Stories for September 2015

Editorial: Changing Perspective on Death Penalty

Evolving standards will eclipse the death penalty entirely at some point in the future.

It’s sad to see senseless death as a response to senseless death. Alfred R. Prieto is not a sympathetic figure, a serial killer who was on death row in California when DNA connected him to murders and rapes in Reston and Arlington that took place in 1988. He is scheduled for execution this week, at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Sept. 25-Oct. 4, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Fairfax Station and Clifton: Whitehall Farms Begins Fall Festival

In July, Jeff Waters’ three-acre corn maze was just a figment of his imagination. The stubby stalks were behind schedule but he never lost hope they would make it in time. When Whitehall Farms, LLC -- over 200 acres bordering on the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Fairfax areas -- opened its first annual Fall Fun Days festival on Sept. 19, the corn was plenty high to get lost in.

Burke: Law Enforcement Raising Awareness of Train Track Safety

Adil Gour has been crossing the Virginia Railway Express tracks in Burke for three years. “It’s convenient for me, instead of going all the way around,” Gour said. All the way around in this case means taking Guinea Road to Roberts Road and south.

Fairfax Home Sales: August, 2015

In August, 2015, 94 Fairfax homes sold between $1,095,000-$175,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: August, 2015

Fairfax County NAACP hosts 70th Freedom Fund Awards

‘Your Vote, Your Power’

J.E.B. Stuart High School seniors Anna Rowan, Cassie Marcotty, Marley Finley, Abby Conde and Lidia Amanuel were bothered by the Confederate legacy of their school. Inspired by a history class with teacher Keith Bropst on the Massive Resistance anti-segregation policy, the girls set out to change Stuart’s name, mascot and colors.

Fairfax NAACP To Host Rally Seeking ‘Justice for Natasha McKenna’

Fairfax County NCAAP president Shirley Ginwright announced a rally will be held Sept. 27 to demand justice for Natasha McKenna, a 37-year-old woman with mental illness who died in February after she had been held in the Adult Detention Center.

McKenna Family Attorney Said Death Premeditated

Supporters outraged over lack of charges.

The Fairfax County NAACP held a rally for Natasha McKenna in front of the Fairfax County Courthouse on Sunday, Sept. 27.

TJHSST Junior Named National Child Awareness Month Youth Ambassador

Youth Service America and the Festival of Children Foundation recently named Fairfax City resident, Christopher Cao, a National Child Awareness Month Youth Ambassador.

Fairfax: Keeping Officers Happy and the Community Safe

Capt. Chris Marsh leads Fair Oaks District Station.

The Fair Oaks District Police Station is humming along smoothly, due to its officers as well as the man at the helm, Capt. Chris Marsh. Altogether, he’s worked nearly 23 years in the Fairfax County Police Department.

'Orpheus in the Underworld' Plays at GMU's Center for the Arts

Have no fears of flying off into Offenbach’s delicious musical parody of the legend of Orpheus pursuing his wife Eurydice into the Underworld.

Fairfax: Council Hears about Two Road Projects

Both are geared toward future development.

In 2014, Gov. McAuliffe signed House Bill 2 (HB2) into law. It requires the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to develop a prioritization process for making funding decisions for the statewide Six Year Improvement Program.

Providence Players Open the Season with 'Calendar Girls'

Opening its 18th season, the Providence Players are in a heartfelt, uplifting comic mood presenting “Calendar Girls.”

Column: Treatment Denied Syndrome

Natasha McKenna’s blood is on all of our hands.

Natasha McKenna did not die from excited delirium. She died from Treatment Denied Syndrome.*

Burke: Lake Braddock Football Holds Off Robinson Rally

Bruins build 21-0 halftime lead, improve to 3-0.

The Lake Braddock football team defeated Robinson 21-14 on Friday.

Ending Bullying

Back to School: Local educators offer advice for parents on how to deal with bullying as school resumes.

When Carol Baker cried, no one heard her. She and a classmate were alone in the girls locker room, and as Baker, then an eighth grade student, tried to leave, her classmate grabbed her gym shirt and pushed her into a locker. They weren’t fighting over anything in particular and Baker didn’t sustain any physical injuries.

Help for Long-Term Caregivers

AARP Virginia and the Organization of Chinese American Women will sponsor event next week.

Those embarking on a long-term caregiving journey will have an opportunity to receive support and learn about the services available to them in Northern Virginia. AARP Virginia and the Organization of Chinese American Women will sponsor an event called, “Caregiving Wisdom from an Ancient Sage,” on Sept. 22, 7 p.m., at the Shirlington Library in Arlington and again on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7.p.m., at the George Mason Regional Library in Annandale.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Sept. 18-27

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Burke-Based Author and Professor Launches First Book

When Burke resident and George Mason University English professor Art Taylor set out to enter The Washington Post short story cover contest, he never expected it would lead to his first book.

Fairfax County: ‘Reports and Tears Are Not Enough’

Protesters demonstrate for Natasha McKenna, social justice and improved mental health services at ad hoc police review commission public hearing.

Cayce Utley of Centreville said Natasha McKenna, the 37-year-old African American woman with mental illness who died in the Sheriff’s Office custody in February, must be “more than just a mistake, more than an accident. Black women aren’t your ‘Oops,’ they aren’t your teachable moments.”

Fairfax County School Board Reflects on First Day of Later Start Times

James Madison High School senior Ben Press provided firsthand testimony for the positive effect of new later start times for Fairfax County high school students. “Your investment in our health paid off, as can be seen in the better-rested faces of thousands of high school students across the county,” said Press, addressing the Fairfax County School Board in his new role as student representative at their Sept. 10 meeting.

Elected Officials Discuss Ways to Support Fairfax County’s Residents in Need

“We can’t do enough to spread the word that in the midst of affluent Fairfax County there is another, ‘hidden Fairfax’ that needs our urgent attention.” T

Duck Donuts Opens in the City of Fairfax

At first glance, Duck Donuts seems like a funny name for a doughnut shop. But those familiar with the legendary doughnut store in Duck, N.C. – from which it gets its name – know it’s the real deal.

Fairfax City Council Approves Project to Build 80 Condos

Although there were problems along the way, the Fairfax City Council last week gave the go-ahead for a residential development called The Enclave to be built at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road.

Column: Helping Create Safe School Environment

Back to school month is a great time to talk with children about important issues that develop during a typical school year.

Fairfax County: More Open Space

Survey about parks shows more households using the parks, lower satisfaction.

Fairfax County residents say preservation of open space is the most important service that the Park Authority can provide.

NOVA’s New President Celebrates First Week in New Role

Dr. Scott Ralls officially took the helm, on Sept. 8, as the fifth president of Northern Virginia Community College. Ralls joins one of the largest community colleges in the nation after seven years as president of the 58-campus North Carolina Community College System.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Sept. 11-20

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Burke and Fairfax: Robinson Students Welcomed Back

New and returning students at Robinson Secondary School were welcomed on the first day with a corridor of cheerleaders, blaring music and an inflated ram tunnel leading to the front doors. And the smiling face of their principal, Matthew Eline, who joined the cheerleaders and held a sign saying “May I help you?”

Fairfax County: Garza Tours on the First Day of School

Though she visited several schools on the first day of the new year, Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent only received one welcome banner. That was from the articulate student leaders at Mantua Elementary School, who told her “sense of community” and “great teachers who encourage creativity” were among their favorite things about the school.

Mount Vernon: No Criminal Charges In McKenna Death

Tasers did not directly cause Natasha McKenna’s death, nor are any of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved with the case being charged with a crime. Those are the positions announced Tuesday, Sept. 8 by Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond F. Morrogh.

Fairfax: Helping Abused and Neglected Children

Fairfax CASA seeks volunteers who are willing to work with children and families.

Since 1989, Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers have advocated for over 6,500 abused and neglected children in Fairfax County. Known as Fairfax CASA, the nonprofit organization has been working hard to accomplish their ultimate goal: ensuring that each individual child’s needs are identified and addressed with the goal of living in a “safe and permanent home.”

Fairfax: 'ARTS by George!' Gala Features Broadway Superstar Bernadette Peters

“There is nothing like it anywhere else in the region,” said Rick Davis, dean, George Mason University, College of Visual and Performing Arts describing the upcoming ARTS by George! Gala evening.

Fairfax: Enjoying Music, Relaxation and Fun

Customers create like crazy at Paint Your Own Pottery.

Sporting the slogan, “Create Like Crazy,” Paint Your Own Pottery is proving to be popular with both individuals and groups as a destination for fun. And it’s right in downtown Fairfax.

Fairfax: ‘Privileged to Join the Lanier Family’

Lenart takes reins at middle school.

Erin Lenart, Lanier Middle School’s new principal, always pictured herself as an educator. Raised in Tennessee, her first dream was to become a teacher.

‘Remodeled Home Tour’

A 3,700-square-foot, four-bedroom center hall Colonial renovated in phases over nearly two decades will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling.

Thinking of Downsizing?

Free seminar will focus on moving to a smaller place without sacrificing style.

Homeowners considering a move from a large home to a smaller dwelling will have an opportunity to receive expert advice on their transition later this month.

Editorial: Focusing on Suicide Prevention

Help is a phone call away.

This week is Suicide Prevention Week. Preventing suicide means paying attention to mental health and treating depression, and there is no better time to focus on that than the first week of school.

Muskett Leads West Springfield to Season-Opening Win Over Robinson

Junior quarterback throws four touchdown passes, rushes for one.

West Springfield defeated Robinson 35-28 on Friday.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Sept. 4-13

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

Inexperienced Fairfax Looks to Maintain Postseason Success

Defending region champ has won six straight conference titles.

The Fairfax field hockey team has won six consecutive Conference 6/Liberty District titles.

Burke: Robinson Finds Early Success Despite Inexperienced Defense

Rams go 2-1-1 during Lake Braddock tournament.

The Robinson field hockey team went 2-1-1 during the Blast ALS tournament.

Workplace Fitness

Employer-based health and wellness programs are good for business.

It’s Wednesday afternoon and a cohort of George Mason University staff, students and faculty hit the pavement. Clad in attire ranging from running shorts and brightly colored sneakers to neutral walking shoes and business suits, the group takes part in “Who’s Walking Wednesdays,” part of an initiative to get moving for health and wellness.

Suffragist Memorial in Lorton Will be a ‘Site of Conscience’

Film brings to light torture, abuse suffragists suffered at Occoquan Workhouse.

The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association held a viewing of the 2004 film “Iron Jawed Angels” directed by Katja von Garnier on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Gunston Hall in Lorton. The 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified on this day 95 years ago in 1920. The date is designated as Women’s Equality Day.

Fairfax: 'Fall for the Book Festival' Returns Sept. 27-Oct. 3.

Book-lovers rejoice; the local treasure “Fall for the Book” is arriving for a week-long stay. This year’s celebration will feature over 150 authors representing a wide-gamut of genres.

Lorton: Capital Area Food Bank Hosts Inaugural Northern Virginia Hunger Action Expo

The numbers tell the story. Over 217,000 people across Northern Virginia are at risk of hunger, including 62,000 children under the age of 18, according to the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB).

Editorial: How to Vote; It Matters

Voting begins in two weeks, Sept. 18.

Election Day is Nov. 3, and on that day, virtually every state and local office is on the ballot. In-person absentee voting begins Sept. 18, barely two weeks from now.

Fairfax County: Historic Sites - Resident Curators?

In exchange for rehabilitating the property, the curator gains use of the property and pays no rent.

The Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation in January 2011 to ensure that local jurisdictions establish a Resident Curator Project.