Letter: Embracing Giving in 2013
Living in a society where little kids now own cell phones, and even iPhones, we are used to everyone saying “I want, I want, I want!” In every religion, giving thanks is not supposed to be reserved for the last Thursday in November, but rather something we do every day. In the Holy Quran it says, “And We have established you in the earth and provided for you therein the means of subsistence. How little thanks you give!” (Ch. 7 Vs. 11).
Letter: Taking Exception On Women’s Health
I read with great interest the January 3-9, 2013 edition of the Connection, because of the interviews with our various local leaders, with regards to their predictions for the “hot topics in 2013.” As a woman, I would like to let Representative Gerald Connolly know that he should fear not, because I do believe that the Virginia General Assembly has done a fine job in protecting me and all of the other women in our state.
Letter: Transportation Needs Must Be a Priority
To the Editor: The upcoming 2013 General Assembly Session once again has the opportunity to effectively address and begin the process of alleviating the transportation problems that plague Northern Virginia and other urban areas of the commonwealth. Having lived in Fairfax County since 1980, however, I have seen the yearly sessions of the General Assembly go by with a lot of talk but with few accomplishments.
Labrador Retriever Club Rescues Mom and Pups
Three-year-old black Labrador retriever Bailey was abandoned in Hughesville, Md., while pregnant. The good news was that she was soon to become the one-thousandth dog rescued this year by Lab Rescue of the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac.
Whisked Away to the Land of Oz
Home school co-op students stage an original musical to benefit Rancho 3M Orphanage.
The Sovereign Grace Co-op Drama Club is staging The Patchwork Girl of Oz and giving ticket sales and all donations to Rancho 3M Orphanage in Guadalupe, Mexico. The production showcases the singing and acting talents of over 30 middle and high school students from Sovereign Grace Home School Co-op in Fairfax.
Politicians Get an Earful
Residents tell LeMunyon, Petersen what’s important to them.
Transportation, guns in schools and Medicaid were among the top issues discussed last week at a town hall meeting in Chantilly. Prior to the Jan. 9 start of the Virginia General Assembly session, Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67th) and Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34th) met with some 65 constituents.
Should There Be Guns in Schools?
“If we don’t pay for the fixes now, we’ll pay for it later with the lives of our children.” —Joe Samaha, father of Virginia Tech victim Reema Samaha.
Fairfax Nonprofits Awarded $218,000 in United Way Grants
Several nonprofits providing health and education services in Fairfax County were awarded 20 grants totaling $218,360 from the United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) during the Tuesday, Jan. 1, Board of Supervisors meeting. The funds came through designations to the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Impact Fund in United Way NCA’s annual workplace giving campaign.
Fairfax County License Plates?
Herrity proposes developing county license plate to support tourism.
“I look forward to being one of the first residents to get my hands on a Fairfax County license plate.” Supervisor Pat Herrity
McKay Elected Chairman of Transportation Commission
Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) was unanimously elected chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) at the organization’s meeting held Thursday, Jan. 3. McKay, who is in his second term representing the Lee District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, replaces Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette as NVTC chairman.
Editorial: More Fodder for Comedy?
2013 session of the Virginia General Assembly will tackle serious issues.
The 2013 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9. We can only hope that the various legislative proposals do not provide as much fodder for comedy as last session. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia will offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, and it is well worth tuning in once or twice.
Parents Plead for Delay in Training Center Closing
Timeframe for closure puts disabled adults at risk, advocates say.
When it was Kenneth Gans’ turn to speak to the panel of Virginia state legislators, the 78-year-old father of a severely-disabled son kept his remarks brief.
“If It Ain’t Broke…”
Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.
Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area
Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.
Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.
Express Buses from Burke to Tysons
Fairfax County to launch Express Connector bus service.
Get ready to ride the 495 Express Lanes. For free. Really.
Fairfax Symphony Announces String Competition
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announces dates for the 2013 Dorothy Farnham Feuer Memorial String Competition.
Fairfax Residents Discuss Their New Year’s Resolutions
"Exercise more, I feel like that's the most common one..."
EQAC Environmental Hearing
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) will hold its annual public hearing on the environment.
Local Leaders Predict Hot Topics in 2013
We asked local movers and shakers to tell us what headlines they’d like to see in the New Year, what issues will dominate the political agenda, what their New Year’s resolutions are, and their Express Lane experiences. If our prognosticators are correct, the top three issues that dominated the headlines last year will again dominate this year. In order of priority: transportation, transportation and transportation.
Connolly: Good News in Phase One, Phase Two
Q&A with U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) on challenges and opportunities of 2013.
Q: What do you consider to be the number one issue affecting our community? A: Protecting and growing Northern Virginia’s economy and our vibrant public-private partnership with the federal government remains my number one priority for Northern Virginia. As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that oversees government contracting, federal workers, information technology, and other related areas, I continue to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain the balance between government functions performed by our dedicated federal workforce and those best served by the private sector.