Stories for September 2014

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Group Hands Candidate A Sweet Surprise

Democratic Women of Clifton and NoVa host fundraiser for Foust.

The Democratic Women of Clifton and Northern Virginia (DWCNV) hosted a fundraiser for John Foust, the Democratic Candidate for the Virginia 10th Congressional District, on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Life Changing Experience

Haicheng Charles Zhao of Fairfax Station, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was selected to participate in a seven-week international leadership camp, Camp Rising Sun, this past summer.

Local Group Gives Scholarships to Women

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave out $10,000 in scholarships to college women to kick off the start of the school year. Six women from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, ranging in ages and opportunities, were presented scholarships during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club on Friday, Sept 19.

Students, Parents and Teachers Plea for Later Start Times

Students, parents and advocacy groups flooded the School Board’s public comment period with pleas to approve later start times for students next year during Sept. 19 meeting.

Portrait of a Graduate Approved

The Portrait of a Graduate has been drawn. This “portrait” - a part of the plans for the proposed strategic plan - was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Fairfax County School Board meeting after the board discussed it for more than an hour.

Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan

Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.

Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters

The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.

Riding and Thriving

Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program holds annual Polo Classic.

At 3 years old, Blythe Champion was diagnosed with herpes encephalitis, a rare and aggressive central nervous system infection. The infection put her into a coma; when she woke up, she was blind. Eventually Champion regained her central vision, but never peripheral.

Fall Fun 2014

Upcoming family-friendly events in the area.

Post-Chemo Weak

For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.

Foust Bridging Political Divide

Democrats hope Foust’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” connects with voters.

Straightening his tie, John Foust is preparing for yet another “meet-and-greet” event at the Clifton home of Democratic supporters Terry Matlaga and Kevin Bell.

Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle

Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.

The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.

Construction Nearly Done on the 95 Express Lanes

The construction on the 95 Express Lanes is 90 percent complete and on schedule to open in early January 2015.

Twilight Rock ‘n’ Run at South County

South County's Band hosts fundraising 5K race.

The inaugural Twilight Rock ‘n’ Run drew a nice-sized crowd to South County High School on Sept. 13, a cool Saturday night. The 5K race was sponsored by the South County Band Boosters to raise money for the band and for Turf SoCo, an initiative to raise money for new football field turf.

Democratic Women to Honor Foust

The reception will be held on Sept. 20 in Clifton.

The Democratic Women of Clifton and Northern Virginia (DWCNV) will host a reception in honor of John Foust, the Democratic Candidate for the Virginia 10th Congressional District on Saturday, Sept. 20.

‘You Just Have to Believe’

Local girl competes in national solo ice dancing championship.

Just 15, Paul VI sophomore LaDan Nemati has a full plate. From November-February, she skates with a synchronized skating team in Delaware; and during the spring, summer and early fall, she does solo ice dancing.

Classified Advertising September 17, 2014

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

In August 2014, 67 homes sold between $1,380,000-$171,500 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

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

Alice in Nevermore

Local theater company explores imagination at Workhouse.

For the next month, Barbara Lawson is leading a triple life. A freshly minted West Springfield senior, 17-year-old Lawson plays the title character in the Pandemonium Theatrical Productions setting of “Alice In Wonderland,” as well as Virginia in the same company’s “Nevermore,” a dark musical exploring the demons of Edgar Allen Poe.

Lorton Community Action Center Wine-Tasting Raises $6,000

In fiscal year 2014, the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) served meals to 3,550 individual guests. On Saturday, Sept. 13, they served wine to 110 more fortunate individuals who gathered for LCAC’s second annual “Raise a Glass of Hope” wine-tasting fundraiser.

Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season

Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.

Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.

A Different Path to a 4-year Degree

NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.

Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Later High School Start Times for 2015?

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Letter: Springfield Seniors Deserve Better

Letter to the Editor

On Sept. 13, 2014, I received The Herrity Report with the remarkable absence of any report on the Lorton Workhouse that he had earlier denounced as a wasteful bailout of a mismanaged operation. Supervisor Herrity failed to report that on Sept. 9, 2014, the Board spent another $3 million for an events center that could lose more of our taxpayer money.

Scared, Hopefully Not to Death

One of my greatest fears (or regrets, if I am in fact the cause of my own decline) is that my own stubbornness, stupidity, “male blockheadedness” and/or refusal to believe/pay attention to signs, symptoms, indications and instructions/health advisories from my oncologist about my health will lead to my premature death.

Commentary: Protecting Those Threatened by Domestic Violence

September marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – landmark legislation in which our nation committed new prevention and response resources so that our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends would no longer have to suffer in silence through domestic abuse.

Robinson Football Improves to 3-0 with Win Over Rival Lake Braddock

Rams build 19-0 lead, hold on to beat 'contender.'

Lake Braddock improved to 3-0 with a 19-17 win over Lake Braddock on Friday.

First Friday in Clifton Pairs Wine and Arts

The Clifton Wine Shop held its monthly First Friday Wine and Art Sept. 5 by pairing the art of D.C. Artist Tina Palmer with the wines of Spain.

Laurel Hill Holds Member Championship Tournament

Laurel Hill Golf Course held it's 8th Annual Member Championship Tournament Sept. 6 and 7. This two-day golf challenge was attended by 20 Laurel Hill members who were divided into three levels of play based on individual handicaps.

‘Nevermore’ at Workhouse Arts Center

Pandemonium Theatrical Productions presents "Nevermore" at the Workhouse Arts Center, W-3 Theatre, 9601 Ox Rosd, Lorton.

Full Day Monday Challenges Discussed

The implementation of “full day Mondays” has been anything but easy for area elementary schools. The challenges that Fairfax County Public Schools faced to bring more hours to elementary students’ school year was addressed by Superintendent Karen Garza and several board members during a school board meeting on Sept. 4 at Jackson Middle School.

Classified Advertising September 10, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Lake Braddock XC Delivers Strong Showing at Monroe Parker Invite

Motivated boys’ team seeks state title after finishing 2nd in 2013.

Lake Braddock boys' XC placed first at the M

Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit

Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.

“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”

Board of Supervisors Approves 2015 Revised Budget Plan

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

Gaelic Football Comes to Fairfax

The sport combines elements of soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball and American football.

“What sport are they playing? It’s not soccer,” said a park visitor, watching people use their hands to throw and bounce a soccer ball on an open field, on Sunday, Sept. 7 at Providence Park in Fairfax.

Get Ready for Clifton Day

47th Annual Festival Scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 12

Come enjoy great food, live music, a train ride and other family-friendly activities when the town of Clifton puts on Clifton Day, an annual, festival held in one of Northern Virginia’s most beautiful and historic areas. This year’s event is on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Accidental Clifton House Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a house fire Sunday, Sept. 7, at approximately 11:55 p.m., in the Clifton area of Fairfax County. The single-family home is located at 12413 Old Yates Ford Road.

Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?

Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.

With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.

Time Sensitive

As much as I don’t want to be cognizant of date, time and place, relative to February 27, 2009 when Team Lourie first received the stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis on yours truly, I am (a terminal diagnosis will do that to you). Moreover, as often as I write about the need to live forward, rather than die backward (if you know what I mean), I still struggle with the application.

Extreme Politics

Foust, Comstock stake out opposing positions during first debate in hyper-partisan 10th district Congressional race.

Forget first-debate politeness. Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust — the candidates vying to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district — sustained the hyper-partisan tenor of their campaigns during a debate-style forum hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in Herndon last week.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

Classified Advertising September 3, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’

Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.

“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.

Gala Event with Col. Allen West

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) will host their gala event on Sept. 28 featuring Col. Allen West as the keynote speaker. The event will take place at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, City of Fairfax, and will begin at 6 p.m.

Twilight Rock-n-Run 5K Race at South County High

The South County High School Band has announced the Inaugural Twilight Rock-n-Run 5K Race that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.

Explore Art Classes at the Workhouse Education Open House

Are you interested in trying out an art class, but not sure which one is right for you? Then don’t miss the annual Workhouse Education Open House on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 12-3 p.m.

Railroad Technology Exhibit at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum

The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will have a special weekend exhibit on railroad technology Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. each day.

Ashley C. Ramdeen, Antonio (Tony) Hemingway Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ramdeen have announced the engagement of their daughter, Ashley C. Ramdeen of Fairfax Station to Antonio (Tony) Hemingway of Hampton, Va. Their wedding is planned for Oct. 10, 2015.

Senior Centers in Fairfax County

A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015

A list of annual community events in the area.

Cook Kicks off Anti-Speeding Campaign

Police demonstration introduces “Slow Down: You live here. We live here.”

The speed limit sign in your neighborhood may be smarter than you think. To kick off Supervisor John C Cook’s anti-speeding campaign on Thursday, Aug. 28, Fairfax County police officers flexed the muscles of eight new radar signs they’ve purchased for the county.

American Muscle

15th annual Labor Day Clifton Car Show raises money for local charities.

The Labor Day Car show in Clifton had humble beginnings. Fifteen years ago, it was only founder and organizer Jim Chesley, and 24 other car enthusiasts. They raised $100 to donate to charity. Each year they brought it back, it grew, and so did the donations. By the fourth year they cracked $1,000. The event has now raised over $245,000 -- not including this year’s efforts.

I Scream

…for ice cream; from Brigham’s in Boston, the local New England establishment of my youth where I spent dollars – although it was likely cents back in those days – many afternoons, evenings and weekends.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Lake Braddock’s Edwards Makes First Start at QB

Bruins defeat West Potomac in season opener.

Lake Braddock defeated West Potomac 30-6 on Friday.

Opinion: Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied

On Friday, Aug. 29, was one year since a still unidentified Fairfax County police officer shot and killed an innocent, non-violent, unarmed John Geer as he stood in the doorway of his Springfield home.