Stories for January 2013

Letter: Taking Exception on Medicaid Expansion

Your recent editorial ["Expanding Medicaid Good For Virginia," The Connection, January 23-29, 2013] is noble in its desire to "extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance." If public policy making were just that easy. The editorial then goes on to indifferently say, "the Federal government picks up the tab.

Editorial: Extreme, But Brief, Volunteering

More than 150 volunteers needed to survey chronic homeless for three days in February.

The real solution to homelessness is housing. This week in Northern Virginia, a point-in-time survey will record all of the “literally homeless” individuals and families in the region. Last year, on Jan. 25, 2012, there were 1,534 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax-Falls Church Community; 697 of them were single individuals and 837 were people in families. A third of the total number of homeless were children. Nearly 60 percent of the adult members of the homeless families were employed.

Classified Advertising Jan. 30, 2013

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Economic Uncertainty Casts Shadow Here

Frey gives details in State of Sully talk.

Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) gave his State of Sully address last week, talking mainly about Fairfax County’s economy and transportation issues.

Winter Band Concert

Fifth and sixth grade Band students from Union Mill Elementary performed in their Winter Band Concert on Jan. 16.

To Naval Academy

Chantilly Academy AFJROTC cadet and Fairfax High School senior Naadia Puri received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Recreation, Imaginative Play and Fun

Kid Junction plans to open site in Chantilly.

A place where children can engage in creative play and have birthday parties, too – that’s Kid Junction. And Kreative Minds LLC – the three people who’d own what would be Kid Junction’s first franchise in Virginia – hope to open it in Chantilly.

Choral Cabaret To Be Held Feb. 9 at Centreville High

Live entertainment, refreshments, gift baskets, a raffle, silent auction and an evening of fun are all in store for those attending Centreville High’s Choral Cabaret.

Bookmark Winners

The Student Safety and Wellness Office Bookmark contest winners for Poplar Tree Elementary School this year were Anu Iyer, 6th grade from Mrs. Meidlinger’s class and Katelyn Myers, 3rd grade from Mrs. Gomez’s class.

Association Honors Franklin Middle School

Franklin Middle School will receive the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation during a special ceremony at the American School Counselor Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia on July 2 for establishing an outstanding school counseling program.

Letter to the Editor: Power of Volunteers

This past Saturday, more than 200 people gathered at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville to volunteer their time to help children in our community. Centreville Elementary School's Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for students in need, was in need of supplies to carry the program through the remainder of the 2012-13 school-year.

‘She Will Be Missed Every Day’

Family mourns Centreville icon, Marguerite Buckley, 94.

Marguerite Buckley lived a long, full life — but that doesn’t mean her family was ready to say goodbye to her when she died Jan. 8, at age 94.

Food Pantry, Thrift Store Moves to New Locations

WFCM is still on Metrotech Drive, but in two new spots.

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) has moved – but not far.

A Ticket to Hollywood

Centreville High senior Maddie Assel is on “American Idol.”

Centreville High senior Maddie Assel is a bubbly, outgoing, 17-year-old. She’s busy with school, friends, college visits and — oh, yes, she’s also a contestant on “American Idol.”

Entertainment Calendar

Entertainment Calendar for Jan.-Feb.

Roundups

Fairfax County police detectives on Monday arrested a man in connection with the skimming of ATM cards at bank machines at local hospitals. He is Ioan Cicio, 39, of George C. Marshall Drive in Falls Church.

Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board for Jan.-April

Classified Advertising Jan. 23, 2013

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Chantilly Boys' Basketball Team Snaps 3-Game Losing Skid

Three Chargers score in double figures against Yorktown.

Brian Sydnor led Chantilly with 15 points, DeAndre Harris scored 13 and Sean Huelskamp finished with 12.

Katcham Receives McDonnell Award

Honored for his long-time community service.

Jim Katcham has been serving his community for years, so it’s only fitting that he was honored Monday night with the James D. McDonnell Award for dedicated and outstanding community service.

‘They Treat Him Like One of Their Own’

Centreville High football players mean the world to Juwaan.

Juwaan Espinal, 15, was born with cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound. But that doesn’t mean he can’t live a life as full of joy and meaning as possible.

Gaining Confidence for SATs

Educators offer prep seminar.

For high-school students, a great deal rides on doing well on the SAT test. But it can be both a daunting and an intimidating experience. And that’s where Westfield High counselor Dan Harris and English teacher Gregg Greentree come in. Together, they’ve developed an SAT prep course.

Editorial: Expanding Medicaid Good for Virginia

Real health coverage for an additional 400,000 people is in reach.

Virginia has an opportunity to expand Medicaid in a way that could extend health coverage to more than 400,000 residents who currently have no health insurance while the Federal government picks up the tab; Virginia would pay 10 percent of the additional cost after 2020.

News Briefs

As Democratic delegates fight to keep firearms further from school property, Republican Bob Marshall (D-13) is pushing legislation to bring more guns in. Marshall is the chief patron of HB 1557, which would require every school board in the state to designate one volunteer to carry a concealed weapon on school property. Training for selected volunteers would be provided by either the Virginia Center for School Safety or the NRA, of which he is a member.

Four Northern Virginia Senators Targeted

Redistricting effort puts Fairfax County seats in the spotlight.

Four Northern Virginia state Senators are targets of a Republican-led effort to draw new districts — Sen. George Barker (D-39), Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37), Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34). Democrats say the redistricting effort is a cynical attempt to take advantage of the absence of Sen. Henry Marsh (D-16), a prominent civil rights veteran, who was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration on Monday. But state Sen. John Watkins (R-10) of Powhatan defended the effort as a way to create a sixth majority black Senate district in Southside. It passed the Senate on a 20-to-19 vote.

Making Schools Safer

Two Northern Virginia Democrats take part in panel to consider school security.

Do Virginia schools need more guns? That question is at the heart of a debate that’s now reaching a fever pitch in the commonwealth, especially after a man with a Bushmaster assault rifle blasted his way into a Connecticut elementary school and killed 20 children and six adults before killing himself. Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell responded to the tragedy by creating a School Safety Task Force, which is considering a proposal for every school in Virginia to have an armed school resource officer.

Manner’s 37 Points Lead Oakton Past Centreville

Cougars beat Wildcats in battle of Concorde’s top two teams.

Oakton and Centreville will play again on Feb. 5.

Letter to the Editor: Lack of Mutual Respect

I have lived in Country Club Manor over 20 years. I have very good memories and I am sure they will continue. Over the years, we have been of lesser means than many that surround us. This has never bothered me until I was told about a recent incidence.

letter to the Editor: Fewer Mental Health Resources

It’s the same story, over and over again.

Centennial Celebration

The members of the Chantilly-based Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (FCAC DST), Inc., a public service organization, are participating in the sorority’s 100th Founders Day celebration.

Hilarious, Mixed-Up Bedtime Stories

Chantilly High presents children’s play, Feb. 1-3.

Mixed-up tales and laughs galore are in store for those attending Chantilly High’s upcoming children’s play, “Bedtime Stories.” Show times are Friday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 2, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door or at www.chantillyhsdrama.com.

Bull Run Elementary Heritage Night

Students and parents at Bull Run Elementary showed their cultural pride last Thursday, Jan. 17, at the school’s Family Heritage Night. The event included ethnic food, a “museum” displaying items from various countries, plus songs and dances by students wearing outfits reflecting their heritage.

Centreville Home Sales: December, 2012

In December 2012, 63 Centreville homes sold between $960,000-$195,000.

Centreville Home Sales: December, 2012

Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2012

In December 2012, 12 homes sold between $848,878-$30,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2012

Fairfax Families4Kids

Fostering bonds with children.

Nationwide, more than 463,000 children live in foster care. In many states, including Virginia, the number of foster youth has tripled in the last 25 years. As of Sept. 30, 2011, nearly 5,000 youth were in foster care in Virginia, according to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Physical abuse is the most common reason children enter foster, but it’s not the only reason. Often there’s emotional abuse, sexual abuse and the parent or caretaker’s inability to provide a safe environment due to substance abuse.

A Family Made Whole

After a tragic loss, Reston couple creates a family through adoption.

The Granvilles look like a made-for-TV family. On a bright October afternoon, Chris, a computer engineer, is teasing his teenage son, Kenny, about what kind of pet to adopt, while Tiffany sits on a sofa, cradling Elijah, Kenny’s baby brother, who has just woken up from an afternoon nap. “Fish? No way,” Kenny, 15, says. “They just go ‘round and ‘round in a bowl.” Kenny is lobbying hard for a dog or—at the very least—a guinea pig or hamster.

Area Residents Attend 57th Inauguration

Many brave crowds to witness history.

Local residents were among the hundreds of thousands who left their homes on a cold winter holiday, Jan. 21, to brave packed Metro trains and slow-moving security check points for a chance to celebrate and witness President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

A 10-Year Mission: End Homelessness

Our Fairfax-Falls Church community is one of the most affluent in the country. Our schools are second to none. We are the home for many Fortune 500 businesses. Even with the challenging economy, our unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country.

Classified Advertising January 16, 2013

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Centre View Bulletin Board, Jan. 17, 2013

Email announcements to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday at noon. Photos welcome.

CAC Honors Auxiliary Officer

Thad Palmer praised for his dedication.

APO Palmer was honored as that station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Officer of the Month.

Defining the Dream Of Martin Luther King, Jr.

CPMSAC presents annual celebration Jan. 20.

Each year, the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement (CPMSAC) Committee celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s event is slated for Sunday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m., at Westfield High.

Queen of Household Hints to Share Five Essentials Every Home Should Have

Heloise to headline 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center.

The high priestess of household hints will share her domestic wisdom this weekend at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. A nationally syndicated columnist, Heloise is one of the presenters scheduled to headline the weekend’s show.

Herndon’s Ferguson, Johnson Burn Chantilly for 50 Points

Coach Smith says Chargers have had season-long offensive problems.

Chantilly sophomore Josh Conwell scored 12 points during a loss to Herndon on Jan. 10.

Santa Delivers at Special Party

Easter Seals, Legion Post and Moose Lodge combine forces.

The American Legion Unit 85, Centreville Moose Lodge 2168 and Easter Seals serving D.C., Maryland and Virginia hosted their annual holiday party for children with disabilities and their families as well as families of veterans, active military and wounded warriors on Saturday, Dec. 8.

And They’re off to Washington, D.C.

Two local groups will perform at Obama’s inaugural balls.

While most people will have to watch President Barack Obama’s inauguration celebration on TV, Army Sergeant Major (retired) Keith Jarman of Centreville will be there in person.

‘He’s Centreville’s Family Doctor’

Beloved physician, Richard Bowles, retires after 42 years.

Physician Richard Bowles Retires after 42 Years

Roundups: Centre View Jan. 17, 2013

Roundups: Dozens of Vehicles Vandalized; National Day of Service; Frey to Address WFCCA; Sully District Council Meeting; Free Carseat Inspections; Help Assemble Food Bags; Improve Transportation for Elderly, Disabled; Advocates Needed for Elderly; Give Caregivers a Break; Meals on Wheels Volunteers; Women's Self Defense Program

History’s ‘More Than Boring, Old Facts’

Rocky Run seventh-graders “visit” the Westward Movement.

Rocky Run seventh-grade history teacher Maggie Brown stacked the desks in her classroom on top of each other. She then covered them with brown paper to simulate a sod house and had her students sit on the floor inside it.

Editorial: Transportation Money

Eliminating the gas tax makes no sense.

Virginia, and especially Northern Virginia, is woefully short on funds for transportation. One reason is that its gas tax, a logical way to fund transportation infrastructure, is one of the lowest in the nation, and has remained flat since the ’80s, since it is not indexed for inflation. So the buying power of the gas tax has been dwindling.

Looking Back on a Satisfying Career

Richard Bowles always knew he’d someday be a doctor. “My dad was a doctor and I used to ride on calls with him,” he said. “I think he had a big influence on me. I was around medicine all my life and I looked up to him, so there was never any question about what I wanted to do.”

School Notes for Centreville and Chantilly

The New Year, Same as the Old Year?

Having survived almost four full years from the date of my original diagnosis/prognosis doing what I’ve done, all I should feel is: that anything is possible. I’m living proof.

Importance of Recess

Pediatric researchers say unstructured play can help a child’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social development.

Can climbing on monkey bars help a child’s cognitive development? Can a game of tag boost preschooler’s social skills? The nation’s top pediatricians say “yes” and some local educators agree.

Will Justin Wolfe Be Freed?

Family, friends await court’s action.

In March 2001, Centreville High grad Danny Petrole, 21, was shot and killed outside his Bristow townhouse. The crime involved drug-dealing and money, and the shooter — Chantilly High grad Owen Barber IV, who pleaded guilty — received 38 years in prison.

Centreville Home Sales: November, 2012

In November 2012, 78 Centreville homes sold between $1,024,900-$150,000.

Centreville Home Sales: November, 2012

Chantilly Home Sales: November, 2012

In November 2012, 20 homes sold between $675,100-$154,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: November, 2012

Classified Advertising Jan 9, 2012

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Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?

2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.

The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.

Centreville Girls’ Basketball Runs to 13-1 Record

Wildcats beat Herndon, 72-39, with up-tempo style.

The Centreville girls' basketball team has used an up-tempo attack to win 13 of its first 14 games.

Taking Command

Sully District police commander glad to be at station’s helm.

For police Capt. Ed O’Carroll, taking command of the Sully District Station was like coming home again. He served as a shift supervisor of the evening squad when the station opened in May 2003; and for four months now, he’s been in charge.

Politicians Get an Earful

Residents tell LeMunyon, Petersen what’s important to them.

Transportation, guns in schools and Medicaid were among the top issues discussed last week at a town hall meeting in Chantilly.

Should There Be Guns in Schools?

State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) and Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67) covered many subjects during last week’s town hall meeting. But the topic of guns in the schools proved to be the hot-button issue of the evening, quickly inflaming passions on both sides.

‘Horses in Need of Heroes’

Centreville girls benefit equines via charity.

Caring and compassion can reside in people of all ages. Just 13, Centreville’s Katie Puckett showed that when she created a charity called Horses in Need of Heroes.

Order To Release Wolfe Is Stayed

Attorney general intervenes; higher court will decide next step.

Last week, the family of Chantilly High grad Justin Wolfe was hopeful he’d be released from custody after U.S. District Court Judge Raymond Jackson vacated Wolfe’s convictions and sentences for drug distributions and the March 2001 murder of 21-year-old Centreville High grad Danny Petrole.

“If It Ain’t Broke…”

Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.

Home Design and Décor Trends for 2013

Designers predict what we will see in the year ahead.

What are the design trends that will define the way we live in 2013? Local tastemakers and design experts break down the trends that will be popular this year.

Preparing for a Spring Wonderland

Experts offer advice on what to do now to create a pleasurable outdoor space in spring.

Chilly January temperatures can make spring seem far away. However, it’s closer than you think. A recent Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects showed that as the weather gets warmer, many want an undemanding, outdoor space.

Theft Yields Unexpected Rewards

Neighbors express appreciation for holiday display.

It’s not nice to steal — and it’s especially not nice to swipe Christmas decorations from an outdoor display that brings pleasure to many people. But that’s what happened recently in a Little Rocky Run neighborhood.

New Elementary and High School Proposed for This Part of County

Many elementary and high schools in the local area are either overcrowded or full to the brim. But relief — although far off — is on the way in the form of a new elementary school and a new high school.

O’Carroll’s Priorities

At the helm of the Sully District Station, police Capt. Ed O’Carroll, 43, has a clear view of his priorities.

Classified Advertising January 2, 2013

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Happy New Year, Keep in Touch

Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.

As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.

Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year

Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.

Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.

The Quest for Youth and Beauty

Spending billions of dollars to improve one’s appearance.

Hiba Hakki reclines on an exam table as a physician picks up a syringe with his latex-gloved hand and points it at her face. He inserts the needle into the flesh around her eyes. She cringes slightly. This is a Botox injection, just one of the cosmetic procedures Hakki undergoes for the sake of beauty.

Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?

Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.

Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.

Chantilly Places Third at Pohanka Classic Tournament

Chargers enter 2013 with 10-1 record.

The Chargers finished third at the Pohanka Chantilly Basketball Classic.

Giving Gratitude to Those Who Serve

Chantilly High honors America’s veterans.

Each year, Chantilly High honors America’s armed-services personnel with a dinner and an evening of entertainment. The event is always special, and this year’s Veteran’s Day Dinner was no exception.

Westfield Band Is Pasadena Bound

Will march in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Tuesday morning, Jan. 1, Westfield High marching band members and their parents watched the 124th annual Tournament of Roses Parade on a big screen in the school auditorium. Next year, they’ll be in it.

The Truth About Hypnosis

Local hypnotherapists use World Hypnotism Day as a time to debunk myths and emphasize health benefits

After several failed attempts to stop smoking and an emphysema diagnosis, Margaret Cahill turned to hypnosis for help quitting.

Bite Me Cancer Kickoff Is Jan. 3

While still in high school, Nikki Ferraro was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer.

Focusing on Drinking and Driving

Plans underway to reduce alcohol-related crashes here.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, from 2006-11, Fairfax County had 1,941 alcohol-related crashes involving drivers ages 15-24. Some 54 percent happened between midnight and 3:59 a.m., and 10 percent more occurred in January than in other months.

Eagle Scout Candidate Cleans Little Rocky Run Stream Wetlands

Little Rocky Run Boy Scout Kevin Bishop chose as his Eagle Scout project a cleanup of the wetlands directly beside Bent Tree Apartments.

Now Comes the Fundraising

Now that Westfield’s marching band has been accepted to participate in next year’s Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, it must get busy raising the money needed for the trip.

Cappies Review: ‘Cabaret’ at CVHS

What do Nazis, dancing girls, and sexy gorillas all have in common? They were all a part of Centreville High School's production of "Cabaret."

Roundups

Fairfax County police are investigating a fatal crash early Monday morning that took the life of George Tabash, 27, of Centreville. It happened Dec. 31, around 1:45 a.m., on Route 28 on the I-66 overpass.

Local Venue Serves Up Laughs

Westfield grad is in Sully’s comedy show.

Sully’s Restaurant is the place to be on Friday, Jan. 4, at 8 p.m., when Westfield High grad Allison Wruk joins headlining comedian Rob Maher in an evening of comedy.

GBW Students Learn about Good Nutrition

Fourth-grade students at Greenbriar West Elementary spent a December afternoon with Fairfax County Public Schools Food Services Operation Specialist Teresa Hinds learning about healthy diet and exercise.

Centreville Business Notes

The Washington Redskins have opened its newest Redskins Team Store at the Fair Oaks Mall.

Editorial: Happy New Year, Keep in Touch

Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.

As a local, weekly newspaper, the Gazette Packet’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.