Stories for September 2012

Continuing Care at Greenspring

Greenspring’s Continuing Care neighborhood receives a five-star rating.

The Continuing Care neighborhood at Greenspring retirement community received the highest score in the Five-Star Quality Rating System administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Erickson Living community, located in Springfield, earned a 5-star rating in the Overall Quality category in August 2012.

Greenspring Wii Bowlers Break Records

Greenspring residents earned five gold, three silver and two bronze medals in Senior Olympics.

This year, 15 Greenspring residents competed in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) Wii bowling competition. Greenspring, a Gold Sponsor for the NVSO, hosted the competition for the fourth consecutive year at the specially designed community alley featuring six virtual bowling lanes. Overall, over 60 seniors from across Northern Virginia participated in the 2012 NVSO Wii bowling competition at Greenspring.

Burke’s Pumpkin Playground

When Fred Dickinson, general manager of the Burke Nursery and Garden Center, started the pumpkin festival with his wife Cassandra 17 years ago, he said he had no idea it would grow to be such a large event. In fact, the nursery didn’t start to sell carving pumpkins until the last two weeks of October.

Fall Fun Festivals

Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. will present the 20th annual Fall For Fairfax KidsFest this weekend at the Fairfax County Government Center. Enjoy exciting, interactive and educational programs, entertainment and activities. Fall For Fairfax KidsFest is specially designed for families with elementary and pre-K aged children. There will be three stages of free entertainment, including the Inova Health Stage and the Fall for Fairfax Kids Stage.

Letter: State Vs County on Transportation

When I read my colleague Supervisor John Cook’s Sept. 13 Connection column advocating that Fairfax County take over state roads, I wondered how our taxpayers would feel about accepting a $150 million per year unfunded mandate from the state. That would be a slap in the face given everything that the County has done to balance its budget and provide for our residents during difficult budget years.

Good News on Housing Market

Realtors host economic summit.

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), in partnership with the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis hosted their Annual Economic Summit at the Mason Inn Conference Center. The housing market is a key driver of the economy and home ownership is almost synonymous with the “American Dream,” so it’s no wonder that this year’s distinguished panel played to a packed house of realtors, brokers, economists and area business people.

Fall Fun at Workhouse Arts Center

Whether you are an art aficionado, music lover, cinephile or nature enthusiast, there’s something to enjoy at Lorton’s Workhouse Arts Center this fall. Set on 55 acres of land in the former D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory, the Workhouse provides a home for more than 100 of the region’s finest professional and emerging artists, classes and arts education programs for people of all ages and artistic abilities, cooperative studios, performance and theatre venues, dedicated gallery and exhibition space, and event facilities. For more information, visit www.WorkhouseArts.org or call 703-584-2900. The center is located at 9601 Ox Road in Lorton.

Tough Mudder's 'Team Grace'

Fairfax family honors sister’s fighting spirit by forming “Team Grace.”

“Grace was one ‘Tough Mudder’ tackling her brain cancer. We know Grace was looking down on us as we competed in this crazy event, keeping her spirit alive.” —Kim Thomas Krongaard

Spartans' Founder Honored

Family and friends celebrate the life of Chris Sarantis of Burke.

Is it always this packed on a Thursday evening at Spartans Family Restaurant in Burke? “We are always pretty busy, weekdays, weekends,” said George Sarantis, son of the establishment’s late owner and founder, Chris Sarantis, “but tonight it was a little different. Tonight, the line started early, at 5:30.”

Hendersons Are Winners in Return to West Potomac

Bruins overcome 16-7 halftime deficit to beat Wolverines.

Quarterback Caleb Henderson, linebacker Jon Henderson and defensive coordinator Eric Henderson came out on the winning end during their return to West Potomac.

Classified Advertising Sept 26, 2012

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McLean's Cordial Debate Turns Controversial

Allen, Kaine battle for Northern Virginia votes.

“I’m open to dialogue, and I don’t see how openness is something controversial.” —Tim Kaine "If you want a job, you ought to join the Allen team.” —George Allen

Fairfax County Fall Fun Calendar

Along with the seasonal changes of fall—“sweater weather,” the oft-sighted decorative pumpkin, new menus and produce, and the swath of color across the treeline in every direction—come the fall events. Apple picking, parading through town in costume and spending time enjoying fall in Fairfax County are musts. Here are some favorite events to aid and abet your celebration of the season at hand.

Column: My Team

Not literally, of course. Nor am I the coach or the general manager. But I do feel like an owner, in that there are people that I invest in – again not literally, but definitely emotionally.

Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon

Police make discovery during welfare check, believe husband killed family before turning gun on himself.

A Herndon family of four was found dead in their home on Point Rider Lane the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fairfax County Police responded after a co-worker of one of the family members reported that they had not been to work this week.

Keeping Tysons Corner Moving

Event provides updates on 495 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail.

In the next 15 months, Tysons Corner will see almost $5 billion in new transportation projects come online.

Braddock Road, from Rolling Road to Roberts Road, to be Repaved

The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin full milling and paving of Braddock Road, between Rolling Road and Roberts Road. Work is scheduled to begin this month and conclude, weather permitting, Nov. 15, 2012.

Black Chamber of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Night Mixer

With access to capital and opportunity for growth at an alarming low for black-owned businesses, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on this small business crisis at the 4th Annual Candidates’ Night reception on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Hilton, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield. The annual nonpartisan NVBCC Candidates’ Night Mixer gives candidates and elected officials the opportunity to meet business owners face-to-face, and allows members of the African American community the chance to express their concerns about the future of Northern Virginia. Already, a dozen candidates and elected officials have been confirmed.

Area Roundups

Financial crimes detectives were alerted to the issue when they began to receive complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and, primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines. An alert customer spotted the skimming device on the machine and contacted hospital security who immediately called police on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Dam Project Worries South Run Residents

South Run residents want unofficial park entryway shut down permanently.

Chris Amans and his wife, Brenda Riffe, have lived in the leafy neighborhood of South Run in Fairfax Station since the community was developed in the mid-1980s. Bordered by Lee Chapel Road, Route 123, and the Fairfax County Parkway, many of the community’s 500 homes, which sell for close to $1 million, back up to Burke Lake Park. While they love the neighborhood’s mature trees, expansive 1/2-acre lots and access to Burke Lake Park, they have never been happy with the fact that their Laketree Drive cul-de-sac has become an unofficial entrance to the popular Burke Lake trails.

County Combats Chronic Homelessness

Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’

Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.

Letter: A Major Disappointment

I could have attached a legitimate photo of a sick and starving deer within Fairfax County—but that serves little except to tug at the emotional heartstrings. Overpopulation of deer in Fairfax County is a reality and it is a problem that must be faced square-on, using science, biology, personnel majoring in the wildlife career field and an understanding of the alternative costs of managing the deer herd.

Classified Advertising Sept 19, 2012

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County Launches Safety Campaign

How to participate in Fairfax County’s ‘30 Ways in 30 Days’ campaign.

In the past 12 months, Fairfax County residents have experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies, from an earthquake and a tropical storm to floods, a tornado and a derecho.

West Springfield Football Remains Undefeated

Spartans beat rival Lee to improve to 3-0.

West Springfield defeated Lee, 33-14, on Sept. 14.

Lake Braddock Field Hockey Beats TC in OT

The Lake Braddock field hockey team defeated T.C. Williams, 2-1, in overtime on Sept. 14.

Column: Refillable. Rechargeable. Reusable.

More like replaceable. Obviously, I want to remain positive and believe that today is not a good day to die (Worf from “Star Trek: Next Generation”) and that there will be many more tomorrows to live for and days beyond that to plan for. However, having a terminal disease has a tendency to darken up those rose-colored glasses.

Local Real Estate: Top Sales in July 2012

Christen, Lake Braddock Girls’ XC Win at Monroe Parker

Defending state champ Chase withdraws due to lower-body pain.

The Lake Braddock girls' cross country team won the Monroe Parker Invitational.

Bridging a Cultural Divide

Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield hosts Palestinian students this summer.

For many, the concept of “peace in the Middle East” is a distant dream bordering on fantasy.

Burke Centre Hosts Fall Festival

Festival-goers treated to senior flash mob and family fun.

Burke hosted its biggest block party last weekend as the community welcomed friends and neighbors of all ages for the 35th annual Burke Centre Fall Festival.

Fairfax to Host Small Business Summit

The Virginia Small Business Partnership announced that the third annual Virginia Small Business Summit will be held on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 at the Mason Inn Conference Center & Hotel in Fairfax.

Combating Speeding

McGruff leads anti-speeding effort as school year begins.

Laurel Ridge Elementary School students got a surprise Monday morning, when they were met by McGruff the Crime Dog, Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Officer J.T. Frey of the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) in Kings Park West. The trio was there to remind student and their parents of the importance of driving safely and especially following the posted speed limits in school zones. The outreach effort, in support of the police department’s Operation Blue Guardian, is part of Supervisor Cook’s ongoing campaign to combat speeding and unsafe driving in our communities.

County Seeks Citizen Input on Transportation

If Fairfax County is going to pay for the roads, we ought to own and control them.

This fall, residents of Fairfax County will have an unprecedented opportunity to offer input on one of the principal policy issues facing the County—whether we should assume a greater role in secondary road maintenance and construction. I urge all County residents to take advantage of this important opportunity.

Burke/Fairfax Calendar, Sept. 20-26

If you don't plan anything, you're liable to stay on the couch. Round out your week with some events, local style.

Letter: ‘Deliberate Falsehoods’ - II

Ms. Vanderhye never addresses my argument, that when government forces employers to violate their consciences by subsidizing contraception and abortion, religious freedom is trampled. Though she claims my letter is "replete with inaccuracies," she addresses only one alleged "falsehood" and leaves the rest to our imaginations. Ms. Vanderhye attacks as false the statement that research suggests that contraception and abortion may increase a woman's chance of cancer and heart disease. Actually the statement is true, Ms. Vanderhye's vitriolic tirade notwithstanding

Classified Advertising Sept. 12, 2012

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Column: Trip Without a Fall

Recently, for the first time in nearly two years, I took a trip without having my car. Significant to me in that not “having my car” meant not being able to transport/have all my cancer things.

‘A Morning Just Like This One’

Fairfax County pays tribute to victims of 9/11 attacks.

The mournful tone of a single bell tolling three times—once for each site that was struck on Sept. 11, 2001—echoed in the Fairfax County Government Center chambers this morning as community leaders, police, firefighters and citizens gathered to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorists attacks 11 years ago today.

Helping Heroes in Need

Volunteer drivers “urgently” needed to transport local veterans to medical appointments.

When he is feeling well, 87-year-old Peter Edisal Brown enjoys tending the flowers and vegetables he grows in the garden of his Alexandria home he has owned since 1946. “I like to garden, and I wish I could still go dancing. Me and my wife, we used to love going to supper clubs like the Dipsy Doodle,” Brown said.

Shopping with Sheriff

Fairfax County partners with Target to help homeless children purchase school supplies.

Nearly 30 children and their parents got the chance to "Shop with the Sheriff” on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The annual shopping spree pairs deputies and volunteers from the Fairfax County sheriff's office with local homeless children who need a little help with back-to-school supplies.

The Little Red Schoolhouse That Could

Springfield one-room schoolhouse gains historic status on National Register.

Nearly four years after deciding to shut down the popular elementary school because of shrinking enrollment, mounting parental pressure and ardent emotional appeals swayed Fairfax County’s School Board to re-open the rural community school.

Balancing Act: Between Nice-to-Have and Have-to-Have

Fairfax County needs new financial tools.

We’ve been lucky in Fairfax County. Spared the worst of the Great Recession with its mortgage crisis and unemployment, the County has still had to balance falling revenue and service delivery. Human services, libraries, and parks have all taken a hit—and our school budget, while not cut—has struggled to meet the needs of a growing student body.

Burke Dancer Offered Prestigious Scholarships

Emma Bradley from Buffa's Dance Studio in Burke received several scholarships to prominent college dance programs throughout the United States at New York City Dance Alliance's gala in New York City.

Fairfax Symphony Opens its 55th Season

On Sept. 22, the Fairfax Symphony will open its season with a concert at 8 p.m. at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax. The season will mark the beginning of a new three-year focus in programming called “Mischief in Music: Wit, Insolence and Insurrection.” As explained by Maestro Christopher Zimmerman, “So often symphonic music is regarded as something abstract and emotionally unspecific. Over the next three years the orchestra will play music by a variety of composers whose message and expressive aims are deliberate, be they light-hearted, semi-provocative or completely out of the box.”

Classified Advertising Sept. 5, 2012

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Local Real Estate: July 2012 Sales in $800,000s

Senior Trio Leads Woodson Volleyball

King, Dallman, Price hope to soften the loss of two all-state athletes.

The Woodson volleyball team defeated Chantilly, 3-1, on Sept. 4.

Centreville Edges Lake Braddock in Season-Opening Thriller

Wildcats score in final minute to beat Bruins, 28-27.

Centreville overcomes 13-point deficit to beat Lake Braddock.

Column: Symptoms or just Sometimes

Making the best of a bad situation, that’s how I roll (I’m a Red Sox fan after all). Some days are easier than others, some symptoms/treatments/results are better than others. And some columns make more sense than others. But that’s cancer for you: an equal opportunity “screwer-upper.”

Spartans Win 4 of 6

Spartans looking for first district title in nearly four decades.

The West Springfield field hockey team won four of its first six games this season.