Thursday, May 27
Candidates in the 2021 Democratic Primary for HD34
Meet Jennifer Adeli and Kathleen J. Murphy (Incumbent).
Voting has begun for the 2021 Democratic Primary on June 8.
Langley High School Orchestral Greetings and Farewells
Orchestra returns to the big stage
For many Langley High School Orchestra students, adjusting to a year of online rehearsals and virtual concerts has been difficult.
Friends of Riverbend Park Receives Donation
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group supports charitable organization.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group presented a donation check on Friday, May 21, 2021, for $3,000 to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORP).
‘Maxine’s Garden’ Photography Exhibit by Dee Leggett at the TD Bank, Great Falls
“Maxine’s Garden” is a photography exhibit honoring Maxine Turner, 98-year-old gardener in Great Falls, portraying a wide variety of beautiful flowers in her garden.
Wednesday, May 26
Great Falls Rotary Announces Music Winners
Rotary District 7610, which serves the top half of Virginia, made a daring decision during this year of the pandemic: it decided to start a music contest for high school students.
Opinion: Column: Philosophically Meandering
As I discussed a few weeks back, having all this time off/apart from cancer-related activities is unsettling in a peculiar way.
Senior Living: Just Can’t Wait to Get Back on the Road Again
Vaccinated Seniors plan vacations, trips to reunite with family
Sifting through photos of rafting trips through Labyrinth Canyon on the tranquil waters of the Green River and hiking in the Needles district of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, Arlene Richter recalls her past travels as she begins planning for new adventures.
Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions
Amid division, voices seek to be heard.
With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Friday, May 21
Detectives Seek Witnesses After Pedestrian Dies in Great Falls Hit and Run Crash
A 43-year-old man has died following a hit and run crash that occurred Sunday morning, May 16, near the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Redberry Court in Great Falls.
Cappies Review: Langley High Presents ‘Real Talk’
During moments of contention, people must choose their path.
Eric Knudsen Receives Glen Sjoblom Award
The award recognizes service contributions to the development of the Great Falls community.
The Executive Board of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) recognized Eric Knudsen on Saturday, May 15, as the recipient of its 2021 Glen Sjoblom Award for his “long-time, extensive and meritorious service to the community of Great Falls.” Local, regional, and state leaders attended the special program held at the Great Falls Village Centre Green. GFCA honored Knudsen, who tirelessly devoted himself for several decades to enhancing Great Falls through his work on local transportation, land use, and environmental matters. GFCA established the Glen Sjoblom Award to recognize its members who excel in serving their community. It is the organization’s only award for outstanding service. Current GFCA President Bill Canis said that without this kind of civic involvement and activism, the community Great Falls citizens and others know today would have withered away. “We are gathered to celebrate the people who are dedicated to that philosophy,” said Canis. Eric Knudsen is one of those people. Glen Sjoblom is the 2019 Award recipient. He put the award in the context of the long commitment of GFCA’s pioneering board members, those who served the community since the organization’s founding in 1968. According to the honoring resolution, Knudsen served on the GFCA board with a distinguished record for more than 15 years, including three years as president, three years as vice-president, and additional terms as chair of the Transportation and Land Use & Zoning Committee. AS PRESIDENT, Knudsen improved the efficiency and management of GFCA board proceedings, collaborating with past presidents to create GFCA’s first Policy & Procedures Manual that guides the organization. His prioritization of on-site visits to personally evaluate land use and transportation issues provided accurate perspectives and insights. The documented visits became a hallmark of GFCA’s work, validating issues the organization brings forward to the staff at Fairfax County and Commonwealth and developers. Knudsen launched ongoing investigative and mitigation efforts in the community to control stormwater runoff. He participated in a GFCA committee tasked with overseeing the cleanup of chemical spills in the center of Great Falls that threatened residents’ well water. It culminated in a program managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Leading land use negotiations with the County and developers led to the rezoning of Brooks Farm and plans for a SunTrust Bank. According to the resolution, Knudsen became a “driving force for the establishment of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, serving as the GFCA representative in establishing that organization to preserve one of our community’s most important historical assets.” Knudsen also co-chaired the Transportation Committee. In collaboration with co-chair Joan Barnes, they worked to have the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revise its proposed plans for the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike, reducing congestion and ensuring greater safety. Knudsen initiated and managed negotiations with engineers and county staff to narrow Walker Road, facilitating pedestrian crossings in the commercial center. Knudsen’s interest in citizen input in the widening project of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Tysons led to the Route 7 Working Group. This eight-year commitment advised VDOT and included participation by the McLean and Reston citizens associations. SPEAKERS at the May 15 award presentation praised Knudsen for his record of service. Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola (D-31) commended Knudsen for giving residents a voice by reaching out to them for verified consensus. She called these characteristics the hallmark of strong nonprofit organizations. GFCA Board member Gary Pan worked with Knudsen to establish the Great Falls Grange Foundation. He commended him for helping to breathe new life into the historic building and providing a new level of community involvement. “I have worked closely with Eric Knudsen on numerous transportation and land use projects over the years,” said Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville). “His leadership has improved life for residents of the Great Falls community. In 2011, I selected him to represent Dranesville as Lord Fairfax. He is a worthy recipient of the Glen Sjoblom Award for community service,” Foust said.
Knockouts on the Menu in Great Falls
Restaurant Review: Mookie’s BBQ in Great Falls
As locals applaud the reopening of restaurants in the DMV, folks craving the ideal summer grub—barbecue—should head over to Mookie’s BBQ in Great Falls.
Thursday, May 20
Convention Done, Primary Ahead
Republicans get a head start in the general election; Democrats still fighting each other
The way Democrats talk about Donald Trump, you'd think he was on the ballot in 2021. And in many ways, he is. The former president may be out of the White House and kicked off of social media, but he's still eager to see himself as a kingmaker.
Wednesday, May 19
Obituary: Nicholas (Nick) M. Horrock, 84
Nicholas M. Horrock, a distinguished journalist for many of the nation’s great newspapers, died of heart failure on Sunday, April 18 at his home in Alexandria, Va.
Opinion: Column: A True Sense of Insecurity
From the moment you hear the word cancer spoken in your direction – from your new best friend, an oncologist with whom you've had zero previous interaction, you are transported to a new reality.
Memorial to Suffragist Women Dedicated in Lorton
To educate, inspire, empower present and future generations
For more than seven decades, millions of American women sought the right to vote.
How to Keep Children, Teens Safe Online
With children and teens spending so much time online, parents and caregivers need to know how to help them be safe from predators.
Celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Importance emphasized in context of recent discrimination and hate crimes.
Educational videos and online trivia questions, organized by the school's Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, are giving Montgomery College students an opportunity for reflection, while food, music and film offer students at Marymount University in Arlington a glimpse of a different culture.
Opinion: Commentary: Nominate Mark Herring for Re-Election on June 8
The June 8 Democratic primary is an opportunity to vote for fairness and justice for everyone by supporting Attorney General Mark Herring.
Tuesday, May 18
New Memorial in Lorton Tells a Story Largely Untold
The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial
“Herstory” was made on May 16 when around 100 Northern Virginians applauded the ribbon cutting officially opening the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton, a project 13 years in the making.
Friday, May 14
It's a No to Fire Station #42 Monopole in Vienna
County and Milestone had not reached a lease agreement
The proposal to construct a telecommunication facility, with a 114-foot monopole tower at County-owned Wolf Trap Fire Station #42 in Vienna, died on May 4 after Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) presented a Board Matter concerning Milestone Communications/ Special Exception to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting.
Langley High Junior Elected Student Representative to School Board
Pranav Choudhary to serve a one-year term beginning July 1
Pranav Choudhary, a junior at Langley High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1.
Mother's Day 2021, With Love
Motherhood is a messy, complex state of being.
Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, not designated by birth or raising another human.
Thursday, May 13
Opinion: Column: A False Sense of Security
As previously referred to in a recent column, even though I am hardly cancer-free, nonetheless I am cancer interruptus for the next four weeks.
Opinion: Commentary: Respecting the Feelings of 'Other’
When I was in elementary school back in the ’80s, I came to school after celebrating Eid and closed my sweaty hands into fists.
Biking and Trail Use Continues to Grow in Northern Virginia
Pit Stop gathering is out, but Bike to Work Day is still on for May 21.
It’s been 20 years since Bike to Work Day began, and it grows each year, showing that there is another side to commuting that uses no gas, has health benefits and is fun, even if it’s only one day a year for many.
Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis
On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."
HomeLifeStyle: Elevating the Bathroom
Ideas for budget and luxury bathrooms
Sometimes regarded as a strictly functional space, bathrooms might bring to mind brushing and flossing rather than style and comfort.
New Charitable Event Kicked Off Mental Health Awareness Month
Kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month, a new golf tournament hosted by Alliance Executive Search and CBRE on May 3 raised more than $26,000 to benefit PRS, a leading behavioral health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia.
Treasury Launches State and Local Covid Relief Funds
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine applauded the Treasury Department’s launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Wednesday, May 12
Muse Condominiums Grand Opening This Month
sponsored
The most anticipated condominium community in Old Town North is opening its doors for an official Grand Opening this month. Discover artful living in an elegant environment at Muse Condominiums, where sophisticated residences and luxurious amenities make Muse an unmatched destination for homebuyers.
Knife-Wielding Man in Assault at Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque
Man is charged with hate crime after lunging at guard
Shortly before Monday’s afternoon prayer at the Dar al Hirjah Islamic Center near Seven Corners in Fairfax County, a man who was not part of the Muslim community began harassing those outside the entrance of the mosque waiting to pray.
Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers
Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.
On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).
Thursday, May 6
Ten-Year-Old Advocates for Sidewalks Along Georgetown Pike
Creates and releases an online community petition
Ponteha Aryavand, 10, of Great Falls introduced an online community petition in mid-April for a continuous yet undetermined length of sidewalk along Georgetown Pike in Great Falls.
Opinion: Commentary: Citizens Protect, Define Community
In a May 2021 issue of the Great Falls Citizens Association Newsletter, GFCA president, Bill Canis writes:
Opinion: Column: Cats in the Belfry
Have I mentioned in print lately that we, resident owners of "Belly Acres" in Burtonsville, are back to being a five-indoor-cat household?
Opinion: Commentary: Fairfax County School Board Protects Immigrant Families
Today, the Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously to develop a School Trust Policy aligning the school division with Fairfax County’s Trust Policy.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Rescind Chief of Police Appointment of Kevin Davis
A letter to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay.
Wellbeing: Meeting Increased Mental Health Needs
Affordable treatment options highlighted during National Mental Health Month
Resulting from the tumultuous and emotionally charged past year, there's been an uptick in reported mental health conditions.
Opinion: Commentary: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors: Davis ‘Has Our Trust’
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors released the following statement Tuesday, May 4, in support of Police Chief Kevin Davis:
‘Long May It Turn’ in Great Falls
Colvin Run Mill reopens with a new flume and waterwheel debut.
Colvin Run Mill opened in a grand celebration for its first grind of the season on Sunday, May 2, 2021.
Fairfax County Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit
Faith leaders question 'flawed' selection process and Supervisors' values during prayer vigil.
Approximately thirty interfaith leaders from across Fairfax County gathered in the "First Amendment" area outside the Fairfax County Government Center at noon, Tuesday, May 4.
Wednesday, May 5
Opinion: Commentary: Calling for New Fairfax County Police Chief Search
ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP in calling for a new search to fill the Fairfax County Police Chief position, this time with community involvement in the vetting process.
Davis Promises ‘Blue Waters Ahead’ for Fairfax County Police
Advocate ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP and others calling for new search
County To Hold “Community Meeting with Chief” Thursday, May 6.