Tuesday, January 31
Victims of Tribe-For-Rent Scam to Get $15 Million Payout in Settlement Agreement
15,000 Virginia victims get $6 million worth of predatory loans absolved, $9 million in cash awards.
The commercial features images of teepees and a tribal drumbeat. The company billed itself as having ties to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. But Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says that was nothing more than a fraud, a scheme he calls rent-a-tribe.
Submit Photos to Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish the last week of February, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 15.
Chief Withholding Name of Officer in Herndon Fatal Shooting
Officer files temporary restraining order for Roessler to not release name.
Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year. On Feb. 7, FCPD said the unnamed officer has filed a temporary restraining order to keep the name from being released.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
So Much Happening, Don’t Blink
Demonstrations at Dulles in reaction to travel ban; fast moving General Assembly lacks transparency; other key issues.
As this date approaches, the General Assembly has a serious transparency issue, as it continues to kill most proposed legislation with unrecorded voice votes in subcommittee, with no accountability or record of how members voted.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Police Car in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waiving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Fairfax: Board Approves 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program
Five-year plan includes three new elementary schools and one new high school.
This year, Fairfax County Public Schools experienced one of the smallest annual enrollment increases in nearly a decade: 1,368 students, compared to the average of 2,400 since the 2008-09 school year, bringing the total to 187,202.
Anti-Immigration Ban Rallies Held at Dulles
Demonstrators, volunteer attorneys and elected officials welcome travelers, extend help detainees.
Demonstrations sprang up at airports around the United States over the weekend, following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that blocks travelers from seven largely Muslim countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — in the interests of more significant vetting and preventing would-be terrorists from entering the country.
Thursday, January 26
Bipartisan Agreement Forged in House Panel on Reducing Suspended Driver’s Licenses
Republicans work with Cabinet officials to craft changes to let more people keep drivers licenses.
After Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe called on lawmakers to find a way to restore driver's licenses to people charged with crimes that had nothing to do with driving, Republicans responded. Now both sides are crafting a compromise that could end up being a hallmark of the 2017 session.
Wednesday, January 25
Herndon Begins Debate Over Capital Improvement Projects
Community Outlook 2017
Herndon has begun discussing which projects should be included in the town’s $54 million Capital Improvement Program.
Changes Ahead For Herndon’s Aslin Brewery
Fairfax County seeks to define business for breweries.
Northern Virginia experienced a beer explosion as microbreweries opened across Virginia and the nation.
Restonians Join March on Washington
The mood was one of joyful camaraderie along with determination to stand up to what marchers saw as a terrible threat to their values and their country.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Mental Illness Takes Center Stage in Richmond
Death of Fairfax County inmate among recent controversies prompting action.
The death of a woman who struggled with mental illness at the Fairfax County jail is among the many recent controversies in Virginia correctional facilities, a reform effort that spans from changing how deaths behind bars are investigated to how law-enforcement officers interact with suspects who suffer from mental illness.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Police Car Takes Fire while in Pursuit in Great Falls
Suspect first apprehended in Herndon for waving a gun.
Just before midnight on Jan. 22, several shots were fired at a marked police cruiser from another vehicle in the Great Falls area, Fairfax County police said.
Road Fund and Service District Proposed For Reston and Herndon Property Owners Near Metrorail Stations
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking permission from the Board of Supervisors to establish a 40-year road fund and a special service district to raise $350 million from people who own residential and commercial property near metrorail stations.
Tuesday, January 24
Party-Line Vote Protects Child Labor at Tobacco Farms in Virginia
Republican-led House panel kills effort to craft new protections for kids in unrecorded vote.
In an unrecorded party-line vote, House Republicans killed a bill that would have cracked down on child labor at tobacco farms in Virginia.
Monday, January 23
Week in Herndon
Man Shot Across Street From Herndon High School, Police Looking For 2 Suspects
Fire Displaces Herndon Family
A family of six in the town of Herndon was displaced after a fire damaged their home on Friday, Jan. 20.
New Silver Line Stations On Track In Herndon and Reston
New metrorail stations are slowly rising up in Reston and Herndon.
Editorial: America in Black & White
Growing up in America in the 1950s and 1960s, many children watched television only in black and white. Some children believed that the world beyond where they could see was only black and white, devoid of color even though their homes, their neighborhoods, their schools, their crayon boxes were filled with colors.
Letter to the Editor: Protesting Vote Suppression
I am fed up with gerrymandering and other tactics politicians use to stack the votes in their favor!
Letter to the Editor: Stopping Gerrymandering in Virginia
As the new legislative year begins in Richmond, I hope more voters will join the effort to stop gerrymandering in Virginia.
Opinion: Counting on Our Reps in Congress
Sound the call to action; resist changes that are against the values and beliefs of most Virginia voters.
While most voters in the United States did not vote for Donald Trump for president, it was all the more so here in Northern Virginia.
Nominations Sought for Scholar-Athlete Honors
The National Capital Region Chapter of the National Football Foundation is accepting nominations for their 2017 Scholar-Athlete banquet.
Thursday, January 19
Fairfax County: Public hearing on yard waste bags follows premature administrative change
North Springfield resident Asher Grady has his leaf collecting down to a science. And with the mature trees around his quarter-acre lot, he needs to. Each fall, he said, he goes through between 60 and 80 bags of leaves, spending between eight and 12 hours to rake and bag them.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: December, 2016
In December, 2016, 59 homes sold between $1,070,000-$220,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: December, 2016
Wednesday, January 18
American Legion Herndon Post Receives Donation
The American Legion Wayne M. Kidwell Post 184 located in Herndon, received a $5,000 donation from Signature Flight Support and their parent company, BBA Aviation, as part of the company’s Charitable Giving and Supporting Local Communities Program.
Senate Panel Kills Effort to Allow Drivers Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants
Supporters say they’ll continue to press the issue, citing concerns over safety.
Undocumented immigrants in Virginia will not be getting a driver’s license anytime soon, although advocates for the idea say they will keep pressing lawmakers on the issue.
Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Presents Certificate of Appreciation to Ortho Virginia in Reston
Jayne Young, Director of Operations/Events at the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) stopped by the office of Ortho Virginia in Reston to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Mark Madden.
A Close Encounter With History in Herndon
Students experience the birth of the nation.
It’s a good thing that Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were hardy souls, given the myriad of activities and actions and travelling and time that they both gave to the formation of “these new United States of America,” as our illustrious third President described the union the original thirteen colonies formed in 1776.
Herndon Townhouse Fire Displaces 6
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a townhouse fire on the 2500 block of Chase Wellesley Drive in Herndon on Friday, Jan. 6.
Public Silent During Public Hearing on Widening of East Elden Street
The Herndon Town Council held its final public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 10, for the proposed $43.4 million project to widen East Elden Street from four to six lanes between Herndon Parkway and Fairfax County Parkway.
All Traffic Solutions Opens New Herndon Headquarters
Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel cuts the ribbon next to All Traffic Solutions CEO Jim Weaver on Tuesday, Jan. 10.
Herndon Village Network Elects Board
Herndon Village Network (HVN), a not-for-profit organization serving Herndon senior citizens, announces its 2017 Board of Directors.
Communities Practice Disaster Recovery in Hunter Mill
Volunteer group forming to help area recover from potential disaster.
More than 185 people registered to learn about forming a Community Resiliency Group for the Hunter Mill District, which would be activated to aid in the local area’s recovery after a disaster.
Close Encounters with History in Reston
Students meet founder of the nation
It’s a good thing that Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were hardy souls, given the myriad of activities and actions and travelling and time that they both gave to the formation of “these new United States of America,” as our illustrious third President described the union the original thirteen colonies formed in 1776.
Freezin’ For A Reason Set for Feb. 11 in Reston
Wonder Woman. Super Man. Batman & Robin. Just an example of some of the costumes folks adorn to jump into Lake Anne in frigid temperatures for the Annual Freezin’ for a Reason Virginia Polar Dip, set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 11.
South Lakes Pulls Off Senior Night Victory Against McLean
Strong swims and a number of first-place finishes by South Lakes High School swimmers helped the Seahawks pull off a Senior Night victory against McLean High School at the Herndon Community Center Jan. 8.
Olivia Beckner Sets Another South Lakes High Record
South Lakes High School’s Olivia Beckner capped off the regular season with a personal best and school record in the mile at the Virginia Showcase Invitational indoor track and field meet Jan. 13-14 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Letter to the Editor: Welcome Bikes to Town Center
With the furor over paid parking at RTC it would be nice for RTC to support retailers by providing free bike parking adjacent to retail outlets for people who bike.
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at NextStop Theatre in Herndon
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at NextStop Theatre
Recognized for Excellence, Lopez Studios participates in Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Ga.
Students from the Lopez Studios, Inc. Performing Arts School in Reston competed in the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival this weekend, Jan. 13-15, in Atlanta, Ga.
Herndon Hostage Situation, House Fire, Suspect Killed
Hostage situation results in house fire and officer-involved shooting death of suspect.
The Fairfax County police shot and killed Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, just outside his home in Herndon on Monday afternoon after a domestic argument spiraled out of control.
Reston: MLK Keynote: ‘How Did We Get From Barack Obama to Donald Trump?’
Reston Community Center’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
“It was 10:45 p.m. when we heard in our little earpieces that the network was going to call the election for Obama at 11 o’clock.” Reality set in for him. “Looking around the table, I said, ‘Oh dear. When they call the election for Obama, they’re going to go to the black guy, and so I better think of something to say,’” he said, making the audience burst into laughter.
Tuesday, January 17
Online Virginia Lottery Sales? Don't Bet On It
House panel rejects bill that would allow for sale of lottery tickets over the internet.
A coalition of convenience store owners and religious conservatives worked to till an effort from the Virginia Lottery to allow for online gambling, thwarting an effort aimed at increasing sales among millennial gamblers. The bill, introduced by Del. Roxann Robinson (R-27), was defeated with an overwhelming vote by a House General Laws subcommittee Tuesday afternoon.
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria Grand Opening
Sponsored
Fabric Place Basement Alexandria celebrates their Grand Opening Saturday, January 21.
Let Horses Play Piano, Too
Horse Riding Lessons Allowed
Great Falls resident Kim Karanik navigated a three-and-a-half-year obstacle course to make riding activities and equestrian lessons more accessible and available to county children.
Lockard Channels Garza, Proposes $2.8 Billion FCPS Budget
FY2018 focuses on employee compensation and classroom resources.
Fairfax County Public Schools interim superintendent Steve Lockard is asking for $130.4 million more for the school system’s FY2018 operating budget than the previous year, a 4.9 percent increase, to a total of $2.8 billion.
Bicycle Advocacy Workshop in Springfield Feb. 4
Are you interested in making Fairfax County more bike-friendly?
Brewery Changes on Tap
Planning drafts zoning amendment.
There is increasing interest in Fairfax County in opening breweries for craft beer that might also serve beer and food.
Monday, January 16
Senate Panel Approves Crackdown on Internet Lenders in Virginia
Bill would subject unregulated loans to rules that apply to consumer-finance loans.
The Wild West of online lending is about to become a little tamer. That’s because a state Senate panel narrowly approved a bill that would subject internet loans to the same restrictions that currently exist for consumer finance loans, a move that would cramp the anything-goes culture of online loans in Virginia.
Reston: Olivia Beckner Breaks South Lakes High Record in the 1,000 Meters Race
Track & Field
South Lakes High School had a successful showing at The Ocean Breeze Freedom Games indoor track meet Saturday, Jan. 7 in Staten Island, N.Y., which was highlighted by a record-setting performance by junior Olivia Beckner in the 1,000 meters.
Visitor’s Account: A Bad Day at Town Center
I'm writing about a recent experience with the newly installed pay parking system. I realize that the entire system is new and might have "kinks" to work out, but overall I feel the experience was a disaster and an embarrassment to the parking system.
Reston Town Center Retailers, Patrons Wrestle with New Parking Fees
Reston: Viewpoints: What do you think of the new parking fees?
“Oh, I didn’t know they started charging …. I’ll stick to weekends now I guess, since that’s free.”
Reston: Company Quits Negotiations with RA on Lake House Independent Review
The company selected by a special committee of the Reston Association to review the purchase and renovation of the deficit-plagued Lake House property backed out of negotiations.
Reston: Chekhov’s Masterworks with American Flavor
Reston Community Players’ production of ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ coming to CenterStage on Jan. 20.
Ever inventive contemporary American playwright Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is the Reston Community Players’ upcoming production.
Reston: Mission Accomplished
Commentary
The Dulles Corridor Rail Association (DCRA) Board of Directors voted last week to merge with the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTA) with the Alliance going forward to represent transportation interests for the region.
Reston: Hats Off to Reston Family
The McKnight family volunteering in the Hat Project for the Women’s March on Washington.
The McKnight family of Reston may have slightly underestimated exactly what it meant to volunteer their home to serve as the area collection point for the hats being knitted for the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington.
New Principals at Herndon High, Herndon Elementary
Community
Elizabeth Noto has been named principal of Herndon High School, effective Jan. 30.
Herndon: Town Mayor and Councilmembers Sworn-In for 2017-18 Terms
Politics
Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel and town council members were sworn into office for their 2017-18 terms on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Herndon Municipal Center.
Woodland Park Approved
Several urge planners to delay approval and encourage developer Tishman Speyer to cut ties with Clarion Project.
A well-regarded development plan by Herndon-Monroe Metro Station in the Hunter Mill Planning District did not achieve approval without controversy.
Planning for Summer Camp
Local camp fairs help families navigate the maze of summer camp offerings.
In an effort to confront religious intolerance, a group of local middle school students will attend a camp aimed at bringing together children from different religions and giving them the chance to come together, make new friendships, visit houses of worship, learn about other traditions and practice dialogue to confront Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.
Sunday, January 15
Reston: On a Collision Course
Save the golf course?
Reston Association disagrees with County over planned road affecting the Hidden Creek Country Club’s golf course.
Opioid Treatment Service Jan. 17
Addiction Help
As you are well aware, the heroin and opioid dependency problem is growing across the nation, the Commonwealth, and our community is not being spared. The CSB has adjusted resources to help meet this critical demand for people seeking treatment; a new program begins soon. We need your help spreading the word about it. The CSB is holding an open forum for anyone who is seeking help for a loved one or knows of someone who might need help.
Thursday, January 12
Senators to Alexandria: Clean Up Your Act by 2020 or Lose State Funding
Lawmakers poo poo city efforts to flush raw sewage.
Members of the Virginia state Senate say they’re tired of hearing excuses about sewage from city officials in Alexandria, and they’re pushing ahead with a plan that one senator calls “the nuclear option.” This afternoon, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee approved a bill that sets a firm deadline for Alexandria to clean up its act — 2020. If city officials are unable to stop dumping more than 10 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River every year, Alexandria would lose all state appropriations until the problem is fixed.
Predatory Lenders Work Behind the Scenes to Avoid Regulation and Evade the Law
Campaign contributions and political connections used to sidestep crackdown.
Predatory Loans in the Crossfire: Lawmakers conflicted about how to handle high-interest loans.
Wednesday, January 11
Partnering to Reduce Northern Virginia Congestion
Legislators tour past, present and future transportation projects.
The blessing of traffic, Martin Nohe said, is that “there’s lots of great transportation projects to choose from.”
In Session: Briefs
It doesn’t take much rain to trigger Alexandria’s 19th century sewage system to start dumping raw sewage into the Potomac River — about 0.03 inches, to be precise.
Tuesday, January 10
New Year, New Order: Organizing an unruly linen closet
If retrieving an item from the top shelf of one’s linen closet sets off an avalanche of mismatched sheets and tattered towels, it might be time for a linen closet reorganization.
Commentary: Republican Repeal Plan Promises Health Care Chaos
Over the course of a normal week, my office receives thousands of letters, emails, phone calls, and tweets from Northern Virginians.
Editorial: About the Connection
Happy New Year. We need your help in 2017.
Monday, January 9
Fairfax Lawmakers’ Last Call for Input
More than 80 speak at General Assembly public hearing.
“We’re not letting teachers do their jobs,” was the plea from Jo Neuber of Vienna, Co-chair of the organization Class Size Counts.
Organizing a Home Office
Design ideas for workspace order.
Whether located in a basement, spare bedroom or kitchen corner, one of the keys to creating a functional home office is organization.
Saturday, January 7
Rep. Comstock Co-Sponsors Resolution Condemning Anti-Israel UN Vote
Congresswoman Barbara Comstock
“In an act of moral cowardice in the closing days of his administration, President Obama’s ‘reckless abstention’ [to use the words of former DNC Chair and current Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)] at the UN has demonstrated his legacy as the most anti-Israel President in modern history. President Obama took the longtime, bipartisan support for Israel that has been a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy for decades and scrapped it with this short-sighted action last month.
Fairfax: Candidates Forum on Monday, January 9, 2017
Fairfax Fairfax Regional Library from 7 - 9:00 p.m.
The Candidates Forum on Monday will provide an important opportunity for residents to ask questions directly of the candidates about their concerns for the City of Fairfax. The public will also be able to meet individually with the candidates at the end of the question-and-answer session.
Friday, January 6
Herndon, Reston Residents Discuss Their Resolutions
New Year’s Resolutions: Tradition to Use or Lose
It’s that time again, the start of the New Year.
Herndon Tinkers with Trains
The railroad station in downtown Herndon was the center of the community in the 1800s. During the holidays, the trains become the center of attention once again.
Battle of Wits at Herndon’s Stage
Shakespeare’s romantic-comedy ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at NextStop Theatre
Shakespeare’s romantic-comedy ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at NextStop Theatre.
New Roadway Plan Approved for Herndon Metro Area
A concept plan to extend Worldgate Drive from Van Buren Street to Herndon Parkway was approved by the Herndon Town Council during its last public hearing on Dec. 13.
Fairfax: What’s on the City’s Horizon
Multifamily homes and redevelopment
Planned are two, four-story buildings containing 80 condos. Sixteen of the units will be one-bedroom; 48, two-bedroom; and 16, three-bedroom. IDI-RJL Development LLC is building a residential development called The Enclave at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road. The site’s zoned commercial planned development, so both office and condo uses may exist on it.
Viewpoints
What is your New Year’s Fitness Resolution and How Will You Keep It?
What is your New Year’s Fitness Resolution and How Will You Keep It?
Local Dancers Celebrate the Holidays with Military, First Responders, and Their Families
Theater
“This year’s tribute performance for military, first responders, and their families was one of my favorite,” shared Cynthia Donavin, who founded Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) of Northern Virginia over 25 years ago. "I greatly appreciate all patrons and volunteers who help CBT make the arts accessible to all.”
Thursday, January 5
For Schools: New Year, New Superintendent
New Year, New Superintendent for FCPS
New School Superintendent
Wednesday, January 4
Merry and Bright at Reston Town Center
Reston Town Center ice skating rink provides outdoor entertainment for family and friends.
“I think it brings the families together, getting outdoors,” said Blythe Shippie, who visits the ice rink several times each year with her two daughters. “It’s just a fun activity that gets us out of the house, away from gadgets and TV screens.”
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Women’s Legislative Roundtable Previews Upcoming 2017 Legislative Session
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legal Services of Northern Virginia Launches Initiative
Legislators To Hold Public Hearing
Legislators To Hold Public Hearing
Tuesday, January 3
Editorial: Unsung Heroes of Fairfax County Police Reform
Personal involvement of Culosi, Beltrante key to success of police commission.
The call for reform and transparency in Fairfax County Police began long before the shooting death of John Geer in August 2013.
Commentary: Comstock Addresses Top Priority Issues
Congresswoman’s report to the 10th district residents.