Tuesday, February 28
Beware Early Allergy Season
Experts offer suggestions for preventing and treating allergy symptoms.
Those experiencing Itchy, watery eyes and seemingly endless sneezing know that spring allergy season is getting an early start this year thanks to this season’s mild winter weather.
Prayer Vigil at ICE Office
Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.
On the morning of Feb. 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up across the street from Rising Hope Mission Church on Russell Road in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria.
Fairfax County Solicits Public Input on Environmental Vision
Online survey open through March 6.
Fairfax County is preparing to update the Environmental Excellence 20-Year Vision Plan (Environmental Vision) and the public is urged to weigh in via an online survey.
Chief to Release Name of Officer in Herndon Shooting
Risk assessment is complete.
The risk assessment of the officer involved in the fatal Jan. 16 shooting of Mohammad Azim Doudzai is now finished, according to a Feb. 24 release from Fairfax County Police.
U.S. Marshals Warn Public of Jury Duty Phone Scams
The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public of a nationwide telephone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.
Editorial: Good, Bad and Missed Opportunities
Results of the 2017 session of the General Assembly.
GOOD THINGS Progress in funding mental health and addressing the opioid epidemic on multiple levels were among the successes of the 2017 General Assembly session.
Monday, February 27
Letter to the Editor: Educate And Advocate
Regarding the Centreville Immigration Forum/Centreville Labor Resource Center (CIF/CLRC) response to recent immigration orders from the new administration, these orders are far-reaching and have potential effects that will be devastating for the community.
Annual Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance in Centreville
The girls from Centreville Elementary School danced the night away on Friday, Feb. 17 at a Hawaiian Luau with their fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and in one case, an older brother.
Death Under Investigation in Centreville
Officers from the Sully Police District responded on Feb. 18 around 1 p.m. to the 6200 block of Prince Way for an unresponsive man and car that struck a townhouse.
Thursday, February 23
County Names Police Auditor
New Fairfax County police auditor
Wednesday, February 22
Wildcats Defeat Chargers
Take Conference 5 championship.
Centreville wins basketball conference game
First in State for 200 Free Relay
Centreville swimming
Protesting ICE Action
Protest against raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Looking Towards the Future
Mountain View High holds winter graduation.
Mountain View High is a school of second chances, and its students make the most of them.
'Well Earned and Well Deserved'
Mountain View High presents special awards
Tuesday, February 21
Matching Pets to Their Owners
Animal shelters’ counselors help families find the right fit when seeking a pet adoption.
Natasha had been abandoned and was wandering the streets of Arlington under the blaze of a hot summer sun when she was rescued and taken to a local shelter.
Lawmaker Work Group to Examine Virginia Predatory Lending
Panel to investigate internet loans, car-title loans and open-end lines of credit.
The growing chorus of criticism about predatory lending in Virginia may not have prompted lawmakers to start passing laws to crack down on the industry. But it has accomplished one thing, formation of a work group.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Robert Johnson of Woodbridge understands the mental health crisis from a personal perspective.
A Record Year for Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Region honors its supporters.
Megan Newman told her story at the Alzheimer’s Association “Wall of Hope” reception at Tysons Corner on Feb. 9. She was only 18, a senior in high school, when her mother started to ask the same question more than once.
Opinion: Budget Season in Fairfax County
Attend a town hall meeting and express your priorities.
Alexandria and Arlington each have a meals tax, both enacted without a referendum because as urban forms of government in Virginia, their local elected bodies were authorized to enact the tax legislatively.
Monday, February 20
Fairfax County NAACP Hosting Community Gathering
The NAACP of Fairfax County is hosting a community and Black History Month commemoration on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Lorton: Fire Extinguished at Waste Facility
Covanta spokesperson James Regan said one Fairfax County Fire engine remained at the Covanta Fairfax Waste to Energy Facility on Furnace Road in Lorton to assist with the process of removing waste from the refuse pit and tipping floor, to ensure all the hot spots are doused. A two-alarm blaze began there Thursday evening, Feb. 2.
Letter to the Editor: Riding/Boarding Stable Definition Changes: Citizen Vigilance Now Necessary
On Feb. 14, the Board of Supervisors voted to change the definition of riding/boarding stables and to add teaching horseback riding to the list of allowable Home Occupations not needing a Special Permit.
Fairfax County Names First Independent Police Auditor
Richard G. Schott, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to be Fairfax County’s first-ever independent police auditor.
The Connection HomeLifeStyle Real Estate and Remodeling Focus
Sponsored
This special focus will use the award-winning Connection Newspapers’ resources to illustrate the benefits of buying and listing homes for sale this summer.
Friday, February 17
Chantilly Home Sales: January, 2017
In January, 2017, 8 homes sold between $725,000-$255,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: January, 2017
Centreville Home Sales: January, 2017
In January, 2017, 50 Centreville homes sold between $979,900-$174,900.
Centreville Home Sales: January, 2017
Thursday, February 16
Fear Follows ICE Enforcement
Men said to be detained after leaving Mount Vernon shelter.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Mount Vernon.
Era of the Iron Fist: How Did Democrats Rule the House of Delegates?
Democrats complain about Republican heavy-handedness, but were they any better?
Democrats complain that Republicans are sidelining their bills without much consideration. But were Democrats any better when they had control of the House of Delegates?
Wednesday, February 15
Sharing His Story
Sam Massa, a former student at Rocky Run Middle School, returned to speak with current students on “Appreciating Learning Differences and Going After Your Dreams.”
Civilization Day in Clifton
Third grade Students at Union Mill Elementary School in Clifton celebrate Civilization Day by making colorful fans.
Learning Self Defense
The National Charity League Bluebell Chapter recently participated in a self-defense seminar developed specifically for young women.
Sully Site Receives Grant
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a Mastenbrook Matching Fund Grant request from The Sully Foundation, Ltd. (TSF) at its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Editorial: Ending Gerrymandering Important to Region
Efforts appear dead for this session, but elections later this year provide new opportunities.
While three bills that could have reined in the runaway gerrymandering in Virginia made it through the Virginia Senate to crossover, they died on Tuesday morning in a House subcommittee, despite some vocal Republican support.
Job Fairs Match Fairfax County Teens, Employers
Supervisor Pat Herrity’s (R-Springfield) office, along with a variety of business and community organizations, hosted two teen job fairs and resume building workshops last year.
In Session: Virginia General Assembly Briefs
Ghost of Carter Glass
Meet state Sen. Carter Glass of Lynchburg.
FCPS Adopts $2.8 Billion Budget for FY2018
5.1 percent increase from 2017 prioritizes compensation and classroom resources.
The Fairfax County School Board formally adopted interim Superintendent Steve Lockard’s proposed $2.8 billion operating budget at its Feb. 9 meeting, following several work sessions and public hearings on the matter.
Chief Still Withholding Officer’s Name in Fatal Herndon Shooting
Temporary restraining order to not release name vacated by judge.
Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year.
A Reunion Decades in the Making
Local Man Finally Finds his Family
Born in Vietnam to an American father serving in the Navy and a Vietnamese mother, Joe Nguyen was raised by his mom.
'I Felt 'At Least I'm Somebody"
Centreville woman meets birth father after 45 years.
Tina Diep Carmichael and Joe Nguyen reunited.
Improve Driver Laws, Reduce Road Deaths
Virginia’s highway safety report card.
Clifton resident Debbie Sausville represented Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at a recent Capitol Hill news conference where Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) issued “report cards” rating all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their progress toward adopting 15 optimal laws that scientific studies, data analysis and real world experience show are effective at preventing death and injury on roadways.
Sully District Scouts Compete in Klondike Derby
The National Capitol Area Council (NCAC) Sully District annual Klondike Derby.
Fairfax County Executive Proposes $4.10 Billion Budget
Calls for no increase in real estate taxes; falls $61 million short of schools’ request.
An exercise in “triage and trade-offs” was how Mount Vernon District Supervisor Daniel Storck described the FY 2018 budget as proposed by County Executive Ed Long to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Celebrating Black History Month
Educators say these lessons are urgently needed in current racial climate.
Even though Elavie Ndura knows that it is a daunting challenge to help children grasp the entirety of the African American experience in the shortest month of the year, each February she and other educators give it their best effort.
Friday, February 10
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb. 8
If you have lived in Fairfax County for any amount of time, you are surely familiar with the traffic situation here.
Commentary: First Amendment Is Alive and Well
“Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Thursday, February 9
Lorton: Trash Burned at Covanta Waste Facility
Fire lasted through the weekend.
A fire started within the Covanta Fairfax Waste to Energy Facility in the 9800 block of Furnace Road in Lorton Thursday evening Feb. 2 and smoldered through the weekend.
Wednesday, February 8
Saffoori Honored as Officer of the Month
PFC Ramsy Saffoori has been selected as an Officer of the Month for the Sully District Police Station.
Signing Day for Westfield High School Football
Westfield High School Football, which groomed NFL players like Eddie Royal, Mike Glennon and Evan Royster, is getting ready to send its largest group of players ever on to the next level.
Right to the End
Coming into their game with Centreville, many looking at Westfield’s record of (3-13) would not realize how close many of their losses were.
A Chantilly Loss in Second Overtime
The Chantilly Chargers Boys Varsity basketball team traveled to Oakton to take on the Oakton Cougars on Feb. 3.
Valentine Special: Pet Adoptions in Fair Lakes
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue holds weekly pet adoptions in Fair Lakes and the Northern Virginia area.
Tuesday, February 7
Bulova Calls for Land Use Engagement
Board of Supervisors chairman to host Community Council on Land Use Engagement.
At the Jan. 24 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), Chairman Sharon Bulova handed the gavel to Vice Chairman Penelope Gross (D-Mason District), and proceeded to utilize a “Chairman’s Initiative” to introduce a “Board Matter” of her own.
MATHCOUNTS Winners Announced
Top area teams, students advance to Virginia state competition.
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at George Mason University.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Honoring the Past and Present
A home with both a rich history and modern conveniences is on the market in Fairfax.
When Betsy Rutkowski purchased her Fairfax home, she was drawn to its rich history and the childhood memories which it evoked.
City House, Country House
Home offers sunny interior and bucolic surroundings.
European craftsmanship, a free-flowing floor plan and light-filled rooms characterize a home that was designed according to the vision of a local jurist.
Fireplace as Focal Point
A hearth is in demand for cold weather.
“Fireplaces have never fallen out of favor,” said David Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
The backlog of untested rape kits has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been working to find ways to process all that evidence. But that’s not the only problem with rape kits. Many of them are them are simply thrown away.
Cracking Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Rocky Road Ahead
Governor, business leaders and analysts offer insights on regional economy.
The road signs along the highway to the region’s economic future are a bit difficult to read, sometimes pointing positively one way, and at other times seeming to indicate slow downs and hazards ahead, according to speakers and panelists at last week’s regional economic conference.
A Look Inside Fairfax County Police Diversity Training
Commanders hear speeches on openness, forgiveness, professionalism.
West Springfield District Police Commander Cpt. Gervais T. Reed said when police officers leave the profession, some are in good shape, others are bitter.
Oakton Girls Defeat Chantilly
The Chantilly and Oakton girls’ varsity basketball teams battled each other for first place in the conference on Feb. 3 with Oakton triumphant 53-51.
Thursday, February 2
Fairfax County: Body-Worn Cameras for Police Coming Closer
Policy addressing privacy, mental health, metrics needed before pilot begins.
Fairfax County Police could have a body-worn camera program for officers up and running as early as the fall. That’s what Police Chief Edwin Roessler and the Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee discussed at the committee’s first meeting of 2017 on Jan. 31.
Fairfax County: Deadline Reached for Civilian Review Panel Nominations
Supervisors to review applications before Feb. 14 meeting.
Jan. 31 was the final day for applications and nominations for Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel, one of two new forms of independent oversight for the police department.
Wednesday, February 1
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about Facebook and Twitter?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers to Crack Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Commentary: Stand with Us in Challenging Times
The mission of the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) is to build community acceptance and economic opportunity for new immigrants in Centreville.
Letter to the Editor: A Plea to Listen
“Disgusted and disappointed” are probably an understatement to how I feel.
Richmond Report: Votes Show Bipartisanship
The pace of work in the General Assembly has accelerated this week.
Roundups: Centreville and Chantilly
Roundups: Centreville and Chantilly
In Musical Competition
On Feb. 11, Olivia Johann, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology and resident of Centreville, will compete on the oboe.
Westfield Girls Varsity Falls to Oakton 54-44
The Westfield Bulldogs girls varsity basketball team traveled to Oakton to take on #11 Oakton on Jan. 27.
Centreville Defeats Chantilly 44-41
The Centreville girls varsity basketball team won a conference game against the Chantilly Chargers in Chantilly on Jan. 24.
'Its Sadly Still Very Relevant'
Westfield High presents “The Laramie Project.”
In October 1998 in a prairie outside Laramie, Wy., college student Matthew Shepard, 21, was tied to a fence and beaten because he was gay.
Peanuts Characters Come to Life
CVHS presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”
Centreville High’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” will resonate with children and adults alike.