Saturday, June 30
Severe Storms Rock Region; 1.5 Million Homes Without Power
Virginia Governor announces State of Emergency.
Following the aftermath of last night's surprise thunderstorms, many local residents woke up to significant amount of damage. Fallen trees and branches were spread across the area, and power outages were abundant.
Friday, June 29
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Wednesday, June 27
Column: A GAP In My Thinking
Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to buy a new car (in this instance, “new” means different, not a current model year). Estimated repairs at 137,000 miles that could have escalated into the unknown – and unaffordable – thousands compelled me to fish so I wouldn’t have my bait cut (and I don’t even like to fish).
Tuesday, June 26
Editorial: Case Closed. Why the Secrecy?
No reason for police to exercise "blanket" approach, shielding every document in every case.
Connection readers know that we respect and appreciate our public safety professionals.
Thursday, June 21
Fairfax Board Objects to Governor’s Transit Funding Game
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed a regional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton on Tuesday, June 19, objecting to the administration’s attempt to circumvent the efficient transit funding system used successfully in Northern Virginia for decades.
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Summer Crew Registration To Be Held June 23
Interested in learning how to row this summer? Then come down to the Dee Campbell Boathouse this Saturday, June 23 and sign up for the Alexandria Crew Boosters 2012 summer crew program. Sign-up will be held from 8-10 a.m. at the Boathouse, which is located at 1 Madison Street in Old Town.
Alexandria Sports Briefs
Alexandria Aces outfielder Alex Buccilli was named Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League Player of the Week for the extended first week of the season.
Mount Vernon Sports Briefs: WPHS DB Wilson Signs with Sacred Heart
TaMaric Wilson, a 2012 graduate of West Potomac High School and a former defensive back on the school’s football team, has signed a letter of intent to play at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., in the fall.
Wednesday, June 20
Manager Colangelo to Big Train: ‘Perform or Quit’
Bethesda falls to last place in 10-team CRCBL with loss to Rockville.
The Bethesda Big Train fell into last place in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League after a loss to the first-place Rockville Express on June 18.
Potomac Sports Briefs
George Washington University is hosting a softball camp and Catholic University is hosting a baseball camp.
Column: Where To Begin?
I realize this admission may sound weird, but having cancer is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky to be alive, and quite happy about it, too. But waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. some bad cancer news to appear (lab work, scan, advisory from my oncologist), is tiresome because it’s always so worrisome.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
Tuesday, June 19
Yorktown Grads Dowdell, Wood Teammates Again
Former Patriot sluggers play for Vienna River Dogs of CRCBL.
After stellar baseball careers at Yorktown High School, Red Dowdell and Shaun Wood have continued their successful ways while playing in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League.
Arlington Sports Briefs
George Washington University will host a softball camp; Arlington County offers soccer clinics and registration is open for Senior Olympics.
Editorial: Summer Projects
Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Connection.
The summer is in full swing at the Connection, with many interns and staff members focused on some light and some more serious summer projects.
Monday, June 18
Reston Swimmers Kick Off 40th Season
Outstanding first week showings by RSTA teams, swimmers.
The sun shined brightly last Saturday morning as hundred of swimmers gathered for the first meet of the Reston Swim Team Association's (RSTA) fortieth season. And while the first meet brings back old friends and introduces new swimmers to the joy of the ‘summer season,’ for those that have been associated with RSTA for any length of time this season opened with a bitter sweet feeling because an ‘old friend’ wasn't there to share the good times.
Saxons Compete in Boys', Girls' State Lax Finals
Langley boys capture fourth straight crown; Langley girls fall in title game loss to Oakton.
The chant from the Langley High student body began with about four minutes remaining in last Saturday night's Virginia State Boys Lacrosse championship game at Westfield High School between the Saxons of Langley and Chantilly High. "It's a Fourth-Peat, it's a fourth-peat," is the way the chant went, reverberating from the near-side bleachers, where the large group of Saxon student supporters were perched, and throughout the stadium.
It's Cougars All the Way
Oakton girls lacrosse, in return trip to state finals, finishes deal.
A year after losing in the state title game, the Oakton High girls' lacrosse team took the next step and won this year's state crown when the Cougars defeated Langley High, 12-7, in the finals game played last Saturday evening, June 9 at Westfield High School. It marked the fourth state championship triumph in the history of the Oakton girls' lacrosse program and came one year after the Cougars had reached the state title game before losing to Vienna cross-town rival Madison.
Bruins' Postseason Soccer Run Ends at State Semis
After tough start to season, Lake Braddock emerged as region power.
Lake Braddock Secondary's dramatic turnaround boys' soccer season in which the Bruins won just two of their first nine games before emerging as a Patriot District and Northern Region force the remainder of the spring campaign came to a tough ending last Friday afternoon, June 8 at Westfield High School when the local squad lost its Virginia State AAA semifinals playoff game by penalty kicks to opponent Albemarle High of Charlottesville, 2-1.
Chantilly Boys Lacrosse Falls in State Lax Finals
Chargers jump out early before Saxons rally for a 12-8 win.
Northern Region high school boys' lacrosse rivals Chantilly and Langley, who in recent years have proven to be the best public school teams in Virginia, met once again for the state crown last Saturday night.
Friday, June 15
Father's Day Photo Gallery 2012
We asked our readers to send in pictures in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, June 17. Here are their submissions.
Thursday, June 14
Rogers Leads Lake Braddock to State Baseball Title
Junior left-hander throws four-hit shutout, hits home run.
Lake Braddock captured the first baseball state championship in school history with a 4-0 victory against Kellam on June 9 at Westfield High School.
Mount Vernon Hosts Inaugural Mini-Majors Football Camp
On June 5-7, Mount Vernon High School hosted the inaugural Mini-Majors Football Camp.
T.C. Williams Grad Forrer Back Playing Baseball in Hometown
Two years after missing his senior season at T.C. Williams with a torn ACL in his left knee, Adam Forrer is back playing baseball in his hometown.
Potomac Sports Briefs
Former Churchill guard Will Lewis (2011) was recently named to the 2011-12 Founders League All-League team while playing for The Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor, Conn.) as a post-graduate.
Arlington Sports Briefs
The 12U Arlington Bulldawgs won the AYBA Virginia State Tournament on June 3 by defeating the Stafford Magic in a hard-fought battle in the state tournament finals.
West Potomac Softball Ends Season in Region Semifinals
Wolverines must replace standouts Maniglia, Picini, McHugh.
The West Potomac softball team’s 2012 season ended with an emotional pair of postseason contests.
TC Girls’ Varsity 8 Wins Bronze at Canadian Nationals
Racing on choppy waters and under stormy skies, the T.C. Williams girls’ varsity 8 stormed past the competition to capture the bronze medal at the 67th Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Regatta.
Davis, Krage Lead Oakton Softball to States
Allison Davis and Mandy Krage lifted the Oakton softball team into the state tournament.
Big Train Opens Season as 3-Time Defending Champion
Big Train Opens Season as 3-Time Defending Champion
The Bethesda Big Train enters its 14th season of existence.
Yorktown Girls’ Soccer Falls in Region Semifinals
The Yorktown girls’ soccer team’s 2012 season came to an end on May 30 with a 4-2 loss to Stone Bridge in the Northern Region semifinals.
Majors’ Season Ends in PK Shootout
In a year that included the program’s first No. 1 seed in the district tournament and first district title since 2005, Mount Vernon’s season came to an end on penalty kicks.
Robinson Boys Reach Semifinals
Rams defeat Mount Vernon in penalty-kick shootout.
Thanks to memories from practices with his club team, Robinson goalkeeper Josh Penn stepped up and sent the Rams boys' soccer team to the region semifinals.
TC Girls’ Track Places Second, Boys’ Third at Regionals
The T.C. Williams girls’ track and field team finished second at the Northern Region championship meet on May 24-25 at Robinson Secondary School, finishing behind only South County. The TC boys’ team had a chance to win the region title, but finished third due to a disqualification in the 4x400-meter relay event. Annandale finished first, followed by Westfield.
TC Freshman Girls Win Bronze
Freshman 8 compete at national championships.
Three weeks after capturing the Silver Medal as the second-fastest boat in Virginia, the T.C. Williams girls’ freshman 8 captured the bronze medal as the third-fastest boat in the United States.
TC Boys’ Soccer Falls Short in Region Quarterfinals
T.C. Williams lost to Langley, 1-0, in the boys' soccer region quarterfinals on May 24 at Parker-Gray Stadium.
Lowen, Yoest Pitch Patriots Past West Potomac
Yorktown baseball ends season in regional quarterfinals.
John Yoest struck out West Potomac’s 3-4-5 hitters, including a pair of first-team all-region selections, in the seventh inning and Yorktown held on for a 7-4 victory on May 25 at Greenbrier Park.
Langley Soccer Reaches Region Semifinals
Saxons defeat T.C. Williams, 1-0, in quarterfinals.
The Langley boys’ soccer team fought an uphill battle against T.C. Williams and the Titans’ spirited home crowd during the regional quarterfinals on May 24. But thanks to the defense of Rhys Howard and a goal from striker Justin Galiani, the Saxons found a way to advance.
Wednesday, June 13
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Editorial: Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, benefit public good and fill gaps since government cannot do it all.
A few weeks ago, the Connection was lucky enough to be included in a group of Fairfax County organizations honored for their efforts in giving back to the community.
Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Vienna Youth Soccer to Hold Food Drive
Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) is sponsoring their third iCAN! Food Drive to benefit Food for Others on June 16, between 9 a.m. – 1p.m. at Giant in Vienna.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Saturday, June 9
Langley Girls Get Early Lead; Defeat Battlefield in State Lax Semis
Saxons set to play Northern Region opponent Oakton in Saturday state finals at Westfield.
The Langley High girls lacrosse team jumped to an early 5-0 lead against Battlefield High (Haymarket) in the first game of the VHSL State Tournament semifinals last Tuesday night, June 5 at Westfield High School and cruised to an 11-6 win.
Thursday, June 7
West Springfield Upsets Lake Braddock for Region Baseball Title
Senior pitcher Tobin leads Spartans to victory with 8 1/3-inning effort.
Tyler Tobin shut down the Lake Braddock lineup in an extra-inning affair, leading West Springfield to a 3-2, nine-inning victory and the Northern Region baseball championship at Madison High School.
Westfield Baseball Season Ends at Region Semifinals
Bulldogs have no answer for Lake Braddock southpaw Thomas Rogers.
Westfield High baseball’s strong postseason showing at the 16-team Northern Region tournament concluded one victory shy of both an appearance in the finals and an automatic seeding for this week’s state tournament when the Bulldogs lost to Lake Braddock and ace left-handed pitcher Thomas Rogers, 8-0, last Wednesday afternoon at James Madison High School in Vienna.
Successful Season Concludes for Langley Baseball
Saxons reach region finals before losing to Spartans.
A remarkable Langley High baseball season which saw the Saxons go from a team struggling to play .500 baseball at the midseason mark to one of the Northern Region's elite teams came to an end last Wednesday night, May 30. Langley, in a region tournament semifinals playoff game versus perennial power West Springfield, fell behind early and was never able to get back into striking distance in a 7-1 season-ending defeat. The postseason affair took place at James Madison High School in Vienna.
Saxon girls' Tennis Team Captures State Title
Langley finishes remarkable 2012 season unbeaten.
The Langley High girls' tennis team, this year's Northern Region champions, defeated Cosby High School (Midlothian), 5-0, on Tuesday, May 29 in a first round Virginia State AAA tournament match. The postseason competition took place at Langley during the school day. Numerous Saxon students were able to enjoy some of the match action during their lunch breaks.
Langley Girls Tennis Wins State Championship
Saxons defeat Mills Godwin in finals.
The Langley High girls tennis team completed an unbeaten season this past Saturday, June 2 by besting previously undefeated Mills Godwin (Richmond), 5-3, in the Virginia State AAA finals at Huntington Park in Newport News.
Tough Final Week For Madison Softball
Rams end Warhawks' successful season.
The Madison High girls' softball team saw its season end in disappointing fashion with a pair of postseason losses. Nevertheless, it was an overall successful and winning campaign for head coach John Schneeberger's Warhawks.
In Region Soccer Title Game, Robinson Boys Prevail
Yardley's overtime goal lifts Rams past local rival Lake Braddock.
In a tense, back and forth championship game last Saturday night at Robinson Secondary, local high school boys' soccer opponents Robinson and Lake Braddock played with emotion, grit, and determination through an entire 80 minutes of regulation play and nearly 10 more minutes of overtime before the region title game's first and only goal was scored.
Patriot District Well-Represented at Baseball Region Semis
Bruins, Spartans both win to advance to title game.
A trip to the Northern Region tournament title game and a seeding in the state playoffs were on the line last Wednesday evening, May 30 at Madison High School in Vienna where two regional semifinals baseball games took place. The double-header postseason action showcased contests between Lake Braddock and Westfield, followed by West Springfield versus Langley in the nightcap. At night's end, it was the two teams from the Patriot District - Lake Braddock and West Springfield - which won, both in decisive fashion, to earn a spot in Saturday's finals where West Springfield edged the Bruins, 3-2, for the championship.
Wednesday, June 6
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
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Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Tuesday, June 5
Langley Alumni Gather on the Diamond
Alumni defeat varsity 10-9 in first ever match.
Members of Celebrate Great Falls and other residents spent the weekend taking part in traditions old and new, bringing together old and young as part of the first Great Falls Days events.
Langley Girls Lacrosse Powers Way to State Semis With Win Over Woodgrove
Saxons ready to take on Battlefield High in semifinals Wednesday at Westfield.
The Langley High girls lacrosse team moved into the semifinals of the Virginia High School League state championship tournament with a convincing 13-7 win over the Northern AA champion Woodgrove Wolverines last Saturday. The Lady Saxons opened a 7-3 halftime lead and never looked back against the overmatched host team. Keying a balanced attack, junior Rachel Wagner broke out with a season-high four-goal outing, while senior co-captain Kelly Martins and junior Olivia Sisson chipped in two apiece.
Langley Defeats Dominion, 18-5, in Boys Lacrosse State Quarterfinal
Saxons set for semis meeting with E.C. Glass on Wednesday.
A squadron of Saxons - 10 players in all - got name and number in the scoring ledger last Saturday, June 2 in a comfortable 18-5 Saxons’ win over the Dominion Titans (13-8) in a quarterfinal engagement of the VHSL State Playoffs in boys lacrosse at Langley.
Langley Defeats Dominion, 18-5, in Boys Lacrosse State Quarterfinal
Saxons set for semis meeting with E.C. Glass on Wednesday.
A squadron of Saxons - 10 players in all - got name and number in the scoring ledger last Saturday, June 2 in a comfortable 18-5 Saxons’ win over the Dominion Titans (13-8) in a quarterfinal engagement of the VHSL State Playoffs in boys lacrosse at Langley.
Friday, June 1
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.