Stories for June 2021

Opinion: Column: And the “Scancer” Is...

And the "Scancer" Is... ...stable, with a side of shrinkage, however modest.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Seen in TJ’s Freshman Class

In 2021, the U.S. News Best High Schools report ranked TJ the number one school nationwide for the second year running.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admitted 550 students strong as its Class of 2025.

Living with Adult Children

Creating livable spaces that balance the security of family with the need for independence

When June Joyce’s husband died two years ago, she was lonely living alone in the sprawling Alexandria family home where the couple raised their four children.

Celebrate July 4 at Local Historical Sites

July 4th is a celebration of America’s founding.

Centerpointe Church to Build in Centreville

BZA approves plans for place of worship, childcare center

A new church is coming to Centreville.

‘We Fly Where Other Aircraft Are Restricted’ Over Fairfax County

Police share information about their helicopters and drones.

In his 29th year with the Fairfax County Police Department, Capt. Mike Shamblin has headed the Helicopter Division for a year.

Opinion: Column: Wait. What?

After each individual appointment with my oncologist, either virtual or in person, all my prescription needs and my next round of appointments are scheduled while I wait.

95 and Counting

Seniors who are 95 and older reflect on life and offer advice to younger people.

95-year-old Howard Eisenberg says he was carded recently and asked to provide proof of his age as he boarded a train on his way to visit his 80-year-old girlfriend.

2021 Fairfax County Redistricting Advisory Committee

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed the 2021 Redistricting Advisory Committee at its June 22 meeting.

‘Driven by Fire and Determination’ to Graduate at Mountain View High

Celebrating Class of 2021

At the outset of Mountain View High’s graduation, last Wednesday, June 9, at Centreville High, Assistant Principal Catherine Stone noted that it was the school’s 50th graduation ceremony.

Opinion: Column: Navigate This

(All these times are approximate – or they're not.

This Summer Will Be a Balancing Act

Parents face a dilemma: give much needed mental break vs. boosting skills

As camps, swimming pools and simply spending time with friends were cancelled last summer and then followed by a tumultuous school year filled with uncertainty, parents are left to grapple with how to walk the fine line between catching up academically and tending to the overall well-being of their children.

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities Rise in the Fairfax County Area

Road design, speeds, lighting and negligence are factors.

This spring has seen several fatal pedestrian accidents, possibly signaling a warning to drivers, pedestrians and transportation engineers that more could be done to lessen these fatalities in Fairfax County.

Opinion: Commentary: Collective Bargaining: A Step to ‘One Fairfax’

At age 20, I took on a job as a grocery-bagger.

WANTED Feedback Involving No-chase/Chase Fairfax County Police Department Vehicle Pursuits

Flurry of proposed revisions should discourage pursuits of suspects in non-violent felony incidents.

Police vehicle pursuits create the potential for officers, residents and suspects to be killed or seriously injured.

Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Park

The Juneteenth celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park will offer families the chance to hear, see, sample, and create crafts based on the results of African American freedom.

Driver Charged in Fatal Bicyclist Crash in Centreville

A 64-year-old cyclist has died following a crash that occurred May 21 just after 10 a.m. at the intersection of Hidden Canyon Road and Blueridge View Drive in Centreville.

‘Our Overall Concern is Protecting Western Fairfax’

Kathy Smith’s State of Sully meeting proves contentious

Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) gave her annual State of Sully message, May 26, to the Sully District Council (SDC).

Holding Dear: 2,364 Local Souls Lost to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Northern Virginia Regional Commission holds Remembrance Ceremony

On March 21, 2020, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death of a resident due to COVID-19.

Democrats Choose Northern Virginia Ticket

Primary voters select candidates with gender and racial diversity but lacking in regional balance.

As election returns started rolling in from the Democratic primary Tuesday, Republicans started boasting about having the most diverse statewide ticket in Virginia history.

Opinion: Column: The Masks are Off...

...and I suppose life is back on, especially for those of us who have been vaccinated.

Poem in support of Abrar Omeish

Below is my spoken word poem in written format in support of Abrar Omeish.

HomeLifeStyle: Style for the Great Outdoors

Designers see uptick in requests for porches and other outdoor spaces

A longing to spend more time outside after a year-and-a-half spent inside is driving a trend in home design, including an uptick in requests for projects like screened porches and patios.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Supporting Mark Levine for Lieutenant Governor

The rising sea levels on the shore continue to pose a real threat to our community.

Griffith is Honored as Sully District Officer of the Quarter

Officer Jared Griffith has been honored as the Sully District Police Station’s Officer of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2021.

‘We’re Looking Forward to Building Something Nice’ in Chantilly

New church, private school proposed

Our Lady of Lavang Parish wants to build a place of worship in Chantilly.

Main Big Deal: Cantonese Dishes, and Much More in Chantilly

Restaurant Review: Taste @ Hong Kong

With the pandemic diminishing, Americans are hopping back on the road again, heading east, west, north, and south.

Opinion: Column: Nearly Nicked

Recently, I made the mistake of clicking on an email from an unfamiliar sender.

Opinion: Commentary: I Became a Better Mother When I Stopped Trying To Do It All Myself

Across the board, children have better outcomes when their parents have a shared parenting schedule, even in high-conflict cases.

Fairfax Dems Clash with Supervisors

Demand firing of FCPD Chief Kevin Davis

The Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) called on the Board of Supervisors ("Board") on May 25 to terminate Kevin Davis's employment as Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.

Wellbeing: Faith Sustained Many During COVID-19 Crisis

How a belief in a higher power helped some people cope with pandemic

As she experienced the emotions and uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic, Bracha Goetz turned to the tenets of her faith.

Opinion: Commentary: Taking Exception: Fighting Both anti-Semitism and Oppression

On the May 13 Eid holiday, Abrar Omeish, at-large member of the Fairfax County School Board, Tweeted: "Hurts my heart to celebrate while Israel kills Palestinians & desecrates the Holy Land right now,” she wrote.

June is the Deadliest Month for Teen Drivers

Parental involvement urged to prevent underage drinking this summer

Citing the facts that June is the single deadliest month of the year when it comes to teen driving and that summer’s arrival also ushers in that contiguous period (May - August) when the greatest number of U.S. teen traffic deaths occur [i], a Washington-metropolitan area alcohol education group is urging parental involvement to combat both teen drinking and drunk driving this summer.

Democrats Decide

Voters to determine direction of party in June 8 primary

The June 8 primary will determine the direction of the Democratic Party in Virginia at a critical time, when the commonwealth is emerging from the pandemic and trying to recast itself as something other than a party in opposition to former President Donald Trump.