Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Burke: Creating Art Full of Wonder
Christopher Falck of Burke sees his pictures as ‘sculpture disguised as a photograph.’
Burke resident Christopher Falck grew up with parents who enjoyed collecting art. They exposed him to books about magic and art where he discovered the world created by artist M.C. Escher and the beauty captured by photographer Ansel Adams. His father enjoyed cameras and let Falck play with his 35mm Chinon as a child. It was easy for Falck to imagine a career in the arts.
Burke: Shenandoah Run in Concert at Accotink
Local band Shenandoah Run, playing “folk music with a kick,” will be in concert Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. at Accotink UU Church, 10125 Lakehaven Ct., Burke.
Burke Firefighters Dedicate New Fire Engine
Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department dedicated its new fire engine during its open house on Saturday, Oct. 15. Pictured are volunteer and career staff at Station 414. Joining in the dedication were Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova, Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Chief Richard Bowers.
Amanda Nelson of Burke Named Summer Research Scholar
Denison University student Amanda Nelson from Burke, graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was chosen as a 2016 summer research scholar in a program funded by the Laurie Bukovac Hodgson and David Hodgson Endowed Fund.
Northern Virginia Players Present ‘Annie Jr.’
Northern Virginia Players will present their Fall 2016 musical, “Annie Jr.” Based on the popular comic strip, “Annie” tells of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan.
Making Our Vote Count
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” Although more than a century has passed since then-President Abraham Lincoln famously uttered these words, they still hold true in today’s world. By simply checking a box or clicking a button, a single vote can do something instantly that would take any amount of ammunition years to accomplish—defending and upholding the blessings of liberty.
Lorton: Fair Winds Launches ‘Buy a Vet a Beer’ Campaign
Some simply say “Thank you for your service.” Others are more personal, listing a name, service branch and years served, or names of loved ones who were killed in the line of duty. Regardless of the content, each note for active duty or retired veterans on the wall at Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton comes with the same thing: a free beer and a hearty thanks.
Burke Farmers Market runs until Dec. 17
While many of the 11 farmers markets around Fairfax County will be closing in the next month, the market in Burke is one of the last two to shut down for the winter.
Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT
Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains
On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Burke Area CROP Hunger Walkers Help Save Lives
Looking to make a real difference? On Sunday, Nov. 20, hundreds of area residents will be joining together in the 24th annual Burke Area CROP Hunger Walk, and you can be part of it.
Helping Prevent Domestic Violence
With the help of the community, domestic violence is no longer the leading cause of homicide in Fairfax County.
Inova’s Knox Singleton Receives Community Leadership Award
J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, was recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award. The longest standing community based recognition award in Northern Virginia, it was presented at the Community Foundation’s annual Raise the Region Gala on Oct. 7, 2016 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
Burke and Springfield: Veterinary technician switched careers to heal and pursue her passion.
Part way through her career, Elizabeth Exline of Burke decided she needed to change her life completely. She had attended art school and was working in a restaurant, being trained for management, when her beloved dog died.
Clifton Primitive Baptist Church Re-Opens on Clifton Day
Oldest African American church in Fairfax County had been closed a decade.
Chuck Rusnak of Clifton stood in the middle of the Clifton Primitive Baptist Church, on all-original wooden floors laid in 1871 for an All-African American Church built on land donated by an emancipated slave.
Walk to School Day in Burke
Students around Fairfax County participated in International Walk to School Day on Oct. 5.