Viewpoints: Reston Residents Enjoy ‘Small Town Feel’
The Connection asked Reston residents what the greatest things about living in the area are.
Things They Love About Herndon
The Connection asked Town of Herndon residents to name the greatest things about living in the area.
Downtown Herndon Becomes Reality
Mayor Lisa Merkel previews development underway in the Town of Herndon.
During the pandemic, traditions have given way to new experiences as individuals, businesses and nonprofits morphed, reinventing themselves to succeed.
Year Round Celebration of the Community in Vienna
Vienna carries the proud banner of an ‘Exceptional Small Town.’
The Newcomers and Community Guide 2020 welcomes all who choose to live, work, play and volunteer in the Town of Vienna and thanks everyone, masked and arms stretched six feet apart, for helping to make this town the best it can be in a most difficult time.
Viewpoints: Residents Revel in Old McLean
Future changes pend for area in and near McLean CBC Study.
The Connection asked McLean residents in or near the McLean Community Business Center what the greatest things about living in the area were.
Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket
Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.
The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.
Why to Vote in the Town of Herndon Elections
Candidates let voters know their message.
With forty-four days until the November 3 Town of Herndon elections for Mayor and Members of Town Council, councilmember candidate and incumbent Cesar A. del Aguila and candidate Naila Alam walked door-to-door, the weekend of Sept. 1.
Extraordinary Commitment Honored
2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards presented.
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire Commission honored recipients of the 2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards.
Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees Revisits July Controversy
Trustee Rosenthal apologies for ‘wrong words’ and retains board seat.
Fran Millhouser, Chair of Fairfax County Library Board, said she received "many emails voicing public concern" for statements made by Trustees Phil Rosenthal (Springfield District) and Darren Ewing (Dranesville District) during the previous board meeting in late July.
Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Responding in Reston to Hate Crimes
Rainbow and Black Lives Matter flags fly at Reston Church; surveillance camera installed.
"Beacon of hope to those who drive by. A demonstrated symbol of our commitment to justice and welcome."
Downtown Herndon Real Estate Focus of Closed Door Session
Possible sign of pending land sale for Downtown Redevelopment Project.
After the Herndon Town Council adopted its Continuity of Government Ordinance on March 24 which allowed it to operate during the state of emergency due to COVID-19 and do so in a streamlined manner, Council could not discuss and act on matters such as zoning, planning, development and the Heritage Preservation Review Board Handbook.
Casting Off Distance Learning for Fishing Lines
Oakton teen defers college and sets off across America.
First in a series showcasing the stories of Fairfax County families in the time of distance learning as they develop strategies and alternative learning plans best suited to their needs.
As Federal Benefits Drop, Food Insecurity Escalates in Herndon Area
Rotarians, People of Action, hold food drive.
For more than a month, like other unemployed workers across the United States, those in the Herndon area struggle to afford food and housing on state benefits alone when work remains scarce.
‘Movies Under the Stars’ by Woodland Park Crossing Herndon
Catch a free, family-friendly flick.
With the summer of 2020 coming to a close and the pandemic a fixture of life, local families search for ways to pass the time outdoors.
Obituary: SLHS Alumni Adwoa A. Kessie, ’99
Served on the front lines of COVID-19 pandemic.
Longtime Reston resident and South Lakes High School alumni, Adwoa A. Kessie, Class of ‘99, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, after a long battle with COVID-19.
More Than Food at the Great Falls Community Farmers Market
Vision-driven, producer-only and community-focused.
The Great Falls Community Farmers Market lured locals to the Village Center at 778 Walker Road, Great Falls, at the start of the Labor Day weekend.
Dedicated to the Notion of Every Child by Name and By Need
Successful virtual start planned for FCPS’ special education children.
Fairfax County Public Schools held a Special Education Town Hall on Aug. 16, part of its Back to School Countdown.
Ewing Resigns from Fairfax County Library Board
Trustee Rosenthal apologizes for disruption.
Two members of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, Phil Rosenthal, Springfield District Representative and Darren Ewing, Dranesville District Representative, made statements during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board Trustees that caused the public, organizations, and top County leaders to voice concern.
County Democrats Endorse Town of Herndon Candidates
Town voters participate in unassembled caucus.
The Democratic Sample Ballot for Town of Herndon Elections this fall will show candidates endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC).
Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble in Reston
Car Rally for Justice shines a light on conscious and unconscious biases.
With armed security guards patrolling the grounds, faith leaders of nine partnering churches in the Reston-Herndon area joined organizers from Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church Reston for their Faith and Justice Car Rally.
A Little Bit of Normal in Great Falls
Live ‘Concerts on the Green’
Concerts on the Green returned to the Gazebo at the Great Falls Village Centre Sunday evening, Aug. 30, keeping the spirit that defines the community alive.
Outrage Over Comments by Trustee on Fairfax County Library Board
Local organizations, unions and faith-based groups call for his removal.
In the aftermath of public concern following comments made by appointed Trustee Phillip Rosenthal (Springfield District) during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition sent a letter on Aug. 20 to Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fran Millhouser, Chair of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.
The Need for Food Knows No Boundaries in Herndon
Neither does the need for a Herndon Labor Support Center
Alex Rodriguez is Organizing Chair of the Herndon Labor Support Center.
Threatening Snag on Herndon Arts Build
Large group of investors pull out
The proposed Floris Conservatory for Fine Arts & Music, a $40M, 48,000 square foot Scimores Academy LLC project for children 4-18 years of age planned for 8.06 acres at the intersection of West Ox and Centreville Roads in Herndon, might not come to fruition.
Doulas Launch Arrow Birth
Virtual education and consultations.
As mothers of seven children between them and long-time practicing doulas, Mari Stutzman Smith and Tara Campbell Lussier, two Herndon High School alumnae, ultimately knew what was missing for families on the path of parenthood to feel supported and successful.
Twelve Candidates Run in Town of Herndon Election
Candidates Discuss Their Priorities
As of Aug. 10, 2020, twelve candidates qualified to run in the Nov. 3, Fairfax County, Town of Herndon, General Election for Member Town Council – Herndon, and Mayor – Herndon, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.
‘At What Price and At What Cost’ in Great Falls
Plan C comes to light for Marmota Farm.
Development plans are in the works for Marmota Farm in Great Falls.
Youth-owned Business Thrives in Great Falls
Product innovation and service expansion underpin growth.
Only thirteen years old, Joey Newton of Great Falls is already an entrepreneur and a savvy one.
Herndon Harbor House Seniors Embrace the New Norm
Masked, socially distanced and loving the life they make.
Seniors at Herndon Harbor House in the Town of Herndon pursue active lifestyles even though they have quarantined since March, according to resident Janice Watson.
EagleForce Warrior Foundation Donates $30K
Funds launch Capital Caring Health's ‘So No One Dies Alone Program.’
The local nonprofit provider of elder health, hospice and advanced illness care, Capital Caring Health, received a $30K donation from EagleForce Warrior Foundation to launch the provider's 'So No One Dies Alone Program' for Veterans from Northern Virginia and nearby areas and their families.
Moving Fairfax County Schools to Dismantle Systemic Racism
NAACP holds virtual Town Hall.
Fairfax County NAACP held a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Reston Pride Runs Deep, Water or Not
Coronavirus collides with Cardboard Boat Regatta.
Reston Historic Trust & Museum canceled its fourth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta due to the coronavirus pandemic.
DogFest Goes Virtual
COVID affects fundraising efforts; virtual platform spurs creative responses for the Sept. 20 event.
The Cheshire family of Great Falls is raising its 14th Canine Companions for Independence® (CCI) service puppy.
Hope and Joy in 625 Square Feet of Wings in Reston
Step in and be part of the art commissioned by American Real Estate Partners.
Reston, vocalist Taylor Swift, NFL Super Bowl XIV (54) and developer Howard Hughs have something in common: a mural by internationally acclaimed street artist Kelsey Montague.
Community Needs in NOVA Spike
As nonprofits lose funding resources, the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce acts.
After it became clear that local Northern Virginia counties and towns could not provide nonprofits with resources at the level they did before COVID-19, business leaders in The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce stepped up.
Fairfax County Democratic Committee Calls Virtual Unassembled Caucus
Party partisan endorsements in local nonpartisan election.
The issue of partisan party endorsements in a nonpartisan election appears to be one of the pending topics for discussion by candidates in the November 3 Town Council General Election in Herndon this fall.
Fairfax County Pivots Back to Virtual Learning
Superintendent sought Board consensus.
Members of the Fairfax County School Board reached a consensus during its July 21 Work Session and accepted Superintendent Scott Brabrand's recommendation to begin the 2020-21 school year 100 percent virtually.
Fairfax County Teachers Push for Virtual Start to School Year
Union says it is unrealistic to open school with a hybrid plan.
Two days after the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) July 15, 11:59 p.m. deadline passed for students, teachers and school based technology specialists (SBTS) to respond to two Instruction Options for the 2020-21 school year, the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT, AFT 2401) sent a letter to FCPS officials urging them to switch to 100 percent virtual learning.
Food Pantry Shelves Near Empty in Herndon
Demand is greater than supply.
The Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Northwest Federal Credit Union, is out to fill empty tummies.
Making Life Easier for Adults With Developmental Disabilities
The Narang Foundation donates $10K to Langley Residential Support Services.
"We feel strongly that every person, no matter their challenges, deserves the opportunity to thrive, and have a support system behind them," said RJ Narang of McLean.
Controversy over Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston Erupts
Stakeholders and county supervisor speak out.
It is approaching three years since Connecticut-based real estate developer Wheelock Communities announced its acquisition of Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston.
Founder of Stroke Comeback Center Retires
Advocacy for those impacted by aphasia continues at the national level.
Darlene S. Williamson, M.S., CCC-SLP, of Oakton, long-term Executive Director and Founder of the Stroke Comeback Center (SCC), recently retired, stepping away from the non-profit organization she launched in 2005.
Masked with Love
Great Falls resident and extended family donate N95 masks to hospital.
David Chien of Great Falls and his extended family who reside in Hong Kong donated 100 N95 masks to Reston Hospital Center.
Coalition Pleads for Removal of Fairfax County SROs
NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition proposes redirecting of funding to hire counselors.
"While schools' primary role is to serve as an institution for learning, it must also remain a suitable place for young people to mature and sometimes err, without being subjected to the unquestionably perilous path of the criminal justice system," wrote members of the NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition in a July 6 letter to Fairfax County Public Schools Board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
4th of July 2020 Reston Style
Picnics and fireworks continue.
Official Fourth of July festivities around Reston may have been canceled for Independence Day 2020, but homegrown activities continued.
Pathway Homes Presents Summer of the Arts Exhibit
Original works available for sale at Vienna Arts Society gallery.
Purple Piece, Organ, Lion Pride, City Lights, Violent Behavior. These are names of some of the 30 works of art presented in Pathway Homes' Summer of the Arts 2020 on display at the Vienna Arts Society gallery, located at 513 Maple Avenue West #1.
Opioid Overdose Prevention System-OOPS
Local students earn top award at global competition.
The Challenge: In Fairfax County, opioids are the number one cause of unnatural death. According to the Virginia Department of Health Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the proportion of all overdose deaths that include fentanyl and fentanyl analogs is higher in Fairfax than all of Virginia.
Honoring Bob Alden
A community leader who worked to establish the McLean Community Center, McLean Central Park and Dolley Madison Library, died on June 7, 2020.
Robert (Bob) Ames Alden, a community leader who worked to establish the McLean Community Center, McLean Central Park and Dolley Madison Library, passed away on June 7, 2020, at his McLean home at the age of 87.
Great Falls: 4th of July Celebration Reimagined
Drive-thru parade underscores the spirit of Great Falls.
The annual 4th of July Parade and Hometown Celebration produced by Celebrate Great Falls Foundation took on a new look in 2020.