Burke Resident Recognized for Volunteer Service
Wayne Chiles, a member of Springfield Rotary Club, raises awareness of ShelterBox.
President Barack Obama, along with ShelterBox USA, has recognized Burke resident Wayne Chiles with the President's Volunteer Service Award as a result of his efforts to help victims of disasters throughout the world. Chiles has worked to raise awareness and funds for ShelterBox, an organization that provides shelter for those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Teens Are Most in Need of Foster Care Homes
Virginia's largest age group in need of homes is between 16 to 18-years-old.
At 54 years old, Julie wanted to be an adoptive parent for over a decade. But it wasn't until last year that she finally brought a child home. Single, she had recently left her federal government position and felt like she was ready. In May, she welcomed her 17-year-old foster son into her McLean home. "For me I was never a parent before," said Julie. "So I had to run fast and catch up."
Friends Promote Lake Accotink Park
A secure donation box installed at the Lake Accotink Marina.
Lake Accotink Park visitors can now show how much the park means to them, and lend their support via a secure donation box installed at the Lake Accotink Marina. Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) President, Tony Vellucci, led an inauguration ceremony for the donation box prior to the Spring Watershed Cleanup Day April 5. Vellucci introduced Jim Hickey, former FLAP President and Park Authority Elly Doyle awardee for his sustained support of Fairfax County parks, noting that Hickey was a key individual in making the donation box a reality. Donations are voluntary and will be used by FLAP toward stewardship and recreational park projects.
Housing Expo Provides Insight on Finding a Home
Potential renters and buyers flock to 2014 NOVA Housing Expo.
Am I qualified to buy a home? What does my credit score need to be? Where is affordable housing located in Fairfax County? Those were just a few of the many questions that Gail Lee of the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development answered at the 2014 NOVA Housing Expo at Lee High School on March 27.
Community Steps in to Help Family of Navy Yard Victim
Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield coordinated the effort.
The community is stepping in to help the family of Martin Bodrog, a victim of the Navy Yard Shootings in September 2013. When Bodrog died, he was halfway through finishing repairs on his home. But thanks to neighbor John Rutherford, Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, where Bodrog was a member, and Thompson Creek Window Company, the repairs have continued.
Special Education Graduates Could be Impacted by Possible Budget Cuts
Families will speak against these cuts at public hearing on April 10.
Lynn Ruiz’s daughter Lydia, who has Down syndrome, will be graduating from Fairfax County Public Schools this June. Ruiz, a Springfield resident, had originally planned for her daughter to participate in an employment program that helps students with special needs transition into adulthood.
Lee High School Students Visit Port Isobel
IB environmental systems and societies students learn about the Chesapeake Bay.
Before beginning their trip to Port Isobel, an island in the Chesapeake Bay, students in Rachel Clausen’s International Baccalaureate (IB) environmental systems and societies class at Lee High School had to do something that today is almost unheard of: turn in their cell phones and watches and spend some time without technology.
Charles "CJ" Soschin, Erin Rose Searer Engaged
Nancy and Alan Soschin of Springfield announced the engagement of their son, Charles Jay to Erin Rose Searer. Charles, "CJ" Soschin is a 2000 graduate of West Springfield High School and a 2005 graduate of George Washington University. Charles earned his J.D. from Widener University School of law in 2009.
Greenspring Residents Donate 600 Books, Read to Local Children
Residents at Greenspring retirement community recently donated 600 books to Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield. On Friday, Feb. 28, several residents visited Crestwood and read some of the donated Dr. Seuss books to first and second graders in recognition of Dr. Seuss Day and also Read Across America Day, as sponsored by the NEA (officially Monday, March 3).
Springfield Art Guild Holds a Birthday Party
The reception room of the Richard Byrd Library in Springfield hosted a festive anniversary on March 12: The Springfield Art Guild (SAG) celebrated 45 years as an organization of artists in Fairfax County by honoring one of their founders and longest standing member, Judy Wengrovitz. Judy and her husband Sy spoke about life in Springfield 45 years ago and Judy's role in the founding of the Springfield Art Guild. Judy shared the story of the handful of artists who decided they needed to organize into a group. From their determination and vision, Springfield Art Guild was conceived and grown to over 100 members. It continues to add new artists to its rolls as a non-profit group.
Springfield Teens Support Ellie's Hats
Washington Irving Middle School eighth grade students, Alexandra Belk and Alana and seventh grader, Stephen Goodwin raised over $1300 for their Service Learning Project for Ellie's Hats. The eighth project, needed to include at least 15 hours each, and had to benefit their schools or community and they decided to choose a project that helped both.
Hayfield Secondary Teacher Wins Milken Educator Award
Elizabeth Galinis, a geosystems and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher at Hayfield Secondary School, has been named a winner of the Milken Educator Award by the Milken Family Foundation. Galinis is one of up to 40 educators nationwide selected to receive the award along with a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize. The announcement was made at a surprise assembly by Mike Milken, co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation, and attended by Patricia Wright, state superintendent of public instruction.
Amanda Rosemary Zinn, Stephen Thomas Boyd to Marry
Michele and Alan Zinn of Springfield announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Rosemary to Stephen Thomas Boyd both of South Boston, Mass. Steve is the son of Marian and Walter Boyd of Greenfield, Mass. The future bride graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, College of William and Mary, and from Boston University with a Master's in Public Health. She is project manager in the Patient and Quality Group at Boston Children's Hospital.
Supervisor Herrity hosts Budget Town Hall
County Executive, Chief Financial Officer answer questions.
At this year’s Springfield Budget Town Hall, County Executive Ed Long said he is much more optimistic about this year’s budget than the past. “Whatever we do with the budget, it has to be sustainable,” Long said. “There is no need to panic because of the challenges that are out there.”
Kings’ Jesters Perform ‘Annie Jr.’
Performances are March 18-20 at Kings Glen Elementary.
Members of the Kings’ Jesters at Kings Glen Elementary School in Springfield, as well as staff and parents, have been preparing for the annual spring musical since November. Now, it’s almost time for the group of fourth through sixth graders to perform “Annie Jr.” next week, March 18-20.
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