Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities in Fairfax County.
Robinson Chorus Prepping for World Choir Games
Two ensembles from Robinson will travel to Latvia this summer.
After a Skype session with composer Sydney Guillaume, members of Robinson Secondary School’s choral group Robinson Singers were ecstatic. “It was just so exciting because he knows exactly what he wants it to sound like,” said junior Molly Wise. “It was so cool to have the composer teach us and to take the time to help us.” Guillaume is the composer of “Twa Tanbou,” one of the pieces Robinson Singers will be performing at the World Choir Games in Latvia this summer.
Area Writers Shine at Crime Authors Book Fair
Fairfax County residents share insight at National Crime and Punishment Museum.
For Fairfax County resident John B. Wren, writing crime novels is addictive. Creating problems, or the mystery, making people curious and creating solutions, is enjoyable for him. “It’s so much fun,” he said.
Burke Resident Recognized for Volunteer Service
Wayne Chiles, a member of Springfield Rotary Club, raises awareness of ShelterBox.
President Barack Obama, along with ShelterBox USA, has recognized Burke resident Wayne Chiles with the President's Volunteer Service Award as a result of his efforts to help victims of disasters throughout the world. Chiles has worked to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox, an organization that provides shelter for those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Bonsai Show Coming Up at Garden Center
Learn about, see and vote for favorite trees.
The Northern Virginia Bonsai Society will hold its Spring Show this weekend at the Merrifield Garden Center. It’s at 12101 Lee Hwy. in Fairfax and the free show runs Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bill to Help Homeowners’ Associations
Del. Filler-Corn passes legislation to help constituent homeowners’ associations.
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), working with constituents, has spearheaded legislation aimed at helping many residents of her district and across Virginia. The 41st District contains several self-managed homeowners’ associations, made up of volunteers in the community working in the best interests of their shared neighborhood.
Historic Snowstorm Revisited in Burke
Kevin Ambrose tells the Burke Historical Society a story of the Knickerbocker Snowstorm of 1922.
It was only fitting on a snowy Sunday in late March, following a winter filled with snow days, that members of the Burke Historical Society celebrate the beginning of spring by learning about the eventful Knickerbocker Snowstorm of 1922.
Residents Concerned About ‘Fracking in Our Backyard’
Fracking could impact drinking water in Fairfax County, town hall meeting in Burke told.
At a town hall meeting in Burke, area residents, along with members of the Great Falls chapter of the Sierra Club, learned about fracking that could take place nearby in the George Washington National Forest.
Budget Dialogue Continues in Braddock District
Supervisor John Cook hosts budget town hall.
Fairfax County needs to be looking at the long-term picture in terms of the budget, Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock District) said at a town hall meeting on April 1.
Special Education Graduates Could be Impacted by Possible Budget Cuts
Families will speak against these cuts at public hearing on April 10.
Lynn Ruiz’s daughter Lydia, who has Down syndrome, will be graduating from Fairfax County Public Schools this June. Ruiz, a Springfield resident, had originally planned for her daughter to participate in an employment program that helps students with special needs transition into adulthood.
Helping Students Fully Recover
New concussion legislation goes before the Governor for signature.
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s bill, HB 1096, which places language for "Return to Learn" protocol into the Virginia Board of Education’s concussion guidelines passed the House of Delegates and Senate unanimously this General Assembly Session. It will now go before the Governor for signature. Current guidelines spell out protocol for student athletes returning to the playing field, but do not include information for the students returning to the classroom.
Children of Eden at the Burke Stage
Burke youth wow community audiences at the Burke Presbyterian Church.
Senior and junior high school youth from Burke Presbyterian Church presented the musical Children of Eden in four performances on March 13-16. The free events were open to the community. The Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and other stories of the Old Testament were brought to life on the stage
Del. Filler-Corn Passes Legislation for Military Spouses
House Bill 1247, aimed at reducing burdensome red tape for military spouses, has passed the House of Delegates and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and now awaits signature from the Governor. Sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and supported by the Administration, HB 1247 would require the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to expedite the review process for temporary licenses from 30 to 20 days for military spouses that already hold the equivalent license in another state.
Honored for Promoting Peace
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County honors 22 students.
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, presented by the Herndon Friends Meeting, honored a group of 22 juniors and seniors who were nominated for their dedication to peace and conflict resolution on March 2.
Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.