Stories for September 2014

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Local Group Gives Scholarships to Women

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave out $10,000 in scholarships to college women to kick off the start of the school year. Six women from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, ranging in ages and opportunities, were presented scholarships during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club on Friday, Sept 19.

Students, Parents and Teachers Plea for Later Start Times

Students, parents and advocacy groups flooded the School Board’s public comment period with pleas to approve later start times for students next year during Sept. 19 meeting.

Portrait of a Graduate Approved

The Portrait of a Graduate has been drawn. This “portrait” - a part of the plans for the proposed strategic plan - was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Fairfax County School Board meeting after the board discussed it for more than an hour.

Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan

Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.

Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters

The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.

Fall Fun 2014

Upcoming family-friendly events in the area.

Fall Family Fun Abounds in Vienna

Myriad of events make the crisp season festive.

When the air turns crisp and the leaves burst into color, it’s fall in Northern Virginia.

Post-Chemo Weak

For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.

Week in Vienna

What's happening this week in Vienna.

Irish Food, Drink and Hospitality Come to Tysons

Paddy Barry’s Irish Pub and Restaurant hosts kin and friends at grand opening celebration.

For all the Irish and the not-so-Irish in the Vienna-Tysons area who have wished for an authentic Irish pub in the community, your wish has come true.

Pancakes and Bacon and Syrup, Oh My

More than 100 people attended the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s (VVFD) pancake breakfast on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Community Center Dollars and Cents

Rising construction, renovation costs create $2 million deficit.

When the Vienna Community Center greets the public in April 2016, it’ll be larger and more modern than the current facility and will boast a new, regulation-sized gym. But getting from here to there takes money.

Foust Bridging Political Divide

Democrats hope Foust’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” connects with voters.

Straightening his tie, John Foust is preparing for yet another “meet-and-greet” event at the Clifton home of Democratic supporters Terry Matlaga and Kevin Bell.

Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle

Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.

The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.

Classified Advertising September 17, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: August, 2014

In August 2014, 116 homes sold between $2,198,430-$219,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: August, 2014

Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season

Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.

Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.

A Different Path to a 4-year Degree

NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.

Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Later High School Start Times for 2015?

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Children, Adults Enjoy Model Railroad Display

The Northern Virginia Model Railroaders held an open house Saturday afternoon, Sept. 13, at the historic Vienna Train Station.

Scared, Hopefully Not to Death

One of my greatest fears (or regrets, if I am in fact the cause of my own decline) is that my own stubbornness, stupidity, “male blockheadedness” and/or refusal to believe/pay attention to signs, symptoms, indications and instructions/health advisories from my oncologist about my health will lead to my premature death.

Commentary: Protecting Those Threatened by Domestic Violence

September marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – landmark legislation in which our nation committed new prevention and response resources so that our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends would no longer have to suffer in silence through domestic abuse.

Vienna Pauses During ‘A Day to Remember’

American Legion Post 180 and Town of Vienna pay tribute to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, the sky was bright blue, the air warm and crisp, the sun beamed. Much like the morning was in the D.C. area on Sept. 11, 2001.

Old Dominion Celebrates 23rd Debutante Ball

On July 19, 2014, the Old Dominion Cotillion (“ODC”) held its Twenty-Third Annual Debutante Ball at Westfields Marriott in Chantilly.

‘In Charge of Your Own Little World’

Featuring 45 tables of trains and train accessories, a “train doctor” who repaired broken trains and an operating layout built by three boys, the Train Collectors Sale and Show was held Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Vienna Firehouse.

Vienna Church Honors Area Nonprofits

Emmanuel Lutheran Church hosted a “Serving the Servants” luncheon Sunday, Sept. 7, to honor staff from Fairfax County nonprofits who work to meet the needs of some of the county’s poorest residents.

Residents Still Upset about Follin Lane

Want Town Council to become more involved before project starts.

The Town of Vienna plans to widen Follin Lane from two to three lanes, level the grade of the road at the Hine Street intersection and remove the brush.

Portrait of a Graduate Discussed

The heart of the school system’s new strategic plan is closer to being approved. The Fairfax County School Board discussed the five component Portrait of a Graduate - with some asking for a component emphasizing a caring quality - at Monday’s work session.

Classified Advertising September 10, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit

Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.

“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”

Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?

Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.

With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.

Time Sensitive

As much as I don’t want to be cognizant of date, time and place, relative to February 27, 2009 when Team Lourie first received the stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis on yours truly, I am (a terminal diagnosis will do that to you). Moreover, as often as I write about the need to live forward, rather than die backward (if you know what I mean), I still struggle with the application.

Letter: Programs To Be Proud Of

Letter to the Editor

In her letter in the (“Opposing Medicaid Expansion,” Connection, August 20 – 26, 2014) Elinor Bartlett made it clear that she strongly opposes Medicaid expansion in Virginia. Fine, but while I strongly support her right to hold and express such a view, I cannot accept her use of irrelevant, unsupported, and factually wrong statements about Social Security and Medicare in support of her position.

Residents Speak Out on Maple Avenue

Second public hearing on proposed, new zoning district.

One thing about Vienna residents – when they care about something, they’re not shy about making their feelings known. And that’s exactly what they did during an Aug. 18 public hearing on the proposed Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) zoning district. A standing-room-only crowd of some 150 people packed the Town Council meeting room, while still more watched the proceedings on a TV in the hallway. And at the outset, Mayor Laurie DiRocco explained the MAC’s goals.

Obituary: Jean Stuart Clymer

Jean Stuart Clymer, 90, of Reston, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014.

Extreme Politics

Foust, Comstock stake out opposing positions during first debate in hyper-partisan 10th district Congressional race.

Forget first-debate politeness. Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust — the candidates vying to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district — sustained the hyper-partisan tenor of their campaigns during a debate-style forum hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in Herndon last week.

Glass, Space and Natural Light

Vienna Community Center renovation plans are moving ahead.

Even while Vienna residents are enjoying their current Community Center, plans are moving forward on its renovation and enlargement, plus construction of a 9,115-square-foot gym to the west side of the existing building.

Two Model Railroading Events in Vienna

Two model railroading events are coming to Vienna this Saturday, Sept. 13. They are the Train Collectors Sale and Show and the Northern Virginia Model Railroad Club Open House.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

Classified Advertising September 3, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’

Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.

“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.

Senior Centers in Fairfax County

A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Time to Downsize?

Suggestions for seniors looking for homes to fit the next phase of their lives.

When Beverly Quinn’s fourth child, a daughter, got married, she decided it was time to downsize. The 69-year-old widow moved out of the 4,000-square-foot home in Vienna, Va., where she and her husband raised their children and into a 1,300-square-foot townhouse in North Potomac, Md., which meets her new needs perfectly.

Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015

A list of annual community events in the area.

I Scream

…for ice cream; from Brigham’s in Boston, the local New England establishment of my youth where I spent dollars – although it was likely cents back in those days – many afternoons, evenings and weekends.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Vienna Students Head Back to School

Fairfax County Public Schools students started the 2014-2015 school year on Sept. 2.

New Principal At St. Mark

Darcie Girmus appointed principal of St. Mark Catholic School.

St. Mark Catholic School has announced the appointment of Darcie Girmus as principal for the 2014-2015 Academic Year. Girmus, one of the original founding faculty members of St. Mark Catholic School, has served the School community since its opening in August 2003.

Marshall Senior Blackstone Commits to Cornell University

Q&A: Catcher named 2014 VHSCA 5A state baseball Player of the Year

Marshall catcher Mitch Blackstone plans to play Division I baseball.

Letter: Worried About Follin Lane

Letter to the Editor

I am a sixth grade student at Vienna Elementary School. I live at the corner of Branch Rd. and Echols St. I think that they should not redo the road on Follin Lane because it will push more cars on our street making it more hectic than it already is.

Letter: The "Land of the Freebies and Home of the Knaves"

Letter to the Editor

I came from a family of Democrats. My grandfather's tavern in upstate New York was a frequent meeting place for Democrats including the late Congressman Sam Stratton who used to speak there regularly. But the Democrat party has lately come to represent “the Land of the Freebies and Home of the Knaves” instead of “the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.”

Letter: ‘Real Jobs’ and ‘Real Taxes’

To the Editor

In Leesburg on August 21, Supervisor John Foust, in discussing his opponent Delegate Barbara Comstock, said "I don't think [Comstock's] even had a real job."

Letter: Facing Homelessness

To the Editor

In his opinion piece (“Homelessness: Source of Trauma for Children,” Connection, August 13-19, 2014), Dean Klein, the Director of Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, clearly enumerated the reality for hundreds of homeless families and their children in the County.

New at Marshall, Oakton High

Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year! As the 10th largest school system in the nation, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) continues to evolve and focus. We reorganized, created a Portrait of a Graduate (http://www.fcps.edu/supt/portrait/index.shtml), began to develop a strategic plan and multi-year budget.

Letter: Worried About Follin Lane

To the Editor

I am a sixth grade student at Vienna Elementary School. I live at the corner of Branch Rd. and Echols St. I think that they should not redo the road on Follin Lane