Stories for September 2016

Volunteer Fairfax to Host VolunteerFest

The community is invited to a family-friendly volunteer event: VolunteerFest, presented by Volunteer Fairfax, is the local celebration of National Make A Difference Day.

Mount Vernon: Quander Road School provides flexible, family-like special education experience

Within the first week of the 2016-2017 school year, teachers at the Quander Road School in Mount Vernon had already finished their jobs for five students. For that select group, they were ready to return to their base high school and transition back to a less restrictive educational experience.

Clifton: Whitehall Farms Opens Second Fall Fun Days

Pumpkin. Slingshot. The imposing medieval-esque wooden structure Whitehall Farms business owner Jeff Waters built by hand stands ready to launch seasonal gourds 250 to 300 feet past a grazing area of chickens into a vast grassy expanse. Next year, Waters said, there will be a proper trebuchet.

‘Rocky Horror Show’ Comes to Lorton

Workhouse Arts Center theater opens new season.

After over a year’s hiatus, the Workhouse Arts Center will be producing in-house productions of live theater once again. The productions will add to the already many offerings at the Workhouse. “We are very excited to return to in-house production starting with ‘The Rocky Horror Show,’” said Joseph Wallen, director of performing arts, Workhouse Arts Center.

Lorton Letter: Keeping Us Safe

Letter to the Editor

We were reminded two weeks ago that the terrorist threat against our country is still very real. The attacks committed in New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota make me focus on what is being done by our elected leaders to keep us safe.

Art, craft and food festival Clifton Day returns Oct. 9

In 2005, Frank Burdell of Fairfax started blowing glass. He was driving back from Niagara Falls with his family when they stopped randomly in Corning, New York and decided to take a few short classes in blowing, fused glass and etching.

Lorton Letter: Understanding Cyber Security Challenge

Letter to the Editor

As our dependence on technology increases, so too does our vulnerability to cyber attacks and having our personal information used against us.

Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion

School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.

Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.

Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History

Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Fairfax Letter: Keeping the Nation Safe

Letter to the Editor

As we pass the fifteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, our nation takes time to reflect upon that tragic day. This solemn anniversary hits close to home to many in our area who lost loved ones or close personal friends. On this day we are also reminded that the dangers of terrorism are all too real.

Herndon Letter: Vision and Direction

Letter to the Editor

On a Christmas night, as I stood before a toy store holding my mom’s hand, I pointed my thumbs through my woolly mittens in a sharp rivalry of choice.

Walk to Prevent Suicide

Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”

Homework Overload

Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.

Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.

‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men

Photos, video used to demand money from victims.

Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.

First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton

Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'

Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.

Lorton: ‘Magnetic’ and ‘Toxic’ Band Holds Benefit Concert

Young rock stars raise money for the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC).

A group of young rock stars, The Magnetic Toxins, performed on Saturday, Sept., 17 at The Laurel Hill Community Pool in an effort to raise money for the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC).

Lorton: Giles Overlook Developing

75 percent of land to remain open space.

Lorton Valley III calls its development Giles Overlook: 52 singles family detached dwellings on 38.37 acres on Sanger Street in Mount Vernon.

Lorton, Springfield: Celebrating National Public Lands Day at Meadowood

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eastern States invites volunteers to help construct a fence to protect the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area wetland area, Sept. 24, as part of the National Public Lands Day (NPLD) annual celebration.

‘Concert Across America to End Gun Violence’ at Tysons Biergarten

A coalition of gun violence prevention organizations in the DC/ Northern Virginia area have announced participation in the national “Concert Across America to End Gun Violence” on Sunday, Sept. 25.

Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield: Volunteers pack 10,000 meals at Burke Presbyterian Church

As Nancy Rosene of Fairfax screeched clear packing tape across the top of a cardboard box filled with dozens of meals worth of dried and dehydrated food, she was highly conscious of where she was and what she was doing.

Fairfax County: Students learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.

On a scorching week day in late summer, rising Fairfax County seniors Kenneth Smith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were taking cumulative review tests in their summer course. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.

Fairfax County: Changes in Voting from 2012

Electoral board highlights key dates and procedure updates.

Clinton or Trump? Meals Tax or no Meals Tax? These are just a two of the weighty decisions on the ballot for this fall’s election. To help people prepare for this cycle, leaders of the Fairfax County electoral board held a meeting with media to highlight some changes from the 2012 Presidential election.

Classified Advertising September 21, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Walking to End Alzheimer's

Northern Virginia walk set for Sept. 25

When Paula Dierkes was growing up in Arlington, she would often hear family stories of a grandfather who sat on his front porch screaming at his neighbors and asking for his shotgun. She recalls a grandmother who shut out her family, literally, by closing doors and windows when they came to visit.

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Garza Resigns

Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has announced her resignation, just months after the FCPS board renewed her contract through June 30, 2020.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve Independent Police Auditor

Unanimous vote follows Ad Hoc Commission recommendations for more transparency and oversight of Fairfax County police.

With a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an independent police auditor office, following recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Fairfax Raises $521,509 for MDA

Letter to the Editor

For over 30 years, during Labor Day Weekend, the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional FireFighters and Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 and the personnel in the Department of Public Safety Communications, have collected for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Fill the Boot Campaign.

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

In August, 2016, 87 homes sold between $1,325,000-$163,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

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

Fairfax: Roadside Protest for McKenna and Martinez Deaths

The Northern Virginia chapter of the group Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) organized a demonstration at 4 p.m. on Sep. 14 along Lee Highway in Fairfax, calling for justice for Natasha McKenna and Giovanny, or Jovany, Martinez.

Burke, Lorton, Springfield: Lake Braddock Running Back Signs for University of Virginia

On Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, Lake Braddock Senior running back Lamont Atkins, of Burke, signed his grant-in-aid scholarship package to play football for the University of Virginia. The grant-in-aid signature guarantees the future Cavalier a full-cost athletic scholarship at the university.

Clifton: Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program to hold tenth Polo Classic fundraiser

Once a week for the last seven years, César Dulanto of Lake Ridge, Va. has come to Clifton to trade his wheelchair for a saddle. Dulanto, 13, has been been wheelchair-bound since the age of two with cerebral palsy. He used to have difficulty just sitting up in a chair. And, he said, “I used to be so shy.”

Amazon ‘Lockers’ Come to Springfield Town Center

Springfield Town Center is one of 15 mall locations across the east coast now offering Amazon’s “Locker” service as a quicker alternative to home delivery of items.

Fairfax County: Supervisors to Vote on Independent Auditor Office

Board item reviewed by public safety committee

At its Sept. 20 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create an office of independent police auditor.

Fairfax County School Board Postpones Decision on New Sponsorship Policy

Fairfax County Public Schools are far from becoming a David Foster Wallace novel.

Fairfax Namesake School District in California Celebrated

While there can only be one Fairfax County Public Schools system, members of the FCPS board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors congratulated the namesake Fairfax School District in Bakersfield, Calif. on its 125th anniversary.

Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business

Letter to the Editor

On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), I thank you for the Connection’s compassionate and informative editorial printed in observance of Suicide Prevention Week, titled Take One Action to Prevent Suicide.

What’s Permissible When Planning a Home Renovation?

Complete due diligence upfront to research any ordinances or restrictions that may affect the project.

Unfortunately, homeowners and contractors often forget important steps during this project feasibility phase, which sometimes leads to wasted time and money or abandoned projects. To ensure you sidestep those mistakes, start with this checklist to look into to help minimize setbacks while planning and executing your next renovation.

Vienna Sunroom Brings Light, Awards

Family entertainment suite, larger breakfast area, private second level decking among stand-out custom features

To Sanjay and Deepika Sardana, who have occupied a Colonial style-home in Vienna for 14 years, the great achievement of their new sunroom addition is how well it meets their requirements regarding views, available light and interior design.

Comfort Zone

Local furniture maker combines style and comfort

John W. Smith treks through a maze of sleek chairs and stately sofas in a large, sunlit showroom tucked in an industrial warehouse center in Fairfax. He pauses at a dining chair, upholstered in beige linen and framed with espresso hardwood.

Classified Advertising September 14, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Lorton 17-year-old Dies after Sep. 7 Shooting

Maurice Anderson Berger, 17, of Lorton was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body on the sidewalk on the 9700 block of Hagel Circle the night of Sep. 7.

Fairfax Station, Lorton: Students return, principals stress inter-student encouragement

South County High School senior Dominique Butler remembers skipping class as a freshman. But when she saw how it was affecting her chances at going to college, she turned things around. When she saw freshmen from her neighborhood on the first day of school, she made sure they wouldn’t make the same mistakes she did.

Fairfax: Dead Man’s, Deputy’s Name Released in Inova Shooting

Police, sheriff investigations continue.

Jovany Martinez is the 29-year-old Hispanic man who died after being shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputy Monday night Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Suicide Loss ‘Club’

Commentary

When I was 15 years old, I received my first “membership card” to suicide loss. I got the platinum membership card because not only was my loss to suicide, but it was also a parent.

Shopping With the Sheriff

Children shop with the Sheriff in preparation for return to school.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Department teamed up with 39 children during the Shop with the Sheriff event on Thursday, Aug. 25. The school-aged children are currently residing in emergency shelters around the county which makes the culmination of the event, back-to-school clothes shopping at the Target in Burke, specially helpful for the children and their families.

Blood Donations Needed

During National Preparedness Month in September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies.

DMV Expands Range of Services

TSA Pre✓® and Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) available at DMV’s Tysons Corner office.

Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) joined Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb and Virginia legislators at a ribbon cutting for a groundbreaking customer service initiative.

TJHSST and NOVA Pediatrics: A Partnership in Art

NOVA Pediatrics and Young Adult Medicine has recently celebrated its 55th Anniversary and teamed up with Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) to support arts in education to commemorate the milestone. NOVA Pediatrics invited art students from the school to create a mural for their recently repainted Springfield office.

Popular Car Show Comes to Fairfax

Will be held on Labor Day on University Drive.

Labor Day in the City of Fairfax will be anything but ordinary. That’s because, for the first time ever, the hugely popular Clifton Lions Club Labor Day Car Show has moved to the City.