Thursday, July 29
Inova Awards $240K in Community Health Funds to Local Nonprofits
Annual grant doubled in amount this year due to the pandemic impacts.
Inova fund
Opinion: Commentary: Economic Recovery Is More Than Escaping COVID-19
Our local economy is in a precarious position, and it’s not just because of pandemic
Over the last year, our economy struggled to hang on amidst unpredictable changes in pandemic regulations, with over 45 percent of small businesses in the region closing permanently or temporarily, and roughly 49,000 Fairfax County residents remain unemployed.
‘Strategic Underground’ Throughout Fairfax County
Dominion Power is undergrounding wires.
During the frequent thunderstorms that are forecasted throughout the summer, flashlights and candles may have been the short-term answer in the past, but Dominion Energy has another option with a program they are offering called ”Strategic Underground,” so the lines won’t be exposed when lightning strikes and other mishaps.
Wednesday, July 28
New Food Scrap Composting at Select Fairfax County Farmers Markets
Nature’s recycling reduces methane and lowers carbon footprint
Fairfax County residents have another option for managing organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, food left on dinner plates, coffee grounds, and even paper towels and napkins.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Free and Open Exchange Benefits All
Across the nation, state lawmakers are actively working to prevent students from having an open and equitable history education - one that both acknowledges the role of racism in the United States and portrays the lived realities and viewpoints of people in marginalized communities accurately.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Let’s Have an Intellectually Honest Gubernatorial Contest
As a lifelong Republican who voted for Trump twice, I’m truly dismayed by our party’s reliance on false narrative and grievance-driven politics.
Fairfax County Police Armed with a High-Tech Dog Nose
New K-9 can sniff out thumb drives and cell phones that may be evidence.
The Fairfax County Police Department has a new tool to fight cyber crimes and it’s a black Labrador retriever named Browser, that specializes in sniffing out computer-related evidence like thumb drives, cell phones or laptop computers that may have been used by criminals, particularly in child exploitation.
Music for Singers with Alzheimer’s Disease
New choral program gives those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments the gift of music
When Peter Midgley and his wife went on their first date, they discovered their mutual love of music.
Monday, July 26
Why We Rescue
The miraculous story of Gabby and her Valley poodle pups – adopt, don’t shop.
There wasn’t a single dry eye at Gabby’s long overdue family reunion in early June.
Opinion: Commentary: Investments in Human Services Safety Net Make Us Stronger
As a once-in-a-century pandemic, the COVID pandemic produced impacts way beyond just its serious health impacts.
Thursday, July 22
Ripe Red Tomatoes, Juicy Peaches Highlight Area’s Farmers Markets
County’s markets are hopping as they go into National Farmers Market Week in early August.
National Farmers Market Week
Wednesday, July 21
Opinion: Commentary: Closing the Digital Divide
Federal funds make this possible by 2024
Last Friday, Governor Northam announced good news for Virginia: $700 million in American Rescue Plan Funding will be invested to achieve universal broadband in the Commonwealth by 2024!
Police Briefs: Fairfax County Officer Critically Wounds Woman in Group Home
On Monday, July 19, officers were called to a home in the 8000 block of Gosport Lane, in Springfield, a group home close to Ravensworth Elementary School.
Opinion: Column: Definitely on My List
As the month of May was swept away with the last of the network-season's original programming, those of us still in lockdown and quarantining had our own reality to embrace: there was nothing new on network television.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent to Depart at End of Next School Year
Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, announced on a YouTube video released Thursday, July 15, 2021, that he is leaving FCPS at the end of the next year, consistent with his FCSB contract.
How Safe Are Older Buildings in Fairfax County?
Supervisors address construction and maintenance concerns in the wake of the Surfside Condominium collapse in Florida.
A recertification program for older buildings does not currently exist under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, said Chairman Jeff McKay.
Summer Camp in Age of Climate Change
Increased safety protocols result from climate change-induced extreme temperatures.
Some of the area’s youngest aspiring thespians are spending part of their summer honing their craft at Arlington’s Encore Stage & Studio’s camps.
Tuesday, July 20
Can Our Yards Save the Planet?
Plant native plants for pollinators, food for birds and more.
When Tami Entabi moved into her Mount Vernon-area home in 2006, the backyard was a thick mass of intertwined English ivy.
Thursday, July 15
Weeds and Blind Curves Along the Trail Keep the Volunteers Busy
The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail are always looking for volunteers when it comes to weed control.
weeds along bike trail
Picture Restoration Unearths Local History
The Photo Detective investigated Civil War veteran photo at Mount Vernon.
Photo Detective
Hot Summer Climate Flows into the Real Estate Market
With the pandemic shrinking, bidding wars are part of the house buying process.
Hot real estate market
Rock the ‘70’s Metal Scene with Black Sabbitch
The all-female Black Sabbath: Four women rocking the metal band’s sound and energy.
Black Sabbitch
Opinion: Commentary: Virginia Private Colleges Week
July 26-31 marks Private Colleges Week in Virginia.
Opinion: Column: Time to Kill
(Again, not a cancer column. Given the title, it would be a pretty gruesome reference to my life in the cancer world if it were.)
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Beacon Hill Site Meets All Criteria
Thank you for “County Eyes Spot for New Fire Station and Affordable Housing” in the July 1 Gazette.
Balloon Releases Could Bring Fines
New law bans the intentional outdoor release of balloons, which can harm wildlife, environment
A balloon with a mind of its own follows a young boy around the streets of Paris amusing all, in the classic French children’s movie, “The Red Balloon.”
Thursday, July 8
Beloved Martha, Mary Wiseman, Looks Back with Joy
Mount Vernon’s Martha Washington is hanging up the bonnet and dress after 20 years.
Martha Washington Retires
Opinion: Column: I'm the Big Winner
(Not a cancer column.)
School Buses and Sites Provide Free Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits in Fairfax County
No questions asked, no IDs needed – County children under 18 and all FCPS students eligible
Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buses began rolling Monday, June 28, on a mission to deliver their precious cargo: coolers full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab-and-go style.
Wednesday, July 7
Wellbeing: Back to Work
Angst, readjustment as employees return to the office
More than one year after the emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent, work-from-home mandates, many employees are heading back to the office.
Police Weapons Point At Black People
Long awaited report on Use of Force includes dozens of recommendations to guide the path forward.
An independent study of Fairfax County Police Department use of force confirmed that Black people are overrepresented in use-of-force incidents by Fairfax police.
Monday, July 5
Home of the Brave in Mount Vernon
‘Flags for Heroes’ on display at Cedar Knoll
The strains of Amazing Grace filled the air as a lone bagpiper stood among hundreds of American flags overlooking the Potomac River as part of the 4th annual Flags for Heroes display June 27 on the grounds of Cedar Knoll Restaurant.
Thursday, July 1
There’s More than Meats the Eye at Huntsman’s
Wild game is the specialty at this local supplier.
Huntsman has wild game.
County Eyes Spot for New Fire Station and Affordable Housing
Proposed location has easy access to Richmond Highway and GW Parkway.
Homeless Shelter and affordable housing
Environmental Expo Finds a Home in Fort Hunt Park
Tents, causes, and horrid tales of the lanternfly highlight the event.
Environmental Expo
Opinion: Commentary: Adult Use of Cannabis Now Legal in Virginia
On Thursday, July 1st, simple possession of marijuana will become legal for adults 21 and over in Virginia.
Marijuana Is Now Legal
The long strange trip from a failed war on drugs to social equity licenses
Smoke 'em if you've got 'em because pot is now legal in the commonwealth of Virginia.