Fairfax County Parks Reopening Begins in Time for Memorial Day Weekend
The Park Authority has begun reopening of parking lots and parks in the park system to be open for the Memorial Day weekend. Park Authority staff will begin the process of clearing barricades and opening parking lots at all 427 parks for the community on Wednesday, May 20 through Friday, May 22. These parks will reopen for limited use in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines from the Virginia Governor’s office and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fairfax County School Board Celebrates Class of 2020
Superintendent Scott Brabrand releases Board decisions.
Superintendent Scott Brabrand dashed any remaining hopes of summer in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020. After receiving results from high school students and parents on his Survey on Graduation Preferences, Brabrand said the School Board agreed on his recommended approach. They committed to celebrating the seniors "in the safest and most personalized manner possible."
Fairfax Week in Coronavirus
Fairfax County cases increase more than 1,600 in last week, and Virginia rises more than 6,000 cases as most of the state eases restrictions.
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Fairfax County School Board Considers Fall 2020 Options
Three back-to-school scenarios presented.
What might school look like to children in Fairfax County Public Schools this fall — remote learning or social distance learning with masks and temperature checks? Which students would schools bring back first — the older ones or most vulnerable? And what might students face when they get there — a climb back to grade level or multi-age classes?
College Students Prevail Despite Coronavirus Impacts
McLean, Vienna area college students reflect on how the health crisis affects their lives, studies.
Part one in a series. The coronavirus pandemic forced in-person education to come to a halt in March across the country. College students not only had in-person courses moved online, but many had to travel back home for the remainder of the semester, and faced a number of new difficulties.
The Alden in McLean Announces ‘Drive-Thru Drama’
Live performances you can experience from the comfort and safety of your car.
The Alden in McLean presents “Drive-Thru Drama,” a new model of live theater in the era of COVID-19. “Drive-Thru Drama” is a social-distancing theater format that allows people to enjoy a live theater performance from the safety and comfort of their own cars.
Virtual 5K Race for a Good Cause
Langley High sophomore organizes virtual race for CIS NOVA.
As the Coronavirus outbreak has caused everyone to be confined to their homes, many have turned to exercise to keep busy and healthy. Will Navas, of Great Falls, a sophomore at Langley High School, is using it to raise money for children in his community by organizing a virtual 5k race that donates all proceeds to Communities in Schools of Northern Virginia (CIS NOVA).
‘Facilitating Connections’ in Quarantine in Great Falls
Siblings start charitable initiative during COVID-19 pandemic.
It only took two days of quarantine for Isabel and Nathaniel Mathew of Great Falls to become restless. After Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced on March 23 that all schools would remain online for the rest of the school semester, the Langley High School siblings didn’t know how they were going to spend their newfound free time. That is, until they figured out a way that they could give back to those in the community who have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.
Helping Community Stay Safe in Great Falls
Brooke Dawn, 15, a Great Falls resident, student at The Madeira School, and Kawasaki Disease survivor, loves to ride her bike and take walks to keep her heart healthy. When she does, she loves to read the different uplifting messages written on brightly colored stones left by others.
Great Falls Helps with ‘Stuffing the Bus’ in Reston
Stepping up ‘Stuff the Bus’ COVID-19 style.
For nine years, the Stuff the Bus food drive served to fill the quickly emptying food pantry shelves of local Fairfax County nonprofits. On Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fairfax County Government and the community came together once again to support the biannual campaign.
First Physical Gathering Since COVID for Mount Vernon Church
Washington Community Church holds two services on Mother’s Day.
The Washington Community Church in Mount Vernon held back to back Mother's Day drive in worship services on Sunday. Live music, gift bags for mothers, and a sermon from Pastors Steve and Zury Bradcovich atop a makeshift stage on a rented flatbed truck.
Play On: ASO Trio Serenades Goodwin House Residents
Residents of Goodwin House Alexandria were treated to a special performance by members of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra during a May 7 musical program led by ASO Music Director James Ross.
The Other Alexandria: A Family’s Devastation of Influenza Pandemic: Bessie Evans Baltimore Carter
World War I ended in November of 1918, but another world devastation began. The 1918 Influenza “flu” known to many as the Spanish Flu was an invisible enemy that killed more people than World War 1. An enemy that did not carry guns nor grenades but was deadly.
‘Circumstances Have Changed, and They’re on the Frontline’ in Fair Oaks
First responders salute healthcare heroes at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.
It’s nice to be appreciated – and, last Tuesday, May 5, at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, local first responders let healthcare workers there know exactly how much they’re valued. At the 6:30 p.m. shift change, staff members walked outside and were greeted by fire engines, police cruisers, a gigantic American flag and about 100 first responders applauding them and holding signs and banners of appreciation.