Stories for August 2021

Volunteering Can Give Seniors Purpose

Seniors and retirees can stay active and have a positive impact on the community.

Every Tuesday this summer, Esther Rosenberg has welcomed two elementary school-aged students into her Potomac, Md. home.

Fairfax County Police Department K9 Silas Dies

Fairfax County Police Department posted the following announcement on its Facebook page:

Opinion: Column: “Enough Already”

As my late mother would have suggested after reading four consecutive weeks of Kenny's column being on the same subject: the second degree burns on my feet, I am finally moving on.

Kincannon and Friends Celebrate His ‘Retirement’

Explaining that he has retired as pastor of Rising Hope Methodist Mission Church, Reverend Dr. Keary Kincannon told 120 guests at his Aug. 20 retirement party at Fort Hunt Park, “I’m not leaving the ministry. I have not retired from my faith. And to quote that great philosopher, Monty Python, ‘I’m not dead yet.’”

Overcoming Mental Health Stigma

Suicide Walk-a-Thon brings awareness

The pandemic's psychological and socioeconomic fallout may be driving an accelerated trend in depressive symptoms and suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths in Fairfax County, reported experts in mental health at the "Fight Suicide" Walk-a-Thon at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston held Aug. 21.

A Full Glass Recycling Dumpster is a Sign of Success

Purple dumpsters are pulling in big numbers around the county and a few spots outside.

Glass recycling

Potomac Riverkeeper Has Hands Full of Plastics

Plus storm drains are portals for pet waste and excess fertilizer.

Potomac Riverkeeper

Near-Normal School Year in Mount Vernon?

Students, staff look forward with smiles, optimism and coronavirus rules, all part of the first day of school.

First day at Mount Vernon High School

Senior Olympics Profile Orienteering

Which way is north again?

Grab a compass and detailed topographical map and head out over unfamiliar terrain to navigate a set course in the fastest time.

Obituary: Carlyle ‘Connie’ Ring

Former City Councilman dies at 90

For decades, Connie Ring was a stalwart of public service.

Opinion: Commentary: Hurricane Preparedness

How to get your family ready for an emergency

Nothing can be more damaging and frightening than being in the path of a hurricane.

Connecting the Unconnected

Less than 3 percent of broadband spending to help low-income people gain internet access

About 15 percent of Alexandria students did not have access to the internet when the pandemic began last year, a statistic that reveals how many households in Alexandria are locked out of the modern economy.

Calendar and Entertainment: Potomac

White’s Ferry Running for 2022?

Eminent domain, condemnation, or more negotiation?

When Chuck and Stacy Kuhn purchased White’s Ferry in February, they eagerly told their nine children the plan.

Glenstone Expands Visitor Capacity

Guaranteed admission for students, active military personnel, museum professionals, and Ride-On Bus passengers, and extended summer hours

Visiting hours to the Faith Ringgold exhibition, Glenstone walking trails and patio extended until 7 p.m., through Sept. 5

Potomac Senior Centers and Senior Activities

Potomac Home Sales: July, 2021

In July, 2021, 92 Potomac homes sold between $2,562,500-$550,000.

Potomac Home Sales: July, 2021

Celebrating 75 years of AWLA and a Pet-friendly Alexandria

Alexandria’s approach toward pets and their care has changed drastically over the last 75 years.

Alexandria to Honor Suffragists Tortured at Occoquan Workhouse

Landmark Suffragist Court Case was Decided in Alexandria

Thursday, Aug. 26 9-9:30 a.m.

‘I Will Always Refuse’

Display chronicles historic library protest

It was a peaceful protest, virtually ignored by newspapers across the country.

New Law Could Help Save Turtles

Wild turtles need protection; enjoy them by seeing them, but leave them be.

From scratchy ancient petroglyphs to the children’s book heroine, Myrtle the turtle, to fictional superheroes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, turtles have long fascinated people.

‘Music in the Gardens’ Opens in September in Vienna

Spotlighting women composers as Virginia Chamber Orchestra performs

Take In the stunning Korean Bell Garden located in Northern Virginia’s Meadowlark Botanical Gardens as the flawless backdrop to the Virginia Chamber Orchestra’s (VCO) ensemble’s latest outdoor series of live concerts.

Shoestring Theatre Co. Presents ‘The Frenchman’

Original play about a French colony in Virginia

In the 18th century, a citizen of France traveled to America, came to Virginia and changed it forever by founding a French colony here.

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Office of 55+ Programs

‘Never Forgotten’: Cross Country Motorcycle Ride Ends at Arlington National Cemetery

Beth Ann Dively knew something was wrong.

Lucky Danger Adds Twist to Chinese-American Food in Arlington

New take-out opens in Westport

Lucky Danger opened with much anticipation July 21 at Arlington’s Westport behind Pentagon City.

Pedaling and Paddling the Reservoir in Reston

Savoring the last unofficial days of summer on Lake Anne

Water lovers made their way to docks at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston for one more summer Sunday, paddling and pedaling on the tree-lined reservoir.

Opinion: Commentary: Changing Face of Virginia

The results of the 2020 U.S. Census remind us that the world around us changes in more ways than we might consciously detect or understand.

Application Drought for McLean CBC: No Inquiries

Zoning and land use attorney discusses project challenges

Developers may be working quietly on plans or assembling parcels for future development in downtown McLean.

Summer Thunderstorm Impacts Roads, Bridges

Hot, humid weather paves the way for extreme storms.

Storm damage

Area Campgrounds Offer a Rustic Oasis Just Outside the Beltway

Various levels of camping varies from roughing it in tents, to RV sites with running water.

Camping

Opinion: Commentary: Virginia State Police Funding

Next year in 2022, the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP) will celebrate its 90th anniversary.

Appetite: Off the Menu: 4 Alexandria Restaurants With Weather-Resistant Outdoor Dining

In the Before Times, it was easy to know what to do in the face of extreme weather: Dine indoors.

Whistle Stop

McAuliffe launches DNC bus tour at Port City, dodges question about labor

The Build Back Better Bus caused quite a stir last week at Port City Brewing, and not just because of the alliteration.

Powering Up Dark Skies

GFCA and Fairfax County plan to protect against light pollution.

Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) has been working for several years with Zoning in Fairfax County and with the district’s Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) concerning regulations on outdoor lighting provisions.

Opinion: Column: Hopping and Hoping

As I approach my four-week anniversary of "the burning," I do so with cautious optimism that one day soon, I'll be walking upright once again and doing so without the assistance of my walker.

Back to School: The Best Shot: Vax Up!

Fairfax County families and educators discuss COVID-19 School Year 2021-22.

The first day of the much-anticipated, in-person return to school for SY2021-22 looms for many families, friends, and educators in Fairfax County's independent, public and home-based education systems.

Universities Measure Heat Disparities in Virginia

Marymount professor and student join ‘Heat Watch’ effort.

Enduring dangerously high temperatures, Marymount University student Bader Hakami and biology professor Susan Agolini spent a day working as community scientists.

Opinion: Commentary: Childcare in Fairfax County: A Labor of Love

As our Fairfax community is preparing to return to school in just a couple of weeks, we’re also approaching a major opportunity to transform our county for the better.

Silver Anniversary, Grande Finale

Last performance for Bowen McCauley Dance Company to celebrate final performance, at Kennedy Center

Lucy Bowen has decided to go out with a bang.

Mom's Organic Market: Stewards of the Land

Putting their mission statement front and center

Team Members at Mom's Organic Market take environmental restoration seriously.

Opinion: Commentary: It Is Hot Outside

The extended weather forecast for this week indicates that temperatures will be in the mid- to upper-90s.

Celebrating Solo Artistry in Tysons

1st Stage presents outdoor “Logan Festival of Solo Performance” at Tysons The Boro

Since 2017, 1st Stage’s annual Logan Festival of Solo Performance has been a singular presence in Northern Virginia.

Vienna Police Highlights: July 30 – Aug. 5, 2021

The following summary contains various incidents of general interest handled by the Town of Vienna Police Department from July 30 – Aug. 5, 2021.

Obituary: Thomas “Tommy” Lacey Jr.

Recent T.C. graduate dies at 18

Tommy Lacey was a towering figure.

Appetite: Dine In, Out or at Home During This Summer Alexandria Restaurant Week

Like an old friend that you know you can rely on year after year, Alexandria’s summer Restaurant Week is almost here once more.

McLean Neighborhood Hosts National Night Out

Block party fosters police-community partnerships and rediscovers neighborhood camaraderie

Residents and friends of the Timberly neighborhood in McLean took part in a block party with visits by Captain Dalton Becker, commander of McLean District Station, Fairfax County Police Department, and his officers, and Fairfax County/Fairfax City Sheriff Stacey Ann Kincaid and her deputies for National Night Out (NNO) 2021.

Opinion: Commentary: Virginia Legislature Decides on Funds, Addresses Needs

On Aug. 10, the General Assembly completed work in a special session to appropriate federal pandemic funds and elect judges.

Katie’s Cars and Coffee Back in Full Swing in Great Falls

Hundreds of enthusiasts turn out

Whether it is their fascination with antique, collector, exotic, or muscle cars, owners and enthusiasts are back bright and early Saturday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. at Katie’s Cars and Coffee for their vehicle sensory overload.

Paving and Warm Weather are in Tandem This Year in Northern Virginia

There is a map and system to where the paving goes.

August is hot, and the drivers trying to get back to a normal routine have probably hit a pothole or two out on the roads, but VDOT is out there with the paving crews, putting down pavement on 1,145 lane miles throughout the paving season, which goes until November.

Fairfax County Public Schools Priority One: Get Eligible Students Vaccinated

Expansion of school COVID-19 vaccination clinics underway

The level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is increasing again.

Fairfax County Supervisors Proclaim August 3 National Night Out

Proclamation celebrates neighborhood spirit and cooperation among residents and police

National Night Out is a time to celebrate, whether the clock that day says noon or 8 p.m. It is a time to have community fun, to say thank you to law enforcement officers, and get more involved in the community.

Police and Comradery Filled the Street on National Night Out

Dogs, barbecue and desserts highlight the annual event.

National Night Out 2021

Design Ideas to Welcome Fall

Small changes in home accessories can transform a space.

When it comes to interior design, attention to even the smallest of details took on new importance over the past year.

Big Money for Big Biz, Not as Much for Poor

Lawmakers go on a spending spree with billions of dollars from Uncle Sam.

Big business cleaned up this week, taking home the biggest prizes in the special session to spend $3 billion in stimulus cash. Meanwhile, low-income Virginians didn't fare quite as well.

Opinion: Commentary: Historic Federal Infrastructure Bill

Many benefits coming to Virginia

Exciting news came from our nation’s capital this week as the bipartisan $1 trillion Infrastructure Bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, is poised for final passage in Congress.

Snakeheads Are Thriving in Area Waters

Snakeheads taste like a tender pork chop, some say.

They lurk in the murky, sluggish shallows, their elongated bodies and splotchy, brown skin camouflaged in the shoreline’s woody detritus and dense vegetation.

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Olympic Gators

Phoebe Bacon '20 and Katie Ledecky '15, both of Stone Ridge, swim in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

It is essentially unheard of to have two Olympians from the same high school participate in the Olympics together, said Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, which had alumnae Phoebe Bacon (Class of 2020) and Katie Ledecky (Class of 2015) swim for Team USA in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Montgomery County Council Seeks Delay in 270/495 Agreement

Montgomery County Council sent a letter to the Maryland Board of Public Works on Aug. 9, requesting that a vote on the pre-development agreement for the state's public-private partnership to build toll lanes on I-270 and I-495 wait until after the report from the state's financial advisor and bond counsel is complete.

Glenstone Museum Expands Visitor Capacity

Guaranteed admission for students, active military personnel, museum professionals, and Ride-On Bus passengers, and extended summer hours

Visiting hours to the Faith Ringgold exhibition, Glenstone walking trails and patio extended until 7 p.m., through Sept. 5

Rating Agencies Reaffirm Maryland’s AAA Bond Rating

Maryland State Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp announced earlier this month that the three major bond rating agencies have reaffirmed the State's AAA bond rating, all with stable outlooks, in advance of the upcoming competitive sale of up to $615.0 million of tax-exempt new money bonds and negotiated sale of up to $241.4 million of tax-exempt forward refunding bonds.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: How Enslaved People Came to be Called “Contrabands”

We much appreciated Jeanne Theismann’s front-page article regarding an historic first for the Commonwealth: the inclusion of Alexandria’s Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery, the burial place of about 1,800 African Americans, in the national African American Civil Rights Network.

Feed Hungry Children in Alexandria

ALIVE! resumes food donations

ALIVE! resumes its food collection from the community.

Noah Lyles Takes Bronze

Chance for gold in 4x100m final Aug. 6

Alexandria’s Noah Lyles, one of the most talked about athletes leading up to the Tokyo Olympic Games, left the world’s biggest athletic stage with a bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter final Aug. 4 at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.

‘Service Above Self’: De Candio takes helm of Alexandria Rotary Club

After more than a year of virtual meetings, the Rotary Club of Alexandria gathered in person to formally install Pam De Candio as the 93rd club president at the organization’s July 27 meeting at Belle Haven Country Club.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Adequate Healthcare Needed for All

Concern for the unvaccinated resonates rather hollowly in the absence of adequate healthcare for millions of Americans.

Living Legends of Alexandria: Sister Act

Lindsey Swanson and Katey Halasz honored as Living Legends

When 18-year-old Kelley Swanson died just a few weeks after her graduation from T.C. Williams High School in 2005, her family wanted her spirit of giving and desire to help others to continue.

Opinion: Commentary: Stop To Remember Benjamin Thomas

The teenager was lynched across from Market Square on Aug. 8, 1899.

On Sunday, Aug. 8 at Market Square, Alexandria citizens will stop and remember Benjamin Thomas who was lynched across the street from the plaza on that date in 1899.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Class Action Lawsuits Are Repugnant

Recall my letter from a couple years ago challenging Va. Sen. Scott Surovell's call for allowing state class action lawsuits:

Rock Spring UCC in Arlington Donates $24,000 to Power Rural Clinics in India During COVID

One man’s journey lights a village.

Save a life with a reliable solar panel in a medical clinic in rural India.

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Office of 55+ Programs

Arlington Swimmers Want Pool Agreement Reconsidered

Superintendent‘s decision not reviewed first by school board and pool patrons

Arlington taxpayer and swimmer Walt Edwards is angry.

Arlington Blows Hot and Cold on Gas Leaf Blowers

Noise, pollution, habitat destruction seen as unsustainable

Gas-powered lawn mowers, edgers, and leaf blowers crisscrossing the lawns in Arlington are generating dissent.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Raising the Money ‘for Kids Who Don’t Have Homes’

I’d like to inform you of a phenomenal little girl named Thia, 4 years old, who asked her mother to make lemonade to raise money “for kids who do not have homes.”

Opinion: Commentary: COVID Relief

The General Assembly is meeting this week and possibly a few days next week to appropriate the federal COVID-Relief fund made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

NWFCU Foundation Back to School Drive In-Progress for 2021

Powerful change force for local at-promise students

The Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) Foundation is heading into the final weeks of their Back to School Drive 2021.

Vienna Police Highlights: July 23 – July 29, 2021

The following summary contains various incidents of general interest handled by the Town of Vienna Police Department from July 23 – July 29, 2021.

Cooper Middle School Seventh-grader Wins Young Scientists Challenge

Kriesh Tivare announced to be a State Merit Winner for a wireless charging project

As electric cars are taking over the car industry, charging stations have become a more common sight.

Special Exception for Bereavement Meeting Space in Great Falls Approved

Daytime and overnight retreats on a portion of Turner Farm Park

Following a public hearing on the matter, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved, on July 27, Special Exception SE 2020-DR022 (Turner Farmhouse Foundation) (Dranesville District) to permit applicant Turner Farmhouse Foundation to operate a public benefit association facility on a 4.95-area of the Turner Farm Park property and modify a front yard setback of the existing house.

Brightview Explores Plan for Leesburg Pike Facility in Vienna

Senior Living reps hold two community engagement meetings with Vienna, Great Falls neighbors

Brightview Senior Living has resumed community engagement for its proposed Continuing Care Facility project at 9439 Leesburg Pike [Route 7], Vienna.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kudos for Fairfax Fire and Rescue

On the afternoon of Aug. 2, we had 400 gallons of propane catch on fire in the woods next to our house.

Spending Spree

General Assembly returns to Richmond to appropriate federal stimulus cash

In the 1985 hit movie "Brewster's Millions," Richard Pryor is given the task of spending $30 million in 30 days.

Opinion: Commentary: Special Session 2 Begins

The General Assembly will allocate the nearly $4.3 billion Virginia has received from the federal economic stimulus bill.

On Monday Aug. 2, the General Assembly gaveled in for a two week “2021 Special Session 2” called by Gov. Ralph Northam for the purpose of allocating the nearly $4.3 billion Virginia has received from the federal economic stimulus bill — the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that passed the U.S. House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Biden on March 11.

Fairfax County Holds County-wide Vaccine Equity Clinics

Bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the people rather than relying on them to find their way to a site is one option to get people vaccinated and slow the surging Delta variant.

Delta Variant Has Room to Run Rampant

Removing invisible vaccine barriers for communities in Fairfax County

Jump on a moon bounce, grab an empanada from a food truck and get a Covid vaccine.

Opinion: Commentary: TJ Parents Welcome Most Diverse TJ Class in History

…and denounce the anti-CRT division

We are parents of students and graduates of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ), and are greatly concerned about recent events and growing misinformation surrounding the changes to the admissions process and anti-racism discussions at the prestigious school we love and respect.

Opinion: Commentary: Biden Can Do More to Keep Guns Out of Unsafe Hands

How badly do we want to reduce gun violence in America, whether from suicides, mass shootings, domestic violence or some combination of the above?

Streams Get a Lift from a County Program

‘Operation Stream Shield’ is called a win-win-win.

Operation Stream Shield

Scooters Now Another Mode of Transportation in Fairfax County

County okays 600 of these “shared mobility devices.”

Fairfax Co Scooters

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Opens 39th Year in September

Step up and claim your Olympic medal awarded after each event.

Pressure for Athletic Success Can Lead to Stress

Balancing the need for athletic achievement with emotional wellbeing

Practicing with her club track team three days each week, training with a private coach on the other four days and balancing a challenging academic workload led to a stressful school year for Alexandria high school senior Alexis McCormick.

Potomac Streets Were Named for Defenders of Slavery

Now those streets bear the names of two important leaders of the historic African-American Scotland community.

Joined by the families of Geneva Mason and William Dove, three new street signs were installed in Potomac to honor these two African American historical figures and replace signs named after Confederate generals.

Quick Thinking and a Blanket Save Cat Out on a Ledge

No one would have imagined that a moment of supervised balcony playtime would have turned into a precarious situation for a feline friend this past week.

The Sound of Silence in Alexandria

New barking ordinance provides clear specification about dog noise.

For many years, when Alexandria residents inquired about a loud dog in their neighborhood, their first question was “Isn’t there a law against it?”

Alexandria Aces Advance to Championship Series

Brook leads 10-0 shutout of Thunderbolts

The Alexandria Aces have advanced to the finals of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League with a two-game sweep of the Silver Spring Thunderbolts in the semi final playoffs.

Rarely-seen Spoonbills Draw Fans to Huntley Meadows Park

Their flat, six-to-seven-inch, spatula-like bills look like long-handled spoons swishing back and forth in the Huntley Meadows Park wetland.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: This Year’s Crop of Potholes in Alexandria

As I drive around Old Town, I continually come upon numerous potholes and ruts that have obviously developed over the winter.

Man Found Dead in Alexandria Apartment; Apparent Shooting

Detectives from Fairfax County Police Department Major Crimes Bureau continue to investigate after a 19-year-old man was found deceased Tuesday night, July 27, inside an apartment in the 3100 block of Southgate Drive in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. Officers responded at 7:12 p.m. after a family member found Ronald Worthy Jr., of Alexandria, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the upper body.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Fully Fund Our Libraries

Place the rain barrel for the library budget prominently under the new shower of federal funding (Gazette, July 22, "The New New Deal"), please.

Appetite: 4 Dates to Circle in August

International cuisine, a cat café’s first birthday, a beer dinner and Alexandria’s summertime celebration of restaurants – the month ahead is shaping up to be a busy one. Here are some of your best bets.

‘Telling Our Stories’ in Alexandria

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery is the first Virginia site added to African American Civil Rights Network

They were fleeing the bondage of slavery.

Former Fairfax County Police Department Officer Indicted for Sexual Misconduct With a Minor

Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano issued the following statement on July 20 regarding the indictment of former Fairfax County Police Officer John Grimes for engaging in sexual misconduct with a minor in the Fairfax County Police Public Safety Cadet Program: