Honored by Supervisors
Norma Heck, who has been an owner of a home in North Springfield since 1956, was recognized last week by the Board of Supervisors for her service and dedication to the community.
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.
Traffic Changes on I-95
Left-turn Lanes to Close at Franconia-Springfield Parkway Interchange
On Aug. 8, or shortly around this date, all left turns from Franconia-Springfield Parkway and left turns to and from I-95 north and south will close to allow for widening of the ramps connecting the I-95 HOV Lanes and Franconia-Springfield Parkway.
Greenspring Recognized for Awarding 32 Scholarships
Students receive $10,000 each for college or trade school.
Greenspring Village recently awarded 32 student dining services employees scholarships of $10,000 each, and was recognized for this achievement at a recent Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Fairfax Considering Changes to Rules on Food Trucks
Planning Commission continues food truck discussion.
Fairfax County is considering a change to the zoning rules concerning the operation of food trucks within the county. Under new rules, vendors would pay under $200 for licensing and would require permission from property owners.
Honored by Supervisors
Resolution honors Braddock Resident Norma Heck for years of community service.
Norma Heck, who has been an owner of a home in North Springfield since 1956, was recognized last week by the Board of Supervisors for her service and dedication to the community.
School Board Funds Full Day Mondays
School system has over $38 million surplus.
The Fairfax County School Board voted at its last meeting to approve funding for full day Mondays for elementary-school students. The board voted back in June to approve ending half-day Mondays, but voted to fund the move, which will cost $7,639,300 at its July 24 meeting.
Planning Commission Tables Residential Studio Amendment
Discussion on affordable housing likely to continue.
Although more than 15 public meetings and seven committee sessions have been held since Oct. 13, the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted unanimously last week to table the proposed Residential Studio Amendment, which would have provided apartments to residents working low-income jobs.
Springfield Shortlisted for FBI Headquarters
Other locations are Greenbelt and Landover.
Springfield could very well be the next site of the FBI headquarters. The General Services Administration and FBI announced Tuesday that Springfield was included on the shortlist for the new FBI headquarters.
Laurel Hill Master Plan Meets Final Approval
Construction expected to begin this fall.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the plan to develop the site of the former Lorton prison.
How Has the Library Affected You?
Friends of Richard Byrd Library encourage visitors to share library stories.
Springfield resident Eleanor Lamb loves the library. The West Springfield High School graduate visited consistently while growing up in the area, and is now giving back through her internship with the Friends of Richard Byrd Library. Lamb, a rising junior at William and Mary, has spent the summer gathering the opinions and viewpoints of people who used the library, taking their picture and making posters with the responses as part of the “Library Stories” project.
Serving up a Summer Treat
Springfield residents make homemade ice cream at area farmers markets.
Even with flavors that contain vegetables like beets and rhubarbs, children and adults alike are crazy for Craig and June McMullen’s homemade, fresh and natural ice cream. “It’s a great way to get kids to eat vegetables,” June said.
Express Lanes, Rapid-Bus Transit Planned for I-66
Improvements will be made from Capital Beltway to Haymarket.
Express lanes and rapid-bus transit could be coming to Interstate 66, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on July 17.
Give Blood, Give Back to Community
Paul VI student hosting blood drive in Clifton.
When Mitch Kiefer was 6, his 3-year-old brother Brent was diagnosed with leukemia. Brent recovered, but Kiefer remains committed to helping others suffering from similar illnesses. Now, Kiefer, a student at Paul VI Catholic School in Fairfax, is planning a second blood drive in Clifton in honor of his brother.
Springfield Pet Store Shares Importance of Good Nutrition
Felix & Oscar provide natural pet food.
Nikki Logan and Matt O’Leary, employees of Felix & Oscar, a natural pet food store in Springfield, admit that their pets probably eat better than they do sometimes. “With all of the processed and artificial stuff that’s in fast food, I would definitely say yes,” Logan said.
Caring for Aging Pets
Jason Overman of Springfield Animal Hospital shares some best practices.
Even for those pet lovers who pay close attention to the health and well-being of their pets, it’s not uncommon for owners to be unaware of when their pet is reaching the point of becoming a senior. Because the lifespan of pets can vary, it’s important to do extensive research, and to take pets to the vet at least once a year.
Saying Goodbye at Halley Elementary
School says goodbye to a ‘true humanitarian.’
Since Halley Elementary School opened in the 1990s, Phoebe Boatright has been at the school inspiring students and helping the Lorton community. This June, Boatright retired after 46 years in education. Students, staff and parents at Halley say they will miss Boatright, who worked as a counselor at the school.
Expect HOV Lane Closures This Summer
Construction of 95 Express Lanes continues.
Drivers planning on using Interstate 95 to get to their vacation destination, or even just to get to work, should prepare for overnight and weekend HOV lane closures from Washington, D.C. to Dumfries as construction of the 95 Express Lanes continues.
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.
School Board Decreases Suspension Time
Student Rights and Responsibilities revised.
Starting this fall, suspensions for certain student offenses in Fairfax County will decrease, thanks to a revision of the school system’s Student Rights and Responsibilities [SR&R]. The school board voted unanimously at the end of June to change the discipline handbook, which will now focus on in school suspensions to preserve time in school. Offenses that come with mandatory punishments are decreased under the updated handbook.
Fairfax Updates Green Building Policy
New policy is result of new technology for green rating systems.
The green building policy in Fairfax has been updated, requiring higher standards for residential, retail, office and other construction projects seeking approval for rezoning in the county.
Archive Provides ‘Insight into the Reality of Segregation’
Northern Virginia Civil Rights Archive dedicated at George Mason.
Civil Rights activists Edwin Henderson, Lillie Jessie and Ralph Smith joined numerous other Virginia residents who lived through the Civil Rights movement and provided their stories during a dedication ceremony for the Northern Virginia Civil Rights Archive on July 7.
Cherry Run Celebrates 30 Years
School reflects on past, looks forward to renovations.
November 13, 1983 was dedication day for Cherry Run Elementary School, located just off Fairfax County Parkway in Burke. Over thirty years later, the school is celebrating its 30th anniversary, remembering years past and celebrating those to come.
Youth Suicide Prevention Training Offered Online
Interactive training helps adults deal with serious issues.
Following several incidents in the community involving youth and suicide, Laura Yager, the director of partnership and resource development for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, said the community has recognized the need for youth suicide prevention.
Food Truck Changes Considered in Fairfax County
Public Hearings are July 30 and Sept. 9.
Instead of bringing a brown-bag lunch to work or venturing out for fast food, Fairfax County residents may soon have a different option. On June 17, the Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with a proposal to make changes to food truck regulations. The proposal will allow food trucks to operate at office buildings, construction sites, and commercial and industrial properties. Public hearings on the proposal will be held in front of the Planning Commission on July 30 and Sept. 9 in front of the Board of Supervisors.
Celebrating New Athletic Fields
Audubon residents also looking to make changes in the community.
For years, residents living right off of Richmond Highway, including those who live at Audubon Mobile Home Park located next to Costco, faced a lack of safe, quality places for their children to play.
Medicaid Expansion Supporters Rally in Lorton
Budget without Medicaid expansion being reviewed by Governor.
day before Virginia legislators reconvened in Richmond and passed a budget without Medicaid expansion, advocates gathered in Lorton to show their support for expanding health care coverage to 400,000 Virginians.
Landfill Decision Deferred to July 29
Board Chairman Sharon Bulova looking for compromise.
The decision has already been delayed before, but the future of the Lorton landfill will remain uncertain as the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to defer the decision to July 29.
First Responders Honored for Going ‘Above and Beyond’
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosts First Responders Benefit Lunch.
Being a first responder is stressful enough, but the first responders who were honored at this year’s Above and Beyond: First Responders Benefit Lunch excel at their jobs and more.
Fairfax County Retired Educators Award Scholarships
Seven aspiring educators from Fairfax County receive awards.
Aspiring educators from across Fairfax County were honored for their accomplishments and presented with scholarships to help them begin their teaching careers at a luncheon and ceremony held by the Fairfax County Retired Educators on June 12 in Fairfax. Every year, FCRE awards students interested in teaching careers with $2,000 scholarships. This year, the seven students were either graduates or soon-to-be graduates of high schools throughout Fairfax County, including Robinson, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, Marshall, Mclean and James Madison.
Despite Low Unemployment, Veterans Need Assistance
“Supporting our Region’s Veterans” report identifies suggestions for improvement.
Although veterans in Northern Virginia are more educated than those nationwide and are less likely to live below the poverty line and be unemployed, a new report has found that individual anecdotes from veterans in the area demonstrate that there are still areas that need improvement.
School Calendar Changes Examined
Fairfax County considers ending half-day Mondays, at the cost between $4 to $7.6 Million.
Changes could be coming soon to school schedules in Fairfax County, under a new plan announced by Superintendent Karen Garza at a work session on May 28.
Cross County Trail Renamed to Honor Rep. Connolly
“Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail” unveiled at ceremony in Lorton.
On National Trails Day on June 7, the Cross County Trail, which goes through each district in Fairfax County, was renamed to the “Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail” in honor of Rep. Connolly’s work to build the trail.
Head Start Programs Face Wait Lists
Despite adding classrooms, need is growing in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax County Office for Children now has a waitlist of over 1,395 children. Of that number, 918 are on the waitlist for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Fairfax County Public Schools, according to a new report presented at a school board work session on May 29.
Community Meetings on Later Start Times Concluded
Final recommendation will be presented to School Board in July.
Parents and community members were presented with information regarding later start times in Fairfax County at a public meeting on June 10 at West Springfield High School. Leading the presentation were Danny Lewin and Judith Owens, doctors from the Children’s National Medical Center and experts on sleep medicine.
Pirates’ Day Kicks off Summer
Fifth annual celebration followed by summer of camping, fun.
For the fifth year in a row, complete with cannons, ships and swords, pirates stormed the beach at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton last weekend.
Housing and Restaurants Coming to Prison Site
Board of Supervisors approves Laurel Hill Master Development Plan.
The site of the former Lorton prison will soon get a makeover, complete with townhouses, restaurants, apartments and single-family homes. Inside the renovated cell blocks and guard towers will be housing and businesses on 80 acres in Lorton, home to the D.C. prison that closed in 2001.
Community Champion
Cheryl McDonald recognized at 2014 Volunteer Fairfax Awards.
Cheryl McDonald, a resident of the Braddock district for 15 years, has been working daily to ensure the Danbury Forest community near Accotink Creek in Springfield is a safe and pleasant place to live. This year, her hard work was recognized on a county-wide level when she was nominated by Supervisor John Cook as the 2014 Volunteer Fairfax Community Champion for the Braddock District.
Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees of Lee, Springfield and Braddock
Lords and Ladies of Fairfax Honored by Board of Supervisors
The 2014 Lords and Ladies of Fairfax were recognized in front of the Board of Supervisors on June 3 and presented with certificates honoring them for their dedication to their communities. This tradition, which began in 1984, comes every year with the Celebrate Fairfax Festival, which takes place this year June 6-8.
Springfield Residents Save Neighbor’s Life
Mary Ager and Dayna Cooper receive Citizen Recognition-Lifesaving Award.
Michael and Carol Martinka, residents of South Run Crossing in Springfield, were clearing out their driveway yet again during one of the many snow days in Fairfax County this winter. Michael was clearing the driveway with a snow blower while Carol was at the front porch. All of a sudden, Carol heard the snow blower stop and found her husband lying face down in the snow. Panicked, she screamed for help.
Bringing Science to the Community
Lee High School hosts annual Community Science Day.
Lee High School students are sharing their love of science with the community every year through their Community Science Day. This year, their May 31 event reached 280 guests, allowing attendees to participate in hands-on science projects and learn about issues such as renewable energy, stem cell research, genetically modified organisms, and other topics affecting the world.
Area Students Presented with Scholarships
Scholarships presented by the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce.
The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce has awarded seven students with college scholarships this year. The students were honored for their achievements at River Farm next to the Potomac River on June 3.
100 New Citizens Welcomed in Fairfax County
New citizens welcomed at Naturalization Ceremony of the Fairfax County Asian American History Project.
New American citizens started off their Memorial Day Weekend in a very patriotic way: celebrating their newfound American Citizenship through a naturalization ceremony.
Sharing A Passion for STEM
Summer Keating of Fairfax Station starts STEMaze group.
Summer Keating is only in sixth grade at Silverbrook Elementary School, but the 11-year-old Fairfax Station resident is already sharing her passion for science and math with the community. “We don't do enough hands-on science, there is too much work for SOLs,” Summer said. “When we do science, it’s not as creative as I would like.”
Countdown to World Police and Fire Games Begins
The event will bring 12,000 athletes from 70 countries to region in Summer 2015
Even though the opening ceremony is still a little over a year away, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe joined officials from Fairfax County last week to announce the countdown to the 2015 World Police and Fire Games.
Governor Launches Outdoor Fitness Challenge at Mason Neck
Mason Neck receives $55,000 grant, is named one of “America’s Favorite Parks.”
Located just miles from busy Interstate 95, Mason Neck State Park is a gem in the area for those looking for some outdoor recreation and an escape from the stress of Northern Virginia. The park’s allure was recognized last week as it received a $50,000 grant from Coca-Cola for being named one of America’s Favorite Parks through the “America is Your Park” campaign.
Residents Learn the Ins and Outs of Fairfax County
Supervisor Cook’s Neighborhood College Program helps citizens navigate County.
Braddock District residents came to Supervisor John Cook’s Neighborhood College Program for a variety of reasons, from wanting to be better leaders of their civic associations to looking to refresh their knowledge of local government, but all will be better informed and more able to navigate Fairfax County after graduating from the class.
McAuliffe Vetoes Bipartisan Ethics Bill
After Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed a bipartisan ethics bill last week, the bill’s co-sponsors, Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) Del. David Ramadan (R-87) and Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67), joined other lawmakers throughout the state in expressing their disapproval of the decision. Surovell and LeMunyon’s bill, House Bill 1212, also had a Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 650, which was vetoed by the Governor.
Springfield Days Kicks off Summer of Fun
Festival is May 31-June 1.
There’s no better way to kick off the summer than with Springfield Days, coming this year May 31-June 1. The community event, always the weekend after Memorial Day, starts with the Springfield 5K on May 31 at 8 a.m. The route takes runners along the upcoming Springfield Town Center and features live bands along the course.
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