Column: Cost of Living
As the person primarily responsible for stocking the house with supplies and maintaining miscellaneous inventory, I am frequently in stores (supermarket, drugstore, pet store, etc.) buying the staples (not an office supply reference) our family needs to maintain our lifestyle, such as it is.
Editorial: Shop Locally, Shop in McLean
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 30. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as a dedicated day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
See You on the Train
Proposed VRE System Plan is good news for commuters.
Fairfax County’s vibrant economy keeps unemployment and taxes low, while allowing us to provide world class services for our residents.
Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work
In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.
Column: The Nature of Virginia
Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe hit the ground running when the day after his election he announced his transition team and a webpage at which he solicits ideas and suggestions and invites resumes from those who want to work in his administration: http://action.terrymcauliffe.com/page/s/transition.
Up on the Rooftop
A Free Roof for the Holidays program continues.
As the holiday season approaches, many children dream of hearing hoofs clicking on their rooftops. But as the economy continues to stutter, we continue to hear of families struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. For these families, keeping a roof over their heads—even if it leaks—is their immediate dream.
Letter: MPA Thanks Community
On behalf of the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA), I would like to thank the McLean community for another year of enthusiastic support of MPAartfest. On Sunday, Oct. 6, McLean Central Park came alive with 49 juried artists, live musical performances, Open Studio, children’s art and art education and delicious food and drink as nearly 6,000 local residents gathered to celebrate the 7th annual MPAartfest.
Letter: Low-Income Micro-Units Could Come to Your Neighborhood
Thanks to a recent meeting arranged by the McLean Community Association, some of us became aware of the Fairfax County Planning and Zoning Department’s (DPZ’s) proposal to amend the county Zoning Ordinance so that low-income efficiency apartments of less than 500 square feet can be built in virtually every residential, commercial, and industrial zoning district, including in low-density residential neighborhoods zoned for single family homes.
Editorial: Proof Every Vote Matters
Elections have consequences, including very close races.
Tuesday morning, a full week after an Election Day that included races that were more suspenseful than anticipated (and also many races that were foregone conclusions), we are probably more than a month away from certifying the winner of the Virginia Attorney General race.
It Wasn’t Fun While It Lasted
But it was only a week, and I was able to leave under my own power, assisted by a wheelchair, which is of course standard procedure when leaving a hospital after an admission, so it wasn’t a total loss. It was three months ago today, Friday, August 2nd that I was "ambulanced " to Holy Cross Hospital where I spent the beginning of my seven, first-ever nights in a hospital; pretty fortunate track record for someone my age.
Letter: Getting Facts Right
Steve Daly writes about his concerns with the federal deficit ["Frightened by Runaway Government," Connection, Oct. 31-Nov.6, 2013].
Letter: Connolly Is Best at Humor, Not Details
In his letter ["The Damage Is Already Done," Connection, Oct. 23-29, 2013], Rep. [Gerry] Connolly (D-11) asserts a number of cases of individuals hurt by or concerned about the 13-day shutdown of the federal government.
Letter: Storm Recovery and Resilience in Northern Virginia
As terrible as this may sound, when I think back on my experiences with Hurricane Sandy I seem to most vividly recall the five-day weekend.
Letter: A Deceptive Look at Background Checks
The technology in my DVR insulates me from most advertisements. That insulation is especially appreciated during what seems to be the never-ending political season during which ad after ad simply attacks one candidate or another.
Column: This Spud’s For You
There’s more talk now than ever before, about the possibility of the Washington, D.C. professional football team changing its name.