Stories for December 2016

Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.

In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Police Out to Catch Drunken Drivers in Fairfax County

Grant funds new DWI Enforcement Squad.

A new squad of police officers has started patrolling the county and they have only one mission: to combat impaired driving.

Holiday Grief

Workshop helps others deal with loss.

The holiday season is bittersweet for Jeanne Rorke.

Letter to the Editor: Protect the Consumer Protection Bureau

Consumer protection groups have grown increasingly concerned about Republican promises to cut back on financial regulations next year.

Commentary: Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway

I endorse the Connection Newspaper’s recent editorial on the progress Fairfax County has made implementing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, on which I had the honor of serving as chairman of the Use of Force Subcommittee.

Commentary: Congress Coming Together to Find and Fund Faster Cures

On Dec. 8, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, and the Speaker of the House, as the Speaker signed the 21st Century Cures Act.

Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2

Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….

Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Fairfax: ‘Just Pause and Don’t Do It’

Residents debate University Drive extension

The City’s proposal to extend University Drive has sparked strong feelings in Fairfax residents. They spoke both for and against it at the Nov. 1 community outreach meeting and before the Nov. 8 City Council meeting. But most of the speakers during Tuesday night’s public hearing were firmly opposed.

Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed

Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.

After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.

Police Chief’s Cruiser Hit by Drunken Driver

News

Fairfax County Police Department Chief Col. Edwin Roessler Jr. was rear-ended by a drunken driver in Centreville on Monday night, Dec. 12.

Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented

Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.

Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2016

In November, 2016, 12 Great Falls homes sold between $2,360,000-$695,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2016

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Great Falls Farmers Market Now Warm in the Grange

The Great Falls Farmers Market continues year round, meeting in the Great Falls Grange Hall from now through March 25, 2017.

Nine, Not 10, Houses Approved for Hills Nursery in Great Falls

The Gulick Group, Inc. originally requested to rezone and develop 11 acres of forested land at the north end of the former Hills Nursery site into 10 homes.

Season of Giving in Full Swing at Share in McLean

More than 275 families, or more than 800 people, attended Share’s holiday program on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the McLean Baptist Church on Chain Bridge Road.

Classified Advertising December 14, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving

Combating that holiday period which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is a “dangerous time to be on the road due to a high number of drunk drivers behind the wheel,” a local nonprofit organization will offer free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during the winter holidays.

New Catholic Bishop: To Listen and Learn

A ministry to the faithful and the community beyond.

The Most Rev. Michael Burbidge assumed full authority last week as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

Open Floor Plan Provides Holiday Entertainment Solution

Open house helps homeowners looking for ideas.

It's one thing to talk a good game; quite another to put your ideas to the test by inviting a long list of perceptive critics to inspect your wares.

2017 Color of the Year: Greenery

Pantone says color will evoke reinvigoration.

When Reston-based interior designer Annie Elliott’s home office began to feel lackluster, she draped the windows with green Roman shades to infuse a burst of color into the muted space.

Great Falls: Colors of Pride

The Steigleman family of Great Falls shares their Patriotic Christmas Tree with the community.

“My husband and I love to drive around the neighborhoods this time of year and look at everyone’s Christmas lights..." said Amy Steigleman.

Quarterback Promotes ‘Phones Down. Touchdown.’ Initiative

Redskins’ quarterback urges region to put phones down while behind the wheel.

“If I get sacked in a game, I can get back up and move onto the next play — for the most part,” he said. “But when you text and drive, you might not get back up.”

Classified Advertising December 7, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Supervisors Establish Fairfax County’s First Police Civilian Review Panel

As complement to police auditor, panel will review abuse and misconduct complaints.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to establish a Civilian Review Panel to provide oversight of Fairfax County Police and to hear complaints of police misconduct or abuse of authority.

Great Falls Lights Up for Christmas

Holiday Celebration

Hundreds of people assembled in the field of the Great Falls Village Centre for the community’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Sunday.

Great Falls: Tips from the Pros Make Holiday Shipping Simple

The UPS Store in Great Falls Center aims to make shopping-to-shipping transition easier.

Be sure to visit the folks at The UPS Store in Great Falls Center, 9893 Georgetown Pike, for any additional holiday packing and shipping information. You may also visit them at www.theupsstorelocal.com/6725. And, don’t forget - AAA members receive 5 percent off shipping. Beginning Monday, Dec. 12 The UPS Store in Great Falls Center will offer extended

McLean WinterFest Parade Celebrates Eighth Run

Holiday

More than 60 groups marched down the mile-long parade route for the WinterFest Parade in McLean on Sunday, Dec. 4. “It’s been around for a long time,” says Maureen Scholz a seven-year member of the parade’s steering committee.

McLean: Langley Crew Athletes Committed to Row in College

Both athletes signed their Letters of Intent in a ceremony at Langley High School on Nov. 10. Pierce was in the 2015 Virginia State Champion J8+, placing 10th at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America's National Championship Regatta.

McLean: Addiction Is Not 'Somewhere Else'

Former NBA player talks to McLean about countywide drug problem.

Herren believes parents “hover over [their] kids academically, apply pressure athletically and drop the ball socially and emotionally.” He urged parents to play an active role in making sure their kids don’t need substances on a Friday night.

The Container Store Launches Annual Holiday Hugs Program

Holiday gift drive for children in the hospital during the holiday

The Container Store continues its annual, nationwide signature giving program, Holiday Hugs. In each of their Washington, DC-area stores, they are partnering with Children’s National Health System to collect and deliver new, unwrapped gifts to their young patients who are spending the holidays away from home. Customers can participate in the Holiday Hugs program by dropping off new, unwrapped books, small toys and games, toiletries, gift cards and kid-friendly stocking stuffers in collection bins at the Washington, DC, Arlington, Reston, Tysons Corner and Rockville locations between now and Dec. 18.

Vienna: Old Comedy Finds New Audiences

Oakton High production of "Once in a Lifetime."

Gorgeous costumes, talking pictures, and two thousand airplanes -- what could this possibly be, you ask? Why, Oakton High School’s production of “Once in a Lifetime” of course! “Once in a Lifetime” was written in 1929 by Moss Hart, and would turn out to be the first of many successes for the playwright.

Vienna: Santa Joins Area Families for Lunch

More than 230 people bought tickets for annual Vienna event.

The annual lunch with Santa was held at the Vienna volunteer fire station this year as the community center is out of commission while being remodeled. With support from the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department, Santa and his elves joined more than 230 guests at a lunch in his honor on Dec. 3.

Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole from Northern Virginia

In spirit of season, community organizations and businesses donate hundreds of service hours and supplies.

One hundred twenty-five children with life-challenging illnesses, their families and a support team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, for a total of 216 people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles International Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hottest destination of the season.

Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless

Shelter Information

NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Volunteer Receives National Leadership Award

Volunteer

Julius Hankin, with the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna was chosen as the recipient of the 2016 Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award. The Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes top volunteers with the Shepherd’s Centers of America network for their service in helping older adults live safely and independently in their own homes. This is the only national volunteer award recognizing the service of seniors for seniors.

Vienna: Winter Walk of Lights Brings Holiday Magic to Life

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens decorates its 100-plus acres with lighted scenes.

The Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens off Beulah Road in Vienna runs to Jan. 8. First timed entry is at 5:30 p.m.; the last is 9:30 p.m.

Meet young chef Ryan Spicknell.

McLean: Fabulous Offers at Earls Kitchen + Bar

Spicknell had dinner at the Vancouver location of the Earls group, and learned that management was looking for summer help. So he jumped at the chance, and from dishwasher to kitchen help, the youngster, perhaps unintentionally, launched his culinary career.

McLean High Model United Nations Holds Conference, Receives Outstanding Large School Award

McLean High School Model United Nations held its second conference, McMUNC, on Oct. 21 -22. Thirty-two area schools attended with more than 600 students participating.

McLean: Langley High to Perform First Play in Renovated Performing Arts Center

Theater

Students will be performing their first stage play “Harvey” at the newly remodeled Langley High School Performing Arts Center from Thursday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 3. “I always select a season based on the students I have,” says Karasek. “I like to challenge them as artists.”

Great Falls U7 Wins Rugby Tournament

Sports

Great Falls Village was a busy place on Sunday, Nov. 20, as Great Falls Youth Rugby hosted its third, annual tournament to benefit the spinal cord injury research and recovery programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network. The President of Great Falls Rugby is himself a spinal cord injury survivor.

Great Falls: Amalthea Ridge Plans Expansion

”You can’t keep a scientist out of the lab,” says Sarah Wehri. “I was making soap for my daughter who had super sensitive skin,” she says. “Lotion would make her breakout, so I made my first lotion for her. It was a fun challenge to start with.”

Vienna Celebrates Holidays Small-town Style

Church Street Holiday Stroll lights up with Santa, music, fun; draws hundreds of families.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s antique fire truck carried Santa along Center Street and onto Church Street, its siren blaring as it made its way to the Christmas tree at the corner of Church and Mill streets. Santa, Mayor Laurie DiRocco, State Senator Chap Petersen, and Del. Mark Keam joined together to light the tree as milling guests applauded.

McLean: Gratitude Abounds at Lewinsville Thanksgiving Dinner

“It’s not always easy to be grateful … we get used to the comforts around us,” Spencer Deese, 25, said during a short message during the dinner’s worship service. “Gratitude takes practice, just like any other skill.”