Special Education Graduates Could be Impacted by Possible Budget Cuts
Families will speak against these cuts at public hearing on April 10.
Lynn Ruiz’s daughter Lydia, who has Down syndrome, will be graduating from Fairfax County Public Schools this June. Ruiz, a Springfield resident, had originally planned for her daughter to participate in an employment program that helps students with special needs transition into adulthood.
Integrated Health Care Now Provided at Gartlan Center
Primary and behavioral health care clinic celebrates grand opening
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. celebrated the integration of primary and behavior health care at the Gartlan Center at the clinic’s official grand opening on March 27.
Robinson Baseball Rallies to Beat Marshall
Rams have 10 seniors on this year’s team.
The Robinson baseball team won its first three games of the season.
County Honors Its Heroes
Chamber of Commerce hosts annual Valor Awards.
The 36th annual Valor Awards, honoring public safety heroes, was presented by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner on Monday, March 31.
After-school Program Thrives at Gunston Elementary
Program includes stem components, helps students learn in safe environment.
There is a dull roar of talking and laughter emanating from the cafeteria at Gunston Elementary School, and it is not lunch time. Instead, the after-school program is about to get underway and students are chattering with each other as they find a seat at a cafeteria table. Ms. Ephraim, Gunston’s Guidance Counselor, calls the group to attention and explains that it is time to start working on their homework. Volunteers and other staff members hand out snacks as the kids start focusing on their work.
City Is Advertising Lower Tax Rate
Although City Manager Bob Sisson recommended maintaining Fairfax’s residential real-estate tax rate of $1.06 per $100 assessed valuation in Fiscal Year 2014-2015, the City Council is advertising a lower rate.
Keeping up with Neal Gillen
Potomac attorney, open-water swimmer doesn’t slow down.
The fog was thick in San Francisco as waves crashed against the rocks in the Pacific Ocean. It was a cold morning and 73-year-old Neal Gillen found himself fighting against the current, gulps of salt water burning his mouth. Far from his Potomac home, he was heading for Alcatraz.
Seniors Rush to Yoga
Yoga teachers, research point to health benefits for seniors.
Shortly after 10 a.m. on any given Tuesday or Thursday morning, 84-year-old Lola Wulchin can be found slowly stretching into a downward facing dog pose or lunging into a warrior one posture. The Vienna resident has been a yoga devotee at East Meets West Yoga Center in Vienna for slightly more than two years. In fact, she credits twice-weekly, gentle yoga practice with boosting her health and improving her quality of life. "I had been bothered by a lot of neck pain from arthritis," said Wulchin. "I had seen a pain management doctor who gave me shots, I had physical therapy, but I still had neck pain and very little range of motion."
How to Age in Place Safely
Local experts suggest techniques and programs that can help seniors stay in their homes longer.
The AARP reports that nearly 80 percent of adults age 65 and older want to remain in their current homes as long as possible. That population is growing. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, the population 65 years or older numbered 39.6 million in 2009. By 2030, that number will grow to about 72.1 million. While people are living longer and healthier lives, there are still barriers to aging in place, including medication management, self-care, socialization and transportation. But there are innovative strategies and initiatives to help combat these roadblocks.
2014 Generation-to-Generation Gala
Senior Services of Alexandria hosted their annual Generation-to-Generation Gala last Saturday evening at the Mark Hilton in Alexandria. The 2014 honorees were Patty Moran and her daughter Kate along with Lonnie Rich and Marcia Call and their daughter Sara Rich.
Accessibility on a Different Level
New lower-level in-law suite becomes primary living space.
How can you tell when in an-law suite is outperforming the usual requirements? Well, for starters, when the owners themselves decide to occupy the new accommodation as their primary living space.
Fairfax County Senior Centers
Senior Centers for Active Adults offer opportunities to make friends, stay on the move, and learn new things. Fairfax County residents age 55 and older may join any of the 13 senior centers sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Senior centers offer classes, health and wellness programs, computer and internet access, trips and tours, and opportunities to socialize with others and stay connected with your community. There is an annual membership fee of $48 for attending the senior centers. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs/srctrs.htm for more.
Thanks, Coach…
…my Certified Holistic Health Coach, Rebecca Nenner, that is. (Visit www.healthcoachdiva.com for information leading to a healthier lifestyle.) More than a coach, Rebecca is my friend – and has been for many years. A former co-worker at the Connection Newspapers, Rebecca is as passionate about health and fitness as I am about the Boston Red Sox. She has been my guiding hand now for over five years, most especially when I was first diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer back in February, 2009. Although there are no whistles involved in her coaching, there are phone calls, e-mails, YouTube videos, Webinars and miscellaneous other advisories regularly landing in my in box. To say Rebecca has saved my life might be an overstatement, given that I am being treated by an oncologist; however, she has given me an alternate perspective on what I can do to help my body survive my treatment and live like I have a present and a future, a gift if ever there was one.
Robinson Baseball Rallies to Beat Marshall
Rams score three in the seventh for walk-off win.
The Robinson baseball team improved to 3-0 Thursday with a 6-5 win over Marshall.
Classified Advertising March 26, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
McAuliffe Talks Medicaid Expansion
Patients share stories at Medicaid expansion roundtable.
Just a few days before the Virginia General Assembly convened in a special session in Richmond to decide on the budget and the possibility of Medicaid expansion, Gov. Terry McAuliffe met with patients of Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services in Arlington, as they shared with him how Medicaid expansion would change their lives for the better.
Flight Trampoline Park Opens in Springfield
Kids and adults welcome for spring fun.
The area surrounding Interstate 95 off of Fullerton Road in Springfield isn’t exactly known for a variety of activities for fun. Filled with warehouses and industrial parks, the area has been in need of a fun activity for the whole family for some time now.
Commemorate Women’s History in Lorton
Workhouse Prison Museum details the women’s suffrage movement.
March may be designated as Women’s History Month, but the Workhouse Prison Museum, located in Lorton, is open all year long to those who wish to learn more about women’s fight for the right to vote for more than just one month.
Fairfax County Hosts Students from Japan
23 students also visited Japan last summer.
Last summer, 23 students studying Japanese at Lake Braddock, Hayfield and South Lakes High Schools received a full scholarship to visit Japan for ten days as part of the KAKEHASHI Project, a cultural exchange program that aims to connect students from Japan and the U.S.
Rogers Honored As ‘Driving Force’
Joan Rogers has served as president of Friends of Fairfax Station for 19 years.
Described by members as driven, passionate and a pleasure to work with, Joan Rogers, the outgoing president of the Friends of Fairfax Station, was honored for her contributions at the group’s annual meeting on March 24.