Stories for February 2021

Flying Squirrels, Our Nocturnal Neighbors

Around dusk or dawn, high up in the tree canopy, keen observers might spot a scurry.

Two Dead Bald Eagles Found in Mount Vernon

Several Mount Vernon area residents happened upon two dead bald eagles in the grass near a utility pole in the 7600 block of Elba Road on Feb. 17.

Opinion: Commentary: Inland Flooding

Facing storm intensities far beyond what our infrastructure was designed to handle

With one week remaining in the 2021 legislative session, Senators and Delegates are putting the finishing touches on legislation, and preparing to head home to the districts they represent in Richmond and throughout the year.

Opinion: Column: Not That I Don’t Understand, But...

...So this is what the process is like trying to schedule a Covid-19 vaccination.

Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too

Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny

The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.

The Value of Intergenerational Relationships

The lives of both youth and seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections.

Bringing seniors and youth together for meaningful relationships can be mutually beneficial.

Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan

Focuses resources in targeted areas

“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.

Rotary Club of Alexandria Awards $10,000 Grant to Alexandria ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund

Opinion: Commentary: Bringing Virginia into the Light

Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and more recent ban on gay marriage

The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.

Opinion: Commentary: “My Journey to Becoming a Law”

Today’s the day!

Burglaries Put Mount Vernon Business Owners on Alert

Smash and grab at three Hollin Hall places yields little for thieves.

Burglaries

TSA Is Filling Up in Southern Springfield

Access improvements are still to come for this Federal facility.

TSA in Springfield

At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must

Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.

Scooping the Poop

Opinion: Commentary: Finding Solutions in the General Assembly

Both the Senate of Virginia and the House of Delegates have released proposed budgets and we will vote on the budget soon.

The Strange Career of Felon Disenfranchisement

Amendment targets Jacksonian-era restriction weaponized during Jim Crow.

Felons have been prohibited from voting in Virginia since 1830, when the "right to suffrage" was denied "to any person convicted of any infamous offense." But it was during the era of Jim Crow that felon disenfranchisement became weaponized to prevent Black voters from influencing elections.

Opinion: Commentary: General Assembly at Crossover

This last year has been called “historic” and “unprecedented".

Opinion: Column: If Michael Corleone Had Lung Cancer

"Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in."

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wins Eight Awards

The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.

Inspiring Young People in Creative Learning Activities

Fairfax Symphony named a Dominion ArtStar

With more than five decades as an honored symphony, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) adds 2021 Dominion Energy ArtStar to its accolades.

Leveling the Playing Field in School

Advocating for children with special needs or learning disabilities

When Lisa Lightner's son Kevin was two years old, she discovered that he would need special learning support in school.

New Police Station and Animal Shelter Planned for Lorton

As the South County area grows, facilities are needed to meet the demand.

New Police Station

From Mount Vernon High School to the NFL

ASC to host David Knight Feb. 17.

David Knight, a 1969 graduate of Mount Vernon High School who went on to play wide receiver for the New York Jets in the National Football League, will be the featured speaker via Zoom at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.

Romance and Reproduction Are Underway

Our area is awash in bald eagles preparing for offspring.

In the grip of mid-winter’s cold and Covid isolation, romance may be but a fleeting fantasy for humans, but among area bald eagles, romance and reproduction are well underway.

CVS to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine

Limited locations to begin Feb. 11

Beginning Feb. 11, Virginians will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at select CVS locations across the state.

Editorial: Send Pet Photos

The Pet Gazette, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19.

Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”

Means what exactly?

Black History and Regional Parks

In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America.

New Community with Park-Like Environment in McLean

Park Grove neighborhood inspired by former National Parks Director George Hartzog

A former public servant’s creative vision and dedication to preserving parklands was the inspiration behind a new residential area in Northern Virginia.

Editorial: Send in Pet Photos for Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.

Opinion: Commentary: Budget Recommendations on Transportation and Public Safety

Report By Delegate Paul Krizek, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Safety, to the Full Appropriations Committee, that will be given on Wednesday, Feb. 10, with the introduction of the House Budget:

Opinion: Commentary: Progress on Many Fronts at Crossover

The Fifth Week of the General Assembly Session brought Crossover and the conclusion of some of our most contentious bills.

Virginia Assembly Pledges Millions for River Farm

Senator Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) and Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Mount Vernon) today announced that both the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations and House Appropriations Committees have agreed to their request to contribute towards the public purchase and preservation of historic River Farm.

Mount Vernon’s Virtual Town Hall Meeting Hits All Levels

Pandemic in the area was looked at, along with other issues.

Town Hall

Opinion: Commentary: Legislature Is Moving Bills, Addressing Problems

As the General Assembly begins its fourth week in session this year, vaccine deployment for Covid-19 has started to accelerate and we are discussing how to jump-start in-person schooling.

Opinion: Commentary: Vaccine Roll Out Improving

Disappointingly, Virginia hit the bottom of the national rankings in Covid-19 vaccine distribution in recent weeks, uniting both political parties here in the Commonwealth in constructive and bipartisan criticism of the Northam administration over transparency of location of doses, methods of distribution and equality in where the vaccines were going.

2021 Virtual Fairfax County Teen Job and Opportunity Fairs: Signup Begins Feb. 1

For the past few years, Supervisor Pat Herrity’s office, Fairfax County Public Schools and Connection Newspapers, along with Supervisors’ offices, businesses, and community organizations, including our local chambers, have hosted very successful teen job fairs and career-building workshops.

Wellbeing: When a Loved One Is Hospitalized with Covid-19

Coping with separation and uncertainty

For years, being able to talk with his mother, Carole Isaacs, nearly every day was a gift that Marc Stern treasured, so when he was unable to reach her for several days, he became concerned.

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.

Sealing the Record

House and Senate Democrats disagree on how old convictions should be expunged.

For people haunted by a conviction for felony drug possession or misdemeanor disorderly conduct, a debate now happening in the Virginia General Assembly is one that could have dramatic consequences for finding a place to live or landing a job. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow those people to seal their criminal record, expunging old convictions and helping them wipe the slate clean. But Democrats are bitterly divided over how to accomplish that goal.

The quick-stop lifestyle could be here to stay.

Delivery trucks are not a new thing to area neighborhoods, but with the pandemic and the stay-at-home lifestyle many have adopted over the last 10 years, everyone delivers these days.