May 6, 2019

Posted on by Julie Baher

Just a few days ago, people around the world commemorated Yom HaShoah.  We remembered the 6 million Jews and more than a million other persecuted individuals who perished in the Holocaust. In Northern Virginia this past Sunday, I joined many people in our community in a Memorial service that honored survivors, victims & heroes of the Holocaust. The commemoration included recollections from local Holocaust survivors and reflections on the responsibilities of memory and legacy for future generations.

It is alarming just how many acts of violence towards those of different religions we have witnessed even in the past few months. It is more important than ever to always speak out against hatred of any kind. We must “never forget,” and I hope we can commit ourselves to never again allow such horrors to occur.

Fairfax County Labor Coalition

I appreciated the opportunity to attend a meeting of the Fairfax County Labor Coalition. My colleagues and I heard from many leaders in the labor community about their legislative priorities and how the corresponding legislation fared during the 2019 session as well as their goals for the 2020 session and beyond. Many speakers also gave suggestions as to how we, as elected officials, can continue to support working families in Fairfax County. I am grateful to the work that FCLC does and for further educating so many throughout Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Reception

Last week, I enjoyed catching up with members of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors at their annual Legislative Reception. It was a pleasure to meet with so many members of the Realtor community here in Northern Virginia and visit with longtime friends. NVAR represents over 13,000 members in the region and I consider myself fortunate to call many members constituents and friends.

Pyramid Art Shows

Over the past two weeks, I had the pleasure of visiting two pyramid art shows in the 41st District. Two weeks ago, I stopped by the Lake Braddock Pyramid art show (which includes the following schools in my district: Burke School, Cherry Run ES, White Oaks ES and Lake Braddock Secondary). I had the opportunity to congratulate many young talented artists. Then this past Wednesday, it was great to stop by the Robinson Pyramid show (which includes Bonnie Brae ES, Fairview ES, Laurel Ridge ES, Terra Centre ES and Robinson ES) and see the fabulous works of art by those students. I consider myself fortunate to represent so many talented young artists. 

ICYMI: Washington Post on Mantua

I am so privileged to count Mantua, Virginia as one of the great communities I represent in the 41st District. Between the trails, the winding paths of Accotink Creek and Crook Branch, the gorgeous homes and the canopy of trees that seems to blanket the sky over the neighborhood, Mantua, like the many other neighborhoods in the 41st District, is a special place.  Recently, the Washington Post profiled the neighborhood as well. Click here to read the article.

Road Repaving Schedule and What to Expect When a Road is Repaved

Substantial paving will take place in and around the 41st District this summer. I would like to provide you with some information from VDOT about what to expect during the repaving of residential streets, including Prosperity Avenue (finally!). You can click here to see which roads are scheduled to be repaved this summer. If you have further questions about how paving will work, you can also contact directly with the Construction Manager in the field by calling them at the phone number listed on the paving web site:http://www.virginiadot.org/novapaving. If you click on the affected road, it will list the construction manager’s email and contact information.

Lake Braddock Recognition

Congratulations to Lake Braddock Secondary School for achieving recognition as one of the 100 Best  High Schools Teaching Personal Finance. This distinction is given to schools in recognition of excellence in financial education. I am proud to see that the students in the 41st District are engaging in responsible financial literacy! Click here to read more.

High School Plays

Check out the upcoming high school plays in the 41st District