National Park Service Shutters Mount Vernon Trail Amid Budget Crisis
Parts of trail are barricaded;; parking lots closed/ Park Service Police issue parking tickets.
Woody Guthrie observed "This Land is Your Land." But that apparently does not apply to federal land during a government shutdown.
Pups and Pilsners Beer Festival To Return
Pups and Pilsners Is Coming Back!
Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Burke?
Interviews conducted by Steve Hibbard at the Pohick Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Burke.
“There is the Burke Lake Park where I go to play volleyball with friends. There’s Kingstowne for shopping and the movie theater.”
Insiders’ Tips: Things to Know About Lee District
Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee District) offered the following Insiders’ Tips on his district.
Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Springfield?
“We came for the schools initially. The commute to the Pentagon is very convenient. I like the art guilds in Alexandria and Springfield. The swim club was nice. Folks are decent out here. There hasn’t been a radical change. It’s very stable.”
Top Five Issues in the Springfield District
Traffic congestion, especially on I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway: I-66 is one of the major reasons the D.C. area was recently ranked first in worst places to commute by Texas A&M University. I have been working with other local and state leaders to move forward solutions including an Express Lanes-like solution that we can accomplish quickly and provide relief as well as transit choices. The Fairfax County Parkway is one of the county’s “main streets” and will see interstate level traffic by 2030. We have been successful with some short-term solutions, converting it to a primary road and last month at my request, the board asked VDOT to commission a “Corridor Improvement Study” to assess solutions to the road’s growing congestion problems. In addition, as we develop throughout the county we need to make sure we focus developers’ contributions into transportation.
Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Clifton?
“Fairfax Station is close by to a lot: Shopping is important—and there’s Fair Oaks and Tysons. Since we’re near the capital, there are a lot of concerts; WMZQ Fest and Ke$ha at Jiffy Lube Live are some of my favorites recently. But it’s not in the city so we don’t have as much traffic to deal with. As a kid, I really liked the fact that the [Lorton] prison was out here. It was creepy. It felt like the middle of nowhere at the time. I also liked being near Occoquan with the parks. My family would take a boat out, or play baseball. I go to Clifton a lot and get ice cream at Peterson’s. It’s really cute.”
Where to Find ‘Mayor Scott’ Burgers
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne gives “insider tips” to newcomers.
Q: Being mayor of the City of Fairfax has to be the ultimate “insider” position. What tips do you have for someone new to the city? A: Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! The best way to get to know your new community, and to get connected and engaged is to volunteer. There are so many boards, festivals and community associations in the city. I would suggest someone new to town check out our new website, which lists a number of great ways for newcomers to get involved.
Insiders’ Tips: What are some of the best things about living here?
Interviews conducted on Friday, Aug. 16 at The Virginian senior living community along Route 50 in Fairfax.
“Since I lived by Wolf Trap, years ago, they used to have fireworks on July 4th. Living here in the Virginian, it’s convenient to stores and shopping centers. There are many activities at The Virginian—it’s your choice. Every day there’s something going on—exercise, Bingo, Bridge, card games and entertainment at night.”
Mayor's Welcome to the City of Fairfax
On behalf of the members of the Fairfax City Council, I want to welcome you. Less than 20 miles outside our nation’s capital, the City of Fairfax has played an important role throughout the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation. The city’s size of 6.3 square miles and 23,000 residents gives our community the feel of a small town, while providing all the amenities of living in a large metropolitan area.
The Non-profits of South Fairfax County
An aid and mission travel organization that aims to implement sustainability projects, such as clean energy, safe water and sanitation in developing nations. Locally, volunteer opportunities include helping design graphics, social media management and fundraiser writing, in addition to being part of a travel team.
State Senator Marsden Shares ‘Insider Tips’ With Newcomers
Where to find Del. David Bulova bartending (maybe), and feel free to call Senator Marsden.
The possibilities for getting involved in a new community are endless. Throw yourself a “welcome to the neighborhood party” by having your new neighbors over. Join a civic club, Lions, rotary, etc. Join a church, the PTA, or the political party committee of your choice. Just don’t sit there … get started today!
Be a Braddock Insider
What every newcomer should know about living, working and playing in the Braddock District.
Braddock is very much a district of neighborhoods, a rarity in busy and booming Fairfax. Stretching from Annandale to the far edge of Fairfax by the Fairfax County Government Center, we are located in the center of Fairfax County. Braddock District contains key roads for the county such as Route 50, Route 29, Little River Turnpike, Braddock Road, the Fairfax County Parkway, Old Keene Mill, Rolling Road and 495. We are proud to have two institutes of higher learning, George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, which attract students from all over the world. Here’s a short list of some must-do, must-see places, events and opportunities for newcomers (and old-timers) alike.
Top Neighborhood Issues in the Braddock District
“As new residents to our district, I hope you will join your neighbors in pledging to drive slowly and safely, especially in residential areas.” —Supervisor John Cook (R- Braddock)
Video
- Understanding FCPS' Budget 393 comments