Full Disclosure?
Forms plagued by a lack of information, absence of oversight; redacted documents.
Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent. Some elected officials choose to disclose a great deal of information while others disclose very little. Fairfax County officials have decided to redact information that's supposed to be part of the public record. And nobody is reviewing the forms to make sure they are accurate.
Fundraiser to Help Stop Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Supervisor John C. Cook (R- Braddock District) invites area residents to join him to raise awareness of domestic violence and help two local charities, Shelter House and Fairfax CASA.
Area Roundups
Election Officers Are Needed
The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs approximately 2,200 election officers—particularly bilingual ones—for the Nov. 5 general election, and it’s seeking the public’s help. Election officers must be registered voters in Virginia and must complete required training and forms.
A New Beginning for Fairfax County Public Libraries?
Library trustees vote to discard beta plan in favor of more public outreach sessions.
On Wall Street, a “beta” test refers to assessing the risk, volatility and expected return of a particular portfolio. If Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials had a crystal ball to assess the volatility of its planned beta tests this fall, it’s likely they may have steered clear of the project that became a quagmire of epic proportions.
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
County suspends discarding of library books.
Just when Sam Clay, Fairfax County’s Public Library director, thought FCPL’s public image couldn’t get any worse, Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) released photos of bins filled to the brim with discarded library books.
County News & Notes
Putting Brakes on Neighborhood Speeding
In an effort to get drivers to slow down in residential neighborhoods, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved $350,000 to fund a public awareness campaign and “traffic calming” measures in the county Tuesday, Sept. 10. Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) initiated the measure last year, soliciting constituent support through an online petition, which resulted in more than 250 signatures and hundreds of emails from supporters.
What to See, When to See It
The playwright Tom Stoppard’s existential spinoff from “Hamlet” runs for one night in March 2014. Two relatively minor roles from the bard’s play tirelessly and cleverly weigh their significance in the historic royal plot. The production of the tragic comedy benefits from direction by Tony Award-winner John Rando.
HOV Lanes Closing on Weekends
Closures begin on Friday night, Sept. 13 and continue each weekend until late October.
To advance the fast track towards completion, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be closing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes every weekend starting on Friday nights and keeping them closed until Sunday afternoons in September and Monday mornings in October for 95 Express Lanes construction. These closures are scheduled to begin on Friday night, Sept. 13 and continue each weekend until late October. The lanes will be closed from just north of I-495 to Dumfries.
An Artistic Evening Like No Other
“ARTS by George!” returns to George Mason stage.
With an open invitation to the community, the George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) is holding its eighth annual "ARTS by George!" event. It has quickly become one of the premiere arts events in Northern Virginia. The mission of "ARTS by George!" is to showcase and support Mason students in a wide range of artistic fields including arts, dance, music, theater, computer game design, film and video studies and arts management. The gala raises funds to provide for student scholarships. It is capped off this year by the headliner performance of Tony Award winner Laura Benanti.
Lambert Named Teacher of the Year
Earlier this summer, Robinson Secondary School teacher Cara Lambert received a pre-back-to-school surprise. The Virginia Business Education Association (VBEA) had named her the 2013 Al Roane Middle School Business Teacher of the Year. “It was exciting,” said Lambert. “This wasn’t my chosen career to begin with, but it’s a career that I love, so it’s nice to be recognized. Anyone would enjoy winning an award.”
Jubilee! to Help Libraries
A Library Jubilee! to raise funds for Library programs.
Fairfax Library Foundation will be hosting its fifth annual Library Jubilee, with this year’s theme, “Let Loose in the Library!” Oct. 5, 5-8 p.m. at the Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke. Thanks to many sponsors, especially Signature Guardian Sponsor, the Friends of Burke Centre Library, the Jubilee is the foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year, and all proceeds will help enhance programs and services offered by Fairfax County Public Library including: Changing Lives Through Literature, Early Literacy Outreach, programs and presentations, scholarships, and books and materials. Last year’s Jubilee raised a record amount of $130,000.
Week in Burke
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.
Tiny Dancers Voted 'Best Ballet'
Tiny Dancers, located on Main Street in Fairfax, has been voted “Best Ballet or Dance Studio” by readers of Washington Family Magazine. This is the fourth year in a row that the company received the honor. In addition, Tiny Dancers was previously named among the Best in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine and Best of NoVa by Northern Virginia Magazine. Commenting on the surveys, studio manager Beth Melton said, "Naturally, we're very excited. We work hard to provide the best learning environment possible for young dancers, and it's great to know that the effort is having an impact on our students."
Gros to Lead Glasgow Middle
Doctoral candidate to mentor most ethnically diverse school in Alexandria.
On July 1, Penny Gros, 43, of Burke was named the new principal of Glasgow Middle School, an ethnically diverse school in Alexandria. It’s the best fit for the Spanish-speaking doctoral candidate in her 19th year in education. “This school is a perfect fit for my background, experience and passions,” she said.
Thousands Attend Burke Centre Festival
Free event provides entertainment, a wine garden and children’s activities.
Thousands attended the Burke Centre Festival last Saturday and Sunday at the Burke Centre Conservancy festival grounds. The free event off Burke Centre Parkway included live entertainment, bands, dancers, puppet shows, interactive wildlife shows, a wine garden, amusement rides, arts and crafts show, a blood drive, children’s activities and special appearances by the Angry Birds, SpongeBob and Elmo.