Stories for September 2021

Offer to Buy River Farm Inches Up, But Declined by Seller

NOVA Parks is still part of the future at River Farm.

River Farm

Features and Issues in Mount Vernon Today

A look into some Mount Vernon issues that are important to residents and newcomers

Mount Vernon newcomers

Q & A Sessions for Alexandria’s Nov. 2 Elections

SRCA

Welcome to the Mount Vernon District!

Mount Vernon

On behalf of Fairfax County, and especially Lee District, I welcome you to our community. Lee District is a uniquely diverse and vibrant community. As a 20-year resident of the district, I never cease to be amazed by the strength of the relationships throughout the neighborhoods in Lee.

William Scott Miller

Police Continue to Investigate Year Old Homicide

Detectives from Fairfax County Police Department Major Crimes Bureau continue to investigate the death a year ago of William Scott Miller of Groveton. Detectives determined that the last time family or friends heard from William was on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020...

Offer to Buy River Farm Inches Up, But Declined by Seller

NOVA Parks is still part of the future at River Farm.

On Sunday evening, Sept. 26, the American Horticultural Society voted against an offer from NOVA Parks to purchase River Farm during a board meeting of the American Horticultural Society, but they are leaving it open for more offers.

Give Locally

For tens of thousands of families in our area, uncertainty and need; nonprofits face drop in contributions.

Donate locally

Alexandria Couple Donates Edward R. Murrow World War II Microphone to the National Press Club

Murrow Microphone

Documentary Explores a Place Formerly Known as ‘The Pits.’

Documentarian is also a reporter for the Mount Vernon Gazette.

The Pits

Come Celebrate, Curtain Going Up

Live, in-person show-time returns to Center for the Arts.

Fairfax County Police Publication of ‘Shame List’ Endangers Immigrant Residents

COVID Pain Reaches Far

Va. Employment Commission processed 136,000 unemployment claims in 2019, but that number surged to 1.4 million in 2020.

Let the Games Begin

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics competitions are going on around the region.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Opens New Capital One Hall

Celebrating the return of joyous live music at a Northern Virginia destination like no other.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Opens New Capital One Hall

Halloween Is Coming

Get in the fright-night mood with all new outdoor haunted trail at the Workhouse Arts Center

24th Annual Virginia Showcase of Bands

Fall Appropriations Report

It Takes a Village

Senior Villages ease aging in place.

Senior Villages

‘Courage in Journalism’

Kemal Kurspahic dies at 74.

Can Mentally Challenging Games Prevent Cognitive Decline?

Consistent brain fitness connected to improved memory, reasoning and processing.

Can Mentally Challenging Games Prevent Cognitive Decline?

Whose Choice?

Opinion

Time to Vote

Vote

Coffins Illustrate Deadliness of Richmond Highway — Now and Then

Pedestrian deaths along the corridor show need for safer, less vehicle-focused design.

Coffin Protest

Murder Investigation

Architecture in Alexandria, and Mount Vernon

Homes Tours

Early Voting Options Expand

Secure drop box option joins mail-in and in-person voting starting Sept. 17.

early voting

VolunteerFest, 2021

Volunteers work on projects countywide for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Volunteers

Helping Children Develop Healthy Friendships

Positive relationships with peers offer happiness and security.

Friends

County Goes to Bat for River Farm in Mount Vernon

Move is for preservation but never say never.

River Farm

Fairfax County Observances for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

To Honor the Lost Souls of 9/11

In unity, they remember; united, they serve in tribute.

To Honor the Lost Souls of 9/11

Time to Vote

Coffins Illustrate Deadliness of Richmond Highway — Now and Then

Pedestrian deaths along the corridor show need for safer, less vehicle-focused design.

Coffins Illustrate Deadliness of Richmond Highway — Now and Then

Murder Investigation

Pickleball Event Garners Competition and Further Discussion

Additional courts is a topic for virtual meeting.

Pickleball

Food Distribution Slows But Doesn’t Stop

Pandemic’s impact continues in Lee District and Mount Vernon.

Food Distribution

Opinion: When Odds Are Stacked Against the Many ...

We need our local leaders to set an example for the type of world class workers’ rights that will attract and keep working families, budding professionals, and hungry entrepreneurs here.

Outpouring of Local Help for Afghan Refugees

The need is great for volunteers, monetary donations and more.

Thousands of Afghan refugees have landed at Dulles Airport in recent days.

Lorton Fire Station Gets a Makeover

Station just off Lorton Road is upgraded to meet the expanding population in the area.

Lorton Fire Station

Hubcaps, Old License Plates and Memories

10,000 hubcaps and more collected in backyard shop.

Hubcaps and more In Lorton Backyard Shop

Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally

Afghan Americans speak out.

The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.

Get Your Flu Shot

Local health officials say it's important to get both flu and COVID vaccines, and CDC says they can be given at the same time.

As students return to in-person learning while social distancing and mask mandates are less in evidence, local health officials are urging residents to get a flu shot to prevent an uptick in the number flu and COVID-19 cases.

Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally

Afghan Americans speak out.

The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.

Opinion: Commentary: Record Setting Times

Not intending to repeat a column I wrote a few weeks ago, but it is hot outside!

Facing Eviction

Virginia has new protections for renters, but temporary measures expire next year.

The clock is ticking for renters across Virginia who are in danger of being evicted. People of color and low-income Virginians are most at risk.

Opinion: Commentary: Detailing Relief in Dollars

On Monday Aug. 2, the Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond for a Special Session to allocate federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and appoint judges to fill eight vacancies on the Virginia Court of Appeals.

‘Celebration of Trees’ Campaign Starts September 1

Local environmental organizations want you to know how important it is to plant and preserve native plants.

Designing a Mountain Getaway

A minimalist design allows the landscape to take center stage.

If you drive about an hour and a half west of Arlington, through winding roads lined with trees that create a kaleidoscope of changing tree leaves, you’ll reach the village of Syria, Virginia and an idyllic vacation home curated by designers from The Nest Egg.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Heat Rising: Population Density?

Local governments and the general public are beginning to become aware that on extremely hot days, high temperatures in urban areas can vary greatly, even over short distances.