County Launches Safety Campaign
How to participate in Fairfax County’s ‘30 Ways in 30 Days’ campaign.
In the past 12 months, Fairfax County residents have experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies, from an earthquake and a tropical storm to floods, a tornado and a derecho.
Rabid Beaver Chases Children in Springfield
No Injuries Reported
Animal Control officers from the West Springfield Police District responded to a report of a beaver that was chasing children at the Hidden Pond Nature Center on Saturday, Sept. 8 around 11:30 a.m.
Bridging a Cultural Divide
Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield hosts Palestinian students this summer.
For many, the concept of “peace in the Middle East” is a distant dream bordering on fantasy.
Burke Centre Hosts Fall Festival
Festival-goers treated to senior flash mob and family fun.
Burke hosted its biggest block party last weekend as the community welcomed friends and neighbors of all ages for the 35th annual Burke Centre Fall Festival.
Combating Speeding
McGruff leads anti-speeding effort as school year begins.
Laurel Ridge Elementary School students got a surprise Monday morning, when they were met by McGruff the Crime Dog, Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Officer J.T. Frey of the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) in Kings Park West. The trio was there to remind student and their parents of the importance of driving safely and especially following the posted speed limits in school zones. The outreach effort, in support of the police department’s Operation Blue Guardian, is part of Supervisor Cook’s ongoing campaign to combat speeding and unsafe driving in our communities.
‘A Morning Just Like This One’
Fairfax County pays tribute to victims of 9/11 attacks.
The mournful tone of a single bell tolling three times—once for each site that was struck on Sept. 11, 2001—echoed in the Fairfax County Government Center chambers this morning as community leaders, police, firefighters and citizens gathered to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorists attacks 11 years ago today.
Helping Heroes in Need
Volunteer drivers “urgently” needed to transport local veterans to medical appointments.
When he is feeling well, 87-year-old Peter Edisal Brown enjoys tending the flowers and vegetables he grows in the garden of his Alexandria home he has owned since 1946. “I like to garden, and I wish I could still go dancing. Me and my wife, we used to love going to supper clubs like the Dipsy Doodle,” Brown said.
Shopping with Sheriff
Fairfax County partners with Target to help homeless children purchase school supplies.
Nearly 30 children and their parents got the chance to "Shop with the Sheriff” on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The annual shopping spree pairs deputies and volunteers from the Fairfax County sheriff's office with local homeless children who need a little help with back-to-school supplies.
The Little Red Schoolhouse That Could
Springfield one-room schoolhouse gains historic status on National Register.
Nearly four years after deciding to shut down the popular elementary school because of shrinking enrollment, mounting parental pressure and ardent emotional appeals swayed Fairfax County’s School Board to re-open the rural community school.
Drum Roll, Please
11th Annual Springfield BridgeWalk celebrates community support of Fort Belvoir’s soldiers.
"To me this walk symbolizes the renewal of the relationship we have with the Springfield community." --Col. Gregory Gadson, garrison commander of Fort Belvoir
Burke Centre Fall Festival Sept. 8-9
Affordable family fun and flash mob (maybe…)
Burke hosts its biggest block party on Sept. 8 and 9 as the community welcomes friends and neighbors of all ages for the 35th annual Burke Centre Fall Festival. The event will be held at the Burke Centre Conservancy’s (BCC) Festival Grounds, 6060 Burke Centre Parkway.
Feedback Sought on Emergency Communications
Fairfax County online survey now available.
After filing a report last week with the Federal Communications Commission on Verizon’s 911 outages, Fairfax County officials are looking at how to improve their own communications during emergencies. The county wants to know how it can better communicate with residents and businesses in a disaster like a derecho, hurricane or terrorist attack. Officials are seeking feedback in a short, online survey.
Char-a-oke Anyone?
$1 million raised for Fairfax County Public Schools Education Foundation.
Listen, baby… "Ain't no mountain high. Ain't no valley low. Ain't no river wide enough, baby. If you need me, call me. No matter where you are. No matter how far."
911's Complete Failure
Fairfax County says Verizon "failed completely" during June 29 derecho.
"It’s like the captain of the Titanic telling passengers the ship hit an iceberg when the bow is on the bottom of the ocean floor." —Steve Souder, Fairfax County 911 Director
State Senator Shares Places-to-See
Q&A With Chap Petersen
Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen (D-34) represents central and western Fairfax in the Virginia State Senate. He grew up and lives in Fairfax City.
Locals cautiously optimistic about $200 million Springfield Mall transformation.
Locals cautiously optimistic about $200 million Springfield Mall transformation.
The joke among Springfield "insiders" is that if Vornado’s developers wait long enough, they won’t have to spend money demolishing Springfield Mall, because it will fall apart of its own volition.
Remembering Their Sacrifice
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum commemorates first mass Civil War evacuation.
"By midnight, there must have been three thousand helpless men lying in the hay. All night long we made compresses and slings and bound up and wet wounds when we could get water…" —From the writings of Clara Barton, after tending to the wounded in the battles of Second Manassas and Ox Hill in late August, 1862.
Nearly 800 Jobs Added to the Local Economy
Information technology firms and professional service companies see growth.
Information technology firms continue to do well in a sluggish economy, according to a new report from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). During the second quarter of 2012, the FCEDA provided services and resources to 33 businesses that are adding almost 800 jobs in Fairfax County. Most of these businesses are in the information technology and professional services sectors and four are foreign-based firms using a Fairfax County location to expand in North America.
Minority-Owned Businesses Prosper in Fairfax County
Companies generate more than $1 billion in revenue and provide more than 1,000 jobs.
Businesses owned by Hispanics, African-Americans and women shine in Fairfax County, according to the latest national rankings for largest or fastest-growing companies. "Fairfax County is proud to be a community in which companies of all descriptions can and do succeed to a greater extent than in the rest of the region, the state or the country," said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which supports and monitors the growth of local businesses. Eleven Fairfax County-based companies are among the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation based on revenue — more than the total in 40 states, according to a recent report by HispanicBusiness.com. The Fairfax County companies are among 22 from Virginia on the 2012 Hispanic Business 500 list.
Transcending Fear With Messages of Hope
Fairfax Station Sikh temple holds candlelight vigil to honor victims of Wis. shootings.
It was an evening of unity, resilience and hope as more than 300 people of all faiths gathered for a candlelight vigil at the Sikh temple in Fairfax Station on Thursday, Aug. 9, less than a week after a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple in Wis., killing six and injuring three.
‘Primary’ Numbers: 7100 + Upgrade = 286
Fairfax County Parkway gets new number, upgrades as “primary” road.
Since 1987, the Fairfax County Parkway has been known as Route 7100 for the estimated 75,000 motorists who travel the 32-mile parkway each day.
Springfield Mom a Model of Volunteer Spirit
Springfield mom wins state award for PTA volunteer work
Tracy Goodwin is an expert juggler. Not the circus kind of juggler—the parent kind. She’s the mom who amazes other moms by keeping several balls in the air at the same time, juggling a job as a substitute teacher, a mom to two pre-teens, a stepmom to two grown children and serves as a full-time volunteer for the PTA.
100 men, 4,000 miles, 1 mission
Burke man bikes cross-country with fraternity to raise awareness for people with disabilities.
Dan Rieck, a senior at Virginia Tech, just had the best summer of his life.
Taking Back Their Neighborhoods
Communities host crime-fighting events during 29th Annual National Night Out.
From block parties to pool parties, picnics and parades, Fairfax County residents gathered with friends, neighbors and local police on Tuesday, Aug. 7, in recognition of the 29th Annual National Night Out campaign.
Historic Huntley Opens to Public
Site available for rent starting this August.
After more than 20 years of planning, the federal-style villa that was built in 1825 for Thomson Francis Mason, a grandson of George Mason, is now open to the public.
BBQ, Republican-Style
George Allen talks jobs, energy and education at Braddock district fundraiser.
U.S. Senate candidate George Allen was energetic as he shook hands, posed for photos and made small talk with Republican supporters Saturday at Supervisor John Cook’s 3rd annual Big Braddock BBQ for volunteers at Burke Lake Park.
To Geek or Not To Geek, That is the…Verb
Library launches novel campaign to get people talking.
Ruth geeks fairy tales. Katie geeks wildlife. Benjamin geeks hobbits.
Fairfax County, VDOT File Suit Against EPA
New EPA rules will impact homeowners, developers and could cost taxpayers nearly $500 million.
Fairfax County and the state of Virginia filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, July 12, challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new storm water regulations for the Accotink watershed, claiming the agency’s requirements are costly, onerous and vastly exceed its legal authority.
Keeping the Pressure On
Tired of paying both City of Fairfax and Falls Church water bills, one Fairfax County man becomes a vocal water activist.
Every three months, Fairfax County resident Kirk F. Randall reluctantly writes a check to the City of Fairfax for his water bill, and fumes about it.
Pushed to the Limit
Food pantries seek help for county’s most vulnerable residents.
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, it’s already 103 degrees in Reston - the 10th straight day temperatures hover near or above 100 degrees after a derecho storm swept through the region on July 29, causing extensive power outages.
After the Storm
Area residents cope with no power, no air-conditioning and soaring temperatures.
More than 80,000 residents were still struggling with power outages and triple-digit temperatures Monday after a wave of violent thunderstorms slammed the region Friday, June 29, packing hurricane-force winds that uprooted trees, downed power lines and knocked out power to more than 1 million homes.
Take a Hike!
Discover Burke VRE-Pohick Stream Valley Trail.
On June 2, the 20th anniversary of National Trails Day, local officials and community residents "took a hike" and officially opened the Pohick Stream Valley - Burke VRE Trail.
Chessie’s Big Backyard Opens for Summer Fun
Fun-seekers can play, explore and splash around at Lee District Park.
Sunny skies greeted hundreds of children and their families during the June 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Chessie's Big Backyard Tiki Village playground, part of the Family Recreation Center at Lee District Park.
Sock Monkeys Fan?
Welcome to Lee District nights summer concerts.
From jazz to big band, classic to blue bluegrass, and some vintage rock ‘n roll, Lee District Nights is the place for music lovers of all stripes.
Spartans Reach for the Stars
West Springfield High’s alumnus Patrick Forrester, NASA astronaut, delivers a keynote speech.
West Springfield High School Principal Mark Greenfelder launched the school’s 45th commencement ceremony at the Patriot Center with an inspiring message: "Spartans should always reach for the stars."
‘Rocking It Out’ at Lake Braddock
Sen. Webb delivers an inspirational speech to his granddaughter’s graduating class.
Being a vice president of the Student Government Association has its perks. Brianna Hogan, a Lake Braddock Secondary School senior, had the honor of introducing the guest speaker at the school’s graduation ceremony on Friday, June 15 at the Patriot Center.
County Board Objects to ‘Transit Funding Game’
Local leaders say policy shift disruptive, costly.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors strongly criticized a McDonnell administration plan to overhaul the way it handles transportation funding, calling the move politically-motivated "funding games."
People, Places and Programs
This week in Fairfax County.
The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) awarded Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, "Public Official of the Year" at its annual awards ceremony in Fairfax on June 13.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
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.
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.
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.
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.