The Median Has No Message
Political signs banished from roadsides as campaign season heats up.
Some people call them flowers of democracy. Others call them weeds of political pollution. Whatever one thinks of the campaign signs and placards that appear along the roads of Fairfax County, expect to see a lot fewer of them. Last month, county officials launched a new program in which nonviolent inmates at the county jail hit the streets four days a week to remove illegal signs. With apologies to Marshall McLuhan, the message is no longer in the median. Anger and resentment has been rising over the issue of roadside political signs for years, and campaigns frequently go to war with each other to see which side can plant or steal or deface the largest number of placards. Unlike Prince William County, which had an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation that allows the local government to collect the signs and fine violators, Fairfax was caught in a bind. Part of the Virginia code made it illegal for the county to remove the signs in Fairfax County until after an election.
If You Are What You Eat, Eat Well
Local nutritionist turns personal challenge into book and health and nutrition practice.
When Teri Cochrane’s son was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with asthma and placed on a variety of medications, including steroids. Less than two years later, doctors warned the Reston mother that he would have frequent seizures, would never have a normal childhood and would never grow taller than 5 feet 4 inches. When Cochrane’s daughter was born three years later, she also suffered from health problems, including chronic, severe abdominal pain.
New County Police Chief Named
Supervisors appoint Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr.
Effective Tuesday morning Aug. 6, a Centreville resident, Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., became Fairfax County’s new chief of police. He was appointed July 30 by the county Board of Supervisors.
Sullivan Named to Fairfax County Park Board
Rip Sullivan named by Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) to represent Dranesville district.
McLean resident Richard "Rip" Sullivan has been named the Dranesville representative for the park authority board, replacing Kevin Fay, who stepped down in July.
Apple Federal Credit Union Seeks Donations for Back-to-School Supply Drive
Apple Federal Credit Union kicked off its Collect for Kids Program in Northern Virginia.
Police Warn of Scam Involving Prepaid Money Cards
Police are investigating a scam in which a local couple was bilked out of thousands of dollars by an unknown suspect claiming to be affiliated with the Internal Revenue Service.
Weaving Music and Art Together
Artstars Studio performs “A Garden Walk.”
The piano students of Artstars Studio recently performed in recitals with the theme of "A Garden Walk."
Candidates Agree on Amendment for Voting Rights, Disagree on Executive Order
Restoration of civil rights on the agenda for next governor.
Should nonviolent felons have their right to vote automatically restored? What exactly is a nonviolent felony? What kind of process can be considered automatic?
Rotary Club of Great Falls Launches Foundation
Foundation will allow for tax deductible donations.
In their first two years, the Rotary Club of Great Falls has experienced almost unprecedented growth, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing clubs in Rotary International. Now they have taken the next step to reach deeper into the community, founding a 501(c)3, the Rotary Club of Great Falls, Virginia Foundation.
Great Falls Senior Center Holds Luncheon at Chez Francois
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) held its first member luncheon Wednesday, July 24 at L’Auberge Chez Francois. Attended by a capacity guest list, the luncheon is viewed as the first in a series for those who become members of the center.
One Dead Dog is One Too Many
In an effort to deal with an outbreak of a yet-unidentified upper respiratory infection that has resulted in the death of one dog and sickened a dozen more, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter has temporarily suspended the intake of owner-surrendered dogs as of Friday, July 27 until the shelter can be decontaminated and sanitized. Owners wanting to surrender dogs are being sent to other shelters.
Unlocking the Door to Affordable Housing
County considers establishment of residential studio option to assist with housing affordability.
Like most areas that have seen explosive growth in the past 30 years, Fairfax County’s stock of affordable housing has dwindled as it’s grown into one of the nation’s wealthiest counties.
Roessler Named County Police Chief
New police chief vows focus on diversity.
Edwin C. Roessler, named Fairfax County's police chief at Tuesday's Board of Supervisor's meeting, promised to launch a Diversity Council in an effort to recruit, promote and respond to Fairfax County's increasingly diverse community.
KidWX Connects Parents With Providers
Organization has an extensive online database of local resources from music classes to diabetes experts.
When Linda Nimmo and Jamie Finch were looking for resources for their children two years ago, they scoured the internet and local organizations for the right services. The effort was so time consuming that they both left their full-time corporate jobs and turned their quest into a way to help others.
Having Fun on the Tennis Court
Great Falls Swim and Tennis Club season comes to an end.
At the Great Falls Swim and Tennis Club, young players have found that sweating in the July heat can still be an enjoyable and engaging experience. Through summer lessons and team practices, these students have had the opportunity to improve their skills on the court while making new connections with their fellow players and coaches.