Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Burke?
Interviews conducted by Steve Hibbard at the Pohick Regional Library on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Burke.
“There is the Burke Lake Park where I go to play volleyball with friends. There’s Kingstowne for shopping and the movie theater.”
Insiders’ Tips: Things to Know About Lee District
Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee District) offered the following Insiders’ Tips on his district.
Top Five Issues in the Springfield District
Traffic congestion, especially on I-66 and the Fairfax County Parkway: I-66 is one of the major reasons the D.C. area was recently ranked first in worst places to commute by Texas A&M University. I have been working with other local and state leaders to move forward solutions including an Express Lanes-like solution that we can accomplish quickly and provide relief as well as transit choices. The Fairfax County Parkway is one of the county’s “main streets” and will see interstate level traffic by 2030. We have been successful with some short-term solutions, converting it to a primary road and last month at my request, the board asked VDOT to commission a “Corridor Improvement Study” to assess solutions to the road’s growing congestion problems. In addition, as we develop throughout the county we need to make sure we focus developers’ contributions into transportation.
Insiders’ Tips: What are the best things about living in Clifton?
“Fairfax Station is close by to a lot: Shopping is important—and there’s Fair Oaks and Tysons. Since we’re near the capital, there are a lot of concerts; WMZQ Fest and Ke$ha at Jiffy Lube Live are some of my favorites recently. But it’s not in the city so we don’t have as much traffic to deal with. As a kid, I really liked the fact that the [Lorton] prison was out here. It was creepy. It felt like the middle of nowhere at the time. I also liked being near Occoquan with the parks. My family would take a boat out, or play baseball. I go to Clifton a lot and get ice cream at Peterson’s. It’s really cute.”
Where to Find ‘Mayor Scott’ Burgers
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne gives “insider tips” to newcomers.
Q: Being mayor of the City of Fairfax has to be the ultimate “insider” position. What tips do you have for someone new to the city? A: Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer! The best way to get to know your new community, and to get connected and engaged is to volunteer. There are so many boards, festivals and community associations in the city. I would suggest someone new to town check out our new website, which lists a number of great ways for newcomers to get involved.
Insiders’ Tips: What are some of the best things about living here?
Interviews conducted on Friday, Aug. 16 at The Virginian senior living community along Route 50 in Fairfax.
“Since I lived by Wolf Trap, years ago, they used to have fireworks on July 4th. Living here in the Virginian, it’s convenient to stores and shopping centers. There are many activities at The Virginian—it’s your choice. Every day there’s something going on—exercise, Bingo, Bridge, card games and entertainment at night.”
Mayor's Welcome to the City of Fairfax
On behalf of the members of the Fairfax City Council, I want to welcome you. Less than 20 miles outside our nation’s capital, the City of Fairfax has played an important role throughout the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation. The city’s size of 6.3 square miles and 23,000 residents gives our community the feel of a small town, while providing all the amenities of living in a large metropolitan area.
State Senator Marsden Shares ‘Insider Tips’ With Newcomers
Where to find Del. David Bulova bartending (maybe), and feel free to call Senator Marsden.
The possibilities for getting involved in a new community are endless. Throw yourself a “welcome to the neighborhood party” by having your new neighbors over. Join a civic club, Lions, rotary, etc. Join a church, the PTA, or the political party committee of your choice. Just don’t sit there … get started today!
Letter: ‘Works Sunday 2013’ Thanks the Community
In short, it was you, our neighbors, who made “Works Sunday” a joyful, caring and compassionate event celebrating the common humanity and vibrant diversity of our communities. And so, we of the committee wish to publicly thank all those who gave so freely of their time, talent and treasure to make this year’s “Works Sunday” the major success that it was.
Residents Agree: Reston Rocks
Restonians on what is so great about living in Reston.
“My family loves living in Reston. The first thing that motivated us to look for a house here were the summer concerts at the Reston Town Center. During our house-hunting trip my husband and I had dinner there, and the music and the people really appealed to us.
Column: From Weak to Week
Eight days and seven nights. Not exactly the vacation I was planning. Nevertheless, admitted to the hospital on Friday, August 2nd. Discharged on Friday, August 9th: that was my hospital “staycation.” Though I definitely improved as the post-surgical week went on, the process itself – specifically, nearly four days in S.I.C.U. (Surgical Intensive Care) with round-the-clock monitoring, nursing and doctoring – was hardly restful. In fact, if you read the following prose, you’ll presumably develop an understanding of the cons.
Supervisors Give Us Their Best “Insider” Tips
Fairfax County has a fantastic park and library system, with tons of activities to enjoy. One of my personal favorites is the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Accotink Park every summer.
Magic of Lake Anne Mornings
Every day I marvel at the magic, waking up to a different lake each morning with the changes of the seasons and years.
Lake Anne has always been the heart of Reston for me. We moved to our townhouse on the lake in the winter of 2002 and as we hauled the last box in, it started to snow. Tired and hungry, we wandered down to the plaza and settled ourselves into a corner seat by the window at one of Lake Anne’s special restaurants. As the sun set we ordered the seafood soup and looked out onto the plaza and the lake and watched the snow fall gently—magical...
Commentary: Plenty of Money
Reading a letter Governor McDonnell sent to state employees or listening to a speech he gave to the General Assembly money committees last week you could conclude that Virginia state government has plenty of money. He told both, “For the fourth straight year the commonwealth will enjoy a budget surplus! We concluded Fiscal Year 2013 with a total budget surplus of $585 million, the largest since 2005. Over the full four years of my term, Virginia has enjoyed a cumulative surplus of nearly $2 billion—the highest cumulative surplus of any single administration.”
Column: County Rushing “Dysfunctional” Master Plan?
A bit over four years ago, the Hunter Mill District supervisor announced the formation of a community Task force to prepare a new Reston Master Plan to shape Reston, complete with rail service, for a generation. The supervisor said it was a vital mission, top priority, to be completed during 2010. Then, she left the room—and the planning process. Fast forward—the train is about to arrive and the task force has yet to complete even the first half of its work—the comprehensive plan for three new rail station areas.