Schools Attract Immigrants to Fairfax
Our community of 200 single family homes in central Fairfax is far more culturally diverse than when Hickory Farms was built while the first wave of refugees from the Vietnam War resettled in the Washington area in the late 1970s. While the Vietnamese led the way, the biggest impact on our community has been the second wave of Indian, Pakistani, and Korean immigrants who have sought out new lives in Fairfax County.
Opinion: American Conversations from Nepal
Although it is a little over six years since I first landed in the USA from Nepal, it is not too early to say that I am living the dream. For me, the American dream is not about amassing money and living in luxury, but about living freely and fully in mutual harmony in a community. It is about happily raising a family in a peaceful and safe environment, giving kids the best education possible, and adapting to the American culture of “giving.”
Letter: Saving the World, or at Least Fairfax County
I’ve lived here my entire life. I’ve ventured through trails all over Northern Virginia, I’ve gazed upon the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, I’ve sat next to the awesome power that makes up the tidal region of the Potomac River, I’ve stalked trout lying in a stream bed, slowly making their way up to the surface and back down once again.
Editorial: Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
We are a nation of immigrants, to invoke the title of John F. Kennedy’s posthumously published book; undeniably a nation descended from immigrants and a nation greatly augmented by immigration. From this perspective, with the first immigrants motivated by the search for religious freedom, even Christmas is a religious holiday of immigrants.
Fairfax County's Holiday Season
A collection of events to fill your days with cheer.
Make every last day of the year a festive one, be warmed by the holiday spirit of the season and spend time with friends and family--Fairfax County has something for everyone to take joy in before the year is up.
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.
Making Their Voices Heard
Caroling about "fiscal cliff" at Tysons Corner Center.
On Monday, Dec. 10, a group of 30-40 residents of Northern Virginia and beyond met by the entrance of California Pizza Kitchen in Tysons Corner Center in preparation to go caroling.
Christmases Past
Neighbors share traditions and memories of the holiday season.
Some Vienna neighbors shared their recollections with Vienna-Oakton Connection readers.
Classified Advertising Dec. 5, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Oakton's Tribble Hits a Game-Winner
Senior guard hits game-winner from perimeter in closing seconds at South Lakes.
The Oakton boys' basketball team is off to a 3-1 start.
L.C. Bird RB Robertson Torches Oakton
Senior rushes for 426 yards, five touchdowns in playoff win.
The Oakton football team ended its season in the state semifinals.
Immigration Assistance Organizations
A list of some local non-profit organizations that provide immigration assistance, also provided by Fairfax County at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/organizations.htm.
Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response
The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms. Historically the churches in the United States have been immigrant churches. Who among us cannot trace one’s ancestors back to a country outside the U.S.? The church’s care and concern for countless European immigrants is well known. Today, we the faith community are called to welcome immigrants with similar hospitality.
Editorial: Holiday Revels With a Safety Net
A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.
You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013. And there are many other varieties of holiday festivities, many involving more than a drink or two. So make a plan.
Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia
Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.
The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.
Day Shifts, Night Shifts On the Road to Success
An Indian immigrant’s story: Making it and giving back.
When the chain pharmacy he worked for opened a drive-through pharmacy, it was the final straw for Amit Shah of Fairfax.
Building a Better Life
An Afghan immigrant’s story: From Soviet war to American Dream.
“Personally, I never think anyone is better than me, and I never think I’m better than anyone,” Bob Zahory of Centreville chuckles as he offers up another pomegranate lemonade.