Stories for March 2015

Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy

Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.

Oakton and Marshall High School Teams Go to Nationals at Robotics Competition

This Friday and Saturday annual Greater DC Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition was held at the Patriot Center: 48 teams primarily from Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland created robots to compete in this year’s game “Recycle Rush.”

Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights

Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.

Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.

Lift Me Up Celebrates its 40th Anniversary in Great Falls

Horses assisted Camron Saba's preparation for Langley High School's crew team. "I love horses, I just like riding," said Camron, 15, a sophomore.

Fairfax County School Board Votes Down Veterans Day School Holiday

Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.

Children Celebrate Spring in Great Falls

Adeler Jewelers and Great Falls Optimist Club join forces for Easter Egg Hunt and fun.

Hundreds of children turned out for the 31st annual Children’s Spring Festival last Sunday, March 29, at the Village Centre in Great Falls. The event that included an Easter Egg Hunt and many inflatable rides and games was sponsored by Adeler Jewelers and the Great Falls Optimist Club.

Editorial: Good, Bad and Ugly

A look at recently ended session of the Virginia General Assembly.

The 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to an end last week, and some of the biggest news was about what it did not do.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - March 27-29, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Great Falls: Langley Boys’ Lax Bounces Back From Historic Loss

Saxons beat Yorktown in home opener.

The Langley boys' lacrosse team won a pair of games after opening the season with its first ever loss to McLean.

Column: Health Matters More

I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.

Letter: There's No 'Away'

Letter to the Editor

I am dismayed by what my neighbors' put out for "trash." Yes, we all know about Goodwill, Purple Heart, various organizations that collect clothing, kitchen gadgets and other items.

A Spring Fling in McLean

New Dominion Women's Club hosts fashion show, luncheon and raffle.

The New Dominion Women's Club held its sixth annual Spring Fling Fashion Show, Luncheon and Raffle, which featured colorful spring fashions from Bloomingdale's, on Sunday, March 22 at Assaggi Osteria Restaurant in McLean.

Great Falls United Methodist Church Hosts Hypothermia Shelter

Throughout the winter in Fairfax County, many churches open their doors at night to house the overflow from the local homeless shelters.

Children’s Spring Festival Returns to Great Falls

Annual event scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

The Adeler Jewelers and Great Falls Optimist Club join forces with the Great Falls community to host the 31st annual Children’s Spring Festival on Sunday, March 29, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Village Centre.

Joe Cassella Foundation to Host 5K Run/Walk

The Joe Cassella Foundation will host the 2015 Joe Cassella 5K Run/Walk that will take place on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at Great Falls Village Center.

Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds

Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.

“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”

Fairfax County Students Win Science Awards

Students from across the county recognized at 60th Annual Fairfax County Regional Science And Engineering Fair.

High school students from Fairfax County schools attended the annual regional science fair held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, March 20-22, to compete for prizes and recognition.

Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger

Letter to the Editor:

We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.

Emotional Beginning for Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission

While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request.

First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission

With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.

Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open

NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.

Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County March 20-22, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Commentary: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities

Letter to the Editor

The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.

Great Falls Home Sales: February, 2015

In February, 2015, 12 Great Falls homes sold between $2,325,000-$650,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: February, 2015

Students From Around Fairfax County Recognized for Promoting Peace

After a friend of South County High School senior Sakira Coleman was sexually assaulted while running on a local public path, Coleman decided to take action and started the “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night” program.

First Meeting Set for Fairfax County Police Commission

With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by board chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.

FCPS Students Win 17 First Place Awards at Virginia DECA Conference

A total of 385 students from 20 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall were recognized at the Virginia DEC

FCPS Students Win Eight Top Prizes in Regional History Day Competition

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students won eight first place awards at the regional competition for National History Day held last weekend at Mount Vernon High School. The two best entries in each category and in each age division have qualified to compete in the Virginia History Day contest on Saturday, April 18, at Virginia State University in Petersburg.

I-66 Inside the Beltway Plans

Officials present transformation plans for the eastbound section from I-495 to Route 29 in Rosslyn.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne headlined the “I-66 Inside the Beltway Transformation Project Kick-Off” briefing on Thursday, March 12 at the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Northern Virginia District office.

Great Falls: Labovitz’s Goals Push Langley Boys' Soccer Past Wakefield

Saxons have sights set on state championship.

The Langley boys' soccer team defeated Wakefield 3-0 on Monday.

Column: Surrounded by History, Inspired by Legacy

Delegate reflects on freshman year in Richmond.

It has been scarcely two months since a snowy day in January when voters in McLean, Great Falls and Sterling chose me, in a special election, to represent them in the Virginia House of Delegates. Since then, everything has moved at warp speed!

Letter: Another Honor

Let

With reference to the recent article about the Langley girls’ basketball team (“Langley Girls’ Basketball Team Has Bright Future,” Connection, March 4-10, 2015).

Letter: A Letter of Thanks

Letter to the Editor:

In the darkest hours, friends, family, and complete strangers can lift us up in love.

GF Hoops Awards Matthew Poyner Youth Leadership Scholarships

On Saturday, March 7, GF Hoops awarded the Matthew Poyner Youth Leadership Scholarship to four high school seniors from the Great Falls community.

Lifesaving Dogs Honored in Great Falls

Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa welcomes dogs returning from Afghanistan.

On March 10, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa hosted an event at their facility in Great Falls to celebrate the retirement and repatriation of 21 life-saving Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs) from Afghanistan.

Great Falls Girls Win County League Tournament

The Great Falls fifth grade girls basketball team took home the first place trophy in the Fairfax County Youth Basketball League tournament defeating Chantilly by a score of 36-32. This represents back to back FCYBL tournament championships for these fifth grade girls who reside in Great Falls, Vienna and Herndon.

Column: Money Matters

It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.

Special Guests Highlight Great Falls Citizens Meeting

Local Boy Scouts meet State Sen. Favola, Del. Murphy.

The monthly Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) meeting offered several special guests on the agenda for the March program, both as speakers and as attendees. Nearly one side of the meeting hall was taken up by Great Falls Boy Scout Troop 673. Scout Master Glenn Prickett explained the scouts’ presence at the school night event.

Dynamic Father-son Duo Contributes to Educating Families About Type I Diabetes

Michael Sevila shares the same field as Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Like Cutler, who also has Type I diabetes, Michael is the one in charge.

Leadership Fairfax Hosts Supervisors Breakfast

State of the County Address, supervisors’ questions and an award ceremony top the agenda.

The agenda and the speakers have to be of significant interest to get some 300 people to brave local traffic and attend a meeting that started at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Fairfax (LFI) apparently succeeded in offering both in the ballroom of the Fairview Park Marriott on Friday morning, March 13, hosting its 24th Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast.

The Right Fit: Choosing a Summer Camp

How parents can ensure positive summer experiences for their children.

Though the official start of spring is still days away and the frigidity of winter is still recent on the minds of many, Janelle Wright, a Potomac, Md., mother of two, has already mapped out the summer for her children.

Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy

Time for change in public access to police information.

The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.

Back to the Future

Community celebrates the renovations of The Grange.

The 13 steps of The Grange blocked the historic community center from one of its original purposes “as a symbol of commitment to community involvement and progress.” On Saturday, March 7, about 75 members of the community gathered to celebrate the renovations to the 1929 building and grounds that now make it accessible to all of Great Falls.

Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards

Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.

It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.

Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia

Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.

After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.

Historic Virginia in Gardens

This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.

The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.

Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment

Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.

Great Falls Community Celebrates the Renovations of The Grange

The 13 steps of The Grange blocked the historic community center from one of its original purposes “as a symbol of commitment to community involvement and progress.”

Discussing Budget Despite Bad Weather

Great Falls residents meet county representatives, point to community’s budget priorities.

Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville), School Board member Jane Strauss, Kristen Michael from Fairfax County Public Schools and Joe Mondoro from the Fairfax County budget office met with 16 residents of Great Falls to discuss the advertised FY 2016 budget on a rainy and foggy day night at the Great Falls Library on Wednesday, March 4.

Inova Announcement a Huge Win for Fairfax Economy

There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the need to diversify the Fairfax County and Washington-area economies. Sequestration served as a wake-up call that the county and region must not be overly dependent on federal spending any more than Pittsburgh in the ‘70s was overly reliant on steel and Seattle on Boeing.

Celebrate Great Falls, with Wine Tasting

Community comes together at River Bend Country Club.

A sellout crowd of 200 Great Falls residents and members of the local business community gathered at River Bend Country Club on Friday evening, March 6, to mix, mingle and raise money for the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation. It was the organization's second annual wine tasting event, held at River Bend Country Club on a very cold evening.

Great Falls Scout Wins Pine Wood Derby

Ian Hoffman, of Forestville Elementary, has won the Powhatan Pine Wood Derby on Feb. 7. He's a Bear CubScout in Pack 55 and lives in Great Falls.

Letter: Another Honor

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: With reference to the recent article about the Langley girlsn basketball team (“Langley Girls’ Basketball Team Has Bright Future,” Connection, March 4-10, 2015) I would like to point out that Lizzy Shamloo from Langley high school also received First team all region honors from the Northern Virginia Women’s basketball league.

Column: How Lucky Am I

You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”

Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax

The first residents move into Kate’s Place.

Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.

Fairfax County hosts first Inmate Resource Fair.

They’re hoping the third time will be a charm: 34-year-old Demeterius Spann of the Richmond Highway area of Alexandria and 29-year-old Nydale Sheppard of Reston have each been incarcerated three times.

Great Falls: Langley Girls’ Basketball Team Has Bright Future

Saxons win 21 games, reach region quarterfinals.

Langley ended its season with a loss to West Springfield in the region quarterfinals.

Special Screening of Honor

Film screening March 16 to help WWII veterans travel to their monument.

The Honor Flight Network transports aging veterans to visit memorials built in Washington D.C. in their honor.

Column: Sole-Searching

There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.