Commentary: Helping People without Homes
The weather has turned colder and the holidays are in full swing, which means it’s the time of year when people ask “what can we do for the homeless now that it’s so cold?” Or “how can we help the homeless have a good Christmas?”
Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping, remember tens of thousands of local children are short of food as well as presents.
The holidays are for giving. Christmas and Hanukkah are about children and family, about sharing, about joy, about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see few signs of families in need as we go about our daily lives and holiday shopping. Our neighborhoods are largely segregated economically; we mostly see the people who are most like ourselves economically.
Connolly To Hold 22nd Telephone Town Hall Meeting for Fairfax County, Prince William County and City of Fairfax
The representative is just a phone call away. Rather than cramming thousands of constituents into a single room, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) is hosting his 22nd “telephone town hall meeting” where people call in for an hour-long virtual session. The event is set to take place Dec. 16 at at 8 p.m.
Holiday Mischief at the North Pole
Encore presents musical show, “3 Days ’til Christmas!”
Reindeer, elves and dancing snowflakes are all part of the holiday joy in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s upcoming musical extravaganza, called “3 Days ’til Christmas!” it’ll be presented at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.
Centreville and Chantilly Roundups
Volunteer opportunities, free services, updates on road closures and other important community information for the Centreview community.
Stone’s Panther Drop-Off, Community Help ONC in Centreville
The nonprofit, all-volunteer Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) is collecting presents for local families in need to give to their children on Christmas. To donate new clothes or toys, or to help with the deliveries, this Sunday, Dec. 14, email Volunteer@ourneighborschild.org.
House Fire Leads to Teen’s Arrest
Believing he set fire to his own home, authorities arrested a 19-year-old Fairfax man last week and charged him with arson. They did not release his name, but the incident occurred Tuesday, Dec. 2, around 8:30 p.m. and caused an estimated $250,000 damage.
Brief: Stringfellow Road Opens To Four Lanes Monday
Paving, striping, signal work this weekend to open six months ahead of schedule.
On Monday, Dec. 15, drivers will enjoy two lanes in each direction from Fair Lakes Boulevard to Route 50 on the newly widened two-mile section of Stringfellow Road, a milestone for the project that is six months ahead of schedule.
‘Hour of Code’ at Keene Mill
Elementary school students write lines of code during the school day.
With the increasing demand for software developers in today’s job market, and what some say is a decreasing interest in computer science at the college level, schools around the country and world worked to peak students’ interest in computer science during a weeklong learning initiative called the “Hour of Code.”
Gifts of History at Gunston Hall Museum Shop
Looking for the perfect gift for a local history buff? The Gunston Hall Museum Shop, located in the visitor's center of Gunston Hall Plantation, offers one-of-a-kind gifts, historical books, food and locally crafted items.
Fairfax City Offers Unique Holiday Products and Services
Instead of driving to one of the malls take a venture to the town of Fairfax. There you will be delighted with thoughtful gift ideas and services. In a visit to Fairfax Town Center, nestled by diverse dining options on University Drive and Main Street, one can find a handful of small businesses offering unique products.
Cameron's Chocolates Has Scrumptious Gifts
Store in Fairfax Circle Shopping Center employs people with intellectual disabilities.
Looking for holiday gift ideas of hand-dipped chocolates and fresh-baked-from-scratch muffins, try Cameron's Coffee and Chocolates located in the Fairfax Circle Shopping Center. Owners Jim and Ellen Graham of McLean named their store, which opened Oct. 1, 2013, after their daughter Cameron, 24, who has intellectual disabilities.
‘Every Storm Has its Challenges’
City of Fairfax prepares in advance for snow removal.
Because last winter was so severe, the City of Fairfax had to remove a larger amount of snow and ice than it had anticipated. Staff cleared nearly 40 inches of snow, costing $502,000 and causing a drain on city resources.
Christmas Cookies, Carols and Crafts
Children enjoyed lunch with Santa, Christmas music and holiday crafts, Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax.
95 Express Lanes, a Preview
All signs point to getting an EZ Pass.
Like a long-awaited summer blockbuster, signs on billboards along Route 1 and banners hanging on bridges that cross I-95, tease commuters about the coming of the nine-mile extension of the 95 express lanes.
Big Brother at School Stage
Lake Braddock High produces George Orwell’s “1984.”
There is no freedom of expression. Individuality does not exist. The Inner Party harnesses supreme power, and there is no hope of toppling the government. Every action is recorded. Every thought is monitored.
Commentary: Changing Society’s Perception of Sexual Assault
Recently, headlines across the country involved another sexual assault tragedy. This time at the University of Virginia. While a great deal of controversy surrounds this latest story, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that stories of sexual assault are filling our newspapers all too regularly.
Five Star Jewelers Has Unique Jewelry Gifts
Looking for fine jewelry gifts this holiday season? Five Star Jewelers in Burke is the place to find all of your "bling." This family-owned business belonging to Helen and Toby Fitzkee has operated in the Burke Centre Shopping Center in Burke since 1987.
Weichert, Realtors Recognizes Burke/Fairfax Station Office, Associates
Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the Burke/Fairfax Station office was recognized for outstanding performance in November. The office led the region, which comprises offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Delaware counties, for new home dollar volume.
Weichert, Realtors’ Burke Office Launches Toy Drive
With the season of giving upon us, Nick Brown, branch manager of Weichert, Realtors’ Burke office, has announced the start of their annual holiday toy drive to benefit children associated with “Kristi’s Christmas” – a nonprofit program that is supported by the West Springfield Rotary Foundation, which is devoted to helping disadvantaged children in Fairfax County that may be overlooked by other county, state, and federal programs.