News for Thursday, January 10, 2013

News for Thursday, January 10, 2013

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Letter: Embracing Giving in 2013

Living in a society where little kids now own cell phones, and even iPhones, we are used to everyone saying “I want, I want, I want!” In every religion, giving thanks is not supposed to be reserved for the last Thursday in November, but rather something we do every day. In the Holy Quran it says, “And We have established you in the earth and provided for you therein the means of subsistence. How little thanks you give!” (Ch. 7 Vs. 11).

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Wolverines Show Balance in Win Against Spartans

West Potomac has six players score at least nine points.

Devin Morrow scores 11 points and grabs nine rebounds for West Potomac.

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‘Resilient’ Cardinals Beat Flint Hill in Overtime

Bishop Ireton boys’ basketball improves non-conference record to 9-1.

Five Cardinals score in double figures against Flint Hill.

Letter: Taking Exception On Women’s Health

I read with great interest the January 3-9, 2013 edition of the Connection, because of the interviews with our various local leaders, with regards to their predictions for the “hot topics in 2013.” As a woman, I would like to let Representative Gerald Connolly know that he should fear not, because I do believe that the Virginia General Assembly has done a fine job in protecting me and all of the other women in our state.

Letter: Transportation Needs Must Be a Priority

To the Editor: The upcoming 2013 General Assembly Session once again has the opportunity to effectively address and begin the process of alleviating the transportation problems that plague Northern Virginia and other urban areas of the commonwealth. Having lived in Fairfax County since 1980, however, I have seen the yearly sessions of the General Assembly go by with a lot of talk but with few accomplishments.

Labrador Retriever Club Rescues Mom and Pups

Three-year-old black Labrador retriever Bailey was abandoned in Hughesville, Md., while pregnant. The good news was that she was soon to become the one-thousandth dog rescued this year by Lab Rescue of the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac.

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Herndon Girls’ Basketball Falls to One-Loss Centreville

Senior guard Owens scores 16 points in defeat.

Otto Jette is in his first season as Herndon head girls' basketball coach.

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Whisked Away to the Land of Oz

Home school co-op students stage an original musical to benefit Rancho 3M Orphanage.

The Sovereign Grace Co-op Drama Club is staging The Patchwork Girl of Oz and giving ticket sales and all donations to Rancho 3M Orphanage in Guadalupe, Mexico. The production showcases the singing and acting talents of over 30 middle and high school students from Sovereign Grace Home School Co-op in Fairfax.

Politicians Get an Earful

Residents tell LeMunyon, Petersen what’s important to them.

Transportation, guns in schools and Medicaid were among the top issues discussed last week at a town hall meeting in Chantilly. Prior to the Jan. 9 start of the Virginia General Assembly session, Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67th) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th) met with some 65 constituents.

Should There Be Guns in Schools?

“If we don’t pay for the fixes now, we’ll pay for it later with the lives of our children.” —Joe Samaha, father of Virginia Tech victim Reema Samaha.

Little Mermaid Comes to Springfield

Performances begin Friday; portion of proceeds benefits Hurricane Sandy victims.

In a magical kingdom under the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Will Ariel get her wish and find true love?

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Fairfax Nonprofits Awarded $218,000 in United Way Grants

Several nonprofits providing health and education services in Fairfax County were awarded 20 grants totaling $218,360 from the United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) during the Tuesday, Jan. 1, Board of Supervisors meeting. The funds came through designations to the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Impact Fund in United Way NCA’s annual workplace giving campaign.

Fairfax County License Plates?

Herrity proposes developing county license plate to support tourism.

“I look forward to being one of the first residents to get my hands on a Fairfax County license plate.” Supervisor Pat Herrity

McKay Elected Chairman of Transportation Commission

Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) was unanimously elected chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) at the organization’s meeting held Thursday, Jan. 3. McKay, who is in his second term representing the Lee District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, replaces Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette as NVTC chairman.

Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?

2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.

The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.

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One-Party Rule Takes Hold at Alexandria City Hall

All-Democratic City Council members begin three-year term.

Say goodbye to bipartisan government at Alexandria City Hall.

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Mental Health First Aid Seen as a Way to Identify Problems Early

Del. Rob Krupicka (D-45) leads effort to expand training for workers on the front lines.

In her role as a caseworker for Adult Protective Services, Wilma Roberts has seen it all.

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Stable Unstable: Future of Woodlawn Stables in Doubt

Feds decision on Southern Bypass creates a sense of uncertainty.

From the top of the hillside graveyard at Woodlawn Baptist Church, Pastor Travis Hilton looks out over the cars rushing by on the highway below.

In Session

With the fresh tragedy of Newtown, Conn., haunting the Virginia General Assembly, the issue of gun control is certain to be one of the most emotional topics on the docket.

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Northern Virginia Democrat Takes Aim at the Gun Show Loophole

Arlington delegates wants to require background checks for all private firearms sales.

Legislators will be dueling over guns this year at the Capitol, with gun-rights advocates set to oppose efforts to close Virginia’s gun-show loophole.

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Toxic Politics: Northern Virginia Delegation Split on Uranium Mining

Issue pits economic development against environmental concerns.

Northern Virginia may be hundreds of miles away from the Southside community where a family business is seeking to overturn a longstanding ban on uranium mining in Virginia.

Week in Alexandria

Alexandria City Public Schools is beginning 2013 with a bang.

Week in Alexandria

Alexandria's historically black American Legion Hall may be headed for the wrecking ball soon.