Stories for September 2021

Stories for September 2021

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Thursday, September 30

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Offer to Buy River Farm Inches Up, But Declined by Seller

NOVA Parks is still part of the future at River Farm.

River Farm

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Features and Issues in Mount Vernon Today

A look into some Mount Vernon issues that are important to residents and newcomers

Mount Vernon newcomers

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Home, Sweet Home

City continues pandemic rebound.

Alexandria Newcomers

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‘We the People’

City commemorates Constitution Week

City commemorates Constitution Week

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‘It’s Good to be Back’

Art Festival returns to Carlyle.

Art Fest

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Contaminated Legacy

From slave plantation to industrial pollution, a hidden history of North Old Town.

The shuttered power plant dominating the landscape in North Old Town has layers of industrial pollution, a hidden history buried under the contaminated soil of the Potomac River Generating Station. Even before the coal-fired power plant was constructed in 1949, the property was home to the American Chlorophyll Company and Potomac River Clay Works. That means the long and complicated task known as "remediating" the property could mean removing everything from coal ash and mercury to industrial fertilizer and hazardous metals.

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Burke Historical Society

Upcoming events

Burke Historical Society

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‘Close-Knit Relationships Create True Community’

Fairfax City Mayor

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Welcome to the Springfield District

Springfield District

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Welcome to the Mount Vernon District!

Mount Vernon

Welcome to the Lee District

Lee District

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Braddock District Welcome

Braddock District

Wednesday, September 29

Greetings from the Sully District!

Welcome to the Sully District. I am your Sully District Supervisor, Kathy Smith, and I proudly represent our community on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. At the crossroads of major highways and adjacent to Washington Dulles International Airport, the Sully District is dotted with thriving office parks and wonderful amenities.

The Favorites of 2021

In 2021, the longing to return to the favorite places and events in our communities has never been stronger...

Welcome to the Lee District

On behalf of Fairfax County, and especially Lee District, I welcome you to our community. Lee District is a uniquely diverse and vibrant community. As a 20-year resident of the district, I never cease to be amazed by the strength of the relationships throughout the neighborhoods in Lee.

William Scott Miller

Police Continue to Investigate Year Old Homicide

Detectives from Fairfax County Police Department Major Crimes Bureau continue to investigate the death a year ago of William Scott Miller of Groveton. Detectives determined that the last time family or friends heard from William was on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020...

Entertainment

Ongoing Entertainment Calendar for Potomac

Entertainment calendar

Mandatory Vaccination for County Employees?

Vaccinations

Where to Give Locally in the Potomac Area

Local nonprofits need your help to help others

Give here

Arlington’s Restaurants Have Come Back to Life

Arlington eateries

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“A few of my favorite things”... in Arlington

Take a cue from the “Sound of Music” and then you won’t feel so bad.

Do good in Arlington

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Recycling in Arlington: What to do, What Not to do

Compostables is the latest opportunity to cut down on waste

Recycling in Arlington

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AWLA: Arlington’s prime source for all–things animals

Animals

Flourishing After 55, Office of 55+ Programs

Department of Parks and Recreation 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington, VA 22207 703-228-4747

After 55

Vienna Viewpoints

What do you like about Vienna?

The word out on the street....

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The Good Vibes of Vienna

A feel-good community.

Images of Vienna

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McLean 2021, a Sought-After Community

Great family-friendly places, schools, and public safety.

McLean spots

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Improvements and Developments in Great Falls, 2021

Effects on travel, housing, and dark skies

Rt 7

Good Vibes in Great Falls

The favorite places and events in 2021

Favorite places

Great Falls Citizens Association

Great Falls Citizens Association

New Executive Director for Celebrate Great Falls

Great Falls Exec Director

Offer to Buy River Farm Inches Up, But Declined by Seller

NOVA Parks is still part of the future at River Farm.

On Sunday evening, Sept. 26, the American Horticultural Society voted against an offer from NOVA Parks to purchase River Farm during a board meeting of the American Horticultural Society, but they are leaving it open for more offers.

Tuesday, September 28

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Lucky To Call Fairfax County Home

Fairfax is Home

Every Year Is Election Year in Virginia

Early voting options expand; you can vote now.

Voting

Give Locally

For tens of thousands of families in our area, uncertainty and need; nonprofits face drop in contributions.

Donate locally

FCPS: Opportunities to Shine in Every Area

FCPS

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Cross County Trail Connects Pathways, History, and People

Cross County Trail

New Park Authority Executive Director

New FCPA

Thursday, September 23

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Art on the Avenue

300 artists, including budding art merchant Noura Barka, will be at this year’s Art on the Avenue.

Art on the Avenue

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‘What We’re Actually Doing Is Improving People’s Lives’

Breaking ground for Route 28 widening.

ribbon cut on Rt 28

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Documentary Explores a Place Formerly Known as ‘The Pits.’

Documentarian is also a reporter for the Mount Vernon Gazette.

The Pits

Wednesday, September 22

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Come Celebrate, Curtain Going Up

Live, in-person show-time returns to Center for the Arts.

Live, in-person show-time returns to Center for the Arts.

Fairfax County Police Publication of ‘Shame List’ Endangers Immigrant Residents

Fairfax County Police Publication of ‘Shame List’ Endangers Immigrant Residents

COVID Pain Reaches Far

Va. Employment Commission processed 136,000 unemployment claims in 2019, but that number surged to 1.4 million in 2020.

Va. Employment Commission processed 136,000 unemployment claims in 2019, but that number surged to 1.4 million in 2020.

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Let the Games Begin

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics competitions are going on around the region.

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics competitions are going on around the region.

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Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Opens New Capital One Hall

Celebrating the return of joyous live music at a Northern Virginia destination like no other.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Opens New Capital One Hall

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Halloween Is Coming

Get in the fright-night mood with all new outdoor haunted trail at the Workhouse Arts Center

Get in the fright-night mood with all new outdoor haunted trail at the Workhouse Arts Center

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Herndon Councilmembers Divided on Proposed Gun Ban

Second public hearing planned Sept. 28.

Second public hearing planned Sept. 28.

Roundups

Roundups

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Stuff the Bus Event Benefits Local Families

Stuff the Bus Event Benefits Local Families

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24th Annual Virginia Showcase of Bands

24th Annual Virginia Showcase of Bands

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Memorial Music Festival Packed to Capacity

Hundreds crowd food and drink establishments at Lake Anne Plaza.

The inaugural Mykle Lyons Food and Music Festival draws hundreds to Lake Anne Plaza.

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Herndon High School Sports

New feature: high school sports written by high school reporters.

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Saving the Integrity of Historic Georgetown Pike

200-year-old tree and a National Register of Historic Places structure threatened.

Saving the Integrity of Georgetown Pike, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Preservation of historic trees and "summer road" threatened.

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Fairfax Peak Informational Open House

Fairfax Peak Informational Open House

Roundups

Roundups

Death from Crash Last Month

Death from Crash Last Month

Small Business Grants in Arlington

Small Business Grants in Arlington

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Fall Appropriations Report

Fall Appropriations Report

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‘Fill the Boot’

Firefighters raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy.

Firefighters raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy.

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Casting a Ballot

Recent changes to voting make casting a ballot easier than ever.

Recent changes to voting make casting a ballot easier than ever.

It Takes a Village

Senior Villages ease aging in place.

Senior Villages

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‘Courage in Journalism’

Kemal Kurspahic dies at 74.

Kemal Kurspahic dies at 74.

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Arlington County Board Adopts New Logo

Logo

Down with Plastic Bags

plastic bags

Long Bridge Aquatics Center Community Celebration

Aquatics Center

Tuesday, September 21

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Patricia O’Neill, 71

Schoolboard member served Potomac and Bethesda for more than 23 years and was the longest serving Board member in MCPS history.

Schoolboard

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New Fire Station Opens in McLean

Station No. 44 will help serve Tysons areas.

New fire station

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McLean Volleyball Dominates

Volleyball

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Supporting the ‘Dreamers, Risk-Takers and Doers’

Ribbon-cutting held for Office Evolution in Fairfax City.

Office Evolution

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‘Find Interesting and Unique Things that Tell a Story’

Fairfax Funky Flea opens Sept. 25 in Fairfax City with up to 60 vendors, music, food and more.

Funky finds

Can Mentally Challenging Games Prevent Cognitive Decline?

Consistent brain fitness connected to improved memory, reasoning and processing.

Can Mentally Challenging Games Prevent Cognitive Decline?

Lisa Lombardozzi Named 2021 Northwest Fairfax Distinguished Citizen by Powhatan District of the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

Lisa Lombardozzi Named 2021 Northwest Fairfax Distinguished Citizen by Powhatan District of the National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

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Bag It?—Not Any More

Arlington to consider a new five-cent tax for each plastic bag.

Bag Tax

Whose Choice?

Opinion

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Transforming Potomac Yard

Virginia Tech breaks ground for Innovation Campus in Alexandria.

Potomac Yard Groundbreaking

ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame

Class of 2021 honorees to be inducted Sept. 18.

ACPS Hall of Fame

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Time to Vote

Vote

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Coffins Illustrate Deadliness of Richmond Highway — Now and Then

Pedestrian deaths along the corridor show need for safer, less vehicle-focused design.

Coffin Protest

Murder Investigation

Murder Investigation

Monday, September 20

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‘Respond. Resolve. Results.’

City remembers 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks.

9/11 Anniversary

Architecture in Alexandria, and Mount Vernon

Homes Tours

National Voter Registration Day

Voting

Entertainment

Ongoing Entertainment

Ongoing Entertainment

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Adding Ramp Meters to 270

Ramp Meters

Rock on, Alex!

Great Falls teen 'nails it' performing with a local band.

Teen in Local Band

The Dog Daze of Summer

The Water Mine hosts canine water pandemonium.

Dogs Swim

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#CallTextLive is for Everyone

September is suicide prevention month.

September is suicide prevention month.

Early Voting Options Expand

Secure drop box option joins mail-in and in-person voting starting Sept. 17.

early voting

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VolunteerFest, 2021

Volunteers work on projects countywide for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Volunteers

Helping Children Develop Healthy Friendships

Positive relationships with peers offer happiness and security.

Friends

Crash Kills Mother and 2 Children

Fatal crash on I-66

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Two Local Firefighters Look Back at 9/11

At the Pentagon, ‘You were a part of history.’

Pentagon

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Stop on the Corner for Brats and Tunes

Pastry Shoppe

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AWLA Welcomes Louisiana Animals

Many animals displaced by Hurricane Ida arrive in Northern Virginia for a chance at a forever home.

Dogs

‘God Was Watching Over Us’

First responders remember 9-11.

First responders remember 9-11.

Friday, September 17

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2021

In August, 2021, 76 Potomac homes sold between $4,675,000-$455,000.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2021

Thursday, September 16

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Car Crash on Rolling Road Highlights Need for Improvements

Parked car side-swiped by errant driver.

Sideswiped on Rolling

Wednesday, September 15

Fairfax County Observances for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Fairfax County Observances for the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Whose Choice?

Whose Choice?

9/11’s 20th Anniversary at Great Falls Freedom Memorial

9/11’s 20th Anniversary at Great Falls Freedom Memorial

McLean Community Foundation Deadline Oct. 1

McLean Community Foundation Deadline Oct. 1

To Honor the Lost Souls of 9/11

In unity, they remember; united, they serve in tribute.

To Honor the Lost Souls of 9/11

Retired U.S. Ambassador Still Serves

An effort to carry out dreams and fulfill his wish for children.

Retired U.S. Ambassador Still Serves

Forest Bathing on National Day of Reflection

Forest Bathing on National Day of Reflection

‘Find Interesting and Unique Things that Tell a Story’

Fairfax Funky Flea opens Sept. 25 in Fairfax City with up to 60 vendors, music, food and more.

‘Find Interesting and Unique Things that Tell a Story’

Parents Battle to Save German Language Program

Virtual classes will fill in, but the future is unclear and unpromised.

Parents Battle to Save German Language Program

Bag It?—Not Any More

Arlington to consider a new five-cent tax for each plastic bag.

Bag It?—Not Any More

Time to Vote

Time to Vote

Coffins Illustrate Deadliness of Richmond Highway — Now and Then

Pedestrian deaths along the corridor show need for safer, less vehicle-focused design.

Coffins Illustrate Deadliness of Richmond Highway — Now and Then

Register Now for the Fall ‘Virtual’ Senior Academy

Sessions begin Wednesday, Sept. 22

Register Now for the Fall ‘Virtual’ Senior Academy

ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame

Class of 2021 honorees to be inducted Sept. 18.

ACPS Athletic Hall of Fame

Murder Investigation

Murder Investigation

‘An Officer and a Gentleman’

Ben Kellom, Democratic party stalwart, dies at 90.

Ben Kellom, Democratic party stalwart, dies at 90.

Sunday, September 12

Great Falls Creamery, Where Summer Doesn’t End

Icy treats pair well with Great Falls Park.

Creamery

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Donna Teepe: Memories and Moving On

Centreville 9/11 widow, five years later.

9/11

Saturday, September 11

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Hot Cars Sizzle in the Summer Sun

Car Show

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Pickleball Event Garners Competition and Further Discussion

Additional courts is a topic for virtual meeting.

Pickleball

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Food Distribution Slows But Doesn’t Stop

Pandemic’s impact continues in Lee District and Mount Vernon.

Food Distribution

Friday, September 10

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Reform Is in the Bag

City Council to consider new five-cent tax for each plastic bag.

Alexandria started pressing for a plastic bag tax when George W. Bush was in the White House and Virginia was a red state. Now the years of advocacy have finally paid off, and state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) has been able to pass a bill giving City Hall authority to impose a five-cent tax on each and every plastic bag that's used in grocery stores and convenience stores.

Wednesday, September 8

Opinion: When Odds Are Stacked Against the Many ...

We need our local leaders to set an example for the type of world class workers’ rights that will attract and keep working families, budding professionals, and hungry entrepreneurs here.

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Outpouring of Local Help for Afghan Refugees

The need is great for volunteers, monetary donations and more.

Thousands of Afghan refugees have landed at Dulles Airport in recent days.

Tuesday, September 7

Obituary: Anne Tongren, 81

Anne Carlene Tongren died on July 23, 2021, in Potomac, Md.

Thursday, September 2

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Lorton Fire Station Gets a Makeover

Station just off Lorton Road is upgraded to meet the expanding population in the area.

Lorton Fire Station

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Hubcaps, Old License Plates and Memories

10,000 hubcaps and more collected in backyard shop.

Hubcaps and more In Lorton Backyard Shop

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Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally

Afghan Americans speak out.

The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.

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Get Your Flu Shot

Local health officials say it's important to get both flu and COVID vaccines, and CDC says they can be given at the same time.

As students return to in-person learning while social distancing and mask mandates are less in evidence, local health officials are urging residents to get a flu shot to prevent an uptick in the number flu and COVID-19 cases.

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Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally

Afghan Americans speak out.

The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.

Opinion: Commentary: Record Setting Times

Not intending to repeat a column I wrote a few weeks ago, but it is hot outside!

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Facing Eviction

Virginia has new protections for renters, but temporary measures expire next year.

The clock is ticking for renters across Virginia who are in danger of being evicted. People of color and low-income Virginians are most at risk.

Wednesday, September 1

Opinion: Commentary: Detailing Relief in Dollars

On Monday Aug. 2, the Virginia General Assembly convened in Richmond for a Special Session to allocate federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and appoint judges to fill eight vacancies on the Virginia Court of Appeals.

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‘Celebration of Trees’ Campaign Starts September 1

Local environmental organizations want you to know how important it is to plant and preserve native plants.

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Designing a Mountain Getaway

A minimalist design allows the landscape to take center stage.

If you drive about an hour and a half west of Arlington, through winding roads lined with trees that create a kaleidoscope of changing tree leaves, you’ll reach the village of Syria, Virginia and an idyllic vacation home curated by designers from The Nest Egg.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Heat Rising: Population Density?

Local governments and the general public are beginning to become aware that on extremely hot days, high temperatures in urban areas can vary greatly, even over short distances.