Friday, February 26
Opinion: Commentary: Inland Flooding
Facing storm intensities far beyond what our infrastructure was designed to handle
With one week remaining in the 2021 legislative session, Senators and Delegates are putting the finishing touches on legislation, and preparing to head home to the districts they represent in Richmond and throughout the year.
Thursday, February 25
Opinion: Column: Not That I Don’t Understand, But...
...So this is what the process is like trying to schedule a Covid-19 vaccination.
Virginia Is for Pet Lovers, Too
Cosmetics testing, research dogs/cats, dangerous dogs, pet store employees come under scrutiny
The 2021 Virginia General Assembly had only six companion animal-related bills before it this session; a small number compared to the roughly two dozen during the 2020 session, and a dozen in 2019.
The Value of Intergenerational Relationships
The lives of both youth and seniors are enhanced by meaningful connections.
Bringing seniors and youth together for meaningful relationships can be mutually beneficial.
Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan
Focuses resources in targeted areas
“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.
Rotary Club of Alexandria Awards $10,000 Grant to Alexandria ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund
sponsored
The Rotary Club of Alexandria is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the 2021 Grant Program. The Rotary Club of Alexandria Grant Program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that advance literacy for children and adults and/or improve the lives of children, youth, seniors, and others with special needs within the city limits of Alexandria.
Opinion: Commentary: Bringing Virginia into the Light
Abolishing the death penalty, steps to end Jim-Crow era ban on felony voting and more recent ban on gay marriage
The last week of the 2021 General Assembly Session has arrived and it will prove to be an exciting time with many big issues on the agenda.
Controlling Gun Violence
After assault weapons stumble, lawmakers limit guns at polling places and government buildings.
Fulfilling their campaign promises to take action against gun violence, Democrats in the General Assembly are sending Gov. Ralph Northam several gun-violence prevention bills.
Wednesday, February 24
At Dog Parks, the Clean-Up Bag is a Must
Walks are important for the family dog, but so is scooping the poop.
Scooping the Poop
Saturday, February 20
Virginia Study of Plant Invaders Set
Del. Bulova’s resolution on control of invasive plant species unanimously passes both House and Senate by voice vote
Ecologists advise that invasive plant species grow at the expense of our ecosystem and our pocketbooks.
Thursday, February 18
The Strange Career of Felon Disenfranchisement
Amendment targets Jacksonian-era restriction weaponized during Jim Crow.
Felons have been prohibited from voting in Virginia since 1830, when the "right to suffrage" was denied "to any person convicted of any infamous offense." But it was during the era of Jim Crow that felon disenfranchisement became weaponized to prevent Black voters from influencing elections.
Opinion: Column: If Michael Corleone Had Lung Cancer
"Just when I thought I was out ... they pull me back in."
Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wins Eight Awards
The Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control wastewater treatment plant was recently recognized for their “Tertiary Filters Rehabilitation Project,” and “Rehabilitation of Three Equalization Basin and Ancillary Facilities,” by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) in its annual Mid-Atlantic Region awards.
Inspiring Young People in Creative Learning Activities
Fairfax Symphony named a Dominion ArtStar
With more than five decades as an honored symphony, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) adds 2021 Dominion Energy ArtStar to its accolades.
Wednesday, February 17
Leveling the Playing Field in School
Advocating for children with special needs or learning disabilities
When Lisa Lightner's son Kevin was two years old, she discovered that he would need special learning support in school.
Monday, February 15
Roof is Raised on Jean and Ric Edelman Indoor Riding Arena
The indoor facility will expand the success for the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program.
Riding Arena
Friday, February 12
Burke’s Brightest Seasonal Corner
Drivers traveling on Lee Chapel Road in Burke are reminded that Valentine’s Day is upon us, thanks to Larry Gould’s eye-catching red heart garden ornamentation.
Opinion: Column: “Clinical Correlation Suggested”
Means what exactly?
Black History and Regional Parks
In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America.
Thursday, February 11
New Community with Park-Like Environment in McLean
Park Grove neighborhood inspired by former National Parks Director George Hartzog
A former public servant’s creative vision and dedication to preserving parklands was the inspiration behind a new residential area in Northern Virginia.
Editorial: Send in Pet Photos for 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 Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
Wednesday, February 10
High School Football and Other School Sports Start Soon, Masks and All
Winter tryouts and practices in snow are not the only change this year.
Football Starts Soon
Thursday, February 4
National Coach of the Year
South County Coach Gerry Pannoni recognized for undefeated season in 2019-2020.
South County Coach
2021 Virtual Fairfax County Teen Job and Opportunity Fairs: Signup Begins Feb. 1
For the past few years, Supervisor Pat Herrity’s office, Fairfax County Public Schools and Connection Newspapers, along with Supervisors’ offices, businesses, and community organizations, including our local chambers, have hosted very successful teen job fairs and career-building workshops.
Wellbeing: When a Loved One Is Hospitalized with Covid-19
Coping with separation and uncertainty
For years, being able to talk with his mother, Carole Isaacs, nearly every day was a gift that Marc Stern treasured, so when he was unable to reach her for several days, he became concerned.
Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE
Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status
Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).
Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning
Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.
Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.
Wednesday, February 3
Sealing the Record
House and Senate Democrats disagree on how old convictions should be expunged.
For people haunted by a conviction for felony drug possession or misdemeanor disorderly conduct, a debate now happening in the Virginia General Assembly is one that could have dramatic consequences for finding a place to live or landing a job. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow those people to seal their criminal record, expunging old convictions and helping them wipe the slate clean. But Democrats are bitterly divided over how to accomplish that goal.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Abolish the Death Penalty
On behalf of the Virginia Justice and Witness Action Network (of the Central Atlantic Conference, United Church of Christ), we write to urge support for legislation to abolish the death penalty in Virginia.
Opinion: Column: Progress, I Guess?
I received in the mail today what, in the sales/marketing world, we'd call a "pre-approach" letter.