
250 Brave Cold in 23rd Burke CROP Hunger Walk
Jennifer Weiner’s wristband read 11,188 steps. That’s how many it took the Springfield resident to complete the 3.7-mile Burke CROP Hunger Walk on Nov. 22. Weiner is Rabbi Educator for Congregation Adat Reyim, which sent more than a dozen volunteers to the fundraiser for the 14th straight year.
Burke, Springfield: Drug awareness meeting at Lake Braddock highlights rise in youth heroin use
Youth Heroin Use Described As ‘a big problem’
Heroin use is here in Fairfax. “It’s definitely here,” said 19-year veteran officer employed by both the Fairfax County Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration as a Task Officer who spoke at a drug awareness meeting sponsored by the Lake Braddock Secondary School Parent Teacher Student Association.

Springfield: Special Bible Exhibit at First Church of Christ, Scientist
How did the King James Version of the Bible come to be? In a one-day exhibition celebrating International Bible Day on Nov. 23, Springfield resident and historian Bruce Slawter showcased several ancient Bible pages and explained some of the book’s origin story.

Transportation Strategy Update Launched
NVTA launches work on a six-year TransAction program.
Members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) chose an appropriate location to announce the launch of the organization’s TransAction update efforts last week.

Creating Great Families Through Adoption
More than 800 children in foster care in Virginia are ready and waiting to be adopted.
November is National Adoption Awareness Month. With that in mind, meet two families expanded through adoption; two families whose kids describe their family as "awesome."
860 Virginia Children Need Homes
“Parental rights terminated.” “Available for adoption.” “Floundering in an imperfect system.” These words describe many children who are currently living in foster care in Virginia.
Quiet Riot: ‘C’mon Feel the Noise’
County passes new noise ordinance, will revisit effectiveness in 18 months.
The Board of Supervisors is at peace with the county’s new Noise Ordinance.

Fairfax County Updates Teacher Safety Training In Wake of Woodson Fire
Science teachers across Fairfax County Public Schools have begun mandatory updated safety training in the wake of an Oct. 30 fire at Woodson High School that injured five students and a teacher, and caused $7,500 in damage.

Fairfax Station: Temple B’Nai Shalom recognizes veterans with special Shabbat dinner and service
Lt. Col. Jacob Kramer was concerned after finding a Star of David in a moving box. The Springfield resident was previously stationed in Morocco by the U.S. Army.

Springfield: Sangster Elementary School honors veterans with annual musical program
Springfield resident Tim Swicord’s parents met at West Point, the United States Military Academy, and then both served in the U.S. Army.

Springfield: Veterans Receive Donated Vehicles
When Alexandria resident Dani Figueroa left the U.S. Marine Corps after being injured during a tour in Afghanistan, she said, “I knew I was different, I had changed.”
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Partners with Virginia Energy Sense
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce partnered with Virginia Energy Sense (VES) in an effort to help reduce electricity consumption in the Greater Springfield area and across Northern Virginia.
Area Roundups
This Thursday, Nov. 19, Fairfax County Police will be joining other state and local law enforcement officers to help save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws.
Fairfax County Arts Council Awards Grants to Arts Organizations
The Arts Council of Fairfax County has awarded $379,125 in operating support grants to 44 nonprofit arts organizations in Fairfax County.

“The Two Gentlemen of Verona” at West Springfield
West Springfield High School drama director Bernie DeLeo knew Shakespeare might be a hard sell with his students and for attracting community members. “I wanted to pick something really fun and relatable to modern-day students and settled on ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona,’” he said.