Thursday, January 29
Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment
How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.
Wednesday, January 28
A Challenge for Garza: Excessive Homework
To the Editor: Your article “How Does She Do It” - Karen Garza’s vision: the irresistible force moving immovable object of Fairfax County Public Schools (The Connection,December 24-10, 2014) showed FCPS Superintendent Dr. Garza as a force for change. In the Fairfax County school system, students demonstrate excellence by collaborating and achieving good grades with the assistance of teachers.
Letter to the Editor: Better Safe Than Sorry
To the Editor: This letter is in response to a recent letter to the editor in opposition to Fairfax County's Fall Cankerworm (FCW) spraying program.
Letter: Colonel’s Modesty
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: I learned in your obituary of Col. Pete Hilgartner, last week, that for service in Vietnam he earned the Silver Star - the third-highest military combat decoration, awarded for gallantry to a small fraction of a percent of Soldiers and Marines.
Its Time for a “Place”
The Great Falls Historical Society, founded in 1977, is a relatively young organization with memories of teams of volunteers working on substantial historical accomplishments together – memories often buried or lost, but that occasionally return to view.
Great Falls Grange to Reopen on March 7
National Grange president comes to Great Falls Grange on march 11.
The newly renovated, handicap-accessible Grange will be reopened on March 7 at 10 a.m., during the Great Falls Farmers Market. John Foust, and Fairfax County Park Authority officials will be present to welcome a new era of community activity and cut the ribbon on the newly renovated facility.
Column: Traffic Caught
If I were writing this column in Massachusetts – where I was born and mostly educated (K-12), and had a thick Boston accent, that’s how court would likely be pronounced; changing a noun into a verb.
Tuesday, January 27
Schools to Expand by $856 Million
Capital Improvement Plan approved, rising enrollment causes concerns about classroom space.
Five more school buildings and renovations for several existing ones may be approved by 2020. The Fairfax County School Board approved the $856 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at the Jan. 22 meeting to set priority on the projects the school system wants done in the next five years.
Great Falls Outlook: Facing Hot Issues
Keeping up-to-date on toxic plume, deer management, Turner Farm House, Route 7.
Great Falls residents will see the results of past resolutions and actions in the next 12 months. Community leaders said the biggest topics the village will discuss this year include deer management, the Route 7 expansion and possible Independence Day fireworks.
Great Falls: Langley Girls' Basketball Team on a Roll
Hard-nosed defense, Coach Baker’s preparation key during 13-1 start.
The Langley girls' basketball team defeated Langley 44-25 on Jan. 23 to improve to 13-1.
Monday, January 26
College Prep for All
The ANA Project offers college test preparation tools to students at all income levels.
Amir Mousavi of Arlington, owner of Langley Prep, a provider of private, in-home tutoring for standardized tests, says students with limited financial resources are often at a disadvantage when it comes to preparing for college admissions examinations such as the SAT and the ACT.
Puller Will Not Seek Re-election
Just as the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 2015 January session, state Sen. Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-36) announced her decision to not run for re-election later this year. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of the 36th district in the Senate of Virginia,” Puller said in a Jan. 14 statement. “Now, with the encouragement, love and support of my family I have made the decision to step down.”
Editorial: Baby Steps, Not Enough
Supervisors should take action, not defer to “outside expert,” on absurd and outrageous behavior of police department.
Finally, now that the Fairfax County Police Department has taken stonewalling into the arena of the absurd, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has at least said it is time for change. It is a step, but a step that continues the appearance of obfuscation if not outright obstruction.
Thursday, January 22
Fairfax County Delivers Geer Documents
Thirty days after a court order by Fairfax Circuit Court judge Randy Bellows, Fairfax County has produced documents concerning the shooting death of John Geer.
Demolition at Langley Begins
Three-year renovation project will update local school.
Phase one of Langley High School’s renovation project has begun. The building, built in the 1960s, will receive its first major overhaul in an effort to update the building to create a more effective learning environment for students.
McLean Residents Air Concerns to Legislators
Town Hall meeting held in McLean Community Center.
Six local state legislators listened to the concerns of a room full of people last Saturday. Several delegates and state senators took part in a Town Hall meeting on Jan. 17 at the McLean Community Center to talk about some of their bills and find out what issues their constituents thought were important.
Could Fairfax County End Veteran Homelessness in 2015?
Chairman Bulova, Fairfax County take on national Mayors Challenge.
The transition from serving in the armed forces to civilian life is often not simple. While in Fairfax County there are more than 12,000 veteran-owned businesses, indicating a significant measure of success, for others the path is far more difficult.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bulova Releases 2015 State of the County Address
Despite a projected shortfall of nearly $100 million facing Fairfax County going into the FY 2016 budget, Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova remains encouraged by a 2014 that she said was full of accomplishments.
Wednesday, January 21
Public Information Meetings on Transforming I-66
Work is underway to transform Northern Virginia's I-66. Under the proposed plan, I-66 would be improved to provide:
Perform in Honors Orchestra Concert
Eleven students represented Langley High School in the District XII Honors Orchestra Concert on Jan. 10, at Wakefield High School.
Lady Saxons Hold Skills Tournament for Special Olympians
The Lady Saxons — Langley High School’s Varsity Basketball Team — is doing its part both on and off the court. Last Saturday, the Lady Saxons traveled to Catoctin Elementary School in Leesburg to help run an afternoon Skills Tournament for Special Olympics basketball athletes. The athletes worked on shooting, dribbling, passing and having fun.
Bald Eagles at Great Falls Rebuild Fallen Nest
New nest is visible from Potomac, Md. or Great Falls, Va. national parks.
The current pair of adult Bald Eagles at Great Falls have rebuilt their nest, which fell or blew down last spring. For at least 20 years, Bald Eagles, although surely not the same two birds, have been nesting on Conn Island, which is the large tree-covered island in the middle of the Potomac just above the cofferdam, up river from the Great Falls themselves.
The Great Falls Farmers Market at the Historic Old Schoolhouse until the Grange Re-Opens
Every Saturday morning, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., this winter the historic Old Schoolhouse comes alive with devoted vendors bringing their wares, set up beautifully, anticipating the visits of farmers market devotees, new discoverers of the market, and occasional visitors.
Offering ‘Fresh Food Fast’
Postmodern Foods finds a more permanent home in Great Falls.
Perhaps you have seen Virginia native Denise Hicks, founder and CEO of Postmodern Foods, at the Great Falls Community Farmers Market on Saturdays or at one of the other popular markets around the D.C. Metro region. Offering a variety of organic and freshly made cold pressed juices, fruit and vegetable smoothies, entrees, and desserts, her focus has been to promote a healthy lifestyle with the mantra "Eat More Plants.”
Letter: Volunteer for the Games
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: I love this community. There are so many ways to serve a community as diverse and as vibrant as ours. I recently competed in a special election to succeed Congresswoman Comstock. While I came up short in the vote count, largely due to the unfortunate weather on Election Day, I am as inspired to serve as I was on that day. My passion to serve others only strengthens with each pursuit.
Column: Seasonal Seven Dwarfs
Sneezy, Coughy, Phlegmy, Stuffy, Achy. No-Sleepy and Post-Nasal Drippy; and no Doc, which is possibly what led to this column being written.
Tuesday, January 20
Scott Surovell (D-44) Announces Bid for State Senate
Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) used his blog and e-newsletter to make his intention known: Less than a week after Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) announced she would not look to serve another term, Surovell declared he would run for the vacant seat on Sunday, Jan. 18.
Friday, January 16
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2014
In December 2014, 23 Great Falls homes sold between $2,400,000-$573,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2014
Thursday, January 15
Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: 2014 Top Sales
Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: 2014 Top Sales
General Assembly Fairfax Delegation Holds Public Meeting Prior to Session in Richmond.
Justin Dolan addressed the state delegates and senators from his wheelchair rather than the podium. The 34-year-old Falls Church resident has cerebral palsy, and received an Individual & Family Developmental Disabilities Support waiver.
Fairfax County Supervisors Seek Outside Help with Transparency
“Independent expertise” to advise on information disclosure policies.
Eight days after offering the public the first of any kind of official explanation for officer-involved shooting of Springfield resident John Geer, the Board of Supervisors took another step.
The $2.4 Billion Question
FCPS Superintendent presents next year’s budget.
Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza is proposing a $2.4 billion budget for the 2015-16 school year. The proposed Fairfax County Public Schools’ budget includes funds for full-day Mondays, teacher compensation and later high school start times while still finding room for $55.4 million in cuts.
Wednesday, January 14
Troop 55 Boy Scouts Earn President’s Medal
“To encourage more individuals to embody the spirit of volunteerism that makes this country so great” is the goal of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Jeff Ye, a Patrol Advisor with Boy Scout Troop 55 from Great Falls, worked with the Troop 55 leadership and introduced the award to the Boy Scouts this past Fall.
Fun in the Snow
Churchill Road second graders enjoyed some fun in the snow just after winter break. George Gaulding made snow angels while classmates Sydney Diao and Annalee Borden prepared to make snowmen.
Great Falls Trailblazers Win State Gardens Christmas Tree Decorating Contest
The theme tree was decorated with a silver and blue trail around the tree which had several animals hiding in the branches. The answer to the question How many animals can you find along the trail was 8: one squirrel, two snowy owls two chipmunks, two fawns with a cardinal for the tree top.
Backyard Dreaming
Local tastemakers say winter is the best time to plan an idyllic backyard retreat.
Spring may seem light years away from the frigid January temperatures, and lounging in your backyard is probably the last thing you want to do at the moment, but landscape designers say now is the time to start planning a summer retreat.
Column: $32.99 Plus Shipping
For one box of 54 petite Belgian waffle cookies in three delicious flavors: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vanilla; an extravagance to be sure, available during the holidays; this recipient (actually, my wife, Dina, was the recipient) very happy to oblige and indulge.
James Paul Rainey, 84, Dies
James Paul Rainey passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2014 at the age of 84. At the time of death, Jim was living in Great Falls, having recently moved there from Naples, Fla. Born in Weirton, W. Va., Jim’s family moved to Pennsylvania and Ohio where he graduated from Lakewood High School in 1948.
Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department Wins Holiday Decorating Contest
Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department won $200 as the Celebrate Great Falls Holiday Decorating Contest winner
Friday, January 9
Editorial: Happy New Year
Focused on community.
Happy New Year. We need your help in 2015. As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.
Thursday, January 8
Bollywood Bistro Finds Home in Great Falls
Restaurant adds spice to shopping center.
Great Falls loves lamb - at least according to Bollywood Bistro owner Pankaj Sharma. The restaurant has been open for two months and already has regular clientele, he said.
Looking Forward: Great Falls 2015
Plans to work with county on Route 7, curatorship program.
Great Falls has a lot to look forward to this year. Community leaders said the biggest topics the village will discuss this year include deer management, the Route 7 expansion and possible Independence Day fireworks.
Wednesday, January 7
Comstock's Character Honored in McLean
In 1997, Barbara Comstock gave the first Character Does Count Award to The Honorable Ed Meese. At the time, Comstock was the first President of the Patriot Republican Women’s Club. Fast forward to the present, and Barbara Comstock, Congresswoman-Elect for Virginia’s 10th District, was herself honored with this year’s 2014 Character Does Count Award.
Column: Down and Not Out, Yet
Thankfully (so far as I know, which isn’t very far), after a five-week interval between infusions, which included two additional weeks of pre-chemotherapy lab work and an out-of-the-ordinary 24-hour urine collection (“creatinine clearance”) to boot – to more accurately measure my kidney function in hopes of meeting a 1.6 threshold – muster was finally passed, and I was subsequently infused without any further adieu.
Overnight I-66 Closures in January
All lanes of Interstate 66 in one direction will close intermittently between midnight and 5 a.m. on several dates in January for the installation of gantries. Each closure will last up to 30 minutes.
Letter to the Editor: A Wonderful Article
To the Editor: What a wonderful article you wrote, Kareese (“How I Left…” by Kareese Akinloba, grade 8, Irving Middle School, Children’s Connection, January 1-7, 2015). Your writing ability is beyond your years.
Tuesday, January 6
Kathleen Murphy wins 34th District
Voters turn up despite snow storm.
Kathleen Murphy was greeted with cheers by more than a hundred supporters as she entered her victory party at McLean Community Center. The democrat won the 34th District seat of the state House of Delegates, 6,406 to 6,082, on Tuesday after Republican Craig Parisot conceded the race.
Thursday, January 1
Children's Connection 2014
This week, the Connection turns over its pages to the youth and students.