‘A Morning Just Like This One’
Fairfax County pays tribute to victims of 9/11 attacks.
The mournful tone of a single bell tolling three times—once for each site that was struck on Sept. 11, 2001—echoed in the Fairfax County Government Center chambers this morning as community leaders, police, firefighters and citizens gathered to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorists attacks 11 years ago today.
No Vets Left Behind
Volunteer drivers needed to transport local veterans to medical appointments.
“I like to garden, and I wish I could still go dancing. Me and my wife, we used to love going to supper clubs like the Dipsy Doodle,” Brown said. But chronic pulmonary problems and degenerative joint disease make most physical activities difficult for the former World War II U.S. Navy pilot.
‘Ride To Thrive Polo Classic’ to Be Held Sept. 8
‘Ride To Thrive Polo Classic’ to Be Held Sept. 8
The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP), based in Clifton, will host its sixth Ride To Thrive Polo Classic on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Chetwood Park in The Plains, Va. Gates open at noon, with the polo game beginning at 3 p.m. featuring Team Chetwood Park/Golden Zebra versus Team Los Tigres.
Helping Heroes in Need
Volunteer drivers “urgently” needed to transport local veterans to medical appointments.
When he is feeling well, 87-year-old Peter Edisal Brown enjoys tending the flowers and vegetables he grows in the garden of his Alexandria home he has owned since 1946. “I like to garden, and I wish I could still go dancing. Me and my wife, we used to love going to supper clubs like the Dipsy Doodle,” Brown said.
Shopping with Sheriff
Fairfax County partners with Target to help homeless children purchase school supplies.
Nearly 30 children and their parents got the chance to "Shop with the Sheriff” on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The annual shopping spree pairs deputies and volunteers from the Fairfax County sheriff's office with local homeless children who need a little help with back-to-school supplies.
The Little Red Schoolhouse That Could
Springfield one-room schoolhouse gains historic status on National Register.
Nearly four years after deciding to shut down the popular elementary school because of shrinking enrollment, mounting parental pressure and ardent emotional appeals swayed Fairfax County’s School Board to re-open the rural community school.
LCAC Partners with Halley Elementary
After-school program targets at-risk students.
When the school bell rings at the end of the day at William Halley Elementary School in Lorton this year, more than 350 students will be going to a new after-school program instead of going home.
Complete Failure
Fairfax County says Verizon “failed completely” during June 29 derecho.
The eerie silence is what Steve Souder, Fairfax County’s 911 director, remembers about the night of June 29, when the derecho hit Fairfax County.
Char-a-oke Anyone?
$1 million raised for Fairfax County Public Schools Education Foundation.
Listen, baby… "Ain't no mountain high. Ain't no valley low. Ain't no river wide enough, baby. If you need me, call me. No matter where you are. No matter how far."
911's Complete Failure
Fairfax County says Verizon "failed completely" during June 29 derecho.
"It’s like the captain of the Titanic telling passengers the ship hit an iceberg when the bow is on the bottom of the ocean floor." —Steve Souder, Fairfax County 911 Director
My Favorite Places
Lisa Whetzel, executive director of Our Daily Bread in Fairfax
Lisa Whetzel, executive director of Our Daily Bread in Fairfax, shares her favorite local places.
State Senator Shares Places-to-See
Q&A With Chap Petersen
Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen (D-34) represents central and western Fairfax in the Virginia State Senate. He grew up and lives in Fairfax City.
Locals cautiously optimistic about $200 million Springfield Mall transformation.
Locals cautiously optimistic about $200 million Springfield Mall transformation.
The joke among Springfield "insiders" is that if Vornado’s developers wait long enough, they won’t have to spend money demolishing Springfield Mall, because it will fall apart of its own volition.
Remembering Their Sacrifice
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum commemorates first mass Civil War evacuation.
"By midnight, there must have been three thousand helpless men lying in the hay. All night long we made compresses and slings and bound up and wet wounds when we could get water…" —From the writings of Clara Barton, after tending to the wounded in the battles of Second Manassas and Ox Hill in late August, 1862.
Explore & Enjoy
A sample of attractions the area offers.
The miniature Central Pacific Huntington steam engine at Burke Lake Park has been a popular ride for 40 years.
Nearly 800 Jobs Added to the Local Economy
Information technology firms and professional service companies see growth.
Information technology firms continue to do well in a sluggish economy, according to a new report from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). During the second quarter of 2012, the FCEDA provided services and resources to 33 businesses that are adding almost 800 jobs in Fairfax County. Most of these businesses are in the information technology and professional services sectors and four are foreign-based firms using a Fairfax County location to expand in North America.
Minority-Owned Businesses Prosper in Fairfax County
Companies generate more than $1 billion in revenue and provide more than 1,000 jobs.
Businesses owned by Hispanics, African-Americans and women shine in Fairfax County, according to the latest national rankings for largest or fastest-growing companies. "Fairfax County is proud to be a community in which companies of all descriptions can and do succeed to a greater extent than in the rest of the region, the state or the country," said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which supports and monitors the growth of local businesses. Eleven Fairfax County-based companies are among the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation based on revenue — more than the total in 40 states, according to a recent report by HispanicBusiness.com. The Fairfax County companies are among 22 from Virginia on the 2012 Hispanic Business 500 list.
Transcending Fear With Messages of Hope
Fairfax Station Sikh temple holds candlelight vigil to honor victims of Wis. shootings.
It was an evening of unity, resilience and hope as more than 300 people of all faiths gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Sikh temple in Fairfax Station on Thursday, Aug. 9, less than a week after a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple in Wis., killing six and injuring three.
‘Primary’ Numbers: 7100 + Upgrade = 286
Fairfax County Parkway gets new number, upgrades as “primary” road.
Since 1987, the Fairfax County Parkway has been known as Route 7100 for the estimated 75,000 motorists who travel the 32-mile parkway each day.
Springfield Mom a Model of Volunteer Spirit
Springfield mom wins state award for PTA volunteer work
Tracy Goodwin is an expert juggler. Not the circus kind of juggler—the parent kind. She’s the mom who amazes other moms by keeping several balls in the air at the same time, juggling a job as a substitute teacher, a mom to two pre-teens, a stepmom to two grown children and serves as a full-time volunteer for the PTA.
Backpack Campaign in Full Swing
200 backpacks still needed to meet Our Daily Bread’s goal.
The start of the new school year is less than a month away, and back-to-school sales are cropping up everywhere.
100 men, 4,000 miles, 1 mission
Burke man bikes cross-country with fraternity to raise awareness for people with disabilities.
Dan Rieck, a senior at Virginia Tech, just had the best summer of his life.
Taking Back Their Neighborhoods
Communities host crime-fighting events during 29th Annual National Night Out.
From block parties to pool parties, picnics and parades, Fairfax County residents gathered with friends, neighbors and local police on Tuesday, Aug. 7, in recognition of the 29th Annual National Night Out campaign.
Clifton Man Honored at Public Safety Awards Ceremony
Steve McMurrer, a Fairfax County public safety communicator, is the kind of employee other employees look up to. McMurrer is always helpful and voluntarily creates training materials for use throughout the center.
Historic Huntley Opens to Public
Site available for rent starting this August.
After more than 20 years of planning, the federal-style villa that was built in 1825 for Thomson Francis Mason, a grandson of George Mason, is now open to the public.
BBQ, Republican-Style
George Allen talks jobs, energy and education at Braddock district fundraiser.
U.S. Senate candidate George Allen was energetic as he shook hands, posed for photos and made small talk with Republican supporters Saturday at Supervisor John Cook’s 3rd annual Big Braddock BBQ for volunteers at Burke Lake Park.
To Geek or Not To Geek, That is the…Verb
Library launches novel campaign to get people talking.
Ruth geeks fairy tales. Katie geeks wildlife. Benjamin geeks hobbits.
Fairfax County, VDOT File Suit Against EPA
New EPA rules will impact homeowners, developers and could cost taxpayers nearly $500 million.
Fairfax County and the state of Virginia filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, July 12, challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new storm water regulations for the Accotink watershed, claiming the agency’s requirements are costly, onerous and vastly exceed its legal authority.
Keeping the Pressure On
Tired of paying both City of Fairfax and Falls Church water bills, one Fairfax County man becomes a vocal water activist.
Every three months, Fairfax County resident Kirk F. Randall reluctantly writes a check to the City of Fairfax for his water bill, and fumes about it.
"You Will Get Wet!"
Old-Fashioned Fireman's Day competition always a hit with crowds.
Mike Savory staked out a prime spot to see one of his favorite Fourth of July events, the Old-Fashioned Fireman’s Day in historic downtown Fairfax.
Sounds of Summer at Reston Town Center
Every Saturday, as the sun sets, Virginians come together for a different musical act at the Reston Town Center: They set up their lawn chairs and spread Tupperware picnics around the streets and sidewalks surrounding the glass domed pavilion that hosts Summer Concerts Series.
Pushed to the Limit
Food pantries seek help for county’s most vulnerable residents.
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, it’s already 103 degrees in Reston - the 10th straight day temperatures hover near or above 100 degrees after a derecho storm swept through the region on July 29, causing extensive power outages.
After the Storm
Area residents cope with no power, no air-conditioning and soaring temperatures.
More than 80,000 residents were still struggling with power outages and triple-digit temperatures Monday after a wave of violent thunderstorms slammed the region Friday, June 29, packing hurricane-force winds that uprooted trees, downed power lines and knocked out power to more than 1 million homes.
Silverthorne Sworn In as City of Fairfax Mayor
Promises diversity, accountability as city moves forward with economic growth.
Speaking at swearing-in ceremony, R. Scott Silverthorne promised to recognize and reflect the city’s growing diversity as he became the 10th person to serve as mayor of the City of Fairfax on Wednesday, June 27.
City of Fairfax Announces State of Emergency
Fourth of July celebration still on.
City of Fairfax officials announced a state of emergency today as more power crews arrived in the city to restore electricity to the 900 homes still without power, according to Mayor Scott Silverthorne.
Fairfax County’s ‘Little Gem’
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum hosts Civil War Reenactment.
On Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26, a Civil War Reenactment Commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Medical Evacuation of wounded soldiers will be held at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Lorton Man Pleads Guilty to Prostituting Eight Juveniles
Justin Strom, 26, among five members of Crips gang charged with trafficking juveniles.
Justin Strom, aka "Jae," "Jae Dee," or "J-Dirt," 26, of Lorton pled guilty Tuesday, June 26, to recruiting at least eight juvenile girls to engage in commercial sex for his street gang’s prostitution business.
From Prison to Cultural Center
Lorton Workhouse Arts Center hosts Art Out Loud, Ice Cream Social in July.
For visual arts, performances and education, the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center is the place to be this summer. More than 100 years ago, however, one of the region’s most distinctive cultural arts center started life as a prison complex.
There’s An App for That!
Visit Fairfax launches app that helps visitors and residents navigate summer fun.
If your travel backpack is loaded down with maps, visitor’s guides, and other paper paraphernalia to plan your summer outing, just toss it.
Party Like It’s 1776
City of Fairfax Hosts 46th Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration.
Since 1776, Americans have celebrated our independence from the tyranny of King George III with parades, picnics and booming fireworks.
Take a Hike!
Discover Burke VRE-Pohick Stream Valley Trail.
On June 2, the 20th anniversary of National Trails Day, local officials and community residents "took a hike" and officially opened the Pohick Stream Valley - Burke VRE Trail.
Chessie’s Big Backyard Opens for Summer Fun
Fun-seekers can play, explore and splash around at Lee District Park.
Sunny skies greeted hundreds of children and their families during the June 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Chessie's Big Backyard Tiki Village playground, part of the Family Recreation Center at Lee District Park.
Sock Monkeys Fan?
Welcome to Lee District nights summer concerts.
From jazz to big band, classic to blue bluegrass, and some vintage rock ‘n roll, Lee District Nights is the place for music lovers of all stripes.
Dancing for Joy and Remembrance
Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Burke hosts Summer Obon Festival.
Whether guests wear the traditional silk Japanese Kimonos with brocade sashes, or just jeans and a t-shirt, all visitors are invited to join hands and twirl to the beat of Japanese folk music during Ekoji Buddhist Temple’s largest summer celebration.
Kaine Holds Forum to Discuss Higher Education
Former Virginia governor meets with students and parents in Burke.
Former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine met with Northern Virginia students and parents to discuss his strategies for the future of higher education on Thursday, June 21 at Villa Bella Ristorante in Burke.
Spartans Reach for the Stars
West Springfield High’s alumnus Patrick Forrester, NASA astronaut, delivers a keynote speech.
West Springfield High School Principal Mark Greenfelder launched the school’s 45th commencement ceremony at the Patriot Center with an inspiring message: "Spartans should always reach for the stars."
‘Rocking It Out’ at Lake Braddock
Sen. Webb delivers an inspirational speech to his granddaughter’s graduating class.
Being a vice president of the Student Government Association has its perks. Brianna Hogan, a Lake Braddock Secondary School senior, had the honor of introducing the guest speaker at the school’s graduation ceremony on Friday, June 15 at the Patriot Center.
County Board Objects to ‘Transit Funding Game’
Local leaders say policy shift disruptive, costly.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors strongly criticized a McDonnell administration plan to overhaul the way it handles transportation funding, calling the move politically-motivated "funding games."
People, Places and Programs
This week in Fairfax County.
The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) awarded Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, "Public Official of the Year" at its annual awards ceremony in Fairfax on June 13.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.