Stories for November 2020

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Planting for the Future in Great Falls

GFCA works with Fairfax County Park Authority for new trees

The new maple and white oak are not the same.

Great Falls Resident Wins a Nationally-prestigious Mitchell Scholarship

Great Falls resident and Harvard University graduate Kiran Hampton was awarded a nationally-prestigious George J. Mitchell Scholarship.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Too Often Blaming the System

Re: “Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Public Safety Committee,” Connection, November 18-24

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls Viewpoints: What Are You Grateful For on Thanksgiving 2020?

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls Viewpoints.

Area Light Shows Brighten the Holidays

This season, NOVA Parks offers an opportunity to literally “brighten’”spirits with three holiday shows.

Express Lanes May Link to American Legion Memorial Bridge

Last stretch may be express lanes next with “495 NEXT.”

Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

Jeffrey McKay to Head VACo

Fairfax County board chairman elected president of statewide organization representing interests of Virginia’s 95 counties

Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, was elected to serve as 2021 President of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).

In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students

Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.

People, Parks, and Pandemics

It happened from the very beginning, as shopping centers, gyms and restaurants closed in the last half of March and news spread about the pandemic: people started gathering in parks.

School Building Closed? Try a Park

Families across Northern Virginia are challenged with online education.

At the Tipping Point and Winter is Coming in Great Falls

Beloved local restaurant needs customers to be with them now.

Proprietor Mike Kearney of The Old Brogue, an Irish Pub in Great Falls, made a live video of his restaurant on the evening of Friday, Nov. 13.

Great Falls’ Springvale Road Bridge Options Studied

GFCA to launch survey on bridge

A Working Group of residents chartered by the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) has been reviewing proposals by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to replace a single-lane bridge on Springvale Road over Piney Run.

Veterans Day Observed with Caution in Great Falls

Cancellation of formal celebration could not stop informal ceremony

A dozen or so hardy souls quietly gathered in the drenching rain at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to pay tribute to America's veterans in an unofficial ceremony.

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools

COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.

Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.

Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

Fairfax County Police Chief Resigns

Praised by many, Roessler also faced criticism and calls for resignation

Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. announced his resignation last week, effective February 2021.

Venture Virtually into Great Falls Artists’ Creative Spaces

Artists of Great Falls Studios welcome community for the 18th Annual Art Studio Tour

Things are a little different this year, and in this case, in a good way.

Off To The Races in Great Falls

Great Falls recently staged a pandemic version of a Derby: ladies in big hats, a sunny sky, six races with thirteen horses apiece, and big prizes for the winners.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia Helps Meet Needs for Local Families

Assistance League of Northern Virginia distributed another 400 $20 grocery gift cards in October to families at the six schools that normally would have received the Weekend Food for Kids food bags.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

The Pandemic Election

Virginia voters support Biden, Warner and a new redistricting commission.

Twenty years ago, Virginia was a red state. Republicans scored Virginia's electoral votes in every presidential election since LBJ was reelected in 1964. Republicans held both U.S. Senate seats. The Grand Old Party had all the statewide offices, a majority of the congressional delegation and both chambers of the General Assembly. That was the environment when Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, ran for governor and lieutenant governor.

Fairfax County Unofficial Election Results

Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Fairfax County Public Safety Committee

Community, advocacy groups and police give more than 2,500 suggestions on police reform; Governor signs reform bills from special session

Police reform includes improving morale for police officers.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

Haunted Maze Held in Great Falls

Friday evening, Oct. 30, Troop 55, Celebrate Great Falls and Cornerstones Business Services, Inc. of Great Falls offered a haunted maze for the community.

More than Half of Fairfax County’s 700,000 Voters Voted Early

Virginia localities take precautions to protect voters, workers

Virginia localities are taking a number of precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling places even though masks will not be required.

Election Storm of the Century: Great Falls Area

Saying the vote counts is an understatement.

Election Day 2020 will go down in history.

Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14

Returning to the Balance of Nature in Great Falls

Growing native plants

On Oct. 19, the Environment & Parks Committee of the Great Falls Citizens Association presented Native Plants by Dr. Meghan M. McGinty, a presentation she'd been dreaming about for years, McGinty said.

Great Falls Bridge Rated in ‘Poor Condition’

VDOT holds an information meeting on Springvale Road (Route 674) bridge over Piney Run

The Springvale Road (Route 674) bridge over Piney Run in Great Falls may not perform at the current reduced load carrying capacity for an extended time, according to a report shared during the Oct. 21 Virginia Department of Transportation virtual public information meeting.