Gary Ambrose Receives Hero's Award from Virginia Association of Community Service Boards
The Virginia Association of Community Service Boards (CSB) presented Fairfax County’s Gary Ambrose, chairman of the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB's Board of Directors, with the 2016 Gartlan Award. The VACSB award honors "heroes who give of their time and energy to steward long-reaching and timeless improvements in the public system and who share the leadership qualities exemplified by Senator Joseph Gartlan." Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr. (1925-2008), served in the Virginia Senate for 28 years.
Reject the Meals Tax
“A closer look at school spending shows the intentions of the School Board are to delve into more political correctness and social engineering.”
A “no” vote will send a message to the county Board of Supervisors that higher taxes should not be routine, and that county leaders must focus on better management, and more importantly, the School Board, more efficiency, and greater respect for taxpayers.
Bulova: Vote Yes
A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.
Vienna Partnership to Save Pets
Vienna Vintner and Wolf Trap Animal Rescue raising funds to build a rescue shelter and animal hospital in Merrifield.
A FUNdraiser was held on behalf of Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, a local vet-and-volunteer-run animal rescue team. Organized and coordinated by Jordan Rice, daughter of JDA custom home builder Dennis Rice, the fundraiser included appetizers donated by local restaurants and a diversity of high-quality wines donated by Vienna Vintner.
Tireless Advocate for the Community
Letter to the Editor
Small business is the backbone of the American economy, employing 55 percent of Americans. However, I’ve watched it become increasingly more difficult to survive under the onslaught of federal regulations and taxes thrown on small businesses.
Madison High Musicians Perform at Thoreau Middle
Sixteen different musical selections were performed ranging from “African Adventure" by Robert Sheldon, to selections from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The Madison High performers played a live show at Thoreau Middle School.
Sergeant Michael Reeves Retires from Vienna Police Department
Michael Reeves retired on Oct. 1, after more than 29 years of dedicated service with the Town of Vienna Police Department. Sergeant Reeves started his career with the Town of Vienna Police Department in March of 1987.
Six Area Students Named Regional Finalists in Siemens Competition
Six students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have been named regional finalists in the 2016 Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology. The Siemens Competition is the nation’s premier research competition for high school students and is administered by Discovery Education.
Making STEM Fun for Children
Event offered opportunity to learn about STEM subjects.
A local educator used carrots and broccoli to teach girls about science and technology.
Inbound Traffic
Looming noise mitigation and traffic overflow concerns haunt I-395 project.
The I-395 extension is here. As the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) gets closer to the project’s start in spring, 2017, outreach has started to the affected communities near the road and to the County Board.
The Arc of Northern Virginia Stages Motown Experience Gala
250 guests wine and dine to Motown hits while supporting people with disabilities.
About 250 guests attended the Arc of Northern Virginia's Motown Experience Gala on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner. With the goal of raising between $115,000 to $200,000, the event included a silent auction, live auction and special outreach appeal.
The Arc of Northern Virginia Stages Motown Experience Gala
250 guests wine and dine to Motown hits while supporting people with disabilities.
About 250 guests attended the Arc of Northern Virginia's Motown Experience Gala on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner. With the goal of raising between $115,000 to $200,000, the event included a silent auction, live auction and special outreach appeal.
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Letter: ‘It’s About the Issues’
Letter to the Editor
Much has been made about the personalities of the two Presidential candidates. All we really have to do is take a close look at the issues.