Wednesday, August 31
Letter: Does He Bite?
Letter to the Editor
Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.
Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide
Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter
As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.
Friday, August 26
John Cook: ‘Welcome Neighbors!’
Take full advantage of everything the Braddock District, and Fairfax County, has to offer.
Thank you for choosing to make Fairfax County your new home! As you will quickly find out, there is no shortage of activities here, and let me be the first to tell you what’s going on around town.
Building Confidence for the Return to School
More than 80 children from low-income families attended the FACETS Back to School Party on Monday, Aug. 15 in Fairfax.
Delegate Filler-Corn Honored by the Autism Society
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV) honored Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) with the Community Builder of the Year Award during ASNV’s Annual Wine and Dine for Autism event. This award recognizes those who have had a significant positive impact on the autism community.
Fairfax: Looking Toward the Future
Multifamily homes and redevelopment.
Several development projects are either proposed or in the works in the City of Fairfax and its environs. Below are details about some of them:
Fairfax Demographics 2016
demographics
Thursday, August 25
Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work
Making Community Work
Caring for an Ill Spouse?
The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.
Keeping Youth Safe, Healthy and Drug Free
Looking for ways to keep Fairfax County youth and young adults safe, healthy and drug free? Then check out getting involved with the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).
Column: Greater Transparency in Policing
Fairfax County Police embrace change, sanctity of life for all.
The Fairfax County Police Department was established on July 1, 1940 and today we have an authorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcement officers.
Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.
I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.
Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness
Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.
Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.
‘Insider’s Tip’ to New Businesses
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helps in starting or expanding business in the county.
If you are new to Fairfax County, welcome to one of the world’s most interesting places to live and work. If you are new to the county and are interested in being part of our dynamic business community, here is an “insider’s tip” that you will want to know: The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), works with everyone who wants to start or expand a business in the county.
County Schools: Teaching for 21st Century
What’s new at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Welcome to the 2016-17 school year in Fairfax County Public Schools. With each new school year, we have the wonderful opportunity to build upon our previous successes and continue to improve our work with our students.
Sharon Bulova: 'Welcome to Fairfax County'
Welcome to Fairfax County, one of the greatest places in the nation to live, work, play and raise a family.
About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
How to Vote in Fairfax County
Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.
Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.
Wednesday, August 24
Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young
In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.
Column: #MindsMatter: Lifesaving Conversations Every Day
Take one action for awareness of National Suicide Prevention week #MindsMatter.
It’s 3 p.m. School’s out. Like clockwork, alerts start ringing, letting our crisis workers know that young people are out of class, and they need to talk.
Minds Matter to Local Mental Health Service
PRS Inc. of McLean prepares for National Suicide Prevention Week.
Although National Suicide Prevention Week occurs next month, a local mental health service got a head start last week and launched its public awareness campaign on social media.
Children Science Center Lab Takes 10-year View
Amy Burke, board chairwoman of the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, and executive director Adalene “Nene” Spivey watch Emily Brunner, 15, of Falls Church take on the robotic arm challenge by programming the device to play the “Happy Birthday” song on a xylophone.
Friday, August 19
Fairfax Home Sales: July, 2016
In July, 2016, 115 Fairfax homes sold between $1,325,000-$142,800.
Fairfax Home Sales: July, 2016
Thursday, August 18
Virginia Ballet Company Premiers Family Fun Series
Performance is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 28.
Wednesday, Aug. 10 dancers from the non-profit Virginia Ballet Company and School were practicing in preparation for the Family Fun Series premiere on Aug. 28.
Fairfax: Stombres Takes the Reins – For Now
Appointed interim mayor until after a February 2017 special election.
Before an overflow crowd Tuesday night, the Fairfax City Council named former City Councilman Steve Stombres to serve as interim mayor.
Fairfax: Remembering Harold Skeins
Family, community remember Harold Skeins.
Some 60 people gathered Sunday night on the basketball court in Fairfax’s Ratcliffe Park for a candlelight vigil in memory of Harold Skeins.
Fairfax County: Aiming To Reduce Deer Population
Second Deer Management Program discussion
With an ecosystem struggling to support a deer population several times what’s considered to be healthy for a habitat, Fairfax County is preparing once again to initiate its deer management program.
Burke, Clifton, Fairfax Station, Lorton Springfield: Area Roundups
Rallies for Back to School and Refugees
Springfield Town Center is hosting a pep rally to celebrate students returning to school. The event is scheduled for the Grand Court area of the mall from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m on Saturday, Aug. 20.
Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton hosts first Brewfest
Shamara Wilkins of Lorton ventured out of the priceless shade just long enough to get a refreshing top up on her beer-tasting glass from Lorton-based Forge Brew works.
Robinson Graduate Wins Bull Run Civil War Round Table Scholarship
The winner of this year’s Bull Run CWRT scholarship of $1500 is Brooke Roberts, a 2016 graduate of Robinson High School and the daughter of Jennifer and Charles Roberts of Burke.
Fairfax Author Launches First Solo Book
Fairfax resident Leslie Welch’s first solo book “The Goodbyes”came out in July 2016.
Fairfax: Man Dies After Being Shot by Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Outside Inova Hospital
Hispanic male was discharged patient who was escorted by security to bus stop before the incident.
Early Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, a man died after having been shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy outside the green garage area at Inova Fairfax Hospital the previous evening.
Fairfax County Police Release Name of 2-Year-Old Victim in Murder-Suicide
Despite pleas from the girl’s family, Fairfax County Police have released the name of the young victim who was found dead along with the body of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in an upstairs bedroom at the scene of a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.
Wednesday, August 17
Classified Advertising August 17, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, August 16
Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally
Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.
Create a Back-to-School Game Plan
Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.
As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.
Considering a Private School?
Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.
For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.
Thursday, August 11
Fairfax: City Residents Have Their Say
Surprise, sadness in aftermath of Silverthorne’s arrest.
Scott Silverthorne was front and center at every City of Fairfax ribbon-cutting, new business opening, fundraiser and just plain fun event like Rock the Block or Fido Fest.
Locals Catch ‘Pokemon Go’ Fever in County Parks
Safety tips dispensed by crime prevention experts and elected officials at Burke Lake.
Trump and Clinton aren’t the only characters to watch during an election year full of surprises.
Helping Local Businesses Add Nearly 600 Jobs
During the second quarter of 2016, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority [FCEDA] provided services and resources to 38 businesses that are adding 585 jobs in Fairfax County. Many of these businesses are in technology sectors and professional services, and five are foreign-based firms using a Fairfax County location to expand in North America.
Burke Lake Golf Course Upgrades to Begin Oct. 3
A new clubhouse and expanded driving range and parking lot highlight upgrades to the Burke Lake Golf Course in Fairfax Station that’s more than 40 years old.
Fairfax: Small City, Big Scandal
Mayor arrested in sex-for-meth police sting.
If someone tossed a live, hand grenade in the middle of Fairfax, it potentially wouldn’t have caused as much damage or such utter shock and amazement as the news that Mayor Scott Silverthorne was arrested. And not for a traffic infringement, but for a felony involving group sex with men in exchange for drugs.
Fairfax Snapshot: Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere
On Saturday, Aug. 6, some 800 children cooled off at the Double Bubble Run in Van Dyck Park. They frolicked in bubbles, ran through obstacles and zipped down a 50-foot-high, inflatable, shark waterslide.
Fairfax: Roof Fire Breaks Out at University Mall
Firefighters respond to Bangkok Golden Thai Restaurant.
Often, when there’s a fire at a restaurant, it starts in the kitchen. But a fire last week at a Thai restaurant in University Mall started on the roof, through no fault of the restaurant, at all.
Two Reports of Fox Bites in Springfield Area
A fox or foxes are still at large after two reports of bites in the Springfield area on Monday, Aug. 8, Fairfax County Police said.
Update Anticipated in Fairfax Murder-Suicide
The Office of the Medical Examiner has yet to identify the toddler whose dead body was found along with that of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in a house fire on July 27 in the 12100 block of Fairfax Hunt Road in Fairfax.
Stars of Summer
Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships
Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.
Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun
Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.
Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.
Wednesday, August 10
One Step To ‘One Fairfax’
Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.
Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.
Tuesday, August 9
Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes
Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.
Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.
Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat
There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.
Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.
Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety
While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.
Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.
Thursday, August 4
New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity
With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.
Fairfax County Police Receive National Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognized compliance with 484 standards.
In a hearing in Baltimore’s inner harbor on Saturday, July 30, the Fairfax County Police Department received a formal recognition of its national accreditation from the Gainesville, Va.-based Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.
Wednesday, August 3
Column: Helping Make Democracy Work
My internship in Supervisor Cook’s office.
In recent months, a good deal of attention has been directed towards the ongoing race for the White House.
Communities Observe National Night Out
Law enforcement and neighborhoods come together in Fairfax Station, Springfield and countywide.
Every night, that’s seven nights a week, Amanda Fox and her mother make rounds of the 169 houses in their community of Cardinal Estates in Springfield.
Fairfax Mulls New Name, Logo and Slogan
To fine-tine and promote City's identity.
Should the City of Fairfax change its name to Fairfax City? What should its new logo look like? What shape should it be, and what colors? These and other questions have been under consideration by the City Council as it determines the City’s brand and identity.
Fairfax: Firearms Training Center Is Moving Forward
Will give local police a more modern firing range.
The current firearms training center for the City’s Police Department was built in 1985 of cinderblock and wood. It has six firing lanes, a small classroom, a weapons-cleaning area and a office that doubles as an armory.
Cats and Politics Unite in New Documentary
With election day quickly approaching this November 2016, many voters are in need of some comedic relief during this competitive political season.
Fairfax: Building Safer Communities
Crime is not welcome at 12 National Night Out block parties in the Fair Oaks District.
At first, National Night Out was a simple gesture citizens made to show their support for local law enforcement: Turn on the front porch light the first Tuesday night in August.
Lorton: Baggage Cart in ‘Top Ten Artifacts’ Competition
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum has entered a restored Southern Railway Baggage Cart in the prestigious Virginia Association of Museum's annual "Top Ten Artifacts" competition. Voting is done by the public. Voting begins on Aug. 1 and ends Aug. 31.
Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More
Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.
Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?
Tuesday, August 2
What We Did on V-J Day
Vienna resident’s memories of the end of the war.
Memories of WW ll in an American child's mind are a distinct set of curiosities -- special activities removed from the ordinary day to day routine of growing up.
Mall STEM Lab Celebrates First Birthday
Children's Science Center Lab celebrates with cake, a new robot, aquarium and checks worth $125,000.
Some children go to the shopping mall because their moms have to run errands or it's a nice place to hang out with friends. Who knew Fair Oaks Mall is a go-to place to conduct science experiments, program a robot and make stuff out of a 3-D printer?
Passion to Excel in STEM Field
CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.
At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.