Springfield: Community Outlook 2017
Springfield Area Ongoing Developments
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Opioid Treatment Service Jan. 17
Addiction Help
As you are well aware, the heroin and opioid dependency problem is growing across the nation, the Commonwealth, and our community is not being spared. The CSB has adjusted resources to help meet this critical demand for people seeking treatment; a new program begins soon. We need your help spreading the word about it. The CSB is holding an open forum for anyone who is seeking help for a loved one or knows of someone who might need help.
Fairfax County: Tour de Mount Vernon
Supervisor Storck leads inaugural cross-district bike ride
“I wanted to get a ride in this year,” Storck told a group of 20 to 30 riders, himself bundled up in several layers and a neon green high-visibility jacket. The objective, Storck said, was to tour some of the trails and roadways running through Mount Vernon District, and along the way discuss some of the near to distant development plans for the area.
Quarterback Promotes ‘Phones Down. Touchdown.’ Initiative
Redskins’ quarterback urges region to put phones down while behind the wheel.
“If I get sacked in a game, I can get back up and move onto the next play — for the most part,” he said. “But when you text and drive, you might not get back up.”
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield: Great Dads Turns 20
Nonprofit celebrates two decades training fathers to be better parents.
“I remember leaving the conference and driving past the exit for my office,” Stafford said, “looking back and seeing my briefcase, thinking about all the things I needed to get done, or thought I did.” But Stafford passed the exit, drove home and surprised his wife. He announced the family would be going to the zoo, “a nice little daycation.”
Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless
Shelter Information
NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174
Springfield: Richard Byrd Library Hosts Book Sale
The Friends of Springfield’s Richard Byrd Library host their largest annual book sale Dec. 1 - 3. Visitors can shop over 10,000 books, covering every genre. In addition CDs, DVDs, vinyl, puzzles, games, comic books and graphic novels are also available.
Bumped, Bruised, Better
Springfield man recovers from mid-race Ironman accident.
Bill Vitaletti of Springfield had fractured his jaw in three places, broken a bone in his eye socket, chipped a tooth and cracked two other teeth that would eventually have to be pulled. But he didn’t know any of that at the time. What he knew was he still had at least 20 miles left to bike and 26.2 miles to run before completing his first Ironman triathlon.
Fairfax: ‘More about Giving, than Receiving’
Britepaths seeks community’s holiday help for neighbors in need.
“We anticipate serving about 2,000 families, as opposed to 1,500 last year,” said Britepaths Executive Director Lisa Whetzel. “Normally, we share them with our other nonprofit partners. But what is concerning is that, this year, our partners are scaling back – so we’re in desperate need for people who want to become sponsors.”
Fairfax Station: Donated Thanksgiving Food Baskets Ready for 525 Households
Five-hundred twenty-five households in southeastern Fairfax County were served a Thanksgiving food basket from Lorton Community Action Center, thanks to donations from the community and volunteers to organize the packing.
Washington Irving Pyramid Challenge Has Record Turnout
This year’s Washington Irving Pyramid Challenge had the largest turnout in its 11-year history: 864 children from the six elementary schools that feed into Washington Irving Middle School gathered on the school’s grounds for the race.
Red Cross Seeks Blood Donors
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help stock the shelves before the busy holiday season.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Service
30th Annual Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Caregivers Conference, Friday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The conference "Gems: A Treasure Chest of Ideas" will have speakers and resources on topics important to caregivers. The $30 fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, and certificate of attendance.
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Walk to Prevent Suicide
Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”