Stories for September 2020

Opinion: Commentary: Vote No on Question 1 in Virginia

The proposed process makes meaningful citizen input virtually impossible.

The rhetoric around Question 1 on the Virginia ballot is miles away from the actual redistricting process that would be frozen into constitutional language.

Restaurant of the Week: Dishes of India

Dishes of India provides delicious Indian food for lunch or dinner.

Pandemic Pollution: More Trash

Plastic bottles, bags, stirrers, straws, six-pack rings, yoghurt cups, lighters and dental flossers; aluminum cans; cigarette butts; Styrofoam pieces; bottle caps; carryout food packaging; balloons; fishing line; bait cans.

Opinion: Commentary: 5th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon – Socially Distanced and Great Fun!

Support and engage in your community!

Opinion: Commentary: A Few Questions About the Sale of River Farm

To the Board of Directors, The American Horticulture Society, shared with the Mount Vernon Gazette

Opinion: Commentary: Vote No on Constitutional Amendment

When talking about the Constitution: when in doubt, leave it out!

I have been fighting for nonpartisan redistricting reform for years, and many of my colleagues had redistricting reform as a centerpiece of their election campaigns.

Fun for the Brave at Workhouse Arts Center

“Nightmare Alley,” Northern Virginia’s First-Ever Haunted Drive-Thru

The ever-enterprising Workhouse Arts Center is bringing the upcoming Halloween season thrills with its “’Nightmare Alley’, the first immersive, completely contactless drive-thru Halloween experience in the region,” said Joseph Wallen, Director of Performing Arts at the Workhouse.

Celebrating National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month

This month celebrates the cultural achievements and vast contributions the Latinx community has made to society for centuries.

Opinion: Commentary: We Need to Work Together to Avoid a Housing Crisis

On Sept. 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a sweeping federal eviction moratorium for tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Election about Elections

Voters to determine how redistricting works next year.

When Republicans were in charge of drawing political boundaries for the General Assembly and Congress, Democrats supported an amendment to the Virginia Constitution creating a new mapmaking commission. The idea was to take the power of political gerrymandering out of the hands of the majority and hand it over to a group that wouldn’t be quite so focused on screwing the opposition. But then Democrats seized control of the General Assembly, and most House Democrats flip flopped on the issue.

Prosecutor Delivers Blow in Fairfax County

Commonwealth’s Attorney says 84 additional positions are needed; 137 if the office is to prosecute traffic cases too.

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is in crisis, with an “unsettling lack of resources,” said Steve Descano, who was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2019.

Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket

Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.

The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.

Shooting in Lorton Leaves One Dead, One Injured

Supervisor Storck plans a meeting with residents for update next week.

Shooting

Getting in Shape at 60, 70 and 80

Starting where you are and staying consistent among suggestions from healthy and fit seniors.

Whether starting a fitness program after the age of 70 or restarting one after raising children and midlife career building, local seniors share inspiring stories of how achieving and maintaining fitness, health and wellness allows them to lead fulfilling, happy and active lives.

Opinion: Column: “Canceritis”

There are two generic types of cancer: the cancer that you have, and the cancer that has you.

Restaurant of the Week: Glory Days

Outside, Inside, Catering and To-Go, It’s Local

Glory Days Grill is a sports themed family-friendly American grill and bar that combines an award-winning menu of freshly prepared appetizers, entrées and sandwiches with entertainment that appeals to all ages.

New Army Museum Opening On Veteran's Day

With the pandemic still impacting the area, museum crowds will be managed.

At 5 p.m. every weekday evening, officials retire the flag at the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Good Deeds in Difficult Times

On August 22, while on my morning dog walk along Paul Spring Creek, I came upon a group of enthusiastic scouts from Trail Life Group VA-1115 splashing about as they removed several hundred pounds of trash from Paul Spring Creek in Hollin Hills.

8th Congressional District Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area invites you to join its U.S. House of Representatives - Virginia 8th District Candidate Forum, to be held online on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Opinion: Commentary: Special Session at ‘Crossover’

As of this week, it is safe to say that we are at the unofficial halfway point or “crossover” period of this action-packed and historic special session.

Fatal Pedestrian Crash In Mount Vernon

A 78-year-old man has died as a result of injuries from a crash that occurred Sept. 9 around 10 p.m.

Pedestrian Deaths Continue to Mount on Richmond Highway

Intersection improvements can barely keep up with the traffic.

A pedestrian was killed last week in a part of Richmond Highway just south of Hunting Creek in an area that has traffic coming in from the Capital Beltway, and several secondary roads intersecting, and is short on pedestrian-friendly crossings.

Plans Nixed for an Updated Belle View Shopping Center

Proposal for mixed use redevelopment is withdrawn.

Belle View Shopping Center stays for now.

Fire in Kingstowne Damages Townhouse, Spreads to Others

No injuries reported, firehouse open houses to go virtual.

Kingstowne Fire

Police Support Group Visits the Franconia Police Station

No fires, rubber bullets or tear gas at this peaceful event.

Bolster the Blue

Opinion: Column: And So It Begins

Eleven years, six months and two weeks, approximately, after being diagnosed with "terminal" cancer: stage IV non small cell lung cancer, I have begun my treatment for stage IV papillary thyroid cancer.

Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees Revisits July Controversy

Trustee Rosenthal apologies for ‘wrong words’ and retains board seat.

Fran Millhouser, Chair of Fairfax County Library Board, said she received "many emails voicing public concern" for statements made by Trustees Phil Rosenthal (Springfield District) and Darren Ewing (Dranesville District) during the previous board meeting in late July.

TJ Students One Step Closer to Rocket Launch

The student-run and self-taught group, known as Project Caelus, is trying to launch a liquid-fueled rocket to the edge of space.

A group of 26 students at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) just came one step closer to launching a rocket to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.

Fairfax County Deer Management Begins Saturday, Sept. 12

The Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program begins Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 and runs through Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021.

Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony

At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Safe Spaces for Productive Racial Discussions

Components that should be included in effective forums.

As symbols of racial tension and injustice seemed ubiquitous this summer, a group of parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria began meeting virtually to engage in dialogues about the thorny issue of race.

Opinion: Commentary: Facilitating Voting, Adjusting the Budget and Tackling Criminal Justice

Over the last month, the Virginia General Assembly has been in what’s called a “special session” to address voting in the forthcoming election, the budget and criminal justice.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: What Problem is Ban Solving?

To the members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who recently voted to move forward on a public hearing for a total ban on firearms in public places within Fairfax County, I ask a simple question: what problem is this solving?

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Horses and the People they Help: A Six-Part Series

‘I Don't Care If the Horse Poops on Me!’

One mom's commitment to helping her son to get back to therapeutic riding.

"When your child is young and has a diagnosis, you try anything," says Rachel Kirkland.

Leading by Example

Equine Assisted Learning teaches critical life skills.

"The ability to be aware to have compassion; to be confident, but not arrogant; and to take joy in helping to create someone else's success."

Talking to Ty

The 21-year-old Paint Gelding is a great listener.

“Everyone gets her. Everyone accepts her. Everyone likes her. And that means a lot, as a parent.”

Turning Possible into Possibilities

When therapy was needed during quarantine, Sprouts provided a way.

“Riding takes my physical therapy to the next level.”

Horses as Co-Therapists?

Introducing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

"I saw these kids coming from foster homes and oftentimes reading their charts, the amount of trauma and neglect [they had experienced] was horrifying. Where do you even start?"

Horses and the People They Help

If you aren't familiar with how horses are helping people, read on.

Perri Wight Green of McLean was riding horses before she could talk.

Restaurant of the Week: Belle Haven Pizzeria & Custard Shack

Belle Haven Pizzeria & Custard Shack is a locally owned restaurant dedicated to using the freshest, local ingredients and providing outstanding service.

‘The Need Continues’ in Mount Vernon

Backpacks, school supplies distributed to families in need.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief John Butler was among the volunteers at Penn Daw Fire Station 11 Aug. 31 to distribute more than 1,100 backpacks filled with school supplies for families in need throughout the county.

Expert Aerialists Brighten Our Waterways

“Devil’s Darning Needles”

They flit, they zoom, they patrol, they shimmer in the sun.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: For Some Workers, Nothing Leisurely About This Labor Day

Workers lucky enough to have a job face the double bind of fearing the risk of COVID-19 and being laid off.

There will be nothing leisurely about this Labor Day for many working families, not least for essential workers.

The Fight for Paid Leave

After effort for paid sick days falters, lawmakers move toward paid quarantine leave.

The fight for paid sick days is on hold for now, and advocates have moved to a fallback position for the special session of the Virginia General Assembly: quarantine leave.

Fire Investigators Seek Public’s Help in Two Separate Fires at Same House in Mount Vernon

Fire investigators are asking for the public’s help gathering information regarding a house fire that occurred on July 28, 2020, and another on Aug. 29, in the 2900 block of Dunbar Street in the Hybla Valley area of Fairfax County.

New U.S. Hotel Brand Opening in Woodlawn Area

Doors will open in early October for the stayAPT Suites, replacing Quality Inn.

In early October, a new stayAPT Suites hotel will open one of their first U.S. locations in the place of the old Quality Inn on the corner of Richmond Highway and Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, bringing new life to this area just outside Fort Belvoir.

Owners of The River Farm Are Looking to Sell

The American Horticultural Society needs the funds; the surrounding community needs the farm.

River Farm For Sale

Mount Vernon Car Fires Are Alarming

Cars in a neighborhood off Sherwood Hall Lane were possible arsons.

Car Fires

Opinion: Column: Cancer For Dummies: Me

As I was telling my long-time friend, Rita, over the phone on Saturday afternoon, as a cancer patient – and I know this is going to sound ridiculous, short-sighted and stupid, I am not always forthcoming and honest when it comes to sharing new symptoms with my doctors, particularly my oncologist.

Last Chance to See the ASPIRE HOUSE in McLean

Design showhouse closes on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Designing a dream home can be likened to assembling a haute couture wardrobe.

Restaurant of the Week: River Bend Bistro in Mount Vernon, with Local Roots and French Training

River Bend Bistro offers a comfortable restaurant experience with simple, good food and quality wine, all a part of the menu of local chef and owner Caroline Ross.

Day Is Done in Mount Vernon

Bugler honors lives lost to COVID-19.

It was a simple enough request.

Things to Know About Coronavirus Testing

If you think you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or have been exposed to someone who was confirmed to have the disease, contact your health care provider or visit one of the testing sites listed here.

Opinion: Commentary: Protecting The Postal Service

Hundreds of calls and emails from constituents urging Congress to stop efforts to sabotage the USPS.

This August the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) unexpectedly became a center of national attention.

Former Lee District Supervisor Joe Alexander, 90, Dies

His efforts in Lee District show signs that will be forever remembered.

Death of Joe Alexander

Vanishing Act of The Mount Vernon Trolley Line

Tea time stops also include bootleg whiskey, bawdy houses.

Mount Vernon Trolley

Fort Belvoir Nuclear Power Plant Removal Moves Forward

Contract signed with Alexandria-based company.

Nuclear plant removal

Dedicated to the Notion of Every Child by Name and By Need

Successful virtual start planned for FCPS’ special education children.

Fairfax County Public Schools held a Special Education Town Hall on Aug. 16, part of its Back to School Countdown.

Impact of Extended Social Isolation on Teens and Tweens

Psychiatrists and psychologists say that missing opportunities to connect with peers can cause long-term damage.

After a summer of postponed vacations, closed pools and limited summer camps, all a byproduct of COVID-19, parents are concerned about the wellbeing of their children.

Ewing Resigns from Fairfax County Library Board

Trustee Rosenthal apologizes for disruption.

Two members of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, Phil Rosenthal, Springfield District Representative and Darren Ewing, Dranesville District Representative, made statements during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board Trustees that caused the public, organizations, and top County leaders to voice concern.

Virginia Assembly Bills to Protect Right to Vote

On Friday, Aug. 28, the Virginia General Assembly Senate and House of Delegates passed budget bills supporting safe elections during the pandemic.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Expanding Awareness of Systemic Racism

To the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees; The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area supports and promotes the Fairfax County Public Library’s initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion, social and racial justice, and spotlighting authors from marginalized populations.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Time for a Good Gun Safety Law

Back on Sept. 13, 2019, state Senator Scott Surovell, wrote an opinion article in the Connection newspapers about his father and son feeling scared and intimidated by four armed men walking through a farmer’s market carrying AR-15s.