Stories for February 2021

Opinion: Commentary: Inland Flooding

Facing storm intensities far beyond what our infrastructure was designed to handle

With one week remaining in the 2021 legislative session, Senators and Delegates are putting the finishing touches on legislation, and preparing to head home to the districts they represent in Richmond and throughout the year.

Opinion: Column: Not That I Don’t Understand, But...

...So this is what the process is like trying to schedule a Covid-19 vaccination.

Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too

Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.

The Value of Intergenerational Relationships

The lives of both youth and seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections.

Bringing seniors and youth together for meaningful relationships can be mutually beneficial.

Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan

Focuses resources in targeted areas

“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.

Rotary Club of Alexandria Awards $10,000 Grant to Alexandria ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund

Opinion: Commentary: Bringing Virginia into the Light

Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and more recent ban on gay marriage

The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.

At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must

Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.

Scooping the Poop

Cappies Review: Langley High Play Explores Impact of Isolation

‘Hey Stranger’ tackles the question everyone struggles with during pandemic

In a time where the pandemic has isolated humanity, how does one find solace?

Nothing But the Best for Family: Pets of Great Falls

For us lucky ones, pets are part of our lives.

Great Falls Citizens Association Opposes Flag Restrictions

Long-time Great Falls resident and Great Falls Citizens Association Board member Ruth Carver says she finds it "highly offensive" that Fairfax County advertisement of the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) program is equating the American flag to a commercial banner.

The Strange Career of Felon Disenfranchisement

Amendment targets Jacksonian-era restriction weaponized during Jim Crow.

Felons have been prohibited from voting in Virginia since 1830, when the "right to suffrage" was denied "to any person convicted of any infamous offense." But it was during the era of Jim Crow that felon disenfranchisement became weaponized to prevent Black voters from influencing elections.

Opinion: Column: If Michael Corleone Had Lung Cancer

"Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in."

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wins Eight Awards

The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.

Inspiring Young People in Creative Learning Activities

Fairfax Symphony named a Dominion ArtStar

With more than five decades as an honored symphony, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) adds 2021 Dominion Energy ArtStar to its accolades.

Leveling the Playing Field in School

Advocating for children with special needs or learning disabilities

When Lisa Lightner's son Kevin was two years old, she discovered that he would need special learning support in school.

Great Falls Doctor Pleads Guilty to Not Paying Employment Taxes

Arshad Pervez Cheema, formerly of Great Falls, did not pay more than $2 million in employment and corporate taxes.

A doctor, formerly of Great Falls, pleaded guilty on Feb. 12 to willful failure to pay employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting United States Attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Controversial Solutions at Play for Springvale Road Bridge in Great Falls

Great Falls Citizens Association invites VDOT to Feb. 25 Town Hall.

Policies passed down to state levels encouraging single-lane deteriorating bridges to be replaced with two-lane bridges because of purported safety concerns are once again at the forefront for discussion between the Great Falls Citizens Association, community members, Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville District), and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”

Means what exactly?

Black History and Regional Parks

In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America.

New Community with Park-Like Environment in McLean

Park Grove neighborhood inspired by former National Parks Director George Hartzog

A former public servant’s creative vision and dedication to preserving parklands was the inspiration behind a new residential area in Northern Virginia.

Editorial: Send in Pet Photos for Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.

Meet Langley High’s Teacher of the Year

Recipient learns Publishers Clearing House-style

Langley High School announced its Teacher of the Year 20-21 during a virtual staff meeting.

School Board Approves McLean High Boundary Adjustment

Monitoring continues as population explodes in Tysons

The Fairfax County School Board heard the final words on the McLean/Langley High School Boundary Study during a hybrid regular meeting of the Board held on Feb. 4, 2021.

Obituary: Ken Johnson, 1930-2021

A former resident of the Seneca Hunt neighborhood in Great Falls, Ken Johnson, age 90, passed away at home at Ashby Ponds in Ashburn on Jan. 27, 2021 with Shonnie, his loving wife of 70 years, their daughter, Jill and her husband, Randy Banks, and caregiver, Joy Thompson at his side.

The Impact of zMOD

Discussing the Zoning Ordinance Modernization: How to protect the character of Great Falls?

Testimony by 46 County citizens about the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) project, started in 2017 and nearing the end of its process, elicited more than five hours of testimony at the Fairfax County Planning Commission Meeting held Jan. 28.

2021 Virtual Fairfax County Teen Job and Opportunity Fairs: Signup Begins Feb. 1

For the past few years, Supervisor Pat Herrity’s office, Fairfax County Public Schools and Connection Newspapers, along with Supervisors’ offices, businesses, and community organizations, including our local chambers, have hosted very successful teen job fairs and career-building workshops.

Wellbeing: When a Loved One Is Hospitalized with Covid-19

Coping with separation and uncertainty

For years, being able to talk with his mother, Carole Isaacs, nearly every day was a gift that Marc Stern treasured, so when he was unable to reach her for several days, he became concerned.

Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE

Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status

Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).

Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning

Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.

Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.

Sealing the Record

House and Senate Democrats disagree on how old convictions should be expunged.

For people haunted by a conviction for felony drug possession or misdemeanor disorderly conduct, a debate now happening in the Virginia General Assembly is one that could have dramatic consequences for finding a place to live or landing a job. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow those people to seal their criminal record, expunging old convictions and helping them wipe the slate clean. But Democrats are bitterly divided over how to accomplish that goal.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Abolish the Death Penalty

On behalf of the Virginia Justice and Witness Action Network (of the Central Atlantic Conference, United Church of Christ), we write to urge support for legislation to abolish the death penalty in Virginia.

Opinion: Column: Progress, I Guess?

I received in the mail today what, in the sales/marketing world, we'd call a "pre-approach" letter.

McLean High Boundary Change Down to the Wire

After the last public hearing, the School Board votes on Feb. 4.

The McLean/Langley High School Boundary Study is at the end of its multi-year process for the School Board to take action by vote and provide capacity relief, or not.

Great Falls, McLean, Vienna Help Fight Hunger

Stuff the Bus rolls into action.

The Wheels on the Bus is a classic children's song that tells the story of a little bus going "All 'round the town."

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Supports Artemis House

Donation of $5,500 to help victims of domestic and sexual violence

Members of Great Falls Friends and Neighbors (GFFN) Philanthropy Committee presented a donation check for $5,500 on Jan. 26 to Joe Meyer, Executive Director & CEO of Shelter House, and Nurjan Ahmedova, Director of Development, to support the organization's 24-hour emergency shelter, Artemis House for domestic and sexual violence victims, stalking, and human trafficking.