Letter: Toxic Debate on School Budget
To the Editor: Supporting the public schools is Fairfax County’s number one priority. Proof of that lies in the fact that over 50 percent of the county’s budget supports school programs. This large expense has generated considerable debate among county taxpayers over the years. However, this year the discussion has become toxic and personal.
NOVEC: Beware of Scam Artists
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative warns all consumers to be alert to anyone who calls them, claims to represent NOVEC, and directs them to pay bills with a specific prepaid debit card.
Area Robotics Teams Compete at Patriot Center
Several NOVA teams win awards at FIRST Robotics Competition Greater D.C. Regional
More than 50 teams, including several from Fairfax County, spent the weekend at the two-day FIRST Robotics Competition Greater D.C. Regional, using their engineering and science skills to compete for a spot in the world championship.
City Is Advertising Lower Tax Rate
Although City Manager Bob Sisson recommended maintaining Fairfax’s residential real-estate tax rate of $1.06 per $100 assessed valuation in Fiscal Year 2014-2015, the City Council is advertising a lower rate.
‘Goal Is to Spot Kids in Crisis’
Police, others take suicide prevention training.
Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.
‘Luck, Be a Lady Tonight’
Paul VI presents ‘Guys and Dolls.’
Featuring a cast and crew of 90, Paul VI High presents one of Broadway’s most popular musicals ever, "Guys and Dolls." The school’s Cappies show will burst upon the stage Friday-Saturday, April 11-12, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13, adults; $8, students and senior citizens, at www.PaulVI.net, and $15 and $10, respectively, at the door. "The actors are creative and enthusiastic, and they really wanted to do ‘Guys and Dolls,’" said Director Katherine Miller. "They knew the songs were terrific, and this show has lots of roles for boys – and I’ve got lots of male actors this year. I’ve also got tremendous singers, comic actors and physical actors, all dedicated to this show."
Good News for City of Fairfax
Less unemployment; Lowe’s and ALDI planning moves here.
There’s good news for the City of Fairfax: its unemployment rate is one of the lowest in Virginia and two new businesses are interested in locating here.
In the City of Fairfax, Appearance Matters
Four properties are honored for design, landscape.
Part of what makes a city a nice place to live in is the way it looks. And the City of Fairfax recently honored four properties with Commercial Appearance Awards for 2013. They are the Joshua Gunnell/BBG building, Chick-fil-A center, Fairfax Regional Library plantings and the Community Garden at City Hall. The Community Appearance Committee (CAC) received nominations from the community, and then professional judges considered them and decided on the winners.
Churchill To Present ‘Urinetown’
Students to perform award-winning musical comedy
Water is one or our most important commodities — and many communities already know and fear the painful sanctions that governments put into place when droughts take place. But what if every drop of water had to be preserved and the U.S. government required all citizens to excrete only in a government-sanctioned urinal?
Elementary School Students Partner with ASO
Orff Ensemble works with El Sistema consultants in workshops.
John Adams Elementary School in Alexandria and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra held their second week-long El Sistema workshop during the week of March 24.
Column: Are We Abandoning Watts Branch?
WMCCA
I've lived in a log cabin overlooking Watts Branch for more than three decades and watching it decline has been heartbreaking.
CHS All District Band Members
Centreville High School students were selected and participated in the All District Band event, Jan. 30-Feb. 1.
Commentary: Special Session Begins Work on State Budget
Last week, we returned to Richmond for the first day of our special session to finalize Virginia’s two-year, $90 billion budget.
Commentary: Aumsings
My wife and I live just a couple of blocks from the Mount Vernon mansion and property.
AWLA Summer Animal Camp
Children and animals, a natural connection.
The AWLA offers a Summer Animal Camp for 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, and 7th/8th graders.
Murder Cases Get Colder
Those hoping for quick solutions to the recent Alexandria murders now will just have to wait. For how long? Not even police investigators can provide any progress reports or answers, at least not this week or in the foreseeable future.
Keeping up with Neal Gillen
Potomac attorney, open-water swimmer doesn’t slow down.
The fog was thick in San Francisco as waves crashed against the rocks in the Pacific Ocean. It was a cold morning and 73-year-old Neal Gillen found himself fighting against the current, gulps of salt water burning his mouth. Far from his Potomac home, he was heading for Alcatraz.
Column: Moonlight Concerts and Vampires
The Undying Memories of Alexandria’s 1814 Occupation
Whoever named the War of 1812 clearly did not work in the marketing industry. For one, it wasn’t confined to the 12 months of 1812.
Seniors Rush to Yoga
Yoga teachers, research point to health benefits for seniors.
Shortly after 10 a.m. on any given Tuesday or Thursday morning, 84-year-old Lola Wulchin can be found slowly stretching into a downward facing dog pose or lunging into a warrior one posture. The Vienna resident has been a yoga devotee at East Meets West Yoga Center in Vienna for slightly more than two years. In fact, she credits twice-weekly, gentle yoga practice with boosting her health and improving her quality of life. "I had been bothered by a lot of neck pain from arthritis," said Wulchin. "I had seen a pain management doctor who gave me shots, I had physical therapy, but I still had neck pain and very little range of motion."
Commentary: Focusing on Children with Autism
We recognize this Wednesday, April 2, as World Autism Day, taking a moment to raise awareness around the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. Autism incidence in the U.S., and in Northern Virginia in particular, is reaching astounding levels.