
Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving
Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.
"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.
While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.

Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival
Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.
"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.

Helping Families Enjoy Holidays
ECHO continues its holiday food program to serve members of the Springfield community.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) has been serving members of the Springfield and Burke community for over 40 years. The all-volunteer organization provides assistance to those suffering from poverty and emergency situations year-round.
Connolly to Hold Health Plan Workshop
Federal employees, retirees, and annuitants are invited to attend Congressman Gerry Connolly’s annual Open Season Workshop this Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Two School Employees Charged
After a joint investigation by Financial Crimes Unit detectives and Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) human resources, two school employees were each charged with embezzlement and money laundering.

Sweet Gathering in the Sunshine
Mentors, foster children and other youth learn about bees; county needs more foster families, mentors.
On a beautiful day in late summer, a group of young people of varied backgrounds, including some youth in foster care, gathered with their adult mentors under the ongoing auspices of Fairfax Families4Kids on a field trip into the countryside.

‘Smooth’ Voting at Robinson Secondary
Processing enhancements helped precinct team to stay efficient.
By 4:15 p.m., the precinct voting station at Robinson Secondary School had already processed 1,432 voters out of those 4,458 registered. Only a few hours from the polls closing, they were well on their way to finishing with 1600-1800, according to Assistant Chief Election Officer and Fairfax resident Teri Ayers.

GMU Rector Visits Penn State
Athletic program explored.
As the Pennsylvania State University community geared up for a busy home football weekend, a visitor from Fairfax was present in the stands: CDaniel Clemente, Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors.

Area Divers Make National Team
Madison’s Campbell, Robinson’s Flory to represent the U.S. at Junior Pan American Championships.
Grayson Campbell, a sophomore at Madison High School, and Max Flory, a seventh-grader at Robinson Secondary School, will represent the United States at the Junior Pan American Diving Championships from Sept. 26-29 in Tucson, Ariz. More than 100 divers from nine countries will participate.

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.
Dogs of Springfield
Supervisor Jeff McKay's rescue greyhound, Vera, and his son, Aidan.
Viewpoints
What is the highlight of your summer tennis experience so far? What do you look forward to in the future?
“I’ve done backhands. I won with a backhand in [the game] jail. You go in jail if you miss catching the tennis ball. [I also like tornado], where you run around and try not to be hit by tennis balls. [I’ll keep playing tennis] because it’s a lot of fun.”
Meet Elsa and Jessi of Clifton
We have two rottweilers that love attention.
Rotary Club of Fairfax Honors Rick Schroeder
The Rotary Club of Fairfax recently selected Rick Schroeder to receive the club’s highest honor: the Rotarian of the Year award. This award is given to a member who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to the principles of Rotary, and recognizes a Rotarian’s sustained, outstanding efforts in the Five Avenues of Service.