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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.
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Great Falls Artists Exhibit at Reston Church
Great Falls artists Layla Gray and Gail Péan celebrated the oil paintings of their students, children and adults, Saturday Sept. 24. Friends, church members and family gathered for the art reception to view and discuss their oil paintings. The month long exhibit includes a detailed "Duomo" painting by Cassie Dallas painted over one year. “2 Teachers and 8 Students” is on view until Oct. 3 at the Unitarian Universalist Church n Reston - 1625 Wiehle Avenue, Reston - http://www.uureston.org
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Great Falls: Battle of Dranesville Marker Rededicated
Local history recognized, commemorated in Great Falls.
A ceremony for the rededication of the Civil War marker at Georgetown Pike was held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Dranesville Church of the Brethren to commemorate the 1861 Battle of Dranesville.
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McLean: Androids Arrive at Alden Theatre
McLean Community Players present ‘Comic Potential.’
How timely in this day-and-age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that the McLean Community Players present the area premiere of the romantic comedy “Comic Potential.” The comedy centers on an android that seems to have human potential. Written by Alan Ayckbourne, the play was first produced in 1998 long before artificial intelligence was anywhere near what it is today.
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McLean: Donating 200 Pints of Blood
McLean resident reaches milestone, will keep giving.
Carolyn Offutt, a resident of the McLean area of 35 years, just donated her 200th pint of blood on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Red Cross Center on Prosperity Avenue.
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McLean Letter: The Right Choice
Letter to the Editor
I recently read that Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has been endorsed by the Virginia Police Benevolent Association, as well as the local chapter of the Fairfax County Firefighters and Paramedics. This is a significant development because in 2012 the VAPBA endorsed Frank Wolf’s Democratic opponent. I’m thrilled that our local emergency responders recognize that, even though she’s only been a Congresswoman for two years, Barbara has made a real impact in our community and she deserves their endorsement.
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Fairfax Letter: Keeping the Nation Safe
Letter to the Editor
As we pass the fifteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, our nation takes time to reflect upon that tragic day. This solemn anniversary hits close to home to many in our area who lost loved ones or close personal friends. On this day we are also reminded that the dangers of terrorism are all too real.
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Herndon Letter: Vision and Direction
Letter to the Editor
On a Christmas night, as I stood before a toy store holding my mom’s hand, I pointed my thumbs through my woolly mittens in a sharp rivalry of choice.
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McLean, Great Falls, Reston: Wannabe Beekeepers Wanted
Beekeeping is a trending hobby, but many stung by the idea don’t know where to begin. On Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Reston Association Headquarters Conference Center, master beekeeper Todd Harding teaches wannabe backyard beekeepers the basics of procuring, maintaining, and feeding bees. The class is held in Reston at the home-owners association, but is open to everyone, regardless of address.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Centreville’s Jesse Kraft Leads Coates Elementary
With 21 years in education, former Providence Elementary principal moves into new role.
With 21 years in education, Jesse Kraft, age 42, of Centreville was named the new principal of Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary School on River Birch Road in Herndon, on July 7. He is replacing former principal Toni Rose who moved into administration with Fairfax County Public Schools. He will be overseeing 740 students with a staff of about 95, including five full-time ESOL teachers. Coates is a part of the Westfield Pyramid.
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State of the Race: 10th Congressional District
National political and media attention focus on race for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.
As LuAnn Bennett, the Democratic challenger for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District seat, spoke to supporters at a political “house party” in Herndon, a New York Times reporter stood to one side, taking notes.
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Centreville/Chantilly: Fall Festival for All
90-acre autumn wonderland at Cox Farms.
The 90-acre autumn wonderland that is Cox Farms is holding its 44th annual Fall Festival. The festival is open daily through Oct. 31 and Nov. 4-8 at 15621 Braddock Road, off Pleasant Valley Road in Centreville.
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Chantilly Letter: Importance of Veterans ID Card
Letter to the Editor
Our veterans have sacrificed much to protect us. It is only fitting that we help protect them as best we can on the home front.
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Chantilly Brief: Flu Shot Express Clinic Offered
MinuteClinic will hold a Flu Shot Express Clinic inside the CVS Pharmacy at 24795 Pinebrook Road in Chantilly on Friday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. During the clinics, additional providers will be on hand to administer flu shots and to expedite the patient vaccination process.