People

Enjoying Summer at the Reston’s Dog Park

Restonians and their dogs socialize at one of Reston’s many community facilities.

While many make the trip to the Reston’s only open-air, off-leash dog park a handful of times a year, many others make it part of their daily routine.

Give Blood, Give Back to Community

Paul VI Student Hosting Blood Drive in Clifton

When Mitch Kiefer was six, his three-year-old brother Brent was diagnosed with leukemia. Brent recovered, but Kiefer remains committed to helping others suffering from similar illnesses. Now, Kiefer, a student at Paul VI Catholic School in Fairfax, is planning a second blood drive in Clifton in honor of his brother.

Westfield Rising Senior Gibson Commits to Army

Standout free safety.

After playing defensive end and running back in his early years, James Gibson made the switch to free safety as a sophomore to join the Westfield varsity football team.

A Dog, a Pig and a Horse: Oh, My!

Oakton teen Maddie Whishard tends to a small herd of animals, including a pig, a horse and a beagle.

“People told me I couldn’t,” she says, noting that her peers doubted her when she initially showed interest in raising a piglet. Determined, Whishard read up on pig care and saved up her money (no word on whether or not she used a piggy bank).

Residents Comment on Maple Avenue Corridor

Tell Town Council the pros and cons of what’s proposed.

At the July 7 public hearing for Vienna’s proposed Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) zoning district, people spoke both for and against the project.

Cooling Off at Neighboring Pool

Enjoying Herndon summer at Kingstream.

Since more than 200 neighborhood members attended the pool’s kick off BBQ on May 24, Kingstream Pool has been a great place for families, athletes, and friends to cool off on hot summer days.

Cross County Trail Renamed to Honor Connolly

“Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail” unveiled at ceremony in Lorton.

On National Trails Day on June 7, the Cross County Trail, which goes through each district in Fairfax County, was renamed to the “Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail” in honor of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly’s work to build the trail.

Archive Provides ‘Insight into the Reality of Segregation’

Northern Virginia Civil Rights Archive dedicated at George Mason.

Civil Rights activists Edwin Henderson, Lillie Jessie and Ralph Smith joined numerous other Virginia residents who lived through the Civil Rights movement and provided their stories during a dedication ceremony for the Northern Virginia Civil Rights Archive on July 7.

Community Rallies for Ellie

The Barrington Community in Fairfax Station comes together to support sick girl.

The Barrington Community in Fairfax Station, in partnership with the Glitter Matters Foundation, hosted a unity walk and swimathon on July 4 to support Ellie Schleyer. Ellie is a 12-year-old girl from the community that is suffering from an undiagnosed degenerative brain disorder.

Turner Farm Revisited

Great Falls residents, groups want to preserve local historic site.

Many citizens of Great Falls hope to keep The Turner Farm a low-impact park. Great Falls Citizens Association held a Turner Farmhouse informational session on July 8, the day before Fairfax County Parks Authority released the plans for the resident curatorship program.

Helping Out and Giving Back

Paul VI grad tutors Hispanic children.

Born in Colombia, Laura Quiñones came to the U.S. with her parents at age 7. She knew English words, but needed practice talking conversationally.

Affordable Housing Lack Can Lead to Hunger

ODB director beseeches Fairfax City Council to take action.

During the June 24 swearing-in ceremony of the Fairfax City Council members and mayor, Councilman Jeff Greenfield decried the fact that so many children in the City are hungry. He then promised to create a task force to attack the problem.

Bridge to Life Skills

Our Daily Bread's Project BRIDGE Program held a “Life Skills” Seminar on Saturday, July 12, with a focus on nutrition.

Rotary Club Awards Scholarships to Fairfax High Students

The Rotary Club of Fairfax recently recognized several area students with scholarship awards for their academic achievement and community service.

GMU Honors Fairfax Mayor Silverthorne

City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne capped off his Fourth of July by enjoying the fireworks at Fairfax High. But he began his day by receiving an award from GMU. It was presented by GMU President Angel Cabrera during a Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce breakfast reception at Red, Hot & Blue before the City’s Independence Day parade.

The Connection