Thursday, September 29
Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion
School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.
Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.
Wednesday, September 28
Great Falls Park Offers Fall Attractions
Foliage, kayaking, hiking -- and much more.
As Phil Kirk held the climbing rope tight, fellow climber Mary Pat McMillan searched for crevices with her hand and feet to inch her way along the rock face off the path at Great Falls National Park. The park has a variety of attractions, and in the fall, the foliage, higher water levels and cooler temperatures keep this popular park busy year round.
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.
Share of McLean Needs Donations
Share of McLean has issued the following appeal for donations: On Wednesday at Share, we had many clients coming in looking for things like rice, pasta, beans, shampoo, flour, sugar, oil, etc. and sadly we had to turn them away without these much needed items.
Saturday, September 24
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.
First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton
Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'
Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.
Thursday, September 22
Fairfax County: Students learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.
On a scorching week day in late summer, rising Fairfax County seniors Kenneth Smith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were taking cumulative review tests in their summer course. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.
Fairfax County: Changes in Voting from 2012
Electoral board highlights key dates and procedure updates.
Clinton or Trump? Meals Tax or no Meals Tax? These are just a two of the weighty decisions on the ballot for this fall’s election. To help people prepare for this cycle, leaders of the Fairfax County electoral board held a meeting with media to highlight some changes from the 2012 Presidential election.
Wednesday, September 21
Classified Advertising September 21, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Walking to End Alzheimer's
Northern Virginia walk set for Sept. 25
When Paula Dierkes was growing up in Arlington, she would often hear family stories of a grandfather who sat on his front porch screaming at his neighbors and asking for his shotgun. She recalls a grandmother who shut out her family, literally, by closing doors and windows when they came to visit.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Garza Resigns
Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has announced her resignation, just months after the FCPS board renewed her contract through June 30, 2020.
Great Falls Historic Marker Rededication
Great Falls residents, in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation, will rededicate on Saturday, Sept. 24 a historical marker commemorating the 1861 Battle of Dranesville. At the community's request, VDOT has moved the marker onto Georgetown Pike and the site of this Civil War battle.
Paint Great Falls Competition Winners Announced
The Arts of Great Falls’ annual Plein Air Competition brought out 18 artists from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia to paint the scenery in Great Falls.
Great Falls: Planning One More Deferral
Planning Commission will give Lexington Estates and Great Falls another month to get involved.
Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve Independent Police Auditor
Unanimous vote follows Ad Hoc Commission recommendations for more transparency and oversight of Fairfax County police.
With a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an independent police auditor office, following recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Great Falls: How I Spent My Summer Vacation
12 year old Great Falls youth goes to prison — to pursue charity and community service.
This summer, at the age of 12, I went to prison.
Great Falls Artists Welcome Community
Great Falls Studios invite the community to the 13th Annual Tour promoting creativity.
One of the oldest and most distinguished art events in Northern Virginia, the Great Falls Studios 2016 Art Tour, will take place on Friday, Oct. 14; Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.
Letter: LuAnn Bennett: Result-oriented
Letter to the Editor
Let me introduce LuAnn Bennett, Democrat running against Barbara Comstock to represent us in the 10th District.
Letter: Comstock’s Record of Accomplishments
Letter to the Editor
Now that the campaign season has kicked off and both candidates in the 10th District have ads running on TV – it’s very helpful to compare the stark differences.
Letter: LuAnn Bennett on the Issues
Letter to the Editor
Padraic Buckley's letter in the September 14-20 edition of the McLean Connection ("Why Comstock?") repeated, almost word for word, the attack on LuAnn Bennett appearing in his Sept. 15 letter in the Sun Gazette newspaper. Leaving aside Mr. Buckley's unseemly personal remarks about Bennett (which should have no place in an election campaign), I take issue with two statements he made in his letters.
Letter: Reasons to Vote For LuAnn Bennett
Letter to the Editor
Padraic Buckley’s letter asks “Why Comstock? ” (Connection, September 14-20, 2016). Yet the letter fails to make the case. There are many reasons to vote for Comstock’s opponent in the 10th District.
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Cooking with Passion
Meet the executive chef at McLean’s Saint Germain Catering.
How many Northern Virginia foodies know that executive chef Jeff Witte, formerly at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, has become the executive chef at McLean’s Saint Germain Catering?
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Knox Singleton to Receive Community Leadership Award
J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, will be recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award.
Tuesday, September 20
Fairfax Raises $521,509 for MDA
Letter to the Editor
For over 30 years, during Labor Day Weekend, the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional FireFighters and Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 and the personnel in the Department of Public Safety Communications, have collected for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Fill the Boot Campaign.
Friday, September 16
Great Falls Home Sales: August, 2016
In August, 2016, 33 Great Falls homes sold between $3,000,000-$533,600.
Great Falls Home Sales: August, 2016
Fairfax: Roadside Protest for McKenna and Martinez Deaths
The Northern Virginia chapter of the group Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) organized a demonstration at 4 p.m. on Sep. 14 along Lee Highway in Fairfax, calling for justice for Natasha McKenna and Giovanny, or Jovany, Martinez.
Thursday, September 15
Clifton: Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program to hold tenth Polo Classic fundraiser
Once a week for the last seven years, César Dulanto of Lake Ridge, Va. has come to Clifton to trade his wheelchair for a saddle. Dulanto, 13, has been been wheelchair-bound since the age of two with cerebral palsy. He used to have difficulty just sitting up in a chair. And, he said, “I used to be so shy.”
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Award Scholarships
Eight local young women are getting some much appreciated assistance toward achieving their educational goals, thanks to the efforts of the Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Scholarship Fund, Inc. “Actually, it’s more than just a boost for their educational endeavours,” said Ricki Harvey, past president of the fund, who now serves as the Publicity Director for GFFNSF.
Great Falls: Winning Silver in South Africa
Omeed Mossadeghi of Great Falls, a Langley High student, comes home with Silver in World Championship.
Omeed Mossadeghi of Great Falls, a Langley High student, Mossadeghi, has recently returned from third Annual International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) Tournament in Cape Town, South Africa 2016.
Great Falls Remembers 9-11
9-11 Memorial Ceremony held at Great Falls Freedom Memorial.
On the 15th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the annual 9-11 Memorial Ceremony was held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial behind the Great Falls Library on Georgetown Pike on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Fairfax County: Supervisors to Vote on Independent Auditor Office
Board item reviewed by public safety committee
At its Sept. 20 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create an office of independent police auditor.
Fairfax County School Board Postpones Decision on New Sponsorship Policy
Fairfax County Public Schools are far from becoming a David Foster Wallace novel.
Fairfax Namesake School District in California Celebrated
While there can only be one Fairfax County Public Schools system, members of the FCPS board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors congratulated the namesake Fairfax School District in Bakersfield, Calif. on its 125th anniversary.
Wednesday, September 14
Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), I thank you for the Connection’s compassionate and informative editorial printed in observance of Suicide Prevention Week, titled Take One Action to Prevent Suicide.
What’s Permissible When Planning a Home Renovation?
Complete due diligence upfront to research any ordinances or restrictions that may affect the project.
Unfortunately, homeowners and contractors often forget important steps during this project feasibility phase, which sometimes leads to wasted time and money or abandoned projects. To ensure you sidestep those mistakes, start with this checklist to look into to help minimize setbacks while planning and executing your next renovation.
Vienna Sunroom Brings Light, Awards
Family entertainment suite, larger breakfast area, private second level decking among stand-out custom features
To Sanjay and Deepika Sardana, who have occupied a Colonial style-home in Vienna for 14 years, the great achievement of their new sunroom addition is how well it meets their requirements regarding views, available light and interior design.
Comfort Zone
Local furniture maker combines style and comfort
John W. Smith treks through a maze of sleek chairs and stately sofas in a large, sunlit showroom tucked in an industrial warehouse center in Fairfax. He pauses at a dining chair, upholstered in beige linen and framed with espresso hardwood.
Food Trucks Come to Tysons
Another sign that this business area takes on an urban feel.
Thanks to a Fairfax County ordinance in Tysons Corner, areas known to the food truck world as “food deserts,” are getting relief, not in the form of rain like happens in the desert world, but in the form of a new lunch option in certain Tysons Corner zones where food trucks were previously banned.
Classified Advertising September 14, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
McLean, Great Falls: Area Teens Finding their Cause
Celebrate St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this weekend at the French Embassy.
In true red-carpet-event style, Parker Gioia, a high school junior from McLean’s Potomac School, will be interviewing guests as they enter Saturday’s Parent/Teen Golden Gala to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thursday, September 8
Fairfax: Dead Man’s, Deputy’s Name Released in Inova Shooting
Police, sheriff investigations continue.
Jovany Martinez is the 29-year-old Hispanic man who died after being shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputy Monday night Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Wednesday, September 7
Great Falls: Finding His Comfort Zone
Steven Kurtz, 14, of Great Falls becomes an accomplished baker.
very so often a youngster finds his passion in life, long before adulthood captures his time and energy. That is the case with 14-year-old Steven Kurtz, who has garnered a reputation as an accomplished baker in the Great Falls community.
Great Falls: Saying Goodbye to Agent
The Cheshire family of Great Falls trains assistance dog to help a Norfolk woman.
Canine Companions for Independence – a national non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities – has announced that Norfolk resident Patricia Coale has recently received an assistance dog from Canine Companions for Independence.
Snapshot: Robert Gilbert Exhibits at Great Falls Library
Robert Gilbert, a long time member of the Great Falls Studios, is exhibiting at the Great Falls Library throughout the month of September. This solo exhibit features 30 oil paintings - four of Washington, D.C., 16 of New York and the rest are still life. “I think this is my best solo exhibit and I’ve had many,” the artist said. This picture is titled ‘Capitol in the Fall.’
Great Falls Player Joins Soccer Academy
Adrien Cushing, 15, of Great Falls -- who attended Forestville ES, Cooper MS, and is 10th grader at Langley HS -- started playing recreational soccer for Great Falls and then travel soccer for them.
Great Falls Teen Wins Track Championship
Thirteen-year-old Daniel Silvestri achieves track championship in the Bandolero Series.
Thirteen-year-old Daniel Silvestri from Great Falls won Southside Speedway’s track championship in the Bandolero series.
Great Falls Writers Group Adds Evening Meetings
Daytime meetings will also continue.
“It’s time to write.”
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Publication Shows Philanthropy is ‘Good Business’
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has released its fourth issue of GOOD BUSINESS, a bi-annual publication that features stories of local businesses, big and small, that play a key role in the community through philanthropy and volunteerism.
‘Concert Across America to End Gun Violence’ at Tysons Biergarten
A coalition of gun violence prevention organizations in the DC/ Northern Virginia area have announced participation in the national “Concert Across America to End Gun Violence” on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Suicide Loss ‘Club’
Commentary
When I was 15 years old, I received my first “membership card” to suicide loss. I got the platinum membership card because not only was my loss to suicide, but it was also a parent.