Express Buses from Burke to Tysons
Fairfax County to launch Express Connector bus service.
Get ready to ride the 495 Express Lanes. For free. Really.
Local Leaders Predict Hot Topics in 2013
We asked local movers and shakers to tell us what headlines they’d like to see in the New Year, what issues will dominate the political agenda, what their New Year’s resolutions are, and their Express Lane experiences. If our prognosticators are correct, the top three issues that dominated the headlines last year will again dominate this year. In order of priority: transportation, transportation and transportation.
Connolly: Good News in Phase One, Phase Two
Q&A with U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) on challenges and opportunities of 2013.
Q: What do you consider to be the number one issue affecting our community? A: Protecting and growing Northern Virginia’s economy and our vibrant public-private partnership with the federal government remains my number one priority for Northern Virginia. As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that oversees government contracting, federal workers, information technology, and other related areas, I continue to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain the balance between government functions performed by our dedicated federal workforce and those best served by the private sector.
Coming in From The Cold
A night at Burke United Methodist Church’s hypothermia prevention shelter.
Musa L. gently draped a blanket over his wife, and promised her the new year would be better for both of them. She was sleeping on a foam pallet at the Burke United Methodist Church. Musa and his wife were among nearly 40 homeless adults seeking shelter from the frigid temperatures at the church on Friday, Dec. 21.
Readers of the Pack
What Fairfax County residents read in 2012.
According to Mary Mulrenen, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County readers selected many of the same fiction and non-fiction favorites that caught the attention of book-lovers nationwide. Dr. Seuss, science-fiction and, once again, lawyers (John Grisham’s 25th legal thriller) topped the charts.
How the Powerless Access Power
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Immigrant Experience Guides Success
Delegate Mark L. Keam
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.
Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Enhanced Security Around Schools
FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.
Going Casual for a Cause
Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.
Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.
Democratic Women of Clifton Spread Holiday Cheer
DWC collects coats, toys and gift cards for local nonprofits.
Every child needs a little Christmas, but some Fairfax County parents don’t have the means to provide it.
Taste of Braddock Kicks off Holiday Season
Eighteenth annual event draws more than 300 for food, fun, holiday cheer.
Braddock Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted the 18th Annual Taste of Braddock event in Braddock Hall, welcoming more than 300 members of the community, including Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34).
Project Pearly Whites
Fairfax foundation launches campaign to raise money for children who need dental care.
Imagine a child sitting in school with a toothache so bad he needs a root canal.
Santa Takes a Fire Truck Ride Through Burke
Sleigh bells are ringing in Burke. Starting this week, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department will be riding through the Burke community with Santa.
Northern Virginia Players Present Disney’s Little Mermaid
Portion of proceeds benefit Hurricane Sandy victims.
In a magical kingdom under the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.
Sikhs Bring Foundation of ‘Service to Others’
Fairfax Station temple active in community outreach.
On a recent Thursday evening, Ajaib Singh, 78, one of the founding members of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia, politely escorts a visitor to the area where one removes shoes and dons a headscarf.
Dynamic and Diverse
New immigrants bring religious diversity to Fairfax County.
At the intersection of Hooes Road and Silverbrook Drive, on the dividing line between Lorton and Fairfax Station, is the largest Hindu structure in three states.
Bienvenido! Huān yíng! Welcome!
Chantilly Bible Church thrives on diversity by providing outreach to immigrants.
Pastor Isaac Huang vividly remembers the day he landed in the United States from Taiwan. It was Jan. 7, 1982, and Huang, 25, was looking forward to studying computer science at Old Dominion University.
Santa Takes a Fire Truck Ride Through Burke
Sleigh bells are ringing in Burke. Starting this week, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department will be riding through the Burke community with Santa. To find out if your neighborhood is on Santa’s “nice” list, visit the Burke Volunteer Fire Department's Website at www.bvfrd.org.
Human ‘Jean’ Therapy Helps Homeless
Fairfax County kicks off second annual Jeans Day on Dec. 14.
Everyone knows that gene therapy can help scientists treat a number of debilitating diseases, but what about human “jean” therapy?
Board Selects Appointees to Election Commission
Bi-partisan group will review election process.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed representatives to the Bi-partisan Election Process Improvement Commission, which was created by the board after long lines were reported across various voting precincts during the most recent election.
Animal Advocates Honor Marsden
State Sen. Marsden awarded “Legislator of the Year” for efforts against fox penning.
State Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Humane Society of the United States Tuesday, Dec. 4, for his ongoing efforts against what many call the cruel practice of fox penning in Virginia.
Bibliophiles Rejoice
Richard Byrd Library Book Sale a holiday bestseller.
Booklovers, bargain hunters and holiday shoppers will find the perfect gift for everyone on their holiday list at the annual Richard Byrd Library holiday book sale beginning Thursday, Nov. 29.
Put the Zip on Homelessness
Second Annual Jeans Day Campaign to End Homelessness launches.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber), in partnership with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness, The Connection Newspapers and Apple Federal Credit Union, has announced the 2nd Annual Jeans Day to Put the ZIP on Homelessness (http://jeansday2012.eventbrite.com).
Fairfax Becomes Immigrants’ Gateway
Focus on immigration.
Yesuf Beshir spent nearly three years gathering the mountain of paperwork he needed to leave Ethiopia and emigrate to America.
A Way Out of No Way
Two women — one African-American and one from Africa — learn to see America through each other’s eyes.
Rosemary Osei, 22, and Lillie Reynolds, 61, have been good friends for four years. The two women, who help teach special needs students at a Vienna elementary school, are sometimes mistaken for mother and daughter.
A Sanctuary for Cigar-Lovers
Solving world problems at Burke Cigar Shop.
“This is a place where everybody knows your name, or nickname, where we solve the world’s problem.” —Tim Jeter, a retired Fairfax County firefighter
Long Lines Revisited
Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.
“I plan to present this issue to the Board of Supervisors at our next meeting and suggest the formation of a bi-partisan commission to identify ways to reduce lines, decrease wait times and streamline our election process.” —Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)
Holiday Shopping Trend
Show support for local businesses.
Get ready to toss out the candy corn and grab the candy canes. Black Friday—the hottest holiday shopping day of the year—is right around the corner. What’s one of the biggest trends this year? Shopping locally. Below is a list of local “mom and pop” niche stores that make vital contributions to the local economy, generate jobs and offer unique products and stellar personal service. Unlike many big national chains, they know their products, and are able to accommodate special requests. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person to help you. Who could ask for a better holiday gift?
Long Lines on Election Day ‘Unacceptable’
Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.
While voter turnout in Fairfax County on Election Day was at an all-time high--80.5 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, compared to 78.7 percent in 2008--some voters faced long lines and endured hours of waiting in the cold to cast their ballots.
A Spooktacular Strings Performance
Ghoulish Gang at White Oaks Elementary plays hauntingly familiar tunes.
The melodies were haunting as musical ghosts and goblins performed during the 33rd Annual Spooky Strings Concert at White Oaks Elementary School in Burke on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
Fairfax Votes ‘Yes’ On Bond Package
$155 million will be used to upgrade, renovate fire stations, libraries, parks and make storm water improvements.
On Tuesday, Fairfax County voters overwhelmingly approved $155 million in bonds to upgrade and renovate libraries, parks, fire stations and courtrooms, and to make storm water improvements to address flooding in the Huntington neighborhood.
Eminent Domain Amendment Prevails by Wide Margin
Some lawmakers predict amendment will cost taxpayers millions down the road.
Local lawmakers said they were not surprised that nearly two and half million voters (74.6 percent) approved a state constitutional amendment last night further restricting Virginia’s power of eminent domain.
Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents
President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.
In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.
Romney at GMU: ‘He Believes in Us’
Fairfax crowd gives Romney ‘energetic’ welcome as more than 10,000 supporters gather inside and outside Patriot Center.
By the time GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney took center stage at George Mason University’s Patriot Center around 4 p.m. Monday, the crowd was fired up.
Absentee Voting Down Slightly from 2008 Election
More confusion about redistricting reported at polls, not Voter ID.
The line of 100-plus voters casting absentee ballots at the Reston Government Center Friday evening moved quickly.
McCain Stumps for Romney at Greenspring
Greenspring had 90 percent voter turnout in ’08 election.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) made a stop at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield on Friday while campaigning for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
George Allen v. Timothy Kaine for Senate
Voters have stark choice between candidates to replace U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D).
Candidates for U.S. Senate George Allen and his Democratic challenger Timothy M. Kaine have powerful things in common. Both were popular governors of the Commonwealth of Virginia; both have long political resumes; and both men are passionate about the success of their adopted home state.
After the Storm
Thousands of residents without power as clean-up efforts continue and residents deal with downed trees, closed roads and schools in wake of Hurricane Sandy.
Hurricane Sandy battered the region Monday night, shutting down Fairfax County schools, governments, roads and voting precincts.
Fairfax County Braces for Sandy’s Arrival
Threat of flooding and high winds prompts officials to close schools, government offices and absentee voting.
As Hurricane Sandy barreled down the East Coast on Sunday, it’s beginning to look like the weather – not politics – will deliver the biggest October surprise this year.
Area Schools Closing in Face of Weather Threat
Threat of flooding, high winds from Hurricane Sandy prompts decision.
Better safe than sorry. Based on that philosophy, Fairfax County Public Schools announced early Sunday afternoon that all FCPS schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday because of the continuing threat of flooding and hurricane-force winds from Hurricane Sandy, a “rare hybrid storm” expected to make landfall on Monday.
Dog Day Afternoon
Greenspring celebrates 10th annual Halloween Pet Parade.
Prancing, dancing and wagging their tails, Midnight, Ladybug, Itsy & Bitsy paraded across the stage in their Halloween finery as Greenspring celebrated its 10th annual Halloween Pet Parade on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Burke Artist Launches ‘Barn Sale without the Barn’
Think "Upscale Tag Sale" of original art, vintage jewelry and everything in between.
A year ago, I read an article about this new phenomenon called "Barn Sales." These various groups of women in the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia would put all this beautiful antique and vintage furniture for sale in differently-styled vignettes. The kicker was that these vignettes were set up in different stalls of a barn. Each had a different look: Victorian here, retro there, Hollywood regency there, farmhouse chic there, with antiques throughout. As I watched all these people waiting in line eagerly to buy all these vintage and antique and "freshened" goodies, two things occurred to me. 1. The art I was making at the time would look amazing in this venue. 2. Between me and Sharon, we knew where to find or how to make almost everything in the show. On the way home I looked at her and said, "Sharon, let's have a barn sale this fall." and she said, "Where are we going to find a barn in Burke?" And we just decided we didn't need a barn. Hence the tag "Branches: the Barn Sale Without a Barn".
Lawmakers Debate Eminent Domain Ballot Question
Some argue amendment fails to increase property owner’s protections, but may shut down popular parades.
"A shop owner could complain they lost revenue, that festival vendors are taking their business away….What if someone decided to make that an issue and seek compensation for lost profits under (the amendment)? The Town of Vienna can’t afford to reimburse every shop owner..." — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) "(The amendment) is fair…If they run a road and cut off your driveway to the point that no one can get into your restaurant and ruin your business, you should be compensated." —Del. Dave Albo (R-42)
Obama Fires Up Fairfax Crowd With ‘Romnesia’ Quips
President delivers second GMU gender-pitch aimed at women voters.
Lillie Reynolds, a single mother from Herndon with four daughters, stood in line for nearly five hours to hear President Barack Obama speak for 25 minutes at a campaign rally at George Mason University on Friday, Oct. 19.
Immigration Issue High on Latino Voters’ Agenda
GMU panel addresses the impact of Latino vote in Northern Virginia.
“The demographic shifts coming to Virginia will wipe out the effects of the short-sighted anti-immigrant politicking we see now.” —Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-49)
Halloween Happenings
It’s back! This year’s haunted trail winds through Clifton’s eight-acre Buckley Park on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7-10 p.m. This year will include several new terrifying skits including re-enactments, popular scary movie scenes and plenty of frightening lighting and props. Parents should accompany children along the Trail. This year the Haunted Trail features several new and scarier skits from zombie land and the legendary headless horseman may ride by on his stallion from time to time.
Area Roundups
At his swearing-in ceremony in June, City of Fairfax Mayor R. Scott Silverthorne promised to give every resident an equal opportunity to participate in government.
Springfield Fondling Attacks May Be Linked
Police release sketch of suspect.
Fairfax County police released a sketch this week of a suspect they say may be responsible for at least five fondling attacks in Springfield over the past month.
Fairfax Crowd Gives Obama Enthusiastic Welcome
President scores points talking about jobs, women’s rights … and Big Bird.
After a bruising debate with GOP challenger Mitt Romney, President Barack Obama did some boasting Friday, Oct. 5 at a campaign rally at George Mason University.