Stories for August 2016

Letter: Does He Bite?

Letter to the Editor

Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.

Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter

As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.

Origins of McLean, Virginia

A village that became known as McLean is simply a community that sporadically developed around a trolley stop. It can trace its beginning to 1902 when John R. McLean and Senator Stephen Elkins of West Virginia obtained a charter to operate an electrified railroad, that was named the Great Falls & Old Dominion Railroad.

McLean Nonprofits: Making Community Work 2016

McLean nonprofits

Great Falls, McLean, Vienna Demographics 2016

Vienna, Great Falls, and McLean demographics

Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Making Community Work

Caring for an Ill Spouse?

The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.

Keeping Youth Safe, Healthy and Drug Free

Looking for ways to keep Fairfax County youth and young adults safe, healthy and drug free? Then check out getting involved with the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).

Column: Greater Transparency in Policing

Fairfax County Police embrace change, sanctity of life for all.

The Fairfax County Police Department was established on July 1, 1940 and today we have an authorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcement officers.

Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.

I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.

Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness

Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.

‘Insider’s Tip’ to New Businesses

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helps in starting or expanding business in the county.

If you are new to Fairfax County, welcome to one of the world’s most interesting places to live and work. If you are new to the county and are interested in being part of our dynamic business community, here is an “insider’s tip” that you will want to know: The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), works with everyone who wants to start or expand a business in the county.

County Schools: Teaching for 21st Century

What’s new at Fairfax County Public Schools.

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year in Fairfax County Public Schools. With each new school year, we have the wonderful opportunity to build upon our previous successes and continue to improve our work with our students.

Comstock Faces Challenge from Bennett in Congressional Race

Voter turnout, presidential politics and “Trump Effect” considered key factors in once solidly red district.

In Virginia's 10th Congressional District, freshman lawmaker Barbara Comstock remains confident that she will win her first re-election bid.

Sharon Bulova: 'Welcome to Fairfax County'

Welcome to Fairfax County, one of the greatest places in the nation to live, work, play and raise a family.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

How to Vote in Fairfax County

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young

In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.

Column: #MindsMatter: Lifesaving Conversations Every Day

Take one action for awareness of National Suicide Prevention week #MindsMatter.

It’s 3 p.m. School’s out. Like clockwork, alerts start ringing, letting our crisis workers know that young people are out of class, and they need to talk.

Minds Matter to Local Mental Health Service

PRS Inc. of McLean prepares for National Suicide Prevention Week.

Although National Suicide Prevention Week occurs next month, a local mental health service got a head start last week and launched its public awareness campaign on social media.

Children Science Center Lab Takes 10-year View

Amy Burke, board chairwoman of the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, and executive director Adalene “Nene” Spivey watch Emily Brunner, 15, of Falls Church take on the robotic arm challenge by programming the device to play the “Happy Birthday” song on a xylophone.

McLean: Science of Baking Sweets

Middle Eastern Food Festival offers food, food, food.

Labor Day weekend brings summer to an end, and is a major time to enjoy some relaxation and fun before fall’s chill. And for locals—especially those who love food—the major event of the weekend is the Middle Eastern Food Festival at McLean’s Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Often rated as the Number 1 family event, this two-day festival is now celebrating its 23rd year of bringing various cultures together for fun and food.

McLean: Wheels-to-Africa and Bands for Bikes Concert

Event at Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean sends bikes to Africa.

A Wheels-to-Africa bike collection and Bands for Bikes rock concert was held for the third year on Saturday, Aug. 20 in conjunction with the Old Firehouse Teen Center’s Annual Block Party in McLean.

McLean High to host ‘Celebrate McLean’

McLean High School is hosting a community festival on Thursday, Sept. 1. All families and residents of greater McLean are invited to attend.

Actually, She Can

U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock [R-10] promotes Young Women Leadership.

The energy and excitement coming from nearly 300 young women packed into the McLean Community Center is palpable – and very loud.

Places to See, Things to Do in Dranesville District

Supervisor recommends parks, historical features and community events in the Dranesville District.

Some of the Supervisor John Foust’s favorite parks, historical places and community events in Dranesville District:

McLean: ‘When Waters Rise’ Film Premiere

McLean residents, all age 16, produce film based on a Biblical parable.

About 100 people attended a film premiere for "When Waters Rise" on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Johnson Center Cinema at George Mason University in Fairfax.

McLean Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 131 homes sold between $4,000,000-$172,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: July, 2016

Fairfax County: Aiming To Reduce Deer Population

Second Deer Management Program discussion

With an ecosystem struggling to support a deer population several times what’s considered to be healthy for a habitat, Fairfax County is preparing once again to initiate its deer management program.

Fairfax: Man Dies After Being Shot by Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Outside Inova Hospital

Hispanic male was discharged patient who was escorted by security to bus stop before the incident.

Early Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, a man died after having been shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy outside the green garage area at Inova Fairfax Hospital the previous evening.

Fairfax County Police Release Name of 2-Year-Old Victim in Murder-Suicide

Despite pleas from the girl’s family, Fairfax County Police have released the name of the young victim who was found dead along with the body of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in an upstairs bedroom at the scene of a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.

Classified Advertising August 17, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally

Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan

Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.

As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.

Considering a Private School?

Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.

For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm to Host Colonial Tobacco Harvest

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, will host Colonial Tobacco Harvest – Participatory Event, on Saturday, Aug. 20, 1-4 p.m.

LEGO Representatives from Denmark to Visit McLean Camp

“I am learning a lot here. It’s like playing, but I know I am learning things too,” said Claire, 10, and Jake Varley, 11, of Annandale. This summer, Fun Bot Lab opened its second camp location in Annandale at Holy Spirit School and is now celebrating a week long visit from representatives of the LEGO Education group located in Billund, Denmark.

McLean: Police, Park Authority Seek Public’s Help in Protecting Parks

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is located at 7400 Georgetown Pike in McLean.

McLean, Vienna: Community Foundation Launches Innovation Breakfast Series

Access National Bank has offered exclusive support to sponsor the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s new Innovation Breakfast Series.

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Middle Eastern Food, Culture on Display

Middle Eastern Food Festival returns on Labor Day weekend.

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church will host its 23rd annual Middle Eastern Food Festival, Sept. 3 and 4, on the church grounds -- 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean. The Festival will feature authentic Middle Eastern food, pastries, music and dancing, as well as vendors, church tours, and activities for both children and adults.

Stars of Summer

Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships

Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.

Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun

Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.

Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.

One Step To ‘One Fairfax’

Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.

Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes

Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.

Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.

Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat

There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.

Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety

While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.

Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

McLean Community Center to Hold Two Public Meetings on FY 2018 Budget

The McLean Community Center Governing Board encourages residents of Small District 1A-Dranesville who have suggestions, comments or concerns regarding the Center’s FY 2018 budget to attend two upcoming meetings.

McLean: ‘Bands for Bikes’ Provide Wheels to Africa

Benefit concert to be held at the McLean Old Firehouse Teen Center on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Wheels to Africa is a youth-led all volunteer 501c(3) that collects used bikes for needy children.

National Night Out in McLean

Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments visit Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

The Vinson Hall Retirement Community on Kirby Road in McLean joined in the celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity

With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.

Fairfax County Police Receive National Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognized compliance with 484 standards.

In a hearing in Baltimore’s inner harbor on Saturday, July 30, the Fairfax County Police Department received a formal recognition of its national accreditation from the Gainesville, Va.-based Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.

Communities Observe National Night Out

Law enforcement and neighborhoods come together in Fairfax Station, Springfield and countywide.

Every night, that’s seven nights a week, Amanda Fox and her mother make rounds of the 169 houses in their community of Cardinal Estates in Springfield.

Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More

Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.

Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?

Double Honor: County and Steward

Learn how to identify invasives, to eradicate invasives, and to get involved. See vnps.org.

Dranesville Supervisor John W. Foust has watched many of the thousands of hours McLean’s Alan Ford has worked in Dranesville and federal parks.

What We Did on V-J Day

Vienna resident’s memories of the end of the war.

Memories of WW ll in an American child's mind are a distinct set of curiosities -- special activities removed from the ordinary day to day routine of growing up.

Mall STEM Lab Celebrates First Birthday

Children's Science Center Lab celebrates with cake, a new robot, aquarium and checks worth $125,000.

Some children go to the shopping mall because their moms have to run errands or it's a nice place to hang out with friends. Who knew Fair Oaks Mall is a go-to place to conduct science experiments, program a robot and make stuff out of a 3-D printer?

Passion to Excel in STEM Field

CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.

At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.

McLean: Partnership to Support Disabled Veterans

Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation and Veterans Moving Forward, Inc. announce their new partnership in support of disabled veterans. This collaboration will provide lodging for out-of-town veterans and their families accessing VMF programs during interviews and subsequent introductions to, and training with, their service dogs.

McLean: Back to School Waits for Back to School

Decision regarding expansion of Falls Church City school postponed until the Fall; McLean Citizens Association continues to oppose the application.

Falls Church City Public Schools wants to expand Mount Daniel Elementary School to educate the school system’s first and second graders.