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.
Monday, December 29
Letter: Who is the Real Champion of the Arts?
Letter to the Editor
I see that several recent letters to the Connection have expressed an interest in arts education. I would like to suggest to them that, rather than supporting a Republican candidate for House of Delegates in the special election next week, they consider the qualifications of Kathleen Murphy, the candidate who actually has a track record of supporting the arts.
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: Do Fairfax County Police Act with Impunity?
Fifteen months, after the shooting of John Geer, no officer has been identified, no charges have been filed, no grand jury has been convened and no reason has been given to the family or the public.
I would like to begin by saying that I have always and still do support the police as a whole. I appreciate the job that they do and the risks they take on a daily basis in an effort to keep the public safe. The ongoing policy in Fairfax County of police self-investigation, when officers are involved in possible crimes, has to change.
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.
Looking at the Sky
McLean High School sophomore Sean Yongjoo Lim prepares for violin competition in Switzerland.
Hours of practice are adding up and paying off for Sean Yongjoo Lim, a McLean High School sophomore who was recently selected to compete in the International Boris Goldstein Violin Competition in Bern, Switzerland.
Tertell, Harrell Engaged
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Madeleine Tertell of McLean are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Trish Tertell, to Tom Harrell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Robin Harrell of Alexandria. A May wedding is planned.
Holidays Celebrated at McLean Children’s Academy
The preschool students from McLean Children’s Academy performed for their families at the McLean Community Center singing and acting out holiday songs and decorating the tree with child made ornaments. Students are from McLean, Great Falls, Arlington and Falls Church.
2014 in McLean: A Year in Review
Metro, sidewalks and the 100th birthday of MCA.
In the last 365 days, McLean has gone through historic changes. In just a year, the community has become the home of a handful of Metro stations and has begun the process of revitalizing the central area’s walkability.
Jones Branch Connector Hoped to Relieve Tysons traffic.
The proposed Jones Branch Connector may be the answer to some of the congestion issues on Route 7. During the public hearing on Dec. 10 at Spring Hill Elementary for the pending transportation project, Project Manager John Dresser said it would be a pressure valve for the increasingly heavy traffic through Tysons Corner during rush hour.
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.
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.
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
McLean Home Sales: November, 2014
In November 2014, 71 homes sold between $3,725,000-$133,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: November, 2014
Column: A Level That’s Anything But
This is not a home improvement reference, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column.
Christmas Market in Tysons
The Tysons Christmas Market is in its second year, this year taking advantage of the new plaza area connecting the mall to adjoining buildings. Lured by the scent of roasting nuts, bratwurst, mulled cider, and baked goods, shoppers will also find an excellent selection of gifts, warm hats, leather, wood and other crafts.
Colonial Day at Churchill Road
On Friday, Dec. 12, Churchill Road fourth graders stepped back in time to the 19th century and participated in the school’s annual Colonial Day.
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.
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.
Garza on School Matters
School system superintendent addresses citizens’ concerns.
Dressed in a black skirt suit and a maroon blouse, Dr. Karen Garza was ready to take on questions and comments from concerned area residents. At the last event of McLean Citizens Association, the Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent was invited to talk to residents about pressing education matters like overcrowded classrooms and budget concerns at the McLean Community Center on Dec. 1.
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.
WinterFest Parade Held in McLean
The 2014 McLean WinterFest Parade was held Sunday, Dec. 7 along Old Chain Bridge Road between Fleetwood Road and Elm Street in downtown McLean. Because the parade fell on Pearl Harbor Day, it saluted WWII vets with representatives of American Legion Post 270 acting as Grand Marshalls.
McLean Community Center Hosts Holiday Craft Show
The 32nd annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show featured 72 juried crafters from across the U.S. last weekend, Dec. 5-7, at the McLean Community Center.
McLean Holiday Homes Tour Attracts Hundreds
A ribbon cutting on Dec. 4 kicked off the Woman’s Club of McLean’s 48th annual Holiday Homes Tour at Tour House No. 1, in Langley Farms. Designer Doug DeLuca, honorary tour host, together with McLean Chamber of Commerce Chairman Marcia Twomey, cut the ribbon to open the tour.
Herrick Named Chairman of History Commission
Carole Herrick was recently selected to serve as chairman of the Fairfax County History Commission. The commission helps to identify, document, record and preserve the county's historic past.
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.
Cheery and Cheeky Humor Coming to the Alden
“A Kodachrome Christmas” at the Alden Theatre, Dec. 19-21.
Take a sleigh ride of speeding fun with the “Queen of Rural Media” this holiday season as "A Kodachrome Christmas" barrels into the Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center. "Kodachrome" is written by Pat Hazell who wooed audiences last year with his "The Wonder Bread Years."
Colonial History, Hands-on
Churchill Road fourth graders visited Jamestown on Nov. 13 as part of their study of Colonial times.
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.
McLean to Host Holiday Crafts Show
The McLean Community Center’s 32nd Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show features an exciting mix of handmade items that express a fresh, new take on the traditional. Expect to see bonsai and bamboo trees, sculpted exotic eggshells, hand-dyed batik and all-natural salad dressings, along with the wreaths, ornaments and stained glass windows.
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.
Eagle Scout Projects at Churchill Road Elementary School
Four Eagle Scout candidates from Troop 128 have recently completed their service projects at Churchill Road Elementary School. During October and November, Langley High School junior Jake Holzapfel created a gravel bed for the school’s four composters.
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).
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.
‘The Angels of Christmas’ at Immanuel Presbyterian in McLean
The angels and the music will be soaring this Christmas season at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean. “A lot of the stuff comes from old Christmas carols. Really, really old Christmas carols.” That’s what Immanuel’s Director of Music for the past 16 years, Brian E. Wilhour says about some of the text for a six movement cantata titled “The Angels of Christmas.” which will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7.
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.