Comstock, Murphy Face off in 34th
Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock goes against Democrat Kathleen Murphy Nov. 5.
Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock will face off against Democratic challenger Kathleen Murphy for the 34th delegate seat on Tuesday Nov. 5.
Colvin Run Opens New Playground
Addition features reading garden, new blacktop, reading benches.
Students, parents, teachers and administrators at Colvin Run Elementary School celebrated the opening of their new playground Wednesday, Oct. 23.
State Gardens Open for Business in Great Falls
Garden center features local art, firewood, plants, cider, with more to come.
For Ian McKeown, it was all about the Christmas trees. As someone who spent most of his life working at garden centers and farmers market, when the Vienna native was looking for a path, he decided to follow the Christmas trees.
Classified Advertising October 23, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Editorial: Halloween Party Safety Net
Make plans for a safe celebration; SoberRide safety net for those over 21.
Halloween is now a major holiday for adults, especially young adults, and also one of the major holidays each year that involve partying with alcohol and the risks of drinking and driving.
Denim Do-gooders Help Put Zip on Homelessness
Deltek hosts “challenge breakfast” to turn $5 into $25,000.
Casual Friday got a twist on Friday, Oct. 18, as thousands of employees throughout Fairfax County became denim do-gooders by throwing on a pair of jeans to help prevent and end homelessness. Deltek, Inc., the Herndon-based global software and information solutions company, kicked off the third annual Jeans Day in Fairfax County by hosting a fundraising breakfast. The company, founded in 1983 by Don deLaski and his son Kenneth, hosted one of the first Jeans Day events in Fairfax County. “We were excited to see Deltek host this challenge breakfast that welcomed businesses, nonprofits and other community leaders interested in helping to make jeans day a huge success this year,” said Dean Klein, director of Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). “Even though we continue to have great support from longtime supporters, we also saw so much energy and enthusiasm from new partners.”
Officers in Pink Promote Breast Cancer Awareness
Residents and motorists in Fairfax County may notice hot pink collars peeking out of the top of the official uniform as officers respond to calls for service for the next two weeks. For the first time, officers are sanctioned to wear the T-shirts that read “Arrest Breast Cancer; Unlock the Cure” between Oct. 18-31. Hundreds of Police Department employees purchased the shirts at $15 each, with proceeds being donated to local cancer charities. The pink T-shirt campaign is being supported by the Fairfax County Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 77 and donations from Tysons Corner Center and Blue Line Motors of Warrenton.
Something's Missing
To the Editor: Here we were in election season again, but something seemed to be missing. Then it occurred to me: Where were all the campaign signs that usually pollute the median strips of our busy streets, distracting drivers and inconveniencing the crews charged with mowing and maintaining these areas? In past years, candidates often became engaged in arms races that resulted in hundreds of signs being plastered on every open space available. I inquired with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and learned that the county has new authority to enforce the laws against temporary signage on state highway rights-of-way, complete with the ability to levy fines against violators. Hallelujah!
Sheltering Animals & Families Together
Initiative promotes domestic violence shelters that accept pets.
Did you know that approximately 2.3 million people, primarily women, are victims of partner violence? Did you know that over 62 percent of the American households have, at least, one pet? Approximately 48 percent of abused women do not leave an abusive situation because they will not leave their pets behind. Pets are likely to be victimized by the household abuser. The abuser’s animal cruelty is used to force compliance from the victims. “What I do to the dog is what I can do to you” is the message the abuser sends, according to Allie Phillips, founder of Sheltering Animals & Families Together [SAF-T]. “As a prosecutor in Michigan, I saw women who stayed with their abusers to protect their pets,” said Phillips. “If they leave, the abuser will turn his anger on the pet. The pet usually is the primary target used to control the victim. “I created the safety program to help get these women out of their abusive homes.”
On County Libraries: We Should Know Better
To the Editor: I am the assistant branch manager at Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. I also worked at Reston Regional Library for four
Both Sides of Humility
To the Editor: Frank Wolf has been a decent congressman, but his column in last week's Connection shows how easy it is for politicians to (unintentionally?) speak with a forked tongue [It’s Going to Take Humility, Connection, Oct. 16-22, 2013]. At first he tells us, almost lectures us, about the value of humility. I agree, he's on target here. The swelled heads of congressmen leads to hardened opinions and an unmerited sense of self-importance on both sides of the aisle.
Preserving the Lifeline
To the Editor: As a long-time resident of Fairfax County, I am concerned about congressional initiatives that would kick 1.7 million Americans off the Food Stamp Program (SNAP). The program has been a lifeline for millions of Virginians suffering the effects of the economic downturn.
Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide Supported by Fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club
Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide are being supported by the 4th Keller Williams Charity Golf Tournament in October. The tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at Trump National Golf Club Washington in Potomac Falls, Va., with 36 holes on two courses and waterfront vistas of the Potomac River.
Halloween Parade Steps Off on Oct. 23
Pre-parade entertainment on Town Green new in 2013.
Vienna’s longest-running and most-anticipated annual event—the 67th Vienna Halloween parade—steps off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. One hundred-plus groups, clubs, bands and floats take over Maple Avenue between Berry and Center streets.
Saving Public Libraries
To the Editor: A significant number of planners expect the nation to be illiterate by 2050, so books will not be needed. Instead of planning for my grandchildren’s needs today, the county has decided to prepare for their grandchildren’s needs in an imaginary future where people no longer read, where electronic devices enable them to communicate without written language, where books no longer exist. (From a study on architect Grimm & Parker’s website.)
Stark Contrast in 34th District
I do not often write letters to the editor, but felt compelled to now. I have been active in this community for over 35 years as the Dranesville School Board member, Dranesville supervisor, chairman of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, and many other business, school and philanthropic activities. I have known many people who worked hard to make this community better. I have personally known almost all of the people who have run for local and state office from our community over the last 30 years, no matter the party. The contrast in this year's election for delegate in the 34th District could not be more stark.
Homecoming at Langley
Langley students enjoyed a homecoming dinner at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Saturday, Oct. 12.
Hanna Rose Hunt Named Outstanding Teen
Langley junior plans to speak at local schools about teen depression and anxiety.
Hanna Rose Hunt had never been in a pageant before this year’s Virginia State Fair. So far, she is undefeated, as she was named Miss State Fair of Virginia’s Outstanding Teen.
Langley Fork Draft Plan Released
Plan must be approved by National Park Service before possible land swap.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the latest draft master plan for Langley Fork Park at Franklin Sherman Elementary School Thursday, Oct. 17. The process has been going on since October 2011.
Shiloh Baptist Church 140th Anniversary Recognized by Board of Supervisors
Supervisor John Foust and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored Rev. Dr. Robert Cheeks, Jr. and members of the Shiloh Baptist Church of McLean on their 140th anniversary at the board's Tuesday, Oct. 8 meeting. Shiloh Baptist is one of the oldest African-American churches in Fairfax County. Its history dates back to Cyrus Carter, a prominent member of the Northern Virginia African-American community.