Wednesday, October 30
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
People Coming Together for Good in Time of Need
Fairfax’s American Legion Post 177 helps hurricane victims.
After Hurricane Helene dealt a devastating blow to Western North Carolina – washing away homes and livelihoods and leaving many residents and businesses without drinkable water or electricity – American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax City just had to do something. So it began collecting items for the victims and then delivering them.
Hurricane Relief
As the response and recovery to Hurricane Helene continues, Arlington County’s four public safety agencies are hosting a donation drive to benefit North Carolina residents in hard-hit communities impacted by the storm.
Supreme Court OKs Virginia Voter Purge
Wednesday morning Oct. 30, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled lower court rulings; the Supreme Court action allows Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) to move forward with a voter purge that will impact Election Day Nov. 5.
Film ‘The Test’ Tells Simple, Profound Story
Set at Goodwin House in Alexandria, story of striving to become a citizen.
Film ‘The Test’ Tells Simple, Profound Story
Vote for Democracy
Vote
Democracy in Action Across the Area
Political activists make last push for candidates
Political activists make last push for candidates
The Closet Celebrates 50 Years
Not your average thrift shop, makes significant impacts; "Kindness goes a long way."
Not your average thrift shop, makes significant impacts; "Kindness goes a long way."
Romance, High Drama and a Disintegrating Family
Woodson High presents unique take on Shakespeare’s ‘Lear.’
Woodson High presents unique take on Shakespeare’s ‘Lear.’
Love Runs Amok in Hilarious Shakespearean Comedy
Westfield High presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’
Westfield High presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’
Wait, Halloween Didn’t Originate in the U.S.?
Born of telling tales and rooted facts as seen in Fairfax County, Va
Born of telling tales and rooted facts as seen in Fairfax County, Va
Children’s Book Festival by A Thousand Stories
The tale of embracing ‘no's’ to receive ‘yeses’ by award-winning author and Emmy Award winner Kwame Alexander..
books
Reston, Herndon Community Tree Planting
Growing hope and democracy by ‘people who are different’ coming together.
Growing hope and democracy by ‘people who are different’ coming together.
Trick or Treat?
Candy treats for kids who brave the path through seasonal ghouls
Candy treats for kids who brave the path through seasonal ghouls
Tuesday, October 29
Self-Proclaimed Troublemaker Tells All
’Stand up for the underdog’ is the underlying message in new book.
’Stand up for the underdog’ is the underlying message in new book.
Thursday, October 24
Tour de Mount Vernon Celebrates Biking under Blue Skies and Sunshine
Tour de Mount Vernon Celebrates Biking under Blue Skies and Sunshine
Wednesday, October 23
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Free Safe Rides for Would-be Drunk Drivers
Free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during Halloween celebration time, 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 and until 4 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.
The Rockets to Perform at Rock the Block
News Briefs
Kamala Harris Inspired Me to Fight Against Gun Violence
N. Virginia history teacher wants his students to be safe.
In 2019, as a junior at the University of New Hampshire, I asked then-Senator and presidential candidate Kamala Harris how she would address the epidemic of gun violence in our schools. As an aspiring educator getting ready to start my career, it horrified me that public schools had become targets for these horrific events. I wrote to lawmakers and drove to Washington for the March for Our Lives, but I knew that more had to be done at the national level.
Tired of Big Trucks Parking on Our Public Roads, Blocking Your View and Creating Safety Hazards? Use the NEW Parking Reporter Tool!
More and more lately, we are seeing our public streets littered with illegally parked commercial vehicles like large box trucks, dump trucks and tractor trailers. Not only is this a safety hazard, it’s intrusive to our neighborhoods, blocks our businesses and limits walkability, while diminishing the sense of community we are striving to create.
Police Fatally Shoot Woman During Welfare Check
Welfare check went deadly in three minutes. What happened?
For 459 days, the Fairfax County Police Department maintained a record free from incidents involving the shooting and killing of an individual by one of their officers. On Monday, Oct. 14, the department released the body-worn camera (BWC) video footage from a police wellness check in Reston conducted on mid-morning Sept. 16, which escalated into a fatal police shooting of a woman within three minutes.
Stepping Up
Hundreds help raise $88k for ALIVE!
More than 450 participants took to the streets of Alexandria in the 43rd annual StepALIVE! Walk-a-thon, helping the nonprofit raise more than $88,000 to serve at-risk communities.
Aw Shucks
Fish Market repeats as oyster shucking champs.
The competition was fierce, but in the end it was the Fish Market that took top honors for the second year in a row at the 5th annual Oyster Week Oyster Shucking contest Oct. 12 in Old Town.
Extensive Mount Vernon Mansion Revitalization Underway
Two-year project limits access at certain locations to this popular attraction.
Two-year project limits access at certain locations to this popular attraction.
Community Fun, Festivities under the Autumn Sun
Centreville Day was Saturday, Oct. 19
Centreville Day was Saturday, Oct. 19
Bicyclist, 89, Killed in Collision with Car
Bicyclist, 89, Killed in Collision with Car
Tuesday, October 22
Paranormal Specialist Pens Book of Local Hauntings
"Haunted Northern Virginia" may evoke eerie feelings or hairs standing on end.
"Haunted Northern Virginia"
‘People Pay Attention when Projects Affect their Neighborhoods’
Fairfax City’s Susan Kuiler wants to become mayor.
Fairfax City’s Susan Kuiler wants to become mayor.
Fairfax Man, 20, Dies after Motorcycle Crash
Fairfax Man, 20, Dies after Motorcycle Crash
‘We Need to Dramatically Increase Our Commercial Tax Base’
Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read makes her case for reelection.
Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read makes her case for reelection.
Thursday, October 17
Bringing Home the Gold
Paralympian Trevon Jenifer Visits Boys and Girls Club.
Bringing Home the Gold
Old Town BID Voting Completed
Property owners reject BID proposal.
Property owners reject BID proposal.
Wednesday, October 16
The Rockets to Perform at Rock the Block
News Briefs
Junk Fee Warning: Rent at Your Own Risk
Are the 2024 Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act updates on your lease?
In Virginia, tenants, prospective tenants and landlords should know that the 2024 General Assembly introduced several bills to amend the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). The following story is the first in a series addressing tenant-related bills in Virginia that were enacted on July 1, 2024.
Trunk-or-Treat Event is Oct. 23
Roundups
Virginia Communities Can Apply for Climate Adaptation Grants
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Grants highlight Importance of Virginia’s RGGI reentry and investment in climate resilience.
Another round of grant funding opened recently for projects that strengthen communities’ resilience to climate change and protection from extreme weather. These grants are funded through the Community Flood Preparedness Fund.
‘What Women Do Is Figure Out How to Make It All Work’
Advice for success given at Economic Empowerment Luncheon.
More than 120 people attended the Sept. 25 Women’s Economic Empowerment Luncheon at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax.
Affordable Housing Awards
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is the recipient of several recent national awards, recognizing its leadership, innovation and equitable strategies in affordable housing.
Octoberfest in Great Falls
The Rotary Club of Great Falls hosted a lively, fun Oktoberfest event on Oct. 4 in conjunction with the Grange Foundation, bringing together community members including local residents, charities and businesses for an evening of fun, food and fellowship, all while raising funds for local initiatives.
Boysko Is Humane Champion
The Humane Society Legislative Fund recently released their 2024 Virginia Humane Scorecard, which grades sitting lawmakers’ votes on animal protection issues.
Seven Corners Pedestrian Dies Weeks after Crash
Marks 17th pedestrian fatality, year to date in Fairfax County.
Sunday, Oct. 13, marked the 17th pedestrian fatality in Fairfax County in 2024.
Eight Local Children Are Missing
Could a CODI Alert have helped return them home?
The Virginia State Police launched its "Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative," (CODI) Alert Program nearly a month ago, on Sept. 26.
Arrest in Fatal Vehicle Crash in Tara-Leeway Heights
Arlington County Police made an arrest in a fatal vehicle crash that occurred during the early morning hours of Oct. 12, 2024.
Classic Car Show in Alexandria
Lyceum showcases “orphan” vehicles.
Lyceum showcases “orphan” vehicles.
Tuesday, October 15
9/11 Ceremony in Great Falls
Honoring and remembering those who perished.
Honoring and remembering those who perished.
Help with Affordable Housing in Herndon?
Possible path for new affordable and accessible housing in the Town of Herndon
Fairfax County stands ready to assist, Bierman says.
Coat Donations Needed Now
2024 Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Distribution is one month away
2024 Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Distribution is one month away
Film on the Screening Circuit Has Roots in Herndon
Topics of love and mental illness rise above its roots.
Topics of love and mental illness rise above its roots.
Fairfax County Urban Rescue Team Continued to Battle Flood Damage
Team shrinks since initial deployment but rebuilding tasks continue.
Team shrinks since initial deployment but rebuilding tasks continue.
Mixed-Use Apartment Building OKed in Northfax
Fairfax City Council approves WillowWood Phase I plan.
Apartments galore
Friday, October 11
ASC to Host Washington Commanders Night Oct. 16
Athletes of the Month to be honored.
The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club October Athletes of the Month from all four City of Alexandria High Schools will be honored as the tradition continues at the ASC Washington Commanders Night Oct. 16 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Thursday, October 10
Munitions to Masterpieces
Torpedo Factory Art Center celebrates 50 years.
Torpedo Factory Art Center celebrates 50 years.
McGuire Named APD Chief
Texas Assistant Chief to begin Nov. 25.
Texas Assistant Chief to begin Nov. 25.
Wednesday, October 9
Jeff Todd Way Site for Annual Trash Clean Up
This annual event will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 this year.
This annual event will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 this year.
Fall 2024—Looking Good on Lake Anne
2024 has been a good year to date in Reston, especially at Lake Anne Village Center. Now, if Lake Anne, Reston and the country can get through Nov. 5 without electing any convicted felons, who knows what might be possible in 2025?
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Jury Convicts Former Officer In Death of Unarmed Suspect
Guilty of reckless handling of firearm; not guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
On Friday, Oct. 4, a jury made up of eight women and four men convicted former FCPD Sergeant Wesley Shifflett, 36, of reckless handling of a firearm, related to the shooting death of Timothy McCree Johnson, 37, on February 22, 2023. The jury found him not guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Urgent Concerns about Ongoing Purge of Voter Rolls
Letter from U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly to Gov. Glenn Younkin about voting roll purges is shared with readers of the Connection:
Music, Children’s Activities, Parade, Pets and Awards
32nd annual Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 19.
Come one, come all – the 32nd annual Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park. The free event is at 5714 Mount Gilead Road (off Braddock Road, across Route 29 from the IHOP) and offers fun activities for the entire family.
Hundreds of Seniors Competed in Senior Olympics
Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to hundreds of seniors competing in five and 10-year age groups in the 2024 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
ACPD Engages Community
The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) Community Engagement Division has already been busy the first week of October engaging the community through two Coffee With A Cop events on Oct. 2 as well as an Essentials Drive on Oct. 4.
Arlington National Cemetery's Southern Expansion Project
The Arlington National Cemetery Southern Expansion project will enable the Army to continue the honored tradition of laying to rest our veterans well into the future.
Vote to Support Tax Relief for Military Families
On the ballot this year, Virginians will have the opportunity to vote for a constitutional amendment to provide equitable tax relief to surviving spouses of military service members who died in the line of duty.
Supervisors Honor Karla Bruce
One Fairfax Policy: Former Chief Equity Officer has 25 years of impactful service.
Karla Bruce honored
The GW Memorial Parkway Needs Attention
GW Parkway
Arrest in Worldgate Shooting
Worldgate Shooting
Fairfax Fall Festival: Food, Crafts, Music
48th annual celebration is Saturday, Oct. 12.
Fairfax Fall Festival: Food, Crafts, Music
Walker Road Bridge Replacement Coming
Safety concerns on the bridge approaches and road speed?
Safety concerns on the bridge approaches and road speed?
Three Appointed to RCC Board in Reston
Three Appointed to RCC Board
Hospital Project Underway in Franconia
Officials break ground for full-sized hospital in growing area.
Hospital Project Underway in Franconia
Orange Hunt Celebrates 50 years
Radical school design was in place for their opening in 1974.
Radical school design was in place for their opening in 1974.
Thursday, October 3
Historical Marker Unveiled and Dedicated
Celebrates the legacy of Robert Gunnell and Gunnell’s Chapel.
Celebrates the legacy of Robert Gunnell and Gunnell’s Chapel.
‘In Darkness There Is Light’
APD dedicates suicide awareness plaque.
APD dedicates suicide awareness plaque.
Pumpkin Patch, Art on the Avenue top list of things to do.
Pumpkin Patch, Art on the Avenue top list of things to do.
A $5 Million Boost for River Farm
The donation from Marcia Zech establishes an endowment, key to supporting American Horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters.
River Farm
Wednesday, October 2
Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5
Alexandria News Briefs
All Creatures Great and Small
Trinity UMC holds Blessing of the Animals.
“We host this as a recognition that the animals that bless our families and our homes are very much a part of who we are and who our families are.” — Rev. Grace Han
A Casino Would Bring Many Unwanted Problems to N. Va.
Congressman Frank Wolf (retired) wrote a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors which is shared with the Connection. Wolf lives in Vienna.
Family Fun Day Returns at Calloway UMC
It is the season for fall festivals in Arlington including Clarendon Days, St. Ann’s Fall Festival and Calloway United Methodist Church Family Fun Days on Saturday, Sept. 28.
$1M Grant to Grow OAR Diversion Program
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded a $1 million grant to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to grow the OAR Diversion Program. The OAR Diversion Program was created in 2022 in partnership with OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church (OAR) through the Vera Institute for Justice’s Motion for Justice Program (MFJ).
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Arlington Program Focuses on Fathers
Silbert Harrison Grant is passionate about fathers. “When you help the father, you are also helping the mother and the kids — the whole family, and that helps the community.” Grant is Coordinator of Fatherhood Enhancement with Child and Family Services for the Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS).
Judge Declares EHO Policy Void on Four Counts
Startling decision seen as step to reset drastic housing policy changes.
Arlington County Courtroom 11A was packed as Circuit Court Judge David Schell issued his judgment in the case Marcia Nordgren et al vs Arlington County Board. It was, as one observer said afterwards, truly a David and Goliath story. It was also an issue on which candidates for the Arlington County Board had sparred.
Confusing FCDC Sample Ballot
Letters to the Editor
Some might be confused or fooled by the names that will appear on the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) sample ballot that will be distributed at the polls on Election Day.
Accessibility Improved at State Park
Mason Neck adds all-terrain wheelchairs.
Accessibility Improved at State Park
Breaking Ground
Inova begins work on new hospital facilities.
Inova begins work on new hospital facilities.
Don’t Miss It, Great Falls Oktoberfest this Friday
Benefits Cornerstones and Great Falls Grange Foundation
The Great Falls Grange Foundation and the Rotary Club of Great Falls will present the Great Falls Oktoberfest on Friday, October 4, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Irish Folk Festival Comes to Arts Herndon
Vibrant Irish culture, music and dance at 27th Annual CCÉ O'Neill Malcom Irish Folk Festival
Vibrant Irish culture, music and dance at 27th Annual CCÉ O'Neill Malcom Irish Folk Festival
Walking to End Alzheimer's Returns
Improving treatment through pharmaceuticals and care for the growing population through legislation.
Improving treatment through pharmaceuticals and care for the growing population through legislation.
Accotink Pump Station Rehabilitation Groundbreaking
Accotink Pump Station Rehabilitation Groundbreaking
Fairfax City Candidates Address Residents
Two are running for Mayor and 11 for City Council.
election
McLean Project for the Arts Secures New Space, $500,000 in County Support for New Arts Center
McLean Project for the Arts Secures New Space, $500,000 in County Support for New Arts Center
Town of Herndon Mayoral Candidate Forum
Dhakal and LeBlanc take on the challenge.
Town of Herndon Mayoral Candidate Forum
Local Fire and Rescue Teams Battled Helene in Florida
Local Fire and Rescue Teams Battled Helene in Florida
Local Film Festival is Peppered with Big Names and Ideas
Films focus on positive change and the world around us.
Films focus on positive change and the world around us.