Thursday, August 31
Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Inmates
Educational certificates presented to 50 at Detention Center ceremony.
Inmates
Wednesday, August 30
Historical Lessons Via Toy Soldier Hobbyist
Upcoming show in Springfield includes intricate painting and military themes.
Toy soldier show
‘If It Goes Fast and Makes Noise, I Like It’
Fairfax City hosts 24th annual Labor Day Car Show.
Car show
Cash from County’s Carryover Funds
$100K may be coming for each district’s unfunded capital improvement projects.
Who can apply for this and other funding may surprise you.
Love and Protection Not Enough for Furry Family Members
Pet parents must be informed.
I thought I killed my little puppy, Oshi.
Public Comment on Greenway Toll Increase Request Now Open
Greenway operator seeks 40% increase during peak morning and afternoon hours from $5.80 to $8.10.
3 Shot, One Arrest; Arlington Swat Team Responds
3 Shot, One Arrest; Arlington Swat Team RespondsDetectives from Fairfax County Police Violent Crimes Division, with the assistance of the Arlington County Robbery and Homicide Unit, executed a search warrant and arrested Jorge Armando Melendez Gonzalez, 25 of Falls Church, late Sunday night.
The First To Blink
The Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die back in June of this year when the work of the legislature was complete with one notable exception: a mid-point revision of the biennium budget on which the House, Senate, and Governor could not agree had gone to a conference committee that could not agree on its final form.
Artist Team Selected to Mark Local Struggle with Covid
ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax County Arts Committee named the artist team of Miriam Gusevich and Salvatore Pirrone to design a permanent memorial to the County’s victims of Covid-19 and to recognize the heroic efforts of county staff, nonprofits, health care providers and others who worked to help with the impact of the pandemic in the County.
Fort Belvoir’s 25th Annual Oktoberfest
Sept. 28 - Oct. 1, 2023
Affordable Residences for Seniors Come to Fruition
Oakwood Meadow opens on Van Dorn Street just outside the beltway.
Senior housing
‘Showcasing Cuisines from Around the World’
Fairfax City’s summer Restaurant Week is Sept. 4-10.
Restaurant Week
Drought Operations Begin for Potomac River
Drought Operations Begin for Potomac River
Co-Responder Program Shows Promise
Co-Responder Program Shows Promise
Fairfax County Plugs in First Electric Trash Truck
New truck is quiet and spews no diesel fumes.
Electric trash truck
Thursday, August 24
Back-to-School Backpacks in Alexandria and Mount Vernon
Firefighters, volunteers provide backpacks for kids.
Back to school
Healthy Habits and School Supplies Dished Out in Lorton
Classes in session for the 2023-2024 school year.
School bell rings
Wednesday, August 23
New Crumbl Cookies Opens for Cookie Monsters of Kingstowne
For the tollhouse fans it’s just how the cookie crumbles.
Cookie Monsters
Flourishing After 55 in Arlington
After 55
New! Speed Cameras in School Zones Where Limit Is 15 MPH
The City of Alexandria’s new school zone speed camera program will go live for the 2023-24 school year.
SPARC of Vienna Competes in Reston’s Cardboard Boat Regatta
FVCbank donates to SPARC.
SPARC clients become successful boatwrights.
Herndon Woman, 70, Dead in Crash
A 70-year-old woman died from injuries from an Aug. 11 single-vehicle crash on Dranesville Road in Reston.
Herndon East Meets West Festival Saturday, Aug. 26
Arts Herndon, Arts Herndon Lawn Stage, Saturday, Aug. 26, 750 Center Street Herndon.
McLean Project for the Arts Unveils Musical Lineup for Oct. 1 MPAartfest
Expanded musical program features international roster of critically acclaimed artists
McLean Project for the Arts has released the lineup and programming for MPAartfest 2023, set for Oct. 1, 2023 in McLean Central Park.
9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at Great Falls Freedom Memorial
On Monday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., the annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial to honor the six residents of Great Falls and all others who lost their lives and suffered in the attacks and their aftermath.
Great Falls Rotary Club Donates to Cornerstones
Gift baskets for children and youth at Neighborhood Resource Center in Herndon.
The Rotary Club of Great Falls donated 40 'End of the Year' baskets to Cornerstones in Reston for its Out-of-School Youth Program for elementary and middle school students.
Reinventing American Democracy
The 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States is fast approaching. We can celebrate being the oldest constitutional democracy in the world. Our form of government, however, is under undue stresses that cause many to worry as to whether we can show the same resiliency of the past going forward in the next century.
Virginia Conservation Assistance Program
Cost-share program offers up to 80 percent of eligible project funds.
A Virginia Conservation Assistance Program presented by the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts is offering property owners in Fairfax County an urban cost-share program.
Arrests in Golf Course Robberies
One adult man and a 14 and 16-year-old have been arrested in an ongoing investigation of a robbery and brandishing at a Reston golf course.
Successful County Crisis Intervention Program to Expand
The County’s Co-Responders Program has successfully redesigned how we best serve our residents experiencing a mental health crisis, while best equipping staff to assist those in need.
Comstock Files Revised Plan for Herndon Downtown Center
Herndon Town Council Public Session, August 8
At the Aug. 8 Town Council Public Session, Scott Robinson, director of public works, acting as town manager, presented the Town Manager Report. Robinson reported that Comstock (Herndon Venture L.C.) filed a revised site plan for its mixed-use development in Herndon’s downtown.
Achieving Fair Pay and Dignity for Workers with Disabilities
Until July 1, 2023, many workers with disabilities across the Commonwealth would wake up in the morning and head to work, only to receive lower pay than their coworkers and counterparts in the community, despite performing the same job. This reality was due to the subminimum wage law provision 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), colloquially known as 14(c).
Detectives Investigating in-Custody Death of Inmate Latasha Dove
On Aug. 1, inmate Latasha Dove, 53, was found unresponsive in her single cell at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Deputies immediately began performing life-saving measures. Fire and Rescue personnel responded and transported Dove to the hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
No Matter What — Try Really Hard NOT To Fall
“There are measures we can take to help prevent falls.” — Sara Pappa, Northern Virginia Falls Prevention Alliance coordinator
Book Events At Elaine’s
Jeffrey James Higgins, author of “Furious” and “Unseen,” will host a series of public book events in the upstairs library room at Elaine’s on Queen Street over the next several months.
New Engineering Summer Institute Offers Access
Marymount University program instills aspiration in students from disadvantaged communities
Marymount
J.D. Spain Receives Luminary Leadership Award
Local activist ran in county board primary as leader who gets things done.
Award
Fit After 90
Working out six days each week is what one couple attributes to their longevity.
Senior Work Out
FCPS First Day of School 2023
New strategic plan, expanded bus pass, and Metrobus program.
School Starts
Environmental Groups Sue to Stop Exit from RGGI
Legal action calls for Virginia to remain in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and continue participation; challenging Youngkin administration action.
Greenhouse gas
Fairfax County’s First Independent Police Auditor
Use of force policy, recommendations to FCPD, executive director vacancy on the Police Civilian Review Panel
Police Auditor
Thursday, August 17
United Community Pantry Needs Food
United Community
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes
Filmmaker Addresses Cleft Lip Discrimination
NOVA native looks at cleft lip fixes on an international scale.
Filmmaker Addresses Clefts
Wednesday, August 16
New Hunter Mill Road Bridge Open in Vienna
Drivers on Hunter Mill Road (Route 674) no longer have to yield to oncoming traffic in order to cross Colvin Run, as the new two-lane bridge opened to traffic in both directions last week on Aug. 9.
Bach to Michael Jackson (and he’s only 8-years-old)
“Billy Jean is not my lover…… People always told me be careful of what you do. Don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts. Yeeeeeeee”
3rd Wealthiest County in U.S. Fails to Provide Affordable Housing
Cornerstones struggles to put and keep a roof over their heads.
"Affordable housing is practically nonexistent here." — Margaret Anne Lara, Cornerstones
Back to School Book Sale
Friends of the Reston Regional Library holds Back to School Book Sale for children, young adults and educators.
Politicizing Education
As a former teacher/education program administrator for 30 years I am aware of the many wonderful, effective, and dedicated teachers there are, including two of my children and one of my grandchildren and his wife. The current effort to politicize education for personal gain saddens me.
Music Students Make Sweet Summer Sounds
Franklin Middle holds 36th annual Band and Orchestra Camp.
The sweet sounds of music filled the halls of Franklin Middle School during the 36th annual Band and Orchestra Camp. It ran June 22-July 14, and 350 fourth- through rising 10th-graders attended.
Centreville and Fair Oaks Firefighters Honored
During a ceremony earlier this month, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department celebrated some of the accomplishments and contributions of its members. Among those feted were firefighters from Centreville Fire Station 17, West Centreville Fire Station 38 and Fair Oaks Fire Station 21.
Fatal Pedestrian Crash in McLean
An 86-year-old woman was pronounced dead following a pedestrian crash in the 1700 block of Kirby Road in McLean on Aug. 11.
Investigation of Fatal 3 Car Crash
Detectives from FCPS Crash Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal 3-car crash that occurred Aug. 11 at 11:44 a.m. on Arlington Boulevard at Stonehurst Drive in Merrifield in the McLean police district.
Front Royal Man Charged in Shooting
Detectives have charged a Front Royal for Shooting in Hybla Valley. At 3:49 p.m. Aug.12, Fairfax County officers responded to the shopping center parking lot in the 7700 block of Richmond Highway for a shot person.
U.S. Marshals Shoot Suspect at Potomac Yards
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, at approximately 12:46 p.m. the Alexandria Police Department responded to a shooting in the 3600 block of Richmond Highway.
4 Vehicle Crash on Rt. 50
Rt. 50
Will New Proposal for Rose Hill Shopping Center Please Residents?
An updated version is expected from Combined Properties this fall.
Rose Hill Shopping Center
Fatal Moped Accident on Clarendon Blvd.
And other news briefs
Fatal Moped Accident on Clarendon Blvd.
Blood Donations Needed
Blood Donations Needed
$590K in Arts Grants to 50 Nonprofits
Arts Grants
Tuesday, August 15
Potomac Home Sales: July, 2023
In July, 2023, 56 Potomac homes sold between $4,300,000-$645,000.
Potomac Home Sales: July, 2023
Thursday, August 10
‘Steeped in Racial Oppression’ in Alexandria
Ceremony unveils marker in honor of lynching victim Benjamin Thomas.
Ceremony
Running Strong in Alexandria
Powwow showcases Native American culture.
Powwow showcases Native American culture.
Am I wearing the original Ray Ban Aviators?
Glasses bought at second-hand store may have a history.
Sunglasses
Wednesday, August 9
Community Roundups
Sneak Peek at the McLean Design Guidelines, September 2023; Household Well Water Quality Testing Program- Mon. Aug. 7, 5:30 p.m.
It’s Not Just a Haircut—It’s A Life Experience
It was 2011, and Dwight Grant was having an identity crisis.
Fort Hunt Little League
Fall registration for Fort Hunt Little League is open.
‘Putting a Face to Those who Protect Our Community’
Centreville communities celebrate National Night Out.
“National Night Out is a good reminder of why we serve and the tremendous support we have from our community – and it’s just fun.” — Capt. Shawn Adcock, FCPD’s Special Operations Division
Inalienable Rights
Virginian Thomas Jefferson was a young man when he penned the words expressed among political philosophers of the time that there were natural rights “endowed by their creator” that all persons possess. His phrase in the Declaration of Independence that preceded that assertion, “all men are created equal,” gained the most notice and debate even until today.
Memorial Benefit Concert
In Memory of Phil Bolin
The family of Phil Bolin would like to invite you to a Memorial Benefit Concert
Divided Government in an Off-Off Year
Democrats want to take the House; Republicans want to take the Senate.
"I think there's a sense that people want one house to check the other. They don't want total control in both Houses." — Former Gov. Doug Wilder
Storm damage Aug 7
ROUND TWO – Residents on N. Pitt Street saw trees come down amid the high winds and tornado watch issued for the region Aug. 7.
‘Inconsistent with the Neighborhood’
Infill townhouse proposal raises residents’ concerns.
New Townhouses in Fairfax
Hotel Provides ‘Elevated Experiences for Visitors’
Fairfax City Residence Inn celebrates its renovations.
Hotel
New Lorton Police Station Commander Named
Station nears opening in Fall
Station nears opening in Fall
Cinder Bed Road Sees Signs of Redevelopment
Addition to industrial area of Newington may open the door for more.
Cinder Bed Road
From Aqualung at Wolftrap This Month, Ian Anderson’s Rock Flute Delivers
The flute is the core of Jethro Tull’s deep-sea diver sounds.
By Mike Salmon
Flourishing After 55 in Arlington
After 55
2024 Juror Qualification Process Begins Now
2024 Juror Qualification Process Begins Now
EcoAction Arlington Seeks To Get Residents Involved
Getting Arlington residents to take responsibility for climate is focus
Eco Action
Tuesday, August 8
Opinion/Letter: There Is No Budget Surplus
School Budget
Bandaid Approaches to Food Insecurity
School system extends summer food program at public school sites.
School food program
Forty-four of the Nation’s Highest Poverty Schools in FCPS
These schools serve free breakfast and lunch to all students
Schools
Northern Virginia Family Service Back2School Drive Collects School Supplies for Students in Need
Back to school
Scholarships Awarded to Affordable Housing Residents
Scholarships
Saturday, August 5
Thursday, August 3
Lesson Zero Performs at Fort Hunt
Free Sunday Concert Series continues through August.
Fort Hunt music
National Night Out in Alexandria
Annual event builds community connection with law enforcement.
NNO in Alexandria
Storm Cleanup Continues in Alexandria
Severe storms leave thousands in the dark; no injuries reported.
Storm clean up
Ice Cream, Fire Trucks and Bluegrass
Residents gather for National Night Out at Mount Vernon Park on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
National Night Out
Wednesday, August 2
Affordable Housing Community for Senior Citizens
Groundbreaking held for The Lodge at Autumn Willow.
Speeches have been made, shovelfuls of dirt have been flung and construction is now underway for The Lodge at Autumn Willow in Chantilly. But it’s not just any residential project – it’ll provide high-quality apartments for senior citizens at prices they can afford.
Retiring But Not Quitting
The most common question I get these days is “how does it feel to be retired?”
Development Brings ‘Human Cost to Our Families’
Residents grill county staff about data center impacts.
Residents grill county staff about data center impacts.
Town’s Gentleman Patriarch Dies
Arthur Stuart Nachman, a life well lived.
Arthur Stuart Nachman, patriarch of the Town of Herndon, died on Tuesday, July 25, at the age of 69, after a thirty-year battle with cancer.
News Briefs
News Briefs
ALIVE! and Volunteer Alexandria Celebrate Results of First City Wide Food Drive
33,511 lbs of food collected during July; more needed.
During July 2023, Volunteer Alexandria partnered with ALIVE! For a city-wide food drive.
Car Seat Inspections, Aug. 10
Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected on Thursday, Aug. 10, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station.
Supervisors Recognize McLean HS "It’s Academic" Team
First ever FCPS to win two championships in a row.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized the McLean High School Scholastic Bowl Team for their "It’s Academic" championship with a resolution on Tuesday, July 25
Friendship Firehouse Festival Returns Aug. 5
The Friendship Firehouse Festival returns to the 100 block of South Alfred Street Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in celebration of Friendship’s 249th year.
Local Student Chosen To Attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
Sara Fenimore of Alexandria is one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.
Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to $1.4M Fraud Scheme
An Alexandria man pleaded guilty today to defrauding the U.S. government of approximately $1.4 million in tax revenue by preparing false tax returns on behalf of his unsuspecting clients.
NVMS Conflict Resolution Center
We in the Mount Vernon area are incredibly lucky to have so many excellent local nonprofits dedicated to improving lives in our community. Today, I will highlight the work of the Northern Virginia Mediation Services (NVMS) Conflict Resolution Center, an organization for which I recently joined the Advisory Council.
United Community Back to School Drive 2023
This year, United Community has a goal of supplying 900 children with backpacks and school supplies. United Community needs help to ensure local children return to school prepared and equipped.
Back-to-School Community Day
Join Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County Public Schools and more for Back to School Community Day. The event will take place at the Lorton Community Center, Library and Park (9520 Richmond Hwy) on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Manslaughter Arrest in July 18 Crash
Charges in fatal crash
‘Tranquil Space for People to Learn Music’
Fairfax Conservatory of Music expands its studio.
Music studio
This Summer, We All Scream for Ice Cream
Bruster’s Ice Cream set to open next month in Hilltop Shopping Center.
Bruster's Ice Cream
Swim School Opening in Central Springfield
Big Blue will offer year-round swim lessons.
Big Blue will offer year-round swim lessons.
Pumping Wastewater for Clean Water
The unseen system that completes the circle
Pumping Wastewater for Clean Water
Flourishing After 55 in Arlington
After 55
Does FCPS Have Enough Air Purifiers?
Deadline passed for more free help for classroom air.
Air purifiers
Programs Assist Seniors and Others with Home Repairs
Help is on the way, one way or another.
Home repair