Walk to Feed the Hungry
Sept. 29 was a "Day to Serve" in Springfield, Burke and Fairfax areas.
Early in the year Elder Jack Gerard of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) reached out to Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell, West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray to invite them to collaborate with the LDS Church in a regional "Day to Serve" to benefit all of the communities in this wide swath of the country.
Miss Greater Springfield Crowned
Jennifer Gilbert, 23, of Fairfax, wins contest.
Glamour and grace were on full display at this year’s 2013 Miss Greater Springfield beauty pageant, held Saturday, Sept. 22. A total of 13 contestants from across Virginia vied for a title to promote platforms of personal commitment to the community at large.
Continuing Care at Greenspring
Greenspring’s Continuing Care neighborhood receives a five-star rating.
The Continuing Care neighborhood at Greenspring retirement community received the highest score in the Five-Star Quality Rating System administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Erickson Living community, located in Springfield, earned a 5-star rating in the Overall Quality category in August 2012.
Greenspring Wii Bowlers Break Records
Greenspring residents earned five gold, three silver and two bronze medals in Senior Olympics.
This year, 15 Greenspring residents competed in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) Wii bowling competition. Greenspring, a Gold Sponsor for the NVSO, hosted the competition for the fourth consecutive year at the specially designed community alley featuring six virtual bowling lanes. Overall, over 60 seniors from across Northern Virginia participated in the 2012 NVSO Wii bowling competition at Greenspring.
Burke’s Pumpkin Playground
When Fred Dickinson, general manager of the Burke Nursery and Garden Center, started the pumpkin festival with his wife Cassandra 17 years ago, he said he had no idea it would grow to be such a large event. In fact, the nursery didn’t start to sell carving pumpkins until the last two weeks of October.
Fall Fun Festivals
Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. will present the 20th annual Fall For Fairfax KidsFest this weekend at the Fairfax County Government Center. Enjoy exciting, interactive and educational programs, entertainment and activities. Fall For Fairfax KidsFest is specially designed for families with elementary and pre-K aged children. There will be three stages of free entertainment, including the Inova Health Stage and the Fall for Fairfax Kids Stage.
Good News on Housing Market
Realtors host economic summit.
The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR), in partnership with the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis hosted their Annual Economic Summit at the Mason Inn Conference Center. The housing market is a key driver of the economy and home ownership is almost synonymous with the “American Dream,” so it’s no wonder that this year’s distinguished panel played to a packed house of realtors, brokers, economists and area business people.
McLean's Cordial Debate Turns Controversial
Allen, Kaine battle for Northern Virginia votes.
“I’m open to dialogue, and I don’t see how openness is something controversial.” —Tim Kaine "If you want a job, you ought to join the Allen team.” —George Allen
Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon
Police make discovery during welfare check, believe husband killed family before turning gun on himself.
A Herndon family of four was found dead in their home on Point Rider Lane the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fairfax County Police responded after a co-worker of one of the family members reported that they had not been to work this week.
Keeping Tysons Corner Moving
Event provides updates on 495 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail.
In the next 15 months, Tysons Corner will see almost $5 billion in new transportation projects come online.
Volunteering in Mexico
West Springfield High senior Justin Seara completes four community projects in Oaxaca.
“Living with my host family was the best part of the trip.” —Justin Seara
Braddock Road, from Rolling Road to Roberts Road, to be Repaved
The Virginia Department of Transportation will begin full milling and paving of Braddock Road, between Rolling Road and Roberts Road. Work is scheduled to begin this month and conclude, weather permitting, Nov. 15, 2012.
Black Chamber of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Night Mixer
With access to capital and opportunity for growth at an alarming low for black-owned businesses, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on this small business crisis at the 4th Annual Candidates’ Night reception on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Hilton, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield. The annual nonpartisan NVBCC Candidates’ Night Mixer gives candidates and elected officials the opportunity to meet business owners face-to-face, and allows members of the African American community the chance to express their concerns about the future of Northern Virginia. Already, a dozen candidates and elected officials have been confirmed.
Area Roundups
Financial crimes detectives were alerted to the issue when they began to receive complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and, primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines. An alert customer spotted the skimming device on the machine and contacted hospital security who immediately called police on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Dam Project Worries South Run Residents
South Run residents want unofficial park entryway shut down permanently.
Chris Amans and his wife, Brenda Riffe, have lived in the leafy neighborhood of South Run in Fairfax Station since the community was developed in the mid-1980s. Bordered by Lee Chapel Road, Route 123, and the Fairfax County Parkway, many of the community’s 500 homes, which sell for close to $1 million, back up to Burke Lake Park. While they love the neighborhood’s mature trees, expansive 1/2-acre lots and access to Burke Lake Park, they have never been happy with the fact that their Laketree Drive cul-de-sac has become an unofficial entrance to the popular Burke Lake trails.