaid Elected County’s First Female Sheriff

Kincaid, a Vienna resident, pledges commitment to diversity, department’s employees and community outreach programs.

Democrat Stacey Kincaid, a 26-year-veteran of the sheriff’s department, made local history Tuesday by becoming Fairfax County’s first female sheriff.

Paying Attention to the Pros

High School coaches, players share opinions on Redskins’ Meriweather.

Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has received penalties, fines and a suspension for illegal hits.

Battleground? Not Exactly

Competitive state races gave voters more choices, but they stick with incumbents over challengers.

Every two years, Virginia holds all of its statewide elections.

Editorial: Be Part of Children’s Connection

Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 6.

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.

Classified Advertising, October 30, 2013

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