Friday, March 30
A Pyramid of Art
Woodson High Pyramid stages annual Art Show.
Parents and family members of students within the Woodson High School Pyramid attended the school’s annual pyramid art show.
Thursday, March 29
Bulletin Board (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Calendar (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Things happening in the Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield area.
Faith Notes (Burke/Fairfax/Lorton/Springfield)
Faith services happening in the area.
Lehman H. Young, Sr. 1916-2012
Community remembers civic leader, WWII pilot and business owner.
It was 1958, during one of the worst blizzards to hit Northern Virginia, and Deborah Young, just five years old, remembers her father, Lehman, bundling her up and sitting her on the seat of their old blue 1951 Ford, between him and her mother, Marie.
Fairfax Woman Runs Half Marathon
Raised money for LLS in honor of her brother.
Fairfax resident Mary McLaughlin ran the Rock’n’Roll USA Half Marathon with two goals in mind – to raise as much money as she could for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and to honor her brother’s memory. And on March 17 in Washington, D.C., she did both.
In Bloom at Greenspring
Senior gardeners prepare green thumbs for National Garden Month.
Gardeners at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield are ready for spring.
Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future
Group reenacts Silent Sentinel protest during Women’s History Month.
Nearly 100 years ago, a group of women stood in front of The White House and launched a revolution without guns or bloodshed.
Sophomores Snow, Gaudian Lead Bruins past T.C. Williams
Lake Braddock girls’ lax responds to loss with pair of victories.
Lake Braddock sophomore midfielder Allie Snow scored less than 30 seconds into Tuesday’s girls’ lacrosse match-up against T.C. Williams. Moments later, Snow controlled the draw, scampered down the field and scored again. Fellow 10th-grade middie Kristen Gaudian then made it three goals in the opening minute and the Bruins were off to the races.
Fairfax Board of Supervisors Considers Raising Stormwater Management Fee
One-penny hike on property tax could raise $35 million for projects throughout the county.
When it rains, it pours. That’s why Fairfax County taxpayers may have to fork over more money this year for stormwater management.
Wednesday, March 28
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12-under Springfield Storm White Girls Soccer Team Wins Jefferson Cup
A month earlier, youth team had captured Arlington Invitational.
Springfield Storm White followed up its recent Arlington Invitational Spring Soccer Tournament win with their biggest championship victory yet as they garnered the coveted gold medal in the girls’ under-12 Championship Division (eight versus eight) of the Jefferson Cup, held March 17 and 18 in Richmond.
Paul VI Defeats Coolidge in City Title Game
Panthers finish best-ever boys’ basketball season 35-3.
The Paul VI High boys’ basketball team concluded its historic 2011-12 winter season with a win in the Abe Pollin City Title Championship Game over DCIAA Champion Coolidge, 70-64.
Column: Peculiar Presence
In the last few months, out of the blue, I have received electronic correspondence from each of my three oldest childhood friends (none of whom have remained adulthood friends, though all three remain of interest to me) commenting on my cancer diagnosis; each having stumbled across one of my cancer columns online, presumably after initiating a Google-type search for yours truly.
Northern Region Sports Roundup
Lloyd to be inducted into basketball shrine.
The Lee High boys’ soccer team (1-2-1), under head coach John Millward, was able to hold off a late charge by the Oakton Cougars to win 1-0 in Lee's home opener this past Tuesday night, March 27. After a quick re-start, and some quick midfield play, Luis Aguilar, a senior forward, found senior midfielder Jamie Ahmed, who took a one-touch into space then placed a 36-yard shot into the upper net with 12 minutes left.
Tuesday, March 27
Alcorn Named Citizen of the Year
Planning Commissioner recognized by Federation of Citizens Associations.
The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations named their Citizen of the Year Sunday, March 25, recognizing county Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn for more than a decade of service on the commission.
First Responders Recognized
34th Annual Valor Awards presented to police officers, firefighters.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognized 108 of the county’s first responders Wednesday, March 21 at the 24th annual Valor Awards. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as from the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, were given awards.
County Takes Aim at Bullying
Survey helps county create bullying outreach, cyberbullying prevention.
Monitoring aggressive behavior is a primary concern of Fairfax County when conducting the annual Youth Survey. While fewer than 5 percent of students report gang activity or carrying a weapon, a majority of students have experienced bullying from one side or the other.
NOVA Women Capture State Basketball Crown
Vienna’s Carlie Zirkle earns MVP honors.
The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) women’s basketball team won the 2012 Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Championship by defeating Southside Virginia Community College, 48-26. The tournament was held March 2-4 in Chesapeake. Former Marshall High standout Carlie Zirkle (Vienna) received the most valuable player honor and was named to the All-Tournament team, along with Halley Cummins (Vienna) and Yvette Gilliam (Woodbridge).
Editorial: Interrupting Harassment and Bullying
Empowering bystanders to intervene, students to set boundaries.
With a controversial and much discussed new movie, "Bully," coming out this week, local school districts continue to wrestle with the issue of bullying in the schools.
Monday, March 26
Fairfax Symphony Announces 2012-2013 Season
The season will mark the beginning of a new three-year focus in programming called ‘Mischief in Music: Wit, Insolence and Insurrection.’
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and music director Christopher Zimmerman announced the 2012-2013 season repertoire, with six Masterworks performances at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax.
Thursday, March 22
Robinson Band Jazz It Up
The Robinson Secondary School Jazz Band trumpet section performs with the rest of the band at the Chantilly Invitational Jazz Festival this past weekend.
Robinson Goes to World Choir Games
Thousands of the world’s best singers will arrive in Cincinnati for the 2012 World Choir Games this July, a competition that kicks off with Olympic-style fanfare.
Week in Fairfax
Things happening in the Fairfax area.
How Many Muscles Does It Take To Walk?
On Saturday, March 24 more than 400 participants will walk or ride their wheelchairs in the DC/VA 2012 MDA Muscle Walk at George Mason University.
A Searching Play
The Theater at Mason presents ‘The Life of Galileo.’
Under its new banner, Theater at Mason is presenting "The Life of Galileo" by Bertolt Brecht.
Greenspring Residents Receive Service Awards
Last week, Greenspring retirement community hosted its 7th President’s Service Awards reception for volunteers who live at the community.
Serving the Community
National Women's History Month: Spotlight on Dr. Marcia Dake.
Long-time Greenspring resident, Dr. Marcia Dake, is not only a woman significant to Greenspring’s history, but also a significant contributor to the fields of nursing and education.
Honored at the Pentagon
A private tour for seventh-grader who wants to become a U.S. Army Ranger.
"What do you want to do when you grow up?" This question, posed so often to young adults, typically results in ambiguous, pie-in-the-sky answers. Lake Braddock seventh grader and Springfield resident Travis Catina had a very specific response to that question, one that when published in the Dec. 30 Children’s Issue of The Connection caught the attention of U.S. Army officers at the Pentagon and earned him and his family a private tour.
Eleven Students Receive Peace Awards
Eleven recipients of a Student Peace Award of Fairfax County were selected by their schools to be recognized for their contributions to peace or conflict resolution, whether in their schools, their communities, or the greater world.
Remembering Ryan Dillon
Burke resident dies at age 22.
Life stacked the deck against Ryan Dillon. He was autistic and had bone cancer and just lived to age 22.
Week in Burke
Things happening in the Burke area.
St. Patrick’s with Connolly
Hundreds attend U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly’s St. Patrick’s Day Fete.
Friday evening, hundreds and hundreds of friends and supporters of Rep. Gerry Connolly filled the Kena Shriners Hall on Arlington Blvd. for a St. Patrick’s Day Fete.
Letter: Protecting Integrity Of the Voting Process
Letter to the Editor
Your last week’s editorial, "Veto Voter ID Bill," perpetuates the canard that requiring voters to have proper ID to vote somehow disenfranchises voters and effects a disproportionate number of low income and minority voters.
Cook Presents Transportation Plan
Supervisor’s plan would generate more than $40 million per year without raising taxes.
As the Board of Supervisors moves through its discussions on the FY2013 budget, Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) introduced a plan that begins to address the lack of funding for transportation in Fairfax County.
Ready for Laughter
The Workhouse presents ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’
Had a crummy day? Tired of losing at "Words with Friends" only to learn they cheat? Sometimes fall asleep in front of your TV? Then, head off to the Workhouse Arts Center to be tickled by "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
Classified Advertising
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Lancers’ Baseball Team Ready to Step Up
Lee, under new coach John Dowling, looking to improve on two-win 2011 season.
The Lee High baseball team, under new head coach John Dowling this spring, opened the season up by splitting a pair of games at the Langley High Ice Breaker Invitational last week. The Lancers, in their season-opener last Thursday night, March 15, could not hold onto a large lead in an 8-6 loss to Washington-Lee High of Arlington. But they came back the following night at the four-team Invitational with a 5-2 victory over Edison on Friday, March 16. Both games took place at Langley High School in Great Falls.
Wednesday, March 21
Does Music Make Children Smarter?
During Music In Our Schools Month, musicians raise awareness of impact of music education on lives of students.
Can playing the piano strengthen a child’s reading and math skills? Can joining a school band be a catalyst for building self-confidence? Does one develop strong analytical abilities by taking violin lessons? Some music experts say yes.
Exciting All-Star Afternoon
Concorde/Patriot All-Stars beat the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime.
West Potomac's Bryant Fultz threw down a fourth-quarter alley-oop dunk from fellow Wolverine Randall Brobbey, scored a team-high 15 points and earned game MVP honors as the Concorde/Patriot All-Stars defeated the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime at Wakefield High School.
Risky Behavior by the Numbers
Youth Survey highlights risks, assets for students.
Periodically, Fairfax County conducts a youth survey which polls thousands of students to get a glimpse into issues of substance abuse, antisocial behaviors as well as factors such as mental health and civic engagements.
Tuesday, March 20
Editorial: ‘Practices That Undermine Trust’
Virginia gets a failing grade on ethics rules.
The State Integrity Investigation is "designed to expose practices that undermine trust in state capitols — and spotlight the states that are doing things right."
Column: “Here, There And Everywhere”
The Beatles sang it on their “Revolver” album back in the mid 60s. My wife and I danced to it in the late 70s when we selected it as “first song as husband and wife” – in 1978. And recently we felt it, three years after my stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, as our reaction/assessment to the many similarly diagnosed individuals who’ve shared their lung cancer stories with us. Who knew?
Friday, March 16
Thursday, March 15
James Enters First Season as Robinson Baseball Coach
Former West Springfield skipper led Spartans to 2010 state championship.
Now the head baseball coach at Robinson, John James has the opportunity to lead a new group of players to success. While the coach’s past achievements with West Springfield are worthy of respect, James would prefer the Rams follow his direction based on what he’s able to help them accomplish.
Mares Leads West Springfield to Season-Opening Victory
Six-foot-two junior scores four goals against Yorktown.
Yorktown junior Jennie Basile netted her second goal of the evening with 7:16 remaining in the first half when West Springfield girls’ lacrosse coach Brian Puhlick decided enough was enough.
A Mission of Mercy Helps Hundreds
More than 800 residents receive free dental services during two-day event.
The triage center at Saturday’s Mission of Mercy Dental health clinic resembled a modern-day MASH unit.
High School Basketball Season Now Complete
Edison and Fairfax boys made super postseason runs; West Springfield girls qualified for states.
The high school basketball season is now complete for all Northern Region girls’ and boys’ teams. On the girls’ side, Oakton High captured the Virginia State AAA title for the first time ever under longtime head coach Fred Priester. The Cougars defeated Princess Anne (Virginia Beach), 58-39, in the state title game last Friday night at the Siegel Center in Richmond. Oakton, which has won three region crowns over the past four years, finished the winter season with a perfect 31-0 record.
Emerson Set for One Final Season as Paul VI Baseball Coach
Panthers have enjoyed incredible success under longtime skipper.
In an emotional address to players and families last Thursday night, March 8 at the Paul VI High baseball team’s annual `First Pitch Dinner,’ Billy Emerson announced he will step down as the Panthers’ head baseball coach at the end of this upcoming spring season.
Paul VI Posts Double State Champions at States
Panther boys and girls basketball teams win respective VIS State titles.
Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams from Paul VI Catholic High School won their respective Virginia Independent Schools Div. 1 Championships on Saturday, March 3.
Wednesday, March 14
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Virginia Officials Deliberately Moving Slowly on Health Care Exchange
If Supreme Court upholds health-care reform, governor would have to call special session.
Virginia has eight months to create a certification plan for how it plans to create a health-care exchange, a legal requirement of President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Business Matters
How far did the empire of Orange Julius reach? What’s the capital of Banana Republic? Is Aeropostale aerodynamic?
Letter: Do You Remember the1941 Burke Wildfire?
Letter to the Editor
On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, I had the wonderful privilege of sharing stories of everything Burke, Virginia with a living history – Delbert "Bill" Sheads (88 years of age), born in Burke who has served our community as a member of the Greatest Generation, a soldier in WWII who landed in Omaha Beach on D-Day, and a firefighter who was the chief training officer for the fire department for Fairfax County.
Sinbad Adventure at the Workhouse
A multi-cultural voyage into adventures beyond the familiar awaits families at the Workhouse Theatre at Lorton for the next weeks.
Food, Fashion and Fun in Fair Oaks
Salvation Army fund-raiser includes lunch, silent auction.
Food, stylish clothing and fun are on the menu for the Fairfax Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s upcoming fund-raiser. It’s slated for Friday, March 30, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall).
Burke Dance Team Recognized as Grand National Champions
Fans of "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dance Moms" will be surprised to learn that there’s a world class competitive dance company right here in Burke.
Hot Music, Cool Vibe
Local students performing in Chantilly Invitational Jazz Festival.
The sounds of smooth, cool jazz will fill the air during the 32nd annual Chantilly High Invitational Jazz Festival. It’s slated for Friday-Saturday, March 16-17, in the school auditorium, 4201 Stringfellow Road in Chantilly.
A Meal and a Play at Clifton Dinner Theater
Actors are often advised not to perform with children or animals because they’ll be upstaged.
Burke Actress Stars In ‘Anna in the Tropics’
Veronica del Cerro sees acting as a forum to educate audiences, herself.
Burke resident Veronica del Cerro starred in Nilo Cruz’s "Anna in the Tropics" as Conchita.
Captain Honored for Community Service
Fire and Rescue’s Willie Bailey recognized for 1,000 volunteer hours.
It was supposed to be a one-time event, a toy drive to help 50 struggling families in the Gum Springs community along the Route 1 corridor. But that was 15 years ago.
Column: “Early Results Show Stable Disease”
There’s five words e-mailed from my oncologist that I can live with (Duh!). Certainly better than the previous nine words e-mailed eight weeks ago regarding my then current CT Scan: “Scan results show progression. We’ll talk more on Friday.”
Burke Students Participate in Alternative Spring Break
James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break program celebrated its 20th year by sending teams of students to locations in the United States and abroad to immerse themselves in a different community, live simply and offer service.
Tuesday, March 13
Local Designers Selected to Make Over D.C. Design House
Annual event raises money for Children's National Medical Center.
Some of the Washington area's top interior designers are unleashing their creative talent all in the name of charity. Organizers of the 2012 Washington, D.C. Design House announced the designers who will make over the 2012 D.C. Design Home.
The Chateau in Oak Hollow
One of just four properties in Fairfax County listed at HomesDatabase.com for sale for more than $10 million, this home sits on five acres in Clifton, and is for sale for $12.5 million. The other three properties are in McLean.
Editorial: So Hard to Imagine?
Poor families face challenges that officials and many of the rest of us have trouble envisioning.
The Commonwealth of Virginia and even Northern Virginia includes many poor families and individuals. But officials seem to have trouble wrapping their brains around some of the difficulties this can cause.
Stakes Are High in Virginia Budget Standoff
Lawmakers flee Capitol, where partisan gridlock reigns.
The budget standoff in Richmond could have drastic consequences in Northern Virginia, where every service from education to transportation is on the line.
Monday, March 12
Fairfax Supervisors to Consider Even More Cuts to Library System
In the last four years, more than $5 million has been slashed from the library budget.
Walk into the Centreville Library and one is confronted with an institution in crisis.
Friday, March 9
A Voice for Children
"Promise-keepers" advocate for Fairfax County’s abused, neglected children.
Each child who comes before Judge Thomas Mann’s Fairfax courtroom is loveable and vulnerable. There is the precocious three-year-old whose parents are drug-addicted. A seven-year-old boy whose mentally-ill mother left him home alone to care for his infant sibling.
Thursday, March 8
Gov. George Allen Goes Home Again on Super Tuesday
Former Virginia Governor George Allen spoke Tuesday morning to an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Conference, then headed to Loudoun County to meet with Republican primary voters and election workers at polling places on Super Tuesday in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties.
Chocolate Lovers Gather in Fairfax
Hundreds of area residents enjoyed the annual two-day Chocolate Lovers Festival in Old Town Fairfax this past weekend, where they had the opportunity to sample some of the best chocolate deserts from area bakers and chocolatiers.
Column: Look What She Saw—Sort Of
Well there’s five seconds that fellow super-market-shopper won’t have back anytime soon. The question, the curiosity is: will she have nightmares and/or live to regret staring at me so intently that I think I may have seen the whites of her eyes – and it wasn’t even remotely dark?
Nonprofits Awarded United Way Grants
23 local organizations receive MORE THAN $280K to continue work.
The United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) awarded 27 grants totaling $288,013 to 23 local nonprofits during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, March 6.
Girl Scouts Celebrate 100th Anniversary at Springfield Mall
Event draws more than 2,000 participants.
To mark the 100th anniversary of Girls Scouts of the USA, the South Central Fairfax Association of the Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) hosted a celebration that drew more than 2,000 participants to Springfield Mall on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Dancers Demand Right to ‘Move Like Jagger’
Fairfax Supervisors table dance hall regulations after dance fans kick up a fuss.
After dance fans protested by blog, email, Facebook and local radio, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors sidestepped discussion Tuesday of a law regulating dancing in restaurants, tossing the measure back to the planning commission for revisions.
Richmond Report: Why We Voted Against the Budgets
There has been much written this past week about Democrats voting down the Senate and House budgets. The Washington Post and other writers seem to think that this is the end of the world as we know it.
Area Roundups
Things happening in the Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield area.
Fairfax Supervisors Vote to Increase Advertised Tax Rate by 1 cent
Each 1 cent increase raises taxpayer bill by $45.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 6-3 Tuesday, March 6, to advertise the real estate tax rate for FY 2013 as $1.08 per $100 of assessed value. The current FY 2012 rate is $1.07.
Dulles Rail, Phase Two; Silver Line Station Names
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting and an Ask Fairfax online discussion to inform the public about Phase Two of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.
Local Governments Enjoy Record Spending
Bucking national trend, local governments here expand while others are contracting.
As local governments across America are laying off firefighters and teachers, governments in Northern Virginia are experiencing record levels of spending and an all-time-high number of employees.
Not-So-Super Tuesday
Turnout for Virginia's presidential preference primary was lowest in recent memory.
With two of the major candidates in the Republican presidential contest failing to qualify for the ballot in Virginia, Super Tuesday was anything but super.
Wednesday, March 7
Edison Boys’ Enjoy Wonderful Breakthrough Season
Region runner-up Eagles fall to Petersburg at state quarterfinals.
In the end, it proved to be one of the best seasons in the history of the Edison High boys’ basketball program. The Eagles, part of the less-heralded National District, were not one of the teams most Northern Region hoops followers were taking seriously at the start of the 16-team regional playoffs.
Indoor Track Season Wraps Up at State Meet
Local Northern Region athletes compete in Hampton.
A number of local athletes put together strong showings at last weekend’s Virginia State AAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Friday and Saturday (Feb. 24-25) at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. On the boys’ side, Westfield High finished third overall and was the top finisher from out of the Northern Region. The Bulldogs finished with 27 team points. The team champion was Western Branch (48) of Chesapeake, a member of the Eastern Region. Finishing second was Grassfield (34 points) of Chesapeake.
Fairfax Boys Show Flare for Drama in Basketball Postseason
Rebels’ season ends with overtime loss to Edison in region semifinals.
Fairfax High’s basketball postseason of 2012 will long be remembered because of the team’s success as well as the grit and determination the Rebels showcased as three of their playoff contests were decided in overtime.
Spartans Fall to Oakton in Region Basketball Finals
Katherine Coyer has game to remember as Cougars defeated defending champs.
West Springfield High’s bid for a second straight Northern Region girls’ basketball crown was not realized on Monday night when the Spartans, going up against the team they eliminated at regionals a year ago, lost a hard-fought title contest to unbeaten Oakton, 63-49, at Robinson Secondary.
Tuesday, March 6
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Cleaning Up One’s Plate
Local nutrition experts encourage healthy eating during National Nutrition Month and always.
When it comes to healthy eating, Alexandria wellness educator Cheryl Mirabella encourages her clients to load up during meals, but she offers a caveat.
Health Services Coalition Receives $10,000 Grant
Funding will help provide specialty health care to low income residents.
Northern Virginia Health Services Coalition's (NOVAHSC) Specialty Access program received a $10,000 grant to help provide low-income, uninsured patients with access to specialty medical care through a regional network of providers.
Editorial: Reenacting a Dark History?
Turning back the clock in Richmond.
Who could have anticipated that our elected officials would take African-American History month and Women's History month so seriously that they would literally try to turn back the clock?
Saturday, March 3
Larry Schuster Sr., Sharon Bulova’s Father, Dies
Lawrence “Larry” K. Schuster Sr. was born in Baltimore on May 24, 1922. During World War II he served as a Marine Corps Tech Sgt. in the Pacific Theatre, where he fought on Okinawa, Saipan and Iwo Jima. In 1946 he married Mary Suzanne “Sue” Knox.
Friday, March 2
Column: Protecting Residents in Tax, Road Debates
Congress finally has acted to ensure payroll tax relief for 170 million individuals and families through the rest of 2012. This additional tax relief is critical for maintaining the momentum of the economic recovery, and Northern Virginians will realize an average savings of $2,000 per household.
Column: A Raw Deal for Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia is getting a raw deal from Governor McDonnell. While we need transportation investment to support this economic engine of the state, at least $1.5 billion in transportation funds are being diverted to wasteful and unnecessary projects in rural areas. Meanwhile, the state refuses to adequately fund Dulles Rail, leaving Northern Virginia taxpayers and toll payers to foot the lion's share of the bill.
Thursday, March 1
State Senate Committee Kills Effort to Overturn King's Dominion Law
School boards were encouraged by support from governor, but couldn't win over Senate committee.
The Senate Committee on Education and Health voted today to kill an effort overturning the King's Dominion Law, which mandates that school divisions across Virginia begin classes after Labor Day.
Outgoing County Executive Tony Griffin Presents Final Budget Proposal
$6.7 billion proposal is a 6.1 percent budget increase.
Appearing before members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the last time, outgoing county executive Anthony Griffin had the luxury of taking the long view.
Governments Across Virginia Hope to Kill Local Aid to the State Program
Jurisdictions hope to kill funding scheme created at height of recession.
In the darkest days of the global financial crisis, leaders in Richmond were willing to do almost anything to balance the budget.