Governor Approves Conditional Budget for Medicaid Expansion
Vote-swapping operation traded transportation votes for Medicaid money.
Half a million uninsured Virginians may be eligible for Medicaid under an agreement now being worked out in Richmond — a deal in which Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell agreed to include Medicaid expansion as part of the budget if Senate Democrats supported a transportation package.
Fashions, Music and Silent Auction
Fairfax Salvation Army fundraiser set for the Waterford
The latest looks for spring, live entertainment, luncheon and a silent auction are all in store for those attending the 33rd annual fashion show benefiting the Fairfax Salvation Army. It’ll be held Friday, April 12, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall), but reservations must be made by March 27.
Between a Rock And a Hard Place
Plain talk about proposed county, FCPS budgets.
In the presentation of the Fairfax County Executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget, there’s a slide titled, “Turned over Every Rock” – and that about sums up the county’s current financial picture. After cutting back as much as it can and looking everywhere possible for extra funding, it still doesn’t have enough money to do everything on everyone’s wish list.
Champions Fighting Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area Chapter recognizes its advocates.
The Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter recognized 12 individuals as “Inspiring Champions” at a special reception on Jan. 31 at its corporate offices in Fairfax. Among the honorees are Oakton resident Rick Gow, honored for distinguished work in promoting Alzheimer’s awareness.
Lives Are on the Line
Upcoming 5K raises money for cancer patients, research.
BethAnn Telford and Vanessa Spiller are at different points in their cancer journeys. Spiller is in remission from breast cancer, and Telford is still battling brain cancer as hard as she can. But both women will participate in the upcoming Rev3 Run Rogue 5K and 1K Saturday, March 23, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center. The event was created in their honor last year and raises money for two cancer organizations.
Sequester’s Impact in Fairfax County? TBD
Local leaders say “uncertainty” biggest fallout of sequester so far.
“From the perspective of business community, businesses are adept when they understand what’s coming. They see a problem; they solve it. The uncertainty is driving them crazy.” —Jerry Gordon, president of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)
The Bad News, the Good News
Q&A with Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee)
Q: What are you hearing from your constituents about sequestration concerns? A: “Where are the grownups?! I don’t think most folks are focusing on the economic or political impact, although there are certainly concerns about furloughs and potential job losses from those who work for the Federal Government or contractors that do business with the Federal Government. Most people seem to be shrugging their shoulders and commenting on Washington idiocy.”
Sequestration: Local Perspective
Springfield small-business owner tackles the sequester.
“The uncertainty is the worst thing. How did we get into this? How do I survive and make sure my employees have a good standard of living? It’s mind-boggling,” Tony Coombs, owner of TC Associates—a Springfield-based cyber-security and professional consulting firm—said during an interview at his headquarters last week.
St. Patrick’s Day With Connolly
More than 1,400 attend congressman’s St. Patrick's Day Fete.
A record-breaking crowd of more than 1,400 packed the shamrock-festooned Kena Temple ballroom Sunday night for Congressman Gerry Connolly's 19th Annual St. Patrick's Day Fete. As dozens of elected officials and Democratic candidates lined the stage behind him, Connolly announced the winners of the straw polls for Virginia's Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
‘Christ Alone’ in Fairfax
Jubilee Christian Center puts on an original drama with adapted music.
“Musically, the people in this church are really talented. I’ve been blown away by that.” —Producer-director Tim Buck of Burke
Week in Fairfax
Want to see a new dog park in Fairfax County? Or would you prefer your favorite rec center to stay open a little longer? The Fairfax County budget is now in your hands. Temporarily. The Board of Supervisors is currently in the process of crafting the FY 2014 budget, and they want your help.
Virginia Garden Week to Feature NoVa Gardens
80th Historic Garden Week, April 20-27, 2013
Historic Garden Week 2013 will feature approximately 200 private homes and gardens open on 32 separate tours throughout the state of Virginia over eight consecutive days. It is the largest ongoing volunteer effort in Virginia and represents the coordinated efforts of 3,400 club members. One hundred percent of tour proceeds are used to enhance Virginia’s landscape. For 80 years, the grounds of the commonwealth’s most cherished historic landmarks have been restored or preserved with help from proceeds from Historic Garden Week including Mount Vernon, Monticello and the grounds of the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
EPA Will Not Appeal Court Decision on Accotink Watershed
EPA regulations could have cost county $300 million.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effectively ended a two-year legal battle with Fairfax County when the agency announced last week it will not appeal a federal court decision favoring Fairfax County’s handling of the Accotink Creek watershed.
Bicyclists Pedal Onward, Despite Legislative Losses
FABB promotes extended hours on W&OD Trail.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, Northern Virginia bicyclists are back on the roads and trails, despite the Virginia General Assembly’s antipathy for bike safety bills this session.
Fairfax Reenacts Mosby’s Raid
Civil War re-enactors kick off 150th anniversary commemoration.
Despite the brutal and bloody nature of America’s Civil War, it’s still an integral part of the rich history that comes with living in this area of the country. People seek it out, seek to interact with it and learn more of it—they love to see history being preserved as authentically, yet nonviolently, as possible.