Friday, October 30
SoberRide for Halloween
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will provide free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Halloween evening, this Saturday, Oct. 31.
Thursday, October 29
Editorial: Vote Nov. 3
Read Election coverage at www.ConnectionNewspapers.com.
If you live in a district with a hotly contested race, you definitely know from the contents of your mailbox that there is an Election coming up.
Fairfax County: School Bond Referendum Tops $300 Million
The Nov. 3 election ballot will include a Fairfax County Public Schools bond referendum, featuring school improvement projects totaling $350,000,000.
Fairfax County Public Schools To Relocate 500 Staff
Fairfax County Public Schools has signed a 13-year lease at the Willow Oaks Corporate Center in Merrifield to relocated 500 support staff from the Fairfax Ridge Administration Center, where its lease it set to expire in March 2016.
Herrity: Fairfax County Board Made Decisions Not to Disclose Geer Information
Springfield supervisor speaks up on transparency at first committee meeting to review 140+ recommendations from ad hoc police commission.
While Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Morrogh was held up as one source of stalling the release information regarding the 2013 shooting death of Springfield man John Geer by then-Fairfax County police officer Adam Torres, Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) offered that “decisions we made” on the Board of Supervisors, on the counsel of the Fairfax County attorney, were also responsible for Torres’ name, discrepancies in the investigation and other details of the incident being withheld from the public and Geer’s family until a lawsuit finally forced the police department to release everything.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Mollie Loeffler (I)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors-Mason: Penelope A. “Penny” Gross (D)
Question and answer
Question and answer
Fairfax County: School Board Promotes Dyslexia Awareness
And adopts two-hour delay for March Primary.
Nine-year-old Maxwell Gebharts stood confidently on a step-stool to address the Fairfax County School Board Oct. 22. “My old school didn’t know I was dyslexic,” he said. “I was very sad and felt like I wasn’t keeping up with everybody.”
Wednesday, October 28
Halloween and Weekend Events in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls
Things to do this weekend.
Halloween and weekend events in your neighborhood
Adam Lind is Fairfax County’s New Bicycle Program Manager
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) Director Tom Biesiadny announced the selection of Adam Lind as the county’s new Bicycle Program Manager in the Capital Projects and Traffic Engineering Division.
Letter: Murphy Opposes Tolls on I-66
To the Editor
Delegate Kathleen Murphy opposes tolls on I-66. She made an unequivocal statement at the McLean Community Center debate on Oct. 18 that she is opposed to tolls on I-66--and has always been opposed to such tolls.
Gun Control Compromise
31st Senate District candidates unite behind gun control legislation, at least conceptually.
While Republicans and Democrats disagree on virtually everything, gun control still stands out above the rest as one of the more divisive issues.
Murphy vs. Parisot, Double Sequel
34th District has history of close elections.
The 34th-District House of Delegates race between Kathleen Murphy (D) and Craig Parisot (R) is a rematch of the special election triggered last November when Barbara Comstock (R) was elected to the U.S. Congress.
Letter: Supervisor With Proven Competence
To the Editor
In the ongoing discussion in the race for the Dranesville Supervisor, the challenger to incumbent John Foust has dismissed Foust’s experience and record of accomplishments as irrelevant.
Letter: Proven Leader
To the Editor
I have read with interest the accounts of the recent debates among the candidates for Dranesville Supervisor.
One-Woman Show in the Race for District 31 Senate?
Barbara Favola seeks reelection to Virginia State Senate.
For the second time in a month, Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) debated by herself.
Cooper Middle Students Hold a Mock Election
Shaking hands and speaking with students, Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34) engages eighth grade students at Cooper Middle School in political discussions and views their research projects.
Week in McLean
Weekly happenings in McLean
Potomac School Student Earns Honors for Independent Science Research
Potomac School senior Matt Spencer has been selected as a regional semi-finalist in the Siemens Competition in Science, Math and Technology for his research on bioremediation.
Letter: Supporting Chronis
To the Editor
I have to assume that voters who sing the praises of Supervisor John Foust live in a different universe from mine.
Letter: A Vote of ‘No Confidence’
To the Editor
Every incumbent Delegate in Northern Virginia was endorsed by the Northern Virginia Technology Council, with the exception of 34th District delegate, Kathleen Murphy.
Letter: Pro-business Candidate
To the Editor
Northern Virginia needs a strong delegate with proven leadership skills to best represent our community’s interests in Richmond.
25th Anniversary: McLean Community Center's Old Firehouse Teen Center
The McLean Historical Society and the McLean Community Center (MCC) celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Old Firehouse Teen Center with dozens of residents in attendance on Oct. 13.
Who’s the Leader? Who’s Politicking?
Foust runs on his record; Chronis says new leader is needed for Dranesville Supervisor.
Supervisor John W. Foust mentioned numerous endorsements he has already received and highlighted achievements he has made with the McLean community.
Provocative, Edgy Humor Comes to McLean
‘Big and Tall’ come to the Alden Theatre.
Late night, cheeky stand-up comedy, with plenty of sharp pointed takes on contemporary times will be front-and-center at the Alden Theatre.
Completing Eagle Scout Project at Churchill Road, McLean
On Oct. 3, Cameron Hohl, a junior at Langley High School and Churchill Road alumnus, completed his Eagle Scout project at Churchill Road Elementary School.
Doug Mackall Receives Henry C. Mackall Award for Local History in McLean
At its Oct. 13 meeting, the McLean Historical Society presented the Henry C. Mackall Award for Local History to Douglass Sorrel Mackall III.
The Alden Shows Spooky Silent Film “The Man Who Laughs” on Halloween
The Alden Shows Spooky Silent Film “The Man Who Laughs” on Halloween
The Alden in McLean begins its Classics of the Silent Screen series at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, with a showing of the 1928 film, “The Man Who Laughs.”
An Evening with Music at McLean Community Center
Dingwall Fleary, Conductor and Music Director of The McLean Symphony and the Reston Community Orchestra, will be the guest speaker at the McLean branch meeting of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. at the McLean Community Center.
Letter: Re-elect Janie Strauss
To the Editor
Fairfax County has been very fortunate to have had Janie Strauss as Dranesville’s representative on the School Board for the last two decades.
Letter: Spreading False Information
To the Editor
It is unfortunate that Graig Parisot, a newcomer to Fairfax County politics is reaching out to new lows of credibility in making false statements about Delegate Kathleen Murphy’s position on I-66 tolls.
Letter: Del. Murphy Fights Gun Store Location, Parisot Stays Silent
To the Editor
It was unconscionable that Craig Parisot, the challenger for the 34th House District, evaded a question at the McLean Citizens Association debates concerning his position on the gun shop opening for business next to an elementary school in McLean.
Tuesday, October 27
Helping Homeless Build New Lives
Cardinal Bank and George Mason Mortgage donate $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Cardinal Bank (NASDAQ: CFNL) announced that the Cardinal Community Fund and George Mason Mortgage, LLC, have awarded $10,000 to HomeAid Northern Virginia.
Monday, October 26
School Board-Fairfax County Mount Vernon: Karen Corbett Sanders
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County Lee District: Tamara Derenak Kaufax
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Dr. R. E. ”Bob” Copeland
Question and Answer
Question and answer
School Board-Fairfax County At Large: Theodore J. “Ted” Velkoff
Question and Answer
Question and answer
House of Delegates-District 53: Marcus B. Simon (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 48: Rip Sullivan (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 47: Patrick A. Hope (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 46: Charniele L. Herring (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 43: Anna Urman (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 42: David Albo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 41: Eileen Filler-Corn (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Timothy D. Hugo (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 40: Jerry Foltz (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: David Bulova (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 37: Sang Yi (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Kathleen Murphy (D)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates-District 34: Craig A. Parisot (R)
Question and Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Mark Sickles (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 43: Paul J. McIlvaine (I)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 44: Paul Krizek (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 46: Sean Lenehan (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 49: Alfonso Lopez (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 67: Jim LeMunyon (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Danny Vargas (R)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 36: Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 86: Jennifer Boysko (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
House of Delegates–District 39: Vivian Watts (D)
Question & Answer
A candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Q&A
Saturday, October 24
Arlington: Running Back Young Helps Wakefield Fend Off Improving Marshall
Warriors win sixth straight, take sole possession of first place in Conference 13.
The Wakefield football team defeated Marshall 33-19 on Friday.
Friday, October 23
Letter: Tainted Endorsement?
A national group designated by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-muslim and anti-gay hate group has been involved in Fairfax County Public Schools politics since April, and now has endorsed a slate of candidates for School Board.
Thursday, October 22
Fairfax County: League of Women Voters hosts Forum for Board of Supervisors Chairman and At-Large School Board
Chairman Candidates Debate Economy, Police, Schools
Continuing their series of meet the candidates events, the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax area gave citizens another opportunity at James Madison High School in Vienna to ask questions and visit with hopefuls for both Board of Supervisors chairman and Fairfax County School Board at-large member.
Fairfax County: Board of Supervisors Accepts Final Report from Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
Civilian Oversight Board Proposed, Debated
Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission chairman Michael Hershman was clear about what his group was, and was not tasked to do.
Wednesday, October 21
Classified Advertising October 21 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 20
Reston: Brownell’s 13 Kills Help South Lakes Sweep McLean
Seahawks volleyball in search of first conference title.
The South Lakes volleyball team swept McLean on Monday.
Monday, October 19
School Board–Dranesville District: Pete Kurzenhauser
Q&A
School Board Candidate for Dranesville District
School Board–Dranesville District: Janie Strauss
Q&A
Janie Strauss is a candidate for the Dranesville School Board.
Friday, October 16
McLean Home Sales: September, 2015
In September, 2015, 74 homes sold between $5,294,659-$145,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: September, 2015
Thursday, October 15
Halloween Events in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls
Spooky, scary in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls.
Weekend in Vienna, McLean, Great Falls
So many fun things to do, so little time. It's the weekend in your neighborhood.
Fairfax Station: First Decoding Dyslexia 5K Held at Burke Lake
Raising awareness, advocating for more services in schools
When Fairfax resident Calvin Rizek was in first grade, he remembers not being able to read along with the class, but “just flipping pages, like everyone else.”
Buying Real Estate Abroad
Local Realtor to appear on “House Hunters International.”
An Arlington-based real estate agent is getting a brush with fame. While recently in Roatan, Honduras, for scuba diving lessons, Stacy Hennessey of McEnearney Associates, Inc. made a quick decision buy a house that she can rent to vacationers.
A Place To Cook
Local designers transform outdated kitchens into timeless, elegant spaces.
Local designers recently took three Virginia kitchens in need of an overhaul and reimagined them to create spaces that are both spacious and elegant.
Fairfax County: Sexual Violence Task Force Presents Recommendations
A Fairfax County task force established in March to review the state of sexual violence education and awareness presented a set of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors at their Sept. 29 meeting.
Fairfax County: School Board To Discuss Delay for Presidential Primary
To alleviate congestion and chaos at 165 of the 196 Fairfax County schools and centers that double as polling places, the Fairfax County Board of Elections requested the School Board look at delaying school two hours on March 1, 2016 for the presidential primary.
Fairfax County: Police Commission Calls for Auditor, Civilian Review Board
Unanimous recommendations head to supervisors in wake of John Geer shooting, transparency missteps.
After six months of meetings, the Ad Hoc commission created by Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova to review police practices has concluded its primary work. Chair of the commission’s Independent Oversight and Investigations subcommittee Jack Johnson presented that group’s final recommendations to the full commission on Oct. 8.
Editorial: Closer Look at School Spending
Report: Local schools spend less to educate more challenging students.
Since Fiscal Year 2009, Alexandria Public Schools has reduced per pupil spending by 13.3 percent, adjusted for inflation.
Wednesday, October 14
Letter: Re-elect Foust
To the Editor
We are a mixed marriage (one Democrat and one Republican), but we both agree that John Foust should be re-elected supervisor.
Letter: Chamber Endorses Incumbents
To the Editor
NOVABizPAC declined to interview the 34th District’s two candidates for delegate this year.
Letter: Endorsing Incumbents
To the Editor
Why would NOVABizPAC endorse the candidate who has bragged about being in politics her whole life over the candidate who has built two startups, is a current CEO, and is greatly respected across Northern Virginia’s business community?
MPAartfest 2015 a Big Success
Despite being postponed due to inclement weather, the ninth annual MPAartfest 2015 had a large gathering on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, at McLean Central Park in McLean.
McLean Resident Receives Davidson Fellowship
Only in his first year of college at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in Ann Arbor, Mich., Kevin Joel Broom II (Joe) has already distinguished himself as a musician.
McLean Football Falls to Chantilly
Thunderstorms in the Northern Virginia area and a delayed start could not prevent the Homecoming festivities and the Chantilly Chargers from a 27-7 victory over McLean on the gridiron Oct. 9 in Chantilly.
McLean Woman’s Club Donates $1,500 to McLean Volunteer Fire Department
On Saturday, Oct. 10, the president and members of the Woman’s Club of McLean presented a check for $1,500 to the McLean Volunteer Fire Department.
Newly Elected at Churchill Road
Churchill Road Elementary School held the induction ceremony for its newly elected Student Council Association (SCA) officers for 2015-2016
300 Compete in Third Annual Teddy Bear 5K & 1K Walk/Run
More than 300 runners and walkers of all ages turned out for the Third Annual Teddy Bear 5K & 1K Walk/Run on Sunday, Sept. 27, to benefit the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center, a nonprofit, early childhood education program in which children from low-income, working families build the skills they need to be ready for success in school.
Chairman Candidates Offer Stark Differences
Anti-taxer Arthur Purves challenging incumbent Chairman Sharon Bulova.
Sharon Bulova is exactly where she wants to be. “I believe in local government. It’s where the rubber hits the road, and where you’re closest to your constituents,” said Bulova, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the top elected official in Fairfax County.
Classified Advertising October 14 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, October 12
Letter: Helping Parisot Win
To the Editor
The recent debate in Great Falls was another reminder that Craig Parisot is the most qualified candidate to represent Virginia’s 34th District in the House of Delegates.
Letter: Perils of Budgetary Delays
To the Editor
Our Congresswoman Barbara Comstock did the right thing to vote last week for the budget.
Letter: Kathleen Murphy is on Our Side
To the
Re-elect Delegate Kathleen Murphy so she can go back to the General Assembly and continue to push for common sense gun safety laws.
Long & Foster’s Ron Glass Named Top Producer for August 2015
Ron Glass, a commercial broker with Long & Foster Real Estate, has been named top producer for August 2015 for Long & Foster’s Commercial Division, located in Tysons Corner.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities.
$75 Billion Global Cybersecurity Market
Northern Virginia is “hotbed for cyber security entrepreneurship.”
With all its sophistication and intricacies, cybersecurity starts with a simple premise.
Thursday, October 8
“They’re Not Alone”
New domestic violence victims screening tool launches in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County is taking a step forward to reduce the deaths among victims of domestic violence. According to the police department, county domestic violence hotlines receive over 240 calls each month.
Wednesday, October 7
Classified Advertising October 7 , 2015
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 6
Volunteers still needed for Shepherd’s Center Of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church
We have heard recently how important it is to offer help to the elderly who are unable to do things for themselves and to put others ahead of ourselves.
More than 800 Compete in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics
Pickleball closes out two-weeks of Olympic events
With more than 40 events ranging from Scrabble to shotput, the Senior Olympics was conducted across Northern Virginia at two dozen locations ranging from Loudoun Country to Arlington and around Fairfax; 819 Northern Virginia seniors participated in this year’s games.
Overcoming downsizing decorating dilemmas
Downsizing can present some furnishings and decorating dilemmas? What do we keep? What will work in new spaces? How do I make some rooms multi-functional? And what about all that memorabilia?
It Takes a Village
Local groups help seniors socialize, manage everyday tasks.
When Penelope Roberts, 73, of Alexandria, Virginia, had knee replacement surgery last month, she knew she would be out of commission for several weeks.
Editorial: Vote Now to Avoid the Earthquake
Early voting available for most voters now; vote by Nov. 3.
The news is all about Donald, Hilary, Bernie, Carlie, Joe and Jeb. That’s next year, November 2016. The election in less than a month matters here in Northern Virginia. What are your priorities?
Very Good News on Real Estate Market in McLean and Great Falls
Banner first three quarters of 2015 for real estate in McLean and Great Falls.
The first three quarters of 2015 in McLean and Great Falls is up 9 percent overall in terms of number of sales in comparison to the previous time frame in 2014.
McLean Community Center Helps Residents with Retirement
This fall, McLean Community Center (MCC) has put together a five-part series called “Are You Ready for the Rest of Your Life?”
Favola Debates Alone, Forakis a No-Show
Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) will face Republican George V. Forakis on the November ballot, but she did not face him in last week’s debate because he did not attend.
Commentary: Preserving Trees
Madam Chairman, on many occasions, our Board has stated its strongly held belief that tree preservation is an essential element in our environmental plans and in our efforts to protect and improve the quality of life in our county.
Commentary: Gun Shop Location Puts Children at Risk
The decision by the owners of the NOVA Gun Shop to locate their new retail store adjacent to Franklin Sherman Elementary School in McLean is unwise and inappropriate, and potentially puts the health and safety of schoolchildren and faculty at unnecessary risk.
Share Volunteers Gear Up for Holiday Celebration
Share volunteers are already beginning preparations for their annual holiday programs. It takes more than 50 volunteers to pull off the festivities which generally serve around 640 needy individuals (250 families) living in the McLean, Great Falls and Pimmit Hills areas. Throughout the season, you will see many community partners helping to prepare for the event with food and toiletry drives, Trees for Food, wish trees, and so much more.
Monarch Madness at Churchill Road
It’s Monarch Madness at Churchill Road. Churchill Road second graders have been making exciting discoveries the first week of school.
Cardinal Bank Names Fabiola Tapia Branch Manager of Greensboro Office
Cardinal Bank has announced that Fabiola Tapia has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Manager of Cardinal Bank’s Greensboro Banking Office. Tapia will oversee the business development efforts and client relationship management in the Tysons Corner market. Her office is located at 8270 Greensboro Drive, McLean.
Letter: Strategic Insight
Letter to the Editor
At the candidate debates at the Great Falls Grange this week, Craig Parisot (candidate for House Delegate Virginia’s 34th District) pointed out that Virginia once was on the path to be a great science and technology business hub.
Letter: Dedicated to Serve
Letter to the Editor
While some saw gender bias at play during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor debates between Jennifer Chronis and John Foust, I saw a tough woman willing to accept the difficult challenges facing Fairfax County governance.
McLean Crime Report
The following incidents were reported by the McLean District Police Station.
Letter: Complete Contrast
Letter to the Editor
I attended the Great Falls Citizens Association debate at The Grange, and despite the rain, I’m very glad I did.
Letter: Our Fundamental Freedoms
Letter to the Editor
There are some very fundamental freedoms, which we enjoy in America. Government does not give us our freedoms, but one of its purposes under our Constitution is to protect them. One fundamental freedom we have is to worship our God in our own way, or not. Government cannot tell us we cannot and cannot tell us how, or where. Let us be vigilant about this, and not let it be lost, even one pebble at a time.
Letter: Another Look at Gun Control
Letter to the Editor
The photos illustrating the front page Gun Shop Protest article of September 30 - October 6, 2015 clearly demonstrate the diversity of our McLean community.
Letter: A Platform to Move Virginia Forward
Letter to the Editor
Craig Parisot just released an excellent plan to bring economic growth to our region. His plan is comprehensive and promising.
Letter: Small-Business Association Endorses Parisot
Letter to the Editor
Craig Parisot has been endorsed by Virginia’s leading small-business association.
Friday, October 2
Hats for Ellie
Local organization collects hats for children with cancer.
When the school year began in 2013, Jay Coakley, a physical education teacher at Woodburn Elementary School in Falls Church noticed that one of his kindergarten students had an affinity for brightly colored hats.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - Oct. 2-11, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
Thursday, October 1
Fairfax County: Candidates Meet on Fairfax Public Access
Clerk, Sheriff and Soil & Water incumbents and challengers answer questions.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid wasted no time in bringing up the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna during her opening remarks. Kincaid said the loss of life, which occurred in February following an incident where a team of Sheriff’s deputies was attempting to transport McKenna to Alexandria police and deployed a taser on her four times, continues to weigh heavily on her.
146 Fairfax County Schools Energy Star-Certified
New Auditor General also appointed at Sept. 24 meeting
In the last year and a half, Fairfax County Public Schools have been able to reduce the energy consumption in their buildings by 15 percent. That cut down resulted in savings of $4.5 million, according to a release Sept. 25 by the school system.
Fairfax County: West Nile Cases Even with Five-Year Average
There have been just three documented cases of West Nile Virus in Fairfax County so far in 2015, equaling the previous five-year average, according to Fairfax County Health Department public safety information officer John Silcox.