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.
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.
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.
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)
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.