Friday, May 29
Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015
Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.
Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Thursday, May 28
Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training
Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.
Fairfax Station: Landscaping Business Uses Goats
Their names are Alvin, Beau, Cyrano de Bergerac, Ivy, Chuck, Tippy and Valentino. Five of Oakton resident Charlotte Del Duca’s seven “children” are 15 months old. The other two are almost a year. And they weigh between 100 and 130 pounds.
Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016
Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.
$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.
Wednesday, May 27
Column: Mad Man
Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?
Chantilly Baseball Beats Oakton for Conference 5 Championship
DiCesare drives in winning run, earns victory on mound.
The Chantilly baseball team defeated Oakton 2-1 on May 22 to win the Conference 5 championship.
Rules on Noise Set To Change
Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.
Editorial: Voting, June 9
No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.
To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.
Tuesday, May 26
Letter: Putting an End to Slaughter of Horses
To the Editor
Whether in recreation, work, or war, horses have been a part of America’s culture for hundreds of years. After horses’ loyal service, sending them to slaughter is a betrayal to them and a dishonor to us.
Letter: Protecting Our Waterways
To the Editor
Last Tuesday, a bill was passed that blocks the EPA’s Clean Water Rule. This leaves 2 million Virginians’ drinking water affected.
A Memorial Honoring Civilians
Celebrating the One-Year Anniversary of the Comfort Women Memorial Peace Garden.
Thursday, May 21, just a day shy of Memorial Day weekend, marked the one-year anniversary of the Comfort Women Memorial Peace Garden (CWMPG) located at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Enjoy Vienna Summer
Activities and events abound from June through September.
Activities and events abound from June through September.
Culinary Kids Compete in Cook-off in Vienna
Culinaria Cooking School debuts competition for young cooking champion.
Calling all culinary kids in Vienna ---- Culinaria Cooking School premieres its first-ever kids’ cook-off competition on June 28.
NVFS To Hold Job Fair in Oakton on May 30
Positions supporting Shelter Operations and Rapid Rehousing available.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is expanding its shelter operations in locations throughout Northern Virginia, and will be holding a job fair at the end of May for interested human service professionals. All new positions are scheduled to begin mid-June 2015.
Friday, May 22
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Vienna: Marshall Boys' Lacrosse Wins First Conference Championship
Statesmen defeat Mount Vernon in Conference 13 tournament final.
The Marshall boys' lacrosse team beat Mount Vernon 17-10 on Thursday
Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax
For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.
Thursday, May 21
McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia
Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.
Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops
Letter to the Editor
I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum
Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.
Wednesday, May 20
Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Column: In Contrast
Commentary
Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.
Tuesday, May 19
ViVa! Vienna! Returns for Three-Day Memorial Day Weekend
Rotary Club and Town of Vienna partner to offer family fun, food, and live entertainment.
Vienna’s most family-friendly, fun-filled festival returns for Memorial Day weekend. ViVa! Vienna!, a celebration of food, live entertainment, amusement rides, and more than 300 merchandise and service vendors, kicks off on Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m. with food vendors, amusement rides, and live entertainment. Vendors open their booths on Sunday, when Church Street closes down to vehicular traffic. The Historic Church Street corridor turns into a rollicking community-centric party.
Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs
Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.
Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015
On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.
On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.
Monday, May 18
Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission
Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.
John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.
Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos
This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.
Friday, May 15
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: April, 2015
In April, 2015, 104 homes sold between $1,888,000-$215,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: April, 2015
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Wednesday, May 13
Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles
High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.
Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.
Healthcare Events
Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect
“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."
Column: Why Fi?
Commentary
“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.
Tuesday, May 12
McLean Senior Calpin Launches Memorable Home Run
Highlander frosh Longo edges Madison’s Vannicola in pitcher’s duel.
The McLean softball team beat Madison 1-0 on Friday.
Natalie York and Raye Zaragoza Come to Jammin’ Java
Two NYC-based singer-songwriters, Natalie York and Raye Zaragoza, will perform Monday, May 18 at Jammin’ Java in Vienna before heading off on tour and music-making in 12 states.
Wolftrap Elementary Hosts 5K and Fun Run
The Wolftrap Elementary School PTA in Vienna hosted its 9th annual 5k and Fun Run on Sunday, April 12.
Vienna Native Nate Millington's Studies in Brazil
University of Kentucky doctoral student Nate Millington recently received the U.S. Department of Education's Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship and will travel to São Paulo, Brazil, this June to study flooding and its effects on the city's urban design and its people. Millington will study at the University of São Paulo (USP) and will return March 2016.
Bike Rodeo Tests Skills, Offers Fun and Safety Tips
The annual Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation rodeo is different from most community events. The police department worked with the children participating as they navigated the obstacle course.
Recognizing Helping Hands
Vienna Optimists honor sixth-grade students with Helping Hands Awards.
It is not often that elementary school students are recognized for outstanding contributions to school and community at an evening banquet in their honor.
Monday, May 11
Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy
Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.
Wednesday, May 6
Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”
Healthy Relationships for Life
Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.
Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.
Column: “CT Looked Good”
Commentary
Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.
Tuesday, May 5
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards
Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.
Ignatian Volunteer Corps Honors John and Mariann Horejsi of Vienna
Pope Francis, who became the Catholic Church’s newest leader in 2013, has been universally praised for emphasizing the plight of the very poor and calling for compassion for those less fortunate and marginalized by society.
Oakton High Presents ‘Mary Poppins’
In the most delightful way, Oakton High School in Vienna presents a spring production of “Mary Poppins” the musical from May 7-9.
Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice
Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.
Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS
Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.
Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:
Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread
Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.
There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.
Friday, May 1
Farmers Markets 2015
Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.
Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.
Morris’ 4 Goals Lift McLean Boys’ Lax Over Madison
Highlanders snap two-game losing skid, Warhawks fall to 5-2.
The McLean boys' lacrosse team bounced back from consecutive losses.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.