Stories for April 2016

Fairfax Station: Fourth annual Fragile X walk raises $55,000 for molecular bank for research

Jimi Grande of Fairfax Station may never get to teach his ten-year-old son Jimmo to throw a baseball. Jimmo was born with effects from an inherited genetic mutation called Fragile X that can cause moderate to severe mental impairment and learning disabilities, and is linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Herndon: Nysmith School Sixth Graders Win Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind

Sixth-graders from the Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon won the Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Division II, Technical Problem on Saturday, April 16 in Newport News, Va.

State of the County Presented Over Breakfast

Leadership Fairfax hosts 25th Annual Board of Supervisors State of the County Breakfast and presents Hanley Award to Bill Bouie for Public Service.

With the number and types of commitments made on their daily schedules, it takes a special occasion to gather the entire roster of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in one place at one time outside the walls of their meeting chambers.

Preparing for Summer Camp Away

Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.

A child’s first residential summer camp experience can be fraught with emotions that run the gamut from excitement to terror.

Academic Camps Combine Education and Fun

Local camps help students maintain school skills in a relaxed environment.

One summer Ana Lado created a summer camp activity for students at her neighborhood pool. The Marymount professor set up a picnic area, and included activities and books. Her plan was to engage the students and give them the opportunity to read and build reading skills while still enjoying fun activities traditionally associated with summer.

From Colonial History to Future Entrepreneurs

Campers can explore diverse interests in specialty summer camps.

This summer dozens of elementary school-aged children will travel back in time to the Colonial Era where, among other things, they’ll learn to spin cotton into cloth for garments.

Editorial: More Voters Might Not Mean Much More Voting

Governor’s action brings Virginia in line with 39 other states.

Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) restored the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements.

Responding to Teen Sex Trafficking

Comprehensive approach seeks to educate teens.

In 2012 Fairfax County Detective William Woolf discovered a 16-year-old girl being prostituted by the M-16 gang. At the time there was little recognition that the problem existed locally. The girl was recovered and since then Woolf has interviewed 300 recovered victims, some as young as 12-years old. After the initial shock, Northern Virginia businesses, faith communities and educational groups sought to understand the extent of the problem.

WFCWC Hosts Human Trafficking Discussion

Perspective

The Western Fairfax County Women’s Club (WFCWC) hosted a meeting April 18 on “Human Trafficking in Northern Virginia.” Deepa Patel, executive director of Trauma and Hope in Springfield, is a licensed clinical social worker certifiably specialized as a sex offender treatment provider.

Centreville Robotics Seeks Support

Centreville Robotics has an opportunity to compete at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Mo. at the end of April.

Centreville: National Recognition For Deepwood Vet Clinic

Deepwood Veterinary Clinic owner Dr. Wanda Pool and technician Pamela Meade, were awarded two Macbook Pro laptops on April 14 for their winning entry into the “Saluting the Frontlines” program sponsored by Merial Pharmaceutical Company.

Centreville Snapshot: Pinewood Derby Winners

Sully District Boy Scouts of America held its annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby at Liberty Middle School. More than 130 Cub Scouts participated in the event, with more than 300 spectators. Above are John Ferguson, the Pinewood Derby chairman and Cubmaster of Pack 2011; Webelos I Cub Scout Zachary Poole - 2nd Place; Tiger Cub Scout Grant Zodrozny - 4th Place; Bear Cub Scout Max Warren - 3rd Place; Webelos II Cub Scout Jake Witte - 5th Place; and Wolf Cub Scout AJ Sexton - Sully District Champion.

Centreville: Death Ruled as Homicide

On Sunday, April 24, at approximately 4:24 p.m., patrol officers from the Sully District Station were called to a residence in the 5600 block of Gresham Lane for a report of an unresponsive adult male.

Fatal Crash in Centreville

Next of kin has been notified and the driver killed in an April 21 fatal crash has been identified as Herson Alexis Molina of Manassas Park.

Centreville High: Action, Swordfights and Tech Surprises

Centreville High presents “The Three Musketeers.”

Featuring a cast of 34 and a crew of 12, Centreville High’s dramedy, “The Three Musketeers,” is all set to burst upon the stage.

Potential Development of Dulles Suburban Center

A study to determine this land’s future is currently underway.

It’s been 23 years since the Dulles Suburban Center had a thorough review. But all that’s about to change, as a study has just began to document what’s there now and review recommendations for potential land-use changes and development in the future.

Chantilly: ‘Comedy with a Lot of Heart’

Chantilly High presents “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”

There’ll be laughs galore when Chantilly High presents the comedy, “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” It’s the school’s Cappies show and contains a cast and crew of 52.

Centreville Girls' Lax: New Coach, New Stars, Same Results

Murphy scores 7 goals in win over Chantilly on Monday.

Centreville defeated Chantilly 15-5 on Monday.

Fairfax County: Chief Investigating Cyberbullying of Dead Female Firefighter

Search for Nicole Mittendorff called off after police “preliminarily identify” female remains, find suicide note found in her abandoned vehicle.

The search for Nicole Mittendorff, a paramedic-firefighter based at Fire Station 32 in Fairfax Station, has been suspended, a release from Virginia State Police said on Thursday, April 21.

Removing a Barrier to Pomp and Circumstance

Gowns for Grads program at George Mason provides regalia for needy graduates.

When Muntaha Choudhary walks across the stage during George Mason University’s graduation ceremony this May she will celebrate not only her bachelor’s degree, which has been eight years in the making, but also the fact that she is the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve 4-Cent Tax Rate Increase

The gap between the Fairfax County School Board and total county budgets is a formality away from being the smallest since before Jan. 7 when FCPS Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza announced she wouldn’t be making any additional cuts in her $2.67 billion Fiscal Year 2017 budget.

Letter: Selfishness, Not Altruism, Behind Tax Increases

To the Editor

The Board of Supervisors and School Board should give the approximately 12,000 classroom teachers salary increases, but give no raises to other school and county employees.

Editorial: On the Guilty Plea of Adam Torres

Geer’s death exposed “obfuscation … and a lack of public accountability.”

Adam Torres, charged with murder in the death of Springfield resident John Geer, was the first Fairfax County Police officer in the history of the department to be charged in such a death.

Sixth Annual Centreville International Showcase is Set for April 30

Find music, dancing, food, and more.

Everything from Korean drumming to Irish dancing, Guatemalan music and food from around the globe — it’ll all be part of the 6th annual Centreville International Showcase. The evening of fun is set for Saturday, April 30, from 5:30-9 p.m.

Westfield High To Present the Musical, ‘Footloose’

“What a great way to end a beautiful year,” said director Susie Pike.

The music, story and costumes will transport audiences back to the ’80s when Westfield High presents the musical, “Footloose,” in the school theater. It’s Westfield’s Cappies show and features a cast and crew of 55.

Centreville: The Alliance Theatre Presents “The Addams Family”

Takes the audience on a joyride.

Gomez, Morticia, Lurch and the rest of the gang from the classic TV show, “The Addams Family,” will come to life onstage when The Alliance Theatre presents the musical comedy of the same name. The show runs three weekends, April 29-May 15, at Mountain View High, 5775 Spindle Court in Centreville.

Fairfax County: Torres Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter of John Geer

Former Police officer faced murder charges for 2013 shooting

It was over before it began. Neither prosecution nor defense gave opening statements in former Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres’ trial for the August 2013 murder of Springfield resident John Geer. Instead on Monday, April 18, Torres pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter for the August 2013 incident.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Elegant homes and gardens in Old Town, Arlington and Falls Church will be open to the public.

Some of the most spectacular gardens will be in bloom and on display during the 83rd annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia.

Modular Homes Come of Age

What's behind the growing popularity of modular homes? Recent research shows that a house comprised of architecturally-specific, pre-constructed modules can be assembled on a homeowner’s lot for 10-15 percent less than of the cost of a comparably-sized “stick-built” house.

Chantilly Home Sales: March, 2016

In March, 2016, 13 homes sold between $760,000-$70,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: March, 2016

Centreville Home Sales: March, 2016

In March, 2016, 85 Centreville homes sold between $760,000-$165,000.

Centreville Home Sales: March, 2016

Fairfax County Police Hold Assessment Public Hearing

As part of an on-site assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., Fairfax County Police held a public forum on April 11 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Fairfax County: 24th annual Service Awards recognizes community champions, hundreds of volunteers

Kathy Hertz, a longtime volunteer in Clifton, spent more than a week in Lesvos, Greece just after Christmas with her cousin. The two of them volunteered in and around a refugee camp for individuals being funnelled to Athens and hopefully back to Germany or other European havens.

Westfield's Francis, Centreville's Unterkofler Shine at Nova Challenge

Westfield guard named MVP, Centreville senior wins dunk contest.

Westfield's Blake Francis and Centreville's William Unterkofler perform well at the Nova Challenge.

Becoming Aware of Child Sex Trafficking

The problem extends throughout northern Virginia.

She stands on the sidewalk outside the mall with her backpack full of 7th grade science and math books. An older man pulls up and she gets in the backseat of his car.

Classified Advertising April 13, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Inaugural Living Well Summit Piques Interest of County Seniors

Summit helps county residents improve with age.

Local residents can learn how to age gracefully Saturday, April 16, at the Living Well, Aging Well Summit in the Fairfax County Government Center.

Help Wanted: Mature Workforce at Employment Expo in Tysons

Older adults in search of work can discuss job opportunities with various industry representatives Monday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “50+ Employment Expo” in the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.

Progress Made, Challenges Remain on Ending Homelessness

HomeAid NoVA hosts ‘Keep the Homeless Housed’ Forum.

In 2008, Fairfax County partnered with the City of Falls Church to adopt an ambitious strategic plan to address the issue of homelessness in the region.

Finding Fun in Science

Area youth turn out for Project BEST Science and Technology Fun.

What could possibly have lured some 100 and more middle school youngsters back to a school building on a Saturday, especially if that school isn’t theirs and they had to get up extra early just to get there?

Chantilly Snapshot: Bringing ‘Peter Pan’ to Stage

The Saint Timothy Catholic School Drama Club presented the off-Broadway musical "Peter Pan" to a standing-room-only crowd on Saturday, April 9. Peter Pan was played by Anna Moritz (6th grade), and Wendy was played Madison Perry (8th grade). The play was directed by teachers Jessica Kurtis, Jane Venafro, and Sarah Bielaski.

Olga Hernandez Named 2015 Fairfax County Citizen of Year

Olga Hernandez was honored at the 2016 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' annual awards banquet with the 2015 Fairfax County Citizen of the Year recognizing her for her volunteer efforts, including making Fairfax and Virginia residents informed voters. Citations of Merit honorees were Douglas Sanderson, Jim Hart, Phil Rosenthal, and Shirley Ginwright. Sally Sibley received a Special Gratitude Award.

Centreville Snapshot: ‘LifeChanger of the Year’

Lee Kaiser (left), a counselor at Centreville Elementary School, has been selected as a 2015-2016 award winner for National Life Group’s “LifeChanger of the Year” program.

Hart Honored for 15 Years of Civic Service

James R. Hart was honored at the 2016 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' annual awards banquet with a 2015 Fairfax County Citation of Merit recognizing him for his volunteer efforts benefiting Fairfax and Virginia residents in the areas of zoning and planning.

Centreville Letter: Terrorist Attack on Brussels

Letter to the Editor

For people in Brussels, Belgium Tuesday was like any other day. People were doing what they normally do, going to work,stopping by the coffee shops, filling gas in their cars etc. Two loud noises which turned out to be bombs, exploded at the Zaventem airport and one exploded at the metro station. These explosions claimed the lives of 30 innocent people and injuring over 200- people like you and me. Not soon after ISIS took credit for the horrific events. ISIS, as we all know, claims to be doing such things in the name of Islam.

Chantilly Snapshot: Dozens of Dead Birds

Animal Control officers responded to a report of approximately two dozen dead birds in the area of Avion Parkway and Lee Jackson Memorial Highway on Friday, April 8 around10 a.m.

Planning Commission, Community Honors Litzenberger

“He’s someone who’s willing to invest the time and make people understand the land-use process.” — Michael Frey, former Sully District Supervisor

After Michael Frey retired as Sully District supervisor, Kathy Smith succeeded him and made her own appointments to various Fairfax County boards and commissions. So after serving eight years as Sully’s planning commissioner, John Litzenberger was replaced by Karen Keys-Gamarra.

Clifton: Comedy, Dancing and Gershwin Songs

Liberty Middle presents hit musical, “Crazy for You.”

A high-energy comedy filled with mistaken identity, plot twists and song-and-dance numbers “Crazy for You” is Liberty Middle School’s upcoming musical, Show times are Thursday-Saturday, April 21, 22 and 23, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and during school lunches. The triple Tony Award-winner garnered top honors in 1992 for Best Musical, Choreography and Costumes. It tells how love blossoms between a big-city playboy who longs to be a dancer and the small-town theater owner who captures his heart. Liberty’s young performers’ edition features a cast and crew of 66 who’ve been rehearsing since November.

Editorial: Award-Winning Connection Newspapers

Still striving to be the Connection to your community.

Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association for work done in 2015.

Speaker Series

Senior Services of Alexandria will present Aging Well, Working Together for a Livable Community for all Ages, next in a speaker series, on Wednesday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria.

Luxury Condos are a Growth Market for Seniors

Active retirees seek options for independent living, including condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons, Reston, McLean, Bethesda and Chevy Chase, among others.

When Joyce and Don Lipman decided to move out of their Potomac, Md. home, they opted for a high-end townhouse instead of a retirement community.

Taking the Long View

Budgeted, incremental improvements are the key to effective planning, aging in place.

When they decided not to move-on after retirement, seniors Mike and Sandy Nusbaum slowly began enlarging their long-term residence with several goals in mind.

Golden Notes

Living well at any age.

‘Shark Tank’ for Seniors

High school students design and present tech products to improve lives of older adults.

Chantilly High School freshman Aru Rajpurohit remembers seeing her great-grandfather struggle to drink his morning tea and other beverages, his hands shaking from Parkinson’s disease.

Letter: Help Prevent Child Abuse

If you see a blue pinwheel dotting the landscape in April, we hope you will pause and think about what it represents--National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Letter: Limiting Health Care Choices

To the Editor

Recently it was announced that Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna are planning to merge, which would severely limit the choices residents of the Commonwealth have when picking their healthcare provider.

Sanderson Honored for 25 Years of Civic Service in the Arts

Douglas J. Sanderson, a principal in the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., was honored at the 2016 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' annual awards banquet with a Citation of Merit recognizing his 25 years of “pro-bono legal service

Send in Mother's Day Photos to the Connection

Mother’s Day is May 8 this year and as usual every year at this time, this newspaper calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.

Editorial: Move Forward with Independent Oversight

While FCPD has embraced many critical changes, supervisors need to move forward with oversight.

Last week, the Fairfax County Police Department posted a list and progress report of 202 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, each currently labeled as one of: implemented, in progress or under review.

First Responders Honored at 38th Annual Valor Awards

‘Ready for All Emergencies’

Technician Ryland Chapman and Lieutenant Lawrence Mullin with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were preparing to return home from a deployment with Virginia Task Force 1 to earthquake-rocked Kathmandu, Nepal when another quake sent them back out for duty.

Lawmakers Wrap-up Richmond Legislative Session

Unspent TANF grant money, prisoner rights among social issues discussed.

On average, low income families in Virginia who are eligible and sign up for funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant receive $269 monthly and are cut off after five years. But lawmakers say there’s a lot more unexpended money available in the federal grant that, if it remains unused, could one day be taken back.

‘Share Your Hair’ at Westfield High School

Allie Bush, an 11th grader at Westfield High School, working with other Class of 2017 officers, will be holding a hair-cutting opportunity at school so that classmates and teachers can donate hair for Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths Program.

Clifton Snapshot: Autism Awareness

Students at Union Mill Elementary School participate in the Autism Awareness Program. The program includes six stations in the gym that are designed to create awareness of some challenges children with autism may experience.

Oak Hill Letter: Outrageous Budget Requests

Letter to the Editor

The following statement was addressed to the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Education.

Centreville Letter: Countering Terrorism With Interfaith Prayer

Letter to the Editor

We often see Muslims in the media creating terrorism, but the Muslims of the Ahmadiyya Community are fighting against it.

After 15 Years, Wolfe Admits Guilt

Writes confession saying he killed Danny Petrole.

After 15 years of denying that he ordered the killing of Danny Petrole, Justin Wolfe reversed himself last week in a handwritten confession. In it, he admitted giving the go-ahead to the man who carried out the hit.

Centreville: ‘He and Erin Are Together’

Grafton Peterson, Virginia Tech victim’s father, dies at 57.

Like most people, Grafton Peterson experienced both great joy and great sadness in his life. He had a long and happy marriage and two children he adored. But he outlived both his daughters and, on March 18, succumbed to a heart attack at age 57.