
“Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains” Returns to Area
On Saturday, Dec.13, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Virginia’s commuter rail service, held its 18th annual “Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains.”

Taste of Braddock Kicks Off Holidays
The annual Taste of Braddock reception was held at Supervisor John Cook’s office on Dec. 10. It was a wonderful time for community members to come together to kick off the holiday season and share in some delicious food from Braddock District businesses.

Bringing Smiles to Military Families in Lorton
Operation Homefront, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, held a Holiday Toy Party for children of enlisted soldiers in Lorton. Five hundred families registered online to be part of the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Burke Home Sales: November, 2014
In November 2014, 36 Burke homes sold between $680,000-$214,000.
Burke Home Sales: November, 2014

95 Express Lanes, a Preview
All signs point to getting an EZ Pass.
Like a long-awaited summer blockbuster, signs on billboards along Route 1 and banners hanging on bridges that cross I-95, tease commuters about the coming of the nine-mile extension of the 95 express lanes.
Big Brother at School Stage
Lake Braddock High produces George Orwell’s “1984.”
There is no freedom of expression. Individuality does not exist. The Inner Party harnesses supreme power, and there is no hope of toppling the government. Every action is recorded. Every thought is monitored.
Commentary: Changing Society’s Perception of Sexual Assault
Recently, headlines across the country involved another sexual assault tragedy. This time at the University of Virginia. While a great deal of controversy surrounds this latest story, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that stories of sexual assault are filling our newspapers all too regularly.

Five Star Jewelers Has Unique Jewelry Gifts
Looking for fine jewelry gifts this holiday season? Five Star Jewelers in Burke is the place to find all of your "bling." This family-owned business belonging to Helen and Toby Fitzkee has operated in the Burke Centre Shopping Center in Burke since 1987.
Weichert, Realtors Recognizes Burke/Fairfax Station Office, Associates
Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the Burke/Fairfax Station office was recognized for outstanding performance in November. The office led the region, which comprises offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Delaware counties, for new home dollar volume.

Weichert, Realtors’ Burke Office Launches Toy Drive
With the season of giving upon us, Nick Brown, branch manager of Weichert, Realtors’ Burke office, has announced the start of their annual holiday toy drive to benefit children associated with “Kristi’s Christmas” – a nonprofit program that is supported by the West Springfield Rotary Foundation, which is devoted to helping disadvantaged children in Fairfax County that may be overlooked by other county, state, and federal programs.

Burke Community Church Christmas Program is About High Energy
Imagine Randy Travis singing “Away in a Manger,” re-imagined as reggae. Darren Brown can’t, either, but he’s practicing it anyway for an interactive portion of the Burke Community Church Christmas program on Dec. 13. The West Springfield resident was formerly the music director and is now executive pastor and worship pastor.
Nai-Tetteh's Defense Leads Robinson to Comeback Win over Lake Braddock
Senior's two steals, 14 fourth-quarter points propel Rams to victory.
Robinson beat Lake Braddock 65-59 Monday.

Burke United Methodist Church begins Christmas season celebration.
A tuba-playing shepherd broke from playing Christmas carols to snap cell phone pictures of a tall sheep and two young girl-sized shepherds. The “Selfie” station with biblical-themed costumes was the first stop for Edie, Olive and Tommy Webster of Fairfax at the Burke United Methodist Family Advent Celebration.

Burke Racquet & Swim Club Craft Fair Helps Food for Others, Women at Risk
Beaded jewelry, brass rubbings, crocheted and knitwear, birdhouses and quilts are just a few of the craft gift items on offer at the Burke Racquet & Swim Club this weekend.

Lake Braddock XC Sends Two Harriers to Nike Nationals
Corbett, Murphy place fifth in respective SE regional races.
Lake Braddock's Alex Corbett and Kate Murphy will compete at Nike nationals on Dec. 6 in Portland, Ore.