Thursday, March 30
Diversion First in Wait-and-See Mode
Handcuffed by budget constraints in proposed budget, Diversion First may see some relief.
Editorial Opinion: Expand Medicaid Now
Virginia has missed out on $10 billion, 30,000 jobs and care for 400,000 citizens.
Fairfax County: FCPS to Present FY2018 Budget to Supervisors April 4
School system facing nearly $50 million gap in funding.
Leading up to the Fairfax County Public School Board presenting its advertised FY2018 budget to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, April 4, several school board members and supervisors have been hosting community meetings on the subject.
Fairfax County: Gillespie Wins GOP Straw Poll for Governor at Robinson
More than 300 voters attended a Fairfax County Republican Committee straw poll and candidate forum on March 25, according to FCRC executive director Eric Johnson. The event was held at Robinson Secondary School.
Fairfax County: Community and faith leaders, elected officials speak about hate speech, bias incidents and hate crimes
More than 100 people filled the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale Campus on Sunday, March 26, to hear more than a dozen elected and faith leaders, as well as representatives from local organizations speak about hate speech, bias incidents and hate crimes.
Wednesday, March 29
Fairfax County Breaks Ground on Huntington Levee
$30 million project will protect community from flooding.
Tuesday, March 28
Next for Pipeline Playwrights: ‘Around the Snake Turn’
Play by Patricia Connelly about West African practice of trokosi, or sex slaves.
Monday, March 27
Community Policing, Not Sanctuary, in Fairfax County
Resurgent gang activity also discussed at Public Safety Committee.
ACCT Presents ‘Connecticut Yankee’ Play in Alexandria
Mark Twain farce about American who is transported back to 6th century England.
Ease Yoga and Café Offers Senior Discount in Del Ray
Newest business to participate in Silver Service Card.
Thursday, March 23
Wednesday, March 22
Friday, March 17
Mount Vernon Home Sales: February, 2017
In February, 2017, 108 homes sold between $1,275,000-$90,000 in the Mount Vernon area.
Mount Vernon Home Sales: February, 2017
Thursday, March 16
Free St. Patrick’s Day Lyft Rides Offered in Area
Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers, free Lyft rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Friday, March 17, 2017 (St. Patrick’s Day).
Fairfax Weathers Late Winter Snow
Weather Service announces snowfall totals, most saw 2-3 inches
Snowpocalypse 3.0 it wasn’t. Though Fairfax County was included in a winter storm warning Monday and Tuesday, March 13 and 14, the snow that fell only managed to close schools and cancel trash, recycling and yard waste pickup, but didn’t shut down local government.
Area Social Justice Network Hosts Richmond Wrap-Up
Some successes, some defeats, and a partisan rallying call for 2017 elections.
The 2017 Legislative Session of the Virginia General Assembly was adjourned on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Leadership Fairfax Hosts Breakfast with Supervisors
On Friday, March 10, Leadership Fairfax (LFI) held its annual Breakfast with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the 26th time.
Committed to Peacemaking
Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County reception honors activists and advocates.
Suraya Sadeed said hearing more than 20 stories of students promoting peace in and out of their schools made her believe “there is still hope for a brighter future.”
Wednesday, March 15
Practice Makes Perfect
Local educators share strategies for getting children to practice music.
When Linda Gulyn’s son entered high school and asked to quit his clarinet lessons, the Arlington mother of four declined his request.
Over 50 and Playing Basketball
Women's NOVA Fifty and Over Basketball League enjoy friendships and travel.
If you're over 50 and a woman, you're never too old to play basketball.
First Taste of Working World
Teen Job Fairs begin this weekend.
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) said his first job working at a pool over the summer formed a lot of his work ethic.
Optimistic About State of Hospitality
Panelists at Northern Virginia Chamber Forum discuss state of hospitality under the new administration.
The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce gathered some heavy hitters to offer their thoughts and answer questions from a standing-room-only audience at the “State of Hospitality Under the New Administration” symposium on March 6.
The Sound of Heaven Touching Earth
Mark 1:14-15 — Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Future Nurse Hopefuls Receive Fatzinger Scholarships
In memory of Harriet H. Fatzinger.
You don’t just become a nurse, it’s something you have in your heart.
Her First Solo Exhibit
Mashayekhi presents “Extraordinary Ordinary, A Photography Medley.”
Artist Azita Mashayekhi is inviting the Alexandria community and beyond to her photography exhibit at the Montebello Condominiums Community Center/Café, through March 17, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber Hears Route 1 Update
Public information meeting scheduled for April 18
Widening of Route 1 over three miles between Jeff Todd Way and Napper Road is still in the preliminary design phase.
Recruiting for New West Potomac Principal Begins
West Potomac High School parents and community members can attend a March 20 meeting regarding the process for selecting a new principal, Region 3 assistant superintendent Terry Dade announced.
Tuesday, March 14
Hands-On Learning
Recently Fire Station 11, Penn Daw, B-Shift had the opportunity to get some hands-on training in a building that used to house the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Police near the Huntington Metro Station.
Commentary: What Happens to Uninsured Virginians?
With the recent release of what is looking to be a detrimental and ill-planned Republican healthcare bill, and with major GOP candidates for Governor endorsing an irresponsible Medicaid block grant, Virginians are once again paying for the legislature’s ongoing failure to expand Medicaid.
County Moves to Restore Tobytown Cemetery
Restoring historic cemetery in Potomac
Monday, March 13
Correction
Correction
Thursday, March 9
Letter to the Editor: Fairfax County Cannot Ignore Low Salaries of Police Force
As we have heard for many years now, Fairfax County is once again in a budget crunch.
Editorial: Independent, Civilian Oversight in Place
New auditor and panel will make an excellent police force better, more transparent and accountable.
In February, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors followed through in establishing two forms of independent oversight of law enforcement for the first time in county history.
Stop Bullying Federal Workers
Republicans hold control of all three branches of government, and therefore have a responsibility to lead the civil service that employs millions of Americans, and every American relies upon for myriad services.
Obituary: Bob Michel, Longtime Congressman
To many, Bob Michel will be remembered as the longtime Illinois congressman and skilled politician who served for 38 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Commentary: Virginia General Assembly Approves New Policies
Last week, I reported on my accomplishments in the recent session of the General Assembly. This week, I am highlighting a few other important policy changes coming to Virginia because of our action.
NOVA Ice Dogs Win League Championship
Alexandria's Northern Virginia Ice Dogs Hockey Team won the U-16 Upper Patrick CBHL League Championship on Feb. 26 beating the #1 ranked Piedmont Predators in a game that went to a shoot-out.
Arrest Follows Car Break-ins in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon District Police officers were working several reports of vehicle tampering in the Belleview area on March 7 in and around the 6300 block of 10thStreet.
Wednesday, March 8
Gathering in Opposition to Trump Immigration Policies
Leaders condemn ICE activity outside Rising Hope Church.
Speaking out against Trump immigration policies
Crime Report: The following incidents were reported by the Mount Vernon District Police Station.
Crime Report: The following incidents were reported by the Mount Vernon District Police Station.
People at Work
A plumbers work in Old Town, Alexandria
Educating Customers Is Key to Success
New manager joining Two Poor Teachers after 18 years in business.
It’s been 18 years since Ken Nies co-founded Two Poor Teachers, LLC, but the kitchen and bath remodelling company isn’t resting on its laurels.
Tour Area Gardens
Garden Club of Virginia hosts 84th Annual Historic Garden Week.
During the last eight days of April every year nearly 26,000 visitors tour homes and gardens across Virginia.
Tuesday, March 7
Sow Now, Reap this Spring
Getting a garden and yard ready for warm weather.
One of the most anticipated sights of spring is a garden in bloom.
Butterfly Weed Wins Perennial of the Year
Gardening
The designation Perennial Plant of the Year is awarded each year by the Perennial Plant Association to the perennial that outshines its competitors not only in appearance, but also in its noteworthy characteristics.
Chief Releases Name of Officer in Shooting Death
Officer used deadly force in two prior cases, both determined to be lawfully justified.
Fairfax County Chief of Police Edwin Roessler has named 16-year veteran Master Police Officer Lance Guckenberger as the officer who used deadly force, killing Mohammad Azim Doudzai at his home in Herndon, the scene of a double shooting and barricade incident on Jan. 16.
Environmental Coalition Calls on County to Recommit
Faith communities coalition wants dedicated Energy Office
As Fairfax County prepares to update its formal Environmental Vision, the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions (FACS) is calling on local elected officials to recommit to the environmental protection pledge they adopted under then-Chairman Gerry Connolly.
Old Town Prepares for Historic Garden Week
Part of state-wide event.
Five Old Town Alexandria homes and gardens will open to the public on April 22 as part of the 84th Historic Garden Week.
From Split-Level to Neoclassical
Conversion wins regional “Contractor of the Year” award.
Converting a circa 1960's split-level into a spacious neoclassical-style residence has won Sun Design Remodeling a regional “Contractor of the Year” award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Kitchen Design Trends to Expect in 2017
Local designers share popular design ideas.
Those looking for kitchen design ideas have a new source of inspiration: the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) list of trends for 2017.
Monday, March 6
Hitting the Road: Looking back on the 2017 General Assembly Session
Commentary
Just as the frenetic pace of Session seemed to ebb, the activity picked up in the final week with a hustle and bustle of a different sort.
Rising Hope Minister Invited to Joint Congressional Session
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner critical of ICE activity.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D) invited the Rev. Dr. Keary Kincannon of Rising Hope Mission Church to be his guest for President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 28.
West Potomac's Case Resigns, Assistant Lyttle Still on Leave
After announcing West Potomac High School principal Alex Case and assistant principal Michelle Lyttle were on administrative leave Feb. 13, Region 3 assistant superintendent Terry Dade sent a letter to the West Potomac community Feb. 24 informing them of Case’s resignation.
Help Repair Mount Vernon Trail
Sathiya Kannan, a Girl Scout from Reston, will be repairing one of the bridges on the Mount Vernon Trail on Saturday, March 25, as a Silver Award Project for scouting.
Needlework Show Opens at Woodlawn Plantation
Needlework is no dying art, says Ellen Meyer of Alexandria, owner of the specialty needlepoint store “In Stitches” in Mount Vernon.
Competing to ‘Take a Stand’
Seventeen seventh grade students from Walt Whitman Middle School will be moving on to the National History Day regional competition at Mount Vernon High School on Saturday, March 4.
Commentary: 2017 General Assembly Is in the Books
In the 2017 General Assembly session, which ended on Feb. 25, we were able to make some progress in spite of a $1.1 billion budget shortfall.
Commentary: Republicans and Democrats Working Together
The 2017 General Assembly session is complete, and I’m proud that we were able to accomplish our top priority for the year, addressing the $1.25 billion budget hole caused by a weaker than expected economy, in a bipartisan and collaborative manner, starting with the governor’s submitted budget.
Letter to the Editor: Why Bar Homeschoolers?
Virginia Code Section 22.1-254.1 permits parents to home-school their children.
Friday, March 3
The United States Air Force Band's Chamber Players Series
Sponsored
The United States Air Force Band's Chamber Players Series FREE CONCERTS Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. March 7 – April 25.
Thursday, March 2
Lorton House Fire Leaves Child Dead
Fire declared accidental, started with a lighter in garage
A 5-year-old child is dead after a fire Feb. 21 in the 8100 block of Arcade Street in Lorton; the cause of the fire was the child playing with a lighter in the garage, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue said.
Women on the Soccer Field
Local women are still in the game and on the field.
On Saturdays and weeknights in the spring and fall, women as young as 18 and as old as 78 can be found on the soccer fields across Fairfax County: nurses, lawyers, Army officers, software programmers, stay-at-home moms, lobbyists, graduate students, and grandmothers playing the game they love.
Fairfax County Board Appoints Police Civilian Review Panel
Residents can submit complaints concerning allegations of abuse of authority or misconduct by Fairfax County police through the panel.
The ongoing goal of increased transparency and accountability for the Fairfax County Police Department now has nine fresh faces. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Board of Supervisors announced its appointees to the inaugural Civilian Review Panel, one of the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
