Stories for August 2012

Burke/Fairfax Calendar, Aug. 30-Sept. 9

To have community events listed, send to south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416 with questions. Deadline for calendar listings is two weeks prior to event.

Local Real Estate: June 2012 Sales, $700,000~$749,900

Jarrell Leads Woodson Field Hockey

Cavaliers fell short of regional tournament in 2011.

Meg Jarrell, 22, is in her first season as head coach of the Woodson field hockey team.

Classified Advertising Aug 29, 2012

Read the latest Classified ads here!

Drum Roll, Please

11th Annual Springfield BridgeWalk celebrates community support of Fort Belvoir’s soldiers.

"To me this walk symbolizes the renewal of the relationship we have with the Springfield community." --Col. Gregory Gadson, garrison commander of Fort Belvoir

Burke Centre Fall Festival Sept. 8-9

Affordable family fun and flash mob (maybe…)

Burke hosts its biggest block party on Sept. 8 and 9 as the community welcomes friends and neighbors of all ages for the 35th annual Burke Centre Fall Festival. The event will be held at the Burke Centre Conservancy’s (BCC) Festival Grounds, 6060 Burke Centre Parkway.

Feedback Sought on Emergency Communications

Fairfax County online survey now available.

After filing a report last week with the Federal Communications Commission on Verizon’s 911 outages, Fairfax County officials are looking at how to improve their own communications during emergencies. The county wants to know how it can better communicate with residents and businesses in a disaster like a derecho, hurricane or terrorist attack. Officials are seeking feedback in a short, online survey.

Area Roundups

Football Stadiums Raise Banners Against Underage Drinking

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high school football stadiums will sport new banners this fall encouraging parents and adults in the community to report underage drinking parties to the police.

‘Senior Prank’ Filmed in Area

Local talent recruited for "The Senior Prank."

The community has rallied together behind the new local film in progress "The Senior Prank." Director Donald Leow, who also directed previous film "For the Glory," has brought in cast and crew from all over the country, while recruiting local talent for his film as well. Many members of the Fairfax community have gathered to be extras, show their talent on screen, help with tech, or just support the film.

New Rector Comes to St. Andrew’s

The Reverend Tim Heflin will begin his tenure as rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Burke on Sunday, Sept. 9. Heflin recently served as associate rector and day school chaplain of Trinity Church in Baton Rouge, La., a church comparable in size to St. Andrew’s, yet with a pre-k to fifth grade day school of nearly 200. As the associate rrector, Heflin was responsible for the bulk of pastoral care, Christian education for all ages, Wednesday night dinners and programs, youth and young adults and outreach, as well as weekly school liturgical duties. He also served as priest-in-charge as the church went through a rector transition and search process in 2011. Heflin was ordained at Trinity in 2008.

Burke Home Sales: July, 2012

In July 2012, 61 Burke homes sold between $645,000-$199,000.

Burke Home Sales in July, 2012

Char-a-oke Anyone?

$1 million raised for Fairfax County Public Schools Education Foundation.

Listen, baby… "Ain't no mountain high. Ain't no valley low. Ain't no river wide enough, baby. If you need me, call me. No matter where you are. No matter how far."

911's Complete Failure

Fairfax County says Verizon "failed completely" during June 29 derecho.

"It’s like the captain of the Titanic telling passengers the ship hit an iceberg when the bow is on the bottom of the ocean floor." —Steve Souder, Fairfax County 911 Director

Letter: Separate and Unequal - II

Your editorial in the titled "Separate and Unequal ?" [The Connection, July 25-31, 2012], addressed the "eye-popping" disparately low admission of Black and Latino students to Thomas Jefferson High School, and the complaint that this was "in voilation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin."

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names Interim Executive Director

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Galen Wixson as its interim executive director through December of 2012. Galen currently serves as the executive director of The Guitar Foundation of America where he has guided the organization through a transition to a new governance and management model, leading to several new program initiatives.

FCPD Traffic Safety Efforts Recognized

The Fairfax County Police Department was recently recognized by two prestigious law enforcement organizations which evaluate police traffic safety programs across the commonwealth and the nation.

Column: Diagnosed But Not Sick

Having/being diagnosed with cancer/a terminal disease is neither fun nor funny; however, unless I find some humor or wishful thinking in how I approach this situation, I don’t suppose I’ll be approaching it much longer. To me, it’s always been mind over matter, and even though these matters are rather serious, I still don’t mind.

How To Register, Vote and Vote Early

Election Day is Nov. 6, but you can vote as early as Sept. 21.

How important is it for Virginia voters to turn out on or before Nov. 6? As a critical “battleground” state, Virginia will be key in determining who will be the next President of the United States. Who will represent Virginia in the U.S. Senate is also too close to call. Since polling shows that there are very few undecided voters in the Commonwealth, every eligible voter will want to be sure to cast a ballot.

Opinion: Mindless Slashing

Automatic cuts set to kick in January would harm Northern Virginia more than any other region.

While reducing the federal deficit is critical to the nation's economic health in the long run, the knee jerk, slash and burn method based only on cuts that is coming at us like a freight train will do immense damage to the economy nationally. But no place would feel the pain more intensely than Northern Virginia.

A Year in Fairfax County

A sampling of some of the cherished, annual events of the county.

South Fairfax County Calendar, Aug. 22-Sept. 2

Events in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station and Springfield.

Go ahead, plan your weekend now. The Connection brings you a list of events in southern Fairfax County. Send notes to the Connection at south@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-778-9416. All submission are due by Friday at 5 p.m., one week prior to the event. Dated announcements should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

Locals cautiously optimistic about $200 million Springfield Mall transformation.

The joke among Springfield "insiders" is that if Vornado’s developers wait long enough, they won’t have to spend money demolishing Springfield Mall, because it will fall apart of its own volition.

Remembering Their Sacrifice

Fairfax Station Railroad Museum commemorates first mass Civil War evacuation.

"By midnight, there must have been three thousand helpless men lying in the hay. All night long we made compresses and slings and bound up and wet wounds when we could get water…" —From the writings of Clara Barton, after tending to the wounded in the battles of Second Manassas and Ox Hill in late August, 1862.

Explore & Enjoy

A sample of attractions the area offers.

The miniature Central Pacific Huntington steam engine at Burke Lake Park has been a popular ride for 40 years.

Be a Braddock Insider

What every newcomer should know about living, working and playing in the Braddock District.

Braddock is very much a district of neighborhoods, a rarity in busy and booming Fairfax.

My Favorite Places

State delegate shares tips on places to see, things to do.

Getting to Know Area High Schools’ Sports

Getting to Know Area High Schools’ Sportshttp://connection.www.clients.ellingtoncms.com/admin/news/story/add/

Insiders Perspective

What is the best thing about living in Burke?

Classified Advertising Aug. 22, 2012

Read the latest Home and Garden, Employment and Classifieds here!

Column: Life in the Cancer Lane

Having been there and done that now for three and a half years certainly helps. And however familiar it may be and/or has become, it doesn’t exactly help to pass the time or affect the results, unfortunately. Cancer sucks! That much is clear. Now and in the future.

Nearly 800 Jobs Added to the Local Economy

Information technology firms and professional service companies see growth.

Information technology firms continue to do well in a sluggish economy, according to a new report from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). During the second quarter of 2012, the FCEDA provided services and resources to 33 businesses that are adding almost 800 jobs in Fairfax County. Most of these businesses are in the information technology and professional services sectors and four are foreign-based firms using a Fairfax County location to expand in North America.

Minority-Owned Businesses Prosper in Fairfax County

Companies generate more than $1 billion in revenue and provide more than 1,000 jobs.

Businesses owned by Hispanics, African-Americans and women shine in Fairfax County, according to the latest national rankings for largest or fastest-growing companies. "Fairfax County is proud to be a community in which companies of all descriptions can and do succeed to a greater extent than in the rest of the region, the state or the country," said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which supports and monitors the growth of local businesses. Eleven Fairfax County-based companies are among the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation based on revenue — more than the total in 40 states, according to a recent report by HispanicBusiness.com. The Fairfax County companies are among 22 from Virginia on the 2012 Hispanic Business 500 list.

Time for School

Advice on how to transition from a laid-back summer to a hectic academic year.

When Ellen Feldman’s 5-year-old son started school for last fall, one of the biggest adjustments for the single mother of two was having to adhere to a schedule. “All of a sudden we went from being able to do things on our own time frame to having to wake up and be at a certain place at a certain time,” said Feldman. “Sending my son off to school for the first time was exciting, but also difficult.”

Editorial: Starting School Prepared

First day of school is Sept. 4; local nonprofits provide school supplies and weekend food.

With school beginning in a few weeks, area charitable organizations have been collecting contributions of new backpacks, calculators, other school supplies, money and gift cards and winter coats to help the tens of thousands of truly needy Northern Virginia students.

Classified Advertising Aug. 15, 2012

Read the latest Classified, Home and Garden and Employment!

Meeting Marilyn Monroe

As a bridal consultant, Doreen Provost helped to dress Monroe for her wedding ceremony with Joe DiMaggio.

In 1952, Doreen Provost finished college at UCLA and was hired as an assistant buyer in the bridal department at the Joseph Magnin Company, which was a high-end department store specializing in women’s fashion in San Francisco.

Transcending Fear With Messages of Hope

Fairfax Station Sikh temple holds candlelight vigil to honor victims of Wis. shootings.

It was an evening of unity, resilience and hope as more than 300 people of all faiths gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Sikh temple in Fairfax Station on Thursday, Aug. 9, less than a week after a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple in Wis., killing six and injuring three.

‘Primary’ Numbers: 7100 + Upgrade = 286

Fairfax County Parkway gets new number, upgrades as “primary” road.

Since 1987, the Fairfax County Parkway has been known as Route 7100 for the estimated 75,000 motorists who travel the 32-mile parkway each day.

Pakistani-American Community to Celebrate Anniversary

The Pakistani-American community will celebrate the 65th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence at the Pakistan Festival on Sunday, Aug. 26, at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.

Clifton Car Show on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2012

Featuring street rods, custom and antique cars, muscle and classic cars, and motorcycles, the 13th Annual Labor Day Car Show is Monday, Sept. 3, 2012 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., in Clifton.

Quarterback Henderson Set to Excel at Lake Braddock

Former West Potomac coaches join Bruins’ staff.

After a strong sophomore year at West Potomac, quarterback Caleb Henderson enters his junior season as a member of the Lake Braddock football team.

Column: A Pill a Day…

Hopefully will keep the cancer at bay. (I’d say “away,” but let’s be realistic, three and a half years past a NSCLC diagnosis, there is no way, generally speaking, that stage IV lung cancer disappears into the ether; it’s classified as stage IV for a reason.

Letter: No Enemies on TJ Admissions Front

To the Editor:

FCPS is not being honest, straightforward or holding itself accountable for the fact that too few of these disadvantaged kids are achieving as well as others relative to their populations and too few are fostered appropriately so they can be identified for and take advantage of advanced curricula, including advanced academic programs (AAP) and thence TJ and high school honors, AP and IB programs. The leaders in this system have had years to figure out how to make serious improvements, but they have hidden and spun or not even bothered to gather data and have excluded individuals and groups that could be partners in resolving this situation. Thus, we have a segregated system, as the data show.

100 men, 4,000 miles, 1 mission

Burke man bikes cross-country with fraternity to raise awareness for people with disabilities.

Dan Rieck, a senior at Virginia Tech, just had the best summer of his life.

Taking Back Their Neighborhoods

Communities host crime-fighting events during 29th Annual National Night Out.

From block parties to pool parties, picnics and parades, Fairfax County residents gathered with friends, neighbors and local police on Tuesday, Aug. 7, in recognition of the 29th Annual National Night Out campaign.

Classified Advertising Aug. 8, 2012

Read the lastest Classified, Employment and Home and Garden ads!

Should Virginia Compensate for Dark Days of Eugenics?

Del. Patrick Hope (D-44) asks governor and General Assembly to form a task force.

The number of victims is unknown in Virginia’s system of forced sterilization, a dark chapter that stretched from the 1920s into the 1970s.

Welcoming Dr. Angel Cabrera

George Mason University welcomes new president.

Summer may be considered the “off-season” in education, but at George Mason University, major change is underfoot.

10th Annual Backpack Drive

Poverty threatens the academic success of many children in Fairfax County; more than 40,000 qualify for free or discounted school lunches.

Column: Derive to Survive

Now that I can taste food again, or rather have food taste like normal again, my attitude is much improved.

BBQ, Republican-Style

George Allen talks jobs, energy and education at Braddock district fundraiser.

U.S. Senate candidate George Allen was energetic as he shook hands, posed for photos and made small talk with Republican supporters Saturday at Supervisor John Cook’s 3rd annual Big Braddock BBQ for volunteers at Burke Lake Park.

To Geek or Not To Geek, That is the…Verb

Library launches novel campaign to get people talking.

Ruth geeks fairy tales. Katie geeks wildlife. Benjamin geeks hobbits.

Memories in Watercolor

Burke resident finds passion in painting.

Kenneth "Bud" Aldrich painted his first watercolor 74 years ago when he was 15 years old.

Storms Provide Wake-Up Call

Dust off emergency plans; sign-up for Fairfax County alerts.

I’ve been thinking a lot about emergencies lately—a derecho, four days without power in a heat wave with two small kids, and a flooded kitchen floor will do that to you. So will a magnitude 5.8 earthquake such as the one we experienced last August.

Classified Advertising (Aug. 1, 2012)

Read the lastest Employment, Home and Garden and Classified ads!

Column: Choosing My Words, Respectively

It has been brought to my attention by some regular Kenny-column readers – who are friends, too, and whose opinions I value, that my most recent batch of “cancer columns” (as I call them) were not funny; in fact, they were more depressing and negative than anything, and not nearly as uplifting and hopeful as many of my previous columns have been.

Weekly Entertainment (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Entertainment in Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield.

Getting a Body Like an Olympian

Local fitness gurus offer gold medal advice for achieving a toned, muscular body.

Muscular legs, toned abs and buffed biceps are hard to miss in London this week, but is it possible for the average sports fan to achieve a body like an Olympian? Local fitness experts say "maybe."

Taking Care of One’s Teeth

American Dental Association says many Americans don’t know basic oral care.

Here’s a pop quiz: How often should a person replace their toothbrush? "Once a year," said Terrie Andrews of McLean.

Beating Bad Breath

Dental experts offer solutions for chronic halitosis.

When Amanda Welch’s boyfriend asked her to marry him last spring, she accepted his proposal on one condition: that he find a cure for his bad breath.

Editorial: Readers Respond on TJ Admissions

"Stop making smart 8th graders feel inferior because they are not admitted."

Readers responded to last week's editorial, which cited a civil rights complaint about the apparent lack of access to gifted and talented programs and admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.