Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Not Yet, Really
While we’re exchanging pleasantries here, in semi real time – although this column will not be most read until March 6th (I need to submit it on Monday, March 3rd as we go to press on Tuesday, March 5th), I feel the obligation, given how last week’s column ended, to update you on the results from my February 26th CT Scan. Presumably, by the title you all have determined that as of this writing, Saturday, March 1st, I have not heard back from my oncologist. Typically, I would have already heard from him, electronically. But so far, not a peep, electronic or otherwise and believe me, I’ve been checking, as you might imagine.
Board Advertises Higher Tax Rate
Rate gives board flexibility, options in determining final budget.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 Tuesday to advertise a higher real estate tax rate that could add about $100 to annual tax bills, which will be on top of the $332 county homeowners will see this year as a result of higher real estate assessments. Setting the advertised tax rate formally begins the two-month public process to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and the rate represents the maximum potential tax rate for FY2015.
Preventing Teen Suicides
Recent deaths shine light on FCPS suicide prevention programs.
Every 15 seconds, a teen in the United States tries to commit suicide. Every 90 minutes, one succeeds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that the number of attempted suicides among teenagers increased from 6.3 percent in 2009 to 7.8 percent in 2011.
Cox Charities Virginia Awards Area Nonprofits
Cox Communications awarded $160,000 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations in Virginia through Cox Charities grants programs. The grants presented Feb. 21 are part of the nearly $8 million Cox contributes annually through cash and in-kind support to the communities where they do business.
Pet Connection
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Take a look at some of the adorable pet photos our readers sent in for our Pet Connection.
Assistance Dogs: Making Connections
Service dogs and their “handlers” are teamed up through paws4people.
I was already one of those embarrassingly crazy dog people, when I first met Kyria and Terry Henry, founders of paws4people.org. But I had no idea how little I truly knew about the bonds possible between animals and their people. After photographing puppies coming home for the first time, dogs sharing their favorite pastime and pets who are older and/or ill, I really thought I knew all about the animal/people connection.
Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public
Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.
When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.
Feb. 5, 2014 (Fairfax Station, Va.) --- Today, Rob Wasinger (R-VA) launched his campaign for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District seat.
“In launching this campaign, I promise a conservative resurgence,” declared Wasinger. “From Fairfax to Winchester, Manassas to Leesburg, Loudoun and McLean, and all points in between, with the good people of Virginia’s tenth congressional district, we will put an end to the corruption of the cronies and the lobbyists, and restore the basic freedoms of limited government of, by and for the people.”
Celebrating and Remembering Haiti
Community Coalition for Haiti is holding an event to Celebrate and Remember Haiti. This is an opportunity to remember, respect, reflect and revel 25 years of service by the CCH and its predecessor organization. The CCH is looking forward to honoring all those who have served and supported CCH over the years and to celebrate the future and rebuilding of Haiti. They will also take time to recognize the work of Karen Carr in furthering the mission and vision of CCH during her 10 year tenure as Executive Director. You are invited to join a casual evening March 1, 5-8 p.m. for food, drinks, music, a silent auction and memories from the past 25 years. The event is being held at the Inova EPIC Training Center 8111 Gatehouse Rd, Falls Church.
Petersen Report: Senate Addresses Health Care
Last Thursday, Feb. 20, we rolled out "Marketplace Virginia," an idea conceived by Sen. John Watkins (R-Powhatan). "Marketplace" takes the $2 billion in taxes paid by Virginians under the Affordable Care Act and keeps it in Virginia, where it can provide insurance for the 400,000 Virginians not currently covered.
Week in Vienna
Kids and Healthy Relationships A free, parent workshop, “How to Talk to Your Kids about Healthy Relationships,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 7:30- 9 p.m., at the Club Phoenix Teen Center, 120 Cherry Street SE. This workshop is designed to help parents understand what a healthy teen relationship looks like and the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. Preregister by contacting Tammy Funk at 703-255-5736 or tfunk@viennava.gov.
Former Vienna Resident Receives French Legion of Honor Award
The father of a Vienna woman was one of six World War II veterans of the D-Day invasion who were awarded the French Legion of Honor award for their service to France at a ceremony Tuesday, Feb. 18, held at Fort Myer. John C. Sheban, 91, was a staff sergeant and waist gunner on a B-24 liberator bomber and participated in three bombing missions under heavy fire over Normandy, France and inland German positions during the June 1944 D-Day invasion. Sheban previously received a number of medals from the Army for his actions during the invasion that turned the tide of World War II in Europe.
Vienna Writer Wins ‘A Gift’
Chris Stezin appointed writer-in-residence at professional First Draft Theater.
"Chris Stezin (Vienna) is, hands down, one of First Draft's biggest crowd pleasers," said Leslie Kobylinski (McLean), First Draft artistic director. "He's a prodigious writer who continues to be inventive and original. Just when you think you know his writing style, he'll surprise you.” First Draft is a professional nonprofit theater company dedicated to developing new plays and enlivening audiences with free play readings in Arlington and D.C. The free readings provide immediate audience feedback to playwrights to enhance their fresh, new works. In announcing Stezin's appointment as writer-in-residence Kobylinski noted that "our audiences love what he has to say...I get the most enthusiast emails after a Chris Stezin play."
Week in Vienna
Photo Contest and Exhibit at Community Center
The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department's annual Photography Contest and Exhibit will be held Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE. Entries will be accepted Thursday, March 13, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday, March 14, from noon to 3:45 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Photos will be judged by local professional photographers and ribbons awarded in eight categories: animals, architecture, digital, nature, pictorial, photojournalism, portraiture and scenic. There will be a separate contest section for middle and high school students. The entry fee is $10 per person. Entries are limited to four photos per person and a maximum of two in any one category. The contest is open to all metropolitan area amateur photographers. Photo contest and exhibit is assisted by the Vienna Photographic Society. For more information, call Vienna Parks and Recreation at 703-255-6360 or visit www.viennava.gov.
Horner’s Corner Pet Salon Marks Anniversary
Kelli Horner, owner of Horner’s Corner Pet Salon, announces the seventh anniversary of her pet salon in Vienna. She would like to thank all the pet owners who have supported her by bringing in their pets for grooming over these years. Her slogan of “Let Us Love Your Pet” is a goal that is earned every day. It is easily achieved because the staff loves to see those precious four-legged members of your family. Horner’s Corner Pet Salon is located at 420 Maple Avenue, East, Vienna. For more information or to make an appointment for your pet, call 703-560-2299.
Don’t Thank Me
To the Editor: To all the neighbors (yes, neighbors, plural) on the south side of Old Courthouse Road between Course Street and Pine Valley whose sidewalks I shoveled today: Don’t thank me, I didn’t do it for you. I did it for all the kids – including mine – who walk to school, or who would, if only there were a safe pathway to walk. I know the sidewalks probably don’t seem important to you; after all, once you cleared your driveway, you’re pretty much good, going straight from your car into your house through the garage or carport. You may even think the sidewalks aren’t even your responsibility, being public property and all. (You’re wrong on both counts.
Bus Route Disputed
We live near the newly established Fairfax Connector Bus 432 route to the Spring Hill metro station. The bus will begin running when the Silver Line starts operating in a few months. This one-way bus route will run along residential streets in Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna. A portion of the route connects Old Courthouse Road and Beulah Road via Creek Crossing Road, East Street NE, and Church Street NE. Last May, 95% of residents of these three streets and contiguous side streets signed a petition to the County requesting a route adjustment. Among many alternatives acceptable to us, we proposed routing the bus to continue up Old Courthouse to Beulah, maintaining service for our neighbors on Old Courthouse and Beulah Road who want the bus. Our repeated requests have been denied.
A Community Grieves for a Much-loved Citizen
Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman succumbs to cancer.
Vienna Mayor M. (Madena) Jane Seeman, diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in spring of 2013, died Sunday, Feb. 23, surrounded by family. Her passing was mourned by residents, businesspeople, young adults taught by her and all those whose lives were touched by her presence.
Budget Process: Get Involved
Chairman gives blueprint for community engagement in Fairfax County budget process.
In Fairfax County, when we adopt the budget, we are investing in the priorities and needs of the community. At the center of this open and transparent process is community engagement. It is critical that we have the community at the table with us when we are considering changes to the budget that the County Executive released for advertisement at our Board Meeting on Feb. 25. Below are some opportunities to learn about the budget, ask questions and make suggestions during the months of March and April. I look forward to hearing from you.