Editorial: Merry Christmas
A message of peace and joy.
Merry Christmas. It’s a magical time of year, and perhaps Connection Newspapers has over indulged in displaying the many rituals of Christmas on our pages in the past few weeks. In events around the area, a sense of community has infused holiday parades, Christmas tree lightings, menorah lightings, choral performances, singing of carols and other traditional events with warmth and joy.
When Dad (or Mom) Is High School Sports Coach
Local coaches and athletes share their feelings about the relationship between parent/coach and child/athlete.
Betters Said Than Done Helps You Tell Your Story
As the new year approaches, people may begin to ponder what resolutions they will make for 2015 - losing weight, getting a new job, quitting smoking, eating healthier. What about learning the art of storytelling as the means to self-improvement?
Protecting Dogs in the City of Fairfax
City Council passes one-hour maximum tethering ordinance.
When the Fairfax City Council last week passed one of the most stringent tethering laws in the state, it pleased many residents and animal advocates. “It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of work,” said Fairfax resident Tim Parmly, who directs an equine-welfare group. “It’s an ordinance much-needed to protect the dogs in this City.”
‘The American Dream’
The story of success via hard work makes the book a good gift.
Merrifield Garden Center has been a magnet for Northern Virginia gardeners since the store was founded by entrepreneurs and friends Bob Warhurst and Buddy Williams in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County in 1971. Since then, the company has expanded to two more stores in Northern Virginia: Fair Oaks in Fairfax and Gainesville in Prince William County.
95 Express Lanes Open
Transportation project culminates after a decade and four governors.
The 95 express lanes opened on Sunday, Dec. 14, after a decade of planning and since breaking ground almost two years ago. Gov. Terry McAuliffe--joined by Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, members of the Fairfax, Prince William, and Stafford counties board of supervisors, and representatives from VDOT and Transurban--cut the ribbon on Wednesday, Dec. 10 in Alexandria.
ODB’s Thank You to Combined Properties
Combined Properties donated store space at Courthouse Plaza in Fairfax City so that Our Daily Bread (ODB) and six other local organizations could conduct Fall Food Drives every Saturday from Nov. 1 through Dec. 13. This is its sixth year of supporting these food drives.
Cappies Review: Near Miraculous Production
“The Miracle Worker” at Paul VI Catholic High School.
“Helen, the chick has to come out of its shell sometime…you come out too!” For Helen Keller, life was a black void of ignorance. Almost sealed off from the outside world, pampered by her parents, she understood only desire and reward.
Taste of Braddock Kicks Off Holidays
The annual Taste of Braddock reception was held at Supervisor John Cook’s office on Dec. 10. It was a wonderful time for community members to come together to kick off the holiday season and share in some delicious food from Braddock District businesses.
Letter to the Editor: Giving Pets a Loving Home
To the Editor: It is evident that the influx of cats and dogs in shelters is a problem. With so many animals and not enough families to adopt them, a solution needs to be implemented to decrease the population being brought in.
Bringing Smiles to Military Families in Lorton
Operation Homefront, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, held a Holiday Toy Party for children of enlisted soldiers in Lorton. Five hundred families registered online to be part of the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Column: A Level That’s Anything But
This is not a home improvement reference, but this is most definitely a do-it-yourself column.
Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2014
In November 2014, 60 Fairfax homes sold between $1,545,000-$187,500.
Fairfax Home Sales: November, 2014
Arts Council, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Move to a New Home
The Arts Council of Fairfax County and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra have moved to Merrifield, thanks to a space proffered by HITT Contracting, Inc. to the County.
Church Without Walls Finds Its Way
Church of the Apostles continues despite losing “The Meeting Place.”
Not all those who wander are lost. The Church of the Apostles has offices in Fairfax but it has held services in different locations since losing “The Meeting Place” in Pickett Road in 2012, where it had been since 1974.
An Essay To Remember
Local educators offer advice on acing independent school admission essays and interviews.
While many are knee-deep in wrapping paper and eggnog, some students are holed up with computer keyboards and books of quotations. In addition to driving to the mall for holiday shopping, some parents are throwing rapid-fire questions at their children to make sure they are fast on their feet.
Commentary: Helping People without Homes
The weather has turned colder and the holidays are in full swing, which means it’s the time of year when people ask “what can we do for the homeless now that it’s so cold?” Or “how can we help the homeless have a good Christmas?”
Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving
In the scramble to finish Christmas shopping, remember tens of thousands of local children are short of food as well as presents.
The holidays are for giving. Christmas and Hanukkah are about children and family, about sharing, about joy, about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. Here in Northern Virginia, many of us see few signs of families in need as we go about our daily lives and holiday shopping. Our neighborhoods are largely segregated economically; we mostly see the people who are most like ourselves economically.
Connolly To Hold 22nd Telephone Town Hall Meeting for Fairfax County, Prince William County and City of Fairfax
The representative is just a phone call away. Rather than cramming thousands of constituents into a single room, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) is hosting his 22nd “telephone town hall meeting” where people call in for an hour-long virtual session. The event is set to take place Dec. 16 at at 8 p.m.
Holiday Mischief at the North Pole
Encore presents musical show, “3 Days ’til Christmas!”
Reindeer, elves and dancing snowflakes are all part of the holiday joy in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s upcoming musical extravaganza, called “3 Days ’til Christmas!” it’ll be presented at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.