Stories for December 2014

Column: Level Best

If I wanted to rationalize the benefit of delaying my heretofore every-three-week chemotherapy infusion from three weeks to four and now on to five, possibly six – and that’s dependent on improved results from a second/maybe even third retest upcoming (this retest a bit more involved than drawing blood) – I would say it’s only fitting that I should have a break/brake; after all, it is the holiday season when all good things; yada, yada, yada. If only it were that simple.

Column: The New Normal

Loosey goosey, I suppose. As much as one might prefer some predictability in their life (certainly a cancer patient would – I know I would), I may be entering a cycle of permanent unpredictability.

Letter: Do Fairfax County Police Act with Impunity?

Fifteen months, after the shooting of John Geer, no officer has been identified, no charges have been filed, no grand jury has been convened and no reason has been given to the family or the public.

I would like to begin by saying that I have always and still do support the police as a whole. I appreciate the job that they do and the risks they take on a daily basis in an effort to keep the public safe. The ongoing policy in Fairfax County of police self-investigation, when officers are involved in possible crimes, has to change.

Letter: Taking Exception on Express Lanes

To the Editor

An article was recently published in your newspaper discussing the new I-95 express lanes (95 Express Lanes Open, The Connection, Dec. 18-24, 2014). One statement in the article read, “Construction manager for the project John Morse, of VDOT, said that the addition of a third lane will solve a number of problems and give people options other than waiting in traffic.”

Gifts for the Home

Local shop owners offer suggestions to make holiday shopping easier.

While holiday shopping is part of the spirit of the season, for some choosing a present for everyone on their list can be overwhelming. Local small business owners come to the rescue with gift ideas for the home.

Irresistible? How Karen Garza Creates Change in Fairfax County Schools

Karen Garza is a good listener. And once she’s listened, she is, admittedly, not very patient. “If there's a real issue, I don't think it has to be debated for 10 or 15 years,” Garza said in an interview. “Either we're going to do something about it or not.”

FCPS Chief Karen Garza and Her Previous Life in Texas

“When I hired Karen in 2005,” former Superintendent of Houston Independent School District (HISD) Dr. Abelardo Saavedra said, “the position of chief academic officer had been open several months. I went looking for her. I’d never met her but I’d heard about her. There is a big difference between a mid-sized district and a larger one; the dynamics are completely different. I was taking a risk because she came from a mid-sized one of about 40,000 in Corpus Christi, and ours was much bigger. She adjusted very quickly.”

Saving Historic Homes

Residents could live virtually rent-free in exchange for repairing and maintaining homes.

Fairfax County might soon breathe life into historic homes that have fallen into disrepair. If an ordinance adopted by the County Board of Supervisors last month becomes law, the county will be one step closer to establishing a resident curator program.

2015 New Year Remodeling Resolutions

Improving long-term living needs and future home value.

After all the holiday festivities have passed and the ball has dropped to ring in the New Year, many homeowners are inspired to tackle resolutions that relate to their living space. 2015 may be the year you want to remodel your home to allow for the changes occurring in your life.

Fairfax County Public Schools Needing Community’s Help

Superintendent Karen Garza begins and ends her Listening Tour meetings with a plea to those in the room — parents, teachers, employees, unions — to help her achieve what needs to be done for their school system. “I am going to need your help,” she says to audiences who voice concerns about class size, resources for special education, and teacher salaries.

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza Bio

Current Position: Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent

Timeline of Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza’s career in education.

1986-1991: Elementary School Teacher, Yoakum, Texas (1,539 students, 38% white and 50% Latino and spends about $8,000 per pupil).

Burke Church Volunteers Assemble Birth Kits for Haiti

Meg Hanrahan of Burke and Melinda Engelbrektsson of Fairfax Station have each faced life-threatening complications with childbirth. Thanks to the medical resources available to them and “the grace of God,” said Engelbrektsson, they and their children survived. Many women in third world countries including Haiti don’t have the same opportunity.

Skating Fun for Burke Centre at Fairfax Ice Arena

Michael and Emmett Pellegrino of Burke didn’t have to wait much to see Santa. Just long enough to have their ice skates tied. The Burke Centre Conservancy had rented out Fairfax Ice Arena and asked the jolly old man to make an appearance.

Burke Church Hosts Hypothermia Prevention Shelter with FACETS

This week, the doors at Burke United Methodist Church (BUMC) swing open a little wider. Each year since 2006, the congregation at BUMC has hosted a hypothermia prevention shelter in its large fellowship hall. The church is one of nearly 30 faith communities in Northern Virginia running shelters in partnership with FACETS, the Fairfax-based nonprofit fighting local poverty.

Editorial: Merry Christmas

A message of peace and joy.

Merry Christmas. It’s a magical time of year, and perhaps Connection Newspapers has over indulged in displaying the many rituals of Christmas on our pages in the past few weeks. In events around the area, a sense of community has infused holiday parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, choral performances, singing of carols and other traditional events with warmth and joy.

When Dad (or Mom) Is High School Sports Coach

Local coaches and athletes share their feelings about the relationship between parent/coach and child/athlete.

Letter to the Editor: Opposing the Pipeline

To the Editor Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has proposed that, in four years, a 550 mile natural gas pipeline, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, be built throughout Virginia. Although Virginia will house most of the pipeline, it will also travel through North Carolina and West Virginia. McAuliffe boasts that thousands of jobs will be created and sustained by this pipeline.

‘The American Dream’

The story of success via hard work makes the book a good gift.

Merrifield Garden Center has been a magnet for Northern Virginia gardeners since the store was founded by entrepreneurs and friends Bob Warhurst and Buddy Williams in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County in 1971. Since then, the company has expanded to two more stores in Northern Virginia: Fair Oaks in Fairfax and Gainesville in Prince William County.

95 Express Lanes Open

Transportation project culminates after a decade and four governors.

The 95 express lanes opened on Sunday, Dec. 14, after a decade of planning and since breaking ground almost two years ago. Gov. Terry McAuliffe--joined by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, members of the Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford counties board of supervisors, and representatives from VDOT and Transurban--cut the ribbon on Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Alexandria.

“Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains” Returns to Area

On Saturday, Dec.13, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Virginia’s commuter rail service, held its 18th annual “Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains.”

Taste of Braddock Kicks Off Holidays

The annual Taste of Braddock reception was held at Supervisor John Cook’s office on Dec. 10. It was a wonderful time for community members to come together to kick off the holiday season and share in some delicious food from Braddock District businesses.

Bringing Smiles to Military Families in Lorton

Operation Homefront, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, held a Holiday Toy Party for children of enlisted soldiers in Lorton. Five hundred families registered online to be part of the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Column: A Level That’s Anything But

This is not a home improvement reference, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column.

Burke Home Sales: November, 2014

In November 2014, 36 Burke homes sold between $680,000-$214,000.

Burke Home Sales: November, 2014

An Essay To Remember

Local educators offer advice on acing independent school admission essays and interviews.

While many are knee-deep in wrapping paper and eggnog, some students are holed up with computer keyboards and books of quotations. In addition to driving to the mall for holiday shopping, some parents are throwing rapid-fire questions at their children to make sure they are fast on their feet.

Commentary: Helping People without Homes

The weather has turned colder and the holidays are in full swing, which means it’s the time of year when people ask “what can we do for the homeless now that it’s so cold?” Or “how can we help the homeless have a good Christmas?”

Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping, remember tens of thousands of local children are short of food as well as presents.

The holidays are for giving. Christmas and Hanukkah are about children and family, about sharing, about joy, about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see few signs of families in need as we go about our daily lives and holiday shopping. Our neighborhoods are largely segregated economically; we mostly see the people who are most like ourselves economically.

95 Express Lanes, a Preview

All signs point to getting an EZ Pass.

Like a long-awaited summer blockbuster, signs on billboards along Route 1 and banners hanging on bridges that cross I-95, tease commuters about the coming of the nine-mile extension of the 95 express lanes.

Big Brother at School Stage

Lake Braddock High produces George Orwell’s “1984.”

There is no freedom of expression. Individuality does not exist. The Inner Party harnesses supreme power, and there is no hope of toppling the government. Every action is recorded. Every thought is monitored.

Commentary: Changing Society’s Perception of Sexual Assault

Recently, headlines across the country involved another sexual assault tragedy. This time at the University of Virginia. While a great deal of controversy surrounds this latest story, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that stories of sexual assault are filling our newspapers all too regularly.

Five Star Jewelers Has Unique Jewelry Gifts

Looking for fine jewelry gifts this holiday season? Five Star Jewelers in Burke is the place to find all of your "bling." This family-owned business belonging to Helen and Toby Fitzkee has operated in the Burke Centre Shopping Center in Burke since 1987.

Weichert, Realtors Recognizes Burke/Fairfax Station Office, Associates

Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the Burke/Fairfax Station office was recognized for outstanding performance in November. The office led the region, which comprises offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Delaware counties, for new home dollar volume.

Weichert, Realtors’ Burke Office Launches Toy Drive

With the season of giving upon us, Nick Brown, branch manager of Weichert, Realtors’ Burke office, has announced the start of their annual holiday toy drive to benefit children associated with “Kristi’s Christmas” – a nonprofit program that is supported by the West Springfield Rotary Foundation, which is devoted to helping disadvantaged children in Fairfax County that may be overlooked by other county, state, and federal programs.

Looking for Gifts in Burke?

The Picket Fence, 6025 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, offers Charles Viancin silicone lid, $9-$14; Michel Design soaps $12 and decorative trays up to $54.

Burke Community Church Christmas Program is About High Energy

Imagine Randy Travis singing “Away in a Manger,” re-imagined as reggae. Darren Brown can’t, either, but he’s practicing it anyway for an interactive portion of the Burke Community Church Christmas program on Dec. 13. The West Springfield resident was formerly the music director and is now executive pastor and worship pastor.

Editorial: Make a Plan, Talk About It

Here is help in keeping impaired drivers off the roads.

The holiday party season is upon us, and with it an increase in drinking and driving. It’s up to you to make a plan to get home safely.

Column: ‘Quality of Life’

If I’ve heard it once – from my oncologist – I’ve probably heard it a dozen times over the last nearly-six years.

Nai-Tetteh's Defense Leads Robinson to Comeback Win over Lake Braddock

Senior's two steals, 14 fourth-quarter points propel Rams to victory.

Robinson beat Lake Braddock 65-59 Monday.

Handling Family Dynamics During the Holidays

Local experts offer suggestions on how to diffuse family tensions.

Last month, Linda and Tom Bullen traveled from Boston to Arlington, to celebrate Thanksgiving with their son Matt, daughter Rachel and her partner Grace Knight.

Burke United Methodist Church begins Christmas season celebration.

A tuba-playing shepherd broke from playing Christmas carols to snap cell phone pictures of a tall sheep and two young girl-sized shepherds. The “Selfie” station with biblical-themed costumes was the first stop for Edie, Olive and Tommy Webster of Fairfax at the Burke United Methodist Family Advent Celebration.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Signs On for $403 Million Loan

Low-interest federal loan will help finance Phase 2 of Silver Line.

Phase two of the Silver Line construction got a boost towards its 2018 estimated completion date. After nearly a year of discussion, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize a federal loan agreement to the tune of $403 million.

Burke Racquet & Swim Club Craft Fair Helps Food for Others, Women at Risk

Beaded jewelry, brass rubbings, crocheted and knitwear, birdhouses and quilts are just a few of the craft gift items on offer at the Burke Racquet & Swim Club this weekend.

Fairfax County Facing More Budget Strain

County Executive and FCPS Superintendent present adverse forecasts.

Days before the traditional loosening of belts for Thanksgiving, Fairfax County officials discussed the need for tightening theirs.

Lake Braddock XC Sends Two Harriers to Nike Nationals

Corbett, Murphy place fifth in respective SE regional races.

Lake Braddock's Alex Corbett and Kate Murphy will compete at Nike nationals on Dec. 6 in Portland, Ore.

Letter to the Editor: Two Ideas to Address Rape

To the Editor: As many of us recoil from the recent UVA sexual assault article in Rolling Stone, tremendous accusations are being thrown at the university and others like it across the country. While UVA is not innocent and its infamous privileged “party culture” is partly to blame, there are two clear pieces of the story that no one seems to be addressing.

Editorial: Be Part of Children's Connection 2014

Annual edition showcases youth art and writing.

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.

Column: Since It Ain’t Broken...

Apparently, at least in the near term, we’re (meaning my oncologist) not going to fix it. And by fix it, I am referring to my chemotherapy infusion, which will continue to be every three weeks, as it has been for almost six years; save for a year or so when I was able to take pills at home, and on-site infusions were not necessary.