Stories for December 2014

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.

Arlington-Alexandria Coalition Moves Forward

Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for Homelessness undergoes transformation to “Bridges to Independence.”

At the end of 2014, the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless (AACH) will cease to exist. The organization, with its nearly 30 years of work transitioning homeless families into apartments and houses across Northern Virginia, will be going through a transition itself when it becomes “Bridges to Independence.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Column: A Level That’s Anything But

This is not a home improvement reference, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column.

Arlington Home Sales: November, 2014

In November 2014, 182 Arlington homes sold between $1,825,000-$105,500.

Arlington Home Sales: November, 2014

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.

Arlington: Marymount Packages 10,000 Meals

Seventy Marymount University students and staff members packaged 10,000 meals to be sent to the impoverished West African nation of Burkina Faso on Nov. 18. The event, called Helping Hands, was a collaboration between Catholic Relief Services of the Arlington Diocese and the organization Stop Hunger Now.

Arlington: Honoring Leaders

At a sold out event with almost 300 people in attendance, Leadership Arlington held its first annual 40 Under 40 at Army Navy Country Club on Dec. 4 recognizing 40 emerging leaders under the age of 40 who demonstrated impact personally and/or professionally through their leadership in the D.C. metropolitan region.

Arlington: Snapshot

Ready for Santa at 1713 N. Quebec St.

Arlington: “Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Dec. 14-20.

Arlington: FBI Offers $15,000 Reward

Chief Doug Scott, Arlington County Police Department, represents one of nine law enforcement agencies combining efforts to identify and locate a suspect responsible for multiple robberies spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Arlington Brief: Whipple Named to State Board

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has appointed former state Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple to the Virginia Board of Health. Whipple is currently employed as the regional director for community and member outreach for the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Whipple will fill the seat vacated by Eric Deaton, who resigned his seat on the board to take a position outside of Virginia.

Arlington Brief: Park Supporters Submit Petition

Friends of Thomas Jefferson Park has collected 2,330 signatures in a three-month petition drive from citizens who visited its information tables at events, viewed its web site at www.savetjpark.org, and met directly with petition supporters, including 1,575 signatures from Arlington residents.

Arlington News Briefs: Police Investigate Two Deaths

The Arlington County Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit is investigating the suspicious deaths of two Arlington County residents.

Arlington Brief: Ameriprise Addresses Hunger

Ameriprise Financial advisors, employees and clients recently came together to help ensure Arlington area families have nutritious meals to share this holiday season.

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.

Arlington Celebrates Richard Thompson

Local cartoonist’s work exhibited in film and book at Arlington Central Library

Nick Galifinakis and David Apatoff had a problem. They wanted to keep meeting at the home of fellow cartoonist Richard Thompson, creator of Washington Post comic Richard’s Poor Almanac and his nationally syndicated comic Cul de Sac, to chat and to pour over his work, but were afraid that Thompson would kick them out if they didn’t come up with a good reason to stay. This was the origin of “The Art of Richard Thompson.” Though likely apocryphal, the story is indicative of the reverence and humor with which the editors compiled the collection.

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.

Tham-Led Warriors Blast Titans in Season Opener

Wakefield no longer intimidated by T.C. Williams.

Wakefield defeated T.C. Williams 74-46 on Saturday.

Battling Holiday Bulge

Nutritionists offer tips for avoiding weight gain.

With the merriment of the holidays comes food, friends and fun. But from office parties to family dinners, opportunities for overeating and weight gain abound. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that the average American gains an extra pound every year that he never loses. Those pounds add up over a lifetime of holidays, but a few local nutritionists offer the skinny on weight-gain culprits and strategies to keep them at bay.

Handling Family Dynamics During the Holidays

Local experts offer suggestions on how to diffuse family tensions.

Last month, Linda and Tom Bullen traveled from Boston to Arlington, to celebrate Thanksgiving with their son Matt, daughter Rachel and her partner Grace Knight.

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.

Warriors Trying for Third Straight Appearance at States

Wakefield senior Tham named region POY in 2014.

The Wakefield boys' basketball team opens at T.C. Williams on Friday.

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.

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.

Arlington: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Arlington Small Business Saturday promotes local entrepreneurs.

For many small businesses, making their way in the world today takes everything they’ve got.

Arlington: Board Defers Apartments’ Demolition

An application to the Arlington County Board to demolish the existing Key Boulevard Apartments and construct a new affordable housing project has been deferred.

Arlington: Saints Participate in United Cerebral Palsy Design-a-thon

Michelle Bendit had no idea what Cerebral Palsy was like until the Marymount University senior put on a thick pair of gloves and tried to remove a pencil from a bag.

Arlington: Bravo for Opera NOVA

Sean E. Waxman, Arlington

I was an attendee and volunteer at Opera NOVA’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” as described in as described in the article in The Connection: “A New Audience for a Beloved Tale,” a Nov. 19 article by Amber Healy.

Arlington: A Read-Aloud with Delegate Lopez

The children gathered around on the floor of the community room at Columbia Grove for a Thanksgiving story on Monday, Nov. 24. State Del. Alfonso Lopez opened Eve Bunting’s book, “A Turkey for Thanksgiving,” and began the tale.

Arlington: ‘The Nutcracker’ In Rehearsal

Dancers were a-flutter on stage as fairies, soldiers, dancing princesses, mice, princes and the rest of the cast of “The Nutcracker” prepared for the upcoming BalletNova holiday show.

Arlington: “Flourishing After 55”

“Flourishing After 55” from Arlington Office of Senior Adult Programs for Dec. 14-20.

Arlington Opinion: On Fracking

The U.S. Forest Service has reversed course and paved the way for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the George Washington Forest.

Arlington Brief: Winning Human Rights Award

Barbara Amaya, Stephen Fowler, The Reading Connection, Animal Welfare League, and Doorways for Women and Families are this year’s winners of the 2014 James B. Hunter Human Rights Award, according to the Arlington Human Rights Commission.

Arlington: Health Initiative Focuses on Veterans

Teaching health-care providers to ask about patients’ military backgrounds.

Chamberlain College of Nursing in Arlington co-sponsored a veteran’s health awareness campaign last month, shedding light on health issues that more prominently affect veterans than the average civilian.