Every Year Is Election Year in Virginia
Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.
While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade. According to an official candidate list released last month by the Virginia State Board of Elections, 57 House seats will be contested this November — marking only the second time in the last decade where at least half of the 100 House seats will have more than one name on the ballot.
What in the World Does a Supervisor Do, and Why Should We Care?
Local Government 101: Where the rubber meets the road.
We see them at just about every community event. They manage a budget larger than the budgets of four states, and rule over a county with a diverse, well-educated population of more than a million people. The 10 members of the Fairfax County Supervisors have an intense, time-consuming, insanely detailed job, one that comes with enormous power and even more responsibilities. They impact our lives in large and small ways, allocating money and resources in ways that can propel our community forward—or cost us our first-rate status in education, livability and culture. Yet most of us, media included, are so focused on politics at the state and national level that we overlook the decision-makers in our own backyard.
Obsessed With Politics? Fairfax County Welcomes You!
What newcomers need to know to be politically-savvy insiders.
Fairfax County may be physically separated from Washington, D.C.—the ground-zero of All Things Political—but residents here are a politically-savvy bunch. We know who Larry Sabato is—a prominent University of Virginia political analyst—and we pay attention to Not Larry Sabato—a Virginia politics blog by Ben Tribbett, a Fairfax County resident and self-described “vicious campaign insultant.” We follow our politicians on Twitter and Facebook.
Supervisors Give Us Their Best “Insider” Tips
Fairfax County has a fantastic park and library system, with tons of activities to enjoy. One of my personal favorites is the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Accotink Park every summer.
An Insider's Guide to the Arts in Northern Virginia
A selection of upcoming arts productions, happening right where you live.
There are more artists of every stripe making art in Northern Virginia than you may realize. Populating the bedroom communities, small towns, growing cities and metropolitan areas of Fairfax County, Arlington and Alexandria are your pick of dance, theatre, choral, symphonic, visual and performance, music and fill-in-the-blank groups. Look beyond Wolf Trap and Jammin' Java to the Torpedo Art Factory, the Workhouse Arts Center, and smaller, quality groups like ArtSpace Herndon and McLean Project for the Arts to cast their creative spell (that's only to name a few). Delve in and, we dare you, let your stereotypes of an artless string of suburbs dissolve. In place you'll get something much better than stereotypes: some culture.
Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia
Affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College, the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI) is a non-profit, member-run organization dedicated to providing continuing educational opportunities to older adults of all backgrounds and income levels.
Letter: Pulled Back to 18th Century
I read with interest Del. Barbara Comstock’s piece [“Investing in 21st Century Industries and Jobs,” Connection, August 21-27, 2013]. If Ms. Comstock really wants to make Virginia a welcoming destination for new businesses, she should stop voting for socially repressive and discriminatory legislation. Tax breaks and open land are not the only factors that companies consider when deciding to make a move. Top executives also consider traffic problems and education, both issues whose solutions Ms. Comstock has failed to support.
Insiders' Tips: Places to Visit in Dranesville District
Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville) recommends places to see in the area.
Newcomers to Dranesville should visit our beautiful Potomac riverfront parks. Scotts Run in McLean offers fantastic hiking trails and great views of the Potomac. Riverbend Park and Great Falls National Park in Great Falls have visitor centers, great trails, spectacular river views and scenic picnic areas.
Newcomers and the Community Guide; Get to Know Area Non-profits
Get to know the area non-profits!
Langley High Band to Hold Tag Day Fundraiser
On Saturday, Sept. 7, band members from Langley High School will participate in “Tag Day” throughout neighborhoods in McLean and Great Falls. Each year, the Langley High School Band raises money through door-to-door fundraising, “tagging” neighbors for their monetary support. In return, band members are personally inviting donors to come and enjoy one or all of Langley HS Bands free concerts held in the school auditorium in the winter and spring. The concerts are scheduled for early December and late February.
Great Falls Home Sales: July, 2013
In July 2013, 26 Great Falls homes sold between $2,200,000-$417,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: July, 2013
Best Educated, Most Diverse
If you are a new resident of Fairfax County, or an employee working for a company new to the county, welcome!
New Superintendent Relishes Opportunity
A fan of Baylor grad RG3 … not Cowboys
Here in Fairfax, not only do we have the talent and the expertise to solve the problems facing us in FCPS, but we are uniquely positioned to solve the most pressing issues facing public schools across the country. -Karen K. Garza, Ph.D., superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools
Chamber Gives Voice to Businesses
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber), the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, represents 650 member companies with nearly 500,000 employees throughout the region.
Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
Online registration for the 2013 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is open Deadline to register online is Aug. 30. The fee is $12. Participants can register online at www.nvso.us. Events take place Sept. 7-19 at 17 venues throughout Northern Virginia. Call 703-228-4721 for more.
Chambers
Find a comprehensive online listing of county business resources at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-resources.
Welcome to Fairfax County
Hello and welcome to Fairfax County!
A Year in Fairfax County
A sampling of some of the cherished, annual events of the county.
Upcoming events in the county.
Great Falls Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations
Business association and chambers in Great Falls and the surrounding areas exist to serve your business and help connect you with the resources you need to make your business successful and to help it grow. Below are a list of business associations and chambers, in no particular order. Find a comprehensive online listing of county business resources at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-resources.
A Year in The Arts in Great Falls
A selection of upcoming theatre, music and art shows in and around the village.
Colvin Run Community Dance Hall, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls. The historic dance hall, previously known as the Colvin Run Schoolhouse, welcomes guests for active social events. All dances are hosted by the Colvin Run Citizens Association, a 501(c)(3) public charity.