Stories for September 2024

‘Night Sky’ Original play debuts Sept. 27 at ACCT.

Theater

Volunteers Tackle Never-ending Trash

Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Hometown Hero

Olympic champion Noah Lyles returns to ACHS.

Donate Supplies to The Lamb Center

News Briefs

Infectious disease specialists at Inova and the Fairfax Health District emphasize the importance of updated COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccinations, including flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and pneumonia for everyone, especially vulnerable populations.

Solving the Vehicle-Wildlife Collision Problem

A well-designed over or underpass for wildlife can reduce animal-vehicle collisions by up to 90 percent.

There are over one million vehicle-wildlife collisions in the United States every year, costing over $8 billion and tens of thousands of human injuries, GMU biology professor Dr. David Luther told Green Breakfast attendees in an online Sept. 14 talk titled “Zooming through Nature: the Wildlife Costs of Modern Transportation.”

Former Fairfax County Deputy Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison

Provided contraband and info to inmates; drugs for cash.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office announced on Sept. 19 that former deputy Robert T. Sanford Jr., 37, received a 78-month prison sentence for smuggling drugs and contraband into the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Fredericksburg Nationals Baseball Team Wins Title

Mike Salmon

The Fredericksburg Nationals Minor League Baseball team went all the way this year and won the championship of the Carolina League last Wednesday by defeating the Kannapolis Cannonballers for the title.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2024

In August, 2024, 48 Potomac homes sold between $4,750,000-$758,000.

Potomac Home Sales: August, 2024

Governor’s Use of Power & Authority Questioned

Sparked by Executive Order establishing cell phone-free education

Cell phones

Criminal Trial Underway for Ex-Fairfax County Officer

On-duty shooting and killing of unarmed shoplifting suspect

Trial

Rockstar Clydesdales Visit

Frying Pan Park stables iconic horse team overnight.

Saving the Planet, One House At a Time

Could you do more to achieve eco-efficiency?

Saving the Planet, One House At a Time

Toni Zollicoffer Chief Equity Officer Appointed

Toni Zollicoffer Chief Equity Officer

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

AWLA’s Pets & People Community Wellness Events

Newcomers & Community Guide 2024-25

Find What You Need

Community Guide: About Animals

First Call Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Nine Candidates Seeking Six Seats

On the ballot: Six Democrats, three independents, one Republican

ELECTION GUIDE 2024

There’s No Place Like Home

Alexandria celebrates its 275-year history.

POW/MIA Recognition Day

Local veterans to be remembered in Cemetery of the Pacific ceremony Sept. 20.

Alexandria’s Free Fall Festival for Animal Lovers is Oct. 13

Paws in the Park, benefiting the AWLA, returns to Oronoco Bay Park

From Ashes to Hope: Stories After Incarceration

Alexandria Film Festival features diversity of films in upcoming event

Raptors Thrill Kids of All Ages

Cornerstones Seeks Cook Volunteers and Donors

Small act of kindness makes big impact.

First Food Collection of New School Year

Event held during National Hunger Action month

Centreville Immigration Forum 2024 Honorees

Celebrating diversity at annual dinner.

USGS Headquarters in Reston Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Where and what USGS studies may surprise you.

Great Places According to Dogs

Volunteers and staff of Fairfax County Animal Shelter share their favorite dog-friendly places

Great Places According to Dogs

Fairfax County Is Doggone Friendly

Our county seen through the eyes of our dogs.

Find Your Go-To Bakery

Life is sweet at these local establishments

Transportation Projects in the Southern Part of Fairfax County

Fairfax County Parkway will be widened in the western portion of the county.

Fairfax City Looks Toward the Future

More multifamily homes and retail uses are planned.

While proud of its historic heritage, Fairfax City is continually modernizing and warmly welcoming new residents, businesses and commercial development.

Foundation makes $75,000 grant to McLean VFD

Single largest donation in history of MVFD to help purchase new fire engine.

On the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Patricia A. Henriques Charitable Foundation made a $75,000 grant to McLean Volunteer Fire Department.

Every Year Is Election Year in Virginia

Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 20; Election Day is Nov. 5

This is a big year. Presidential elections historically draw the largest turnout. There are also important local issues and races on the ballot, including ballot questions. We’ll let you know here what’s on the ballot.

About The Connection Newspapers in 2024

STILL IN THE MIDST of the crisis which never ends, we at the Connection still hear the call to serve our communities, with a bit of wonder that we are able to continue given very limited resources. We still seek to fulfill our mission by continuing to publish, still printing thousands of copies of our weekly papers every week, and distributing thousands more digitally, with more reach via social media and our website.

Herndon’s Mayoral Candidates To Face Off at Forum

On Monday, Sept. 30, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Cornerstones and the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the Town of Herndon Mayoral Candidate Forum at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 651 Dranesville Road.

Herndon Armors Up Amendment for Downtown Redevelopment

Did 7-year agreement merry-go-round leave town unprotected?

The original Comprehensive Agreement on Nov. 1, 2017, between the Town of Herndon and developer Comstock Herndon Venture LC “had notable gaps that heavily favored Comstock,” said Herndon Councilmember Pradip Dhakal on Sept. 15.

“Flourishing After 55”

55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.

Eat Fresh, Eat Local at Your Neighborhood Farmers Market

The Farmers Markets in Arlington have a rich history going back to the establishment of the first market at Courthouse parking lot in 1979.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Arlington …

But didn’t have time to find out

I thought I knew everything about Arlington. And I did know most of what is in Barbara Noe Kennedy’s book “100 Things to do in Arlington Virginia Before You Die.”

Animal Welfare League of Arlington, A Guide

Helping the community with animal questions and issues of all kinds.

What are you supposed to do if you find an injured raccoon in your yard? Or, what is the best course of action when there is a bird's nest in a tree on your property that your dog or cat just won’t leave alone? When you are faced with these animal challenges, you should call the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA).

Say Cheese!

Cheesetique celebrates 20 years in Del Ray.

’Souls Feeding Souls’ in Alexandria

Cook for Vets to hold fundraiser Sept. 21.

HopeLink’s #CallTextLive Focuses on Preventing Suicides

Activities throughout September, suicide prevention month, educate and raise awareness

Hopelink

Fighting Fires for 250 Years

Events to highlight history of firefighting.

Patriot Day of Service

Volunteers clean headstones at Alexandria National Cemetery.

Remembering the Victims

16 local lives lost in terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001

Opinion: Early Voting Begins Sept. 20

Early Voting Begins Sept. 20

‘Resolved: Never Again’

Alexandria News Briefs

ASC to Host High School Football Night

Varsity coaches to talk season strategies Sept. 18.

The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club will kick off the fall 2024 sports season with its annual High School Football night Sept. 18 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.

“Flourishing After 55”

55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.

Fairfax County Is Growing - The 2023 Demographic Reports

Have you ever wanted to know more about who and what make Fairfax County such a unique place to live? Each year, the County produces demographic reports and puts them on the County website with helpful charts and graphics.

Re-electing Tim Kaine Is Critical to NoVA

In just 9 days early voting will commence and we will have the opportunity to vote for not just the President, but Senator and US House Representative.

Supervisors Approve New Requirements for Data Centers

Stricter standards elicit reactions during and after vote.

On Sept. 10, following extensive community engagement efforts that helped shape the final recommendations presented to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors, the Board approved the long-awaited Data Center Zoning Ordinance by a vote of 8-2.

County Executive Reviews Taxing Authorities, Including Meals Tax

Can U.S. Citizens Experiencing Homelessness Vote?

Registering with no fixed address.

County Clears Two Homeless Encampments

Addressing encampments humanely to address needs.

W&OD Railroad Trails marks 50 Years

Fairfax County Animal Shelter Hosts ‘Clear the Shelters’

FCPS Superintendent Attempts to Unwind Misrepresentations

Dear Governor: FCPS outperforms state averages in all state-mandated subjects.

FCPS Superintendent Attempts to Unwind Misrepresentations

Reston Encampment To Be Shut Down Sept. 10

County officials don’t answer the tough questions.

Dominion Energy & Park Authority Connect to Help Ospreys

Nest box platforms installed at Laurel Hill Park

birds

“Flourishing After 55”

55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.

Prison Reform Takes Long, Tortuous Path

Del. Hope advocates for more humane conditions for incarcerated people.

Del. Patrick Hope (D-47) spearheaded legislation this session that creates a state ombudsman over the Department of Corrections.

The Legacy of Race-based Covenants

3 practices that created housing inequity: racial covenants; zoning; and limited access to mortgages based on race.

Some real estate developers and others selling property in Northern Virginia from 1900 through the 1960s used race-based, restrictive covenants to maintain segregation, and Virginia’s state and local governments were enablers at times, Dr. Krystyn Moon, University of Mary Washington history professor told a packed room of 120 on August 27 at the Sherwood Regional Library.

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival

The Alexandria Old Town Art Festival returns to John Carlyle Square for the 22nd year. The popular, free showcase featuring thousands of fine art works from local and national artists happens Sept. 14 - 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Charles Wilson

Retired USAF officer continues to make a difference.

Living Legends of Alexandria

Meet the 2024 Legends

Reception set for Nov.7 at GW Masonic National Memorial.

The newest Living Legends of Alexandria will be honored at the annual Meet the Legends reception Nov. 7 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

Preserving Douglass Memorial Cemetery

Johnson to present updates Sept. 8. at Black History Museum.

Michael Johnson is a life-long Alexandrian, born and raised at a time when the city was divided by race. As a kid, he used to play in a field overrun by weeds, not realizing until decades later that it was the Frederick Douglass Memorial Cemetery, a historic African American cemetery where generations of his ancestors are buried.