Burke People

Burke People

Subscribe

Tease photo

Samantha Bird Wins Gold in Ulman Cancer Fund Triathlon

Iron Girl all-female race took place in Ellicott City, Md.

Finishing more than 10 seconds ahead of her closest competitor, Burke resident Samantha Bird was the overall champion at the Iron Girl all-female sprint triathlon held in Ellicott City, Md. on Aug. 17.

Tease photo

Everybody Goes to Spartans

Family-owned restaurant bustles with local patrons.

“Have you been to Spartans? Everybody goes there,” said Diane Thompson, a former teacher at Terra Centre Elementary School. She lives in Springfield now but likes to hang around Burke because it has a “more small town feel.”

Fairfax County’s Success Story

Economic success: 50 years in the making.

If you are a newcomer to Fairfax County, allow me to welcome you to one of the most dynamic communities anywhere in the world to live and work. It was the vision of many people to create this kind of community, so please allow me to offer a quick history lesson.

A Prime Location

Popular businesses drive customers to gift shop.

Is it at the town center or the shopping center? Burke residents know. The Picket Fence is at the Burke Town Center, next to a newly-opened Sweet Frog, a Giant grocery store, a BB&T bank, a dry cleaner and a Starbucks. Owner Billie Thomas believes that The Picket Fence is situated in a prime location.

Tease photo

For the Birds

Burke store helps bring nature closer to home.

Is it true that when one holds a bird in one’s hand, the bird gets so nervous it dies? No, said Steve Pyne, owner of the Wild Bird Center in Burke. This is the type of expertise and more that customer Kathy Morris can rely on when she comes in the store.

Week in Burke

Weekly happenings in Burke.

Tease photo

Principals Visit Island in Chesapeake Bay

Environmental lessons will be incorporated in classroom teaching.

From July 30 to Aug. 1, 24 principals from elementary and middle schools in Fairfax County embarked on a journey to Port Isobel, located near the island of Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.

Tease photo

Crime Solvers Hold 5K, Raise Money

In the second year, the race has gained momentum, more runners, and two vendors.

Early Saturday morning, runners and walkers alike descended onto Fairfax Government Center for the second annual Crime Solvers 5K and helped raise money for Fairfax Crime Solvers. “[We’re] just a partnership to keep our community safe,” Fairfax County Crime Solvers President and Chairman, Jody Donaldson said.

Tease photo

The End of an Era

After 33 years, Robinson’s Chip Rome retires.

It’s the end of an era at Robinson Secondary: Legendary Theater Director Chip Rome has retired. In 1981, he became the fourth drama teacher the school hired that year, and he more than provided stability. He spent all 33 years of his FCPS career there.

Tease photo

Serving Families For 90 Years

Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.

An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.

Tease photo

Robinson Grad Never Far from Roots

Hometown entrepreneur set to open business in Fairfax.

Baher Elgibali, 31, of Kingstowne, is no stranger to stress, having worked in real estate and construction for almost 10 years. A former real estate specialist at Debbie Dogrul Associates - a Fairfax real estate company - Elgibali learned about the extreme sides of stress and found that massage was a way to relieve it.

Tease photo

New Principal at Laurel Ridge

Tonya Cox, who has worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for 23 years, began her role as principal of Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax on July 1.

Tease photo

Celebrating the ‘Best of Braddock’

Braddock District residents honored for service.

From 10-year-old Rohil Bhinge, who helped raise funds to complete a handicap accessible playground, to Norma Heck, who was one of the first five homeowners of North Springfield in 1955, the Braddock District is full of exceptional citizens.

Fairfax School Board Elects Chairman, Vice Chair

Tamara Derenak Kaufax and Ted Velkoff elected to lead Board.

Tamara Derenak Kaufax (Lee District) and Ted Velkoff (at-large) were elected chairman and vice chair of the Fairfax County School Board on Thursday night, July 10, following an abstention from some members in the election of chairman. Both will serve in their positions for one year.

Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area

For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.