Thursday, April 30
Fairfax County School Board to Consider Nondiscrimination Policy Change
When the members of the School Board reconvene on May 7, they’re scheduled to act on whether or not to add “gender identity” to the list of nondiscrimination categories for all Fairfax County Public Schools students, employees or applicants for employment.
Summer Sailing Camp: Outside, Hands-On, Empowering
Amy Zang has just returned from a week sailing the British Virgin Isles with nine members of her extended family ranging from her 78-year-old, legally-blind father to her brother's 4- and 6-year old children.
Diverse Camps Offer Summer Fun
Northern Virginia has scores of local camps for summer learning and fun.
Scores of local camps in Northern Virginia that offer many opportunities for summer fun and learning. Here is a sampling of diverse camps that range from art to theater to field trips to swimming, tennis and music. There's even a camp for aspiring musicians who want to form a band.
Summer Fun for Adults
The region offers a wide range of programs for adults.
Summer fun is no longer reserved for children. Whether one’s interests lie in exploring nature and hiking in the woods or immersed in history, art and literature on a university campus, the region abounds with warm weather opportunities.
Marymount Technology Institutes for Ages 14-18
Marymount has summer programs for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in technology. Gain technology skills and hands-on experience; create a mobile app or take part in a cyber competition in health care; meet fellow students who share your excitement about technology; network with technology professionals about career possibilities. Summer Technology Institutes' 2015 Programs:
Protest Precedes Police Meeting at Fairfax County Government Center
Themed subcommittees announced at second police review commission meeting.
Increased Fairfax County Police presence was noticeable at the rear of the room after three masked men entered the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Wednesday, April 29
How to Prepare for Summer Camp Away
Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.
Julie Kaminski remembers the language from her desperate letters to her parents: “I love you. I want to come home now!” She recalls penning a dramatic plea to be rescued from residential summer camp more than 40 years ago. Today, Kaminski is preparing for her daughter's first camp experience away from home this summer.
Congressional Schools of Virginia is Celebrating 75 Years
The Congressional Schools of Virginia in Falls Church marked its 75th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration on April 24 and 25, with events attended by hundreds of students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.
Camps and Schools Notes
The Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports team, a Fairfax County Neighborhood and Recreation Services Therapeutic Recreation program, is recruiting new players.
Column: Deep Space Mind
Commentary
A few years back (OKAY, more than a few years back; I’ll blame the cancer for my time lapse), there was a spin-off from the original Star Trek: Star Trek: The Next Generation captained by Jean-Luc Picard (a.k.a. Patrick Stewart) which itself spawned two other spin-offs: Star Trek Voyager and Deep Space Nine (commanded by Avery Brooks, a.k.a. Captain Sisko).
Vienna’s Horse in Kentucky Derby Race
Meet the Vienna man who owns the favored horse in the Kentucky Derby.
Kaleem Shah won’t have a wager on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. “I do not gamble,” he says. But he will have much more than a rooting interest. Shah, who lives in Vienna, is the owner of Dortmund, one of the favorites in this year’s Run for the Roses.
Tuesday, April 28
Editorial: Fostering Connections, Faltering
Why are federal dollars acceptable for roads, but not for helping foster children?
While there is plenty of competition for the title “most vulnerable,” foster children are certainly among them.
Letter: Who Pays for a Mistake?
To the Editor
So the agreement was reached to pay John Geer's family just under $2.95M for the mistake of a police officer. My heart goes out to the family.
Taste of Vienna Serves Up Food and Fun
Sponsored by Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, the annual food-fest draws hundreds throughout the day.
The 2015 Taste of Vienna was the chilliest food-fest since its inception – and cloudy, as well - but the weather did not appear to keep away local and not-so-local folks from coming by to sample signature dishes of popular restaurants, and, if you were a kid, to bounce in the bounce house.
Vienna Rotary Honors ‘Service Above Self’ Recipients
Awards presented to outstanding VPD, VVFD and town employees.
The Rotary Club of Vienna awarded 2014 M. Jane Seeman Service Above Self awards to outstanding members of the Vienna Police Department, Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, and Town of Vienna staff on April 22.
Family Fun in Vienna Begins in May
Summer Concert Series, ViVa! Vienna! highlight spring, summer fun.
Fun activities starting in Vienna in May.
Column: Bringing Champions Together
Commentary
In my 20-plus years in Special Olympics I still, on occasion, make the same mistake. I miss the boat. I underestimate the abilities either cognitive or physical of our Special Olympics athletes; athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Friday, April 24
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 24-26, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, April 23
Transurban Begins Grant Program for Express Lanes Corridor Nonprofits
Transurban, the company that operates the 95 and 495 Express lanes, announced earlier this month the launch of a community grant program for non-profit organizations working in or benefiting the Express Lanes corridor.
“Can You See Me?” Campaign Shines Spotlight on the Homeless
Volunteers and representative from Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) assembled mannequins representing homeless men, women, children, families and veterans on Friday, April 17 at the Fairfax Government Center.
Local Nonprofit Group Presents 'Perils of the College Drinking Culture' Program
The final quarter of the 2014-2015 school year has arrived. For thousands of area high school seniors that means time to say farewells to friends, teachers, and the familiarity of the routines and activities of the past four years. For many of them, it also means time to prepare for that first year of college, and possibly their first time away from home and daily parental guidance.
Budget Gets Marked Up
Supervisors scheduled to adopt budget next Tuesday, April 28.
The Board of Supervisors marked up the proposed budget Tuesday, April 21, by increasing school funding, adding key economic growth positions and restoring money to suggested cuts to "critical" human service programs Tuesday morning, April 21, according to its Chairman Sharon Bulova.
On Tour: Aging in Place Renovation
A Vienna whole house remodel that incorporates an Aging-In-Place solution will be featured in the Parade of Homes/ Remodeled Home Tour April 25-April 26.
Autumn Wood Wraps Up, New Opportunities at Fallsgate
Autumn Wood, a community of 18 homes off Georgetown Pike, is a bright spot for new homes in Great Falls over the past several years. Most homes sold between $2 million and $2.5 million, and during several of the last few years sales of Gulick have made up nearly half of the sales in that price range in Great Falls.
Outlook Optimistic for Local 2015 Real Estate Market
After what seemed to be an endless winter, spring has finally come calling, signaling the start of the year’s first real estate high season. Homes trade hands all year long, but spring is often for buyers, seller, agents, brokers and lenders like those weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas; buyers at full speed searching out the best bargains and sellers looking to move their wares without having to resort to price-slashing sales tactics.
Editorial: Connection Papers Win Awards
Variety of coverage honored at annual Virginia Press Association conference.
On Saturday, April 18, a group of journalists from the Connection Newspapers traveled to Roanoke for the annual Virginia Press Association event to collect awards for business reporting, government writing, writing about health, science and the environment, feature writing, sports writing, column writing, obituaries, cartoons, entertainment pages and writing, public safety writing, editorial pages and writing, page design, informational graphics and more.
Wednesday, April 22
Thomas Jefferson Class of 2019: 70% Asian, 1.6% Black
Some say unbalanced admissions demographics at Northern Virginia’s top high school speaks to system-wide equity problems.
Consider: 70.2 percent Asian, 20.7 percent White, 5.1 percent Multiracial/Other, 2.4 percent Hispanic, 1.6 percent Black: This is the ethnic breakdown of the 493 students admitted to the 2019 class of the Fairfax County Public Schools magnet institution Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Fairfax County Pays $2.95 Million to Settle John Geer Wrongful Death Suit
More than seven months after the Geer family lawyer Michael Lieberman filed a $12 million wrongful death civil suit in Circuit Court against Fairfax County Police, the two sides reached a $2.95 million settlement, announced Tuesday, April 21.
Column: Pins and Needles
Commentary
This column isn’t about acupuncture or knitting, any more than last week’s column was about nausea.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
Greater Vienna Optimists Honor Local High School Juniors
Youth Awards of Excellence renamed in honor of founder TR Cook.
The Optimists’ slogan is, “bringing out the best in kids.” On April 15, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna recognized outstanding high school juniors from George C. Marshall, James Madison, and Oakton high schools at its newly-renamed TR Cook Awards of Excellence presentation at Madison.
Historic Vienna, Inc. Used-book Sale Draws Hundreds of Buyers
When the Vienna Community Center opened at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, book lovers moved in, snaking their way around the hallway.
Vienna Volunteers Honored
Individuals, businesses, recognized for contributions to community.
More than 35 volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the Vienna community at the 14th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Reception held on April 14 at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s Flame Room.
Tuesday, April 21
Vienna: Oakton Pitcher Jones Tosses Complete Game
Cougars improve to 9-0 with win over Centreville.
The Oakton baseball team is off to a 9-0 start.
Friday, April 17
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 17-19, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, April 16
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 87 homes sold between $2,150,349-$215,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2015
Wednesday, April 15
Moving for Academic Excellence
Researchers say frequent physical activity can lead to success in school.
Inside an elementary school classroom in Bethesda, Md., a class of third grade students is divided into small groups and given a task: to cross a desert using a limited supply of tools that often include a jump rope, a foam noodle or a scooter. Their mission is to devise a plan to cross the desert without touching the sand.
Tuesday, April 14
‘Old Wicked Songs’ at Tysons 1st Stage
Masterful production to run through May 3 at Tysons.
High accolades are due for the 1st Stage production of “Old Wicked Songs,” a play powered by a heart-tugging premise, precise high-caliber acting, with an evocative set and piano music from composer Robert Schumann that opens anyone’s heart to tenderness.
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Honors Three Town of Vienna Police Officers
On March 26, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce awarded Town of Vienna Police Officers, MPO Tim Seitz, Officer Marcos Herrera and Officer John Digan with Certificates of Valor at the 37th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony.
Shepherd’s Center Volunteers Honored
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV), Executive Director Michelle Scott honored SCOV’s 237 volunteers, recognizing outstanding contributions with a pin presentation to several of the service organization’s members.
Vienna Idol Returns for Fourth Year
Auditions open to vocalists and musicians through May.
Growing bigger every year with stakes growing higher, as well, Vienna Idol kicked off its qualifying rounds – auditions – in early April. Local musical talent is vying for a $1,000 grand prize in 2015.
Send in Mother's Day Photos
Deadline for submissions is May 1.
Mother’s Day is May 10 and, every year at this time, The Connection calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.
Editorial: Counting Homeless; Solution Is Housing
Results of the annual census of homeless show progress, persistence of the problem, and some worrying trends.
On the night of Jan. 28, 2015, there were 1,204 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax County area.
Colvin Run Mill to Reopen
Colvin Run Mill Park Manager Mike Henry is planning for busy weeks ahead. A Restoration Celebration will take place at Colvin Run Mill Historic Site on April 19. There will be an official grand reopening ceremony open to the public at 1 p.m.
Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County
"One of the most important things we do."
Holocaust survivor Michel Margosis spoke before the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, April 7, when the Board of Supervisors made a proclamation declaring April 16 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County.
Taste of Vienna Serves Up Food and Family Fun on April 25
Thirty restaurants bring their signature dishes to grounds of Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
Thirty local restaurants have signed up to participate in the 4th Annual Taste of Vienna celebration, coming up on April 25, on the grounds of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department [VVFD]. Taste of Vienna is sponsored and hosted by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
Friday, April 10
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 10-12, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, April 9
D.C. Design House
McLean showcase home opens to the public April 12.
Local interior design enthusiasts will have an opportunity to tour a much-anticipated unveiling this weekend when the 2015 Design House opens in McLean on Sunday, April 12 at noon, with ticket sales benefiting the Children’s National Health System.
Wednesday, April 8
Editorial: A Big Election Year in Virginia
Register, research, vote. And vote again.
Every year is an election year in Virginia. Here are a few examples that demonstrate that while elections are ubiquitous in Virginia, they are neither simple nor unimportant. Wade in, a lot depends on figuring this out and voting. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of candidates.
More Than 200 Attend First Fairfax County Budget Hearing
Schools, libraries, economic development authorites and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
More than 200 people packed the Fairfax County Government auditorium Tuesday, April 7, and 60 speakers were scheduled to testify before the Board of Supervisors on the advertised budget. The hearing began with a presentation by School Board Chairman Tamara Derenak Kaufax. Members of the Fairfax County School Board sat in the front row, gave a standing ovation, and remained standing as Kaufax finished her testimony to begin the budget hearings.
Column: The Fact Is Not Yet The Matter
I don’t know which is worse: the extra-special, extra-expensive, dental cleaning (the kind that requires Novocain and involves the actual dentist, not merely the hygienist) that I have scheduled for April 8th – or my next hopefully-not-do-or-die CT Scan, moved up a month from my usual three-month interval because of a suspicious formation seen on my most recent scan back in mid-February.
Tuesday, April 7
Opinion: On the Banks of Bull Run 150 Years Ago
One hundred and fifty years ago, on the same day General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Fairfax County witnessed the last gun battle of the war.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
Thursday, April 2
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 3-5, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Prisoner Escapes from Fairfax Hospital, Gets Recaptured
Social media aids manhunt
Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, Wossen Assaye overpowered the female member of his two-guard private security detail while the male was out of his hospital room. Assaye was reportedly in shackles on a hospital gurney before the struggle.
Springfield: Getting into Marian Homes
Remodeling project to provide for residents with intellectual and or physical disabilities.
When the new residents of Marian Homes’ latest remodeling project move in to the Gresham Street house in north Springfield, Fairfax resident and Marian volunteer John Germain hopes they feel at home.
Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax to Close by March 2016
From institution to community, finding homes for those hard to place.
Joseph McHugh has lived at the Northern Virginia Training Center for 35 years, moving in when he was a teenager. McHugh has cerebral palsy and colostomy and severe spasticity issues. At the training center, McHugh works with a speech pathologist, nurse, on-campus dietician and is close to an X-ray machine, dental facility and clinic on the grounds.
Wednesday, April 1
‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’
Residents of local senior living communities share their experiences.
“I didn’t want to come here,” said Bill Woessner, referring to Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls. “That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife of more than 50 years, with plenty of her native Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice. “He really didn’t. We have a lovely house here in Great Falls and I don’t think he was ready to budge. But how long after we got here did that change?” she turned to her husband and asked. “At least a day,” he laughingly replied. “Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probably wasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”
Creative Aging Festival Coming in May
Includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
A Creative Aging Festival will take place throughout the month of May at 100-plus local venues in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The month-long festival includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
County Adult Centers Offer Seniors Activities, Social Interaction
In 2014, the attendance at Fairfax County senior centers was 277,342.
At the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, volunteer Frank Bauer sees zumba and yoga classes “flowing into the main room sometimes,” he says, revealing how popular those classes are at the center, which caters to seniors 55 and older. This Kingstowne center, one of 14 senior centers throughout Fairfax County, offers classes and activities to keep seniors active.
Column: Manifest Destiny
I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why would I say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit that cancer is having an effect on me.
Fit for the Golden Years
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend.
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
Nysmith School Students Interview War Veterans
Richard Graff didn't hesitate to describe his darkest days while serving in World War II. "Every combat soldier has to get used to the bodies," he said. "Whenever I think back to that one day when I didn't think I would have another day, you bet, I'm glad to be here," Graff said.