Fall Fun Festivals
Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. will present the 20th annual Fall For Fairfax KidsFest this weekend at the Fairfax County Government Center. Enjoy exciting, interactive and educational programs, entertainment and activities. Fall For Fairfax KidsFest is specially designed for families with elementary and pre-K aged children. There will be three stages of free entertainment, including the Inova Health Stage and the Fall for Fairfax Kids Stage.
Fall Fun at Workhouse Arts Center
Whether you are an art aficionado, music lover, cinephile or nature enthusiast, there’s something to enjoy at Lorton’s Workhouse Arts Center this fall. Set on 55 acres of land in the former D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory, the Workhouse provides a home for more than 100 of the region’s finest professional and emerging artists, classes and arts education programs for people of all ages and artistic abilities, cooperative studios, performance and theatre venues, dedicated gallery and exhibition space, and event facilities. For more information, visit www.WorkhouseArts.org or call 703-584-2900. The center is located at 9601 Ox Road in Lorton.
McLean's Cordial Debate Turns Controversial
Allen, Kaine battle for Northern Virginia votes.
“I’m open to dialogue, and I don’t see how openness is something controversial.” —Tim Kaine "If you want a job, you ought to join the Allen team.” —George Allen
Dam Project Worries South Run Residents
South Run residents want unofficial park entryway shut down permanently.
Chris Amans and his wife, Brenda Riffe, have lived in the leafy neighborhood of South Run in Fairfax Station since the community was developed in the mid-1980s. Bordered by Lee Chapel Road, Route 123, and the Fairfax County Parkway, many of the community’s 500 homes, which sell for close to $1 million, back up to Burke Lake Park. While they love the neighborhood’s mature trees, expansive 1/2-acre lots and access to Burke Lake Park, they have never been happy with the fact that their Laketree Drive cul-de-sac has become an unofficial entrance to the popular Burke Lake trails.
County Combats Chronic Homelessness
Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’
Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.
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.
‘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.
‘Ride To Thrive Polo Classic’ to Be Held Sept. 8
‘Ride To Thrive Polo Classic’ to Be Held Sept. 8
The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP), based in Clifton, will host its sixth Ride To Thrive Polo Classic on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Chetwood Park in The Plains, Va. Gates open at noon, with the polo game beginning at 3 p.m. featuring Team Chetwood Park/Golden Zebra versus Team Los Tigres.
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.
LCAC Partners with Halley Elementary
After-school program targets at-risk students.
When the school bell rings at the end of the day at William Halley Elementary School in Lorton this year, more than 350 students will be going to a new after-school program instead of going home.
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
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.
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.
Explore & Enjoy
A sample of attractions the area offers.
The miniature Central Pacific Huntington steam engine at Burke Lake Park has been a popular ride for 40 years.
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.
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.
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.
Fairfax County’s ‘Little Gem’
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum hosts Civil War Reenactment.
On Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26, a Civil War Reenactment Commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Medical Evacuation of wounded soldiers will be held at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Lorton Man Pleads Guilty to Prostituting Eight Juveniles
Justin Strom, 26, among five members of Crips gang charged with trafficking juveniles.
Justin Strom, aka "Jae," "Jae Dee," or "J-Dirt," 26, of Lorton pled guilty Tuesday, June 26, to recruiting at least eight juvenile girls to engage in commercial sex for his street gang’s prostitution business.
From Prison to Cultural Center
Lorton Workhouse Arts Center hosts Art Out Loud, Ice Cream Social in July.
For visual arts, performances and education, the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center is the place to be this summer. More than 100 years ago, however, one of the region’s most distinctive cultural arts center started life as a prison complex.
Party Like It’s 1776
City of Fairfax Hosts 46th Star-Spangled Fourth of July Celebration.
Since 1776, Americans have celebrated our independence from the tyranny of King George III with parades, picnics and booming fireworks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Governor Signs Voter ID Bills
McDonnell directs state to send every voter a new voter card before Election Day.
Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) signed watered-down versions of Virginia’s Republican-backed voter identification bills on Friday, adding the Commonwealth to the growing list of states adopting stricter voting standards.
Planning to Vote?
Nearly 200,000 voter registration cards mailed this week.
Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, if you are planning to vote in the June 12 primary elections in Fairfax County, check your new voter registration cards mailed out this week.
SMILE Carnival Earns Katelyn Sparks her Gold Award
Katelyn Sparks, a South County Secondary School freshman, recently achieved the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for something she does every day - SMILE.
A ‘Perfect’ Mother’s Day
Fairfax moms create gift bags for mothers in homeless shelters.
Every week, Julie Miner and Kristin Wilson Keppler would run into each other at Fairfax Presbyterian Church’s preschool and exchange "mommy" pleasantries.
Opening Doors for People in Need
FACETS celebrates volunteers, donors at annual benefit breakfast.
Surrounded by nearly 350 business executives, politicians and community leaders in the chandeliered ballroom of the Waterford, Frank Somers - dressed in jeans, sneakers and a denim work shirt - looked a little out of place.