Fairfax People

Important Issues Facing the City of Fairfax

For its first issue of 2015, the Connection asked various local leaders what are the most significant issues and/or events facing the City of Fairfax in the coming year.

Answering the Call to Action

Catholic Church of the Nativity in Burke helps Haitians.

Sixteen years ago Father Martin, the pastor of the Catholic Church of the Nativity in Burke, asked hypothetically, “How much money could be raised if each parishioner donated a small amount each week of Lent?”

Letter: Giving Pets a Loving Home

To the Editor

It is evident that the influx of cats and dogs in shelters is a problem.

‘Children Are Going to Love These Books’

Scout donates original works to Hanley Shelter.

Eagle Scout projects are all about helping people, and Garrett Anderson’s project certainly fits the bill. Thanks to his efforts, children staying at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter now have 11 new and original books to read and enjoy.

Protecting Dogs in the City of Fairfax

City Council passes one-hour maximum tethering ordinance.

When the Fairfax City Council last week passed one of the most stringent tethering laws in the state, it pleased many residents and animal advocates. “It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of work,” said Fairfax resident Tim Parmly, who directs an equine-welfare group. “It’s an ordinance much-needed to protect the dogs in this City.”

‘The American Dream’

The story of success via hard work makes the book a good gift.

Merrifield Garden Center has been a magnet for Northern Virginia gardeners since the store was founded by entrepreneurs and friends Bob Warhurst and Buddy Williams in the Merrifield area of Fairfax County in 1971. Since then, the company has expanded to two more stores in Northern Virginia: Fair Oaks in Fairfax and Gainesville in Prince William County.

Bringing Smiles to Military Families in Lorton

Operation Homefront, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, held a Holiday Toy Party for children of enlisted soldiers in Lorton. Five hundred families registered online to be part of the festivities on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Church Without Walls Finds Its Way

Church of the Apostles continues despite losing “The Meeting Place.”

Not all those who wander are lost. The Church of the Apostles has offices in Fairfax but it has held services in different locations since losing “The Meeting Place” in Pickett Road in 2012, where it had been since 1974.

Holiday Mischief at the North Pole

Encore presents musical show, “3 Days ’til Christmas!”

Reindeer, elves and dancing snowflakes are all part of the holiday joy in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s upcoming musical extravaganza, called “3 Days ’til Christmas!” it’ll be presented at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.

‘Skate with Santa’ at Fairfax Ice Arena

Beginners, experienced skaters enjoy the adventure of ice skating.

For some ice-skating is a challenge, especially for those of us who didn’t grow up in colder climates. Trying to stand on ice skates, stopping, and turning takes some practice. For others ice-skating is part of being in a hockey league or improving one’s skills in competitive skating. And for some it’s a special time to return to the ice and introduce their children to the fun of skating. And so it was for one family this past Sunday at Fairfax Ice Arena.

‘Dream Come True’ for Lamb Center

City Council paves way for move to new site and building.

Since 1992, The Lamb Center in Fairfax has served as a place of refuge for the poor and homeless. It’s a daytime, drop-in shelter providing hot meals, showers, laundry services, and recovery and employment counseling.

Fairfax City Council Supports Lamb Center Project

During the Nov. 18 public hearing on The Lamb Center’s request to move to a new building in a different part of Fairfax City, people spoke on both sides of the issue.

Facets New Executive Director Brings Perspective and Experience

Margi Preston started as Executive Director of Facets of Fairfax officially on Nov. 17. But she attended its fall fundraising event, A Taste of Fall, on Nov. 15 and witnessed the dedication of Facets staff and supporters in helping individuals and families experiencing poverty in Fairfax County.

Patient First Facility Heading to Fairfax

Will also provide inter-parcel access to shopping center.

Patient First is opening a walk-in medical facility in the City of Fairfax. It got the go-ahead last Tuesday, Nov. 18, from the Fairfax City Council, following a public hearing.

‘Timeless’ Author Comes to Fairfax

Lucinda Franks Morgenthau, author of “Timeless: Love, Morgenthau, and Me,” will share her new memoir at a Northern Virginia j.talks event on Thursday, Dec. 4. J.talks, conversations with authors and artists, is a program of the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lucinda Franks interviewed Robert Morgenthau, and before she walked out his door the two had fallen in love with each other.

Fairfax Connection