Wednesday, December 31
Column: Level Best
If I wanted to rationalize the benefit of delaying my heretofore every-three-week chemotherapy infusion from three weeks to four and now on to five, possibly six – and that’s dependent on improved results from a second/maybe even third retest upcoming (this retest a bit more involved than drawing blood) – I would say it’s only fitting that I should have a break/brake; after all, it is the holiday season when all good things; yada, yada, yada. If only it were that simple.
Wednesday, December 24
Potomac’s Arden Courts Celebrates 20 Years
A facility for memory care.
Arden Courts in Potomac, the first community built by Manor Care dedicated to those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Nov. 5. More than 200 healthcare professionals, government officials, resident families and local businesses in the community came out in support.
Column: The New Normal
Loosey goosey, I suppose. As much as one might prefer some predictability in their life (certainly a cancer patient would – I know I would), I may be entering a cycle of permanent unpredictability.
Tuesday, December 23
Letter: Parisot in Favor of the Arts
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: In her Dec. 3 letter to the newspaper, Preiscilla Griffith recommended that residents of Virginia’s 34th District elect Craig Parisot as their Delegate for a variety of reasons.
Friday, December 19
Letter to the Editor: Thankful for Support
To the Editor: To the McLean, Vienna and Great Falls communities: The Woman’s Club of McLean would like to express its gratitude for supporting the club’s 48th annual Holiday Homes Tour and its MarketPlace.
Simple Luxuries Not Everyone Can Afford
Helping organizations need help year round.
After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, taxpayers begin scramble to get that end-of-the year charitable donation so they claim it on their tax returns. For people who want to benefit while helping people, two Oakton based organizations, Northern Virginia Family Service and The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia offer two ways to give.
2014 in Great Falls: A Year in Review
Groundwater contamination and a swell in volunteerism.
In the past year, the village has gone through changes that will impact the future of the community. 2014 in Great Falls saw an uptick of volunteer support, walkability in the village center and a corrective action plan for the Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) groundwater contamination.
Artists on the Green Showcase Their Work at Great Falls Library
This winter, artists from the Artists on the Green Studio and Gallery in Great Falls will gather to showcase their work at Great Falls Library. The exhibit will go through January, and visitors can stop in to see impressive work by artists in their own backyard.
Parisot: Running with Purpose
Colleagues say delegate candidate Craig Parisot’s ‘got his priorities straight.’
Craig Parisot can juggle. Whether that means candy canes or work-life balance, he catches everything that comes his way. With a growing new family, a growing list of leadership roles in the community and an active campaign as the Republican candidate for Delegate of the 34th District, this is a job that requires both hands.
Gifts for the Home
Local shop owners offer suggestions to make holiday shopping easier.
While holiday shopping is part of the spirit of the season, for some choosing a present for everyone on their list can be overwhelming. Local small business owners come to the rescue with gift ideas for the home.
Langley Principal Leaves for South County
Matthew Ragone created “Saxon Country,” says school family network committee co-chair.
For six years, he was the glue that brought Langley High School (LHS) together. LHS Principal Matthew Ragone has left the school to boost South County High School’s academics as its new principal.
Irresistible? How Karen Garza Creates Change in Fairfax County Schools
Karen Garza is a good listener. And once she’s listened, she is, admittedly, not very patient. “If there's a real issue, I don't think it has to be debated for 10 or 15 years,” Garza said in an interview. “Either we're going to do something about it or not.”
FCPS Chief Karen Garza and Her Previous Life in Texas
“When I hired Karen in 2005,” former Superintendent of Houston Independent School District (HISD) Dr. Abelardo Saavedra said, “the position of chief academic officer had been open several months. I went looking for her. I’d never met her but I’d heard about her. There is a big difference between a mid-sized district and a larger one; the dynamics are completely different. I was taking a risk because she came from a mid-sized one of about 40,000 in Corpus Christi, and ours was much bigger. She adjusted very quickly.”
Saving Historic Homes
Residents could live virtually rent-free in exchange for repairing and maintaining homes.
Fairfax County might soon breathe life into historic homes that have fallen into disrepair. If an ordinance adopted by the County Board of Supervisors last month becomes law, the county will be one step closer to establishing a resident curator program.
2015 New Year Remodeling Resolutions
Improving long-term living needs and future home value.
After all the holiday festivities have passed and the ball has dropped to ring in the New Year, many homeowners are inspired to tackle resolutions that relate to their living space. 2015 may be the year you want to remodel your home to allow for the changes occurring in your life.
Fairfax County Public Schools Needing Community’s Help
Superintendent Karen Garza begins and ends her Listening Tour meetings with a plea to those in the room — parents, teachers, employees, unions — to help her achieve what needs to be done for their school system. “I am going to need your help,” she says to audiences who voice concerns about class size, resources for special education, and teacher salaries.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza Bio
Current Position: Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent
Timeline of Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza’s career in education.
1986-1991: Elementary School Teacher, Yoakum, Texas (1,539 students, 38% white and 50% Latino and spends about $8,000 per pupil).
Editorial: Merry Christmas
A message of peace and joy.
Merry Christmas. It’s a magical time of year, and perhaps Connection Newspapers has over indulged in displaying the many rituals of Christmas on our pages in the past few weeks. In events around the area, a sense of community has infused holiday parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, choral performances, singing of carols and other traditional events with warmth and joy.
Thursday, December 18
When Dad (or Mom) Is High School Sports Coach
Local coaches and athletes share their feelings about the relationship between parent/coach and child/athlete.
Wednesday, December 17
Column: A Level That’s Anything But
This is not a home improvement reference, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column.
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2014
In November 2014, 16 Great Falls homes sold between $2,500,000-$650,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2014
Letter: Parisot will Stand with Vets
To the Editor
To the Editor: Selfless service to our great country is the highest honor and privilege anyone can have, and it is an invaluable background for an elected officeholder to have.
Letter: Thankful for Support
To the Editor
To the Editor: To the McLean, Vienna and Great Falls communities: The Woman’s Club of McLean would like to express its gratitude for supporting the club’s 48th annual Holiday Homes Tour and its MarketPlace.
Tuesday, December 16
Wolf Honored as Defender of Human Rights, Dignity
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) delivered the following speech on the House floor on Dec. 10, 2014, honoring retiring U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10): Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia will cast his last vote this week, capping off a remarkable 34-year career of altruistic deeds, selfless service, bold humanitarian initiatives, and durable achievement.
Great Falls Church Offers ‘A Very Musical Service’
If you haven’t heard, there are some wonderful sounds coming from the Great Falls United Methodist Church next to the fire station on Georgetown Pike. There are some seats remaining in the choir loft for anyone interested in joining in what is becoming a very musical Sunday service. At times, the musical program will include brass, string and percussion instruments.
An Essay To Remember
Local educators offer advice on acing independent school admission essays and interviews.
While many are knee-deep in wrapping paper and eggnog, some students are holed up with computer keyboards and books of quotations. In addition to driving to the mall for holiday shopping, some parents are throwing rapid-fire questions at their children to make sure they are fast on their feet.
Commentary: Helping People without Homes
The weather has turned colder and the holidays are in full swing, which means it’s the time of year when people ask “what can we do for the homeless now that it’s so cold?” Or “how can we help the homeless have a good Christmas?”
Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping, remember tens of thousands of local children are short of food as well as presents.
The holidays are for giving. Christmas and Hanukkah are about children and family, about sharing, about joy, about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see few signs of families in need as we go about our daily lives and holiday shopping. Our neighborhoods are largely segregated economically; we mostly see the people who are most like ourselves economically.
Sunday, December 14
Connolly To Hold 22nd Telephone Town Hall Meeting for Fairfax County, Prince William County and City of Fairfax
The representative is just a phone call away. Rather than cramming thousands of constituents into a single room, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) is hosting his 22nd “telephone town hall meeting” where people call in for an hour-long virtual session. The event is set to take place Dec. 16 at at 8 p.m.
Thursday, December 11
Fighting for Common Sense
Colleagues say Kathleen Murphy is compassionate and dedicated.
According to her friends and colleagues, Kathleen Murphy is dedication and compassion personified. The cancer survivor and former military child is turning her experiences into action by running for a second time for the state House of Delegates 34th district - this time with more wisdom.
Saddling Up to the Holidays in Great Falls
The Saddlery has gifts for all, equestrian or not.
Tucked inside of a Walker Road shopping center is a local equestrian’s holiday secret. The Saddlery, a shop that specializes in equestrian gear and clothing for women, is brimming with hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and presents for nearly all women.
Residents Speak Out Against Cluster Development
Basheer and Edgemoore representatives meet with residents for discussion.
More than 150 residents showed up on a Wednesday night to speak against cluster development proposal seeking rezoning. The Citizens for the Heart of Great Falls, among other area residents, left unsatisfied with Basheer and Edgemoore’s answers on Dec. 3 at Forestville Elementary about their development proposal, many stating they would prefer to have the zoning kept to 5 acre lots rather than splitting them.
Wednesday, December 10
Editorial: Make a Plan, Talk About It
Here is help in keeping impaired drivers off the roads.
The holiday party season is upon us, and with it an increase in drinking and driving. It’s up to you to make a plan to get home safely.
Area Business Leaders Inducted into Washington Business Hall of Fame
The 2014 Washington Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on Tues, Dec. 2 at the National Building Museum. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are:
Clemyjontri Park Celebrates Renewal
Community honors Adele Lebowitz who died last week at the age of 98.
After spending nearly $1 million on renovations to repair Clemyjontri Park’s worn-out surfacing, the park is ready to fully reopen. The Fairfax County Park Authority celebrated the renewal this past weekend at the park, hosting a holiday-themed event that included pictures with Santa, a craft table for making ornaments, collections for the Toys for Tots program, and a visit by several farm animals from Frying Pan Farm Park.
Pakistani Ambassador Keynotes Interfaith Event
Local organization seeks to promote religious harmony and cooperation throughout the world.
A Hindu, a Presbyterian, and a non-denominational Christian were sitting at a table listening to a speech by Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States... The occasion was a fundraiser for Reach Out International (ROI), a nonprofit interfaith organization founded by Restonian Sam Mall.
Column: ‘Quality of Life’
If I’ve heard it once – from my oncologist – I’ve probably heard it a dozen times over the last nearly-six years.
Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Hosts Santa Picture Event for Pets
This past Saturday, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa kicked off the holiday season by hosting their annual Santa picture day for families and their dogs. Though the business is located in Great Falls, people came from all around to meet Santa and do a little holiday shopping.
Great Falls Village Centre Hosts Open House
In the midst of a hectic month of holiday shopping, Great Falls offered a quiet solace for people searching for the perfect gift. The Great Falls Shopping Center Open House took place this past Saturday, and promoted shopping from local businesses in a calm and relaxing environment, according to Celebrate Great Falls.
Great Falls Kicks Off the Season with Celebration of Lights
Despite the constant rain throughout the day, dozens of Great Falls residents braved the weather and headed out to the 24th annual Celebration of Lights. The free event kicked off with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on their sleigh, an antique fire truck with reindeer perched on the hood.
Thursday, December 4
Langley Boys’ Basketball Enters 2014-15 with Increased Depth
Saxons have just one senior on the roster.
Langley has five players who are listed at 6 feet 3 or taller.
Wednesday, December 3
Fairfax County Facing More Budget Strain
County Executive and FCPS Superintendent present adverse forecasts.
Days before the traditional loosening of belts for Thanksgiving, Fairfax County officials discussed the need for tightening theirs.
Tell Teens ‘Things Will Get Better’
Fairfax High hosts meeting about youth suicide.
In light of recent suicides by students from Fairfax, Woodson and Langley high schools, Fairfax High hosted a meeting Nov. 19 to discuss the problem and search for solutions. The idea was to begin an ongoing exchange between parents, students, staff, community members and mental-health professionals.
Letter to the Editor: A New Kind of Candidate
To the Editor: Craig Parisot is a new kind of candidate running to succeed Barbara Comstock in the upcoming special election for the 34th Virginia House of Delegates District.
Homelessness, a Year-round Issue
Gov. McAuliffe serves Thanksgiving lunch at Shelter House.
“Do you like the stuffing? I made it,” said Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Thanksgiving, as he mingled with guests of Shelter House. Earlier, the governor donned a hairnet and served lunch to invited clients and residents at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax.
Uncovering Family History
A note of warm greetings from Mark Turner III.
I would like to thank everyone who attended last Wednesday’s Great Falls Historical Society program. It was great to see new & old faces and be able to share the history of my family who resided at the Turner Farm property on Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road from 1840 until the time the last five acres with the farmhouse was sold to the Fairfax County Park Authority in 2011.
Letter to the Editor: Two Ideas to Address Rape
To the Editor: As many of us recoil from the recent UVA sexual assault article in Rolling Stone, tremendous accusations are being thrown at the university and others like it across the country. While UVA is not innocent and its infamous privileged “party culture” is partly to blame, there are two clear pieces of the story that no one seems to be addressing.
Editorial: Be Part of Children's Connection 2014
Annual edition showcases youth art and writing.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.
Public Meeting on Resource Management, Environmental Impact
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Southeastern States Field Office announced the schedule of four public meetings for the Draft Southeastern States Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
‘Great Falls in the Evening’ at Katie’s Coffee
Great Falls photographer, Walt Lawrence, opens a new exhibit at Katie’s Coffee. The exhibit entitled “Great Falls in the Evening” opened on Dec. 1 and runs through the month of December.
Area Students to be Featured in Sleepless in America
Students from Langley High School and Oakton High School, Superintendent Karen K. Garza, and Fairfax County School Board member Sandy Evans will be featured in Sleepless in America, a television show on sleep deprivation produced by the National Geographic Channel, premiering Sunday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m.
Great Falls Studios to Host Holiday Art Show and Sale
Show and Sale Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14 at the Center for Education at Wolf Trap.
Holiday shoppers, fine art collectors, Secret Santas and even good Saint Nick, don’t miss “Art meets Architecture”, Great Falls Studios’ Annual Holiday Art Show and Sale on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days, at The Center for Education at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna.
Rugby Fundraiser Held in Great Falls
Gary Coetzee gives back by supporting spinal cord injury research and recovery.
Twelve months ago Gary Coetzee dove head first into a rugby pile and fractured his neck. Luckily a surgeon was on the pitch and was able to stabilize him. The fracture caused him to lose his ability to use his arms and legs.
Column: Since It Ain’t Broken...
Apparently, at least in the near term, we’re (meaning my oncologist) not going to fix it. And by fix it, I am referring to my chemotherapy infusion, which will continue to be every three weeks, as it has been for almost six years; save for a year or so when I was able to take pills at home, and on-site infusions were not necessary.