Thursday, October 31
Lake Braddock QB Wins Battle of Future UNC Teammates
Henderson’s Bruins Beat Titans, lineman Clarke, linebacker Carney.
Lake Braddock defeated T.C. Williams, 44-0.
Letter: Strongly Opposed to Cutting Food Aid
Last week, Elizabeth Berry wrote a letter expressing concern over a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would cut food aid for nearly 3.8 million people, and asked that I oppose this legislation. I strongly oppose it. The cuts recommended by the House would eliminate free school meals for 280,000 children and aggravate an already difficult situation for many families in Virginia struggling to put food on the table. We must protect nutrition assistance programs because it’s our responsibility to ensure the neediest among us have access to food when times are hardest.
Editorial: Vote Nov. 5 or Before
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
For voters in Virginia, it is hard to overstate how important it is to go out and vote next week. All Virginia voters will see statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race. In addition, there are a few local races in Alexandria and Arlington, a bond question in Fairfax County and a referendum question about the housing authority in Arlington.
Column: Excuse Me, Pardon Me, Excuse Me…
If it wasn’t a coincidence, it was the next thing to being one. What it was, was the hiccups; occurring after chemotherapy infusion number one and again after chemotherapy number two. The first episode lasted only a few days and annoyed my wife, Dina, way more than it annoyed me. The first hiccuping episode was fairly constant; however it was not exhausting – and I wasn’t having any trouble sleeping because of them. Nor was I making any disturbing sounds or having any difficulty breathing – when caught in mid-hiccup, and/or eating because of the herky-jerky movements/spasms of my diaphragm. In general, it was a fairly benign effect. In the big picture, it didn’t seem particularly important that it was the hiccups I was having, so I never called my oncologist. It was the hiccups after all. It might as well have been a skinned knee. Jeez. And sure enough, within a couple of days, I was “hiccuped out.”
Sheriff’s Race Heats Up
Kincaid, Wolfe trade barbs over guns, vandalism.
Like many of her neighbors, Vienna resident Jane Li said she didn’t know Fairfax County had a sheriff’s department until a few weeks ago.
Voters to Decide on $250 Million Bond
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Fairfax County voters will be asked to approve a $250 million school bond. If approved, the schools plan to use the money to:
Making Voters Feel Welcome, No Matter Their Language
County election officials have stepped up outreach efforts and volunteer recruitment efforts.
“I was touched with the Korean community’s efforts to help us translate materials and provide volunteers. … And so we're trying to encourage other pockets. My next target is Vietnamese. We’ve also printed recruitment brochures in Farsi, Arabic, Chinese Korean, French, and Spanish.” — Cameron Quinn, Fairfax County’s chief elections officer
Delegate for the 42nd District
Ed R. Deitsch is challenging Republican incumbent David Albo in the 42nd district.
The House of Delegates has legislative power, with the Senate, to enact laws. Delegates serve a 2-year term and are eligible for re-election. The salary is $17,640 per year. A delegate must be at least 21 years old at the time of election and be a resident of the district he/she seeks to represent.
Fairfax Station Area Roundups
Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that struck a pedestrian. Officers responded to the area of Gambrill Road near Vogels Way on Sunday, Oct. 27, shortly after 7:30 p.m. A 21-year-old girl was walking along the southbound side of Gambrill Road when she was struck from behind by an unidentified vehicle. The striking vehicle fled the scene and did not stop to render aide. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Take a Stroll to Help Neighbors in Need
LCAC to hold its first Service Stroll on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Join with your neighbors, friends and colleagues to make a difference for low-income families, senior citizens and children living in southeast Fairfax County by participating in the first LCAC Service Stroll on Saturday, Nov. 16. For years the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), a local human services nonprofit organization, participated in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk both as a way to generate significant funds ($56,000 last year) and to also build community.
Letter: Frightened by Runaway Government
Kudos to the staff member in Congressman Gerry Connolly’s office who gussied up Democratic National Committee talking points in the congressman’s recently published editorial [“The Damage Is Already Done, Connection, Oct. 24-30, 2013].
Letter: Blame on Both Sides
In Mr. Connolly's editorial [“The Damage Is Already Done,” Connection, Oct. 24-30, 2013] he comes off as victim in this game called politics, when really all that comes from the Congress is lies, deceit and corruption, from both sides. I remind you that all of Congress’ (not just the Republicans) approval ratings have reached depths never before seen in our nation’s history.
Two Speakers to Address Republican Women of Clifton
The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) November meeting will feature Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, and Nancy Schulze, founder of the Republican Congressional Wives Speakers in Washington, D.C. The event will be on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, and 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 Fitton and Schulze will speak and answer questions.
Potomac Marlins 'Swim Pink'
Volunteers and swimmers from the Potomac Marlins gathered at the Lee District Recreation Center in their “Swim Pink” attire for their fundraiser meet, the PVS October Open Saturday, Oct. 19. The Potomac Marlins conduct this annual fundraiser to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, a nonprofit working to put an end to breast cancer.
Andrew Gause’s Martial Arts Donates $1000 to Kings Park PTA
Andrew Gause’s Martial Arts has teamed up with Kings Park Elementary School to help raise funds for various projects. Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, Master Gause goes to Kings Park Elementary once a week for five weeks and teaches basic martial arts skills to Kings Park students with all of the proceeds from the program going to the PTA.
Two Challenge Filler-Corn in 41st District
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn challenged by Republican Fredy A. Burgos, Independent Christopher F. DeCarlo in the 41st district.
The House of Delegates has legislative power, with the Senate, to enact laws. Delegates serve a 2-year term and are eligible for re-election. The salary is $17,640 per year. A delegate must be at least 21 years old at the time of election and be a resident of the district he/she seeks to represent.
Letter: Delegate Focused on Real Issues
The recent turmoil created by the gridlock in the federal government may tempt many of us to ignore politics all together. However, Virginians shouldn’t allow the circus in Washington to cause us to lose sight of the importance of our state’s gubernatorial and house elections on Nov. 5. Personally I will be heading to the polls first thing that morning to show my support for Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, who works across party lines and stays focused on the real issues that affect us as Virginian citizens.
Democrats Lead in Polls as Voters Head to the Polls for Election Day
Hotly contested race for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Democrats have the wind at their backs heading into Election Day next week, as Republican gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli struggles to overcome a deficit in the polls.
Wednesday, October 30
Commentary: Dollars and Sense—Stewardship of FCPS
As many have become aware, the Fairfax County School Board’s budget discussions for the 2015 fiscal year have begun early. It is unfortunate that it has taken a combination of a $140 million deficit and demonstrable efforts by FCPS’ new Superintendent Karen Garza to bring full attention of the stakeholders, including the School Board, to education policy and funding.
Thursday, October 24
Area Roundups
Clifton Haunted Trail Saturday
Vampires, witches, goblins and ghouls will be lying in wait for their victims along the Clifton Haunted Trail, this Saturday, Oct. 26, from 7-10 p.m.
Clifton Moped Crash Kills Local Woman
A Centreville woman died last Tuesday evening, Oct. 15, following a motorcycle crash in Clifton. The victim was identified as Yumei Wang Barber, 37.
Haunted Cabaret Comes to the Workhouse
The show to spotlight the music of local talent.
"We are always looking to bring audiences quality entertainment. For Halloween we are delighted to present something very special, a haunted cabaret," said Joseph Wallen, director, Workhouse performing arts. What better place to celebrate a holiday known for its teasingly frightful outlook, than the now readapted Workhouse prison built 100 years ago.
Focusing on Quality of Life Issues
Hugo runs for seventh term in Virginia House.
When asked why he’s running for reelection to the General Assembly, Del. Tim Hugo (R-40th) has a ready reply. “It’s an honor to serve,” he said. “We have an opportunity to help people improve their day-to-day lives and fix the problems in their neighborhoods and on their streets.”
Foltz vs. Hugo in 40th District
Jerry Foltz believes his views better represent the community’s.
Jerry Foltz may be a first-time political candidate, but he has a lifetime of experience working with diverse groups of people on serious issues. And now, he’s running as the Democratic candidate for the 40th House District.
History Recreated
Giving history new life through historical simulations at Robinson Secondary.
Students experienced a blast to the past when they took part in historical simulations of factory work in the 1900s. On Monday, Oct. 21, seventh graders at Robinson Secondary School engaged in an activity created by their history and social studies teachers reflecting their studies of the Industrial Revolution. “The idea of any simulation is to give the students an emotional experience on which we can then connect the content knowledge to develop true understanding of historic events,” says Susan Reade, history and social studies teacher at Robinson Secondary. “For this specific event … we attempt to focus student attention on low pay, long hours doing a repetitive task, and dehumanizing treatment of the employees.”
Classified Advertising October 23, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Editorial: Halloween Party Safety Net
Make plans for a safe celebration; SoberRide safety net for those over 21.
Halloween is now a major holiday for adults, especially young adults, and also one of the major holidays each year that involve partying with alcohol and the risks of drinking and driving.
Forum Highlights Domestic Violence
Cook holds gathering to “Stop the Silence—End the Violence.”
Oct. 17. The back patio at Kilroy’s Restaurant and Sports Bar on Port Royal Road in Springfield was the scene of a gathering described by host Fairfax County Supervisor John C. Cook (R- Braddock), as “part of an effort to shine the light on the oft-hidden and denied blight on our families … of domestic violence.” Cook was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in February to be their liaison to the Domestic Violence Prevention, Policy and Coordinating Council. “The name may be a mouthful,” admitted Cook in an interview during the event, “but the people you need to get things done are all right in the room,” he said. “This group gets things done.”
Wednesday, October 23
Lake Braddock QB Henderson Receives All-American Jersey
Henderson will attend the University of North Carolina.
Denim Do-gooders Help Put Zip on Homelessness
Deltek hosts “challenge breakfast” to turn $5 into $25,000.
Casual Friday got a twist on Friday, Oct. 18, as thousands of employees throughout Fairfax County became denim do-gooders by throwing on a pair of jeans to help prevent and end homelessness. Deltek, Inc., the Herndon-based global software and information solutions company, kicked off the third annual Jeans Day in Fairfax County by hosting a fundraising breakfast. The company, founded in 1983 by Don deLaski and his son Kenneth, hosted one of the first Jeans Day events in Fairfax County. “We were excited to see Deltek host this challenge breakfast that welcomed businesses, nonprofits and other community leaders interested in helping to make jeans day a huge success this year,” said Dean Klein, director of Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). “Even though we continue to have great support from longtime supporters, we also saw so much energy and enthusiasm from new partners.”
Sheltering Animals & Families Together
Initiative promotes domestic violence shelters that accept pets.
Did you know that approximately 2.3 million people, primarily women, are victims of partner violence? Did you know that over 62 percent of the American households have, at least, one pet? Approximately 48 percent of abused women do not leave an abusive situation because they will not leave their pets behind. Pets are likely to be victimized by the household abuser. The abuser’s animal cruelty is used to force compliance from the victims. “What I do to the dog is what I can do to you” is the message the abuser sends, according to Allie Phillips, founder of Sheltering Animals & Families Together [SAF-T]. “As a prosecutor in Michigan, I saw women who stayed with their abusers to protect their pets,” said Phillips. “If they leave, the abuser will turn his anger on the pet. The pet usually is the primary target used to control the victim. “I created the safety program to help get these women out of their abusive homes.”
Tuesday, October 22
Creating a Spooky Halloween Dinner
Local culinary experts offer ideas for turning an ordinary meal into a ghoulish adventure.
Halloween dinner in Christine Wisnewski’s Vienna home is often a balancing act between healthy and sugary. On the sweetest holiday of the year, for example, the mother and culinary instructor at Culinaria Cooking School, also in Vienna, prepares a wholesome dinner for her eager trick-or-treaters, managing candy-induced sugar highs and inevitable post-confection lows.
Friday, October 18
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: September, 2013
In September 2013, 60 homes sold between $1,555,000-$146,250 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: September, 2013
Thursday, October 17
Crowd Enjoys Clifton Day 2013
Crowds flocked to the 46th annual Clifton Day, Sunday, Oct. 13.
Crowds flocked to the 46th annual Clifton Day, Sunday, Oct. 13.
Editorial: Don’t Let Negatives Keep You From Voting
Choices are stark; think about what principles should guide governance in Virginia for the next four years.
Every Virginia voter will have the option to cast a ballot for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and their member of the Virginia House of Delegates. While much of the coverage and advertising at the top of the ticket has been negative in the extreme, it will still matter who is governor. Don’t turn up your nose, hold your nose if necessary, and go vote. You can vote on Nov. 5; most likely you can vote before that.
Classified Advertising October 16, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, October 16
Beware of Creatures in the Spooky Forest
Chills and thrills await on the Clifton Haunted Trail.
Surely, the vampires, witches, goblins and ghouls lying in wait for their victims along the Clifton Haunted Trail aren’t real—or are they? One thing’s for sure—they’re deadly serious about scaring people.
Letter: The Choice Is Clear
Within one month, Virginians will head to the polls to elect another governor. The choice is clear. One candidate has no experience in public office and is a partisan operative, while Ken Cuccinelli has dedicated his life to public service by serving as a delegate and as the commonwealth’s highest legal authority, attorney general. Ken worked to improve K-12 public education, took a personal interest in releasing an innocent man from serving 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, and protected women on Virginia’s college campuses.
Kids Sending Smiles Around the World
Youth non-profit to hold 5K Run/Walk for Breast Cancer at Burke Lake Park.
The Court of the 2013 Lee District Lady Fairfax was in session, but there were no royal activities underway. Instead, 11-year-old Samantha Underwood and her friends were busy reminiscing about past events and planning future ones for Kids Sending Smiles (KSS)—the charitable organization they established when a friend of Philippine ancestry told Samantha about the conditions and the poverty, especially among young girls, in the native country of her family.
Westminster at Lake Ridge Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The 20th anniversary of the founding of Westminster at Lake Ridge, a continuing care non-profit community, was held on Saturday, Oct. 5 near historic Occoquan.
Pierson-El Leads West Potomac Past West Springfield
Wolverines quarterback throws 3 TDs, runs for 3.
West Potomac improved to 2-4.
Battleground Northern Virginia
What role will the region play in the election?
For many years, Northern Virginia has been written off by both parties as a Democratic stronghold — a place where Republicans simply try to cut their losses while they focus on the rest of the commonwealth. But this election cycle may be different. All three of the gubernatorial candidates are from Fairfax County. And recent statewide candidates have not been able to win without picking off selected jurisdictions in Northern Virginia. "As you look at Northern Virginia that's further from Washington, you see a more Republican area — Prince William, western Fairfax, Fauquier," said Stephen Farnsworth, professor at University of Mary Washington. "That's where the real action is in Northern Virginia politics." As Election Day draws closer and television becomes a virtual battlefield for attention, a real battle is brewing on the ground here in Northern Virginia. Candidates and their advisors are looking at the path to victory back in 2009 for Republican Bob McDonnell, who won Prince William County, Fairfax County and Fauquier County. Although this race is likely to be closer than 2009, the importance of Northern Virginia is looming larger than ever.
What’s in a Name?
Virginia legislators work with Korean American groups to push for “East Sea” in textbooks.
Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli (R) and Terry McAuliffe (D) may be light years apart on most issues, but on one issue they’ve reached a consensus. Last month, they both pledged support to Virginia’s growing population of Korean Americans to use the dual names of “East Sea” and “Sea of Japan” to denote the body of water between Korea and Japan in Virginia’s textbooks. Koreans view the “Sea of Japan” designation as a legacy of Japanese colonial rule. Currently, more than 2.5 million Korean-Americans reside in the U.S. and nearly 150,000 of them live in Virginia. “As governor, going forward, I will wholeheartedly support the effort … to have our textbooks and other teaching materials reflect the concurrent names as we pursue education excellence in Virginia,” Cuccinelli wrote in a Sept. 16 letter to the Korean Community of Virginia. “As governor, I will ensure that as new texts are purchased or downloaded, they reflect this important historical truth …,” McAuliffe wrote to the Korean Community of Virginia on Sept. 25. For the past year, state Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) has been leading Virginia’s legislative efforts to add the “East Sea” in public school textbooks.
Sunday, October 13
'Undisciplined' South County Holds on to Beat T.C. Williams
Stallions improve to 5-1 with 44-37 victory
South County QB Symmes throws two touchdown passes to Quigley.
Friday, October 11
Editorial: Get a Flu Shot, Register to Vote
Getting a flu shot has never been easier.
Clifton Wine Shop Expands
“America Reworked” store and showcase moves in as wine moves upstairs.
If the only thing better than one bottle of wine is two bottles, Clifton resident and owner of Clifton Wine Shop & Tasting Room Lucinda Lawson has not only taken the message to heart, she’s expanded on it. On Friday, Oct. 4, she and a multitude of customers and friends celebrated the grand opening of the shop’s new location that boasts more than twice the interior space of the previous shop.
Railroad Museum Becomes Wildlife Habitat
With the help of the Clifton Community Woman’s Club (CCWC), The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum has been certified as one of the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitats. The NWF is encouraging everyone to pursue turning their backyards into habitats. This is the 40th year for the program and over 150,000 habitats have been certified.
Clifton Community Woman's Club Honors Sherry Slawski
The Clifton Community Woman's Club (CCWC) awarded Sherry Slawski with the 2013 Gold Medallion Award for outstanding service to their club and community at their September meeting. Slawski is a long-time volunteer on the board of directors for the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum. The CCWC has been holding their monthly meetings at the museum for many years.
Thursday, October 10
Classified Advertising October 9, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Wednesday, October 9
United States Air Force Hits the Mark at Paul VI
Not all assemblies are the same, and Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax recently hosted one for the record books. By 11 a.m. on Sept. 25, Air Force trucks and vans had converged to the school’s back parking lot, and AF personnel were busy moving equipment in bags and anvil cases into the school. Meanwhile, PVI’s Music Boosters set out a reception for the 75 arriving Air Force personnel. In the Student Activity Center, mats were laid out, chairs and stands placed, sound system checked and rechecked, and soon it was time. At 1:15, the Air Force Band from Bolling Air Force Base D.C. began an awe-inspiring concert for participating teachers and classes.
Woodson Cavaliers March Along
Woodson High’s homecoming parade was Friday, Oct. 4.
Walking to Feed the Hungry
n mutual cooperation, the administrations of three states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. all signed proclamations officially declaring the period of Sept. 15-29, 2013 as The Day to Serve and as a time to initiate activities that would assist the poor in our area and combat hunger. One of the more successful activities held was a 3K walk (1.8 miles) on Saturday, Sept. 28, starting from Robinson Secondary School in the Burke area of Fairfax County through the shaded streets and past the manicured yards of the local neighborhood. Food donations from the participants were distributed to the local food banks.
Raising Awareness, Money To Stop Domestic Violence
A woman battered and bruised by her abusive husband leaves one night to escape. Unable to find a safe place to stay, she is forced to go back, time and time again. Across town another woman flees with her children. Not knowing where to go, they sleep in the woods despite freezing temperatures. In a third house, a child pulls the blankets over her head, trying to drown out the sound of yelling and punching down the hall. It’s a sad American truth that one in three women murdered are killed by an intimate partner. In Fairfax County 57 percent.
South County Football off to 4-1 Start
Stallions dismantle West Springfield, 54-3.
South County scored more than 50 points in each of its four victories this season.
Community Concert Assists Local Food Banks
On Sunday, Sept. 29 at Fairfax High School, Grammy nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker and the Mormon Choir of Washington, D.C. held a concert as part of the annual “Day to Serve” initiative to feed the hungry. A crowd of 800 people came out and donated approximately 1,600 pounds of nonperishable goods. This food will be put to good use by local area food banks that are responding to unprecedented demand from those in need.
Decorating for Fall
Local designers offer suggestions for bringing the harvest into your home.
The colors of autumn are all around as pumpkins and squash fill produce stands and leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow before falling from their branches. Local designers and tastemakers are unveiling home accents that bring the warm hues of the season into the home. Whether using pillows, throws or flowers, adding the colors and textures of fall requires less effort than one might expect. “Emerald green, orange and turquoise are three of the biggest color trends we’re seeing,” said Marcus Browning of European Country Living in Old Town Alexandria. “Throws and pillows are a given, but you can also tie in traditional and modern accessories with rugs, stained glass lamps with modern or intricate designs.” Small trays provide a canvas for highlighting color and adding functionality to a room, says Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Bethesda, Md. “Color and pattern are in right now,” she said. “I just purchased the C. Wonder (http://www.cwonder.com) navy and white chevron tray for my home. It adds a punch of color and freshness to a room. Preppy is back in a big way, too, offering lots of patterns.”
Negative Campaign
Candidates appear at minority business forum, attacking each other.
Local and statewide candidates for office appeared at an unprecedented forum in Northern Virginia last weekend, a collaboration of minority business groups of blacks, Hispanics and Asians. But as candidates arrived at the Annandale campus of the Northern Virginia Community College for a Sunday afternoon forum, voters realized that the tone of the campaign would remain unrelentingly negative. "All three of the Republican candidates are Tea Party right wing extremists," said Del. Ken Plum (D-36), who is running unopposed. "Look at their records and their stands on the issues." Plum attacked Cuccinelli's lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act as well as his investigation into a University of Virginia professor studying climate change. The longtime delegate also said the Republican attorney general candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-25) has a similar record, including a bill that would have required women to report abortions to police. Together with the candidate for lieutenant governor, Plum said, the ticket is Tea Party from top to bottom.
Friday, October 4
Classified Advertising Oct. 2, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, October 3
Guest Editorial: Virginia’s Easy Access to Guns
A parent asks why background checks aren’t better.
How do you respond to a 7 year old when she comes home from school and says “we did our bad man drill today Mommy, but don’t worry it was just for practice, no one really came into our school to shoot us”?
Senior Volunteers Stay Active
Fifty percent of Mount Vernon RECenter’s volunteers are senior citizens.
The Mount Vernon RECenter is known for its ice skating rink, massive indoor swimming pool and fitness center with spa and sauna. It has 46 volunteers who help greet guests, clean up the fitness room, landscape the grounds and assist people with adapted swimming and ice-skating. Exactly half of them are retired senior citizens over 50 who want to stay active while giving back to the community.
Choosing a Home for the Golden Years
Many options for retirement communities in the region.
Jim Harkin, 81, and his wife, Phyllis, 80, have little free time these days. Jim spends his days protecting and photographing wildlife on the 60-acre campus at The Fairfax, a Sunrise Senior Living Community, in Fort Belvoir. He helped build, refurbish and maintain more than 20 birdhouses on the grounds, including homes for tree swallows and purple martins.
Active Seniors Compete for Glory
fter 11 days of more than 50 events held Sept. 7-19, the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics finished with a golf event at Forest Greens Golf Course in Triangle, Va. Other events ranged from cycling, swimming and pickle ball to Mexican train dominos and Scrabble.
Diverse Needs, Desires Drive Mobility Solutions
Seniors increasingly seek innovative plans that embrace both the present and the future.
Russ Glickman was a traditional full-service remodeler until the late 1990s when he abruptly added a host of accessibility certifications to a long list of building industry credentials. The service extension was less about opportunity than a personal call to apply what he’d learned from personal experience in helping his son, Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy.
Column: “Mor-Tality” or Less
Meaning, in my head anyway, the future and what there is left of it. More specifically, I mean life expectancy. When you’re given a “13-month to two-year” prognosis—at age 54 and a half, by a cancer doctor, your cancer doctor—the timeline between where you are and where you thought you’d be when becomes as clear as mud.
Residential Studios Put on Hold
Supervisors establish committee, plan additional public outreach.
At the recommendation of Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-At-Large) and Supervisor Michael Frey (R-Sully), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday deferred its Nov. 20 public hearing on a proposed residential studios (RSUs) amendment to conduct additional community outreach.
Now What?
Fairfax County braces for “domino effect” of federal government shutdown.
“We live in a ‘company town’ and the company is the federal government, so most of us have family and friends who are federal employees or contractors impacted by this shutdown,” Long said in a memo emailed to county employees Tuesday. Long said his biggest concern was the “domino effect” the shutdown will have on the local economy, and “the short-term uncertainty that will impact business decisions.”
Social Justice Matters
SALT forum gives candidates a chance to tell voters where they stand on social justice issues.
But one group also thinks voters should know where candidates stand on social justice issues when they go to the polls Nov. 5. “Our elected officials have a great deal of influence on the common good, so it’s reasonable that we find out where candidates stand on these issues,” said John Horejsi, founder of SALT (Social Action Linking Together), a non-partisan, faith-based advocacy group started in 1983.
Leadership Fairfax Honors Community Leaders Who Make a Difference
Leadership Fairfax (LFI) has chosen the 2013 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards (NVLA) recipients via a panel of community and business leaders evaluating nominations submitted by Leadership Fairfax alumni and the general public. The award recipients will be honored at the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Westwood Country Club in Vienna.
Minority Chambers of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Forum
The recently formed alliance of Northern Virginia Minority Chambers of Commerce will give members of the fast growing minority business community the opportunity to meet with the commonwealth’s gubernatorial and statewide candidates at the first-ever joint Candidates’ Forum, Sunday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus.
On the Job and Hot on the Trail
Finding people is fun for new, police bloodhound pups.
“We’ll get them out here and acclimate them to the noises — gunfire, [vehicle] brakes and birds,” said Masood. They’ll also be exposed to airplanes, wind, rain, heat, car horns honking, plus obstacles such as fences. And they’ll learn how it feels on their paws to walk in the woods, through brush, on cement, carpet, tile floors, etc. That way, said Clarke, “When they get out on the street, when they’re almost a year old, they’ll be ready.”
It’s Almost Time for Clifton Day
46th annual festival is Sunday, Oct. 13.
Featuring everything from a strolling bagpiper to a woman on a unicycle—plus handmade crafts, pony rides, Civil War re-enactors, live bands and food galore—the 46th annual Clifton Day is set for Sunday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Rain date, Oct. 20).
Paul VI Freshman Takes Silver at National Skating Competition
Clifton ninth-grader LaDan Nemati earned the silver medal at the Solo Ice Dance National Championships at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. last weekend. The 14-year-old Nemati bested most of the field of 25 skaters from across the country who qualified to compete at the bronze level with an elegant performance of the "Willow Waltz."
Charming, Smart, Comedic
Cabaret duo “Marcy and Zina” arriving in Fairfax.
"Neurotically optimistic songs about love and life" are coming to Northern Virginia audiences as the award-winning Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich pull into the Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center (JCCNV). You may not know their names right off hand, but Kristin Chenowith, Audry McDonald and Michael Feinstein regularly sing their compositions.
Wednesday, October 2
Helping a Friend in Need
Children from the Barrington neighborhood in Fairfax Station presented their neighbors, the Chandler family, with over $1000 on Saturday, Sept. 21, raised over two days selling lemonade in the neighborhood. The Chandlers recently lost their home in a fire. Also present were Robert Kalland and Cos DiMaggio, who assisted the first responders the day of the fire. State Delegate Dave Albo was on hand to present all with certificates recognizing their efforts.
South County Band Mentors Middle-schoolers
High-school and middle-school musicians perform pep tunes together.
South County High School Marching Band has a great mentoring program. During home football games, 72 musicians perform pep tunes along with 25 eighth-graders—tunes like “The Hey Song,” “Iron Man,” and “Living on a Prayer.” “Being in the band is hard work, but it’s fun,” said Marching Band Coordinator Gina Bartel, whose two sons, Kody, 16, (trumpet) and Ethan, 13, (chimes) are musicians in the band. Her husband is Randy Bartel of the Crosspointe community.
Willkommen! Guten Tag!
Bulova puts “fun” in fundraiser at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.
Oktoberfest arrived early as more than 300 friends, family and high-profile Democrats gathered at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center Sept. 22 for the 27th annual German-themed political fundraiser hosted by Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Guests enjoyed German beer, a traditional German oompah band and a smorgasbord of Bavarian food, including bratwurst, sauerkraut and German wines, during the afternoon event.
Letter: Pills or Jobs?
To the Editor: These days I had the opportunity to support my candidate for governor, Ken Cuccinelli. Dozens of women showed up to rally for the general at the entrance of the building where the debate with Terry McAuliffe was being held. There were also dozens of younger people in blue t-shirts, pink t-shirts and purple t-shirts. Strangely, most were males. Most appeared to be college-aged.
Rattanaphone’s 3 Interceptions Lead TC Football Past Woodson
Titans improve to 3-1, Cavaliers drop to 0-4
The T.C. Williams football team is 3-1 for the first time since 2005.
The Taste of Fall
Local chefs and nutritionists offer healthy recipes for tasty fall dishes using seasonal ingredients.
When the temperature starts to drop and leaves begin to turn red and orange, you can often find chef Susan Limb meandering through local farmers markets, sorting through rough-textured, knotty sweet potatoes; tough, waxy butternut squash; and dusty, rose-colored apples.