Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Herndon: Senior Tea Sweetened with Art
Every month seniors are invited to visit the ArtSpace Herndon gallery to view the current exhibit and enjoy a cup of tea on the second Friday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. All teas are free and open to the public. The next Senior Tea will be held on Friday Oct. 10.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Herndon’s NextStop Theatre Receives ‘Applause Award’
For the second consecutive year, Herndon’s NextStop Theatre has been honored with the “Applause Award” by the International Centre for Women Playwrights (ICWP). This major award recognizes theatres that produced 50 percent or more women playwrights in their 2015/16 season of shows. ICWP defines 50/50 by the number of performances in a theatre’s season.
Herndon: Rising Eagle Scout to Hold Benefit Concert
A local rising Eagle Scout with a passion for music and reading has reached out to a local nonprofit organization to lend his talent to help children who may not have a book to call their own.
Food for Kids Drive Continues in Herndon
Assistance League of Northern Virginia held its 2016-17 Weekend Food for Kids Kickoff event on Sept. 15 at Dominion Resources, 3072 Centreville Road, in Herndon.
Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion
School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.
Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.
Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History
Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
McLean Letter: The Right Choice
Letter to the Editor
I recently read that Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been endorsed by the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, as well as the local chapter of the Fairfax County Firefighters and Paramedics. This is a significant development because in 2012 the VAPBA endorsed Frank Wolf’s Democratic opponent. I’m thrilled that our local emergency responders recognize that, even though she’s only been a Congresswoman for two years, Barbara has made a real impact in our community and she deserves their endorsement.
Herndon Letter: Positive Leadership
Letter to the Editor
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been serving our area well for 7 years now – first in the House of Delegates for 5 years, and now as our Congresswoman for the past two years.
Fairfax Letter: Keeping the Nation Safe
Letter to the Editor
As we pass the fifteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, our nation takes time to reflect upon that tragic day. This solemn anniversary hits close to home to many in our area who lost loved ones or close personal friends. On this day we are also reminded that the dangers of terrorism are all too real.
Herndon Letter: Vision and Direction
Letter to the Editor
On a Christmas night, as I stood before a toy store holding my mom’s hand, I pointed my thumbs through my woolly mittens in a sharp rivalry of choice.
Walk to Prevent Suicide
Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”
Homework Overload
Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.
Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.
‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men
Photos, video used to demand money from victims.
Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.
First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton
Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'
Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.