Thursday, April 30
Fairfax County School Board to Consider Nondiscrimination Policy Change
When the members of the School Board reconvene on May 7, they’re scheduled to act on whether or not to add “gender identity” to the list of nondiscrimination categories for all Fairfax County Public Schools students, employees or applicants for employment.
Summer Sailing Camp: Outside, Hands-On, Empowering
Amy Zang has just returned from a week sailing the British Virgin Isles with nine members of her extended family ranging from her 78-year-old, legally-blind father to her brother's 4- and 6-year old children.
Diverse Camps Offer Summer Fun
Northern Virginia has scores of local camps for summer learning and fun.
Scores of local camps in Northern Virginia that offer many opportunities for summer fun and learning. Here is a sampling of diverse camps that range from art to theater to field trips to swimming, tennis and music. There's even a camp for aspiring musicians who want to form a band.
Summer Fun for Adults
The region offers a wide range of programs for adults.
Summer fun is no longer reserved for children. Whether one’s interests lie in exploring nature and hiking in the woods or immersed in history, art and literature on a university campus, the region abounds with warm weather opportunities.
Marymount Technology Institutes for Ages 14-18
Marymount has summer programs for teens ages 14-18 who are interested in technology. Gain technology skills and hands-on experience; create a mobile app or take part in a cyber competition in health care; meet fellow students who share your excitement about technology; network with technology professionals about career possibilities. Summer Technology Institutes' 2015 Programs:
Protest Precedes Police Meeting at Fairfax County Government Center
Themed subcommittees announced at second police review commission meeting.
Increased Fairfax County Police presence was noticeable at the rear of the room after three masked men entered the second meeting of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Wednesday, April 29
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun May 1-3
Fun events in the Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, and Manassas areas for the weekend of May 1-3.
Centreville Girls’ Soccer Ties Herndon
After suffering its first loss of the season, the Centreville girls’ soccer team responded with a goal in the first minute of its following match against Herndon.
How to Prepare for Summer Camp Away
Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.
Julie Kaminski remembers the language from her desperate letters to her parents: “I love you. I want to come home now!” She recalls penning a dramatic plea to be rescued from residential summer camp more than 40 years ago. Today, Kaminski is preparing for her daughter's first camp experience away from home this summer.
Congressional Schools of Virginia is Celebrating 75 Years
The Congressional Schools of Virginia in Falls Church marked its 75th anniversary with a weekend-long celebration on April 24 and 25, with events attended by hundreds of students, staff, alumni and friends of the school.
Local Brain Training Center to Hold Brain OlympicsRx
LearningRx-Fairfax hosting a free day of fun brain-related competitions.
To raise awareness about the brain’s ability to change at any age, LearningRx brain training centers across the United States are holding a Brain OlympicsRx event. The local cognitive skills center, LearningRx Fairfax, will be holding its event on Saturday, May 23, from noon to 4 p.m.
Camps and Schools Notes
The Fairfax Falcons Paralympic Sports team, a Fairfax County Neighborhood and Recreation Services Therapeutic Recreation program, is recruiting new players.
Column: Deep Space Mind
Commentary
A few years back (OKAY, more than a few years back; I’ll blame the cancer for my time lapse), there was a spin-off from the original Star Trek: Star Trek: The Next Generation captained by Jean-Luc Picard (a.k.a. Patrick Stewart) which itself spawned two other spin-offs: Star Trek Voyager and Deep Space Nine (commanded by Avery Brooks, a.k.a. Captain Sisko).
Q&A with Kathy Smith, Supervisor Candidate
School Board member wants to tackle new position.
Kathy Smith, Sully District representative on the Fairfax County School Board, is running as the Democratic candidate for the supervisor’s seat being vacated by Michael Frey.
Roundups for the Week of April 29, 2015
Roundups for the Week of April 29, 2015
Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on Chantilly's Horizon?
Homes, shops, restaurant and Wegmans proposed for Westfields.
With the downturn in the office market, developers are looking at vacant parcels of land in the Westfields area of Chantilly as a place for residential and other uses, instead.
Guevara Wins GOP’s Nod
A 16-vote victory to become Republican candidate for supervisor.
It’ll be John Guevara vs. Kathy Smith in the upcoming race to represent the Sully District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Chantilly Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the Fair Oaks District Police Station.
Centreville Boys’ Lax Bounces Back
The Centreville boys’ lacrosse team suffered a defeat at the hands of Chantilly on April 16, but rebounded with a come-from-behind victory against a quick Fairfax squad on Wednesday, April 22.
Tuesday, April 28
Editorial: Fostering Connections, Faltering
Why are federal dollars acceptable for roads, but not for helping foster children?
While there is plenty of competition for the title “most vulnerable,” foster children are certainly among them.
Column: Bringing Champions Together
Commentary
In my 20-plus years in Special Olympics I still, on occasion, make the same mistake. I miss the boat. I underestimate the abilities either cognitive or physical of our Special Olympics athletes; athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Friday, April 24
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - April 24-26, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, April 23
Transurban Begins Grant Program for Express Lanes Corridor Nonprofits
Transurban, the company that operates the 95 and 495 Express lanes, announced earlier this month the launch of a community grant program for non-profit organizations working in or benefiting the Express Lanes corridor.
“Can You See Me?” Campaign Shines Spotlight on the Homeless
Volunteers and representative from Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) assembled mannequins representing homeless men, women, children, families and veterans on Friday, April 17 at the Fairfax Government Center.
Local Nonprofit Group Presents 'Perils of the College Drinking Culture' Program
The final quarter of the 2014-2015 school year has arrived. For thousands of area high school seniors that means time to say farewells to friends, teachers, and the familiarity of the routines and activities of the past four years. For many of them, it also means time to prepare for that first year of college, and possibly their first time away from home and daily parental guidance.
No Charges in Lorton and Centreville-area CVS Robberies on Easter
Police are continuing to investigate a pair of armed robberies that occurred at CVS stores on April 5, Easter Sunday, and whether or not they are related.
Budget Gets Marked Up
Supervisors scheduled to adopt budget next Tuesday, April 28.
The Board of Supervisors marked up the proposed budget Tuesday, April 21, by increasing school funding, adding key economic growth positions and restoring money to suggested cuts to "critical" human service programs Tuesday morning, April 21, according to its Chairman Sharon Bulova.
Outlook Optimistic for Local 2015 Real Estate Market
After what seemed to be an endless winter, spring has finally come calling, signaling the start of the year’s first real estate high season. Homes trade hands all year long, but spring is often for buyers, seller, agents, brokers and lenders like those weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas; buyers at full speed searching out the best bargains and sellers looking to move their wares without having to resort to price-slashing sales tactics.
Editorial: Connection Papers Win Awards
Variety of coverage honored at annual Virginia Press Association conference.
On Saturday, April 18, a group of journalists from the Connection Newspapers traveled to Roanoke for the annual Virginia Press Association event to collect awards for business reporting, government writing, writing about health, science and the environment, feature writing, sports writing, column writing, obituaries, cartoons, entertainment pages and writing, public safety writing, editorial pages and writing, page design, informational graphics and more.
Wednesday, April 22
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun April 24-26
Events near Centreville and Chantilly for April 24-26
Thomas Jefferson Class of 2019: 70% Asian, 1.6% Black
Some say unbalanced admissions demographics at Northern Virginia’s top high school speaks to system-wide equity problems.
Consider: 70.2 percent Asian, 20.7 percent White, 5.1 percent Multiracial/Other, 2.4 percent Hispanic, 1.6 percent Black: This is the ethnic breakdown of the 493 students admitted to the 2019 class of the Fairfax County Public Schools magnet institution Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Fairfax County Pays $2.95 Million to Settle John Geer Wrongful Death Suit
More than seven months after the Geer family lawyer Michael Lieberman filed a $12 million wrongful death civil suit in Circuit Court against Fairfax County Police, the two sides reached a $2.95 million settlement, announced Tuesday, April 21.
Column: Pins and Needles
Commentary
This column isn’t about acupuncture or knitting, any more than last week’s column was about nausea.
Tuesday, April 21
Chantilly Students are Opening a Serious Chapter in History with 'Radium Girls'
Chantilly High is performing the play, “Radium Girls.”
A slice of American history is presented in Chantilly High’s production of the drama, “Radium Girls.” It features a cast and crew of 35, and Director Ed Monk says his young thespians are doing a terrific job.
Westfield High Presents "Pajama Game" May 1-2
“Pajama Game” is Westfield High’s Cappies show.
Featuring a cast and crew of 60 and a 25-piece orchestra, Westfield High presents the musical comedy, “Pajama Game.” It’s the school’s Cappies show and the students have been rehearsing since March.
Centreville High Takes on Teddy Roosevelt, Murder and Comedy
Centreville High presents “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
A comedy about an unlikely subject, “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place in a house in Brooklyn in the 1930s. Two, sweet, elderly ladies, the Brewster sisters, live there and are well-liked by everyone. But they have a big secret ...
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of April 22
Crews began several weeks of final milling and paving on April 16 at the Stringfellow Road widening project in Chantilly. Milling began to tie in intersections at Fair Lakes Boulevard, Route 50 and streets between. Final paving will last through May 4.
Westfields Sprint Triathlon to Benefit Charities
The 3rd Annual Westfields Sprint Triathlon will kick-off from Cub Run Rec Center, 4630 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly at 7 a.m. on Sunday, April 26. Participants will swim, bike, and run in and around the Westfields corporate campus.
Centreville: International Showcase Set for Saturday
Centreville’s diverse restaurant scene will be front and center at the Centreville International Showcase, this Saturday night, April 25, from 6-9:30 pm., at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road in Centreville.
Commentary: Schoeneman and 'Restoring Trust'
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Commentary: Guevara on Targeting Taxes
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Commentary: Litzenberger talks 'Proven Experience'
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Chantilly/Centreville Sports for the Week of April 22, 2015
When Victor Chen came to Chantilly from Lake Braddock in 2014, the long-time girls’ lacrosse coach didn’t expect sudden success for the Chargers, a program that had fallen on tough times.
Thursday, April 16
Chantilly Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 16 homes sold between $736,500-$11,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: March, 2015
Centreville Home Sales: March, 2015
In March, 2015, 87 Centreville homes sold between $1,475,141-$179,900.
Centreville Home Sales: March, 2015
Wednesday, April 15
Moving for Academic Excellence
Researchers say frequent physical activity can lead to success in school.
Inside an elementary school classroom in Bethesda, Md., a class of third grade students is divided into small groups and given a task: to cross a desert using a limited supply of tools that often include a jump rope, a foam noodle or a scooter. Their mission is to devise a plan to cross the desert without touching the sand.
International Showcase Coming to Centreville on April 25
Dance, music and food will showcase Northern Virginia’s diversity at the Centreville International Showcase on Saturday, April 25. It’ll be held from 6-9:30 p.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road, near New Braddock Road and Centrewood Drive.
Ackridge Plans for Residents to Live, Work and Play
Akridge plans mixed-use, residential community.
A plan is afoot to transform 50 acres of vacant land along Route 28 and Stonecroft and Westfields boulevards in Chantilly. Being proposed for what would be called The Preserve at Westfields are 155 townhouses, 650 apartments, plus retail and other amenities.
Sully District Supervisor Candidate: John Guevara
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Sully District Supervisor Candidate: John Litzenberger
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Centreville: SYA Girls Softball Celebrates Opening Day
Opening day for SYA girls softball was Saturday, April 11, at Colin Powell Elementary. Before playing, teams paraded around the field.
Centreville/Chantilly Crime Report for the Week of April 15
The following incidents were reported by the Sully District Police Station.
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of April 15
Fairfax County police arrested a 17-year-old boy last week on charges including auto theft.
Centreville/Chantilly Sports Briefs for the Week of April 15
The Centreville boys’ lacrosse team opened its Conference 5 schedule with an 11-8 win at Oakton on April 8.
Chantilly: Southwestern Youth Association Honors Its Volunteers
The Southwestern Youth Association held its annual Volunteer Awards casino night on Saturday, March 21 at the Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. SYA honored volunteers from all of its sports for their commitment and service in 2014.
Tuesday, April 14
Sully District Supervisor Candidate: Brian W. Schoeneman
Three Republican candidates are seeking their party’s nomination to run for Sully District supervisor. The nominee will be selected April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High. The winner will face Democrat School Board member Kathy Smith to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor.
Letter: Inappropriate ‘Choices’
Letter to the Editor
My name is Donna McHugh and I am writing in response to your article [“Moving: From Institution to Community”] printed on April 2 regarding the Northern Virginia Training Center.
Letter: Education Is for All
Letter to the Editor
After the horrific terrorist attack on a university in Kenya which left 147 students dead, Christian and Muslim leaders in Nairobi have joined together in preaching unity and discouraging division between faiths.
Send in Mother's Day Photos
Deadline for submissions is May 1.
Mother’s Day is May 10 and, every year at this time, The Connection calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.
Editorial: Counting Homeless; Solution Is Housing
Results of the annual census of homeless show progress, persistence of the problem, and some worrying trends.
On the night of Jan. 28, 2015, there were 1,204 people who were literally homeless in the Fairfax County area.
Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County
"One of the most important things we do."
Holocaust survivor Michel Margosis spoke before the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, April 7, when the Board of Supervisors made a proclamation declaring April 16 as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Fairfax County.
Thursday, April 9
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun: April 10-12
Entertainment
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun: April 10-12
D.C. Design House
McLean showcase home opens to the public April 12.
Local interior design enthusiasts will have an opportunity to tour a much-anticipated unveiling this weekend when the 2015 Design House opens in McLean on Sunday, April 12 at noon, with ticket sales benefiting the Children’s National Health System.
Wednesday, April 8
Editorial: A Big Election Year in Virginia
Register, research, vote. And vote again.
Every year is an election year in Virginia. Here are a few examples that demonstrate that while elections are ubiquitous in Virginia, they are neither simple nor unimportant. Wade in, a lot depends on figuring this out and voting. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of candidates.
More Than 200 Attend First Fairfax County Budget Hearing
Schools, libraries, economic development authorites and others seek more funding while tax-hawks call for reductions.
More than 200 people packed the Fairfax County Government auditorium Tuesday, April 7, and 60 speakers were scheduled to testify before the Board of Supervisors on the advertised budget. The hearing began with a presentation by School Board Chairman Tamara Derenak Kaufax. Members of the Fairfax County School Board sat in the front row, gave a standing ovation, and remained standing as Kaufax finished her testimony to begin the budget hearings.
Column: The Fact Is Not Yet The Matter
I don’t know which is worse: the extra-special, extra-expensive, dental cleaning (the kind that requires Novocain and involves the actual dentist, not merely the hygienist) that I have scheduled for April 8th – or my next hopefully-not-do-or-die CT Scan, moved up a month from my usual three-month interval because of a suspicious formation seen on my most recent scan back in mid-February.
Local Students Take on Poodle Skirts, Rotary Phones for 'Bye Bye Birdie'
Liberty Middle presents the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Featuring a cast of 60, the iconic musical, “Bye Bye Birdie” will burst upon the stage at Liberty Middle School. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, April 16, 17 and 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 during school lunches and at the door.
Meet GOP Candidates for Sully Supervisor
Backgrounds of the Republican contenders.
Three men are competing in the Republican primary to run in November for the Sully District supervisor seat being vacated by incumbent Michael Frey. They are John Guevara, Brian Schoeneman and John Litzenberger.
Sports Briefs: 04/08/15
Sports Briefs
Walney Bridge Detour to Begin April 13
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has begun work on the Walney Road Widening and Bridge Replacement project.
Three Republic Candidates Have Their Eyes on the Prize
Three Republican candidates for Sully District supervisor debate the issues.
School Board member Kathy Smith will be the Democratic candidate hoping to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor. But the Republican candidate will be chosen April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High.
Centreville: Raising Money for Police Unity Tour
All during April, Glory Days Grill in Centreville will donate 10 percent of all food and drink receipts to the upcoming Police Unity Tour, May 9-12.
Chantilly: Reducing Congestion, But Adding Students
Proposed plan amendment would allow homes at Stonecroft/Westfield boulevards.
Across Stonecroft Boulevard from the Sully District Governmental Center in Chantilly are 50 acres of undeveloped, vacant land. And an amendment to Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan for this site is now being reviewed.
Centreview Roundups: 04/08/15
Centreview Roundups: 04/08/15
Letter: Based on Character
Letter to the Editor
I am writing to express my support for John Guevara for Sully supervisor.
Letter: Running for Morgan
Letter to the Editor
On April 20 of this year, I will be running my fourth Boston Marathon in honor of a beautiful little girl who is six years old and battling brain cancer from Center Moriches, N.Y.
Suspect Sought: Wearing Dark Hood/Cap
Detectives are investigating two incidents of armed robberies involving CVS stores in Fairfax County on Sunday, April 5.
Frey Hosts His Last Town Hall Budget Meeting
County, schools see lean times.
Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey oversaw his last Town Hall Budget meeting on March 25. The topic of the meeting were the Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposals for both Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Column: On the Banks of Bull Run 150 Years Ago
Commentary
One hundred and fifty years ago, on the same day General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Fairfax County witnessed the last gun battle of the war.
Thursday, April 2
Prisoner Escapes from Fairfax Hospital, Gets Recaptured
Social media aids manhunt
Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, Wossen Assaye overpowered the female member of his two-guard private security detail while the male was out of his hospital room. Assaye was reportedly in shackles on a hospital gurney before the struggle.
Springfield: Getting into Marian Homes
Remodeling project to provide for residents with intellectual and or physical disabilities.
When the new residents of Marian Homes’ latest remodeling project move in to the Gresham Street house in north Springfield, Fairfax resident and Marian volunteer John Germain hopes they feel at home.
Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax to Close by March 2016
From institution to community, finding homes for those hard to place.
Joseph McHugh has lived at the Northern Virginia Training Center for 35 years, moving in when he was a teenager. McHugh has cerebral palsy and colostomy and severe spasticity issues. At the training center, McHugh works with a speech pathologist, nurse, on-campus dietician and is close to an X-ray machine, dental facility and clinic on the grounds.
Wednesday, April 1
‘Your Life Is Today and Tomorrow’
Residents of local senior living communities share their experiences.
“I didn’t want to come here,” said Bill Woessner, referring to Brightview Assisted Living Community in Great Falls. “That’s right,” agreed Sheila, his wife of more than 50 years, with plenty of her native Scottish brogue to be heard in her voice. “He really didn’t. We have a lovely house here in Great Falls and I don’t think he was ready to budge. But how long after we got here did that change?” she turned to her husband and asked. “At least a day,” he laughingly replied. “Seriously,” said Bill Woessner, “it probably wasn’t more than the first 48 hours.”
Creative Aging Festival Coming in May
Includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
A Creative Aging Festival will take place throughout the month of May at 100-plus local venues in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The month-long festival includes 114 performances, poetry readings, art exhibits, lectures, classes and more.
County Adult Centers Offer Seniors Activities, Social Interaction
In 2014, the attendance at Fairfax County senior centers was 277,342.
At the Kingstowne Center for Active Adults, volunteer Frank Bauer sees zumba and yoga classes “flowing into the main room sometimes,” he says, revealing how popular those classes are at the center, which caters to seniors 55 and older. This Kingstowne center, one of 14 senior centers throughout Fairfax County, offers classes and activities to keep seniors active.
Column: Manifest Destiny
I wouldn’t say I have symptoms (why would I say that? If I said that, I’d have to admit that cancer is having an effect on me.
Fit for the Golden Years
Fitness programs for seniors are part of a trend.
One night each week, Sue Thompson can be found dribbling a basketball down the court, leading her team, the Nova United, to victory. Thompson, who is in her 60s, is one of the youngest players in her league, the National Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
72-year-old Filmmaker Debuts Alzheimer’s Documentary
When Barbara Klutinis’ husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s she had no idea how she was going to get through the ordeal ahead of her. After joining a support group and hearing the stories of others going through the same thing, Klutinis realized she was not alone. Inspired by the experience, she decided to make a documentary about the lives of couples coping with the disease. The film, “The Sum Total of Our Memory: Facing Alzheimer’s Together,” will screen at the NOVA International Film Festival Friday, April 17, 1 p.m., at the Angelika Film Center in Fairfax.
Getting Dirty for a Good Cause
Staff and volunteers plant native grasses along Big Rocky Run.
Wearing sturdy boots and wielding shovels and wheelbarrows, some two dozen people recently left their comfortable offices to dig in the soil at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. When they were done, a variety of native grasses had been planted to beautify the Big Rocky Run stream valley and help stabilize the banks there. Participating were staff members and volunteers from Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), Stormwater; Park Authority; and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD).