Voters to Decide on $250 Million Bond
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Fairfax County voters will be asked to approve a $250 million school bond. If approved, the schools plan to use the money to:
Making Voters Feel Welcome, No Matter Their Language
County election officials have stepped up outreach efforts and volunteer recruitment efforts.
“I was touched with the Korean community’s efforts to help us translate materials and provide volunteers. … And so we're trying to encourage other pockets. My next target is Vietnamese. We’ve also printed recruitment brochures in Farsi, Arabic, Chinese Korean, French, and Spanish.” — Cameron Quinn, Fairfax County’s chief elections officer
Week in Springfield
Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that struck a pedestrian. Officers responded to the area of Gambrill Road near Vogels Way on Sunday, Oct. 27, shortly after 7:30 p.m. A 21-year-old girl was walking along the southbound side of Gambrill Road when she was struck from behind by an unidentified vehicle. The striking vehicle fled the scene and did not stop to render aide. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Fierst Family’s ‘Twist’ on Halloween
Interstate Haunted House Maze in Springfield helps ECHO.
As you twist and turn your way through the Interstate Haunted House Maze, you never know what scary creature will be lurking around the next corner. It’s dark and misty, the tall walls giving you a feeling of being hemmed in, with no easy escape route other than to finish the maze. The strange noises add to your cautious approach around the next corner, uncertain of what will pop up next. The spooky trail seems to go on with no sign of an exit, and meanwhile your heart pounds not knowing what to expect … ghosts, goblins, skeletons, zombies or maybe a hand on your shoulder.
Obituary: William John Hafer, 91, Dies
William John (Bill) Hafer of Knoxville, Tenn., formerly of Springfield, died on Tuesday, Oct. 22 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Hafer was preceded in death by his parents, William F. Hafer and Ann Schneider Hafer. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Imfeld Hafer, of 68 years.
Letter: Government Shutdown Politics
Lost in the talk of the leverage that 40 or so Tea Party Republicans have in the House of Representatives is the fact that their success depends on their being part of a larger majority (at least 218) of Republicans in the 435-member House. So, the ultimate political influence question is not whether those 40 Tea Party members come from safe seats that guarantee their re-election. The real point is that those 40 can only be an effective force if at least another 178 more-moderate Republicans (218 minus 40) are re-elected in 2014.
Letter: Vote Yes on Referendum
As a former Fairfax County teacher, I know that many families move to our area in part for the excellent reputation of our school system. It attracts families and businesses alike because an excellent school system is an investment in the economy and the community. I encourage all county residents to vote “Yes” on the School Bond Referendum on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to continue Fairfax County’s trend of excellence in education.
First Virginia Community Bank Names Branch Manager for Springfield
First Virginia Community Bank (FVCbank), named one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Virginia, welcomes Pati M. Gambino as vice president and branch manager of the soon-to-be opened Springfield Branch. Gambino is a 45-year veteran of the area banking industry. In her most recent position, she served as branch manager, vice president and consumer lender at Union First Market Bank, formerly Prosperity Bank and Trust. Gambino’s first banking job was as a proof operator. She also has served as manager and assistant vice president for former Continental Bank. Throughout her banking career, Gambino spent 35 years serving the Springfield community. FVCbank is slated to open its central Springfield branch, which will be located in the 6500 block of Backlick Road, in mid-November 2013.
Delegate for the 42nd District
Ed R. Deitsch is challenging Republican incumbent David Albo in the 42nd district.
The House of Delegates has legislative power, with the Senate, to enact laws. Delegates serve a 2-year term and are eligible for re-election. The salary is $17,640 per year. A delegate must be at least 21 years old at the time of election and be a resident of the district he/she seeks to represent.
Andrew Gause’s Martial Arts Donates $1000 to Kings Park PTA
Andrew Gause’s Martial Arts has teamed up with Kings Park Elementary School to help raise funds for various projects. Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, Master Gause goes to Kings Park Elementary once a week for five weeks and teaches basic martial arts skills to Kings Park students with all of the proceeds from the program going to the PTA.
Two Challenge Filler-Corn in 41st District
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn challenged by Republican Fredy A. Burgos, Independent Christopher F. DeCarlo in the 41st district.
The House of Delegates has legislative power, with the Senate, to enact laws. Delegates serve a 2-year term and are eligible for re-election. The salary is $17,640 per year. A delegate must be at least 21 years old at the time of election and be a resident of the district he/she seeks to represent.
Democrats Lead in Polls as Voters Head to the Polls for Election Day
Hotly contested race for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Democrats have the wind at their backs heading into Election Day next week, as Republican gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli struggles to overcome a deficit in the polls.
Hollywood comes to Alexandria
Bringing a little taste of Hollywood to Old Town, the seventh annual Alexandria Film Festival kicks off Nov. 7.
It might be Patti North's favorite time of year, but it's certainly one of the most stressful. As chair of the Alexandria Film Festival, North has spent moths preparing for this year's event, pulling together movies ranging from a few minutes to an hour or more in length from around the world and helping to line up Q&A sessions with as many filmmakers as possible during the festivals' four-day run.
Commentary: Dollars and Sense—Stewardship of FCPS
As many have become aware, the Fairfax County School Board’s budget discussions for the 2015 fiscal year have begun early. It is unfortunate that it has taken a combination of a $140 million deficit and demonstrable efforts by FCPS’ new Superintendent Karen Garza to bring full attention of the stakeholders, including the School Board, to education policy and funding.
Fundraiser for the Homeless at McLean Project for the Arts
Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia raises $45,000 during event.
The McLean Project for the Arts welcomed Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia for a fundraiser at the art venue Thursday, Oct. 24.
Morrissette Haunted Maze Benefits Echo
On the grounds of Morrissette, off in a spooky warehouse owned by Interstate Moving, Relocation and Logistics, is a maze of Halloween fun to benefit Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) this coming Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, at 8601 Morrissette Drive, Springfield.
Burke Presbyterian Church Hires Husband and Wife Pastors
Reverends Jarrett and Meg Peery McLaughlin are first new pastors in almost three decades.
When Rev. Dr. Beth Braxton decided to leave Burke Presbyterian Church two years ago, after 27 years of service, replacing her was no easy task. The church Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) convened for 15 months, considered roughly 150 applications and worked with two different interim pastors.
All Smiles at Burke Lake
Kids Sending Smiles organizes 5K run to fight breast cancer.
Kids Sending Smiles (KSS), the 501c3 non-profit established and run by a group of elementary school girls from the Springfield and Alexandria areas, successfully completed their most ambitious charitable event to date on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Burke Lake Park.
Classified Advertising October 23, 2013
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Editorial: Halloween Party Safety Net
Make plans for a safe celebration; SoberRide safety net for those over 21.
Halloween is now a major holiday for adults, especially young adults, and also one of the major holidays each year that involve partying with alcohol and the risks of drinking and driving.