Haunted House Returns This Fall
Annual Bradley Farm event will raise money for FISH.
The Bradley Farm neighborhood in Herndon will host what has fast become an annual fall tradition, their annual haunted house. Now in its sixth year, this year’s theme will be "The Evil Around Us," a focus on local legends.
Closet Hosts Community Picnic
Thrift store kicks off fall shopping season.
The Closet Thrift Store in Herndon hosted a community picnic on Saturday, Sept. 22, paying thanks to their customers, donors and volunteers that have supported the shop during their almost 40-year mission.
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.
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.
County Combats Chronic Homelessness
Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’
Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.
County Launches Safety Campaign
How to participate in Fairfax County’s ‘30 Ways in 30 Days’ campaign.
In the past 12 months, Fairfax County residents have experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies, from an earthquake and a tropical storm to floods, a tornado and a derecho.
HarvestFest at Woodland Park Crossing
Woodland Park Crossing announces HarvestFest, a fun fall-themed family event on Saturday, Sept. 29 from noon until 4 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy free entertainment, including a giant walking scarecrow and DJ music, and free activities such as face painting, glitter tattoos, pumpkin painting, fitness demos, prizes and more.
History on the Move in Herndon
No one seems to know exactly when the old white farmhouse at 820 Monroe Street in Herndon was built, or who the first owners might have been, although it’s rumored that it was originally built as a summer home for a DC resident. Ninety-three-year-old Carl Payne is the last private owner. He bought the place from the Yount family, who had owned it, and about 50 acres of present day Herndon, since 1861.
Hospital Breaks Ground on New Building
Medical office building will add 180,000 square feet to campus.
The Reston Hospital Center broke ground on their new medical office building Monday, Sept. 17. The new building, which is estimated to be completed in late fall 2013, will add 180,000 square feet of physician offices and hospital services.
MWAA Releases Toll Rates to 2014
Community groups concerned about raises and effect on local traffic.
The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority has released its scheduled toll rate increases for the Dulles Toll Road up to 2015. Effective January 1, 2013, tolls at the mainline plaza will be $1.75 (up from $1.50) and the ramps will be $1.00 (up from $0.75).
Plane Pull on Sept. 22 to Benefit Special Olympics
Superheroes Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor regularly come together to fight crime. Although humans don’t naturally possess super powers, you would be amazed at what a group of individuals can do when they put their minds—and muscles—together to accomplish a goal.
Week in Herndon
The MOMS Club of Herndon is recycling gently used items instead of throwing them away. Join the MOMS Club of Herndon on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at their monthly meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church, located at 651 Dranesville Rd, Herndon. The Club offers support for local stay-at-home mothers through weekly events.
Paula Swift, 76, Dies
A common belief is that Congressional wives do little but stand around looking on devotedly as their husbands give speeches. With few exceptions that is untrue. It was particularly not the case for Paula Swift, wife of eight-term Representative Al Swift (D-Wash.). She died suddenly of a heart attack on Labor Day.