McLean Farmers Market Opens
Flavorful, nutrient-dense fruits, veggies, produce, and more
The McLean Farmers Market at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road, opened for the second day of its weekly spring to late fall season on Friday, May 15, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Eric Knudsen Receives Glen Sjoblom Award
The award recognizes service contributions to the development of the Great Falls community.
The Executive Board of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) recognized Eric Knudsen on Saturday, May 15, as the recipient of its 2021 Glen Sjoblom Award for his “long-time, extensive and meritorious service to the community of Great Falls.” Local, regional, and state leaders attended the special program held at the Great Falls Village Centre Green. GFCA honored Knudsen, who tirelessly devoted himself for several decades to enhancing Great Falls through his work on local transportation, land use, and environmental matters. GFCA established the Glen Sjoblom Award to recognize its members who excel in serving their community. It is the organization’s only award for outstanding service. Current GFCA President Bill Canis said that without this kind of civic involvement and activism, the community Great Falls citizens and others know today would have withered away. “We are gathered to celebrate the people who are dedicated to that philosophy,” said Canis. Eric Knudsen is one of those people. Glen Sjoblom is the 2019 Award recipient. He put the award in the context of the long commitment of GFCA’s pioneering board members, those who served the community since the organization’s founding in 1968. According to the honoring resolution, Knudsen served on the GFCA board with a distinguished record for more than 15 years, including three years as president, three years as vice-president, and additional terms as chair of the Transportation and Land Use & Zoning Committee. AS PRESIDENT, Knudsen improved the efficiency and management of GFCA board proceedings, collaborating with past presidents to create GFCA’s first Policy & Procedures Manual that guides the organization. His prioritization of on-site visits to personally evaluate land use and transportation issues provided accurate perspectives and insights. The documented visits became a hallmark of GFCA’s work, validating issues the organization brings forward to the staff at Fairfax County and Commonwealth and developers. Knudsen launched ongoing investigative and mitigation efforts in the community to control stormwater runoff. He participated in a GFCA committee tasked with overseeing the cleanup of chemical spills in the center of Great Falls that threatened residents’ well water. It culminated in a program managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Leading land use negotiations with the County and developers led to the rezoning of Brooks Farm and plans for a SunTrust Bank. According to the resolution, Knudsen became a “driving force for the establishment of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, serving as the GFCA representative in establishing that organization to preserve one of our community’s most important historical assets.” Knudsen also co-chaired the Transportation Committee. In collaboration with co-chair Joan Barnes, they worked to have the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revise its proposed plans for the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike, reducing congestion and ensuring greater safety. Knudsen initiated and managed negotiations with engineers and county staff to narrow Walker Road, facilitating pedestrian crossings in the commercial center. Knudsen’s interest in citizen input in the widening project of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Tysons led to the Route 7 Working Group. This eight-year commitment advised VDOT and included participation by the McLean and Reston citizens associations. SPEAKERS at the May 15 award presentation praised Knudsen for his record of service. Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola (D-31) commended Knudsen for giving residents a voice by reaching out to them for verified consensus. She called these characteristics the hallmark of strong nonprofit organizations. GFCA Board member Gary Pan worked with Knudsen to establish the Great Falls Grange Foundation. He commended him for helping to breathe new life into the historic building and providing a new level of community involvement. “I have worked closely with Eric Knudsen on numerous transportation and land use projects over the years,” said Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville). “His leadership has improved life for residents of the Great Falls community. In 2011, I selected him to represent Dranesville as Lord Fairfax. He is a worthy recipient of the Glen Sjoblom Award for community service,” Foust said.
It's a No to Fire Station #42 Monopole in Vienna
County and Milestone had not reached a lease agreement
The proposal to construct a telecommunication facility, with a 114-foot monopole tower at County-owned Wolf Trap Fire Station #42 in Vienna, died on May 4 after Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) presented a Board Matter concerning Milestone Communications/ Special Exception to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting.
Mother's Day 2021, With Love
Motherhood is a messy, complex state of being.
Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, not designated by birth or raising another human.
Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis
On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."
Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers
Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.
On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).
It’s Freshest and Tastiest at Herndon and Reston Farmers Markets
Local Fairfax County Park Authority Markets open.
The 2021 Fairfax County Park Authority Reston Farmers Market and Herndon Farmers Market recently opened under COVID-19 guidelines.
Ten-Year-Old Advocates for Sidewalks Along Georgetown Pike
Creates and releases an online community petition
Ponteha Aryavand, 10, of Great Falls introduced an online community petition in mid-April for a continuous yet undetermined length of sidewalk along Georgetown Pike in Great Falls.
‘Long May It Turn’ in Great Falls
Colvin Run Mill reopens with a new flume and waterwheel debut.
Colvin Run Mill opened in a grand celebration for its first grind of the season on Sunday, May 2, 2021.
Fairfax County Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit
Faith leaders question 'flawed' selection process and Supervisors' values during prayer vigil.
Approximately thirty interfaith leaders from across Fairfax County gathered in the "First Amendment" area outside the Fairfax County Government Center at noon, Tuesday, May 4.
Davis Promises ‘Blue Waters Ahead’ for Fairfax County Police
Advocate ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP and others calling for new search
County To Hold “Community Meeting with Chief” Thursday, May 6.
Fairfax Supervisors Didn’t Know About Davis History
Community organizations call for Chairman McKay to rescind Davis' appointment.
Police Chief
Fairfax County Dems Cancel April 23 (HD-36) Candidates Debate
Incumbent perplexed as challenger 'is stepping back' from campaign.
The Fairfax County Democratic Committee canceled its Friday, April 23, 7- 8 p.m. public debate to be held virtually between incumbent Kenneth "Ken" Plum and challenger Mary K. "Red" Barthelson.
Mother Nature and Beer at Earth Daze in Herndon
Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company, Herndon location celebrate the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day.
Looking to better the environment and celebrate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, Clean Fairfax and Aslin Beer Company hosted Earth Daze on April 24 at the Elden Street Herndon brewery.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Hosts Spring Tea
New scholarship established in Holly Ann Kuga’s memory
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Scholarship Fund held its Spring Tea 2021 fundraiser on Sunday, April 25.
Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police
Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.
Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”
Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief
Aware of concerns, comments provided
Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.
Springfield Romance Writer Releases New Book
Contemporary fiction inspired by her life as a military spouse
Springfield resident and USA Today Bestselling author Tif Marcelo discussed her recent novel release, "In a Book Club Far Away" (indiebound | amazon | kobo | barnes&noble | book of the month).
A Primary Race to Watch: VA House District 86
Early Voting for Democratic Party Primary begins April 23 in Fairfax County
Early Voting at the Fairfax County Government Center for the Democratic Party Primary Election begins April 23.
Tree Planting Ceremony Held in Herndon
Arbor Day Foundation Program recognizes the Town of Herndon as a Tree City USA community and recipient of the tree Growth Award
The Town of Herndon hosted its 32nd Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony on the Town Hall Square, Saturday, April 17.
Fairfax County Board to Review Colvin Run’s Concrete Channelization
Recommends proposed county, state, and federal process changes
Part 2 of a series. Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill District) presented a Joint Board Matter with Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) on Tuesday, April 13.
Community Helps Hoof Beloved Great Falls Horse’s Medical Bills
Delfina back home, but support needed for the long recovery
On April 8, a beloved 18-year-old Norwegian Fjord named Delfinia at the Lift Me Up equestrian center in Great Falls suffered a severe case of colic, abdominal pain.
Reston Author Releases Patriotic Activity Book
'Misleading view of what patriotism is' fuels guidebook.
"Patriotic Activity Book for ALL Americans" (Adair, 2021) is the newly released interactive content book co-authored by Reston composer and former teacher Audrey J. Adair.
Bluebells and Bald Eagle Nestlings Take Center Stage at Riverbend Park
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group holds the tour.
Tucked away in a remote setting of the floodplains along the Potomac River, Virginia bluebells made their ephemeral appearance just in time for the Bluebells & Bald Eagle Tour organized by Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group.
Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise
Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway
Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.
Town of Herndon Programs and Services at Stake
$5.3M-plus in proposed budget cuts
Programs and services are on the line in the Town of Herndon in the Proposed FY 2022 Budget.
Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school
Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students
Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.
Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools
Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts
The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.
Residents Mourn ‘The Death of Colvin Run’
Great Falls and Vienna residents argue that ‘George Washington would not recognize his stream of 1799.’
Colvin Run in Vienna died this spring.
Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection
Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.
Herndon’s Friday Night Live! May Not Live On
Chamber event threatened if Town axes in-kind donations
A 2021 kick-off date for the return of Friday Night Live!, billed as "DC-area's Best Free Outdoor Concert Series Every Friday, May through August on the Herndon Town Green," is threatened and may not happen.
The Lure of Kids’ Trout Fishing Day in Reston
Finding trout and family
Reston Association moved forward with its ever-popular Kids’ Trout Fishing Day, Saturday, March 20.
Express Services Open at Fairfax County Libraries
Patrons back to browsing the stacks
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) reopened for interior Express services Monday, March 22.
Possible Tower of Trouble Ahead for Wireless Developer in Vienna-Great Falls Area
Sides clash over Rt. 7 proposed telecommunications facility
How best for everyone concerned to correct cellular coverage holes in the Vienna-Great Falls Route 7 area is one issue.
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.