Stories for April 2020

Pandemic Levels Blow to Women’s Memorial Funding

Suffragist Turning Point Memorial work proceeds with design changes.

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Hard Times Heartbreak: Fred Parker dies at 78

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‘I Never Imagined He’d Die So Young’

Family, friends mourn the death of Juwaan Espinal.

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Centreville Townhouse Fire Claims Woman’s Life

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Charity in Potomac in the Time of Coronavirus

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MCPS High Schools Lead Maryland’s Best

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This Week in Coronavirus in Potomac

United States approaches one million Covid-19 Cases, (988,810 reported as of Tuesday) and more than 50,000 deaths, while here at home we cope with hunger, eviction relief, relief for small businesses.

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Register to Vote or Verify Your Registration Now in Maryland

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Opinion: Commentary: Serving During the Pandemic

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This Week in Fairfax County in Coronavirus

U.S. has 973,000 Covid-19 Cases as of Monday, with over 50,000 deaths, while here at home we cope with business task forces, food shortages, medicaid expansion, expired licenses and more.

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Opinion: Column: And So It Begins

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2020 Fairfax Parks Poetry Contest Winners Announced

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Selflessness and Compassion

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Finding SafeSpot in COVID-19 Time

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Gourmet Food for Front-Line Fighters in Reston

Pica Deli stands up against COVID-19.

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Reston Hospital ER: Safe Place to Receive Care

Fear of COVID prevents heart attack and stroke patients from going to the ER.

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Restaurant Rolls Out Local Chefs Market in Reston

Fresh groceries offered at McCormick and Schmick’s.

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Catfish Fry Feeds Many in Gum Springs

The lot at the Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church is busy on Sundays.

Catfish meal in Mount Vernon.

Chick-fil-A Coming to Kingstowne, Sooner or Later

Spot is picked but public meetings and COVID-19 are obstacles.

Kingstowne Chick-fil-A

Keeping an Eye on Accotink Creek

‘Transform 66,’ construction stirring the silt pot in Fairfax.

Accotink Creek

Opinion: Commentary: Return to Normalcy

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A Special Win for Michael Wardian

After running 262.5 miles over the course of two and a half days straight, without sleep, Wardian won the first-ever Quarantine Backyard Ultramarathon.

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Family Business Struggles During Pandemic Shutdown in Arlington

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Eating Out in Arlington Without Reservations

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Opinion: Commentary: Local Small Business Owners – We’re here for you!

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Opinion: Independent Progressive: Living Under Covid-19 – A Farmers Market Glimmer Up Ahead

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Fairfax County’s Sparse Budget Proposal

Supervisor Alcorn holds the second budget town hall.

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Vienna Police Highlights April 17 – April 23, 2020

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Opinion: Commentary: Respecting Thy Neighbor

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Bracing for Fairfax County’s Revised Budget Proposal

Supervisor John Foust presents a virtual town hall.

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McLean Community Rallies to Help Save Mylo’s Grill

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McLean Student Teaches Knitting in the Age of Social Distancing

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Potomac School Debater Wins Two National Championships

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One Resident Dies, 15 Test Positive on COVID-19 at Vinson Hall

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Unexpected Experiences in Unusual Places

Great Falls author publishes her second book.

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Managing Crisis, the Great Falls Way

Restaurants, civic groups keep the community strong in facing pandemic.

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Guest House Balances Serving Clients with Protection of Health in Alexandria

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Feed the Fire/EMS in Alexandria

Friendship Firehouse kicks off meal donations program.

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A Sign of Thanks in Alexandria

Neighbors rally to support Inova Alexandria Hospital.

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Hey, Old Town: Pick a Spot — And Weed!

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Carol and Ryan Bailey, 2020 Living Legends

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Pass or No Grade in Alexandria

School Board unanimously adopts new grading policy, scraps final exams.

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The Anniversary of the Lynching of Joseph McCoy

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Opinion: Commentary: 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Make It Easier to Stay Home

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: We're All In This Together

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: More Flexibility for State, Local Governments

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This Week in Coronavirus in Alexandria

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Obituary: Thomas M. Parkins, 70

Former Registrar of Voters and Elections for the City of Alexandria.

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Businesses across Northern Virginia are flooding the Virginia Economic Commission with thousands of layoff notifications, an indication of how deep the region’s economic uncertainty is becoming as the COVID-19 crisis continues its devastating path. Since the beginning of March, the commission has received notification of about 5,000 layoffs in Northern Virginia. That’s more layoffs in one part of the state than all the other regions in Virginia combined.

Volunteer Uncovers Brickwork Mystery in Lorton

Extensive brickwork pathways, lined culverts, and walls found at Laurel Hill Park.

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‘A Bit of Normalcy in a Tumultuous Time’ in Fairfax City

City Jobs program keeps restrooms open in Stafford Park.

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‘We’re in Uncharted Territory, to the Extreme’ in Fairfax City

City Manager recommends Fiscal Year ’21 budget cuts.

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Local Men Charged with Soliciting Minors

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Unattended Cooking Cause of West Springfield House Fire

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Chef Andres’ World Central Kitchen Feeding Hundreds in Mount Vernon

In the pandemic, need for food is great around Rising Hope United Methodist Church

Chef Andres

A Former Lake Braddock Bruin Now on Hollywood’s Red Carpets

Emily Peachey, class of 2009, is making movies and a name as an actress.

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Centreville Woman is Killed by Own SUV

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High School Junior of Chantilly Proposes a Protective Mask

Parnika Saxena proposes a graphene mask as a more protective face covering for the Coronavirus.

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An ‘Outpouring of Love and Kindness’ in Chantilly

Church members honor cancer-fighting pastor with caravan.

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This Week in Coronavirus in Potomac

Week of April 21

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Maryland School Buildings Closed, But Student Learning Continues

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Tree Removal at Swains Lock on Hold

National Park Service planned to remove “hazardous” trees and vegetation in Swains Lock area April 21-May 15.

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Arlington County Police Get Temperatures Taken – Go Out to Do Job

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Lawn Business Picks Up During Pandemic

People seek food security with vegetable gardens.

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Black Tie Dinners and Enlightenment in Arlington

Using the time to do new things and bond.

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Obituary: William ‘Smokey’ Stover

Former Arlington Chief of Police dies at 89.

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Coronavirus Renews Mail Bonding

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Help the Alzheimer’s Association

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Silver Diner at Rio and Real Food for Kids Increase Weekday Meal Giveaway

More than 6,000 free meals provided for area schoolchildren and their families in need.

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Opinion: Column: Wholesale Change

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Who Earned the F in Best Practices?

Distance Learning goes awry for FCPS.

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Covering Fairfax County Concerns

Twitter Q & A with Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

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This Week in Coronavirus in Fairfax County

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Staying Active in Social Isolation

A variety of local offerings allows for days filled with activity.

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Herndon Sci-Fi and Fantasy Author Wins International Contest

It's 'The Voice' for amateur writers.

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Community’s Response: #restonSTRONG

Grassroots effort to coordinate charity work.

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Opinion: Commentary: Back to the Capitol

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Vienna Police Highlights April 10 – April 16, 2020

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Chaz’s Drive-By Parade in Great Falls

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Supervisor Alcorn Holds Virtual Budget Town Hall

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Not the Same, But Life Goes On at Frying Pan Farm Park

Park closed to visitors.

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Fairfax County Parks Closed, Trails Open

Park Authority unrolls virtual resources during pandemic.

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McLean Landscape Designer Raises $5,000 for SHARE

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Oakton Cougars Support Front Line Responders

Oakton High Robotics Team joins forces with Nova Labs in producing Personal Protection Equipment.

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Slippery Slope: We Risk Losing Our Liberties

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Public Health Crisis or Public Hunger Crisis?

United Community expands efforts during COVID-19 pandemic.

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FACETS Continues to Provide Hot Meals in Fairfax County

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Easter Bunny Gives a Spring Wave in Fairfax City

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Ft. Belvoir Man Arrested for Unlawfully Filming Men in Home Depot Bathrooms – Detectives Seeking Additional Victims

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: We Need Coronavirus Data by Zip Code

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Changed Circumstances Required Governor’s Red Pen

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Let’s Not Forget the Climate Crisis in Time of Coronavirus

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Earth Day Is April 22

Special Earth Day Address from His Holiness Pope Francis to be included in Earth Day.

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‘Blessed by Kind Donations, Community Sponsors’

Fairfax’s 29 Diner: Feeding hospitals and people in need.

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Potomac Home Sales: March, 2020

In March, 2020, 49 Potomac homes sold between $2,079,000-$593,000.

Potomac Home Sales: March, 2020

The Storytelling Show Must Go On

Better Said Than Done takes live shows and workshops to Zoom.

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Opinion: Commentary: Here It Comes: 140 Amendments to Virginia State Budget

Veto session to consider 101 amendments to bills is next week.

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‘Our Commitment to the Public is Unwavering’ in Sully District

Police update the community.

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‘It Started As a Little Gesture and Grew Bigger’

Craftsman Auto Care helps provide meals to hospital staff.

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On the Street in Arlington

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Time Warp Along Telegraph Goes from Revolutionary Sites to Civil War

Part three of the Telegraph Road series goes to the edge of Alexandria.

Telegraph Road, part 3

Local Author Tackles Cat and Mouse Chase with Soviets

Springfield Author

Opinion: Commentary: Honoring Women in 2020

A look at the woman leading us through the coronavirus pandemic.

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Opinion: Commentary: Do Not Forget About People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities – And Those That Care for Them

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Keeping the Chamber Boat Afloat in Northern Virginia

Various Chambers of Commerce are helping members to get through the pandemic.

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OAR of Arlington 12th Spring Fundraiser Held Online

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Who Is That Masked Man in Arlington?

Arlingtonians respond to recommendation to wear PPE.

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Arlington Food Assistance Center Sends Plea for Food Donations

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Slice of Life in Arlington: What He Really Seemed to Need Was a Hug

Six feet turns out to be a lot of distance to hear clearly in the wind.

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Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Pandemic Priorities

Foresight helps keep pandemic at bay in local detention centers.

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Appetite: Now Legal: Cocktails to Go in Alexandria!

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This Week in Coronavirus in Alexandria

Ongoing synopsis of pandemic news.

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COVID-19 Claims Life of Brian Miller

Alexandria cases reach 248, with 4 fatalities.

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Banks to the Rescue

Small businesses wait for banks to get federal money from the Paycheck Protection Program.

Like many business owners across Northern Virginia, Cyrille Brenac is still waiting to hear back from his bank about his application to the Paycheck Protection Program. That’s the $350 billion program that was part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus law designed to offer money to small businesses who can demonstrate they are keeping their employees. For Brenac, who lives in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington, the money would help him rehire about 50 employees of his two French restaurants he laid off when the economy abruptly shut down as the result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

This Week in Coronavirus in Maryland

Surging unemployment claims to mandatory face masks: weekly synopsis of local news on pandemic.

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News Briefs: Potomac

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Tapping Into Kindness in Herndon and Reston

SLHS PTSA Food Pantry distributes to its students and their families.

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Obituary: Mary Ragan “Polly” Webster, 97

Potomac Almanac co-founder, founding member of St. Francis Episcopal Church.

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Gaithersburg Book Festival Selects Poetry Finalists

Churchill student among finalists in Gaithersburg Book Festival contest.

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Maintain Distancing and Respect Quarantining

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Opinion: Commentary: Japanese Experience: Distancing Ingrained in Culture

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Aid to Localities – Stimulus Phase 4

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Opinion: Column: Money For What, Exactly?

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Working from Home with Children

Juggling the role of parent and employee.

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Revised Fairfax County Budget Reflects Pandemic Realities

County's updated budget proposal strikes millions in planned disbursements.

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Fairfax County Schools Pivot to Distance Learning

Students, parents, teachers, administrators, school board members reflect on new realities.

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Mobilizing Differently for Food for Neighbors in Herndon

Fill a Virtual Red Bag, it transforms to real food.

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Opinion: Commentary: No Good Choices

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Herndon Cares Feeds More Than 400 People Tuesday

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Obituary: Ronald Lee Taylor, of Reston

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Vienna Police Highlights: April 3 – April 9, 2020

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Viewpoints: Life in McLean in the Time of COVID-19

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Back to School Through Distance Learning in Fairfax County

FCPS students, educators explore new ways of learning.

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Great Falls Children Share Messages of Hope

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The Other Alexandria: A Pioneer in Leadership: Connie Belle S. Chissell

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Alexandria Farmers Markets to Go

Pre-orders only as markets adjust to state mandates.

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To Protect and Serve in Alexandria

Battle, Fox and Landers named Officers of the Year.

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A Little ‘TLC’ Makes All the Difference for Many Shelter Cats in Alexandria

TLC delivered by patient, resilient cat whisperers.

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Alexandria Budget 2.0

No property tax increase; capital projects delayed; MacArthur project to continue.

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Finding Faith in Alexandria

Vital religious observances go virtual.

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Appetite: Grab Takeout, Delivery From One of These Alexandria Spots

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Justice Delayed

When does a defendant no longer have the right to a speedy trial?

Judges across Northern Virginia are about to be presented with a difficult question: Does the crisis created by the coronavirus pandemic trump a defendant’s right to a speedy trial?

Murder of 12-year-old Karen Lee Spencer Solved

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A Burning Barn was Part of Hayfield Farm’s Past

The second of three articles exploring historic Telegraph Road in southern Fairfax County.

Hayfield Farm

Face of the Fight Against COVID-19 Looms Large in Mount Vernon

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Obituary: Herbert A. (Pete) Holt, 74

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Opinion: Commentary: Our New Normal

What we do this week and next week will make a big difference to ensure we do not overwhelm our healthcare system.

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: COVID-19 Crisis and Financial Crisis Facing Our Low Income Neighbors

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: ‘It is Only Going To Get Much Worse’

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Body Washes Ashore at Alexandria’s Founders Park

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‘Thank You Inova Alexandria’

Neighbors show thanks to health care providers.

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Kaiser Permanente is Expanding in Springfield

Nearby transportation options make the town center location accessible.

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Fairfax City: ‘Your Budget Is Now Out the Window’

City advertising $1.1075 real-estate tax rate.

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Fairfax City Extends Meals Tax Payments

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Fairfax County Wastewater Lines Get High Tech Inspection

Contracted crews use robotic equipment to inspect County’s 3,000 miles of pipes that make up its wastewater management system.

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Opinion: Commentary: Virginia State Legislature Must Make Tough Decisions

All new spending in the state’s new two-year budget is on hold.

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Fireworks-Fueled Blaze at Centreville Home

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News Briefs: Centreville and Chantilly

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Girls Can ‘Make Our World a Better Place’

Raytheon’s Chantilly event encourages them to become engineers.

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Covid-19 Wisdom from a Child in Fair Oaks

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What Day Is It Anyway? Arlington Enters Fourth Week of Coronavirus Pandemic

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What Does Stay Home Mean for Arlington Homeless?

A-SPAN faces onslaught of uncertainty and change.

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APAH Jumps in to Identify Hardship, Protect Arlington Residents

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Gutshall Resigns from Arlington County Board after Undergoing Treatment for Brain Cancer

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Northern Virginia Activists Helped Pass a Stronger Virginia Clean Economy Act

Not the Green New Deal, but it’s a beginning, local leaders say.

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Keeping Kids Busy at Home

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Potomac River Kayaker Rescued

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This Week in Coronavirus: Montgomery County

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Opinion: Commentary: Friedson Figures: Handling Crisis as a Community

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What Are You Doing in Potomac?

What are the newly homebound doing with their time?

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Opinion: Commentary: Fairfax County Fire Chief Addresses Coronavirus Concerns

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Opinion: Column: Manual Labor

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Home Office Design

Creating a professional backdrop for video conferencing.

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Coalition to Fairfax County: Reduce Number of Inmates

County responds to NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition initiative.

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Town Hall Highlights Local Steps on Coronavirus in Northern Virginia

“Stay home. Wash your hands.”

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Fairfax County Trash Volume Up “Dramatically”

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Opinion: Commentary: Community Helping the Hungry

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Lacking Face Masks and Face Shields

Doing their part during PPE supply shortages.

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Vienna Church Finds Success Online

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Vienna Police Highlights March 27 – April 2, 2020

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McLean and Great Falls Market: Good News on Home Sales

First quarter comparison 2020 to 2019 to 2010.

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The Signboard in Herndon

Stay home, wash up, social distance, and mask up.

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Going on a Bear Hunt During COVID-19 in Herndon

But, there's barely any bears!

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Langley High Students Win STEM Excellence Award

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Staying Connected Spiritually During COVID-19

Area churches are adapting to serve their communities during social distancing and continuing to support those in need.

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Viewpoints: Great Falls Residents Share Their Experiences in Coronavirus Time

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Great Falls in Pandemic Time: A Community of Helpers

Groups, business and citizens step up to spread community during COVID-19.

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People at Work: Who’s at the Door? It’s Your Trainer

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Still Saying No to Meals Tax?

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Recovering After Disaster

New approach allows disaster loans to become grants, avoiding glut of uncollected debt.

The Small Business Administration has issued more than $1 million in low-interest disaster loans in Alexandria since 1987, and most of those loans were never paid back in full, according to documents received through a public-records request. Now, with the economy in crisis, leaders at the federal officials are rolling out a new loan program that recipients won’t need to pay back in full if they keep their employees during the downturn. The move comes as businesses across Alexandria are trying to figure out how they are going to stay afloat now that Gov. Ralph Northam has ordered residents across Virginia to stay at home until June 10.