Fairfax People

Week in Fairfax

News happening in the Fairfax area.

Robinson Chorus Prepping for World Choir Games

Two ensembles from Robinson will travel to Latvia this summer.

After a Skype session with composer Sydney Guillaume, members of Robinson Secondary School’s choral group Robinson Singers were ecstatic. “It was just so exciting because he knows exactly what he wants it to sound like,” said junior Molly Wise. “It was so cool to have the composer teach us and to take the time to help us.” Guillaume is the composer of “Twa Tanbou,” one of the pieces Robinson Singers will be performing at the World Choir Games in Latvia this summer.

Area Writers Shine at Crime Authors Book Fair

Fairfax County residents share insight at National Crime and Punishment Museum.

For Fairfax County resident John B. Wren, writing crime novels is addictive. Creating problems, or the mystery, making people curious and creating solutions, is enjoyable for him. “It’s so much fun,” he said.

Bonsai Show at Garden Center

Learn about, see and vote for favorite trees.

The Northern Virginia Bonsai Society will hold its Spring Show this weekend at the Merrifield Garden Center. It’s at 12101 Lee Hwy. in Fairfax and the free show runs Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bonsai experts will give demonstrations, and attendees may vote on the trees they believe should then compete at the Potomac Bonsai Association show at the National Arboretum.

Special Education Graduates Could be Impacted by Possible Budget Cuts

Families will speak against these cuts at public hearing on April 10.

Lynn Ruiz’s daughter Lydia, who has Down syndrome, will be graduating from Fairfax County Public Schools this June. Ruiz, a Springfield resident, had originally planned for her daughter to participate in an employment program that helps students with special needs transition into adulthood.

Good News for City of Fairfax

Less unemployment; Lowe’s and ALDI planning moves here.

There’s good news for the City of Fairfax: its unemployment rate is one of the lowest in Virginia and two new businesses are interested in locating here.

In the City of Fairfax, Appearance Matters

Four properties are honored for design, landscape.

Part of what makes a city a nice place to live in is the way it looks. And the City of Fairfax recently honored four properties with Commercial Appearance Awards for 2013. They are the Joshua Gunnell/BBG building, Chick-fil-A center, Fairfax Regional Library plantings and the Community Garden at City Hall. The Community Appearance Committee (CAC) received nominations from the community, and then professional judges considered them and decided on the winners.

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop Opens in Fairfax

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, the original rock n’ roll barbershop for men and women, is expanding its brand into Virginia with the grand opening of a new shop at the Mosaic District located in Fairfax on Feb. 7.

Walk, Candlelight Vigil Honors Crime Victims

The free event to kick off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12.

Fairfax County remembers local people who’ve been victims of crimes. And on Sunday, April 6, at Fairfax Corner, they’ll be honored via the second annual 5K Walk and Candlelight Vigil.

Fairfax Apartment Fire: $2 Million in Damage

A two-alarm fire Monday afternoon at a Fairfax apartment building displaced some 25 residents and caused an estimated $2 million damage. Roughly 80 City of Fairfax firefighters raced to 4311 Bob Court, March 24, around 3:45 p.m., after a report of a fire with people trapped in the building.

‘The Taklimakan Desert Is in Which Country?’

Fairfax boy, 10, to compete in state Geography Bee.

Rohil Bhinge is one, smart boy. A fifth-grader at Mosby Woods Elementary, he’ll represent his school, April 4, in Farmville, at the state Geography Bee.

Arts Career Fair Held in Fairfax

George Mason hosts internship and career fair.

Students and alumni of George Mason University had the opportunity to attend an internship and career fair with a focus on the entertainment and consulting sectors. This event was held in February at the Fairfax campus at Mason Hall, hosted by the George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Chapter and University Career Services. "We have 23 employers attending," said Ryan Braaten, assistant director of development with the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University.

Connolly Kicks Off Campaign at St. Patrick's Day Fete in Fairfax

Don Beyer top vote getter at event's eighth District Straw Poll.

Pledging to continue to fight on Capitol Hill for the values and rights of Northern Virginians, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) kicked off his campaign for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives Monday night before a packed house of supporters at his 20th annual St. Patrick's Day Fete. More than 1,000 supporters from Fairfax, Prince William, and across Northern Virginia defied the aftermath of the region's latest snowfall, which dropped between 5 and 10 inches across Fairfax, to attend Northern Virginia's largest annual Democratic gathering.

Our Daily Bread Receives Grant

Our Daily Bread (ODB) is always helping people in need; now it’s receiving a helping hand to continue carrying on its work. The Fairfax nonprofit has just been awarded a $25,000 grant by the United Way of the National Capital Area (NCA). The money will expand ODB’s ability to provide grocery cards via its Food Bridge Program. These cards are given to Fairfax County residents participating in ODB’s supplemental delivered-food program, as well as to people referred to the organization for emergency food assistance.

Baking a Difference for Children

Icing Smiles to be featured at cake show in Fairfax.

Icing Smiles, an organization that provides custom cakes for critically ill children, will be highlighted at The National Capital Area Cake Show at Fairfax High School.

Fairfax Connection