As a professional writing major at my college, seniors have to compile their best work from over the last four years into a bound, designed book. It’s been a project I’ve been waiting for with bated breath ever since I learned about it. Older students told me as a sophomore to save every paper I ever wrote, keep teachers’ notes, and to be thinking about a theme that can tie everything together. Back then, I couldn’t imagine picking out a theme that could encompass all my writing: after all, I liked to write about different things, and some of my stories were vastly different from others. But as my senior year came upon me, I found the perfect theme. My stories revolve around either hope or memory. Many of them look to the future with either a warning to society about our faults, or an expected adventure just out of reach. And when not writing a social commentary on America’s morals, I’m pulling nostalgia from the cracks of my mind. I thought “memory” and “hope” were much too generic for my theme, but finally it hit me: I also write about time. Time looking forward to the future or back … Read More
Middleridge Celebrates “Night Out” (Fairfax Connection)
The smell of grilled burger and smoking coals mixed in the air with the soundtrack of live music Tuesday night in Middleridge Park during the community’s National Night Out. Hundreds of Middleridge locals came to celebrate their community at the Middleridge Civic Association’s annual picnic and festival.
Saratoga Pool a Hot Spot to Cool Off This Summer (Springfield Connection)
After the climatic deluge from rainstorms throughout the last weeks, Springfield had a few days of blazing sun one would expect at the end of July. Nestled between the neighborhood and Saratoga Shopping Center, the Saratoga Pool provides a respite from the heat and haze prevalent in the late summer months.
Lorton Library Challenge “Takes You Everywhere”
The Lorton Library is halfway through their Summer Reading Adventure, which runs from June 15 to September 1. Children and teens participate in the library’s summer reading program every year to read outside of school and win a coupon book for their efforts.
Obon Festival Returns July 14 (Burke Connection)
The Ekoji Buddhist Temple off the Fairfax County Parkway in Fairfax Station will be hosting the only Obon festival in the Washington DC area July 14. Admission is free, and the temple invites all visitors, no matter their religion or culture, to celebrate the annual event.
Serving Meals and Blessings to Homeless (Profile: Vienna Connection)
The minivan comes to a stop in one of the few remaining parking spaces outside the Lamb Center in Fairfax. Seatbelts pop and side doors roll open as a handful of members from Antioch Christian Church climb out of the gray-green vehicle to help unload the back.
Hidden Pond Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Playground (Springfield Connection)
The Hidden Pond Nature Center in Springfield announced their completion of their new children’s playground and picnic shelter Saturday, June 23, with a short ceremony and ribbon cutting event.
Burke Community’s ‘Living Room’ Relocating in July (Burke Connection)
According to Daskalakis, customers drove to Hopsfrog to be together during the fateful Tuesday on Sept. 11, 2001 when hijacked airplanes slammed into the side of the World Trade Center.
A Class Meant To Stand Out (Springfield Connection)
A total of 542 seniors graduated from West Springfield High School June 13. The commencement exercises took place at EagleBank Arena at George Mason University.
Lee Graduates Told: ‘Use Your Voices’ (Springfield Connection)
Three hundred and sixty-eight students graduated from Robert E. Lee High School June 12. The commencement exercises were held at the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University.