Stories for April 2021

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Hosts Spring Tea

New scholarship established in Holly Ann Kuga’s memory

The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Scholarship Fund held its Spring Tea 2021 fundraiser on Sunday, April 25.

Conley’s Wish: To Help Horses and Riders at LiftMeUp! in Great Falls

Teenager Conley Rohall donates ‘Make a Wish’ to horses and riders at LiftMeUp!

Conley Rohall, 16, who suffers from multiple medical conditions and disabilities, decided to donate her wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to LiftMeUp!, a therapeutic riding and horsemanship program in Great Falls.

Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.

Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”

Seven Republicans Running for Governor

May 8 convention to determine direction of party heading into November.

Republicans haven’t won a statewide race since 2009, when Attorney General Bob McDonnell received 59 percent of the vote against Democrat Creigh Deeds. Since then, Republicans have been shut out of the Executive Mansion. Ken Cuccinelli lost to Terry McAuliffe in 2013, and Ed Gillespie lost to Ralph Northam in 2017. Now Republicans are about to determine their statewide candidates in a May 8 convention, which will take place at 37 locations.

Opinion: Column: "My Thoughts to Your Thoughts"

You know the expression: "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time,” a disparaging characterization of a person, company or municipality unable to multi-task or even task at all?

Get Vaccinated and Register to Vote

LWV-Fairfax holds Voter Registration and Information Drive at the Fairfax County Government Center

Fairfax County residents getting their COVID-19 vaccinations at the Fairfax County Government Center can now also obtain information on registering to vote.

Early Voting Begins for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia

Early voting began on Friday, April 23 for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia.

Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief

Aware of concerns, comments provided

Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.

Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft Rides to Prevent Drunk Driving

While stating unequivocally that “we’re all safer at home” this Cinco de Mayo during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, a local nonprofit organization today announced that – as a “necessary safety net” to next month’s high-risk, high-alcohol consumption period – free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).

Style After Retirement

Great fashion sense is possible at any stage.

At 78, Winifred Rosenberg has always been known for her impeccable style and taste.

When it’s Time to Downsize

Suggestions for transitioning to a new living community

The decision to trade the comfort of home where you’ve lived for years and transition to retirement can evoke a range of emotions.

Fairfax County Board to Review Colvin Run’s Concrete Channelization

Recommends proposed county, state, and federal process changes

Part 2 of a series. Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill District) presented a Joint Board Matter with Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) on Tuesday, April 13.

Community Helps Hoof Beloved Great Falls Horse’s Medical Bills

Delfina back home, but support needed for the long recovery

On April 8, a beloved 18-year-old Norwegian Fjord named Delfinia at the Lift Me Up equestrian center in Great Falls suffered a severe case of colic, abdominal pain.

Opinion: Column: Wanna Take A Chance?

I'm sort of invoking Southwest Airlines here, but not exactly.

Helping Children Improve Their Writing

Practical suggestions for boosting skills

When Stacie Dougherty read an essay that her seventh grade son wrote for a Language Arts writing assignment, she became concerned.

Cappies Review: In Search of the First Kiss

Langley High School's production of ‘The Party Hop’

Unfortunately, things don't seem to have changed much two years in the future.

Bluebells and Bald Eagle Nestlings Take Center Stage at Riverbend Park

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group holds the tour.

Tucked away in a remote setting of the floodplains along the Potomac River, Virginia bluebells made their ephemeral appearance just in time for the Bluebells & Bald Eagle Tour organized by Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group.

Running for Second in Command

Thirteen candidates are running for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

Seven Democrats and six Republicans are trying to secure their parties' nomination to be the candidate for lieutenant governor on the November ballot.

Great Falls Girl Scout Honored

Penelope "Penny" Walke, a 14-year-old Freshman at Langley High, received the Girl Scouts of the USA Lifesaving Medal of Honor for her role in saving her father's life in June 2021.

There’s More Than Meets the Eye at Traffic Signal Intersections

This technology dates back to an invention by the son of a former slave.

Traffic signals

Opinion: Column: Hitting The Nail on the Head

What are all these "Toe Nail Clipper" emails I receive nearly every day?

Opinion: Commentary: Earth Day – Then and Now

Fifty-one years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day took place on April 22.

HomeLifeStyle: Kitchen Trends for 2021

Local designers say bold colors and durable materials are popular.

As the command station for many households, kitchens are for more than just cooking.

Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise

Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway

Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.

Opinion: Column: Being Driven Only Slightly Crazy

So this is what it's like to be out of the house and driving around: mask on, surgical gloves in the console, hand sanitizer in the glove box; not so different than before my two Covid-19 vaccinations.

Estate Planning During Pandemic

With the nation sadly surpassing 500,000 Covid-related deaths, mortality is much more on the mind of many.

Bicycling in Fairfax County Looking to Expand

Meetings planned this month to develop the ‘Active Fairfax Plan’

With the warm weather approaching, Fairfax County is holding a series of meetings to hear thoughts about active transportation in the county, and this input will be used in their Active Fairfax Transportation Plan to integrate the existing Bicycle Master and Trails Plans.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Making a Path to Acceptance a Bit Easier

I'm a parent to a transgender daughter in fifth grade in FCPS.

Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school

Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students

Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.

Cicada Stroll Bingo!

This spring, Fairfax County and parts of Northern Virginia will be among the regions of the Mid-Atlantic states that see millions of Brood X cicadas emerge from 17 years of living underground.

Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

Residents Mourn ‘The Death of Colvin Run’

Great Falls and Vienna residents argue that ‘George Washington would not recognize his stream of 1799.’

Colvin Run in Vienna died this spring.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: ‘Historic Designation’ Disregarded at Colvin Run

I would like to bring to your attention the massive construction and relocation of the Colvin Run stream at the intersection of Carper's Farm Way and Route 7.

Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection

Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.

Fairfax County Supervisors Condemn Anti-Asian Racism

Acknowledging the large and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a resolution on March 23, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, condemning violence and discrimination against AAPIs.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Opinion: Column: Good News Travels Slowly

Sure enough, the email from my oncologist didn't arrive in my inbox before we left for the weekend away on Friday.