Stories for May 2015

Stories for May 2015

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Sunday, May 31

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Schipper, Wieland Home Runs Lift Hayfield Softball to Upset Win over Lake Braddock

Hawks freshman pitcher Neuhart allows one run during eight-inning victory.

The Hayfield softball team defeated Lake Braddock 2-1 in eight innings during the opening round of the 6A North region tournament on Saturday.

Saturday, May 30

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Lorton: Yates' Walk-Off Single Sends South County Softball to Region Quarterfinals

Stallions pitcher Bates allows one unearned run in seven innings.

The South County softball team defeated South Lakes 2-1 on Friday.

Friday, May 29

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Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015

Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.

Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Thursday, May 28

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Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training

Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.

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Fairfax Station: Landscaping Business Uses Goats

Their names are Alvin, Beau, Cyrano de Bergerac, Ivy, Chuck, Tippy and Valentino. Five of Oakton resident Charlotte Del Duca’s seven “children” are 15 months old. The other two are almost a year. And they weigh between 100 and 130 pounds.

Fairfax: Panel Discussion to Follow Film on College Rape Crime

“The Hunting Ground” tells the story of a number of college students who survived sexual assault. After a free screening on the campus of George Mason University, sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), there will be a panel discussion by several experts on the subject matter.

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Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016

Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.

$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.

Wednesday, May 27

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Celebrate Fairfax! Returns June 5-7

Festival at Fairfax County Government Center features headline bands: KONGOS, 3 Doors Down, The Amish Outlaws -- and much more.

Northern Virginia’s largest community-wide event, the 34th annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, is set to take place June 5, 6, and 7 on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival features 25 acres of family programs, green living, thrilling carnival rides, nightly fireworks, and amazing concerts with more than 130 performances on eight stages.

Column: Mad Man

Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?

Inova Center for Personalized Health’s Cancer Program Receives $50 Million Gift

Inova has received a $50 million gift from developer and philanthropist Dwight Schar launching the Inova Dwight and Martha Schar Cancer Institute.

Bulova, Garza Commit to Working ‘As a Team’ on Budget Challenges

Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova and Superintendent of the Fairfax County Public Schools Karen Garza have issued the following joint statement on May 26.

Cappies Review: Meeting the Challenge - Brilliantly

A breathtaking tale of revolution, romance, and redemption, South County High School's production of “Les Miserables” made the audience wish to see it “one day more."

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Rules on Noise Set To Change

Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.

Editorial: Voting, June 9

No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.

To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.

Sunday, May 24

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Burke: Robinson Girls' Lax Beats Centreville for Conference 5 Championship

Four different Rams score four goals during conference final.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team beat Centreville 19-13 on Friday.

Friday, May 22

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Clifton Caboose Twilight Runners Race Despite Rain

Late spring showers went from light to heavy as runners lined up to begin the annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run on Saturday, May 16. Undeterred by the rain, competitors in the one-mile run-walk race took off around 6 p.m., followed shortly thereafter by five-kilometer runners.

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Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax

For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.

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Fragile X Walk at Burke Lake Draws Over 200

Like many parents and children, one of Burke Centre resident Monica Peña’s biggest challenges with her son Nicolas is communication. Unlike most children, “Nico” was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome at birth.

Thursday, May 21

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McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia

Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.

Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops

Letter to the Editor

I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.

Column: Up and Down and All Around

Commentary

No. That’s not my stomach talking.

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Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum

Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.

Wednesday, May 20

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Students with Special Needs Attend Day Prom

For more than 10 years, hundreds of students with special needs — those with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities — have been able to enjoy a prom of their own. The event takes place during the day and, this year, was held at the Waterford near Fair Oaks Mall.

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Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Column: In Contrast

Commentary

Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.

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Fairfax: Stynchula Sisters Lead Woodson Girls' Soccer to Victory

Cavaliers will face South County for Conference 7 championship.

The Woodson girls' soccer team defeated Lake Braddock 2-1 on Tuesday.

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Fresh and Delicious Date Night at Workhouse Arts Center

It was Date Night at the Chef’s table in Lorton on Saturday, May 16. Three couples registered for a class and learned how to cook a four-course gourmet meal.

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Fairfax: Woodson Boys’ Soccer Secures Berth in Conference 7 Final

Cavaliers beat defending state champion T.C. Williams in semifinals.

The Woodson boys' soccer team beat T.C. Williams 2-1 on Tuesday.

Tuesday, May 19

Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs

Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.

Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015

On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.

Monday, May 18

Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission

Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.

John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.

Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos

This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.

Friday, May 15

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: April, 2015

In April, 2015, 78 homes sold between $1,400,000-$176,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: April, 2015

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Thursday, May 14

Fairfax Station and Lorton: Area Roundup

New Chick fil-A, deadly motorcycle accident

Jonathan Wesley Wright, a 25-year-old man from Dumfries, died May 11, several hours after crashing his 2013 Ducati motorcycle into the rear of a box truck.

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Lorton: Hope & Health Festival Returns for Third Year

Linda Patterson, executive director of the Lorton Community Action Center, said about a fifth of the local population their organization serves is suffering from chronic health-related issues.

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New Girls Golf Program Begins at Burke Lake Golf Course

Erin Herbig of Clifton admits signing her daughters up for golf lessons was a decision to benefit the whole family, not just the girls Summer and Kolby.

Wednesday, May 13

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Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles

High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.

Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Healthcare Events

Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect

“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."

Column: Why Fi?

Commentary

“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.

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Connolly Announces Arts Competition Winners

Five high school students from Fairfax County and Prince William County took top honors in U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly’s seventh annual Congressional Arts Competition.

Letter: A Fresh Voice

Letter to the Editor

As a resident and parent of Lorton, I have closely followed the candidates campaigning for Mt. Vernon County supervisor. I must admit, I have not been satisfied with the candidates with the exception of Candice Bennett.

Letter: Disappointing Vote

Letter to the Editor

On May 7 the Fairfax County School Board added “gender identity” to their nondiscrimination policy. The vote was 11 to 1 with Ms. Elizabeth Schultz being the only vote against this motion.

Letter: Rush to Misjudgment

Letter to the Editor

Since being elected Sheriff of Fairfax County, Stacey A. Kincaid has been actively working to transform her Office into one of positive pro-active engagement throughout the county.

Tuesday, May 12

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Burke: Cool-Headed Robinson Girls' Lax Hands Centreville First Loss

Obregon leads Rams with eight goals; Wildcats receive six yellow cards.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team defeated Centreville 25-20 on Monday.

Monday, May 11

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Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy

Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.

Thursday, May 7

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Burke: Robinson Boys’ Lax Spreads Offensive Wealth

Seven different Rams score multiple goals in win over SoCo.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team beat South County 16-9 on Saturday.

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Clifton and Fairfax Station Homes Tour Returns for 43rd Year

Clifton residents Mark and Sharon Gottlieb are expecting hundreds of house guests. Gottlieb’s mother Lois, an apprentice of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, designed their 10,000-square-foot home overlooking the Occoquan River and oversaw its construction between 1994 and 1996. And the couple is happy to share it, for a day.

Clifton: Farm Brewery Plans Halted

Plans for a farm-slash-brewery in the Clifton area have been shelved, according to the offices of Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) and supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield).

Wednesday, May 6

Opinion: Opposing Views on Education Funding

There is a considerable amount of misinformation about the County’s commitment to education and I would like to give you some of the facts.

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Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games

A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”

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Healthy Relationships for Life

Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.

Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.

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FACETS Hosts ‘Opening Doors’ Benefit Breakfast

Three programs to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

FACETS held its largest annual fundraiser this past weekend at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church. Attendees had a chance to hear from those whose lives were touched by homelessness at the “Opening Doors” Benefit Breakfast.

Obituary: Robert Paul “Bob” Warhurst, 76, Dies

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, Robert Paul “Bob” Warhurst, 76, passed away at his home in Fairfax after a long battle with cancer. On the last full day of his life, Bob was surrounded by family and friends before he passed peacefully early the next morning under the care of Hospice.

Column: “CT Looked Good”

Commentary

Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.

Tuesday, May 5

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.

Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice

Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.

Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS

Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.

Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:

Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread

Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.

There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.

Friday, May 1

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Farmers Markets 2015

Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.

Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.