Friday, December 21
Touching For Sure, But Not Always
Usually, but not always, when I show for my scheduled post-chemotherapy/post-scan appointment with my oncologist, I am physically examined (touching, feeling). Recently, due to some enhanced computer and facility upgrades, I was shown the actual scans, digitized. However, on more than one occasion over the last 18 months or so, after we discussed the results of my most recent CT Scan – and lab work, no physical exam was performed. Apparently, as I later learned, the good results from my scan sort of trumps any need to feel for physical manifestations.
How the Powerless Access Power
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Instincts…
Forty-five months later, I am still dealing with feelings – as in still living, for which I am amazingly fortunate. However, those feelings seem to sometimes have a mind of their own, and accordingly tend to take over and rewire one’s brain (figuratively speaking).
Preparing Home for Holiday Guests
Experts offer checklist for getting a house in tip-top shape.
In addition to shopping, decorating and attending parties, many are making a mad dash to get their homes ready for the holiday visitors.
Wednesday, December 19
Avoiding Jet Lag
Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.
Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Children
Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.
Present Needing to be Accounted For
As a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosee/patient/survivor/anomaly, living long--whether prospering or not, is not the simple and presumptive proposition I had anticipated. No more do I anticipate living the same number of years and in the same relative good health that my parents (both deceased), experienced well into their 80s. Now, my life revolves around my oncologist and the CT Scans and lab work that precede our recurring appointments.
A Life Lesson in Giving Back
An immigrant’s son becomes state delegate and introduces the Virginia DREAM Act.
My father was born in a small town in the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. He was one of 22 brothers and sisters from the same parents. At the age of 19 he came to this country with $280 in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I was 5 years old. He then took one class a semester at George Mason University every year, until he graduated from college one month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.
Pay Now, Bye Later
Contrary to last week’s column, if I do pay for it now (things I can’t afford), then I’ll be so in debt later that I may end up saying “bye” anyway--from the stress of it. And if that were to happen; dying with a smile on my face, so to speak, would I be truly better off now anticipating that later was not going to be my problem? Do I want to be a modern day version of George Raft, the American actor from the 1930s and 40s best known for his portrayals of mobsters, who said about his Hollywood money: “I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly.”
Three Narcotics K-9s Support the Force
Leroy, Lucy and Vegas are trained and ready for duty. With their keen sense of smell, they are experts at scanning wide varieties of locations and assisting patrol officers with requests for service on a 24/7 basis. These dogs are busy, industrious professionals.
Family Services Gives Christmas Presents to Families
Santa’s elves come in several forms; and in the local area, many of them are Northern Virginia Family Services volunteers. And this week, they’ll deliver Christmas presents to 589 families — some 2,100 people — in Fairfax and Prince William counties.
Federal Porn Charges for Former Teacher
In June, Fairfax County police charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He was immediately suspended without pay, and the school system assured parents that no images of students were found on his computer and school computers were not used.
A Time for Giving
FACETS helps children give presents to siblings.
All year ’round, FACETS helps people in poverty in Fairfax County. It works with families living in public-housing communities and having an average income under $20,000 for a family of four. It also aids those who are, or recently were, homeless.
Letter to the Editor: How Many More Incidents?
To the Editor: There is a saying from the Quran that to take one innocent life is to kill all mankind.
School Notes
Vocal musicians from 14 Fairfax County public schools have been named to the Virginia Honors Choir for 2012.
Military Notes
Francis J. Rechner has been awarded an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend a host college or university.
Another Arrested in Handyman’s Death
Victim worked for local business-owner.
In June, Reynard Prather was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. On Dec. 7, Tasheik Champean, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and use of a firearm in a crime of violence causing death.
Fundraiser in Honor Of Ryan Lopynski
Goal is to purchase EKG machines
On April 26, 2009, Ryan Lopynski was a freshman at Virginia Tech with his whole life ahead of him. He’d come home to Clifton’s Hampton Chase community to see his family and look for a summer job. But while showering before going to see his sister’s basketball game, he suffered a fatal heart attack. The specific cause of his death is still unknown, although it was discovered posthumously that Ryan had an enlarged heart.
Community Feast Gathers Neighbors for Fellowship
Mount Olive Baptist Church hosted about 100 of its neighbors and special guests at its second Annual Community Feast on Dec. 8
Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting
Should access to guns be limited or expanded?
Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.
Tuesday, December 18
Immigrant Experience Guides Success
Delegate Mark L. Keam
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.
Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Classified Advertising Dec. 19, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Enhanced Security Around Schools
FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.
Monday, December 17
Going Casual for a Cause
Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.
Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.
Understanding Yoga
Local yogis explain popular styles of yoga.
Joanna Mosely says she can’t tell a downward facing dog from a baby cobra. She belts out a perplexed “huh?” when asked if she knew the difference between Ashtanga and Bikram.
Preventing Holiday Weight Gain
Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.
Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.
Keys to Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
Finding balance can preserve one’s well-being.
Food, festivities and friends are synonymous with the holidays. However, celebrations can take a toll on your health.
Brief: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installs New Leadership
Brief: There were multiple transfers of the torch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installation Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6 at NVAR Headquarters in Fairfax
Thursday, December 13
Classified Advertising Dec. 12, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Editorial: Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
We are a nation of immigrants, to invoke the title of John F. Kennedy’s posthumously published book; undeniably a nation descended from immigrants and a nation greatly augmented by immigration. From this perspective, with the first immigrants motivated by the search for religious freedom, even Christmas is a religious holiday of immigrants.
Wednesday, December 12
Fairfax County's Holiday Season
A collection of events to fill your days with cheer.
Make every last day of the year a festive one, be warmed by the holiday spirit of the season and spend time with friends and family--Fairfax County has something for everyone to take joy in before the year is up.
What Labor Center Means to the Workers
Finding safety and security.
More than Centreville Immigration Forum members and local dignitaries participated in the Centreville Labor Resource Center’s one-year anniversary. The workers did, too, and were happy to be there.
‘We’ve Created a Community Here’
Centreville Labor Resource Center celebrates one-year anniversary.
When the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened a year ago, it was with high hopes that it would become a safe and successful place for local day laborers to meet with employers to obtain jobs. It started slowly, at first. But as people became more familiar with the center and the caliber of its workers, word spread and more employers came there — instead of to the streets — to hire them.
Guilty Plea in Handyman’s Death
Second person convicted in May 2010 Centreville homicide.
Nothing will restore Jose Cardona to life or return him to his family. But his loved ones will at least have a measure of justice now that the second of the three men involved in his death has been convicted. In June, Reynard Prather was sentenced to 30 years in prison. And last Friday, Dec. 7, in federal court, Tasheik Ashanti Champean, 46, of Suitland, Md., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and use of a firearm in a crime of violence causing death.
Chantilly Students Make Honor Choirs
Several Chantilly High choral students were recently selected for two honor choirs.
‘The Food Was Fabulous’
Chantilly High team wins culinary challenge.
Five stars are given to America’s top restaurants, and at a recent culinary competition, a student team from The Chantilly Academy captured the top prize, the Five Star Award.
Centreville High Spotlights Student Achievement
CVHS Spotlights Student Achievement
Centreville High School is pleased to announce that More than 900 Centreville High School students achieved perfect or near-perfect scores for the first quarter of the 2012-2013 school year.
Letter: Welcoming Place
To the Editor: Bonnie Hobbs did a great job covering the Nov. 12 grand opening of the Bull Run Elementary School Family Center. I hope the community recognizes the great effort and coordination done by Bull Run staff to make the center a warm and welcoming place for families. Mary Shepherd Family and School Partnerships Specialist Fairfax County Public Schools
On Parade
The holidays began in the Town of Clifton Saturday, Dec. 1, with a parade of horses and riders decorated in Christmas finery. Sponsored by the Clifton Horse Society, it traveled up Main Street, went through town and along Chapel Street to a field where participants and spectators gathered for cookies and the awarding of prizes.
Making Spirits Bright 12/12/2012
FACETS helps children give presents to their siblings.
No matter people’s income levels, their children still want presents at Christmastime. So each year, FACETS holds Sibling Shops, enabling children to peruse a variety of toys, games and other items, select gifts for their brothers and sisters and have them wrapped.
The Community Comes Through
Members of Stone Middle School's National Junior Honor Society and other volunteers worked at the Saturday, Dec. 8, Panther Drop-off. Area residents brought new toys and clothes to the school for Our Neighbor's Child to distribute for Christmas to local families in need.
Helping Those in Need
Local teen collects items for the poor and homeless.
In this season of giving, even the generous heart of just one person can make a big difference in other people’s lives. Westfield High junior Nick O’Connell knows this firsthand because he’s now in his fifth year of doing just that.
Tuesday, December 11
Sikhs Bring Foundation of ‘Service to Others’
Fairfax Station temple active in community outreach.
On a recent Thursday evening, Ajaib Singh, 78, one of the founding members of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia, politely escorts a visitor to the area where one removes shoes and dons a headscarf.
Dynamic and Diverse
New immigrants bring religious diversity to Fairfax County.
At the intersection of Hooes Road and Silverbrook Drive, on the dividing line between Lorton and Fairfax Station, is the largest Hindu structure in three states.
Bienvenido! Huān yíng! Welcome!
Chantilly Bible Church thrives on diversity by providing outreach to immigrants.
Pastor Isaac Huang vividly remembers the day he landed in the United States from Taiwan. It was Jan. 7, 1982, and Huang, 25, was looking forward to studying computer science at Old Dominion University.
Being Muslim in Fairfax County
Immigrants face the challenge of balancing Islamic faith and American culture.
Over the years, Muslims from different countries migrated and settled in the Fairfax County area; however, the children of immigrant parents often struggle the most because they have to balance their Islamic faith along with the influence of American culture.
Friday, December 7
Helping Families in Need
Our Neighbor’s Child collecting toys, clothing.
With only a week left until packaging day, the volunteers of Our Neighbor’s Child are working to make sure local children’s Christmas wishes come true.
Our Neighbor’s Child Toy Drives Yield Many Gifts
Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) held toy drives last Saturday, Dec. 1, outside two local Walmarts and both were big successes. Holly Cameron organized the one staffed by Creative Dance Center’s (CDC) competitive dance team at the Dulles Expo Center store, and Phyllis White organized the one at the Fair Lakes store manned by members of Phase Cheer & Dance. And both volunteers were delighted with the results.
Brief: Church Hosts Community Feast
Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville is kicking off this season of giving with a festive, family-style dinner for its neighbors in the community. It’s set for this Saturday, Dec.8, from noon-4 p.m., in the church banquet hall at 6600 Old Centreville Road.
Ho-Ho Holiday Show
Westfield High presents annual children’s program.
The Grinch, Charlie Brown, Frosty the Snowman — these characters and more will be onstage to delight children during Westfield High’s 13th annual Ho-Ho Holiday Show. Entirely student-directed by seniors in the theater program, it’ll be presented Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 15-16, at 2 p.m. in the school theater. Tickets are $5/person and $12/groups of four.
Luukkonen, Landgren Wed
Cassie Jean Luukkonen and Garrett Charles Landgren were married July 7, 2012.
Brief: Center To Host Holiday Food Drive
For the third year, The Women’s Club Fitness Center and Day Spa (www.thewomens-club.com) have teamed up with Saint Timothy's Church (Saint Vincent de Paul Society) and Western Fairfax Christian Ministries to host a holiday food drive which will benefit their Holiday Basket Project. This project aids those within the Chantilly community and surrounding areas who are less fortunate.
‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow’
Stone Middle presents iconic musical, “Annie.”
Annie, Daddy Warbucks, even Sandy the dog — they’ll all be on stage when Stone Middle School presents the much-loved musical, “Annie Jr.” Show times are Thursday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 at the door, except for the Dec. 13 show, which is pre-sale only during school lunches, Dec. 10-12.
Joyful Noise at Chantilly High
School presents Holiday Spectacular and Tiny Tots show.
A musical feast for the ears and eyes, Chantilly High’s Holiday Spectacular will take the stage Thursday-Friday, Dec. 13-14, at 7 p.m. in the school theater. Living up to its name, this annual event features more than 300 choral, band, orchestra and theater students joining together to entertain the community.
School Opens Family Center
Bull Run Elementary creates welcoming climate for parents.
On the surface, it’s a beige trailer in a parking lot outside Bull Run Elementary. But inside, it’s both a haven and a source of information for parents. And on Nov. 12, it was officially dedicated as the Bull Run Family Center.
Fire Causes $100,000 Damage
Fire officials peg unattended candle as culprit.
A townhouse fire Sunday afternoon in Centreville’s Newgate community caused an estimated $100,000 damage, according to fire officials. They say an unattended candle in the kitchen caused the blaze.
Paying It Forward
Leukemia survivor raises money for hospital that helped him.
When Centreville’s Daniel Shank-Rowe was 9, he was diagnosed with leukemia. But he was successfully treated at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and is now in remission.
Centre View Roundups, Dec. 5, 2012
Roundups: Two Hospital ATMs Skimmed; Chantilly High Craft Fair; Encore’s Christmas Show;; Police Collect Children’s Gifts; CAC: Holiday Safety Tips; Free Carseat Inspections; Centreville Elementary Seeks Grant; Holiday Lighting Safety Tips; Adopt a Shelter Animal; Christmas Tree Fire Safety; Home Child-Care Facilities; WFCM Seeks Food, Volunteers; Meals on Wheels Volunteers; and Women's Self Defense Program.
2012 Turkey Trot Yields Success
Just like the Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie, this year’s Virginia Run Turkey Trot is history. But the good it’ll do for others will last a long time into the future.
Classified Advertising Dec. 5, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, December 6
Immigration Assistance Organizations
A list of some local non-profit organizations that provide immigration assistance, also provided by Fairfax County at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/organizations.htm.
Editorial: Holiday Revels With a Safety Net
A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.
You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013. And there are many other varieties of holiday festivities, many involving more than a drink or two. So make a plan.
Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia
Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.
The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.
Wednesday, December 5
Day Shifts, Night Shifts On the Road to Success
An Indian immigrant’s story: Making it and giving back.
When the chain pharmacy he worked for opened a drive-through pharmacy, it was the final straw for Amit Shah of Fairfax.
Building a Better Life
An Afghan immigrant’s story: From Soviet war to American Dream.
“Personally, I never think anyone is better than me, and I never think I’m better than anyone,” Bob Zahory of Centreville chuckles as he offers up another pomegranate lemonade.
Living Life in ‘The Dream Land’
Jorge Adeler shares his story of the American Dream coming true.
The American Dream has been shared for generations—some call it an idea; others call it a reality. Many people come leaving behind former lives in search for better ones, not only for themselves but also for their children.
Social Programs Adapt To Fulfill Immigrant Needs
Fellowship House, Interfaith help immigrants on their way to self-sufficiency.
A visitor to Hunter’s Woods Fellowship House in Hunter’s Woods Square in Reston could hear 21 different languages.