Fairfax Becomes Immigrants’ Gateway
Focus on immigration.
Yesuf Beshir spent nearly three years gathering the mountain of paperwork he needed to leave Ethiopia and emigrate to America.
A Way Out of No Way
Two women — one African-American and one from Africa — learn to see America through each other’s eyes.
Rosemary Osei, 22, and Lillie Reynolds, 61, have been good friends for four years. The two women, who help teach special needs students at a Vienna elementary school, are sometimes mistaken for mother and daughter.
Honoring Veterans at Sangster Elementary
Students carry on Veterans Day traditions.
Armistice Day. November 11, 1918. The day when hostilities ended on the Western Front of World War I and the day that ultimately gave birth to our Veterans Day Observances. Originally the day set aside to officially honor our fallen military heroes, it has become the time to not only honor their sacrifice, but to recognize all those who served and all who continue to serve.
A Sanctuary for Cigar-Lovers
Solving world problems at Burke Cigar Shop.
“This is a place where everybody knows your name, or nickname, where we solve the world’s problem.” —Tim Jeter, a retired Fairfax County firefighter
Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally
Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
Long Lines Revisited
Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.
“I plan to present this issue to the Board of Supervisors at our next meeting and suggest the formation of a bi-partisan commission to identify ways to reduce lines, decrease wait times and streamline our election process.” —Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large)
Holiday Shopping Trend
Show support for local businesses.
Get ready to toss out the candy corn and grab the candy canes. Black Friday—the hottest holiday shopping day of the year—is right around the corner. What’s one of the biggest trends this year? Shopping locally. Below is a list of local “mom and pop” niche stores that make vital contributions to the local economy, generate jobs and offer unique products and stellar personal service. Unlike many big national chains, they know their products, and are able to accommodate special requests. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person to help you. Who could ask for a better holiday gift?
West Springfield’s Alcorta, Wittich Earn All-State
Spartan harriers crack top 15 at VHSL state cross country meet.
West Springfield's Caroline Alcorta finished runner-up and Maddie Wittich finished 12th at the VHSL state cross country meet on Nov. 10.
Holiday Service Projects
Join Democratic Women of Clifton to benefit local nonprofits.
Holiday service projects will be the focus of the next general meeting of the Democratic Women of Clifton on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. The location is the Clifton Community Hall, 12641 Chapel Rd., Clifton, VA 20124. Following a short meeting, at about 4 p.m. the DWC will reconvene at a local restaurant in Clifton for a holiday celebration. Again this year, the DWC will participate in holiday projects with two local organizations.
Lake Braddock Girls Capture State XC Title
Girls’ Chase wins 2nd individual title, boys’ Tuck places 2nd.
Lake Braddock senior Sophie Chase won her second consecutive AAA state cross country title on Nov. 10 at Great Meadow.
Lorton/Springfield Calendar, Nov. 8-Nov. 18
Get out and about with these events in Lorton and Springfield.
West Springfield’s Alcorta Finishes Region Runner-Up
Junior breaks 17 minutes at Burke Lake Park XC course.
West Springfield's Caroline Alcorta finished second at regionals with a time of 16:58.
Chase Sets Lake Braddock Record at XC Regionals
Bruins girls’, boys’ qualify for states.
Lake Braddock's Sophie Chase won her third consecutive Northern Region championship on Nov. 2.
Cutting a Rug
Researchers say dancing can improve balance and mental ability in seniors.
Springfield resident Fred Griffin enjoys a good hoe down and takes pleasure in doing a do-si-do. In fact, he has been square dancing since high school.
Locals Join All-Star Line-up at Metro Cooking Show
Area specialty food entrepreneurs among the attractions at the 2012 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.
When celebrity chefs and Food Network stars were in Washington last weekend for what has become a Super Bowl for foodies (Giada De Laurentiis, Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and The Chew’s Michael Symon and Carla Hall were just some of the famous faces), some area culinary enthusiasts joined them as well.