Tuesday, January 31
Victims of Tribe-For-Rent Scam to Get $15 Million Payout in Settlement Agreement
15,000 Virginia victims get $6 million worth of predatory loans absolved, $9 million in cash awards.
The commercial features images of teepees and a tribal drumbeat. The company billed itself as having ties to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. But Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says that was nothing more than a fraud, a scheme he calls rent-a-tribe.
Submit Photos to 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 Feb. 15.
Chief Withholding Name of Officer in Herndon Fatal Shooting
Officer files temporary restraining order for Roessler to not release name.
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. On Feb. 7, FCPD said the unnamed officer has filed a temporary restraining order to keep the name from being released.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
So Much Happening, Don’t Blink
Demonstrations at Dulles in reaction to travel ban; fast moving General Assembly lacks transparency; other key issues.
As this date approaches, the General Assembly has a serious transparency issue, as it continues to kill most proposed legislation with unrecorded voice votes in subcommittee, with no accountability or record of how members voted.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
McLean Community Center to Host Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories Show
More than 30 carefully selected designers and artisans will offer a wide variety of women’s fashion, fine and artisan jewelry, and fashion accessories at the McLean Community Center’s Better Than Bling Jewelry & Fashion Accessories Show.
Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program
Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.
This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.
Cassaday & Company, Inc. Hits Major Milestone in Wealth Management
Cassaday & Company, Inc., has announced that the firm now has $2 billion in assets under management (AUM).
Comstock: Green Card Holders Are Legal Residents
U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) issued the following statement through her Twitter account on Jan. 29:
Sculpture Now 2017 Exhibit Opens in McLean
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) and the Washington Sculptors Group (WSG) will open a new exhibition, Sculpture Now 2017, on Feb. 2, 2017 at MPA@ChainBridge (1446 Chain Bridge Road, McLean).
Arts Night Out Held in McLean
Event co-hosted the New Dominion Women’s Club and MPA was a fundraiser for club's four charities.
More than 50 people attended the Arts Night Out on Thursday, Jan. 26, hosted by the New Dominion Women’s Club (NDWC) and the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) at the McLean Community Center on Ingleside Avenue.
Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles
Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.
Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.
Tex-Mex Coming Back To Great Falls Center
New Restaurant
Triny’s Tex-Mex Grill at Great Falls Center recently closed, but another will take its place. El Tio Tex-Mex Grill will open its fifth restaurant at the location.
Great Falls: New Monthly Dinner Raises Money And Support For Police Officers
Community News
A group in Great Falls raised over $5,000 for the organization Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) that supports the families of officers who have been killed on the job.
Chocolate Festival in McLean
A few thousand people attend the Rotary Club of McLean fundraiser.
A few thousand people attended the Sixth Annual Chocolate Festival on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of McLean at the McLean Community Center.
Artists on the Green Display Art at the Great Falls Library
Art exhibit
The exhibit highlights landscape and still life oil paintings that are the artists’ favorites. An opening reception is planned for Feb. 2, 6 - 9 p.m.
Family Tragedy Hits McLean
Langley High students pay tribute to slain classmate who sings no more.
The sudden death of sophomore James Wenjie Chen, 16, and his parents ripped through Langley High School and the McLean community on Friday, Jan. 27.
Area Leaders Celebrate PenFed’s New Headquarters in Tysons
Several hundred local business, political, community and military leaders joined PenFed Credit Union Tuesday evening, Jan. 24 to inaugurate its new headquarters in Tysons Corner.
Wellbeing Notes
Wellbeing Notes
Monday, January 30
Connector Construction Begins in Tysons
Construction of the $58 million Jones Branch Connector in Tysons began on Thursday, Jan. 26, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Students Meet McLean Firefighters
On Thursday, Jan. 26, firefighters from Fire Station 1 in McLean showed high school students how they respond to car crashes where drivers are trapped.
School Board Punts McLean Highlander Deal Down The Field
The McLean High School Athletic Boosters is leading an effort to approve a $250,000 deal that would pay for three new scoreboards for the high school’s football, baseball and softball fields.
Citizens Debate Proposed Assisted Living Facility in McLean
Nearly 200 people crowded into three rooms of the McLean Community Center on Tuesday, Jan. 24, to voice their opposition or support for the proposed Sunrise Senior Living development on land at the northwest corner of Kirby Road and Westmoreland Street.
Falls Church's Longfellow Model UN Club Wins Best Middle School Award
Longfellow Middle’s Model United Nations (MUN) club earned the Best Middle School award at a regional conference hosted by Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge.
Letter to the Editor: Comstock Divided Loyalties Reappear
I read with interest the editorial concerning the federal hiring freeze (“Not Helping the Local Economy,” The Connection, January 25-31, 2017).
Week in McLean
Comstock Announces Young Women Leadership Program
Wireless Whac-a-Pole in McLean?
Dranesville Planning Commissioner John Ulfelder wanted Verizon Wireless to understand McLean’s efforts to eliminate utility poles in McLean’s Business District.
BNY Mellon Wealth Management Opens at Tysons Tower
BNY Mellon Wealth Management, the eighth largest U.S. wealth manager according to Barron’s, opened its first Northern Virginia location on Jan. 24 with a 4000-square-foot office in Tysons Tower.
Learning How to Change the World
Civitan Conference teaches skills that will last a lifetime, sponsored by local clubs.
Ever wondered about the blue sign on North Quincy Street near the Washington-Lee High School in Arlington which says “I-66 Civitan Garage Sale”?
Thursday, January 26
Bipartisan Agreement Forged in House Panel on Reducing Suspended Driver’s Licenses
Republicans work with Cabinet officials to craft changes to let more people keep drivers licenses.
After Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe called on lawmakers to find a way to restore driver's licenses to people charged with crimes that had nothing to do with driving, Republicans responded. Now both sides are crafting a compromise that could end up being a hallmark of the 2017 session.
Wednesday, January 25
BASIS Independent McLean Elects Its New Mascot by Student-Designed Election Process
BASIS Independent McLean started its inaugural year this fall in McLean, Tysons Corner’s first k-12 school, and quickly went to work on the election process to vote in their first school mascot, the BASIS Independent McLean Bobcats.
Knitting for a Cause in McLean
Churchill Road sixth graders learned a new skill and put it to good use.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Mental Illness Takes Center Stage in Richmond
Death of Fairfax County inmate among recent controversies prompting action.
The death of a woman who struggled with mental illness at the Fairfax County jail is among the many recent controversies in Virginia correctional facilities, a reform effort that spans from changing how deaths behind bars are investigated to how law-enforcement officers interact with suspects who suffer from mental illness.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Police Car Takes Fire while in Pursuit in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Tuesday, January 24
Party-Line Vote Protects Child Labor at Tobacco Farms in Virginia
Republican-led House panel kills effort to craft new protections for kids in unrecorded vote.
In an unrecorded party-line vote, House Republicans killed a bill that would have cracked down on child labor at tobacco farms in Virginia.
Monday, January 23
Chris Stewart Wins The Langley School of McLean’s National Geographic Bee for Third Consecutive Year
On Jan.12, eighth-grader and Arlington resident Chris Stewart was named The Langley School’s National Geographic Bee champion for the third consecutive year.
Joshua Lian Wins McLean’s Churchill Road Geography Bee, Again
Churchill Road Elementary School crowned a new Geography Bee champion.
McLean Community Players present musical ‘Company’ at The Alden.
Funny and Bittersweet
Under the direction of Sharon Veselic (Herndon), the McLean Community Players (MCP) are bringing a fresh perspective to Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning musical “Company.”
McLean Community Outlook 2017
Projects Under Scrutiny in McLean
Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) and Benjamin Wiles, his staff aide who works on land-use issues, identified some of the developments within the Dranesville District - and specifically in McLean - that they will be focusing on over the next couple of months.
McLean Citizens Urge County to Address Its Multi-Billion-Dollar Problem
Two resolutions call attention to county’s pension system.
Citizens in McLean are worried about the county’s pension system and the county’s inability to pay for the obligations it owes its retirees.
The Keller Williams Realty Brokerage in McLean/Great Falls Sets a New Record
The Keller Williams Realty brokerage in McLean/Great Falls has set a new record for sharing its profits with agents.
South Lakes Secures Narrow Win Over Langley for a Second Time
It was a close and exciting game between the South Lakes Seahawks and the Langley Saxons on Thursday night.
Editorial: America in Black & White
Growing up in America in the 1950s and 1960s, many children watched television only in black and white. Some children believed that the world beyond where they could see was only black and white, devoid of color even though their homes, their neighborhoods, their schools, their crayon boxes were filled with colors.
Letter to the Editor: Protesting Vote Suppression
I am fed up with gerrymandering and other tactics politicians use to stack the votes in their favor!
Letter to the Editor: Stopping Gerrymandering in Virginia
As the new legislative year begins in Richmond, I hope more voters will join the effort to stop gerrymandering in Virginia.
Opinion: Counting on Our Reps in Congress
Sound the call to action; resist changes that are against the values and beliefs of most Virginia voters.
While most voters in the United States did not vote for Donald Trump for president, it was all the more so here in Northern Virginia.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Thursday, January 19
Fairfax County: Public hearing on yard waste bags follows premature administrative change
North Springfield resident Asher Grady has his leaf collecting down to a science. And with the mature trees around his quarter-acre lot, he needs to. Each fall, he said, he goes through between 60 and 80 bags of leaves, spending between eight and 12 hours to rake and bag them.
Vienna: Giving Voice to the Voiceless, Hope to the Helpless
Community volunteers share their work to support animal rescue efforts programs.
Most pet parents embrace their non-human family members as, well, as “family.” While the most common family pets are dogs and cats, there are people who count themselves as custodians of other creatures, from rabbits and snakes to rodents and birds.
Mission: Inauguration
Officer with Vienna, Langley High roots leads inaugural military ceremonial activities.
Brigadier General George M. Degnon, U.S. Air Force, has come along way from his native Vienna and his school days at Langley High School in McLean, but his next mission will play out practically in his old home backyard.
McLean Community Center Seeks Board Candidates
Board seats open
Months before a scheduled 18-month renovation is to begin on its main facility, the McLean Community Center (MCC) is seeking candidates to run for seats on its 2017-2018 Governing Board. The board provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre (The Alden) and The Old Firehouse Center. An agency of Fairfax County Government, the center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.
Wednesday, January 18
Oakton and Robinson: The Rivalry Ends
The Oakton and Robinson rivalry in Conference 5 continued with the last week’s meet: The Oakton girls lost their one win streak with a 33 point deficit, only scoring 141 points to Robinson’s 174.
An Apology to LGBTQ Community
My community involvement began in 1989 with my opposition to Family Life Education (FLE).
Vienna's Louise Archer Elementary Teams Excel at WordMasters Challenge™
Several teams representing Louise Archer Elementary achieved highest honors in the recent WordMasters Challenge™, a national vocabulary competition.
‘Poema de Andalucía’ at The Alden in McLean on Saturday, Jan. 28
New York City’s Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, one of the nation’s premier flamenco and Spanish dance companies, comes to The Alden at the McLean Community Center (MCC) for a single performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.
‘Hungry Hearts Tour’ Comes to McLean
American Shakespeare Center’s “Hungry Hearts Tour” performing William Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” “Romeo and Juliet” and Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” at the Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean.
Share: Poverty is Not Seasonal
Donations received during the holidays enabled Share to help more people from Great Falls, McLean, Pimmit Hills and Vienna area than it has ever helped before.
Senate Panel Kills Effort to Allow Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Supporters say they’ll continue to press the issue, citing concerns over safety.
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia will not be getting a driver’s license anytime soon, although advocates for the idea say they will keep pressing lawmakers on the issue.
McLean Family Restaurant
McLean Family Restaurant
McLean: Renowned Hip-Hop Artist Challenges President-Elect’s Character
Chuck D speaks at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the McLean Community Center.
“It is not about Trump,” he said. “This is about a polarized nation … the whole planet is watching every second of what goes down [in Washington, D.C.]. Character is at stake … That’s what’s going on right now.”
Bids for Renovation of McLean Community Center Came in Under Budget
Community News
Bids to renovate the McLean Community Center, which was built in 1975, have been submitted and are lower than anticipated. “The process is pretty straightforward,” says Teresa Lepe, spokesperson for the Building Design and Construction Division of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
McLean’s ‘Meeting Place’
Gov. Terry McAuliffe praises McLean Family Restaurant for ‘the best food in all of America.’
A family-owned restaurant in the Salona Village Shopping Center on Chain Bridge Road has been serving McLean for the last 47 years and has become a meeting place for the area’s high-profile elected officials, including Virginia’s governor.
Exploring Baseball History in Great Falls
A call to young historians: Join ‘The 1890s Baseball Team: "What History Reveals" project.
“The 1890s Baseball Team: What History Reveals,” has allowed me to share all of the skills I’ve acquired from my internship and from my classes in college with individuals who are interested in history too. On Jan. 11, 2017, I gave a presentation explaining how to find and use historical records to discover more about the lives of the players featured in an 1890 photograph of the local Forestville baseball team.
Week in Great Falls
Secret of getting most for your home
Become A Savvy Seller! Will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1-4 p.m. at Keller Williams, 774-A Walker Rd., Great Falls. This free, no obligation seminar, is offered by Lyons McGuire Homes & Estates of Keller Williams Realty.
Reston: MLK Keynote: ‘How Did We Get From Barack Obama to Donald Trump?’
Reston Community Center’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
“It was 10:45 p.m. when we heard in our little earpieces that the network was going to call the election for Obama at 11 o’clock.” Reality set in for him. “Looking around the table, I said, ‘Oh dear. When they call the election for Obama, they’re going to go to the black guy, and so I better think of something to say,’” he said, making the audience burst into laughter.
Tuesday, January 17
Online Virginia Lottery Sales? Don't Bet On It
House panel rejects bill that would allow for sale of lottery tickets over the internet.
A coalition of convenience store owners and religious conservatives worked to till an effort from the Virginia Lottery to allow for online gambling, thwarting an effort aimed at increasing sales among millennial gamblers. The bill, introduced by Del. Roxann Robinson (R-27), was defeated with an overwhelming vote by a House General Laws subcommittee Tuesday afternoon.
Obituary: John David (Jack) Trunnell
John David (Jack) Trunnell of McLean, Va. died on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 after a brief fight with pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and five sons. He was 65.
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria Grand Opening
Sponsored
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, January 21.
Let Horses Play Piano, Too
Horse Riding Lessons Allowed
Great Falls resident Kim Karanik navigated a three-and-a-half-year obstacle course to make riding activities and equestrian lessons more accessible and available to county children.
Lockard Channels Garza, Proposes $2.8 Billion FCPS Budget
FY2018 focuses on employee compensation and classroom resources.
Fairfax County Public Schools interim superintendent Steve Lockard is asking for $130.4 million more for the school system’s FY2018 operating budget than the previous year, a 4.9 percent increase, to a total of $2.8 billion.
Bicycle Advocacy Workshop in Springfield Feb. 4
Are you interested in making Fairfax County more bike-friendly?
Brewery Changes on Tap
Planning drafts zoning amendment.
There is increasing interest in Fairfax County in opening breweries for craft beer that might also serve beer and food.
Monday, January 16
Senate Panel Approves Crackdown on Internet Lenders in Virginia
Bill would subject unregulated loans to rules that apply to consumer-finance loans.
The Wild West of online lending is about to become a little tamer. That’s because a state Senate panel narrowly approved a bill that would subject internet loans to the same restrictions that currently exist for consumer finance loans, a move that would cramp the anything-goes culture of online loans in Virginia.
Vienna Police Highlights
January 6, 2017
The following summary contains various incidents of general interest as well as vehicular crashes handled by the Town of Vienna, Virginia Police Department from Dec. 30, 2016 – Jan. 5, 2017.
Vienna: Viewpoints
What Is Your New Year’s Resolution?
Vienna, what is your 2017 New Year's resolution?
Vienna: ’Dignity Act’ Goes to Richmond
Nonprofit BRAWS brings their case before General Assembly members.
Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters, a 501(c)3 non-profit - led by founder Holly Siebold of Vienna. Siebold and several supporters of BRAWS were there to encourage the state delegates and senators to get behind House Bill 1593, calling for the repeal of taxes on certain feminine hygiene products, as well as toilet paper and adult diapers.
Planning for Summer Camp
Local camp fairs help families navigate the maze of summer camp offerings.
In an effort to confront religious intolerance, a group of local middle school students will attend a camp aimed at bringing together children from different religions and giving them the chance to come together, make new friendships, visit houses of worship, learn about other traditions and practice dialogue to confront Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.
Sunday, January 15
Opioid Treatment Service Jan. 17
Addiction Help
As you are well aware, the heroin and opioid dependency problem is growing across the nation, the Commonwealth, and our community is not being spared. The CSB has adjusted resources to help meet this critical demand for people seeking treatment; a new program begins soon. We need your help spreading the word about it. The CSB is holding an open forum for anyone who is seeking help for a loved one or knows of someone who might need help.
Friday, January 13
McLean Home Sales: December, 2016
In December, 2016, 91 homes sold between $4,066,233-$201,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: December, 2016
McLean: Preparing to Prosper in 2017
Q&A: Supervisor John Foust looks into year ahead.
Q & A with Supervisor John Foust: What are you looking forward to in 2017? Do you have any personal New Year's resolutions for yourself, or major milestones you anticipate reaching?
McLean: Comstock Sworn-In To The 115th Congress
Politics
“We live in exciting times for our region, where the innovation economy is constantly evolving and growing. I look forward to working in the new Congress with my colleagues to forge pro-growth policies that will boost the innovation economy even further." – Barbara Comstock
Making McLean Homes Tour, MarketPlace a Success
Community Support
The members of the Woman’s Club of McLean thank those who made their 50th Holiday Homes Tour and MarketPlace a success this year.
McLean Project for the Arts to Open Three New Exhibitions
Emerson Gallery: Construction Work
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is opening three new exhibitions on Jan. 12, 2017 in the Emerson, Atrium, and Ramp Galleries, located at MPA@MCC (1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean). These exhibitions will remain on display from Jan. 12 through March 4, 2017.
‘Hungry Hearts Tour’ Comes To McLean
American Shakespeare Center to present three pays at Alden Theater.
ASC’s “Hungry Hearts Tour” will be coming to the Alden for weekend of three different plays; Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town,” The Bard’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” and “Romeo and Juliet.” These plays “speak to everyone; the messages never get old as we focus on the language and its beauty,” said ASC tour manager Thomas Coppola.
Great Falls Grange Revisited
Community groups coming together to take over operations of the historic building.
“Great Falls doesn’t have a gravity point,” says Jorge Adeler, owner of Adeler Jewelers in the Great Falls Village Centre. “It doesn’t have a place that unifies the community … Great Falls never has enjoyed a place that we can call ours.”
Great Falls: Stormwater Management, Sewage Systems Discussed
Speakers Share Sewage Stats
Up to 167 homeowners in Great Falls are on the hook for following a Fairfax County Health Department regulation when it comes to monitoring their septic systems, but many are unaware.
Thursday, January 12
Senators to Alexandria: Clean Up Your Act by 2020 or Lose State Funding
Lawmakers poo poo city efforts to flush raw sewage.
Members of the Virginia state Senate say they’re tired of hearing excuses about sewage from city officials in Alexandria, and they’re pushing ahead with a plan that one senator calls “the nuclear option.” This afternoon, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that sets a firm deadline for Alexandria to clean up its act — 2020. If city officials are unable to stop dumping more than 10 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River every year, Alexandria would lose all state appropriations until the problem is fixed.
Predatory Lenders Work Behind the Scenes to Avoid Regulation and Evade the Law
Campaign contributions and political connections used to sidestep crackdown.
Predatory Loans in the Crossfire: Lawmakers conflicted about how to handle high-interest loans.
Wednesday, January 11
Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion
Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.
The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”
In Session: Briefs
It doesn’t take much rain to trigger Alexandria’s 19th century sewage system to start dumping raw sewage into the Potomac River — about 0.03 inches, to be precise.
Tuesday, January 10
New Year, New Order: Organizing an unruly linen closet
If retrieving an item from the top shelf of one’s linen closet sets off an avalanche of mismatched sheets and tattered towels, it might be time for a linen closet reorganization.
Commentary: Republican Repeal Plan Promises Health Care Chaos
Over the course of a normal week, my office receives thousands of letters, emails, phone calls, and tweets from Northern Virginians.
Editorial: About the Connection
Happy New Year. We need your help in 2017.
Monday, January 9
Tysons Tower to Be Renovated
Construction
Love Funding announced the closing of a $19 million loan that will help preserve and refurbish an affordable senior housing community in Vienna. Love funding is recognized as an expert in market-rate multifamily and affordable housing, healthcare facilities, and hospitals.
Week in Vienna
Located 15 miles outside of Washington D.C., Vienna is a unique town praised for its close community and traditional values.
Fairfax Lawmakers’ Last Call for Input
More than 80 speak at General Assembly public hearing.
“We’re not letting teachers do their jobs,” was the plea from Jo Neuber of Vienna, Co-chair of the organization Class Size Counts.
Organizing a Home Office
Design ideas for workspace order.
Whether located in a basement, spare bedroom or kitchen corner, one of the keys to creating a functional home office is organization.
Saturday, January 7
Rep. Comstock Co-Sponsors Resolution Condemning Anti-Israel UN Vote
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock
“In an act of moral cowardice in the closing days of his administration, President Obama’s ‘reckless abstention’ [to use the words of former DNC Chair and current Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)] at the UN has demonstrated his legacy as the most anti-Israel President in modern history. President Obama took the longtime, bipartisan support for Israel that has been a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy for decades and scrapped it with this short-sighted action last month.
Fairfax: Candidates Forum on Monday, January 9, 2017
Fairfax Fairfax Regional Library from 7 - 9:00 p.m.
The Candidates Forum on Monday will provide an important opportunity for residents to ask questions directly of the candidates about their concerns for the City of Fairfax. The public will also be able to meet individually with the candidates at the end of the question-and-answer session.
Friday, January 6
Fairfax: Police Auditor and Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
Body cameras, mental health part of public safety focus
This year will see two historic firsts for Fairfax County, its police department and citizens: the beginning work of an Office of Police Auditor and Civilian Review Panel. “It’s very important people picked deal with facts, demand facts and make decisions based on facts,” Sayles said, “and communicate those in a way that’s not divisive." said Randy Sayles of Oak Hill who was a member of the Use of Force subcommittee of the Ad Hoc Commission.
McLean Project for the Arts New Exhibitions Opening January 12
Local artists; showcase construction work, sculptures and monoprints
Baltimore artist Mary Walker will exhibit wall-hung constructions that combine imagery and concepts from natural science, mechanics and the landscape. Found objects such as cable, screws, nuts and bolts are combined with painting, referring to the process of building and constructing.
McLean: Flagging Operation on Old Dominion Drive
Road work
A flagging operation will take place on Old Dominion Drive (Route 738) between Balls Hill Road and Van Ness Court Wednesday, Jan. 4 through Wednesday, Jan. 11 in order to replace several pipes and reshape a ditch, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
McLean & Great Falls Real Estate
2016: Best Year in Decade for McLean, Great Falls Market
Sellers in McLean and Great Falls experienced the “best of times” market conditions in 2016.
Chocolate Festival Returns to McLean Community Center
Community Fun
The Rotary Club of McLean is hosting its sixth annual McLean Chocolate Festival at the McLean Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chocolate vendors include: Seasons 52, Dave's Candy Kitchen, Fair Trade Winds, Fluffy Thoughts, Sweetbites Café, and more.
McLean: Man Killed in Crash on Lewinsville Road
Car Crash
Chad Cheatham, 33 of McLean, died in a single-car collision on Thursday, Dec. 29.
McLean to Celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy
McLean Community Center Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Chuck D.
On Sunday Jan. 15 the McLean Community Center will celebrate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by observing his birthday, a Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia public holiday.
Local Dancers Celebrate the Holidays with Military, First Responders, and Their Families
Theater
“This year’s tribute performance for military, first responders, and their families was one of my favorite,” shared Cynthia Donavin, who founded Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) of Northern Virginia over 25 years ago. "I greatly appreciate all patrons and volunteers who help CBT make the arts accessible to all.”
Great Falls Garden Club Honors Reston Police Station
Community
The Great Falls Garden Club delivered 20 holiday tabletop greenery arrangements to show support and appreciation for the Fairfax County police officers at the Reston station.
Week in Great Falls
History Alive at Great Falls Senior Center
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) will have Mary Ann Jung, award-winning actress, Smithsonian scholar, writer and director recreate Julia Child, an American chef, author and television personality who brought French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, at the Jan. 17 event.
Great Falls: Holiday Light Contest Results Are In
Holiday Decor
The three winners of the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation’s Holiday Decorating Contest have been selected. Each of the three winners received $200 rewards.
Terrilynn Kelley of Weichert Realtors Great Falls Office Recognized for November
Real Estate
Kelley led her Weichert sales region, which comprises offices throughout Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Orange, Prince William and Warren counties, for new home dollar volume. Invite this talented neighborhood specialist in to learn about the real estate services that Weichert, Realtors has to offer.
Thursday, January 5
For Schools: New Year, New Superintendent
New Year, New Superintendent for FCPS
New School Superintendent
Wednesday, January 4
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legislators To Hold Public Hearing
Legislators To Hold Public Hearing
Tuesday, January 3
Editorial: Unsung Heroes of Fairfax County Police Reform
Personal involvement of Culosi, Beltrante key to success of police commission.
The call for reform and transparency in Fairfax County Police began long before the shooting death of John Geer in August 2013.
Commentary: Comstock Addresses Top Priority Issues
Congresswoman’s report to the 10th district residents.