Stories for May 2016

Honoring on Memorial Day in Great Falls

Community gathers at Great Falls Freedom Memorial to honor local fallen.

United States Air Force veteran Paul Quinn “didn’t intend to show this much emotion” during the Memorial Day Celebration Ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.

Week in Great Falls

Weekly report from around Great Falls

Great Falls: Sewage Hauled Elsewhere

Great Falls septic receiving site to close down on June 27; no alternative planned at this time.

Raw septic will no longer be hauled to Great Falls’ Colvin Run Septic Sewage Receiving Plant. The site will close down on June 27.

Great Falls Library Celebrates 100th Anniversary of National Park System

Gail Péan, oil painter, invites the public to a reception on Friday, June 10, 4-6 p.m. to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the National Park System

Promoting Tea Culture in Great Falls

Meet Laurie Bell, the owner of the Great Falls Tea Garden.

Tea-lovers may enjoy their morning brew, but maybe few know the history of the steaming cup that awakens the palate and starts their day. Historians quibble: was it the Indian prophet Prince Bodhi-Dharma in the early 500s AD?

Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance

Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis

If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines

Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.

Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing

FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.

In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Great Falls Schools

On June 6, Celebrate Great Falls Foundation will hold the 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament to benefit three local elementary schools.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

McLean and Great Falls: Revisiting 1771 at Claude Moore Colonial Farm

Market Fair portrays 1771 Virginia farm life.

After driving past Tysons Corner, downtown McLean, and the CIA, visitors were transported back to 1771 Virginia by Claude Moore Colonial Farm’s Market Fair on May 22.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.

Burke: Robinson Girls’ Lax Comes Back to Beat Langley

Rams earn state playoff berth, advance to region semifinals.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team earned a state berth.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities

Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.

Great Falls Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 30 Great Falls homes sold between $2,853,307-$415,225.

Great Falls Home Sales: April, 2016

Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences

Offering to bring balance into gender issue.

For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance

When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.

Robinson-Langley Postseason Matchup Arrives Earlier Than Expected

Undefeated Rams host one-loss Saxons tonight in 6A North quarterfinals.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team will host Langley at 5:30 p.m. tonight.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Vienna: Madison Girls’ Lax Wins Sixth Straight Conference/District Championship

Warhawks knock off previously undefeated Langley in tournament final.

The Madison girls' lacrosse team beat Langley on Friday to win the Conference 6 title.

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

McLean, Langley High Students Unite to Fight Cancer

The night kicked off with the over 800 participants surrounding the track to cheer on cancer survivors doing a lap around the track.

Letter: GFCA Letter to Supervisor Foust - Opposing Brooks Farm Rezoning

To the Editor

I am writing on behalf of the Great Falls Citizens Association (“GFCA”) regarding the pending rezoning and cluster development application for the Brooks Farm property, submitted by Basheer/Edgemoore-Brooks LLC (RZ 2014-DR-022).

Letter: For the Benefit of All, Fairfax County Needs a Meal’s Tax

To the Editor

For the strongest education for our children and for economic prosperity, Fairfax Co. must pass a Meal’s Tax.

Great Falls: Cutting Through Brooks Farm

GFCA raises new issue surrounding controversial redevelopment proposal; says community never had chance to respond.

Great Falls Citizens Association wants Supervisor John W. Foust to address concerns on Brooks Farm development.

Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors

West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Great Falls: Langley Boys’ Lax Beats McLean in Conference 6 Tournament

Senior midfielder Duley leads Saxons with three goals.

The Langley boys' lacrosse team beat McLean in the first round of the Conference 6 tournament.

Week in Great Falls

Weekly happenings in Great Falls

First Friday Art Walk in Great Falls

27 artists in three group studios participate with galleries and restaurants at Village Centre.

The kick-off event for the First Friday Art Walk in the Village was held on Friday, May 6 in the Village Centre in Great Falls.

Letter: ZIKA Mosquito Farm on Your Property

To the Editor

Our neighborhood experience with a Fairfax County Stormwater Management project is nothing like the rosy picture painted by Mr. Eric Knudsen (“Stormwater Management Engages Community,” Great Falls Connection, April 20-26, 2016).

Great Falls: Historical Allure, or Relic of the Past?

30 days for commitment to take control of the Grange for community use.

The legacy of past farmers of Great Falls awaits. And have awaited.

Great Falls: Brooks Farm, Busy Week?

The Fairfax County Planning Commission is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, May 18, to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on the development of Brooks Farm.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose

In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.

Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose

Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.

South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.

Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day

Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Farmers Markets in Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.

Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail

Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”

One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

County Budget Approved

Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”

When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.

Week in Great Falls

Weekly happenings in Great Falls

Great Falls Studios at SpringFest

Great Falls SpringFest will be from Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5.

Great Falls Youth Club Not Resting This Summer

The Great Falls Interact Club will partner with Habitat for Humanity in Lynchburg, Va. this summer to help with the restoration of an energy efficient home for a local family.

Great Falls: Making Connections with Words

Winners named in Writing Contest

Participation in a local writing contest is the confidence catalyst some sixth-graders needed to push their creativity and consider writing for their futures.

Summer Market Opens in Great Falls

The Great Falls Farmers Market’s Summer Market opened on Saturday, April 30, though it did not feel much like summer.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.