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Traditions
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.
Celebrate
Inauguration of the 75th Governor
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - The Inauguration of the 75th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
History
Honoring a Legacy: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
As our nation reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one monument stands as a lasting tribute to his vision of justice, equality, and hope: the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.. Nestled along the Tidal Basin, between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, it offers visitors a place to pause, reflect, and be inspired.
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.
Community
Korean United Methodist Church of Koinonia Hosts Bazaar on October 18
Fairfax City residents looking for a taste of authentic Korean culture, delicious food, and family fun will have the perfect opportunity on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when the Korean United Methodist Church of Koinonia holds its first-ever Church Bazaar at its new Fairfax location from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m - 12401 Alder Woods Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033
Celebrate
How Virginia Accidentally Invented American Politics
Let’s set the scene: it’s July 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia. The summer is brutally hot, the mosquitoes are relentless, and the food situation…well, let’s just say no one is writing rave reviews on Yelp. The colony has been stumbling along for twelve years, ruled mostly by officials sent from England who think they know what’s best, but don’t actually live in the swampy mess of Jamestown.
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.
