Springfield2 Springfield Connection March 12-18, 2009 BURKE TOWN PLAZA CVS Virginia ABC Time for the Wearin’ o’ the Green MERCHANT OF THE MONTH 703-455-3100 9562 Old Keene Mill

Springfield Connection ❖ March 12-18, 2009 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Franconia ❖ Kingstowne ❖ Newington

Pho

to

by R

obbie H

am

mer/T

he C

onnectio

nC

alendar, Page 8

❖

Spo

rts, Page 10

❖

C

lassif

ied, Page 12

March 12-18, 2009 Volume XXIII, Number 10 online at www.connectionnewspapers.com

PRSRT STD

U.S. Postage

PAID

Elkton, MD

PERMIT #31

Attention Postmaster:

Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 03-13-09

Springfield

See Page, 10

2 ❖ Springfield Connection ❖ March 12-18, 2009 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

BURKE TOWN PLAZACVS Virginia ABC

Time for the Wearin’ o’ the Green

� M E R C H A N T O F T H E M O N T H �

703-455-3100 9562 Old Keene Mill Rd.

12 Free GreenCarnations

Pick up onMarch 13,14, 16 & 17, 2009

Valid w/coupon

Shammas Jewelers

DIAMONDS • GEMSTONES • WATCHES • FINE JEWELRY

703-455-3099

The Only Authorized

RetailerBurke • West Springfield

Fairfax StationClifton • Lorton

• Reading, writing, math• SAT/PSAT Prep• Study Skills• Grades K-12

www.c2educate.com703-440-5050

EducationCenters

At C2 learn to be smarter

OLD KEENE MILL ROAD& LEE CHAPEL ROAD

ACSSYS LLC.......................................................571-321-0303Barbara Sheppard’s Academy of Dance...............703-455-8696Beach First National Bank..................................703-547-1100Bike Lane..........................................................703-440-8701Burke Cigar........................................................703-455-0678Burke Town Nails .............................................. .703-440-1445Burke Dental Center...........................................703-440-5075Burke Digital 1 Hour Photo................................703-644-0744C2 Education Center.......................................1-800-777-7000Chevy Chase Bank..............................................703-455-5014CVS....................................................................703-451-1595Dominion Commercial Properties.......................703-866-4990Domino’s Pizza...................................................703-644-2226

El Pueblo Restaurant..........................................703-455-4401Farmers Insurance.............................................703-440-9680Feisse, Dr. (Internal Medicine)............................703-451-7310Flowers ‘N’ Ferns ............................................... 703-455-3100Gallery One Art & Frame....................................703-569-2215Glory Days Grill.................................................703-866-1911Grooming By Us.................................................703-440-8033Hallmark Creations............................................703-455-6588Hunan East........................................................703-569-7600Kimco Realty.....................................................703-866-4990Mattress Discounters .........................................703-912-7284McDonald’s ........................................................703-569-0551Phan University of Martial Arts..........................703-455-3700

Quizno’s Subs .................................................... 703-455-5501Radio Shack.......................................................703-455-3088Rafagino Ristorante ...........................................703-451-1570Safeway..............................................................703-440-1341Sana’s Hair Design.............................................703-569-6622Shammas Jewelers.............................................703-455-3099Swiss Bakery & Pastry........................................703-569-3670TD Barber Shop..................................................703-913-4277Valley Cleaners ..................................................703-569-1551Virginia ABC ...................................................... 703-451-9471Wireless Outlet...................................................703-455-5635Xerxes Financial Group......................................703-913-7701

Irish Soda BreadShamrock Cookies

Hot Cross Buns703-569-3670

www.TheSwissBakery.com9558 Old Keene Mill Rd.

Burke Town Paza 703-440-0678

FREE

Buy One HouseCigar, Get One

With coupon onlyexpires 4/30/09

10% OffAny Cigar Box

Not valid with any other offers.

As Always

BURKE CIGARWe Have Hookahs & Accessories

(Coupon must be present.Valid through 3/31/09)

9534 Old Keene Mill Rd.Mon. - Sat. 11a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sun. Noon - 8 p.m.

703-455-5501

TOASTED IS BETTER!

$2.00 OFFRegular or Large Sub!Not Valid with Real Deal Meal

menu or any other offers. Exp 5/12/09

-BURKE-

Limited Time only. Deep Dish Extra703-644-2226

BURKE/WEST SPRINGFIELD

+Tax$1599

2 Large Pizzas2 Large 1-Topping Pizzas

Delivery Charge May Apply

703-866-1911

Be a Wee Bit Irish!

flowers ‘n’ ferns

GROOMING BY US

Professional, Humane,and Loving

703-440-8033

RafaginoRistoranteAuthentic Italian Cuisine

9570 Old Keene Mill RdBurke, VA

703-451-1570CarryoutAvailable

Tues.-Sun.:5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Inquire about our Wine Dinners!


Springfield Connection Editor Michael O’Connell

703-917-6440 or [email protected]

News

Bulova, Hudgins Reaffirm Social ProgramsSupervisors committo push for affordablehousing, dental andESOL services.

“Sometimes when there’shard times, people startto [abandon] what theyhold precious.”

— Imam Johari Abdul-Malik

Pho

to

by A

aro

n Stern

/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova(D-Braddock) voices her support for the VOICE agenda to the Rev. TuckBowerfind, Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, and nearly 300 in the audience.

By Aaron Stern

The Connection

Margaret Davis recently hadsurgery. She has no job, noplace to live, and withoutthe support of her church

she would have little hope. Recently some-one told her that she didn’t look like a home-less person, and it made her mad.

“I am homeless and I’m not too ashamedto say it,” Davis said. As Fairfax Countygrapples with a projected $650 million bud-get deficit for the upcoming fiscal year,Davis said it was important to continue tofund programs that offer affordable hous-ing and other services to the county’s low-income residents.

Davis was one of many speakers at a rallyon Sunday, March 8 organized by Virgin-ians Organized for Interfaith CommunityEngagement (VOICE) at Bethlehem BaptistChurch. The rally included public commit-ments from Sharon Bulova (D-At-large),chairman of the Board of Supervisors, andSupervisor Catherine Hudgins (D-HunterMill) to find $50,000 in the county budget

to fund a full-time dentist at the NorthernVirginia Dental Clinic as well as to continuethe Penny for Affordable Housing Fund andmaintain current funding levels for Englishas a Second Language programs both in-side and outside of Fairfax County PublicSchools.

“This is not going to be an easy year forus and your voices are important,” saidBulova, to those assembled at BethlehemBaptist on Sunday. Bulova said preservingthe Penny Fund — which allocates one centout of every dollar of collected real estatetaxes to affordable housing programs — so

that those who work in Fairfax County canafford to live in Fairfax County. The pro-jected Penny Fund budget for 2010 is $20.5million but the possibility of reducing fund-ing for the program has been raised as su-pervisors look to balance the county bud-get.

REPRESENTATIVES from VOICE, a multi-faith, non-partisan political action group,said that it was important not to cut socialprogramming when it was needed most.

“Sometimes when there’s hard times,people start to [abandon] what they hold

precious,” said Imam Johari Abdul-Malik.In addition to public statements of sup-

port given at Sunday’s meeting by Bulovaand Hudgins, a letter read at the meetingfrom Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-MountVernon) indicated support for the VOICEagenda. A letter read from Supervisor PennyGross (D-Mason) expressed support for thePenny Fund but was non-committal towardsthe other agenda items. VOICE leaders werecritical of Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Spring-field), who was scheduled to attendSunday’s event but did not and did not no-tify VOICE of a reason for his absence, saidVOICE co-chair the Rev. Tuck Bowerfind.Bowerfind said Herrity’s absence was “animportant indication to us” of a lack of rec-ognition of the organization and its goals.

Bulova and Hudgins said that while theysupported the VOICE agenda, balancing thecounty’s budget will be an arduous processand citizen involvement will be important.

“We must convey to all of our residentsthe role that they play in our communityand they must each step up to help,”Hudgins said.

By Jason Mackey

The Connection

Rayshawn Rigans denied its impact.Coach Ron Palmer dusted off agame plan to stop it. T.J. Wilson

relished the challenge that Petersburg’sheight — the Wave had one 6-foot-6 starterand another at 6-9 — presented.

Still, none of that stopped Petersburgfrom rolling over the Hawks, 59-48, in theVirginia AAA state quarterfinals at VirginiaCommonwealth’s Siegel Center Friday,March 6.

‘Journey’Ends forHayfieldHawks fall in VirginiaAAA quarterfinals,finish season at 21-8.

See Petersburg, Page 11

Orange Hunt Elementary had its annual Art and Literacy Night on Tuesday evening,March 10. The night included a variety of oral, written and visual activities with thetheme of Cultural Encounters. Here, several Orange Hunt students and their siblingslisten to a reading of ‘Little Red Riding Hood.’

Pho

to

by R

obbie H

am

mer/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Culture Club


The County Line

By Julia O’Donoghue

The Connection

Jeff McKay is very familiar withGroveton, his neighborhood offRichmond Highway near HuntleyMeadows Park.

McKay’s grandparents moved into hishome when it was newly constructed in the1940s and a member of the Lee Districtsupervisor’s extended family has alwayslived in the house. McKay bought the prop-erty himself 12 years ago after graduatingfrom college.

So it came as a surprise to McKay whenhe looked up his real estate property assess-ment online and found many of the homesales used to determine his house’s prop-erty value this year were located on unfa-miliar streets.

Typically, Fairfax County tries to use homesales from a property’s immediate neighbor-hood or subdivision to determine its value.In the case of McKay’s home this year, theywere factoring in home sales from BurgundyVillage, a community several miles away ina different zip code, he said.

“Something different was done this yearthan we have done in the past,” said McKay,a Democrat.

In 2009, 30 percent of Fairfax County’sreal estate assessments were calculated us-

ing home sales from “sister neighborhoods”as well as immediate communities, saidJanet Coldsmith, director of the real estatedivision in Fairfax County’s Department ofTax Administration.

County staff have always brought in homesales from other comparable neighborhoodsto determine some property values but thepractice was much more widespread thisyear, due to the downturn in the housingmarket, she said.

“We looked at similar neighborhoods andhave looked at similar neighborhoodsthroughout the years but it has becomemore important this year. While there arestill enough sales to value property, they arenot as evenly distributed,” said Coldsmith.

Fairfax County only incorporates “fairmarket” home sales into real estate prop-erty assessments. Foreclosures and otherdistressed sales are not supposed to factorinto calculating property value for tax pur-poses. It can be difficult to determine homeassessments in neighborhoods that havebeen hit hard by the foreclosure crisis andwhere few or no non-distressed sales havetaken place, she said.

“It is standard appraisal practice to choosethe best comparable properties that youhave. If you don’t have them in your imme-diate neighborhood, then you widen yoursearch,” said Coldsmith.

“When you start including other neigh-borhoods that are miles away in a differentzip code, it becomes more difficult to tryand figure out whether the properties in-cluded were fair or not,” McKay said.

According to Coldsmith, the county doestake geography into account when comingup with “sister neighborhoods” for assess-ment purposes. When looking for a com-parison, they look for two neighborhoodsof a similar price level and age as well asthose with a similar housing stock, she said.

“We would be looking at what somebodygoing out to buy a house would be lookingat. Someone looking to buy a house mightbe searching in two neighborhoods in sameprice range with the same type of housing,”said Coldsmith. “Appraisal is a lot of judg-ment. It is not an exact science. There is alot of judgment in there,” she added.

But McKay differed. “There are not manyhomeowners who go out and say they wanta rambler built in the 1950s. They go outand look for a house that is in a certainschool district or on a certain transporta-tion route. … Is it better to base an assess-ment on a small number of sales or to re-ally stretch and include properties that area far distance away?” asked McKay.

The county has fielded fewer calls fromangry property owners upset about their as-sessments, probably because most peoplesaw a drop in their property value.

“So far, the call volume is down. We havegotten a few calls from some people whothink their property value has fallen too far,”said Coldsmith.

County Notebook

Assessments in question as fewer home salesoffer fewer properties for comparison.

How Much Is It Worth?

Higher Tax Rate,Car Fee on Table

The Fairfax County Board of Super-visors set an upper limit for the resi-dential real estate tax rate March 9that leaves the door open for an aver-age property tax increase onhomeowners of approximately $60this year.

The supervisors have also put anannual vehicle registration fee back onthe table after abolishing it three yearsago. For the average car, the old feewas $25, though the county board hasgiven itself the leeway charge as muchas $33 in the next fiscal cycle. The su-pervisors will finalize the tax rate andvote on the car fee next month as partof the county budget.

The current property tax rate is 92cents per $100 of assessed propertyvalue. With this vote, the supervisorshave given themselves the ability toraise it to a higher rate of $1.05 per$100 of assessed property value. Theywould also consider an additional 1.5cent rate increase per $100 of assessedvalue that would go directly to stormwater management. The owner of amedian-priced home at $459,228would pay property taxes of $4,776under this proposal.

Fairfax County executive Tony Grif-fin, who presented his budget pro-posal earlier this month, recom-mended the supervisors raise the prop-erty tax rate to $1.04 per $100 of as-sessed property value, plus the 1.5cent increase for storm water manage-ment. He has also suggested adding a$20 vehicle registration fee to helpclose the gap in next year’s budget ofapproximately $650 million.

Supervisors chose to advertise ahigher tax rate to give themselves flex-ibility. Griffin had suggested the boardadvertise a rate that was even higher,$1.07 per $100 of assessed propertyvalue.

“Between the time we advertised thetax rate and the budget mark up lastyear, we saw a $40 million drop in thecounty. … The economy is very vola-tile right now,” said Fairfax Countychairman Sharon Bulova (D.)

The board’s two Republicans, super-visors Patrick Herrity (R-Springfield)and Mike Frey (R-Sully), opposed bothmeasures.

In an interview, Herrity said hewould have been supportive of settingthe tax rate at a level that would en-sure the average real estate tax billwould not go up this year.

“We are in a critical time with oureconomy,” said Herrity.

The Springfield supervisor addedthat many of the “revenue enhance-ments” Griffin has already proposedin his budget come in the form of in-creased fees, such as a higher price toparticipate in youth athletics.

— Julia O’Donoghue

Valueswritten onthe mapare for Zipcodemedians.

More at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Vienna-8.86%

$575,761

Fairfax-10.93%

$419,544

Great Falls-7.38%

$1,017,799

ntreville6 11%

Chantilly-14.77%

$389,558

McLean-7.89%

$776,424ston

3.32%$362,632

-8.06%$634,968

Falls Churchh

Herndon-15.69%

$390,430

nesville District SupervisorDran John Foust (D) lost 18.11 percent of his home value

the past year, according to county officials. over tFoust’s house was valued at $3.55 million in 2008 s

d is now valued at $2.91 million in 2009.and

Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D) saw a 8.95 percennt droop

in her home value this year, far less than the average household livingg in RReston.

Hudgins house was valued at $599,0300 in 22008 and is now valued at $545,440 in 2009.2009.

Springfield Supervisor Patrick Herriity (R)saw a 9.59 percent property value decline

in his Clifton area home. Herrity’s house was assessed at $596,4330 in 2008

and is currently assessed at $539,420 in 2009.i 2009

Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Buloova (D)

lost 12.94 percent of her home value this year, home value this year, more than the average home in the Fairfax area.

Her property went from being valued at $680,030 in 2008 to $592,040 in 2009.

Providence SupervisorProvidence Supervisor Linda Smyth (D)Linda Smyth (D)

Smyth’s house was assessed at $541,030 in 2008 and $492,310 in 2009.

Sully District Supervissor Michael Frey (R) saw his hoome value

decline 25.36 percent thiss year, much more than other propertiies dropped

on average in the Centreville area. lHis townhouse was assessed at $282,810 in 2008

and is now assessed at $211,080 in 2009.2009.

-5 ~ -10%

-10 ~ -15%

-15 ~ -20%

-20 ~ -25%

$551,521$324,456$227,514

Single Family Detached Townhouse

Condos

2009 County Average

Lee SuLee Supervisor Jeff McKay (D)

McKay’ t s house was assessed at2009.$490,430 in 2008 and $392,140 in 2

ervisor ount Vernon SupeMland (D)land (D)ry Hylry HylGerrGerr saw 3.32 percent drop saw 3 32

value of his property this year, the vin han most other property owners ess thfar le

Hyland’s home was assessed at $448,860 in 2008 and

is now assessed at $433,560 in 2009.


YOU WANT QUALITY SERVICEFROM A LOCAL AGENT

Chris UmbelState Farm Agent

703-751-4404We are open on Saturdays!

Hablamos EspañolVisit Us at www.novainsure.com

State Farm Home Office Bloomington, IL State Farm.com

Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health

• Comprehensive Eye Exams • Treatment of Eye Diseases• 14 yrs. Naval service, 6 yrs. Active Duty

• Laser Vision Consultants • Over a thousand frames in stock• We carry all major brands of contact lenses • In-house lab

Most Insurances Accepted:Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Care First, Medicare, Tricare In-network Doctor,

Vision One, Blue Choice, Avesis, VCA, Aetna HMO/PPO/POS,

PHCS, Spectera, VSP® Network Doctor

WE WELCOME YOUR DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION

DR. GENE SWEETNAMO P T O M E T R I S T

www.drsweetnam.com

U S EY O U RT R I C A R EB E N E F I T !

New Lorton OfficeNOW OPEN

5204A Rolling Rd.Burke Professional Center

Burke, VA 22015703-425-2000

8951 Ox Rd., Suite 100Shoppes at Lorton Valley

Lorton, VA 22079703-493-9910

WEEKDAYSSATURDAYS • EVENINGS

UNITED CONCORDIAPARTICIPANT

24 HOUREMERGENCY CARE

On Feb. 23, Capt. MichaelKahn of Burke, Virginia,

passed away at age 90.He is survived by his lovingwife Jane, children Paul,Tim, Lynn and Sandra, and10 grandchildren and 1 greatgrandchild. A memorialservice will be held on Sat.,March 14, 2009, at 1 pm atFairfax Memorial Park, 9902Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA22032, internment will fol-low. In lieu of flowers,memorial contributions inMichael Kahn’s name maybe made to The Inova HeathSystem Foundation, BloodDonor Service, 8110Gatehouse Rd, Suite 200E,Falls Church, VA 22042, orhttp://www.inova.org/get-involved/foundation/donate-now/index.jsp.

Capt. Michael Kahn

IN MEMORIUM

Camps & Schools

AssistantPrincipalRenee Millerreads toRollingValley El-ementarystudents incelebrationof Dr. Seuss’birthday onMonday,March 2.

ReadAcrossAmerica

Pho

to

co

urtesy o

f D

iane R

yan

FOR

EMPLOYERS

Great Communities Great Connections Great Results

Fill your job openings faster...

with Recruitment Advertising in

703-917-6464www.connectionnewspapers.com


Opinion

A Million Trees? Landscape architect,sound walls are smallconsolation for lossof leafy canopy.

If you’ve driven on the Beltway lately be-tween McLean and Springfield, youmight find some understatement in thisweek’s announcement that VDOT wants

“to help mitigate concerns with the tree canopyloss.”

Along the 14-mile path of planned HOT-lanes, Fairfax County communities appear tohave lost more than two square miles of treecanopy and a million or more trees.

The approval of the construction of “highoccupancy toll” lanes along the Beltway via apublic private partnership came swiftly, andwith little fresh consideration of the impact onlocal communities. Most local residents becameaware of the project as they watched the clear-cutting of mature trees and stands of foreststhat have sheltered birds and wildlife alongthe Beltway for decades. Elected officials werealso caught by surprise at the extent of the treeclearing and other work.

The project will add two lanes in each direc-tion on 495 between Springfield and McLean,available free for vehicles with three or more

Editorials

occupants, and by a variable toll for the rest.The contractor, Fluor-Transurban, will keep thetoll revenue for 50 years or more to pay forthe construction.

VDOT, we’re told, will hire a landscape ar-chitect to develop landscaping plans in coor-

dination with adjacent com-munities, “to help mitigateconcerns with the tree canopyloss and to take advantage of

available green space as the project develops.”The work of the landscape architect and co-

ordinating with local communities should havecome before the project began. But better latethan never. See VirginiaHOTLanes.com formore.

Local CultureThis weekend, the Fairfax Symphony will

audition Gregory Vajda, 35, as its fifth of sixprospective music directors. It’s an auditionanyone can attend, and offer feedback. TheFairfax Symphony is a local treasure, remark-

able in quality and well worth seeing, hearingand supporting.

The Fairfax Symphony is in search of its firstnew music director in 37 years, choosing sixfinalists, selected from a pool of 249 applicants.

Vajda will serve as guest conductor this Sat-urday, March 14, and will speak at a free talkat 7 p.m. before the 8 p.m. concert, with guestsoloist Andre Armstrong on piano. The con-cert will include Liszt, Les Préludes; Bartok,Piano Concerto No. 3; and Schumann, Sym-phony No. 2 in C Major.

George Mason University’s Center for theArts,

4373 Mason Pond Drive in Fairfax. Seewww.FairfaxSymphony.org. Tickets are avail-able at the door, just come by.

— Mary Kimm

[email protected]

Soccer SuccessTo the Editor:

I just wanted to let you knowthat operation Soccer Smiles hasstarted “rolling” here in Afghani-stan. The response from peopleback in the States has been tre-mendous.

We recently received our firstshipment of donatedsoccer balls from thePassback Program,located in

Hillsborough, N.C. The PassbackProgram in partnership withEurosport, and with the support ofMLS players, is an initiative of theU.S. Soccer Foundation to helpmeet the soccer uniform andequipment needs of all communi-ties, regardless of income, genderor location.

Texas A & M University has alsomade a donation and we expectto receive the balls from Texas A& M any day. There have also beena number of other individual con-tributors.

A volunteer has also established

a Web site[Operationsoccersmiles.org]. Sev-eral volunteers have come forward

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Amber Doll of Bethlehem, Pa. andU.S. Army Spc. Joseph Reilly of Chicago, Ill. pose with oneof the children that received a soccer ball near Qalat,Afghanistan.

There is also now an organiza-tional e-mail account. Interestedparties can e-mail Operation Soc-cer Smiles [email protected].

Thanks again for the assistance.This is really becoming quite theproject. I never imagined the levelof support and interest that it isreceiving.

Lt. Col. James S. OverbyeAfghanistan

Editor’s note: Jim Overbye, nowserving in Afghanistan, led GeorgeMason University’s ROTC program.Overbye currently leads a team of14 U.S. mentors embedded with anAfghan army brigade of about3,000 Afghans. Also among theteam of 14 is George Greanias ofSpringfield. The Connection willprint occasional updates from theselocal soldiers. To contact Overbye,e- mail publisher Mary Kimm [email protected] the messages will be forwardedto Overbye.

to help run and update the site, inaddition to building more interestback in the States.

Letters

SickBy Dudley Raine IV

This poem is dedicated to all the sick at SangsterElementary.

Oh dear, I’ve got the Flu....I feel awful and don’t know what to do.Mumps, Measles, Malaria and moreOuch! I think I have a cold sore.Coughing, hacking, sputtering and wheezing —Hold on a minute, let me finish sneezing.Hepatitis, Meningitis, Bronchitis, EEWW!

Write

Letters to the EditorThe Connection

7913 Westpark DriveMcLean, Va. 22102Call: 703-917-6440.

By fax: 703-917-0991.

By e-mail:[email protected]

The Green-Apple Quick-Step and Pink Eye, too.I’ve been out of school for weeks. I really need to

go!Better get those tissues — ready, set, blow!I thought I was finished with having the Croup;But I guess its back to the dreaded chicken soup.Rhino Virus, Mad Cow, Chicken Pox and Bird FluEven all the animals are sick in the zoo.Advil and Tylenol are making me better;Hopefully soon, I might see sunny weather.But all this good cheer just might be a fluke;My skin’s feeling clammy and I’ve gotta puke.

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Newspaper ofSpringfield

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered tohomes and businesses.

7913 Westpark DriveMcLean, Virginia 22102

NEWS DEPARTMENT:To discuss ideas and concerns,

Call: 703-917-6444Fax: 703-917-0991

e-mail:[email protected]

Michael O’Connell Editor / 703-917-6440

Justin FanizziCommunity Reporter

[email protected]

Paula FriedrichAssistant Editor / 703-917-6459

Julia O’DonoghueEducation & Politics

[email protected]

Ken MooreCourts & Projects

[email protected]

Jason MackeySports Editor703-917-6438

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:To place an advertisement, call the ad

department between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Display ads 703-821-5050Classified ads 703-917-6400Employment ads 703-917-6464

Tammy JohnsonDisplay Advertising

703-917-6478

Andrea SmithClassified Advertising, [email protected]

Barbara ParkinsonEmployment Advertising

[email protected]

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorsSteve Hibbard, Michael O’Connell,

Kemal KurspahicPhotography:

Robbie Hammer, Louise Krafft,Craig Sterbutzel

Art/Design:Zohra Aslami, Geovani Flores,Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

John Smith, Stu Moll,Wayne Shipp

Production Manager:Jean Card

CIRCULATION: 703-917-6481Circulation Manager:

Ann Oliver

CONNECTION NEWSPAPERS,L.L.C.

Peter LabovitzPresident/CEO

Mary KimmPublisher/Chief Operating Officer

[email protected]

Jerry VernonExecutive Vice President

[email protected]

Wesley DeBrosseController

Debbie FunkNational Sales703-518-4631

[email protected]

John LovaasSpecial Assistant for Operations


Home Improvements and Repairs that Always Get an A+Fully Insured Class A Contractor

Open 9-6 7 Days 9023 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA

703-573-50252 miles west of I-495 on

Rt. 50(Vienna Metro)CravensNursery.com

patios, wallswalkwayspaver drivewaysand so much moreNow at 2003 Pricing

FREE ESTIMATESHARDSCAPING/PLANTING

60-75% OFFALL POTTERYWashington’s Largest

Selection

Mulch 3 cu. FT. $2.99Bulk $15.00 Per cu. YD.

All Nursery StockPerennials

2008 STOCK ONLY

25% OFF

PansiesReg. $1.89 97¢

Your Friendly, Neighborhood Thrift Shop

YESTERDAY’S ROSEwhere you never see the same thing twice

9960 Main St. Fairfax, VA • 703-385-9517 • www.yesterdaysrose.org

Proceeds Benefit: American Red Cross, Nat’l Capital Ch.•The Arc of Northern VirginiaNational Council of Jewish Women, No. Virginia Section•Service Source Inc.

Clothing • Furniture • Housewares

50% OFFToys & SportsSaturday, 3/14/09

10 a.m.–6 p.m.Not valid with other discounts or sales.

50% OFFDesigner

Shoes & PursesTuesday, 3/17/0910 a.m.–6 p.m.

Not valid with other discounts or sales.

45OFFAny Complete

Refinishing Project$SPRING’S COMING! America’s preferred refinisher

since 1979!

Don’t Replace It -

Refinish it!

Completely restore your

BATHTUBSWALL TILES OR COUNTERTOPS

to just like new for up to 75% less than replacing!

Miracle Method®

SURFACE RESTORATION

www.MiracleMethod.com

Offer good through March 31, 2009 Call today for a free estimate.

703-738-4801

We would liketo announcethe addition ofPooja Prasad,D.O. to ourFairfax office. She is a nativeof Springfield,VA and com-pleted her residency at

INOVA Fairfax Hospital forChildren.

Our office is taking new patients and most insurance.

Patriot Square

10527 Braddock

Road.,

Fairfax, VA

22032.

(703) 425-3300

Manchester Lakes

7015C Manchester

Boulevard

Alexandria, VA

22310

(703) 425-3300

Lake Ridge

12506A Lake

Ridge Drive

Lake Ridge, VA

22192

(703)494-4811

Dr. Pooja Railan Prasad.

www.TPG-PC.com.

News

Edison, TriblesSign Partnership

Edison Academy Heating Venti-lation, Air Conditioning and Re-frigeration High School programin Lee District has signed a formalbusiness partnership with Tribles,Inc., of Upper Marlboro, Md. Thispartnership ensures the Academy’sprogram to benefit future genera-tions of Edison’s HVAC&R stu-dents, according to Edison Acad-emy.

Tribles has been a major con-tributor to the Academy for thepast eight years, providing dona-tions of appliances and parts, aswell as behind-the-scenes fieldtrips and training for students atits Springfield location. Thecompany’s contributions to theAcademy provide students insightto the latest products, repair tech-niques, and training for HVCA,gas, refrigeration, and other ma-jor appliance repairs.

Edison Academy’s program isthe only one of its kind in FairfaxCounty. Upon graduation, studentshave the choice of entering thework force, continuing their stud-ies at Northern Virginia Commu-nity College’s HVAC&R program inWoodbridge, or going on to a fouryear higher education institutionto study in the field of design andengineering.

For additional information con-tact Robert Stringham, HVAC&Rinstructor, Edison Academy, [email protected] or call703-924-8112.

SoberRide onSt. Patty’s Day

One advantage of celebratingSaint Patrick’s Day in a pedestrianand transit friendly place like Al-exandria is the opportunity to gethome after the party without get-ting behind the wheel.

Now that advantage is availablefor the rest of Northern Virginiaas well. The nonprofit WashingtonRegional Alcohol Program willoperate the St. Patty’s DaySoberRide program, beginning at4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, andcontinue until 4 a.m. the follow-ing day.

This will help keep local roadssafe from impaired drivers duringthis traditionally high-risk holiday.

During this 12-hour period, callthe toll-free SoberRide phonenumber 1–800–200–TAXI for afree cab ride home, up to a $ 50fare.

Last St. Patrick’s Day (2008),218 people used WRAP’sSoberRide service rather than pos-sibly driving home impaired.

Sunday Services8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Heartline Contemporary Service 7:15 p.m.

“Serving God by Serving Others”Visit our website: http://www.messiahumc.org

MessiahUnited Methodist Church

6215 Rolling Rd., Springfield(Near West Springfield High School)

(703) 569-9862

COMMUNITIES OF WORSHIP

Rev. James K. AbernathySenior Pastor

Westwood BaptistChurch

“Caring...Loving...Serving...Welcoming.”Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wed. NightFamily Ministry 5:45 p.m.

703-451-5120www.westwood-baptist.org

8200 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield

Sunday School9:30 am & 11:00 am

To AdvertiseYour Church

Contact

Steve [email protected]

703-917-6463

Now! Thousands of pictures ofsports, graduations, current eventsand more—never published, butposted on the Web. Free forevaluation, available for prints.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Click on “Photo Gallery”


Springfield Connection Assistant Editor Paula Friedrich


Send notes to the Connection [email protected] or call703-917-6459. Deadline is Friday.Dated announcements should be sub-mitted at least two weeks prior to theevent.

THURSDAY/MARCH 12Becky Mode’s “Fully Committed,”

7:30 p.m. at Lake BraddockSecondary, 9200 Burke Lake Road,Burke. 703-426-1070.

John Longbottom, 7:30 p.m. at Kate’sIrish Pub, 6131 Backlick Road,Springfield. 703-866-0860 orwww.katesirishpub.com.

Pirates and Parrots, 1:30 p.m. at theLorton Library, 9520 RichmondHighway, Lorton. Stories, activitiesand a craft. Age 4-5 with adult. 703-339-7385.

Emerald Ash Borer informationsession, 7 p.m. at the KingstowneLibrary, 6500 Landsdowne Centre,Alexandria. 703-339-4610. Thelocation of the session is based on thelocations of the emerald ash borerinfestations found to date, and willfocus on signs and symptoms ofemerald ash borer, how to identify anash tree, treatment options, hiring anarborist or tree care company, theupcoming spring trapping programand the current emerald ash borerquarantine. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/trees.htm

FRIDAY/MARCH 13ArtNotes Concert Series with

Brass 5, 7-9 p.m. in the WorkhouseArts Center’s Gallery W-16, 2nd floor,9517 Workhouse Way, Lorton. Comeearly to explore exhibitions on viewand visit artists working in the studiobuildings. Tickets are $20 in advanceand $25 at the door. 703-584-2900or www.Workhousearts.org.

Becky Mode’s “Fully Committed,”7:30 p.m. at Lake BraddockSecondary, 9200 Burke Lake Road,Burke. 703-426-1070.


Springfield Community Theatrepresents “The Fantastics,” 8p.m. at The New School of NorthernVirginia, 9431 Silver King Court,Fairfax. Tickets $15 adults, $13students and seniors. Forreservations, call [email protected].

Lunch Bunch, 12 p.m. at the JohnMarshall Library, 6209 Rose HillDrive, Alexandria. Bring lunch andjoin us for stories. Birth-5 with adult.703-971-0010.

Messiah United Methodist ChurchGirlfriends Night Out Simplici-“Tea,” 7-9 p.m. at 6215 RollingRoad, Springfield. Bring a box of 24tea bags and a favorite store boughttreat. Some tea will be for tasting,

Hanzel und Gretyl will headline a show with Burn theFields, xuberx, Dark Disolve and Dreams in Fear will atJaxx Night Club in Springfield on Friday, March 13.

To d d l e r s canenjoy Shamrock Magic

on Tuesday, March 17 atthe Lorton Library. Therewill be stories, activitiesand a craft for age 2-3.

Fairfax County will sponsor an Emerald Ash Borer Infor-mation Session at the Kingstowne Library on Thursday,March 12.

Calendar

but everyone will go home with avariety of tea bags. Reserve at 703-569-9862 or [email protected].

Hanzel und Gretyl, Burn theFields, xuberx, Dark Disolveand Dreams in Fear. 7:30 at JaxxNight Club, 6355 Rolling Road,Springfield. $15 in advance, $18 dayof show. 703-569-5940 orjaxxroxx.com.

SATURDAY/MARCH 14Becky Mode’s “Fully Committed,”

7:30 p.m. at Lake BraddockSecondary, 9200 Burke Lake Road,Burke. 703-426-1070.



Stephen Ministries CaringMinistries Workshop, 8:30 a.m.at Sydenstricker United MethodistChurch, 8508 Hooes Road,Springfield. Led by Joel Keen,Stephen Ministries Center, St. Louis,Mo. $15 per person, or $50 for acongregation group of four or more.To register call 314-428-2600 orwww.caringministry.org.

Artist’ Reception for ChelseaOwens’ exhibition Adaptations,2 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center,9601 Ox Road, Lorton.www.chelseaowens.com or 703-584-2900.

Friends Book Sale, 10 a.m. at theKingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.Gems and finds for all readers. 703-339-4610.

VITA Tax Help, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the

Kingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.Adults. 703-339-4610.

Friends of Accotink CreekQuarterly Biological StreamMonitoring, to assess waterquality. 9:30-11:30 a.m. at ByronAvenue Park, and 1-3 p.m. at LakeAccotink Park. New volunteerswelcome, no experience required.www.accotink.org.

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane RescueLeague Meet and Greet, 12-2 p.m.at Felix & Oscar, 6671-A BacklickRoad, Springfield. MAGDRL is at thislocation on the second Saturday ofevery month. 703-866-0222.

Blood Apocalypse, Suffocation,whitechapel, Decrepit Birth,Veil of Maya and more. 1:15 atJaxx Night Club, 6355 Rolling Road,Springfield. $18 in advance, $20 dayof show. 703-569-5940 orjaxxroxx.com.

Adler’s Appetite and Gate1, 10:30p.m. at Jaxx Night Club, 6355 RollingRoad, Springfield. $17 in advance,$20 day of show. 703-569-5940 orjaxxroxx.com.

SUNDAY/MARCH 15Gunston Hall Liberty Lecture

Series, 3 p.m. at Gunston HallPlantation, 10709 Gunston Road,Mason Neck. The Constitution Goesto College: How Constitutional IdeasHave Influenced the Identity ofAmerican Universities, with RodneyA. Smolla, Dean, Washington & LeeSchool of Law. $9 adults, $8 seniors,$5 ages 6-18. Light refreshmentsserved from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Guidedtour included. Register at 703-550-9220. www.gunstonhall.org.

Karaoke, 7:30 p.m. at Kate’s Irish Pub,6131 Backlick Road, Springfield.www.katesirishpub.com.


N-Scale Model Trains at theFairfax Station RailroadMuseum, 1-4 p.m. The NorthernVirginia NTRAK model railroad clubwill be running trains in thecommunity room and the caboose atthe Fairfax Station Railroad Museumat 11200 Fairfax Station Road inFairfax Station. Admission is $2 adultand $1 child. 703-425-9225 orwww.fairfax-station.org.

Exhibition Reception: WorkhouseArtist Associates andWorkhouse Art Guild, 2-5 p.m. inGallery W-16, First Floor, WorkhouseArts Center, 9517 Workhouse Way,Lorton. Free. 703-584-2900 orWorkhouseArts.org.

Hero of the Beach, Dead-EndDropouts, Suck My Conflict,Combat Funk, We Have theSummer, Third Eye Movement,Metrophish, OrangeMarmalade, Back Before Dawnand Borderline. 4:15 p.m. at JaxxNight Club, 6355 Rolling Road,Springfield. $8 in advance, $10 dayof show. 703-569-5940 orjaxxroxx.com.

MONDAY/MARCH 16Open Mic, 7:30 p.m. at Kate’s Irish

Pub, 6131 Backlick Road, Springfield.www.katesirishpub.com.

TUESDAY/MARCH 17St. Patrick’s Day at Kate’s Irish

Pub, 6131 Backlick Road,Springfield. Don Cobert at 11:30a.m., Brook Yoder at 4:30 p.m. andDave Berry at 9 p.m. 703-866-0860or www.katesirishpub.com.

Dogs Say Woof! 10:30 a.m. at theKingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.

Doggie stories and activities. Age 13-23 months with adult. 703-339-4610.

Computer Tutoring, 3:30 p.m. and4:30 p.m. at Burke Centre Library,5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Getone-on-one help with computers,common software applications andnavigating the Internet. Call to signup. Adults. 703-249-1520.

Mother-Daughter Book Group, 7p.m. at the John Marshall Library,6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria.Join us for a lively book discussion.Call for title and to sign up. Age 9-11with adult. 703-971-0010.

Shamrock Magic, 10:30 a.m. at theLorton Library, 9520 RichmondHighway, Lorton. Stories, activitiesand a craft. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-339-7385.

Evening Book Discussion, 7:30 p.m.at the Kingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.“Persuasion” by Jane Austen. Adults.703-339-4610.

Amazing Escapes, 7 p.m. at BurkeCentre Library, 5935 Freds OakRoad, Burke. Join award-winningstoryteller Gary Lloyd for edge-of-the-seat survival stories. Age 12 andup. 703-249-1520.

VITA Tax Help, 6-8 p.m. at theKingstowne Library, 6500Landsdowne Centre, Alexandria.Adults. 703-339-4610.

St. Patrick’s Day Acoustic OpenMic Night with bob Gaynor ofthe Roadducks, 8 p.m. at JaxxNight Club, 6355 Rolling Road,Springfield. No cover charge. 703-569-5940 or jaxxroxx.com.

WEDNESDAY/MARCH 18Needlework Group, 10:30 a.m. at

Burke Centre Library, 5935 FredsOak Road, Burke. Bring a project towork on and enjoy the company offellow needlecrafters. Adults. 703-

249-1520.Small Wonders, 10:30 a.m. at the

John Marshall Library, 6209 RoseHill Drive, Alexandria. Stories,fingerplays and activities. Age 13-23months with adult.

Practice Your English, 10:15 a.m.and 7:30 p.m. at the KingstowneLibrary, 6500 Landsdowne Centre,Alexandria. Conversation group foradults learning English. 703-339-4610.

Lorton Book Club, 7:30 p.m. at theLorton Library, 9520 RichmondHighway, Lorton. “People of theBook” by Geraldine Brooks. Adults.703-339-7385.

Book Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. atthe John Marshall Library, 6209 RoseHill Drive, Alexandria. Call for title.Adults. 703-971-0010.

“Disney’s High School Musical”opens at the Lazy Susan DinnerTheatre, Route 1 at Furnace Road inWoodbridge. The show will runthrough July 12, with matinees onselected dates. Call 703-494-6311 orvisit www.lazysusan.com forshowtimes and ticket prices.

THURSDAY/MARCH 19Dave Berry, 7:30 p.m. at Kate’s Irish

Pub, 6131 Backlick Road, Springfield.703-866-0860 orwww.katesirishpub.com.

Going Green, 10:30 a.m. at BurkeCentre Library, 5935 Freds OakRoad, Burke. Stories, songs, andactivities highlight Ireland. For ages2-5 with adult. 703-249-1520.

Springfield Writers’ Group, 7 p.m.at the temporary Richard ByrdLibrary, 6315 Backlick Road,Springfield, on the second floor ofthe Bank of America building. Shareyour work, give and receive feedbackin a supportive setting. Adults. 703-451-8055.


The Riverwalk, 125 Mill St. Occoquan, VA • 703-492-9383Visit us on the web: www.irishco.com

New itemsarriving

every day

Wishing you aHappy St.

Patrick’s Day!!

Free giftwith this ad !

T-Shirts • Claddagh JewelryAran Sweaters • Waterford Crystal

Guinness MerchandiseWool Capes, Scarves & Hats

Irish Teas & Treats

Come and Try our“New Dinner Entrees”

LUNCHCorned Beef, Cabbage,Carrots and Potatoes$10.95 per person

DinnerCorned Beef, Cabbage,

Carrots, Potatoes and Salad$11.95 per person

R E S T A U R A N TElsie’s Magic SkilletElsie’s Magic SkilletElsie’s Magic Skillet

R E S T A U R A N T8166 Richmond Hwy.

Alex., VA703-360-0220

Elsie’s Magic Skillet

Join Us TuesdayMarch 17

Village MarketplaceOld Town Village, City of Fairfax

Free Parking Garage3955 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030

March 14th, 11 am - 7 pmSt. Patrick’s Day Raffle for $50 gift certificate to

Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & RestaurantSpecial Event: ‘Make Your Own Jewelry’

Check out the other St. Patrick’s Day events in OldTown Fairfax at www.visitfairfax.com

To add your FREE Realtor Open House listing:Springfield/Kingstowne, Burke, Fairfax Station/Laurel Hill

Contact: Steve [email protected]

Chantilly/Oak Hill, Centreville/Clifton, FairfaxContact: Karen Washburn

[email protected] listings due by Monday at 3 p.m.

OPEN HOUSESSAT./SUN. MARCH 14 &15

Call Specific Agents to Confirm Dates & Times.

When you visit one of these Open Houses, tell the Realtor you saw it in this Connection Newspaper. For more real estate listings and open houses, visit www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

and click the Real Estate links on the right side.

8309 CRESTRIDGE ROAD • $1,824,000 • Open Sunday, 1-4 PMLong & Foster, Ann Grainger, 703-503-1870

Clifton12601 CLIFTON HUNT LANE ... $834,900 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Keller Williams ..... Diane Lenahan.............703-283-7328

7701 ROSE GATE CT............$1,150,000 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Keller Williams ..... Diane Lenahan.............703-283-7328

Springfield9028 SCOTT ST ......................$624,950 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Weichert................Kathleen Quintarelli ..... 703-862-8808

7011 LEESVILLE BLVD............$570,000 ..... Mar 15, 12-4 PM..........Global GMAC.........Karina Torres-Ferrer.....703-534-3500

7222 HANSFORD CT...............$695,000 ..... Mar 15, 2-4 PM ........... Long & Foster ....... Carol Greco ................. 703-658-1600

Burke9519 RETRIEVER ROAD..........$599,950 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Weichert................Kathleen Quintarelli ..... 703-862-8808

9813 PULHAM RD .................. $484,900 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... RE/MAX ................ Barbara White-Adkins ..571-339-6014

Fairfax Station11451 QUAILWOOD DRIVE...$1,325,000 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Keller Williams ...... Diane Lenahan.............703-283-7328

8309 CRESTRIDGE ROAD .... $1,824,000 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Long & Foster ....... Ann Grainger ...............703-503-1870

6104 ARRINGTON DRIVE........$749,000 ..... Mar 15, 1-5 PM ........... Weichert................Lena Restivo ............... 703-855-7341

7009 SYLVAN GLEN LA...........$924,900 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Long & Foster ....... Marcia Wolber .............703-618-4397

Kingstowne/Alexandria5306 SANDYFORD ST.............$549,900 ..... Mar 15, 1-4 PM ........... Keller Williams ...... Joe Davis .................... 571-338-4989

3308 FALLEN TREE CT............$645,000 ..... Apr 26, 1-4 PM............Arcadia..................Harriet Johnson...........703-823-9541

Annandale4000 ANCIENT OAK CT ........... $789,000 ..... Mar 15, 12-5 PM..........Weichert................Barbara Chandler.........703-760-8880

3635 KING ARTHUR RD..........$533,370 ..... Mar 14, 12-2 ............... Tranzon Fox...........Jeffrey Stein................703-539-8111

News

Race LocallyFor Global Cure

More than 50,000 people areexpected to raise more than $6million by turning out onto theNational Mall on Saturday, June 6for the Susan G. Komen GlobalRace for the Cure. It marks 20years of the Race for the Cure inWashington, DC, and its advocacyfor those affected by breast can-cer.

At the kickoff for the 2009 Glo-bal Race for the Cure on March 10,Komen announced millions of dol-lars in community grants to localgroups from proceeds of the 2008National Race for the Cure, includ-ing:

Somali Family Care Network –Minority Breast Health AwarenessProject, Fairfax; Inova, Life WithCancer; Alexandria NeighborhoodHealth Services, Inc., Access toBreast Health: Outreach, Educa-tion, Screening and Treatment;Korean Community Service Cen-ter of Greater Washington, TheBreast Cancer Prevention Cam-paign for Asian Americans; BreastCancer Network of Strength – ADay for You; American Associationon Health and Disability, ProjectAccessibility: Removing Barriersfor Women with Disabilities.

Register atwww.globalraceforthecure.org.

MONDAY/MARCH 16Northern Virginia Community

College Board Meeting, 4-6 p.m.in Room 307 at NOVA’s RestonCenter, 1831 Wiehle Ave. in Reston.The agenda includes an update onthe Reston Center by ProvostAnthony Tardd and a briefing on therecent General Assembly session byDel. Chuck Caputo (D-67). Daniel G.LeBlanc, Senior advisor to thegovernor for Workforce, will discussVirginia’s Career Pathways StrategicPlan. NOVA President Robert G.Templin Jr. will report on theimplications of the Commonwealth’seconomic downturn and update theboard on the College’s Achieving theDream initiative. Board meetings areopen to the public. 703-323-3101 [email protected].

Republican Women of CliftonMeeting, 7 p.m. at CliftonElementary, 7010 Clifton Road inClifton. At 7:30 p.m. JuanitaBalenger will speak on ‘IdentityTheft: When Bad Things Happen toYour Good Name.’[email protected].

Bulletin Board

Military Notes

Air National Guard Air-man SmithchaiChutchainon has graduatedfrom basic military training atLackland Air Force Base, SanAntonio, Texas. He is the son ofThipphaphan Chutchainon ofFloyd Ave. in Springfield, and a2000 graduate of Robert E. LeeHigh School.


Sports

Boys’ Player of the YearEdward Jenkins

T.C. Williams

Girls’ Player of the YearTierra Ruffin-Pratt

T.C. Williams

Boys’ Coach of the YearJulian King

T.C. Williams

Second TeamT.J. Wilson — Hayfield

Given Kalipinde — Episcopal

Frank Holloway Jr. — Lee

Stephen Stepka — W.T. Woodson

Chris Kearney — Westfield

Honorable MentionWarren Denny (Centreville)Simon Kilday (Yorktown)Derek Baker (Langley)

Will Clarkson (Madison)Isaac Johnson (Herndon)

Erick Green (Paul VI)Justin May (Chantilly)

Travis Williams (South Lakes)

Girls’ Coach of the YearFred Priester

Oakton

Honorable MentionMelissa Gallo (W.T. Woodson)

LaNia Charity (Yorktown)Danielle Williams (St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes)

Khalia Boston (T.C. Williams)Audrey Dotson (Langley)Sam Partonen (Robinson)

Danielle Landry (Madison)Kelcyn Manurs (South Lakes)

Pho

to

by R

obbie H

am

mer/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Boys’ First TeamSkylar Jones — Mount Vernon 19 ppg 9 rpg 1 bpg

Kendall Marshall — O’Connell 16 ppg 8 apg 7 rpg

Dominic Morra — Lake Braddock 30 ppg 7 rpg 3 spg

Edward Jenkins — T.C. Williams 21 ppg 5 apg 3 rpg

John Manning — Chantilly 13 ppg 10 rpg 3.5 bpg

Girls’ First TeamTierra-Ruffin Pratt — T.C. Williams 18.5 ppg 14.5 rpg 4.5 bpg

Shelby Romine — Westfield 16.5 ppg 4.5 rpg 4 apg

Tracy King — Mount Vernon 19.1 ppg 8.3 rpg 3.4 spg

Myisha Goodwin — Edison 25 ppg 5 apg 7 spg

Erin McGartland — Oakton 11.7 ppg 8.2 rpg 2 apg

Welcome to the 2008-09 All-Connection basketball issue. In this special section, the Connection’s sports department honors the best and brighteston this year’s Northern Virginia hoops scene. For a complete look at this year’s basketball landscape, check out www.connectionnewspapers.com.

Special thanks to Lawrence Foong, Robbie Hammer, Louise Krafft and Craig Sterbutzel.

TEAM

All-ConnectionBasketball Teams

First-team All-Connection boys’ selections include: (from left to right)Skylar Jones (Mount Vernon), Edward Jenkins (T.C. Williams), JohnManning (Chantilly), Dominic Morra (Lake Braddock) and KendallMarshall (O’Connell).

First-team All-Connection girls’ selections include: (from left to right)Shelby Romine (Westfield), Myisha Goodwin (Edison), Tracy King(Mount Vernon), Tierra Ruffin-Pratt (T.C. Williams) and ErinMcGartland (Oakton).

Pho

to

Illustratio

n by R

obbie H

am

mer/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Second TeamSimone Antwi — South County

Sam Landers — West Springfield

Jalinda Venable — Mount Vernon

Priscilla Moseh — Lee

Lauren Burford — Fairfax


Petersburg senior Cadarian Raines, that6-9 starter and a Virginia Tech-recruit,posted three blocks while altering count-less other shots. Du’Vaughn Maxwell, a 6-5reserve for Petersburg, added three moreblocks.

Furthermore, Petersburg held a 30-24edge in rebounds, and held Hayfield to32.4-percent shooting in the second half.

But Rigans, who finished with four pointsand a team-best six assists, denied that therewas anything different in Hayfield’s ap-proach.

“We don’t really look at it like [Raines] is6-9,” Rigans said. “He laces his shoes upjust like I lace mine up.”

“We played just as good as them,” saidHayfield’s Laurent Newsome, who at 6-6was the team’s best defense against Rainesand Maxwell. “I felt that we kind of ran outof gas with the lack of height.”

The loss ended Hayfield’s season-longreclamation project, which helped themavenge a first-round exit from last year’sPatriot District tournament, as well as a six-win season two years ago. This year theHawks were 21-8.

Starting after the region title game onTuesday, March 3, when Hayfield lost forthe third time this season to T.C. Williams,Palmer, 70, began to speak of the team’s“journey” this season, how “we’re gonna getthere, and when we do, we’re going to behandling people of this class,” Palmer said.

IT HAPPENED again following the state-level loss. Palmer has viewed this entirepostseason experience as not only a chanceto play with a bit of the house’s money, butalso as an opportunity to play against someof the state’s most talented teams and insome of the state’s toughest environments.

Both were achieved against Petersburg.Located just outside of Richmond, the SiegelCenter became more of a home game thana neutral site, although teams that win theirregion are often seeded closer to home.

Wilson, who scored eight points and tiedfor the team lead with four steals, didn’t

shy away from the environment. He enjoyedit.

“I like playing in front of a big crowd andI like playing with adversity,” said Wilson,who, along with Newsome, will be lost tograduation. “I like playing when the homecrowd is saying things to us, they’re loudand they outnumber us. A lot of peoplethink it’s tough but I just like it.”

Palmer, who won 19 district titles, eightregion crowns and a state and national titleat Long Beach Polytechnic High School inCalifornia, “played against big people be-fore.” So Palmer installed an offense thathe used with which to frustrate bigger op-ponents.

HAYFIELD STARTED the game execut-ing the stall-to-score offense perfectly andstaying within four or five points until earlyin the fourth quarter, when a series of thun-derous Petersburg dunks brought the crowdto its feet, and gave the Wave the final mar-gin it needed.

“In the fourth quarter we kind of brokedown a little bit and we kinda left the gameplan,” Wilson said. “But I think we still sur-prised a lot of people even though we didn’tget the ‘W.’”

“He laces his shoes upjust like I lace mine up.”— Junior Rayshawn Rigans, Hayfield

Secondary

From Page 3

File Pho

to

Hayfield junior Rayshawn Rigansfinished with four points and ateam-high six assists in a VirginiaAAA quarterfinal round loss toPetersburg last Friday in Rich-mond.

Sports

Petersburg Rolls Over Hawks in States

Williams and then transferred to WestPotomac for two years before finally end-ing up at Lee, said he was always at CoraKelly Recreation Center in Alexandria, andspent time at Charles Houston RecreationCenter as well.

When examining the 10 first-team All-Connection selections, three (LakeBraddock’s Dominic Morra and T.C. Will-iams’ Edward Jenkins and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt) hail from the Patriot. Meanwhile,both Players and one of the two Coaches ofthe Year have Patriot roots.

OF THE FOUR districts that comprisethe Northern Region, the Patriot has the bestwinning percentage this winter at .516 (97-91). The Concorde is second at .503 (77-76), while the Liberty is third at .478 (87-95) and the National is last at .476 (78-86).

West Springfield girls’ basketball coachBill Gibson, who started at the school off ofRolling Road in 1986-87 and has amassedover 500 wins and two state titles in the 23years since, pointed to the continuity at thetop of the district, where no fewer thanthree and often as many as five teams havebeen region stalwarts year after year.

Once a school has been at the top of theheap for years at a time, a tradition is es-tablished, much like the one Gibson hasgoing at West Springfield.

“You develop traditions at schools,” said

Gibson, who has had only onelosing season at West Spring-field, his first one. “Coming here,we developed a tradition thatmeans good basketball andhopefully kids coming in knowthat they’re going to get betterwhen they get here.”

The district has also been ableto bring in high-level coachesfrom the outside. Hayfield’s sec-ond-year coach, 70-year-old RonPalmer, had the Hawks in theVirginia AAA state quarterfinalstwo years after they won a totalof six games.

Furthermore, T.C. Williams’pair of first-year head coaches,girls’ coach Cavanaugh Hagenand boys’ coach Julian King,combined for a 51-9 record be-tween them, with King’s groupwinning its third straight North-ern Region title.

At South County, defensive-minded Chrissy Kelly, who ar-rived at the Lorton school afterwinning state titles in 2004 and2006 at Forest Park High Schoolin Woodbridge, has brought in-stant success to her new em-ployer. The Stallions won 18games this year, three times asmany as they did the year be-fore.

“You have to prepare for every game,”Kelly said. “There’s no nights off. I wouldn’twant to be in any other district because it’s

Patriot District Prevalence at RegionalsPatriot District remains toughest homefor basketball in Northern Region.

By Jason Mackey

The Connection

When the Northern RegionCouncil voted unanimouslylast May to shift the finaltwo rounds of this year’s

region tournament from George Mason Uni-versity to Robinson Secondary School, thebackdrop of one of Fairfax County’s mostenjoyable postseason events changed.

The bulk of the tournament’s participants,however, did not.

In the 2007-08 Northern Region FinalFour, three of the eight boys’ and girls’ teamscame from the Patriot District — secondamong the Concorde (0), Liberty (4) andNational (1). Both champions, the Lee girls’and T.C. Williams boys’ teams, were mem-bers of the Patriot District.

This season, four of the eight Final Foursquads came from the Patriot District, withthe T.C. Williams boys’ team winning itsthird straight region title.

So why the consistent presence amongthose teams in the southern part of FairfaxCounty?

“There’s a rec center on every corner[down south] … you can’t do nothin’ butplay basketball,” said Lee senior FrankHolloway Jr., following his team’s 79-61 lossto T.C. Williams on Saturday, Feb. 28. “Itcan’t do nothin’ but help you get better.”

Holloway, who originally attended T.C.

As Lee’s Deonta Gatlin found out the hardway during the Lancers’ loss to T.C. Will-iams in the Northern Region semifinals,the Patriot District was the most competi-tive district around this past season.

File Pho

to

a district that prepares you every singlenight and if you get a chance to play in thepostseason, I think you’re very prepared forit.”

Springfield Connection Sports Editor Jason Mackey



ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

Metro GutterClean/Install/Repair

• Wood Replace & Wrapping • Pressure Washing• Chimney Sweeping & Repair

20 YEARS EXP.

703-354-4333metrogutter.com

GUTTER GUTTER

GUTTER CLEANING & REPAIRSTownhouses $50

Houses $85Ext. Painting • Power-Washing

LIC 703-323-4671 INS

MR. GUTTER

Group Rates Avail.!

703-802-0483

MOWING, TRIMMING,EDGING, MULCHING

& TRIM HEDGES

PINNACLE SERVICES, INC.LAWN SERVICE

RCL HOME REPAIRSHandyman Services

Springfld • Burke • KingstowneLight Electrical • Plumbing •

Bathroom Renovation • Ceramic Tile • Drywall Repair

703-922-4190LIC. www.rclhomerepairs.com INS.

HANDYMAN HANDYMAN

Brian M. Sperty Remodeling

Kitchens and Baths30% less than Home Store Prices

Class A and Insured

[email protected]

•

NAVA’S HOMEIMPROVEMENTFree Estimates • Good Prices • Expert Job

•Painting•Drywall•Basements

•Kitchens•Bathrooms•Ceramic Tile•Carpentry

•Power Wash•Stain Decks•Additions

[email protected]

Call Today 571-264-8034

R.N. CONTRACTORS, INC.Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, Painting

We Accept All Major Credit CardsLicensed, Insured, Bonded • Free EstimatesPhone: 703-887-3827 Fax: 703-803-3849

E-mail: [email protected]

• Additions •Kitchens• Basements •Comm Offices•Decks •Painting •Drywall•Windows & Wood Repairs703-644-5206 • 703-750-0749

STRONG PACE CONSTRUCTION15 Yrs Class A VA Lic.

Rotten Wood, Wind Damage, Trims,Windows, Doors, Deck, Stairs, Vanity,

Basement Framing, Garbage Disposal,Painting, Power Wash, Siding Repairs.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

703-266-1233

M. C. LynchHome Improvement

Family Owned & Opererated

IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS

H O M E R E M O D E L I N G

Call Steve Paris(703) 830-5681 - 703-932-0270

KITCHENS, BATHS, TILE, TRIM, INT.ALTERATIONS, all HOME REPAIRS!

Steve’s RemodelingLIC. • INS. BONDED OWNER OPERATED

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • FREE ESTIMATES


Experts in all phases ofHome Additions and RepairsPrompt, courteous, and FREE Estimates

Class A Licensed, Bonded and InsuredOver 30 years of local experience

Call: 703-309-7633

SUPERIOR HOME SERVICES“For all your Home Service needs”

A CLEANING SERVICE

Since 1985/Ins & BondedQuality Service at a Fair Price

Satisfaction GuaranteedComm/Res. MD VA DCacleaningserviceinc.com

703-892-8648 LIC INS

Residential & Commercial10% Senior Citizen Discount

703-862-5904 or703-780-6749caremorecleaning.com

CARE_MORECLEANINGSOLUTIONS

CLEANING CLEANING

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Wednesday 11 a.m.

703-917-6464

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • SpringfieldEmploymentEmployment

CUSTOMER SERVICE/

BUSINESS ANALYST

Global Dimension Solutions has imme-diate need for a Customer Service/Busi-ness Analyst. Perfect position for an in-dividual seeking growth potential. We offer a close knit office environment and seek a reliable, customer service oriented individual. Apply for position at: www.equationsmarketsolutions.com or send resume to [email protected]

DEMOCRATIC CANVASERSGet Democrats on the Ballot! Petition signature gatherers needed across Vir-ginia. No experience necessary. Short-term, part-time or full-time. Paid daily!

Call Carl: 571-337-4263.

Enable seniors to live independently in their ownhomes with our non-medical companionship and homecare services. Rewarding P/T days, evenings, weekends,

live-ins, medical benefits offered.Home Instead Senior Care.Call Today: 703-750-6665

COMPANIONS &CNA’s NEEDED

�KENNEL ATTENDANT�Compassionate, PT kennel attendant needed for busy, 4 doctor AAHA cert. animal hosp.

Comp. pay, flex hrs, pd trng and friendly staff. Please call 703-451-1995 or send resume to

[email protected]

LEASING PROFESSIONALSouthern Management is looking for a Multi-Talented, Versatile Leasing Pro-fessional to work at their Annandale, Va. location. This position is a full-time position w/excellent benefits and a com-petitive salary. If you posses excellent customer service, communication skills and strong sales Bilingual w/Korean a plus! Please forward your resume to [email protected] or fax it to 866.277.7391 for immediate considera-tion.

Lifeguards/Pool Operators Now hiring for summer season

Training provided Call: 703-321-7040

www.continentalpools.com

MEDICAL BILLERExperienced medical biller needed.

2-3 yrs experience necessary. Email resume & salary requirements to

[email protected]

MEDICAL OFFICE BOOKKEEPER

Burke. P/T, flex hrs. Exp. req’d. Imme-diate availability. Email resume to:

[email protected].

MEDICAL RECEPTIONISTBusy Chiropractic office in Fairfax seeks P/T Receptionist for Recept/Admin duties. Growth opporty. 20 plus hrs/wk. M, W, F 3-7pm, Thurs 9-5pm, Sat 9-1pm. Fluent English a must. Fax or email resume to:


MYSTERY SHOPPERSMystery Shoppers earn up to $150 a day.

Under cover shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments. Exp. not req’d.

Some Fees may apply. 877-699-9790

Need an Extra $500 - $1000 per mo. to pay Bills ??

Call Sue @ 703-451-5864Email: [email protected]

www.youravon.com/sanderson5864

Immediate Openings. Ideal forstudents/others. Customer

Sales/Svc. Flex Schedules. Allages 18+. Conditions apply.

Call 703-359-7600

PART-TIME OPENINGSGREAT PAY!

SALES EXECUTIVE110K-225K First Year

Potential Income. No travel

888-454-2057

BEST CHILDCARE JOBS!F/T, P/T, On-Call, Top Salaries

No Fees, Must be 21, Legal & DriveReferences Req’d703-838-2100

White House Nannies, Inc

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

NATIONAL CHILDRENS CENTERNo sell! Salary + Bonus + Benefits!

Weekdays 9-4

TELEPHONE

☎☎301-333-1900

A great opportunity toWORK AT HOME!

☎☎

CADTrain for a career in computer-aided design at Westwood College. Call

800-342-2249 today to receive your free Career Success Kit!

www.westwood.edu/locations

CAREER TRAINING

Internships AvailableUnusual opportunity to learn many aspectsof the newspaper business. Internships avail-able in reporting, photography, research,graphics. Opportunities for students, and foradults considering change of career. Unpaid.Call John Lovaas, 703-917-6405 or [email protected]

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • Springfield

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com


A&S Construction

703-863-7465LICENSED

• Basement Finishing• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing


•Patios •Walkways•Retaining Walls

•Drainage Problems•Landscape MakeoversCall: 703-912-6886

Free Estimates

J.E.S ServicesLANDSCAPE & CONSTRUCTION

LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE

Specializing in CustomStone and Brick Walkways, Patios,

& Small and Large RepairsLicensed, Insured

• Free estimates • All work guaranteed •www.motternmasonry.comPhone 703-496-7491

MOTTERN MASONRY DESIGN

MASONRY MASONRY

SPRING SPECIAL10% to 20% OFF All Services

Nuance Painting Inc.Family Owned and Operated

Serving Northern Virginia for Over a DecadeWinner of American Painting Contractors

Residential Top Job AwardResidential and Commercial Services

• Interior and Exterior Painting• Faux Finishing

• Drywall Hanging, Finishing and Repairs• Interior Moldings Crown-Chair Rail-Shadow Boxing

• Exterior Trim Repair/Replacement• Decks cleaned and Sealed

• General Contractor Services• For Evaluation and Consultation Call

703-437-3037Licensed Insured

On the web at www.nuancepainting.comWe Accept

S &A PAINTING& HOME IMPROVEMENT

Interior/Exterior • Custom PaintPower Washing • Deck Sealing

Free Estimates Lowest PricesVA Licensed – Insured

703-495-0594, [email protected]

Mention this ad receive 10% off

PAINTING PAINTING

ELECTRICAL

DISCOUNT ELECTRICMar/Apr Discount

$48/HR.✓Free Estimates ✓Licensed✓Bonded ✓Insured

703-978-2813Cell 703-851-8091

GUTTER

PINNACLE SERVICES,

703-802-0483GROUP RATES

AVAILABLEFREE EST

•GUTTER CLEANING•SMALL REPAIRS•SCREENING•POWERWASHING

HANDYMAN

SPRINGFIELD

HANDYMAN

��Small Home

Repairs

��Good Rates

��Experienced

703-971-2164

HAULING

Construction Debris,Residential, Office

& Tree Removal

ANGEL’S TRASH HAULING

703-863-1086New#- 571-312-7227

AL’S HAULINGJunk & RubbishConcrete, furn.,office,

yard, construction debrisLow Rates NOVA

703-360-4364

IMPROVEMENTS

We Accept VISA/MC

703-441-8811

HOME INSPECTION LISTREPAIRS, CERAMIC TILE,PAINTING, DRYWALL,CARPENTRY, CUSTOMWOOD REPAIR, LT. PLUMBING &ELECTRICAL, POWER WASHING

Since 1964

TheHANDYMANA DIVISION OF NURSE CONSTRUCTION

LANDSCAPING

Yard Work, Trees & ShrubsTrimmed/Removed!Mulching, Hauling,Gutter Cleaning, etc.Free estimates!703-385-3338

SPRINGCLEAN-UP

703-863-7465

A&SLANDSCAPING

Spring Clean-up•PlantingMulching • Sodding • Patios

Decks • Retaining WallsDrainage Solutions

•Mulch•Clean-up Grounds

•Leaf Removal

ANGEL’STREE & HEAVY

TRASH HAULING

703-863-1086New#- 571-312-7227

MASONRY

JDF Masonry CO, LLC703-283-9479703-455-0319

◆Bricks ◆Blocks, ◆Flagstone ◆Concrete

◆Retaining WallsFree Est. Lic & Ins.

Affordable Prices

PAINTING

www.Patriot Painting.net

Deep WinterDiscounts

Free Est. • Satisfaction Guar.!Lic./Ins. Int./Ext.

703-502-7840Cell

571-283-4883

PAVING

GOLDY BRICK CONSTRUCTIONWalkways, Patios,

Driveways, Flagstone, Concrete

FREE ESTIMATE

703-250-6231

ROOFING

Roofing & Siding(All Types)

Soffit & Fascia WrappingNew Gutters

Chimney CrownsLeaks RepairedNo job too small

703-975-2375

TREE SERVICE

•Mulch•Clean-up Grounds

•Leaf Removal

ANGEL’STREE & HEAVY

TRASH HAULING

703-863-1086New#- 571-312-7227

PAINTING PAINTING


The futurecomes one day

at a time.-Dean Acheson

Light tomorrowwith today!.

-Elizabeth Barret Browing

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • SpringfieldClassifiedClassified

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements

21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements

3 RE for Rent

For Rent: $ 1,850/mo. Call 202-352-7327.

Gorgeous two bedroom suite, 3 1⁄2 level townhouse Burke, VA. . Short walking dist. to metrobus & share-a-ride lot. Family room with gas fire place and secluded walkout patio to large hot tub. One-car garage. Large deck w/ wooded view - off second level gour-met kitchen and dining area. Large living room and sepa-rate dining also on second lev-el. Entire third level two large master bedroom suites. 2 full/2half baths. Large loft on 3 1⁄2 level. Partially furnished - kitchen, dining room and deck furniture. Available immedi-ately. Cable. N/S, no pets.

26 Antiques

We consign/pay top $ for antique/semi antique furn.

including mid century & danish modern Teak

furniture, sterling, mens watches, painting/art glass,

clocks, jewelry, costume jewelry, etc. Call Schefer

Antiques @ 703-241-0790.

29 Misc. for Sale

Antique Mahogany Buffet completely refinished, perfect condition $600, Antique Wal-nut Ladies Rocker with inlay detail and cane seat & back completely refinished $125, Antique Wicker Baby Buggy late 1800's perfect condition, completely refinished, has new lining excellent shape $250, Antique Maple Child's Bed English late 1800's, all legs and guard rails are turned, very unique piece, completely refinished and perfect condi-tion $1500. Please call or email me for photos & info 703-868-1461 or [email protected]

30 Misc. Wanted

Buying Vintage SportcardsCall Ken @ 703-919-6826

101 Computers

HDIEASY COMPUTER SOLUTIONS

FOR INDIVIDUALS& SMALL BUSINESSES

JENNIFER O. SMITHCOMPUTER CONSULTANT

[email protected]

➣ TRAINING

➣ INSTALLATION

➣ TROUBLE-SHOOTING

➣ LET US TAME THATBEAST FOR YOU

(703) 765-2222Serving Area Since 1995

102 Instruction

Tutoring by experienced tutor

available weekdays/weekends, Math,

Geometry, Algebra, and Reading for Elementary, Jr.and Sr. High, in my home in

the Mt. Vernon area.References available.

Homeschoolers welcome.$35/hour. Call Ann

703-360-3363.

116 Childcare Avail.

BURKE Childcare avail in my home,OFC Lic, FT & PT, days,

evenings, Back-up care & special needs children

welcome. Large yard for lots of fun! 703-569-8056

Judy’s Family Childcare

Childcare with price rate fixed. Special needs welcome 30 yrs exp.

State lic. 16 yrs. Curriculum based,

Low turnover/low ratio 2 teachers w/degrees

Age appr activtiesages 1-4

703-802-1632

Great Papers • Great ReadersGreat Results!

Employers:Are yourrecruiting adsnot working inother papers?

Try a better way to fill your employment openings

703-917-6464Fax 703-917-0992


• Target your best jobcandidates wherethey live.

• Reach readers inaddition to thosewho are currentlylooking for a job.

• Proven readership.

• Proven results.

Rockville

Potomac

BethesdaChevyChase

NorthPotomac

Washington,D.C.

Cascades

Herndon

RestonDullesAirport

Chantilly

GreatFalls

ViennaOakton

Arlington

McLean

AshburnSterling

SouthRiding

1

4

HistoricClifton

Fairfax

FairfaxStation

Burke

Springfield

2

6

5

3

Lansdowne

NorthClifton

Centreville

LaurelHill

Zone 2 Ad Deadline:

Tuesday Noon

703-917-6400

Zone 2: • Burke

• Fairfax • Springfield

Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com


Real Estate

By Amber Healy

The Connection

Reggie Marston knows a thing ortwo about homes. For more than20 years, he’s been working inthe housing industry, first as a

builder, then a contractor and now as ahousing inspector. As a result, he knows thetricks of the trade, both good and bad, andnow he wants to use his knowledge to helpprepare homeowners and new buyers alike.

Marston, a Springfield resident, was theoriginal “House Detective” on cable’s HGTV,a program that showed him leading pro-spective buyers through an inspection in thehome of their dreams. Sometimes, thedream house was just as it seemed; othertimes, it was more like a nightmare.

Now, Marston is using his expertise tohelp homeowners, both new and old,through a “radio onTV” show on FairfaxCounty Public Ac-cess cable. Theshow, “The HouseP.I.,” airs on FairfaxPublic Access onWednesday after-noons from 2-3 p.m.on Cox Digital Cableand Verizon FiOSchannel 37 andComcast channel 27in Reston. The showis also broadcast onthe cable channels’Web site, www.fcac.org/webr.

“We started the show in January,” saidMarston. Initially, he planned to put theshow on TV and then have a radio call-inshow, in which viewers could phone in ques-tions about what had been presented dur-ing the TV show earlier in the week. Instead,he’s been broadcasting on the local publicaccess network with the hopes of startingthe call-in show soon.

Unlike most housing related shows,Marston wants his to be more informationalthan instructional. To that end, his guestshave been a range of professionals, includ-ing a fellow inspector, a professionalplumber and someone who specializes infinding lead, asbestos and other harmfulmaterials in houses.

“In my experience, homeowners typicallyhave very little concept of the house itself”when they’re looking to purchase, Marstonsaid. “Most purchasers don’t understandinspections at all, and during the housingboom a few years ago, so many realtorswere getting multiple bids, so told the pro-spective buyers an inspection wasn’t neces-sary.”

Newer homes can have just as many faultsand weaknesses as older homes, he said.When the market was hot, homes were be-

Reggie Marston

Do

nated Pho

to

Do It Smart, Not Do It YourselfNew show helps homeowners make educatedpurchases, hire qualified contractors.

“Little problems, whichare relatively easy torepair, become majordisasters when leftunchecked.”— Jim Funkhouser, Northern Virginia

Chapter of the American Societyof Home Inspectors

More“The House P.I.” radio show can be heard

every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. on the FairfaxPublic Access Web site, www.fcac.org/webr.The radio show is simulcast on Cox Digital andVerizon FIOS, television channel 37, Comcasttelevision channel 27. To ask questions, call703 560-8255 or send an e-mail to the HouseP. I. at [email protected].

ing built so quickly, it’s possible that con-tractors may have taken some shortcuts inorder to meet their orders.

“Since I know both sides, as a builder andan inspector, I know all the tricks,” Marstonsaid. “I probably tried to get away with afew of them when I was a builder, so I knowwhat to look for.”

ANYONE LOOKING to buy a home now,whether it’s a new or old home, their firstpurchase or their third, would benefit fromhaving a Realtor, an insurance company andan inspector in their corner, Marston ad-vises, in order to get the full checklist ofpossible problems before their dreams be-come nightmares.

For example, a good plumber would knowto look for polybutylene plumbing, a kindof piping that was popular in the 1970sthrough early 1990s but was problematic

and easily causedleaks. A class-actionlawsuit replacedpipes in somehomes, but as ofearlier this year,any pipes that leaknow are solely theresponsibility of thehomeowner andmost insurancecompanies won’tcover damages be-cause polybutylenepipes are a “knownproblem,” Marston

said.“Most Realtors and home inspectors

would agree that polybutylene plumbing issomething that needs to be addressedsooner rather than later simply becauseeventually the system will indeed haveproblems,” said John Griffith of PlumbingExpress.

The bad pipes “aren’t necessarily a dealkiller, because in fact there is a quick andsimple way to replace the piping such thatthe home actually improves in overallvalue,” he said. “A motivated seller will, inmost cases, work with qualified buyers tonegotiate some, if not all, of the associatedcosts out of the sale price.”

The homeowner can replace the pipes ifhe or she has the necessary experience ortraining, but Griffith suggests using a con-tractor to ensure the job is done — and paidfor — once.

“The toughest things about repairingpolybutylene is that when you temporarilyrepair one section of piping, you take therisk of agitating a completely different sec-tion of the system, which simply meansmore time and money will be spent repair-ing more leaks,” he said.

When looking for a professional plumber,Griffith recommends some basic tips, in-

cluding telling the homeowners to trusttheir instincts. He also recommends thehomeowner look into the background of thecompany they’re considering to see if thereare any criminal complaints against thecompany; asking for references and realiz-ing if a company seems to good to be true,it probably is.

As for taking the time to appear onMarston’s show, Griffith said it’s a servicefor the community.

“I truly think that the premise of provid-ing information instead of instruction is thebest way to present a show dedicated to is-sues surrounding the home inspection pro-cess,” he said. “By providing informationrather than instruction, the show can re-main a third party, a true private inspectorfor the people rather than a promoter ofproducts or services. Listeners can be at easein knowing that they’re only going to get afull range of information that they can thenact on in whatever way they feel is appro-priate. … I agreed to be on the show be-cause I saw a genuine opportunity to helppeople faced with the troubling issues ofdefective plumbing (and) I’d gladly be aguest in the future.”

While lead paint and asbestos were out-lawed after they were found to be hazard-ous to people’s health, some older homesmight still have those materials in theirwalls, ceilings and cabinets.

Older homes are still more likely to havethese products, but as a parent himself, FredHeppner of Heppner and Associates andchair of the Virginia Board of Asbestos, Leadand Home Inspectors, would still be waryof painted toys or household products thatare imported, especially for young children,and some newer homes still use productsthat contain asbestos.

“There are over 600 products made to-day with asbestos-containing materials butthey are not easily released into the envi-ronment,” Heppner said. “Older homes hadmany products that contained asbestos fi-

bers that would be released and were usedin vinyl floor backings, drywall mud andflooring adhesives as well as insulatingproducts like paper duct wrap, pipe insula-tion and attic insulation.”

The best, and possibly only way, to suc-cessfully remove asbestos is to hire a pro-fessional, Heppner said.

“Most of my work as a home inspector isworking with buyers of new or existinghouses and condos,” he said. “Occasionally,a seller will contact me to inspect theirhouse before they put it on the market. Theyare not necessarily planning to fix things,they just want to know what is wrong, whatanother home inspector might say and ap-proximately how much the repairs mightcost. Standards language in a real estatecontract has the seller agreeing to have allelectric, plumbing, heating, air condition-ing and appliances delivered in ‘normalworking order.’”

While Heppner mostly finds suspectedmaterials in older homes, he admits thathe can find problems in newer homes, es-pecially “if the buyer did not have a homeinspection when the house was built. Asgood as our local building inspectors are— and they are some of the best around —they are not spending the three or morehours in the house that a home inspectorwould.”

While some potential buyers might betempted by offers of a free evaluation bythe contractor building the home, thatevaluation might end up costing a lot morein the long run, said Jim Funkhouser, presi-dent of the Northern Virginia Chapter of theAmerican Society of Home Inspectors andpresident of the board of directors for theExamination Board of Professional HomeInspectors.

“The downside to that way of thinking isthat the home inspector isn’t trying to sellthe homeowner anything and can prioritizerepairs and be available to help the home-owner sort through work proposals,”Funkhouser said.

Like the other experts, Funkhouser ap-plauds Marston for his intentions with theshow. “The more aware you are about theneeds of a house and the potential pitfallsof home buying, the better off you are tohave a satisfying, safe outcome with yourhome.”

Marston hopes people will begin to watchthe show and take the advice given to heart.“Based on the information I provide, it’s upto the potential buyer to make the rationaldecision to go through with the purchaseor find another house.”



703-425-8000# 1 in Virginia

PRICEREDUCED!!

$159,0003 BR/3 BA condo atBRYCE RESORTperfect for vacationor rental home.Open floor planleads to large deckwith beautiful year

round views. Immediate occupancy! LESS THAN A 2 HOURDRIVE FROM METRO D.C. Call the Holleman Team todayto view this great community in the heart of ShenandoahCounty!!

Clifton/FrostyMeadows $899,900Great New Price!

Charming Colonialwith Swimming Poolin serene setting on 5acres! Total privacyyet very close toHistoric town ofClifton. 5BR, 4BA, 3

fireplaces. All new Kitchen with Granite counters andupgraded appliances. Fully finished walkout lower level with5th bedroom/den, full bath, & rec. room.

See this property at www.CliftonMLS.com.

LISTING YOUR HOME? CALL LONG AND FOSTER’S #1 OFFICE!Call Dale Gabardy at 703-425-8000 • Email: [email protected]

Buzz & CourtneyJordanYour Local Father/Daughter Team!


CALL JUDY SEMLER703-503-1885

[email protected]

David Billups &Virginia Clark-BillupsAssociate Brokers, LifetimeNVAR Top Producers703-690-1795BillupsTeam.com

Barbara Nowak& Gerry Staudte“My Virginia Home Team”703-503-1802, 703-503-1894gerry.staudte@longandfoster.comwww.MyVirginiaHomeTeam.com

Steve Childress“Experience…with

Innovation!”Life Member NVAR TopProducer

Buyer Broker since 1973!703-981-3277

The Holleman TeamSpecializing in Bryce

Mountain Resort(703) 503-1813

ANN & HAL GRAINGER, CRSAssoc. Broker, 31+ Years of RE Experience

Top 1% Nationwide – Lifetime Member NVAR Top Producer

[email protected]

Springfield $544,777Gorgeous colonial backing to parkland. 3 finished levels, woodfloors, updated kitchen & baths, walkout rec room with wetbar, large deck with hot tub. Outstanding location near shop-ping, restaurants & schools.

Call Judy to visit 703-503-1885.

Burke Centre $1600Beautiful 3BR/2BA with one car garage. Recently replacedcarpet and fresh paint. Living room/dining room on mainlevel. Fully finished basement with fireplace , walk out to deckand wooded backyard. Washer and dryer in property.

Call Laura for a private showing. 703-380-8993

Fairfax Station$1,824,000TimelessElegance!

Quality customhome built inJeffersonian archi-tectural style &design, on beauti-

ful 5 acre parcel. 5 BR, 5.5 BA, 3 car gar. Heated poolw/flagstone patio. Australian cypress hdwd flrs., Italian gran-ite kitchen counters, Kolbe windows, Schoenbek chandeliers.Everything top of the line!

See this property at www.GraingerTeam.com.

Springfield $639,500Convenient to Metro

This 4 BR, 2.5 BA Colonial features gourmet Kit w/ WorkIsland, 5-burner gas cook top, dbl wall oven & granite count-ers. First floor hardwoods, large MBR w/luxury MBA & 2 W/Iclosets, and much more!

BURKE CENTRE$324,850

BEAUTIFULLYRE-MODELED!

LEASE/PURCHASEPLAN AVAILABLE

Shows like a model home! 4BRs, 2.5 BAs! Contemporarystyle TH style home w/ NEW

Dishwasher, NEW HARDWOOD FLOORS on main level, NEW w/w car-pet on upper level, NEW paint throughout! LARGE WOOD DECK w/Storage shed, ICEMAKER Refrigerator, NEW dishwasher, window treat-ments, washer/dryer, and MORE! Robinson HS District. Close to allamenities. Quick Possession is OK & OWC Rental!

Call Steve Childress NOW at 703-981-3277.

Springfieldmid $300K’s

This 5 bd/3ba housein Monticello Woodsis HUGE and idealfor a large family.Two large additions,plus a garage, with acountry kitchen,

beamed ceilings, rec room and family room and a den. Also has alarge covered patio and deck. Walk to Springboard pool, park,schools and just a 3 minute drive to the metro station. A greathome, at a great price in a great community.

Call Catie, Steve & Associates today to see. 703-278-9313

Catie & SteveDirect: 703-278-9313

Cell: 703-362-2591NVAR Top Producers

Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club

BETTY BARTHLE703-425-4466OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCEe-mail: [email protected]: www.bettybarthle.com

Woodbridge $949,900Absolutely Stunning!

4BR, 4.5BA home on 5-acre cul-de-sac lot! Gourmet kitchen,bonus sunroom, new screened-in porch, finished rec room, andmuch more!For 24-hour recorded information, call 1-888-495-6207 x 233

Waterford, VA $799,000Stunning colonial 4 yrs old- 4 bdrms – 3 1/2 baths - 3 cargarage - 2 story FR & foyer - den - sunrm - MBR sitting room.Gorgeous mountain & wooded views!

Ron & Susan AssociatesRon Kowalski & Susan BorrelliMake the Right Move1-888-495-6207ronandsusanonline.com

Laura Baranek703-380-8993Working For You!

Springfield $385,000Colonial with 3 finished levels backing to woods. 4 bedrooms,2.5 baths, hardwood floors, deck, 2 car garage.

Call Judy to visit at 703-503-1885.

Alexandria $519,900Lake Devereux

Lakefront Community! Close to Metro! Remodeled home onlarge fenced yard! New kit with rich cherry cabinets, granite& SS! Huge 2 car garage! BR, 3 updated BAs!

David Billups 703-690-1795

CYNDEE JULIANJIM WHITFIELD and

[email protected]

Success Built on Trust through Excellent Service!

Fairfax Station $640,000COMING SOON!

Updated Colonial on 1/2 acre. New kitchen with granite,new paint throughout, updated carpeting makes this awonderful choice.

Associate Broker, Certified AppraiserPat Rehill

703-503-1993

Kinder Saund

703-278-8885

Bilingual Realtor & Green Ambassador

Centreville $259,900“Pottery Barn” BEAUTIFUL End Unit on quietcul de sac backing to parkland! Open floor planincl sunny eat-in kitchen, sep Dining area & spa-cious LR w/ French door leading to large, privatedeck. Finished LL Rec Rm features fireplc, amplestorage & w/o to fenced, landscaped yard. Updatedand Fabulous!

Call Cyndee at 703-503-1830

Open Sunday 1-4

FOR R

ENT

Fairfax City $399,900LOCATION

4 fin levels/4 bedrooms/1.5 bathsNew windows & doors/new carpet/

Refinished Hrdwd floors/gas heat & Water*Close to GMU & Fairfax City

* Nice corner lot*Vacant and ready to go*Call for an appointment to see*

Buzz Jordan 703-503-1866

COM

ING

SOON!

[email protected]

OPEN

SUN. 1-4

Documents

Springfield2 Springfield Connection March 12-18, 2009 BURKE TOWN PLAZA CVS Virginia ABC Time for the Wearin’ o’ the Green MERCHANT OF THE MONTH 703-455-3100 9562 Old Keene Mill