Promoting STEM in Schools, Budget Hearings
Nifty Fifty STEM education events continue as students advocate for STEM at Fairfax public hearings.
As part of an effort to inspire students to pursue STEM careers and to spark interest in math and science, scientists visited Fairfax County Public Schools last week to talk about their careers and to provide insight on the field.
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.
Lorton Residents ‘Ride to Conquer Cancer’
Kim and James Reno, West Springfield High School graduates, hope to raise $5,000 each.
West Springfield High School graduates and current Lorton residents Kim and James Reno are putting in long hours training for the upcoming Ride to Conquer Cancer. The two-day, 150-mile bike ride will take them through the D.C. area as they raise money and awareness for cancer research. Both Kim and James need to raise at least $2,500 dollars, but are aiming for $5,000 each.
Burke Resident Recognized for Volunteer Service
Wayne Chiles, a member of Springfield Rotary Club, raises awareness of ShelterBox.
President Barack Obama, along with ShelterBox USA, has recognized Burke resident Wayne Chiles with the President's Volunteer Service Award as a result of his efforts to help victims of disasters throughout the world. Chiles has worked to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox, an organization that provides shelter for those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Bumpy Ride on Area Roads
Repaving will occur when funds are available and weather is warmer.
It’s no secret that drivers traveling along Burke Centre Parkway as it turns into Lee Chapel Road at the intersection of Burke Lake Road are bound to run into a few potholes.
Teens Are Most in Need of Foster Care Homes
Virginia's largest age group in need of homes is between 16 to 18-years-old.
At 54 years old, Julie wanted to be an adoptive parent for over a decade. But it wasn't until last year that she finally brought a child home. Single, she had recently left her federal government position and felt like she was ready. In May, she welcomed her 17-year-old foster son into her McLean home. "For me I was never a parent before," said Julie. "So I had to run fast and catch up."
Teens: Most in Need of Foster Care Homes
Virginia's largest age group in need of homes is between 16 to 18-years-old.
At 54 years old, Julie wanted to be an adoptive parent for over a decade. But it wasn't until last year that she finally brought a child home.
Friends Promote Lake Accotink Park
A secure donation box installed at the Lake Accotink Marina.
Lake Accotink Park visitors can now show how much the park means to them, and lend their support via a secure donation box installed at the Lake Accotink Marina. Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) President, Tony Vellucci, led an inauguration ceremony for the donation box prior to the Spring Watershed Cleanup Day April 5. Vellucci introduced Jim Hickey, former FLAP President and Park Authority Elly Doyle awardee for his sustained support of Fairfax County parks, noting that Hickey was a key individual in making the donation box a reality. Donations are voluntary and will be used by FLAP toward stewardship and recreational park projects.
Orange Hunt Elementary Math Night Transformed
Winter Olympics as theme of first STEM Night experience.
On March 20, Orange Hunt Elementary School revamped its former Math Night into a STEM Night that rocked the students and the community into an evening of learning and fun for the whole family. What began as a somewhat daunting endeavor, our new, small, STEM Planning Committee, which consisted of a half dozen science and math teachers and another half dozen of parent experts and scientists, planned an evening with over 20 hands-on experiments, activities and demonstrations aimed to educate students and community in the areas of Science, Technology, Math and Engineering.
Commentary: Why I Support Medicaid Expansion
As the Virginia General Assembly continues to discuss the expansion of Medicaid, the benefits and consequences of doing so have received a great deal of attention. Debates rage in the media, among businesses and around the kitchen tables of ordinary Virginians throughout the state. At our board meeting of March 25 my colleagues and I reiterated, in a bi-partisan vote, our strong support for Medicaid expansion in Virginia.
Opinion: Maintaining a Viable, Diverse Community in Fairfax County
While need for housing, childcare, healthcare and other human services have grown, these programs have faced significant cuts over past few years.
The following open letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors concerns housing and human services budget recommendations from the Fairfax Budget Advocacy Coalition for Housing and Human Services.
Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Mission: Living Healthy Longer
The 2014 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will take place Sept. 13-24 at 18 venues throughout Northern Virginia. Adults 50 years of age and over who live in one of the sponsoring jurisdictions are eligible to participate.
Housing Expo Provides Insight on Finding a Home
Potential renters and buyers flock to 2014 NOVA Housing Expo.
Am I qualified to buy a home? What does my credit score need to be? Where is affordable housing located in Fairfax County? Those were just a few of the many questions that Gail Lee of the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development answered at the 2014 NOVA Housing Expo at Lee High School on March 27.
Community Steps in to Help Family of Navy Yard Victim
Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield coordinated the effort.
The community is stepping in to help the family of Martin Bodrog, a victim of the Navy Yard Shootings in September 2013. When Bodrog died, he was halfway through finishing repairs on his home. But thanks to neighbor John Rutherford, Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, where Bodrog was a member, and Thompson Creek Window Company, the repairs have continued.
Flight Trampoline Park Opens in Springfield
Kids and adults welcome for spring fun.
The area surrounding Interstate 95 off of Fullerton Road in Springfield isn’t exactly known for a variety of activities for fun. Filled with warehouses and industrial parks, the area has been in need of a fun activity for the whole family for some time now.