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Shelter Seeks Animal Foster Parents

Program provides temporary homes.

Forty-eight animals at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria are looking for temporary homes.

Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2

Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….

Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Mount Vernon: Rotary Chapter Celebrates 40 Years

Mount Vernon Rotarians celebrated their chapter’s 40th anniversary Wednesday Dec. 7 at Cedar Knoll restaurant.

Mount Vernon: Inova's Addo gives update to chamber

At 3 a.m. Nov. 16, the new Veatch Family Emergency Department at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital opened its doors to patients. The time was meant to be a slow one for hospital work, Inova Mount Vernon president and CEO Deborah Addo said — intended essentially to be a “soft open.”

Mount Vernon: Supply Replenished for St. Aidan’s Christmas Tree Sale

After nearly selling out the previous weekend, St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church received a fresh shipment of Christmas trees on Dec. 9.

Springfield-Franconia: Nonprofit Koinonia holds holiday shopping program for clients

When Koinonia volunteer Ann Hopke sent a Nativity scene home with someone without the cows, she had no idea they were really meant for someone else.

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Lorton: Swim Teams Make Toys for Tots Splash

West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams

The South County and West Springfield High School varsity Swim & Dive teams donated gifts for the South Run RECenter Toys for Tots campaign prior to their meet against each other on Dec. 10.

Lorton: Exploring Pluto’s Secrets

Could Pluto once again be considered a planet?

Clifton scientist Dr. Michael Summers, also a professor of Planetary Science and Astronomy at George Mason University, said he still considers Pluto one of the nine major planets in the solar system. One of the foremost experts on Pluto, Summers is part of the New Horizon mission team, which has spent the last decade designing, preparing and maneuvering a space probe for the first ever close-up observation of Pluto.

Fairfax: ‘Just Pause and Don’t Do It’

Residents debate University Drive extension

The City’s proposal to extend University Drive has sparked strong feelings in Fairfax residents. They spoke both for and against it at the Nov. 1 community outreach meeting and before the Nov. 8 City Council meeting. But most of the speakers during Tuesday night’s public hearing were firmly opposed.

Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed

Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.

After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.

Burke: Surviving Brain Injury

New book shares stories of strength and inspiration.

A new resource is available to those who’ve been touched by traumatic brain injury (TBI) called “Surviving Brain Injury: Stories of Strength and Inspiration.” A collection of 90 stories, mostly by TBI survivors, “Surviving Brain Injury” personalizes life’s trajectory after a blast to the head, a fall or stroke.

Burke: Legislative Forum Held at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church

The art of the possible

At the free public forum, Grow, Rhee and Bowers-Lanier stressed the importance for people who are concerned about climate change, immigration and economic justice, health care and other social justice issues to be both active and vigilant as these issues come before state and federal lawmakers in 2017.

Police Chief’s Cruiser Hit by Drunken Driver

News

Fairfax County Police Department Chief Col. Edwin Roessler Jr. was rear-ended by a drunken driver in Centreville on Monday night, Dec. 12.

Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented

Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: November, 2016

In November, 2016, 96 homes sold between $2,255,000-$200,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.