Stories for November 2020

Fairfax City’s Elf Hunt for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is this coming Saturday, Nov. 28 – and the City of Fairfax is showcasing its small businesses with a citywide Elf Hunt.

Hikers ‘Master’ State Park Trails in Virginia

Love our parks and being outdoors?

Help Britepaths Bring Families Holiday Cheer

For people struggling to pay for food and rent, it’s tough to think about the holidays without a sense of sadness.

Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield: What Are You Thankful for on Thanksgiving 2020?

The Connection asked people encountered outside, just enjoying nature or waiting in line for services: “What are you thankful for in 2020?”

Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield, Mount Vernon: What Are You Grateful for on Thanksgiving 2020?

Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield: What Are You Grateful for on Thanksgiving 2020?

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

‘That’s When You Realize this Work Means Something’ in Fairfax City

City Jobs celebrates two-year anniversary

Patrick Scholzen was used to working, and did so for 35 years, until falling onto hard times.

Opinion: Commentary: Affordable Housing – A Braddock District Tradition

Despite our community’s incredible collective response to COVID-19, the pandemic has shined a light on the areas where we have room to improve.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Springfield Investigated

A 63-year-old man died as a result of injuries from a crash that occurred around 12:05 a.m. Nov. 15 near the intersection of Loisdale Road and Loisdale Court in Springfield.

Detectives Investigate Three Shootings in Fairfax County

Major Crimes Detectives continue to investigate three shootings that have occurred over 36 hours on Nov. 10 and 11.

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

Jeffrey McKay to Head VACo

Fairfax County board chairman elected president of statewide organization representing interests of Virginia’s 95 counties

Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, was elected to serve as 2021 President of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).

In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students

Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.

People, Parks, and Pandemics

It happened from the very beginning, as shopping centers, gyms and restaurants closed in the last half of March and news spread about the pandemic: people started gathering in parks.

School Building Closed? Try a Park

Families across Northern Virginia are challenged with online education.

Interactive Mural at Scout on the Circle in Fairfax City

On Oct. 31, artist Amanda Lutz painted an interactive mural featuring Virginia’s state flower, the dogwood, at Fairfax City’s Scout on the Circle development.

High-Flying Peace Bird in Fairfax City’s Van Dyck Park

Sky and clouds are reflected in Peace Bird, the 6-foot-tall, brushed-aluminum sculpture flying high in Fairfax City’s Van Dyck Park.

Fairfax High Presents ‘The Laramie Project’

Fairfax High School’s new Director, Chris Whitney, and the FX Players will present “The Laramie Project,” a virtual, livestreaming production, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-21, at 7:15 p.m.

Dogs To Return To the People’s House

With the Biden presidential victory, an engaging tradition will be restored to the White House – occupancy by a pet dog.

‘A Signature Place Where People Want to Be’ in Fairfax City

City Council updated on George Snyder Trail

Work is progressing on the George T. Snyder Trail project; and on Oct. 13, residents got to comment on it during a Fairfax City Council public hearing.

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools

COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.

Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.

Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Help Sherwood Center Giving Tree Program

Fairfax City’s Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with the City’s public schools to help City families in need this holiday season.

‘Eagles Can Soar Beyond These Skies’

Lanier Middle renamed for NASA figure, Katherine Johnson

The City of Fairfax School Board voted unanimously Monday night to change the name of Lanier Middle School to Katherine Johnson Middle School.

Families Enjoy Fairfax City’s Drive-By Pumpkin Patch

Fairfax City’s Parks and Recreation Department, plus Daniels Run and Providence Elementary schools, hosted a Drive-By Pumpkin Patch, Friday night, Oct. 30, along Lions Run in front of Fairfax High.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia Helps Meet Needs for Local Families

Assistance League of Northern Virginia distributed another 400 $20 grocery gift cards in October to families at the six schools that normally would have received the Weekend Food for Kids food bags.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

The Pandemic Election

Virginia voters support Biden, Warner and a new redistricting commission.

Twenty years ago, Virginia was a red state. Republicans scored Virginia's electoral votes in every presidential election since LBJ was reelected in 1964. Republicans held both U.S. Senate seats. The Grand Old Party had all the statewide offices, a majority of the congressional delegation and both chambers of the General Assembly. That was the environment when Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, ran for governor and lieutenant governor.

Fairfax County Unofficial Election Results

Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Fairfax County Public Safety Committee

Community, advocacy groups and police give more than 2,500 suggestions on police reform; Governor signs reform bills from special session

Police reform includes improving morale for police officers.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

More than Half of Fairfax County’s 700,000 Voters Voted Early

Virginia localities take precautions to protect voters, workers

Virginia localities are taking a number of precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling places even though masks will not be required.

Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14