Stories for June 2021

Opinion: Column: And the “Scancer” Is...

And the "Scancer" Is... ...stable, with a side of shrinkage, however modest.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Seen in TJ’s Freshman Class

In 2021, the U.S. News Best High Schools report ranked TJ the number one school nationwide for the second year running.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admitted 550 students strong as its Class of 2025.

Living with Adult Children

Creating livable spaces that balance the security of family with the need for independence

When June Joyce’s husband died two years ago, she was lonely living alone in the sprawling Alexandria family home where the couple raised their four children.

Celebrate July 4 at Local Historical Sites

July 4th is a celebration of America’s founding.

Shillelagh Travel Club is Back

After more than a year of inactivity, Shillelagh opens its doors to trips again.

Founded in 1964, the Shillelagh Travel Club has moved around NOVA before settling in Vienna for the past 20 years.

Wolf Trap to Celebrate ‘50 Years Together’

Northern Virginia’s artistic gem returns with live performing arts to celebrate its 50th anniversary

Celebrating its 50th year as a critical anchor to the Northern Virginia performing arts scene and after more than a year’s hiatus in response to the pandemic, Wolf Trap is ready to celebrate its glorious past “and ready for its next five decades,” said Lee Anne Myslewski, Vice President, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Hero: A Poem

Elaine Zhang wrote a poem titled Hero in honor of local law enforcement.

Opinion: Column: Wait. What?

After each individual appointment with my oncologist, either virtual or in person, all my prescription needs and my next round of appointments are scheduled while I wait.

95 and Counting

Seniors who are 95 and older reflect on life and offer advice to younger people.

95-year-old Howard Eisenberg says he was carded recently and asked to provide proof of his age as he boarded a train on his way to visit his 80-year-old girlfriend.

2021 Fairfax County Redistricting Advisory Committee

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed the 2021 Redistricting Advisory Committee at its June 22 meeting.

Vienna Police Investigating a Suspicious Shooting

On June 10, 2021, in the early morning hours, Vienna Police Officers were dispatched to an unknown situation in the 100 block of Patrick St. SE.

Vienna Teen Wins Bassists Competition

Joshua Thrush, 14, from Vienna, recently won first place in the Age 14 and Under division of the 2021 International Society of Bassists Solo Competition.

Opinion: Column: Navigate This

(All these times are approximate – or they're not.

This Summer Will Be a Balancing Act

Parents face a dilemma: give much needed mental break vs. boosting skills

As camps, swimming pools and simply spending time with friends were cancelled last summer and then followed by a tumultuous school year filled with uncertainty, parents are left to grapple with how to walk the fine line between catching up academically and tending to the overall well-being of their children.

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities Rise in the Fairfax County Area

Road design, speeds, lighting and negligence are factors.

This spring has seen several fatal pedestrian accidents, possibly signaling a warning to drivers, pedestrians and transportation engineers that more could be done to lessen these fatalities in Fairfax County.

Opinion: Commentary: Collective Bargaining: A Step to ‘One Fairfax’

At age 20, I took on a job as a grocery-bagger.

WANTED Feedback Involving No-chase/Chase Fairfax County Police Department Vehicle Pursuits

Flurry of proposed revisions should discourage pursuits of suspects in non-violent felony incidents.

Police vehicle pursuits create the potential for officers, residents and suspects to be killed or seriously injured.

Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Park

The Juneteenth celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park will offer families the chance to hear, see, sample, and create crafts based on the results of African American freedom.

Holding Dear: 2,364 Local Souls Lost to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Northern Virginia Regional Commission holds Remembrance Ceremony

On March 21, 2020, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death of a resident due to COVID-19.

1st Stage Returns to Live Theatre in Tysons with ‘A New Brain’

Performance at a special outdoor location: The Boro at Tysons

After more than a year of limits on live indoor entertainment with live audiences, the award-winning 1st Stage will return to live performance with a special concert edition of “A New Brain” by William Finn and James Lapine.

Democrats Choose Northern Virginia Ticket

Primary voters select candidates with gender and racial diversity but lacking in regional balance.

As election returns started rolling in from the Democratic primary Tuesday, Republicans started boasting about having the most diverse statewide ticket in Virginia history.

Decision Time for Virginia Democrats

Democratic Party Primary Tuesday, June 8: Initial voter turnout low but enthusiasm high

Voters across Fairfax County headed to the polls Tuesday, June 8, to cast their votes in person at the Democratic Party Primary.

Opinion: Column: The Masks are Off...

...and I suppose life is back on, especially for those of us who have been vaccinated.

Poem in support of Abrar Omeish

Below is my spoken word poem in written format in support of Abrar Omeish.

HomeLifeStyle: Style for the Great Outdoors

Designers see uptick in requests for porches and other outdoor spaces

A longing to spend more time outside after a year-and-a-half spent inside is driving a trend in home design, including an uptick in requests for projects like screened porches and patios.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Supporting Mark Levine for Lieutenant Governor

The rising sea levels on the shore continue to pose a real threat to our community.

Vienna Police Highlights May 21, 2021 – May 28, 2021

Opinion: Column: Nearly Nicked

Recently, I made the mistake of clicking on an email from an unfamiliar sender.

Opinion: Commentary: I Became a Better Mother When I Stopped Trying To Do It All Myself

Across the board, children have better outcomes when their parents have a shared parenting schedule, even in high-conflict cases.

Fairfax Dems Clash with Supervisors

Demand firing of FCPD Chief Kevin Davis

The Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) called on the Board of Supervisors ("Board") on May 25 to terminate Kevin Davis's employment as Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.

Wellbeing: Faith Sustained Many During COVID-19 Crisis

How a belief in a higher power helped some people cope with pandemic

As she experienced the emotions and uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic, Bracha Goetz turned to the tenets of her faith.

Opinion: Commentary: Taking Exception: Fighting Both anti-Semitism and Oppression

On the May 13 Eid holiday, Abrar Omeish, at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board, Tweeted: "Hurts my heart to celebrate while Israel kills Palestinians & desecrates the Holy Land right now,” she wrote.

June is the Deadliest Month for Teen Drivers

Parental involvement urged to prevent underage drinking this summer

Citing the facts that June is the single deadliest month of the year when it comes to teen driving and that summer’s arrival also ushers in that contiguous period (May - August) when the greatest number of U.S. teen traffic deaths occur [i], a Washington-metropolitan area alcohol education group is urging parental involvement to combat both teen drinking and drunk driving this summer.

Democrats Decide

Voters to determine direction of party in June 8 primary

The June 8 primary will determine the direction of the Democratic Party in Virginia at a critical time, when the commonwealth is emerging from the pandemic and trying to recast itself as something other than a party in opposition to former President Donald Trump.