Around Town

In his 15th year, and as the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra begins its 67th season, Music Director and Conductor Christopher Zimmerman knows what’s made the symphony flourish, and he says playing new music by living composers has been one of the leading tickets.

“The FSO and I have expanded the repertoire that we present quite considerably, particularly in the area of new music by living composers,” Zimmerman said. “From the beginning of my tenure, we have performed brand new pieces and pieces by the great, well-known composers that are perhaps a little off the beaten track, as well as those on the beaten track, of course.”


Countywide

As Fairfax County’s guaranteed income pilot reaches the one-year mark, officials say they’re identifying the residents most in need, as they work to improve social services programs.

Launched in October 2023, the Economic Mobility Pilot — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Fairfax County Human Services Council’s Innovation Fund — provides $750 in unrestricted monthly payments to 180 randomly selected households.


Around Town

The Washington Capitals are throwing back to the 1970s with an upcoming visit to George Mason University’s Fairfax campus.

As part of its 50th anniversary season, D.C.’s NHL team will bring a free youth tournament known as the Capitals Street Hockey Extravaganza to EagleBank Arena (4500 Patriot Circle) on Saturday, Nov. 16, briefly reviving what was once the largest street hockey clinic in existence.


Around Town

GAMEmason, a two-day gaming convention, is returning to George Mason University’s Fairfax campus this weekend.

After first popping up in late February, the convention will take over GMU for a second time this year in collaboration with the university’s computer design program, GMU Esports club, The Center for the Arts and Student Involvement.


Around Town

Virginia’s main hospitality industry group has unveiled the finalists for its annual Ordinary Awards, and a few Fairfax County businesses and residents made the list.

In contention for “Hotel of the Year,” one of 24 categories, is The Watermark Hotel at Capital One Center in Tysons. It will compete with The Georges in Lexington and River’s Rest Marina & Resort in Charles City, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) announced yesterday (Thursday).


News

A one-time assistant professor at George Mason University has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for collecting hundreds of child pornography photos and videos, including from at least two people he coerced, U.S. prosecutors announced yesterday (Thursday).

Daniel Marc Lofaro, a 40-year-old Fairfax resident, was sentenced by a U.S. District Court judge in Alexandria on Wednesday (July 24) after pleading guilty to coercion and entitlement and receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.


News

Reinforcements are on the way to bolster Fairfax City and the Town of Vienna’s restaurant industry.

The two localities are seeking applicants for a new Culinary Careers Collaborative program intended to train future chefs, bartenders and other food service workers for potential jobs with local businesses.


News

Construction work is underway on a new athletics and activity facility for George Mason University’s Fairfax campus.

Contractor Hoar Construction announced last Thursday (June 20) that it has broken ground on a 25,000-square-foot Activities Community Wellness Building, which will give GMU’s acclaimed Green Machine pep band its first dedicated home, among other functions.


Countywide

In half a decade, George Mason University students and faculty will help NASA launch an “artificial star” into space.

The university’s Fairfax campus will serve as mission control for the Landolt NASA Space Mission, which will send a laser-pointing satellite into Earth’s orbit in 2029, GMU announced on June 10. The artificial star created by the satellite will help scientists more accurately calculate the brightness of real stars.


News

George Mason University is planning a new look and name for its Center for the Arts.

The GMU College of Visual and Performing Arts announced today (Monday) that it has received a $5 million gift to support a “reimagining” of the performing arts venue (4373 Mason Pond Drive) at its Fairfax campus. The donor was the Peterson Family Foundation, a regular supporter of the college and recipient of this year’s Jinx Hazel Award from ArtsFairfax.


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