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People
We Must Destroy Democracy in Order to Save It!
About fifty years ago the United States was involved in a military conflict in Vietnam which lasted many years and did not end well. There was a phrase from that era – “We had to destroy the village in order to save it” –which encapsulated its own self-defeating logic. We know better than the natives. We must force them to appreciate our values. Fast forward to 2026.
Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center Discussions
Residents in Fairfax City have been hearing a lot about the proposed Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center (WSHCC) project discussed at recent meetings, and one number in particular keeps coming up: an estimated $1.7 million annual operating cost to the city once the project is fully implemented. While the proposal’s goals include improving services and responding to community needs, many residents are understandably asking what that figure could mean for their own property tax bills and for the city’s long-term finances. This is especially important because the WSHCC is only one of four projects with the potential to increase real estate taxes substantially.
Affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders
In Fairfax City, affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders. Mayor Catherine Read has repeatedly emphasized its importance to the City’s vitality and long-term growth. She’s championed diversified housing types, supportive projects like Beacon Landing, and even sought legislative changes to help religious institutions build affordable units. Those are worthy goals — but they ring hollow if other City actions make living here increasingly unaffordable.
The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center: A Nice-to-Have Project?
After the Council’s vote to increase the real estate tax rate to $1.055 last spring, many residents are taking a more critical look at which recommended capital improvements are “nice-to-have” projects, such as the extensive recreational component of the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, and which are “must-have” projects, such as replacing the high school roof and renovating the elementary schools.
Community
The Great Christmas Light Fight: Ashburn Family Shines
An Ashburn family has just taken the holiday spotlight by winning ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, bringing home the $50,000 grand prize and the coveted Light Fight trophy for their dazzling Christmas display. The Horn family, residents of 21260 Rosetta Place in Ashburn, out-lit competitors from across the country with a show that featured nearly 90,000 pixel lights synchronized to an original musical score created by the family — a first in the show’s history and a key element that impressed the judges.
Traditions
Fairfax United Methodist Church Preschool:A Christmas Story
Nothing says December in Northern Virginia like cruising Meadow Farms’ dazzling light show in Vienna, sipping hot cider at the Reston Town Center tree...
Culture
“A Few of My Least Favorite Things”
It’s nearly the end of the year. Christmas will soon be here. In the spirit of the season, we need to celebrate all the...
City
Mary Petersen: A Lifelong Advocate for Fairfax City’s Homeless Community
Honoree Mary Petersen has been a cornerstone of The Lamb Center, playing a vital role in its evolution from a modest outreach initiative into a comprehensive support center for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Lamb Center began in 1987 as a social outreach ministry of Truro Church, providing daytime support for those without stable housing. Petersen became involved early on, dedicating her time and energy to the center’s mission. Her commitment eventually led her to serve on the board of directors, where she helped guide the organization’s strategic growth and expansion.
History
Once a Chief, Always a Chief
For the last two years, the Town has been targeted by the New York Board of Regents which directs the state’s K-12 education system. Its schools faced a loss of state funding. Its School Board members were threatened with legal removal.
People
Fairfax Teen Named National Young Marine of the Year: Congratulations!
The Young Marines, a national youth organization, has announced the 2025 National Young Marine of the Year, Chingiz Bahadur, 17, of Fairfax, Virginia, a member of the Potomac River Young Marines in Washington, D.C. Bahadur is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
