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
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Honors Five Town of Vienna Police Officers
On March 17, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce honored five Town of Vienna Police Officers at the 39th Annual Valor Awards Ceremony.
‘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
Wednesday, March 22
Don’t Miss The Best Game In Town – The Enclave
Sponsored
At over 50% sold out and under construction, with delivery slated for later this year, now is the best time to discover Fairfax’s best selling condominium community, The Enclave.
Monday, March 20
Friday, March 17
Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2017
In February, 2017, 61 Fairfax homes sold between $1,367,555-$132,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: February, 2017
Thursday, March 16
The Picklin’ Grannies of Providence Senior Center Excel at Pickle Ball
Picklin’ Grannies, at Providence Senior Center, laugh and smile a lot but when they play pickle ball, it’s all business.
Fashion Show To Benefit Salvation Army
March 24 fundraiser for Women's Auxiliary of the Fairfax Corps to support projects.
Around 200 people are expected to attend the 37th annual Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fairfax Fashion Show scheduled for Friday, March 24 at the Waterford at Fair Oaks.
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
Musical at Burke Presbyterian Church
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ performances March 9-12.
What do the Bible, the Torah, the Koran, the Book of Mormon, and the West End/Broadway writing team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have in common?
Commentary: Eight Pieces of Legislation with Positive Impact
The 2017 General Assembly Session has officially adjourned Sine Die, concluding our legislative session.
Rise to the Occasion
Great Harvest Bread Co. Burke and Lorton owners ready for new adventure.
At 4 a.m., while most people sleep soundly, Jeffrey Connelly is up baking bread in Burke.
Leaders Gather in Opposition to Trump Immigration Policies
Condemning ICE activity at Rising Hope Church in search of criminals in the country illegally.
In response to executive orders from President Donald Trump that expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ criteria for detaining and deporting people in the United States illegally, elected officials are speaking out against the action, as well as condemning recent activity by ICE officials to round up known immigrant criminals.
City Manager Unveils Proposed FY18 Budget
Recommends real-estate tax rate stay the same
There’s good news for homeowners in the City of Fairfax: City Manager Bob Sisson’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018 is calling for no increase in the real-estate tax rate.
Week in Fairfax
City Provides Spring Cleanup Services
April is Spring Cleanup Month in Fairfax, and the city provides many services to assist residents with spring cleaning.
Up Where the Air is Rare
City’s fire-protection rating is among the nation’s highest.
When John O’Neal came to the City of Fairfax a year ago to become its new fire chief, one of his objectives was to improve the City’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire-protection rating.
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.
Rise to the Occasion
Great Harvest Bread Co. Burke and Lorton owners ready for new adventure.
Harvest Bread in Burke
Wednesday, March 8
Gathering in Opposition to Trump Immigration Policies
Leaders condemn ICE activity outside Rising Hope Church.
Speaking out against Trump immigration policies
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.
Fire in Merrifield Indoor Recycling Facility
On Sunday, Feb. 26, at approximately 1:01 a.m., units from Fire Station 30, Merrifield, responded for a report of a fire alarm sounding in a commercial building in the 2800 block of Dorr Avenue in the Merrifield section of Fairfax County.
Commentary: Key Filler-Corn Bills Pass General Assembly and Await Governor's Signature
My priorities center around protecting our families, strengthening our education system, improving our quality of life in Virginia and ensuring that our workforce is ready and able to compete.
Monday, March 6
Building Obstacles Fosters Learning
Daniels Run students make “American Ninja Warrior” creations.
Inspiration can come from many places and, for Daniels Run Elementary teacher Vicky Novak, it was spurred by a conversation between two of her first-grade students.
Dan Drummond Rejoins Fairfax City Council
He’ll temporarily fill the seat vacated by David Meyer.
Although it’s lately seemed as if, every few months, there’s a new face on the Fairfax City Council dais, the new one appearing there Tuesday night belonged to someone familiar.
Consensus on Food Truck Pilot Program
Vending would be allowed on city-owned land.
Good news for food-truck aficionados: The Fairfax City Council has agreed to go forward with a pilot program that would allow their operation on city-owned property.
Blooming
Thanks to this winter’s unusually warm temperatures, these cherry trees along Main Street in the City of Fairfax are already in full bloom. This photo was taken Monday, Feb. 27.
West Springfield Rotary Honors Sheriff’s Deputy, State Troopers
Members of the West Springfield Rotary Club honored three public servants with awards of recognition.
Swimmers Raise $27,000 for AVON Breast Cancer Walk
Seventh marathon brings lifetime total closer to $200,000.
For the seventh time, members of the Shark Tank Racing Squad swim team completed a marathon of laps to raise money for the AVON 39-Mile Walk for Breast Cancer.
Warhawks Defeat Cavaliers in Conference Championship
The Madison Warhawks (22-6) and WT Woodson Cavaliers (23-5) battled for the Virginia 6A North Championship held at Robinson High School on Feb. 25.
Thursday, March 2
Community Urged to Get Involved at NAACP Gathering in Burke
Fairfax chapter hosted meeting at Kings Park library.
Mohib Ullah and Saquib Raheem of Sterling didn’t bring their boys to Burke’s Kings Park Library on Saturday morning to check out books.
McAuliffe Helps Open Veterans Services Office in Springfield
Gov. Terry McAuliffe was on hand to open the new Virginia Department of Veterans Services Benefits office in Springfield on Feb. 22.
Lorton House Fire Leaves Child Dead
Fire declared accidental, started with a lighter in garage
A 5-year-old child is dead after a fire Feb. 21 in the 8100 block of Arcade Street in Lorton; the cause of the fire was the child playing with a lighter in the garage, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue said.
Burke Centre VRE Connector Project Meeting Scheduled
The fourth phase of the Burke Centre VRE Connector project will link neighborhoods west of Oak Leather Drive to the Burke VRE station for pedestrians and bikers.
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.