Tuesday, January 31
Victims of Tribe-For-Rent Scam to Get $15 Million Payout in Settlement Agreement
15,000 Virginia victims get $6 million worth of predatory loans absolved, $9 million in cash awards.
The commercial features images of teepees and a tribal drumbeat. The company billed itself as having ties to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. But Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says that was nothing more than a fraud, a scheme he calls rent-a-tribe.
Submit Photos to Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 15.
Chief Withholding Name of Officer in Herndon Fatal Shooting
Officer files temporary restraining order for Roessler to not release name.
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. On Feb. 7, FCPD said the unnamed officer has filed a temporary restraining order to keep the name from being released.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
So Much Happening, Don’t Blink
Demonstrations at Dulles in reaction to travel ban; fast moving General Assembly lacks transparency; other key issues.
As this date approaches, the General Assembly has a serious transparency issue, as it continues to kill most proposed legislation with unrecorded voice votes in subcommittee, with no accountability or record of how members voted.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program
Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.
This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.
Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles
Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.
Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.
Friday, January 27
Springfield: Community Outlook 2017
Springfield Area Ongoing Developments
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Bills Moving Forward
Commentary Scott Surovell State Senator (D-36)
The General Assembly Session is in full gear and legislation has begun to move through the process as we start to take action on 3,000 bills.
Lorton: Community Outlook 2017
Ongoing Area Developments
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Salisbury Helps Lead UA Army ROTC to Competition
South County graduate excels at the University of Alabama.
“My first year, I performed at a high level, physically; I could do more pushups and sit-ups than anyone, but tactically I was young and wasn’t up to par with them. When I heard I didn’t make the starting nine last year, it got to me. I went from being the alternate or 10th or 11th man to being one of the guys recognized for helping our team win the state competition this year.”
Lorton Area iBOT Brainiacs Go to World Festival
Sports
Lorton area First Lego League (FLL) team known as the iBOT Brainiacs, a team of students from Lorton Station Elementary and South County Middle Schools, coached by Carey Hancey-Shier, won top honors at the FLL Robotics State Tournament held at James Madison University.
Week in Fairfax
Community News
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend and readopt Chapter 109.1 of the Fairfax County Code on the prohibition of plastic bags for yard waste was deferred indefinitely. The Board of Supervisors also voted unanimously to approve Supervisor Herrity’s motion to immediately communicate to the citizens, trash haulers, and lawn service companies that there is currently no approved ban in Fairfax County.
Providence Elementary Principal Issues ‘State of the School’ Report
Fairfax Education
In his first State of the School report, Principal Dan Phillips praised Providence Elementary School staff, students and parent community declaring, “Providence is a very, very special school.”
Fairfax: Two Alarm House Fire Displaces Family of Five
At approximately 10:10 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, units responded to a reported house fire in the 5000 block of Huntwood Manor Drive in the Fairfax section of Fairfax County.
Dramatic, Suspenseful, Colorful
“The Magic Marksman” from Virginia Opera at Fairfax’s Center for the Arts.
“It’s a suspenseful thriller, with passionate romance and the struggle between good and evil.” That is how Adam Turner, principal conductor, Virginia Opera, described “The Magic Marksman,” the Opera’s next offering at the Center for the Arts.
‘Gray Ghost’ Revisited
The exploits of Col John Mosby are being recounted in a 3-week course.
Mosby’s “Rangers” struck isolated Union detachments without warning, and usually captured most of the men and their horses. Then the Rangers would seemingly vanish into the countryside, not to be found by pursuing Union forces.
University Drive Extension Project Advances Slightly
Council votes to bring it to 30-percent design.
The Fairfax City Council has not completely approved the controversial University Drive extension...But the project inched forward slightly Tuesday night when the members voted to advance it to the 30-percent design stage.
Chocolate Lovers Unite in the City
Fairfax’s 25th annual festival is set for Feb. 4-5.
A quarter of a century is a long time; but there’s no expiration date on people’s love of chocolate. So it’s no surprise that the City of Fairfax is about to hold its 25th annual Chocolate Lovers Festival.
Commentary: Bills Moving Forward in Virginia General Assembly
News
The General Assembly Session is in full gear and legislation has begun to move through the process as we start to take action on 3,000 bills.
Residents Go to Richmond
Virginia News
With the Virginia General Assembly underway, many individuals and groups are traveling to the capital of the Commonwealth to lobby lawmakers.
Inauguration Day
Local officers provide security for inaugural events.
More than 100 officers from the Fairfax County Police Department assisted in security during Inauguration Day activities Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. as Donald Trump was sworn in as 45th President of the United States.
Area Roundups
No Ban on a Plastic Yard Waste Bag in County
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the public hearing to consider an ordinance to amend and readopt Chapter 109.1 of the Fairfax County Code on the prohibition of plastic bags for yard waste was deferred indefinitely.
Lake Braddock’s Atkins Selected Virginia Player of the Year
Atkins starts classes, football practice at University of Virginia.
Lake Braddock Secondary School’s former star football player, Lamont Atkins, was announced as the 2016-2017 Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year.
Burke Community Outlook 2017
Developments Underway in Burke Area
The Connection keeps a running list of land use projects being planned, under construction and nearing completion in the community. The list is updated quarterly.
Thursday, January 26
Burke, Fairfax Station, Springfield: Reducing Braddock Road congestion to be discussed Feb. 6
Is Wider Better?
Next month, residents will hear an update on the status of the Braddock Road Multimodal Study. The purpose of the study is to examine ways to relieve traffic congestion along the major corridor from Guinea Road to the Beltway. Those could include intersection improvements, lane additions, pedestrian improvements, “and the issue of whether or not to do a transit center,” said supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock).
Burke: Friends of Sadie Blood Drive Returns Feb. 12
The eighth annual Friends of Sadie Blood Drive is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Bipartisan Agreement Forged in House Panel on Reducing Suspended Driver’s Licenses
Republicans work with Cabinet officials to craft changes to let more people keep drivers licenses.
After Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe called on lawmakers to find a way to restore driver's licenses to people charged with crimes that had nothing to do with driving, Republicans responded. Now both sides are crafting a compromise that could end up being a hallmark of the 2017 session.
Wednesday, January 25
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Mental Illness Takes Center Stage in Richmond
Death of Fairfax County inmate among recent controversies prompting action.
The death of a woman who struggled with mental illness at the Fairfax County jail is among the many recent controversies in Virginia correctional facilities, a reform effort that spans from changing how deaths behind bars are investigated to how law-enforcement officers interact with suspects who suffer from mental illness.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Police Car Takes Fire while in Pursuit in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Tuesday, January 24
Party-Line Vote Protects Child Labor at Tobacco Farms in Virginia
Republican-led House panel kills effort to craft new protections for kids in unrecorded vote.
In an unrecorded party-line vote, House Republicans killed a bill that would have cracked down on child labor at tobacco farms in Virginia.
Monday, January 23
Editorial: America in Black & White
Growing up in America in the 1950s and 1960s, many children watched television only in black and white. Some children believed that the world beyond where they could see was only black and white, devoid of color even though their homes, their neighborhoods, their schools, their crayon boxes were filled with colors.
Letter to the Editor: Protesting Vote Suppression
I am fed up with gerrymandering and other tactics politicians use to stack the votes in their favor!
Letter to the Editor: Stopping Gerrymandering in Virginia
As the new legislative year begins in Richmond, I hope more voters will join the effort to stop gerrymandering in Virginia.
Opinion: Counting on Our Reps in Congress
Sound the call to action; resist changes that are against the values and beliefs of most Virginia voters.
While most voters in the United States did not vote for Donald Trump for president, it was all the more so here in Northern Virginia.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Friday, January 20
Yuri Sklad of Fairfax Earns Play Therapy Credential
Yuri Sklad, LMFT, of Fairfax, earned the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential conferred by the Association for Play Therapy (APT), according to its CEO Kathryn Lebby.
Springfield and Braddock Community Meeting on Biking Improvements Set for Jan. 24
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a community meeting to discuss two proposed bicycle improvements in Springfield and Braddock Districts on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017, 6:30 - 8 p.m., in the cafeteria of Irving Middle School, 8100 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield.
Fairfax City Council Mulls Location of Community Center
Three or more sites are under consideration.
For more than a year, a committee has been researching potential sites for a community center in the City of Fairfax.
Giving Back to the Community: Volunteers spruce up Fairfax group home on MLK Day.
On a day dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory, people throughout the country honored his legacy Monday by doing various projects to help others.
Route 123 Road Closure, Detour Set to Begin Jan. 24
As part of the ongoing Northfax project, northbound Route 123/Chain Bridge Road is scheduled to be closed between Fairfax Boulevard (Route 29/50) and Eaton Place beginning Jan. 24.
Commentary: Initiatives Moving in the Legislature
Several of my bills are moving quickly in the General Assembly’s “short,” 45-day.
Thursday, January 19
Burke, Fairfax Station: ‘Carousel’ Coming to Lake Braddock
Musical Theatre department revives a Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.
After having done family-friendly and modern shows in recent years, Lake Braddock Secondary School musical theatre director Mary DeMarco of Clifton decided “it was time to do a classic.”
Burke: Serving Others on MLK Day at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church
More than 50 volunteers spent time on Jan. 16 putting together 20 buckets of cleaning supplies for Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter residents who are transitioning to independent housing.
Fairfax County: Public hearing on yard waste bags follows premature administrative change
North Springfield resident Asher Grady has his leaf collecting down to a science. And with the mature trees around his quarter-acre lot, he needs to. Each fall, he said, he goes through between 60 and 80 bags of leaves, spending between eight and 12 hours to rake and bag them.
Burke Home Sales: December, 2016
In December, 2016, 53 Burke homes sold between $660,000-$89,000.
Burke Home Sales: December, 2016
Wednesday, January 18
Senate Panel Kills Effort to Allow Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Supporters say they’ll continue to press the issue, citing concerns over safety.
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia will not be getting a driver’s license anytime soon, although advocates for the idea say they will keep pressing lawmakers on the issue.
Tuesday, January 17
Online Virginia Lottery Sales? Don't Bet On It
House panel rejects bill that would allow for sale of lottery tickets over the internet.
A coalition of convenience store owners and religious conservatives worked to till an effort from the Virginia Lottery to allow for online gambling, thwarting an effort aimed at increasing sales among millennial gamblers. The bill, introduced by Del. Roxann Robinson (R-27), was defeated with an overwhelming vote by a House General Laws subcommittee Tuesday afternoon.
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria Grand Opening
Sponsored
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, January 21.
Let Horses Play Piano, Too
Horse Riding Lessons Allowed
Great Falls resident Kim Karanik navigated a three-and-a-half-year obstacle course to make riding activities and equestrian lessons more accessible and available to county children.
Lockard Channels Garza, Proposes $2.8 Billion FCPS Budget
FY2018 focuses on employee compensation and classroom resources.
Fairfax County Public Schools interim superintendent Steve Lockard is asking for $130.4 million more for the school system’s FY2018 operating budget than the previous year, a 4.9 percent increase, to a total of $2.8 billion.
Bicycle Advocacy Workshop in Springfield Feb. 4
Are you interested in making Fairfax County more bike-friendly?
Brewery Changes on Tap
Planning drafts zoning amendment.
There is increasing interest in Fairfax County in opening breweries for craft beer that might also serve beer and food.
Monday, January 16
Burke Cadet at U.S. Army All-American Bowl
Burke native, Michigan State University senior and U.S. Army ROTC Cadet Austin Wolfe was on-site this year at the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl mentoring student athletes as they prepared for the 17th annual bowl game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas.
History Conference Honors Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers
The 12th Annual Fairfax County History Conference titled ‘Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers – Part II: The Masons are Coming! The Masons are Coming!
The seven hour long 12th Annual Fairfax County History Conference was held on Nov. 12, 2016.
Recognized for December Results
Mark Ackermann, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that Youssef Zeroual and Kathleen Quintarelli from the Burke/Fairfax Station office were recognized for their exceptional industry success in December.
Police Still Investigating Linked Homicides
Police are continuing to chase “all possible leads” in connection with a pair of murders in Burke and Springfield that took place just before Christmas.
Senate Panel Approves Crackdown on Internet Lenders in Virginia
Bill would subject unregulated loans to rules that apply to consumer-finance loans.
The Wild West of online lending is about to become a little tamer. That’s because a state Senate panel narrowly approved a bill that would subject internet loans to the same restrictions that currently exist for consumer finance loans, a move that would cramp the anything-goes culture of online loans in Virginia.
Vietnam Veterans Host Award-Winning Documentary in Fairfax
On Tuesday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m., Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 227 will host the award-winning documentary film, “Thank You For Your Service,” at the Angelika Film Center, Mosaic District, in Fairfax.
Mystery at Workhouse Arts Center
Jason Krage, featured in the mystery ‘Solitary Confinement’ at the Workhouse Arts Center, W-3 Theatre, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.
‘Murder on the Nile’ on GMU Stage
Aquila Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile” at George Mason University, Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax.
No Injuries after VRE Train Hits Car in Clifton
No one was injured after a Virginia Railway Express train struck a car that had become stuck on the tracks in Clifton on Jan. 5, according to Fairfax County Fire & Rescue.
Connolly, Bulova Visit Humane Society of Fairfax
The Humane Society of Fairfax (www.hsfc.org) had two special visitors over the holiday come spend time with the animals.
Two Strangers, One Kidney, a New Documentary
Sixteen years ago, Springfield resident Gennet Belay got the phone call that saved her life. She was one of three candidates for a kidney transplant and a few days later, became the lucky recipient.
Planning for Summer Camp
Local camp fairs help families navigate the maze of summer camp offerings.
In an effort to confront religious intolerance, a group of local middle school students will attend a camp aimed at bringing together children from different religions and giving them the chance to come together, make new friendships, visit houses of worship, learn about other traditions and practice dialogue to confront Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.
Sunday, January 15
Opioid Treatment Service Jan. 17
Addiction Help
As you are well aware, the heroin and opioid dependency problem is growing across the nation, the Commonwealth, and our community is not being spared. The CSB has adjusted resources to help meet this critical demand for people seeking treatment; a new program begins soon. We need your help spreading the word about it. The CSB is holding an open forum for anyone who is seeking help for a loved one or knows of someone who might need help.
Thursday, January 12
Senators to Alexandria: Clean Up Your Act by 2020 or Lose State Funding
Lawmakers poo poo city efforts to flush raw sewage.
Members of the Virginia state Senate say they’re tired of hearing excuses about sewage from city officials in Alexandria, and they’re pushing ahead with a plan that one senator calls “the nuclear option.” This afternoon, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that sets a firm deadline for Alexandria to clean up its act — 2020. If city officials are unable to stop dumping more than 10 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River every year, Alexandria would lose all state appropriations until the problem is fixed.
Predatory Lenders Work Behind the Scenes to Avoid Regulation and Evade the Law
Campaign contributions and political connections used to sidestep crackdown.
Predatory Loans in the Crossfire: Lawmakers conflicted about how to handle high-interest loans.
Wednesday, January 11
Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion
Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.
The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”
In Session: Briefs
It doesn’t take much rain to trigger Alexandria’s 19th century sewage system to start dumping raw sewage into the Potomac River — about 0.03 inches, to be precise.
Tuesday, January 10
New Year, New Order: Organizing an unruly linen closet
If retrieving an item from the top shelf of one’s linen closet sets off an avalanche of mismatched sheets and tattered towels, it might be time for a linen closet reorganization.
Commentary: Republican Repeal Plan Promises Health Care Chaos
Over the course of a normal week, my office receives thousands of letters, emails, phone calls, and tweets from Northern Virginians.
Editorial: About the Connection
Happy New Year. We need your help in 2017.
Monday, January 9
Fairfax Lawmakers’ Last Call for Input
More than 80 speak at General Assembly public hearing.
“We’re not letting teachers do their jobs,” was the plea from Jo Neuber of Vienna, Co-chair of the organization Class Size Counts.
Organizing a Home Office
Design ideas for workspace order.
Whether located in a basement, spare bedroom or kitchen corner, one of the keys to creating a functional home office is organization.
Saturday, January 7
Rep. Comstock Co-Sponsors Resolution Condemning Anti-Israel UN Vote
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock
“In an act of moral cowardice in the closing days of his administration, President Obama’s ‘reckless abstention’ [to use the words of former DNC Chair and current Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)] at the UN has demonstrated his legacy as the most anti-Israel President in modern history. President Obama took the longtime, bipartisan support for Israel that has been a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy for decades and scrapped it with this short-sighted action last month.
Fairfax: Candidates Forum on Monday, January 9, 2017
Fairfax Fairfax Regional Library from 7 - 9:00 p.m.
The Candidates Forum on Monday will provide an important opportunity for residents to ask questions directly of the candidates about their concerns for the City of Fairfax. The public will also be able to meet individually with the candidates at the end of the question-and-answer session.
Friday, January 6
Reston: Weight Lifter Provides Tips To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
Fitness: "It is impossible to out-train a bad diet.”
“People are motivated and may go too hard, too fast,” Toombs says. “It’s more about starting and building so you don’t burn out and plateau.” Crunch gives new members a body assessment and two complimentary sessions with a personal trainer to make the gym a little less intimidating.
Letter to the Editor
Christopher Matthey
I am a Boy Scout with troop 1145 and I believe we should leave trees up and not cut them down. We have enough stores and buildings in our area so it would be nice to leave the trees be.
Lorton: Preparing for Inauguration
Clifton native Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Buchanan (Navy) has been busy in Washington, D.C. preparing for the Presidential Inauguration.
Lorton Station Team Wins FIRST Lego League Robotics State Tournament
Awards
A team of current and former Lorton Station Elementary students won top honors in the FIRST Lego League Robotics state tournament.
Fairfax: What’s on the City’s Horizon
Multifamily homes and redevelopment
Planned are two, four-story buildings containing 80 condos. Sixteen of the units will be one-bedroom; 48, two-bedroom; and 16, three-bedroom. IDI-RJL Development LLC is building a residential development called The Enclave at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road. The site’s zoned commercial planned development, so both office and condo uses may exist on it.
Fairfax County: Tour de Mount Vernon
Supervisor Storck leads inaugural cross-district bike ride
“I wanted to get a ride in this year,” Storck told a group of 20 to 30 riders, himself bundled up in several layers and a neon green high-visibility jacket. The objective, Storck said, was to tour some of the trails and roadways running through Mount Vernon District, and along the way discuss some of the near to distant development plans for the area.
Fairfax: Police Auditor and Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
Body cameras, mental health part of public safety focus
This year will see two historic firsts for Fairfax County, its police department and citizens: the beginning work of an Office of Police Auditor and Civilian Review Panel. “It’s very important people picked deal with facts, demand facts and make decisions based on facts,” Sayles said, “and communicate those in a way that’s not divisive." said Randy Sayles of Oak Hill who was a member of the Use of Force subcommittee of the Ad Hoc Commission.
Fairfax County: New Year, New Superintendent for County Schools
Budget shortfall, equity and nondiscrimination storylines for 2017
“What does equity really mean,” Corbett Sanders continued. “We’re going to have some healthful discussions about it. Everything from early education on.” The budget will once again be a major storyline for the school system, as Hynes said the board is currently looking at about a $90 million shortfall for FY 2018.
Fairfax: A Program That Changed My Life
My experience with High School Diplomats at Princeton.
I participated in a program that changed my life. This program is called High School Diplomats. It is a ten-day cross-cultural exchange between 40 American and 40 Japanese students at Princeton. It is completely financed by the Japanese insurance company AIU and the Freeman Foundation. The program gives these students the opportunity to immerse into another culture and establish long-lasting relationships with other students from another country.
Thursday, January 5
Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
Body cameras, mental health part of public safety focus.
Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel to Become Reality in 2017
For Schools: New Year, New Superintendent
New Year, New Superintendent for FCPS
New School Superintendent
Wednesday, January 4
Tysons: The Newest Ticket for Professional Theater
Performance
When you think of Tysons you may think of retail and shopping, but that’s not the only ticket in town. Tucked into the Spring Hill Business Center just north of Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center is an award-winning, professional theater company: 1st Stage. “There was no professional theater in Fairfax County at all,” Levy said.
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legislators To Hold Public Hearing
Legislators To Hold Public Hearing
Tuesday, January 3
Editorial: Unsung Heroes of Fairfax County Police Reform
Personal involvement of Culosi, Beltrante key to success of police commission.
The call for reform and transparency in Fairfax County Police began long before the shooting death of John Geer in August 2013.
Commentary: Comstock Addresses Top Priority Issues
Congresswoman’s report to the 10th district residents.