Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Ideas for giving thanks in style.
Whether one’s taste in table settings is subtle or over-the-top, it is possible to give thanks in style. From centerpieces to table runners, local designers say the right combination of accessories can create a Thanksgiving table that guests will remember long after the holiday.
Gifts for the Hostess
Stylish ideas for saying thank you.
If you’re planning to be a guest rather than a host for Thanksgiving dinner this year, you don’t want to arrive empty handed. For those who are still searching for the perfect hostess gift, local tastemakers come to the rescue with presents that are stylish and thoughtful.
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.
Gift-Giving Made Easy at Judy Ryan of Fairfax
For fine apparel, home accents, and gift ideas that are already pre-mixed and matched for you, look no further than Judy Ryan of Fairfax in the Twinbrooke Shopping Center off Braddock Road. Located in the same Fairfax location for 26 years, Ryan makes 10 annual trips to New York City to find the hottest runway looks but tailors them to the tastes of Fairfax County women.
Obituary
Lisa Kay Gardner Brothers, 50, of Fairfax, Dies
Lisa Kay Gardner Brothers, age 50, of Fairfax, passed away on Nov. 5, 2014. Lisa was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on April 25, 1964 to Charles and Betty Gardner. Lisa attended Fairfax High School, where she went on to marry Christopher Brothers of Burke. Lisa was an artist at heart; sharing her love of crafting with others.
Seniors Making a Difference
Retirement doesn’t mean slowing down, at least not for the women of the Little River Glen Senior Center: Knit and Crochet Club. The Club meets twice a week throughout the year, making scarves, hats and even some sweaters for themselves and their families, but also to benefit others.
Fairfax County History Conference Focuses on the War of 1812
The 10th Annual Fairfax County History Conference was held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in the City of Fairfax. A record 120 participants were in attendance to enjoy the theme of “Fire, Flight & Fury” – The War of 1812 in Fairfax County – 200 Years Later.”
Fairfax Academy Presents Alternate Version of the ‘Nutcracker’
Students in the Dance classes at Fairfax Academy will be performing their version of the Nutcracker, called Mixed Nut, in one public performance on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Lanier Middle School at 12:30 p.m. Fairfax Academy is one of six high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
City of Fairfax to Tackle Affordable Housing
Basically, the City of Fairfax’s affordable-housing policy is a work in progress. The City does have a policy but, as its leaders are finding out, it could use some tweaking. It has a flexible policy that between 5 and 12 percent of the total units built should be designated as affordable. But it makes a difference whether these homes are earmarked for those making 80 percent of the City’s median income of $107,000, or 60 percent.
'Not Guilty’ Pleas in Fairfax Crimes
Jesse Matthew slated for March 2015 trial.
On Oct. 20, a Fairfax County grand jury indicted Jesse L. Matthew Jr. in connection with a 2005 attack on a 26-year-old City of Fairfax woman. Last week, he officially entered his pleas in Circuit Court, and now the case against him is moving forward in the judicial system.
Fairfax City Residents, Businesses Ask for More Affordable Housing
There was standing room only last week when residents and elected officials poured into Fairfax Baptist Church’s fellowship hall to discuss affordable housing in the City of Fairfax. And that church’s pastor, the Rev. Henry Brinton, got right to the point.
Facets Hopes to Raise $80,000
Facets of Fairfax held its 15th Annual Taste of Fall fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Sherwood Recreation Center in Fairfax. Deputy Director Maura Williams said the event is expected to raise $80,000, which will go toward supporting its programs to end homelessness in Fairfax.
Rites of Fall
Viewpoints: What do you like to do during Fall and before the start of the holidays?
As the foliage reached its peak, Fairfax County residents turned to their favorite fall activities before the mad rush of the holidays. At the Burke Farmers Market, which runs until Nov. 22, John and Nancy Menke, of Burke, found a way to keep the fresh and local fruits and vegetables they love throughout the year.
Bubbling Caldron, Rambunctious Theatre
Robinson company puts on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and caldron bubble. The Robinson High School theatre department, newly named Rambunctious Theatre Company, is changing it up with their fall show: Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” The show opens Nov. 20 and runs through Nov. 22.
Fairfax Home Sales: October, 2014
In October 2014, 66 Fairfax homes sold between $999,999-$190,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: October, 2014
Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.
Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.
As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.
Editorial: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Column: And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.
Dylan Cate of Fairfax High Selected to All-American Marching Band
Dylan Cate of Fairfax High School has been selected for the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Cate will join an elite group of marching band members who will perform during halftime at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.