Stories for August 2016

Letter: Does He Bite?

Letter to the Editor

Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.

Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter

As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.

Chantilly: From 80 Students to 625

Walker reflects on the camp’s strengths.

Lawrence Walker retired in 2012 after being Franklin Middle School’s band director for 28 years. But each summer, he returns to direct its Band and Orchestra Camp.

Chantilly: ‘You Make Friends and Learn a Lot’

Franklin Middle holds 30th annual Band and Orchestra Camp.

Daniel Starykh has been playing trumpet for a year and came to Franklin Middle School’s 30th annual Band and Orchestra Camp so he could improve. Happy with his decision, he said, “My teachers are really nice and they help a lot.”

Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Making Community Work

Caring for an Ill Spouse?

The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.

Keeping Youth Safe, Healthy and Drug Free

Looking for ways to keep Fairfax County youth and young adults safe, healthy and drug free? Then check out getting involved with the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).

Column: Greater Transparency in Policing

Fairfax County Police embrace change, sanctity of life for all.

The Fairfax County Police Department was established on July 1, 1940 and today we have an authorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcement officers.

Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.

I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.

Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness

Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.

‘Insider’s Tip’ to New Businesses

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helps in starting or expanding business in the county.

If you are new to Fairfax County, welcome to one of the world’s most interesting places to live and work. If you are new to the county and are interested in being part of our dynamic business community, here is an “insider’s tip” that you will want to know: The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), works with everyone who wants to start or expand a business in the county.

County Schools: Teaching for 21st Century

What’s new at Fairfax County Public Schools.

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year in Fairfax County Public Schools. With each new school year, we have the wonderful opportunity to build upon our previous successes and continue to improve our work with our students.

Comstock Faces Challenge from Bennett in Congressional Race

Voter turnout, presidential politics and “Trump Effect” considered key factors in once solidly red district.

In Virginia's 10th Congressional District, freshman lawmaker Barbara Comstock remains confident that she will win her first re-election bid.

Sharon Bulova: 'Welcome to Fairfax County'

Welcome to Fairfax County, one of the greatest places in the nation to live, work, play and raise a family.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

How to Vote in Fairfax County

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

Never Too Old To Compete

800 expected to compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

Herb Levitan adjusts his goggles, pulls on his swimming cap and lowers himself into the pool. Levitan had been up at 7 a.m. to run three miles and had biked from home to the Ocean Dunes Water Park as he trains for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young

In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.

Column: #MindsMatter: Lifesaving Conversations Every Day

Take one action for awareness of National Suicide Prevention week #MindsMatter.

It’s 3 p.m. School’s out. Like clockwork, alerts start ringing, letting our crisis workers know that young people are out of class, and they need to talk.

Minds Matter to Local Mental Health Service

PRS Inc. of McLean prepares for National Suicide Prevention Week.

Although National Suicide Prevention Week occurs next month, a local mental health service got a head start last week and launched its public awareness campaign on social media.

Children Science Center Lab Takes 10-year View

Amy Burke, board chairwoman of the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, and executive director Adalene “Nene” Spivey watch Emily Brunner, 15, of Falls Church take on the robotic arm challenge by programming the device to play the “Happy Birthday” song on a xylophone.

Stand-off Ends through Negotiation

Sully Police District officers were called to a home in the 11900 block of Henderson Court shortly after 9 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 for the report of a 20-year-old man experiencing emotional distress, possibly armed with a handgun and allegedly threatening to harm himself.

Chantilly Snapshot: Displaying Their Skills

The 38th Annual Mid-Atlantic Police Motorcycle Rider's Committee, Inc. and the Mid-Atlantic Region Make-A-Wish Foundation hosted the 2016 Motor Rodeo Competition at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly last week.

Chantilly: Chef-in-Training Program for Those with Disabilities

Sangiorgio works with Community Services Board.

Alberto Sangiorgio walks through the kitchen at Wildflour Caterers bumping pinky fingers with Tasha, stopping to say hello to Cathleen and Phillipe as he walks by.

Chantilly: Frey To Lead Study Group

Dulles Suburban Area Study Advisory Group formed.

For the first time in 23 years, the Dulles Suburban Center is getting a thorough review. Work has already begun to document what’s there now and consider recommendations for potential land-use changes and future development. And now, Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) has established the Dulles Suburban Area Study Advisory Group to help with this task. She’s also named former Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey as its chairman.

Chantilly Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 32 homes sold between $915,000-$77,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: July, 2016

Centreville Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 130 Centreville homes sold between $899,900-$165,500.

Centreville Home Sales: July, 2016

Fairfax County: Aiming To Reduce Deer Population

Second Deer Management Program discussion

With an ecosystem struggling to support a deer population several times what’s considered to be healthy for a habitat, Fairfax County is preparing once again to initiate its deer management program.

Burke, Clifton, Fairfax Station, Lorton Springfield: Area Roundups

Rallies for Back to School and Refugees

Springfield Town Center is hosting a pep rally to celebrate students returning to school. The event is scheduled for the Grand Court area of the mall from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton hosts first Brewfest

Shamara Wilkins of Lorton ventured out of the priceless shade just long enough to get a refreshing top up on her beer-tasting glass from Lorton-based Forge Brew works.

Fairfax: Man Dies After Being Shot by Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Outside Inova Hospital

Hispanic male was discharged patient who was escorted by security to bus stop before the incident.

Early Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, a man died after having been shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy outside the green garage area at Inova Fairfax Hospital the previous evening.

Fairfax County Police Release Name of 2-Year-Old Victim in Murder-Suicide

Despite pleas from the girl’s family, Fairfax County Police have released the name of the young victim who was found dead along with the body of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in an upstairs bedroom at the scene of a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.

Classified Advertising August 17, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Learning New Skills at Twi-Light Summer Camp

The Sully District of the Boy Scouts of America held a Twi-Light Summer Day Camp for its Cub Scouts July 25-29. Thirty Cub Scouts attended, led by adult volunteers from Sully District and Boy Scouts from Troop 1137 and Troop 577.

Chantilly: Big Day for Eric Latcheran

Chantilly resident proud to wear Knights of Columbus uniform.

Eric Latcheran, 29, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, is a busy person. He holds down two jobs, performs in bands, has strong friendships — including a girlfriend — and raises money for Best Buddies, which promotes friendships with and jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.

Centreville/Chantilly: ‘Inspiration’ to Animal Shelter

Local girls raise money for the facility.

Tara Sankner and Shelby Mysel are two youths with big hearts and a love for animals. And for the second year in a row, they held a fundraiser for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

NOVEC: How To Handle Hot Weather

The heat wave is making most air conditioners run longer and harder.

Chantilly Snapshot: CSU Shows Customer Appreciation

Computer Services Unlimited (CSU) held a “Customer-Appreciation / Get-To-Know-CSU” private screening of “The Secret Life of Pets” at the newly renovated Centreville Multiplex Theater earlier this month.

‘Getting Arrested … a Blessing’

Former gang member reveals what that life is really like.

According to police Capt. Bob Blakley, “Eighty percent of the property crimes in the Sully District are gang-related or done by their affiliates. And even a higher percentage of the violent crimes here are done at the hands of gang members – and that’s a huge problem. This year, we’ve had three, drive-by shootings into occupied dwellings, one in Chantilly and two in Centreville.”

Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally

Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan

Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.

As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.

Considering a Private School?

Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.

For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

Stars of Summer

Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships

Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.

Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun

Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.

Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.

One Step To ‘One Fairfax’

Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.

Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes

Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.

Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.

Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat

There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.

Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety

While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.

Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

Centreville Snapshot: 20 Years

Virginia Bagel, at 5621 Stone Road, Centreville, is celebrating 20 years of business. Customers commemorated the store’s anniversary by presenting owners Aziz and Karim Afzal (at right) with a photograph of the restaurant that was signed by many of the patrons. Virginia Bagel has participated in the Centreville community not just as a restaurant, but also by supporting Westfield High School.

Centreville Obituary: SGM (Ret) Daniel T. Benson-McCarthy

SGM (Ret) Daniel T. Benson-McCarthy, age 56, of Centreville, died on July 21, 2016, after a 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Column: New I-66 Exit Lane for Route 28

Commentary

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will use the overhead, electronic signs on I-66 to implement a dedicated exit lane from westbound I-66 to northbound Route 28 during morning rush hours.

Chantilly Snapshot: Soaring at Dance Nationals

Chantilly-based PowerWorx Dance (PWD) premiered its inaugural, nationally competitive Competition Team at Nexstar National Talent Dance Competition in Orlando, Fla., July 18-23.

Centreville/Chantilly: Building Trust in the Community

Residents, police and firefighters join together during National Night Out.

Hot dogs, ice cream, water games, laughter and fun were all part of last week’s annual National Night Out celebration in the local area. It was held Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, and enabled community residents and public-safety personnel to meet each other, mingle and share some time together in a happy and relaxed atmosphere.

Police Charge Clifton Man with Murder

Caterer dies from stabbing after E.C. Lawrence Park wedding.

Weddings are normally happy affairs that don’t end in tragedy. But an argument over folding chairs after a Saturday wedding in Chantilly’s Ellanor C. Lawrence Park resulted in a woman’s death and a man being charged with murder.

Challenged Brain, Healthy Brain?

Social engagement and mentally challenging jobs might keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay.

Most days of the week, Ana Nelson can be found educating others about Alzheimer’s disease in her role as vice president of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. Her free time is spent touring historical sites in Northern Virginia and staying fit through competitive running and other activities. She’s currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon.

New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity

With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.

Fairfax County Police Receive National Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognized compliance with 484 standards.

In a hearing in Baltimore’s inner harbor on Saturday, July 30, the Fairfax County Police Department received a formal recognition of its national accreditation from the Gainesville, Va.-based Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.

Working Group to Consider Re-Naming JEB Stuart High School

Fairfax County School Board seeks additional community engagement on divisive issue.

Coming off its recent decision to postpone the implementation of new regulations for transgender students, the Fairfax County School Board has moved action on the possible renaming of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church to a later date as well.

Staying Fit and Healthy on Vacation

Advance planning is key to maintaining a healthy diet and fitness on the road.

Listening to Christian Elliot describe part of a recent vacation that he took with his wife, Nina, you might think he was attending a fitness bootcamp.

Communities Observe National Night Out

Law enforcement and neighborhoods come together in Fairfax Station, Springfield and countywide.

Every night, that’s seven nights a week, Amanda Fox and her mother make rounds of the 169 houses in their community of Cardinal Estates in Springfield.

Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More

Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.

Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?

Chantilly: SSTs End Season as Division Co-Champions

As the sun radiated down with intense heat in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 23, and while many were determined to find a cool place to hibernate, the SST swimmers of Sully Station took to the pool and performed like champions.

Chantilly: ‘A Great Addition to Our Community’

New townhouse development is coming to Chantilly.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors put out the welcome mat last week for a rezoning that’ll bring two dozen new townhouses to Chantilly. The community will be at Elmwood and Vernon streets and will be called Rockland Village Green.

Centreville: Infusion of Cash for I-66/Route 28 Improvements

Agency allocates $300 million for I-66/Route 28.

Good news for drivers who take the I-66/Route 28 exits and entrances in Centreville — and in this area, that’s pretty much everyone. A fix for the congestion, especially during rush hours, just took a giant step toward becoming a reality.

What We Did on V-J Day

Vienna resident’s memories of the end of the war.

Memories of WW ll in an American child's mind are a distinct set of curiosities -- special activities removed from the ordinary day to day routine of growing up.

Mall STEM Lab Celebrates First Birthday

Children's Science Center Lab celebrates with cake, a new robot, aquarium and checks worth $125,000.

Some children go to the shopping mall because their moms have to run errands or it's a nice place to hang out with friends. Who knew Fair Oaks Mall is a go-to place to conduct science experiments, program a robot and make stuff out of a 3-D printer?

Passion to Excel in STEM Field

CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.

At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.