County Combats Chronic Homelessness
Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’
Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.
Letter: A Major Disappointment
I could have attached a legitimate photo of a sick and starving deer within Fairfax County—but that serves little except to tug at the emotional heartstrings. Overpopulation of deer in Fairfax County is a reality and it is a problem that must be faced square-on, using science, biology, personnel majoring in the wildlife career field and an understanding of the alternative costs of managing the deer herd.
Applying to Private Schools: Starting the Process
As the application period gets underway, local independent school officials offer suggestions.
START SURFING. “I would encourage parents to visit a variety of school websites to get a feel for the wide range of fabulous independent school options available. A comprehensive directory of schools with website information can be found at http://www.independenteducation.org/.” Mimi Mulligan, assistant head and director of admission and enrollment management, Norwood School, Bethesda, Md.
Classified Advertising Sept 19, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Teaching Youngsters About Money
Experts offer advice on raising financially savvy children.
“No matter how young a child is, they can always learn good money practices,” said Theresia Wansi, an associate professor of finance at Marymount University in Arlington, “What matters in life is not how much money you earn, but how you manage your finances. We hear stories all the time about people who make millions and end up broke.” Potomac, Md., resident Glen Buco, president of West Financial Services, says many financial advisers in his McLean office are also parents who are passing along penny-wise know-how to their children. “When their children receive money, the parents help them develop a budget using a “three bucket system,” said Buco. “One bucket is for saving, one is for spending and one for charity.”
Opinion: Bill of Rights Makes Democracy Work
Rare opportunity to see George Washington's copy of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments, are a model of spare writing, packing every word and phrase with meaning, anticipating much and providing a framework for future. Here is the text of the Bill of Rights, courtesy of the Library of Congress. I cannot imagine that 500 words anywhere from any era convey so much power. These 500 words are what make democracy work.
Meet the Candidates for RCC Board
Voting begins officially on Sept. 28.
The Reston Community Center (RCC) Board of Governors announces three candidates for its 2012 Preference Poll. This year’s candidates include one incumbent, William G. Bouie, and two new candidates, Lisa Ehrhardt and Gerald Zavala. The candidates’ statements in this article are presented in alphabetical order; voters are urged to review all statements to make their best selection.
‘An Evening in Paradise’
The Mayflowers anniversary party, held Sept. 13 at The Reston Town Center location, celebrated the organization’s going into its third year of success with VIPs, orchids galore, ukuleles, Passionfish hors d’oeuvres and signature Maytinis. Mayflowers also drummed up support for the Walk to End Homelessness they’re hosting on Thursday, Oct. 4 at noon in support of Reston Interfaith.
Hudgins Honored for Outstanding Service to Children
The Governing Board of the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children has announced that Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) has been selected to receive the 2012 NVAEYC Award for Outstanding Service to Children.
Opinion: Voter Fraud at the Highest Levels
Over the last several years there has been a proliferation of bills introduced in Virginia and in many other states to prevent voter fraud. Conspicuously missing from the debate on these bills has been any specific examples of voter fraud having been committed. In fact, the greater problem with voting has not been that persons have been fraudulently voting; voter participation in Virginia and the nation has been embarrassingly low. The emphasis needs to be on getting more people to vote and not to make the process more cumbersome and bureaucratic so that it discourages voters.
Opinion: Who is Running to Represent You in Congress?
If you only get your news from the TV and the big city newspapers that still exist, you might think that we are electing only the president of the U.S. and a U.S. senator from Virginia on Nov. 6, just 47 days from now. In fact, we’ll also be electing a new representative for Reston in Congress.
New Building Approved
Hudgins: ‘Tall buildings have been a part of the very beginning of Reston.’
Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) has issued the following statement: “On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Board of Supervisors approved PRC 77-C-076—known as RTC Partnership. The building will be 23 stories, with a design reflecting one of the important Reston Principles. This “Class A” signature building will consist of approximately 413,700 square feet of office uses, 5,200 square feet of retail, with a floor area ration of 4.08.
County Launches Safety Campaign
How to participate in Fairfax County’s ‘30 Ways in 30 Days’ campaign.
In the past 12 months, Fairfax County residents have experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies, from an earthquake and a tropical storm to floods, a tornado and a derecho.
HarvestFest at Woodland Park Crossing
Woodland Park Crossing announces HarvestFest, a fun fall-themed family event on Saturday, Sept. 29 from noon until 4 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy free entertainment, including a giant walking scarecrow and DJ music, and free activities such as face painting, glitter tattoos, pumpkin painting, fitness demos, prizes and more.
History on the Move in Herndon
No one seems to know exactly when the old white farmhouse at 820 Monroe Street in Herndon was built, or who the first owners might have been, although it’s rumored that it was originally built as a summer home for a DC resident. Ninety-three-year-old Carl Payne is the last private owner. He bought the place from the Yount family, who had owned it, and about 50 acres of present day Herndon, since 1861.
Playground: Done in a Day
Designed by youths, built by volunteers.
Activities started early in the courtyard at Hopkins-Tancil in Old Town on Thursday morning, Sept. 13. More than 200 volunteers sporting red Washington Capital’s hockey t-shirts swarmed the playground preparing it for the day’s work.
Center View Calendar: Sept. 20, 2012
Upcoming events and activities.
Center View Bulletin Board: Sept. 20, 2012
Upcoming events and activities
No Bail for Wolfe
He’ll be retried in October by Fairfax County’s head prosecutor.
More than 10 years have passed since Chantilly High grad Justin Wolfe has been inside a Prince William County courtroom. The last time, June 26, 2002, he was sentenced to death for ordering the March 2001, execution-style killing of Centreville High grad Danny Petrole.