Season of Giving Well Under Way
Local organizations “are dependent on the community.”
As the holidays approach, the spirit of giving spreads throughout Fairfax County. Many organizations, such as Food for Others and the Lorton Community Action Center, make it their mission to distribute the necessary services to those who need them in their communities.
Brief: Fairfax Physician Elected Medical Society of Virginia President
Brief: On Sat., Nov. 3, Russell C. Libby, M.D., FAAP was installed as president of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) during the organization’s annual meeting at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg.
‘The Funniest Farce Ever Written’
Fairfax High presents the comedy, “Noises Off.”
Featuring a cast and crew of 25, Fairfax High presents the play, “Noises Off.” Show times are Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at www.fxplayers.org and $15 at the door.
Financial Education: Moves to Make Before the Holidays
Before the rush of the holiday season, local financial experts say it might be time for a money tune-up. What should one do and when? Three local money gurus offer their top tips for getting one’s financial house in order.
Mason Enterprise Center Expands
Ribbon cutting for updated facilities in Fairfax.
All throughout election season, the public was bombarded with ads criticizing the “other side” for being anti-small business, and not doing enough to encourage the growth of entrepreneurship.
Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity
If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.
Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture
So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.
Editorial: Diversity Growing
Tune in to our series on immigration.
This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.
Fairfax Becomes Immigrants’ Gateway
Focus on immigration.
Yesuf Beshir spent nearly three years gathering the mountain of paperwork he needed to leave Ethiopia and emigrate to America.
A Way Out of No Way
Two women — one African-American and one from Africa — learn to see America through each other’s eyes.
Rosemary Osei, 22, and Lillie Reynolds, 61, have been good friends for four years. The two women, who help teach special needs students at a Vienna elementary school, are sometimes mistaken for mother and daughter.
Viewpoints: Immigrants’ Experiences on Becoming Americans
On Sept. 22 at the Multicultural Festival on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, 25 people participated in a naturalization ceremony that made them American citizens.
Giving Thanks in Style
Area tastemakers offer ideas and inspiration for Thanksgiving table settings.
There’s more to an elegant Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Local design experts say that with a little planning and a few natural elements, it is possible to set a Thanksgiving table that is as tantalizing as the food it holds.
Getting Organized for Thanksgiving
Local experts offer a survival guide.
Jill Mahon is hosting her family for Thanksgiving next week, which is, of course, the kick-off of the holiday season. But for Mahon, the holidays herald an organizational nightmare.
Week in Fairfax
Total Framing, at 9528 Main St. in Fairfax, will hold its second annual blood drive in honor of Owen Wicks (the son of a Clifton Elementary alumnus) and Ryan Dillon (whose father was a former Clifton Elementary P.E. teacher). Both lost their battles with Osteosarcoma earlier this year, but this blood drive is to honor their memories and help others battling cancer and other diseases and conditions requiring transfusions.
Oak View Honors Veterans
Two assemblies gathered during the morning, with military color guard and military parents dressed in uniform. Student musicians played patriotic music to honor the veterans and the children watched and listened as military service members shared with them.
Building Tomorrow’s Cyber Defenders
Local students participate in cybersecurity camp.
“I discovered I really like this and, when I go to GMU, I’ll change my major from chemistry to computers.” -Fairfax High senior Jessica Miers
Fairfax Baskin-Robbins Reopens
Kids of all ages celebrate grand re-opening.
A sweet tooth and a head for business must run in the family. Fai Ulit might have been doing just fine as a veterinarian nurse, but with a mother and aunt and uncle owning successful Baskin-Robbins ice cream store franchises in Northern Virginia, it’s no wonder that Ulit decided to take the plunge and scoop up a franchise of her own.
Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally
Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
Long Lines Revisited
Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.
“I plan to present this issue to the Board of Supervisors at our next meeting and suggest the formation of a bi-partisan commission to identify ways to reduce lines, decrease wait times and streamline our election process.” —Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)
Holiday Shopping Trend
Show support for local businesses.
Get ready to toss out the candy corn and grab the candy canes. Black Friday—the hottest holiday shopping day of the year—is right around the corner. What’s one of the biggest trends this year? Shopping locally. Below is a list of local “mom and pop” niche stores that make vital contributions to the local economy, generate jobs and offer unique products and stellar personal service. Unlike many big national chains, they know their products, and are able to accommodate special requests. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person to help you. Who could ask for a better holiday gift?