Stories for August 2016

Vienna Church to Hold Rally Day Community Cookout Sept. 11

The community is invited to attend the Sept. 11 Rally Day Cookout at The Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist) in Vienna. The cookout will be held in the church parking lot immediately after the 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship service at the church, located at 2351 Hunter Mill Road in Vienna.

Letter: Does He Bite?

Letter to the Editor

Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.

Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter

As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.

Vienna Letter: A Courage to Vote

Letter to the Editor

This past month I worked with local students in the community and my boy scout troop to hold two non-partisan voter registration drives as a part of my Eagle Scout project. We held this drive at the Vienna Farmer’s Market.

Vienna: Celebrating Women's Equality

Architect unveils the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial design at Occoquan Regional Park.

To celebrate the 96th anniversary of Women's Equality Day on Friday, Aug. 26, which recognizes the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote, the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area held a Women's Equality Day Lecture at Gunston Hall in Lorton. It was sponsored by the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association and Gunston Hall, home of George Mason.

Vienna: Adventure in Learning Classes Begin Sept. 22

The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna continues its Adventures In Learning (AIL) line up of classes with their Fall 2016 semester schedule that includes 40+ classes with a wide range of subjects - from a Health and Wellness series to Potpourri and World Affairs to T’ai Chi or Intermediate Contract Bridge.

Great Falls, McLean, Vienna Demographics 2016

Vienna, Great Falls, and McLean demographics

Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Making Community Work

Caring for an Ill Spouse?

The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.

Keeping Youth Safe, Healthy and Drug Free

Looking for ways to keep Fairfax County youth and young adults safe, healthy and drug free? Then check out getting involved with the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).

Column: Greater Transparency in Policing

Fairfax County Police embrace change, sanctity of life for all.

The Fairfax County Police Department was established on July 1, 1940 and today we have an authorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcement officers.

Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.

I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.

Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness

Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.

‘Insider’s Tip’ to New Businesses

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helps in starting or expanding business in the county.

If you are new to Fairfax County, welcome to one of the world’s most interesting places to live and work. If you are new to the county and are interested in being part of our dynamic business community, here is an “insider’s tip” that you will want to know: The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), works with everyone who wants to start or expand a business in the county.

County Schools: Teaching for 21st Century

What’s new at Fairfax County Public Schools.

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year in Fairfax County Public Schools. With each new school year, we have the wonderful opportunity to build upon our previous successes and continue to improve our work with our students.

Sharon Bulova: 'Welcome to Fairfax County'

Welcome to Fairfax County, one of the greatest places in the nation to live, work, play and raise a family.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

How to Vote in Fairfax County

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young

In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.

Column: #MindsMatter: Lifesaving Conversations Every Day

Take one action for awareness of National Suicide Prevention week #MindsMatter.

It’s 3 p.m. School’s out. Like clockwork, alerts start ringing, letting our crisis workers know that young people are out of class, and they need to talk.

Minds Matter to Local Mental Health Service

PRS Inc. of McLean prepares for National Suicide Prevention Week.

Although National Suicide Prevention Week occurs next month, a local mental health service got a head start last week and launched its public awareness campaign on social media.

Children Science Center Lab Takes 10-year View

Amy Burke, board chairwoman of the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, and executive director Adalene “Nene” Spivey watch Emily Brunner, 15, of Falls Church take on the robotic arm challenge by programming the device to play the “Happy Birthday” song on a xylophone.

Vienna Looking Forward to New Look

From community center to Marco Polo, change comes to Vienna.

Vienna doesn’t change much … and that’s the way the Vienna zip codes like it --- a small-town feel, family-focused. There’s not much in the way of crime unless an unlocked vehicle break-in counts. The annual Halloween parade, Oktoberfest, Church Street Stroll, and ViVa! Vienna! are traditions that don’t die.

Vienna Snapshot: Country Fair Draws Hundreds to Church Street

Sweltering heat did not deter families from activities and games on grounds of Freeman House.

If smiles, wonderment, laughter, photo ops, and crowds are an indication of success, by that standard the debut Historic Vienna, Inc. Freeman House “country fair” on Aug. 20 was a booming celebration of country life.

When Vienna Was Still a Small Town

John Becci recalls growing up in town before it boomed.

John Becci’s step-mother, Milly, still lives in the house on Branch Road that the Becci children, now adults, grew up in decades ago. John Becci’s dad, Aldo, who bought that home from Yeonas builders in 1956, died in 2014. His mom died of cancer in 1978, the year John graduated from James Madison High School.

Vienna: Going Beyond the Gold

Two Girl Scout sisters try to bring hope for better health to Swaziland.

Girl Scout sisters, Taylor and Samantha Lane, both went beyond their Girl Scout Gold Awards this summer through their volunteer work in Swaziland.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 127 homes sold between $1,875,000-$230,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: July, 2016

Fairfax County: Aiming To Reduce Deer Population

Second Deer Management Program discussion

With an ecosystem struggling to support a deer population several times what’s considered to be healthy for a habitat, Fairfax County is preparing once again to initiate its deer management program.

Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton hosts first Brewfest

Shamara Wilkins of Lorton ventured out of the priceless shade just long enough to get a refreshing top up on her beer-tasting glass from Lorton-based Forge Brew works.

Fairfax: Man Dies After Being Shot by Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Outside Inova Hospital

Hispanic male was discharged patient who was escorted by security to bus stop before the incident.

Early Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, a man died after having been shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy outside the green garage area at Inova Fairfax Hospital the previous evening.

Fairfax County Police Release Name of 2-Year-Old Victim in Murder-Suicide

Despite pleas from the girl’s family, Fairfax County Police have released the name of the young victim who was found dead along with the body of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in an upstairs bedroom at the scene of a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.

Classified Advertising August 17, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally

Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan

Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.

As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.

Considering a Private School?

Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.

For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

McLean, Vienna: Community Foundation Launches Innovation Breakfast Series

Access National Bank has offered exclusive support to sponsor the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s new Innovation Breakfast Series.

Old-time Country Fair Comes to Vienna

Historic Vienna, Inc. hosts free activities reminiscent of an earlier time.

Step into a Norman Rockwell painting on Aug. 20 as Historic Vienna, Inc. hosts a country fair with a myriad of activities, at no charge, for families. The debut “Vienna’s Country Fair” takes over the Freeman House end of the Vienna Town Green from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. HVI refers to the fair as a “return to a simpler time.”

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Chosen for Greater Washington Catalogue for Philanthropy

The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna [SCOV] has announced its continued recognition as one of Greater Washington’s best community-based charities by the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Being re-featured online by the Catalogue reflects the Shepherd’s Center’s status as an effective local charity dedicated to promoting and supporting purposeful independent living for mature adults.

Vienna: Family Fun Jam at Jammin Java

On Saturday, Jammin Java of Vienna hosted the Family Fun Jam, a fundraiser for the Growing Hope Foundation, which raises money for children with cancer and their families.

Vienna: Local Charity Wins Big at Wiffle Ball World Series

Waters Field was the center of attention on Saturday, August 6th, for the 21st Annual Northern Virginia Wiffle Ball World Series [NVWWS]. The event, sponsored by Vienna Youth Inc., the Greater Vienna Babe Ruth League, and the Joe Cassella Foundation, looked to continue the legacy of Brian Bedell, the Vienna native to whom this tournament is dedicated.

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Middle Eastern Food, Culture on Display

Middle Eastern Food Festival returns on Labor Day weekend.

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church will host its 23rd annual Middle Eastern Food Festival, Sept. 3 and 4, on the church grounds -- 8501 Lewinsville Road, McLean. The Festival will feature authentic Middle Eastern food, pastries, music and dancing, as well as vendors, church tours, and activities for both children and adults.

Stars of Summer

Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships

Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.

Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun

Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.

Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.

One Step To ‘One Fairfax’

Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.

Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes

Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.

Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.

Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat

There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.

Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety

While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.

Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

Vienna History Revisited at Freeman Store

Connie Stuntz chatted about ‘This Was Vienna, Virginia’ to friends and fans.

Connie Stuntz was born in Falls Church in 1923 and moved to Vienna after she and Mayo Stuntz were married in 1947.

New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity

With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.

Communities Observe National Night Out

Law enforcement and neighborhoods come together in Fairfax Station, Springfield and countywide.

Every night, that’s seven nights a week, Amanda Fox and her mother make rounds of the 169 houses in their community of Cardinal Estates in Springfield.

Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More

Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.

Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?

What We Did on V-J Day

Vienna resident’s memories of the end of the war.

Memories of WW ll in an American child's mind are a distinct set of curiosities -- special activities removed from the ordinary day to day routine of growing up.

Mall STEM Lab Celebrates First Birthday

Children's Science Center Lab celebrates with cake, a new robot, aquarium and checks worth $125,000.

Some children go to the shopping mall because their moms have to run errands or it's a nice place to hang out with friends. Who knew Fair Oaks Mall is a go-to place to conduct science experiments, program a robot and make stuff out of a 3-D printer?

Passion to Excel in STEM Field

CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.

At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.

Vienna: Antioch Christian Church Welcomes a New Pastor

Antioch Christian Church welcomed its new Pastor, Dr. Carl S. Sweatman and his family, on Sunday, July 3, 2016. His formal Installation Service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016.

Vienna: ‘Godspell’ at Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Ashton Schaffer, a 2015 James Madison graduate, is directing a children’s summer drama camp and an intergenerational production of “Godspell” this week at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna (2589 Chain Bridge Road).

Vienna: Putting Their Money Where Their Heart Is

Vienna siblings raise funds for children rescued from child labor and human trafficking.

Vienna siblings Medhnaa Saran, 12, and her younger brother Kushaan, 11, are on a mission to help children halfway across the world, victims of child labor and trafficking, to be safe and to get an education.

Vienna: Big Splash on Town Green Made a Big Splash

Hundreds of kids and parents turned out for water fun.

The Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department picked the ideal sultry summer day – July 31 - for its first-ever Big Splash on the Town Green.