Stories for May 2021

Yummy in the Tummy at Burke Farmers Market

The direct farm-to-table approach is fresher and more nutritious.

The Burke Farmers Market, operated by Fairfax County Park Authority in the VRE parking Lot, 5671 Roberts Parkway, was the first to open in the County program for the 2021 season.

‘To Be Proud of Him Is Kind of an Understatement’

Lake Braddock School star baseball player Nick Balenger earns law degree, opens new chapter in life

Almost nine years ago in 2012, Lake Braddock Secondary School star baseball player Nick Balenger was vacationing in Maui, Hawaii with his family when he suffered a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the neck down.

The Weather, Tee Shirts and Fresh Air Made Bike To Work Day a Success

Nearly 10,000 riders reaped the benefits negotiating area bike paths.

Bike to Work Day is a success

Opinion: Column: Philosophically Meandering

As I discussed a few weeks back, having all this time off/apart from cancer-related activities is unsettling in a peculiar way.

Senior Living: Just Can’t Wait to Get Back on the Road Again

Vaccinated Seniors plan vacations, trips to reunite with family

Sifting through photos of rafting trips through Labyrinth Canyon on the tranquil waters of the Green River and hiking in the Needles district of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, Arlene Richter recalls her past travels as she begins planning for new adventures.

Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions

Amid division, voices seek to be heard.

With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Graduating in Pandemic Time in Burke and Springfield

Area high schools’ graduates look forward to graduation ceremonies, all-night parties

After another school year impacted by COVID-19, John Lewis High School, West Springfield High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School are finding creative ways to celebrate their graduates, from dances to All-Night Grad Parties and graduation ceremonies.

Convention Done, Primary Ahead

Republicans get a head start in the general election; Democrats still fighting each other

The way Democrats talk about Donald Trump, you'd think he was on the ballot in 2021. And in many ways, he is. The former president may be out of the White House and kicked off of social media, but he's still eager to see himself as a kingmaker.

Obituary: Nicholas (Nick) M. Horrock, 84

Nicholas M. Horrock, a distinguished journalist for many of the nation’s great newspapers, died of heart failure on Sunday, April 18 at his home in Alexandria, Va.

Opinion: Column: A True Sense of Insecurity

From the moment you hear the word cancer spoken in your direction – from your new best friend, an oncologist with whom you've had zero previous interaction, you are transported to a new reality.

Memorial to Suffragist Women Dedicated in Lorton

To educate, inspire, empower present and future generations

For more than seven decades, millions of American women sought the right to vote.

How to Keep Children, Teens Safe Online

With children and teens spending so much time online, parents and caregivers need to know how to help them be safe from predators.

Celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Importance emphasized in context of recent discrimination and hate crimes.

Educational videos and online trivia questions, organized by the school's Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, are giving Montgomery College students an opportunity for reflection, while food, music and film offer students at Marymount University in Arlington a glimpse of a different culture.

Opinion: Commentary: Nominate Mark Herring for Re-Election on June 8

The June 8 Democratic primary is an opportunity to vote for fairness and justice for everyone by supporting Attorney General Mark Herring.

New Memorial in Lorton Tells a Story Largely Untold

The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial

“Herstory” was made on May 16 when around 100 Northern Virginians applauded the ribbon cutting officially opening the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton, a project 13 years in the making.

Opinion: Column: A False Sense of Security

As previously referred to in a recent column, even though I am hardly cancer-free, nonetheless I am cancer interruptus for the next four weeks.

Opinion: Commentary: Respecting the Feelings of 'Other’

When I was in elementary school back in the ’80s, I came to school after celebrating Eid and closed my sweaty hands into fists.

Biking and Trail Use Continues to Grow in Northern Virginia

Pit Stop gathering is out, but Bike to Work Day is still on for May 21.

It’s been 20 years since Bike to Work Day began, and it grows each year, showing that there is another side to commuting that uses no gas, has health benefits and is fun, even if it’s only one day a year for many.

Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis

On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."

HomeLifeStyle: Elevating the Bathroom

Ideas for budget and luxury bathrooms

Sometimes regarded as a strictly functional space, bathrooms might bring to mind brushing and flossing rather than style and comfort.

New Charitable Event Kicked Off Mental Health Awareness Month

Kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month, a new golf tournament hosted by Alliance Executive Search and CBRE on May 3 raised more than $26,000 to benefit PRS, a leading behavioral health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia.

Treasury Launches State and Local Covid Relief Funds

U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine applauded the Treasury Department’s launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Muse Condominiums Grand Opening This Month

Knife-Wielding Man in Assault at Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque

Man is charged with hate crime after lunging at guard

Shortly before Monday’s afternoon prayer at the Dar al Hirjah Islamic Center near Seven Corners in Fairfax County, a man who was not part of the Muslim community began harassing those outside the entrance of the mosque waiting to pray.

Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers

Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.

On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).

Workhouse Arts Center is Opening to Commercial Entities as Attractions

A restaurant and brewery were among the desired occupants they are seeking.

Workhouse additions

June Graduation Concludes the Year of Uncertainty

School system has all the graduation ceremonies lined up for early June.

Spring graduations

Opinion: Column: Cats in the Belfry

Have I mentioned in print lately that we, resident owners of "Belly Acres" in Burtonsville, are back to being a five-indoor-cat household?

Opinion: Commentary: Fairfax County School Board Protects Immigrant Families

Today, the Fairfax County School Board voted unanimously to develop a School Trust Policy aligning the school division with Fairfax County’s Trust Policy.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Rescind Chief of Police Appointment of Kevin Davis

A letter to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay.

Wellbeing: Meeting Increased Mental Health Needs

Affordable treatment options highlighted during National Mental Health Month

Resulting from the tumultuous and emotionally charged past year, there's been an uptick in reported mental health conditions.

Opinion: Commentary: Fairfax County Board of Supervisors: Davis ‘Has Our Trust’

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors released the following statement Tuesday, May 4, in support of Police Chief Kevin Davis:

Fairfax County Police Chief Begins Job with Trust Deficit

Faith leaders question 'flawed' selection process and Supervisors' values during prayer vigil.

Approximately thirty interfaith leaders from across Fairfax County gathered in the "First Amendment" area outside the Fairfax County Government Center at noon, Tuesday, May 4.

Opinion: Commentary: Calling for New Fairfax County Police Chief Search

ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP in calling for a new search to fill the Fairfax County Police Chief position, this time with community involvement in the vetting process.

Davis Promises ‘Blue Waters Ahead’ for Fairfax County Police

Advocate ACLU People Power Fairfax joins the Fairfax County NAACP and others calling for new search

County To Hold “Community Meeting with Chief” Thursday, May 6.

Fairfax Supervisors Didn’t Know About Davis History

Community organizations call for Chairman McKay to rescind Davis' appointment.

Police Chief

Cappies Review: Virtual Theatre Reaches Audiences Far and Wide

Robinson Secondary School presents ‘Epiphany’ podcast

Intricacies within our everyday human experiences are many times lost in time – but Robinson Secondary School's "Epiphany" podcast made sure that these stories are shared with audiences far and wide.