Stories for September 2013

Friday, September 27

Commentary: In Search of Affordable Housing

Challenges for Residential Studio Units and the need to address them.

Fairfax County’s Planning Commission will hold two workshops on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 to expand the discussion about the proposed residential studio unit (RSU) amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. There will be a staff presentation on Sept. 25, and questions submitted online by citizens to the Planning Department will be answered in the second workshop on Oct 2. The plan is for both workshops to be televised on the county’s cable station.

Thursday, September 26

Editorial: Vote

It will matter who is elected governor.

To vote on Election Day, you must be registered at your current address no later than Oct. 15, 2013. You can check your registration status online by visiting the State Board of Elections website at www.sbe.virginia.gov. There you can also download a voter registration form and mail or fax it to your elections office address.

Column: A Study in Contrasts

The decision for yours truly to participate in a Phase 1 Study at N.I.H. or Johns Hopkins (depending upon availability and qualifications) discussed in last week’s column has been put on hold, temporarily. It seems that my oncologist was thinking about me over the holiday weekend and called me on Wednesday following Labor Day to say he had a diagnostic idea concerning me: a 24-hour urine collection (a “Creatinine Clearance Study”) which would provide a more accurate reading (than the regular lab work I have; from blood) of my kidney function.

Column: A Peculiar Existence

I’m not exactly pretending that I don’t have stage IV lung cancer (non-small cell, to be specific), but ever since my hospital admission on August 2nd, I have been treatment-free; no I.V. chemotherapy, no oral medication, no targeted treatment, no nothing. And during this sabbatical (I use that term loosely; being off chemotherapy has been as much about recovering from surgery and recuperating from my hospital “stay-cation” as it was anything necessarily intended), I have progressed from feeling crappy and being short of breath—while being infused previously, to where I have become relatively asymptomatic, breathing normally and for the nearly eight week treatment-free interval mentioned, have felt mostly OK.

Late Goals Propel Woodson Field Hockey to Victory

West Potomac goalkeeper Hauptle plays well in defeat.

Cavaliers score three times in the final 2:35 against West Potomac.

Residential Studios Put on Hold

Supervisors establish committee, plan additional public outreach.

At the recommendation of Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-At-Large) and Supervisor Michael Frey (R-Sully), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 24 deferred its Nov. 20 public hearing on a proposed residential studios (RSUs) amendment to conduct additional community outreach. The board also established a Planning Commission Residential Studios Committee.

Northern Virginia Supports Day to Serve

The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), a coalition of 14 counties, cities and towns that work together on regional issues, passed a unanimous resolution endorsing Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell’s call to participate in the 2013 Day to Serve.

New Nosy Recruits ‘Bolt & Silas’ Prepare for Duty

Although they are just a few months old and still in their bonding and training phases, two new bloodhound pups are preparing for the rigors of police work in Fairfax County. Bolt and Silas are the police department’s newest additions to their bloodhound team. The agency purchased the pups in August when they were just 6 weeks old. They join Shnoz and Cody, sisters from the hills of Northern Alabama who joined the agency in 2008 at 19 months old.

McAuliffe, Cuccinelli Highlight Small Business Summit

Gubernatorial candidates speak at the Mason Inn & Conference Center.

Virginia gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli were the keynote speakers at the fourth annual Virginia Small Business Partnership (VASBP) Summit, hosted by Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies LLC at The Mason Inn in Fairfax on Friday, Sept. 20. “We are thrilled to have them join us,” said Paul A. Miller, chairman of the VASBP.

Wear Jeans to Work, Help End Homelessness

Register now to participate in Jeans Day Fairfax on Oct. 18.

Just by wearing jeans to work, you can actively help nearly 3,000 men, women and children in Fairfax County who face homelessness and hunger every day. On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Friday, Oct. 18 “Jeans Day Fairfax,” the third annual Jeans Day event in Fairfax County.

Wednesday, September 25

Up to Speed Tutors Puts Focus on Special Education

Lake Braddock graduate Brian Katkin started the company last spring.

When JS Tutoring folded in 2012, one of Arlington resident Brian Katkin’s students with a learning disability wanted to keep having sessions with him. They worked out an arrangement to continue working together, and soon Katkin decided to take on other students as well. Then on the first day of Spring Break the same year, he launched the company Up to Speed Tutors, with himself as the sole instructor.

A Loving Neighbor Remembered

Friends, family remember Navy Yard victim Martin Bodrog as “humble” and devoted to God, family and his beloved Boston Bruins.

Isabel Bodrog recalled an awkward moment in high school when her friends started complaining about their fathers. When it was her turn to talk about her father, Martin Bodrog, she searched for something to say.

Police Concerned about ‘Molly’/Ecstasy Use

Fairfax County Police Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit (OCN) detectives have seen approximately 168 cases involving MDMA – also known as ecstasy or “Molly” – an average of eight per month between January 2012 and August 2013.

Opinion: Vote

It will matter who is elected governor.

Absentee voting has already begun; Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you’ve read this far, you care enough that voting is absolutely essential.

Area Divers Make National Team

Madison’s Campbell, Robinson’s Flory to represent the U.S. at Junior Pan American Championships.

Grayson Campbell, a sophomore at Madison High School, and Max Flory, a seventh-grader at Robinson Secondary School, will represent the United States at the Junior Pan American Diving Championships from Sept. 26-29 in Tucson, Ariz. More than 100 divers from nine countries will participate.

‘Horrible and Senseless’ Tragedy

Four area residents killed in Navy Yard rampage.

Decorated U.S. Navy Commander Martin Bodrog’s life was cut short when 34-year-old Aaron Alexis opened fire at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday morning, Sept. 16, killing Bodrog and 11 others. He was remembered in a moving Celebration of Life service at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 21 attended by more than 1,300 friends and family.

Medicare, Caregiving Seminars

Fairfax County is offering Medicare 101—a two-three hour program on Medicare basics. Find more information and register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/vicap.htm or call the numbers below.

Crafts, Plays, Dance: Fun Events for Fall

Below is a partial listing of some autumn events happening in the local area: Oct. 12—The Fairfax Fall Festival, held throughout the streets of downtown Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There’ll be crafts galore, plus food, music and fun for children.

Burke to Celebrate History Day

Modern-day Burke has quite the colorful past; from surviving the Civil War to becoming the weekend getaway for the residents of the nation’s capital. Complete with hotels and horse racing, Burke provided a popular destination for those living in the Washington D.C. area at the turn of the 20th century. And, in the not too distant past, citizens of Burke fought back—and won—after Burke was selected as the site for the second Washington Area jet airport, forcing the United States government instead to relocate to the current site now known as Dulles International Airport. To celebrate the oft-changing Burke, the community’s own historical society holds Burke History Day Saturday, Oct. 12, in Downtown Burke, featuring exhibits, children’s activities and presentations about the people, places and events throughout the years that the place as we know it today.

Area Divers to Represent the U.S. at Junior Pan American Championships

Tuesday, September 24

Full Disclosure? Forms Plagued By Lack of Information, Absence of Oversight

Fairfax County goes so far as to redact disclosure documents.

Saturday, September 21

Henderson Leads Lake Braddock to Comeback Win Over Westfield

Bruins tight end Antonellis has big pass-catching performance.

Lake Braddock improves to 3-0.

Thursday, September 19

Burke Home Sales: August, 2013

In August 2013, 75 Burke homes sold between $945,000-$129,000.

Burke Home Sales: August, 2013

Editorial: Addressing Virginia’s Economy

Ending gridlock in Congress and supporting health care reform would be huge steps in supporting economic recovery in Virginia.

The strength of Virginia’s economy, especially Northern Virginia’s economy, comes significantly from federal spending. So while the governor and other elected officials claim that Virginia’s success is because Virginia is a low-tax state with fewer regulations, it’s worth considering that the sequester and continuing gridlock in Congress threaten Virginia’s most important resource, federal spending.

Navy Yard Shootings Hit Close to Home

Four Fairfax County victims killed in Washington Navy Yard rampage.

“Marty was a kind and caring man. He had such a sweet spirit and was in every way a man that lived his life to honor Christ.” —Pastor Steve Holley of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield

Local Business Leaders Spotlight Opportunities for UK Companies

Fairfax County EDA organizes Sept. 26 seminar in London.

Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) officials announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, that local executives will speak at a London seminar to spotlight opportunities for British companies interested in homeland security business opportunities in the United States.

Robinson Volleyball Sweeps Lake Braddock

Balanced Rams share offensive load.

Three Rams finished with at least nine kills.

Full Disclosure?

Forms plagued by a lack of information, absence of oversight; redacted documents.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent. Some elected officials choose to disclose a great deal of information while others disclose very little. Fairfax County officials have decided to redact information that's supposed to be part of the public record. And nobody is reviewing the forms to make sure they are accurate.

Classified Advertising Sept. 18, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Wednesday, September 18

Short Film Fest Comes to Fairfax

DC Shorts Film Festival to be held at Angelika Film Center.

With its motto, "keeping it short, keeping it reel," the DC Shorts Film Festival returns for its second year at the Angelika Film Center. The multi-day festival gives Fairfax County residents a nearby, easy-to-reach opportunity to sample and enjoy new works right in their own backyard. The Angelika will present short films from Monday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 29.

‘Finished on Time, Within Budget’

End of the road for parkway interchange project.

It’s been a long time coming, but the Fair Lakes interchange is just about done. And last Thursday, Sept. 12, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell joined local officials here to cut the ribbon on a project improving travel for drivers on the Fair Lakes and Fairfax County parkways, plus Monument Drive. “It’s great to celebrate these achievements,” he said. “The Fairfax County Parkway has been a lifeline of this county for so long. This was a marvelous story of VDOT and our private-sector construction teams working together, and it will benefit this county for a long time.”

Letter: Taking Exception

To the Editor: Representative Jim Moran's commentary on Syria ["Fear of Action Opens Way for Diplomacy," Connection, Sept. 12-18, 2013] deserves a response.

Fundraiser to Help Stop Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Supervisor John C. Cook (R- Braddock District) invites area residents to join him to raise awareness of domestic violence and help two local charities, Shelter House and Fairfax CASA.

Area Roundups

Election Officers Are Needed

The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs approximately 2,200 election officers—particularly bilingual ones—for the Nov. 5 general election, and it’s seeking the public’s help. Election officers must be registered voters in Virginia and must complete required training and forms.

Tuesday, September 17

A New Beginning for Fairfax County Public Libraries?

Library trustees vote to discard beta plan in favor of more public outreach sessions.

On Wall Street, a “beta” test refers to assessing the risk, volatility and expected return of a particular portfolio. If Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials had a crystal ball to assess the volatility of its planned beta tests this fall, it’s likely they may have steered clear of the project that became a quagmire of epic proportions.

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

County suspends discarding of library books.

Just when Sam Clay, Fairfax County’s Public Library director, thought FCPL’s public image couldn’t get any worse, Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) released photos of bins filled to the brim with discarded library books.

Letter: Joining Forces to Prevent Homelessness

You can prevent homelessness, you can end chronic homelessness, you can move people rapidly out of homelessness. What you cannot do is stand aside and let people fall. This simple belief—that together we can change the rate and severity of people losing their homes—brings together nonprofits, for-profits, civic leaders and government staff. We each play a special role, depending on our location and mission. For United Community Ministries (UCM), prevention is the key.

Monday, September 16

Gros To Lead Glasgow Middle School

Doctoral candidate to mentor most ethnically diverse school in Alexandria.

On July 1, Penny Gros, 43, of Burke was named the new principal of Glasgow Middle School, an ethnically diverse school in Alexandria. It’s the best fit for the Spanish-speaking doctoral candidate in her 19th year in education. “This school is a perfect fit for my background, experience and passions,” she said. As a true melting pot, Glasgow Middle has 1551 students enrolled who were born in 65 different countries and speak 57 languages — Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, among others. The school demographics are: 46 percent Hispanic, 24 percent White, 15 percent Asian, 11 percent Black, 31 percent ESOL. There are 16 percent of students in the Level 4/Advanced Academics program and 10 percent in the AVID program. And 75 percent of the students are on the free/reduced lunch program. In terms of student counts, Glasgow has 579 in sixth grade, 480 in seventh grade and 492 in eighth grade.

Friday, September 13

County News & Notes

Putting Brakes on Neighborhood Speeding

In an effort to get drivers to slow down in residential neighborhoods, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved $350,000 to fund a public awareness campaign and “traffic calming” measures in the county Tuesday, Sept. 10. Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) initiated the measure last year, soliciting constituent support through an online petition, which resulted in more than 250 signatures and hundreds of emails from supporters.

What to See, When to See It

The playwright Tom Stoppard’s existential spinoff from “Hamlet” runs for one night in March 2014. Two relatively minor roles from the bard’s play tirelessly and cleverly weigh their significance in the historic royal plot. The production of the tragic comedy benefits from direction by Tony Award-winner John Rando.

HOV Lanes Closing on Weekends

Closures begin on Friday night, Sept. 13 and continue each weekend until late October.

To advance the fast track towards completion, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be closing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes every weekend starting on Friday nights and keeping them closed until Sunday afternoons in September and Monday mornings in October for 95 Express Lanes construction. These closures are scheduled to begin on Friday night, Sept. 13 and continue each weekend until late October. The lanes will be closed from just north of I-495 to Dumfries.

Column: Now This is What

Do nothing (no more treatment) and live life to the fullest (for as long as I’m able, and right now, I’m extremely able); start another chemotherapy protocol – with an I.V. chemotherapy drug which, according to my oncologist, has not been proven in any clinical setting to be better than the patient doing nothing; or, try to get into a Study (Phase 1, 2 or 3) at either N.I.H. (National Institutes of Health) or Johns Hopkins (in Baltimore) and let the treatment chips fall wherever experimental/research medicine takes them. This is what my oncologist discussed with Team Lourie at my most recent appointment, my first appointment with him since my hospitalization and subsequent release.

An Artistic Evening Like No Other

“ARTS by George!” returns to George Mason stage.

With an open invitation to the community, the George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is holding its eighth annual "ARTS by George!" event. It has quickly become one of the premiere arts events in Northern Virginia. The mission of "ARTS by George!" is to showcase and support Mason students in a wide range of artistic fields including arts, dance, music, theater, computer game design, film and video studies and arts management. The gala raises funds to provide for student scholarships. It is capped off this year by the headliner performance of Tony Award winner Laura Benanti.

NVAR Summit at GMU’s Mason Inn

Complex shortage of homes for sale likely to persist; boomers not planning to retire, not planning to move, experts say. Rising mortgage rates should inspire renters to buy soon.

Nationally syndicated columnist and moderator Kenneth R. Harney introduced the expert panel for the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) 17th annual Economic Summit Thursday morning, Sept. 5. Dr. David Crowe, chief economist and senior vice president of the National Association of Home Builders, joined economic experts David E. Versel, a senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, and Dr. Lawrence Yun, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors.

Condo Renovations

As sales of condominiums grow, so does demand for luxury renovations.

More people are moving from leafy, sprawling suburbs to more urban areas, neighborhoods both in the city and in Northern Virginia that offer close proximity to restaurants, jobs, cultural activities and Metro.

Big Ideas for Small Spaces

Local designers offer ideas for decorating small rooms.

Whether one is sprucing up a small powder room or decorating a studio apartment, space limitations often pose a design challenge. However, local designers say that no matter how a small space’s square footage or how awkward the layout, there are plenty of decorative cures for small spaces. Whether one is sprucing up a small powder room or decorating a studio apartment, space limitations often pose a design challenge. However, local designers say that no matter how a small space’s square footage or how awkward the layout, there are plenty of decorative cures for small spaces.

Top-to-Bottom Makeover Embraces Longterm Horizons

The Hollis family wanted a house that would work better today — and long into the future.

Sometimes it’s not limited square footage that makes a house feel inadequate — it’s how that square footage is configured.

Lambert Named Teacher of the Year

Earlier this summer, Robinson Secondary School teacher Cara Lambert received a pre-back-to-school surprise. The Virginia Business Education Association (VBEA) had named her the 2013 Al Roane Middle School Business Teacher of the Year. “It was exciting,” said Lambert. “This wasn’t my chosen career to begin with, but it’s a career that I love, so it’s nice to be recognized. Anyone would enjoy winning an award.”

Jubilee! to Help Libraries

A Library Jubilee! to raise funds for Library programs.

Fairfax Library Foundation will be hosting its fifth annual Library Jubilee, with this year’s theme, “Let Loose in the Library!” Oct. 5, 5-8 p.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Thanks to many sponsors, especially Signature Guardian Sponsor, the Friends of Burke Centre Library, the Jubilee is the foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year, and all proceeds will help enhance programs and services offered by Fairfax County Public Library including: Changing Lives Through Literature, Early Literacy Outreach, programs and presentations, scholarships, and books and materials. Last year’s Jubilee raised a record amount of $130,000.

Week in Burke

Police are investigating an incident that occurred Friday evening, Aug. 23. Around 6:50 p.m., a 37-year-old woman answered a knock on her door in the 10200 block of Scarborough Commons Court. A man standing at the door spoke briefly with the victim and then attempted to push his way inside the residence. The suspect also struck the victim in the upper body. The victim was able to slam the door shut and the suspect fled on foot. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require transport to a hospital.

Like Magic

New plan in built-out 1940s colonial gains vital square footage as young family looks ahead.

In the end, a skillful spatial reconfiguration is like a deft magician's trick — you've seen it with your own eyes, but you still can't figure out how they did it. “Really, I don't know how this plan created so much more usable space,” Alexandria resident Alice Goulet said, discussing a recent reconfiguration to several rooms in the family's 1,800-square-foot center-hall Colonial.

Tiny Dancers Voted 'Best Ballet'

Tiny Dancers, located on Main Street in Fairfax, has been voted “Best Ballet or Dance Studio” by readers of Washington Family Magazine. This is the fourth year in a row that the company received the honor. In addition, Tiny Dancers was previously named among the Best in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine and Best of NoVa by Northern Virginia Magazine. Commenting on the surveys, studio manager Beth Melton said, "Naturally, we're very excited. We work hard to provide the best learning environment possible for young dancers, and it's great to know that the effort is having an impact on our students."

Gros to Lead Glasgow Middle

Doctoral candidate to mentor most ethnically diverse school in Alexandria.

Thousands Attend Burke Centre Festival

Free event provides entertainment, a wine garden and children’s activities.

Thousands attended the Burke Centre Festival last Saturday and Sunday at the Burke Centre Conservancy festival grounds. The free event off Burke Centre Parkway included live entertainment, bands, dancers, puppet shows, interactive wildlife shows, a wine garden, amusement rides, arts and crafts show, a blood drive, children’s activities and special appearances by the Angry Birds, SpongeBob and Elmo.

Letter: Good Cause, Bad Practice

[Reference to “Hitting the Streets to Fill the Boot,” front page photo and story on page 7, Burke Connection, Sept. 5-11, 2013]: I applaud the efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue staff in their support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The annual "Fill the Boot" drive raises a lot of money each year; it's a good cause.

Northern Virginia Designers Awarded Rooms in Showhouse Event

Northern Virginia/metro area interior designers Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design and Wayne Breeden of E. Wayne Breeden Design are among 17 designers awarded rooms at the benefit Winchester Showhouse & Gardens, open to the public through Sept. 29.

Sun Design Named One of U.S.’s Fastest Growing Private Companies

Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc., of Fairfax, was named by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies. This is the fourth time the magazine has included Sun Design on its annual Inc. 5000 list.

Thursday, September 12

Editorial: Small Steps to Fight Homelessness

Efficiency apartments would serve 20-somethings, service workers, retirees and more.

One way to prevent homelessness is to think small. It doesn’t take much space to house one person. Sure, many houses in our area have 1,000 square feet and sometimes two or three times that much per person, but that’s really not necessary.

Celebrating Diversity Through Music

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bilingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues.

With grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bi-lingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues in the coming weeks.

Classified Advertising September 11, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Friday, September 6

Austin Nicholls of Fairfax Troop 1530 Achieves Eagle Rank

Austin David Nicholls, an Oak Hill resident and rising junior at South Lakes High School, earned scouting’s highest rank of Eagle on June 18. Austin is a member of Troop 1530, sponsored by Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax, and it was at Pender's ReGift Thrift Store in Chantilly that he decided to do his Eagle Scout project.

Area Roundups

Now that school is back in session, Fairfax County police urge motorists to be even more vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists. Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the week and build extra travel time into their schedules. Residents may also notice police officers posted in school zones and near bus stops to help ensure pedestrian safety, plus safe loading and unloading of students. Drivers are reminded that, when bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they’re separated from the bus by a median.

Miss Israel Comes to Fairfax

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia hosts meet and greet with Yityish Aynaw.

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia will host an evening with Miss Israel, Yityish Aynaw, the first Ethiopian-born woman to win the Israeli beauty pageant, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.

Firefighters Hit the Streets to Fill-the-boot

Connolly praised Fairfax County fire department as “one of the best in the nation.”

Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 2068 kicked off its annual Fill-the-Boot drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Fire Station 14 in Burke.

Commentary: The Children Fairfax Shouldn’t Leave Behind

It’s the beginning of a new school year, and we in Fairfax are justifiably proud of our schools, which we proclaim are “among the best in the nation.” But what we don’t discuss enough is whether they are the best for all of our children. When we measure FCPS’s success, we often talk about the number of AP classes taken, high SAT scores and admissions to the best colleges and universities. These “US News and World Report” statistics measure how high our best students can go, but what about the rest? We have a minority student achievement gap. It’s narrowing but is still significant.

Angry Birds Rumored to Appear at Burke Centre Festival

... but not in the wine tent, please.

The word around the neighborhood is that Angry Birds are preening to make an appearance at the Burke Centre Festival, with sidekicks Spongebob and Elmo, too. They’ll be at home in the whimsy and sport that is the Burke Centre Festival, at 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. They might not be at the wine garden though (5-10 p.m. Saturday only). But everywhere else? Fair game.

Thursday, September 5

Opinion: Dangers of Failure To Act

Our current and future standing in the international community is on the line.

President Obama has sought Congressional approval to carry out limited surgical strikes in Syria against the regime of Bashar al Assad in response to his use of chemical weapons to attack Syrian civilians, which killed 1,429 people, including 426 children.

Editorial: Later Start Times for High School

It’s past time to act; let this year be the year.

Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, the first day of school in Fairfax County, Dr. Karen Garza began her official day at 6:30 a.m. at Chantilly High School. While Garza was making herself available for interviews before the first class started at 7:20 a.m., many students were already on the school bus.

Wellbeing: How To Set Realistic Goals

Local experts say the key to success is setting achievable goals.

Laura Wheeler Poms, of Fairfax, set out to earn a doctorate degree and make a career change. As a wife, mother and working professional, the goal, she said, often felt lofty. “Writing my dissertation at times felt overwhelming, especially if I looked at it as one huge project,” said Poms, who now holds a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology and is an assistant professor of global and community health at George Mason University in Fairfax. “I set goals like writing one page or doing one analysis each day and I was able to get it done. I also gave myself little rewards along the way.”

Column: Indeterminate Sentence

And no, that’s not another made-up phrase by yours truly describing my occasionally cluttered/run-on prose with which many of you extremely patient regular readers are all too familiar. No, it has to do with how I perceive my future now that I’m post-hospital and sleeping in my own bed. Instead of nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, doctors and miscellaneous other hospital staff too numerous to list, I have one wife and five cats to do my bidding. And though they’re not nearly as attentive as the hospital staff, I know that they all have my best interests at heart.

Saving Jobs in Hard Times

Virginia lawmakers will push work sharing legislation this session.

“Having been through the recession and recent slight increases in Virginia unemployment rates as federal sequestration takes effect, it is important that we give Virginia businesses all the tools we can to help them and their employees get through challenging times. This bill does that.” —State Sen. George Barker (D-39)

‘Shared Work:’ A Win-Win-Win Solution

Preventing layoffs, maintaining the well-being of employees and their communities and keeping businesses competitive.

How do we mitigate the devastating effects of layoffs on employees, employers and their communities? Is there a "win-win-win" solution?

Wednesday, September 4

Woodson’s Fisher Totals Career-high 31 Kills

Cavaliers beat Robinson in five sets.

Woodson won district championships in 2011, 2012.

Classified Advertising Sept. 4, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Monday, September 2

Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Burke?

Interviews conducted by Steve Hibbard at the Pohick Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Burke.

“There is the Burke Lake Park where I go to play volleyball with friends. There’s Kingstowne for shopping and the movie theater.”

The Non-profits of South Fairfax County

An aid and mission travel organization that aims to implement sustainability projects, such as clean energy, safe water and sanitation in developing nations. Locally, volunteer opportunities include helping design graphics, social media management and fundraiser writing, in addition to being part of a travel team.

State Senator Marsden Shares ‘Insider Tips’ With Newcomers

Where to find Del. David Bulova bartending (maybe), and feel free to call Senator Marsden.

The possibilities for getting involved in a new community are endless. Throw yourself a “welcome to the neighborhood party” by having your new neighbors over. Join a civic club, Lions, rotary, etc. Join a church, the PTA, or the political party committee of your choice. Just don’t sit there … get started today!

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. Stretching from Annandale to the far edge of Fairfax by the Fairfax County Government Center, we are located in the center of Fairfax County. Braddock District contains key roads for the county such as Route 50, Route 29, Little River Turnpike, Braddock Road, the Fairfax County Parkway, Old Keene Mill, Rolling Road and 495. We are proud to have two institutes of higher learning, George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, which attract students from all over the world. Here’s a short list of some must-do, must-see places, events and opportunities for newcomers (and old-timers) alike.