Stories for May 2016

Letter: The Price of Littering

To the Editor

Did you know $11.5 billion is spent every year to clean up litter.

Week in McLean

Weekly happenings in McLean.

McLean: Inspired for the ‘Best Issue Ahead’

McLean High student journalists win awards.

Two publications at McLean High School were recently recognized, due to outstanding student work, in this this year’s Virginia Association of Journalism Teacher and Advisers (VAJTA) competition and several other competitions.

Try Sweetbites of McLean

Owner-baker Sandra Panetta, from food truck to a fabulous bakery.

From a successful food truck to a fabulous bakery in McLean, owner and baker Sandra Panetta has taken sweet eats to a new and yummy level at Sweetbites.

Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance

Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis

If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines

Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.

Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing

FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.

In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.

Week in McLean

Weekly news in McLean

McLean: Nearing Consensus on Dead Run?

The beauty of Dead Run Stream Valley Park in McLean was on full display last Thursday, May 19.

Revelers Brave the Rain for McLean Day

Despite pouring rain, McLean community celebrates 101st annual festival.

The 101st McLean Day, a family fun event, occurred on a rainy May 21 at Lewinsville Park.

Teen Character Honored at McLean Day

Outstanding Character Award for Teenagers presented at community festival.

The McLean Citizens Association presented the Outstanding Character Award for Teenagers at McLean Day on May 21 to recognize extraordinary community service.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

McLean and Great Falls: Revisiting 1771 at Claude Moore Colonial Farm

Market Fair portrays 1771 Virginia farm life.

After driving past Tysons Corner, downtown McLean, and the CIA, visitors were transported back to 1771 Virginia by Claude Moore Colonial Farm’s Market Fair on May 22.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities

Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.

McLean Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 97 homes sold between $4,150,000-$185,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: April, 2016

Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences

Offering to bring balance into gender issue.

For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance

When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

McLean, Langley High Students Unite to Fight Cancer

The night kicked off with the over 800 participants surrounding the track to cheer on cancer survivors doing a lap around the track.

Week in McLean

Weekly happenings in McLean

McLean Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police blotter from May 6-13.

McLean Day: This Saturday

McLean Day is this Saturday.

Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors

West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Great Falls: Langley Boys’ Lax Beats McLean in Conference 6 Tournament

Senior midfielder Duley leads Saxons with three goals.

The Langley boys' lacrosse team beat McLean in the first round of the Conference 6 tournament.

Week in McLean

Weekly happenings in McLean

McLean Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police blotter from April 30-May 7.

Letter: McLean Cares About ‘Green Living’

To the Editor

Your recent article (“Saving Trees while Building Houses,” McLean Connection, April 27-May 3, 2016) highlighted an important issue in McLean.

McLean: SUV Crashes into Silver Diner

Several injured in incident.

A 59-year-old suspect set himself on fire after driving his vehicle into McLean’s Silver Diner on Wednesday, May 4, according to Fairfax County police reports.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose

In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.

Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose

Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.

South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Moves to Address Department Cyberbullying

After the suicide of Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff and suspected cyberbullying of the 31-year-old that came to light after her death, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue is cracking down on workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day

Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.

McLean and Vienna: Charity 5k Race Winners Announced

The Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the results for the 3rd Annual Tysons Chamber Charity 5K that was held Sunday, April 24, at Tysons Corner Center.

McLean and Vienna: Charity 5k Race Winners Announced

The Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the results for the 3rd Annual Tysons Chamber Charity 5K that was held Sunday, April 24, at Tysons Corner Center.

Week in McLean

Weekly happenings in McLean

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Farmers Markets in Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.

Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail

Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”

One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

County Budget Approved

Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”

When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.

McLean and Vienna: Marshall Graduate, Tennis Star Focusses on Business

A former tennis champ-turned-budding business leader has received the University of Virginia’s Sky Alland Scholarship.

McLean: Spring Fling Fashion Show to Benefit Local Charities

Fundraising event held at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse in Tysons Corner.

The New Dominion Women’s Club (NDWC) held its Seventh Annual Spring Fling Fashion Show, Luncheon and Raffle on Sunday, May 1 at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse in the Courtyard Marriott at Tysons Corner to support four local charities. The event featured fashions from Bloomingdale’s.

McLean: Potomac School French Teacher Recognized for ‘Exceptional Teaching’

Dr. Murutamanga Louis Kabahita, a seventh- and eighth-grade French teacher at The Potomac School, has won a prestigious award from the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) for his exceptional teaching.

McLean: Northern Virginia Women Band Together in Support of LLS Mission

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) National Capital Area Chapter announced that Team LOL – a group of 140 women, and a few good men - raised $535,000 and counting for its mission through the Team in Training program this spring, bringing their grand total to $1 million since 2013.

McLean: A Family Musical Starring Poultry

‘Chicken Dance’ comes to the Alden Theater, McLean Community Center.

Light-hearted musical silliness from colorful family fare will soon arrive at the McLean Community Center.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.