Friday, December 22
Children and Teens Connection
Blue and Pink Poem by Kowkab S Mahboobi, 6, Grade 2, Clifton
Blue and Pink Poem
Potomac Home Sales: November, 2023
In November, 2023, 27 Potomac homes sold between $2,125,000-$738,000.
Potomac Home Sales: November, 2023
Wednesday, December 20
Aldrin Elementary School Essays
Aldrin Elementary School, Reston, VA, Fairfax County Public Schools
Children’s and Teens’ Connection
What's ‘Germinating’ in the General Assembly
As I hinted last week, this week’s column will delve into the environmental legislation that I have “germinating” in drafting.
Aldrin Elementary School Art
Aldrin Elementary School, Reston, VA, Fairfax County Public Schools
Children’s and Teens’ Connection
Herndon Festival ‘Permanently Canceled’
Reasons why may differ from what you think.
The award-winning outdoor Herndon Festival, held yearly and produced by the town’s parks and recreation department, supported by volunteers since 1981 (except for one year during COVID) is permanently canceled.
Making Spirits Bright
Firefighters mark 25 years of toy donations.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year.” — Longtime toy drive supporter Bruce Witucki
Burke CAP Cadet Commander Change
Felline to lead Burke squadron.
In a change of command ceremony on Dec. 7, the Burke Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol celebrated the end of a term under the leadership of Cadet 2dLt Kyle Morrison, who has shown outstanding work throughout the term, and welcomed the new Cadet Commander 2dLt Lorenzo Felline.
Hopkins House Junior K-Prep Class
McNeil Preschool Academy in Alexandria, teacher: Agnes Agyemang
Children’s and Teens’ Gazette
Welcome the the Children’s and Teens’ Connection 2023
Welcome the the Children’s and Teens’ Connection 2023
Paying Forward a Christmas Miracle
Springfield woman uses personal experience to provide support for women in need this holiday season.
Onyx
Friday, December 15
Wednesday, December 13
Heartfelt Chanukah Celebration in Fairfax City
Menorah lighting, speeches, children’s activities and festive food.
Menorah lighting, speeches, children’s activities and festive food.
Fairfax News Briefs
News Briefs
Man Charged with Murder
News Briefs
New Police Officers Graduate
New Arlington police officers graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy on Dec. 11, 2023.
Franconia Shooting, Woodbridge Man Dead
Detectives from FCPS Major Crimes Bureau are investigating a shooting that left a Woodbridge man dead.
Dementia Care Consortium
37th annual conference supports caregivers.
Hundreds of attendees turned out for the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium’s 37th annual caregivers conference, the largest dementia conference in the region specifically for family members and professional caregivers of those with memory decline.
Looking for Miracles- Public Menorah Lighting
Five oil pots lit commencing the 5th day of Chanukah.
One of the traditions that is widespread among people of faith is celebrating the holidays with light.
Cornerstones Opens Food Hub
Other nonprofits can supplement their resources.
A challenge existed for Cornerstones: wasted food, tons of it destroyed in the communities the nonprofit organization served, yet people were going home and going to sleep at night hungry.
Human Rights Everywhere Every Day
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Last Sunday was Human Rights Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights advancing the promise to all of freedom, equality and justice.
Don’t Leave Keys, Valuables in Your Car
Auto Crimes detective discusses vehicle thefts.
With auto crimes a continual problem in Fairfax County, Police Chief Kevin Davis established the Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) unit in March 2022. And in its first year, its officers charged more than 175 people with felonies and seized 20 guns.
Detectives Investigating Fatal Car Crash in Centreville
An early morning car crash last week in Centreville killed a 30-year-old man and sent another to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Angels Soar in Great Falls
Wish List Project 2023 benefits Fairfax County foster care, The Women’s Center, Second Story, Herndon ES and Aldrin ES
As part of the Wish List Project in its 23rd year, donors brought hundreds of gift items they purchased to the Perez family home in Great Falls on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Supervisors Recognize Penny Gross
Thanking outgoing Mason District Supervisor for years of service to Fairfax County.
After serving seven consecutive terms as the Mason District Supervisor and attending more than 700 Board of Supervisors meetings, the Dec. 5, 2023 meeting will forever be etched in the memory of Penny Gross, who currently serves as vice chair. It was her final board meeting with colleagues.
Animal Protection Police or Animal Control Civilians?
County considers controversial change.
“Having a consolidated approach to animal care and control and having both functions under one leadership optimizes resources and also allows an agency to expand service delivery.” — Reasa Currier, animal shelter director
WinterMarkt 2023 Community Event in the Town Herndon
Crowds and engagement reach new heights.
The Herndon WinterMarkt 2023 showcased the charm of a European Christmas and drew just under a reported 12,000 visitors to the town's historic downtown on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Supervisors Recognize Outgoing Dranesville District Supervisor John W. Foust
Thank you for years of dedication and service to Fairfax County!
At its Dec. 5 meeting, the Fairfax Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution honoring Dranesville District Supervisor John W. Foust for his community service.
Inside Scoop: Drafting Bills for the 2024 Session
As I write this column, the 2024 General Assembly session begins in just four short weeks!
‘Freedom Is Not Free’
Ddedication of the Davis and McDaniel Veterans Care Center Dec. 12 in Roanoke. Davis and McDaniel, both Alexandria residents, are highly decorated Vietnam War veterans.
Holiday Moments
Delightful sights, without them it isn’t the holidays
You might call this season Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or just ‘the Holidays’.
Wildlife in Bronze Glow at Nepenthe Gallery
Otters are secretive and elusive, but “Sexy Otter” is reclining in a seductive, odalisque pose front and center at the Nepenthe Gallery.
Letter from Gaza: Living Nightmare From Which There is No Escape
Residents of Gaza have spent years unable to move freely
Letter from Gaza
Vouchers Help Erode Barriers to Affordable Housing
One option to open the door to the county’s lowest income residents.
Vouchers
Tuesday, December 12
See The Nutcracker with Live Orchestra
Fairfax Symphony and Fairfax Ballet present Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Dec. 16 & 17 at 4 p.m. at GMU Center for the Arts.
Nutcracker
Shocking! Fish Moved to Herrity Pond
Shocking! Fish Moved to Herrity Pond
Food Assistance
Food Assistance
Friday, December 8
Fundraiser for Earp’s Ordinary this Weekend
Fairfax City comes together to support new music venue.
Earp's
Thursday, December 7
Supervisors Approve Good Faith Funding for Police & Firefighters
Fiscal Year One Impacts: $33 million for police and $24.7 million for firefighters and paramedics
Funding
Wednesday, December 6
Much Remains To Be Done
The good old days were never as good as we sometimes make them out to have been.
Centreville Car Crash Kills Man, 28
roundups
Don’t Drink and Drive
News Briefs
Chanukah Celebration, Dec. 7, in Fairfax City
News Briefs
Seasonal Joys Blanket the Region
Whatever December holiday you celebrate, there are events throughout Fairfax County to get you in the holiday spirit.
Turnover at City Hall
As the era of Justin Wilson draws to a close, what comes next?
The era of Mayor Justin Wilson is drawing to a dramatic finish, creating an open seat for mayor at City Hall for the first time in 20 years.
Youngkin to Honor Local Heroes
Virginia Veterans Care Center to be renamed for Davis and McDaniel.
Two of Alexandria’s most decorated Vietnam veterans will be honored by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services as Gov. Glenn Youngkin renames the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke in honor of Army Col. Paris Davis and Navy Capt. Eugene “Red” McDaniel.
United Community Holiday Gift Card Drive
United Community’s Board of Directors presents a $50,000 Challenge Match
Until Dec. 31, your impact will be doubled, extending your generosity to even more children and families in our local community.
Trail Summit Highlights Connectivity
Discussion included the hard work done on the Mount Vernon Trail this summer.
In the end of October, area transportation officials got together for the second annual Northern Virginia Recreational Trails Summit to look at the recreational trails picture for the Northern Virginia area with a goal of improving the trail network.
Good Shepherd Housing Moves for an Affordable Office Space
Lorton location won’t slow down the effort.
No one knows the impact of the high real estate prices in Fairfax County better than Good Shepherd Housing and it finally became an issue for this nonprofit so they picked up and moved into a new location in Lorton as a result of their high rent in Hybla Valley.
Plaid Tidings
Scottish Walk celebrates 52 years.
“In my heart I am Scottish.” — Alexandria resident Anandashankar Mazumdar
United Community Holiday Gift Card Drive
United Community’s Board of Directors presents a $50,000 Challenge Match
Until Dec. 31, your impact will be doubled, extending your generosity to even more children and families in our local community.
Lighting Up Del Ray
DRBA tree lighting kicks off holiday events.
Hundreds turned out Dec. 3 for the lighting of the Del Ray Christmas Tree in Pat Miller Neighborhood Square.
Four More Months in Jail for Cruz Colindres
Vienna teen sentenced for Fairfax man’s death.
“It was a tragic accident that no one anticipated.” — Public Defender Dawn Butorac
Reston Political Scene as 2023 Ends
I cannot believe that we are about to go over the cliff into 2024! To me it seems like we need more of 2023 just to get ready for potentially cataclysmic 2024.
Closing Rental Housing Gaps for County’s Most Vulnerable Adults
Dedicated housing vouchers announced for an additional 50 individuals in Reston and Herndon.
The Connection speaks with Sylisa Lambert-Woodward, CEO of Pathway Homes, discussing the nonprofit organization’s Housing First Model program, vouchers and what is on the horizon for residents in North Fairfax County.
Food Lines Resemble Bread Lines of Great Depression
2,000 people in need show up for help.
“The need was great — at one point, people were lined up around the block waiting to receive canned food, dry goods, fresh produce, and winter clothes.” — Herndon Vice Mayor Clark Hedrick
Supervisors Approve Good Faith Funding for Police & Firefighters
Fiscal Year One Impacts: $33 million for police and $24.7 million for firefighters and paramedics
“Many of the commitments that are in this, that we are expecting the county executive to include in his budget proposal to us, are things likely we would have done anyway.” — Chairman Jeff McKay (D)
Former Centreville High Teacher Writes Children’s Book
Partial proceeds will aid Maui wildfire relief.
Falling snow can be a magical thing – beautiful, exciting and ethereal – especially to a child. But for 5-year-old Kiki, who lives in Hawaii, it’s only a dream.
Madison Ends Season 13-2
Coach proud of team that never gives up.
Almost a year ago the same teams matched up for a showdown in the VHSL Class 6 State Championship. This year the two teams met in the state semifinal game on Saturday 12/02.
Home Explosion after Flares Fired
It could be the video of the year, an Arlington house engulfed in a fireball, then blowing up with all the pieces of the house propelled high in the air.
Reentry Council Sponsors Winter Giveaway Event
Coats, hats, clothes and footwear were in demand at Walter Reed Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Arlington Community Reentry Council’s Winter Giveaway Event.
New Partnership to Provide Affordable Housing
Melwood and Wesley Housing have partnered to convert a current Arlington Melwood property into an affordable and inclusive housing project combined with programs and services for people with disabilities. This project is located at 750 23rd Street S in Arlington.
Triple the Goal
Supporters of Animal Welfare League of Arlington turn out for Giving Tuesday.
At a time when so many people across the country – even in Arlington, Va. – are facing more financial challenges, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) set a “modest” goal for its Giving Tuesday fundraiser.
Letters to Santa
Santa wants to hear from you. A special mailbox has been set up just for your Santa letters.
Fundraiser for Earp’s Ordinary this Weekend
Fairfax City comes together to support new music venue.
More than 20 musicians will perform Friday night, 5 p.m. start; Saturday, noon and 5 p.m. starts; and Sunday, noon start.
Be Warmer, Healthier and Save Money this Winter
Need help with your heating costs? You may be eligible to receive help through two energy assistance programs that are currently accepting applications.
Police and Emergency Responders Honored at 18th Annual Tribute
Twenty-eight outstanding police officers and first responders from Fairfax County and Fort Belvoir were recognized at the 18th annual Police & Firefighters Tribute hosted by Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce and presented by Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
NOVA Parks Commemorates Winkler Founder
Celebrates first year of successes at 44-acre conservation gem
NOVA Parks, the City of Alexandria, and its public schools, commemorated philanthropist and environmentalist Catherine Winkler Herman, founder of the Winkler Botanical Preserve, with the unveiling of a new permanent sign on the grounds on Nov. 28.
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers, unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate (starting at a $20 annual fee). To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Bah, Humbug!
LTA’s A Christmas Carol is a holiday delight.
“Dickens himself was a rags-to-riches story and wanted his fellow Victorians to celebrate mankind and be charitable to those in need.” — Director Jonathan Mulberg
‘Soil Your Undies’ Campaign
Learn more about the dirt under your feet
The battle against pollution, and against the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s own anonymity, requires some creative approaches to getting their message out and generating interest. One of those recent efforts is a challenge called “Soil Your Undies.”