Friday, October 30
Mount Vernon: Friends, Neighbors and Constituents reflect on Jerry Foreman
“I’ve found him to be very effective, with solid values to cut taxes and improve the environment for business. I think he’s done that for the most part."
SoberRide for Halloween
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will provide free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Halloween evening, this Saturday, Oct. 31.
Thursday, October 29
Editorial: Vote Nov. 3
Read Election coverage at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com.
If you live in a district with a hotly contested race, you definitely know from the contents of your mailbox that there is an Election coming up.
Halloween and Weekend Events in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, Clifton and Springfield
Fun things to do in your neighborhood
Lorton, Springfield Peformers Sing ‘Songs for a New World’
Lorton-based, performing arts academy students showcases directorial talent at Workhouse Arts Center.
Metropolitan Youth Theatre students of the Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria and Lorton will present its student-directed and produced performance of Jason Robert Brown’s “Songs for a New World” on Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at the W-3 Theatre at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton.
Letter: Experience and Results
To the Editor
State. Sen. George Barker isn’t a party politician. He brings sides together, and looks at each issue individually to see how it affects Virginians in our district and across the Commonwealth.
Opinion: Domestic Violence Includes Financial Abuse
The intertwinement of domestic violence and homelessness in Fairfax County.
What if you wake up one day in fear of your physical safety? What would you do if you had absolutely no access to any of your bank accounts?
Letter: Vote YES for the Fairfax County School Bond Referendum
To the Editor
I urge all Fairfax County citizens to vote YES for the Fairfax County school bond referendum on November 3rd.
Fairfax County: School Bond Referendum Tops $300 Million
The Nov. 3 election ballot will include a Fairfax County Public Schools bond referendum, featuring school improvement projects totaling $350,000,000.
Fairfax County Public Schools To Relocate 500 Staff
Fairfax County Public Schools has signed a 13-year lease at the Willow Oaks Corporate Center in Merrifield to relocated 500 support staff from the Fairfax Ridge Administration Center, where its lease it set to expire in March 2016.
Herrity: Fairfax County Board Made Decisions Not to Disclose Geer Information
Springfield supervisor speaks up on transparency at first committee meeting to review 140+ recommendations from ad hoc police commission.
While Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh was held up as one source of stalling the release information regarding the 2013 shooting death of Springfield man John Geer by then-Fairfax County police officer Adam Torres, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) offered that “decisions we made” on the Board of Supervisors, on the counsel of the Fairfax County attorney, were also responsible for Torres’ name, discrepancies in the investigation and other details of the incident being withheld from the public and Geer’s family until a lawsuit finally forced the police department to release everything.
Clifton Haunted Trail Unites Town, Frightens Thousands
A strobe light pulses through dense fog, briefly illuminating rabbit corpses hung upside down under the arch of a bridge. As vines are brushed aside, a tall, white, hairy figure passes by quietly.
Burke, Fairfax: Cook, Kincaid and Silverthorn Host Domestic Violence Awareness Event
Fairfax County reports nearly 160 domestic violence arrests are made each month in the county. To bring more attention to this issue and in light of October being declared Domestic Violence Awareness month in Fairfax County, supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) hosted his third annual Stop Domestic Violence Community Awareness Event on Oct. 15 at Chuy’s restaurant in Fairfax.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Mollie Loeffler (I)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Penelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County: School Board Promotes Dyslexia Awareness
And adopts two-hour delay for March Primary.
Nine-year-old Maxwell Gebharts stood confidently on a step-stool to address the Fairfax County School Board Oct. 22. “My old school didn’t know I was dyslexic,” he said. “I was very sad and felt like I wasn’t keeping up with everybody.”
Wednesday, October 28
Springfield: Hayfield Football to Face Fellow Conference 6 Contenders
Hawks tied with Madison for first place at 5-0.
The Hayfield football team will host South Lakes on Oct. 30.
Classified Advertising October 28 , 2015
Read the lastest ads here!
Tuesday, October 27
Helping Homeless Build New Lives
Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage donate $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Cardinal Bank (NASDAQ: CFNL) announced that the Cardinal Community Fund and George Mason Mortgage, LLC, have awarded $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Monday, October 26
School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Karen Corbett Sanders
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County Lee District: Tamara Derenak Kaufax
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Dr. R. E. ”Bob” Copeland
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Theodore J. “Ted” Velkoff
Question and Answer
Question and answer
House of Delegates-District 53: Marcus B. Simon (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 48: Rip Sullivan (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 47: Patrick A. Hope (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 46: Charniele L. Herring (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 43: Anna Urman (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 42: David Albo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 41: Eileen Filler-Corn (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Timothy D. Hugo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Jerry Foltz (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: David Bulova (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: Sang Yi (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Kathleen Murphy (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Craig A. Parisot (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Mark Sickles (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Paul J. McIlvaine (I)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 44: Paul Krizek (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 46: Sean Lenehan (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 49: Alfonso Lopez (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 67: Jim LeMunyon (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Danny Vargas (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 36: Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Jennifer Boysko (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 39: Vivian Watts (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
Friday, October 23
Letter: Tainted Endorsement?
A national group designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-muslim and anti-gay hate group has been involved in Fairfax County Public Schools politics since April, and now has endorsed a slate of candidates for School Board.
Thursday, October 22
Clifton: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Remodeler's Charity Home Tour set for Nov. 7. Proceeds will be used to rebuild deck and wheelchair ramp.
Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. In which case, it may be no surprise to learn that long-term Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help Dixie Dawson, 54, whose family has lived in the town for several generations.
Fairfax County: K-9 Krawl 5K Walk a Success
Some 315 people participated in the ninth annual K-9 Krawl 5K Walk on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax.
Burke, Fairfax: Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, Natalie Beck Serve as Co-Grand Marshals of the Buddy Walk
The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV) held its annual Buddy Walk at George Mason University last Saturday, featuring Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and Natalie Beck as its co-Grand Marshals, both residents of Virginia’s 41st House District.
Fairfax County: League of Women Voters hosts Forum for Board of Supervisors Chairman and At-Large School Board
Chairman Candidates Debate Economy, Police, Schools
Continuing their series of meet the candidates events, the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax area gave citizens another opportunity at James Madison High School in Vienna to ask questions and visit with hopefuls for both Board of Supervisors chairman and Fairfax County School Board at-large member.
Fairfax County: Board of Supervisors Accepts Final Report from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
Civilian Oversight Board Proposed, Debated
Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission chairman Michael Hershman was clear about what his group was, and was not tasked to do.
Mount Vernon: Gandee Touts Business Background for Supervisor Seat
Holly Dougherty, executive director of the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, said Jane Gandee is the reason that organization became involved with helping the homeless along Richmond Highway.
Mount Vernon: Storck Emphasizes School Board Experience in Supervisor Race
Christine Morin of Lorton remembers when South County Secondary School opened in 2005. She found out Fairfax County said they had no plans to build a South County middle school, as the system had previously promised, which was a reason Morin and her family moved to Laurel Hill from Burke.
Mount Vernon: Hyland Hospitalized After Meeting
Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital after experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath during the Board of Supervisors Oct. 20 meeting, Fairfax County spokesperson Tony Castrilli said.
Wednesday, October 21
Classified Advertising October 21 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Burke: Lake Braddock Field Hockey Secures Regional Berth
Bruins beat Mount Vernon in Conference 7 tournament.
The Lake Braddock field hockey team defeated Mount Vernon 2-0 on Tuesday.
Monday, October 19
School Board–Dranesville District: Pete Kurzenhauser
Q&A
School Board Candidate for Dranesville District
School Board–Dranesville District: Janie Strauss
Q&A
Janie Strauss is a candidate for the Dranesville School Board.
Friday, October 16
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: September, 2015
In September, 2015, 74 homes sold between $1,150,000-$129,500 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.
Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: September, 2015
Thursday, October 15
Halloween Events in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield
Get ready to get scared Burke, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield
Weekend in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield
Run a race, read a book, dance the night away or listen to a cleverly named A cappella group. It's all happening in your neighborhood.
Fairfax Station: First Decoding Dyslexia 5K Held at Burke Lake
Raising awareness, advocating for more services in schools
When Fairfax resident Calvin Rizek was in first grade, he remembers not being able to read along with the class, but “just flipping pages, like everyone else.”
Sun shines on 48th Clifton Day
It was a big way to be welcomed to the neighborhood. Adam and Julianne Erbrecht moved to Clifton two weeks before the historic town’s massive annual festival Clifton Day.
Fairfax County: Sexual Violence Task Force Presents Recommendations
A Fairfax County task force established in March to review the state of sexual violence education and awareness presented a set of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at their Sept. 29 meeting.
Fairfax: March Escapee from Inova Hospital Sentenced
Arlington man Wossen Assaye, 43, led law enforcement officials from several jurisdictions on a man hunt for hours on March 31, 2015, after escaping from custody at Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Clifton’s Haunted Trail Set for Oct. 24
The historic town of Clifton is preparing to add a new set of ghost stories to its collection. One of its primary annual fundraisers, the Haunted Trail, is scheduled to return for another year on Oct. 24.
Fairfax County: School Board To Discuss Delay for Presidential Primary
To alleviate congestion and chaos at 165 of the 196 Fairfax County schools and centers that double as polling places, the Fairfax County Board of Elections requested the School Board look at delaying school two hours on March 1, 2016 for the presidential primary.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Calls for Auditor, Civilian Review Board
Unanimous recommendations head to supervisors in wake of John Geer shooting, transparency missteps.
After six months of meetings, the Ad Hoc commission created by Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova to review police practices has concluded its primary work. Chair of the commission’s Independent Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Jack Johnson presented that group’s final recommendations to the full commission on Oct. 8.
Editorial: Closer Look at School Spending
Report: Local schools spend less to educate more challenging students.
Since Fiscal Year 2009, Alexandria Public Schools has reduced per pupil spending by 13.3 percent, adjusted for inflation.
Week in Lorton
Weekly happenings in Fairfax Station, Lorton and Clifton
Medical Education Campus in Springfield to Host Open House
Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education Campus will host an informational open house on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m.-noon at 6699 Springfield Center Drive in Springfield.
Letter: Distasteful Campaign Literature
To the Editor
As a mother, wife, sister and Navy Veteran, I am sickened that Bryan Wolfe, candidate for Fairfax County Sheriff would exploit the death of an African American woman who died in police custody for political gain.
Volunteer Fairfax Names New CEO
Elise Neil Bengtson is the new Volunteer Fairfax CEO.
Northern Virginia j.talks Welcomes Authors for Book Fest
Elyssa Friedland, Jennifer Rosner, Dion Nissenbaum and William V. Madison visit between Oct. 29–Nov. 10.
Northern Virginia j.talks, conversations with authors and artists, has announced the visiting authors for this year’s Book Fest, running Oct. 29–Nov. 10.
Wednesday, October 14
Chairman Candidates Offer Stark Differences
Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.
Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be. “I believe in local government. It’s where the rubber hits the road, and where you’re closest to your constituents,” said Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the top elected official in Fairfax County.
Classified Advertising October 14 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, October 12
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities.
$75 Billion Global Cybersecurity Market
Northern Virginia is “hotbed for cyber security entrepreneurship.”
With all its sophistication and intricacies, cybersecurity starts with a simple premise.
Thursday, October 8
WheelHouse Mind and Body Studio Opens in Clifton
Kelly Layfield and Alyson Franca Pollard used to host yoga classes all around Clifton -- the town hall, large barn, any green open space -- but not longer.
Korean Coalition Candidates Night Showcases 30 Participants
Opponents for five elected positions met at Luther Jackson Middle School
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) encouraged his fellow Koreans present to take advantage of the great number of candidates for elected office about to appear before them at the Korean Coalition for Political Participation 2015 Candidates Night.
Cansler Lawyer Calls for More Investigations into Rose Hill Taser Incident
Elton Cansler of Alexandria was arrested on Sept. 24 for committing larceny and assaulting a police officer, an incident captured on two independent witnesses’ mobile phones during which the Fairfax County Police Officer used a taser to force him to comply with orders.
Decoding Dyslexia Virginia to Host First 5K Run for Dyslexia
Shannon Duncan of the Falls Church area isn’t a big runner herself, but when she sees a 5K road race, it always catches her eye
South County High Hosts 5K Rock-n-Run Race in Lorton
87 participants completed their race and supported the band this year.
On Oct. 3, even in the drizzling, windy, cold evening, runners and walkers in neon yellow t-shirts did not give up: It was the 2nd Annual “Twilight Rock-n-Run 5K” hosted by the South County High School Band, where this year, 87 individuals participated. Participants either ran or walked under three different categories - Kids Fun Run, 5K Run or 1 Mile Glow Walk.
FoodRaiser to Be Held Nov. 8 in Fairfax, Partnered with Lorton Nonprofit and Our Daily Bread
Community members of all ages are preparing to gather to take a stand against hunger and need in the Fairfax County area at Our Daily Bread (ODB) and Lorton Community Action Center’s (LCAC) Complete the Circle FoodRaiser, to be held from 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8 on the Practice Field at Fairfax High School (3501 Rebel Run, Fairfax).
“They’re Not Alone”
New domestic violence victims screening tool launches in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is taking a step forward to reduce the deaths among victims of domestic violence. According to the police department, county domestic violence hotlines receive over 240 calls each month.
New Tolls on I-66: Will That Help?
New Tolls presented as the first step to reducing heavy traffic on I-66, some voice doubts.
On Oct. 5, VDOT held one of several ongoing meetings discussing a new Multimodal Project to reduce traffic on Route I-66, the only interstate in the country limited to HOV usage during rush hour.
Commentary: Putting an End to Domestic Violence in Fairfax County
Domestic violence is the leading cause of homicide in Fairfax County.
Area Roundups
Events and happenings in Burke, Fairfax, Lorton and Springfield.
Wednesday, October 7
'Romeo and Juliet' at GMU Center for the Arts
“That all the world will be in love” wrote Shakespeare. Such a deep wish for the ages from The Bard’s 400-year-old tragic tale of two young lovers hoping their feuding families would reconcile.
Tuesday, October 6
More than 800 Compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
Pickleball closes out two-weeks of Olympic events
With more than 40 events ranging from Scrabble to shotput, the Senior Olympics was conducted across Northern Virginia at two dozen locations ranging from Loudoun Country to Arlington and around Fairfax; 819 Northern Virginia seniors participated in this year’s games.
Overcoming downsizing decorating dilemmas
Downsizing can present some furnishings and decorating dilemmas? What do we keep? What will work in new spaces? How do I make some rooms multi-functional? And what about all that memorabilia?
It Takes a Village
Local groups help seniors socialize, manage everyday tasks.
When Penelope Roberts, 73, of Alexandria, Virginia, had knee replacement surgery last month, she knew she would be out of commission for several weeks.
Editorial: Vote Now to Avoid the Earthquake
Early voting available for most voters now; vote by Nov. 3.
The news is all about Donald, Hilary, Bernie, Carlie, Joe and Jeb. That’s next year, November 2016. The election in less than a month matters here in Northern Virginia. What are your priorities?
Friday, October 2
Hats for Ellie
Local organization collects hats for children with cancer.
When the school year began in 2013, Jay Coakley, a physical education teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in Falls Church noticed that one of his kindergarten students had an affinity for brightly colored hats.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Oct. 2-11, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
Thursday, October 1
Burke Residents Open Belle Jar Design Business in Clifton
Laura Jane Cohen and Heather Taylor’s business is a bit like the historic town of Clifton itself. They’re taking something that’s well-aged and restoring it for others to appreciate the character, charm and beauty of the piece.
Clifton: 48th Clifton Day Festival Oct. 11
Clifton town council member Deb Dillard has been helping run the Clifton Day festival for 16 years, including 10 organizing the kids park.
Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access
Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.
Mount Vernon: Expanding Fort Belvoir Elementary
When Fort Belvoir Elementary School opens in 2016, an expanded campus will provide a base institution for all school-aged children of Fort Belvoir families. The expansion includes 20 general education classrooms, bringing the population capacity to 1,594 students, according to a release from Fairfax County Public Schools.
146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Fairfax County: West Nile Cases Even with Five-Year Average
There have been just three documented cases of West Nile Virus in Fairfax County so far in 2015, equaling the previous five-year average, according to Fairfax County Health Department public safety information officer John Silcox.