Thursday, April 25
Governor Puts Virginia’s Domestic Violence Victims in Danger
Local legislators irate at Youngkin’s veto of important bills
Gun Safety Laws
Parkway Classic 40th Anniversary Run on Sunday
Parkway Classic
Was Arena Proposal for Alexandria Just a ‘Bargaining Chip’?
Capital News Service Video by Matt Bowman, VCU InSight
Riverkeeper in Keeping Tabs on Water Levels, Chemicals
Health of Potomac River matters more in Mount Vernon area.
River Health
Wednesday, April 24
Earth Day Celebration Big in Small Ways
Volunteers lend many hands.
Earth Day celebrations large and small sprang up across Fairfax County last weekend.
“Flourishing After 55”
“Flourishing After 55”Office of 55+ Programs. Department of Parks and Recreation, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203 703-228-4747 55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Are Our Waterways Becoming Plastic Soup?
Local cleanups reveal many mysteries.
On April 20, 100 volunteers hauled out 40 bags or 400 pounds of trash from the Potomac River shoreline of Belle Haven Park and in the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in two hours.
‘Hanged by a Mob’
City marks 127th anniversary of McCoy lynching.
For Joseph McCoy, there were no lawyers, no legal proceedings, no testimony, no trial, no safety. Instead, the 18-year-old, who had been accused of assaulting the 9-year-old daughter of his employer, was dragged from his jail cell to the corner of Cameron and Lee streets and lynched by an angry mob who had breached the police station.
Explore George Washington’s 250-year-old Tent
Mount Vernon’s Revolutionary War Weekend is May 4-5.
On May 4 and 5, at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, people can explore a replica of the tent that General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, used from 1775 to 1783 when he led the colonies to independence.
VDOT Warns of Text Message Scams
Text messages claim people owe money for unpaid tolls
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is encouraging people to be on alert for a text message scam, also known as smishing, that is sending requests for payment of outstanding toll charges.
Help Restock Frost Middle School Pantry
Frost Middle School seeks the community’s help to fill its pantry shelves for students in need. Especially welcome are Amazon gift cards or nonperishable food items so the school may continue to provide weekend food to students who might otherwise go hungry.
Infant Immunization Week
Letters to the Editor
Virginia’s Equine Industry Is Thriving
Here in Fairfax County, we have Frying Pan's Equestrian Center. It is a public-use facility that is part of Frying Pan Farm Park. The center offers rental events, schooling, horse shows, short-term stabling, and multiple trailer-in schooling options.
Human Rights for Who?
Letters to the Editor
Mental Health: 10 Ways to Help
Mental Health
SoberRides Offered for Cinco de Mayo
SoberRides Offered for Cinco de Mayo
Baby Animals, Bubbles, Bikes, Music, Hayrides and History in Fairfax
Fairfax City’s HisTree Day is Saturday, April 27.
Tree Day
“Flourishing After 55”: New Staffing Standards Coming for Nursing Homes
New Staffing Standards Coming for Nursing Homes
Wonder Wagon Nature Center Ready to Roll
Mobile unit to assure nature learning reaches all
Wonder Wagon
Mother-Daughter Story with Message about Understanding
Westfield High presents the musical, ‘Freaky Friday.’
Theater
Festive Earth Day Fun on a Sunny, Spring Saturday
Fairfax County’s Earth Day celebration was Saturday, April 20, at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly.
Earth Day
Thursday, April 18
Plants, Art, Alpacas and a Big Hotdog
Pumped-up gardeners were ready to prowl, peruse and purchase.
Oh I wish I was an Oscar Meyer weiner
Historic Old Town Alexandria Home and Garden Tour
Tour kicks off Garden Club of Virginia statewide tour
Tour kicks off Garden Club of Virginia statewide tour
Silver Shield Anti-Scam Task Force to Help Seniors
Mission: to keep phone and internet scammers at bay.
Scam Jam
Wednesday, April 17
Military Kids Club Helps Students Bond Over Moves, Parent Deployment Stress and Shipping Pets Across Country
School program
APF Sweet Fire Donna’s
Interim Chief of Police Raul Pedroso, fourth from right, enjoys a night out at Sweet Fire Donna’s Restaurant in Carlyle April 16 as part of a fundraiser for the Alexandria Police Foundation.
Creative DNA
Kristina Hagman brings exhibit to Torpedo Factory.
Creativity is in her DNA. Kristina Hagman grew up in a family of performing artists and was encouraged at a young age to pursue her own talent as a painter as a way to overcome her challenges with dyslexia.
It’s Going to Cost More To Do More
Public Hearings on the tax rate and sewer rate.
Due to rising service demands and challenges in funding them, Fairfax County faces significant challenges addressing its FY 2025 advertised budget of $3.8 billion
APD Chief Hayes Celebrated
Former chief takes helm at Federal Reserve Board.
Former Chief of Police Don Hayes, who served for more than four decades with the Alexandria Police Department, was honored Feb. 29
Valor Awards Honor 230 First Responders
On Thursday, April 11, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce honored first responders at the 46th Annual Fairfax County Valor Awards.
Robert T.S. Colby
Retired District Court judge dies at 95.
“Judge Colby had the most unusual approach to being a judge that I think I've ever seen.” — Retired Circuit Court Judge Alfred Swersky
Balancing the Books
Members of the city council identify priorities.
Affordable housing, teacher pay and guaranteed income are among the topics being considered by members of City Council as they approach a budget vote on May 1.
Vetoes Devastate Environmental Progress
Governor vetoed 153 bills, amended 117, including dozens of priority conservation and environmental bills.
This week, the General Assembly reconvenes in Richmond to consider Governor Youngkin’s unprecedented number of amendments and vetoes to legislation we passed during the regular session.
Public Art in Arlington
View the newest artwork in Arlington’s Public Art Collection, Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Christ in Blessing.
The Central United Methodist Church of Ballston, in collaboration with Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, continues its mission in the new Ballston Station building, a mixed-use project with 144 affordable apartments.
Arlington Crime Survivors Advocate Candice Lopez Awarded
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) presented the bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus’ Allied Professional Award to his constituent Candice Lopez of Arlington.
Freddie’s Beach Bar Threatened with Bomb Scare
Freddie Lutz opened an email bomb threat just minutes before the children’s drag story hour performance was set to begin at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant on S. 23rd Street on April 6.
In Tents Not by Choice, But Lack of Choices
Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Johnson v. Grants Pass. on April 22, 2024 with consequences for people experiencing homelessness.
People experiencing homelessness opt to sleep in areas ‘not designated for human habitation’ because of a lack of affordable housing, especially for those earning below 30 percent of the Area Median Income.
Arlington’s Expanded Housing Option Ordinance Leaves Neighbors No Rights and the County No Wiser
At the outer edges of Arlington County — in the Arlington-East Falls Church area — a three-story monolith housing six dwellings and providing three parking spaces has been proposed for an R6 treed lot where a 1925 house now stands.
Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Actors, Artists and More
Fairfax City’s Spotlight on the Arts is April 25-28.
Music, dance, theater and art will all be featured during Fairfax City’s 39th annual Spotlight on the Arts festival. It runs for four days, April 25-28, at various venues throughout the City and has a spectacular lineup of entertainment for all tastes and ages.
Church Devotion to Affordable Housing Comes to Unity
On Monday, April 15, Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) and Central United Methodist Church (CUMC) marked the grand opening of Unity Homes at Ballston, a new mixed-use development located at 4201 Fairfax Drive in Arlington.
America’s Founding Fathers as Ordinary Humans
Woodson High presents its Cappies musical, ‘1776.’
Featuring a cast and crew of 90, plus a 25-person pit orchestra, Woodson High’s upcoming musical, “1776,” is also its Cappies entry.
Week of the Young Child at Christ Presbyterian Preschool
Christ Presbyterian Preschool in Fairfax hosted Family Friday on April 12 to cap off the Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Providing Support for Everyone in Fairfax County
Sam Proctor grew up here in the Mount Vernon District and attended Walt Whitman Middle School and Mount Vernon High School. Sam has ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and is currently in remission for stage 3 cancer. Despite facing such challenges, Sam takes everything with a smile and an “I-can-do-this” attitude.
Many Needs in Schools, County
Testimony will highlight priorities for spending.
On Thursday, April 18, home care workers, public service workers, allies, and community members planned to join airport workers, elected officials, and candidates for Congress for a march and rally at Dulles Airport in support of access to affordable health care and paid sick leave for airport service workers.
Springtime is Farmers Market Time
On Saturday, April 27th at 0800 hours the bell will ring announcing the opening of the Reston Farmers Market, the best in Northern Virginia, for a 27th year located in the now newly paved parking as guests of the Lake Anne Condo Association.
“Flourishing After 55”
Office of 55+ Programs, Department of Parks and Recreation, 300 N. Park Dr., Arlington, VA 22203 703-228-4747 55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Residents Discuss Franconia Center Re-use
Will Franconia Government Center move support affordable housing?
Will Franconia Government Center move support affordable housing?
Opinion: Calls for Cutting School Funds by $100 Million
Calls for Cutting School Funds by $100 Million
Community Mourns Tragic Death of Two Young Children
Fire destroys their home in Little Rocky Run.
Fire Fatality
Fairfax Hosts Shoestring Theatre’s Newest Production
See ‘Dispatches from Appalachia – an Evening of One Acts.’
Theater
March Home Sales Down from Prior Year, According to NVAR
Prices continue to rise as supply remains tight
NVAR stats
Inova Schar Cancer Institute Reaches 5th Anniversary
Interview with John Deeken, MD, institute president
Inova Schar Institute
Bridge Over Troubled Crosswalk
Wiehle Avenue and W&OD Trail Bridge to be operational this summer.
Bridge over troubled crosswalk
Spring Ballet is a Final Show and New Beginning
Some Metropolitan dancers’ final show opens doors to careers in dance and entertainment careers.
Spring Ballet
Thursday, April 11
Youngkin Amends Mobile Home Park Bill
Mobile home bill
Wednesday, April 10
Addams Family, Spring Musical at Mount Vernon High
Don’t miss this musical, complete with pit orchestra.
Mount Vernon High School students are getting ready for their spring musical, “The Addams Family,” written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, orchestrations by Larry Hochman, and based on characters created by Charles Addams.
Houston to Feel Titan Robotics IMPACT
For the third year in a row, Alexandria City High School’s Titan Robotics team won the prestigious FIRST Impact Award on Saturday at the Chesapeake District Championships held in Petersburg, Va.
Pam St. Clair
King Street Gardens Park, local activist dies at 80.
Pam St. Clair, one of the driving forces behind the development of King Street Gardens Park on upper King Street, died April 7 at her home in Grand Junction, Colo. She was 80 years old.
Prepare Now for ‘Extremely Active Hurricane Season’
Researchers at Colorado State University are forecasting an extremely active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30.
Spring Flower Show in Mount Vernon
The Yacht Haven Garden Club held a National Garden Clubs Small Standard Flower Show, “Around the Sun Sixty Times,” April 4, 2024, at the Mount Vernon Yacht Club, Alexandria, Va.
Spring2ACTion 2024 Unites Alexandria Nonprofits
ACT for Alexandria, the community foundation, announces the return of Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s community-wide Giving Day on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
10 Ways to Take Climate Action
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is a global event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. You can join the effort to protect our planet – and support a healthier and more resilient Fairfax County – by taking these 10 climate actions.
In Tents Not by Choice, But Lack of Choices
Problems with data; police Encounters; shelter and housing.
People experiencing homelessness opt to sleep in areas ‘not designated for human habitation’ because of a lack of affordable housing, especially for those earning below 30 percent of the Area Median Income.
Grant to Prevent Gun Violence
Alexandria News Briefs
Spring Book Sale
Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) invite you to the 2024 Spring Book Sale.
“Flourishing After 55”
Office of 55+ Programs
Batters Up for the Mount Vernon Varsity Singers
Choir travels to Fredericksburg to sing the National Anthem at a Minor League baseball game.
MV Choir
Mystery, Romance, Beautiful Songs and Hopeful Story
Fairfax High Presents ‘Anastasia the Musical.’
Musical
Honoring Fairfax City Women Making a Difference
Kelly O’Brien and Lorraine Koury are ‘Women of Influence.’
Women
Sometimes People Just Need Laughter in Their Lives
Chantilly High presents rollicking, romantic musical, ‘Anything Goes.’
Anything Goes
Area Sky Watchers See Rare Solar Eclipse
Weather cooperates for shared view of the celestial phenomenon
Eclipse Watchers
New Harris Teeter in Arlington Emphasizes Customer Experience
Store offers upgraded shop and a bar in the heart of Ballston
Harris Teeter
Community News at a Glance
Partial solar eclipse to a deflating tennis bubble.
Community News at a Glance
Descano Declines To Charge Officer in Fatal Shooting
Parents assert Commonwealth’s Attorney’s narrative of the police shooting incident is incorrect.
Shooting
Thursday, April 4
Rebuilding Together Awarded $200K Grant
Wells Fargo Foundation sustainability grant will improve climate resiliency for marginalized populations
Grant
Sunrise Easter Sunday
Ventures in Community, believing in the power of resurrection.
Sunrise service
House Restoration Project at Fort Hunt Underway
One-time residence is officially known as the “NCO (Non-commissioned Officer) Quarters at Fort Hunt.”
Fort Hunt Park
River Levels Encroaching but Solutions Vary
Plans on the county and state level don’t give Mount Vernon homeowners the warm, fuzzy vibe.
River levels
Wednesday, April 3
Historic Funding for Chesapeake Bay Restoration
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that $206 million in funding will be allocated for projects aimed at continuing the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
Sunset Concert at River Farm with Soulfire
The band Soulfire takes the stage at River Farm, headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, on Thursday, May 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
City Budget Will Be Adopted May 1
Since City Manager James Parajon presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget to the City Council and community, the City Council has held several work sessions with City leaders to assess the current state of resources and programs.
Governor Sets New Veto Record
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has acted on a total of 475 bills passed by the General Assembly ahead of his fast-approaching April 8th deadline. To date, the Governor has vetoed 91 bills, the most of any Governor in the history of the Commonwealth in just a single year.
City of Alexandria Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month
In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the City of Alexandria is holding a series of events and activities throughout April to support survivors and engage the community in prevention efforts.
275 Years
This July marks 275 years since Alexandria’s 1749 founding.
Determining if Wildlife Needs Help
Spring brings a boom in baby wildlife. Fairfax County Animal Protection Police Officers and the Wildlife Management office receive many calls this time of year from residents who are seeking help for young wildlife that appear to be orphaned or abandoned.
Obituary: Ben Morris
Former sportswriter, restauranteur dies at 75.
“I think Ben Morris was one of the more important sportswriters we have had around here.” — Local historian Greg Paspatis
Recycling Solar Panels
The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) launched a Solar Panel Recycling program.
Houses of Worship Can Develop Affordable Housing
Many faith communities struggle with oversized and aging facilities along with declining membership and revenues.
Senior Living Briefs
Senior Living Briefs
Letter: Keep the Town Name of Burke VA
Letter to the Editor
News Briefs
News Briefs
Tuesday, April 2
Residents Defend Keeping Burke Name
Little interest expressed in ‘Fenton Project.’
Burke name under assault
A Musical Fairytale Featuring Actors and Puppets
Centreville High presents ‘Cinderella: Enchanted Edition.’
Cinderella
Fallen Vietnam War Veterans Are Remembered
Honoring their ‘unwavering courage, resilience, dedication to duty.’
Vietnam Veterans
Senior Living: Six Stress Reduction Tips for Caregivers
April is National Stress Awareness Month
Tips for family caregivers from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
6 Percent ‘Across the Board’ Raise?
Sole school board member challenges top FCPS staff salary increases
Pay Raise
Burke CAP Team Competes at CyberPatriot Finals
Cadets take 1st in state, national semi-final.
CAP Team
Doorways On Track to Break Records Again
Safehouse operated at 211% capacity first quarter 2023
Doorways in Arlington