Stories for August 2016

Letter: Does He Bite?

Letter to the Editor

Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.

Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter

As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.

Great Falls: ‘Straight Off the Farm’ Exhibit Opens at Triny's Tex Mex Grill

A colorful exhibit "Straight Off the Farm" has just gone up at Triny's Tex Mex Grill in the Great Falls Shopping Center. Leslie Anthony, local artist and member of Great Falls Studios, has bought her horses, hounds, roosters, cows and various other critters plus some flowers from the farm garden to brighten up your day. The exhibition will run until Oct. 14

Great Falls Snapshot: Karen Roll Exhibits at Katie’s Coffee House

Through the month of September the Great Falls artist Karen Roll will be exhibiting “Reflections of Nature,” landscapes in oil, at Katie’s Coffee House, 760 Walker Road, Great Falls.

Paint Great Falls to Be Held Sept. 7-10

The community is welcome to come watch art as it's being created “en Plein Air” (outdoors).

Great Falls: Saving Sea Turtles

MISHELL: Sea Turtle Drones & STEM Education Presentation held in Great Falls.

On Aug. 20, Katie’s Coffee House in Great Falls Mike Kearney hosted Kashmir World Foundation’s MISHELL Autonomous Sea Turtle Drone and Stem Education Presentation in order to raise awareness about threatened and endangered sea turtles throughout the world.

Historic Night for Great Falls Grange

Eleven Great Falls organizations to present vision for community use of Grange to Supervisor John Foust in September.

Eleven Great Falls organizations reconvened last Wednesday night, Aug. 17, 2016, to solidify their vision that would bring the Great Falls Grange back to life, in line with efforts of local farmers who built the community gathering place in 1929.

Great Falls Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors is seeking members. Women living the Langley High School district or the The Estates of Lowes Island are invited to check out the group’s website.

Great Falls, McLean, Vienna Demographics 2016

Vienna, Great Falls, and McLean demographics

Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Making Community Work

Caring for an Ill Spouse?

The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.

Keeping Youth Safe, Healthy and Drug Free

Looking for ways to keep Fairfax County youth and young adults safe, healthy and drug free? Then check out getting involved with the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).

Column: Greater Transparency in Policing

Fairfax County Police embrace change, sanctity of life for all.

The Fairfax County Police Department was established on July 1, 1940 and today we have an authorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcement officers.

Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.

I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.

Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness

Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.

‘Insider’s Tip’ to New Businesses

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helps in starting or expanding business in the county.

If you are new to Fairfax County, welcome to one of the world’s most interesting places to live and work. If you are new to the county and are interested in being part of our dynamic business community, here is an “insider’s tip” that you will want to know: The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), works with everyone who wants to start or expand a business in the county.

County Schools: Teaching for 21st Century

What’s new at Fairfax County Public Schools.

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year in Fairfax County Public Schools. With each new school year, we have the wonderful opportunity to build upon our previous successes and continue to improve our work with our students.

Comstock Faces Challenge from Bennett in Congressional Race

Voter turnout, presidential politics and “Trump Effect” considered key factors in once solidly red district.

In Virginia's 10th Congressional District, freshman lawmaker Barbara Comstock remains confident that she will win her first re-election bid.

Sharon Bulova: 'Welcome to Fairfax County'

Welcome to Fairfax County, one of the greatest places in the nation to live, work, play and raise a family.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

How to Vote in Fairfax County

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young

In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.

Column: #MindsMatter: Lifesaving Conversations Every Day

Take one action for awareness of National Suicide Prevention week #MindsMatter.

It’s 3 p.m. School’s out. Like clockwork, alerts start ringing, letting our crisis workers know that young people are out of class, and they need to talk.

Minds Matter to Local Mental Health Service

PRS Inc. of McLean prepares for National Suicide Prevention Week.

Although National Suicide Prevention Week occurs next month, a local mental health service got a head start last week and launched its public awareness campaign on social media.

Children Science Center Lab Takes 10-year View

Amy Burke, board chairwoman of the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, and executive director Adalene “Nene” Spivey watch Emily Brunner, 15, of Falls Church take on the robotic arm challenge by programming the device to play the “Happy Birthday” song on a xylophone.

Great Falls: Virginia Indian Festival Returns to Riverbend Park

Northern Virginia's premier celebration of Native American lifestyles is coming to Riverbend Park. This fall's Virginia Indian Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016.

In Love with Books in Great Falls

The little girl in front of the Info desk had curling dark hair and even darker eyes and said to me shyly, “I love this library. It has stuffed animals, bean bags, chairs and books – lots of books.

Preserving Historic Great Falls: Making a Good Place to Grow Good People

From the Great Falls Historical Society

As we reflect on the many journeys we have taken around the country and the world - whether by photos, film or airplane - memories of historic structures stand out, marking places as unique, special, and even remarkable. Historic structures speak to us and inform us about those who have come before us, creating a sense of place.

The ‘Wholesome’ Great Falls Farmers Market

Offers healthy choices.

In our 10th year, the Great Falls Farmers Market continues its journey of bringing wholesome food and fine artisan creations to our Great Falls community.

Great Falls: Art Group Nurtures Creativity, Gives Town ‘A Heart and Soul’

Great Falls Studios provides community with support for diverse artists, photographers and crafts people.

A former engineer on nuclear submarines is now working in Great Falls as a silversmith. A former editor of an international conservation magazine is building sculptures here. And a former CIA analyst is photographing national monuments against the night skies.

Great Falls Studio Tour Returns Oct. 14-16

Painter John McCabe of Great Falls Studios puts finishing touches on the portrait of a young subject.

Great Falls: Going Down to the River: Enjoy Its Beauty, Respect Its Power

Since I have been photographing the Great Falls area for several years I feel the most significant feature of our area is the incredible Potomac River that flows by us each and every moment of the day.

Actually, She Can

U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock [R-10] promotes Young Women Leadership.

The energy and excitement coming from nearly 300 young women packed into the McLean Community Center is palpable – and very loud.

Places to See, Things to Do in Dranesville District

Supervisor recommends parks, historical features and community events in the Dranesville District.

Some of the Supervisor John Foust’s favorite parks, historical places and community events in Dranesville District:

McLean: ‘When Waters Rise’ Film Premiere

McLean residents, all age 16, produce film based on a Biblical parable.

About 100 people attended a film premiere for "When Waters Rise" on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Johnson Center Cinema at George Mason University in Fairfax.

Great Falls Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 27 Great Falls homes sold between $3,200,000-$540,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: July, 2016

Fairfax County: Aiming To Reduce Deer Population

Second Deer Management Program discussion

With an ecosystem struggling to support a deer population several times what’s considered to be healthy for a habitat, Fairfax County is preparing once again to initiate its deer management program.

Fairfax: Man Dies After Being Shot by Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Outside Inova Hospital

Hispanic male was discharged patient who was escorted by security to bus stop before the incident.

Early Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, a man died after having been shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy outside the green garage area at Inova Fairfax Hospital the previous evening.

Fairfax County Police Release Name of 2-Year-Old Victim in Murder-Suicide

Despite pleas from the girl’s family, Fairfax County Police have released the name of the young victim who was found dead along with the body of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in an upstairs bedroom at the scene of a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.

Classified Advertising August 17, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally

Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan

Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.

As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.

Considering a Private School?

Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.

For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

Great Falls Teens Build House in Lynchburg

Great Falls Rotary Interact Club lent a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity in Lynchburg, Va. A group of Great Falls Rotary Interact members donned hard hats, tool belts and put in some major sweat equity as they spent three days in Lynchburg, constructing a house from the ground up, as part of a summer service project supporting Habitat for Humanity.

Great Falls Letter: Zika Virus, No Problem!

Letter to the Editor

Representative Connolly’s commentary about the Zika threat [The Connection, August 10-16, 2016] is a perfect example of why we are fed up with career politicians.

Great Falls Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Dancing Under the Pavilion, Movie Under the Stars.

National Park Service Centennial Event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Great Falls Park will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, 7 - 10 p.m. Free.

Great Falls: ‘Snow White’ at Riverbend Park

Travelling Players perform ‘Snow White’ with a comedic twist.

Traveling Players Ensemble performs “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” an original adaptation of the classic fairytale, at Riverbend Park on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 p.m.. Check out Traveling Players’ Commedia Troupe as they take this classic tale of miners, stepmothers, mirrors and apples and infuse it with the hilarious improvisational tradition of Commedia dell’Arte.

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Middle Eastern Food, Culture on Display

Middle Eastern Food Festival returns on Labor Day weekend.

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church will host its 23rd annual Middle Eastern Food Festival, Sept. 3 and 4, on the church grounds -- 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean. The Festival will feature authentic Middle Eastern food, pastries, music and dancing, as well as vendors, church tours, and activities for both children and adults.

Great Falls Snapshot: Taking Art Walk

Friday evening, Aug. 5, Arts Studios & Galleries, with 27 artists, hosted First Friday Art Walk in the Village, offering Great Falls art admirers an opportunity to enjoy the arts, meet artists at work and enjoy music while strolling through the Village Green.

Stars of Summer

Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships

Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.

Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun

Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.

Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.

One Step To ‘One Fairfax’

Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.

Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes

Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.

Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.

Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat

There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.

Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety

While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.

Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

Great Falls: Fatal Crash on Walker Road

Officers responded to the 1100 block of Walker Road in the Great Falls area on Saturday, Aug. 6, around 7:32 a.m. for the report of a single-vehicle crash.

Great Falls: Neighbor Stops Safeway Robber

On Thursday evening, 6:30 p.m., Franklin, a Great Falls Safeway employee, came out of Safeway as a man came out the far door running with a container. Franklin said the man stole something. Peter Sanson drove around the building, behind the shopping center and yelled for the man to drop the goods. He did and he ran into the bushes leaving behind four bottles of Dom Perignon he tried to steel.

‘Hello August’ Opens at Great Falls Studios Virtual Gallery

"Hello August" has opened at Great Falls Studios Virtual Gallery: Visit with a click and enjoy 40 works from 14 GFS member artists.

Great Falls Dancer Offered Merit Scholarship

Emilie Gregory, a dancer with Classical Ballet Theatre in Herndon, selected to train with Miami City Ballet School.

Emilie Gregory, 14, of Great Falls -- a dancer with Classical Ballet Theatre of Northern Virginia -- received one of the highest honors an artist her age can receive: the offer of a full merit scholarship to train at the Miami City Ballet School.

New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity

With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.

Fairfax County Police Receive National Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognized compliance with 484 standards.

In a hearing in Baltimore’s inner harbor on Saturday, July 30, the Fairfax County Police Department received a formal recognition of its national accreditation from the Gainesville, Va.-based Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.

Communities Observe National Night Out

Law enforcement and neighborhoods come together in Fairfax Station, Springfield and countywide.

Every night, that’s seven nights a week, Amanda Fox and her mother make rounds of the 169 houses in their community of Cardinal Estates in Springfield.

Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More

Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.

Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?

What We Did on V-J Day

Vienna resident’s memories of the end of the war.

Memories of WW ll in an American child's mind are a distinct set of curiosities -- special activities removed from the ordinary day to day routine of growing up.

Mall STEM Lab Celebrates First Birthday

Children's Science Center Lab celebrates with cake, a new robot, aquarium and checks worth $125,000.

Some children go to the shopping mall because their moms have to run errands or it's a nice place to hang out with friends. Who knew Fair Oaks Mall is a go-to place to conduct science experiments, program a robot and make stuff out of a 3-D printer?

Passion to Excel in STEM Field

CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.

At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.

Great Falls: Around the World with Music

Piano students of Artstars Studio in Great Falls recently held recitals with an Olympic theme.

Great Falls: Make Land Use More Accessible

Board pledges to develop recommendations for the involvement of citizens in the land-use process.

The Board of Supervisors gave final approval for 19 homes to be developed on Brooks Farm, along Springvale Road and Forest Lake Drive.

Great Falls Letter: Gas Leaking Detectors Needed

Letter to the Editor

My name is Michael, a 13-year old resident in Great Falls and I want to express my concerns over a well known public health issue.