Stories for October 2023

Stories for October 2023

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Thursday, October 26

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Storck Shows Off Mount Vernon Via the Bicycle

Tour de Mount Vernon riders greeted with sunshine and blue skies.

Bike Ride

Policy on Transgender Kids Supports Parent Involvement

School

Wednesday, October 25

Avoid Collisions with Deer (& Bear)

Avoid Collisions with Deer (& Bear)

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2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's

Northern Virginia’s Alzheimer's Association provides support, help, research and more.

Northern Virginia’s Alzheimer's Association provides support, help, research and more.

Kathy Smith, Incumbent, for Sully Supervisor

Candidate Connection

Keith Elliott, Challenger, for Sully Supervisor

Candidate Connection

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2023 Lords and Ladies Fairfax Celebrated

The 2023 Salute to Lord and Lady was held at the Fairfax County Government Center on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

My Aunt Has Dementia

Caregiving Corner

Different Kind of Sticker Shock

News Briefs

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Long-time Resident Publishes First Book

Ann Allman and her husband, Frank Gulino, have lived in our area for forty years.

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Supervisor Candidates at Chamber Breakfast

Discuss economic development, crime, affordable housing.

Local Supervisor candidates gathered at the October Business Breakfast, hosted by the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce to discuss their platform and issues facing Fairfax County.

What is on the ballot?

The results of this election will determine the direction Virginia takes on many crucial issues, including responsible fiscal management, expanding workers' rights, sustainable transportation, abortion access, energy policy, and excellence in education.

District Members, Board of Supervisors

Braddock, Franconia, Mount Vernon, Providence & Springfield Districts

The Nov. 7 election includes the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Nine members are elected by voters in local districts to serve four-year terms. Twenty-one district candidates are in the race, with seven incumbents.

Member School Board by District

In November, Fairfax County voters will choose 12 school board members to serve four-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2024. Nineteen candidates are running for the nine magisterial district seats. There are also three at-large seats in the November election.

Northern Virginia Home Sales Drop as Prices Rise

Interest Rates Impact Housing Market Regionally and Nationally

Home sales slid more in Northern Virginia than around the nation in September while prices jumped more regionally, reported the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR). High mortgage rates contributed to sales dropping 18.2% in September in Northern Virginia while nationally sales declined 15.4%.

Vienna Town Council

Seven candidates are running for six seats on the Vienna Town Council. Early voting is underway, and final Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Three of the seven candidates are incumbents: Chuck Anderson, Howard J. Springsteen and Ray Brill. Mayor Linda Colbert is running unopposed. All candidates run as Independents.

Battle of the Unbeatens

South Lakes carries on at 8-0

The South Lakes Seahawks and Madison Warhawks faced off on Friday, Oct. 20 for a battle of unbeatens. South Lakes was averaging 50 points a game and Madison averaging 30. But Friday night would be far lower scoring.

District Members, Board of Supervisors

Dranesville, Hunter Mill, Providence & Sully Districts

The Nov. 7 election includes the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Nine members are elected by voters in local districts to serve four-year terms. Twenty-one district candidates are in the race, with seven incumbents.

Speaker of the House

Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States provides that the House of Representatives is to choose a presiding officer to be known as the Speaker of the House. Such a position became necessary as the Founding Fathers looked for a way to have checks and balances among the branches of government since they had rejected a parliamentary form of government that would have had a prime minister serving as leader in both the executive and legislative branches at the same time.

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‘Thriving Together’

NAACP 90th anniversary Freedom Fund Gala.

“Every honoree is teaching us something about us as a people and about our community.” — Darrlynn S. Franklin, NAACP Alexandria branch president

Member School Board by District

Dranesville, Hunter Mill, Mason, Providence & Sully districts

In November, Fairfax County voters will choose 12 school board members to serve four-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2024. Nineteen candidates are running for the nine magisterial district seats. There are also three at-large seats in the November election.

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Turkey Trot Set for Nov. 12

5k route open to all abilities.

“The Rotary Club of Tysons strives to make a positive difference in the Tysons area through the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self.’” —

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American Horticultural Society Gala Raises $350,000

Celebrating 50 Years at River Farm.

Bouquets of vibrant flowers outshined the grey clouds and rain at the American Horticultural Society’s annual Gala on Sept. 23.

Pedestrian Killed In Reston Crash

A 37-year-old man was pronounced deceased following a pedestrian crash near the intersection of Baron Cameron Avenue and Fountain Drive in Reston on Monday evening, Oct. 23.

Holiday Decorating Contest Applications

Town of Vienna residents and businesses are encouraged to compete in this year’s “Shine Bright, Vienna” holiday decorating contest. Applications for the 2024 contest are now available online at www.viennava.gov/holiday or at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE.

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Food Needed for Hungry Arlingtonians

Help ‘Scouting for Food’

The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is pleased to partner with the Chain Bridge District of the National Capital Area Council of Boy Scouts for the 2023 Scouting for Food food drive campaign. This annual event aims to not only collect essential food donations but also raise awareness of the issue of food insecurity.

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Candidates Debate in Springfield District Supervisor Race

Incumbent Pat Herrity (R); Corazon Foley, Independent Green; Albert Vega (D), address voter questions

Candidates running to represent the Springfield District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors met to debate questions posed by residents on Monday evening, Oct. 23.

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Fairfax City Examines Its Housing Supply and Types

Smaller, more accessible and affordable homes are needed.

“A lot of new units are approaching and sometimes surpassing the million-dollar price tag.” — Aaron Finley, TPMA

Small-Business Incubator Coming to Fairfax City

Wander In will guide, support and help artisans thrive.

A new, retail incubator store is coming to Old Town Fairfax City. Called Wander In, it’ll be in Fairfax Plaza between Mackenzie’s Tunes & Tonics and The Wine House, at 3950 University Drive, Suite 211.

Drug Take-Back Day is this Saturday

News Briefs

District Members, Board of Supervisors

Braddock, Franconia, Mount Vernon, Providence & Springfield Districts

The Nov. 7 election includes the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Nine members are elected by voters in local districts to serve four-year terms. Twenty-one district candidates are in the race, with seven incumbents.

Member School Board by District

Franconia, Mount Vernon Districts

In November, Fairfax County voters will choose 12 school board members to serve four-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2024. Nineteen candidates are running for the nine magisterial district seats. There are also three at-large seats in the November election. Virginia's School board elections are nonpartisan, meaning that party affiliations can not appear on the ballots for school board candidates. Nevertheless, parties may publicly endorse their candidates.

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Painter Sees World through Prismatic Lens of Autism

Nepenthe Gallery will feature the artwork of Lee Jaworek, at their weekly ART+WINE+CHEESE event on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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Zoned Out

City Council to determine future of single-family housing in Alexandria.

"We need to apply strict scrutiny on the zoning provisions we have and ensure that they do not have a disparate impact, particularly to ensure that some of the provisions are not segregating our communities." — Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson

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Spooky Science

Mad Science Expo inspires STEAM learning.

Hundreds of future astronauts, scientists, mathematicians and engineers turned out Oct. 21 for the 8th annual Spooky Mad Science Expo, held for the first time at Armistead Boothe Park.

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Pretty in Pink

Inaugural gala raises $60k for National Breast Center Foundation.

Breast cancer survivors were among the attendees who turned out Oct. 20 for the inaugural ALX Pink Gala, held at and sponsored by ALX Community, raising $60,000 for the National Breast Center Foundation.

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Pride of Baltimore

THE SCHOONER PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II, a replica of the 1812 ship Pride of Baltimore, paid a three-day visit to Alexandria Oct. 20-22.

Make a Plan to Vote Early; Or Vote Nov. 7

The City of Alexandria residents have early voting options for the Nov. 7 General Election. All registered voters in Virginia are eligible to vote by mail or in person.

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Guest House: Largest Graduating Class in Its History

Friends of Guest House will graduate a group of 26 graduates, its largest class in history. The formerly incarcerated women have successfully completed their transformative one-year residential and after-care program. The event will take place on Oct. 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

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It’s Alive!

Fiendish fun in LTA’s Young Frankenstein; special performance set for Oct. 31.

The comedic genius of Mel Brooks comes to life in the Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “Young Frankenstein,” the musical version of the horror movie parody of the same name that first debuted in 1974.

Thursday, October 19

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Cutting Vehicle Pollution Is Key to Curbing Climate Change

Part II

Climate

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Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 11-18

Hunger and homelessness growing in Fairfax County

Hunger and homelessness growing in Fairfax County

Inova Cares Clinic for Families Opens in Mount Vernon

Inova Cares Clinic for Families Opens in Mount Vernon

News Briefs in Alexandria and Mount Vernon

News Briefs

Appropriations Committee Meeting News

Revenue is exceeding predictions; will there be a recession?

Finances

Wednesday, October 18

Sandburg Middle School Swatting Incident

Swatting

Candidate Connection

Election - Chairman-Board of Supervisors

Chairman-Board of Supervisors

Join the Annual K9 Krawl 5K

Roundups

Officer of the Quarter: PFC Avery Brunk

PFC Avery Brunk is the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Quarter for April, May and June.

APD New Leadership

The City of Alexandria’s Police Department (APD) is set to welcome Assistant Chiefs Raul Pedroso and Tina Laguna, and Communications Manager Tracy Walker.

Virginia and Its Regions

As a native Virginian growing up in the Valley region, I can still remember learning about the other geographic regions of the Commonwealth. While much of the emphasis on the differences among the regions was geographic and natural, the differences I have come to know are much broader and deeper than grade school students could grasp.

Additional Affordable Housing Funding for Veterans

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) is receiving more affordable housing funding specifically for veterans according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

McLean Project for the Arts to Host (Not) Strictly Painting

Events: Oct. 19 Artist Talk; Oct. 25 Tea & Talk

McLean Project for the Arts to Host (Not) Strictly Painting

Events: Oct. 19 Artist Talk; Oct. 25 Tea & Talk

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Two Pastors, Musical Group Receive Awards

Centreville Day Committee fetes Hatcher, Johnson, VaDeatles.

Although rain forced the cancellation of Centreville Day last Saturday, Oct. 14, the awards ceremony went forward – just indoors, inside St. John’s Episcopal Church in Centreville’s Historic District.

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Great Falls Studio Free Art Tour This Weekend

Driving tour to artist studios open to the public.

The Great Falls Studio Tour is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This coming weekend, 42 artists will take part in the free and open-to-the-public tour happening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22.

Vienna Fall Native Tree Giveaway

Stop by the Vienna Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 28

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Herndon High School Homecoming 2023

Homecoming week: bonfire, parade, dance and Hornets beat Highlanders.

It's the fall season, and the annual high school homecoming tradition is in full swing across Fairfax County and the rest of the country. For some of this year's Herndon High School Hornets, “HOCO” (homecoming) created memories that will last a lifetime.

$100 Million in Infrastructure Funds for VRE

The Federal Railroad Administration announced recently that it will advance more than $1.4 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for 70 rail improvement projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority will receive up to $100 million to design and build the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, a critical bridge that will alleviate congestion on one of busiest railways in Virginia.

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Roll Up Your Sleeves- — Inova Needs Blood

McLean Volunteer Fire hosts blood drive this Friday

Inova Blood Services made an urgent request for blood type B on its Facebook page last week.

A Place Where People Can Get a Fresh Start

Two former Lamb Center guests share their stories.

The Lamb Center is a place where lives are changed, and people have an opportunity to make a fresh start. And during this nonprofit’s recent banquet, two of its former guests, Padma and Jesse, shared their stories with those attending.

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Popular Trail Segment To Close for Infrastructure Work

Users of a popular section of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in the Pohick Stream Valley are noticing tree markings and other activity not normal to the quiet, beautiful and shady trail which runs along the rocky stream. What is the purpose of the flagging tape and numbered discs tagging the trees along a long stretch of the trail?

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Challengers Line Up for Mount Vernon Supervisor’s Race

Supervisor Storck faces a Republican and Independent candidates

In the Mount Vernon District there is a main artery called Richmond Highway which caters to a majority of the population, businesses and government; the road can illustrate the supervisor’s role, pulled in many directions.

Potomac Home Sales: September, 2023

In September, 2023, 24 Potomac homes sold between $2,949,000-$750,000.

Potomac Home Sales: September, 2023

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Newington Group Highlights the Need for a Sidewalk

Elected officials come out to see the need firsthand.

Newington sidewalk

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Concrete Remnants Go Unexplained in Huntley Meadows Park

Just off the path, these appear to be part of an earlier structure.

Huntley Meadows

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Laurel Hill Park Raises Osprey Platform

Volunteers and park maintenance crew team up in effort

Osprey Nest

Civil War Show

Civil War Show

Halloween Rides by SoberRide

Halloween Rides by SoberRide

Sunday, October 15

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Her Art Quilts Tell Stories

Her Art Quilts Tell Stories

Thursday, October 12

495 Express Lanes in Alexandria

Questions on Southside Express Lanes

Express Lanes

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Walk to Bust Cancer

Del Ray Café hosts kickoff for Oct. 15 Walk.

Cancer walk

Meet the Legends

Reception to honor local legends to be held Oct. 18.

Photos by Steven Halperson/Tisara Studio

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Mount Vernon Auto Repair Reduced to Rubble in Hybla Valley

Leveling closed businesses is part of the modernization process in Mount Vernon.

Car business torn down

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Leslie Lautenslager: ‘My Time with General Colin Powell’

Local author tells international stories of her work alongside General Colin Powell.

Local Author

Wednesday, October 11

Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 14

The 31st annual Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 14.

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Undefeated, Madison Beats Westfield

For the Madison Warhawks it was another game where they just don't quit.

Clerk of Court

Candidate Connection: Two candidates are on the ballot for Clerk of Court; vote for one.

Clerk of Court

Candidate Connection: Two candidates are on the ballot for Clerk of Court; vote for one.

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Visionaries of Equity and Justice Honored at CIF Banquet

Founders Alice and Jerry Foltz receive Visionary Award.

“This award … is a celebration of the power of human imagination, dedication and the relentless pursuit of a better future.” — Chairman Jeff McKay

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Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO Comes to Town

It’s not your grandfather’s circus

There are no elephants or lion tamers. This is not your grandfather’s old-style American circus. While there are acrobats, a contortionist, high-wire acts, and clowns, the performances are woven together, choreographed as a story; creating an entertainment more like a high-flying drama than circuses of the past.

Early Education Pays Off

Of the many educational programs that have been funded by all levels of government and the private sector, none have had as many positive, continuing impacts on participants as expenditures on early childhood education. There is a huge body of research proving the point.

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Coping with Climate Change Takes Everyone

“This is not a doom and gloom conference,” Supervisor James Walkinshaw announced in opening his first annual Climate Action Conference at Lake Braddock Secondary School on Sept. 30 to an audience of around 250.

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Welcoming Fall

Harvest Festival at Cabin John Village brings together families, farmers, artisans and a taste of autumn

Chilly temperatures and sunshine beaming from a cloudless blue sky made the backdrop for the Harvest Festival at Cabin John Village.

Police Collect Essentials for Unsheltered People

The Arlington County Police Department is collecting needed essentials for unsheltered individuals in our community.

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Town Meeting on Southside ‘Express Lanes’

The Virginia Department of Transportation is currently studying the feasibility of extending existing High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes from the Mixing Bowl over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and into Maryland.

Pedestrian Killed by Hit and Run Driver in Woodlawn

Detectives from Fairfax County Police Crash Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate a hit-and-run crash that killed a man in Woodlawn, Friday night, Oct. 6.

Fairfax County NAACP Condemns Chief Davis’s Action

Chief rejects recommendations and measures to save lives.

NAACP

Police Challenge Some Professional Recommendations

Chief gives status implementation to supervisors.

Police

Candidate Connection: Candidates for Sheriff, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax

Candidates for Sheriff, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax

Election

Candidate Connection: School Board At Large

Three open seats, zero incumbents, nine challengers

School Board

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Scouting for Food on Nov. 4, 2023

Scouting for Food on Nov. 4, 2023

Victims Targeted After Withdrawing Funds

Money stolen

Thursday, October 5

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‘Mary Poppins’ Coming to Hayfield

Mary Poppins

Wednesday, October 4

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Gunston Hall to Open Restored Garden Oct. 7

Garden

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‘Fort Hunt Lives’

Alumni Hoda Kotb returns for FHHS 60th reunion.

Fort Hunt

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GW Memorial Parkway Examined in Road Diet Study

Changes to travel lanes, intersections and crosswalks explored.

Parkway study

No Gambling Casino for Reston

Some news that is now nearly a year old got renewed attention recently causing many people in our community to become very concerned.

Fall is Here, A Casino Too!

Yes, a casino! In Reston!? It is hard for me to imagine a worse idea.

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Fairfax County NAACP Condemns Chief Davis’s Action

Chief rejects recommendations and measures to save lives.

Fairfax County police chased and killed Timothy Johnson during a foot pursuit seven months ago; he was suspected of stealing sunglasses. Community leaders, Fairfax NAACP, ACLU People Power, and faith leaders say Fairfax County must prioritize police reform before another death.

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Fun and Festivities for the Whole Community

31st annual Centreville Day is Saturday, Oct. 14.

Live music, a colorful parade, children’s activities and fun galore on an early fall day – all that and more are in store at the 31st annual Centreville Day. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park. The free event will be held at 5714 Mount Gilead Road (off Braddock Road, across Route 29 from the IHOP).

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Police Challenge Some Professional Recommendations

Chief gives status implementation to supervisors.

Police policies, training, and procedures in 2023 are changing at a national level in terms of de-escalation tactics, appropriate use of force, foot pursuit policies, shooting at vehicles, and approaching people in mental health crises, to mention a few.

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End of Hunger Month

But not the end of Hunger in Arlington

It is the end of Hunger Month but not the end of hunger or of Arlington Food Assistance (AFAC) events highlighting the need for food assistance.

Two Suspects Arrested Within 72 Hours of Shooting

Detectives from FCPD Major Crimes Bureau Armed Robbery and Contact Shooting squad have arrested two suspects in a shooting that left one adult man injured in Centreville.

New Lanes Opening on Route 28

Roundups

On or about Monday, Oct. 9, (weather depending), drivers will see new traffic patterns along Route 28 northbound and southbound between the Fairfax County/Prince William County line and Old Centreville Road in Centreville.

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Inaugural Health and Wellness Fair Held in Great Falls

Speakers share key talking points.

The Great Falls Grange Foundation hosted the Inaugural Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Interview with Author Daniel Stuart Olmes

Behind the writing process and life’s “aha” moments.

Daniel Stuart Olmes of Fairfax County wrote and narrates "Memoirs of an Ordinary Guy: The Everyday Experiences That Changed My Life."

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Reduced Fee Schedule Comes to Community Center

Collaborative effort by Cornerstones’ Opportunity Neighborhood influenced system gap remediation.

The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department offers a newly approved lower fee entry for admission to the community center to residents in lower income brackets.

Suspect in Chantilly Sex Crimes Acquitted

Prosecution’s case against Dinh disintegrates at preliminary hearing.

Jailed and charged with sexual battery and abduction with intent to defile, Hien The Dinh, 20, sat through his entire preliminary hearing, Sept. 18, in handcuffs. That’s because Fairfax County General District Court bailiffs considered him a flight risk.

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Military Appreciation Monday

Mark you calendars for the Oct. 16 Military Appreciation Monday dinner supporting the organization Stop Soldier Suicide.

Capital Art and Craft Festival, Oct. 13-15, 2023

More than 200 artists from throughout the US will be at the Dulles Expo Center.

Two 17 Year Olds Arrested in Kingstowne Shooting

Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division arrested two seventeen-year-olds in a recent shooting in the Kingstowne Shopping Center.