Sunday, July 31
Police Investigating Two Deaths in Fairfax Fire as Murder-Suicide
Fairfax County Police have now released the name of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, as one of the two dead bodies that were found during a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.
Friday, July 29
Fairfax Home Sales: June, 2016
In June, 2016, 131 Fairfax homes sold between $1,280,000-$149,000.
Fairfax Home Sales: June, 2016
Senior Dogs: Untold Stories
Like many geriatrics, senior dogs in our area are illness survivors and living with a range of conditions including arthritis, hip dysplasia and chronic back pain.
Thursday, July 28
Community Works Together To Alleviate Hunger
Food for Others assemble backpacks of non-perishable food.
Food for Others started its Power Pack Program -P3- in Fairfax County four years ago "after we noticed the need and heard from school counselors. We started with eight schools and are now up to 28," according to Jessica Cogen, director of development and outreach of Food for Others. Cogen also emphasized that "we are seeking to expand the number of schools served this year to help meet the need."
Fairfax Snapshot: Collecting Food for Others
The Cleaning Authority of Fairfax collected 224 bags of canned food totaling 994 pounds for the Food for Others food bank over the summer as part of a national initiative, The Cleaning Authority CARES.
New Jeep, Trucks and Off-road Business Opens in Fairfax City
Quality Performance Group, QPG, an automotive aftermarket company focusing on Jeeps, pickup trucks and off-road vehicles, recently opened on Draper Drive in Fairfax City.
Snapshot: Evenings on the Ellipse in Fairfax
Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra entertained the crowd on Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. during an Evenings on the Ellipse concert on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center.
Fairfax County: Non-profit Our Daily Bread Changes Name To Britepaths
Fairfax-based non-profit Our Daily Bread has changed its name to Britepaths.
Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Springfield: Pokémon Go event hosted at Sully government center
With Fairfax County Police officers blocking traffic, dozens of community members crossed Stonecroft Boulevard in front of the Sully District government center in Chantilly.
Fairfax County: School Board Work Session Draws Transgender Regulation Protesters
The Fairfax County School Board was scheduled to discuss new regulations for addressing daily life at school for students who identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming at July 21 work session held at the school system’s Gatehouse Road headquarters in Falls Church.
Wednesday, July 27
Three Reported Shooting Incidents in Clifton, Fairfax Station
Detectives from the Sully District Fairfax County Police station continue to investigate three incidents of homes being fired on in Clifton and Fairfax Station. They don’t know yet whether the events are related, but don’t believe the acts of violence to be random either.
Fairfax: Students Win Silver Medals at Nationals
They participated in an FCCLA competition in California.
When local students Christian Heiche, Chloe Kim and Laura Stravach flew home from California recently, they did so with something new around their necks – silver medals.
Tuesday, July 26
Senator Kaine Hosts Interfaith Forum
Senator Tim Kaine spends last day before VP pick showing why Virginia matters.
No one knew it at the time, but Sen. Timothy M. Kaine’s (D-Va.) public appearances moderating roundtables in Northern Virginia last Thursday, July 21 would be his last day of relative political anonymity before being catapulted to political prominence 24 hours later as Hillary Clinton’s pick for her Vice-Presidential running mate.
Friday, July 22
Fairfax, Mount Vernon, Springfield: Families host children from underserved New York City communities
At 11, Rickay Martin of Queens has already done Washington, D.C. With her host family, the Thompsons of Springfield, she’s visited The Spy Museum, The White House, George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Fairfax: Community Weighs in on Shirley Gate Extension
Dianna and Wayne Pennington own property at the corner of Popes Head Road and the Fairfax County Parkway. With an extension of Shirley Gate Road having been on Fairfax County’s transportation plan since 1991, they say they can’t sell the land with the project up in the air.
Burke, Fairfax: Braddock’s Best Honored
Local outstanding citizens, organizations and businesses were recognized by the Braddock District Council of Community Associations and Braddock District Supervisor program with the annual Best of Braddock Awards.
Thursday, July 21
Fairfax County: School Transgender Regulations in Limbo
Fairfax County Public Schools are holding off on implementing new regulations regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students.
Fairfax County: Support for Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel
Supervisors discuss independent oversight recommendations from Ad Hoc Commission.
Details of an independent auditor for Fairfax County police and a civilian panel to review cases of alleged FCPD abuse of authority or misconduct are still being hammered out. However there was general agreement among County Supervisors at the July 19 Public Safety Committee meeting that they are in favor of moving forward with the recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create both entities for accountability.
Wednesday, July 20
Fairfax City: Two Residents Honored with Mayor’s Awards
Fairfax City Mayor Scott Silverthorne honored two residents last week with special Mayor’s Awards.
Area Roundups
Area happenings
Fairfax City: Cops and Kids Having Fun
City of Fairfax police held their second annual Cops and Kids Day, on July 13. Children learned safety lessons, saw SWAT team, K-9 and motorcycle-riding demonstrations and enjoyed popcorn and ice cream.
Letter: Keeping Young Minds Engaged in Summer
To the Editor
Summer means warmer weather and time for vacations. But it’s also a time when the average student loses nearly two months of academic knowledge.
Letter: Taking the Lead on Climate Change
To the Editor
Senator Tim Kaine took the the floor of the United States Senate, and displayed the potential for being a climate champion.
Letter: Taking Exception
To the Editor
The Last week’s Connection included a Letter to the Editor from Elizabeth Torpey Bradsher ("School Board Politics and Transgender Policy.") I
Food Truck Full of Temptations: Ed Hardy
Ed Hardy’s truck has recently been parked in Reston at lunchtimes, but often travels around Fairfax County to feed the hungry.
‘76 Trombones Led the Big Parade’
Centreville resident has a leading role in “The Music Man.”
When fast-talking Harold Hill comes to River City, Iowa with a grand plan to create the finest band in America, the townspeople are thrilled. But straight-laced librarian Marian Paroo thinks it’s all just a scam.
Editorial: Voting, for Former Felons and Others
In a Democracy, we’re best served by more voter participation.
Today, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear an expedited challenge to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) restoration of the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements. The restoration of voting rights moves Virginia into the mainstream.
Thursday, July 14
Week in Fairfax
Weekly happening in Fairfax.
Fairfax: Those Critters Around Us
“Possums get a bad rap,” said Fairfax County Wildlife Management Specialist Dr. Katherine Edwards during a presentation on “Those Critters Around Us” to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason) last week.
Fairfax City: Paul VI Theater Director Katherine Miller ‘graduates.’
After 13 years at Paul VI High, Theater Director Katherine Miller is retiring – but don’t tell her that. “I’m not retiring,” she said, “I’m graduating.”
Fairfax City: Creating ‘Little Dresses for Africa’
Fairfax Academy’s Fashion Design class helps Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority provide dresses for African girls.
Fairfax County: Four Arrested at Natasha McKenna Protest
Racial justice group calls for Sheriff Kincaid to fire deputies.
Four demonstrators were arrested Monday morning at a protest outside the Fairfax Courthouse for the February 15 in-custody death of Natasha McKenna.
Fairfax County: School Board Receives New Transgender Regulations
Discussion moves to a work session
Friday afternoon, July 1, Fairfax County School Board members each received an email containing new operating regulations regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students.
Wednesday, July 13
Letter: Congressman Champions Environmental Cause
To the Editor
As the headlines on the devastating impacts of climate change in our country and worldwide are hitting the media, we wonder whether our legislators are doing enough to address this issue.
‘You’re the One that I Want’
Westfield Summer Stage presents the musical, “Grease.”
Break out the black leather jackets and poodle skirts — Westfield Summer Stage is presenting the musical, “Grease.” It features a cast and crew of more than 80 students from middle and high schools across the county, including Westfield, Centreville, Chantilly and Fairfax high schools.
Tuesday, July 12
Letter: Misinterpretation and Misdirection
To the Editor
This is a response to Mr. Peter Storm’s specious letter, (“What Was the Founding Fathers’ Intent?” (Connection, July 6-12, 2016) and the broader leftist propensity toward historical misinterpretation and misdirection regarding the 2nd Amendment.
Letter: School Board Politics and Transgender Policy
To the Editor
The perception from many like me is that the Fairfax County School Board is hungry for national media attention as evidenced by their 2015 vote on the Gender Nonconforming and Transgender Student Policy
Editorial: Be Part of Our Annual Community Guide
Share tips in upcoming Newcomers and Community Guides.
The Connection’s annual Newcomers and Community Guides will publish Aug. 24 with a deadline of Aug. 17.
Fairfax Symphony Celebrating 60th Season
Orchestra deepens community ties.
Sixty years and counting. Since 1956, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has been a leading orchestra, while remaining committed to community involvement.
Experiential Learning Camp for High School Students
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington seeks participants in a three-day experiential learning camp on Aug. 8 to 10 at the JA Finance Park in Fairfax.
White Kitchens Are a Trend with staying Power
The clean, crisp look of a white kitchen has staying power and versatility, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Park Discovery Trail Leads Children to Presidential History, Prizes
Which U.S. President made a daring escape from the enemy through Riverbend Park? What does the House at Hidden Pond Nature Center have in common with the White House? Which Commander-in-Chief saved Sully Historic Site from demolition? T
Thursday, July 7
Weekend Events: July 7-10
Weekend events in your area.
Fairfax County: School Board Renews Superintendent Garza’s Contract
Fairfax County Public Schools has secured four more years with Dr. Karen Garza at the helm as superintendent. The School Board members voted unanimously to extend her contract through June 30, 2020 at their June 30 meeting.
Wednesday, July 6
Fairfax: ‘Dark Times at Grimesville High’ Goes to Capitol Fringe Festival
A production created and produced by George Mason alumni makes its debut in July at the 2016 Capitol Fringe Festival.
Fairfax: Our Daily Bread Receives a $30,000 Grant for Food Bridge Program
Fairfax-based nonprofit Our Daily Bread (ODB) received a grant in the amount of $30,000 from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program.
City of Fairfax Theatre Company Presents “The Music Man”
The City of Fairfax Theatre Company will present Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” July 22-30, 2016.
Girls on the Run of NOVA and Cigna Form Partnership
Girls on the Run of NOVA is partnering with Cigna Corporation.
Fairfax City: Mayor Pledges Smart Growth, Greater Transparency
Mayor, City Council, School Board members sworn in.
Fairfax Author Launches First Solo Book
Fairfax resident Leslie Welch’s first solo book “The Goodbyes” will come out July 2016.
Area Roundups
Weekly happenings in the area.
Tuesday, July 5
Dragon Boating
It’s been called the fastest growing water sport in the world – although it took more than 2,000 years to recently take aim at that title.
Assistance League of Northern Virginia Installs New Board of Directors
Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s Installation of the 2016-17 Board of Directors was conducted on June 13 during the annual chapter meeting and luncheon.
Pushups For Charity Challenge Benefits Veterans
Local veteran opens gym, Rebel Fit USA.
Strategies for Preventing Concussions This Summer
Local physician is pioneering traumatic brain injury treatment.
Summer has been dubbed “trauma season” by health care professionals.
Letter: Protect Homeowners, and School Budget
To the Editor
Regarding John Knight's letter ("Seniors Unfairly Tapped for School Budget") in the last week’s Connection: While the sentiment is nice and I would join anyone in complaining about the burden of taxes being put on all the homeowners; in my opinion businesses and developers get away with tax breaks.
Editorial: Hungry in Summer
There are hungry children in Northern Virginia, more so in summertime.
Summer for most children in Northern Virginia is a time of fun and activities, camp and vacation, trips to the pool and possibly to the library.