About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
Fall for the Book in September
Local book festival with something for everyone.
Your opportunity to be part of a literary celebration is about to arrive. The annual Fall for the Book Festival begins on Sept. 11. It is a week-long, multi-venue affair with free events at locations throughout Fairfax County, and beyond.
Accotink Church Reverend Prepared to Perform Same-Sex Marriage
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael was part of statewide effort.
“I would expect most people wouldn’t want to get married on the spot by a minister they don’t even know,” said Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, minister of Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke. Sammler-Michael, himself from Fairfax, was one of 30 clergymen around Northern Virginia and 60 across the state that had been organized and planned to be present at local courthouses on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The Great Falls Farmers Market - Where Saturdays are Local
Please know that you have a standing invitation to join us every Saturday morning (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at the parking lot next to the Wells Fargo Bank for a spirited community event, the Great Falls Farmers Market – immediately following Cars & Coffee.
West Springfield Teacher Honored
Josh Masley, 13-year veteran, inspires students through technology and engineering.
It wasn’t enough just to use the classroom’s 3D printer to fabricate Spartan helmets out of plastic. Then students of West Springfield High School Technology and Engineering teacher Josh Masley presented the helmets to teachers and faculty as gifts. “He’s teaching his kids to appreciate other people in the building,” said Johnny Pope, an assistant principal at the school. “They have some intrinsic motivation about what they're doing.”
Century Bike Tour Held At Reston Pavilion
Over a thousand from D.C. metro area attend bike event.
On Aug. 24, Reston Bicycle Club held its 32nd annual century bike tour. The event began and ended at Reston Town Center. “We had approximately 1,165 riders,” said Ed Robichaud, a resident of Reston and member of the RBC bike club. The Reston Bicycle Club (RBC) was formed in 1982 to promote cycling in the Reston and surrounding areas. RBC is a volunteer, nonprofit club, with over 700 members.
Herndon Planning Committee Holds Parking Conference
Committee receives input from Herndon residents.
The Town of Hendon Planning Commission met Aug. 21 to solicit comments on whether parking requirements in the downtown should be reduced or remain as currently required.
Springfield Celebrates 13th Annual BridgeWalk
Local leaders renew Army Community Covenant.
On a minimally muggy, late night on Aug. 22, hundreds of Springfield community members walked south across Veterans Bridge and over Old Keene Mill Road.
And Another Thing I’m “Righting” On
Not only did last week’s CT Scan indicate shrinkage, where necessary – and stability, where hoped for – it also accomplished these hoped-for goals after only two months of chemotherapy (still infused every three weeks) rather than the normal three months of chemotherapy. So depending on how the calendar/treatment schedule actually fell, I probably received two fewer infusions than usual, yet all the radiological indications – and interpretations – continue to be encouraging; after five and a half years, no less. I think I’m entitled to use the word amazing – and lucky, too.
Middle Eastern Food Festival Returns for 22nd Year
Festival hosted by Holy TransfiguratiMelkite Greek-Catholic Church features, food and sweets, family activities and traditional culture.
Food and festival-lovers alert! The annual Labor Day weekend Middle Eastern Food Festival is upon the McLean/Vienna area once again. And if you’ve wondered how a Northern Virginia foodfest can go through 200 pounds of lamb, 400 pounds of beef, 450 pounds of chicken, 180 pounds of butter and 12,000 pieces of sweets, this is your opportunity to find out.
Fairfax County’s Success Story
Economic success: 50 years in the making.
If you are a newcomer to Fairfax County, allow me to welcome you to one of the most dynamic communities anywhere in the world to live and work. It was the vision of many people to create this kind of community, so please allow me to offer a quick history lesson.
Oakton Field Hockey Bounces Back
Cougars overcome early deficit to beat Osbourn Park.
Oakton will face Madison on Sept. 3.
South Lakes Field Hockey Splits a Pair on UTL First Day
Seahawks lose to Robinson, beat Stuart.
South Lakes faces rival Herndon on Sept. 3.
A Prime Location
Popular businesses drive customers to gift shop.
Is it at the town center or the shopping center? Burke residents know. The Picket Fence is at the Burke Town Center, next to a newly-opened Sweet Frog, a Giant grocery store, a BB&T bank, a dry cleaner and a Starbucks. Owner Billie Thomas believes that The Picket Fence is situated in a prime location.
Mount Vernon Field Hockey Looking for Improvement in 2014
Majors finish runner-up in Pool C at UTL tournament.
The Majors finished 2-0-2 at the UTL tournament at Lee High School, Aug. 25-26.
Great Falls Chambers and Business Resources
A list of Great Falls chambers.
McLean Chambers and Business Resources
Many organizations in McLean are here to serve your business and help connect you with the resources you need to make your business successful and to help it grow. Below are a list of business associations and chambers, in no particular order. Find a comprehensive online listing of county business resources at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-resources.
For the Birds
Burke store helps bring nature closer to home.
Is it true that when one holds a bird in one’s hand, the bird gets so nervous it dies? No, said Steve Pyne, owner of the Wild Bird Center in Burke. This is the type of expertise and more that customer Kathy Morris can rely on when she comes in the store.
Vienna Chambers and Business Resources
Many organizations in Vienna are here to serve your business and help connect you with the resources you need to make your business successful and to help it grow. Below are a list of business associations and chambers, in no particular order. Find a comprehensive online listing of county business resources at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-resources.