
Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia
Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.
The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.
Cappies: Meeting Anne Frank
West Springfield High School’s production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” captures personal account of war horrors.
Memories of the horrors of World War II and Nazism are quickly starting to fade, and teens are finding it even harder to relate to the constant fear many Jews faced in the wake of the conflict. Yet these emotions came to full realization in West Springfield High School’s version of Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett’s “The Diary of Anne Frank,” newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman.

Human ‘Jean’ Therapy Helps Homeless
Fairfax County kicks off second annual Jeans Day on Dec. 14.
Everyone knows that gene therapy can help scientists treat a number of debilitating diseases, but what about human “jean” therapy?
Board Selects Appointees to Election Commission
Bi-partisan group will review election process.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed representatives to the Bi-partisan Election Process Improvement Commission, which was created by the board after long lines were reported across various voting precincts during the most recent election.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Receives Grant to Reach New Audiences
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Rocco Landesman announced that the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra is one of 153 not-for-profit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Challenge America Fast-Track grant.

Police Promote ‘Safe December’
How to get drunk drivers off the roads?
A demonstration showcasing the training of officers in getting drunk drivers off the roads was provided by the Fairfax County police on Friday, Nov. 30, in preparation for their annual campaign, “Safe December.” PFC Bistline kicked off the demonstration with a brief presentation, hitting on key points in training, as well as guidelines in detecting and apprehending drivers under the influence.

Day Shifts, Night Shifts On the Road to Success
An Indian immigrant’s story: Making it and giving back.
When the chain pharmacy he worked for opened a drive-through pharmacy, it was the final straw for Amit Shah of Fairfax.

Building a Better Life
An Afghan immigrant’s story: From Soviet war to American Dream.
“Personally, I never think anyone is better than me, and I never think I’m better than anyone,” Bob Zahory of Centreville chuckles as he offers up another pomegranate lemonade.

Living Life in ‘The Dream Land’
Jorge Adeler shares his story of the American Dream coming true.
The American Dream has been shared for generations—some call it an idea; others call it a reality. Many people come leaving behind former lives in search for better ones, not only for themselves but also for their children.

Social Programs Adapt To Fulfill Immigrant Needs
Fellowship House, Interfaith help immigrants on their way to self-sufficiency.
A visitor to Hunter’s Woods Fellowship House in Hunter’s Woods Square in Reston could hear 21 different languages.

RIP Springfield Mall
Demolition signals transformation of Springfield Mall into $200 million town center.
Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) could not have been happier as chunks of steel and concrete began falling off Springfield Mall Monday morning, Nov. 26.
The Area Roundups
Clifton horse parade, FCPS superintendent search, police collect toys for sick children, Fairfax County Animal Shelter offering free spay or neuter for first 100 animals adopted, Cold War Competition to benefit veterans, Christmas tree fire safety, and Clifton Town Council meeting
Area Roundups
Police collect toys for sick children, Fairfax County Animal Shelter to offer free spay or neuter for the first 100 animals adopted, Cold War Competition to benefit veterans, and Christmas tree fire safety
Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits
Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.
As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.

Building a Savings Stockpile on Shoestring Budget
Money experts say it is possible to save, even on a limited income.
Even though Mary Beth Lanvin is employed full-time with a company that offers generous retirement benefits, she can’t afford to contribute to a 401(k).