Area Roundups
Countywide Transit Network Study
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is conducting the Countywide Transit Network Study to determine the type of transit systems needed to accommodate forecasted growth throughout the county over the next several decades.
Lt. Col. Mark Sites Sworn in as County Sheriff
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Sites has been sworn in as Fairfax County Sheriff on Monday, July 1. The Honorable Chief Judge Dennis Smith administered the oath.
New Leader at Robinson’s Helm
Matt Eline is named school’s principal; will retain Meier as football coach.
There’s a new person at the helm of Robinson Secondary School—one well equipped for the job. He’s Matt Eline, who was an assistant principal at Fairfax High for four years and principal of Rocky Run Middle School the past three years.
When a Bill Becomes a Law
On July 1, sales taxes go up for Fairfax County residents.
“We needed to at least make it clear that you risk a reckless driving offense if you text and drive.” —Del. David Bulova (D-37)
Don't Be Afraid; Learn About Bees
Number of drones on the increase.
What Do You Know About Bees? How many bees in an ordinary colony (hive)? a) 1000 b) 10,000 c) 60,000 or more 2. Each colony has one queen. What happens if more than one is born? a) All but one is killed b) All but one is driven out c) The first one takes half the colony and relocates 3. The oldest bee ever found (preserved in a drop of amber) lived how many years ago? a) 1,000,000 b) 25,000,000 c) 100,000,000 4. Stingers release venom for a brief time. What to do on being stung? gently back out stinger with a fingernail or credit card apply ice for swelling c) both a and b 90% of bees are workers. Which gender? a) male female Which stinging insect is vegetarian? hornet bee wasp 7. At least how much honey a colony (hive) needs for winter? 10 pounds 60 pounds 100 pounds 8. Honey has flavors depending on the blossoms visited. What do beekeepers do with "bad tasting" honey? throw it out leave it for bees to eat 9. Normal gathering range of a bee? 500 yards one-half mile c) 2 miles (or more) 10. For millennia, honey has been used treating wounds? a) true b) false Answers; 1.c; 2.a; 3.c; 4.c; 5.b; 6.b; 7.b; 8.b; 9.c; 10.a. Grading correct answers: 9-10 = A; 7-8 = "bee"; 5-6 = C. Arlington Adult Education offers a class called "Help the Honeybees!" on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Arlington Career Center, in Walter Reed Drive near Columbia Pike. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. and registration is $5. Beekeepers Association of Northern Virginia has a booth at the 2013 Arlington County Fair to be held in Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street, South, Aug. 7 - 11. Bee products are judged at the Fair and many Are offered for sale. All the answers to all the possible questions about bees are found through that association's webpage: www.beekeepersnova.org
Children Dig Into Reading
Summer reading program sparks enthusiasm in area libraries.
This year’s summer reading program in Fairfax County libraries provides children and their parents with enriching opportunities they can sink their hands into.
Animal Shelter Fundraiser Proves Big Success
Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter held a fundraiser for the shelter, June 9, at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton. Nearly 200 people attended the event, called “Wine, Whiskers & Wags,” and raised $6,000 for the shelter.
Workhouse Holds Summer Art Party on the Quad
Community invited to soak up art, artists and arts education programs.
It was a celebration of the arts when the Workhouse Arts Center hosted its Summer Art Party on the Quad on Saturday, June 22 in Lorton. The Art Party included art projects, storytelling for grownups, music, bubble art, interactive history, artist demos, tours of the former Lorton Prison and a community pillow fight.
Meier Reflects on His Decade at Robinson
Search continues for school’s new principal.
Robinson Secondary School still hasn’t found a new principal—but then, Danny Meier is a hard act to follow. He retired recently after serving 29 years with FCPS, the last 10 as Robinson’s leader.
Second Saturday Walkers Vote for Favorite Art
Three artists from the Workhouse Associate Artists (WAA) were chosen as People's Choice Award winners for their current exhibition in Gallery 902 (Building W9) at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
Christ United Methodist Church Breaks Ground
Pastor John Speight broke ground on a vision that he'd been pursuing for 20 years on Sunday, June 2nd, as the Christ United Methodist congregation broke shovels into soil to begin the foundation for a new, visible church building location
Celebrating Independence Day at Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center will celebrate Independence Day with live music, a patriotic exhibition and a fireworks show on July 6.
Meier: ‘A Supporter, Leader and Listener’
Although Danny Meier’s now retired as Robinson’s principal, he left his mark on the school and his colleagues say he led it well. “He’s a great leader because he’s quick at evaluating situations and has the background to make logical decisions,” said school administrative assistant Sue Henderson. “It’s also a great loss because I’ll miss him as a friend.”
Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’
Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.
City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.