Stories for March 2017

Stories for March 2017

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Thursday, March 30

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Wings for All

Travel rehearsal offered for individuals with disabilities.

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Police Stations Turn To Their ‘Nextdoor’ Neighbors

Cops tout community policing improvement.

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Backyard Adventure

Ideas for a spring break family staycation.

Diversion First in Wait-and-See Mode

Handcuffed by budget constraints in proposed budget, Diversion First may see some relief.

Editorial Opinion: Expand Medicaid Now

Virginia has missed out on $10 billion, 30,000 jobs and care for 400,000 citizens.

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Fairfax County: FCPS to Present FY2018 Budget to Supervisors April 4

School system facing nearly $50 million gap in funding.

Leading up to the Fairfax County Public School Board presenting its advertised FY2018 budget to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, April 4, several school board members and supervisors have been hosting community meetings on the subject.

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Fairfax County: Gillespie Wins GOP Straw Poll for Governor at Robinson

More than 300 voters attended a Fairfax County Republican Committee straw poll and candidate forum on March 25, according to FCRC executive director Eric Johnson. The event was held at Robinson Secondary School.

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Fairfax County: Community and faith leaders, elected officials speak about hate speech, bias incidents and hate crimes

More than 100 people filled the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus on Sunday, March 26, to hear more than a dozen elected and faith leaders, as well as representatives from local organizations speak about hate speech, bias incidents and hate crimes.

Monday, March 27

Chairman Sharon Bulova Responds to Federal Budget Proposal

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Fairfax County Civilian Review Panel Sworn in

Inaugural meeting of the Civilian Review Panel

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Community Policing, Not Sanctuary, in Fairfax County

Resurgent gang activity also discussed at Public Safety Committee.

Thursday, March 23

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Aquila Theatre’s “Our Trojan Wars” at Alden Theatre.

Aquila Theatre brings “Our Trojan War” to the Alden.

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Visiting Our Mom Eugenia

New Greek restaurant in Great Falls attracts area diners.

Our Mom Eugenia, a Greek restaurant

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Italian Garden Concert to Benefit Amadeus

Italian Garden concert to benefit Amadeus

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Doris Carpenter Honored at the Tibbetts Award Banquet

Doris Carpenter wins Jean Tibbetts History Award

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Surprise Late-Winter Visitors at Riverbend Park

48 Tundra Swans grazing in the Potomac River.

Tundra Swans at Riverbend

Monday, March 20

Great Falls Residents to Discuss Golf Tournament Impact

Great Falls Citizens Association to hold Town Hall meeting on the issue on March 20.

Week in Great Falls

Great Falls Senior Center to Host Luncheon

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Oakton Loses in State Finals

Friday, March 17

Great Falls Home Sales: February, 2017

In February, 2017, 13 Great Falls homes sold between $12,000,000-$485,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: February, 2017

Thursday, March 16

Free St. Patrick’s Day Lyft Rides Offered in Area

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers, free Lyft rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Friday, March 17, 2017 (St. Patrick’s Day).

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Area Social Justice Network Hosts Richmond Wrap-Up

Some successes, some defeats, and a partisan rallying call for 2017 elections.

The 2017 Legislative Session of the Virginia General Assembly was adjourned on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Leadership Fairfax Hosts Breakfast with Supervisors

On Friday, March 10, Leadership Fairfax (LFI) held its annual Breakfast with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the 26th time.

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Committed to Peacemaking

Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County reception honors activists and advocates.

Suraya Sadeed said hearing more than 20 stories of students promoting peace in and out of their schools made her believe “there is still hope for a brighter future.”

Wednesday, March 15

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Practice Makes Perfect

Local educators share strategies for getting children to practice music.

When Linda Gulyn’s son entered high school and asked to quit his clarinet lessons, the Arlington mother of four declined his request.

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Over 50 and Playing Basketball

Women's NOVA Fifty and Over Basketball League enjoy friendships and travel.

If you're over 50 and a woman, you're never too old to play basketball.

First Taste of Working World

Teen Job Fairs begin this weekend.

Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) said his first job working at a pool over the summer formed a lot of his work ethic.

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Optimistic About State of Hospitality

Panelists at Northern Virginia Chamber Forum discuss state of hospitality under the new administration.

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce gathered some heavy hitters to offer their thoughts and answer questions from a standing-room-only audience at the “State of Hospitality Under the New Administration” symposium on March 6.

Tuesday, March 14

County Moves to Restore Tobytown Cemetery

Restoring historic cemetery in Potomac

Monday, March 13

Letter to the Editor: Privy to ‘Miracle Cures’

Thank you for your article about the Feb. 24 Town Hall that Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) skipped.

Week in Great Falls

Great Falls Senior Center to Host Laura M. Elliott

The Great Falls Senior Center will welcome Laura M. Elliott as the guest speaker for a March 21 event.

McLean Citizens Urge More Changes to FCPS Pensions

McLean, Great Falls Citizens Associations discuss county teachers’ pension system.

A vocal McLean citizens group wants to see more changes to the pension system for Fairfax County Public School employees.

Correction

Correction

Thursday, March 9

Letter to the Editor: Fairfax County Cannot Ignore Low Salaries of Police Force

As we have heard for many years now, Fairfax County is once again in a budget crunch.

Editorial: Independent, Civilian Oversight in Place

New auditor and panel will make an excellent police force better, more transparent and accountable.

In February, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors followed through in establishing two forms of independent oversight of law enforcement for the first time in county history.

Stop Bullying Federal Workers

Republicans hold control of all three branches of government, and therefore have a responsibility to lead the civil service that employs millions of Americans, and every American relies upon for myriad services.

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Fairfax County Team Receives National Award for Juvenile Justice Diversion Efforts

The Center for Juvenile Justice and Reform (CJJR) at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy awarded a Fairfax County team the 2016 Capstone of the Year Award for their efforts and success in redesigning and enhancing the youth diversion and restorative justice program.

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Langley Band Invited to National Festival

The Langley High School Wind Symphony Band has been honored by being invited to perform at the 2017 Music for All National Festival, a noted festival for school instrumental music ensemble.

Local SoberRide Program Partners with LYFT

SoberRide, Greater Washington’s popular free safe ride service to prevent drunk driving, will now be solely available via the Lyft mobile app ridesharing platform.

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Oil Painting Raffle in Great Falls

TD Bank opened a branch in Great Falls on Saturday, Feb. 18.

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Puppy Murray to the Rescue

Puppy Murray in his yellow cape is becoming a familiar sight to Great Falls residents.

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Fairfax County Celebrates 275th Anniversary

“A Place Called Home: Fairfax County. A 275th Anniversary Event” is a day-long exploration of the sprawling geography and history of Fairfax County.

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Verizon Supports TJ High School STEM All Stars

On Friday, March 6, state Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35), Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason District) and Fairfax County School Board Vice Chairman Jane Strauss, gathered to celebrate Verizon’s sustained commitment to STEM education in Northern Virginia.

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Celebrating the Persian New Year at Tysons Corner Center

The Nowruz Festival will be held Sunday, March 12

Following 3,000 years of customs and traditions, the colorful Nowruz Festival — the Persian New Year celebration — will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year's festival, with more than 75 booth vendors, is free and will be held in front of Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner Center.

Wednesday, March 8

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Body of Missing Woman Recovered

River Rescue team finds body in river.

The body of Becky M. McCleskey, 56, of Arlington, Va., was found in the Potomac River.

Educating Customers Is Key to Success

New manager joining Two Poor Teachers after 18 years in business.

It’s been 18 years since Ken Nies co-founded Two Poor Teachers, LLC, but the kitchen and bath remodelling company isn’t resting on its laurels.

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Tour Area Gardens

Garden Club of Virginia hosts 84th Annual Historic Garden Week.

During the last eight days of April every year nearly 26,000 visitors tour homes and gardens across Virginia.

Tuesday, March 7

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Sow Now, Reap this Spring

Getting a garden and yard ready for warm weather.

One of the most anticipated sights of spring is a garden in bloom.

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Butterfly Weed Wins Perennial of the Year

Gardening

The designation Perennial Plant of the Year is awarded each year by the Perennial Plant Association to the perennial that outshines its competitors not only in appearance, but also in its noteworthy characteristics.

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Standing Together Against Hate

Lawmakers, faith leaders respond to Feb. 27 bomb threat at Gesher Jewish School.

Students at Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax started their week with a bomb threat.

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Chief Releases Name of Officer in Shooting Death

Officer used deadly force in two prior cases, both determined to be lawfully justified.

Fairfax County Chief of Police Edwin Roessler has named 16-year veteran Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger as the officer who used deadly force, killing Mohammad Azim Doudzai at his home in Herndon, the scene of a double shooting and barricade incident on Jan. 16.

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Environmental Coalition Calls on County to Recommit

Faith communities coalition wants dedicated Energy Office

As Fairfax County prepares to update its formal Environmental Vision, the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) is calling on local elected officials to recommit to the environmental protection pledge they adopted under then-Chairman Gerry Connolly.

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Old Town Prepares for Historic Garden Week

Part of state-wide event.

Five Old Town Alexandria homes and gardens will open to the public on April 22 as part of the 84th Historic Garden Week.

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From Split-Level to Neoclassical

Conversion wins regional “Contractor of the Year” award.

Converting a circa 1960's split-level into a spacious neoclassical-style residence has won Sun Design Remodeling a regional “Contractor of the Year” award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

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Kitchen Design Trends to Expect in 2017

Local designers share popular design ideas.

Those looking for kitchen design ideas have a new source of inspiration: the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) list of trends for 2017.

Thursday, March 2

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Comstock Skips Constituent-Organized Town Hall

Representative uses tele-town halls to discuss issues with voters.

A microphone reserved for U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) remained silent during a town hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 24, where 150 of her constituents gathered to question her.

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Remembering a Friend in Great Falls

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Mookies BBQ, was transformed by the high-energy sounds of “SilverLine," fronted by Great Falls residents Mike Novak and Jim Volpicelli, along with Mike Helget and Dan Lasik.

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Beatrice Kelly-Russo to Play for Lynchburg College

Local high school senior Beatrice Kelly-Russo has accepted a bid by Lynchburg College to play on its championship woman’s soccer team.

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Great Falls Town Hall Debates $57 Million Gap in School Budget

Where to cut?

The Fairfax County Public Schools projected a $57 million shortfall in its budget for next school year, which will impact the more than 188,000 students that are projected to be educated in the system next school year.

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Astronaut Tells Elementary Students To Reach For The Stars

“Find your dream.”

Former NASA Astronaut Sandy Magnus visited Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean for National Engineers Week on Thursday, Feb. 23.

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Women on the Soccer Field

Local women are still in the game and on the field.

On Saturdays and weeknights in the spring and fall, women as young as 18 and as old as 78 can be found on the soccer fields across Fairfax County: nurses, lawyers, Army officers, software programmers, stay-at-home moms, lobbyists, graduate students, and grandmothers playing the game they love.

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Fairfax County Board Appoints Police Civilian Review Panel

Residents can submit complaints concerning allegations of abuse of authority or misconduct by Fairfax County police through the panel.

The ongoing goal of increased transparency and accountability for the Fairfax County Police Department now has nine fresh faces. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Board of Supervisors announced its appointees to the inaugural Civilian Review Panel, one of the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Wednesday, March 1

Equestrian Athletes Need Opportunities, Too

One nay doesn’t stop a pasture of support for home riding lessons. Many in Oakton, Vienna and Great Falls testify.

Natalie Martinisko was the youngest speaker before the county’s Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Letter to the Editor: Concerned About Resolution Vote

On Feb. 22, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Resolution No. 431 "Encouraging public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth to protect free speech."

Letter to the Editor: Development Fight Lost Early On

I could be wrong but I believe I detected an implied note of concern in the headline (“Evolving Land Use: Previous Classification”) for your report on the Jan. 24 vote by our Board of Supervisors to approve a zoning change for a proposed Gulick development in a forest next to Lexington Estates here in Great Falls.