
Pet Supermarket Supports Warrior Canine Connection
Dog-training program helps veterans.
Deb Weber of Weber’s Pet Supermarket in Herndon wants everyone to “Send in the dirty dogs.” Her mission is to help non-profits raise funds—the pet supply store has built three state-of-the-art stainless steel self-service pet bath tubs and thus, during inclement weather, pet owners can scrub their favorite furry friend. The cost per bath is $16—and Weber donates $10 from each bath to help charities with their mission. Warrior Canine Connection will be the charity receiving the funds generated from the pet baths from Dec. 17 through Jan. 5.
Helping Those in Need
Local teen collects items for the poor and homeless.
“It was a rewarding feeling to know I helped people stay clothed and keep warm.” -Oak Hill resident Nick O’Connell

How the Powerless Access Power
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.

Going Casual for a Cause
Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.
Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.

Preventing Holiday Weight Gain
Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.
Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.
Brief: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installs New Leadership
Brief: There were multiple transfers of the torch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installation Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6 at NVAR Headquarters in Fairfax
Brief: Hudgins Wins Award for Regional Leadership
Brief: At its Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), a nonprofit association of 300 area elected officials, presented Fairfax County Supervisor Cathy Hudgins with the organization’s highest honor.
Week in Herndon
Find out what is going on this week in Herndon.
Brief: Hurricane Sandy Impacts Herndon High Student
Brief: Herndon High School student Nick Nagy's family including his grandfather and aunt live in Lavallette, N.J. He has gone down there every summer since he was born.
Brief: Friedrichs Named Executive Director of Council for the Arts of Herndon
Council for the Arts of Herndon (CAH) chose a new executive director, Signe Friedrichs, in November.
Brief: Herndon Resident Completes 14-day Expedition
Brief: Kristen Joyce, 21, of Herndon, recently completed a 14-day expedition in the Teton Valley with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

Sikhs Bring Foundation of ‘Service to Others’
Fairfax Station temple active in community outreach.
On a recent Thursday evening, Ajaib Singh, 78, one of the founding members of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia, politely escorts a visitor to the area where one removes shoes and dons a headscarf.

Dynamic and Diverse
New immigrants bring religious diversity to Fairfax County.
At the intersection of Hooes Road and Silverbrook Drive, on the dividing line between Lorton and Fairfax Station, is the largest Hindu structure in three states.

Bienvenido! Huān yíng! Welcome!
Chantilly Bible Church thrives on diversity by providing outreach to immigrants.
Pastor Isaac Huang vividly remembers the day he landed in the United States from Taiwan. It was Jan. 7, 1982, and Huang, 25, was looking forward to studying computer science at Old Dominion University.

Being Muslim in Fairfax County
Immigrants face the challenge of balancing Islamic faith and American culture.
Over the years, Muslims from different countries migrated and settled in the Fairfax County area; however, the children of immigrant parents often struggle the most because they have to balance their Islamic faith along with the influence of American culture.