Holiday Lights on the Farm in Herndon
Lake Fairfax and Burke Lake bring their displays to Frying Pan Farm Park.
Fairfax County Park Authority recently looked to find ways for people to have a good time during the holiday season with their family.
Students and Parents Navigate Virtual Learning in Fairfax County
FCPS Virtual and In-Person Learning During COVID 2020
Dec. 1 marked the day that Fairfax County Public Schools students in Group 5, those in Early Head Start, PreK, Kindergarten, and some who receive special education services were to at last transition out of distance learning and walk through school doors to receive two days a week of in-person learning.
Helping Families in Need this Holiday Season in Reston and Herndon
Cornerstones combines Thanksgiving Food Drive with Gifts for Kids.
Cornerstones was back at it again, ready to assist 1,000 Reston and Herndon families struggling to make ends meet this holiday season.
Herndon, Reston Viewpoints: What Are You Grateful For on Thanksgiving 2020?
Herndon, Reston Viewpoints.
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.
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.
Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet Continues
Distribution limited to five Saturdays November through March
As the weather gets colder, the need for coats and winter outerwear is greater than ever this season for community members who are unsheltered.
Election Storm of the Century: Herndon-Reston Area
Saying the vote counts is an understatement.
Election Day 2020 will go down in history.
Pressure Mounts on Return to School in Fairfax County
School Board members face sensitive voting items.
The week of Oct. 19 held important information for Fairfax County Public Schools families.
‘Matter Closed’ on Reston Golf Course Designation
Owner ‘respectfully disagrees’ with supervisor’s findings
Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D) issued a surprise statement early Friday morning, Oct. 23, ending what he termed "a good deal of uncertainty and even anxiety" among some constituents in the Reston portion of his district.
In-Person Early Voting Locations Open in Fairfax County
Voters cite ballot controversy and deep divide in the country.
The need to drop their ballot into a secure drop-off box or slide it into a voting machine, spurred thousands of voters to wait in long lines on the first day of in-person early voting at satellite locations in Fairfax County on Oct. 14.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Through Changes in TJ Admissions
Newest proposed merit lottery admissions policy fuels concern.
Top-level discussions concerning proposals by Fairfax County Public Schools leaders and School Board members to increase the population of underrepresented students of color at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) have flown fast and furious the last four weeks.
Fairfax County Public Schools Staff Uncomfortable With In-Person School Plan
Fairfax County Federation of Teachers releases survey results.
Staff at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are overwhelmingly uncomfortable with returning for in-person instruction, given the incomplete information about the implementation that has been currently shared, according to a report released by the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) on Oct. 6 during a press conference.
Life Hangs in the Box Checked in Fairfax County
HR for County Schools tells staff to make a decision.
Tia Williams is an instructional assistant with diabetes and severe asthma at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Viewpoints: Reston Residents Enjoy ‘Small Town Feel’
The Connection asked Reston residents what the greatest things about living in the area are.
Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket
Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.
The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.
Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees Revisits July Controversy
Trustee Rosenthal apologies for ‘wrong words’ and retains board seat.
Fran Millhouser, Chair of Fairfax County Library Board, said she received "many emails voicing public concern" for statements made by Trustees Phil Rosenthal (Springfield District) and Darren Ewing (Dranesville District) during the previous board meeting in late July.
Kamala Harris Speaks at Fairfax 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
At Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, County Fire Chief John S. Butler stepped to the podium at the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Responding in Reston to Hate Crimes
Rainbow and Black Lives Matter flags fly at Reston Church; surveillance camera installed.
"Beacon of hope to those who drive by. A demonstrated symbol of our commitment to justice and welcome."
Casting Off Distance Learning for Fishing Lines
Oakton teen defers college and sets off across America.
First in a series showcasing the stories of Fairfax County families in the time of distance learning as they develop strategies and alternative learning plans best suited to their needs.
Obituary: SLHS Alumni Adwoa A. Kessie, ’99
Served on the front lines of COVID-19 pandemic.
Longtime Reston resident and South Lakes High School alumni, Adwoa A. Kessie, Class of ‘99, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 19, after a long battle with COVID-19.
Dedicated to the Notion of Every Child by Name and By Need
Successful virtual start planned for FCPS’ special education children.
Fairfax County Public Schools held a Special Education Town Hall on Aug. 16, part of its Back to School Countdown.
Ewing Resigns from Fairfax County Library Board
Trustee Rosenthal apologizes for disruption.
Two members of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, Phil Rosenthal, Springfield District Representative and Darren Ewing, Dranesville District Representative, made statements during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board Trustees that caused the public, organizations, and top County leaders to voice concern.
Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble in Reston
Car Rally for Justice shines a light on conscious and unconscious biases.
With armed security guards patrolling the grounds, faith leaders of nine partnering churches in the Reston-Herndon area joined organizers from Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church Reston for their Faith and Justice Car Rally.
Outrage Over Comments by Trustee on Fairfax County Library Board
Local organizations, unions and faith-based groups call for his removal.
In the aftermath of public concern following comments made by appointed Trustee Phillip Rosenthal (Springfield District) during the July 29 public meeting of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees, NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition sent a letter on Aug. 20 to Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Fran Millhouser, Chair of the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.
Doulas Launch Arrow Birth
Virtual education and consultations.
As mothers of seven children between them and long-time practicing doulas, Mari Stutzman Smith and Tara Campbell Lussier, two Herndon High School alumnae, ultimately knew what was missing for families on the path of parenthood to feel supported and successful.
EagleForce Warrior Foundation Donates $30K
Funds launch Capital Caring Health's ‘So No One Dies Alone Program.’
The local nonprofit provider of elder health, hospice and advanced illness care, Capital Caring Health, received a $30K donation from EagleForce Warrior Foundation to launch the provider's 'So No One Dies Alone Program' for Veterans from Northern Virginia and nearby areas and their families.
Moving Fairfax County Schools to Dismantle Systemic Racism
NAACP holds virtual Town Hall.
Fairfax County NAACP held a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Reston Pride Runs Deep, Water or Not
Coronavirus collides with Cardboard Boat Regatta.
Reston Historic Trust & Museum canceled its fourth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hope and Joy in 625 Square Feet of Wings in Reston
Step in and be part of the art commissioned by American Real Estate Partners.
Reston, vocalist Taylor Swift, NFL Super Bowl XIV (54) and developer Howard Hughs have something in common: a mural by internationally acclaimed street artist Kelsey Montague.
Community Needs in NOVA Spike
As nonprofits lose funding resources, the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce acts.
After it became clear that local Northern Virginia counties and towns could not provide nonprofits with resources at the level they did before COVID-19, business leaders in The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce stepped up.
Fairfax County Pivots Back to Virtual Learning
Superintendent sought Board consensus.
Members of the Fairfax County School Board reached a consensus during its July 21 Work Session and accepted Superintendent Scott Brabrand's recommendation to begin the 2020-21 school year 100 percent virtually.
Fairfax County Teachers Push for Virtual Start to School Year
Union says it is unrealistic to open school with a hybrid plan.
Two days after the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) July 15, 11:59 p.m. deadline passed for students, teachers and school based technology specialists (SBTS) to respond to two Instruction Options for the 2020-21 school year, the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT, AFT 2401) sent a letter to FCPS officials urging them to switch to 100 percent virtual learning.
Controversy over Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston Erupts
Stakeholders and county supervisor speak out.
It is approaching three years since Connecticut-based real estate developer Wheelock Communities announced its acquisition of Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston.
Coalition Pleads for Removal of Fairfax County SROs
NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition proposes redirecting of funding to hire counselors.
"While schools' primary role is to serve as an institution for learning, it must also remain a suitable place for young people to mature and sometimes err, without being subjected to the unquestionably perilous path of the criminal justice system," wrote members of the NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition in a July 6 letter to Fairfax County Public Schools Board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
4th of July 2020 Reston Style
Picnics and fireworks continue.
Official Fourth of July festivities around Reston may have been canceled for Independence Day 2020, but homegrown activities continued.
Q&A on Back to School for Fairfax County
Superintendent takes questions at Virtual Town Hall.
FCPS hosted a virtual Town Hall Meeting on July 6, to answer questions about its two Return to School Plans: Full-time Online Instruction or In-Person Instruction with Social Distancing.
Cool Clear Water Beckons in Reston
RA opens select pools; lifeguards needed.
No one knew if it would happen this summer, but it did. Following state and local Phase 2 safety guidelines, Reston Association (RA) opened four pools to Registered Pass holders on Monday, June 29.
Ready or Not, Here Comes Phase 3 in Fairfax County
Tracer data sparse; COVID clusters threaten.
Fairfax County, along with the rest of the state, is expected to enter the third phase of reopening on Wednesday, July 1.
Fairfax County Supervisors Approve Paid Family Leave
Helping County employees meet family demands and employment responsibilities.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved Paid Family Leave for County employees during its June 23, 2020 Board meeting.
Remote or In-School Learning in Fairfax County
County families should respond by July 10.
School reopens for Fairfax County Public Schools students in eight weeks. That means that families in the 10th largest school division in the United States have until Friday, July 10, to respond with their enrollment choice for the entire 2020-21 school year.
Contracted Locally, Makers Sew 45,000 Face Masks
New jobs for unemployed and new revenue stream for nonprofit.
Unthinkable scenarios happened in early March. The COVID-19 pandemic hurled itself into Northern Virginia; small and large businesses shuttered and unemployment rates escalated.
Black Lives Matter Banner Stolen from Reston Church
Theft reported Juneteenth 2020.
A large banner reading Black Lives Matter was reported stolen along with its supporting posts on Juneteenth 2020 from church grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Church Reston.
Scenario 1, 2 or 3: What Will It Be in Fairfax County?
2020-21 school plans presented to the County School Board.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) presented their preliminary recommendations for the 2020-21 school year to the Fairfax County School Board on Monday, June 15, during its work session.
Resilience and Recovery
Cornerstones holds ‘A Virtual Town Hall with Fairfax County Officials.’
Three words characterize Cornerstones' work: stability, empowerment and hope. On Monday, June 8, the nonprofit organization held a Virtual Town Hall with Fairfax County officials from the Dranesville and Hunter Mill districts.
A Sea of Blue Seahawk Strong in Reston
SLHS graduates Class of 2020.
On what would have been Graduation Day, June 3, 2020, at Eagles Bank Arena, seniors at South Lake High School pulled up to the front of their school for a drive-thru pick up.
Herndon, Reston Communities Protest Against Racial Injustice and Police Brutality
Thousands take to local streets and sidewalks in solidarity.
"We need to take this moment and make it our moment. We need to use our breath for those who have no breath," said Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner of Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston.
Fairfax County Police Department Officer Charged with Assault Against Community Member
Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Police Chief: ‘These acts are unacceptable.’
"The body-worn camera video I am releasing shows a Fairfax County police officer deploying force in violation of our use of force policies … They are criminal acts which violate our oath of office, and they ignore the sanctity of human life," said Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Police Chief, the day after one of his officers deployed an "electronic control weapon," multiple times on an African American male who did not appear to be a threat.
A Call to End ‘White Silence’
Demonstrators converge at Public Safety Headquarters in Fairfax.
After seven days of nationwide protests, escalating riots and looting by some in the fallout from the death of African-American George Floyd while being arrested by a white officer in Minneapolis, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Northern Virginia held protests at two northern Virginia police headquarters.
Let’s Get This Right: Mask Up NOVA
It’s Phase One and Executive Order 63 for Northern Virginia’s reopening.
On May 29, The Northern Virginia Regional Commission announced that it produced a Public Service Announcement emphasizing the importance of wearing a face mask in public indoor spaces.