Friday, May 29
Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015
Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.
Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, May 28
Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training
Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.
Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016
Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.
$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.
Wednesday, May 27
Column: Mad Man
Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?
Rules on Noise Set To Change
Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.
Editorial: Voting, June 9
No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.
To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.
Tuesday, May 26
A Memorial Honoring Civilians
Celebrating the One-Year Anniversary of the Comfort Women Memorial Peace Garden.
Thursday, May 21, just a day shy of Memorial Day weekend, marked the one-year anniversary of the Comfort Women Memorial Peace Garden (CWMPG) located at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Great Falls: 309 Houses or Scott's Nature Preserve?
Great Falls Historical Society thanks John J. Adams for “tireless,” impactful preservation efforts.
Without John J. Adams and Betty Cooke, Scott's Run Nature Preserve could have been developed into 309 houses.
Great Falls Honors Fallen
Memorial Day ceremony held at the Great Falls Freedom Plaza.
A record number of people attended this year’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Plaza.
Great Falls: ‘Damage Done,’ Now What?
Construction of trail from Turner Farm to Seneca Road to proceed in phases; residents hope to save as many trees as possible.
At The Old Brogue, the Great Falls Historical Society awarded John J. Adams the Jean Tibbetts History Award, partly for his decades of work to preserve the historic integrity of the 12-mile beloved roadway. But at precisely the same time, across the street at the Great Falls Library, the Great Falls Trail Blazers were discussing the clearing of mature trees along the Pike, a road they hope to make more enjoyable and accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and others.
Friday, May 22
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax
For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.
Thursday, May 21
McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia
Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.
Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops
Letter to the Editor
I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum
Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.
Wednesday, May 20
Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Column: In Contrast
Commentary
Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.
Tuesday, May 19
Great Falls Citizens Association Votes No on Brooks Farm
Developer says call for 5-acre lots is not financially viable.
Planners and the land owner keep tweaking, even eliminating three houses from 23 in their cluster development proposal, but Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) wanted more than tweaks. Citizens wanted an overhaul, a different zoning category and redesign. And Great Falls Citizens Association stood firm to its resolve despite words of warning from a county official and advocate of trees.
Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs
Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.
Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015
On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.
On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.
Monday, May 18
Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission
Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.
John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.
Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos
This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.
Friday, May 15
Great Falls Home Sales: April, 2015
In April, 2015, 18 Great Falls homes sold between $2,800,000-$649,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: April, 2015
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Wednesday, May 13
Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles
High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.
Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.
Healthcare Events
Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect
“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."
Column: Why Fi?
Commentary
“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.
More Than 100 Join Great Falls Rugby
Great Falls rugby had more than 100 children playing over the course of the day on Saturday, May 2.
Encouraging, Inspiring and Rewarding Young Writers
The Great Falls Writer’s Group names winners of Its first Youth Writing Contest at the first Great Falls Book Fest.
At Saturday’s first Great Falls Book Festival, winners were named in the first-ever Youth Writing Contest at the Great Falls Library. First-place winners are Tyler Southworth and Caroline Wenks.
Tuesday, May 12
McLean Senior Calpin Launches Memorable Home Run
Highlander frosh Longo edges Madison’s Vannicola in pitcher’s duel.
The McLean softball team beat Madison 1-0 on Friday.
Camping Out at Wolf Trap
First-time campers from local 5th & 6th grade elementary schools enjoyed the camp out sponsored by Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts during the April 17-18 Fairfax County school holiday.
Artists' Atelier Opens at Village Centre
Ten Great Falls artists opened their new art studios, gallery and school on the Green at Great Falls Village Centre with a grand opening reception on May 8.
Girl Scouts Hold Diabetes Awareness Walk
Great Falls Girl Scout Troop 778 held a Diabetes Awareness Walk on April 11 as part of their Silver Award project.
Historic Display Over the Falls
Images from the World War II Flyover at Great Falls: In my Own Words
In addition to my photographic work of the Great Falls area, I also volunteer as a docent at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum both downtown and at the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport. A few months ago when I learned that there was going to be a flyover of World War II aircraft to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE Day,I immediately tried to think about where I might position myself to capture photographs of the event.
Monday, May 11
Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy
Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.
Wednesday, May 6
Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”
Healthy Relationships for Life
Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.
Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.
Column: “CT Looked Good”
Commentary
Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.
Tuesday, May 5
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards
Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.
Great Falls Student Greets Japanese Prime Minister at Andrews Air Force Base
Great Falls Elementary School second grader Glenn Koji vanValkenburgh greeted Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife, Mrs. Akie Abe, as they arrived at Andrews Air Force Base on April 27 for their U.S. visit. "It was a really exciting week," said Glenn.
Therapeutic Sessions to Resume at Lift Me Up After Week of Turmoil
To honor his grandson Patrick, Stan Corey donated the lift that the Great Falls therapeutic riding program, Lift Me Up, will use to lift wounded warriors and heavier riders with disabilities safely onto horses.
Budding Bards at Great Falls Elementary
Ladies’ club awards poetry winners, throws luncheon.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors (GFFN) threw its 33rd Annual Poetry Luncheon at the River Bend Golf and Country Club in Great Falls on Wednesday, April 29, culminating National Poetry Month.
Great Falls Woman Wins Governor’s Volunteerism Award
Jacqueline Cheshire helps people gain independence.
Jacqueline Cheshire and her new puppy, Agent, are almost never apart, until 18 months later when she gives the puppy up so it can receive further training as an assistance dog for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).
Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice
Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.
Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS
Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.
Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:
Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread
Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.
There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.
Friday, May 1
Farmers Markets 2015
Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.
Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.