Stories for April 2012

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Fairfax Celebrates Arts

City of Fairfax Mayor’s Ball attracts hundreds.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Sherwood Center on Friday, April 20 to attend the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Ball, and to celebrate the opening of the 27th year of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival.

Curry Mantra Restaurant Celebrates Anniversary

Zagat-rated Indian restaurant Curry Mantra celebrates its one-year anniversary in April 2012 with the opening of its expansion at 9984 Main Street in Fairfax.

Going Green in Lorton

County uses reclaimed water to irrigate golf course, little league fields.

The fairways at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton and the South County Little League fields are getting a little greener this summer.

Autism Awareness at Union Mill Elementary

April is Autism Awareness month and students at Union Mill had an opportunity to participate in a sensory simulation activity during P.E. classes.

LCAC celebrates its Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

As part of National Volunteer Week (April 15 – 21), the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), a human services nonprofit providing emergency food and financial assistance along with self sufficiency programs to thousands of individuals in southeast Fairfax County, hosted a "Thank You Open House" for LCAC volunteers on Wednesday, April 18.

Workhouse Arts Center Hosts Japanese Art and Culture Day

The Workhouse Arts Center celebrated Japanese Art and Culture Day, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Gift of Trees, National Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors to the Workhouse Arts Center enjoyed and array of interesting, educational, and entertaining activities celebrating the art and culture, both ancient and modern, of Japan.

Car Show Slated for April 29

All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.

Besides being a longtime Clifton resident and its former mayor, Jim Chesley is also a classic-car aficionado. He’s president of the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, and the group is putting on a car show to benefit a children’s hospital.

Clifton Celebrates its 110th Birthday

With balloons, two cakes and a bench-dedication, residents gathered Saturday afternoon, April 21, in the town park to celebrate Clifton’s 110th birthday.

Area Roundup

Things happening in Burke, Springfield, Lorton, and Fairfax.

A Peace Fellow Returns to Fairfax

Lauren Conn, a Fairfax native and graduate of Fairfax High School and the University of William and Mary, will return from Argentina this summer to begin work supporting area youth.

Fundraiser Planned for Animal Shelter

Wine-tasting event is May 5.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is a place of refuge for animals needing care. They often arrive ill or injured, and many have been abused, neglected or abandoned.

‘Step Through the Looking Glass’

Woodson presents ‘Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk.’

To say Woodson High’s play, "Alice in Wonderland in Steampunk" is something special would be a huge understatement.

‘Arabian Nights’ at Lake Braddock

Lake Braddock students perform culturally-rich classic.

Don’t expect Disney’s "Aladdin" in Lake Braddock Secondary School’s production of "The Arabian Nights."

Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic

West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.

Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

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Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget

Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.

"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.

Local Real Estate: March 2012 Sales in Upper $600s

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

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Four Stallions Make College Field Hockey Commitments

Karwel, Clifton, Bradsher, and Taillon were each instrumental in South County's run to the Northern Region crown last fall.

Next school year, four players who have been instrumental members of the South County Secondary girls' field hockey team will be going off to college where they will commit to their classroom studies as well as play field hockey at the collegiate level.

Clifton Man Honored at Public Safety Awards Ceremony

Steve McMurrer, a Fairfax County public safety communicator, is the kind of employee other employees look up to. McMurrer is always helpful and voluntarily creates training materials for use throughout the center.

New Sign for Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

Lake Braddock senior, Edmund Sparrow, completes project to become Eagle Scout.

A group of Boy Scouts led by Lake Braddock Secondary School senior Edmund Sparrow replaced the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum's aging sign on the corner of Ox Road and Fairfax Station Road on March 24.

American Premiere Arrives At Workhouse Arts Center

A rare opportunity presents itself, as the Workhouse Theatre for Young Audiences is producing an American premiere of an original work written specifically for younger children. For the next several weeks, "Home" written by British playwright Lizzie Allen is being staged.

Stallions Softball Wins Hayfield Spring Break Tournament

Dillow's team, despite a youthful look, is 11-2 overall and 7-1 in district play.

Fielding a young lineup has not stopped the South County girls' softball team from having one of the better outfits in the Northern Region once again. The Stallions, with a starting lineup filled mostly with freshmen and sophomores, still showcased an impressive 11-2 overall record following a 3-2 loss at Lake Braddock earlier this week on Tuesday, April 17.

Car Show Slated for April 29

All proceeds benefit children’s hospital.

Besides being a longtime Clifton resident and its former mayor, Jim Chesley is also a classic-car aficionado. He’s president of the Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia, and the group is putting on a car show to benefit a children’s hospital.

FANFARE Eatery Opens at Fairfax Corner

New sports-themed eatery created by owners of Glory Days Grill.

A lot of feathers were ruffled during the grand opening celebration of FANFARE, Fairfax Corner’s newest sports-themed eatery.

Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Why Early Intervention Matters

It’s a parent’s nightmare—one day—out of the blue, your princess, your first- born, your two-year-old daughter, loses her ability to speak. There’s no identifiable reason and my wife and I were devastated.

Raising Money to Educate Children

Project LIFE 2K/5K is Sunday, April 22.

Priya Khanna is still in high school, but she’s the chairman and CEO of a nonprofit organization, The Hollow Trunk. Comprising students from Westfield, Chantilly, Fairfax and Thomas Jefferson high schools, plus Robinson Secondary, it raises money for worthy causes.

Back to the Sixties

Robinson presents ‘How to Succeed in Business…’

t’s been a movie, a Broadway play – currently in revival – and now "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" is coming to the Robinson Secondary stage.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

College Recruiting Seminar to be Held at Robinson Secondary

Parents, student-athletes to learn ins and outs of choosing a college.

A seminar to prepare parents and athletes for the college recruiting road ahead - complete with all its bumps - will be held on Monday night, May 7 at 7:30 in Russell Theater at Robinson Secondary School.

Rams Reach .500 Mark in Baseball

Robinson gets Concorde wins over Oakton and Westfield.

The Robinson Secondary baseball team reached the .500 record mark this past Tuesday night, April 17 when the Rams defeated host Oakton, 6-4, in a Concorde District game played in the Vienna area. It was the second district win in a row for Robinson, which had also won a road game at Westfield High, 3-1, last Friday night, April 13.

Hendrix Keeps Lake Braddock Softball Undefeated

Bruins beat South County in battle for first place in Patriot District.

Lake Braddock's Amanda Hendrix tossed a complete game during her third consecutive start in the pitcher’s circle, holding South County scoreless after the third inning as the Bruins remained undefeated with a 3-2, eight-inning victory.

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Robinson Girls' Soccer Hopefully on the Mend

Rams looking to get players back for season's second half.

The Robinson Secondary girls' soccer team opened the second half of the season with a close 2-1 road loss at Chantilly High earlier this week on Tuesday, April 10. It was the Concorde District opener for the Rams, whose record stood at 3-2-1 following the setback to the highly-ranked Chargers. Few girls' soccer teams across the Northern Region probably needed last week's spring break to rest and mend like Robinson, which has faced an assortment of injuries thus far. Rams' head coach Jim Rike, going into the Chantilly game, was looking forward to his squad getting into the district portion of its schedule but disappointed the spring break week, in which the Rams did not have any scheduled games, had not resulted in more girls being healthy enough to get back on the field for the Chargers.

Reston Raiders Compete in National Ice Hockey Championships

12-under team trades pins with players from other states.

The Reston Raiders won their first game, 4-2, over a team from Arizona at the USA Hockey 12 and Under Tier II National Championships, which ran March 28 through April 1 at the twin rink Ashburn Ice House and SkateQuest Reston facilities.

Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012

Franconia Fifth Grader Honored for Saving Nephew’s Life

Cynthia Almendarez, 10, called 9-1-1 when nephew, 2, stopped breathing.

On the morning of July 13, 2011, Franconia Elementary fifth-grader Cynthia Almendarez was at home with her mother and 12-year-old sister when she noticed something odd. Her 18-month-old nephew, Christopher, who was usually cruising around the house and making typical toddler sounds, was quiet and gasping for breath.

Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

Community events in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)

April 13-20.

Things to do in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.

Candle Causes Lorton House Fire

Neighbor rescues family minutes before home collapses.

A neighbor rescued two women, one juvenile and a dog from a house fire Saturday, April 7, in Lorton, minutes before the home collapsed, according to officials with the Fairfax County Fire Department. The cause of the blaze was an unattended candle.

Music, Murder and Pie-Making

Fairfax High presents “Sweeney Todd.”

Combine murder, revenge, pies and music, and the result is Fairfax High’s upcoming play, “Sweeney Todd.” The musical thriller takes place in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution and will be performed over two weekends.

Rollicking Musical Comes to Life

Paul VI presents ‘Hello, Dolly!’

The romance of 1880s New York will come to life on stage when Paul VI presents its Cappies play, “Hello Dolly!” It features a cast and crew of 70, plus a full orchestra. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, April 20-21, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, students and senior citizens; at the door or at www.paulvi.net.

Fairfax County Parkway Overpass Opens

Donegal Lane access shuts down.

On Tuesday, April 10, VDOT closed Donegal Road in Springfield as part of phase III of the $23 million Fairfax County Parkway project.

I-95 Total Overnight HOV Closure

The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the I-95 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on Friday night, April 13 at 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. Saturday morning April 14, between Exit 169 Franconia Road /Keene Mill Road (Route 644) and Exit 152 Dumfries Road (Route 234).

Fairfax County Board Opts In for Phase 2 of Dulles Rail

Obstacles still ahead for $2.7 billion project.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, April 10, to approve the county’s participation in Phase 2 of the $2.7 billion Dulles Metrorail Project.

Ed Long Named County Executive

Long, former deputy county executive, begins April 25.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed Edward L. Long Jr. as county executive on Tuesday, April 10. Long, who will replace Anthony H. Griffin on April 25, has more than 34 years of experience with the county, and retired as deputy county executive and chief financial officer in May 2011.

Herrity Recovering Well from Open-Heart Surgery

“Famous sense of humor” intact, friends say.

After undergoing open-heart surgery last week, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) is recovering well, and his “famous sense of humor is intact,” according to friends and family members.

Animal Rescue Recognition

Fairfax County Animal Shelter recognized for animal rescue and programs.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter received accolades from the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) for two programs and a large-scale animal rescue in 2010 - 2011.

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

John E. Petersen, GMU Professor, Dies

John Earle Petersen, 71, a former councilmember for the City of Fairfax and leading authority in the field of public finance, died April 4 of a heart attack at his home in the City of Fairfax. The city has lowered its flags to half-staff in his honor.

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Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County

U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.

The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.

Easter Egg Hunt for the Visually Impaired

On Saturday March 31, the Alexander Graham Bell Chapter of the Pioneer Volunteers and the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind held their 33rd annual Easter Egg Hunt for the visually impaired at the Centreville Moose Lodge, Chapter 2168, in Fairfax.

Egg Hunting in Clifton

After missing the previous year, the Town of Clifton held its Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday March 31 thanks to the efforts of the Clifton, Fairfax and Fairfax Station au pairs with Cultural Care Au Pair.

County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse

Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.

Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.

Eggstravaganza!

Jubilee Christian Center event features music, moon bounces and egg rolls for every age.

Ever since Dolly Madison, wife of the fourth American president, organized an egg roll down the hilly lawn of the Capitol building in 1810, egg rolls have become an Easter tradition.

‘There’s Always a Void’

Two grieving mothers seek answers here.

Kim Nelson goes to bed at night hoping she’ll someday see her daughter again; Gil Harrington knows she’ll never be able to because her own daughter is gone forever. Saturday, March 31, they were together in Fairfax seeking information about what happened to their girls and doing what they could to prevent similar tragedies from befalling someone else’s child.

Anyone for Bike Riding?

Fairfax County’s creating a Bicycle Transportation Plan.

Besides being fun and good exercise, bicycle riding can also help improve transportation in Fairfax County. So the county’s Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding a series of meetings to further develop a countywide Bicycle Transportation Plan.

A Modern Rapunzal Meets Her Match

The Hub Theater presents ‘John & Beatrice.’

Finding true love in today's busy world is more challenging than ever. Navigating all the possibilities is truly mystifying," said Helen Pafumi, director for the Hub Theater's upcoming "John & Beatrice," a comedy with bite.

The Power of One

Springfield resident stars in 'On the Waterfront.'

It has been hailed as one of the greatest movies of all time, winning eight Academy Awards for an all-star cast that included Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb and Karl Malden. But for playwright Budd Schulberg, himself an Oscar winner for Best Story and Screenplay, the 1954 film version of "On the Waterfront" was never quite the story he wanted told.

Two Workhouse Artists Travel Abroad

Carol Iglesias goes to France and Hadrian Mendoza travels to China.

The Workhouse Arts Center has announced that two of its artists will be traveling abroad this spring to fulfill one month artistic residencies. Carol Iglesias, an Associate Artist at the Workhouse, will be traveling to Dinan, France and Hadrian Mendoza, a Studio Artist of Building W-8, will be traveling to Fuping, China.

Destination Smile Offers Free Clinic April 27

Journey to perfect smile begins at Destination Smile.

It was all smiles last year when Lorton dentists Kristina Biggs and Flavia Tingling celebrated the first anniversary of their dental practice by donating dental care to dozens of uninsured children in the area.

Firefighters Honored for Lorton Rescue

The water was swiftly overtaking a Lorton intersection as deadly flash flooding devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Fire Station 24 arrived on the scene, multiple vehicles had been swept into the intersection by the force of the fast moving floodwaters.

Author Chet Nagle to Speak at GOP Women Meeting

The Republican Women of Clifton's (RWC) April general meeting will be held on Monday, April 16, when Chet Nagle, author of the book "Iran Covenant," will speak about the military options the U.S. and Israel face regarding Iran's nuclear weapons program.

Republican Women of Clifton Hold Membership Tea

The Sixth Annual Membership Tea of the Republican Women of Clifton (RWC), held at the home of First Vice President Alice Butler-Short on March 24, was a huge success. Over sixty members and potential members attended the tea. It was a grand sit-down affair, and ten guests signed up to become members of the club. RWC membership is open to both residents and non-residents of Clifton.

Hunger Cravings

D'Arcy Sampson (red hair) and friend Hannah Bunting prepare for the midnight premiere of the mega-hit "The Hunger Games" last week at Fairfax Corner’s Rave Motion Picture theaters.

Fairfax County Overpass Opening

Donegal Lane access shuts down April 10.

On Tuesday, April 10, the Virginia Department of Transportation is permanently closing the intersection of Donegal Lane and the Fairfax County Parkway, and simultaneously opening the overpass carrying the new alignment of Rolling Road over the parkway.

Burke’s Great Harvest Bakery Wins Award

Named in the top 10 for annual sales growth.

Burke’s Great Harvest Bread Company located at 6030-G Burke Commons Road received an award during the company’s recent annual convention in San Diego, Calif.

Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21

Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.

The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.

Letter: Choose Right Path

On March 24, the Fairfax County Republican Committee (FCRC) held an extremely successful convention at West Springfield High School. With over 1000 attendees, this is the largest convention anyone can recall the Fairfax GOP ever having, and it is a sign of great things to come in 2012 and beyond.

South County Competing at the Mingo Bay Baseball Classic

Stallions playing three games in South Carolina over spring break.

For the third straight year, the South County High baseball team is spending its spring break week competing at the Mingo Bay Baseball Classic, at the Carolina Forest venue in Myrtle Beach, S.C. There, South County, last year's Patriot District and Northern Region champions, had won its first two games going into its final game of the trip on Wednesday, April 4.

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Bruins off to Super Fast Start in Baseball

Rutherford's Lake Braddock team preparing for season's second half.

The wins have just kept on coming over the first half of the season for the Lake Braddock Secondary baseball team, which is competing locally in Northern Virginia over this week's spring break week.

Lake Braddock Baseball Team Suffers First Loss

Bruin left-hander Rogers pitches well in defeat.

Regardless if one viewed the glass as half full or half empty, the Lake Braddock baseball team suffered its first loss of the season on April 3 and head coach Jody Rutherford was less than enthused with the Bruins’ effort.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

VDOT officials say I-495 Express Lanes will be just that.

Predictable, safe and reliable is not how most motorists would describe driving on the obstacle course known as the Capital Beltway.

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.