Special Education Graduates Could be Impacted by Possible Budget Cuts
Families will speak against these cuts at public hearing on April 10.
Lynn Ruiz’s daughter Lydia, who has Down syndrome, will be graduating from Fairfax County Public Schools this June. Ruiz, a Springfield resident, had originally planned for her daughter to participate in an employment program that helps students with special needs transition into adulthood.
Helping Students Fully Recover
New concussion legislation goes before the Governor for signature.
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s bill, HB 1096, which places language for "Return to Learn" protocol into the Virginia Board of Education’s concussion guidelines passed the House of Delegates and Senate unanimously this General Assembly Session. It will now go before the Governor for signature. Current guidelines spell out protocol for student athletes returning to the playing field, but do not include information for the students returning to the classroom.
Children of Eden at the Burke Stage
Burke youth wow community audiences at the Burke Presbyterian Church.
Senior and junior high school youth from Burke Presbyterian Church presented the musical Children of Eden in four performances on March 13-16. The free events were open to the community. The Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and other stories of the Old Testament were brought to life on the stage
Del. Filler-Corn Passes Legislation for Military Spouses
House Bill 1247, aimed at reducing burdensome red tape for military spouses, has passed the House of Delegates and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and now awaits signature from the Governor. Sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and supported by the Administration, HB 1247 would require the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to expedite the review process for temporary licenses from 30 to 20 days for military spouses that already hold the equivalent license in another state.
Honored for Promoting Peace
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County honors 22 students.
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, presented by the Herndon Friends Meeting, honored a group of 22 juniors and seniors who were nominated for their dedication to peace and conflict resolution on March 2.
Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Board Advertises Higher Tax Rate
Rate gives board flexibility, options in determining final budget.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 Tuesday to advertise a higher real estate tax rate that could add about $100 to annual tax bills, which will be on top of the $332 county homeowners will see this year as a result of higher real estate assessments. Setting the advertised tax rate formally begins the two-month public process to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and the rate represents the maximum potential tax rate for FY2015.
Local Author Publishes ‘Meditations of the Heart’
Q and A with Burke resident Deborah Gibson.
Deborah Gibson is a professional counselor and pastor at Sup of the Lord Church, a bilingual church in Springfield. She has lived in Burke for 28 years. Gibson recently published a book, “Meditations of the Heart,” and shares her story below.
Listening Tour Concludes at Lake Braddock
Superintendent listens as community members voice their concerns.
Lake Braddock Secondary School hosted Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza for the final stop of her listening tour.
Holy Yoga in Burke
Participants enjoy the physical and spiritual benefits of the class.
Tracie Willstatter of Burke is among several participants of Holy Yoga looking to combine the exercise’s physical benefits, including relaxation, with Christian prayer and worship. “I enjoy the exercise, the people and the socializing,” Willstatter said. “And especially the focus on Christ.”
Burke Church to Host Family Map Day
St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 9203 Braddock Road in Burke is hosting Partnering with Families from Birth through Launch Family Map Day on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Delegate Filler-Corn Up Close and Personal
Eileen Filler-Corn meets constituents over bagels and coffee
Residents of the Burke area visiting local bagel and coffee shops may have found themselves meeting a busy state legislator over the last couple weeks. Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) has been holding office hours at locations such as Caribou Coffee and Einstein Brothers Bagels in order to connect with constituents and listen to their concerns
Snowstorm Hits the Area
School closures and road conditions among major concerns
Fairfax Station resident Lia Keith said she was lucky this year in terms of snow days. “They plowed our road early, which is unusual,” Keith said. “I was also off work and didn’t have to go in until Thursday, which was fortunate.”
Power Couple Excels Together in Real Estate
Bruce and Tanya Tyburski succeed in marriage and real estate.
If you drive anywhere in Burke and Springfield, you’ll see their faces on familiar red, white and blue Re/Max realty signs on lawns, at intersections, parking lots and pretty much everywhere.
‘Friends’ Create Community of Hope
Friends of Sadie collect record number of blood donations at fifth annual blood drive for childhood cancer.
Under dozens of rainbow-colored hearts and tables laden with Valentine’s treats, friends and family greeted each other with hugs and kisses as children chased each other through the halls of the Woods Community Center on Sunday, Feb. 9.