Thursday, September 29
Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion
School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.
Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.
Wednesday, September 28
Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History
Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
McLean: MPAartfest Returns to Central Park on Oct. 2
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is celebrating their 10th Anniversary of MPAartfest, a community-wide arts festival on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. in McLean Central Park. This free event will feature 52 local and regional visual artists, Children's Art Walk, hands-on art studio, music, food vendors, and more!
Okee Dokee Brothers Return to The Alden in McLean
Three-time Parents’ Choice Award winners, The Okee Dokee Brothers, who performed to a sold-out house at The Alden last spring, have been called “two of family music’s best songwriters.” The dynamic duo will return to The Alden on Sunday, Nov. 6, for two performances. Show times are 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and tickets are $15, $10 for McLean tax district residents. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
McLean: Androids Arrive at Alden Theatre
McLean Community Players present ‘Comic Potential.’
How timely in this day-and-age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that the McLean Community Players present the area premiere of the romantic comedy “Comic Potential.” The comedy centers on an android that seems to have human potential. Written by Alan Ayckbourne, the play was first produced in 1998 long before artificial intelligence was anywhere near what it is today.
McLean: The Claude Moore Colonial Farm to Host 18th Century Autumn Market Fair
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, will host the 18th Century Autumn Market Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 & 16; 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
McLean: Donating 200 Pints of Blood
McLean resident reaches milestone, will keep giving.
Carolyn Offutt, a resident of the McLean area of 35 years, just donated her 200th pint of blood on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Red Cross Center on Prosperity Avenue.
McLean, Great Falls: Langley Football Looks for Turnaround
After a 0-4 start, Saxons play at Fairfax High Friday.
The Langley Varsity Football team took on Madison High at a home game Friday night, Sept. 23, and the stands were not lacking in spirit.
McLean Letter: The Right Choice
Letter to the Editor
I recently read that Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been endorsed by the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, as well as the local chapter of the Fairfax County Firefighters and Paramedics. This is a significant development because in 2012 the VAPBA endorsed Frank Wolf’s Democratic opponent. I’m thrilled that our local emergency responders recognize that, even though she’s only been a Congresswoman for two years, Barbara has made a real impact in our community and she deserves their endorsement.
Herndon Letter: Positive Leadership
Letter to the Editor
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been serving our area well for 7 years now – first in the House of Delegates for 5 years, and now as our Congresswoman for the past two years.
Fairfax Letter: Keeping the Nation Safe
Letter to the Editor
As we pass the fifteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, our nation takes time to reflect upon that tragic day. This solemn anniversary hits close to home to many in our area who lost loved ones or close personal friends. On this day we are also reminded that the dangers of terrorism are all too real.
Herndon Letter: Vision and Direction
Letter to the Editor
On a Christmas night, as I stood before a toy store holding my mom’s hand, I pointed my thumbs through my woolly mittens in a sharp rivalry of choice.
McLean, Great Falls, Reston: Wannabe Beekeepers Wanted
Beekeeping is a trending hobby, but many stung by the idea don’t know where to begin. On Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Reston Association Headquarters Conference Center, master beekeeper Todd Harding teaches wannabe backyard beekeepers the basics of procuring, maintaining, and feeding bees. The class is held in Reston at the home-owners association, but is open to everyone, regardless of address.
Share of McLean Needs Donations
Share of McLean has issued the following appeal for donations: On Wednesday at Share, we had many clients coming in looking for things like rice, pasta, beans, shampoo, flour, sugar, oil, etc. and sadly we had to turn them away without these much needed items.
Saturday, September 24
Walk to Prevent Suicide
Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”
Homework Overload
Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.
Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.
‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men
Photos, video used to demand money from victims.
Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.
First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton
Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'
Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.
Thursday, September 22
Fairfax County: Students learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.
On a scorching week day in late summer, rising Fairfax County seniors Kenneth Smith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were taking cumulative review tests in their summer course. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.
Fairfax County: Changes in Voting from 2012
Electoral board highlights key dates and procedure updates.
Clinton or Trump? Meals Tax or no Meals Tax? These are just a two of the weighty decisions on the ballot for this fall’s election. To help people prepare for this cycle, leaders of the Fairfax County electoral board held a meeting with media to highlight some changes from the 2012 Presidential election.
Wednesday, September 21
Classified Advertising September 21, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Garza Resigns
Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has announced her resignation, just months after the FCPS board renewed her contract through June 30, 2020.
Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve Independent Police Auditor
Unanimous vote follows Ad Hoc Commission recommendations for more transparency and oversight of Fairfax County police.
With a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an independent police auditor office, following recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
McLean: Mount Daniel Elementary Expansion Approved
Fairfax County Planning Commission wants to be good neighbors and so does Falls Church City County Public Schools.
McLean Woman’s Club Donates Piano to American Legion Post
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, the Woman’s Club of McLean donated a piano to American Legion Command Post 270, in McLean.
Pickleball Comes to McLean
McLean Central Park behind the Dolley Madison Library now has two lighted pickleball/tennis courts where pickleball fans can play. Bring your own paddles and balls.
Letter: LuAnn Bennett: Result-oriented
Letter to the Editor
Let me introduce LuAnn Bennett, Democrat running against Barbara Comstock to represent us in the 10th District.
Letter: Comstock’s Record of Accomplishments
Letter to the Editor
Now that the campaign season has kicked off and both candidates in the 10th District have ads running on TV – it’s very helpful to compare the stark differences.
Letter: LuAnn Bennett on the Issues
Letter to the Editor
Padraic Buckley's letter in the September 14-20 edition of the McLean Connection ("Why Comstock?") repeated, almost word for word, the attack on LuAnn Bennett appearing in his Sept. 15 letter in the Sun Gazette newspaper. Leaving aside Mr. Buckley's unseemly personal remarks about Bennett (which should have no place in an election campaign), I take issue with two statements he made in his letters.
Letter: Reasons to Vote For LuAnn Bennett
Letter to the Editor
Padraic Buckley’s letter asks “Why Comstock? ” (Connection, September 14-20, 2016). Yet the letter fails to make the case. There are many reasons to vote for Comstock’s opponent in the 10th District.
Vienna, McLean: Charity Foot Race Raises $30,000 Benefiting Food for Others
Five hundred runners and dozens of sponsors rallied at sunrise on Sept. 10 to celebrate their commitment to neighbors in need. The 5K raised more than $30,000 for Food for Others, and invigorated community spirit in Tysons.
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Cooking with Passion
Meet the executive chef at McLean’s Saint Germain Catering.
How many Northern Virginia foodies know that executive chef Jeff Witte, formerly at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, has become the executive chef at McLean’s Saint Germain Catering?
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Knox Singleton to Receive Community Leadership Award
J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, will be recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award.
Tuesday, September 20
Fairfax Raises $521,509 for MDA
Letter to the Editor
For over 30 years, during Labor Day Weekend, the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional FireFighters and Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 and the personnel in the Department of Public Safety Communications, have collected for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Fill the Boot Campaign.
Friday, September 16
McLean Home Sales: August, 2016
In August, 2016, 115 homes sold between $3,125,000-$140,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: August, 2016
Fairfax: Roadside Protest for McKenna and Martinez Deaths
The Northern Virginia chapter of the group Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) organized a demonstration at 4 p.m. on Sep. 14 along Lee Highway in Fairfax, calling for justice for Natasha McKenna and Giovanny, or Jovany, Martinez.
Thursday, September 15
Clifton: Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program to hold tenth Polo Classic fundraiser
Once a week for the last seven years, César Dulanto of Lake Ridge, Va. has come to Clifton to trade his wheelchair for a saddle. Dulanto, 13, has been been wheelchair-bound since the age of two with cerebral palsy. He used to have difficulty just sitting up in a chair. And, he said, “I used to be so shy.”
McLean: Tough Ethical Choices
1st Stage brings “Lobby Hero” to full life.
Convincing performances including a torrent of words award audiences with a shifting tale of humor, subtlety and rough edges in 1st Stage’s top-notch take on “Lobby Hero,” a rarely performed play by Kenneth Lonergan. It is a complicated, brash world that Longeran created; a world of people living on quicksand, where false moves are easy to make, especially when not well thought through.
McLean: Groundbreaking Held for Lewinsville Community Campus
When completed, the Lewinsville Center Campus will include 82 affordable independent living residences.
County and State local officials, County staff and developer representatives broke ground on Sept. 8 for the Lewinsville Community Campus, located at 1609 Great Falls Street in McLean.
McLean Teen Wins Reston Triathlon
Claire Wolff, 17, of McLean, won last Sunday’s Reston Triathlon - in her first appearance -- with a time of 2:25:28.
Fairfax County: Supervisors to Vote on Independent Auditor Office
Board item reviewed by public safety committee
At its Sept. 20 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create an office of independent police auditor.
Fairfax County School Board Postpones Decision on New Sponsorship Policy
Fairfax County Public Schools are far from becoming a David Foster Wallace novel.
Fairfax Namesake School District in California Celebrated
While there can only be one Fairfax County Public Schools system, members of the FCPS board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors congratulated the namesake Fairfax School District in Bakersfield, Calif. on its 125th anniversary.
Wednesday, September 14
Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), I thank you for the Connection’s compassionate and informative editorial printed in observance of Suicide Prevention Week, titled Take One Action to Prevent Suicide.
What’s Permissible When Planning a Home Renovation?
Complete due diligence upfront to research any ordinances or restrictions that may affect the project.
Unfortunately, homeowners and contractors often forget important steps during this project feasibility phase, which sometimes leads to wasted time and money or abandoned projects. To ensure you sidestep those mistakes, start with this checklist to look into to help minimize setbacks while planning and executing your next renovation.
Vienna Sunroom Brings Light, Awards
Family entertainment suite, larger breakfast area, private second level decking among stand-out custom features
To Sanjay and Deepika Sardana, who have occupied a Colonial style-home in Vienna for 14 years, the great achievement of their new sunroom addition is how well it meets their requirements regarding views, available light and interior design.
Comfort Zone
Local furniture maker combines style and comfort
John W. Smith treks through a maze of sleek chairs and stately sofas in a large, sunlit showroom tucked in an industrial warehouse center in Fairfax. He pauses at a dining chair, upholstered in beige linen and framed with espresso hardwood.
McLean Letter: Why Comstock?
Letter to the Editor
The one note campaign of LuAnn Bennett, heard all around the town of McLean and the 10th congressional district seems to be that - she doesn’t like Donald Trump.
McLean Letter: Vote ‘Yes’ on Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I am writing to encourage a “Yes” vote on the Fairfax County Meals Tax.
Food Trucks Come to Tysons
Another sign that this business area takes on an urban feel.
Thanks to a Fairfax County ordinance in Tysons Corner, areas known to the food truck world as “food deserts,” are getting relief, not in the form of rain like happens in the desert world, but in the form of a new lunch option in certain Tysons Corner zones where food trucks were previously banned.
Classified Advertising September 14, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
McLean, Great Falls: Area Teens Finding their Cause
Celebrate St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this weekend at the French Embassy.
In true red-carpet-event style, Parker Gioia, a high school junior from McLean’s Potomac School, will be interviewing guests as they enter Saturday’s Parent/Teen Golden Gala to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thursday, September 8
Fairfax: Dead Man’s, Deputy’s Name Released in Inova Shooting
Police, sheriff investigations continue.
Jovany Martinez is the 29-year-old Hispanic man who died after being shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputy Monday night Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Wednesday, September 7
McLean: Alden’s New Season Opens With Martha Graham Dance Company
True to its moniker, “small stage, big talent,” McLean’s Alden Theatre new 2016-2017 professional performances season takes off with the world renowned Martha Graham Dance Company.
Harvest Happenings Return to McLean Community Center
Harvest Happenings, McLean Community Center’s annual fall festival for children ages 3-8, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 24. General admission is $5 at the door; however, infants to 36-month-old children can attend for free. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean Letter: Experience That Matters
Letter to the Editor
We are fortunate in our Congressional District to have a Congresswoman who comes from a family of educators and knows our pre-K, K-12 and university system very well.
McLean High Hosts Celebrate McLean
Community festival includes food trucks, fair games.
On the cloudy afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 1, McLean High School’s football field and an adjacent parking lot filled with food trucks and tables, some offering concessions and others information about school activities.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Publication Shows Philanthropy is ‘Good Business’
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has released its fourth issue of GOOD BUSINESS, a bi-annual publication that features stories of local businesses, big and small, that play a key role in the community through philanthropy and volunteerism.
‘Concert Across America to End Gun Violence’ at Tysons Biergarten
A coalition of gun violence prevention organizations in the DC/ Northern Virginia area have announced participation in the national “Concert Across America to End Gun Violence” on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Suicide Loss ‘Club’
Commentary
When I was 15 years old, I received my first “membership card” to suicide loss. I got the platinum membership card because not only was my loss to suicide, but it was also a parent.