Stories for March 2014

Robinson Baseball Rallies to Beat Marshall

Rams score three in the seventh for walk-off win.

The Robinson baseball team improved to 3-0 Thursday with a 6-5 win over Marshall.

Classified Advertising March 26, 2014

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McAuliffe Talks Medicaid Expansion

Patients share stories at Medicaid expansion roundtable.

Just a few days before the Virginia General Assembly convened in a special session in Richmond to decide on the budget and the possibility of Medicaid expansion, Gov. Terry McAuliffe met with patients of Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services in Arlington, as they shared with him how Medicaid expansion would change their lives for the better.

Flight Trampoline Park Opens in Springfield

Kids and adults welcome for spring fun.

The area surrounding Interstate 95 off of Fullerton Road in Springfield isn’t exactly known for a variety of activities for fun. Filled with warehouses and industrial parks, the area has been in need of a fun activity for the whole family for some time now.

Commemorate Women’s History in Lorton

Workhouse Prison Museum details the women’s suffrage movement.

March may be designated as Women’s History Month, but the Workhouse Prison Museum, located in Lorton, is open all year long to those who wish to learn more about women’s fight for the right to vote for more than just one month.

Fairfax County Hosts Students from Japan

23 students also visited Japan last summer.

Last summer, 23 students studying Japanese at Lake Braddock, Hayfield and South Lakes High Schools received a full scholarship to visit Japan for ten days as part of the KAKEHASHI Project, a cultural exchange program that aims to connect students from Japan and the U.S.

Rogers Honored As ‘Driving Force’

Joan Rogers has served as president of Friends of Fairfax Station for 19 years.

Described by members as driven, passionate and a pleasure to work with, Joan Rogers, the outgoing president of the Friends of Fairfax Station, was honored for her contributions at the group’s annual meeting on March 24.

Lee High School Students Visit Port Isobel

IB environmental systems and societies students learn about the Chesapeake Bay.

Before beginning their trip to Port Isobel, an island in the Chesapeake Bay, students in Rachel Clausen’s International Baccalaureate (IB) environmental systems and societies class at Lee High School had to do something that today is almost unheard of: turn in their cell phones and watches and spend some time without technology.

Lynn Goldstein Wins Best-In-Show

Two other artists get honorable mention at Workhouse Arts Center’s Collectors Showcase.

Jack Rasmussen, the curator and gallery director of the American University Museum at the Katzen Center in Washington, D.C., recently selected Lynn Goldstein’s pastel painting “Dusting” as best-of-show among the works displayed for the Workhouse Arts Center’s Collectors Showcase.

FCPS Students Excel at Science and Engineering Fair

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students earned top honors at the 59th annual Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair held March 14-16 at Robinson Secondary School. Winning individual grand prizes were:

East All-Stars Beat West in Suburban Classic

West Springfield’s Berglund wins 3-point shootout.

West Springfield senior Amy Berglund won the 3-point shootout at the Suburban Classic.

Lake Braddock Softball Beats Bishop O’Connell

Bruins pitcher Flesch tosses one-hitter against Knights.

The Lake Braddock softball team started the 2014 season with a 2-1 win over O'Connell.

Editorial: Challenging Budgets

Local Government should be able to access income taxes to give relief on real estate taxes.

Northern Virginia governments are facing shortfalls in the classic budget sense: projected revenues are less than last year’s expenditures plus increases in costs.

Another Milestone

March 30, 2014. My age 59 and a half (9/30/54 is my date of birth). The age at which money deposited into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be withdrawn without incurring a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Not that I’m retiring. I am remembering though when this cancer-centric life of mine began.

Virginia Bluebells: Native Spring Beauty

Carpets of bluebells coming soon to a park near you.

The Virginia Bluebells are coming. In early Spring, these native wildflowers will burst into bloom profusely throughout much of the Washington area. Botanically named Mertensia virginica, one of a number of species of Mertensia, Virginia Bluebells can be found in many moist, woodland areas, especially along streams and rivers. Depending on the weather, they first appear in early April as light pink buds, and then open into several shades of pink, blue and even white. In some areas along the local rivers they bloom in stunning profusion, creating a veritable carpet of color.

‘Carmen’ Comes to Area

Virginia Opera brings "Carmen" to Center for the Arts.

Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will present Georges Bizet’s sultry tragedy about opera’s most famous femme fatale, "Carmen." The opera has enthralled audiences for more than a century and is one of the most popular. "Carmen" follows Don José and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring Carmen who tosses him aside for another man leading to jealous rage.

‘Goal Is To Spot Kids in Crisis’

Police, others take suicide prevention training.

Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.

Celebrating Inclusion

Board of Supervisors Names March Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month.

The Board of Supervisors has designated March "Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month" in Fairfax County. Both those with disabilities and those without have their lives enriched when people with disabilities are fully included in the community. This special month seeks to help those with disabilities find ways to be involved in the community, and bring awareness to others of these engaged neighbors.

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

In February 2014, 46 homes sold between $1,237,522-$137,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

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

Will the Board of Supervisors Honor A Compact With the Community?

A move by EnviroSolutions in South County, including Lorton and parts of Fairfax Station and Springfield, to extend the life of its construction debris landfill by 22 years and dramatically increase the facility’s size has led to a growing controversy. The core issue is whether residents can trust the Board of Supervisors to honor and enforce the terms of a past agreement that was made between a corporation, the local community, and the Board of Supervisors.

FCPS Students Earn 27 National Scholastic Awards

Fairfax County Public Schools students earned 27 national awards in the National Scholastic Art Awards program sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Nima Jeizan of Marshall High School earned an American Visions Medal—equivalent to a best in show for the nation—and Elisabeth Hughes of Oakton High School earned a Gold Medal and Best in Grade Award.

Promoting Financial Literacy

Student run credit unions at 26 NoVa High Schools compete to recruit the most members.

As the National College Athletic Association launches its annual national basketball tournament, students at more than two dozen Northern Virginia high schools kick off a March Madness of their own. Instead of scoring baskets, they are scrambling to sign up the most new members this month to their school’s student run federal credit union in a competition sponsored by Apple Federal Credit Union.

Landfill Decision Deferred to April 3

Group to discuss a compromise is now underway.

On March 13, the Fairfax County Planning Commission was set to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on whether EnviroSolutions should be permitted to continue dumping construction debris at their landfill in Lorton until 2040. However, at that meeting, the Planning Commission deferred the decision to April 3 in order for a group to be established to discuss the issues at stake between those on both sides of the debate.

Gartlan Center to Open March 27

CSB integrates primary and behavioral health care at Gartlan Center.

According to a 2006 study, people with a serious mental illness, on average, die 25 years earlier than the rest of the population. The study, conducted by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, found that about 60 percent of these deaths were due to conditions like cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.

‘Unsung Heroes of the School’

Robinson students create yearbooks year after year.

Although they’ve faced multiple snow days this year, staff members of Above and Beyond, Robinson Secondary School’s high school yearbook, are well on their way to completing the 2014 edition.

Community Welcomes Homeless Into New Homes

FACETS TRIUMPH II Housing is part of the 100,000 homes campaign.

As part of the 100,000 Homes Campaign, FACETS welcomed 18 previously chronically homeless individuals into housing on March 18 at a housewarming celebration.

Lake Braddock Baseball Looking for Missing Pieces

Bruins graduated five Division I players from last season.

The Lake Braddock baseball team reached the state semifinals in 2013 and won a state title in 2012.

Never Giving Up

New play at Workhouse about Alice Paul and the Suffragettes.

"When you put your hand to the plow, you can't put it down until you get to the end of the row." American Suffragette and life-long crusader for Women's voting rights Alice Paul (1885-1977) used this phrase as her watch words. It was a metaphor for never giving up.

Editorial: Income Gap Alive and Well

Statistics make life in the area sound idyllic, but many families are left out in the land of plenty.

Northern Virginia is a place of wonder and plenty. So says the New York Times this past week in, "Income Gap Meet the Longevity Gap," (March 15, 2014).

No Know. No Problem.

I felt a bit of a dope this week when, after reading last week’s column, "Whew!", multiple friends called to inquire specifically as to the "Tony-the-Tiger Great" news I wrote that I received from my oncologist, and I couldn’t answer them in any detail: shrinkage, less fluid, "partial stable remission"? Nothing. And though I tried to get my oncologist to explain to me exactly what was so encouraging about this most recent CT Scan – compared to the one I took three months ago (as opposed to the one I had nine months ago which was mistakenly compared to this most recent scan and resulted in the "Some better, some worse. I’ll explain more on Friday" e-mail I received from my doctor and talked about in "Whew!") – I was rebuffed. Rebuffed in the best possible way: being told instead how great I was doing, how great my lab results were (for this most recent pre-chemotherapy) and how I could live a long time like this (presumably continuing to be infused with Alimta) – it was almost disconcerting; especially when you consider the original e-mail assessment we received and our less-than-positive interpretation of it. Moreover, the oncologist’s exuberance and smiling countenance, along with his offer of a congratulatory handshake led me away from the missing facts and immediately into these new-found feelings.

How To Prepare for New SAT

Local experts say working hard in class is the best way to be successful.

Linda Mitchell and her 15-year-old daughter, Alexis, say they don’t really know what to expect when Alexis sits for the SAT college admissions exam in 2016, but they’re not too worried at this point. Two years is a long time.

Art Educators, Galleries Celebrate Youth Art Month

Experts say art can teach valuable life skills.

Brightly colored self-portraits, landscapes dotted with spring flowers and hand-carved sculptures fill a gallery at the McLean Project for the Arts in McLean. All of the art was created by local school children. Meanwhile, in Alexandria, parents and tots dip their fingers in glue, clay and paint to create collages, sculptures and paintings.

Classified Advertising March 19. 2014

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Letter: Taking Exception on Medicaid

The Editorial in last week’s Connection ["Taking the Money"] does not include important facts about the risks of expanding Medicaid in Virginia:

‘Proud of Our Young People at Woodson’

It was standing room only last week in Woodson High’s auditorium when some 1,100 people, mainly parents, gathered for comfort and advice in the aftermath of two student deaths.

Help Offered in the Wake of Tragedy

Organizations provide information, guidance.

Woodson parent Karen Cogan called the March 5 meeting "a good first start. A lot of us were here to band together and let everyone know we’re there for each other." "It was a great community turnout, and I appreciated the school-system support services being here to give us some guidance," she said. "They told us what’s available to parents and kids and what [comprises] a crisis team." Parents also gave written answers to questions they’d received before the meeting. They shared their ideas to better support students, plus what resources could help. Students answered similar questions.

Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

Experts suggest a yearly spring maintenance check-up.

With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s time to focus on your home.

Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring

Local experts tell you what you should do now, in spite of the cold weather.

It doesn’t feel like spring. Last week’s snow made it seem like warm weather might never arrive, so planting a garden might be the last thing on your mind. However, local gardening experts say this is the ideal time to start preparing your landscape to yield colorful spring foliage. Bill Mann, of Behnke Nurseries in Potomac, Md., said spring garden preparation plans differ from year to year. "It depends on the landscape beds you have and whether or not you’re planning to put in a vegetable garden," he said.

Whimsy Meets Elegance

Potomac designer creates playful yet polished home for family of five.

When an active family of five approached Potomac interior designer Sharon Kleinman and asked her to give their home a makeover, they wanted a whimsical yet polished space.

Kitchen Confidential

From light-filled to dramatic, local designers create dream kitchens.

When Allie Mann of Arlington, a designer and senior interior specialist at Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. was tasked with giving the first floor of a McLean, Va., home a face lift, she had to think free-flowing and airy.

Arlington Family Outgrows Home but Stays Put

Family builds addition to accommodate their growing needs.

When a family of five realized that they’d outgrown their home in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington, they pondered two options: purchase a new home or build an addition onto their existing home. They decided to stay in their home.

15th Biennial Ikebana Show at the Art League

Twenty-five members of the Washington, D.C., branch of the Sogetsu School participated in the 15th biennial Ikebana Show at the Art League in the Torpedo Factory last week.

Near Zero Temps Call for Back-to-Basic

What mid-winter maintenance can reveal about your home’s needs.

While common sense suggests that home improvements should be put off to warmer weather, a sustained period of colder temperatures often reveals systemic problems that will need correction sooner or later. As temperatures dropped precipitously several weeks ago, all Reston homeowner Craig Mattice knew was that his original mansard roof was plagued with ice dams and his 10-year-old, 600-square-foot addition was so cold the pipes were freezing. Moreover, no amount of thermostat adjustment improved the situation much.

Supervisor Herrity hosts Budget Town Hall

County Executive, Chief Financial Officer answer questions.

At this year’s Springfield Budget Town Hall, County Executive Ed Long said he is much more optimistic about this year’s budget than the past. “Whatever we do with the budget, it has to be sustainable,” Long said. “There is no need to panic because of the challenges that are out there.”

FIRST Robotics Team Prepping for Competition

Students build robots, use passion for engineering.

Every Monday, Friday and Saturday, members of the AIM Robotics and RTR Team Robotics meet in Lorton to prepare for the upcoming Greater D.C. Regional competition on March 27. The teams, both part of FIRST Robotics, share a space provided by Shirley Contracting. Students work on parts, coding and more to prepare for the competition.

Green Energy Triangle Versus Closed Landfill

Community members, stakeholders debate future of Lorton Landfill.

On Thursday, the Fairfax County Planning Commission was set to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on whether EnviroSolutions should be permitted to continue the operation of the Lorton Landfill until 2040. However, according to Troy Manos, the communications director of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, a motion is expected to be made by a planning commission member to delay the vote in order to establish a group to discuss issues at stake between those on both sides of the debate.

Award-winning Composer Coming to Fairfax

The Fairfax Choral Society is sponsoring a Morten Lauridsen residency, March 20-23.

Morten Lauridsen, a renowned choral composer who is the subject of the 2012 award-winning documentary “Shining Night” and who was named an “American Choral Master” by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2006, is coming to Fairfax next week.

Northern Virginia's Growing Debt Burden

Local governments use debt as a tool to build for the future.

Back in the 1920s, Harry Byrd became governor of Virginia on what he called a "pay-as-you-go" platform.

Woodson Boys’ Basketball Loses in State Semifinals

Cavaliers struggle offensively against Landstown.

The Woodson boys' basketball team scored a season-low 37 points against Landstown in the state semifinals.

Empty-Nesters Re-invent the Family Home

Built-ins, cleverly articulated interior increase usable space without need to add-on.

Sometimes life’s second act requires a bold set change. How else are others to know that the featured players have moved on, embracing new beginnings?

Van Metre Wins Sales, Marketing Awards

Van Metre Homes won eight Silver Awards at the 2014 National Sales and Marketing Awards, hosted by the National Sales and Marketing Council.

Classified Advertising March 12, 2014

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The D.C. Design House Designers Announced

Some of the area’s top designers competed for an opportunity to donate their talent to transform a local, grand home into a showcase home. Local designers chosen to help transform the 2014 DC Design House include:

Garden Club of Virginia Celebrates 81st Tour

House and garden tours will take place across Virginia during the 81st Historic Garden Week. Garden week runs from Saturday, April 26-Saturday, May 3.

Editorial: Voting Against Virginia?

Local proponents of expanding health coverage for poor people have a point about those in the General Assembly voting against it.

When Delegates Scott Surovell, Charniele Herring and Rob Krupicka, along with Sen. Adam Ebbin got together to make the case for expanding Medicaid in Virginia, they brought slide presentations, charts, spreadsheets, poll results and more.

Whew!

Originally, this column was to be a discussion about the communication process between my doctor and this patient. Specifically, the time lag between when tests are performed/completed and when those results are communicated to the doctor who in turn – per this patient’s request, e-mails them to me. In the olden days, results were most likely offered up in person; in the post-olden days, more likely a phone call was made; presently, at least in my experience, results most likely will be e-mailed. I imagine an enduring problem for the patient – during all three "days," has been the time waiting for test results and hearing about them from your doctor. Excruciating is one of the most accurate characterizations of that delay, combined with an unhealthy dose of helplessness. Eventually, if you live long enough, you sort of become accustomed to the process and learn to roll with the punches, both figuratively and literally. Nevertheless, the patience and experience you learn can’t totally stop the rampant speculation that keeps you up at night and sleepy during the day.

Clifton Dinner Theater Presents ‘Death at The Devereux’

Performances are March 20-22 at Clifton Town Meeting Hall.

The cast of “Death at The Devereux," the spring performance of the Clifton Dinner Theater, will take audience members back to the 1920s in this musical-murder-mystery-comedy. The musical, written by director Charlotte Yakovleff of Centreville, follows the grand re-opening of “The Devereux,” Bobby Lyle's speakeasy.

Mr. Horejsi Goes to Richmond

In the fight for social justice with patience and persistence.

Every year, dozens of high-priced lobbyists descend on Virginia’s state capitol.

Kings’ Jesters Perform ‘Annie Jr.’

Performances are March 18-20 at Kings Glen Elementary.

Members of the Kings’ Jesters at Kings Glen Elementary School in Springfield, as well as staff and parents, have been preparing for the annual spring musical since November. Now, it’s almost time for the group of fourth through sixth graders to perform “Annie Jr.” next week, March 18-20.

Braunstein Retiring from CSB

He led agency through transformation, advocated for mental health services.

George Braunstein said he entered the field of mental health services almost accidentally. “My first college degree was in history and education. I was going to be a high school history teacher,” Braunstein said.

Lake Braddock Boys' Basketball Falls to Colonial Forge in 6A State Semifinals

Bruins struggle with Eagles' strength, athleticism at VCU's Siegel Center in Richmond.

The Lake Braddock boys' basketball team finished the season with a 23-5 record.

Message To Teenagers: Things Do Get Better

Catie Warren is a 2009 Woodson High grad and her brother is a freshman there. Now a writer, after last week’s tragedies she wrote the following about high-school life in general on TotalSororityMove.com: Yesterday, a student from my former high school died tragically. He was 15. Just a baby in the grand scheme of things; a young boy with his whole life ahead of him. A life filled with graduations and relationships and jobs and little ones. A life filled with happiness and joy and precious moments, laughter that makes your belly roar, silliness that makes your cheeks hurt, and love that makes your heart skip beats. He had his whole life waiting for him. Instead, he chose to end it. His death marked the fifth suicide at this school in four years. And. It. Has. Got. To. Stop.

Trying to Stay Strong Through the Grief

Woodson High community mourns two students.

Tears, sad faces, hugs, stunned silences, churning emotions and unanswered questions – all are part of the reaction of the Woodson High students in the wake of last week’s tragedies: Two of their classmates have died.

Editorial: Take the Money

No downside to gaining health care for 200,000 or more; 30,000 jobs and millions of dollars for hospitals from expansion of Medicaid.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe is right to make expansion of health coverage part of the budget process.

Clifton Resident in Skiing Competition

Keeler Lambertson and mother Jacquie share perspectives on skiing.

Keeler Lambertson, an 11-year-old Clifton resident, competed in the Pennsylvania Alpine Racing Association U12 (under 12) Derby from Feb. 28-March 2 at the Silver Springs Ski Resort in Pennsylvania. Keeler is part of the Liberty Mount Racing Team, located outside of Gettysburg, Pa.

Sex Trafficking in Our Backyard

Fairfax County detective, trafficking victim testify at Congressional hearing.

Since its creation in October 2013, the human trafficking unit of the Fairfax County Police Department has received over 70 tips and leads about human trafficking in Northern Virginia.

Pets Receive Luxury Treatment

Olde Towne Pet Resort provides fun and relaxation.

Olde Towne Pet Resort is no ordinary boarding service. Dogs and cats at this resort, with locations in Springfield and Dulles, receive walks, time in a lap pool, spa treatments, massages, and more.

Honored for Promoting Peace

The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County honors 22 students.

The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, presented by the Herndon Friends Meeting, honored a group of 22 juniors and seniors who were nominated for their dedication to peace and conflict resolution on March 2.

Debate Over Lorton Landfill Continues at Public Hearing

Decision on application deferred until March 13.

The debate over the future of the Lorton landfill continued as community members commented before the Fairfax County Planning Commission at a public hearing on Feb. 27.

Shark Tank Racing Squad Swims for Cancer Awareness

The team raised $18,900 for breast cancer research.

Patty Friedman, a coach and co-founder of the Shark Tank Racing Squad, shared some alarming statistics at the beginning of the team’s breast cancer marathon on March 2 at the South Run Rec Center in Springfield.

Lake Braddock Secures State Tournament Berth

Bruins beat South Lakes, finish region runner-up.

The Lake Braddock boys' basketball team will travel for the state semifinals.

Woodson Boys’ Basketball Wins Back-to-Back Region Titles

Cavaliers overcome adversity, beat Lake Braddock.

The Woodson boys' basketball team will face Landstown in the state semifinals.

Classified Advertising March 5, 2014

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Creating a Harmonious Family Life

Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.

As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.

Not Yet, Really

While we’re exchanging pleasantries here, in semi real time – although this column will not be most read until March 6th (I need to submit it on Monday, March 3rd as we go to press on Tuesday, March 5th), I feel the obligation, given how last week’s column ended, to update you on the results from my February 26th CT Scan. Presumably, by the title you all have determined that as of this writing, Saturday, March 1st, I have not heard back from my oncologist. Typically, I would have already heard from him, electronically. But so far, not a peep, electronic or otherwise and believe me, I’ve been checking, as you might imagine.

Board Advertises Higher Tax Rate

Rate gives board flexibility, options in determining final budget.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 Tuesday to advertise a higher real estate tax rate that could add about $100 to annual tax bills, which will be on top of the $332 county homeowners will see this year as a result of higher real estate assessments. Setting the advertised tax rate formally begins the two-month public process to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and the rate represents the maximum potential tax rate for FY2015.

Preventing Teen Suicides

Recent deaths shine light on FCPS suicide prevention programs.

Every 15 seconds, a teen in the United States tries to commit suicide. Every 90 minutes, one succeeds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that the number of attempted suicides among teenagers increased from 6.3 percent in 2009 to 7.8 percent in 2011.

Cox Charities Virginia Awards Area Nonprofits

Cox Communications awarded $160,000 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations in Virginia through Cox Charities grants programs. The grants presented Feb. 21 are part of the nearly $8 million Cox contributes annually through cash and in-kind support to the communities where they do business.

Emotional Win Puts Woodson in Tonight's Region Championship Game

Cavaliers will face Lake Braddock for fourth time this season.

The Lake Braddock boys' basketball team is 3-0 against Woodson this season.