Stories for July 2014

Hosting Safetypalooza

Boy Scouts, professionals teach children how to avoid trouble.

Thanks to 15-year-old Boy Scout Alex Battani, several local children know more about bike, bus and fire safety, as well as avoiding strangers. A rising junior at Westfield High, he put on a Safetypalooza at the Sully District Police Station. Also participating was police Crime Prevention Specialist Tara Gerhard, with that station, plus firefighters from the Springfield District Station and members of the Blue Suit Pacers Cycling Team.

Creative Dance Center, Pat Mitchell Unite

Spotlight Theater Camp starts Aug. 4.

There’s a new, local theater program with a familiar face at the helm. Westfield High grad and theater alumnus Pat Mitchell is partnering with Creative Dance Center (CDC) to put on Spotlight Theater Camp. The camp will run Aug. 4-8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at CDC, 14155-E Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly. For more information and to register, go to www.cdctheater.com. Mitchell’s excited about it and is hoping for a good turnout.

Friendship Firehouse Festival Aug. 2

Historic firehouse celebrates 240th birthday.

Alexandria’s historic Friendship Firehouse will celebrate its 240th birthday Saturday, Aug. 2 at the annual Friendship Firehouse Festival.

District 10 Crown

The SYA West Little League 11/12 year old All-Stars captured the District 10 crown after a 10-2 victory against SYA East in the championship game.

Letter: Bee Safe Neighborhoods

Letter to the Editor

Roundups

Roundups.

Introducing Fall SYA Volleyball

SYA Volleyball completed its 17th year this past June.

Garden Club Works in Small Ways with Major Impact

In 2008, immediately after its inception, the Centreville Garden Club took on its first community project: a refurbishment of the planters around the Sully Government Center.

‘Brothers, Neighbors, Friends’

Chantilly resident installed as officer with The Knights of Columbus.

Eric Latcheran, 27, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, has Down syndrome. Yet his intellectual disabilities don’t stop him from leading a full life.

Community’s Help Needed for Immigrant Children

The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) is collecting donations for the 70 immigrant children and 15 young mothers.

Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding

For some, it starts out on two wheels.

Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.

Serving Families For 90 Years

Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.

An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.

Column: “CanSir”

When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.

Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia

On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.

Governor's Mansion, Confidential

Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.

When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.

Westfield Rising Senior Gibson Commits to Army

Q&A: Standout free safety visits family in Liberia every year.

Westfield rising junior James Gibson enters his third season as Westfield's starting free safety.

Pet Connection July 2014

Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.

Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”

Roundups: Week of July 24

Roundups

Express Lanes, Rapid-Bus Transit Planned for I-66

Improvements will be made from Capital Beltway to Haymarket.

Express lanes and rapid-bus transit could be coming to Interstate 66, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on July 17.

Behind the Scenes at ‘Shrek the Musical.’

When audiences enjoy The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars show, “Shrek the Musical,” it won’t just be because of the acting and storyline, but also because of all the work that goes on behind the scenes.

‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’

Alliance Summer Stars presents “Shrek the Musical.”

A big green ogre, a princess, a wise-cracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”

‘Thanks for Exemplary Community Service’

Ted and Tami Troscianecki receive McDonnell Award.

Each year, the West Fairfax County Citizens Association (WFCCA) presents the James D. McDonnell Award to honor a local resident’s outstanding service to the community. Monday night, July 21, it was given jointly, for the first time.

‘You’re Fortunate You Didn’t Kill Anyone’

Centreville man is sentenced for committing arson.

Convicted of arson, a 25-year-old Centreville man could well have been sentenced to many years in prison. Instead, Giancarlo Deleon received a suspended sentence and will receive the mental-health treatment he needs.

Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women

Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.

When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.

Puppies Destined for Important Work

Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.

Give Blood, Give Back to Community

Paul VI Student Hosting Blood Drive in Clifton

When Mitch Kiefer was six, his three-year-old brother Brent was diagnosed with leukemia. Brent recovered, but Kiefer remains committed to helping others suffering from similar illnesses. Now, Kiefer, a student at Paul VI Catholic School in Fairfax, is planning a second blood drive in Clifton in honor of his brother.

Westfield Rising Senior Gibson Commits to Army

Standout free safety.

After playing defensive end and running back in his early years, James Gibson made the switch to free safety as a sophomore to join the Westfield varsity football team.

Tax and Wire Fraud: Three Years Prison

Fair Oaks tax preparer filed false returns with the IRS.

Although she received a sentence below the state guidelines, a former Fair Oaks tax preparer will be spending the next three years in prison. She is Thuy Tien Le, 40, who learned her punishment last Friday, July 18, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.

Editorial: Tragic Consequences

Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.

The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.

Chantilly Home Sales: June, 2014

In June 2014, 28 homes sold between $746,000-$62,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: June, 2014

Centreville Home Sales: June, 2014

In June 2014, 119 Centreville homes sold between $2,650,000-$137,500.

Centreville Home Sales: June, 2014

World War II Weekend

Explosions and gunfire abound at Sully Historic Site.

The sounds of explosions and gunfire became almost commonplace on July 12 and 13, as Sully Historic Site celebrated its 9th annual World War II Living History event. At the event, visitors witnessed a view of the war through reenactments. At Sully Historic Site, several such major events are held each year and each is planned “for anywhere from four to 12 months,” said Barbara Ziman, events coordinator. Sully Historic Site showcases facets of Fairfax County history from the 19th century through the mid-20th century. Richard Bland Lee, General Robert E. Lee’s uncle, completed the main house at Sully in 1799.

Serving Alzheimer’s Patients for 30 Years

Insight Memory Care Center offers respite care, support groups and education classes.

The Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax has come a long way in the past three decades. Thirty years ago this month, the day program for Alzheimer’s patients was launched in the basement of a local church. What started as a support group for families of Alzheimer’s patients has evolved into a full-fledged day program for 40 patients per day. Insight, a non-profit organization that also provides free Alzheimer’s support groups and education classes, will be celebrating its landmark birthday at its Merrifield location on July 24. "We were started in 1984 in the basement of a church out of an Alzheimer's support group," Robin McGlothin, director of donor development, said. "It was family members of Alzheimer's patients that that thought it would be really great to have respite during the day." Since Day One in that church basement, IMCC has added much to its offering. Not only is it a day health care program, but there are also programs for those in early stages of the disease as well as community education and support classes. Executive Director Joel Bednoski said in his two years at Insight, he has seen some of these changes. “I have been with IMCC for over two years,” Bednoski said. “We have added to our programming. This includes a Music and Memory program, a multi-sensory environment and a new early stage program called Reconnections. We have also increased the number of education and support services we provide.” The more things change for Insight, the more things stay the same. Although the staff is planning for a move to a larger location next year, the goals and heart of the organization remain the same. “The core values and basis of the organization are still true today,” McGlothin said. "We are still serving the families that need the support that they are not getting. We are enhancing lives. Even though it is an awful disease, people are just trying to find the best quality of life that they can. “We are open from 7:30 in the morning until 5 at night, with therapeutic activity throughout the day, two meals and snacks,” McGlothin said. “There is a recreational therapist on staff who provides all of our programming. We do cognitive stimulation, redirecting different behaviors.” Bednoski said IMCC is unique among the 17 adult day health centers in the D.C. metropolitan area. “IMCC is the only center in the area to provide a minimum of 1-to-4 ratio of staff to participants, improving on the state licensure requirement of 1 to 6,” Bednoski said. “IMCC’s adult day health center provides a safe, engaging, and therapeutic environment for individuals with memory impairment. Without meaningful activity, individuals with dementia become bored, restless, and often exhibit behavior challenges that lead to impossible caregiving situations. Our adult day health care center allows individuals with memory impairment to remain in the earlier stages of the disease for a longer period of time through mentally stimulating activity, physical exercise, and socialization.” Nights and weekends are also busy at center. “We provide education classes and support groups for the families as well as community training,” McGlothin said. “We provide boot camp on Saturday for our caregivers. We also provide free consultations to our families or any individual that calls and wants information about newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s patients with referrals. “As one of our family members shared, ‘the fact that this center has been taking such wonderful care of my mother, I am able to take care of my own needs at work, et cetera,’” Bednoski said. “IMCC provides care to support the whole family affected by memory impairment.” Both McGlothin said Bednoski said IMCC would not be where it is today without the support of its community. McGlothin said the 30th anniversary party is not only to celebrate Insight but also for its community whose support has been vital to its growth and success. “We really want to celebrate and thank all of the families and the community that has supported us,” McGlothin said. “This is a free event at our center. We are going to provide a barbecue meal and we will also be able to provide a tour through the organization.” Bednoski said he foresees IMCC playing an increasing role in the Alzheimer’s Northern Virginia community in the next 30 years. “With the rate of Alzheimer’s disease expected to increase by 22 percent in Northern Virginia by 2025, the demand for our programs and services is dramatically increasing,” Bednoski said. Regardless of the growth that IMCC will experience in the upcoming years, Bednoski said it will always stay true to its founding principles that have guided its founders and staff over the first 30 years. “IMCC remains dedicated to our founding principles: enhancing the lives of individuals and families living with memory impairment, providing holistic and collaborative care for our participants and families, anniversary party is not only to celebrate Insight but also for its community and caring for individuals who are not being served by existing community services,” Bednoski said. “IMCC’s programs allow individuals and families affected by memory impairments to achieve the highest quality of life, in all stages of the disease. As each disease progresses in its own unique way, IMCC staff is trained in all forms of dementia care.”

Scholarship Winners

The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. awarded 42 scholarships to students in the region. More than 500 applications were received and reviewed by a panel of judges that included Greater Washington, D.C. McDonald’s owners and operators.

Update on Local Road Projects

Reviewing Stringfellow, Route 50 and two bridges.

When Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations on June 25, he also provided an update on local road projects. A Fairfax County transportation bond was discussed, as well. “There will be a transportation bond this year, probably for $100 million,” he said. “About 15 or 16 million will be for roadway projects and 84 or 85 million will be for pedestrian and walkway projects. That includes bike lanes and bike-way improvements, and that’s a huge shift. We used to do these bonds for roads and Metro.”

Tiny Dancers Honored

With studios in Fairfax, Alexandria and Gainesville, the company features a performance-based ballet, tap, jazz and musical theater curriculum. Visit www.tinydancers.com.

CVHS Grad Green Chooses Basketball Over Soccer

Standout point guard to play at College of William & Mary.

Jenna Green faced the tough decision of whether to pursue basketball or soccer in college. Before she left Centreville High School, however, she found success in both. On the basketball court, Green, a standout point guard, led the Wildcats to the 2013 Concorde District championship, the program’s first since 1993. “She’s definitely the best player in the region, point guard especially,” Centreville girls’ basketball coach Tom Watson said. “Everyone knows that. Jenna has earned it. Nothing was given to her. She’s in the gym before anybody, she’s in the gym after everybody, she goes to a trainer three, four, five times a week. If you’re putting that work in, then it should come back to you.”

Swimming

The Sully Station II Piranhas had an eventful week of fast swims and family fun. The thrills began on Wednesday, July 9, with the Divisional Relay Carnival, where the team’s cheerfulness and camaraderie was once again on display. The atmosphere was electric, resulting in the first team record of the season.

Talking Transportation, County Revenue

Frey addresses Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.

Transportation and Fairfax County revenue ideas were the top topics when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) spoke recently before the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations. “It’s an interesting time to be in the county,” he said during the group’s June 25 meeting. “It’s undergoing a tremendous transformation.”

Roundups: Week of July 17

Fairfax County police are looking for the person who robbed someone last weekend in the 14200 block of St. Germain Drive in Centreville. Police say the victim was walking Saturday, July 12, at 5:57 p.m., when he was approached by a teenager. The teen grabbed cash and property from the victim and fled on foot; no one was injured. The suspect was described as black, 16-17, and wearing a striped shirt with khaki shorts.

Centreville Grad Green Chooses Basketball Over Soccer

Q and A: Standout point guard to play at College of William & Mary.

Centreville graduate Jenna Green will play basketball at William & Mary.

Financial Education for College Students

Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.

As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.

Numbers Indicate Stable Market

June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.

The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.

Between Halves

At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.

Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:

Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area

For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.

Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School

Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.

Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.

Swimming Roundup

On Saturday, July 5, the Poplar Tree Pirates came out on top of what was the closest match of the 2014 season. The first victories of the meet came in the 8-and-under freestyle events, with Adrian Coray and Nick Chernisky finishing first and second for the boys, and Lauren Radcliffe and Marissa Erickson placing first and third for the girls. Analiese de Leon went on to take third place in the girls’ 9-10 freestyle.

Westfield Summer Stage Presents Hit Musical

New show is ‘How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.’

Featuring a cast and crew of 85, the musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” is ready to burst upon the stage. A production of Westfield Summer Stage, all performances are at Westfield High. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 and July 25-26, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15, at the door. Seating is reserved; buy tickets at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.

Roundups: Week of July 9

Roundups

Brother’s Brother Celebrates One Year in Fairfax

Charity uses local resources, volunteers to reach overseas.

With a mission to serve overseas, Brother’s Brother Foundation is utilizing Fairfax and the D.C. area as a second home-base for its operations.

Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage

Local students acting in musical “Pippi Longstocking.”

A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.” It’ll be held at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax.

Hurst, Mitchell Engaged

Dr. and Mrs. James Marshall Hurst of Chantilly announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Elizabeth Hurst, to Thomas Barrick Mitchell, son of Dr. and Mrs. John David Mitchell of Centreville.

Centre View Crime Report

The following incidents were reported by the Sully District Police Station.

RRMS Science Team Wins Grant

A team of four seventh graders from Rocky Run Middle School in Chantilly — Ravi Dudhagra, Diego Gutierrez, Rishabh Krishnan, and Adityasai Koneru — won a STEM-in-Action grant worth up to $5,000 in the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program’s eCYBERMISSION

Junior Buffalo Soldiers

The Junior Buffalo Soldiers Drill Team participate in the City of Fairfax's Fourth of July parade.

WFCM Reaches Out for Help

Group is collecting 2,000 new backpacks for local students.

“It is incredible to think that 50,000 students in Fairfax County Public Schools receive free or reduced-price meals.” — Jennie Bush, WFCM community outreach manager

Sports Brief

NVSO Offers 5K Road Race, Redskin Kerrigan To Host Youth Football Camp, National Combine Coming to Virginia.

State Champions

The DeMarini Stars Prime team won the USSSA VA Elite State championship June 28-29 in Fredericksburg.

Classified Advertising July 9, 2014

Read the lastest ads here!

A New Work Order

Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.

Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.

You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?

Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.

Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.

Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…

“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.

Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays

Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.

For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.

World Cup Fever

Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.

Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.

Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals

On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.

Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success

For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.

Thunderbolts Defeat Stingrays

In its second Division III NVSL meet of the season, the Donaldson Run Thunderbolts defeated the Little Rocky Run Stingrays 231 – 189.

SSTs Celebrate

The Sully Station SSTs turned 25 this week. The celebrations continued throughout the weekend, with carnival games for the swimmers on Friday night, a home meet on Saturday, June 28, followed by a picnic with alumni and current swimmers, games and relay races.

‘Thank You to Everyone Who Believed in Me’

Mountain View High holds spring graduation

At the start of Mountain View High’s June 17 graduation ceremony at Centreville High, Principal Dave Jagels told his students how honored and privileged he felt “to be the principal of one of the best schools in Fairfax County.”

Virginia Run Riptide Wins Second Meet

The Virginia Run Riptide traveled to Hollin Meadows in the far southeastern corner of Fairfax County and tamed the Barracuda’s, winning the meet 239-181.

Piranhas Vs Poplar Tree

The Sully Station II Piranhas swam their best against a strong Poplar Tree squad on Saturday, June 28.

Starting A Tradition

On Tuesday, June 24, Union Mill Elementary held its first Outdoor Opening to the school day.

Letter: Safe, Sober And Sensational

To the Editor

Memorial to a K-9 Hero

Thor, a Fair Oaks firefighters’ search-and-rescue dog, is honored.

When the Fair Oaks District police and fire station renovations were dedicated June 14, part of the ceremony was for a dog named Thor and service dogs like him. A memorial to Thor now stands outside the entrance to the police station.

Colleagues Mourn GBW Instructional Assistant

After four decades there, Agnes Gordon dies at age 79.

After 43 years at Greenbriar West Elementary (GBW), instructional assistant Agnes Gordon decided she’d retire after school ended in June. So her friends and colleagues were prepared to say goodbye to her.

Roundups: Host a WFCM Food Drive

WFCM needs the community’s help over the summer months when it has a critical shortage of food.

Roundups: Farmers Market on Thursdays

Each Thursday, from 3-7 p.m., the Fairfax County Government Center hosts a farmers market in its parking lot.

Roundups: July 4th Safe Rides

WRAP will provide safe rides home during the Fourth of July holiday.

Roundups: Burglary in Centreville

Fairfax County police are also looking for a man who recently burglarized a Centreville home while the occupants were in it.

Roundups: Police Seek Robbers

Fairfax County police are seeking the group of teens who assaulted two other teens and robbed one of them.

Jagels: ‘Go Lead a Life of Inspiration’

Principal offers words of wisdom to the graduates.

When students first come to Mountain View, they often tell Principal Dave Jagels that they “hope” to graduate. But hoping, alone, won’t make it happen. Hope, he told his school’s almost-graduates, is a function of struggle.

Full-Day Mondays Start in September

Teachers promised planning time.

Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.

Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water

Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.

Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.

Summer Health and Safety Hazards

Keeping danger at bay during warm weather months.

Summer comes but once a year. From picnics and days at the pool to backyard barbeques and day-long hikes, many people spend the season outdoors.

Look Out Below

I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).