Stories for December 2015

Classified Advertising December 30, 2015

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Civil Air Patrol Change of Command and Awards at Burke Squadron

Two long-time members of the Burke Composite Squadron were honored on Dec. 17 in a Change of Command at Irving Middle School in Springfield.

A Year in Review, Highlights of 2015

A year in Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton and Springfield.

Letter: Why Drug Problems Remain in 2016?

To the Editor

As published in your paper, the Fairfax County police described heroin to be a “big problem now” which is “definitely here” amongst certain high school age students as presented to the Lake Braddock Secondary School PTA (“Youth Heroin Use Described As ‘a Big Problem’, Connection, Dec. 10-16, 2015).

Del. Filler-Corn Receives the Jobs for America’s Graduates’ National Network Leadership Award

Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) was honored by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) with their National Network Leadership Award in Washington, D.C.

Debating All Things Metro

Northern Virginia Transportation Commission facilitates public forum with new Metro chief.

When then Falls Church City Council member Dave Snyder was assigned to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) in 1994 as part of his duties, he says he never suspected that his “luck” would lead him to a topic and to work that is as vital to and as challenging for the region today as it was when he entered that arena more than twenty years ago.

Burke Rotary Club President Receives Recognition at UN

Each year, Rotary Day at the United Nations invites more than 1,300 Rotarians including many Rotary International Directors, Foundation Trustees, past Senior Leaders, and guests to come together at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Coastal Riverine Squadron Welcomes New Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Mark Harris of Burke takes command.

In a traditional change of command ceremony, Cmdr. Mark Harris of Burke relieved Cmdr. Nathan York as commanding officer of Coastal Riverine Squadron Four (CRS) 4 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Dec. 11.

Editorial: Merry Christmas

The pages of the Connection have been full of holiday spirit for more than a month. Menorah lightings, group and individual efforts to help the needy, stories of giving, secular celebrations, religious celebrations.

Classified Advertising December 23, 2015

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Burke, Fairfax Station and Springfield: Lake Braddock Student Dies in Crash

Friends, family and members of the Lake Braddock Secondary School Community gathered Sunday night Dec. 21 to mourn the loss of Laween A. Akrawi, 18, a Lake Braddock Bruin who died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Dec. 18. They laid candles and flowers by an easel holding his senior picture.

Fairfax County School Board Opens the Door for School Name Changes

No decisions made to affect current school names.

The Fairfax County School Board did not change any names of schools at its Dec. 17 regular business meeting.

Fairfax County: McAuliffe Proposing More for Education

Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D, left) unveiled his budget proposal for $1 billion in public and higher education investment at Mark Twain Middle School in Alexandria on Dec. 16, as part of the total state budget he plans to roll out on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Fairfax Station Woman Survives Lung Cancer Scare

Early detection and new screening technology caught nodule in early stage.

It was not Fairfax Station resident Jackie Marino’s first time visiting the Burke Allergy and Asthma Center with a resurgent sinus infection. The elementary school Spanish teacher had cycled through treatment several times, complaining of a sinus infection, receiving antibiotics, seeing some resolution and then returning when the infection came back.

Fairfax: Menorah Bringing Light to Mosaic

Children shrieked and chased each other through the passageway beneath the Mosaic District towering Christmas tree, while a trio of cantors from Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church led a small crowd in festive Hanukkah songs such as “I Am a Latke.”

Burke: Taste of Braddock Showcases Local Cuisines

More than a dozen local restaurants, grocery stores and other food businesses showcased their cuisines for the community on Dec. 9 at the 2015 Taste of Braddock.

Area Roundups

Area happenings.

Classified Advertising December 16, 2015

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All Aboard the Ho Ho Ho Train

At Burke Centre Station, Santa trains educate young riders about rail safety.

It was a typical scene at Burke Centre Station, a line of people waiting for the train

Lake Braddock Girls Beat Robinson

The Lake Braddock girls’ basketball team defeated rival Robinson 42-34 on Dec. 11.

Saint Nick Comes to Burke Presbyterian Church

Saint Nicholas visits Burke Presbyterian Church.

Burke: Lake Braddock's Butler Scores 46 in Victory Over T.C. Williams

Bruins senior scores 18 points in fourth quarter.

The Lake Braddock boys' basketball team improved to 5-0.

Partnership Launches ‘Build a Village’ Campaign

Goal to end homelessness in Fairfax County by 2018 looms; more than 400 children are among the homeless here.

Dozens of business leaders, elected officials and advocates for ending homelessness gathered Monday, Dec. 14 in the offices of Piedmont Fund Services in Herndon to launch the “Build a Village” campaign.

Lessons in Charitable Giving

Conversations, modeling behavior and hands-on actions can help teach children about benevolence and compassion.

Matthew Mamalian’s holiday shopping list included some items that might seem atypical for a 12-year-old middle school student: shampoo, socks, soap and a few snacks.

Burke: Freshman James Provides Spark for Undefeated Lake Braddock

Guard scores 12 points, Bruins beat Robinson to improve to 4-0.

The Lake Braddock boys' basketball team beat Robinson 66-54 on Friday.

Springfield Businesses Help Bundle Up

The back of the house at Springfield’s Ecumenical Community Helping Others resembles the staging area for Santa’s all-nighter. Aisles upon aisles of assorted clothing, toys, kitchen equipment and other home goods wait in orderly fashion to be stocked in the nonprofit’s shopping area serving clients with low or no income.

Burke: Marsden Speaks on Future of Local Transportation

State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) reminded the audience at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke that even though their lifestyle and relationships with gasoline, cars and roads may be different than people in more rural parts of Virginia, most counties in the state must play by the same rules in terms of paying taxes and seeing transit maintenance and development come back from Richmond.

Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield

Weekend fun in your neighborhood.

Editorial: Safety Net for Holiday Celebrations

It’s an opportunity to talk about responsibility, alcohol and planning ahead.

The holiday party season is here, and we will almost all be celebrating in some way. Some ways will involve celebrations that include alcohol.

Ideas for Decking the Halls

Local designers create opulent holiday designs.

From traditional to glamorous, fresh to faux and high-end to old school, local tastemakers tell how they create dazzling holiday design extravaganzas.

Citizen Speakers Turn Out for J.E.B. Stuart High Name Change

School Board to take action Dec. 17

J.E.B. Stuart High School senior Whitten Rutledge is proud of his school, mostly.

Letter: Dispelling Confusion

To the Editor

I so much appreciated Tim Peterson's article, "Special Bible Exhibit at First Church of Christ, Scientist" (Christian Science church in Springfield), published in the Nov. 26 issue of The Connection.

Fairfax County Companies Designated as Best Workplaces for Commuters

Ten companies in Fairfax County were honored as Best Workplaces for Commuters.

Classified Advertising December 9, 2015

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Conservatory Ballet’s The Nutcracker Spreading Holiday Cheer

More than 85 area students make holiday magic come to life performing in Conservatory Ballet’s 43rd annual production of “The Nutcracker.”

Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Springfield

Weekend in your neighborhood

Merry and Fit

Support groups help members maintain fitness during season of indulgence.

Just after 7:30 on a recent Sunday morning, the steady beat of Cold Play’s "Viva la Vida" pulsed through the warm, sleepy air.

Voter Services Chair Recognized by Supervisors

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented the Barbara Varon Award to Sidney Johnson, Voter Services chair of the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA), on Nov. 17.

County Limits Dog Tethering

“Man’s best friend deserves legal protection,” said Peggy Marshall, who adopted her best friend, Bianca.

Environmental Quality of Life

Advisory Council issues 512-page vision for county environmental policy.

Flooding will rise in concern in Fairfax County as a result of climate change, warned Stella Koch, chairperson of the county’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

Youssef Zeroual of the Weichert, Realtors Burke/Fairfax Station Office Recognized

Bruce Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that sales associate Youssef Zeroual of the Burke/Fairfax Station office was individually recognized for his exceptional industry success during the month of October.

Lake Braddock Football Falls in Region Semifinals

Bruins lose to Westfield for third straight season.

The Westfield football team traveled to Burke on Nov. 28 and defeated Lake Braddock 31-7 in the 6A North region semifinals.

Burke Turkey Trot Raises $5,500 for Parkinson's Disease

About 500 people participated in the Turkey Trot 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run for Parkinson's Disease on Thanksgiving Day at Burke Lake Park, raising $5,500 for the cause.

Commentary: Carrying Out the Life-saving Mission

Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program is dedicated to keeping our most vulnerable community members safe during the long, harsh winter months.

Cappies Review: An Excellent Performance Regarding a Terrible Play

Sardines fell from above and squelched underfoot. The set rocked as actors fell down stairs and broke through windows.

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church and Temple B’nai Shalom hold 29th joint Thanksgiving eve service.

When he applied for Minister of Music position at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke, David Chavez said he was told there’s just one non-negotiable date on the calendar: Thanksgiving eve.

Performance of Ellington’s Jazz “Nutcracker Suite” Benefits Burke Charity

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church in Burke will host a live performance of Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” from 1960.

Burke Centre Swim Teams Present Donation to Burke CARES

Continuing an annual tradition dating back to the early 2000s, representatives from the Burke Centre Penguins and Stingers summer swim teams presented Burke CARES a check for $2,668.50 on Nov. 12.

Adam Torres trial for murder of John Geer postponed until April 2016

Former Fairfax County police officer Adam Torres was charged with second-degree murder in August this year for shooting Springfield resident John Geer in August 2013. The trial was scheduled to begin on Dec. 14, but a continuance was recently granted to the defense, pushing it back until April 18, 2016.

Classified Advertising December 2 , 2015

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