Fairfax County Budget Reflects ‘Increasing Needs, Decreasing Revenues’
"We as a board spend a lot of time talking about helping people in need, I can only say that when it came time to tax them, they were sadly forgotten." —Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)
Commentary: Congress in Clutches of NRA
Before I criticize the lack of action on the part of the U.S. Senate on modest gun measures last week, I will freely admit that the Virginia General Assembly is clearly in the clutches of the National Rifle Association (NRA). The last several years have seen a steady decline in Virginia’s attempt to reduce gun violence but without my support or vote. Most recently the General Assembly repealed the limitation on handgun purchases. The problem of gun violence is nationwide and appropriately should be addressed by the U.S. Congress. Opinion polls indicate overwhelming support for congressional action, especially as it relates to criminal background checks. At the same time, incidents involving gun violence continue to mount up.
Gun Lobby Over Gun Victims
Last year, I wrote a letter to my senator, Mark Warner. In it, I appealed to him to reconsider his position on gun violence, to support renewal of an assault weapons ban, a ban of mega magazines, and closing the gun show loophole for potential mass murderers. My senator wrote a polite letter back reminding me of his “A” rating by the NRA and his staunch support of the Second Amendment. He noted my concerns and wished me well. Yep, I knew where he stood.
South Lakes Senior Awarded Scholarship
Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere awarded $5,000 from Northern Virginia Urban League.
The Northern Virginia Urban League awarded $50,000 in scholarships to local high school students at its annual Community Service and Scholarship Awards Dinner Friday, April 19. The organization, whose mission it is to enable disadvantaged youth to achieve economic and academic success, awarded one scholarship to South Lakes High School senior Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere.
Tailored Living Opens Herndon Showroom
Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, Delegates Tom Rust and Ken Plum and Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce President Mark Ingrao gave owners Juliana and Todd Carter of the new Herndon Tailored Living showroom a warm Herndon welcome at their opening and ribbon cutting Wednesday evening, April 17.
Our Red Shoe 5K Benefits Area Ronald McDonald House Charities
lmost 500 people signed up for the Saturday, April 6, Our Red Shoe 5K in Dulles Station, and although the day of the race was chilly, 600 people (and their dogs) came to Herndon to participate in the family friendly race, walk and fun run, which helped raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C.
Runners Line Up to Stop Child Abuse
Great Falls neighbors join in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which helps explain why 300 runners gathered at 9 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, grouped in teams with names like "Peggy's Posse," "Kids4Kids" and—a favorite—"Team Baxter" (named after organizing member Kim Roellig's dog) on Saturday, April 13.
What Housing Slump?
Real estate experts explain the rise in luxury condominium sales
When a retired couple decided it was time to leave their sprawling suburban home, they wanted to downsize without giving up luxury. As a result, they purchased a high-end condominium and hired Bethesda, Md., based interior designer Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design to create a serene and sophisticated space.
Karen Garza Hired as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools
FCPS Board lauds Garza’s “openness” and “willingness to engage” community.
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved educator Karen Garza of Texas to be the next superintendent of the 181,000 student district at its April 18 school board meeting.
Classified Advertising April 17, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Reston Home Sales: March, 2013
In March 2013, 72 Reston homes sold between $1,280,000-$155,000.
Reston Home Sales: March, 2013
Editorial: Value-added Evaluation?
TJ admissions illustrate growing gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”
More than 181,000 students attend Fairfax County Public Schools. So why do the 480 students who were accepted for next year’s freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology seem so important? Fairfax County Public Schools have a single elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ is frequently referred to as the top high school in the country. Dramatic disparity in the makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of disparity in early identification of students as gifted and talented, of access to advanced classes and enrichment, and in the basic education that the Fairfax County Public school system offers to all of its students.
Column: A False Sense of Security
Not that there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, as a four-year, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer survivor, it’s amazing to have any security, false or otherwise, whatsoever.
‘We Have Not Forgotten’
Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.
Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.
Del. Rust in Kidney Walk
On Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m., Del. Tom Rust (R-86) with volunteers from the Team Rust walk team will join hundreds of residents of the Reston and greater Herndon area for the 2013 Northern Virginia Kidney Walk at the Reston Town Center.
Hundreds Take Part in Reston Walk MS
More than 1,600 individuals and 50 volunteers participated in Sunday’s Walk MS presented by Booz Allen Hamilton in Reston, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s National Capital Chapter.
Five-Year-Old Boy Missing, Involuntarily Disappeared
Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 5-year-old Cameron Serafin. He is believed to be in the company of his mother Rebecca Serafin and was supposed to have been returned to his father on Sunday, April 7. Detectives have reason to be concerned about Cameron’s welfare.
Reston Celebrates Simon’s 99th
Lake Anne hosts 10th annual Founder’s Day celebration.
Robert Simon opened up the first weekend of his 100th year at Lake Anne, celebrating with members of the community he founded. Simon, who celebrated his 99th birthday Wednesday, April 10, spent Saturday, April 13, surrounded by well wishers at the 10th annual Founder’s Day Celebration.
Best of Reston Recognized for Community Contributions
Bill Bouie receives the Robert E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award; other individuals, organizations honored.
Reston residents came together to pay tribute to their best Thursday, April 11, at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The annual Best of Reston awards recognized individuals and organizations whose efforts make the community a better place.