Friday, October 30
SoberRide for Halloween
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will provide free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Halloween evening, this Saturday, Oct. 31.
Thursday, October 29
Editorial: Vote Nov. 3
Read Election coverage at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com.
If you live in a district with a hotly contested race, you definitely know from the contents of your mailbox that there is an Election coming up.
Halloween and Weekend Events in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, Clifton and Springfield
Fun things to do in your neighborhood
Week in Fairfax
Del. David Bulova (D-37) called on his opponent Sang Yi to retract a series of campaign claims against him.
Keep GMU Blue Rally
On Monday, November 2 from 4-5:30pm, the George Mason Democrats will be hosting the #KeepGMUBlue Rally at North Plaza on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University.
Celebrating Diversity with Arts in Fairfax
The Arts Council of Fairfax County launches a ‘Global Arts Initiative.’
With the increasing demographic diversity of Northern Virginia, the Arts Council of Fairfax County has funded a “Global Arts Initiative.”
The Joint Chiropractic Opens in Fairfax
The Joint Chiropractic is now open in Fairfax at the Greenbriar Town Center, 13037B Lee Jackson Memorial Highway.
‘A Colorful, Cheerful, Feel-Good Musical’ Comes to Fairfax
A slice of Americana and a glimpse at a kinder, gentler time – that is the musical comedy, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” It is Woodson High’s Cappies show and is set for Nov. 4-8 in the school theater.
Christopher Turley wins Banker of the Year
First Virginia Community Bank senior vice president and Regional Lending executive Christopher O. Turley was named Banker of the Year by SmartCEO at the business magazine’s Washington Money Manager Awards ceremony Oct. 19 at the Bethesda Marriott.
First-hand Lesson on Holocaust in Fairfax
Expressions of the Holocaust: GMU group gathers survivors to share memories.
“On the seventy-seventh anniversary of when supposedly civilized nations lost their collective minds, we are here to learn the lesson – first hand - of what can happen when people just stand by and do nothing.”
Community Leaders Take a Science Field Trip to Fairfax
Dozens of business and civic leaders experienced a fun-filled hands-on science field trip at the newly opened Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall.
Fairfax Author Wins Fiction Writing Award
Fairfax writer Sarah Hamaker took top honors in her category in the Genesis Contest from American Christian Fiction Writers.
Fairfax's Elegant Dancing Students Shine in Ballroom Dance Festival
Students from Elegant Dancing in Fairfax, Keira Lyn Cheng, 8, of Fairfax, with her partner Aidan Goggin, 11, of Herndon, represented Fairfax at Atlantic Ballroom's "Shining Stars Ballroom Dance Festival."
Opinion: Domestic Violence Includes Financial Abuse
The intertwinement of domestic violence and homelessness in Fairfax County.
What if you wake up one day in fear of your physical safety? What would you do if you had absolutely no access to any of your bank accounts?
Letter: Vote YES for the Fairfax County School Bond Referendum
To the Editor
I urge all Fairfax County citizens to vote YES for the Fairfax County school bond referendum on November 3rd.
Delegate Filler-Corn Addresses Student Leadership Conference
Last Wednesday, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) served as the keynote speaker at the Jobs for Virginia Graduates' Student Leadership Conference in Richmond. She currently serves as chair of the organization.
Fairfax County: School Bond Referendum Tops $300 Million
The Nov. 3 election ballot will include a Fairfax County Public Schools bond referendum, featuring school improvement projects totaling $350,000,000.
Fairfax County Public Schools To Relocate 500 Staff
Fairfax County Public Schools has signed a 13-year lease at the Willow Oaks Corporate Center in Merrifield to relocated 500 support staff from the Fairfax Ridge Administration Center, where its lease it set to expire in March 2016.
Herrity: Fairfax County Board Made Decisions Not to Disclose Geer Information
Springfield supervisor speaks up on transparency at first committee meeting to review 140+ recommendations from ad hoc police commission.
While Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh was held up as one source of stalling the release information regarding the 2013 shooting death of Springfield man John Geer by then-Fairfax County police officer Adam Torres, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) offered that “decisions we made” on the Board of Supervisors, on the counsel of the Fairfax County attorney, were also responsible for Torres’ name, discrepancies in the investigation and other details of the incident being withheld from the public and Geer’s family until a lawsuit finally forced the police department to release everything.
Burke, Fairfax: Cook, Kincaid and Silverthorn Host Domestic Violence Awareness Event
Fairfax County reports nearly 160 domestic violence arrests are made each month in the county. To bring more attention to this issue and in light of October being declared Domestic Violence Awareness month in Fairfax County, supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted his third annual Stop Domestic Violence Community Awareness Event on Oct. 15 at Chuy’s restaurant in Fairfax.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Mollie Loeffler (I)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Penelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County: School Board Promotes Dyslexia Awareness
And adopts two-hour delay for March Primary.
Nine-year-old Maxwell Gebharts stood confidently on a step-stool to address the Fairfax County School Board Oct. 22. “My old school didn’t know I was dyslexic,” he said. “I was very sad and felt like I wasn’t keeping up with everybody.”
Wednesday, October 28
Classified Advertising October 28 , 2015
Read the lastest ads here!
Centre View and Fairfax: Halloween Fun at Goblin Gallop
The 22nd annual Goblin Gallop was Sunday, Oct. 25, in Fairfax Corner.
Tuesday, October 27
Helping Homeless Build New Lives
Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage donate $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Cardinal Bank (NASDAQ: CFNL) announced that the Cardinal Community Fund and George Mason Mortgage, LLC, have awarded $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Monday, October 26
School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Karen Corbett Sanders
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County Lee District: Tamara Derenak Kaufax
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Dr. R. E. ”Bob” Copeland
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Theodore J. “Ted” Velkoff
Question and Answer
Question and answer
House of Delegates-District 53: Marcus B. Simon (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 48: Rip Sullivan (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 47: Patrick A. Hope (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 46: Charniele L. Herring (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 43: Anna Urman (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 42: David Albo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 41: Eileen Filler-Corn (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Timothy D. Hugo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Jerry Foltz (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: David Bulova (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: Sang Yi (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Kathleen Murphy (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Craig A. Parisot (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Mark Sickles (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Paul J. McIlvaine (I)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 44: Paul Krizek (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 46: Sean Lenehan (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 49: Alfonso Lopez (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 67: Jim LeMunyon (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Danny Vargas (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 36: Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Jennifer Boysko (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 39: Vivian Watts (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
Friday, October 23
Letter: Tainted Endorsement?
A national group designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-muslim and anti-gay hate group has been involved in Fairfax County Public Schools politics since April, and now has endorsed a slate of candidates for School Board.
Thursday, October 22
Fairfax: ‘Dracula’ from L.A. Theatre Works at Center for the Arts
‘Dracula’ from L.A. Theatre Works at Center for the Arts
He’s back. And just in time for Halloween. “He” is that noted, undead vampire who has inspired so many imitators; “Dracula.” He and his cohorts are coming to town in the L.A. Theatre Works live theater production of that popular Goth cultural icon created by Bram Stoker a century ago.
Fairfax: 22nd Annual Goblin Gallop is Oct. 25
Benefits families of children with cancer.
Halloween will soon be here, and that means it’s time for the 22nd annual Goblin Gallop. It’s set for Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center.
City of Fairfax Approves Future Pay Raises for Mayor, Council
‘It’s Simply a Matter of Equity’
Everyone likes getting a raise, but the City of Fairfax’s hard-working mayor and City Council members haven’t received one since 1982 – some 33 years ago. So on Sept. 29, they approved a pay hike for the governing body that will succeed them in the May 2016 election.
Fairfax County: K-9 Krawl 5K Walk a Success
Some 315 people participated in the ninth annual K-9 Krawl 5K Walk on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax.
Burke, Fairfax: Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, Natalie Beck Serve as Co-Grand Marshals of the Buddy Walk
The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) held its annual Buddy Walk at George Mason University last Saturday, featuring Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and Natalie Beck as its co-Grand Marshals, both residents of Virginia’s 41st House District.
Fairfax County: League of Women Voters hosts Forum for Board of Supervisors Chairman and At-Large School Board
Chairman Candidates Debate Economy, Police, Schools
Continuing their series of meet the candidates events, the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax area gave citizens another opportunity at James Madison High School in Vienna to ask questions and visit with hopefuls for both Board of Supervisors chairman and Fairfax County School Board at-large member.
Fairfax County: Board of Supervisors Accepts Final Report from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
Civilian Oversight Board Proposed, Debated
Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission chairman Michael Hershman was clear about what his group was, and was not tasked to do.
Wednesday, October 21
Classified Advertising October 21 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, October 19
School Board–Dranesville District: Pete Kurzenhauser
Q&A
School Board Candidate for Dranesville District
School Board–Dranesville District: Janie Strauss
Q&A
Janie Strauss is a candidate for the Dranesville School Board.
Friday, October 16
Fairfax Home Sales: September, 2015
In September, 2015, 69 Fairfax homes sold between $1,216,792-$132,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: September, 2015
Thursday, October 15
Halloween Events in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield
Get ready to get scared Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield
Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield
Run a race, read a book, dance the night away or listen to a cleverly named A cappella group. It's all happening in your neighborhood.
Fairfax Station: First Decoding Dyslexia 5K Held at Burke Lake
Raising awareness, advocating for more services in schools
When Fairfax resident Calvin Rizek was in first grade, he remembers not being able to read along with the class, but “just flipping pages, like everyone else.”
Fairfax County: Sexual Violence Task Force Presents Recommendations
A Fairfax County task force established in March to review the state of sexual violence education and awareness presented a set of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at their Sept. 29 meeting.
Fairfax: March Escapee from Inova Hospital Sentenced
Arlington man Wossen Assaye, 43, led law enforcement officials from several jurisdictions on a man hunt for hours on March 31, 2015, after escaping from custody at Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Fairfax County: School Board To Discuss Delay for Presidential Primary
To alleviate congestion and chaos at 165 of the 196 Fairfax County schools and centers that double as polling places, the Fairfax County Board of Elections requested the School Board look at delaying school two hours on March 1, 2016 for the presidential primary.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Calls for Auditor, Civilian Review Board
Unanimous recommendations head to supervisors in wake of John Geer shooting, transparency missteps.
After six months of meetings, the Ad Hoc commission created by Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova to review police practices has concluded its primary work. Chair of the commission’s Independent Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Jack Johnson presented that group’s final recommendations to the full commission on Oct. 8.
Editorial: Closer Look at School Spending
Report: Local schools spend less to educate more challenging students.
Since Fiscal Year 2009, Alexandria Public Schools has reduced per pupil spending by 13.3 percent, adjusted for inflation.
‘We Made a Difference’
Girls raise money for animal shelter.
Take two girls, add in compassion, determination and a love for animals, and the result is a successful fundraiser for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Helping People to Better their Lives
Lamb Center counts its blessings and celebrates.
Last week’s Lamb Center Celebration Banquet at the Waterford in Fair Oaks was aptly named. That is because this organization that ministers to the poor and the homeless has a great deal to celebrate.
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happenings in Fairfax.
Medical Education Campus in Springfield to Host Open House
Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education Campus will host an informational open house on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m.-noon at 6699 Springfield Center Drive in Springfield.
Letter: Distasteful Campaign Literature
To the Editor
As a mother, wife, sister and Navy Veteran, I am sickened that Bryan Wolfe, candidate for Fairfax County Sheriff would exploit the death of an African American woman who died in police custody for political gain.
Volunteer Fairfax Names New CEO
Elise Neil Bengtson is the new Volunteer Fairfax CEO.
Northern Virginia j.talks Welcomes Authors for Book Fest
Elyssa Friedland, Jennifer Rosner, Dion Nissenbaum and William V. Madison visit between Oct. 29–Nov. 10.
Northern Virginia j.talks, conversations with authors and artists, has announced the visiting authors for this year’s Book Fest, running Oct. 29–Nov. 10.
Wednesday, October 14
Chairman Candidates Offer Stark Differences
Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.
Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be. “I believe in local government. It’s where the rubber hits the road, and where you’re closest to your constituents,” said Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the top elected official in Fairfax County.
Classified Advertising October 14 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, October 12
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities.
$75 Billion Global Cybersecurity Market
Northern Virginia is “hotbed for cyber security entrepreneurship.”
With all its sophistication and intricacies, cybersecurity starts with a simple premise.
Thursday, October 8
Korean Coalition Candidates Night Showcases 30 Participants
Opponents for five elected positions met at Luther Jackson Middle School
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) encouraged his fellow Koreans present to take advantage of the great number of candidates for elected office about to appear before them at the Korean Coalition for Political Participation 2015 Candidates Night.
Cansler Lawyer Calls for More Investigations into Rose Hill Taser Incident
Elton Cansler of Alexandria was arrested on Sept. 24 for committing larceny and assaulting a police officer, an incident captured on two independent witnesses’ mobile phones during which the Fairfax County Police Officer used a taser to force him to comply with orders.
Decoding Dyslexia Virginia to Host First 5K Run for Dyslexia
Shannon Duncan of the Falls Church area isn’t a big runner herself, but when she sees a 5K road race, it always catches her eye
FoodRaiser to Be Held Nov. 8 in Fairfax, Partnered with Lorton Nonprofit and Our Daily Bread
Community members of all ages are preparing to gather to take a stand against hunger and need in the Fairfax County area at Our Daily Bread (ODB) and Lorton Community Action Center’s (LCAC) Complete the Circle FoodRaiser, to be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8 on the Practice Field at Fairfax High School (3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax).
SafeSpot Welcomes New Executive Director
Michele Thames, the new executive director of SafeSpot Children’s Advocacy Center, brought a furry assistant when she recently joined the organization in Fairfax County. Her professionally trained facility dog Pecos worked with her previously at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters child abuse program in Norfolk.
Fairfax Woman Allegedly Embezzled $653,000 from Virginia State Senator
Linda Diane Wallis, aka Lynn Wallis Miller, 51, of Fairfax, was charged by criminal information for her alleged role in three fraud schemes totaling over $1 million in losses, including embezzling $653,000 from Virginia State Senator Richard Saslaw’s campaign fund.
Fairfax: Business Notes
Fairfax business briefs.
Fairfax: Matthew Sentenced to Three Life Terms in Prison
‘Cruel and Savage Sexual Predator’
It took 10 years, but a former City of Fairfax resident got justice at last when the man who brutally assaulted and nearly killed her a decade ago finally received his punishment.
Fairfax Reaches ‘A Significant Milestone in the Journey’ to Affordable Housing
City adopts an official affordable-housing policy.
The City of Fairfax welcomes developers wanting to build new homes here, but it also wants lower-income families to have places to live, too.
Fairfax Fall Festival is This Saturday
Food, crafts, music, lumberjacks and fun.
Food, crafts, music, children’s activities, carnival rides and even a lumberjack show – they’re all part of the upcoming Fairfax Fall Festival. The 39th annual festivities are slated for this Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (rain date, Oct. 11) in downtown City of Fairfax.
“They’re Not Alone”
New domestic violence victims screening tool launches in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is taking a step forward to reduce the deaths among victims of domestic violence. According to the police department, county domestic violence hotlines receive over 240 calls each month.
New Tolls on I-66: Will That Help?
New Tolls presented as the first step to reducing heavy traffic on I-66, some voice doubts.
On Oct. 5, VDOT held one of several ongoing meetings discussing a new Multimodal Project to reduce traffic on Route I-66, the only interstate in the country limited to HOV usage during rush hour.
Commentary: Putting an End to Domestic Violence in Fairfax County
Domestic violence is the leading cause of homicide in Fairfax County.
Area Roundups
Events and happenings in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield.
Wednesday, October 7
Classified Advertising October 7 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Fairfax Fall Festival on Oct. 10
Come one, come all to the 39th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (rain date, Oct. 11) in downtown City of Fairfax and promises fun for everyone.
'Romeo and Juliet' at GMU Center for the Arts
“That all the world will be in love” wrote Shakespeare. Such a deep wish for the ages from The Bard’s 400-year-old tragic tale of two young lovers hoping their feuding families would reconcile.
Tuesday, October 6
More than 800 Compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
Pickleball closes out two-weeks of Olympic events
With more than 40 events ranging from Scrabble to shotput, the Senior Olympics was conducted across Northern Virginia at two dozen locations ranging from Loudoun Country to Arlington and around Fairfax; 819 Northern Virginia seniors participated in this year’s games.
Overcoming downsizing decorating dilemmas
Downsizing can present some furnishings and decorating dilemmas? What do we keep? What will work in new spaces? How do I make some rooms multi-functional? And what about all that memorabilia?
It Takes a Village
Local groups help seniors socialize, manage everyday tasks.
When Penelope Roberts, 73, of Alexandria, Virginia, had knee replacement surgery last month, she knew she would be out of commission for several weeks.
Editorial: Vote Now to Avoid the Earthquake
Early voting available for most voters now; vote by Nov. 3.
The news is all about Donald, Hilary, Bernie, Carlie, Joe and Jeb. That’s next year, November 2016. The election in less than a month matters here in Northern Virginia. What are your priorities?
Local Writers Recognize Winners of 3rd Annual Student Writing Contest
The Writers of Chantilly, a not-for-profit organization of local professional and aspiring writers in Chantilly, will recognize the winners of the 3rd Annual Student Writing Contest, co-sponsored by the Writers of Chantilly and the Chantilly Regional Public Library, at the Chantilly Regional Public Library on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Friday, October 2
Hats for Ellie
Local organization collects hats for children with cancer.
When the school year began in 2013, Jay Coakley, a physical education teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in Falls Church noticed that one of his kindergarten students had an affinity for brightly colored hats.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Oct. 2-11, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
Thursday, October 1
Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access
Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.
146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Fairfax County: West Nile Cases Even with Five-Year Average
There have been just three documented cases of West Nile Virus in Fairfax County so far in 2015, equaling the previous five-year average, according to Fairfax County Health Department public safety information officer John Silcox.