Thursday, January 28
Snowstorm Q&A: Langley’s Duenkel Watched Movies with Family
Stnowstorm Q&A with Langley lacrosse player Halle Duenkel.
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Winter Fun and Entertainment
Winter Events and Activities to Keep You Warm
Winter Events and Activities to keep you warm
Sports Roundups
Sporting news in your area.
FCPS Award Nominations Sought
The nomination deadline is Feb. 3.
June Shea, Shea Studio Interiors, Recognized For Excellence in Customer Service
June Shea, Shea Studio Interiors of Fairfax Station, won “Best Of Customer Service" for 2016.
Great Falls: What's Coming?
In the pipeline for Great Falls ...
Several times a year, the Connection will map coming land use issues; to let us know about projects we’re missing, email kmoore@connectionnewspapers.com.
Great Falls Girl Scout Troop 1991 Earns the Silver Award
The girls of Great Falls Girl Scout Cadette Troop 1991 earned the organization’s Silver Award—the highest award for a Girl Scout Cadette.
Wednesday, January 27
‘Colors of the Winter’ at Katie’s Coffee
Great Falls Studios photographer Jim Diedrich (Jamesdiedrich.com) is the featured artist for February at Katie's Coffee.
Editorial: ‘Disappointing, Not Surprising’
Bills to rein in predatory lending die in Senate committee.
Have you ever paid 36 percent interest on a loan or credit card?
Positive 2015 Real Estate Market Spurs Upbeat Outlook for New Year
Experts predict continuing positive trend.
The final figures are in, and it looks like the 2015 local housing market was a modest winner.
Building for the Future
School Board approves five-year $777 million Capital Improvement Plan.
While the rest of Fairfax County hunkered down in preparation for Winter Storm Jonas’ Friday arrival, members of the School Board held their business meeting as scheduled on Jan. 21 and approved a five-year Capital Improvement Plan requiring $777 million.
McAuliffe Visits Fairfax County Post-Blizzard
Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) visited the Fairfax County Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, Jan. 24, following the worst of Winter Storm Jonas to be updated on the state of the county in the blizzard’s wake.
Fairfax County Suspends Trash Collection for Blizzard Week
Fairfax County announced on its Emergency Information website Saturday night, Jan. 23, during Winter Storm Jonas that trash and recycling collection services would be suspended for the week of Jan. 25-30.
Classified Advertising January 27, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, January 22
Fairfax County Braces for Epic Winter Storm Jonas
Chairman Bulova says VDOT was unprepared for Wednesday night, encourages residents to stay off roads during storm.
With Winter Storm Jonas looming and expected to begin Friday afternoon, a much milder dusting of snow the previous Wednesday night caught commuters and transportation workers off-guard. Treacherous, slick roads resulted in numerous accidents and forcing drivers into gridlock around Fairfax County.
Lorton Brewer’s Wife Dies from Cancer
One week after a special ale was brewed to support her medical and other related costs, Kerri Rose of Alexandria died from cancer.
Brain Injury Services in Springfield gets survivors back into the community
In one moment, Kim Daily’s life changed forever. It was September 2011 and the Centreville resident was in a car accident where she hit her head. Afterwards she experienced some numbness and pain in her neck.
Thursday, January 21
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2015
In December, 2015, 17 Great Falls homes sold between $4,100,000-$460,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: December, 2015
Weekend Events
Winter is coming. Call venues for schedule changes.
Winter is coming. Call venues ahead of time for schedule changes.
Tuesday, January 19
Victor Not Victim
Leading by example.
A tall, striking figure in red, Nyrisha Beckman stands in front of a room of recent Fairfax County high school graduates; not as a cautionary tale, but rather a true inspiration.
Commentary: Transportation Improvements Will Bolster Economy
Northern Virginia Business Transportation Coalition 2016 policy statement.
We, the undersigned Northern Virginia organizations representing the vast majority of businesses and employees of Northern Virginia’s private sector and nonprofit workforce, believe that a strong, efficient regional transportation network is essential to our region’s future economic competitiveness, security, and quality of life. W
Editorial: Pay Attention
General Assembly action matters more in Virginia.
The Virginia General Assembly began its 60-day 2016 session on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
McLean and Great Falls: Delegates, Senators Meet Constituents
McLean delegates and senators discuss guns, foster care, nursing, student debt, Judge Jane Roush and more.
Alexandra Reed Lajoux advocates for youth in foster care without a home, “sans domicile fix, as the French say.”
Week in Great Falls
Senior Center Event to Discuss Human Genome Project
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) speaker for February is Carla L. Easter, Ph.D., chief of the Education and Community Involvement Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Her topic will be The Human Genome Project.
UPS Store Opens in Great Falls
The UPS Store, located at 9893 Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, opened on Monday, Jan. 4.
Student Art on Exhibit at The Arts of Great Falls School
The Arts of Great Falls School and Gallery held its seventh annual student art exhibition and awards ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 756 Walker Road in Great Falls.
Living on the Land: ‘Semi-Rural’ Great Falls
Dairy farming was the most prevalent economic activity in the Great Falls area from the 1880s, after the Civil War, through to 1989, when the very last functioning dairy farm was sold.
Gail Péan’s Paintings on Exhibit at Katie’s Coffee House
Oil Painter Gail Péan is currently the featured artist at the Old Brogue (Katie’s Coffee House) dining room through Jan. 31.
Great Falls Boy Scouts Earn Eagle Scout Rank
Boy Scout Troop 55 achieves its 100th Eagle Scout.
Boy Scout Troop 55, sponsored by St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, promoted five scouts to the Eagle Rank.
Great Falls Writers Group Hosts Youth Writing Contest
Cash often motivates students to do anything — even homework.
Calls to Widen American Legion Bridge
Each weekday, nearly 300,000 vehicles cross the American Legion Bridge, and each day traffic backs up into McLean, Great Falls and beyond.
Saturday, January 16
Great Falls: Langley Defense Stifles Madison in Conference 6 Matchup
Saxons hold Warhawks without field goal for nine-plus minutes.
The Langley girls' basketball team defeated Madison 38-27 on Friday.
Great Falls: Langley Takes Sole Possession of First in Conference 6
Tarpley comes up clutch in victory over Madison.
The Langley boys' basketball team defeated Madison 62-57 on Friday.
Thursday, January 14
Coyotes on the Rise in Fairfax County
Police advise precautions
Over the last several months, Fairfax County Police said wildlife officials have received an increasing number of calls about the presence of coyotes in the area.
Wednesday, January 13
Great Falls: Langley Guard Galiani Breaks Program Scoring Record
Saxons beat McLean, lose to Fairfax.
Paige Galiani took over sole possession of first place on the Langley girls' basketball program's all-time scoring list.
Classified Advertising January 13, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Sports Roundups
Sports happenings
PenFed to Move to Tysons
Tysons location attracts new corporate headquarters.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed), one of the largest credit unions in the nation, will relocate its corporate headquarters to the Tysons Corner area as it expands its operations.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls
Letter: The Brooks Farm and the Community’s Future
To the Editor
It is crucial to elevate awareness of the long-term comprehensive plan for Great Falls. When I grew up in this town, residents banded together to protect the rural and picturesque beauty.
Letter: Preserving Rural Community
To the Editor
Why should anyone be surprised that the Fairfax County Planning Commission staff recommended approval of the rezoning for Brooks Farm development (“What’s Happening in 2016 in Great Falls?” - Great Falls Connection, Jan. 6-12, 2016).
Letter: Concerned for School Bus Stop Safety
To the Editor
I am a seventh grade student at Kilmer Middle School.
Elvis at Great Falls Library
Creative book displays promote reading.
Jan. 8 was Elvis Presley’s birthday and the perfect inspiration for a new book display at Great Falls Community Library.
GFHoops to Host Second Shots for Shots Campaign
A long line in a grocery store can be tedious or lead to great things.
State Sen. Favola, Del. Murphy Hold Public Hearing in Great Falls
A couple of dozen people attended the Saturday public hearing in Great Falls held by Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34).
Great Falls Doctor Receives Award from the American College of Physicians
April S. Fitzgerald, MD, FACP, of Great Falls, has been awarded The Herbert S. Waxman Award for Outstanding Medical Student Educator by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the national organization of internists.
Tuesday, January 12
Pet Photos for the Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on Feb. 24, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 17.
Editorial: Budget Season Trainwreck?
County looks at “lines of business,” schools call for full funding.
Karen Garza didn’t move to Fairfax County from Texas to preside over the decline of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Design Trends for 2016
Local style gurus predict the elements that will be popular this year.
The start of the year offers an opportunity to ring in new trends, particularly when it comes to a home’s interior.
Color of the Year
Pantone honor bestowed on two colors for 2016
Two colors, Serenity (light blue) and Rose Quartz (pale pink), were recently named the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2016.
Above a Cut
FCPS Superintendent Garza calls for no additional cuts in $2.67 billion FY 2017 budget
For Fiscal Year 2015, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza oversaw $96.5 million in cuts made from the school system’s annual operating budget. For FY 2016, it was $55.4 million, she said.
Residents List Priorities for General Assembly
Residents tell legislators of priorities ahead of the 60-day session of the General Assembly.
Barbara Quesada, parent of a Franklin Sherman Elementary School student, reminded the General Assembly delegation from Fairfax that Nova Firearms opened its new store right next to the McLean elementary school.
Friday, January 8
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2015
In November, 2015, 13 Great Falls homes sold between $2,750,000-$455,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: November, 2015
Thursday, January 7
Remodeled Home Tour Set for Jan. 9, 2016
After multiple attempts, cramped split-level grows to generously-sized neoclassical design.
A circa 1960s split-level enhanced by a 300-square-foot addition, a reconfigured main level floor plan and a seamlessly remade front elevation will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Wednesday, January 6
Cooper Students Send Snack Packs to Groveton
Cooper students send snack packs to Groveton.
McLean and Great Falls: An Outstanding Year
Real Estate market in McLean and Great Falls in 2015.
The numbers are in for 2015 in McLean and Great Falls and the market is up almost 11 percent over 2014 in terms of number of sales.
Great Falls: Veterinary Clinic, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital to Merge
Mission: first-class pet care in Great Falls.
The Georgetown Pike Veterinary Clinic is a familiar sight tucked comfortably in the Village, but next month the operation is seeing big changes. Come Feb. 1, the clinic will be merging with Seneca Hill Animal Hospital and relocating to Seneca’s facility down the road.
What’s Happening in 2016 in Great Falls?
A preview of the issues, events that will mark the new year.
Fairfax County Planning Commission staff published its report to recommend approval of the rezoning of Brooks Farm on New Year’s Eve.
Cedars Luncheons for Great Falls Seniors End After 55 Years
Dec. 15 marked the end of an important era for Great Falls seniors.
Tuesday, January 5
Commentary: A Workable Solution for I-66
There was a great deal of concern about “$17 tolls” inside the beltway on I-66 during the recent election. I shared those concerns as I did not want to set a precedent of tolling a road that we were not adding infrastructure to.
Editorial: New Year’s Goals
A few wishes for the Virginia General Assembly, more coming ...
Issues and elections in 2016.
Mason, Inova to Collaborate on Personalized Medicine Research
Partnership expected to develop treatments, grow economy.
Researchers and doctors from George Mason University and Inova Health System will collaborate on a series of personalized medicine research projects under a new partnership between the two institutions.
School Board Sued over Nondiscrimination Policy Changes
Liberty Counsel challenges board’s authority to add sexual orientation and gender identity.
When the members of the Fairfax County School Board added sexual orientation and gender identity to the school system’s nondiscrimination policy in November 2014 and May 2015, did they have the authority?
St. Francis Creche Preschool Holds Christmas Pageant
Preschool pageant