In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students
Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans
A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.
Veterans Day Observed with Caution in Herndon
American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston installs modified Avenue of Flags
Due to COVID restrictions, the Town of Herndon canceled its public recognition program on the Town Green for its Veterans Day Observance sponsored annually by The Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston.
A Godsend for The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area
Together they made it happen.
In reality, the project Chantilly-based non-profit organization HomeAid Northern Virginia recently completed for The Closet of Greater Herndon proved different from its typical work, but was a game-changer for the nonprofit thrift shop located in a 100-year-old building in the heart of the town’s historic downtown district.
At the Tipping Point and Winter is Coming in Great Falls
Beloved local restaurant needs customers to be with them now.
Proprietor Mike Kearney of The Old Brogue, an Irish Pub in Great Falls, made a live video of his restaurant on the evening of Friday, Nov. 13.
Veterans Day Observed with Caution in Great Falls
Cancellation of formal celebration could not stop informal ceremony
A dozen or so hardy souls quietly gathered in the drenching rain at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to pay tribute to America's veterans in an unofficial ceremony.
South County High Student Tests Positive for COVID-19
FCPS cooperates with the County Health Department, informs families
A student at South County High School in Lorton has reported testing positive for COVID-19, according to a bulletin sent by Fairfax County Public Schools on Monday, Nov. 9.
Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools
COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.
Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.
Music Connects in Herndon
Virtual recitals strengthen stretched ties.
Will Meinert (bass) and Emily Misch (soprano) of Herndon are opera singers performing and streaming recitals and short productions with a mix of discussions.
Herndon Seeks to Amend Agreement with Comstock
Closing on property planned before or on Dec. 15
Mayor Lisa C. Merkel may have the honor of inking the closing deal with Comstock Herndon Venture, LC on the Historic Herndon District project before her term ends on Dec. 31 of this year.
Sheila A. Olem Wins Mayoral Race in Herndon
Herndon Town Council 2021-22 boasts diversity
Sheila A. Olem will be sworn in as the new mayor of the Town of Herndon 2021-22.
Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet Continues
Distribution limited to five Saturdays November through March
As the weather gets colder, the need for coats and winter outerwear is greater than ever this season for community members who are unsheltered.
Public Hearing on Historic Herndon Nov. 17
Herndon Town Council nears replacing Heritage Preservation Program
Community members and business owners in the Herndon Preservation Overlay District may soon be presented with new guidance on maintaining and updating their property and Town regulation processes for exterior change.
Election Storm of the Century: Herndon-Reston Area
Saying the vote counts is an understatement.
Election Day 2020 will go down in history.
Election Storm of the Century: Great Falls Area
Saying the vote counts is an understatement.
Election Day 2020 will go down in history.
Returning to the Balance of Nature in Great Falls
Growing native plants
On Oct. 19, the Environment & Parks Committee of the Great Falls Citizens Association presented Native Plants by Dr. Meghan M. McGinty, a presentation she'd been dreaming about for years, McGinty said.
Great Falls Bridge Rated in ‘Poor Condition’
VDOT holds an information meeting on Springvale Road (Route 674) bridge over Piney Run
The Springvale Road (Route 674) bridge over Piney Run in Great Falls may not perform at the current reduced load carrying capacity for an extended time, according to a report shared during the Oct. 21 Virginia Department of Transportation virtual public information meeting.
Pressure Mounts on Return to School in Fairfax County
School Board members face sensitive voting items.
The week of Oct. 19 held important information for Fairfax County Public Schools families.
‘Matter Closed’ on Reston Golf Course Designation
Owner ‘respectfully disagrees’ with supervisor’s findings
Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D) issued a surprise statement early Friday morning, Oct. 23, ending what he termed "a good deal of uncertainty and even anxiety" among some constituents in the Reston portion of his district.
COVID Can’t Stop the Spirit in Herndon
Historic Haunted Herndon House staged for the season
Bob Mathews and Colleen Delawder are the perfect couple, at least when it comes to their customized Herndon Halloween House on Spring Street.
In-Person Early Voting Locations Open in Fairfax County
Voters cite ballot controversy and deep divide in the country.
The need to drop their ballot into a secure drop-off box or slide it into a voting machine, spurred thousands of voters to wait in long lines on the first day of in-person early voting at satellite locations in Fairfax County on Oct. 14.
Mobilizing Voters in Herndon
Locals gather for Women's March on Herndon, sister event of the D.C. Women's March 2020.
Demonstrators gathered Saturday, Oct, 17, shortly before 3 p.m, for the Women's March on Herndon, a grassroots event held in the community and part of the nationwide, socially distanced marches held in union with the Women's March 2020 in Washington, D.C.
Making Sure Their Votes Are Counted in Great Falls
Great Falls Library location sees long lines for early in-person voting
The need to drop their ballot into a secure drop-off box or slide it into a voting machine spurred hundreds of individuals to wait in the long line on the first day of in-person early voting at the Great Falls Library satellite voting location on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Tysons Ten Years Into Comprehensive Plan
Supervisors discuss what’s on track and challenges.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, the McLean Citizens Association hosted a forum on Tysons – Ten Years After the New Comprehensive Plan.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Through Changes in TJ Admissions
Newest proposed merit lottery admissions policy fuels concern.
Top-level discussions concerning proposals by Fairfax County Public Schools leaders and School Board members to increase the population of underrepresented students of color at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) have flown fast and furious the last four weeks.
Doesn’t Need to be the ‘Biggest Destination’ in Great Falls
Pumpkin patch and blooming mums await at Krop’s Crops
Krop's Crops in Great Falls is knee-deep into October Fall Festivities and preparing to host the Outdoor Vintage Market on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activist and Herndon Leader Lester (Les) Zidel Dies
Lester (Les) Zidel, 74, of Herndon died on Oct. 9, 2020.
Improving the Lives of Children in Herndon
Local charity shares love of the ride.
The Green Lizard Foundation, the charitable arm of Green Lizard Cycling in the Town of Herndon, gave away bicycles to disadvantaged children Thursday evening, Oct. 1.
Fairfax County Public Schools Staff Uncomfortable With In-Person School Plan
Fairfax County Federation of Teachers releases survey results.
Staff at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are overwhelmingly uncomfortable with returning for in-person instruction, given the incomplete information about the implementation that has been currently shared, according to a report released by the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) on Oct. 6 during a press conference.
Life Hangs in the Box Checked in Fairfax County
HR for County Schools tells staff to make a decision.
Tia Williams is an instructional assistant with diabetes and severe asthma at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Great Falls Resident Appointed to Library Board of Trustees
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted their approval and appointed Sujatha Hampton, Ph.D., as the Dranesville Representative on the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.
Racism’s Impact: Great Falls Neighbors Recount Experiences
Great Falls Citizens Association held a virtual town hall during which five neighbors of color provided short vignettes of their lives, sharing their personal experiences and commentaries on racism.
McLean Activist and County Leader Dies
Lilla Richards served as County Supervisor, 1988-91.
Long-term McLean resident and two-term Dranesville District Supervisor (1988-91) Lilla McCutchen Richards, 81, died on Sept. 22 of congestive heart failure at The Jefferson, a retirement community in Arlington.
Viewpoints: Reston Residents Enjoy ‘Small Town Feel’
The Connection asked Reston residents what the greatest things about living in the area are.
Things They Love About Herndon
The Connection asked Town of Herndon residents to name the greatest things about living in the area.
Downtown Herndon Becomes Reality
Mayor Lisa Merkel previews development underway in the Town of Herndon.
During the pandemic, traditions have given way to new experiences as individuals, businesses and nonprofits morphed, reinventing themselves to succeed.
Year Round Celebration of the Community in Vienna
Vienna carries the proud banner of an ‘Exceptional Small Town.’
The Newcomers and Community Guide 2020 welcomes all who choose to live, work, play and volunteer in the Town of Vienna and thanks everyone, masked and arms stretched six feet apart, for helping to make this town the best it can be in a most difficult time.
Viewpoints: Residents Revel in Old McLean
Future changes pend for area in and near McLean CBC Study.
The Connection asked McLean residents in or near the McLean Community Business Center what the greatest things about living in the area were.
Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket
Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.
The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.
Why to Vote in the Town of Herndon Elections
Candidates let voters know their message.
With forty-four days until the November 3 Town of Herndon elections for Mayor and Members of Town Council, councilmember candidate and incumbent Cesar A. del Aguila and candidate Naila Alam walked door-to-door, the weekend of Sept. 1.
Extraordinary Commitment Honored
2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards presented.
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire Commission honored recipients of the 2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards.
Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees Revisits July Controversy
Trustee Rosenthal apologies for ‘wrong words’ and retains board seat.
Fran Millhouser, Chair of Fairfax County Library Board, said she received "many emails voicing public concern" for statements made by Trustees Phil Rosenthal (Springfield District) and Darren Ewing (Dranesville District) during the previous board meeting in late July.
Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Responding in Reston to Hate Crimes
Rainbow and Black Lives Matter flags fly at Reston Church; surveillance camera installed.
"Beacon of hope to those who drive by. A demonstrated symbol of our commitment to justice and welcome."
Downtown Herndon Real Estate Focus of Closed Door Session
Possible sign of pending land sale for Downtown Redevelopment Project.
After the Herndon Town Council adopted its Continuity of Government Ordinance on March 24 which allowed it to operate during the state of emergency due to COVID-19 and do so in a streamlined manner, Council could not discuss and act on matters such as zoning, planning, development and the Heritage Preservation Review Board Handbook.
Casting Off Distance Learning for Fishing Lines
Oakton teen defers college and sets off across America.
First in a series showcasing the stories of Fairfax County families in the time of distance learning as they develop strategies and alternative learning plans best suited to their needs.
As Federal Benefits Drop, Food Insecurity Escalates in Herndon Area
Rotarians, People of Action, hold food drive.
For more than a month, like other unemployed workers across the United States, those in the Herndon area struggle to afford food and housing on state benefits alone when work remains scarce.
‘Movies Under the Stars’ by Woodland Park Crossing Herndon
Catch a free, family-friendly flick.
With the summer of 2020 coming to a close and the pandemic a fixture of life, local families search for ways to pass the time outdoors.
Obituary: SLHS Alumni Adwoa A. Kessie, ’99
Served on the front lines of COVID-19 pandemic.
Longtime Reston resident and South Lakes High School alumni, Adwoa A. Kessie, Class of ‘99, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, after a long battle with COVID-19.
More Than Food at the Great Falls Community Farmers Market
Vision-driven, producer-only and community-focused.
The Great Falls Community Farmers Market lured locals to the Village Center at 778 Walker Road, Great Falls, at the start of the Labor Day weekend.
Dedicated to the Notion of Every Child by Name and By Need
Successful virtual start planned for FCPS’ special education children.
Fairfax County Public Schools held a Special Education Town Hall on Aug. 16, part of its Back to School Countdown.