Springfield/Fairfax Briefs
By James Cullum
Burke VRE garage opensAfter nearly two years of construction, the Burke VRE garage opened Monday, June 2.
“I have already received many very positive responses about the interconnectivity of this station, both from a pedestrian standpoint and commuter standpoint. I think once fully completed, this project will symbolize the synergy of what a community can do when they come together as one, and I for one can’t wait until Monday when the deck opens for business,” said Braddock District Supervisor Sharon Bulova (D).
The new $28 million garage offers 1,292 parking spots and construction is ongoing on two outside parking lots, which will offer 300 spaces.
Sidewalks are still in the process of being installed and the "kiss and ride" drop-off area is still under construction.
The free shuttle service between the VRE station and the Burke Centre Library that was offered to commuters because of the construction, will cease on Friday, June 11.
EZ buses will continue their northern and southern routes, arriving at the VRE station 10 minutes before each train.
Springfield woman wins Ms. Senior Virginia crown
On May 30, Ruth Early Barnett of Springfield was crowned the 2008 Ms. Senior Virginia. Barnett is a vocalist and sang “You Lift Me Up,” to the audience at the James E. Lee Senior Center in Falls Church. Barnett will go on to the Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City this October.
Seven over-60 contestants from northern and southern Virginia took part. Recognized as Ms. Congeniality was Bessie Saunders, a lifelong resident of Annandale.
Scholarships awarded
Five Fairfax County students whose parents work for Verizon were among the 933 students across the nation to receive college scholarships from the Verizon Foundation. Those awarded were: Kyra Jefferson-George, of Annandale who plans to attend Yale University; Lindsay Johnson, of Falls Church, who plans to attend Virginia Tech; Brittany Savage, of Fairfax, who plans to attend the College of William and Mary; Bewketu Tamir, of Springfield who plans to attend the College of William and Mary; and Tigist Tamir, of Springfield, who plans to attend the College of William and Mary.
The students will receive $5,000 annually and are eligible to receive up to $20,000 over a four-year period. To see all the Verizon Scholars, go to www.verizon.com/foundation.
Braddock town meeting to focus on environment
Environmental initiatives in the region, county and neighborhoods will be the focus of the June 11 Braddock District Town Meeting.
The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Kings Park Library Meeting Room, 9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke.
Village West Pool turns 40
On Sunday, June 1, Village West Pool in West Springfield turned 40 years old. To mark an entire pool renovation from donated community funds, county supervisors, state delegates and members of the community met for the ribbon-cutting, followed by brief remarks.
Tiny Tots concert at Annandale High
The eighth annual Tiny Tots Concert, "Disney's Birthday Bash," will be held on Thursday, June 5, at 4 p.m. at the Annandale High School Auditorium. Orchestras and actors will perform Disney favorites and audience members are encouraged to arrive at the concert in costume. Admission is $3 presale or $4 at the door. For more, call Vicki Farish at 703-642-4245.
Giant store reopens
The Giant Food store at 8074 Rolling Road in Springfield reopened May 30 after extensive remodeling. The store was originally built in the late 1970s. More than 15,000 square feet were added on.
The revamped store features more natural foods as well as a book and magazine section, a home goods section, and office supply section.