Stories for April 2016

Fairfax Station, Lorton, Clifton: April 2016 Neighborhood Development Outlook Update

Ox Road Estates around Adare Drive: An infill project of ten single-family homes is under construction.

GOP Women of Clifton to Hosts Author Peter Pollak

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) welcomes Peter G. Pollak, author of five thrillers, to present at its May meeting. The event will take place Wednesday, May 18, at Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station.

Burke and Fairfax: Young Artist with Autism Shows Work at Our Daily Bread’s “Artful Living”

“HERE MY WORK IS YELLING AT THE STONE INSIDE THAT REFUSES TO LEAVE MY SOUL AND BODY IN PEACE.” Those are 16-year-old Fairfax resident Ben Breaux’s words that accompanied his mixed-media painting “The Kidney Stone” at the April 23 juried art contest and Our Daily Bread fundraiser “Artful Living.”

Lorton: No Suspects Named in Ongoing River Drive Homicide Investigation

Over six weeks since Johan De Leede, 83, was shot to death in his home on the 6000 block of River Drive in the Mason Neck area, Fairfax County Police have yet to name any suspects in the homicide.

Fairfax Station: Fourth annual Fragile X walk raises $55,000 for molecular bank for research

Jimi Grande of Fairfax Station may never get to teach his ten-year-old son Jimmo to throw a baseball. Jimmo was born with effects from an inherited genetic mutation called Fragile X that can cause moderate to severe mental impairment and learning disabilities, and is linked to autism spectrum disorder.

‘Great Performances’ Continue at Mason

Center for the Arts announces next season’s ‘Great Performances.’

Once again, George Mason University Center for the Arts will dazzle audiences with a wide array of celebrated artists from around the world with its upcoming 2016-17 “Great Performances” series.

Burke and Fairfax Station: Mother’s Day Marketplace in Fairfax Station

The event is sponsored by the new ridesharing company for women, SafeHer - Driving women towards safety.

Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 20

Fairfax county invites residents, employers to participate in bike to work day.

State of the County Presented Over Breakfast

Leadership Fairfax hosts 25th Annual Board of Supervisors State of the County Breakfast and presents Hanley Award to Bill Bouie for Public Service.

With the number and types of commitments made on their daily schedules, it takes a special occasion to gather the entire roster of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in one place at one time outside the walls of their meeting chambers.

Preparing for Summer Camp Away

Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.

A child’s first residential summer camp experience can be fraught with emotions that run the gamut from excitement to terror.

Academic Camps Combine Education and Fun

Local camps help students maintain school skills in a relaxed environment.

One summer Ana Lado created a summer camp activity for students at her neighborhood pool. The Marymount professor set up a picnic area, and included activities and books. Her plan was to engage the students and give them the opportunity to read and build reading skills while still enjoying fun activities traditionally associated with summer.

From Colonial History to Future Entrepreneurs

Campers can explore diverse interests in specialty summer camps.

This summer dozens of elementary school-aged children will travel back in time to the Colonial Era where, among other things, they’ll learn to spin cotton into cloth for garments.

Editorial: More Voters Might Not Mean Much More Voting

Governor’s action brings Virginia in line with 39 other states.

Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) restored the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements.

Mount Vernon: West Potomac Bats Come Alive in Win Over Woodson

Wolverines pound nine extra-base hits against Cavaliers.

The West Potomac baseball team defeated Woodson 7-2 on Tuesday.

Responding to Teen Sex Trafficking

Comprehensive approach seeks to educate teens.

In 2012 Fairfax County Detective William Woolf discovered a 16-year-old girl being prostituted by the M-16 gang. At the time there was little recognition that the problem existed locally. The girl was recovered and since then Woolf has interviewed 300 recovered victims, some as young as 12-years old. After the initial shock, Northern Virginia businesses, faith communities and educational groups sought to understand the extent of the problem.

Fairfax County: Chief Investigating Cyberbullying of Dead Female Firefighter

Search for Nicole Mittendorff called off after police “preliminarily identify” female remains, find suicide note found in her abandoned vehicle.

The search for Nicole Mittendorff, a paramedic-firefighter based at Fire Station 32 in Fairfax Station, has been suspended, a release from Virginia State Police said on Thursday, April 21.

Mount Vernon: Embark Richmond Highway Community Meeting Set for May 9

“Embark Richmond Highway” is the long-term project for expanding and diversifying transportation and development along the Richmond Highway Corridor. It resulted from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) study of Route 1 transportation needs, the recommendations from which Fairfax County Board of Supervisors endorsed 11 months ago.

A Look Inside the Transformation of Lorton Reformatory into Liberty Crest

Imagine living in a former prison cell, or kitchen, or administration building. Doing laundry where others once did time. The wait is down to about a year, when The Alexander Company out of Madison, Wis. and McLean-based Elm Street plan to deliver 165 new apartments as part of Phase I of Liberty Crest, a mixed-use redevelopment of the Lorton Reformatory.

Fairfax Station: Fourth Fragile X Walk Scheduled for April 24

Since their first fundraising walk, the Northern Virginia Fragile X Family group has raised more than $130,000 for research into Fragile X, an inherited genetic mutation that can cause mental impairment ranging from moderate to severe learning disabilities and linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Clifton and Fairfax Station: Garden Club Member Receives Award of Honor

At a recent award ceremony at George Washington’s River Farm in Alexandria, Dominion Valley Garden Club member Millicent “Millie” Rever of Fairfax Station received the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Award of Honor.

Removing a Barrier to Pomp and Circumstance

Gowns for Grads program at George Mason provides regalia for needy graduates.

When Muntaha Choudhary walks across the stage during George Mason University’s graduation ceremony this May she will celebrate not only her bachelor’s degree, which has been eight years in the making, but also the fact that she is the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve 4-Cent Tax Rate Increase

The gap between the Fairfax County School Board and total county budgets is a formality away from being the smallest since before Jan. 7 when FCPS Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza announced she wouldn’t be making any additional cuts in her $2.67 billion Fiscal Year 2017 budget.

Fairfax Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a 15-Year-Old Girl

Derek Leon Mantilla, 21, formerly of Fairfax, pleaded guilty yesterday to sex trafficking of minor.

Summer STEM Academy at NOVA

High school juniors and seniors are invited to apply for a weeklong summer STEM academy at Northern Virginia Community College. Selected students will unravel a forensics mystery by conducting various STEM experiments in a college setting.

Gov. McAuliffe Signs Del. Filler-Corn's Legislation Into Law

On Thursday, April 14, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed several bills into law relating to sexual assault.

Lanier Middle Teams Earn Two First Place Awards at Environmental Action Showcase

Students from Lanier Middle School won two first place awards at the fifth annual School Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) held at George Mason University.

’Godspell’ at Sovereign Grace

Community theatre group presents a musical based upon the gospel according to St. Matthew.

Fairfax community’s newest theatre group, Popes Head Players, presents “Godspell” on April 22-24 and April 28-30.

Letter: Selfishness, Not Altruism, Behind Tax Increases

To the Editor

The Board of Supervisors and School Board should give the approximately 12,000 classroom teachers salary increases, but give no raises to other school and county employees.

Burke: Undefeated Lake Braddock Softball Blanks T.C. Williams

Bruins record seventh shutout of the season.

The Lake Braddock softball team defeated T.C. Williams 10-0 on Tuesday.

Editorial: On the Guilty Plea of Adam Torres

Geer’s death exposed “obfuscation … and a lack of public accountability.”

Adam Torres, charged with murder in the death of Springfield resident John Geer, was the first Fairfax County Police officer in the history of the department to be charged in such a death.

Fairfax County: Torres Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter of John Geer

Former Police officer faced murder charges for 2013 shooting

It was over before it began. Neither prosecution nor defense gave opening statements in former Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres’ trial for the August 2013 murder of Springfield resident John Geer. Instead on Monday, April 18, Torres pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter for the August 2013 incident.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Elegant homes and gardens in Old Town, Arlington and Falls Church will be open to the public.

Some of the most spectacular gardens will be in bloom and on display during the 83rd annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia.

Modular Homes Come of Age

What's behind the growing popularity of modular homes? Recent research shows that a house comprised of architecturally-specific, pre-constructed modules can be assembled on a homeowner’s lot for 10-15 percent less than of the cost of a comparably-sized “stick-built” house.

Lorton: Writing Days at South County

The South County High School English Department held its first Stallion Writing Days on April 7-8 in the school auditorium where students, teachers and professional writers gave presentations and discussed their writing prose.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: March, 2016

In March, 2016, 72 homes sold between $1,189,000-$185,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: March, 2016

Fairfax County Police Hold Assessment Public Hearing

As part of an on-site assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., Fairfax County Police held a public forum on April 11 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Lorton’s Fair Winds Named Best Local Brewery

On a glimmering spring Sunday afternoon, the occasion might call for a light, effervescent beverage: a saison or farmhouse ale, a session IPA. But at Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton, customers lined up on April 10 to taste of something much darker, the second “Brewer’s Reserve” limited release beer: a barrel-aged imperial stout called “Ghost of the Mariner.”

Fairfax County: 24th annual Service Awards recognizes community champions, hundreds of volunteers

Kathy Hertz, a longtime volunteer in Clifton, spent more than a week in Lesvos, Greece just after Christmas with her cousin. The two of them volunteered in and around a refugee camp for individuals being funnelled to Athens and hopefully back to Germany or other European havens.

West Springfield's Djonkam Earns Fairfax South MVP at Nova Challenge

Senior produces double-double in all-star game.

Lewis Djonkam had 19 points and 13 rebounds during the Nova Challenge.

Becoming Aware of Child Sex Trafficking

The problem extends throughout northern Virginia.

She stands on the sidewalk outside the mall with her backpack full of 7th grade science and math books. An older man pulls up and she gets in the backseat of his car.

Classified Advertising April 13, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Inaugural Living Well Summit Piques Interest of County Seniors

Summit helps county residents improve with age.

Local residents can learn how to age gracefully Saturday, April 16, at the Living Well, Aging Well Summit in the Fairfax County Government Center.

Help Wanted: Mature Workforce at Employment Expo in Tysons

Older adults in search of work can discuss job opportunities with various industry representatives Monday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “50+ Employment Expo” in the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.

Progress Made, Challenges Remain on Ending Homelessness

HomeAid NoVA hosts ‘Keep the Homeless Housed’ Forum.

In 2008, Fairfax County partnered with the City of Falls Church to adopt an ambitious strategic plan to address the issue of homelessness in the region.

Finding Fun in Science

Area youth turn out for Project BEST Science and Technology Fun.

What could possibly have lured some 100 and more middle school youngsters back to a school building on a Saturday, especially if that school isn’t theirs and they had to get up extra early just to get there?

Editorial: Award-Winning Connection Newspapers

Still striving to be the Connection to your community.

Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association for work done in 2015.

Fairfax County Police Conduct Neighborhood Canvass for Data on Mason Neck Homicide

For two evenings, Fairfax County Police canvassed the Mason Neck Community where John De Leede, 83, was murdered on March 11.

Speaker Series

Senior Services of Alexandria will present Aging Well, Working Together for a Livable Community for all Ages, next in a speaker series, on Wednesday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria.

Luxury Condos are a Growth Market for Seniors

Active retirees seek options for independent living, including condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons, Reston, McLean, Bethesda and Chevy Chase, among others.

When Joyce and Don Lipman decided to move out of their Potomac, Md. home, they opted for a high-end townhouse instead of a retirement community.

Taking the Long View

Budgeted, incremental improvements are the key to effective planning, aging in place.

When they decided not to move-on after retirement, seniors Mike and Sandy Nusbaum slowly began enlarging their long-term residence with several goals in mind.

Golden Notes

Living well at any age.

‘Shark Tank’ for Seniors

High school students design and present tech products to improve lives of older adults.

Chantilly High School freshman Aru Rajpurohit remembers seeing her great-grandfather struggle to drink his morning tea and other beverages, his hands shaking from Parkinson’s disease.

Commentary: Government IDs for All Virginia Residents

In August of 2014, I organized a Hispanic Town Hall Meeting in Hybla Valley. I spent the first hour going over issues with constituents.

Tour of Local Civil War Sites

The Friends of Fairfax Railroad Station Museum held a tour of Civil War sites on Saturday, April 2. Under rainy skies starting at 8:30 a.m., 18 people rode around Fairfax Station, Clifton and Centreville for seven hours in five cars, and stopped at local Civil War sites, while tour guides John McAnaw and Blake Myers shared their history expertise.

Letter: Sweet Memories

Since 1962 the Fairfax Baskin Robbins has been a place of happiness and great delight as the go to location for families to enjoy a sweet treat or the spot where many began their first job.

Film Festival Returns to Fairfax, Bigger and Bolder

Northern Virginia International Film Festival to be held at Angelika Film Center April 21-30.

Returning for its second year, the Northern Virginia International Film Festival will continue to “create a slice of Hollywood in Northern Virginia; this year is even bigger and bolder” than its inaugural season at the Angelika Film Center in the Mosaic District, said Fernando Mico, founder and director.

Fairfax: Lanier Students Head to State Competition

They also must raise money to go to nationals.

More than two dozen students from Lanier Middle School, plus some Fairfax High School freshmen, are vying this Saturday in a statewide competition. On Thursday, April 7, they head to the Virginia Beach Conference Center for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference.

Area Roundups

Area happenings.

Letter: Help Prevent Child Abuse

If you see a blue pinwheel dotting the landscape in April, we hope you will pause and think about what it represents--National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Letter: Limiting Health Care Choices

To the Editor

Recently it was announced that Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna are planning to merge, which would severely limit the choices residents of the Commonwealth have when picking their healthcare provider.

Sanderson Honored for 25 Years of Civic Service in the Arts

Douglas J. Sanderson, a principal in the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., was honored at the 2016 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' annual awards banquet with a Citation of Merit recognizing his 25 years of “pro-bono legal service

Send in Mother's Day Photos to the Connection

Mother’s Day is May 8 this year and as usual every year at this time, this newspaper calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.

Editorial: Move Forward with Independent Oversight

While FCPD has embraced many critical changes, supervisors need to move forward with oversight.

Last week, the Fairfax County Police Department posted a list and progress report of 202 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, each currently labeled as one of: implemented, in progress or under review.

First Responders Honored at 38th Annual Valor Awards

‘Ready for All Emergencies’

Technician Ryland Chapman and Lieutenant Lawrence Mullin with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were preparing to return home from a deployment with Virginia Task Force 1 to earthquake-rocked Kathmandu, Nepal when another quake sent them back out for duty.

Burke: Robinson Girls’ Lax Dominating Opponents

Rams beat Lake Braddock, 19-1.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team defeated Lake Braddock 19-1 on Tuesday.

Lawmakers Wrap-up Richmond Legislative Session

Unspent TANF grant money, prisoner rights among social issues discussed.

On average, low income families in Virginia who are eligible and sign up for funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant receive $269 monthly and are cut off after five years. But lawmakers say there’s a lot more unexpended money available in the federal grant that, if it remains unused, could one day be taken back.