Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.
Local Safety Net Clinics Seek a Few Good Doctors
Specialty care physicians and other medical professionals needed to serve low income, uninsured patients.
When Marie Markey of Alexandria retired from U.S. Air Force as a physical therapist, she rolled up her sleeves and went to work helping those in need. Markey works as a volunteer twice each week at the Arlington Free Clinic, offering physical therapy to the clinic’s low income and uninsured patients.
Value of Volunteer Hours: $4.5 million
Legacy of Community Service? Priceless.
"Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous sentiment was echoed by numerous community and civic leaders who gathered at the Waterford in Springfield Friday, April 27, to celebrate 118 Fairfax County volunteers during the 20th annual Volunteer Service Awards hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.
Volunteers Honored for Efforts
Four locals receive Community Champions Awards for Health Care and Social Services to the Community.
Four Northern Virginia volunteers were honored for their charitable efforts recently. Edward Shahin of McLean, Marie Markey of Alexandria and Mattie Palmore and Kari Warren of Mt. Vernon received the Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award during a ceremony at the at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax.
Great Falls Farmers Market Highlights Local Produce
Local farmers and vendors from Great Falls make up nearly half the vendors.
From honey to honey buns, from produce to pickles, the newly located Great Falls Farmers Market has it all. They go beyond many other local farmers markets because they are able to offer many products that are grown and produced in the village of Great Falls, taking local a step further.
Great Falls Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale
The Great Falls Garden Club will hold its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. In addition to the Plant Sale, the Great Falls Garden Club will be hosting a Small Standard Flower Show from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Great Falls Library at 9830 Georgetown Pike. One can see, in the Horticulture Division, what beautiful flowers can be grown in the Great Falls area. Everyone is invited.
A Big Accomplishment for a Sixth Grader
Kayley McPhail of Great Falls who is 11 years old and in 6th grade, recently scored 11th in the Nation on the High School National French Examination.
Growing Up in a Virtual World
The effects of today’s technologies on the lives of teenagers.
Until recently, we didn’t know that the average teenage girl sends or receives a staggering 4,050 text messages per month. That boils down to at least one message every seven minutes during her waking hours. This is a problem, said Dr. Leonard Sax, well-known author and psychologist, not just because of the amount of time spent, but because this and other research findings show that today’s teenage girl is hyper-connected to her peers; and she is more disconnected than ever from herself.
Coming In from The Cold
Fairfax County hosts hypothermia meeting to address shelters’ concerns.
Fairfax County officials met with about 75 representatives from churches and other houses of worship Sunday, April 22, to address rumors and concerns that the County’s Fire Marshal will shut down their hypothermia programs next winter - and shut out many homeless residents - because of fire code violations.
Week in Great Falls
Things happening in the Great Falls area.
Great Falls Farmers Market Returns to Village Centre
Opening day set for Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Great Falls Community Farmers Market is opening on Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the parking lot at the Walker Road entrance to the Great Falls Village Centre -- where it was the year before last.
Grand Day for Great Falls Little League
Great Falls Little League (GFLL) celebrated its annual Opening Day on Saturday, April 14. Current youngsters within the league were on hand in full uniforms, excited about the prospects of the upcoming season and cherished days of team camaraderie ahead.
Great Falls Elementary Performs at Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival
Accompanied by Mamiya Worland (Sahara Sensei), 19 first graders, 12 third graders, and four fourth graders from the Japanese Immersion Program at Great Falls Elementary School performed at the Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 14.
Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters
Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.
Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.
Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services
Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.
After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.