Lack of Snow Leaves Some Hanging
Warm February leaves plows idle, salt domes full across county.
No Snow
Local Bike Group Expands to Meet Bicycling Demand
FABB brings on a variety of volunteer directors.
FABB
I-66 Express Lanes Open out to Gainesville
Officials cut ribbon on the $3.7 billion express lanes project where tolls and carpooling are part of the picture.
Express lanes
America Recycles Day, Reminder that Recycling Is Forever
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Storm Flooding Is Not Only a Risk for Coastal Areas
Homeowners everywhere eye flood insurance; measures to protect inland boats also recommended.
Floods
It's the SUMMER of the Summer of George
The local band now has a video.
Summer of George hits it big this summer
Park Volunteers Awarded for Efforts Against Invasive Species
Their efforts are recognized with a Elly Doyle Park Service Award for 2022
Invasive species
Frontier Drive Extension Inches Closer to Transportation Option in Springfield
Metro wants public input on this future transportation improvement.
Metro is looking into traffic flow challenges as the Frontier Drive extension project moves closer to implementation in the next few years...
Summer’s Here and Possibly Time to Stay Put
Fairfax County has plenty of options for a “stay-cation” this summer.
Summer Stay-Cation
Blast from the Past: Time Capsules
These historical preservation tidbits are popping up everywhere.
Time Capsules
Virginia Room is Fairfax Library System’s Research Lab
Many family historical mysteries are uncovered here.
Virginia Room
County Art Contest Focuses on Water Conservation
High school artists called on to explore “One Water” theme.
Art contest
New FABB Official Provides a Look From Across the Pond
Biking experience in Denmark provides a different angle for local biking.
New FABB member
Documentary Film: "Family Cemeteries: Is there room in Fairfax County?"
Documentary film on local cemeteries.
Musicians and Artists Ease the Cancer Experience
Soothing sounds echo through the lobbies at the Inova cancer centers around Northern Virginia.
Inova treatment
Fairfax Skaters Made the Cut for the 2022 Olympic Games
Local spotlight shines on the speed track and figure skating rink.
Local Olympians
Snow and Schools in Fairfax County
The communication and snow removal system continues to evolve to keep all the boxes checked.
Snow and school
Paving and Warm Weather are in Tandem This Year in Northern Virginia
There is a map and system to where the paving goes.
August is hot, and the drivers trying to get back to a normal routine have probably hit a pothole or two out on the roads, but VDOT is out there with the paving crews, putting down pavement on 1,145 lane miles throughout the paving season, which goes until November.
Streams Get a Lift from a County Program
‘Operation Stream Shield’ is called a win-win-win.
Operation Stream Shield
Inova Awards $240K in Community Health Funds to Local Nonprofits
Annual grant doubled in amount this year due to the pandemic impacts.
Inova fund
‘Strategic Underground’ Throughout Fairfax County
Dominion Power is undergrounding wires.
During the frequent thunderstorms that are forecasted throughout the summer, flashlights and candles may have been the short-term answer in the past, but Dominion Energy has another option with a program they are offering called ”Strategic Underground,” so the lines won’t be exposed when lightning strikes and other mishaps.
Fairfax County Police Armed with a High-Tech Dog Nose
New K-9 can sniff out thumb drives and cell phones that may be evidence.
The Fairfax County Police Department has a new tool to fight cyber crimes and it’s a black Labrador retriever named Browser, that specializes in sniffing out computer-related evidence like thumb drives, cell phones or laptop computers that may have been used by criminals, particularly in child exploitation.
Long Branch Project to Reduce Sediment Build-up and Stabilize Edges in Mid Fairfax County
The Long Branch Watershed is eight miles of streams over 3.71 miles in a heavily suburbanized area in mid Fairfax County.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities Rise in the Fairfax County Area
Road design, speeds, lighting and negligence are factors.
This spring has seen several fatal pedestrian accidents, possibly signaling a warning to drivers, pedestrians and transportation engineers that more could be done to lessen these fatalities in Fairfax County.
Biking and Trail Use Continues to Grow in Northern Virginia
Pit Stop gathering is out, but Bike to Work Day is still on for May 21.
It’s been 20 years since Bike to Work Day began, and it grows each year, showing that there is another side to commuting that uses no gas, has health benefits and is fun, even if it’s only one day a year for many.
There’s More Than Meets the Eye at Traffic Signal Intersections
This technology dates back to an invention by the son of a former slave.
Traffic signals
Bicycling in Fairfax County Looking to Expand
Meetings planned this month to develop the ‘Active Fairfax Plan’
With the warm weather approaching, Fairfax County is holding a series of meetings to hear thoughts about active transportation in the county, and this input will be used in their Active Fairfax Transportation Plan to integrate the existing Bicycle Master and Trails Plans.
New Water Tank Erected at George Mason University
Water pressure improved for college and nearby Fairfax residents
The campus of George Mason University and the housing surrounding that area welcomed 2021 with increased water pressure, courtesy of a new 2.5 million-gallon water tower on the GMU grounds.
Conversation Started to Rename Lee District in Fairfax County
Supervisor Lusk opened the floor to constituents who had a few suggestions.
Seemingly, everyone in Lee District knows the district is named after Robert E. Lee, the head of the Confederacy in the Civil War that ultimately ended the practice of slavery when the southern states lost and the Union won the war.
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
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.
Delivery Vehicles Are Everywhere
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.
Fairfax County Police Patrol on Bikes to Enhance Community Relations
Neighborhood Patrol Units are in every district.
The boots on the ground for the Fairfax County Police Department include the numerous bicycle squads cruising throughout the county, keeping communities safe while interacting with the public on a daily basis.
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.
Celebrate Fairfax: Outlook Not Good
Outside or not, thousands gathered for rides, entertainment and food could be a super spreader.
Celebrate Fairfax plans in question
Deer Hunting in Fairfax County Controls Herd Populations
Bow hunting program nets hundreds of deer each year.
Deer hunting
Viewpoints: What are the Greatest Things About Living in the Springfield/Lorton/Clifton/Fairfax/Fairfax Station Area?
Viewpoints: What are the Greatest Things About Living in the Springfield/Lorton/Clifton/Fairfax/Fairfax Station Area?
Hollywood Musician Got His Start at Robinson Secondary
A Fairfax man was nominated for an Emmy Award recently.
Emmy Nominee
Burke Community Church Expanded, Enhanced
A major expansion project was recently completed at the Burke Community Church, adding space for a 1,150-seat worship center, adult classrooms, offices, lobby, cafe, bookstore and commercial kitchen.
Former Lee District Supervisor Joe Alexander, 90, Dies
His efforts in Lee District show signs that will be forever remembered.
Death of Joe Alexander
School Supply Drive in Two Phases This Year?
Home schooling may be the only way this year.
School Supply Drive
GMU Prepares for Coming Year
George Mason University campus plans adjusted to deal with pandemic.
George Mason University campus plans adjusted to deal with pandemic.
Terraced Garden Becomes a Natural Escape
Springfield backyard brings batches of beans, cucumbers and science lessons.
Garden Classroom
Discarded PPE Litters Neighborhoods
Disposal of this essential equipment has not found its way into the trash cans in some cases.
PPE litter
Four Road Projects Move Forward in Transportation Approval Chain in Fairfax County
Road projects are spread throughout County.
Transportation in Fairfax County got a boost lately when the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority moved forward on four projects in the county that are designed to help traffic congestion.
A Call to Save North Fork of Accotink Creek
Local Audubon Naturalist Society does not like development slated for privately owned land.
Development in Fairfax
In Fairfax County, Adopt-A-Road is a Hit
County has highest participation in Virginia.
With everyone concentrating on social distancing these days, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway is a possible option to clean the roadsides, get some sun, and practice social distancing while doing a good deed.
Stay-at-Home Order Allows More Time for Road Construction in Virginia
When traffic is down, the crews extend time with lane closures, resulting in project progress.
The quarantine that seems to have no end is having some positive impacts. With most businesses closed and most people staying home most of the time, rush hours have been minimal, gas use is down, local streets are becoming the roads less traveled. For road crews, this is time to pick up the pace.
Front Line Medical Staff Get New Tennis Shoes
Local athletic shoe companies donate special shoes to medical staff Impacted by COVID-19.
New shoes for medical workers.