Austin Nicholls of Fairfax Troop 1530 Achieves Eagle Rank
Austin David Nicholls, an Oak Hill resident and rising junior at South Lakes High School, earned scouting’s highest rank of Eagle on June 18. Austin is a member of Troop 1530, sponsored by Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax, and it was at Pender's ReGift Thrift Store in Chantilly that he decided to do his Eagle Scout project.
Area Roundups
Now that school is back in session, Fairfax County police urge motorists to be even more vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists. Commuters should expect increased congestion throughout the week and build extra travel time into their schedules. Residents may also notice police officers posted in school zones and near bus stops to help ensure pedestrian safety, plus safe loading and unloading of students. Drivers are reminded that, when bus lights and stop signs are activated, vehicles must stop in both directions, unless they’re separated from the bus by a median.
Miss Israel Comes to Fairfax
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia hosts meet and greet with Yityish Aynaw.
The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia will host an evening with Miss Israel, Yityish Aynaw, the first Ethiopian-born woman to win the Israeli beauty pageant, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.
Firefighters Hit the Streets to Fill-the-boot
Connolly praised Fairfax County fire department as “one of the best in the nation.”
Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 2068 kicked off its annual Fill-the-Boot drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Fire Station 14 in Burke.
Commentary: The Children Fairfax Shouldn’t Leave Behind
It’s the beginning of a new school year, and we in Fairfax are justifiably proud of our schools, which we proclaim are “among the best in the nation.” But what we don’t discuss enough is whether they are the best for all of our children. When we measure FCPS’s success, we often talk about the number of AP classes taken, high SAT scores and admissions to the best colleges and universities. These “US News and World Report” statistics measure how high our best students can go, but what about the rest? We have a minority student achievement gap. It’s narrowing but is still significant.
Angry Birds Rumored to Appear at Burke Centre Festival
... but not in the wine tent, please.
The word around the neighborhood is that Angry Birds are preening to make an appearance at the Burke Centre Festival, with sidekicks Spongebob and Elmo, too. They’ll be at home in the whimsy and sport that is the Burke Centre Festival, at 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. They might not be at the wine garden though (5-10 p.m. Saturday only). But everywhere else? Fair game.
Opinion: Dangers of Failure To Act
Our current and future standing in the international community is on the line.
President Obama has sought Congressional approval to carry out limited surgical strikes in Syria against the regime of Bashar al Assad in response to his use of chemical weapons to attack Syrian civilians, which killed 1,429 people, including 426 children.
Editorial: Later Start Times for High School
It’s past time to act; let this year be the year.
Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, the first day of school in Fairfax County, Dr. Karen Garza began her official day at 6:30 a.m. at Chantilly High School. While Garza was making herself available for interviews before the first class started at 7:20 a.m., many students were already on the school bus.
Wellbeing: How To Set Realistic Goals
Local experts say the key to success is setting achievable goals.
Laura Wheeler Poms, of Fairfax, set out to earn a doctorate degree and make a career change. As a wife, mother and working professional, the goal, she said, often felt lofty. “Writing my dissertation at times felt overwhelming, especially if I looked at it as one huge project,” said Poms, who now holds a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology and is an assistant professor of global and community health at George Mason University in Fairfax. “I set goals like writing one page or doing one analysis each day and I was able to get it done. I also gave myself little rewards along the way.”
Column: Indeterminate Sentence
And no, that’s not another made-up phrase by yours truly describing my occasionally cluttered/run-on prose with which many of you extremely patient regular readers are all too familiar. No, it has to do with how I perceive my future now that I’m post-hospital and sleeping in my own bed. Instead of nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, doctors and miscellaneous other hospital staff too numerous to list, I have one wife and five cats to do my bidding. And though they’re not nearly as attentive as the hospital staff, I know that they all have my best interests at heart.
Saving Jobs in Hard Times
Virginia lawmakers will push work sharing legislation this session.
“Having been through the recession and recent slight increases in Virginia unemployment rates as federal sequestration takes effect, it is important that we give Virginia businesses all the tools we can to help them and their employees get through challenging times. This bill does that.” —State Sen. George Barker (D-39)
‘Shared Work:’ A Win-Win-Win Solution
Preventing layoffs, maintaining the well-being of employees and their communities and keeping businesses competitive.
How do we mitigate the devastating effects of layoffs on employees, employers and their communities? Is there a "win-win-win" solution?
Woodson’s Fisher Totals Career-high 31 Kills
Cavaliers beat Robinson in five sets.
Woodson won district championships in 2011, 2012.
Classified Advertising Sept. 4, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Burke?
Interviews conducted by Steve Hibbard at the Pohick Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Burke.
“There is the Burke Lake Park where I go to play volleyball with friends. There’s Kingstowne for shopping and the movie theater.”
The Non-profits of South Fairfax County
An aid and mission travel organization that aims to implement sustainability projects, such as clean energy, safe water and sanitation in developing nations. Locally, volunteer opportunities include helping design graphics, social media management and fundraiser writing, in addition to being part of a travel team.
State Senator Marsden Shares ‘Insider Tips’ With Newcomers
Where to find Del. David Bulova bartending (maybe), and feel free to call Senator Marsden.
The possibilities for getting involved in a new community are endless. Throw yourself a “welcome to the neighborhood party” by having your new neighbors over. Join a civic club, Lions, rotary, etc. Join a church, the PTA, or the political party committee of your choice. Just don’t sit there … get started today!
Be a Braddock Insider
What every newcomer should know about living, working and playing in the Braddock District.
Braddock is very much a district of neighborhoods, a rarity in busy and booming Fairfax. Stretching from Annandale to the far edge of Fairfax by the Fairfax County Government Center, we are located in the center of Fairfax County. Braddock District contains key roads for the county such as Route 50, Route 29, Little River Turnpike, Braddock Road, the Fairfax County Parkway, Old Keene Mill, Rolling Road and 495. We are proud to have two institutes of higher learning, George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, which attract students from all over the world. Here’s a short list of some must-do, must-see places, events and opportunities for newcomers (and old-timers) alike.
Top Neighborhood Issues in the Braddock District
“As new residents to our district, I hope you will join your neighbors in pledging to drive slowly and safely, especially in residential areas.” —Supervisor John Cook (R- Braddock)
Attempted Burglary and Assault in Burke Area
Police are investigating an incident that occurred Friday evening, Aug. 23. Around 6:50 p.m., a 37-year-old woman answered a knock on her door in the 10200 block of Scarborough Commons Court. A man standing at the door spoke briefly with the victim and then attempted to push his way inside the residence. The suspect also struck the victim in the upper body. The victim was able to slam the door shut and the suspect fled on foot. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require transport to a hospital.