Stories for February 2021

‘This Gives Me the Opportunity to Follow My Dreams’

ITServe Alliance donates new laptops to Britepaths.

Valentine’s Day was Feb. 14, but a sweet treat came a few days earlier for Fairfax-based nonprofit Britepaths.

Fairfax Teen Is Killed; Death Ruled a Homicide

Fairfax County police are investigating last week’s murder of a local teen.

New Series Highlighting Fairfax City Businesses

Fairfax City’s Economic Development Office last week launched a photo and interview series, “Faces of Fairfax City,” to spotlight the City’s business community.

Opinion: Commentary: Inland Flooding

Facing storm intensities far beyond what our infrastructure was designed to handle

With one week remaining in the 2021 legislative session, Senators and Delegates are putting the finishing touches on legislation, and preparing to head home to the districts they represent in Richmond and throughout the year.

Opinion: Column: Not That I Don’t Understand, But...

...So this is what the process is like trying to schedule a Covid-19 vaccination.

Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too

Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.

The Value of Intergenerational Relationships

The lives of both youth and seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections.

Bringing seniors and youth together for meaningful relationships can be mutually beneficial.

Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan

Focuses resources in targeted areas

“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.

Rotary Club of Alexandria Awards $10,000 Grant to Alexandria ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund

Opinion: Commentary: Bringing Virginia into the Light

Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and more recent ban on gay marriage

The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.

Controlling Gun Violence

After assault weapons stumble, lawmakers limit guns at polling places and government buildings.

Fulfilling their campaign promises to take action against gun violence, Democrats in the General Assembly are sending Gov. Ralph Northam several gun-violence prevention bills.

At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must

Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.

Scooping the Poop

More Performance Dates for City of Fairfax Theatre Co.’s Magic Show, ‘Spellbound’

Due to popular demand, the City of Fairfax Theatre Co. (CFTC) has added extra performance dates to its production of “Spellbound,” magician Lars Klores’s one-man show celebrating the art of magic.

Is it ‘A Solution Looking for a Problem’ in Fairfax City?

City enacts new firearms ordinance

Virginia recently adopted legislation allowing localities to enact ordinances prohibiting firearms and ammunition in and on certain public properties or at permitted public events.

Fairfax Academy Students to Hear from the Pros

The Fairfax Academy’s 3rd annual Career Experience Expo is next Monday, Feb. 22.

Virginia Study of Plant Invaders Set

Del. Bulova’s resolution on control of invasive plant species unanimously passes both House and Senate by voice vote

Ecologists advise that invasive plant species grow at the expense of our ecosystem and our pocketbooks.

The Strange Career of Felon Disenfranchisement

Amendment targets Jacksonian-era restriction weaponized during Jim Crow.

Felons have been prohibited from voting in Virginia since 1830, when the "right to suffrage" was denied "to any person convicted of any infamous offense." But it was during the era of Jim Crow that felon disenfranchisement became weaponized to prevent Black voters from influencing elections.

Opinion: Column: If Michael Corleone Had Lung Cancer

"Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in."

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wins Eight Awards

The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.

Inspiring Young People in Creative Learning Activities

Fairfax Symphony named a Dominion ArtStar

With more than five decades as an honored symphony, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) adds 2021 Dominion Energy ArtStar to its accolades.

Leveling the Playing Field in School

Advocating for children with special needs or learning disabilities

When Lisa Lightner's son Kevin was two years old, she discovered that he would need special learning support in school.

‘This Is an Opportunity for Connections’ in Fairfax City

Council extends City’s e-scooter pilot program

Fairfax City has extended its pilot program for e-scooters in the City through the end of this year.

Fairfax Mayor, Council Discuss Capital Projects

City Police Station, Property Yard both need improvements

Besides working on the upcoming FY 22 budget, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer and his staff have also been preparing the City’s draft FY 22-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”

Means what exactly?

Black History and Regional Parks

In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America.

New Community with Park-Like Environment in McLean

Park Grove neighborhood inspired by former National Parks Director George Hartzog

A former public servant’s creative vision and dedication to preserving parklands was the inspiration behind a new residential area in Northern Virginia.

Editorial: Send in Pet Photos for Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.

Stuffing the Bus for Food for Others

Standing inside the CUE bus filled with food that residents brought to contribute to nonprofit Food for Others is volunteer Adam Taylor.

GMU Homecoming and Valentine’s Day Fun

To support George Mason University’s annual Brave and Bold Homecoming celebration, Fairfax City is again partnering with GMU to showcase its Patriot Pride with the program “Patriots in the City.”

Fairfax City Charges into the New Year

Electric-vehicle charging stations are now available.

As more and more automakers transition to electric vehicles – and their popularity rises with consumers – the City of Fairfax is joining the charge.

Fairfax City Manager: ‘We’re Slightly, Cautiously Optimistic’

Stalzer gives quarterly review of FY 21 budget.

In just a few weeks, Fairfax City Manager Rob Stalzer will present his proposed FY 22 budget.

2021 Virtual Fairfax County Teen Job and Opportunity Fairs: Signup Begins Feb. 1

For the past few years, Supervisor Pat Herrity’s office, Fairfax County Public Schools and Connection Newspapers, along with Supervisors’ offices, businesses, and community organizations, including our local chambers, have hosted very successful teen job fairs and career-building workshops.

Wellbeing: When a Loved One Is Hospitalized with Covid-19

Coping with separation and uncertainty

For years, being able to talk with his mother, Carole Isaacs, nearly every day was a gift that Marc Stern treasured, so when he was unable to reach her for several days, he became concerned.

Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE

Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status

Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).

Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning

Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.

Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.

Sealing the Record

House and Senate Democrats disagree on how old convictions should be expunged.

For people haunted by a conviction for felony drug possession or misdemeanor disorderly conduct, a debate now happening in the Virginia General Assembly is one that could have dramatic consequences for finding a place to live or landing a job. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow those people to seal their criminal record, expunging old convictions and helping them wipe the slate clean. But Democrats are bitterly divided over how to accomplish that goal.

The quick-stop lifestyle could be here to stay.

Delivery trucks are not a new thing to area neighborhoods, but with the pandemic and the stay-at-home lifestyle many have adopted over the last 10 years, everyone delivers these days.