Fairfax County Holds County-wide Vaccine Equity Clinics
Bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the people rather than relying on them to find their way to a site is one option to get people vaccinated and slow the surging Delta variant.
Delta Variant Has Room to Run Rampant
Removing invisible vaccine barriers for communities in Fairfax County
Jump on a moon bounce, grab an empanada from a food truck and get a Covid vaccine.
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.
Langley High School Saxons Boat Wins Gold at States
Crew Team also wins three Bronze medals at championships
The Langley High School Crew knocked it out of the water when the athletes ended their rowing season on June 19 at the 2021 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships regatta hosted by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association.
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.
Hometown Celebration Returns to Great Falls
Americana fun, unmasked and free
Great Falls traditions returned to the Village Centre Green for the 4th of July 2021.
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.
Behind the Scenes at Summer Concerts on the Green in Great Falls
Celebrate Great Falls presented another evening of its 2021 Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre.
Naturalizing the Grange Hall Oak Grove in Great Falls
Great Falls Citizens Association takes on invasive plants
Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Environment and Parks Committee, co-chaired by Winifred Frost and Susanne Black, met in early June to discuss restoring the oak grove at the Grange Hall Park.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Seen in TJ’s Freshman Class
In 2021, the U.S. News Best High Schools report ranked TJ the number one school nationwide for the second year running.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admitted 550 students strong as its Class of 2025.
Special Permit Decision for Great Falls ‘Convent’ Deferred
Opponents claim build will exacerbate dangerous traffic conditions
On June 9, the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held a public hearing on the application SP 2020-DR-105 by Stonecrest Home Arts, Inc.
WANTED Feedback Involving No-chase/Chase Fairfax County Police Department Vehicle Pursuits
Flurry of proposed revisions should discourage pursuits of suspects in non-violent felony incidents.
Police vehicle pursuits create the potential for officers, residents and suspects to be killed or seriously injured.
Holding Dear: 2,364 Local Souls Lost to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Northern Virginia Regional Commission holds Remembrance Ceremony
On March 21, 2020, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death of a resident due to COVID-19.
Viewpoints: Langley High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and the Next Chapter of Their Lives
As the Langley High School graduate candidates lined up for their Commencement Exercises at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va., on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, The Connection asked random groups of students three questions: How do you feel graduating in the pandemic time? Where do you go next? Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A Roller Coaster Ride for the Langley High Grads
Saxons learn life lessons during the pandemic.
Langley High School held its Commencement Exercises on June 2 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va.
Decision Time for Virginia Democrats
Democratic Party Primary Tuesday, June 8: Initial voter turnout low but enthusiasm high
Voters across Fairfax County headed to the polls Tuesday, June 8, to cast their votes in person at the Democratic Party Primary.
Falling in Love with ‘The Beautiful Game’
Local teen coaches young players with disabilities.
For more than a year, Aeshan Kapil, 16, of Herndon volunteered as a TOPSoccer coach for the Great Falls Reston Soccer Club, U.S. Youth Soccer.
Memorial Day 2021 at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial
Citizens honor U.S. Armed Forces Members who died in battle or as a result of their wounds.
Local citizens gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at 11 o'clock the morning of Memorial Day 2021.
Fairfax Dems Clash with Supervisors
Demand firing of FCPD Chief Kevin Davis
The Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) called on the Board of Supervisors ("Board") on May 25 to terminate Kevin Davis's employment as Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.
Candidates in the 2021 Democratic Primary for HD34
Meet Jennifer Adeli and Kathleen J. Murphy (Incumbent).
Voting has begun for the 2021 Democratic Primary on June 8.
Friends of Riverbend Park Receives Donation
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group supports charitable organization.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group presented a donation check on Friday, May 21, 2021, for $3,000 to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORP).
Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions
Amid division, voices seek to be heard.
With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Eric Knudsen Receives Glen Sjoblom Award
The award recognizes service contributions to the development of the Great Falls community.
The Executive Board of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) recognized Eric Knudsen on Saturday, May 15, as the recipient of its 2021 Glen Sjoblom Award for his “long-time, extensive and meritorious service to the community of Great Falls.” Local, regional, and state leaders attended the special program held at the Great Falls Village Centre Green. GFCA honored Knudsen, who tirelessly devoted himself for several decades to enhancing Great Falls through his work on local transportation, land use, and environmental matters. GFCA established the Glen Sjoblom Award to recognize its members who excel in serving their community. It is the organization’s only award for outstanding service. Current GFCA President Bill Canis said that without this kind of civic involvement and activism, the community Great Falls citizens and others know today would have withered away. “We are gathered to celebrate the people who are dedicated to that philosophy,” said Canis. Eric Knudsen is one of those people. Glen Sjoblom is the 2019 Award recipient. He put the award in the context of the long commitment of GFCA’s pioneering board members, those who served the community since the organization’s founding in 1968. According to the honoring resolution, Knudsen served on the GFCA board with a distinguished record for more than 15 years, including three years as president, three years as vice-president, and additional terms as chair of the Transportation and Land Use & Zoning Committee. AS PRESIDENT, Knudsen improved the efficiency and management of GFCA board proceedings, collaborating with past presidents to create GFCA’s first Policy & Procedures Manual that guides the organization. His prioritization of on-site visits to personally evaluate land use and transportation issues provided accurate perspectives and insights. The documented visits became a hallmark of GFCA’s work, validating issues the organization brings forward to the staff at Fairfax County and Commonwealth and developers. Knudsen launched ongoing investigative and mitigation efforts in the community to control stormwater runoff. He participated in a GFCA committee tasked with overseeing the cleanup of chemical spills in the center of Great Falls that threatened residents’ well water. It culminated in a program managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Leading land use negotiations with the County and developers led to the rezoning of Brooks Farm and plans for a SunTrust Bank. According to the resolution, Knudsen became a “driving force for the establishment of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, serving as the GFCA representative in establishing that organization to preserve one of our community’s most important historical assets.” Knudsen also co-chaired the Transportation Committee. In collaboration with co-chair Joan Barnes, they worked to have the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revise its proposed plans for the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike, reducing congestion and ensuring greater safety. Knudsen initiated and managed negotiations with engineers and county staff to narrow Walker Road, facilitating pedestrian crossings in the commercial center. Knudsen’s interest in citizen input in the widening project of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Tysons led to the Route 7 Working Group. This eight-year commitment advised VDOT and included participation by the McLean and Reston citizens associations. SPEAKERS at the May 15 award presentation praised Knudsen for his record of service. Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola (D-31) commended Knudsen for giving residents a voice by reaching out to them for verified consensus. She called these characteristics the hallmark of strong nonprofit organizations. GFCA Board member Gary Pan worked with Knudsen to establish the Great Falls Grange Foundation. He commended him for helping to breathe new life into the historic building and providing a new level of community involvement. “I have worked closely with Eric Knudsen on numerous transportation and land use projects over the years,” said Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville). “His leadership has improved life for residents of the Great Falls community. In 2011, I selected him to represent Dranesville as Lord Fairfax. He is a worthy recipient of the Glen Sjoblom Award for community service,” Foust said.
It's a No to Fire Station #42 Monopole in Vienna
County and Milestone had not reached a lease agreement
The proposal to construct a telecommunication facility, with a 114-foot monopole tower at County-owned Wolf Trap Fire Station #42 in Vienna, died on May 4 after Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) presented a Board Matter concerning Milestone Communications/ Special Exception to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting.
Mother's Day 2021, With Love
Motherhood is a messy, complex state of being.
Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, not designated by birth or raising another human.
Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis
On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."
Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers
Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.
On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).
Ten-Year-Old Advocates for Sidewalks Along Georgetown Pike
Creates and releases an online community petition
Ponteha Aryavand, 10, of Great Falls introduced an online community petition in mid-April for a continuous yet undetermined length of sidewalk along Georgetown Pike in Great Falls.
‘Long May It Turn’ in Great Falls
Colvin Run Mill reopens with a new flume and waterwheel debut.
Colvin Run Mill opened in a grand celebration for its first grind of the season on Sunday, May 2, 2021.
Fairfax County Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit
Faith leaders question 'flawed' selection process and Supervisors' values during prayer vigil.
Approximately thirty interfaith leaders from across Fairfax County gathered in the "First Amendment" area outside the Fairfax County Government Center at noon, Tuesday, May 4.
Davis Promises ‘Blue Waters Ahead’ for Fairfax County Police
Advocate ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP and others calling for new search
County To Hold “Community Meeting with Chief” Thursday, May 6.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Hosts Spring Tea
New scholarship established in Holly Ann Kuga’s memory
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Scholarship Fund held its Spring Tea 2021 fundraiser on Sunday, April 25.
Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police
Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.
Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”
Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief
Aware of concerns, comments provided
Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.
Fairfax County Board to Review Colvin Run’s Concrete Channelization
Recommends proposed county, state, and federal process changes
Part 2 of a series. Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill District) presented a Joint Board Matter with Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) on Tuesday, April 13.
Community Helps Hoof Beloved Great Falls Horse’s Medical Bills
Delfina back home, but support needed for the long recovery
On April 8, a beloved 18-year-old Norwegian Fjord named Delfinia at the Lift Me Up equestrian center in Great Falls suffered a severe case of colic, abdominal pain.
Bluebells and Bald Eagle Nestlings Take Center Stage at Riverbend Park
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group holds the tour.
Tucked away in a remote setting of the floodplains along the Potomac River, Virginia bluebells made their ephemeral appearance just in time for the Bluebells & Bald Eagle Tour organized by Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group.
Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise
Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway
Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.
Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school
Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students
Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.
Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools
Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts
The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.
Residents Mourn ‘The Death of Colvin Run’
Great Falls and Vienna residents argue that ‘George Washington would not recognize his stream of 1799.’
Colvin Run in Vienna died this spring.
Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection
Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.
Express Services Open at Fairfax County Libraries
Patrons back to browsing the stacks
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) reopened for interior Express services Monday, March 22.
Possible Tower of Trouble Ahead for Wireless Developer in Vienna-Great Falls Area
Sides clash over Rt. 7 proposed telecommunications facility
How best for everyone concerned to correct cellular coverage holes in the Vienna-Great Falls Route 7 area is one issue.
A Lawsuit Challenges TJ Admission Changes
Parents sue to stop TJ’s admission policy changes, alleging anti-Asian race discrimination.
The Fairfax County School Board and Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand face a new lawsuit filed against them last week in United States District Court in Alexandria.
County Highlights
Actions and words by Fairfax County leadership and citizens
In our new series, County Highlights, the Connection spotlights actions and comments by Fairfax County officials, public servants, and local citizens who call the County's 406 square miles home.
Fairfax County Planning Commission Recommends Denial of Flag Limitations
It's not a done deal.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission voted 11-0 to recommend denial to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to replace the current zoning ordinance establishing specific regulations for flags and flagpoles in the New and Modernized Zoning Ordinance (zMOD Updates) countywide.
Fairfax County Supervisors Foust and Alcorn on Years 1 and 2: COVID-19
Changing the pandemic's course through the lens of an equitable recovery
Year 1: Covid-19 comes to a close on March 10, 2021.
Drive-in-person Special Election Held in Great Falls
Citizens Association members endorse two special questions.
Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA), voting in the special drive-in-person election of the Executive Board and Officers held March 6, 2021, unanimously re-elected eight candidates and one new candidate.