Thursday, March 30
Diversion First in Wait-and-See Mode
Handcuffed by budget constraints in proposed budget, Diversion First may see some relief.
Editorial Opinion: Expand Medicaid Now
Virginia has missed out on $10 billion, 30,000 jobs and care for 400,000 citizens.
Fairfax County: FCPS to Present FY2018 Budget to Supervisors April 4
School system facing nearly $50 million gap in funding.
Leading up to the Fairfax County Public School Board presenting its advertised FY2018 budget to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, April 4, several school board members and supervisors have been hosting community meetings on the subject.
Fairfax County: Gillespie Wins GOP Straw Poll for Governor at Robinson
More than 300 voters attended a Fairfax County Republican Committee straw poll and candidate forum on March 25, according to FCRC executive director Eric Johnson. The event was held at Robinson Secondary School.
Fairfax County: Community and faith leaders, elected officials speak about hate speech, bias incidents and hate crimes
More than 100 people filled the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus on Sunday, March 26, to hear more than a dozen elected and faith leaders, as well as representatives from local organizations speak about hate speech, bias incidents and hate crimes.
Monday, March 27
Community Policing, Not Sanctuary, in Fairfax County
Resurgent gang activity also discussed at Public Safety Committee.
Thursday, March 23
Spring is ‘Springing’ in Vienna, Oakton Area
A look at some of area’s most-anticipated events.
Spring in Vienna 2017
Cooper Middle School Celebrates International Night
On Thursday, March 16, Cooper Middle School hosted International Night.
‘Painful’ Outlook Cast for County’s Budget
McLean Citizens Association discusses county’s $4.10 billion advertised budget.
Officials cast a dreary outlook for the ongoing budget negotiations for Fairfax County’s 2018 fiscal year.
Aquila Theatre’s “Our Trojan Wars” at Alden Theatre.
Aquila Theatre brings “Our Trojan War” to the Alden.
Visiting Our Mom Eugenia
New Greek restaurant in Great Falls attracts area diners.
Our Mom Eugenia, a Greek restaurant
Doris Carpenter Honored at the Tibbetts Award Banquet
Doris Carpenter wins Jean Tibbetts History Award
Surprise Late-Winter Visitors at Riverbend Park
48 Tundra Swans grazing in the Potomac River.
Tundra Swans at Riverbend
Monday, March 20
Friday, March 17
McLean Home Sales: February, 2017
In February, 2017, 89 homes sold between $2,900,000-$188,800 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: February, 2017
Thursday, March 16
Free St. Patrick’s Day Lyft Rides Offered in Area
Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers, free Lyft rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Friday, March 17, 2017 (St. Patrick’s Day).
Fairfax Weathers Late Winter Snow
Weather Service announces snowfall totals, most saw 2-3 inches
Snowpocalypse 3.0 it wasn’t. Though Fairfax County was included in a winter storm warning Monday and Tuesday, March 13 and 14, the snow that fell only managed to close schools and cancel trash, recycling and yard waste pickup, but didn’t shut down local government.
Area Social Justice Network Hosts Richmond Wrap-Up
Some successes, some defeats, and a partisan rallying call for 2017 elections.
The 2017 Legislative Session of the Virginia General Assembly was adjourned on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Leadership Fairfax Hosts Breakfast with Supervisors
On Friday, March 10, Leadership Fairfax (LFI) held its annual Breakfast with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the 26th time.
Committed to Peacemaking
Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County reception honors activists and advocates.
Suraya Sadeed said hearing more than 20 stories of students promoting peace in and out of their schools made her believe “there is still hope for a brighter future.”
Wednesday, March 15
Practice Makes Perfect
Local educators share strategies for getting children to practice music.
When Linda Gulyn’s son entered high school and asked to quit his clarinet lessons, the Arlington mother of four declined his request.
Over 50 and Playing Basketball
Women's NOVA Fifty and Over Basketball League enjoy friendships and travel.
If you're over 50 and a woman, you're never too old to play basketball.
First Taste of Working World
Teen Job Fairs begin this weekend.
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) said his first job working at a pool over the summer formed a lot of his work ethic.
Optimistic About State of Hospitality
Panelists at Northern Virginia Chamber Forum discuss state of hospitality under the new administration.
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce gathered some heavy hitters to offer their thoughts and answer questions from a standing-room-only audience at the “State of Hospitality Under the New Administration” symposium on March 6.
Tuesday, March 14
County Moves to Restore Tobytown Cemetery
Restoring historic cemetery in Potomac
Monday, March 13
A Delightful Journey: Cappies Review
Look deep into the mirror, and you may find a whole new world on the other side.
McLean High Student Wins Statewide Award for Journalism
Melanie Pincus honored by the Virginia Association of Journalism Teachers and Advisers.
Melanie Pincus and her teacher and adviser, Lindsay Benedict sit in “The Highlander” newsmagazine room at McLean High School.
Letter to the Editor: Community in Peril
The malicious attack that occurred last November at Tysons Corner Mall in which a man used anti-Muslim slurs and then bit another man in the face is an appalling example of violent bigotry.
McLean Project for the Arts Receives Dominion ArtStars Grant
The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) recently received a Shining Star ArtStars Award of $10,000 from the Dominion Foundation.
McLean Citizens Urge More Changes to FCPS Pensions
McLean, Great Falls Citizens Associations discuss county teachers’ pension system.
A vocal McLean citizens group wants to see more changes to the pension system for Fairfax County Public School employees.
Week in McLean
Detectives Search for Human Remains
Fairfax County Police Department detectives have been searching for human remains in two areas in the county.
Correction
Correction
Thursday, March 9
Letter to the Editor: Fairfax County Cannot Ignore Low Salaries of Police Force
As we have heard for many years now, Fairfax County is once again in a budget crunch.
Editorial: Independent, Civilian Oversight in Place
New auditor and panel will make an excellent police force better, more transparent and accountable.
In February, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors followed through in establishing two forms of independent oversight of law enforcement for the first time in county history.
Stop Bullying Federal Workers
Republicans hold control of all three branches of government, and therefore have a responsibility to lead the civil service that employs millions of Americans, and every American relies upon for myriad services.
Fairfax County Team Receives National Award for Juvenile Justice Diversion Efforts
The Center for Juvenile Justice and Reform (CJJR) at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy awarded a Fairfax County team the 2016 Capstone of the Year Award for their efforts and success in redesigning and enhancing the youth diversion and restorative justice program.
Langley Band Invited to National Festival
The Langley High School Wind Symphony Band has been honored by being invited to perform at the 2017 Music for All National Festival, a noted festival for school instrumental music ensemble.
Local SoberRide Program Partners with LYFT
SoberRide, Greater Washington’s popular free safe ride service to prevent drunk driving, will now be solely available via the Lyft mobile app ridesharing platform.
Winning Basketball Championship
McLean Basketball's eighth grade Division III team just took the The Fairfax County Youth Basketball League (FCYBL) championship trophy home in a close game that was won with a 3-pointer in the last seconds of the game.
Fairfax County Celebrates 275th Anniversary
“A Place Called Home: Fairfax County. A 275th Anniversary Event” is a day-long exploration of the sprawling geography and history of Fairfax County.
Verizon Supports TJ High School STEM All Stars
On Friday, March 6, state Sen. Dick Saslaw (D-35), Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason District) and Fairfax County School Board Vice Chairman Jane Strauss, gathered to celebrate Verizon’s sustained commitment to STEM education in Northern Virginia.
Celebrating the Persian New Year at Tysons Corner Center
The Nowruz Festival will be held Sunday, March 12
Following 3,000 years of customs and traditions, the colorful Nowruz Festival — the Persian New Year celebration — will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year's festival, with more than 75 booth vendors, is free and will be held in front of Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner Center.
Wednesday, March 8
Body of Missing Woman Recovered
River Rescue team finds body in river.
The body of Becky M. McCleskey, 56, of Arlington, Va., was found in the Potomac River.
Educating Customers Is Key to Success
New manager joining Two Poor Teachers after 18 years in business.
It’s been 18 years since Ken Nies co-founded Two Poor Teachers, LLC, but the kitchen and bath remodelling company isn’t resting on its laurels.
Tour Area Gardens
Garden Club of Virginia hosts 84th Annual Historic Garden Week.
During the last eight days of April every year nearly 26,000 visitors tour homes and gardens across Virginia.
Tuesday, March 7
Sow Now, Reap this Spring
Getting a garden and yard ready for warm weather.
One of the most anticipated sights of spring is a garden in bloom.
Butterfly Weed Wins Perennial of the Year
Gardening
The designation Perennial Plant of the Year is awarded each year by the Perennial Plant Association to the perennial that outshines its competitors not only in appearance, but also in its noteworthy characteristics.
Standing Together Against Hate
Lawmakers, faith leaders respond to Feb. 27 bomb threat at Gesher Jewish School.
Students at Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax started their week with a bomb threat.
Chief Releases Name of Officer in Shooting Death
Officer used deadly force in two prior cases, both determined to be lawfully justified.
Fairfax County Chief of Police Edwin Roessler has named 16-year veteran Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger as the officer who used deadly force, killing Mohammad Azim Doudzai at his home in Herndon, the scene of a double shooting and barricade incident on Jan. 16.
Environmental Coalition Calls on County to Recommit
Faith communities coalition wants dedicated Energy Office
As Fairfax County prepares to update its formal Environmental Vision, the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) is calling on local elected officials to recommit to the environmental protection pledge they adopted under then-Chairman Gerry Connolly.
Old Town Prepares for Historic Garden Week
Part of state-wide event.
Five Old Town Alexandria homes and gardens will open to the public on April 22 as part of the 84th Historic Garden Week.
From Split-Level to Neoclassical
Conversion wins regional “Contractor of the Year” award.
Converting a circa 1960's split-level into a spacious neoclassical-style residence has won Sun Design Remodeling a regional “Contractor of the Year” award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Kitchen Design Trends to Expect in 2017
Local designers share popular design ideas.
Those looking for kitchen design ideas have a new source of inspiration: the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) list of trends for 2017.
Thursday, March 2
Comstock Skips Constituent-Organized Town Hall
Representative uses tele-town halls to discuss issues with voters.
A microphone reserved for U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) remained silent during a town hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 24, where 150 of her constituents gathered to question her.
Crime Report: McLean District Police Station
Crime Report: McLean District Police Station
McLean Man Arrested for Hate Crime
Robin McGreer, 35, of McLean was arrested on Monday, Feb. 27, for a bias-related attack that he allegedly committed on Nov. 27, 2016, by biting his victim’s face.
‘Into the Woods’ at The Madeira School
Cappies Review
You never know what to expect when journeying into the woods.
Lessons from ‘The Children's Hour’ at McLean High
Cappies Review
Haunting xylophones ring and sharp shafts of light illuminate a schoolhouse.
Obituary: Richard Dell Rosenbaum
Richard Dell Rosenbaum, retired ABC News executive, respected journalist and beloved husband and father, died at Georgetown Hospital, Washington, D.C., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2017, from complications following surgery.
Great Falls Town Hall Debates $57 Million Gap in School Budget
Where to cut?
The Fairfax County Public Schools projected a $57 million shortfall in its budget for next school year, which will impact the more than 188,000 students that are projected to be educated in the system next school year.
Astronaut Tells Elementary Students To Reach For The Stars
“Find your dream.”
Former NASA Astronaut Sandy Magnus visited Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean for National Engineers Week on Thursday, Feb. 23.
Women on the Soccer Field
Local women are still in the game and on the field.
On Saturdays and weeknights in the spring and fall, women as young as 18 and as old as 78 can be found on the soccer fields across Fairfax County: nurses, lawyers, Army officers, software programmers, stay-at-home moms, lobbyists, graduate students, and grandmothers playing the game they love.
Fairfax County Board Appoints Police Civilian Review Panel
Residents can submit complaints concerning allegations of abuse of authority or misconduct by Fairfax County police through the panel.
The ongoing goal of increased transparency and accountability for the Fairfax County Police Department now has nine fresh faces. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Board of Supervisors announced its appointees to the inaugural Civilian Review Panel, one of the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Wednesday, March 1
Equestrian Athletes Need Opportunities, Too
One nay doesn’t stop a pasture of support for home riding lessons. Many in Oakton, Vienna and Great Falls testify.
Natalie Martinisko was the youngest speaker before the county’s Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Feb. 14.