People

Congressman Connolly Named Tech Champion of the Year

Congressman Gerry Connolly was named "Tech Champion of the Year" Thursday night at an awards ceremony featuring leaders from the federal and private sector information technology community.

Small Business Saturday in Fairfax City

The City of Fairfax and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce encourage shoppers to support local small businesses this holiday season by shopping at such stores on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. The city is full of small businesses that offer unique services and products. One such business is Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates on Fairfax Boulevard.

Weichert, Realtors’ Burke/Fairfax Station Office Recognizes Top Associate

Sales Associate Youssef Zeroual of the Burke/Fairfax Station office was individually recognized for his exceptional industry success during the month of October, as announced by Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors.

Giving Presents to Homeless Animals

The holidays will be a little brighter for shelter pets, thanks to the efforts of Felicia Norman, owner of Walking The Dogs (www.walkingdogsva.com), a local dog walking and pet sitting company. Norman's daughter, Maggie, is pictured above with Delilah, who is looking for her forever home, at the Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) in Aldie, Va. Walking The Dogs joined forces with the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters for the third annual "Presents 4 Pets" campaign. Norman raised more than $4,000 in donations and products for the benefit of FOHA during National Animal Shelter Appreciation week, Nov. 3-9.

Pathway Homes Sponsors Walk To End Homelessness

Roger Brown, a Navy veteran, ended up homeless when he lost his job. After sleeping on cots at shelters, "couch surfing," and often spending the night on the street, Brown found his way to Pathway Homes, a non-profit organization that provides housing and support services to over 400 adults with mental illness throughout Fairfax County.

Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows

Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts

Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.

Opportunities to Serve Others on Thanksgiving

Local charities in need of help from the community.

Rahsan Baatin bikes to his Arlington, Va., office on most days. He runs every day. His wife Victoria swims each morning. The two are gearing up to spend Thanksgiving morning running The Trot for Hunger, a 5k race to raise more for the local charity SOME (So Others Might Eat).

Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.

"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.

While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.

Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival

Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.

"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.

South Lakes Seniors Attend STEM Diversity Symposium

Three South Lakes High School seniors—Mahrukh Chowdan, Marli Saunders and Olivia Vita were chosen by the GEMS Club Initiative to attend the first-ever STEM Diversity Symposium on Capitol Hill to discuss the accomplishments women and minorities have made in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as the importance of encouraging more women and minorities to pursue STEM studies and careers. The event took place on Nov. 13.

‘Les Miserables’ Storms the Barricades at the Reston Holiday Parade

The cast and crew of the Reston Players production of "Les Miserables" are excited to announce their participation in this year’s Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29.

Column: Beyond Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your family! In previous columns on this date I have presented the historic evidence clearly establishing that the first Thanksgiving celebration took place at Berkeley Plantation in Virginia on Dec. 4, 1619—several years before the Pilgrims ever left England to come to Plymouth Colony.

Community Creates Season of Giving

Organizations and individuals step to transform ‘The Holiday Season’ into ‘The Season of Giving.’

Thursday, Thanksgiving, traditionally marks the beginning of "The Holiday Season." The Christmas Shopping Derby will kick off at midnight for many of the big retailers, and the frantic rush of decorating, card sending, gift buying, wrapping, parties, baking, cooking, preparing for visitors or preparing to travel shifts into high gear.

Herndon’s Annual 5K Turkey Trot Brings Out Crowds

November race brings together community.

"Way to go! You are doing great!" cheered Wolf Gottschalk as participants in the 2013 Herndon Turkey Trot ran by Ferndale Avenue near the Herndon Community Center.

The Connection