Stories for December 2012

Touching For Sure, But Not Always

Usually, but not always, when I show for my scheduled post-chemotherapy/post-scan appointment with my oncologist, I am physically examined (touching, feeling). Recently, due to some enhanced computer and facility upgrades, I was shown the actual scans, digitized. However, on more than one occasion over the last 18 months or so, after we discussed the results of my most recent CT Scan – and lab work, no physical exam was performed. Apparently, as I later learned, the good results from my scan sort of trumps any need to feel for physical manifestations.

How the Powerless Access Power

Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.

On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Instincts…

Forty-five months later, I am still dealing with feelings – as in still living, for which I am amazingly fortunate. However, those feelings seem to sometimes have a mind of their own, and accordingly tend to take over and rewire one’s brain (figuratively speaking).

Avoiding Jet Lag

Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.

Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Children

Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.

Present Needing to be Accounted For

As a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosee/patient/survivor/anomaly, living long--whether prospering or not, is not the simple and presumptive proposition I had anticipated. No more do I anticipate living the same number of years and in the same relative good health that my parents (both deceased), experienced well into their 80s. Now, my life revolves around my oncologist and the CT Scans and lab work that precede our recurring appointments.

A Life Lesson in Giving Back

An immigrant’s son becomes state delegate and introduces the Virginia DREAM Act.

My father was born in a small town in the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. He was one of 22 brothers and sisters from the same parents. At the age of 19 he came to this country with $280 in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I was 5 years old. He then took one class a semester at George Mason University every year, until he graduated from college one month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.

Pay Now, Bye Later

Contrary to last week’s column, if I do pay for it now (things I can’t afford), then I’ll be so in debt later that I may end up saying “bye” anyway--from the stress of it. And if that were to happen; dying with a smile on my face, so to speak, would I be truly better off now anticipating that later was not going to be my problem? Do I want to be a modern day version of George Raft, the American actor from the 1930s and 40s best known for his portrayals of mobsters, who said about his Hollywood money: “I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly.”

Three Narcotics K-9s Support the Force

Leroy, Lucy and Vegas are trained and ready for duty. With their keen sense of smell, they are experts at scanning wide varieties of locations and assisting patrol officers with requests for service on a 24/7 basis. These dogs are busy, industrious professionals.

Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting

Should access to guns be limited or expanded?

Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.

Immigrant Experience Guides Success

Delegate Mark L. Keam

Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.

Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia

Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.

On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Classified Advertising Dec. 19, 2012

Read the lastest ads here!

Enhanced Security Around Schools

FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.

Going Casual for a Cause

Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.

Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.

Understanding Yoga

Local yogis explain popular styles of yoga.

Joanna Mosely says she can’t tell a downward facing dog from a baby cobra. She belts out a perplexed “huh?” when asked if she knew the difference between Ashtanga and Bikram.

Preventing Holiday Weight Gain

Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.

Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.

Keys to Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season

Finding balance can preserve one’s well-being.

Food, festivities and friends are synonymous with the holidays. However, celebrations can take a toll on your health.

Brief: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installs New Leadership

Brief: There were multiple transfers of the torch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installation Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6 at NVAR Headquarters in Fairfax

Dining for a Cause in Great Falls

Military Appreciation Monday dinner series to continue in 2013.

Long-time Great Falls resident Bob Nelson was all smiles as he stood in the backroom of the Old Brogue providing warm words and thanks to families and supporters sitting in attendance at the monthly Military Appreciation Monday dinner on Dec. 10.

Langley Presents ‘A Musical Journey to Germany’

The Langley High School Orchestra presented "A Musical Journey to Germany" on Dec. 11.

Cappies Review: "Almost, Maine"

As the clock strikes 9 p.m. in a quaint, quiet town in northern Maine, nine couples simultaneously explore the puzzling issues of romance.

Brief: Chorus Hosts Renaissance Feaste

Langley choral department performs annual 16th century show.

The Langley High School Choral Department hosted their annual Renaissance Feaste Dec. 7 and 8 at the Capital Church in Vienna.

Letter: Seeing the Spirit of Giving

Letter: I would like to share with you about the St. Joseph School Onesight eyeglass collection drive.

Where Wishes Come True

The Wish List Project attracts more than 130 donors this year.

The Wish List Project proved to be a major success once again as friends, neighbors and community members came together to help make the wishes of 325 individuals, including 75 foster teenagers, come true.

Brief: Student Art on Exhibit at Great Falls Starbucks

Brief: Great Falls Studios (GFS) and Starbucks in Great Falls Center have teamed up with three local elementary schools to showcase student artwork.

Brief: Great Falls Studios Makes Donations to Great Falls Library

Brief: Great Falls Studios, a network of over 100 artists in Great Falls, has donated a new professional wire cable and hook display system to the Great Falls Community Library to be used for hanging art exhibits in the library’s meeting rooms.

Classified Advertising Dec. 12, 2012

Read the latest ads here!

Schools Attract Immigrants to Fairfax

Our community of 200 single family homes in central Fairfax is far more culturally diverse than when Hickory Farms was built while the first wave of refugees from the Vietnam War resettled in the Washington area in the late 1970s. While the Vietnamese led the way, the biggest impact on our community has been the second wave of Indian, Pakistani, and Korean immigrants who have sought out new lives in Fairfax County.

Opinion: American Conversations from Nepal

Although it is a little over six years since I first landed in the USA from Nepal, it is not too early to say that I am living the dream. For me, the American dream is not about amassing money and living in luxury, but about living freely and fully in mutual harmony in a community. It is about happily raising a family in a peaceful and safe environment, giving kids the best education possible, and adapting to the American culture of “giving.”

Letter: Saving the World, or at Least Fairfax County

I’ve lived here my entire life. I’ve ventured through trails all over Northern Virginia, I’ve gazed upon the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, I’ve sat next to the awesome power that makes up the tidal region of the Potomac River, I’ve stalked trout lying in a stream bed, slowly making their way up to the surface and back down once again.

Editorial: Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas

We are a nation of immigrants, to invoke the title of John F. Kennedy’s posthumously published book; undeniably a nation descended from immigrants and a nation greatly augmented by immigration. From this perspective, with the first immigrants motivated by the search for religious freedom, even Christmas is a religious holiday of immigrants.

Washington-Lee Gymnastics Team Sets Bar High

Generals beat McLean, Marshall, Lee, Wakefield at Monday meet.

The Washington-Lee gymnastics team defeated host McLean and three other schools in a meet on Dec. 10.

Fairfax County's Holiday Season

A collection of events to fill your days with cheer.

Make every last day of the year a festive one, be warmed by the holiday spirit of the season and spend time with friends and family--Fairfax County has something for everyone to take joy in before the year is up.

Sikhs Bring Foundation of ‘Service to Others’

Fairfax Station temple active in community outreach.

On a recent Thursday evening, Ajaib Singh, 78, one of the founding members of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia, politely escorts a visitor to the area where one removes shoes and dons a headscarf.

Dynamic and Diverse

New immigrants bring religious diversity to Fairfax County.

At the intersection of Hooes Road and Silverbrook Drive, on the dividing line between Lorton and Fairfax Station, is the largest Hindu structure in three states.

Bienvenido! Huān yíng! Welcome!

Chantilly Bible Church thrives on diversity by providing outreach to immigrants.

Pastor Isaac Huang vividly remembers the day he landed in the United States from Taiwan. It was Jan. 7, 1982, and Huang, 25, was looking forward to studying computer science at Old Dominion University.

Being Muslim in Fairfax County

Immigrants face the challenge of balancing Islamic faith and American culture.

Over the years, Muslims from different countries migrated and settled in the Fairfax County area; however, the children of immigrant parents often struggle the most because they have to balance their Islamic faith along with the influence of American culture.

Making Their Voices Heard

Caroling about "fiscal cliff" at Tysons Corner Center.

On Monday, Dec. 10, a group of 30-40 residents of Northern Virginia and beyond met by the entrance of California Pizza Kitchen in Tysons Corner Center in preparation to go caroling.

Brief: Langley High Choirs to Present Holiday Concert

The Langley High School Choral Department will present their annual holiday winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium (6520 Georgetown Pike).

Brief: Performing The Nutcracker

Brief: Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) congratulates its talented dancers on another outstanding Nutcracker production: pictured are seniors Kristen Wolaver of Langley High School and Kaley Thornton of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

Promoting ‘A Greater Falls’

Great Falls women initiate an effort to support local businesses.

I once asked my uncle who was a priest in Washington, D.C. if there was a soup kitchen where I could volunteer.

Classified Advertising Dec. 5, 2012

Read the latest ads here!

Langley Dominates Centreville in Opener

Head Coach Hess said Saxons will try to capitalize on team’s “beef.”

The Langley boys' basketball team will try to capitalize on its size this season.

Immigration Assistance Organizations

A list of some local non-profit organizations that provide immigration assistance, also provided by Fairfax County at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/organizations.htm.

Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response

The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms. Historically the churches in the United States have been immigrant churches. Who among us cannot trace one’s ancestors back to a country outside the U.S.? The church’s care and concern for countless European immigrants is well known. Today, we the faith community are called to welcome immigrants with similar hospitality.

Editorial: Holiday Revels With a Safety Net

A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.

You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013. And there are many other varieties of holiday festivities, many involving more than a drink or two. So make a plan.

Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia

Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.

The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.

Day Shifts, Night Shifts On the Road to Success

An Indian immigrant’s story: Making it and giving back.

When the chain pharmacy he worked for opened a drive-through pharmacy, it was the final straw for Amit Shah of Fairfax.

Building a Better Life

An Afghan immigrant’s story: From Soviet war to American Dream.

“Personally, I never think anyone is better than me, and I never think I’m better than anyone,” Bob Zahory of Centreville chuckles as he offers up another pomegranate lemonade.

Living Life in ‘The Dream Land’

Jorge Adeler shares his story of the American Dream coming true.

The American Dream has been shared for generations—some call it an idea; others call it a reality. Many people come leaving behind former lives in search for better ones, not only for themselves but also for their children.

Social Programs Adapt To Fulfill Immigrant Needs

Fellowship House, Interfaith help immigrants on their way to self-sufficiency.

A visitor to Hunter’s Woods Fellowship House in Hunter’s Woods Square in Reston could hear 21 different languages.

Cooper Students Assemble Kits for Hurricane Relief

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, Cooper Middle School students worked together to assemble Hygiene Kits as part of nation-wide Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts.

Brief: Intelsat to Relocate to Tysons

The company will bring more than 430 employees to local economy.

Brief: Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Intelsat, the world’s leading provider of satellite services, will relocate its U.S. headquarters to the Tysons Corner area of Fairfax County from its current location in Washington, D.C.

Brief: Red Cross Fundraiser Nets $92,000 in Three Hours

Brief: In three hours, the third annual “In The Bag” silent auction of designer purses raised $92,000 to benefit the American Red Cross of the National Capital Region.

Silver Line Faces ‘Daunting Issues’

Challenges planners face before cars get rolling.

In August, 2013, 55 years after construction began on the Dulles International Airport, the first phase of a $7 billion Metrorail connection between Washington, D.C. and Dulles will be completed that will extend rail travel to five stops in Tysons Corner and Reston.

’Tis the Season for Joyfulness

"Altar Boyz" at Tysons’ 1st Stage.

There is a joyful noise full of tight harmonies backed by spot-on keyboards and percussion with lyrics full of universal positive messages at 1st Stage.

Brief: Langley High Orchestra Presents German Orchestral Music

Brief: The Langley High School Orchestra will present its next concert on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Langley HS Auditorium. “An Evening of German Orchestral Music” will feature music of German composers.

Brief: Churchill Road Students Win Scrabble Championship

Brief: On Saturday, Nov. 17, Churchill Road fifth graders and Scrabble team members Tanner Iverson and Ethan Pham won first place in Division B of the 2012 DC School Scrabble Championship at Janney ES in Washington, D.C.

Great Falls Farmers Market Opens for Winter

The Great Falls Farmers Market vendors and local shoppers requested a year-round farmers market in Great Falls, and this past Saturday, Dec. 1, the first winter market day opened.

Talking About Gifts

Talking About Gifts: See what these Great Falls Village Centre stores are selling for the holidays!

Great Falls Kicks Off Holidays

Annual tree lighting event is once again a community favorite.

The annual Great Falls tree lighting ceremony was off to a brisk but cheerful start Saturday evening as families, friends and community members piled onto the open field to celebrate the much anticipated tree lighting ceremony.

Brief: The Great Falls Historical Society’s Old-Fashioned Christmas

The officers and board of directors of the Great Falls Historical Society welcome the entire community to join them on Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the historic Great Falls Grange to enjoy the fine musical talents of more than 50 Cooper Middle School Chorus and Orchestra members in a performance of seasonal music.