Friday, October 30
SoberRide for Halloween
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will provide free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Halloween evening, this Saturday, Oct. 31.
Thursday, October 29
Editorial: Vote Nov. 3
Read Election coverage at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com.
If you live in a district with a hotly contested race, you definitely know from the contents of your mailbox that there is an Election coming up.
Fairfax County: School Bond Referendum Tops $300 Million
The Nov. 3 election ballot will include a Fairfax County Public Schools bond referendum, featuring school improvement projects totaling $350,000,000.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Mollie Loeffler (I)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Penelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Wednesday, October 28
Halloween and Weekend Events in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls
Things to do this weekend.
Halloween and weekend events in your neighborhood
Adam Lind is Fairfax County’s New Bicycle Program Manager
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) Director Tom Biesiadny announced the selection of Adam Lind as the county’s new Bicycle Program Manager in the Capital Projects and Traffic Engineering Division.
Letter: Murphy Opposes Tolls on I-66
To the Editor
Delegate Kathleen Murphy opposes tolls on I-66. She made an unequivocal statement at the McLean Community Center debate on Oct. 18 that she is opposed to tolls on I-66--and has always been opposed to such tolls.
Gun Control Compromise
31st Senate District candidates unite behind gun control legislation, at least conceptually.
While Republicans and Democrats disagree on virtually everything, gun control still stands out above the rest as one of the more divisive issues.
Murphy vs. Parisot, Double Sequel
34th District has history of close elections.
The 34th-District House of Delegates race between Kathleen Murphy (D) and Craig Parisot (R) is a rematch of the special election triggered last November when Barbara Comstock (R) was elected to the U.S. Congress.
Letter: Supervisor With Proven Competence
To the Editor
In the ongoing discussion in the race for the Dranesville Supervisor, the challenger to incumbent John Foust has dismissed Foust’s experience and record of accomplishments as irrelevant.
Letter: Proven Leader
To the Editor
I have read with interest the accounts of the recent debates among the candidates for Dranesville Supervisor.
One-Woman Show in the Race for District 31 Senate?
Barbara Favola seeks reelection to Virginia State Senate.
For the second time in a month, Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) debated by herself.
Cooper Middle Students Hold a Mock Election
Shaking hands and speaking with students, Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34) engages eighth grade students at Cooper Middle School in political discussions and views their research projects.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls.
Letter: Spreading False Information
To the Editor
It is unfortunate that Graig Parisot, a newcomer to Fairfax County politics is reaching out to new lows of credibility in making false statements about Delegate Kathleen Murphy’s position on I-66 tolls.
Tuesday, October 27
Celebrating Arts in Great Falls
More from the Great Falls studio tour.
Letter: Time for a Change
To the Editor
I have been a resident of Great Falls since I moved to Virginia in 1974. When I bought my house the house payments were about $450 a month, which include taxes and loan insurance on my VA loan.
Letter: Conflict of Interest Timeline
To the Editor
Do we want a County supervisor steeped in the integrity of the Army values, or one described by the following timeline?
Letter: Kurzenhauser for School Board
To the Editor
Being involved with FCPS as a mother of five (with four in three different schools), I feel that the school board has lost sight of its priorities. Do you wonder if they even listen to what we are saying?
Handing Over the Key to the Grange in Great Falls?
Community consortium networking to consider community control of the Grange.
The process already proves Jorge Adeler’s vision.
Great Falls' Forestville PTA Sets a Goal: Computer for Each Student
School to host first Indoor Street Market on Nov. 14.
“Renovation for Innovation” is the logo in the front of the red Forestville T-shirts all the staff and students wear on Spirit Day. Forestville kicked off this theme last year in an effort to incorporate the upcoming renovation into their everyday life.
Great Falls Bridge to Empowering Women
Bridge tournament on Nov. 14 enables Great Falls Friends and Neighbors to give scholarships to adult women academics.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave its members a glimpse of the power of their efforts. “We are a women’s organization.
A Taste of Distant Lands in Great Falls
Zamarod Afghan Cuisine celebrates October in Great Falls with fresh home-cooked meals.
The long, lazy days of summer have quickly been replaced by cooler days packed with school, homework and activities.
Garden Mavens of Great Falls Honor 75 Years of Beauty and Service
The Great Falls Garden Club honored its founding in October 1941.
Discovery Deep of Great Falls Studies World’s Oceans and Waterways
Discovery Deep has announced its establishment as a nonprofit organization providing research and support for historic and scientific projects dealing with the world’s oceans and waterways.
Helping Homeless Build New Lives
Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage donate $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Cardinal Bank (NASDAQ: CFNL) announced that the Cardinal Community Fund and George Mason Mortgage, LLC, have awarded $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Monday, October 26
School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Karen Corbett Sanders
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County Lee District: Tamara Derenak Kaufax
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Dr. R. E. ”Bob” Copeland
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Theodore J. “Ted” Velkoff
Question and Answer
Question and answer
House of Delegates-District 53: Marcus B. Simon (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 48: Rip Sullivan (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 47: Patrick A. Hope (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 46: Charniele L. Herring (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 43: Anna Urman (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 42: David Albo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 41: Eileen Filler-Corn (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Timothy D. Hugo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Jerry Foltz (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: David Bulova (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: Sang Yi (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Kathleen Murphy (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Craig A. Parisot (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Mark Sickles (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Paul J. McIlvaine (I)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 44: Paul Krizek (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 46: Sean Lenehan (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 49: Alfonso Lopez (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 67: Jim LeMunyon (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Danny Vargas (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 36: Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Jennifer Boysko (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 39: Vivian Watts (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
Friday, October 23
Letter: Tainted Endorsement?
A national group designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-muslim and anti-gay hate group has been involved in Fairfax County Public Schools politics since April, and now has endorsed a slate of candidates for School Board.
Thursday, October 22
Fairfax County: League of Women Voters hosts Forum for Board of Supervisors Chairman and At-Large School Board
Chairman Candidates Debate Economy, Police, Schools
Continuing their series of meet the candidates events, the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax area gave citizens another opportunity at James Madison High School in Vienna to ask questions and visit with hopefuls for both Board of Supervisors chairman and Fairfax County School Board at-large member.
Fairfax County: Board of Supervisors Accepts Final Report from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
Civilian Oversight Board Proposed, Debated
Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission chairman Michael Hershman was clear about what his group was, and was not tasked to do.
Wednesday, October 21
Classified Advertising October 21 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, October 19
School Board–Dranesville District: Pete Kurzenhauser
Q&A
School Board Candidate for Dranesville District
School Board–Dranesville District: Janie Strauss
Q&A
Janie Strauss is a candidate for the Dranesville School Board.
Friday, October 16
Great Falls Home Sales: September, 2015
In September, 2015, 13 Great Falls homes sold between $2,120,000-$521,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: September, 2015
Thursday, October 15
Halloween Events in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls
Spooky, scary in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls.
Weekend in Vienna, McLean, Great Falls
So many fun things to do, so little time. It's the weekend in your neighborhood.
Renovated Home Included in Great Falls Studio Tour
12th annual event scheduled for this weekend.
A renovated, circa-1970s Georgian Colonial will be featured in the 12th annual Great Falls Studios tour Oct. 16-18.
Fairfax County: School Board To Discuss Delay for Presidential Primary
To alleviate congestion and chaos at 165 of the 196 Fairfax County schools and centers that double as polling places, the Fairfax County Board of Elections requested the School Board look at delaying school two hours on March 1, 2016 for the presidential primary.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Calls for Auditor, Civilian Review Board
Unanimous recommendations head to supervisors in wake of John Geer shooting, transparency missteps.
After six months of meetings, the Ad Hoc commission created by Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova to review police practices has concluded its primary work. Chair of the commission’s Independent Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Jack Johnson presented that group’s final recommendations to the full commission on Oct. 8.
Editorial: Closer Look at School Spending
Report: Local schools spend less to educate more challenging students.
Since Fiscal Year 2009, Alexandria Public Schools has reduced per pupil spending by 13.3 percent, adjusted for inflation.
Wednesday, October 14
Letter: Re-elect Foust
To the Editor
We are a mixed marriage (one Democrat and one Republican), but we both agree that John Foust should be re-elected supervisor.
Letter: Chamber Endorses Incumbents
To the Editor
NOVABizPAC declined to interview the 34th District’s two candidates for delegate this year.
Letter: Endorsing Incumbents
To the Editor
Why would NOVABizPAC endorse the candidate who has bragged about being in politics her whole life over the candidate who has built two startups, is a current CEO, and is greatly respected across Northern Virginia’s business community?
You Can See More in the Dark
Dark Skies initiative in Great Falls allows better views of the heavens.
Bob Parks showed 40 members of the Great Falls Citizens Association a satellite photo of the world; the United States was lit up like a Christmas tree.
Communicating Today and Everyday With Fairfax Public Access
Channel 10 airs Season 25; Episode 700 of TV program created, produced and hosted by John Monsul of Great Falls.
On Monday, Oct. 12, John Monsul was producing the 700th program of his show, "Communicating Today," at the television studios of Fairfax Public Access (FPA), just as he has done every other week for the past 25 years, from the show’s debut in 1990 to the present.
Chairman Candidates Offer Stark Differences
Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.
Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be. “I believe in local government. It’s where the rubber hits the road, and where you’re closest to your constituents,” said Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the top elected official in Fairfax County.
Classified Advertising October 14 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, October 12
Great Falls Studios 2015 Studio Tour Artists Mix It Up
Annual art event to include mixed-media artists.
The artist stands in front of her easel, painting. The next minute she agitatedly scribbles over the paint with charcoal, and then she grabs a piece of old postcard and forcefully slaps it onto the paint.
Letter: Helping Parisot Win
To the Editor
The recent debate in Great Falls was another reminder that Craig Parisot is the most qualified candidate to represent Virginia’s 34th District in the House of Delegates.
Letter: Perils of Budgetary Delays
To the Editor
Our Congresswoman Barbara Comstock did the right thing to vote last week for the budget.
Week in Great Falls
Art Lecture Series with Richard Kelly
The Arts of Great Falls announces the next talk in their Art Lecture Series, “Collecting for the Long Haul” by Richard Kelly on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7-8 p.m. at The Arts of Great Falls School, 756 Walker Rd., Great Falls
Great Falls Studio Tour To Feature Top Photographers
Annual art event to include contingent of award-winning shooters with tips for better photos.
The Great Falls Studios Tour-- which also features painters, jewelry designers and experts in other media--has become known as a fascinating and family-friendly experience, an all-too rare opportunity to meet artists face-to-face in their own creative habitats and learn how art is produced.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities.
$75 Billion Global Cybersecurity Market
Northern Virginia is “hotbed for cyber security entrepreneurship.”
With all its sophistication and intricacies, cybersecurity starts with a simple premise.
Thursday, October 8
“They’re Not Alone”
New domestic violence victims screening tool launches in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is taking a step forward to reduce the deaths among victims of domestic violence. According to the police department, county domestic violence hotlines receive over 240 calls each month.
Wednesday, October 7
Classified Advertising October 7 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 6
More than 800 Compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
Pickleball closes out two-weeks of Olympic events
With more than 40 events ranging from Scrabble to shotput, the Senior Olympics was conducted across Northern Virginia at two dozen locations ranging from Loudoun Country to Arlington and around Fairfax; 819 Northern Virginia seniors participated in this year’s games.
Overcoming downsizing decorating dilemmas
Downsizing can present some furnishings and decorating dilemmas? What do we keep? What will work in new spaces? How do I make some rooms multi-functional? And what about all that memorabilia?
It Takes a Village
Local groups help seniors socialize, manage everyday tasks.
When Penelope Roberts, 73, of Alexandria, Virginia, had knee replacement surgery last month, she knew she would be out of commission for several weeks.
Editorial: Vote Now to Avoid the Earthquake
Early voting available for most voters now; vote by Nov. 3.
The news is all about Donald, Hilary, Bernie, Carlie, Joe and Jeb. That’s next year, November 2016. The election in less than a month matters here in Northern Virginia. What are your priorities?
Very Good News on Real Estate Market in McLean and Great Falls
Banner first three quarters of 2015 for real estate in McLean and Great Falls.
The first three quarters of 2015 in McLean and Great Falls is up 9 percent overall in terms of number of sales in comparison to the previous time frame in 2014.
McLean Community Center Helps Residents with Retirement
This fall, McLean Community Center (MCC) has put together a five-part series called “Are You Ready for the Rest of Your Life?”
Favola Debates Alone, Forakis a No-Show
Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) will face Republican George V. Forakis on the November ballot, but she did not face him in last week’s debate because he did not attend.
Commentary: Preserving Trees
Madam Chairman, on many occasions, our Board has stated its strongly held belief that tree preservation is an essential element in our environmental plans and in our efforts to protect and improve the quality of life in our county.
Foust, Chronis Debate in Great Falls
The community and Great Falls Citizens Association positions on the Brooks Farm rezoning continue to sharply differ from the owner developer request for 20 homes by a two-acre cluster rezoning.
Letter: Strategic Insight
Letter to the Editor
At the candidate debates at the Great Falls Grange this week, Craig Parisot (candidate for House Delegate Virginia’s 34th District) pointed out that Virginia once was on the path to be a great science and technology business hub.
Letter: Dedicated to Serve
Letter to the Editor
While some saw gender bias at play during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor debates between Jennifer Chronis and John Foust, I saw a tough woman willing to accept the difficult challenges facing Fairfax County governance.
Meet Rebecca Glenn at Great Falls Library
Local author Rebecca Glenn will be speaking about her debut novel “Becoming Lisette” at the Great Falls Library on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
‘Friends of Matt’ Prepare for Memorial Golf Tournament
“Friends of Matt” representing Langley and Paul VI High Schools assemble goodie bags for golfers attending the Matthew Vernon Poyner Memorial Foundation Inaugural Golf Tournament on Oct. 12 at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston.
Lisa Korade Named Branch Manager of Long & Foster’s Great Falls Office
Lisa Korade, a real estate professional for 16 years, has been named branch manager of the Great Falls office of Long & Foster Real Estate, the nation’s no. 1 family-owned residential real estate company and the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate in Virginia.
Letter: Complete Contrast
Letter to the Editor
I attended the Great Falls Citizens Association debate at The Grange, and despite the rain, I’m very glad I did.
Letter: Our Fundamental Freedoms
Letter to the Editor
There are some very fundamental freedoms, which we enjoy in America. Government does not give us our freedoms, but one of its purposes under our Constitution is to protect them. One fundamental freedom we have is to worship our God in our own way, or not. Government cannot tell us we cannot and cannot tell us how, or where. Let us be vigilant about this, and not let it be lost, even one pebble at a time.
Letter: Opposing Brooks Farm Development Proposal
Letter to the Editor
In a Sept. 28 letter to county supervisor John Foust, GFCA President Eric Knudsen detailed GFCA's opposition to the Brooks Farm development as currently proposed.
Letter: Ready for the Internet Age
Letter to the Editor
Craig Parisot wants to make Virginia the cyber capital of the United States. As someone who built two technology companies from the bottom up and has extensive background in cybersecurity issues, Craig understands how to accomplish this.
Friday, October 2
Hats for Ellie
Local organization collects hats for children with cancer.
When the school year began in 2013, Jay Coakley, a physical education teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in Falls Church noticed that one of his kindergarten students had an affinity for brightly colored hats.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Oct. 2-11, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
Thursday, October 1
Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access
Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.
146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Fairfax County: West Nile Cases Even with Five-Year Average
There have been just three documented cases of West Nile Virus in Fairfax County so far in 2015, equaling the previous five-year average, according to Fairfax County Health Department public safety information officer John Silcox.