Week in Springfield
What's new in Springfield.
Helping Families Enjoy Holidays
ECHO continues its holiday food program to serve members of the Springfield community.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) has been serving members of the Springfield and Burke community for over 40 years. The all-volunteer organization provides assistance to those suffering from poverty and emergency situations year-round.
Running on Her Own
West Springfield’s Alcorta posts 3rd-best time in Burke Lake history.
West Springfield senior Caroline Alcorta produced the third-best time in Burke Lake Park course history.
Two School Employees Charged
After a joint investigation by Financial Crimes Unit detectives and Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) human resources, two school employees were each charged with embezzlement and money laundering.
Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work
In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.
Miracle Makeover at Lynbrook
Microsoft volunteers join the school community effort.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, more than 150 volunteers from Microsoft joined the non-profit Monkee See-Monkee Do (MSMD) at Lynbrook Elementary as the Lynbrook Leprechauns became the beneficiaries of a miracle school makeover.
Delegates Share at Synagogue Forum
Congregants of both Agudas Achim Synagogue, 2908 Valley Drive, and the Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, gathered at Beth El Hebrew for brunch and a political forum Sunday, Oct. 13.
Burke Ballet’s 20th ‘Nutcracker’
Cast of 200 draws heavily from Buffa’s Dance Studio, welcomes professionals from Cincinnati, Colorado and Manassas companies.
Just as Clara Stahlbaum’s dream of a being whisked away by a living nutcracker prince grows increasingly fantastic over the course of the night, director Buffa Hargett’s vision of a perfect performance of "The Nutcracker" ballet has evolved dramatically from mere scenes performed at local shopping malls to a staggering 200-person full production celebrating its 20th anniversary onstage.
Paying Attention to the Pros
High School coaches, players share opinions on Redskins’ Meriweather.
Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has received penalties, fines and a suspension for illegal hits.
Lake Braddock QB Wins Battle of Future UNC Teammates
Henderson’s Bruins Beat Titans, lineman Clarke, linebacker Carney.
Lake Braddock defeated T.C. Williams, 44-0.
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.