Stories for January 2021

Regional Travel Survey Shows Benefits of Walkable, Transit-Oriented Places

Coalition for Smarter Grown shares Council of Government’s report highlights on walkable, transit-oriented places like Alexandria and Arlington.

Biking and Walking: “Among the key findings of the survey has been the growth in biking and walking in the core jurisdictions of DC, Arlington, and Alexandria. It has also indicated that activity centers with a focused mix of jobs and housing also have higher rates of walking and biking,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

Opinion: Commentary: In Virginia: Vaccines & COVID Recovery

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), health care professionals, and Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps continue to work overtime to care for those afflicted with COVID-19.

Tightening Criteria for Entering into Gang Database

Gang Task Force use of DataWalk under scrutiny

On Oct. 2, 2018, Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force selected DataWalk as their analytical platform to support its fight against gangs according to a headline on BUSINESS WIRE.

Fully Baked

Alexandria senator leads effort to legalize marijuana in Virginia.

The so-called "war on drugs" was a failure, locking up generations of Black men and tearing Black families apart. Now lawmakers in Richmond are finally coming around to realizing the damage that the prohibition against marijuana caused in minority communities. Last year members of the General Assembly approved legislation decriminalizing marijuana. This year, they may be on the verge of legalizing recreational use of marijuana — ending the failed war on drugs and adopting new equity measures to address some of the damage it caused.

Opinion: Column: Reoriented

Or to quote my high school baseball coach: "Reorientated."

Sorority Sisters Celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris

Joy, tears and hope about this historic moment in history

Wearing their sorority’s signature strand of pearls and clothing in shades of pink and green, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority members Martha Coleman and Shirley Dickerson Taylor were filled with awe and jubilation as they watched their sorority sister and fellow Historically Black College and University (HBCU) alum Kamala Harris, sworn in as Vice President of the United States.

Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database

Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.

With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.

Opinion: Editorial: We Still Need Your Help

Thank you to hundreds who have supported us financially, and with warm words of encouragement

In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and after a year-long journey of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, I have been fine.

Obituary: Floyd Gaibler, 70, of Great Falls

Floyd Gaibler of Great Falls passed away on Jan. 21, 2021 after complications from heart surgery.

Celebrating the Passion of Music Making in Great Falls

Virtuoso pianist, sought-after worldwide, finds a home at Great Falls United Methodist Church.

There were particular moments in Thomas Pandolfi's earliest days of his existence, he said, when hearing music, particularly piano music, whether it was part of an orchestra, choral music, or opera, set him on a course of "tremendous work."

McLean, Langley High Boundaries to Change

Next public hearing on Jan. 28, School Board vote on Feb. 4

The Fairfax County School Board held a hybrid regular meeting on Jan. 21.

Upcoming Actions on Enhanced Gun Safety Legislation in Virginia

Del. Patrick Hope (D-47), who chairs the House Public Safety Committee, said after gun safety bills passed subcommittee today, that on Friday the full committee will be taking up legislation to continue to prevent gun violence.

Opinion: Column: Cancer and Covid...

…don't exactly go together like milk and cookies.

Blood Donations Needed

Since 1970, blood donors have been recognized in the month of January during National Blood Donor Month.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Headaches in Fairfax County

IT and supply problems worry residents.

“I want to assure you that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be,” said Jeffrey McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Helping Children Navigate Anxiety

Sharing feelings, listening without judgement during current political turmoil

As communities cope with the shock of daunting images of the recent riot at the U.S. Capitol, the mental health toll on children and teens can be significant but go unnoticed, say local therapists.

Killing the Death Penalty

Lawmakers consider bill to abolish capital punishment in Virginia

Virginia has executed people longer than any other state, a tradition that stretches back into colonial days when Captain George Kendall was executed for treason. Over the years, the commonwealth has executed more than 1,300 people. Now, Virginia may be about to join 22 other states that have abolished the death penalty.

McLean Community Center Seeks Candidates for Governing Board

The McLean Community Center (MCC), an agency of Fairfax County Government, is seeking residents of Small District 1A-Dranesville to run for seats on its 11-member volunteer board.

Great Falls Citizens Voice Environmental Concerns

GFCA submits documents to County's Environmental Quality Advisory Council 2021

Members of Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) believe development pressure and environmental concerns are no longer balanced, shifting away from recognizing the importance of environmental protection.

Opinion: Column: In Effect, a Trade

Incurable but treatable non small cell lung cancer, stage IV for incurable but treatable papillary thyroid cancer stage IV.

Superintendent Brabrand Presents Fairfax County Public Schools Budget for FY 2022

The presentation of the FY 2022 Proposed Budget is the starting point of the budget process, which ends in May with the School Board’s adoption of the Approved Budget.

Fairfax County Residents List Assembly Expectations

County General Assembly Delegation holds pre-2021 Session Public Hearing

The Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation held a Pre-2021 Session Public Hearing on Saturday, Jan. 9.

Teacher Vaccinations Begin in Fairfax County

In accordance with State and local Health department groupings, teachers and school staff in Phase 1b began receiving vaccinations on Monday, Jan. 11.

Privatized Incarceration

Alexandria senator leads fight against profiting from prisoners

Housing inmates in Virginia prisons costs the state about $70 a day for each inmate. But the private sector can do it a lot cheaper, about $50 a day. Lawmakers are about to debate whether that's a savings they can afford.

HomeLifeStyle: Creating a Calm Interior

Soothing spaces offer serenity during difficult times.

In the current times of turbulence and uncertainty, many are looking for a haven for serenity and calm.

Virginia House Democrats Release Agenda for Upcoming Session

The House legislative agenda will focus on three key areas for the upcoming legislative session: Protecting Families; Keeping Virginia Healthy; Rebuilding Our Economy Stronger

Keller Williams McLean/Great Falls Posts Record $1.1B in Home Sales

The Covid pandemic in 2020 didn’t hold back the Keller Williams Realty office in McLean/Great Falls from setting a new record in northern Virginia for the highest sales volume by a single brokerage.

Ponchos of Sunshine to 'Frequent Flier' Hospital Children

Cape Ivy aims to provide warmth, comfort and support to children who have chronic or critical illnesses.

In honor of her son, Gavin Grey Smith of Great Falls, who lost his 12-year battle to a rare form of CVID (Common Variable Immune Deficiency), his mother, Meg Elliot Smith, threw herself into providing fleece poncho capes to ''frequent flier'' children in hospitals.

Opinion: Column: New Year, Old Problem: Cancer

As I sit and write here, with too much time on my hands, I can't help but consider my lot in life.

Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation to Hold Public Hearing

The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing on the 2021 session on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Gentle and Subtle Resolutions for 2021

Try small, simple and achievable goals

For 2021, local mental health professionals advise being gentle with yourself when creating the daily schedules and resolutions that often come with the beginning of the New Year.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Virginia Progressive Prosecutors Call for Criminal Justice Reforms

Reforms advocated for by the group include expungement of criminal records, an end to mandatory minimum sentences, an end to cash bail, abolition of the death penalty, and an end to “three strikes” felony enhancement for larceny offenses.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Heroes of Our Time

In 1940, when the British Royal Air Force (RAF) was fighting the air war in the skies over England, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister at the time made the following statement referring to the RAF pilots:

Essential Leave

Advocates for paid sick days try to build support among Virginia Senate Democrats

Before the pandemic hit, Senate Democrats stopped a proposal requiring businesses to offer paid sick days. During the pandemic, they rejected it again during a special session. Now as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session, advocates are hoping they've finally got a strategy to persuade reluctant Senate Democrats to approve a new law increasing the number of workers in Virginia who have access to paid sick days.

County’s Incident Alert System Helps Nab a Robbery Suspect

Phone calls and social media enable Fort Hunt residents to help in this case.

Incident alert

Opinion: Commentary: Oh, What A Night! in McLean Neighborhood

Saturday evening, Dec, 19, Chesterbrook Woods was set ablaze with lights, music and happiness.

Dining: Tysons Bakery Offers Tempting Choices

Review: Classic Bakery

This tiny, classy destination, Classic Bakery, is a hidden treasure among the numerous store-front businesses and big-box stores that make Tysons Corner a popular destination.

Real Estate: Home Sales Up in McLean, Great Falls

The ball has dropped on 2020 and the calendar has flipped over to the new year of 2021.

Vivid Chill Opens in Great Falls

Shopping handcrafted, ethically produced, nontoxic products

It all started with the local artisan's handbags, the love of little boutique shops that featured brands with morals and values, and telling her mom that more than anything else, she wanted to open a store in the Great Falls Village Centre with a showroom for those bags and other ethically and sustainably produced items.