Stories for July 2021

Stories for July 2021

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Saturday, July 31

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Horse Clinic Offered at Laurel Hill Center

The Clifton Horse Society, a 300+ member group, sponsored a full day event at Laurel Hill Equestrian Center in Lorton, on July 24.

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Bogey Is Missing

Would you know what to do if your dog was lost?

July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and serves as an important reminder to make sure our pets stay safe.

Fairfax to Host ‘A Brief Shakespeare Festival’

Live theater and supper in the natural outdoor beauty of Fairfax’s Veterans Amphitheater

It may have been hot and humid outside of Fairfax’s Kathryn Johnson Middle School, but inside, a bevy of six young actors were a whirlwind of fresh energy rehearsing for the City of Fairfax Theatre “A Brief Shakespeare Festival.”

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First Asian Festival on Main in Fairfax City

Fairfax hosts the event celebrating Asian cultural heritage.

Joy and happiness roamed Fairfax’s Main Street on July 25, in the form of a Chinese Lion who chased away evil spirits to the delight of the large crowd of event goers.

Friday, July 30

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Community Garden Sows Skills to Improve Mental and Physical Health

Pathway Homes, Inc. holds ribbon-cutting for the project.

In 2020, nonprofit Pathway Homes, Inc. provided non-time-limited housing and supportive services to 616 adults in Northern Virginia with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and co-occurring disorders, some of whom experienced homelessness in 2020.

Remembering Restonian Burton ‘Burt’ E. Lamkin

A leader who, with a smile, created other leaders

Reston pioneer, humanitarian, and entrepreneur Burton "Burt" Emmanuel Lamkin died June 24, at the age of 86.

Opinion: Commentary: Ending Election Fraud

My earliest experience in government and politics came when I was a senior in high school.

Opinion: Independent Progressive: On the Road Again

Now that the country is pretty much down to a pandemic of the unvaccinated with national public health policy guided by science, not weird politics, we think this is the time to make up for travel we had to cancel in 2020.

Man Charged with Sex Offenses from 20 Years Ago

A 48-year-old Winchester man has been charged with six felonies for sexual assaults that occurred between 1999 and 2001.

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‘An Act of God’ Opens NextStop Theatre’s Fall Season in Herndon

To bring sharp, rolling laughter to in-person audiences, comedy opens the new season at NextStop with “An Act of God.”

Fairfax County Detectives Seek Identity of Suspect in Sexual Assault Case

Detectives with Major Crimes Bureau are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect of a sexual assault that occurred July 21 morning.

Radiant Heat From Welding Torch Causes Great Falls House Fire

On Thursday, July 22, at 7:11 p.m., units responded to a reported house fire in the 9400 block of Brian Jac Lane in the Great Falls area of Fairfax County.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Thinking About ‘Good Trouble’

Today I was thinking about "Good Trouble."

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A Year with Dexter

Elaine Lin Wang of Great Falls shared a photo of Dexter and her two daughters:

Thursday, July 29

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Inova Awards $240K in Community Health Funds to Local Nonprofits

Annual grant doubled in amount this year due to the pandemic impacts.

Inova fund

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Vienna Play Festival to be Held July 31

The Vienna Play Festival is being held on July 31, 1-3 p.m.

Opinion: Commentary: Economic Recovery Is More Than Escaping COVID-19

Our local economy is in a precarious position, and it’s not just because of pandemic

Over the last year, our economy struggled to hang on amidst unpredictable changes in pandemic regulations, with over 45 percent of small businesses in the region closing permanently or temporarily, and roughly 49,000 Fairfax County residents remain unemployed.

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‘Strategic Underground’ Throughout Fairfax County

Dominion Power is undergrounding wires.

During the frequent thunderstorms that are forecasted throughout the summer, flashlights and candles may have been the short-term answer in the past, but Dominion Energy has another option with a program they are offering called ”Strategic Underground,” so the lines won’t be exposed when lightning strikes and other mishaps.

Wednesday, July 28

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New Food Scrap Composting at Select Fairfax County Farmers Markets

Nature’s recycling reduces methane and lowers carbon footprint

Fairfax County residents have another option for managing organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, food left on dinner plates, coffee grounds, and even paper towels and napkins.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Free and Open Exchange Benefits All

Across the nation, state lawmakers are actively working to prevent students from having an open and equitable history education - one that both acknowledges the role of racism in the United States and portrays the lived realities and viewpoints of people in marginalized communities accurately.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Let’s Have an Intellectually Honest Gubernatorial Contest

As a lifelong Republican who voted for Trump twice, I’m truly dismayed by our party’s reliance on false narrative and grievance-driven politics.

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Fairfax County Police Armed with a High-Tech Dog Nose

New K-9 can sniff out thumb drives and cell phones that may be evidence.

The Fairfax County Police Department has a new tool to fight cyber crimes and it’s a black Labrador retriever named Browser, that specializes in sniffing out computer-related evidence like thumb drives, cell phones or laptop computers that may have been used by criminals, particularly in child exploitation.

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Music for Singers with Alzheimer’s Disease

New choral program gives those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments the gift of music

When Peter Midgley and his wife went on their first date, they discovered their mutual love of music.

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Drawing the Line

How much should cities and counties be divided among lawmakers?

For Mason Cook of the Middleridge neighborhood in Fairfax County, the problem of gerrymandering can be understood in an afternoon commute. During a public hearing of the Virginia Redistricting Commission this week, he explained that if he were to drive from his house to his grocery store and then drop off a package at his post office, he would have gone through three different House of Delegates districts. "We hear a lot of talk about voter suppression. These kinds of congressional districts are all about voter suppression, and they make the congressional elections totally meaningless." — Bill Millhouser of Fairfax County

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Sunflowers Attract Artists, Bees, Butterflies, Birds in Poolesville

For Poolesville artist James Vissari, the annual blooming of the sunflowers at McKee-Beshers is a time to paint.

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Hank Dietle’s Reopens in Rockville

Destroyed by 2018 fire, opened as Dietle’s in 1950; rebuilding and remodeling delayed by COVID, now open

“What an incredible opening weekend we had at Hank Dietle’s!

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Dog Rescued from Abandoned Well at Norwood School in Bethesda

In the TV shows, Lassie was usually the one alerting the adults that a child had fallen into the well.

Monday, July 26

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Food Glorious Food in Alexandria

New ALIVE! distribution site opens July 17

David Wynne stands on the sidewalk outside William Ramsay Recreation Center with his clicker.

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Blazing a Trail in Alexandria

Aces’ Hammond is lone female Ripken League coach

Jennifer Hammond may be the new kid on the block when it comes to the coaching staff of the Alexandria Aces, but she is no stranger to a baseball field.

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40 Under 40 in Alexandria

Chamber honors young business leaders

Alexandria’s business community gathered July 15 at The Alexandrian Hotel to celebrate the Chamber ALX’s 40 Under 40 class of 2021 honorees.

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Why We Rescue

The miraculous story of Gabby and her Valley poodle pups – adopt, don’t shop.

There wasn’t a single dry eye at Gabby’s long overdue family reunion in early June.

Opinion: Commentary: Investments in Human Services Safety Net Make Us Stronger

As a once-in-a-century pandemic, the COVID pandemic produced impacts way beyond just its serious health impacts.

Passing of Gladys Davis

Historic Alexandria mourns the passing of Gladys Davis at the age of 103.

Calling All Alexandria Centenarians: We Want to Honor You

This fall, the City of Alexandria and the Successful Aging Committee will be celebrating National Centenarian Day, honoring those residents who will have reached the age of 100 or older by Dec. 31, 2021.

Sunday, July 25

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Summer Entertainment Series Returns to Burke Lake

After the Entertainment Series was cancelled last summer, many were happy to be back enjoying the events.

This summer, Fairfax County Park Authority is bringing back the in-person Summer Entertainment Series of free events and performances at venues in the area.

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Fairfax Little League 9-11-Year-Old Team Wins State Championship

The Fairfax Little League 9-11-year-old "National League" team just won the state championship.

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Tree Work at Barrett House in Lorton

Three stately Oak trees graced the front of the historic Barrett House on Lorton Road for about 60 years.

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‘Mamma Mia!’ at Westfield High

This summer, high school thespians from all over Northern Virginia are working to perform “Mamma Mia!” through the annual Westfield Summer Stage program.

Charges Filed After Fatal Domestic-related Stabbing in Clifton

Carter Setti-Camfiord, 21, of Clifton was charged late Tuesday, July 13, with second degree murder following a deadly stabbing in Clifton.

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Calling for Support of Legislative Policies on COVID-19

Over the last year till now, the world has faced one of its most prominent periods of economic and sociological hardships known to man.

Shots Strike Parked Vehicle in Clarendon

Arlington County Police Department’s Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a shots fired incident which occurred in the Clarendon neighborhood in the early morning hours of July 19, 2021.

Saturday, July 24

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It Just Gets Better and Better in Arlington

AFAC’s new warehouse expands capacity for feeding 2,300 families a week plus delivery to five senior centers.

A line forms on July 15 outside the AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) building on S. Nelson Street as people wait with their bags and rolling carts for a week’s supply of supplemental groceries.

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Arlingtonian as Amateur Top Chef

“Good evening and welcome to the Bravo Top Chef Amateurs.

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Appetite: Off the Menu: Alexandria Restaurant News and Notes

New restaurants, new chefs, new sweet treats – it’s a time of change in Alexandria’s restaurant world.

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Historic Herndon Oak Tree Removed

Nearly 200-year-old witness tree 'struggled' and obstructed sight triangle quadrant to the intersection.

In 1823, an acorn from an Overcup Oak tree sent up a shoot at what is now the corner of Elden and Center Streets in the Town of Herndon.

Opinion: Commentary: Awash in Cash?

With the news reports of the cash coming to state and local governments from the federal government to provide relief from the effects of the COVID pandemic and the announcement that Virginia will have a sizable cash balance at the end of this fiscal year, one could conclude that government is awash in cash!

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Reston Included in Continent-wide Butterfly Count Program

Data used to study weather and habitat change effects

Is it a monarch butterfly or an imitator, a white moth, or a cabbage white butterfly?

Remembering Paul Myers of Reston

A community treasure, helped produce the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade

Paul Taylor Myers of Reston died at the age of 69, on July 10, 2021, surrounded by the family he loved.

Friday, July 23

Christopher ‘Chris’ Adams, Funeral Home Owner, Dies

Remembering a kind and gentle man

Christopher “Chris” Jon Adams, owner and funeral director at Adams-Green Funeral Home & Crematory in the Town of Herndon, died unexpectedly on July 14, 2021, at the age of 56.

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Langley High School Saxons Boat Wins Gold at States

Crew Team also wins three Bronze medals at championships

The Langley High School Crew knocked it out of the water when the athletes ended their rowing season on June 19 at the 2021 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships regatta hosted by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association.

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Multicultural Festival Held in Vienna

The festival featured diverse entertainment and served as a closing to the Liberty Amendments Month.

On July 17, the Vienna Multicultural Festival was held to celebrate the end of the Liberty Amendments Month.

Vienna Police Highlights July 9 – July 15, 2021

The following summary contains various incidents of general interest handled by the Town of Vienna Police Department from July 9 – July 15, 2021.

Thursday, July 22

Tysons Moves Closer to ‘Bike Friendly,’ With Planned Bike Bridge

VDOT’s project will expand bike access for shopping and commuting.

Vienna project

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Ripe Red Tomatoes, Juicy Peaches Highlight Area’s Farmers Markets

County’s markets are hopping as they go into National Farmers Market Week in early August.

National Farmers Market Week

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Reporter’s Notebook

Acting On a Tip Leads Deep in the Woods

Reporter’s Notebook

Wednesday, July 21

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The New New Deal

Uncle Sam is about to make it rain.

Not since the days of the New Deal in the 1930s has the federal government showered so much stimulus cash on Virginia, and Alexandria is about to receive millions of dollars for everything from guaranteed basic income and flash flooding improvements to staffing at the Freedom House and planters to make the King Street pedestrian plaza look more inviting.

Opinion: Commentary: Closing the Digital Divide

Federal funds make this possible by 2024

Last Friday, Governor Northam announced good news for Virginia: $700 million in American Rescue Plan Funding will be invested to achieve universal broadband in the Commonwealth by 2024!

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Police Briefs: Fairfax County Officer Critically Wounds Woman in Group Home

On Monday, July 19, officers were called to a home in the 8000 block of Gosport Lane, in Springfield, a group home close to Ravensworth Elementary School.

Opinion: Column: Definitely on My List

As the month of May was swept away with the last of the network-season's original programming, those of us still in lockdown and quarantining had our own reality to embrace: there was nothing new on network television.

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Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent to Depart at End of Next School Year

Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, announced on a YouTube video released Thursday, July 15, 2021, that he is leaving FCPS at the end of the next year, consistent with his FCSB contract.

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How Safe Are Older Buildings in Fairfax County?

Supervisors address construction and maintenance concerns in the wake of the Surfside Condominium collapse in Florida.

A recertification program for older buildings does not currently exist under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, said Chairman Jeff McKay.

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Summer Camp in Age of Climate Change

Increased safety protocols result from climate change-induced extreme temperatures.

Some of the area’s youngest aspiring thespians are spending part of their summer honing their craft at Arlington’s Encore Stage & Studio’s camps.

Tuesday, July 20

Five Montgomery County Councilmembers on American Legion Bridge to I-270

Montgomery County Councilmembers Hans Riemer, Gabe Albornoz, Andrew Friedson, Nancy Navarro and Craig Rice released the following statement in advance of the Transportation Planning Board vote regarding rebuilding the American Legion Bridge and adding capacity to I-270:

Mike Barnes Named Chair of Congressional Board of Ethics

Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, named Mike Barnes as Chair of the Governing Board of the Office of Congressional Ethics effective upon the resignation of David Skaggs on July 16, 2021, for the remainder of the Skaggs’ term.

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Some Recent Deck Collapses

Pete Piringer, public information officer for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, @mcfrsPIO, reports that almost all residential deck collapses in Montgomery County occur because of a failure at the point where the deck meets the house.

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Can Our Yards Save the Planet?

Plant native plants for pollinators, food for birds and more.

When Tami Entabi moved into her Mount Vernon-area home in 2006, the backyard was a thick mass of intertwined English ivy.

Friday, July 16

Potomac Home Sales: June, 2021

In June, 2021, 101 Potomac homes sold between $3,850,000-$449,000.

Potomac Home Sales: June, 2021

Thursday, July 15

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Weeds and Blind Curves Along the Trail Keep the Volunteers Busy

The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail are always looking for volunteers when it comes to weed control.

weeds along bike trail

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Picture Restoration Unearths Local History

The Photo Detective investigated Civil War veteran photo at Mount Vernon.

Photo Detective

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Hot Summer Climate Flows into the Real Estate Market

With the pandemic shrinking, bidding wars are part of the house buying process.

Hot real estate market

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Rock the ‘70’s Metal Scene with Black Sabbitch

The all-female Black Sabbath: Four women rocking the metal band’s sound and energy.

Black Sabbitch

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Rebuilding Hospitality

Restaurants, hotels and performing arts venues struggle with recovery

Now that the pandemic is fading into a bad memory, Alexandria's hospitality industry is at a crossroads.

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Appetite: Chadwicks to Offer New Outdoor Seating With Patio, Balcony in Alexandria

If there’s one feature that was prized above almost all others in the restaurant world this past year, it’s outdoor seating.

Opinion: Commentary: Virginia’s Largest Industry

Virginia’s largest private industry is agriculture with an economic impact of $70 billion annually and 334,000 jobs.

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Bryan ‘Bugsy’ Watson Dies at 78

NHL great opened Old Town sports bar in 1983

To anyone who knew him, Bryan Watson was larger than life.

Opinion: Commentary: Virginia Private Colleges Week

July 26-31 marks Private Colleges Week in Virginia.

Opinion: Column: Time to Kill

(Again, not a cancer column. Given the title, it would be a pretty gruesome reference to my life in the cancer world if it were.)

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Beacon Hill Site Meets All Criteria

Thank you for “County Eyes Spot for New Fire Station and Affordable Housing” in the July 1 Gazette.

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Balloon Releases Could Bring Fines

New law bans the intentional outdoor release of balloons, which can harm wildlife, environment

A balloon with a mind of its own follows a young boy around the streets of Paris amusing all, in the classic French children’s movie, “The Red Balloon.”

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Pay Alexandria City Employees Fairly

The Alexandria City Government has a pay philosophy for its employees that salaries will “be competitive at a minimum with the average pay” of its comparators.

Monday, July 12

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Plant Clinic Needed in Climate Crisis in Alexandria

When I completed my Master Gardener training in 1981, several of my classmates and I wanted to set up a plant clinic at the Alexandria Farmers' Market.

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Bon Voyage: Lloyd Retires After 20 Years With Visit Alexandria

For decades, Lorraine Lloyd has been a fixture in the City of Alexandria.

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Lee-Fendall House Wall Collapses

Historic property seeks to raise funds to rebuild.

“We are a small nonprofit. Insurance is not going to cover this, so we are counting on the goodwill of the community to help us.”

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A Fond Farewell in Alexandria

Officers, officials bid adieu to Chief Brown

Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown was fêted as he made his final appearance at police headquarters June 25 to begin his retirement after 46 years in law enforcement.

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Animal Shelter Volunteers: They Do It All in Alexandria

‘Laundry List’ does include laundry — and hugging bunnies.

How does the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) manage to show dozens of dogs and cats to potential adopters, create special treats for the animals, answer the phone, keep up with mountains of laundry and so many other tasks every week?

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On the Road Again in Alexandria

Safety protocols in place as trolley service resumes

After a more than a year-long pause in operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexandria’s King Street Trolley resumed service July 5.

Irvin Receives Vision Award

LeadingAge Virginia recently handed out awards at its 2021 annual conference.

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Fairfax City Turns Red, White and Blue

Area residents celebrate the city’s 55th annual Independence Day Parade.

Fairfax City once again turned red, white and blue for its 55th annual Independence Day Parade; the Parade was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Taekwondo Instructor Arrested for Sexually Assaulting a Juvenile

Detectives from Major Crimes Bureau Child Abuse Squad have arrested a 22-year-old man for a sexual assault that occurred in 2019 at Kong’s Taekwondo Learning Center, 7744 Gunston Plaza, in Lorton.

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Centreville Student Receives National KidWind Award

Cardinal Ridge Elementary School fourth grader Pranamya Jindal won at the KidWind Challenge.

Cardinal Ridge Elementary School student Pranamya Jindal won first place in the elementary-school division under the team name Nature Wings.

Sunday, July 11

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Ballston Farmers Market Offers CBD Products

Ryan Clark stands at the Cannabreeze CBD stand at Ballston Farmers Market on July 1.

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July 3 Swim Meet, Donaldson Run Thunderbolts vs. Overlee

After a great meet, Overlee bested Donaldson Run 236-184, taking 7 of the 12 relays.

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Parade on Albemarle Street in Arlington is All About Kids...

...and the memories of a small town Fourth of July

It was 9 a.m. on North Albemarle Street in Arlington, and the engines were revving.

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Preview: Encore Theatre Innovates Drive Through Theatre in Arlington

Voyager’s Compass returns for two performances on Saturday, July 10 at St. Thomas More Cathedral School parking lot and Sunday, July 11 at Lubber Run Amphitheater.

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Tradition Marches On as Generations Gather for Neighborhood Parade in Arlington

Enthusiasm runs high at the annual Lyon Village neighborhood 4th of July parade on Monday, July 5 despite last year’s hiatus due to COVID.

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Little Free Pantry in Alexandria

There's a new pantry in town: The Charles Houston Recreation Center at 901 Wythe Street is now host to a Little Free Pantry, Alexandria's first on city property, spearheaded by Hope Nelson, who is also food writer for Alexandria Gazette Packet.

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Tornado Hits Down in Arlington

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF level 1 tornado touched down in Arlington near the intersection of Lee Highway and Glebe Road at about 9:00 p.m. July 1.

Saturday, July 10

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Herndon Celebrates Independence Day

Patriotism and independence shine bright on dual fronts.

The Town of Herndon celebrated the 4th of July after canceling last year’s event due to the pandemic.

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New Farmer’s Market Opens at Cherrydale in Arlington

New Farmer’s Market Opens at Cherrydale in Arlington

Glenstone Museum in Potomac Announces Major Survey of Works by Jeff Wall as Part of its Summer/Fall 2021 Exhibition Lineup

Glenstone Museum’s summer/fall 2021 exhibition schedule includes a major monographic survey of work by Jeff Wall, an installation of more than a dozen works by Vija Celmins, and presentations by four additional artists: Isa Genzken, Rachel Harrison, Arthur Jafa, and Charles Ray.

Friday, July 9

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And What a Year it Was in Herndon

Herndon Rotary Club names Signe Friedrichs Rotarian of the Year 2020-2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic raged across her Town of Herndon, Rotarian Signe Friedrichs masked up and gathered up other masked service volunteers, business leaders, and nonprofit leaders.

Opinion: Commentary: Rewriting the Constitution of Virginia

The celebration of the fourth of July this week reminds us that not only did the colonies in America break free from the Mother Country in 1776, but they embarked on a course of independence that included written constitutions.

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Rotary of Great Falls Celebrates Ten Years

Ten years is an anniversary to celebrate, and the Rotary of Great Falls did it in great style.

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Hometown Celebration Returns to Great Falls

Americana fun, unmasked and free

Great Falls traditions returned to the Village Centre Green for the 4th of July 2021.

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‘Celebrating Rainbow Families and Inclusion’ in McLean

Drag Queen Storytime at Dolley Madison Library

Fairfax County Public Library co-hosted, with McLean Community Center, “Drag Queen Storytime” held in two sessions at Dolley Madison Library on Saturday morning, June 26 at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 8

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Beloved Martha, Mary Wiseman, Looks Back with Joy

Mount Vernon’s Martha Washington is hanging up the bonnet and dress after 20 years.

Martha Washington Retires

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Baby Bust

Declining birth rates lead to shrinking Kindergarten enrollments.

Declining birth rates and the pandemic have conspired to send Alexandria's Kindergarten enrollment down 17 percent since 2018, a trend that school officials say will have a long-term influence on how the division operates and plans for the future. Some of the decline is driven by the pandemic as parents opted for private schools or kept their children in daycare rather than enroll them. But the long-term forecast for schools will be shaped one birth at a time.

Michael Pope, Alexandria Gazette Packet Win Multiple SPJ Dateline Awards

The Washington, D.C., Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced the recipients of its 2021 Dateline Awards for journalism excellence June 15 in a virtual presentation.

Opinion: Column: I'm the Big Winner

(Not a cancer column.)

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School Buses and Sites Provide Free Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits in Fairfax County

No questions asked, no IDs needed – County children under 18 and all FCPS students eligible

Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buses began rolling Monday, June 28, on a mission to deliver their precious cargo: coolers full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab-and-go style.

Wednesday, July 7

Wellbeing: Back to Work

Angst, readjustment as employees return to the office

More than one year after the emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent, work-from-home mandates, many employees are heading back to the office.

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Police Weapons Point At Black People

Long awaited report on Use of Force includes dozens of recommendations to guide the path forward.

An independent study of Fairfax County Police Department use of force confirmed that Black people are overrepresented in use-of-force incidents by Fairfax police.

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Celebrating Independence Day in Potomac

Celebrating Independence Day in Potomac

Monday, July 5

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Going for the Gold

Noah Lyles headed to Tokyo Olympics

Only a few short years ago, Noah Lyles could be seen warming up to the strains of James Brown’s “I Feel Good” as he trained on the track of Parker-Gray Memorial Field at what was then T.C. Williams High School.

James Kunder of Alexandria Commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy

James Kunder of Alexandria was recently (June 4th) commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy upon completion of Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.

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Preview: And the Rockets Red Glare…in Alexandria

Join ASO for Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration July 10

Trumpets and French horns will blare “America the Beautiful” as the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra opens the Alexandria’s Birthday Celebration July 10 at 9 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park.

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Home of the Brave in Mount Vernon

‘Flags for Heroes’ on display at Cedar Knoll

The strains of Amazing Grace filled the air as a lone bagpiper stood among hundreds of American flags overlooking the Potomac River as part of the 4th annual Flags for Heroes display June 27 on the grounds of Cedar Knoll Restaurant.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Consider Guaranteed Basic Income with Rescue Funding

As clergy, we understand how COVID-19 tested our communities’ resolve in more ways than one.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Boost City’s Investment in Childcare Workforce

On July 6, the Alexandria City Council will vote to decide how nearly $56.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be used.

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Two Men Charged with Chantilly Murder of Herndon Man

Homicides surge in the first six months of 2021 in Fairfax County compared to 2020.

With 13 homicides reported across all of Fairfax County already this year, the unprecedented spike in killings is a concern.

Sunday, July 4

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History Tells How Burke, VA Almost Disappeared

Burke, Virginia, now an 11.5 square mile unincorporated section of Fairfax County with a population of roughly 41,000, was fated to disappear in 1951.

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‘Nothing More Rewarding than Working with Kids’ in Fairfax City

TPG Pediatrics opens new office

Point 50 is one of Fairfax City’s newest commercial centers, and now making its home there is TPG Pediatrics (The Pediatric Group).

Fairfax Station Teen Arrested for 2020 Sexual Assaults

A 19-year-old man from Fairfax Station has been arrested for two sexual assaults that occurred in 2020.

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Official Ribbon Cutting Held for Central Green Park in Lorton

Central Green Park, part of Laurel Hill Park in Lorton, officially opened with a commemorating ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25; the area was previously opened for public use in September 2020 (see “Springfield Connection”, October 14, 2020, page 2).

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Fair Lakes Townhouse Fire Displaces Four

Fire officials say an early morning fire in Fair Lakes displaced four people and caused an estimated $463,375 in damages to the home involved.

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‘We’ve Been Doing God’s Work with Our Hands’ in Fair Oaks

King of Kings Lutheran Church celebrates 50 years.

The past, present and future united during the 50th anniversary celebration of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Fair Oaks.

Saturday, July 3

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

Flourishing After 55 in Arlington

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Arlington Teen Makes Olympic Swim Team

Torri Huske missed graduation – the Olympics were calling.

One of Yorktown High School’s graduating class of 2021 couldn’t make it.

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Your Help Needed in Protecting Our Water in Arlington

Streams eroding under pressure of development; Potomac Conservancy advocates to save water quality

Controversial Stream Restoration Techniques Divide Residents

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End of SROs in Schools in Arlington

School Resource Officers are a divisive element in discussions around making schools a safer and more inclusive environment for students of color.

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Arlington’s Yorktown High Graduates Class of 2021 Outdoors

It was hot, but great to be together, said graduates and parents.

Yorktown High School Class of 2021 Graduation ceremony was for Friday, June 18, 2021, outdoors in the school’s football field, Greenbrier stadium.

Friday, July 2

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Pandemic-Delayed Ribbon Cutting Held in Herndon

Town officials, Chamber members, and guests welcome District Floor Depot

District Floor Depot celebrated the Ceremonial Grand Opening of its third and newest branch at 1051 Elden Street, Herndon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Thursday, June 23, that was supposed to happen over a year ago.

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Vienna Cathedral Brass Debuts in Herndon

Vienna ensemble delivers versatility and virtuosity

The Cathedral Brass of Vienna Presbyterian Church performed a free outdoor concert titled "Americans We" at 7 p.m. on the Arts Herndon Lawn Stage, located adjacent to its arts center in the heart of the historic downtown district.

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Greater Traffic Volumes Coming with Future Comstock Mixed-Use Development in Herndon

Ground-breaking held for Elden-Center Streets Intersection Improvements

The critical $1.4M reconstruction and signalization of the Elden-Center Streets Intersection Improvements began June 7.

Opinion: Commentary: Schools As a Political Football

When I graduated in January 1965 from the newly named Old Dominion College (now University) that had previously been the Norfolk Extension of William and Mary, I found the job market bleak for persons with history and political science majors.

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‘Reston Baby’ Promotes Reading from Birth

Reston Historic Trust shepherds and cheerleads community-collaborated project

Reston Historic Trust celebrated the release of its children’s board book, “Reston Baby” (2021), art by Molly Bergin, published by duopress, by throwing a launch party on Tuesday, June 15, at its museum located at 1639 Washington Plaza.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Really?

I take issue with the page 3 sub-headline "Primary voters select candidates with gender and racial diversity but lacking in regional balance." (Connection, June 16-22, 2021).

Thursday, July 1

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There’s More than Meats the Eye at Huntsman’s

Wild game is the specialty at this local supplier.

Huntsman has wild game.

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VRE Parking at Rolling Road Will Be Expanded

Plans to add parking does not include a multi-level lot.

VRE Parking Expansion

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County Eyes Spot for New Fire Station and Affordable Housing

Proposed location has easy access to Richmond Highway and GW Parkway.

Homeless Shelter and affordable housing

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Environmental Expo Finds a Home in Fort Hunt Park

Tents, causes, and horrid tales of the lanternfly highlight the event.

Environmental Expo

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Behind the Scenes at Summer Concerts on the Green in Great Falls

Celebrate Great Falls presented another evening of its 2021 Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre.

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Naturalizing the Grange Hall Oak Grove in Great Falls

Great Falls Citizens Association takes on invasive plants

Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Environment and Parks Committee, co-chaired by Winifred Frost and Susanne Black, met in early June to discuss restoring the oak grove at the Grange Hall Park.

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High Hopes for McLean Downtown

Newly approved CBC Comprehensive Plan Amendment most aggressive that residents could support

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved on June 22 Plan Amendment (PA) 2018-II-M1 that proposed new Comprehensive Plan guidance for the McLean Community Business Center (CBC).

Remembering Glenn Wiggs

Owner-Operator of McLean Hardware turned a store into a gathering place

Glenn Kirby Wiggs, 71, the beloved owner and operator of McLean Hardware, passed away on June 5, 2021, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

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Swimming: The Shouse Village Sharks Win in Fairfax

The Shouse Village Sharks had a big NVSL Division 13 win in Fairfax on Saturday, June 26.

Opinion: Commentary: Adult Use of Cannabis Now Legal in Virginia

On Thursday, July 1st, simple possession of marijuana will become legal for adults 21 and over in Virginia.

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Marijuana Is Now Legal

The long strange trip from a failed war on drugs to social equity licenses

Smoke 'em if you've got 'em because pot is now legal in the commonwealth of Virginia.