Stories for September 2020

Great Falls: Postcards from Hometown

Known for its scenic beauty, spaciousness, and small-town feel, Great Falls is home to many sites both historic and picturesque.

Dranesville Welcomes You

An excellent place to live, raise a family, and do business.

The Dranesville District includes McLean, Great Falls, Herndon and some areas of Vienna and Falls Church and has about 125,000 residents.

Viewpoints: What’s the Greatest Part of Living in Great Falls?

Longtime residents share their reflections and recommendations for new neighbors.

Colleen Wright, a family physician and 24-year resident of Great Falls: “The school system is stellar, and there are so many nice events for kids in the Town Centre: Halloween, Fourth of July, other holidays.

Opinion: Commentary: Vote No on Question 1 in Virginia

The proposed process makes meaningful citizen input virtually impossible.

The rhetoric around Question 1 on the Virginia ballot is miles away from the actual redistricting process that would be frozen into constitutional language.

Celebrating National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

This month celebrates the cultural achievements and vast contributions the Latinx community has made to society for centuries.

Opinion: Commentary: We Need to Work Together to Avoid a Housing Crisis

On Sept. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a sweeping federal eviction moratorium for tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Election about Elections

Voters to determine how redistricting works next year.

When Republicans were in charge of drawing political boundaries for the General Assembly and Congress, Democrats supported an amendment to the Virginia Constitution creating a new mapmaking commission. The idea was to take the power of political gerrymandering out of the hands of the majority and hand it over to a group that wouldn’t be quite so focused on screwing the opposition. But then Democrats seized control of the General Assembly, and most House Democrats flip flopped on the issue.

Prosecutor Delivers Blow in Fairfax County

Commonwealth’s Attorney says 84 additional positions are needed; 137 if the office is to prosecute traffic cases too.

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is in crisis, with an “unsettling lack of resources,” said Steve Descano, who was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2019.

Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket

Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.

The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.

Getting in Shape at 60, 70 and 80

Starting where you are and staying consistent among suggestions from healthy and fit seniors.

Whether starting a fitness program after the age of 70 or restarting one after raising children and midlife career building, local seniors share inspiring stories of how achieving and maintaining fitness, health and wellness allows them to lead fulfilling, happy and active lives.

Opinion: Column: “Canceritis”

There are two generic types of cancer: the cancer that you have, and the cancer that has you.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Marmota Farm: Improving Inevitable

Good site planning is something nobody notices because things look as if they had always been there; bad planning is apparent, ugly and, unfortunately, permanent.

‘My Season Was Over the Day It Began’

Mookie Betts recently signed a $365 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers (which is actually an extension that will pay him over $400 million over a 13-year period).

Extraordinary Commitment Honored

2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards presented.

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire Commission honored recipients of the 2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards.

Great Falls Citizens Association Sponsors Town Hall on Racial Experiences

The Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) is sponsoring a town hall meeting (via Zoom technology) on Sept. 30 featuring six diverse local panelists from the Great Falls area who have been invited to share their experiences with attendees on the Webinar.

Opinion: Column: And So It Begins

Eleven years, six months and two weeks, approximately, after being diagnosed with "terminal" cancer: stage IV non small cell lung cancer, I have begun my treatment for stage IV papillary thyroid cancer.

Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees Revisits July Controversy

Trustee Rosenthal apologies for ‘wrong words’ and retains board seat.

Fran Millhouser, Chair of Fairfax County Library Board, said she received "many emails voicing public concern" for statements made by Trustees Phil Rosenthal (Springfield District) and Darren Ewing (Dranesville District) during the previous board meeting in late July.

TJ Students One Step Closer to Rocket Launch

The student-run and self-taught group, known as Project Caelus, is trying to launch a liquid-fueled rocket to the edge of space.

A group of 26 students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) just came one step closer to launching a rocket to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.

Fairfax County Deer Management Begins Saturday, Sept. 12

The Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program begins Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 and runs through Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021.

Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Safe Spaces for Productive Racial Discussions

Components that should be included in effective forums.

As symbols of racial tension and injustice seemed ubiquitous this summer, a group of parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria began meeting virtually to engage in dialogues about the thorny issue of race.

Opinion: Commentary: Facilitating Voting, Adjusting the Budget and Tackling Criminal Justice

Over the last month, the Virginia General Assembly has been in what’s called a “special session” to address voting in the forthcoming election, the budget and criminal justice.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: What Problem is Ban Solving?

To the members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who recently voted to move forward on a public hearing for a total ban on firearms in public places within Fairfax County, I ask a simple question: what problem is this solving?

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

‘I Don't Care If the Horse Poops on Me!’

One mom's commitment to helping her son to get back to therapeutic riding.

"When your child is young and has a diagnosis, you try anything," says Rachel Kirkland.

Leading by Example

Equine Assisted Learning teaches critical life skills.

"The ability to be aware to have compassion; to be confident, but not arrogant; and to take joy in helping to create someone else's success."

Talking to Ty

The 21-year-old Paint Gelding is a great listener.

“Everyone gets her. Everyone accepts her. Everyone likes her. And that means a lot, as a parent.”

Turning Possible into Possibilities

When therapy was needed during quarantine, Sprouts provided a way.

“Riding takes my physical therapy to the next level.”

Horses as Co-Therapists?

Introducing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

"I saw these kids coming from foster homes and oftentimes reading their charts, the amount of trauma and neglect [they had experienced] was horrifying. Where do you even start?"

Horses and the People They Help

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Perri Wight Green of McLean was riding horses before she could talk.

League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area to Host 10th District Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area invites you to join its U.S. House of Representatives – Virginia 10th District Candidate Forum, to be held online on Monday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Rotary of Great Falls Named Top Achiever

Rotary District 7610 recently named the Rotary of Great Falls as one of its top achievers for 2019-2020.

Izumi Sushi of Great Falls Reflects on Economic, Cultural Challenges of 2020

The restaurant, which serves Japanese and Chinese cuisine, is cautiously resuming its services.

Victoria Li, a senior at Langley High School, has grown up along with Izumi Sushi in Great Falls.

Senior Living Homes Adjust to New Normal

Seniors and their loved ones, aware of the high risk of COVID-19, have been devising ways to safely stay connected.

Tyler Przybylek’s wife, Marilyn, is a resident of Great Falls Assisted Living (GFAL), a dementia-care senior living community.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: For Some Workers, Nothing Leisurely About This Labor Day

Workers lucky enough to have a job face the double bind of fearing the risk of COVID-19 and being laid off.

There will be nothing leisurely about this Labor Day for many working families, not least for essential workers.

The Fight for Paid Leave

After effort for paid sick days falters, lawmakers move toward paid quarantine leave.

The fight for paid sick days is on hold for now, and advocates have moved to a fallback position for the special session of the Virginia General Assembly: quarantine leave.

Wedding: Stephanie Gaibler and Nicolas Sutton

Stephanie Gaibler of Great Falls, Virginia married Nicolas Sutton on Sept. 5, 2020 at the RiverBend Country Club in Great Falls.

More Than Food at the Great Falls Community Farmers Market

Vision-driven, producer-only and community-focused.

The Great Falls Community Farmers Market lured locals to the Village Center at 778 Walker Road, Great Falls, at the start of the Labor Day weekend.

Opinion: Column: Cancer For Dummies: Me

As I was telling my long-time friend, Rita, over the phone on Saturday afternoon, as a cancer patient – and I know this is going to sound ridiculous, short-sighted and stupid, I am not always forthcoming and honest when it comes to sharing new symptoms with my doctors, particularly my oncologist.

Last Chance to See the ASPIRE HOUSE in McLean

Design showhouse closes on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Designing a dream home can be likened to assembling a haute couture wardrobe.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Word About Sign-Stealing

Complaints about Biden signs disappearing across Great Falls have been on the rise.

Our Mom Eugenia Staying Afloat in Great Falls

The pandemic has not been easy for Our Mom Eugenia in Great Falls: the Greek restaurant, which relied almost entirely on indoor, dine-in service prior to the pandemic, has had to adjust to a new business model and decreased sales.

Great Falls Resident Runs in Virtual Boston Marathon

Luis Narvaez, 46, completed the race in 3 hours and 51 minutes.

On Sunday, Sept. 6, Great Falls resident Luis Narvaez ran in his first-ever Boston Marathon, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Art Season Begins in Great Falls

September is the start of the art season in Great Falls when two big events arrive in town.

Things to Know About Coronavirus Testing

If you think you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or have been exposed to someone who was confirmed to have the disease, contact your health care provider or visit one of the testing sites listed here.

Opinion: Commentary: Protecting The Postal Service

Hundreds of calls and emails from constituents urging Congress to stop efforts to sabotage the USPS.

This August the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) unexpectedly became a center of national attention.

Dedicated to the Notion of Every Child by Name and By Need

Successful virtual start planned for FCPS’ special education children.

Fairfax County Public Schools held a Special Education Town Hall on Aug. 16, part of its Back to School Countdown.

Impact of Extended Social Isolation on Teens and Tweens

Psychiatrists and psychologists say that missing opportunities to connect with peers can cause long-term damage.

After a summer of postponed vacations, closed pools and limited summer camps, all a byproduct of COVID-19, parents are concerned about the wellbeing of their children.

Ewing Resigns from Fairfax County Library Board

Trustee Rosenthal apologizes for disruption.

Two members of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, Phil Rosenthal, Springfield District Representative and Darren Ewing, Dranesville District Representative, made statements during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board Trustees that caused the public, organizations, and top County leaders to voice concern.

Virginia Assembly Bills to Protect Right to Vote

On Friday, Aug. 28, the Virginia General Assembly Senate and House of Delegates passed budget bills supporting safe elections during the pandemic.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Expanding Awareness of Systemic Racism

To the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees; The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area supports and promotes the Fairfax County Public Library’s initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, social and racial justice, and spotlighting authors from marginalized populations.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Time for a Good Gun Safety Law

Back on Sept. 13, 2019, state Senator Scott Surovell, wrote an opinion article in the Connection newspapers about his father and son feeling scared and intimidated by four armed men walking through a farmer’s market carrying AR-15s.

Route 7 BLM Protests Continue Tuesdays

A group of around ten protestors has stood in silent protest along Leesburg Pike every week since June.

On Aug. 25, for the twelfth Tuesday in a row, a handful of protestors stood in silence next to Leesburg Pike.

Teachers Get Ready for a ‘Welcome Challenge’

Adapting their curriculum to a remote setting this fall, with the first day of school fast approaching

Diane Hausman, a fourth grade teacher at Colvin Run Elementary School, is entering her ninth year of teaching; but in many ways, she said, it feels like her first.

A Little Bit of Normal in Great Falls

Live ‘Concerts on the Green’

Concerts on the Green returned to the Gazebo at the Great Falls Village Centre Sunday evening, Aug. 30, keeping the spirit that defines the community alive.

L’Auberge Bustling, But Not Unscathed in Great Falls

The restaurant is enjoying a broad base of customer support after reopening two months ago, but it is still on shaky ground due to the pandemic.

The pandemic feels a distant memory on the breezy lawn of L’Auberge Chez François: tables dot the restaurant’s spacious outdoor area, conversation floats through the air, and waiters’ masks are the only reminders of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.