Stories for November 2012

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.

Editorial: Learning in a Global Community

Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages.

This week our ongoing series about immigration in Fairfax County takes a look at county schools, and some of the joys and challenges of having a diverse student body that speaks as many as 160 different languages at home.

Classified Advertising Nov. 28,2012

Read the latest ads here!

Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits

Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.

As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.

Author Examines Life by the Letter

Joe Reynolds publishes collection of letters on variety of topics.

In an era of e-mails, text messages and tweets, the art of writing a letter hasn’t been lost on McLean resident Joe Reynolds. It’s something he was raised on, his father and grandfather wrote him letters while he was at college, a tradition that he continued while his three children were away at school.

Final Tree Decision Yet to Come

Final tests to be run on white oaks at Georgetown Pike-Walker Road intersection.

The trees at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road will be subject to at least one more test to determine if they propose a safety hazard to drivers. The Virginia Department of Transportation had decided Sept. 18 to remove the trees as part of a mass removal of potentially hazardous trees, but announced Sept. 28 that they would wait for the community to hire an arborist.

Building a Savings Stockpile on Shoestring Budget

Money experts say it is possible to save, even on a limited income.

Even though Mary Beth Lanvin is employed full-time with a company that offers generous retirement benefits, she can’t afford to contribute to a 401(k).

Avoiding Holiday Debt

Plan now to prevent post-holiday bills.

Festive store displays mean the holiday shopping season is in full swing.

Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving

Financial experts offer suggestions for ensuring one’s donations are well spent.

’Tis the season for giving, and that includes donations to charities.

Brief: Helping Animals Find Homes for the Holidays?

Special adoption promotion to help animals find homes.

Brief: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering a free spay or neuter for the first 100 cats, kittens, dogs or puppies adopted from the shelter through Dec. 31.

We Are the World, at Garfield

Teachers discuss challenges of teaching English as a Second Language.

Garfield Elementary School in Springfield, like all of Fairfax County, has a population that reflects a wide range of backgrounds.

Marshall High is the Face of Fairfax County

Upwards of 90 countries represented by student population.

The schools that feed into George C. Marshall High School are the academic home to children from all over the world.

Brief: History Conference Focuses on Conflict and Courage

Local historians honored.

Brief: The eighth Annual Fairfax County History Conference was held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in the City of Fairfax.

Brief: Community Meetings to Help Search for Superintendent

Brief: On Sept. 22, 2011, Superintendent Jack D. Dale announced his intention to retire from Fairfax County Public Schools effective June 30, 2013.

Uranium Money Spreads Across Virginia in Radioactive Debate

Upcoming General Assembly session to feature effort to lift ban on uranium mining.

The uranium deposits under the farmlands of Pittsylvania County are miles away from Northern Virginia, but the debate about what happens there is shaping up to be one of the hottest issues of the upcoming General Assembly session.

Shopping for Gifts at Village Centre

What do shoppers, proprietors say?

Check out what gifts these Great Falls stores are selling for the holidays.

Brief: ‘Christmas Eve at the Nutcracker Club’ Returns

Brief: The School of Theatrical Dance (SOTD) and its performing wing, Great Falls Dance Theatre, present the seventh annual performance of their original production of Christmas Eve at the Nutcracker Club, a fanciful yet reverent sketch of Christmas Eve, set in a 1940s USO Hall, in the imaginary town of Rockwell.

Brief: Something New at Grandmother's Back Room

Special custom woodwork rocker for holiday season.

Brief: Grandmother's Back Room in The Great Falls Village Center has announced a new handcrafted gift item for this holiday season.

Making Wishes Come True

The Wish List Project relies on generosity of Great Falls community.

Great Falls is a community that proves there is strength in numbers when it comes to helping those in need. Ginger Mahon agrees.

Brief: Winter Art Exhibit Opens At Great Falls Library

New show highlights work of 33 Great Falls artists; reception Dec. 10.

Brief: An art exhibition featuring over 60 paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry and other new works by Great Falls artists opened Nov. 2 and will be displayed through the end of December at the main conference room of the Great Falls Community Library.

Classified Advertising Nov 21, 2012

Read the lastest ads here!

Great Falls Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 15 Great Falls homes sold between $3,000,000-$441,000.

Great Falls Home Sales in October, 2012

Buy Now, Pay Later

Meaning: If I’m terminal, why deprive myself because of cost? If, in fact, I’m only living once – as the old saying goes, and somewhat less of a life than I had anticipated, shouldn’t I, at the very least, “Pull my pants down and slide on the ice,” as prescribed by Dr. Sidney Freedman in an episode of M*A*S*H, way back when?

Riverbend Prepares for Budget Cuts

With five percent cuts looming, group looks to preserve 400-acre park.

As Fairfax County prepares for a possible budget shortfall of $100 million in Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015, all county agencies have been asked to submit budgets that cut five percent from FY2013 levels.

Beach Mill Road Plans Unveiled

New bridge will be installed summer 2013, contractor has incentives for early finish.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin construction on the Beach Mill Road bridge over Nichols Run as early as next May.

Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity

If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.

Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture

So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.

Editorial: Diversity Growing

Tune in to our series on immigration.

This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.

Brief: Langley Crew Gives Back

The Langley High School Crew Team recently worked with local charity groups to support the 2012 Thanks for Giving Thanksgiving Food Drive and charity event.

Brief: McLean-Great Falls Keller Williams Cares Presents Check to Lift Me Up!

A check of $15,274.16 was presented to Lift Me Up! at their annual Gala held on Nov. 17, at BMW of Sterling.

Fairfax Becomes Immigrants’ Gateway

Focus on immigration.

Yesuf Beshir spent nearly three years gathering the mountain of paperwork he needed to leave Ethiopia and emigrate to America.

A Way Out of No Way

Two women — one African-American and one from Africa — learn to see America through each other’s eyes.

Rosemary Osei, 22, and Lillie Reynolds, 61, have been good friends for four years. The two women, who help teach special needs students at a Vienna elementary school, are sometimes mistaken for mother and daughter.

Brief: Catch A "Canary" At Colvin Run

Langley High School junior Emily Nesbitt became the first “Colvin Run Canary" on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Viewpoints: What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day?

Residents in Great Falls answer the question, "What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day?"

Viewpoints: Immigrants’ Experiences on Becoming Americans

On Sept. 22 at the Multicultural Festival on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, 25 people participated in a naturalization ceremony that made them American citizens.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas: Flowers Not Required

Floral design pros share secrets to creating swoon-worthy centerpieces.

While the turkey is often the star of a Thanksgiving dinner table, a nonedible focal point can play a leading role in creating an elegant dinner table aesthetic. From lush floral arrangements to designs without blooms, three local floral design pros offer ideas for spectacular centerpieces that can be replicated easily at home.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally

Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.

Week in Great Falls

Friends of Riverbend Park (FORB) has received $10,000 from BMW of North America. The grant followed the conclusion of BMW’s successful Restore the Outdoors campaign, which helped launch BMW’s new X1 crossover vehicle, and which spotlighted 12 park sites across the United States, including Riverbend Park in Great Falls.

Langley Volleyball Team Bounces Back from Early Defeat

Saxons finished runner-up in Northern Region.

The Langley volleyball team finished Northern Region runner-up.

Classified Advertising Nov. 14, 2012

Read the lastest ads here!

Star Crossed Lovers Take Stage at Langley

Theatre department presents ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

During Langley High School’s inaugural theater tech class, several students had a vision: Shakespeare’s character Juliet giving her famous speech on a scaffolding. The school’s upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet" took on a new look after that idea, transforming the setting of the play from an Italian city to an apocalyptic future city.

Gift Ideas in Great Falls

Maison et Jardin, Maison du Vin offer gift ideas for holidays.

While places like Tysons Corner might draw the large crowds and big numbers during the holiday shopping season, plenty of local residents are able to find gifts much more locally. The shops at the Great Falls commercial center offer a wide variety of items from locally owned businesses.

Haddad Studio to Present ‘The Nutcracker’

Annual show celebrates 21st year.

The Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet will present its 21st edition of "The Nutcracker" the weekend after Thanksgiving. Featuring 49 children, guest artists from several ballet companies and adult volunteers, the annual performances will take place at The Madeira School.

Veterans Honored at Freedom Memorial

Annual ceremony features Marine Color Guard, student performances.

More than 150 people gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Monday, Nov. 12, to participate in the community’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. More than 100 students from Village Green Day School, Great Falls Elementary School and Langley High School also attended.

Inspired ‘to Make a Difference’

Langley High School students inspiring teens around the globe.

While many high school students are busy worrying about upcoming SAT exams and sport practices, Langley High School junior Jason Cui is busy heading Youth Inspire, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting teen cancer patients one picture at a time.

Election Over-Now What?

To the Editor: The election is over, and whether your candidate won or not, your job as an American is not over.

Artists to Hold Reception, Holiday Open House

“Big Squares, Little Squares” show will kick off the holiday season at The Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite H, Great Falls.

Column: Weight For It

This reference is not about pounds, per se. It is about the two largest tumors in my lungs, inoperable in that they are located between the two halves which make up the whole lung.

Long Lines on Election Day ‘Unacceptable’

Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.

While voter turnout in Fairfax County on Election Day was at an all-time high--80.5 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, compared to 78.7 percent in 2008--some voters faced long lines and endured hours of waiting in the cold to cast their ballots.

Classified Advertising Nov. 7, 2012

Read the latest ads here!

Vienna/McLean/Great Falls Calendar, Nov. 8-18

Get out and about with these events in Great Falls, McLean and Vienna.

Racing for Superheroes

Event benefits local nonprofit organizations.

From children wearing superhero capes to costume-clad adults to tots in strollers, participants took to the streets of Arlington last month to raise money for charity as part of the fourth annual Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8K and One-Mile Fun Run.

Physical Langley Beats McLean

Novacki’s all-around effort, Casso’s career day lead Saxons.

The Langley football team ended the regular season with a 27-7 victory against McLean on Nov. 3.

Fairfax Votes ‘Yes’ On Bond Package

$155 million will be used to upgrade, renovate fire stations, libraries, parks and make storm water improvements.

On Tuesday, Fairfax County voters overwhelmingly approved $155 million in bonds to upgrade and renovate libraries, parks, fire stations and courtrooms, and to make storm water improvements to address flooding in the Huntington neighborhood.

Eminent Domain Amendment Prevails by Wide Margin

Some lawmakers predict amendment will cost taxpayers millions down the road.

Local lawmakers said they were not surprised that nearly two and half million voters (74.6 percent) approved a state constitutional amendment last night further restricting Virginia’s power of eminent domain.

Fairfax Republicans Come Together for Election

What started as a night of hope for the Fairfax County Republican Committee ended on something of a sour note, as Republican presidential, senate and congressional candidates were not able to oust incumbents.

Julie Casso, New Director of Great Falls School of Art

Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) announced the appointment of Julie Casso as the executive director of the foundation and as the new director of the Great Falls School of Art.

Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents

President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.

In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.

Spooktacular Eye Candy and Lots of Treats

Costumed fun brought friends, treats and decked out children to the Great Falls Spooktacular on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Children, and adults, get into the Halloween spirit at the Spooktacular.

Obama, Clinton, Kaine Fire Up Virginia Crowd

Campaign rally in Bristow, Va. attracts 24,000 supporters.

President Obama, President Clinton, and Senate hopeful Tim Kaine gather supporters at a Virginia rally.

Romney at GMU: ‘He Believes in Us’

Fairfax crowd gives Romney ‘energetic’ welcome as more than 10,000 supporters gather inside and outside Patriot Center.

By the time GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney took center stage at George Mason University’s Patriot Center around 4 p.m. Monday, the crowd was fired up.

Editorial: Feeling Important

Presidential campaigns traverse Northern Virginia on last days, mark the importance of every vote.

The images from the last weeks of the presidential Election of 2012 make it clear that it would be hard to overstate the importance of voting, especially in Virginia, especially in Northern Virginia.

Absentee Voting Down Slightly from 2008 Election

More confusion about redistricting reported at polls, not Voter ID.

The line of 100-plus voters casting absentee ballots at the Reston Government Center Friday evening moved quickly.

Great Falls Goes to Polls

Early voter turnout high in most locations.

Every election day, Julius Zannetti of Great Falls gets his voting out of the way first thing in the morning.

The Langley School Presents Comedic Version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’

The Langley School will present its middle school fall production of “Romeo and Juliet Together (and Alive!) at Last” Thursday, Nov, 8-Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s Sherman Arts Center, with an additional matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10.

Lost and Found in Great Falls

A 26-hour ordeal with a very happy ending.

My wife Donna and I set out for the annual Great Falls Art Studio tour on Saturday, Oct. 20, and we took little Sashi, our 11-month-old Tibetan Terrier.

The Art of Ravioli-Making Presented At Great Falls Farmers Market

Guiseppe Di Begnino, master chef and owner of Dante Ristorante, located in the historic Victorian Leigh House (c. 1880) at the corner of Walker Road and Colvin Run Road, shared the secrets of the Italian culinary art of ravioli-making at the Great Falls Farmers Market on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Tysons Tax District Questioned

Residents, Taxpayers Alliance oppose new taxes.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is expected shortly to create a tax “service” district in Tysons Corner that will fund 11 percent of the estimated $3 billion in transportation projects over the next 40 years as the giant redevelopment plan moves forward.

First-time Voters Viewpoints: "Who are you voting for and why?"

"I'll be voting for Barack Obama for several reasons. First of all, I've been pretty liberal all my life and I've grown up overseas in France, Belgium and Greece and it's no secret that Europe is pretty liberal also. It put American politics into perspective for me and helped shape my views. Also, I'll be going to college next year and it's increasingly expensive..."

Column: Hands of Time

On the one hand, I want to take note every month on the 27th as yet one more notch on my living-with-cancer belt. On the other hand, maybe I don’t need a belt to be notching but rather a life to be living. Perhaps it’s time, nearly 44 months post-diagnosis – at press time, to stop counting backwards and try more living forwards.

Oakton’s Klimkiewicz Repeats as Concorde XC Champ

Madison girls’ win Liberty District title.

For the second straight season, Oakton’s Allie Klimkiewicz held off Robinson’s Macey Schweikert to win the Concorde District girls’ cross country championship.