Letter: Later Start Times Can Benefit Community
To the Editor: To set the record straight, there is nothing worse for traffic than a car crash, and sleepy teen drivers are like drunk drivers in terms of performance behind the wheel. Later high school start times are safer for teens and also for the rest of us as they have been shown to significantly decrease car crashes in young drivers.
Full-Day Mondays Start in September
Teachers promised planning time.
Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).
Local Real Estate: Top Sales in May, 2014
Local Real Estate: Top Sales in May, 2014
‘The Highest Achieving Class’
West Springfield High Class of 2014 told to ‘follow dreams, learn from failure.’
This year’s graduating class from West Springfield High School is one of the most high-achieving classes in the school’s history. That’s what Mark Greenfelder, principal of West Springfield High School and graduate of the school’s class of 1987, said at the Class of 2014’s graduation ceremony on June 23 at the Patriot Center. “The Class of 2014 is the highest achieving class I’ve had the privilege to be associated with,” he said.
Gadson, Army Honored by Board of Supervisors
Gadson praised for strengthening relationship between Fairfax County and Fort Belvoir.
For his work in strengthening Fort Belvoir’s relationship with Fairfax County and for serving as a community leader, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson was honored with a proclamation from the Board of Supervisors as he departs Fort Belvoir on June 25.
Friends of Richard Byrd Library Improve Community
The group was awarded at the 2014 Volunteer Fairfax Awards.
As president of the Friends of Richard Byrd Library, Springfield resident Christine Peterson spends countless hours, along with other volunteers in the group, working to ensure the library is effectively serving the community.
Youth Suicide Prevention Training Offered Online
Interactive training helps adults deal with serious issues.
Following several incidents in the community involving youth and suicide, Laura Yager, the director of partnership and resource development for the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, said the community has recognized the need for youth suicide prevention.
Food Truck Changes Considered in Fairfax County
Public Hearings are July 30 and Sept. 9.
Instead of bringing a brown-bag lunch to work or venturing out for fast food, Fairfax County residents may soon have a different option. On June 17, the Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with a proposal to make changes to food truck regulations. The proposal will allow food trucks to operate at office buildings, construction sites, and commercial and industrial properties. Public hearings on the proposal will be held in front of the Planning Commission on July 30 and Sept. 9 in front of the Board of Supervisors.
Classified Advertising June 25, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Saying Goodbye at Lee High
"I feel amazing," began Aaron Jenkins, the commencement speaker for Robert E. Lee High School. He then proceeded to take a selfie from the stage with the more than 350 seniors in the background. Jenkins thanked all the families, friends, and significant others who helped the graduates get to this moment. He told the audience of eager graduates, "I see the world when I look at you," and urged them to wear their robes and caps all day long in celebration. Jenkins, the program director of Operation Understand D.C., asked the captive audience "who are you? Who do you want to be? Make a choice, choose the road, and keep standing out."
On Mission ‘To Change the World’
Lake Braddock Class of 2014 graduates.
The Lake Braddock Secondary School Class of 2014 received their diplomas and threw their caps in the air, as over 650 seniors graduated on June 23. Staged in the Patriot Center at George Mason University, parents and friends cheered on the graduates from their seats in the gallery.
Lake Braddock Student Honored
JROTC AWARD - Cadet Julio Negron of Lake Braddock High School was presented with the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Medal during a ceremony held May 28.
Letter: False Claims on ‘Underfunding’
There’s been some commentary on Fairfax County school budget issues and a total misuse of the term "underfunding," including the false claim that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors underfunded the school system.
Fairfax County Students Receive DAR Awards
Providence Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has announced the 2014 recipients of two DAR awards. The DAR Youth Citizenship Medal is presented to fifth and sixth grade students who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. The Outstanding Work in American History Medal is presented to students in any grade for excellence in American history studies.
Editorial: Safe Fourth
Talking and planning are the best safety measures; SoberRide offers a safety net.
Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.
What’s Offensive about Redskins Pride?
Absolutely nothing, if you’re state Sen. Chap Petersen.
A lifelong Redskins fan, Fairfax state Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) has had it up to here with all the talk about the need to change the name of his beloved football team. He vented his frustration and indignation on his blog — Ox Road South — but said he was leery of tackling what he deemed the forces of political correctness in the "War Against the Redskins" until June 18, when the Federal Patent Office blocked the team’s Redskins trademarks, declaring that the name was "disparaging" to Native Americans at the time the trademarks were registered — as far back as 1967. That action pushed Petersen off the sidelines to lead an offensive attack.
"One Less Thing"
Forrest Gump knew when he voiced over: "Mama got the cancer and died on a Tuesday. I bought her a new hat with little flowers on it. And that’s all I have to say about that." And if you watched the movie as often as I did (it was one of my mother’s favorites), you may also recall "Mama always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on."
County Chamber Honors Brain Injury Services
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber) honored Brain Injury Services with the 2014 Nonprofit of the Year award. This category was part of the 2014 Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards presented at the Chamber’s Annual Chairman’s Luncheon on June 17, 2014.