"how to keep one's financial affairs in order"

Langley High Orchestra Thrills Audience

In a night full of spooky music, costumes and theatre, the Langley High School Orchestra presented a thrilling concert to a full house on Thursday, Oct. 24. The Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras opened the concert with film scores from “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” boosted by several band members in Superman and Batman costumes.

Facing an Uphill Climb

Wakefield alum Hogwood is trying to improve school’s football program.

The Wakefield football team hasn't had a winning season since 1983.

Vienna Halloween Parade Attracts Thousands

Costumed children, bands, floats and vehicles anchor 90-minute parade.

As chilly—and drizzly—as it was, the weather did not deter thousands of local families to line Maple Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 23 to celebrate the 67th annual Vienna Halloween Parade. Hosted for the first time ever as a partnership between the Town of Vienna and the year-old Vienna Business Association [VBA], the parade featured Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman as its Grand Marshal in 2013. New this year was a concert presented on the Town Green by the School of Rock as an early evening prelude to the parade.

Community Debates Library’s Future

Public meeting in Great Falls raises concerns about the foundation of education in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees committee on The Future of the Library, officially the “Evaluation and Communications” committee, held a public meeting in Great Falls on Monday, Oct. 21. The committee was appointed by the library board last month after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on the initiative of Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, asked the library board to obtain input from the public and library staff before making any new, comprehensive changes to the library’s current operational structure and staffing. Library Director Sam Clay was in attendance and addressed the meeting. Director Clay and the board will be making a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19.

Letter: Cuccinelli: Real Solutions to Real Problems

Two of my main concerns with the welfare of Virginia citizens are well addressed in Cuccinelli's plans for the future: education and mental health care. Education is a hot topic with many people especially in educationally rich Fairfax County. We've made many strides in education for the future, but more can still be done. Cuccinelli aptly outlines areas where we're weak, statewide. Planning for future needs and student welfare in a digital age is also crucial.

Editorial: Vote Nov. 5 or Before

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

For voters in Virginia, it is hard to overstate how important it is to go out and vote next week. All Virginia voters will see statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race. In addition, there are a few local races in Alexandria and Arlington, a bond question in Fairfax County and a referendum question about the housing authority in Arlington.

Column: Excuse Me, Pardon Me, Excuse Me…

If it wasn’t a coincidence, it was the next thing to being one. What it was, was the hiccups; occurring after chemotherapy infusion number one and again after chemotherapy number two. The first episode lasted only a few days and annoyed my wife, Dina, way more than it annoyed me. The first hiccuping episode was fairly constant; however it was not exhausting – and I wasn’t having any trouble sleeping because of them. Nor was I making any disturbing sounds or having any difficulty breathing – when caught in mid-hiccup, and/or eating because of the herky-jerky movements/spasms of my diaphragm. In general, it was a fairly benign effect. In the big picture, it didn’t seem particularly important that it was the hiccups I was having, so I never called my oncologist. It was the hiccups after all. It might as well have been a skinned knee. Jeez. And sure enough, within a couple of days, I was “hiccuped out.”

Sheriff’s Race Heats Up

Kincaid, Wolfe trade barbs over guns, vandalism.

Like many of her neighbors, Vienna resident Jane Li said she didn’t know Fairfax County had a sheriff’s department until a few weeks ago.

Voters to Decide on $250 Million Bond

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Fairfax County voters will be asked to approve a $250 million school bond. If approved, the schools plan to use the money to:

Making Voters Feel Welcome, No Matter Their Language

County election officials have stepped up outreach efforts and volunteer recruitment efforts.

“I was touched with the Korean community’s efforts to help us translate materials and provide volunteers. … And so we're trying to encourage other pockets. My next target is Vietnamese. We’ve also printed recruitment brochures in Farsi, Arabic, Chinese Korean, French, and Spanish.” — Cameron Quinn, Fairfax County’s chief elections officer

Week in Springfield

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that struck a pedestrian. Officers responded to the area of Gambrill Road near Vogels Way on Sunday, Oct. 27, shortly after 7:30 p.m. A 21-year-old girl was walking along the southbound side of Gambrill Road when she was struck from behind by an unidentified vehicle. The striking vehicle fled the scene and did not stop to render aide. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The Fierst Family’s ‘Twist’ on Halloween

Interstate Haunted House Maze in Springfield helps ECHO.

As you twist and turn your way through the Interstate Haunted House Maze, you never know what scary creature will be lurking around the next corner. It’s dark and misty, the tall walls giving you a feeling of being hemmed in, with no easy escape route other than to finish the maze. The strange noises add to your cautious approach around the next corner, uncertain of what will pop up next. The spooky trail seems to go on with no sign of an exit, and meanwhile your heart pounds not knowing what to expect … ghosts, goblins, skeletons, zombies or maybe a hand on your shoulder.

Letter: Vote Yes on Referendum

As a former Fairfax County teacher, I know that many families move to our area in part for the excellent reputation of our school system. It attracts families and businesses alike because an excellent school system is an investment in the economy and the community. I encourage all county residents to vote “Yes” on the School Bond Referendum on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to continue Fairfax County’s trend of excellence in education.

First Virginia Community Bank Names Branch Manager for Springfield

First Virginia Community Bank (FVCbank), named one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Virginia, welcomes Pati M. Gambino as vice president and branch manager of the soon-to-be opened Springfield Branch. Gambino is a 45-year veteran of the area banking industry. In her most recent position, she served as branch manager, vice president and consumer lender at Union First Market Bank, formerly Prosperity Bank and Trust. Gambino’s first banking job was as a proof operator. She also has served as manager and assistant vice president for former Continental Bank. Throughout her banking career, Gambino spent 35 years serving the Springfield community. FVCbank is slated to open its central Springfield branch, which will be located in the 6500 block of Backlick Road, in mid-November 2013.

Delegate for the 42nd District

Ed R. Deitsch is challenging Republican incumbent David Albo in the 42nd district.

The House of Delegates has legislative power, with the Senate, to enact laws. Delegates serve a 2-year term and are eligible for re-election. The salary is $17,640 per year. A delegate must be at least 21 years old at the time of election and be a resident of the district he/she seeks to represent.

Fairfax Station Area Roundups

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that struck a pedestrian. Officers responded to the area of Gambrill Road near Vogels Way on Sunday, Oct. 27, shortly after 7:30 p.m. A 21-year-old girl was walking along the southbound side of Gambrill Road when she was struck from behind by an unidentified vehicle. The striking vehicle fled the scene and did not stop to render aide. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Take a Stroll to Help Neighbors in Need

LCAC to hold its first Service Stroll on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Join with your neighbors, friends and colleagues to make a difference for low-income families, senior citizens and children living in southeast Fairfax County by participating in the first LCAC Service Stroll on Saturday, Nov. 16. For years the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), a local human services nonprofit organization, participated in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walk both as a way to generate significant funds ($56,000 last year) and to also build community.

Letter: Frightened by Runaway Government

Kudos to the staff member in Congressman Gerry Connolly’s office who gussied up Democratic National Committee talking points in the congressman’s recently published editorial [“The Damage Is Already Done, Connection, Oct. 24-30, 2013].

Letter: Blame on Both Sides

In Mr. Connolly's editorial [“The Damage Is Already Done,” Connection, Oct. 24-30, 2013] he comes off as victim in this game called politics, when really all that comes from the Congress is lies, deceit and corruption, from both sides. I remind you that all of Congress’ (not just the Republicans) approval ratings have reached depths never before seen in our nation’s history.

Two Speakers to Address Republican Women of Clifton

The Republican Women of Clifton (RWC) November meeting will feature Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, and Nancy Schulze, founder of the Republican Congressional Wives Speakers in Washington, D.C. The event will be on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Fairview Elementary School, 5815 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, and the social hour will begin at 7 p.m. when refreshments will be served. President Alice Butler-Short will open the business meeting at 7:30 p.m., after which Fitton and Schulze will speak and answer questions.

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