Stories for September 2016

Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion

School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.

Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.

Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History

Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Share of McLean Needs Donations

Share of McLean has issued the following appeal for donations: On Wednesday at Share, we had many clients coming in looking for things like rice, pasta, beans, shampoo, flour, sugar, oil, etc. and sadly we had to turn them away without these much needed items.

Vienna: Unity of Fairfax to Celebrate 60th Anniversary

Unity of Fairfax will celebrate its 60th anniversary, known as the “Diamond Jubilee,” during the weekend of Oct. 7-9 at 2854 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton. The church will host a gala dinner dance on Friday, Oct. 7, followed by the annual Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 9. All previous ministers have been invited to attend the gala and also to give remarks during Sunday services. Among them are Rev. Donna Johnson who is now serving as president and CEO of Unity Worldwide Ministries in Lee’s Summit, Mo.

Vienna: Cops and Kids Draws Community Together

Fun-filled day featured activities, prizes, music, pizza – and a helicopter.

Clear sunny skies and mild temperatures have a way of bringing out the families to community events. The Vienna Police Department could not have ordered a more perfect Sunday afternoon for the launch of a new Vienna tradition, Cops and Kids Fun Run --- and fun day.

Vienna: Falling into Fall with Fairs and Fun

From Oktoberfest celebration to a wintry block party, there’s a fun event for any age.

Fall marks the start of the festive season, the fair season, from holiday-themed events to traditional seasonal events.

Vienna: Green Hedges School Celebrates 75th Anniversary

On Monday, Sept. 26, Green Hedges School, a co-ed independent school in Vienna, held their 75th Anniversary Celebration, joined by the community, alumni and parents.

Vienna Theatre Company to Present Eclectic Essentials II

Vienna Theatre Company maintains its presence through the second year of the Vienna Community Center renovation with an entertaining fall production of one act plays presented at the Vienna Baptist Church for four performances only.

Vienna, Reston: The Path Toward Tomorrow

Giving Circle of Hope hosts County needs assessment reporting.

According to Michelle Gregory, Division Director from the Countywide Service Integration and Planning Management department, it’s probably been more than a decade since Fairfax County conducted a human services needs assessment for the residents of the region. In the summer of 2015, the County decided it was more than time to take a detailed look at how things have changed since the last official recording and to see who most needed what in our area.

Walk to Prevent Suicide

Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”

Homework Overload

Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.

Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.

‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men

Photos, video used to demand money from victims.

Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.

First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton

Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'

Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.

Fairfax County: Students learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.

On a scorching week day in late summer, rising Fairfax County seniors Kenneth Smith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were taking cumulative review tests in their summer course. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.

Fairfax County: Changes in Voting from 2012

Electoral board highlights key dates and procedure updates.

Clinton or Trump? Meals Tax or no Meals Tax? These are just a two of the weighty decisions on the ballot for this fall’s election. To help people prepare for this cycle, leaders of the Fairfax County electoral board held a meeting with media to highlight some changes from the 2012 Presidential election.

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Garza Resigns

Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has announced her resignation, just months after the FCPS board renewed her contract through June 30, 2020.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve Independent Police Auditor

Unanimous vote follows Ad Hoc Commission recommendations for more transparency and oversight of Fairfax County police.

With a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an independent police auditor office, following recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Vienna: Chillin’ on Church Draws Hundreds to Block Party

Second seasonal party on Church Street to become Vienna tradition.

The second seasonal Chillin’ on Church block party drew in hundreds more guests than the debut party in June. Church Street lit up with music, games, food, and neighbors meeting neighbors.

Column: Way to Go, Vienna!

Commentary

Once again Vienna has achieved positive national recognition. On Aug, 24, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) certified Vienna as a community wildlife habitat, While the process usually takes 2-5 years, Vienna met – in fact, exceeded – certification requirements in less than 10 months.

Vienna Snapshot: Elite Piano Academy Relocates, Holds Open House

To celebrate the relocation of its studio, Elite Piano Academy held an Open House at its new location in Tysons. The new location at Tysons Corners is easily accessible by car (Free parking available), or public transit.

Vienna: Searching for Common Ground on Guns

Reverse Town Hall to End Gun Violence held at Unitarian Universalist in Oakton.

About 150 people attended "Finding Common Ground" -- A Reverse Town Hall to End Gun Violence on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax in Oakton.

Vienna, McLean: Charity Foot Race Raises $30,000 Benefiting Food for Others

Five hundred runners and dozens of sponsors rallied at sunrise on Sept. 10 to celebrate their commitment to neighbors in need. The 5K raised more than $30,000 for Food for Others, and invigorated community spirit in Tysons.

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Cooking with Passion

Meet the executive chef at McLean’s Saint Germain Catering.

How many Northern Virginia foodies know that executive chef Jeff Witte, formerly at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, has become the executive chef at McLean’s Saint Germain Catering?

Vienna, McLean, Great Falls: Knox Singleton to Receive Community Leadership Award

J. Knox Singleton, CEO of Inova Health System, will be recognized by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for his history of leadership and stewardship, providing world-class healthcare to all members of the diverse Northern Virginia community, regardless of ability to pay with the 2016 Community Leadership Award.

Vienna, Reston, Herndon: Improving the Road, Maintaining Its Character

County holds Hunter Mill Road Study Community Meeting.

On Sept. 15, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held Community Meeting #5 to bring the public up to date and continue soliciting feedback on its studies to improve traffic flow along Hunter Mill Road, primarily north of Route 267.

Fairfax Raises $521,509 for MDA

Letter to the Editor

For over 30 years, during Labor Day Weekend, the men and women of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Professional FireFighters and Paramedics - IAFF Local 2068 and the personnel in the Department of Public Safety Communications, have collected for the Greater Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Fill the Boot Campaign.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: August, 2016

In August, 2016, 152 homes sold between $1,950,000-$175,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: August, 2016

Fairfax: Roadside Protest for McKenna and Martinez Deaths

The Northern Virginia chapter of the group Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) organized a demonstration at 4 p.m. on Sep. 14 along Lee Highway in Fairfax, calling for justice for Natasha McKenna and Giovanny, or Jovany, Martinez.

Clifton: Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program to hold tenth Polo Classic fundraiser

Once a week for the last seven years, César Dulanto of Lake Ridge, Va. has come to Clifton to trade his wheelchair for a saddle. Dulanto, 13, has been been wheelchair-bound since the age of two with cerebral palsy. He used to have difficulty just sitting up in a chair. And, he said, “I used to be so shy.”

Vienna Holds Sept. 11 Ceremony

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, the Town of Vienna held A Day to Remember -- Patriot Day Community Commemoration on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Freeman House Lawn on Church Street in Vienna.

Vienna Arts Society Paints the Town

In an art show that featured 69 pieces in acrylics, oils, water colors, photography and mixed media, the Vienna Arts Society held its "Paint the Town" reception on Saturday, Sept. 10 on Pleasant Street in Vienna.

Fairfax County: Supervisors to Vote on Independent Auditor Office

Board item reviewed by public safety committee

At its Sept. 20 meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote on the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create an office of independent police auditor.

Fairfax County School Board Postpones Decision on New Sponsorship Policy

Fairfax County Public Schools are far from becoming a David Foster Wallace novel.

Fairfax Namesake School District in California Celebrated

While there can only be one Fairfax County Public Schools system, members of the FCPS board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors congratulated the namesake Fairfax School District in Bakersfield, Calif. on its 125th anniversary.

Suicide Prevention: Everyone’s Business

Letter to the Editor

On behalf of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN), I thank you for the Connection’s compassionate and informative editorial printed in observance of Suicide Prevention Week, titled Take One Action to Prevent Suicide.

What’s Permissible When Planning a Home Renovation?

Complete due diligence upfront to research any ordinances or restrictions that may affect the project.

Unfortunately, homeowners and contractors often forget important steps during this project feasibility phase, which sometimes leads to wasted time and money or abandoned projects. To ensure you sidestep those mistakes, start with this checklist to look into to help minimize setbacks while planning and executing your next renovation.

Vienna Sunroom Brings Light, Awards

Family entertainment suite, larger breakfast area, private second level decking among stand-out custom features

To Sanjay and Deepika Sardana, who have occupied a Colonial style-home in Vienna for 14 years, the great achievement of their new sunroom addition is how well it meets their requirements regarding views, available light and interior design.

Comfort Zone

Local furniture maker combines style and comfort

John W. Smith treks through a maze of sleek chairs and stately sofas in a large, sunlit showroom tucked in an industrial warehouse center in Fairfax. He pauses at a dining chair, upholstered in beige linen and framed with espresso hardwood.

Food Trucks Come to Tysons

Another sign that this business area takes on an urban feel.

Thanks to a Fairfax County ordinance in Tysons Corner, areas known to the food truck world as “food deserts,” are getting relief, not in the form of rain like happens in the desert world, but in the form of a new lunch option in certain Tysons Corner zones where food trucks were previously banned.

Classified Advertising September 14, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Fairfax: Dead Man’s, Deputy’s Name Released in Inova Shooting

Police, sheriff investigations continue.

Jovany Martinez is the 29-year-old Hispanic man who died after being shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s deputy Monday night Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Publication Shows Philanthropy is ‘Good Business’

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has released its fourth issue of GOOD BUSINESS, a bi-annual publication that features stories of local businesses, big and small, that play a key role in the community through philanthropy and volunteerism.

‘Concert Across America to End Gun Violence’ at Tysons Biergarten

A coalition of gun violence prevention organizations in the DC/ Northern Virginia area have announced participation in the national “Concert Across America to End Gun Violence” on Sunday, Sept. 25.

Suicide Loss ‘Club’

Commentary

When I was 15 years old, I received my first “membership card” to suicide loss. I got the platinum membership card because not only was my loss to suicide, but it was also a parent.