Sunday, May 31
Schipper, Wieland Home Runs Lift Hayfield Softball to Upset Win over Lake Braddock
Hawks freshman pitcher Neuhart allows one run during eight-inning victory.
The Hayfield softball team defeated Lake Braddock 2-1 in eight innings during the opening round of the 6A North region tournament on Saturday.
Friday, May 29
Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015
Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.
Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, May 28
Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training
Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.
Fairfax: Panel Discussion to Follow Film on College Rape Crime
“The Hunting Ground” tells the story of a number of college students who survived sexual assault. After a free screening on the campus of George Mason University, sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), there will be a panel discussion by several experts on the subject matter.
Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016
Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.
$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.
Wednesday, May 27
Springfield Days, May 30-31
Springfield Days is a community-wide weekend-long celebration featuring free activities for a variety of interests May 30 – 31, including PetFest, a car show and, new this year, the Springfield Days Stride and the Springfield Market Expo.
Celebrate Fairfax! Returns June 5-7
Festival at Fairfax County Government Center features headline bands: KONGOS, 3 Doors Down, The Amish Outlaws -- and much more.
Northern Virginia’s largest community-wide event, the 34th annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, is set to take place June 5, 6, and 7 on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival features 25 acres of family programs, green living, thrilling carnival rides, nightly fireworks, and amazing concerts with more than 130 performances on eight stages.
Column: Mad Man
Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?
Edison High Student Named 2015 Ron Brown Scholar
Bruke Kifle, a senior at Edison High School, is one of 28 students nationwide named a Ron Brown Scholar, a program for African-American youth, and will receive a $40,000 scholarship to attend college.
Inova Center for Personalized Health’s Cancer Program Receives $50 Million Gift
Inova has received a $50 million gift from developer and philanthropist Dwight Schar launching the Inova Dwight and Martha Schar Cancer Institute.
Bulova, Garza Commit to Working ‘As a Team’ on Budget Challenges
Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova and Superintendent of the Fairfax County Public Schools Karen Garza have issued the following joint statement on May 26.
Letter: Why Run for Springfield Supervisor?
Letter to the Editor
On May 13, 2015, the press reported that “Corazon Foley announced her bid for Springfield Supervisor” and that I am running as an Independent with no fundraising.
Fairfax County Police Honor Volunteers
Men and women gave 53,630 hours of volunteer time to police force.
The Fairfax County Police Department held its Volunteer Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15, at the Fairfax County Government Center, honoring men and women who gave a total of 53,630 hours of volunteer time to the county.
Rules on Noise Set To Change
Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.
Editorial: Voting, June 9
No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.
To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.
Friday, May 22
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Springfield: St. Mark’s Program Supports Lynbrook Elementary
Several Lynbrook Elementary School students spent the first few weeks of May making “Hug Pillows” as part of a weekly after-school program run by members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.
Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax
For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.
Thursday, May 21
McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia
Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.
Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops
Letter to the Editor
I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum
Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.
Wednesday, May 20
Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Grand Opening with Chris Cooley
TW Perry, a building materials dealer with locations in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. held a grand opening of their new location in Springfield.
Column: In Contrast
Commentary
Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.
Alexandria: Honored and Rewarded
Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to exceptional students.
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) presented scholarships to 14 graduating high school seniors, selected based on academic merit, letters of recommendation and personal essays. Each student is the first in his or her family to attend college, and received awards in the amount of $1,000 each.
Fairfax: Stynchula Sisters Lead Woodson Girls' Soccer to Victory
Cavaliers will face South County for Conference 7 championship.
The Woodson girls' soccer team defeated Lake Braddock 2-1 on Tuesday.
Cappies Review: Meeting a Hefty Challenge
Edison High production of ”Annie Get Your Gun.”
Shouts of "pull!" and rounds of rifle shots permeate the air. With a personable, pioneering feminist, competitions galore, and shooting champions running up and down the aisles of Thomas Edison High School's auditorium, the school's rendition of ”Annie Get Your Gun” hit the stage with all the right notes.
Tuesday, May 19
Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs
Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.
Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015
On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.
On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.
Monday, May 18
Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission
Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.
John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.
Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos
This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.
Friday, May 15
Springfield Home Sales: April, 2015
In April, 2015, 178 Springfield homes sold between $950,000-$158,000.
Springfield Home Sales: April, 2015
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, May 14
Springfield: Rolling Road Widening Project In Early Stages, Again
Officials hope to finally move forward with county and state funding.
For drivers frustrated with traffic on the two-lane stretch of Rolling Road between the Fairfax County Parkway and Old Keene Mill Road, relief could be in sight, again.
Corazon Foley Announces Bid for Springfield Supervisor
Burke resident Corazon Foley has taken her mission to establish a permanent activity center for seniors in Burke and West Springfield to the next level.
Wednesday, May 13
Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles
High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.
Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.
Healthcare Events
Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect
“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."
Column: Why Fi?
Commentary
“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.
Connolly Announces Arts Competition Winners
Five high school students from Fairfax County and Prince William County took top honors in U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly’s seventh annual Congressional Arts Competition.
Merrily ‘Rolling Along’
Cappies Review
When we're young, we're naïve. We're innocent. We're dreamers, and lovers, and most importantly friends. The world is at our feet, and we think nothing will ever get in the way of our relationships or our dreams.
Saturday T-Ball Anyone?
Hotrods play the Grasshoppers in Little League Baseball as part of ANSLL.
It was the perfect spring day for a game of T-Ball between the Hotrods and the Grasshoppers at Howery Field # 2 in Annandale last Saturday morning in a match hosted by the Annandale-North Springfield Little League (ANSLL).
First Year Teachers Honored
Award ceremony and fashion show at the Springfield Golf and Country Club.
At the Springfield Country Club, the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society (DKG) International honored four novice teachers for excellence in their first year of teaching, presenting each of them with $300 grants.
Letter: Rush to Misjudgment
Letter to the Editor
Since being elected Sheriff of Fairfax County, Stacey A. Kincaid has been actively working to transform her Office into one of positive pro-active engagement throughout the county.
Monday, May 11
Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy
Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.
Thursday, May 7
Springfield: Lee Seniors Present at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Robert E. Lee High School senior Peter Block studied two decades of violent crime in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax Counties. His classmate Brian D’Amore looked into the need for additional Tesla electric car supercharger locations in Loudoun County.
West Springfield Bassoonist to Perform with City of Fairfax Band
Hunter Lorelli will take up his bassoon with the City of Fairfax Band as the winner of the group’s Young Artist Competition.
Burke: Celebrations honor the late Father Richard Martin
Church of the Nativity parishioner Jill Chastain and her family donated to Operation Starfish’s developmental work in Haiti for 15 years before she finally went on a work trip with Father Richard Martin.
Burke and Springfield: Independent Carey Campbell Enters Braddock Supervisor Race
Carey Campbell announced he has entered the race for Braddock District supervisor as an Independent, joining incumbent Republican John Cook and Democrat challenger Janet Oleszek.
Letter: ‘Best and Brightest’
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: I read the article on Thomas Jefferson High School [“Best and Brightest,” The Gazette, April 23].
Wednesday, May 6
Opinion: Opposing Views on Education Funding
There is a considerable amount of misinformation about the County’s commitment to education and I would like to give you some of the facts.
Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”
Healthy Relationships for Life
Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.
Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.
FACETS Hosts ‘Opening Doors’ Benefit Breakfast
Three programs to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
FACETS held its largest annual fundraiser this past weekend at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church. Attendees had a chance to hear from those whose lives were touched by homelessness at the “Opening Doors” Benefit Breakfast.
Obituary: Robert Paul “Bob” Warhurst, 76, Dies
On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, Robert Paul “Bob” Warhurst, 76, passed away at his home in Fairfax after a long battle with cancer. On the last full day of his life, Bob was surrounded by family and friends before he passed peacefully early the next morning under the care of Hospice.
Lake Braddock, Hayfield Students Invited to the White House
On April 28, students in the Japanese language program at Lake Braddock Secondary and at Hayfield Secondary visited the White House for the official ceremony welcoming Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the United States. Such an invitation was a first in each school’s history, and produced much excitement among the students and teachers.
Motherhood: A New Story
Jennifer Jones empowers women to tell their stories worldwide.
Jack wiggles on Jennifer's lap in front of the computer while she tries to research a grant application. A Zimbabwean tapestry with muted background spotted with an elephant and a giraffe hangs behind her desk. Jennifer Jones and her husband, James Kaelin, adopted Jack from China in January when he was 22 months old.
Column: “CT Looked Good”
Commentary
Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.
Tuesday, May 5
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards
Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.
Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice
Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.
Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS
Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.
Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:
Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread
Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.
There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.
Friday, May 1
Farmers Markets 2015
Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.
Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
What's Coming in Springfield?
Sites and developments
GSA Warehouse 6808 Loisdale Road, Building A. The large warehouse off Loisdale Road in Springfield is in the running to become the new headquarters of the FBI. The building, owned by the General Services Administration (GSA) is competing with sites in Greenbelt and Landover.