Army Force Reduction Coming: Fort Belvoir community voices concerns
Members of the Fort Belvoir community —civilians, active duty, retirees of each military branch — gathered Jan. 23 to learn about the future of the garrison. The listening session titled “Army Force Structure and Stationing” was one stop on a 30-installation tour to gather community input for the Army senior leadership as it prepares to further reduce the size of the force.
Mount Vernon High School Hosts ‘Care Packing’ for Deployed Soldiers
There are all kinds of flash mobs. Instead of a marriage proposal or elaborate dance routine, more than 200 Mount Vernon High School students and members of the community descended on the school’s cafeteria on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to assemble care packages for deployed soldiers.
The Changing Face Of Mount Vernon
Land use (re)development highlights.
A look at land use changes and proposals targeting the Mount Vernon area.
Barbara Birra, charter member of Yacht Haven Garden Club in Mount Vernon, turns 100.
At 100, longtime Yacht Haven resident Barbara “Bobbie” Birra still lives independently, enjoys gardening, playing Bridge, being part of her church community and exercising.
Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment
How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.
Fairfax County Delivers Geer Documents
Thirty days after a court order by Fairfax Circuit Court judge Randy Bellows, Fairfax County has produced documents concerning the shooting death of John Geer.
West Potomac High School Receives Grant To Support At-Risk Students
The Virginia Department of Education awarded West Potomac High School a $68,000 grant, to be used this school year to benefit 50 students with college and career preparation.
Could Fairfax County End Veteran Homelessness in 2015?
Chairman Bulova, Fairfax County take on national Mayors Challenge.
The transition from serving in the armed forces to civilian life is often not simple. While in Fairfax County there are more than 12,000 veteran-owned businesses, indicating a significant measure of success, for others the path is far more difficult.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bulova Releases 2015 State of the County Address
Despite a projected shortfall of nearly $100 million facing Fairfax County going into the FY 2016 budget, Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova remains encouraged by a 2014 that she said was full of accomplishments.
Scott Surovell (D-44) Announces Bid for State Senate
Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) used his blog and e-newsletter to make his intention known: Less than a week after Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) announced she would not look to serve another term, Surovell declared he would run for the vacant seat on Sunday, Jan. 18.
Virginia Senator Toddy Puller (D-36) Will Not Seek Re-Election
Just as the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 2015 January session, state Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-36) announced her decision to not run for re-election later this year.
Delegates, senators and Fairfax County community leaders reflect on priorities for the General Assembly
With the sentencing of former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell fresh on their minds, many northern Virginia members of the delegation to the state General Assembly expect ethics reform to be a focal point at the session beginning Jan. 14.
Mount Vernon School Board Member Dan Storck Addresses Concerns Over CIP
It was standing room only at one point in the Sherwood Regional Library. Parents concerned over the significant boundary changes outlined in Fairfax County Public Schools proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for FY 2016-2020 had gathered on Jan. 10 to hear from School Board Mount Vernon representative Dan Storck.
General Assembly Fairfax Delegation Holds Public Meeting Prior to Session in Richmond.
Justin Dolan addressed the state delegates and senators from his wheelchair rather than the podium. The 34-year-old Falls Church resident has cerebral palsy, and received an Individual & Family Developmental Disabilities Support waiver.
Fairfax County Supervisors Seek Outside Help with Transparency
“Independent expertise” to advise on information disclosure policies.
Eight days after offering the public the first of any kind of official explanation for officer-involved shooting of Springfield resident John Geer, the Board of Supervisors took another step.
Route 1 Transit Study, Jeff Todd Way, Wegmans among top events and developments in Mount Vernon 2014-2015.
It may take the better part of 35 years, but the Route 1 corridor is in the process of receiving transit updates that include bus rapid transit and light rail. Fall 2014 saw the completion of a study by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) which was passed on to the Board of Supervisors by the Executive Steering Committee: “All the leaders agreed on a vision that affects everything, schools, housing, quality of life, environment, everything.”
Adults Find Homes Through Grants to New Hope Housing in Mount Vernon
Thanks to a pair of federal grants, the Mount Vernon-based nonprofit New Hope Housing (NHH) can do one better than providing temporary shelter to chronically homeless adults. The grants, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, give NHH the opportunity to lease several Fairfax County and City of Alexandria apartments for up to 15 individuals.
Fairfax County Releases Statement on Shooting of Springfield Man
It’s been more than 16 months since John Geer of Springfield was shot and killed by a Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officer. And since the Aug. 29, 2013 shooting, scant information on the incident has been provided by the FCPD or the county Board of Supervisors, such as an explanation of what transpired up to and following the shooting, and the identities of the officers involved. They’ve kept this information from the media, the public and the Geer family, citing an ongoing federal investigation into the death.
Irresistible? How Karen Garza Creates Change in Fairfax County Schools
Karen Garza is a good listener. And once she’s listened, she is, admittedly, not very patient. “If there's a real issue, I don't think it has to be debated for 10 or 15 years,” Garza said in an interview. “Either we're going to do something about it or not.”
Widening Continues On U.S. Route 1 in Mount Vernon
Douglas White is the “unofficial mayor” of Accotink Village, he said. He was at the South County Center on Dec. 10 to hear project updates from members of the U.S. Route 1 Improvements project team handling the widening of the major roadway.
Citizens Coalition Petitions DOJ, Calls for Investigation of Fairfax County Police.
Nicholas Beltrante is trying to put even more pressure on the Fairfax County Police Department. The Mount Vernon resident and executive director for the Virginia Citizens Coalition for Police Accountability (CCPA) recently filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights division to investigate the FCPD.
Where to shop in Mount Vernon?
Occasionally Cake, 8859 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, Gingerbread man cookies $3, cupcakes $2.75-$3.25, cakes $4.50 per serving plus additional design work, own line extracts and flavorings $12.50-$15. “We’ve reached that age where we have so much stuff, people like to find unique, consumable things they don’t have to dust,” said owner and cake designer Sabrina Campbell. “We’re doing a lot for December birthdays, business celebrations and inter-office giving.”
Mount Vernon Taco Bell wins Mary Thonen Award
When she first heard Taco Bell had won, Yolanda Frye was shocked. “It means a lot to our Taco Bell,” said the regional general manager for the chain.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon opens Christmas program with camels, chocolate.
They came for the camel. Alberto, Daniela and their daughter Josephine Rendon of Alexandria have yearly passes to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, so, “We come here almost every weekend,” said Alberto. “We love to walk around and see the animals.” On this visit in particular, the animal of note was Aladdin the camel.
Geer Lawyer Expects Hearing Before New Year On Springfield Shooting
Out of 128 requests for the production of documents made by the Geer family lawyer Michael Lieberman, all but two have been denied by Fairfax County.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Signs On for $403 Million Loan
Low-interest federal loan will help finance Phase 2 of Silver Line.
Phase two of the Silver Line construction got a boost towards its 2018 estimated completion date. After nearly a year of discussion, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize a federal loan agreement to the tune of $403 million.
Fairfax County Facing More Budget Strain
County Executive and FCPS Superintendent present adverse forecasts.
Days before the traditional loosening of belts for Thanksgiving, Fairfax County officials discussed the need for tightening theirs.
Mount Vernon Schools Host Virginia Secretary of Education
“Pre-ci-pi-ta-tion at-mo-sphere, pre-ci-pi-ta-tion at-mo-sphere.” Hybla Valley music teacher Carla Okouchi helped fourth grade students count out beats for a cross-discipline lesson on music and weather. The floor-seated students picked up white plastic recorders and tweeted a melody, with percussive accompaniment from maracas, wood blocks and tambourine.
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield, Mount Vernon: What Are You Thankful for This Thanksgiving?
“I’m thankful for my family, my relative health and my eighth grade Civics students at South County Middle School.”
95 Express Lanes Scheduled to Open in December in Stafford County and Fairfax County
Beginning next month, a 29-mile stretch of I-95 should look a little different. Existing HOV lanes will change to “Express Lanes,” offering drivers with an E-ZPass a less congested alternative. The change affects 95 starting in Stafford County around Garrisonville Road, north to I-395 in Fairfax County by Edsall Road.
1,000 celebrate the life of Hannah Graham at West Potomac High School in Mount Vernon
West Potomac softball coach Craig Maniglia knew Hannah Graham starting when she was seven years old, through being her coach on the varsity softball team. He was one of 17 speakers at a closed memorial for Graham in the West Potomac High School auditorium on Nov. 15.
Lorton’s Pohick Church Hosts 55th Colonial Christmas Mart
Turkey salad, green beans, cranberry sauce, stuffed celery, pumpkin pie, coffee and tea: Anita Stribling has helped serve the same holiday meal for 300 people for 52 years.
Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.
Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.
As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.
Alexandria Dental Office Offers Free Services for Veterans Day
Willie Davis of Mount Vernon just had an impacted molar surgically removed. “When I bit down, every time I ate it was hurting, like biting the inside of my cheek,” he said. “Not having insurance, not knowing how to get this tooth fixed, it was a blessing actually, that someone would give us a free service.”
Traveling Purses Raise Domestic Violence Awareness Around Fairfax County
“Victoria” moved to the United States eight years ago with her husband. (Her name has been changed for protective anonymity.) At the beginning, he was the perfect gentleman: holding doors, full of compliments, telling her he loved her. She quit her job to be with him, her first love. Their future in a new country seemed bright.
Jean R. Packard Remembered at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna
Jean Packard was Frank Roberts’ first boss. He was 13, she was 22 and the acting editor of her father Dave’s Clermont Sun newspaper in Batavia, Ohio. “I was a ‘devil’s rat,’” Roberts said, responsible for odd gofer jobs around the office. “I was trying to hide from work and she’d track me down. She was a tough boss.”
Remembering Hannah
Hannah Graham honored by candlelight and silence.
A young boy walked the eight-sided labyrinth with steady, assured steps following a well-traveled path to the center. He had done this before. The low clicking of his high-tops on the smooth dark concrete mingled in the air with guitar and flute music, wind buffeting branches outside the church and the occasional tearful sigh.
Twas the Night Before Retirement
Tom Bailey aka Santa Claus leaves Post Office after 30 years.
Wendy Kilpatrick used to mail her packages with help from Santa. The Hollin Hills resident would often joke with the Christmas icon while purchasing postage at the Belle View Post Office.
HOT Topic
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.
Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
Gerry Gets Things Done
Democratic incumbent Connolly fends off Republican challenger Suzanne Scholte.
As Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” poppy ballad led a soundtrack infused with ’80s pop and modern country music, the mood at the DoubleTree Crystal City hotel in Arlington ebbed and flowed between elated cheers and frustrated boos.
Moving Forward
Executive Steering Committee sends supervisors Route 1 multimodal alternatives plan.
The redevelopment of Route 1 is not unlike sitting in rush hour traffic on Route 1: slow, but moving gradually forward.
Mourning Hannah
Candlelight gathering planned for Saturday.
More than a month of what Charlottesville chief of police Timothy Longo described as an “unprecedented” search is finally over.
Board Approves Bicycle Master Plan
The Fairfax County Government Center has several massive parking lots. Many hundreds of spaces. But Bruce Wright and members of the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling only needed some rack real estate in front of the building. They rode into the afternoon session of the Board of Supervisors on two wheels apiece from Reston, taking the West Ox Road Side Path.
Stage Presence
Cappies recognized among arts leaders at Arts Council awards.
After Bill Strauss first approached Judy Bowns about creating a student-driven arts awards and journalism organization 16 years ago, the ensuing creative partnership resembled a pair of cartoon characters.
Recommendations For Route 1
Bus Rapid Transit by 2026, Yellow Line Extension by 2040.
Extending the Yellow Line to the Route 1 corridor isn’t exactly building another Rome. But it may take that long.
‘This, Sadly, Is Now a Death Investigation’
Human remains found during Hannah Graham search.
Some time before noon on Oct. 18, a search team from the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s department discovered human remains on an abandoned property along Old Lynchburg Road in southern Albemarle County.
Connect Four
Complete ballot of 11th District candidates faced off in Lake Ridge.
It wasn’t so much a down and dirty debate as a no-frills four-way question-and-answer session. Not that AARP and the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA), two of the sponsors of the “Meet the Candidates” series billed the Oct. 14 event as such. Tuesday’s meeting was the penultimate of seven events in the series.
Outreach Saves Fifth House
Fire Department smoke alarm program credited.
Fairfax County firefighters have been making more house calls than usual. And it’s paying off. In the case of a basement fire in the early morning of Oct. 13 at a house on Remington Drive in Alexandria, they might not have gotten the call until it was too late if it weren’t for the fire department’s Safety In Our Community (SOIC) outreach program.
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation Hosts Transportation Summit
Transportation trends like super streets and roundabouts may not be the perfect fit for every roadway and intersection in northern Virginia. But the goal of next week’s Innovations in Transportation Summit, hosted by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC), is to see how these updates are successful in other states and countries, and how they could be adapted here.