Stories for November 2020

‘Residents Won’t Just Hear the Noise – They’ll Feel It’ in Chantilly

Supervisors approve new homes under Dulles flightpath

The writing was already on the wall in July when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors refused to adopt the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s (MWAA) 2019 noise contours for Chantilly’s Land Unit J.

Sully District Police Collect Toys for Children

For more than three decades, the Sully District Police Station’s Motor Squad has been collecting Christmas presents donated by the community.

Faulty Furnace Causes Centreville House Fire

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

Starting Braddock Park’s Master Plan Revision

Park Authority holds public-information meeting

The Fairfax County Park Authority is updating its master plan for Braddock Park at 13451 Braddock Road, bordering both Centreville High and Twin Lakes Golf Course.

Free Flu Shots, Food for People in Need in Chantilly

Continuing to serve the community in every way it can, Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) recently held a free food-distribution and flu-vaccination clinic at Grace Covenant Church in Chantilly.

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

Jeffrey McKay to Head VACo

Fairfax County board chairman elected president of statewide organization representing interests of Virginia’s 95 counties

Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, was elected to serve as 2021 President of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).

In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students

Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.

People, Parks, and Pandemics

It happened from the very beginning, as shopping centers, gyms and restaurants closed in the last half of March and news spread about the pandemic: people started gathering in parks.

School Building Closed? Try a Park

Families across Northern Virginia are challenged with online education.

Show Biz Author Got His Start in Fairfax

Marshall Terrill has written more than 25 books and he’s not done yet.

Local Author

Bears Spotted in Fairfax County Backyards

In the fall, black bears may be roaming for food.

Bears

People: Chantilly Sisters Pursue Pageantry with a Purpose

These days, pageant competition is about so much more than ball gowns and pretty faces.

Westfield Theater Students Offer ‘She Kills Monsters’

Westfield High theater students will livestream their first-ever, virtual production of “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms.”

‘System Is Broken When Bad Plans Get So Far’ in Chantilly

Supervisors OK home construction under airport flight path

Determined to place homes underneath Dulles International Airport’s flight paths, Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors recently approved developer K. Hovnanian’s plan to build 442 residential units there.

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools

COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.

Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.

Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Teaming Up for a Terrific Trunk-or-Treat in Centreville

On Oct. 28, Fairfax County police and sheriff’s officers, plus local businesses, hosted a drive-through Trunk-or-Treat in Centreville’s Bull Run Regional Park.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Risks of Flying Over Residential Areas

Re: ‘No Way to Mitigate Roar of Jet Engines Overhead’, Connection, October 28-November 3, 2020

Apparent Murder-Suicide in Centreville

Fairfax County police detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau are investigating a possible murder-suicide in Centreville.

Fairfax County Leaders ‘Strategically Eliminated Citizens’ Voices’

Residents vent to Helmer, Marsden about Braddock, Old Lee Roads

Upset that neither Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors, nor VDOT, seem to care about residents’ objections to proposed “fixes” for Braddock and Old Lee Roads, Kathleen Leggette hosted her own, town-hall meeting.

Controversy over Road Plan in Centreville

Fairfax County’s current Comprehensive Plan calls for realigning Braddock and Old Lee Roads in Centreville to cut through Rock Hill District Park, with Braddock ending in a T at Old Lee.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia Helps Meet Needs for Local Families

Assistance League of Northern Virginia distributed another 400 $20 grocery gift cards in October to families at the six schools that normally would have received the Weekend Food for Kids food bags.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

The Pandemic Election

Virginia voters support Biden, Warner and a new redistricting commission.

Twenty years ago, Virginia was a red state. Republicans scored Virginia's electoral votes in every presidential election since LBJ was reelected in 1964. Republicans held both U.S. Senate seats. The Grand Old Party had all the statewide offices, a majority of the congressional delegation and both chambers of the General Assembly. That was the environment when Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, ran for governor and lieutenant governor.

Fairfax County Unofficial Election Results

Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Fairfax County Public Safety Committee

Community, advocacy groups and police give more than 2,500 suggestions on police reform; Governor signs reform bills from special session

Police reform includes improving morale for police officers.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

More than Half of Fairfax County’s 700,000 Voters Voted Early

Virginia localities take precautions to protect voters, workers

Virginia localities are taking a number of precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling places even though masks will not be required.

Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14