Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History
Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Share of McLean Needs Donations
Share of McLean has issued the following appeal for donations: On Wednesday at Share, we had many clients coming in looking for things like rice, pasta, beans, shampoo, flour, sugar, oil, etc. and sadly we had to turn them away without these much needed items.
Vienna: Unity of Fairfax to Celebrate 60th Anniversary
Unity of Fairfax will celebrate its 60th anniversary, known as the “Diamond Jubilee,” during the weekend of Oct. 7-9 at 2854 Hunter Mill Road in Oakton. The church will host a gala dinner dance on Friday, Oct. 7, followed by the annual Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 9. All previous ministers have been invited to attend the gala and also to give remarks during Sunday services. Among them are Rev. Donna Johnson who is now serving as president and CEO of Unity Worldwide Ministries in Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Vienna: Cops and Kids Draws Community Together
Fun-filled day featured activities, prizes, music, pizza – and a helicopter.
Clear sunny skies and mild temperatures have a way of bringing out the families to community events. The Vienna Police Department could not have ordered a more perfect Sunday afternoon for the launch of a new Vienna tradition, Cops and Kids Fun Run --- and fun day.
Vienna: Falling into Fall with Fairs and Fun
From Oktoberfest celebration to a wintry block party, there’s a fun event for any age.
Fall marks the start of the festive season, the fair season, from holiday-themed events to traditional seasonal events.
Vienna: Green Hedges School Celebrates 75th Anniversary
On Monday, Sept. 26, Green Hedges School, a co-ed independent school in Vienna, held their 75th Anniversary Celebration, joined by the community, alumni and parents.
Vienna Theatre Company to Present Eclectic Essentials II
Vienna Theatre Company maintains its presence through the second year of the Vienna Community Center renovation with an entertaining fall production of one act plays presented at the Vienna Baptist Church for four performances only.
Vienna, Reston: The Path Toward Tomorrow
Giving Circle of Hope hosts County needs assessment reporting.
According to Michelle Gregory, Division Director from the Countywide Service Integration and Planning Management department, it’s probably been more than a decade since Fairfax County conducted a human services needs assessment for the residents of the region. In the summer of 2015, the County decided it was more than time to take a detailed look at how things have changed since the last official recording and to see who most needed what in our area.
Walk to Prevent Suicide
Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”
Homework Overload
Some educators say less can be more, stress balance when it comes to homework.
Paula DeMarco dreads one time of day the most: weekday evenings at 5:30. It’s the time she has set aside for her children begin their homework. That means no screen time, music or other distractions.
‘Sextortion’ Victims Are Mostly Men
Photos, video used to demand money from victims.
Detectives of the Major Crimes Division of Fairfax County Police report a trend in an unsavory type of financial scam. Sexual extortion scams, commonly referred to as “sextortion,” involve meeting someone the victim believes is a real person online who coaxes him or her into feeling a sense of connection and intimacy, and then sending risque photos or video.
First Lady Comes to GMU, Campaigns for Clinton
Speaks on Hillary Clintons 'lifelong record of public service.'
Excitement filled the air when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed an enthusiastic crowd, last Friday, Sept. 16, at GMU’s Johnson Center. Speaking on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, she urged everyone to vote and called Clinton the only qualified candidate in the race.
Fairfax County: Students learn IT and job skills, earn tech internships.
On a scorching week day in late summer, rising Fairfax County seniors Kenneth Smith, Amy Wong and Tasmia Dia were taking cumulative review tests in their summer course. This wasn’t exactly summer school, though.
Fairfax County: Changes in Voting from 2012
Electoral board highlights key dates and procedure updates.
Clinton or Trump? Meals Tax or no Meals Tax? These are just a two of the weighty decisions on the ballot for this fall’s election. To help people prepare for this cycle, leaders of the Fairfax County electoral board held a meeting with media to highlight some changes from the 2012 Presidential election.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Garza Resigns
Fairfax County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Karen Garza has announced her resignation, just months after the FCPS board renewed her contract through June 30, 2020.
Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve Independent Police Auditor
Unanimous vote follows Ad Hoc Commission recommendations for more transparency and oversight of Fairfax County police.
With a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Sept. 20, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an independent police auditor office, following recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Vienna: Chillin’ on Church Draws Hundreds to Block Party
Second seasonal party on Church Street to become Vienna tradition.
The second seasonal Chillin’ on Church block party drew in hundreds more guests than the debut party in June. Church Street lit up with music, games, food, and neighbors meeting neighbors.
Column: Way to Go, Vienna!
Commentary
Once again Vienna has achieved positive national recognition. On Aug, 24, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) certified Vienna as a community wildlife habitat, While the process usually takes 2-5 years, Vienna met – in fact, exceeded – certification requirements in less than 10 months.
Vienna Snapshot: Elite Piano Academy Relocates, Holds Open House
To celebrate the relocation of its studio, Elite Piano Academy held an Open House at its new location in Tysons. The new location at Tysons Corners is easily accessible by car (Free parking available), or public transit.
Vienna: Searching for Common Ground on Guns
Reverse Town Hall to End Gun Violence held at Unitarian Universalist in Oakton.
About 150 people attended "Finding Common Ground" -- A Reverse Town Hall to End Gun Violence on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax in Oakton.