Stories for February 2018

Pet Connection Chantilly: Susie the Dog…A Very Smart Dog

Westfield’s Win Over Stonewall, Loss to Langley

Win Two, Lose in Semi-Final: Raiders vs. Bulldogs

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Enough of Ugly Pattern of Mass Murder, Mourn, Repeat

Commentary: Budget Imbalance in Virginia

Are Lines of Understanding Replacing Battleground Lines in Reston?

Clock momentarily pauses for the proposed Reston Planned Residential Community (PRC) Zoning Ordinance.

String of Commercial Robberies Hit Herndon Area

Pet Connection: Herndon and Reston

Fun with No Commute in Herndon, Oak Hill

Music, arts, theatre events flourish in the Town of Herndon and Oak Hill.

Public Hearing on Herndon’s East Spring Street Widening

Meeting is Thursday, March 8 at the Herndon Community Center.

Kiddar Capital Acquires Herndon Property

The property is on the landing site of the new Silver Line Station.

Fulkerson to Leave CEO Position at Reston Association

Will act in a special advisory role effective March 1, 2018.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: It’s the Culture, Not the Weapon

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Conversation Stopper

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Not Paying Attention in Logic Class

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Less Talk and More Action

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Cowardice and Complicity

Opinion: Editorial: Hope for Expanding Health Care

Just say yes to $400 million, thousands of jobs and health care for 300,000.

Pet Connection: Bulova: Fantasy — To Adopt Office Pet

New Kids in Town in Fairfax County

County executive proposes budget that fully funds schools and compensation for employees.

Mixed Success on Menstrual Equity in Virginia

Increased availability behind bars, but no tax breaks during back-to-school week.

Several lawmakers from Northern Virginia arrived in Richmond this year hoping to push a cause known as menstrual equity — making sure that feminine hygiene products are affordable, safe and available. But success has been mixed.

Rescuing Frodo and Sammi in Fairfax County

Priceless in Montgomery County

Animal Services and Adoption Center offers variety of pets.

Celebrating Year of the Dog in Potomac

Jazz Quintet Concert in Potomac

Digging through CCC’s Role in C&O Canal

Historian shares research on African American workers in 1938-1942.

New Owners in Potomac

Two Men and a Truck moves into Potomac area.

Puppet Show at Potomac Library

Serbian Officials Visit Potomac Church

Showcasing Musicians in Bethesda

Songwriting competition at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club on Friday.

Pet Connection: Meet Best Friends of Potomac

Pet Connection: Lulu of Arlington

Pet Connection: Ghost of Arlington

Nauck Celebrates Black History Month

Couch to 5K Run in Arlington

Steady Course in Arlington

Job loss mingled with pay raises.

A Balance of Interests in Arlington

Despite concerns about project size, townhouses at 11th & Vermont are unanimously approved by County Board.

Neighborhood Health Opens on Washington Boulevard in Arlington

New location offers access to primary care 5 days a week.

Pet Connection: Grateful for Tiki in Vienna

Cappies Review: A Thoughtful Take on Classic Tale in Vienna

Oakcrest School’s production of ‘Little Women.’

Celebrating the Persian New Year in Tysons

Nowruz Festival to be held March 18, 2018 at Tysons Corner Center.

‘Harvey’ Comes to Great Falls

McLean Community Players presents Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy at Great Falls Grange.

Beware of Scams Targeting Seniors

Pet Connection: The Best Day of My Life in McLean

Pet Connection: Meet Best Friends of McLean

Art, Pottery on Exhibit at Great Falls Library

Pet Connection: Meet Best Friends of Great Falls

The Other Alexandria: Herbert P. Tancil – The Mayors’ Colored Barber

Commentary: Expanding Medicaid

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Students Have Had Enough

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Respond to Possible Rabid Animal

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Disturbing The Peace

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Beware ‘Know Your Place’

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Maligned First President

Get Moving: Inspiring Movement in Alexandria

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Embarrassed Virginian

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Serving Whose Interests?

Commentary: Finding Funding for Mass Transit

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Ratchet Up School Security

‘Resist: A Revolutionary Cabaret’ in Alexandria

Singer Roz White to perform at MetroStage in Alexandria.

Little Theatre of Alexandria Presents ‘The Audience’

Story of Queen Elizabeth’s behind-the-scenes meetings with her prime ministers.

Commentary: Next Goal: No More Child Gun-Related Deaths

By George! Alexandria

City Celebrates Washington’s 286th Birthday.

Slow Growth in Alexandria

Jinks’ proposal fully funds schools budget.

People At Work: ‘U-Street’ in Alexandria Invites Audience into Homeless Struggles

Alexandria’s Little League State Champions Visit Capitol Hill

Wreath-Laying at Mount Vernon Estate

Crowds throng to George and Martha Washington’s tomb for ceremony.

Experiencing the Olympics in Mount Vernon

Aldersgate Day School holds own Winter Olympics.

Fairfax County Police Launch Body Worn Camera Pilot Program

Training and rollout began Feb. 19 in Mount Vernon, Mason, and Reston districts.

The Long View in Alexandria

FY19 budget proposal shows insufficient long-term revenues.

Commentary: Negotiating a State Budget

Braddock District Holds Town Hall Meeting

More than 50 people meet at Robinson Secondary School in Burke on Feb. 17, 2018.

‘We Either Pay Now or Later’ in City of Fairfax

Public Works, Transportation, Fire and Police CIP proposals.

‘The End of an Era for the City’ of Fairfax

Councilman Jeff Greenfield not running for reelection.

Music and the Movies in Fairfax

Adult Humor, Songs and Puppets in Lorton

“Avenue Q” appearing at the Workhouse.

Lorton Prison Transformed Into Liberty

$190 million project of 352 residential units being built on 80 acres at the former Lorton Prison complex.

Lorton Town Hall with Scott Surovell and Kathy Tran

Politicians discuss Virginia General Assembly in front of more than a dozen people.

Valentine’s Day and Volunteers

Seniors learn about opportunities to serve their community.

Sully District Police Honor Two Officers

Fortner and Hill are recognized for lifesaving actions.

Senior Night Victory on Ice in Reston

Virginia Senate Might Torpedo Medicaid Expansion

Democrats still need to flip one more GOP senator to make it happen.

Usually it’s the state Senate that leads on progressive issues, and the House of Delegates kind of drags its feet. Not this year.

Oakton Defeats Westfield in District Final

Gun Debate on Lockdown in Virginia

Democrats unable to gain traction on reform, despite new numbers in House.

When lawmakers arrived in Richmond last month, Democrats were hopeful that they would be able to use their new numbers to gain some traction on the gun debate. Now that the session is half over and the nation is reeling from yet another mass shooting, very little of their agenda has been accomplished at the Capitol.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Protections Dismantled

An Entertaining Evening, and More in Tysons

‘The Farnsworth Invention’ at 1st Stage

Oakton Girls Become District Champions

Oakton Boys Win Concorde District Basketball Final

Leidos to Expand in Reston Town Center

Fortune 500 Company takes the last office space in Reston’s urban core.

Body Worn Camera Pilot Program Launched in Fairfax County

Training and rollout beginning Monday, Feb. 19 in the Reston, Mason, and Mount Vernon districts.

Reston’s Gin Dance Company to Perform in Atlas Festival

Commentary: More Than Enough

Tax Relief Workshops To Be Held in McLean, Reston and Vienna

Wexton, Boysko Hold a Legislative Town Hall Meeting in Herndon

Herndon Mayor Merkel to Seek Fourth Consecutive Term

New Therapeutic Massage Studio Opens in Herndon

A Must-See Show in Herndon to Fire the Soul

Herndon High School's Cabaret "Back To Broadway 2018" is Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24.

‘Godspell’ at Herndon’s NextStop: Much to Adore

Raising Funds in Potomac to Combat World Hunger

St. Francis Episcopal Church, Potomac Parish hosts Chili Cookoff.

Handle with Care in Potomac

Bartlett Tree Experts adopts Travilah Oak.

Canal Role of African Americans

Lockhouse 10 opens for Black History Month program.

Special Performance in Potomac for Those with Special Needs

Holy Child offers sensory-friendly version of its annual school musical.

Year of the Dog in Arlington

Long Branch Nature Center rings in Chinese New Year.

Disability and Diversity in Arlington

Fight continues for integration of students with disabilities into new Wilson School site.

From Couch to 5K in Arlington

Arlington Thrive inspires local residents to give their best.

Commentary: Working on Strategy To Fund Metro

Northern Virginia’s Report Card Unveiled

“Shape of the Region” Conference reviews area’s Opportunity Index and gathers leaders to discuss successes and challenges.

Diving into Black History with Books

Local educators suggest books to read in celebration of African American History Month.

Candlelight Vigil for Florida Shooting Victims

Protesters at NRA headquarters decry killings, demand lawmakers pass laws to stem gun violence.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Disappointing Letter

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Congress’s Failure on Mass Shootings

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Terrifying Talk

Editorial: Another Assault on Common Sense

Perhaps this time might be different.

Commentary: Encroachment in the Parks in Fairfax County

Working To Keep Students Safe in Fairfax County

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Mother of George Washington

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Healthy Abstention

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Choose Wisely

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Profit Over Community

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Campaign Donations

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Be Aware of Roaming Fox

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Gesture of Kindness

Get Moving: Active Kids in Alexandria: 5 Best Practices

Mentor of The Month: Wonder, Reading, and Learning in Alexandria

Dental Problems Can Be a Silent Threat to Pets’ Health

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month.

Commentary: Trying To Curtail ‘Double-Dipping’ at Dominion Energy

Commentary: Some Legislative Successes

‘The Boys Next Door’ at Port City Playhouse

Show features mentally challenged characters who are funny and poignant.

Obituary: Living Legend Shirley Tyler Dies

Obituary: Carl A. Posey

A Conversation: ‘Created to Create’ in Alexandria

Through the arts, local congregation invests in Alexandria’s public life and culture.

Healing the Body

Local resident shares battle with autoimmune disorder.

‘Incredibly Early and Unique’ in Alexandria

The long goodbye to Alexandria’s Ramsey Homes.

Assessments on Alexandria Residential Properties Increase

Hometown Jams in Alexandria

Acclaimed Alexandria musician returns home for concert honoring Black History Month.

Coming Out Swinging in Alexandria

Council reviews fees affecting boxing club.

Batteries Included in Alexandria

Alexandria takes electric buses for a test drive.

Dance Around the World at Fort Hunt Elementary

Some 400 people attend PTA-sponsored event with international buffet, booths, and entertainment.

Prepared for More Challenges at Bryant High School

55 Bryant students receive diplomas at winter commencement.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 54 homes sold between $1,240,000-$211,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: January, 2018

Mount Vernon Cadet Earns State Award

Springfield Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 83 Springfield homes sold between $902,739-$173,000.

Springfield Home Sales: January, 2018

Reston Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 67 Reston homes sold between $1,350,000-$175,000.

Reston Home Sales: January, 2018

Mount Vernon Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 84 homes sold between $922,000-$111,000 in the Mount Vernon area.

Mount Vernon Home Sales: January, 2018

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 41 homes sold between $1,362,470-$214,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: January, 2018

‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’

Pamela Mathieson of Burke Commons wins third place in Uber & 90 Seconds Short Film Festival.

Fairfax Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 49 Fairfax homes sold between $1,490,000-$155,000.

Fairfax Home Sales: January, 2018

Chantilly Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 12 homes sold between $762,000-$217,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: January, 2018

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 36 homes sold between $1,210,000-$150,000 in the Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton area.

Clifton, Fairfax Station and Lorton Home Sales: January, 2018

Centreville Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 67 Centreville homes sold between $1,100,000-$179,000.

Centreville Home Sales: January, 2018

Burke Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 16 Burke homes sold between $698,000-$295,000.

Burke Home Sales: January, 2018

Arlington Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 155 Arlington homes sold between $2,775,000-$102,000.

Arlington Home Sales: January, 2018

Alexandria Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 143 Alexandria homes sold between $3,125,000-$107,000.

Alexandria Home Sales: January, 2018

The Varsity Soccer Sportsmanship Challenge

Attorney Ben Glass launches $13,000 initiative to change culture of high school soccer.

Discussing the Future of Lake Accotink Park

200 people attend meeting on silt and dredging options.

Fairfax County Community Comes Through for Britepaths

Area residents help Stuff the Bus for hungry families.

Fairfax City Projects on the Horizon

Schools, Parks and Recreation, share their CIP proposals.

Documenting ‘Last Lynching in Northern Virginia’

Fairfax Preschool to Expand in the Fall

Diana Jenkins oversees Fairfax United Methodist Church Preschool.

Week in Fairfax

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Frustration Turned to Hope

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: What Needs to Be Fixed?

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Equity Is Impartial Justice

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Lives Are At Stake

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Respecting Differences

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Solely Merit-based Admissions

Commentary: Working Toward College Acceptance

A Stitch In Time

With the children out of the nest, Shafer Dobry is re-embracing her passion for fiber arts in a basement studio.

Styling a Coffee Table

Using décor to make a table pop.

End of Era for the D.C. Design House

McLean Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 80 homes sold between $12,000,000-$189,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: January, 2018

Great Falls Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 14 Great Falls homes sold between $1,375,000-$550,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: January, 2018

Potomac Home Sales: January, 2018

In January, 2018, 32 Potomac homes sold between $3,650,000-$300,000.

Potomac Home Sales: January, 2018

From Out of the Ashes in Mount Vernon

Antique Center’s owner and dealers look to the future.

Opinion: Editorial: Send in Pet Photos Now

View from Coffin Corner

Extreme position on House floor enjoys a storied history.

As a freshman delegate in 1978, Ken Plum was assigned a desk in the far corner on the Democratic side of the House of Delegates — seat 17. It wasn’t the best vantage point in the House because about a third of the Republican members were totally out of view. The senior members took the seats at the back of the chamber near the center, sticking Plum in the corner.

Holocaust Survivor Shares Her Story

Eva Schloss, the 88-year-old step-sister of Anne Frank, speaks at GMU.

Clifton Ping Pong Tournament Nets Good Turnout

Burke Community Church To Expand

Groundbreaking ceremony held Sunday for $17.2 million campus expansion.

People At Work: Making Innovative Hand Tools in Springfield

Commentary: A Deal on Misdemeanor-Felony Threshold in Virginia

Showcasing Major New Happening at Workhouse Arts Center

‘Top-Notch Space for Generations to Come’ in Chantilly

Charger Innovation Lab is on the horizon at Chantilly High.

Helping Students Succeed in His Own Community in Chantilly

Local resident Scott Poole happy to be Chantilly High’s principal.

Maker Faire NoVa is Coming Back Bigger & Better

So what's your interest?

Reston Candidates' Forums Coming Up the Last Week in February

Reston Association Board Election

South Lakes High Students Win Art Awards

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognizes their talents.

Commentary: Working It Out

Independent Progressive: Stream Restoration — The Big Money

Preserving Local Historic Sites

Applications for Herndon's Historic Ellmore Farmhouse under administrative review.

Alternative Options Sought for Herndon Arts Center Operation

Consultant recommends Town move forward with neither submitted proposal accepted.

Olympics-Focused Learning and Fun in Herndon

Winter Olympics Theme Day at the Nysmith School.

Reston Teen Shines at Winter Olympics

Maame Biney, 18, of South Lakes High School makes quarterfinals.

February Is Library Lovers Month

Join in postcard campaign supporting county’s public libraries.

Wootton Grad Competing in Olympics

Haley Skarupa on U.S. Women’s Hockey Team.

Helping Hospitalized Children in Potomac

Wayside Elementary students participate in service project.

Ball at Glen Echo Park Benefits American Heart Association

Start Thinking Spring Now in Arlington

AFAC holds spring garden kick-off

Hidden in Plain Sites in Arlington

Too Big To Fail in Arlington

Despite concerns about project size, townhouses at 11th & Vermont are unanimously approved by Planning Commission.

Encore Stages ‘The Lion King Jr.’ in Arlington

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Needless Controversy

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Controlling Pollution

McLean Neighbors Move to the Next Level

Two McLean next door neighbors win Gatorade Player of the Year and will play D1 sports.

Madison Warhawks Dominate Dominion

McLean Woman’s Club Marks 60th Anniversary

Club donates $6,000 to local charities.

‘I Love McLean’ Celebrates Valentine’s Day

Pharmacy Construction Means Headache for Some in Great Falls

Neighbors worry about the inevitable surge of traffic and noise to their corner of Great Falls.

Cooperation, Questions and Concerns in Great Falls

Environment and Parks Committee reacts to County’s plans for local watershed improvements.

‘Animal Village’ Comes Alive in a New Book

Great Falls resident Nelda LaTeef writes and illustrates her children’s books.

The Other Alexandria

Ferdinand T. Day: A Champion of Champions

Community Lodgings: About Jenny’s Journey

Rebuilding Together Alexandria: m‘Mod’ification Squad Volunteers Help All Year Long

Commentary: Powering to a Solution in Virginia

History: Rev. Lee Massey, Pastor and Friend of George Washington

Senior Services of Alexandria: What To Do After Retiring?

Senior Services of Alexandria to Host a Senior Employment and Volunteer Speaker Series

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Might Have Saved Trees

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Human Services And Privacy

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Consider Taxpayers of Alexandria

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Historical Marker For Douglass in Alexandria

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Impact On Density in Alexandria

Commentary: Reviewing the Grid Transformation and Security Act

Different Strokes in Alexandria

Inmate Spots Runaway Car in Alexandria

Ashes to Go on Feb. 14 in Alexandria

Area churches offer ashes at local transportation spots.

Money Mishmash in Alexandria

Advisory group considers financing and policy tools for public housing.

Come Together in Alexandria

Department of Community and Human Services shifts services towards the West End.

The Last Piece in Alexandria

Final southern waterfront development approved.

Carlyle’s Pho 33 Closes

Night of Stars in Alexandria

New Traffic Lights in Alexandria

Team Selected to Create Redevelopment Plan for the Original Mount Vernon High School

Annual Meeting Puts Mount Vernon in Spotlight

Storck hosts local dignitaries; exhibit hall with 70 exhibitors.

Appetite: Make Room for Charlie’s on the Avenue in Alexandria

Commentary: ‘Electronic Textbooks’ Bill Moves Forward in Virginia

Fairfax Brewer Holds a Special Fundraiser

Mystery and Magical Dreams at George Mason University Stage

Virginia Opera presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Racing Up the Empire State Building

Springfield’s Dawn Tarter wins lottery to race up 1,576 steps, or one-fifth a vertical mile.

History Talk on ‘Everything Burke’

Burke Historical Society’s Brian Slawski gives a tour on Burkes around the world.

From Creative Cakes to Chocolate Martinis in Fairfax

Chocolate, Ice Cream and Candy Galore in Fairfax City

People flocked to last weekend’s Taste of Chocolate at the Fairfax Chocolate Lovers Festival.

Mayor Meyer Talks State of Fairfax City

Development, tax base and the future.

Update on Scout on the Circle at Fairfax Circle

Developer anticipates groundbreaking this month.

‘Life’s Tough, But Just Keep Going’ at Westfield High

Westfield High presents musical comedy, “Avenue Q.”

Eagle Scout Honored in Centreville

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Football Scholarships

Editorial: Many Amazing Volunteers, Nominate One

Feeding the Flu

What to eat when fighting the flu.

Virginia Lawmakers Play Whack-A-Mole with Predatory Lenders

Senate panel takes action limiting one kind of high-interest loan, leaving loophole for another.

By this time next year, high-interest lenders may be prohibited from making consumer finance loans — at least ones they find profitable at 200 percent interest. So that loophole may be closed by the end of the General Assembly session. But it seems likely lawmakers will leave Richmond this year creating no restrictions on open-end lines of credit, raising concern among some that lawmakers are playing a game of whack-a-mole.