Friday, October 28
Patriotic Musical Salutes to America’s Veterans
Veterans Day weekend at Center for the Arts.
“Many young adults now do not grow up with the music of Duke Ellington so it is incredibly gratifying to watch them develop, both musically and emotionally, when they make a connection with ‘Jazz’ and its significance within American history,” said Darden Purcell, Director of Jazz Studies, George Mason University.
Red Cross Seeks Blood Donors
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.
Attracting New Businesses, Improving the Economy
City of Fairfax establishes Technology Zone
The City Council has now established a citywide Technology Zone. Board Co-Chair Fred Cornett said, “Most cities of our size in Northern Virginia have Technology Zones – there are 40 total in the commonwealth. So to level the playing field, it would be beneficial to us to have a Technology Zone Ordinance to at least have what everybody else has in their tool kit.”
Fairfax Rotary Club Celebrates 85 Years
Serves people at home and abroad
“It’s about the Rotary motto, ‘Service above Self,’” explained Tuininga. “We also donate financially to the Boys and Girls Scouts programs and to the Fairfax Police Youth scholarship.” The Rotary Club of Fairfax had just 16 members when it was chartered in 1931 by local businessmen and community leaders. Today, it’s 75 members strong, has a long history of service to the City and just celebrated its 85th anniversary.
Having Adventures, Finding Family
Fairfax students are in ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’
When 10-year-old James loses his parents, he has to live with his two mean aunts. But things get better when he discovers a magic potion that grows a gigantic peach. Alliance Theatre’s upcoming musical, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” is about courage and self-discovery.
Fairfax Challenger Little League Celebrates Trunk-r-Treat
On Oct. 23, Frankenstein’s monster stepped up to the plate in Fairfax. Around 125 players, siblings and player buddies in costume participated in two baseball games as part of the Fairfax Challenger League’s Trunk-r-Treat event at Chilcot Field in Fairfax.
Thursday, October 27
Burke: Firefighters Extinguish Burning Tractor Trailer
Firefighters from Battalions 7, 5 and 4 helped extinguish a burning tractor trailer in the 8900 block of Burke Lake Road on Saturday, Oct. 22, a release from Fairfax County Fire & Rescue said.
Fairfax County: Breaking Down the Bonds
County seeks authorization to finance transportation and parks projects, and human services and community development facilities
Fairfax County will try to make the most of voters’ time on election day Nov. 8, having them weigh in not only on the Presidential and Congressional elections, but also proposed Constitutional amendments, a referendum and bond questions.
Fairfax County: Garza FCPS Departure Impacts Stuart Name Change Working Group
Responding to a student-led group petitioning to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, the Fairfax County Public Schools board voted over the summer to create a working group that would consider the community concerns and look into the logistics of a potential name change.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Service
30th Annual Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Caregivers Conference, Friday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The conference "Gems: A Treasure Chest of Ideas" will have speakers and resources on topics important to caregivers. The $30 fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, and certificate of attendance.
Week in McLean
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Reston P&Z Committee Meeting - From Informational to Inflamed
Planning Procedures Under Scrutiny
Things got a bit heated at the October meeting of the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee on Monday, Oct. 17. “We urge the applicant to inform the public and get input from the very beginning of the process,” said Regina Coyle.
Accepting the Outcome
Commentary
Even though I literally wore holes in the soles of my shoes campaigning door to door, covering the equivalent of five districts in a person-to-person campaign was impossible. I congratulated the winners and kept on working.
Three Reston Residents Appointed to RCC Board
Beverly Cosham, Michelle A. Moyer and Paul D. Thomas elected in Preference Poll.
At the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins requested and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved appointment of three Reston residents to the nine-member Reston Community Center Board of Governors.
Wednesday, October 26
Classified Advertising October 26, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Supervisors to Vote on Civilian Review Panel Dec. 6.
Draft item discussed at Oct. 25 Public Safety Committee.
By its Dec. 6 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors should have the opportunity to vote on creating a Civilian Review Panel for police oversight, a first in Fairfax. The independent panel was one of the more controversial of the 142 recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission created by board chairman Sharon Bulova in 2015. The civilian review panel would “review completed police internal administrative investigations of civilian complaints concerning allegations of abuse of authority and serious misconduct,” according to the draft action item.
Tuesday, October 25
Race Tightens in Heated 10th District
Comstock, Bennett crisscross Northern Virginia in all-out effort to reach key voters.
In the final, frantic days of the one of the most unpredictable and unprecedented elections in modern history, both candidates spent the blustery fall weekend crisscrossing the sprawling, diverse 10th district - meeting residents, rallying volunteers and campaigning hard for voters’ support.
Gary Ambrose Receives Hero's Award from Virginia Association of Community Service Boards
The Virginia Association of Community Service Boards (CSB) presented Fairfax County’s Gary Ambrose, chairman of the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB's Board of Directors, with the 2016 Gartlan Award. The VACSB award honors "heroes who give of their time and energy to steward long-reaching and timeless improvements in the public system and who share the leadership qualities exemplified by Senator Joseph Gartlan." Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. (1925-2008), served in the Virginia Senate for 28 years.
Reject the Meals Tax
“A closer look at school spending shows the intentions of the School Board are to delve into more political correctness and social engineering.”
A “no” vote will send a message to the county Board of Supervisors that higher taxes should not be routine, and that county leaders must focus on better management, and more importantly, the School Board, more efficiency, and greater respect for taxpayers.
Bulova: Vote Yes
A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.
Six Area Students Named Regional Finalists in Siemens Competition
Six students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have been named regional finalists in the 2016 Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology. The Siemens Competition is the nation’s premier research competition for high school students and is administered by Discovery Education.
Friday, October 21
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Northern Virginia Players Present ‘Annie Jr.’
Northern Virginia Players will present their Fall 2016 musical, “Annie Jr.” Based on the popular comic strip, “Annie” tells of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan.
Making Our Vote Count
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Although more than a century has passed since then-President Abraham Lincoln famously uttered these words, they still hold true in today’s world. By simply checking a box or clicking a button, a single vote can do something instantly that would take any amount of ammunition years to accomplish—defending and upholding the blessings of liberty.
Thursday, October 20
Fairfax: Four People Share Their Own Stories
They tell how the Lamb Center changed their lives.
During the Lamb Center’s banquet last week, the center’s assistant director, Patti Brown, said the guests inspire her every day. Four of them then shared their stories with those attending the event.
Fairfax: ‘A Place Where Hope Is Restored’
Community celebrates the Lamb Center’s blessings.
Each year, the Lamb Center in Fairfax holds a celebration banquet to acknowledge and appreciate its many blessings. This year, more than ever, it has a great deal to celebrate, and it did so last Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks.
Fairfax: Less Known Part of Poet’s Life
Robert Frost’s granddaughter shares the story with Fairfax audience.
The granddaughter of Robert Frost, probably the favorite American poet of the twentieth century, believes that most biographies ignore an important part of his life, and in her new book, “You Come Too: My Journey with Robert Frost,” Dr. Lesley Lee Francis tries to fill this gap with information about the enormous influence several women had on his work and success.
Fairfax: Revolutionizing Education
Local company, scientists address the demand for more computer-science education across K-12 and universities.
The Washington Business Journal recognized Scriyb, LCC as the Best Innovation of 2016; a great stepping stone for a local company with a lot of promise.
Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT
Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains
On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.
Friday, October 14
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Reston Letter: Connolly: Competent, Caring, Accessible
Letter to the Editor
As the headlines on the devastating impacts of climate change in our country and worldwide are hitting the media, we wonder whether our legislators are doing enough to address this issue. It is comforting to know that we have such a champion in our Congressman Gerald Connolly. Here are some of Gerry's environmental activities:
Helping Prevent Domestic Violence
With the help of the community, domestic violence is no longer the leading cause of homicide in Fairfax County.
Inova’s Knox Singleton Receives Community Leadership Award
J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, was recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award. The longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia, it was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Raise the Region Gala on Oct. 7, 2016 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
Fairfax: ‘It’s a Place that Feels Like Home’
Cobbdale Assisted Living opens in Fairfax.
Cobbdale Assisted Living opened Sept. 1 in the City of Fairfax. But instead of being in an industrial-looking facility, it’s in a renovated home in a quiet, established, residential neighborhood.
Clifton Primitive Baptist Church Re-Opens on Clifton Day
Oldest African American church in Fairfax County had been closed a decade.
Chuck Rusnak of Clifton stood in the middle of the Clifton Primitive Baptist Church, on all-original wooden floors laid in 1871 for an All-African American Church built on land donated by an emancipated slave.
Fairfax County: Lockard Named Interim Superintendent
Dr. Steven Lockard will take over for Dr. Karen Garza as Fairfax County Schools superintendent for the interim period while the School Board searches for her replacement.
Fairfax Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 95 Fairfax homes sold between $1,245,000-$156,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: September, 2016
Wednesday, October 12
Classified Advertising October 12, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, October 7
From the Beginning to the End
982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.
Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.
Seminars on Downsizing
The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.
Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax
League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer
Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.
Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options
Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.
Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.
Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens
Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.
Thursday, October 6
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.
Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke helps seniors age in place with free rides program
It was the first time Fairfax residents Marilyn Hanick and her husband Robert ever asked for any help. She can drive herself to doctor’s appointments at her Fair Oaks area hospital, but for the couple to get Robert to Tysons Corner for appointments for eye injections, his back and hearing problems make it much more difficult.
Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Fairfax: Three Properties Are Recognized
Homeowners receive Residential Appearance Awards.
When it comes to homes, looks count – and three properties in the City of Fairfax were recently honored with Residential Appearance Awards. They were presented during the Sept. 13 City Council meeting by Kirk Holley, chairman of the Community Appearance Committee.
Fairfax Fall Festival is Saturday, Oct. 8
Promises entertainment and fun for all ages.
The City of Fairfax is the place to be this Saturday, Oct. 8, for the 40th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. (Rain date, Oct. 9). Admission is free and the live music will continue after dark. Vendors will be there from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the carnival runs until 8 p.m. and musicians will jam in Old Town Square until 8:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax Honors Skeins
Names basketball court in Ratcliffe Park in his memory.
Harold Skeins was 78, but he was a fixture at Ratcliffe Park, happy to play basketball there as often as he could. His three-point shot was legendary, and he could hold his own with players young enough to be his grandchildren.
City of Fairfax Police Target Distracted Driving In October
“Avoid Distraction! Keep Your Eyes On The Action” is advise the City of Fairfax Police Department is giving to motorists in preparation for a directed enforcement campaign targeting distracted driving offenses during the month of October 2016.
Fairfax Letter: Mason Student Senate Opposes Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
Earlier this month, the 37th Student Senate of George Mason University voted to stand with members of the Fairfax community in opposition to the meals tax referendum, which will appear on the November ballot.
Fairfax: Dedicated Parking Spaces for Purple Heart Recipients
Peterson Companies has partnered with Wounded Warriors Family Support, a national non-profit veterans’ organization headquartered in Omaha, Neb., and are implementing the organization’s national parking program (Combat Wounded) at several of their shopping centers throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. Wounded Warriors Family Support (not affiliated with Wounded Warriors) was founded by Col. John Folsom, USMCR who spent 29 years in commissioned service including his deployment to Iraq.
Fairfax High Holds Homecoming Parade
Fairfax High's Homecoming Parade was held Friday, Sept. 30.
See more Fairfax High homecoming parade photos on Facebook.