Tuesday, February 28
Beware Early Allergy Season
Experts offer suggestions for preventing and treating allergy symptoms.
Those experiencing Itchy, watery eyes and seemingly endless sneezing know that spring allergy season is getting an early start this year thanks to this season’s mild winter weather.
Prayer Vigil at ICE Office
Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.
On the morning of Feb. 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up across the street from Rising Hope Mission Church on Russell Road in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria.
Fairfax County Solicits Public Input on Environmental Vision
Online survey open through March 6.
Fairfax County is preparing to update the Environmental Excellence 20-Year Vision Plan (Environmental Vision) and the public is urged to weigh in via an online survey.
Chief to Release Name of Officer in Herndon Shooting
Risk assessment is complete.
The risk assessment of the officer involved in the fatal Jan. 16 shooting of Mohammad Azim Doudzai is now finished, according to a Feb. 24 release from Fairfax County Police.
U.S. Marshals Warn Public of Jury Duty Phone Scams
The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public of a nationwide telephone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.
Editorial: Good, Bad and Missed Opportunities
Results of the 2017 session of the General Assembly.
GOOD THINGS Progress in funding mental health and addressing the opioid epidemic on multiple levels were among the successes of the 2017 General Assembly session.
Thursday, February 23
Prayer Vigil at ICE Office
Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.
Rising Hope Mission Church holds vigil at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Tuesday, February 21
Matching Pets to Their Owners
Animal shelters’ counselors help families find the right fit when seeking a pet adoption.
Natasha had been abandoned and was wandering the streets of Arlington under the blaze of a hot summer sun when she was rescued and taken to a local shelter.
Lawmaker Work Group to Examine Virginia Predatory Lending
Panel to investigate internet loans, car-title loans and open-end lines of credit.
The growing chorus of criticism about predatory lending in Virginia may not have prompted lawmakers to start passing laws to crack down on the industry. But it has accomplished one thing, formation of a work group.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Robert Johnson of Woodbridge understands the mental health crisis from a personal perspective.
A Record Year for Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Region honors its supporters.
Megan Newman told her story at the Alzheimer’s Association “Wall of Hope” reception at Tysons Corner on Feb. 9. She was only 18, a senior in high school, when her mother started to ask the same question more than once.
Opinion: Budget Season in Fairfax County
Attend a town hall meeting and express your priorities.
Alexandria and Arlington each have a meals tax, both enacted without a referendum because as urban forms of government in Virginia, their local elected bodies were authorized to enact the tax legislatively.
Finding Chippewa
I walked into the Potomac Yard PetsMart in Alexandria with my partner on a Saturday morning in 2012 expecting to quickly go in to grab some cat litter and get out.
Week in McLean
‘Trevor’ Extends 1st Stage Production
1st Stage, Tysons Corner’s award-winning professional theater, announces the extension of their production of “Trevor” by Nick Jones, directed by 1st Stage Artistic Director, Alex Levy until March 5.
People & Pets in McLean
Morning Walk
My pets and the young man who walks them every morning: He ties their leashes together in a knot and lets them walk themselves with him along side.
Monday, February 20
McLean Mansion Engulfed by Fire
A fire destroyed a mansion at 818 Turkey Run Road on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Dance Instructor Arrested
Chase Clark Peklo, 19, of Sterling was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 16, for carnal knowledge of children between 13 and 15 years of age and five counts of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation and facilitation of child pornography, according to police.
Sisterhood of the Salaam Shalom Brings Communities Together
Local unity vigil draws a crowd from all over the Metro area.
America the Beautiful greeted all who entered the Sisterhood of the Salaam Shalom Unity Vigil on Feb. 16, 2017, at Temple Rodef Shalom in McLean.
Fairfax County NAACP Hosting Community Gathering
The NAACP of Fairfax County is hosting a community and Black History Month commemoration on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Letter to the Editor: Riding/Boarding Stable Definition Changes: Citizen Vigilance Now Necessary
On Feb. 14, the Board of Supervisors voted to change the definition of riding/boarding stables and to add teaching horseback riding to the list of allowable Home Occupations not needing a Special Permit.
Fairfax County Names First Independent Police Auditor
Richard G. Schott, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to be Fairfax County’s first-ever independent police auditor.
‘Main Street’ Idea Revitalized for Downtown McLean
Property owners of the Old Dominion Shopping Center and the Chain Bridge Corner Shopping Center are working to redevelop the spaces into one combined mixed-use development.
The Connection HomeLifeStyle Real Estate and Remodeling Focus
Sponsored
This special focus will use the award-winning Connection Newspapers’ resources to illustrate the benefits of buying and listing homes for sale this summer.
Thursday, February 16
Fear Follows ICE Enforcement
Men said to be detained after leaving Mount Vernon shelter.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Mount Vernon.
Era of the Iron Fist: How Did Democrats Rule the House of Delegates?
Democrats complain about Republican heavy-handedness, but were they any better?
Democrats complain that Republicans are sidelining their bills without much consideration. But were Democrats any better when they had control of the House of Delegates?
Wednesday, February 15
Editorial: Ending Gerrymandering Important to Region
Efforts appear dead for this session, but elections later this year provide new opportunities.
While three bills that could have reined in the runaway gerrymandering in Virginia made it through the Virginia Senate to crossover, they died on Tuesday morning in a House subcommittee, despite some vocal Republican support.
Job Fairs Match Fairfax County Teens, Employers
Supervisor Pat Herrity’s (R-Springfield) office, along with a variety of business and community organizations, hosted two teen job fairs and resume building workshops last year.
In Session: Virginia General Assembly Briefs
Ghost of Carter Glass
Meet state Sen. Carter Glass of Lynchburg.
FCPS Adopts $2.8 Billion Budget for FY2018
5.1 percent increase from 2017 prioritizes compensation and classroom resources.
The Fairfax County School Board formally adopted interim Superintendent Steve Lockard’s proposed $2.8 billion operating budget at its Feb. 9 meeting, following several work sessions and public hearings on the matter.
Chief Still Withholding Officer’s Name in Fatal Herndon Shooting
Temporary restraining order to not release name vacated by judge.
Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year.
Improve Driver Laws, Reduce Road Deaths
Virginia’s highway safety report card.
Clifton resident Debbie Sausville represented Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at a recent Capitol Hill news conference where Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) issued “report cards” rating all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their progress toward adopting 15 optimal laws that scientific studies, data analysis and real world experience show are effective at preventing death and injury on roadways.
Fairfax County Executive Proposes $4.10 Billion Budget
Calls for no increase in real estate taxes; falls $61 million short of schools’ request.
An exercise in “triage and trade-offs” was how Mount Vernon District Supervisor Daniel Storck described the FY 2018 budget as proposed by County Executive Ed Long to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Celebrating Black History Month
Educators say these lessons are urgently needed in current racial climate.
Even though Elavie Ndura knows that it is a daunting challenge to help children grasp the entirety of the African American experience in the shortest month of the year, each February she and other educators give it their best effort.
Monday, February 13
Music Connection Brings Young Music to Elderly Ears in McLean
McLean High band members perform at Lewinsville Retirement Residences.
Caroline Brunner, a junior at McLean High School, looked on approvingly as a fellow band member performed a piece from Chopin on the piano.
McLean High School Parents Dive Into ‘Eye-opening Data’
Results from the Fairfax County Youth Survey presented on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the McLean High Auditorium.
More McLean students reported taking drugs and drinking alcohol last school year than the overall percentage of the county’s public school system, according to Fairfax County Public Schools.
‘The Children’s Hour’ at McLean High School: More Than a Play
In connection with their upcoming production, TheatreMcLean is hosting Mental Health Week.
In connection with TheatreMclean’s upcoming production of Lillian Hellman’s “The Children’s Hour,” TheatreMcLean is hosting Mental Health Week with McLean High School's Sources of Strength team and other local nonprofits working in the fields of suicide prevention, mental health, and anti-bullying.
Week in McLean
Fundraiser Supporting Timber Lane PTA
Week in McLean — Fundraiser Supporting Timber Lane PTA
Nysmith School Students Excel in Competitions
The most recent accomplishments of individual students and student teams from The Nysmith School for the Gifted continue a string of competitive achievements.
Three Thieves Escape after Theft in Tysons
The Fairfax County Police Department is searching for suspects who evaded capture on Thursday, Feb. 9, after a dangerous pursuit by car and foot.
Planning 20 Parks: Inside Tysons or Out?
Vienna and McLean affected by 30-year vision for Tysons; more debate Feb. 23.
When creating a new city, county planners target a precise number of parks.
Madison Ice Hockey Team Wins Division Championship
The Warhawk Varsity Ice Hockey team is headed to the playoffs as division champions with their 4-3 win over McLean Feb. 3.
Friday, February 10
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb. 8
If you have lived in Fairfax County for any amount of time, you are surely familiar with the traffic situation here.
Commentary: First Amendment Is Alive and Well
“Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Tuesday, February 7
Bulova Calls for Land Use Engagement
Board of Supervisors chairman to host Community Council on Land Use Engagement.
At the Jan. 24 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), Chairman Sharon Bulova handed the gavel to Vice Chairman Penelope Gross (D-Mason District), and proceeded to utilize a “Chairman’s Initiative” to introduce a “Board Matter” of her own.
MATHCOUNTS Winners Announced
Top area teams, students advance to Virginia state competition.
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at George Mason University.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Honoring the Past and Present
A home with both a rich history and modern conveniences is on the market in Fairfax.
When Betsy Rutkowski purchased her Fairfax home, she was drawn to its rich history and the childhood memories which it evoked.
City House, Country House
Home offers sunny interior and bucolic surroundings.
European craftsmanship, a free-flowing floor plan and light-filled rooms characterize a home that was designed according to the vision of a local jurist.
Fireplace as Focal Point
A hearth is in demand for cold weather.
“Fireplaces have never fallen out of favor,” said David Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
The backlog of untested rape kits has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been working to find ways to process all that evidence. But that’s not the only problem with rape kits. Many of them are them are simply thrown away.
Cracking Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Rocky Road Ahead
Governor, business leaders and analysts offer insights on regional economy.
The road signs along the highway to the region’s economic future are a bit difficult to read, sometimes pointing positively one way, and at other times seeming to indicate slow downs and hazards ahead, according to speakers and panelists at last week’s regional economic conference.
A Look Inside Fairfax County Police Diversity Training
Commanders hear speeches on openness, forgiveness, professionalism.
West Springfield District Police Commander Cpt. Gervais T. Reed said when police officers leave the profession, some are in good shape, others are bitter.
Letter to the Editor: The Human Cost of Repealing ACA
Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) recently voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act as well as make cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
McLeanCVA Senior Source Expands Service
Two new locations open in McLean.
To meet the growing interest of McLean residents, a group of volunteers has been working to create a village to meet the unique needs of the community.
Monday, February 6
Board of Supervisors to Consider Sunrise McLean Application
The MCA Board of Directors urges the Board of Supervisors to deny the application.
The McLean Citizens Association voted to remain opposed to Sunrise Senior Living’s proposed assisted living facility on land at the northwest corner of Kirby Road and Westmoreland Street.
McLean Wireless Facility Approved, For Now
If a proposed 52-foot telephone pole was three-feet shorter and 18 inches narrower in diameter, McLean advocates wouldn’t have had the opportunity to testify against a communications antenna topping it.
Letter to the Editor: McLean Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence
This past weekend our quiet McLean community received the awful news of the murder-suicide of the Chen-Zhou family.
McLean's Oakcrest School Holds Veritas Awards Reception
Award consist of $5,000 tuition remission for two recipients who are student leaders.
Oakcrest School, an all-girl liberal arts school in McLean, held its Veritas Award Reception on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at the school.
TheatreMcLean Presents The Children’s Hour
In 1934, playwright Lillian Hellman did the unthinkable — she revealed the bitter truth.
McLean, Tysons Traffic Solutions Discussed
County director of transportation addresses McLean Citizens Association.
The McLean Citizens Association (MCA) membership meeting of Jan. 26 featured Tom Biesiadny, Fairfax County Director of Transportation, who addressed a list of issues that had been presented to him by the MCA’s Transportation Committee, and he also took questions from the audience.
Week in McLean
Help Senior Citizens Get to Their Appointments
The Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church needs volunteers who can help area senior citizens get the transportation they need to get to their medical and therapy appointments.
Edgy, Unconventional Dark Comedy — 1st Stage at Tysons presents ‘Trevor.’
A rewarding tale about miscommunications in a family generating plenty of laughs before a heart-wrenching turn of events makes “Trevor” at 1st Stage a moving exploration of one family’s unusual bonds.
Thursday, February 2
Fairfax County: Body-Worn Cameras for Police Coming Closer
Policy addressing privacy, mental health, metrics needed before pilot begins.
Fairfax County Police could have a body-worn camera program for officers up and running as early as the fall. That’s what Police Chief Edwin Roessler and the Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee discussed at the committee’s first meeting of 2017 on Jan. 31.
Fairfax County: Deadline Reached for Civilian Review Panel Nominations
Supervisors to review applications before Feb. 14 meeting.
Jan. 31 was the final day for applications and nominations for Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel, one of two new forms of independent oversight for the police department.
Wednesday, February 1
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about Facebook and Twitter?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers to Crack Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.