Powering Up Dark Skies
GFCA and Fairfax County plan to protect against light pollution.
Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) has been working for several years with Zoning in Fairfax County and with the district’s Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) concerning regulations on outdoor lighting provisions.
Back to School: The Best Shot: Vax Up!
Fairfax County families and educators discuss COVID-19 School Year 2021-22.
The first day of the much-anticipated, in-person return to school for SY2021-22 looms for many families, friends, and educators in Fairfax County's independent, public and home-based education systems.
Mom's Organic Market: Stewards of the Land
Putting their mission statement front and center
Team Members at Mom's Organic Market take environmental restoration seriously.
McLean Neighborhood Hosts National Night Out
Block party fosters police-community partnerships and rediscovers neighborhood camaraderie
Residents and friends of the Timberly neighborhood in McLean took part in a block party with visits by Captain Dalton Becker, commander of McLean District Station, Fairfax County Police Department, and his officers, and Fairfax County/Fairfax City Sheriff Stacey Ann Kincaid and her deputies for National Night Out (NNO) 2021.
Katie’s Cars and Coffee Back in Full Swing in Great Falls
Hundreds of enthusiasts turn out
Whether it is their fascination with antique, collector, exotic, or muscle cars, owners and enthusiasts are back bright and early Saturday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. at Katie’s Cars and Coffee for their vehicle sensory overload.
Fairfax County Public Schools Priority One: Get Eligible Students Vaccinated
Expansion of school COVID-19 vaccination clinics underway
The level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is increasing again.
Fairfax County Supervisors Proclaim August 3 National Night Out
Proclamation celebrates neighborhood spirit and cooperation among residents and police
National Night Out is a time to celebrate, whether the clock that day says noon or 8 p.m. It is a time to have community fun, to say thank you to law enforcement officers, and get more involved in the community.
NWFCU Foundation Back to School Drive In-Progress for 2021
Powerful change force for local at-promise students
The Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) Foundation is heading into the final weeks of their Back to School Drive 2021.
Special Exception for Bereavement Meeting Space in Great Falls Approved
Daytime and overnight retreats on a portion of Turner Farm Park
Following a public hearing on the matter, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved, on July 27, Special Exception SE 2020-DR022 (Turner Farmhouse Foundation) (Dranesville District) to permit applicant Turner Farmhouse Foundation to operate a public benefit association facility on a 4.95-area of the Turner Farm Park property and modify a front yard setback of the existing house.
Brightview Explores Plan for Leesburg Pike Facility in Vienna
Senior Living reps hold two community engagement meetings with Vienna, Great Falls neighbors
Brightview Senior Living has resumed community engagement for its proposed Continuing Care Facility project at 9439 Leesburg Pike [Route 7], Vienna.
Fairfax County Holds County-wide Vaccine Equity Clinics
Bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the people rather than relying on them to find their way to a site is one option to get people vaccinated and slow the surging Delta variant.
Delta Variant Has Room to Run Rampant
Removing invisible vaccine barriers for communities in Fairfax County
Jump on a moon bounce, grab an empanada from a food truck and get a Covid vaccine.
Community Garden Sows Skills to Improve Mental and Physical Health
Pathway Homes, Inc. holds ribbon-cutting for the project.
In 2020, nonprofit Pathway Homes, Inc. provided non-time-limited housing and supportive services to 616 adults in Northern Virginia with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and co-occurring disorders, some of whom experienced homelessness in 2020.
Remembering Restonian Burton ‘Burt’ E. Lamkin
A leader who, with a smile, created other leaders
Reston pioneer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur Burton "Burt" Emmanuel Lamkin died June 24, at the age of 86.
New Food Scrap Composting at Select Fairfax County Farmers Markets
Nature’s recycling reduces methane and lowers carbon footprint
Fairfax County residents have another option for managing organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, food left on dinner plates, coffee grounds, and even paper towels and napkins.
Historic Herndon Oak Tree Removed
Nearly 200-year-old witness tree 'struggled' and obstructed sight triangle quadrant to the intersection.
In 1823, an acorn from an Overcup Oak tree sent up a shoot at what is now the corner of Elden and Center Streets in the Town of Herndon.
Reston Included in Continent-wide Butterfly Count Program
Data used to study weather and habitat change effects
Is it a monarch butterfly or an imitator, a white moth, or a cabbage white butterfly?
Remembering Paul Myers of Reston
A community treasure, helped produce the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade
Paul Taylor Myers of Reston died at the age of 69, on July 10, 2021, surrounded by the family he loved.
Christopher ‘Chris’ Adams, Funeral Home Owner, Dies
Remembering a kind and gentle man
Christopher “Chris” Jon Adams, owner and funeral director at Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory in the Town of Herndon, died unexpectedly on July 14, 2021, at the age of 56.
Langley High School Saxons Boat Wins Gold at States
Crew Team also wins three Bronze medals at championships
The Langley High School Crew knocked it out of the water when the athletes ended their rowing season on June 19 at the 2021 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships regatta hosted by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent to Depart at End of Next School Year
Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, announced on a YouTube video released Thursday, July 15, 2021, that he is leaving FCPS at the end of the next year, consistent with his FCSB contract.
Herndon Celebrates Independence Day
Patriotism and independence shine bright on dual fronts.
The Town of Herndon celebrated the 4th of July after canceling last year’s event due to the pandemic.
And What a Year it Was in Herndon
Herndon Rotary Club names Signe Friedrichs Rotarian of the Year 2020-2021
As the COVID-19 pandemic raged across her Town of Herndon, Rotarian Signe Friedrichs masked up and gathered up other masked service volunteers, business leaders, and nonprofit leaders.
Hometown Celebration Returns to Great Falls
Americana fun, unmasked and free
Great Falls traditions returned to the Village Centre Green for the 4th of July 2021.
‘Celebrating Rainbow Families and Inclusion’ in McLean
Drag Queen Storytime at Dolley Madison Library
Fairfax County Public Library co-hosted, with McLean Community Center, “Drag Queen Storytime” held in two sessions at Dolley Madison Library on Saturday morning, June 26 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
School Buses and Sites Provide Free Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits in Fairfax County
No questions asked, no IDs needed – County children under 18 and all FCPS students eligible
Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buses began rolling Monday, June 28, on a mission to deliver their precious cargo: coolers full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab-and-go style.
Two Men Charged with Chantilly Murder of Herndon Man
Homicides surge in the first six months of 2021 in Fairfax County compared to 2020.
With 13 homicides reported across all of Fairfax County already this year, the unprecedented spike in killings is a concern.
Pandemic-Delayed Ribbon Cutting Held in Herndon
Town officials, Chamber members, and guests welcome District Floor Depot
District Floor Depot celebrated the Ceremonial Grand Opening of its third and newest branch at 1051 Elden Street, Herndon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Thursday, June 23, that was supposed to happen over a year ago.
Vienna Cathedral Brass Debuts in Herndon
Vienna ensemble delivers versatility and virtuosity
The Cathedral Brass of Vienna Presbyterian Church performed a free outdoor concert titled "Americans We" at 7 p.m. on the Arts Herndon Lawn Stage, located adjacent to its arts center in the heart of the historic downtown district.
Greater Traffic Volumes Coming with Future Comstock Mixed-Use Development in Herndon
Ground-breaking held for Elden-Center Streets Intersection Improvements
The critical $1.4M reconstruction and signalization of the Elden-Center Streets Intersection Improvements began June 7.
‘Reston Baby’ Promotes Reading from Birth
Reston Historic Trust shepherds and cheerleads community-collaborated project
Reston Historic Trust celebrated the release of its children’s board book, “Reston Baby” (2021), art by Molly Bergin, published by duopress, by throwing a launch party on Tuesday, June 15, at its museum located at 1639 Washington Plaza.
Behind the Scenes at Summer Concerts on the Green in Great Falls
Celebrate Great Falls presented another evening of its 2021 Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre.
Naturalizing the Grange Hall Oak Grove in Great Falls
Great Falls Citizens Association takes on invasive plants
Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Environment and Parks Committee, co-chaired by Winifred Frost and Susanne Black, met in early June to discuss restoring the oak grove at the Grange Hall Park.
High Hopes for McLean Downtown
Newly approved CBC Comprehensive Plan Amendment most aggressive that residents could support
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on June 22 Plan Amendment (PA) 2018-II-M1 that proposed new Comprehensive Plan guidance for the McLean Community Business Center (CBC).
Remembering Glenn Wiggs
Owner-Operator of McLean Hardware turned a store into a gathering place
Glenn Kirby Wiggs, 71, the beloved owner and operator of McLean Hardware, passed away on June 5, 2021, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.
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.
Triple Homicide in Town of Herndon Home
Families grieve the loss of two young children and their mother; suicide in Reston connected to murders
The families of two young Town of Herndon children, a boy and girl, slain with their mother Saturday morning, June 19, are devastated by the triple homicide and the loss.
Juneteenth Celebrated at Historic Fairfax County Site
Walking on grounds where slaves worshipped, and Confederates camped
The Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park sponsored its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 at Frying Pan Spring Meeting House on Centreville Road.
Reston Gardens of Note Benefit Two Local Non-Profits
Event embraces the beauty of gardens, music, and fellowship
Ticket holders for Gardens of Note 2021 enjoyed the self-guided tour of five residential gardens in Reston plus pop-up musical performances by members and friends of The Reston Chorale, a Fairfax County choir.
Reston Hosts Pride 2021
Affirmations for greater support of transgender and gender diverse individuals
The freedom to celebrate one’s authentic self and raise the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals as part of its rainbow are only two segments of Reston Pride engagement.
High School Seniors Awarded Scholarships
Provided by Reston Hospital’s medical staff
Ten Fairfax County high school students in the Class of 2021 received scholarships from the medical staff of Reston Hospital Center in recognition of their academic excellence and plans to pursue careers in healthcare.
No Hot Water Issue Returns for Some Lake Anne Plaza Condo Units
Supervisor Alcorn provides 3-point target plan, including revitalization
Ongoing lack of hot water is an issue again for nearly all condominium owners at the 27-unit, mixed-use Quayside building located at Lake Anne Village Center in Reston.
Special Permit Decision for Great Falls ‘Convent’ Deferred
Opponents claim build will exacerbate dangerous traffic conditions
On June 9, the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held a public hearing on the application SP 2020-DR-105 by Stonecrest Home Arts, Inc.
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.
Viewpoints: South Lakes High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and Their Next Challenges
Viewpoints: South Lakes High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and Their Next Challenges
‘We Shine Like Stars’: South Lakes Class of 2021 Prevails Over Pandemic
South Lakes High School (SLHS) walked a reported 565 graduation candidates at its Commencement Ceremony, moderated by Senior Class Officers and held at W.T. Woodson High School on June 4.
Saying Good-bye at Herndon High
Cheers loud and proud honor HHS grads.
Herndon High School held its "Class of Two Thousand Twenty-One Commencement" on June 2 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va.
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.
Viewpoints: Langley High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and the Next Chapter of Their Lives
As the Langley High School graduate candidates lined up for their Commencement Exercises at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va., on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, The Connection asked random groups of students three questions: How do you feel graduating in the pandemic time? Where do you go next? Where do you see yourself five years from now?