Readers of the Pack
What Fairfax County residents read in 2012.
According to Mary Mulrenen, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County readers selected many of the same fiction and non-fiction favorites that caught the attention of book-lovers nationwide. Dr. Seuss, science-fiction and, once again, lawyers (John Grisham’s 25th legal thriller) topped the charts.
Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?
Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.
Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.
Capturing 50 Years of Christmas History
Springfield resident Al Nielsen has photographed the National Christmas Tree every year since 1963.
In December 1963, Al Nielsen drove his wife and four children to Washington, D.C. to see the National Christmas Tree, a red spruce from West Virginia. That year, the lighting of the tree was delayed due to the mourning period following the assassination of President Kennedy. Being without a tripod, Nielsen placed his camera atop his car and captured the first photo of what would become a long-standing annual tradition. Now 90-years-old, Nielsen recently photographed the 2012 National Christmas Tree, making this the 50th consecutive year that he has captured history in the nation’s capital.
Thieves Target Cars in Parks
Detectives are investigating an apparent series of credit card thefts from vehicles parked at area parks. Many of the crimes have taken place at Burke Lake Park, but there were others at Wakefield and South Run Recreation Center. Detectives from the West Springfield Police District Criminal Investigation Section are working collaboratively with the Financial Crimes Unit to apprehend suspects on over two dozen cases; with the most recent six taking place at Burke Lake Park since Thanksgiving.
Burke Man Sentenced to 360 Months for Producing Child Pornography
Jason Laposay, 40, of Burke, was sentenced to 360 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for producing child pornography by filming someone under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit activity.
How the Powerless Access Power
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Three Narcotics K-9s Support the Force
Leroy, Lucy and Vegas are trained and ready for duty. With their keen sense of smell, they are experts at scanning wide varieties of locations and assisting patrol officers with requests for service on a 24/7 basis. These dogs are busy, industrious professionals.
Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting
Should access to guns be limited or expanded?
Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.
Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Enhanced Security Around Schools
FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.
Going Casual for a Cause
Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.
Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.
Understanding Yoga
Local yogis explain popular styles of yoga.
Joanna Mosely says she can’t tell a downward facing dog from a baby cobra. She belts out a perplexed “huh?” when asked if she knew the difference between Ashtanga and Bikram.
Preventing Holiday Weight Gain
Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.
Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.
Keys to Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
Finding balance can preserve one’s well-being.
Food, festivities and friends are synonymous with the holidays. However, celebrations can take a toll on your health.
Brief: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installs New Leadership
Brief: There were multiple transfers of the torch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installation Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6 at NVAR Headquarters in Fairfax