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.
Arctic Snowy Owl at Springfield Mall
"Snowy Owl at Springfield Mall," the subject line read on the Virginia Society of Ornithology’s birding hotline, on Feb. 4. The winter of 2013-2014 had seen an unprecedented irruption of Arctic Snowy Owls into the mid-Atlantic states. Dozens, or hundreds were being seen from Maine to the Carolinas, and even one in Florida. Mostly they showed up on Atlantic barrier islands, or at airports (two were seen at Washington National Airport) which look like their native tundra.
Honored for Promoting Peace
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County honors 22 students.
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, presented by the Herndon Friends Meeting, honored a group of 22 juniors and seniors who were nominated for their dedication to peace and conflict resolution on March 2.
Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Board Advertises Higher Tax Rate
Rate gives board flexibility, options in determining final budget.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 Tuesday to advertise a higher real estate tax rate that could add about $100 to annual tax bills, which will be on top of the $332 county homeowners will see this year as a result of higher real estate assessments. Setting the advertised tax rate formally begins the two-month public process to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and the rate represents the maximum potential tax rate for FY2015.
Koinonia Foundation Provides Emergency Assistance
New executive director uses sales background to help others, increase awareness
The Koinonia Foundation, located in a building behind Franconia United Methodist Church, has been serving the Springfield area since the early 1960s. Many area residents, however, are unaware of Koinonia’s role in the community of providing assistance to those in need.
Superintendent Visits Twain Middle School
The stop is the next to last on Garza’s Listening Tour
The school board has already approved their FY 2015 budget, but concerned teachers and parents continue to voice their concerns as the process to receive county funding moves on. The budget was among several topics addressed at Twain Middle School on Feb. 17, a stop on Superintendent Karen Garza’s listening tour.
Quilters Give Back to Community
Springfield Quilters’ Unlimited donate to those in need.
For members of Springfield Quilters’ Unlimited, quilting is more than just a hobby. The group provides opportunities for meeting others, as well as giving back to the community.
Elected Officials Hold Town Halls
Mental health reform, women’s health, health care and transportation were major topics at the Southern Fairfax Town Hall Meeting held in Kingstowne on Feb. 1.
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