Stories for May 2016

Fairfax: Promoting Native Plants

Volunteers plant 2,000 plants, 48 different species -- one-third grasses and two-thirds wild flowers.

Some 40 volunteers planted a pollinator meadow for two days last week on one acre of land adjacent to the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax.

Fairfax: Mischief and Spies

Providence Players present comedy ‘Red Herring.’

Just in time to help divert an audience to escape from the real world comes “Red Herring” from the Providence Players.

Meet Fairfax City Fire Chief John O’Neal.

Sporting nearly three decades of experience, John O’Neal became chief of the City of Fairfax Fire Department in January. But he wanted to be a firefighter ever since he was a boy, growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Community Forum Series Focuses on Disability Services

For those unable to attend the Fairfax Area Disability Service Board’s monthly meetings, June will be an opportunity to voice concerns in person to board members regarding community disability services.

Rare Sun Blesses 44th Clifton Fairfax Homes Tour

Braun home breathes history and inviting warmth.

May 19 was far from the first time Richard and Jane Elizabeth Braun of Fairfax have opened up their home to numerous guests.

Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance

Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis

If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines

Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.

Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing

FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.

In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.

Burke: Robinson Boys' Lax Earns State Tournament Berth

Rams pull away from Yorktown in second quarter.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team beat Yorktown in the region quarterfinals.

Burke: Robinson Girls’ Lax Comes Back to Beat Langley

Rams earn state playoff berth, advance to region semifinals.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team earned a state berth.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities

Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax

Fairfax Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 86 Fairfax homes sold between $1,248,000-$156,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: April, 2016

Fashion in Motion Fashion Show in Fairfax

Fairfax Academy students showcase a year's worth of work at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax.

Fairfax: ‘Honoring the Lives of Fallen Officers’

Chief Pardiny bicycles in Police Unity Tour.

Each May, law enforcement officers from around the country participate in the Police Unity Tour (PUT) bike ride in honor of their colleagues, nationwide, who’ve died in the line of duty.

Fairfax: Earth Day Artists Shine

The annual Earth Day Art Show was held April 27 in the City Hall atrium.

Fairfax: Cappie Nominations are Announced

Fairfax High gets 18 and Paul VI, 4.

The 2915-2016 Cappie nominations for high school theater were released Monday, with Fairfax High receiving 18 nods and Paul VI High, 4.

Transportation Authority to Hold Hearing, Public Meetings

On June 9, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) will hold a Public Hearing on its Draft FY2017 Program.

Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences

Offering to bring balance into gender issue.

For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance

When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.

Robinson-Langley Postseason Matchup Arrives Earlier Than Expected

Undefeated Rams host one-loss Saxons tonight in 6A North quarterfinals.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team will host Langley at 5:30 p.m. tonight.

Robinson Boys' Lax to Host Yorktown with State Berth at Stake

Rams star Daniel still bothered by 2015 home loss to Patriots.

The Robinson boys' lacrosse team will host Yorktown at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the 6A North region quarterfinals.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

Fairfax Station: Children of Holocaust Survivors at Temple B’nai Shalom display family artifacts

Fairfax resident Frank Kohn’s family heirloom silver candlestick holders never should’ve made it out of Berlin.

Week in Fairfax

Weekly happenings in Fairfax

Fairfax: Greenfield Asking for Vote Recount

For 22 years, Jeff Greenfield has served as a Fairfax City councilman; but in the May 3 election, he was edged out by three votes.

Fairfax: Preparing for City’s Aging Population

The need for senior housing is becoming a consideration.

Like cities and towns everywhere, the City of Fairfax has a growing percentage of older residents.

Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors

West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”

Fairfax: Learning from Superchefs

Meet the chefs at 21 Great American Bistro.

When two talented and energetic friends plan a venture, success is the likely outcome.

Missiles and Guns in the Backyard and the School Parking Lot

Library series delve into the secrets of Fairfax County.

The first of three Forgotten Fairfax series debuted on Saturday, May 7 at the City of Fairfax Regional Library.

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose

In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.

Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose

Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.

South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Moves to Address Department Cyberbullying

After the suicide of Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff and suspected cyberbullying of the 31-year-old that came to light after her death, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue is cracking down on workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day

Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.

Burke and Springfield: Community Joins Together to Bid for a Cause

Nearly 100 people gathered to raise money for community-based children’s programs on April 29 at Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s “Annual Spring Event, Luncheon and Silent Auction.”

Fairfax: Providence Elementary Principal Wins Leadership Award

Leadership Fairfax, a nonprofit organization founded by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, awarded Providence Elementary School Principal Jesse Kraft with its 2015 Educational Leadership Award. “

Fairfax City: Silverthorne Re-elected; Changes on Council

Stehle is in; Greenfield is out – maybe.

It was a night of high drama and raw emotion as Scott Silverthorne held off a challenger to win re-election to his third term as City of Fairfax mayor.

Fairfax: City Council Adopts FY 2017 Budget

Real estate tax rate rises just a penny.

When Fairfax City Manager Bob Sisson presented his proposed FY 2017 budget for the City, in February, he recommended raising the real estate tax by 2.7 cents, to $1.0815 per $100 assessed valuation.

Law Enforcement Classes for Teens

The Fairfax County Police Department will host two week-long programs this summer for high school students.

Community Remembers Holocaust, Honors Victims and Survivors

More than 400 people remembered victims and survivors of the Holocaust on Sunday at an interfaith service in Fairfax at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.

Letter: Budget Reflects Commitment to Education

To the Editor

The April 21-27, 2016 edition included an article discussing the Supervisors’ approval of a 4-cent tax increase as part of an overall budget. T

Commentary: Goal - Involving Public in Police Use of Force Review

With the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors May 10 Public Safety Committee meeting just a few days away, it is important to remember what has been discussed so far, what is on the agenda for May 10, and what will be done in the future.

Alexandria: TC Boys’ Soccer Secures No. 2 Seed in Conference 7

Bonilla Sosa’s 2 goals lead Titans past Woodson.

The T.C. Williams boys' soccer team defeated Woodson 2-1 on Monday.

Letter: Obstacles to Continued Learning

To the Editor

Why does George Mason University, place meaningless but annoying obstacles in the path of Senior Citizens who wish to engage in mentally challenging and potentially rewarding experiences?

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Farmers Markets in Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.

Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail

Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”

One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

County Budget Approved

Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”

When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.