Stories for April 2021

Kevin Davis Appointed Fairfax County Chief of Police

Supervisors respond to a new era of policing.

Coming out of a closed-door session on Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors prepared, as Supervisor Penny Gross (D-Mason) said, “to select one of the most important hires it undertakes.”

Seven Republicans Running for Governor

May 8 convention to determine direction of party heading into November.

Republicans haven’t won a statewide race since 2009, when Attorney General Bob McDonnell received 59 percent of the vote against Democrat Creigh Deeds. Since then, Republicans have been shut out of the Executive Mansion. Ken Cuccinelli lost to Terry McAuliffe in 2013, and Ed Gillespie lost to Ralph Northam in 2017. Now Republicans are about to determine their statewide candidates in a May 8 convention, which will take place at 37 locations.

Opinion: Column: "My Thoughts to Your Thoughts"

You know the expression: "Can't walk and chew gum at the same time,” a disparaging characterization of a person, company or municipality unable to multi-task or even task at all?

Get Vaccinated and Register to Vote

LWV-Fairfax holds Voter Registration and Information Drive at the Fairfax County Government Center

Fairfax County residents getting their COVID-19 vaccinations at the Fairfax County Government Center can now also obtain information on registering to vote.

Early Voting Begins for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia

Early voting began on Friday, April 23 for the June 8 Democratic Primary in Virginia.

Fairfax County Supervisors Validate Hire of New Police Chief

Aware of concerns, comments provided

Media reports concerning former Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed last week as the new Fairfax County Chief of Police, raise concerns about his employment history, including allegations of excessive force and violations of civil rights in 1993 and 1999.

Free Cinco de Mayo Lyft Rides to Prevent Drunk Driving

While stating unequivocally that “we’re all safer at home” this Cinco de Mayo during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, a local nonprofit organization today announced that – as a “necessary safety net” to next month’s high-risk, high-alcohol consumption period – free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th).

Style After Retirement

Great fashion sense is possible at any stage.

At 78, Winifred Rosenberg has always been known for her impeccable style and taste.

When it’s Time to Downsize

Suggestions for transitioning to a new living community

The decision to trade the comfort of home where you’ve lived for years and transition to retirement can evoke a range of emotions.

Safety First at Controlled Burn at Laurel Hill Park in Lorton

A meadow restoration project will improve a wildlife habitat area

The Connection had a view, from a safe distance on April 7, of Fairfax County Park Authority’s prescribed burn operation.

Opinion: Column: Wanna Take A Chance?

I'm sort of invoking Southwest Airlines here, but not exactly.

Helping Children Improve Their Writing

Practical suggestions for boosting skills

When Stacie Dougherty read an essay that her seventh grade son wrote for a Language Arts writing assignment, she became concerned.

Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton Opens Community Market Season

The Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, kicked off its seasonal Community Market on April 10.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Spiritual, Societal and Medical Benefits of Fasting

It is a month of Ramadan and all healthy Muslims will be fasting from dawn to Sunset.

Running for Second in Command

Thirteen candidates are running for lieutenant governor in Virginia.

Seven Democrats and six Republicans are trying to secure their parties' nomination to be the candidate for lieutenant governor on the November ballot.

There’s More Than Meets the Eye at Traffic Signal Intersections

This technology dates back to an invention by the son of a former slave.

Traffic signals

Opinion: Column: Hitting The Nail on the Head

What are all these "Toe Nail Clipper" emails I receive nearly every day?

Opinion: Commentary: Earth Day – Then and Now

Fifty-one years ago, in 1970, the first Earth Day took place on April 22.

HomeLifeStyle: Kitchen Trends for 2021

Local designers say bold colors and durable materials are popular.

As the command station for many households, kitchens are for more than just cooking.

Results of Arlington and Montgomery County Collaboration on Airplane Noise

Contractor proposes randomizing approaching flight path to share the noise of disturbing DCA flight tracks; testing underway

Local officials in Arlington and Montgomery counties continue their collaborative efforts following upticks in their communities' airplane noise complaints as aircraft approach and depart Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA, located in Arlington County.

Opinion: Column: Being Driven Only Slightly Crazy

So this is what it's like to be out of the house and driving around: mask on, surgical gloves in the console, hand sanitizer in the glove box; not so different than before my two Covid-19 vaccinations.

Estate Planning During Pandemic

With the nation sadly surpassing 500,000 Covid-related deaths, mortality is much more on the mind of many.

Bicycling in Fairfax County Looking to Expand

Meetings planned this month to develop the ‘Active Fairfax Plan’

With the warm weather approaching, Fairfax County is holding a series of meetings to hear thoughts about active transportation in the county, and this input will be used in their Active Fairfax Transportation Plan to integrate the existing Bicycle Master and Trails Plans.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Making a Path to Acceptance a Bit Easier

I'm a parent to a transgender daughter in fifth grade in FCPS.

Fairfax County Public Schools to Offer Four Days a Week In-school

Phased plan to start April 20 for most vulnerable students

Some students in the Fairfax County Public Schools system could be poised to clean off the family dining room table by April 20.

Cicada Stroll Bingo!

This spring, Fairfax County and parts of Northern Virginia will be among the regions of the Mid-Atlantic states that see millions of Brood X cicadas emerge from 17 years of living underground.

County Dog License Fee Acts as Tracker for Vaccinations

Dog License

Two Lawsuits Threaten Virginia Public Schools

Appellants ask courts to halt implementation of Student Transgender Policies; local FCPS Pride reacts

The outcome of two lawsuits filed in Circuit Courts the last week in March threatens the treatment of transgender students in all Virginia school divisions, including Fairfax County Public Schools.

Public Input Sought on Fairfax County Police Chief Selection

Increased expectations of public involvement and transparency drive forum

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is seeking public involvement as its nationwide search for the next Fairfax County Police Chief gets underway.

Fairfax County Supervisors Condemn Anti-Asian Racism

Acknowledging the large and vibrant Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a resolution on March 23, passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, condemning violence and discrimination against AAPIs.

Joining Forces Against Hate

Local legislators part of newly formed Asian American and Pacific Islanders Caucus

Last week, local delegates Mark L. Keam (D-35) and Kathy KL Tran (D-42) joined other Virginia General Assembly members with Asian American heritage to speak out against violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Opinion: Column: Good News Travels Slowly

Sure enough, the email from my oncologist didn't arrive in my inbox before we left for the weekend away on Friday.