Friday, May 29
Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015
Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.
Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, May 28
Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training
Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.
Fairfax: Panel Discussion to Follow Film on College Rape Crime
“The Hunting Ground” tells the story of a number of college students who survived sexual assault. After a free screening on the campus of George Mason University, sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), there will be a panel discussion by several experts on the subject matter.
Memorial Day Ceremony Held at Burke Centre Conservancy
U.S. Navy Capt. Matthew Kosnar of Burke was the guest speaker at a Memorial Day ceremony held at the Burke Centre Conservancy.
Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016
Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.
$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.
Wednesday, May 27
Celebrate Fairfax! Returns June 5-7
Festival at Fairfax County Government Center features headline bands: KONGOS, 3 Doors Down, The Amish Outlaws -- and much more.
Northern Virginia’s largest community-wide event, the 34th annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival, is set to take place June 5, 6, and 7 on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The Celebrate Fairfax! Festival features 25 acres of family programs, green living, thrilling carnival rides, nightly fireworks, and amazing concerts with more than 130 performances on eight stages.
Column: Mad Man
Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?
Naomi Project Founder Honored
Peggy Ferguson receives Volunteer Fairfax's 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fairfax-based nonprofit Our Daily Bread has announced that Naomi Project Founder Peggy Ferguson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.
Inova Center for Personalized Health’s Cancer Program Receives $50 Million Gift
Inova has received a $50 million gift from developer and philanthropist Dwight Schar launching the Inova Dwight and Martha Schar Cancer Institute.
Bulova, Garza Commit to Working ‘As a Team’ on Budget Challenges
Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Sharon Bulova and Superintendent of the Fairfax County Public Schools Karen Garza have issued the following joint statement on May 26.
Fairfax's Rock the Block Concert Series
#TGIFairfax - Rock the Block Concert Series will be held on fourth Fridays of the month, from May to September, 6-9 p.m. at the Old Town Square, 3999 University Drive in Fairfax.
Micron Foundation Sponsors Tinker Shop at Children’s Science Center Lab
The Micron Foundation presented a $75,000 sponsorship for the Tinker Shop at the Children’s Science Center Lab located in the Fair Oaks Mall.
‘These Were Not Just Names, but People’
City of Fairfax honors local, fallen veterans on Memorial Day.
Sure, Memorial Day is a holiday from work and school – a time when friends and family gather for fun-filled picnics, barbecues and pool parties. But the celebration is made possible by something much more serious – America’s many, selfless veterans. And Monday morning, May 25, some 60 people gathered in the Veterans Amphitheater outside Fairfax City Hall to pay them tribute.
Cappies Review:Fairfax High Presents “Real Thing.”
"You're never too old to be a kid" was the message of Fairfax High School's production of “Big: the Musical.” Based off the popular 1988 Tom Hanks' movie, Big: The Musical was adapted for the stage in 1996.
Cappies Review: A World of Passion and Darkness
Robinson’s production of “Neverwhere.”
What if there existed a world, at the end of the alleys, in the sewers, in every shadow, and every lost or gotton place. Neverwhere based on the novel by Neil Gaiman.
Ride of the Patriots in Fairfax
Thousands take part in Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride at Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax.
The 17th Annual Ride of the Patriots attracted as many as 4,000 motorcyclists and local dignitaries over Memorial Day Weekend on Sunday, May 24 at Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax.
Fairfax County Police Honor Volunteers
Men and women gave 53,630 hours of volunteer time to police force.
The Fairfax County Police Department held its Volunteer Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15, at the Fairfax County Government Center, honoring men and women who gave a total of 53,630 hours of volunteer time to the county.
Rules on Noise Set To Change
Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.
Editorial: Voting, June 9
No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.
To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.
Sunday, May 24
Burke: Robinson Girls' Lax Beats Centreville for Conference 5 Championship
Four different Rams score four goals during conference final.
The Robinson girls' lacrosse team beat Centreville 19-13 on Friday.
Friday, May 22
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax
For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.
Thursday, May 21
McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia
Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.
Fairfax: Del. David Bulova Announces Re-Election Campaign
Del. David Bulova (D-37) announced his campaign to seek re-election to the Virginia General Assembly at a May 17 event held at Brion’s Grille in Fairfax.
Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops
Letter to the Editor
I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum
Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.
Wednesday, May 20
Students with Special Needs Attend Day Prom
For more than 10 years, hundreds of students with special needs — those with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities — have been able to enjoy a prom of their own. The event takes place during the day and, this year, was held at the Waterford near Fair Oaks Mall.
Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
15 Cappie Nominations For Local Schools
The 2014-15 Cappie nominations for high-school theater were announced Monday night, with two local schools garnering a total of 15 nominations. Fairfax High received nine nods for “Big: The Musical,” and Paul VI got six for its play, “The Miracle Worker.”
Tennessee Williams With a Humorous Attitude
Providence Players to Present “The Glass Mendacity.”
“The Glass Mendacity,” the name alone draws quizzical smiles with its off-kilter, double-take title. It is a parody play created by mixing and mingling Tennessee Williams’ iconic dramatic characters and situations into a lighthearted comic production.
Column: In Contrast
Commentary
Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.
Alexandria: Honored and Rewarded
Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to exceptional students.
The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) presented scholarships to 14 graduating high school seniors, selected based on academic merit, letters of recommendation and personal essays. Each student is the first in his or her family to attend college, and received awards in the amount of $1,000 each.
Fairfax: Stynchula Sisters Lead Woodson Girls' Soccer to Victory
Cavaliers will face South County for Conference 7 championship.
The Woodson girls' soccer team defeated Lake Braddock 2-1 on Tuesday.
City of Fairfax Doubles Money Allocated for FRHC
Organization provides no-interest, home-improvement loans.
Business is booming for the City of Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corp. (FRHC). So to help it carry out its mission, the Fairfax City Council doubled the amount of money it had allocated for the organization in its FY 2016 budget.
Fairfax: Woodson Boys’ Soccer Secures Berth in Conference 7 Final
Cavaliers beat defending state champion T.C. Williams in semifinals.
The Woodson boys' soccer team beat T.C. Williams 2-1 on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 19
Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs
Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.
Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015
On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.
On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.
Monday, May 18
Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission
Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.
John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.
Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos
This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.
Friday, May 15
Fairfax Home Sales: April, 2015
In April, 2015, 109 Fairfax homes sold between $1,330,000-$162,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: April, 2015
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, May 14
Fairfax Judge Dismisses Four Cases of Driving While Intoxicated
Police officer failed to follow general order for recording.
Fairfax-based attorney Eric Clingan thought it was odd the Fairfax County Police officer who asked his client to perform a field sobriety test didn’t have his body microphone on. Nor did the test take place in view of his patrol car’s dashboard-mounted camera.
Wednesday, May 13
Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles
High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.
Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.
Healthcare Events
Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect
“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."
Column: Why Fi?
Commentary
“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.
The Standard Barbershop Opens in Fairfax City
The Standard vintage barbershop recently opened in the heart of Fairfax City. The Standard offers a wide selection of services that include haircuts, straight-razor shaves, beard trims and head shaves.
Setting Example of ‘Giving Back’
Rohil Bhinge of Fairfax receives another recognition.
Rohil Bhinge of Fairfax, sixth grader at Nysmith School in Herndon is the youngest recipient of the 2015 Carson Scholar award of $1,000. Dr. Ben Carson is an American author and retired neurosurgeon.
Connolly Announces Arts Competition Winners
Five high school students from Fairfax County and Prince William County took top honors in U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly’s seventh annual Congressional Arts Competition.
Saturday T-Ball Anyone?
Hotrods play the Grasshoppers in Little League Baseball as part of ANSLL.
It was the perfect spring day for a game of T-Ball between the Hotrods and the Grasshoppers at Howery Field # 2 in Annandale last Saturday morning in a match hosted by the Annandale-North Springfield Little League (ANSLL).
City of Fairfax Seeks a Brand
It would identify the City’s unique qualities.
It’s been 15 or 16 years since the City of Fairfax has given serious thought to possibly adopting a brand-marketing campaign. So, to learn how the City could better promote itself, City Manager Bob Sisson arranged for an expert in that field to address the City Council.
Letter: Rush to Misjudgment
Letter to the Editor
Since being elected Sheriff of Fairfax County, Stacey A. Kincaid has been actively working to transform her Office into one of positive pro-active engagement throughout the county.
Tuesday, May 12
Burke: Cool-Headed Robinson Girls' Lax Hands Centreville First Loss
Obregon leads Rams with eight goals; Wildcats receive six yellow cards.
The Robinson girls' lacrosse team defeated Centreville 25-20 on Monday.
Monday, May 11
Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy
Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.
Thursday, May 7
Burke: Robinson Boys’ Lax Spreads Offensive Wealth
Seven different Rams score multiple goals in win over SoCo.
The Robinson boys' lacrosse team beat South County 16-9 on Saturday.
West Springfield Bassoonist to Perform with City of Fairfax Band
Hunter Lorelli will take up his bassoon with the City of Fairfax Band as the winner of the group’s Young Artist Competition.
Wednesday, May 6
Opinion: Opposing Views on Education Funding
There is a considerable amount of misinformation about the County’s commitment to education and I would like to give you some of the facts.
Column: Farmers Markets Revisited
Enjoying the beautiful Northern Virginia weather isn’t the only perk of our post-winter weather thaw. From May until November, we also have an opportunity to enjoy the area’s agriculture and support our local farmers by attending Fairfax County’s farmers markets. In doing so, we can also support the local economy and the environment.
Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”
Healthy Relationships for Life
Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.
Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.
FACETS Hosts ‘Opening Doors’ Benefit Breakfast
Three programs to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
FACETS held its largest annual fundraiser this past weekend at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church. Attendees had a chance to hear from those whose lives were touched by homelessness at the “Opening Doors” Benefit Breakfast.
Obituary: Robert Paul “Bob” Warhurst, 76, Dies
On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, Robert Paul “Bob” Warhurst, 76, passed away at his home in Fairfax after a long battle with cancer. On the last full day of his life, Bob was surrounded by family and friends before he passed peacefully early the next morning under the care of Hospice.
Fairfax City Council Adopts FY 2016 Budget
Real-estate tax rate will rise slightly.
Last week’s City Council meeting often seemed more like a work session, with members still haggling about the real-estate tax rate. But after much discussion, some failed motions and several votes, they finally came to a consensus.
Introducing the City of Fairfax's First, 24-Hour Park
Old Town Square open for business and fun.
It wasn’t just Saturday morning’s ribbon-cutting that signaled the official opening of the City of Fairfax’s Old Town Square. It was all the people who gathered there, the children playing in the splash pad and the friends and neighbors enjoying themselves afterward at the Derby-Q festival.
GMU Announces ‘Great Performances’
New season to feature crowd favorites and debuts of new performers.
There was a buzz of energy in the jam-packed foyer of the Center for the Arts at George Mason University. Northern Virginia performing arts lovers were ready to learn of the 25th anniversary season of “Great Performances at Mason!”
Column: “CT Looked Good”
Commentary
Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.
Tuesday, May 5
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards
Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.
Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice
Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.
Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS
Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.
Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:
Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread
Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.
There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.
Friday, May 1
Farmers Markets 2015
Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.
Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.