Stories for November 2014

Column: ‘Shrinkage’

Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).

Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield, Mount Vernon: What Are You Thankful for This Thanksgiving?

“I’m thankful for my family, my relative health and my eighth grade Civics students at South County Middle School.”

Sun Shines on Pohick Church Christmas Mart in Lorton

In recent years, it’s poured on people like Janice Cranel while they waited for the Pohick Church Christmas Mart to open. Rain or shine, they would still line up in front of the modest red brick building where colonial celebrities like George Washington, George Mason and their families attended services. “We come for the fellowship, the delicious luncheon, sweet ladies, arts and crafts, jewelry and Christmas decorations,” said Cranel.

Lorton Outreach Group Sets Thanksgiving Service Record

Kathy Noone stood alone, surrounded by Thanksgiving baskets ready to feed over 400 families. The Lorton resident is Director of Volunteers for the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), and though she looked capable, she didn’t fill the bags all by herself. Earlier on Nov. 23, a team of volunteers worked “better than a well-oiled machine” to sort donated food into nearly identical combinations at the Moose Family Center in Lorton for delivery and pickup.

Fairfax Resident Talks Victorian Christmas at Burke Historical Society

Electricity didn’t come to Burke until 1928. That meant no one could power strings of lights to decorate Christmas trees; they had to use real candles and assume the very real fire hazard risk. Fortunately, fireproof fake trees made of goose feathers or chenille had already been around since the 1880s.

95 Express Lanes Scheduled to Open in December in Stafford County and Fairfax County

Beginning next month, a 29-mile stretch of I-95 should look a little different. Existing HOV lanes will change to “Express Lanes,” offering drivers with an E-ZPass a less congested alternative. The change affects 95 starting in Stafford County around Garrisonville Road, north to I-395 in Fairfax County by Edsall Road.

Obituary: Pamela Wallace, of Clifton, Dies

Pamela Wallace, passed away at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, N.J., surrounded by her loving family. They invite everyone to attend the memorial service celebrating her life at the Christ Episcopal Church, 74 Park Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014 at 11 a.m., where she wed her husband, Bob,45 years ago.

And The “Scancer” Is…

Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist. At this meeting, I am examined, and of course, the radiologist’s report of the most recent scan is discussed, and plans for the future – stay the course and/or adjust or switch altogether – are considered.

An Exceptional Education

Exceptional Schools Fair offers parents a chance to learn more about schools for their children with special needs.

Maureen Kleinman wandered from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from schools that cater to students who have special needs. She asked questions about each school’s resources and environment.

Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM

Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.

November Raises Awareness and Celebrates Caregivers

Resources available for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Mary Driver-Downs has been one of the primary caregivers for her mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for the past six years. It has been a difficult journey, but one she says is well worth it.

Turkey Carving 101

Local chefs offer advice for slicing the star of the Thanksgiving table.

Few things symbolize Thanksgiving like a whole roasted turkey on a platter, but when it’s time for dinner, neatly sliced pieces of meat look even more appealing. Whether it’s sliced at the table or in kitchen, turkey carving can be a daunting task, however. A few local chefs share their favorite turkey-carving methods to create an impressive holiday platter.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Ideas for giving thanks in style.

Whether one’s taste in table settings is subtle or over-the-top, it is possible to give thanks in style. From centerpieces to table runners, local designers say the right combination of accessories can create a Thanksgiving table that guests will remember long after the holiday.

(Burke) Thanksgiving Q&A: Bruin QB Edwards Happy to be Practicing

Lake Braddock will face Westfield in 6A North semifinals Saturday.

Lake Braddock will face Westfield in the 6A North region football semifinals.

(Lorton) Thanksgiving Q&A: South County's Williams Headed to Chicago

Junior shortstop committed to play softball at Kent State.

South County junior Jade Williams is committed to play softball at Kent State.

Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving

Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Arts at the Workhouse

The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton will open its galleries and studios for extended hours on Black Friday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., offering a free, fun and festive alternative to a day at the mall.

For the Perfect Gift, Try Hydrangea of Clifton

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than Hydrangea of Clifton. Owned by Jennifer Heilmann, who ran the former Baskets & Boughs in the same location from 1996-2007, Hydrangea is her new gift and home boutique located on Chapel Road in Clifton.

Richard Linsday Receives Friends of the Fairfax Station Lifetime Membership Award

Friends of the Fairfax Station President, Jack Migliaccio, presented a Lifetime Membership award to Mow Cow Founder and President, Richard Linsday on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum.

Rites of Fall

Viewpoints: What do you like to do during Fall and before the start of the holidays?

As the foliage reached its peak, Fairfax County residents turned to their favorite fall activities before the mad rush of the holidays. At the Burke Farmers Market, which runs until Nov. 22, John and Nancy Menke, of Burke, found a way to keep the fresh and local fruits and vegetables they love throughout the year.

Lake Braddock Boys’ XC Wins State Championship

Corbett wins 6A individual title, Murphy is girls’ runner-up.

The Lake Braddock boys' cross country team finished first, girls' took second at state meet.

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

In October 2014, 52 homes sold between $1,300,000-$174,900 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

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

Lorton’s Pohick Church Hosts 55th Colonial Christmas Mart

Turkey salad, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffed celery, pumpkin pie, coffee and tea: Anita Stribling has helped serve the same holiday meal for 300 people for 52 years.

Lorton Boy Donates Arrowhead to Smithsonian

Ten-year-old Noah Cordle of Lorton became an overnight celebrity in August after literally stumbling upon a thousands of years-old arrowhead while on vacation in Long Beach Island, N.J. The Asbury Park Press first broke the story and soon national newspapers and television programs were hounding the Cordles for interviews.

Fairfax County-wide Nonprofits Offer Gift Ideas and Civic Engagement

In over 20 years as manager of Burke Lake Park, Charlie Reagle has seen a lot of benches installed. So many in fact that he’s running out of water view locations. And though many people choose to honor deceased family members with a bench, he’s had plenty donated in tribute to the living. One pair of sisters gave a bench as a birthday gift to their mother; it had two plaques, one of which was at ground level so the mother’s dog could see it.

Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria

New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.

Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.

As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.

Editorial: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally

Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.

There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Column: And The “Scancer” Is…

Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.

Letter to the Editor: Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

To the Editor: I appreciate your coverage on the work that Shelter House is doing in the Reston community and elsewhere. Domestic violence is a very serious issue that doesn’t seem to receive enough attention for how widespread of an issue it is.

Commentary: Resources and Support for the Caregiver

If you have ever been in the position of providing ongoing, long-term care for a loved one, you are very familiar with the sacrifices involved. You should also know that you are not alone. Whether it is a result of illness, disability, or injury, 39 percent of all adult Americans are caring for an older loved one - an increase from 30 percent in 2010.

Democratic Women of Clifton Launch Holiday Donations Drive

Again this year, the Democratic Women of Clifton and Northern Virginia (DWCNV) will participate in two holiday projects for two organizations. The general public is invited to participate in the donations drive on Sunday, Nov. 16, 3 - 4 p.m. at the Clifton Community Hall, 12641 Chapel Road, Clifton.

Lake Braddock Boys’ XC Wins Region Title

LB, Robinson, West Springfield send 2 teams to states.

The Lake Braddock boys' cross county team is the favorite to win the 2014 6A state championship.

Excuse Me

Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.” Years later, after a chemotherapy infusion, I saw my oncologist walking through the Infusion Center and asked him if my thinning hair might be a result of this most recent chemotherapy drug (not all chemotherapy results in hair loss). His response was similar to what my friend had advised me in 2009. He said: “You can blame me,” (which of course, I understood to mean, cancer/the treatment of cancer) “for anything.”

Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs

Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things. And thanks to a great friend, Rebecca Nenner, whom I have written about previously, I have/have had to become more open, and consequently, have assimilated into my life many non-Western, non-traditional alternatives (pills, supplements, super foods, activities/behaviors, etc.) with which I was totally unfamiliar (I’m a sports and chocolate kind of person), in an attempt to outlive my prognosis.

Fairfax Station, Springfield and Burke students at Sangster Honor Veterans

When Rachel Heyne sang “Let Freedom Ring” on Veterans Day with her classmates in the Sangster chorus, the message touched her.

Traveling Purses Raise Domestic Violence Awareness Around Fairfax County

“Victoria” moved to the United States eight years ago with her husband. (Her name has been changed for protective anonymity.) At the beginning, he was the perfect gentleman: holding doors, full of compliments, telling her he loved her. She quit her job to be with him, her first love. Their future in a new country seemed bright.

Jean R. Packard Remembered at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna

Jean Packard was Frank Roberts’ first boss. He was 13, she was 22 and the acting editor of her father Dave’s Clermont Sun newspaper in Batavia, Ohio. “I was a ‘devil’s rat,’” Roberts said, responsible for odd gofer jobs around the office. “I was trying to hide from work and she’d track me down. She was a tough boss.”

McLean Location for 2015 DC Design House

House will benefit Children’s National Health System.

The new country estate at 956 Mackall Farm Lane in McLean will be the location for the 8th annual DC Design House, a project that raises money to benefit Children’s National Health System. The 2015 DC Design House will be held from April 11 to May 10.

New Interior Design Book Features Local Tastemakers

Interior designers offer advice on creating an elegant home.

Fall not only brings vibrantly colored leaves and pumpkins, but it also ushers in a slew of new book releases. Among those is an interior design book featuring local designers.

Editorial: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need

Roll up those sleeves and help.

This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities. That is to say, more than a quarter of a million people, including many children, go hungry on a regular basis.

Column: Excuse Me

Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.”

Fire Chief Returns to Music Full Time

Retired Fairfax County battalion fire chief releases debut album.

On Oct. 28, retired Fairfax County Battalion Fire Chief, Glenn Bydume, released his debut album, “Late Night Hour.” His success did not come overnight, and he did not even start out with a career in music but, rather, a career in service.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at South County

High school theatre presents Shakespeare's most popular comedy.

South County High School Theatre presents “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” William Shakespeare's most popular comedy, on Nov. 13-15 at 7 p.m. The comedy, written around 1594 or 95, portrays the adventures of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with woodland fairies and a duke and duchess.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.

Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. Long-time Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help his neighbor Elsa Armendaris.

Natural Treatments for Anxiety

Experts say complementary medical treatments can help relieve anxiety and other mental disorders.

When 35-year-old Andrea Evenson decided to try meditation, exercise and yoga to deal with her anxiety, she had already been on a myriad of anti-anxiety medications.

Column: November Is Adoption Month

Here’s how to help find a forever family for children and teens waiting in foster care.

If you are lucky, you don't know what it's like to live in the precarious limbo that defines foster care in this country.

Commentary: Sometimes Perception Really Isn’t Reality

Fairfax County is home to one of the wealthiest populations in the country. Unbeknownst to many, the county is also home to the second largest population of homelessness in this region. In fact, more than 1,200 residents of Fairfax County are without stable and safe homes.

Robinson’s Berman Wins Conference 5 Title

Rams girls’, boys’ teams qualify for regionals.

The Robinson boys' and girls' cross countries qualified for the regional meet.

HOT Topic

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.

Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

Lake Braddock Girls’ XC Dominates Conference 7 Meet

Sophomore Murphy wins, six Bruins finish in top eight.

The Lake Braddock girls' cross country team won the Conference 7 title.

Corbett First Bruin Boy to Run Sub-15

Lake Braddock senior, Bruins win Conference 7 titles.

Lake Braddock's Alex Corbett won the Conference 7 boys' cross country championship.

Column: Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs

Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things.

Northern Virginia Democrats Hold Their Ground

In uneasy election, Beyer takes 8th district, but leaves Senate too close to call.

Despite the election still being too close to call, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner gave his supporters at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City a full smile and a victory speech. With less than 1 percent of the vote favoring Warner over his Republican challenger Ed Gillespie, the question is whether or not Gillespie will ask for a recount. But if this was troubling Warner as much as it was the Democrats gathered the night of Nov 4, he didn’t show it.

Comstock Wins 10th District Race

Comstock scores resounding 17-point victory over Democratic opponent John Foust.

Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday night, Republican Del. Barbara Comstock entered the Hilton ballroom in Ashburn to the tune of her favorite song - “This One’s for the Girls” sung by Martina McBride. The sassy, defiant country anthem – which tells girls to “stand your ground when everyone’s giving in” – struck the right chord with Comstock’s supporters, who chanted and clapped along with the music as Comstock took the stage to deliver her victory speech.

Gerry Gets Things Done

Democratic incumbent Connolly fends off Republican challenger Suzanne Scholte.

As Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” poppy ballad led a soundtrack infused with ’80s pop and modern country music, the mood at the DoubleTree Crystal City hotel in Arlington ebbed and flowed between elated cheers and frustrated boos.

Paper Trail

Single voting method helps streamline the process.

When it comes to voting, paper is the past, the present and the future. The assistant chief election officer at Robinson Secondary school James Emery Jr. of Fairfax said paper is too valuable as a voting record to abandon.