Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History
Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Great Falls: St. Francis Country Fair Returns Oct. 1
The St. Francis Country Fair has been an annual tradition for over 30 years in the Great Falls community, celebrated on the first Saturday of October.
Great Falls Artists Exhibit at Reston Church
Great Falls artists Layla Gray and Gail Péan celebrated the oil paintings of their students, children and adults, Saturday Sept. 24. Friends, church members and family gathered for the art reception to view and discuss their oil paintings. The month long exhibit includes a detailed "Duomo" painting by Cassie Dallas painted over one year. “2 Teachers and 8 Students” is on view until Oct. 3 at the Unitarian Universalist Church n Reston - 1625 Wiehle Avenue, Reston - http://www.uureston.org
Great Falls: White House Ornaments on Sale
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors have announced that the White House Ornaments are available for sale to benefit Artemis House, Fairfax County shelter for women and children.
Great Falls: Battle of Dranesville Marker Rededicated
Local history recognized, commemorated in Great Falls.
A ceremony for the rededication of the Civil War marker at Georgetown Pike was held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Dranesville Church of the Brethren to commemorate the 1861 Battle of Dranesville.
Great Falls: Adult Summer Reading Success
Ray Miller wins the grand prize gift basket.
“I’m thrilled! I’ve never won anything my entire life!” That’s what Ray Miller of Great Falls had to say when he was told that he was the lucky winner of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Challenge (ASRC) grand prize gift basket.
McLean, Great Falls: Langley Football Looks for Turnaround
After a 0-4 start, Saxons play at Fairfax High Friday.
The Langley Varsity Football team took on Madison High at a home game Friday night, Sept. 23, and the stands were not lacking in spirit.
McLean Letter: The Right Choice
Letter to the Editor
I recently read that Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been endorsed by the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, as well as the local chapter of the Fairfax County Firefighters and Paramedics. This is a significant development because in 2012 the VAPBA endorsed Frank Wolf’s Democratic opponent. I’m thrilled that our local emergency responders recognize that, even though she’s only been a Congresswoman for two years, Barbara has made a real impact in our community and she deserves their endorsement.
Herndon Letter: Positive Leadership
Letter to the Editor
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been serving our area well for 7 years now – first in the House of Delegates for 5 years, and now as our Congresswoman for the past two years.
Fairfax Letter: Keeping the Nation Safe
Letter to the Editor
As we pass the fifteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, our nation takes time to reflect upon that tragic day. This solemn anniversary hits close to home to many in our area who lost loved ones or close personal friends. On this day we are also reminded that the dangers of terrorism are all too real.
Herndon Letter: Vision and Direction
Letter to the Editor
On a Christmas night, as I stood before a toy store holding my mom’s hand, I pointed my thumbs through my woolly mittens in a sharp rivalry of choice.
McLean, Great Falls, Reston: Wannabe Beekeepers Wanted
Beekeeping is a trending hobby, but many stung by the idea don’t know where to begin. On Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Reston Association Headquarters Conference Center, master beekeeper Todd Harding teaches wannabe backyard beekeepers the basics of procuring, maintaining, and feeding bees. The class is held in Reston at the home-owners association, but is open to everyone, regardless of address.
Walk to Prevent Suicide
Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”
Homework Overload
Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.
Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.
‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men
Photos, video used to demand money from victims.
Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.