Stories for June 2014

Stories for June 2014

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Monday, June 30

Local Real Estate: Top Sales in May, 2014

Local Real Estate: Top Sales in May, 2014

Friday, June 27

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Marker Dedicated at Wolf Run Shoals in Clifton

Site played important role during Civil War.

During the Civil War, Wolf Run Shoals in Clifton served as a major entry point for the Union Army marching north. A marker written by historians James Lewis and Brian McEnany, honoring the site’s rich historical legacy, was unveiled during a ceremony at the site in Clifton on June 21.

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Wild Horses and Burros Visit Lorton

Adoption event is one of many across the country.

Typical dog owners may not think of comparing their furry companion to a wild horse or burro, but the comparison isn’t too far-fetched.

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Clifton Film Fest Coming July 19

Kickstarter campaign open until July 4.

For anyone interested in checking out some local creative talent, consider the upcoming Clifton Film Fest, which will feature work from filmmakers around the area. The Clifton Film Fest is Saturday, July 19, and a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the event is underway until July 4. Funds raised from the campaign cover t-shirts and the VIP area for the filmmakers, as well as a red carpet area where they get interviewed.

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Youth Suicide Prevention Training Offered Online

Interactive training helps adults deal with serious issues.

Following several incidents in the community involving youth and suicide, Laura Yager, the director of partnership and resource development for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, said the community has recognized the need for youth suicide prevention.

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Food Truck Changes Considered in Fairfax County

Public Hearings are July 30 and Sept. 9.

Instead of bringing a brown-bag lunch to work or venturing out for fast food, Fairfax County residents may soon have a different option. On June 17, the Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with a proposal to make changes to food truck regulations. The proposal will allow food trucks to operate at office buildings, construction sites, and commercial and industrial properties. Public hearings on the proposal will be held in front of the Planning Commission on July 30 and Sept. 9 in front of the Board of Supervisors.

Thursday, June 26

Classified Advertising June 25, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Wednesday, June 25

Anni McNulty and Hub Blankenship Married

Anni McNulty of Fairfax Station, daughter of Paul and Brenda McNulty, recently married Hub Blankenship, son of Hub and Brenda Blankenship of Spartanburg, S.C. The bride is a 2007 graduate of Robinson Secondary School and 2011 graduate of University of South Carolina, in Columbia.

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Stallions of 2014 Celebrate Graduation

Over 500 students graduated from South County High School and celebrated their achievement at the commencement on June 19 at the Patriot Center.

Celebrating the ‘Age of Elegance’

Long-time Kings Park West resident Debbi Miller has reigned for the past year as Ms. Virginia Senior America 2013.

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South County Girls’ Lacrosse Team Wins Championship

Colts score tie breaking goal with one minute left.

It was anyone’s game on Sunday, June 8, at Great Falls Nike Park in Herndon. The South County Athletic Association and the Prince William Royals lacrosse G5/6 teams, girls in grades 5 and 6, were both undefeated coming into this championship game.

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On Mission ‘To Change the World’

Lake Braddock Class of 2014 graduates.

The Lake Braddock Secondary School Class of 2014 received their diplomas and threw their caps in the air, as over 650 seniors graduated on June 23. Staged in the Patriot Center at George Mason University, parents and friends cheered on the graduates from their seats in the gallery.

Lake Braddock Student Honored

JROTC AWARD - Cadet Julio Negron of Lake Braddock High School was presented with the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Medal during a ceremony held May 28.

Letter: False Claims on ‘Underfunding’

There’s been some commentary on Fairfax County school budget issues and a total misuse of the term "underfunding," including the false claim that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors underfunded the school system.

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Fairfax County Students Receive DAR Awards

Providence Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has announced the 2014 recipients of two DAR awards. The DAR Youth Citizenship Medal is presented to fifth and sixth grade students who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. The Outstanding Work in American History Medal is presented to students in any grade for excellence in American history studies.

Editorial: Safe Fourth

Talking and planning are the best safety measures; SoberRide offers a safety net.

Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.

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What’s Offensive about Redskins Pride?

Absolutely nothing, if you’re state Sen. Chap Petersen.

A lifelong Redskins fan, Fairfax state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) has had it up to here with all the talk about the need to change the name of his beloved football team. He vented his frustration and indignation on his blog — Ox Road South — but said he was leery of tackling what he deemed the forces of political correctness in the "War Against the Redskins" until June 18, when the Federal Patent Office blocked the team’s Redskins trademarks, declaring that the name was "disparaging" to Native Americans at the time the trademarks were registered — as far back as 1967. That action pushed Petersen off the sidelines to lead an offensive attack.

"One Less Thing"

Forrest Gump knew when he voiced over: "Mama got the cancer and died on a Tuesday. I bought her a new hat with little flowers on it. And that’s all I have to say about that." And if you watched the movie as often as I did (it was one of my mother’s favorites), you may also recall "Mama always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on."

County Chamber Honors Brain Injury Services

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) honored Brain Injury Services with the 2014 Nonprofit of the Year award. This category was part of the 2014 Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards presented at the Chamber’s Annual Chairman’s Luncheon on June 17, 2014.

Monday, June 23

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Call for Pet Photos & Stories

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 23, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Wednesday, July 16.

Thursday, June 19

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: May, 2014

In May 2014, 89 homes sold between $1,300,000-$205,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: May, 2014

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Class of 2014 Graduates from Robinson

The Patriot Center was packed on June 17 as the Class of 2014 celebrated their graduation from Robinson Secondary School.

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Celebrating New Athletic Fields

Audubon residents also looking to make changes in the community.

For years, residents living right off of Richmond Highway, including those who live at Audubon Mobile Home Park located next to Costco, faced a lack of safe, quality places for their children to play.

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Medicaid Expansion Supporters Rally in Lorton

Budget without Medicaid expansion being reviewed by Governor.

day before Virginia legislators reconvened in Richmond and passed a budget without Medicaid expansion, advocates gathered in Lorton to show their support for expanding health care coverage to 400,000 Virginians.

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Landfill Decision Deferred to July 29

Board Chairman Sharon Bulova looking for compromise.

The decision has already been delayed before, but the future of the Lorton landfill will remain uncertain as the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to defer the decision to July 29.

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First Responders Honored for Going ‘Above and Beyond’

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosts First Responders Benefit Lunch.

Being a first responder is stressful enough, but the first responders who were honored at this year’s Above and Beyond: First Responders Benefit Lunch excel at their jobs and more.

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Fairfax County Retired Educators Award Scholarships

Seven aspiring educators from Fairfax County receive awards.

Aspiring educators from across Fairfax County were honored for their accomplishments and presented with scholarships to help them begin their teaching careers at a luncheon and ceremony held by the Fairfax County Retired Educators on June 12 in Fairfax. Every year, FCRE awards students interested in teaching careers with $2,000 scholarships. This year, the seven students were either graduates or soon-to-be graduates of high schools throughout Fairfax County, including Robinson, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, Marshall, Mclean and James Madison.

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Despite Low Unemployment, Veterans Need Assistance

“Supporting our Region’s Veterans” report identifies suggestions for improvement.

Although veterans in Northern Virginia are more educated than those nationwide and are less likely to live below the poverty line and be unemployed, a new report has found that individual anecdotes from veterans in the area demonstrate that there are still areas that need improvement.

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Patchwork of Approaches to Affordable Housing in Northern Virginia

Jurisdictions use a variety of strategies to prevent homelessness.

Affordable housing means different things to different people at different times. For government officials, it's a phrase that means that a family spends no more than 30 percent of its income on housing costs, including rent or mortgage as well as taxes and utilities

Wednesday, June 18

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Robinson Boys’ Lax Wins State Championship

Rams beat Langley in 6A state final.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team beat Langley in the state final.

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Meals Tax: Tasty or Revolting?

Supervisors digest task force’s final report on hot-button issue.

After hours of simmering debate, the Meals Tax Referendum Task Force’s presentation to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday was a mere amuse-bouche, whetting the appetite of board the for the group’s 170-page multi-course written report.

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Gifts for New Grads

Local tastemakers offer suggestions from the sentimental to the practical.

After the tassels have been turned and the diplomas received, it is usually time for a graduation celebration. Whether you’re shopping for someone who is heading to college or venturing out into the workforce, choosing a present for the graduate in your life can be perplexing, but local tastemakers are here to help, offering suggestions for graduation presents that range from the practical to the sentimental.

After Graduation: Dorm Room Set-Up

Local organizers show how to maximize storage in small spaces.

After graduation comes off-to-college season. Often this means parents making design choices for their children or parents and their soon-to-be-college freshmen searching for supplies that will serve dual purposes, particularly when it comes to storage. For those who find themselves in a dorm room design conundrum, local organizers offer tips and tools for creating stylish yet space-saving designs for new college students.

Editorial: More Affordable Housing Needed

Anticipated job growth to exacerbate problem.

In Northern Virginia, affordable housing means more than human services or helping those who are less fortunate. It means more than housing the chronically homeless, although that is not optional.

A Dream Come True, Sort Of

Growing up in the 60s, if you loved sports, as I did/still do, you spent hours listening to games on a transistor radio. There certainly wasn’t “Cable” television back then; heck, there wasn’t even color television, let alone “HD,” “interactive,” or whatever else television technology has evolved into. And of course, there were no “big screen” television sets either. We had a 19" Zenith black and white television and we received three channels: 4, 5 and 7 (in Boston), and as much as sports was/is important in Boston/New England, viewing options, given the limited VHF/UHF band frequencies, meant listening to games on radio – AM radio. Games were regularly televised on weekends, more so if the home team was playing on the road. As the decades have passed, so too have transistor radios, black and white televisions and limited viewing on only three channels. Between “Cable,” computers, and more recently, the introduction of hand-held devices, access to and familiarity with sports has grown exponentially. Add in the explosion of sports-talk radio and the abundance of sports-themed content on television (regardless of whether the games are at home or on the road) and one could be in his “man cave” for hours on end “channeling” his – or her – passion, for any team, in any city, at almost any time.

Monday, June 16

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South County Softball Captures First State Championship

Martin’s dominant pitching, Geer’s homer lift Stallions to victory.

The South County softball team defeated Cosby 4-1 on Sunday.

Sunday, June 15

Martin Pitches South County Softball to First State Final Appearance

Third baseman Maglich drives in game-winning run in 11th inning.

The South County softball team will host Cosby at 5 p.m. today.

Friday, June 13

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Me & My Dad 2014 — Father's Day Photo Gallery

My father died in 1989. At the first wedding I photographed afterwards, my son Steven who was assisting me, nudged me aside during the Father-Daughter dance. He noticed that I was weeping and that I couldn't see to focus because of the tears in my eyes. I still miss my father. My father was a quiet man, a gentle man. I never heard him raise his voice. He worked two full time jobs when I was growing up and I didn't see him very much but somehow he managed to teach me lessons I still haven't forgotten.

Thursday, June 12

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School Calendar Changes Examined

Fairfax County considers ending half-day Mondays, at the cost between $4 to $7.6 Million.

Changes could be coming soon to school schedules in Fairfax County, under a new plan announced by Superintendent Karen Garza at a work session on May 28.

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Cross County Trail Renamed to Honor Rep. Connolly

“Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail” unveiled at ceremony in Lorton.

On National Trails Day on June 7, the Cross County Trail, which goes through each district in Fairfax County, was renamed to the “Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail” in honor of Rep. Connolly’s work to build the trail.

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Head Start Programs Face Wait Lists

Despite adding classrooms, need is growing in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Office for Children now has a waitlist of over 1,395 children. Of that number, 918 are on the waitlist for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Fairfax County Public Schools, according to a new report presented at a school board work session on May 29.

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Loving STEM at Silverbrook Elementary

Over 50 students participated in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fair presented by the Silverbrook Elementary School PTO.

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Community Meetings on Later Start Times Concluded

Final recommendation will be presented to School Board in July.

Parents and community members were presented with information regarding later start times in Fairfax County at a public meeting on June 10 at West Springfield High School. Leading the presentation were Danny Lewin and Judith Owens, doctors from the Children’s National Medical Center and experts on sleep medicine.

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Pirates’ Day Kicks off Summer

Fifth annual celebration followed by summer of camping, fun.

For the fifth year in a row, complete with cannons, ships and swords, pirates stormed the beach at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton last weekend.

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Housing and Restaurants Coming to Prison Site

Board of Supervisors approves Laurel Hill Master Development Plan.

The site of the former Lorton prison will soon get a makeover, complete with townhouses, restaurants, apartments and single-family homes. Inside the renovated cell blocks and guard towers will be housing and businesses on 80 acres in Lorton, home to the D.C. prison that closed in 2001.

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Fundraising and Connections Help Former Lieutenant Governor Emerge Victorious

Don Beyer edges out six competitors in crowded filed of candidates.

When asked about animals rights, former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer quotes author Peter Singer. He describes his wife as the "sine qua non" of his life. During his victory speech in the hotly contested Democratic primary to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), he quoted St. Augustine and Winston Churchill. He reads widely and has five policy proposals for every issue before Congress.

Wednesday, June 11

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Summer Fairs and Festivals Calendar 2014

Your guide to this summer's hottest events in the area.

Your guide to this summer's fun festivals and events.

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‘People Can Identify with Characters’ Humanity’

Local woman writes book, ‘A Season’s Assemblage.’

A new author has emerged on the literary scene with an anthology of short stories called "A Season’s Assemblage." Her name is Cleo Magwaro, and she’s a resident of Fair Oaks’s Penderbrook community.

Column: Time to Do the Right Thing

Once again Virginia is in the spotlight on an issue of economic progress and social justice. Marketplace Virginia is a Senate of Virginia plan to provide 400,000 Virginians who do not qualify for the Affordable Care Act to gain health insurance through federal Medicaid expansion. It is before the Virginia Legislature and the House of Delegates is standing in the way, putting Virginia behind the times and on the wrong side of history.

Column: To Fairfax County Graduates - Do Not Lose Sight of Community

To the graduates of Fairfax County Public Schools: This month you will don caps and gowns to mark the end of your high school career. Your accomplishment is the product of hard work, perseverance, and the support of many. While you are reflecting on your accomplishments, consider how you will begin your new chapter. As you set off into the world, I ask you not to lose sight of your community and to seize the opportunity to be an active, engaged citizen. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lists many responsibilities of American citizenship, perhaps the most important of which being a citizen’s obligation to "participate in the democratic process." In the 2012 election, just 38 percent of 18 through 24 year olds voted. That number is much lower for state and local elections. As real challenges face the young people graduating today, I encourage you to become educated about the election process and to vote for candidates you believe will represent you well.

Letter: Opposing Medicaid Expansion

To the Editor: (In response to Del. Ken Plum’s Commentary "A Moral Imperative, " Connection, May 29—June 4, 2014) Rather than vilify Republicans in the House of Delegates who want separate debate on Medicaid expansion, Del. Ken Plum (D-36) should be reminded that there is no imperative to link it to budget negotiations in the first place.

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Animal Shelter Holds ExtravaCATza!

Residents are invited to visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter this June to take part in ExtravaCATza!, a celebration of cats and kittens. The shelter’s at 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax and, all month long, adoption fees on all cats and kittens will be just $10.

Cappies Awarded for High School Theater

The 15th Annual Cappies Awards Gala for high school theater was held Sunday, June 8 at The Kennedy Center. Nine Cappies went to West Potomac High School for “Spamalot,” including the coveted Best Musical award. The Best Play award went to Langley High School for “The Children’s Hour.” The Cappies’ show season extended from October 2013 to May 2014, and Cappies shows were attended, on average, by 45 student critics. This year’s event included 58 public and private high schools from Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Montgomery and Prince William counties, the cities of Falls Church, Alexandria and Manassas, and Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by Judy Bowns, Janie Strauss and Ed Monk.

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Creating Private, Restful Retreat

Designers offer suggestions for decorating the perfect bedroom.

While most people crave a good night’s sleep, it remains a dream for many. A bedroom that is both chic and comfortable can help the overworked find that restful slumber.

Column: Something New – or Old, to Consider

And therein lies the anxiety. Although, all things considered – and as you regular readers know, I like, maybe even need, to consider all things – the medical assessment of the most recent CT scan of my upper torso and thorax/lungs showed a new object in my left lung, “approximately the size of a silver dollar,” according to my oncologist. What this object is, exactly, cannot be determined at this juncture; technology prevents such clarity, unfortunately. Nevertheless, its appearance and location are possibly cause for concern, possibly not.

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Eat. Drink. Pay?

Fairfax County task force debates voters’ appetite for another meals tax referendum.

It has been 22 years since Fairfax County asked voters to approve a tax on restaurant meals, an issue that ignited protests, caused deep divisions among community leaders and threatened to melt down several political careers. The reverberations of that epic failure — what many consider the third rail of county politics — continue to echo in the ears of county politicians.

Comfort Women Memorial Highlights Human Trafficking

New Peace Garden a beacon of hope for victims.

When members of the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues unveiled a new memorial on May 30, they also illuminated the issue of local human trafficking in Northern Virginia. Elected officials including Supervisor John Foust, Japanese and Korean representatives, and human rights activists gathered to remember the women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery during WWII. Now the memorial stands sunlit on the back lawn of the Fairfax County Government Center, as a reminder for today’s community to take a stand against these crimes against humanity in their own neighborhoods.

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Why Education Needs Its Foundation

More than 100 business leaders attend luncheon.

Approximately 33 percent of Fairfax County Public Schools kindergartners are living in poverty.

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100,000 Homes Fairfax Wins Blue Ribbon Partnership Award

The 100,000 Homes Fairfax campaign was presented with a Blue Ribbon Partnership award from the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships (OP3) as part of its "Celebrate Partnerships" awards ceremony held on May 29.

Opinion: Transitioning to Summer

Summer is a time of change — always welcomed by students. The break during the hottest months gives a chance for kids to de-stress and prepare for their next grade on their short path to adulthood. After five summers at FACETS, I’ve had the opportunity to watch many children make this transition. What’s fun for kids though, can be a huge struggle for their parents. Finding appropriate and affordable care, providing enough meals during the day, and incurring the extra costs of entertaining children can be an enormous challenge for families that FACETS serves.

Opinion: Clearing the Air on New Carbon Standards

The EPA‘s new proposal to safeguard the air we breathe and contain a primary driver of climate change by reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants is the lynchpin to reducing our carbon footprint. As co-chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environmental Coalition, we welcome action on carbon pollution and look forward to working with all stakeholders in a responsible manner to advance a 21st century energy economy for America.

Fairfax County is Home to 10 Companies on 2014 Fortune 500 List

Ten Fairfax County-based companies, in industries ranging from defense and technology consulting to financial services and hospitality, hold spots in Fortune magazine’s list of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. The 2014 Fortune 500 is available online.

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Robinson Boys’ Lax Beats Battlefield in State Semifinals

Sophomores Henry, Daniel propel Rams to first state final since 2007.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team will face Langley in the 6A state championship game.

Monday, June 9

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Empire Strikes Back: Establishment Beats Tea Party at Republican Convention

Party insider Ed Gillespie seizes nomination at convention in Roanoke.

When conservative preacher E.W. Jackson took the stage at the Roanoke Civic Center to introduce Tea Party favorite Shak Hill at the Republican convention last weekend, hundreds of conservatives from across Virginia took to their feet. They waved placards.

Saturday, June 7

South County Softball Team Wins 6A North Region Championship

Sophomore shortstop Williams drives in go-ahead run against Lake Braddock.

The South County softball team won the 6A North region championship on Friday.

Thursday, June 5

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Pirates Invading Lorton This Weekend

Pirates’ Day at Pohick Bay Regional Park is June 7.

This Saturday, Pohick Bay Regional Park will look a little bit different as it’s invaded by pirates for the fifth anniversary of Pirates’ Day.

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Community Champion

Cheryl McDonald recognized at 2014 Volunteer Fairfax Awards.

Cheryl McDonald, a resident of the Braddock district for 15 years, has been working daily to ensure the Danbury Forest community near Accotink Creek in Springfield is a safe and pleasant place to live. This year, her hard work was recognized on a county-wide level when she was nominated by Supervisor John Cook as the 2014 Volunteer Fairfax Community Champion for the Braddock District.

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Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees of Lee, Springfield and Braddock

Lords and Ladies of Fairfax Honored by Board of Supervisors

The 2014 Lords and Ladies of Fairfax were recognized in front of the Board of Supervisors on June 3 and presented with certificates honoring them for their dedication to their communities. This tradition, which began in 1984, comes every year with the Celebrate Fairfax Festival, which takes place this year June 6-8.

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Springfield Residents Save Neighbor’s Life

Mary Ager and Dayna Cooper receive Citizen Recognition-Lifesaving Award.

Michael and Carol Martinka, residents of South Run Crossing in Springfield, were clearing out their driveway yet again during one of the many snow days in Fairfax County this winter. Michael was clearing the driveway with a snow blower while Carol was at the front porch. All of a sudden, Carol heard the snow blower stop and found her husband lying face down in the snow. Panicked, she screamed for help.

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Bringing Science to the Community

Lee High School hosts annual Community Science Day.

Lee High School students are sharing their love of science with the community every year through their Community Science Day. This year, their May 31 event reached 280 guests, allowing attendees to participate in hands-on science projects and learn about issues such as renewable energy, stem cell research, genetically modified organisms, and other topics affecting the world.

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Area Students Presented with Scholarships

Scholarships presented by the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.

The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce has awarded seven students with college scholarships this year. The students were honored for their achievements at River Farm next to the Potomac River on June 3.

Classified Advertising June 4, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

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Poverty in the Classroom: Low-Income Students Scattered Through Northern Virginia

Where are the region's highest poverty schools?

When Carla Castro-Claure was approaching the age when she would soon attend Kindergarten, her mother became increasingly concerned about Hybla Valley Elementary School.

Wednesday, June 4

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Lake Braddock Softball Outlasts Madison in Quarterfinal Marathon

Bruins catcher Jones delivers game-winning RBI.

The Lake Braddock softball team faces Langley tonight in the 6A North region semifinals.

Passport to Global Music and Dance

Fairfax High student in Encore’s ‘The World at your Feet.’

A Broadway-style, musical adventure is on tap in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new show, "The World at Your Feet." It’ll be presented Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 15, at 3 and 6 p.m., at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Tickets are $22, adults; $18, students and senior citizens, at www.encore-tap.org.

Chairman of The Washington Times to Speak at GOP Women of Clifton Meeting

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) June meeting will feature Tom McDevitt, chairman of The Washington Times, and friends from the Washington Times who will speak on "How to Develop Your Personal Narrative - that Intrigues, Persuades and Motivates others." The event will be on Wednesday, June 18, at the Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, and will begin at 7 p.m. when refreshments will be served. President Alice Butler-Short will open the business meeting at 7:30 p.m., after which the speakers will present their topics and answer questions.

Healthy Cooking with Children

Local foodies say cooking with children can establish a lifetime of healthy habits.

From creating dough for freshly baked bread to squeezing lemons for a neighborhood lemonade stand, Michael Roll enjoys spending time in the kitchen with his children transforming ordinary food into nutritious culinary creations, particularly during the summer. He says that when parents cook healthy meals with their children they model behavior that can last a lifetime.

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Saluting the Seniors

Ceremony in Fairfax recognizes high school seniors who are enlisting in the military.

As high school nears its end for the many seniors of Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William counties, students are faced with countless options of what will be their next step in life.

Fairfax Library Foundation Awards Ten Academic Scholarships

Ten employees and volunteers of Fairfax County Public Library and Fairfax Library Foundation were awarded academic scholarships from Fairfax Library Foundation. Three recipients were awarded a Masters of Library Science Scholarship, and seven recipients were chosen to receive an undergraduate scholarship. Fairfax Library Foundation announces the following Masters of Library Science awardees:

Celebrate Fairfax Announces Community Spirit Scholars

$10,000 in scholarships awarded; recipients to be honored at Celebrate Fairfax! Festival.

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. (CFI), producer of the award winning Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, announced the recipients of their Celebrate Fairfax Community Spirit Scholarship Program. First awarded in 2012, ten Community Spirit Scholarships are annually awarded to Fairfax County graduating seniors who demonstrate excellence in community service, leadership, academics and extracurricular activities. Selected by the Board of the nonprofit Celebrate Fairfax, Inc., one scholarship recipient is named from each of Fairfax County’s Supervisory Districts, as well as one at-large scholarship.

Team On Going

In anticipation of my next face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, the first in three months (as per usual) and considering a breathing issue I’ve been experiencing the last month or so, my wife, Dina (original Team Lourie member) asked if I wanted my brother, Richard (the other original Team Lourie member), to attend. Not that he wouldn’t attend if asked (he’s local); it’s more that I’m wondering if he really needs to attend, as in whether there will be life-changing, cancer-related decisions where all hands need be on deck. Of course, a week before the appointment I have no legitimate clue – nor have I received any suggestions from my oncologist – that anything of substance/recent changes that have occurred (I have also recently completed my quarterly diagnostic scans and am awaiting those results as well) will be discussed; and that’s the point of this column: how frequently, how/when does the patient/survivor know when team members should be present at these appointments?

Wild Horses Offered for Adoption in Lorton

The U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will offer approximately 40 wild horses ranging from yearling to 5 years old to potential adopters on June 20-21, 2014, at the Meadowood Recreation Area, located at 10406 Gunston Road, in Lorton.

Editorial: On Voting in the 8th

Vote this week at your convenience in person absentee, or be sure to vote on Tuesday.

Chances are that if you are a registered voter in the 8th Congressional District, your mailbox has been letting you know that many candidates are running in next week’s Democratic primary.