Nonprofits Launch Housing Challenge
FACETS, five other nonprofits announce effort to get more vulnerable people housed.
FACETS, a nonprofit that opens doors by helping parents, their children and individuals who suffer the effects of poverty in Fairfax County—along with five other Fairfax nonprofits—is challenging itself throughout the next year to find homes for even more precariously housed and homeless people. Every quarter the group of six will set new, high goals as part of this Fairfax Housing Challenge (#ffxhousingchallenge) in an effort to end homelessness.
Chinese Get Glimpse of American Schools
Group visits Lanier Middle and Fairfax High.
In mid-July, an envoy from China visited the United States – but the trip had nothing to do with politics. Instead, a group of teenage students, plus some parents and teachers, visited Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High to see firsthand what schools are like in the U.S. They were here via a program sponsored by the City of Fairfax and the American Assn. of School Administrators (AASA).
City Council Mulls Traffic Changes
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.
‘It Was Definitely Humbling’
Chinese and Fairfax High students share impressions of each other.
The teenagers played soccer, ate ice cream, joked with their friends and walked with their heads down, eyes on their Smart phones and tablets. In short, they looked just like their American counterparts – except these students live in China.
Residents Honored for Their Homes’ Yards
The City of Fairfax’s Community Appearance Committee has honored three homes with Residential Appearance Awards. Committee Chairman Kirk Holley presented them to the winning homeowners at the July 22 City Council meeting.
Honored by Supervisors
Norma Heck, who has been an owner of a home in North Springfield since 1956, was recognized last week by the Board of Supervisors for her service and dedication to the community.
Letter: Lifesaving Community
To the Editor
I wanted to write and publicly thank everyone who helped with my blood drive on Aug. 1. So many people helped, from St. Andrew's Catholic Church who hosted us, Joyce Krolicki from Paul VI and Brenda Tingen from Inova who supported and guided us, my friends
Letter: Global Warming Is Impacting Us Now
To the Editor
On Wednesday, July 30, I joined hundreds in Washington, D.C. to show my support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan by testifying at the public hearing.
Environmental Leader Joins NOVA Parks Board
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) has welcomed Laura Grape to its Board. Grape will replace Jean Packard, who recently retired from the Board after 24 years of service.
Neighbors, Police, Firefighters Promote Safe Neighborhoods
Supervisor John C. Cook visits neighborhoods on National Night Out.
Neighborhoods throughout Fairfax County held National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime” events on Tuesday, Aug. 5. These events are designed to promote crime prevention activities, partnerships between law enforcement and the community, and neighbors getting to know each other.
George Mason Athletes Inspire
Student athletes from George Mason University discussed their experience facing challenges in school and sports to students in the Summer Extending Learning Time (SELT) Program at Robinson Secondary School cafeteria in Fairfax on July 31.
Principals Visit Island in Chesapeake Bay
Environmental lessons will be incorporated in classroom teaching.
From July 30 to Aug. 1, 24 principals from elementary and middle schools in Fairfax County embarked on a journey to Port Isobel, located near the island of Tangier Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay.
Traffic Changes on I-95
Left-turn Lanes to Close at Franconia-Springfield Parkway Interchange
On Aug. 8, or shortly around this date, all left turns from Franconia-Springfield Parkway and left turns to and from I-95 north and south will close to allow for widening of the ramps connecting the I-95 HOV Lanes and Franconia-Springfield Parkway.
Greenspring Recognized for Awarding 32 Scholarships
Students receive $10,000 each for college or trade school.
Greenspring Village recently awarded 32 student dining services employees scholarships of $10,000 each, and was recognized for this achievement at a recent Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Fairfax Considering Changes to Rules on Food Trucks
Planning Commission continues food truck discussion.
Fairfax County is considering a change to the zoning rules concerning the operation of food trucks within the county. Under new rules, vendors would pay under $200 for licensing and would require permission from property owners.
Honored by Supervisors
Resolution honors Braddock Resident Norma Heck for years of community service.
Norma Heck, who has been an owner of a home in North Springfield since 1956, was recognized last week by the Board of Supervisors for her service and dedication to the community.
School Board Funds Full Day Mondays
School system has over $38 million surplus.
The Fairfax County School Board voted at its last meeting to approve funding for full day Mondays for elementary-school students. The board voted back in June to approve ending half-day Mondays, but voted to fund the move, which will cost $7,639,300 at its July 24 meeting.
Planning Commission Tables Residential Studio Amendment
Discussion on affordable housing likely to continue.
Although more than 15 public meetings and seven committee sessions have been held since Oct. 13, the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted unanimously last week to table the proposed Residential Studio Amendment, which would have provided apartments to residents working low-income jobs.
Income Growth in Fairfax and Alexandria Lags Behind State and National Averages
Loudoun is the one bright spot in the region.
Paycheck growth in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria are lagging behind the state and the nation, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Crime Solvers Hold 5K, Raise Money
In the second year, the race has gained momentum, more runners, and two vendors.
Early Saturday morning, runners and walkers alike descended onto Fairfax Government Center for the second annual Crime Solvers 5K and helped raise money for Fairfax Crime Solvers. “[We’re] just a partnership to keep our community safe,” Fairfax County Crime Solvers President and Chairman, Jody Donaldson said.