Reception Honors Fairfax Mayor Robert Lederer
Retiring mayor praised for redevelopment of Old Town Fairfax.
When Kim Luckabaugh’s young son was in the hospital, fighting a battle with cancer, she would frequently stop by Sweet Life Café in the City of Fairfax to get him some ice cream to take to the hospital.
Play Ball!
Cherry Run ES hits home run for special preschoolers.
The games were scheduled and called off three times because of rain, but on a sunny Friday, May 25, preschool students, teachers and family members got to "play ball" at Cherry Run Elementary School in Burke.
McDonnell Signs Bills to Eliminate Mandates on Localities
Supervisor Pat Herrity, chair of Governor’s task force, said legislation will streamline local government.
While visiting Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg last week, Governor Robert McDonnell ceremonially signed nine bills that streamline or eliminate burdensome state mandates on local governments.
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Female Korean Veterans Honored at Greenspring
Seven Springfield women recognized for service in "Forgotten War."
Libby Haynes was in the middle of her freshman year of high school at George Washington in Alexandria when the Japanese Navy bombed the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Nearly 2,500 Americans were killed in the surprise attack.
Keene Mill Elementary Celebrates 50th Birthday
Keene Mill Kangaroos marks half century milestone.
Keene Mill Elementary School welcomed more than 300 students, parents, teachers and guests for its 50th "birthday" celebration Monday, June 4.
Celebrate Fairfax Honors 2012 ‘Lords and Ladies’
Honorees saluted for community volunteerism.
Celebrate Fairfax kicked off its 30th anniversary with a salute to the 2012 Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees during a dinner and awards ceremony at the Fairfax County Government Center Tuesday, June 5.
Celebrating Women’s Rights
Ann Dexter Gordon receives 2012 Silent Sentinel Award in Vienna.
Women’s history was front and center in Vienna last week at a gala reception announcing the 2012 recipient of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Silent Sentinel Award.
Democrats Gather for Petersen’s Fundraiser
They weren’t all young, and they weren’t all lawyers, but they were most definitely all democrats at State Sen. Chap Petersen’s annual "Young Lawyers" party held at ICONS in downtown Fairfax on Thursday, March 31.
Fairfax County Board Expands Scope of Community Services Board Audit
Social service agency scrutinized for projected $9 million shortfall that threatens services to children and disabled.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday, June 5, to expand the scope of a financial audit for the Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall.
Burke Honors the Fallen
Down a private road, just off the heavily-traveled Burke Centre Parkway, about 30 people gathered under the shade of a large Oak tree Monday to honor those who sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms.
Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny
$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’
Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about “fair housing” rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, Realtors, community groups and other interested parties.
Shooting Death in Springfield
Gray Alan Combs, Jr., 22, died after encounter with police.
Fairfax County police have released the name of the man who died after officers shot him on Saturday, May 19. Gray Alan Combs, Jr., 22, "of no fixed address" died after he was taken to a hospital, police said.
Fairfax Chamber Receives Community Connector Award
Award recognizes Chamber’s contributions to schools and county.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce received the 2012 Chamber of Commerce Community Connector Award from Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Springfield Days – the Ultimate ‘Staycation’ May 31-June 3
Event features food, fun, entertainment for pets and people.
Everyone has their favorite Springfield Days event, whether it’s the cardboard boat regatta, the amusement rides, the petfest or the farmers market. Whatever it is, the annual community-wide celebration has something fun, entertaining and exciting for everyone.
Governor Signs Voter ID Bills
McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.
Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.
Alert on Housing Discrimination
Officials step up efforts to reach immigrant communities about “fair housing” rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, Realtors, community groups and other interested parties.
Planning to Vote?
Nearly 200,000 voter registration cards mailed this week.
Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, if you are planning to vote in the June 12 primary elections in Fairfax County, check your new voter registration cards mailed out this week.
SMILE Carnival Earns Katelyn Sparks her Gold Award
Katelyn Sparks, a South County Secondary School freshman, recently achieved the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for something she does every day - SMILE.
A ‘Perfect’ Mother’s Day
Fairfax moms create gift bags for mothers in homeless shelters.
Every week, Julie Miner and Kristin Wilson Keppler would run into each other at Fairfax Presbyterian Church’s preschool and exchange "mommy" pleasantries.
Springfield Mall – From Eyesore to Shopping Mecca
$200 million Springfield Mall renovation set to begin in July.
"What about Springfield Mall?" That’s the question Supervisor Jeff McKay(D-Lee) said he hears the most from constituents since mega-developer Vornado purchased what it called the "1.4 million-square-foot fixer-upper" in 2006 for $171.5 million.
TD Bank Plan Moves Ahead
West Springfield Civic Association concerns addressed.
TD Bank, one of the nation’s 10 largest banks, has moved a step closer to opening a drive-thru branch in West Springfield’s Cardinal Forest Plaza shopping center.
Mulan Comes to Burke
Northern Virginia Players present Disney classic.
Northern Virginia Players will present Disney’s Mulan Jr. beginning Saturday, May 25 at Burke Community Church. The heartwarming tale begins when the Huns have invaded China, and it’s up to misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor. Mulan is a celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit, includes musical favorites such as "Honor to Us All."
Opening Doors for People in Need
FACETS celebrates volunteers, donors at annual benefit breakfast.
Surrounded by nearly 350 business executives, politicians and community leaders in the chandeliered ballroom of the Waterford, Frank Somers - dressed in jeans, sneakers and a denim work shirt - looked a little out of place.
Dolce Veloce Opens in Fairfax
Casual, elegant wine bar is located at 10826 Fairfax Boulevard.
When Guiseppe "Joe" Ricciardi and his wife Sharon were dating, they loved going to restaurants that served good wine and small plates of food.
Grassroots Government 101
First Braddock ‘Citizen Governance Conference’ draws future decision-makers.
Sitting in a conference room discussing issues such as land use, aging and transportation may not seem like the perfect way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. But the opportunity to have a voice in the future of the Braddock district drew nearly 75 residents to the first Citizen Governance Conference, hosted by Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) at Frost Achievement Finance Park on May 5.
County Launches Project To Combat Lyme Disease
After an unseasonably warm winter, Fairfax County health officials are bracing for a proliferation of tick infestations as well as a potential surge in new cases of Lyme disease.
Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.
Vienna Volunteers Honored
John Dapogny receives Lifetime Achievement award and Vivian Morgan-Mendez a Fairfax County Government Volunteer award.
For more than 15 years, John Dapogny of Vienna has been the "ambassador" of Homestretch. His passion for the mission to help homeless families throughout Fairfax County is evident to everyone he meets. By serving on every board committee, he has been a strong contributing partner to the success and growth of Homestretch over the years.
‘West Side Story’ At South County
Classic update of "Romeo & Juliet."
South County Secondary School Theatre Department is ready to rumble as the popular musical, "West Side Story," hits its stage this month. Set in the mid-1950s, the play tells the story of two rival gangs, the Sharks and the Jets, who fight for the same territory in New York City.
Teens Promote Diversity
Students find creative ways to promote diversity through volunteering.
Joanna Shows remembers what it was like to be held back, just because she was a woman.
Value of Volunteer Hours: $4.5 million
Legacy of Community Service? Priceless.
"Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous sentiment was echoed by numerous community and civic leaders who gathered at the Waterford in Springfield Friday, April 27, to celebrate 118 Fairfax County volunteers during the 20th annual Volunteer Service Awards hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.
Welcome Back in City of Fairfax Elections
City of Fairfax elects incumbents, DeMarco for council seats; Silverthorne, longtime council member, elected Mayor.
Cheers, tears, hugs and a standing ovation greeted City of Fairfax Mayor-elect R. Scott Silverthorne as he took the stage at Old Town Hall Tuesday night after winning the seat his father, former Mayor Frederick W. Silverthorne, occupied in 1978.
Volunteer Police Officers Saluted at Ceremony
West Springfield, Franconia volunteers receive awards.
"We need a big golden arch, like McDonald's, and a sign that says more than one million served." Fairfax County Police Chief, Col. David Rohrer, was referring to the milestone achieved by the county’s Auxiliary Police Officers (APOs) during a recent ceremony honoring FCPD volunteers.
University Mall Begins $30 Million ‘Transformation’
Fairfax center will double in size and include new Giant Food store.
After five years of planning, shovels will be ready to hit the ground this June for the $30 million top-to-bottom transformation and expansion of the University Mall Shopping Center in Fairfax.
Fairfax Celebrates Arts
City of Fairfax Mayor’s Ball attracts hundreds.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Sherwood Center on Friday, April 20 to attend the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Ball, and to celebrate the opening of the 27th year of Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Festival.
Going Green in Lorton
County uses reclaimed water to irrigate golf course, little league fields.
The fairways at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton and the South County Little League fields are getting a little greener this summer.
‘Arabian Nights’ at Lake Braddock
Lake Braddock students perform culturally-rich classic.
Don’t expect Disney’s "Aladdin" in Lake Braddock Secondary School’s production of "The Arabian Nights."
Coming In from The Cold
Fairfax County hosts hypothermia meeting to address shelters’ concerns.
Fairfax County officials met with about 75 representatives from churches and other houses of worship Sunday, April 22, to address rumors and concerns that the County’s Fire Marshal will shut down their hypothermia programs next winter - and shut out many homeless residents - because of fire code violations.
Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget
Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.
"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.
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.
New Sign for Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
Lake Braddock senior, Edmund Sparrow, completes project to become Eagle Scout.
A group of Boy Scouts led by Lake Braddock Secondary School senior Edmund Sparrow replaced the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum's aging sign on the corner of Ox Road and Fairfax Station Road on March 24.
FANFARE Eatery Opens at Fairfax Corner
New sports-themed eatery created by owners of Glory Days Grill.
A lot of feathers were ruffled during the grand opening celebration of FANFARE, Fairfax Corner’s newest sports-themed eatery.
Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters
Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.
Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.
Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services
Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.
After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.
Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’
The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.
It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.
Performing for Supervisors
Artistic group hosts open house April 22.
Members of the Traveling Players Ensemble provided classical entertainment in the form of King Lear - and some levity, in the form of artistic director Jeanne Harrison - to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week during its public hearings on the fiscal year 2013 budget.
Franconia Fifth Grader Honored for Saving Nephew’s Life
Cynthia Almendarez, 10, called 9-1-1 when nephew, 2, stopped breathing.
On the morning of July 13, 2011, Franconia Elementary fifth-grader Cynthia Almendarez was at home with her mother and 12-year-old sister when she noticed something odd. Her 18-month-old nephew, Christopher, who was usually cruising around the house and making typical toddler sounds, was quiet and gasping for breath.