Fairfax County Supervisors to Vote on zMOD
The record is open for written comments; pressure is on to get it right
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on March 23 at 4:30 p.m. on the new and modernized zoning ordinance (zMOD).
A Lawsuit Challenges TJ Admission Changes
Parents sue to stop TJ’s admission policy changes, alleging anti-Asian race discrimination.
The Fairfax County School Board and Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand face a new lawsuit filed against them last week in United States District Court in Alexandria.
County Highlights
Actions and words by Fairfax County leadership and citizens
In our new series, County Highlights, the Connection spotlights actions and comments by Fairfax County officials, public servants, and local citizens who call the County's 406 square miles home.
Limited Engagement: DMV Connect Coming to Herndon
Service outreach program processes REAL IDs and other DMV transactions
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle's service outreach program called DMV Connect is coming to the Town of Herndon, thanks to the combined efforts of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Town of Herndon and Herndon Town Councilmember Naila Alam.
Frying Pan Park Manager Retires
Three decades of stories to tell
On Tuesday, March 2, and after more than 31 years of public service, Yvonne Johnson, Manager of Frying Pan Farm Park, had only a few hours left to tie up loose ends before retiring, and something was bothering her.
James Madison High Alumna Publishes Award-winning Book
Normandy D. Piccolo is author of ‘Why is Kristyn A. Kutter?’
Normandy D. Piccolo, James Madison High alumna, published writer, book reviewer, advertising copywriter, and freelance journalist, is the author of a book selected for the 2021 In the Margins Book Award: School Library Journal Top 10 Fiction/Non-Fiction and the Fiction Recommendation List for 2021.
Heritage Lost Reclaimed in Chapter Book Series
Interview with author Terry Catasús Jennings of Reston
Terry Catasús Jennings of Reston is the author of the newly released children’s chapter book series, “Definitely Dominguita,” published by Simon & Schuster.
Fairfax County Planning Commission Recommends Denial of Flag Limitations
It's not a done deal.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11-0 to recommend denial to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to replace the current zoning ordinance establishing specific regulations for flags and flagpoles in the New and Modernized Zoning Ordinance (zMOD Updates) countywide.
This Town of Herndon Protects Its Homeowners
Staff person reviews contractor agreements for free
In the Town of Herndon, homeowners, regardless of income levels, have an ally on their side when dealing with contractors.
Fairfax County Supervisors Foust and Alcorn on Years 1 and 2: COVID-19
Changing the pandemic's course through the lens of an equitable recovery
Year 1: Covid-19 comes to a close on March 10, 2021.
Drive-in-person Special Election Held in Great Falls
Citizens Association members endorse two special questions.
Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA), voting in the special drive-in-person election of the Executive Board and Officers held March 6, 2021, unanimously re-elected eight candidates and one new candidate.
Open in the Winter in Great Falls
Shoppers make Great Falls Community Farmers Market a weekly event
Even though winter continues in the area, the Great Falls Community Farmers Market drew customers to its location at 778 Walker Road, Great Falls, on March 6.
Two Giraffes Die in Reston Blaze
Two giraffes at Roer's Zoofari at 1228 Hunter Mill Road in Reston died in a barn fire Monday evening.
Congregation Adat Reyim Welcomes New Rabbi in Springfield
Rabbi Chana Leslie Glazer helps congregation grow despite pandemic
Rabbi Chana Leslie Glazer is a collaborator.
Fairfax County Readies for Public Employee Collective Bargaining
Holds collaborative meetings with union reps to write rules
Most Fairfax County public employees who provide vital services in education, safety, healthcare, and sanitation like others in counties, cities, and towns across the Commonwealth, will gain a new right on May 1, 2021.
Record-Setting Day at States for Herndon High School Boys Swim Team
Hornets place as two champions
Members of the Herndon High School Boys Swim Team won two champion places and ranked eighth overall, with only four swimmers, at the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 State Championship at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center in Stafford, Va., on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Food Insecurity in Herndon is Not Going Away
Herndon Rotary holds food drives
The Rotary Club of Herndon’s Satellite Club was at it once again.
The In-Person and At-Home Class is One Community in Reston
Lake Anne ES Welcomes Kindergarteners, Pre-K, and Special Ed Students in the Building.
On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Fairfax County Public Schools continued to welcome additional grade levels and groups to school buildings for in-person learning as part of its Return to School plan.
Breathing Life into a Community of Faith in Great Falls
A Prayer Cross welcomes all.
Leaders at Great Falls United Methodist Church invite parishioners and visitors now through Easter Sunday, April 4, to share in their Community Lenten Prayer Cross at 10100 Georgetown Pike.
Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan
Focuses resources in targeted areas
“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.
Trust and Transparency Enhance Public Safety in Reston
Supervisor Alcorn hosts Hunter Mill Town Hall With FCPD
Leadership at the Fairfax County Police Department, Reston District Station are "very proud" of their work but acknowledge there is more work to come.
Nothing But the Best for Family: Pets of Reston and Herndon
For us lucky ones, pets are part of our lives.
Herndon Mayor Asks for Integrity and Respect
Councilmembers' purported harsh rhetoric impacts morale and governing.
Jolted by an escalating trend of interruptions and statements by Town of Herndon Councilmembers, most recently at the Council Discussion of Strategic Initiatives on February 9, Mayor Sheila Olem intervened.
Great Falls Citizens Association Opposes Flag Restrictions
Long-time Great Falls resident and Great Falls Citizens Association Board member Ruth Carver says she finds it "highly offensive" that Fairfax County advertisement of the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) program is equating the American flag to a commercial banner.
The Madness of Trust and Betrayal in Reston
Months of no hot water for mixed-use Reston condo
It's a losing game in the long run for any condo association to postpone needed maintenance on their buildings or make band-aid fixes.
Keeping Hunter Mill Residents Warm This Winter
No one needs to go without a coat.
The Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet that Cornerstones ran in partnership with the Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s office continues to be a much-needed resource for the community.
Controversial Solutions at Play for Springvale Road Bridge in Great Falls
Great Falls Citizens Association invites VDOT to Feb. 25 Town Hall.
Policies passed down to state levels encouraging single-lane deteriorating bridges to be replaced with two-lane bridges because of purported safety concerns are once again at the forefront for discussion between the Great Falls Citizens Association, community members, Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville District), and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Downtown McLean Re-Imagined
Open House scheduled to review McLean re-planning effort
A virtual community open house is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 20, 9-11 a.m., regarding the re-planning effort for downtown McLean.
See Reston’s Historic Sites
Online map recalls ‘Yes, in my backyard.’
Reston Historic Trust & Museum recently released its online interactive Reston History Map that highlights critical historical sites throughout the community.
Heightened Needs Demand One-Stop Mobilizations in Reston
Drive-through supports three resources.
“It was quite a day,” said Roberta Gosling of Reston, co-founder of South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry.
A Bike for Bamilak
Good things happen when groups partner.
Herndon-based personal injury attorney Doug Landau of Abrams Landau Law Firm recently met Bamilak Robi, 11, of Reston after he and his family were involved in an automobile crash.
Meet Langley High’s Teacher of the Year
Recipient learns Publishers Clearing House-style
Langley High School announced its Teacher of the Year 20-21 during a virtual staff meeting.
School Board Approves McLean High Boundary Adjustment
Monitoring continues as population explodes in Tysons
The Fairfax County School Board heard the final words on the McLean/Langley High School Boundary Study during a hybrid regular meeting of the Board held on Feb. 4, 2021.
The Impact of zMOD
Discussing the Zoning Ordinance Modernization: How to protect the character of Great Falls?
Testimony by 46 County citizens about the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) project, started in 2017 and nearing the end of its process, elicited more than five hours of testimony at the Fairfax County Planning Commission Meeting held Jan. 28.
Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE
Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status
Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).
Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning
Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.
Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.
Fighting Hunger in Reston Neighborhoods
Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus rolls into action.
“The Wheels on the Bus” is a classic children's song that tells the story of a little bus going "All 'round the town."
Herndon Town Council Fills Vacancies
On Jan. 26, the Town Council of the Town of Herndon approved in a vote of 7-to-0 four items on the consent agenda.
McLean High Boundary Change Down to the Wire
After the last public hearing, the School Board votes on Feb. 4.
The McLean/Langley High School Boundary Study is at the end of its multi-year process for the School Board to take action by vote and provide capacity relief, or not.
Great Falls, McLean, Vienna Help Fight Hunger
Stuff the Bus rolls into action.
The Wheels on the Bus is a classic children's song that tells the story of a little bus going "All 'round the town."
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Supports Artemis House
Donation of $5,500 to help victims of domestic and sexual violence
Members of Great Falls Friends and Neighbors (GFFN) Philanthropy Committee presented a donation check for $5,500 on Jan. 26 to Joe Meyer, Executive Director & CEO of Shelter House, and Nurjan Ahmedova, Director of Development, to support the organization's 24-hour emergency shelter, Artemis House for domestic and sexual violence victims, stalking, and human trafficking.
Tightening Criteria for Entering into Gang Database
Gang Task Force use of DataWalk under scrutiny
On Oct. 2, 2018, Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force selected DataWalk as their analytical platform to support its fight against gangs according to a headline on BUSINESS WIRE.
Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database
Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.
With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.
‘Morale Boosters’ for the Local Herndon Community
Three new initiatives in the planning stages
During the early days of the pandemic, K Scarry set up Herndon Cares.org, of First Baptist Church of Herndon.
The First Shots to Knock Out COVID-19 in Reston
Fellowship Square’s seniors inoculated
Lake Anne Fellowship House residents Steve McAvoy, 71, and Jin Liu, 84, of Reston were among the first of seven hundred anxious older adults at one of the three senior affordable housing communities operated by Fellowship House in Reston and Woodbridge who were inoculated last week against COVID-19.
Friends of Reston Introduce New Executive Director
Kia Cole-Hines of Reston has been tapped as the new Executive Director of Friends of Reston (FOR), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization for Reston Association (RA).
Celebrating the Passion of Music Making in Great Falls
Virtuoso pianist, sought-after worldwide, finds a home at Great Falls United Methodist Church.
There were particular moments in Thomas Pandolfi's earliest days of his existence, he said, when hearing music, particularly piano music, whether it was part of an orchestra, choral music, or opera, set him on a course of "tremendous work."
McLean, Langley High Boundaries to Change
Next public hearing on Jan. 28, School Board vote on Feb. 4
The Fairfax County School Board held a hybrid regular meeting on Jan. 21.
COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Headaches in Fairfax County
IT and supply problems worry residents.
“I want to assure you that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be,” said Jeffrey McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.