Stories for April 2016

Fairfax Station: Fourth annual Fragile X walk raises $55,000 for molecular bank for research

Jimi Grande of Fairfax Station may never get to teach his ten-year-old son Jimmo to throw a baseball. Jimmo was born with effects from an inherited genetic mutation called Fragile X that can cause moderate to severe mental impairment and learning disabilities, and is linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Herndon: Nysmith School Sixth Graders Win Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind

Sixth-graders from the Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon won the Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Division II, Technical Problem on Saturday, April 16 in Newport News, Va.

McLean: Culinary Cultures Explored

Profile: Bertrand Chemel, executive chef, 2941 and Pizzeria Orso in Falls Church.

Whether you crave a whole Neapolitan pizza from Pizzeria Orso or an upscale dish with house-made fresh potato gnocchi from 2941, you must thank the mastermind—and master chef—behind these very diverse Falls Church restaurants.

McLean: Walkway Completed on Traffic Island at Spring Hill and Lewinsville Roads

On April 21, Supervisor John Foust, County Park Authority staff, and representatives from Dominion Virginia Power and the Lewinsville Coalition, celebrated the recent completion of a walkway across the traffic island located at the intersection of Spring Hill Road and Lewinsville Road.

McLean Trees Foundation Celebrates Arbor Day with Plantings of New Trees In McLean

In recognition of Arbor Day and the numerous benefits that trees give to the community, the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF) donated and planted three Redbud trees in Lewinsville Park and two White Oak trees in Churchill Road Park with the help of ten volunteers.

McLean’s Bensten Schone Receives Victory Award from MedStar

A little more than a year ago a devastating sledding accident put McLean native Bensten Schone in a coma—the result of a serious traumatic brain injury.

McLean Outlook: Saving Trees While Building Houses

Developers at the third annual McLean Tree Forum surprised some audience members with their appreciation for trees.

McLean Resident Inducted in U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame officially inducted the Class of 2015 in Aspen, Colorado on Saturday, April 9.

McLean: They Serve, Too – Gala Benefits Children of Military Personnel

When a military parent is deployed, things change for the family left to wait. Sometimes it’s financial, especially for the families of National Guard and Reserve service members.

State of the County Presented Over Breakfast

Leadership Fairfax hosts 25th Annual Board of Supervisors State of the County Breakfast and presents Hanley Award to Bill Bouie for Public Service.

With the number and types of commitments made on their daily schedules, it takes a special occasion to gather the entire roster of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in one place at one time outside the walls of their meeting chambers.

Preparing for Summer Camp Away

Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.

A child’s first residential summer camp experience can be fraught with emotions that run the gamut from excitement to terror.

Academic Camps Combine Education and Fun

Local camps help students maintain school skills in a relaxed environment.

One summer Ana Lado created a summer camp activity for students at her neighborhood pool. The Marymount professor set up a picnic area, and included activities and books. Her plan was to engage the students and give them the opportunity to read and build reading skills while still enjoying fun activities traditionally associated with summer.

From Colonial History to Future Entrepreneurs

Campers can explore diverse interests in specialty summer camps.

This summer dozens of elementary school-aged children will travel back in time to the Colonial Era where, among other things, they’ll learn to spin cotton into cloth for garments.

Editorial: More Voters Might Not Mean Much More Voting

Governor’s action brings Virginia in line with 39 other states.

Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) restored the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements.

Responding to Teen Sex Trafficking

Comprehensive approach seeks to educate teens.

In 2012 Fairfax County Detective William Woolf discovered a 16-year-old girl being prostituted by the M-16 gang. At the time there was little recognition that the problem existed locally. The girl was recovered and since then Woolf has interviewed 300 recovered victims, some as young as 12-years old. After the initial shock, Northern Virginia businesses, faith communities and educational groups sought to understand the extent of the problem.

Fairfax County: Chief Investigating Cyberbullying of Dead Female Firefighter

Search for Nicole Mittendorff called off after police “preliminarily identify” female remains, find suicide note found in her abandoned vehicle.

The search for Nicole Mittendorff, a paramedic-firefighter based at Fire Station 32 in Fairfax Station, has been suspended, a release from Virginia State Police said on Thursday, April 21.

Weekend Fun

Weekend fun.

Removing a Barrier to Pomp and Circumstance

Gowns for Grads program at George Mason provides regalia for needy graduates.

When Muntaha Choudhary walks across the stage during George Mason University’s graduation ceremony this May she will celebrate not only her bachelor’s degree, which has been eight years in the making, but also the fact that she is the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve 4-Cent Tax Rate Increase

The gap between the Fairfax County School Board and total county budgets is a formality away from being the smallest since before Jan. 7 when FCPS Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza announced she wouldn’t be making any additional cuts in her $2.67 billion Fiscal Year 2017 budget.

Letter: Selfishness, Not Altruism, Behind Tax Increases

To the Editor

The Board of Supervisors and School Board should give the approximately 12,000 classroom teachers salary increases, but give no raises to other school and county employees.

Comstock Accepting Young Women Leadership Program Applications

U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) announced that her office is accepting applications for the summer 2016 session of the 10th Congressional District Young Women Leadership Program.

McLean: Fashion Show to Support Local Charities

The New Dominion Women’s Club (NDWC) has announced that “The 7th Annual Spring Fling Fashion Show, Luncheon and Raffle” will be held on Sunday, May 1, at noon to support local charities.

McLean: Congressman Lewis Comes to Potomac School

Iconic civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) visited The Potomac School on April 12, to share a message of unity, peace, and nonviolence.

McLean Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police Blotter from April 12-15.

McLean: Share Honors Volunteers

Share of McLean was established in 1969 by coalition of faith communities to help meet emergency needs of those in need.

McLean: Zingers and Slammed Doors Galore

McLean Community Players present “Unnecessary Farce.”

A happily buoyant McLean Community Players (MCP) cast and crew described what audiences can expect at the uproarious production of the award-winning “Unnecessary Farce.”

Editorial: On the Guilty Plea of Adam Torres

Geer’s death exposed “obfuscation … and a lack of public accountability.”

Adam Torres, charged with murder in the death of Springfield resident John Geer, was the first Fairfax County Police officer in the history of the department to be charged in such a death.

Fairfax County: Torres Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter of John Geer

Former Police officer faced murder charges for 2013 shooting

It was over before it began. Neither prosecution nor defense gave opening statements in former Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres’ trial for the August 2013 murder of Springfield resident John Geer. Instead on Monday, April 18, Torres pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter for the August 2013 incident.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Elegant homes and gardens in Old Town, Arlington and Falls Church will be open to the public.

Some of the most spectacular gardens will be in bloom and on display during the 83rd annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia.

Modular Homes Come of Age

What's behind the growing popularity of modular homes? Recent research shows that a house comprised of architecturally-specific, pre-constructed modules can be assembled on a homeowner’s lot for 10-15 percent less than of the cost of a comparably-sized “stick-built” house.

McLean Home Sales: March, 2016

In March, 2016, 74 homes sold between $4,230,000-$178,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: March, 2016

Fairfax County Police Hold Assessment Public Hearing

As part of an on-site assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., Fairfax County Police held a public forum on April 11 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Fairfax County: 24th annual Service Awards recognizes community champions, hundreds of volunteers

Kathy Hertz, a longtime volunteer in Clifton, spent more than a week in Lesvos, Greece just after Christmas with her cousin. The two of them volunteered in and around a refugee camp for individuals being funnelled to Athens and hopefully back to Germany or other European havens.

Great Falls: Langley’s Shafer Excels at Nova Challenge

Madison’s Ungerleider, Walker compete for Fairfax North.

Langley's Nate Shafter finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks during the Nova Challenge.

1st Stage’s Presents “Proof

A disarming production

In a satisfying character driven play about the fragility of the mind, rich with intriguing dialogue about genius and fears of mental illness, 1st Stage has created a disarming production of “Proof.”

Becoming Aware of Child Sex Trafficking

The problem extends throughout northern Virginia.

She stands on the sidewalk outside the mall with her backpack full of 7th grade science and math books. An older man pulls up and she gets in the backseat of his car.

Classified Advertising April 13, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Letter: Firearms at the Convention?

A Change.org Petition caught national attention recently because it sought to openly carry firearms at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mary Anne Hampton Named McLean Community Center’s Outstanding Volunteer for 2015

Mary Anne Hampton was recognized for her volunteer service to the McLean Community Center on Sunday, April 3, when she received the 2015 H. Gordon Randall Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. T

McLean: Fashion Show to Support Local Charities

McLean community leaders as models.

The New Dominion Women’s club (NDWC) has announced its “7th Annual Spring Fling Fashion Show, Luncheon and Raffle” will be held on Sunday, May 1, to support local charities.

McLean Little League Parade Draws Big Crowds

More than 1,300 people on 108 teams attended.

More than 1,300 people on 108 teams attended the 61st annual McLean Little League Parade and Opening Day Ceremonies on Saturday, April 9 in McLean.

McLean Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police blotter from April 6-10.

McLean: Bringing Medical Aid to Guatemalan Children

At the McLean Woman’s Club meeting on April 5, member Linda Wheeler described, with visual aids, her continuing work as an onsite volunteer in eastern Guatemala, providing medical aid to infants and children in remote mountain areas.

McLean Citizens Association Calls for Tax Increase with Restraint.

Three Cents This Year: But ‘Enough is Enough’

Nine board members of the McLean Citizens Association wanted the civic association to tell the Board of Supervisors it wants no real estate tax increase.

McLean: Tasting Pleasures of the härth

Profile: Meet Luc Dendievel, the executive chef at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner härth restaurant.

When you first enter Hilton McLean Tysons Corner restaurant, härth, you are greeted by cordial staff and an upscale casual setting, marked off by a glass wine cellar, a tapas bar and a large dining area skirted by an outdoor patio.

McLean Student Volunteers for Robotics Teams, Featured on TV

Rohit Narayanan of McLean, a soon-to-be ninth grader at the new BASIS Independent McLean school, loves robotics, and recently shared his passion on WTTG-FOX 5 DC, where he talked about April’s National Volunteer Month and giving back.

Inaugural Living Well Summit Piques Interest of County Seniors

Summit helps county residents improve with age.

Local residents can learn how to age gracefully Saturday, April 16, at the Living Well, Aging Well Summit in the Fairfax County Government Center.

Help Wanted: Mature Workforce at Employment Expo in Tysons

Older adults in search of work can discuss job opportunities with various industry representatives Monday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “50+ Employment Expo” in the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.

Progress Made, Challenges Remain on Ending Homelessness

HomeAid NoVA hosts ‘Keep the Homeless Housed’ Forum.

In 2008, Fairfax County partnered with the City of Falls Church to adopt an ambitious strategic plan to address the issue of homelessness in the region.

Finding Fun in Science

Area youth turn out for Project BEST Science and Technology Fun.

What could possibly have lured some 100 and more middle school youngsters back to a school building on a Saturday, especially if that school isn’t theirs and they had to get up extra early just to get there?

Editorial: Award-Winning Connection Newspapers

Still striving to be the Connection to your community.

Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association for work done in 2015.

Speaker Series

Senior Services of Alexandria will present Aging Well, Working Together for a Livable Community for all Ages, next in a speaker series, on Wednesday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria.

Luxury Condos are a Growth Market for Seniors

Active retirees seek options for independent living, including condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons, Reston, McLean, Bethesda and Chevy Chase, among others.

When Joyce and Don Lipman decided to move out of their Potomac, Md. home, they opted for a high-end townhouse instead of a retirement community.

Taking the Long View

Budgeted, incremental improvements are the key to effective planning, aging in place.

When they decided not to move-on after retirement, seniors Mike and Sandy Nusbaum slowly began enlarging their long-term residence with several goals in mind.

Golden Notes

Living well at any age.

‘Shark Tank’ for Seniors

High school students design and present tech products to improve lives of older adults.

Chantilly High School freshman Aru Rajpurohit remembers seeing her great-grandfather struggle to drink his morning tea and other beverages, his hands shaking from Parkinson’s disease.

Letter: Help Prevent Child Abuse

If you see a blue pinwheel dotting the landscape in April, we hope you will pause and think about what it represents--National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Letter: Limiting Health Care Choices

To the Editor

Recently it was announced that Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna are planning to merge, which would severely limit the choices residents of the Commonwealth have when picking their healthcare provider.

Sanderson Honored for 25 Years of Civic Service in the Arts

Douglas J. Sanderson, a principal in the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., was honored at the 2016 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' annual awards banquet with a Citation of Merit recognizing his 25 years of “pro-bono legal service

McLean and Great Falls: Langley to Present ‘Chicago’

McLean’s Jamie Goodson has performed on a lot of stages.

McLean and Great Falls: Cooper Middle Students Learn Coding

As the use of technology rises across the globe, so does the use for computer programming. However, as evidenced by the lack of young programmers, this fundamental skill is not being taught to the people who need it the most: students.

Week in McLean

Weekly happenings in McLean

McLean: Three Potomac School Seniors Honored for Science Research

Spencer Perkins, Madeline Dubelier and Matt Spencer, seniors in The Potomac School's Science and Engineering Research Center program, were awarded first, third and fourth place respectively at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium regional finals, held at Georgetown University in March.

Holly Hill Garden Club Says Goodbye to McLean, McLean Trees Foundation Receives Donation

After 52 years of volunteer service to the McLean community, the Holly Hill Garden Club announced that it will no longer operate due to retiring members.

The Alden in McLean Awards Scholarships to Six Young Performing Artists

The Alden in McLean awarded scholarships to six local high school students for successfully competing in the 2016 James C. Macdonald Performing Arts Scholarship Competition.

Send in Mother's Day Photos to the Connection

Mother’s Day is May 8 this year and as usual every year at this time, this newspaper calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.

Editorial: Move Forward with Independent Oversight

While FCPD has embraced many critical changes, supervisors need to move forward with oversight.

Last week, the Fairfax County Police Department posted a list and progress report of 202 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, each currently labeled as one of: implemented, in progress or under review.

First Responders Honored at 38th Annual Valor Awards

‘Ready for All Emergencies’

Technician Ryland Chapman and Lieutenant Lawrence Mullin with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were preparing to return home from a deployment with Virginia Task Force 1 to earthquake-rocked Kathmandu, Nepal when another quake sent them back out for duty.

Lawmakers Wrap-up Richmond Legislative Session

Unspent TANF grant money, prisoner rights among social issues discussed.

On average, low income families in Virginia who are eligible and sign up for funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant receive $269 monthly and are cut off after five years. But lawmakers say there’s a lot more unexpended money available in the federal grant that, if it remains unused, could one day be taken back.

McLean Pitcher Clines Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Langley

Grammes drives in winning run with walk-off single.

The McLean baseball team beat Langley on Friday.