Thursday, May 29
FCPD Sees Reductions in Most 2024 Year-End Crime
140 new police officers hired in 2024, net gain of 18 officers.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis presented the Fairfax County Police Department Crime and Recruiting Data Update during the Board of Supervisors Safety and Security Committee Meeting on Monday, May 20.
Former Supervisor Cathy Hudgins Dies
Effective advocate for affordable housing, transit and human services, Hudgins was first African American woman elected to Board of Supervisors.
Catherine M. Hudgins, who represented the Hunter Mill district on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1999 to 2019, died on Saturday, May 24.
Memorial Day Weekend 2025
A roundup of events in four communities
Residents in Fairfax County observed Memorial Day weekend and the Monday observance with various ceremonies, wreath presentations, musical performances, and other events.
Wednesday, May 21
Letter: We Must Support the Peace Corps
Now more than ever we must support the Peace Corps
As we face many challenges around the world, the hard work, collaborative spirit, and dedication of Peace Corps Volunteers continue to represent the very best of America.
Senior Living: AARP Virginia: How to Make Yourself a Harder Target
Criminals are always looking for ways to get your personal information to use in criminal activities. The good news is that there are many steps you can take to help protect your data and minimize its value to criminals.
FCPS School Boundary Scenario Explorer
Fairfax County Public Schools plans to update the school boundary change scenarios this summer.
DAR Chapter Honors Notable Revolutionary Women
Patriotic display now in Centreville Regional Library.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Lane’s Mill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has placed a special display in the Centreville Regional Library.
Cruelty But Not Guilty
Dog owner describes beating as self-defense due to dog bite.
Suspense unfolded like a Hollywood thriller as Animal Protection Police Officer A.M. DeMilio’s body-worn camera footage played out in a circuit court trial room on April 22. The Commonwealth of Virginia’s case involved an October 2023 class 6 felony charge for the torture/maiming of a dog by its owner.
May Is Older Americans Month
Find programs and services for ages 50+
Established in 1963, May is Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” is part of Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services mission year-round.
Endorsements for Walkinshaw for Congress
James R. Walkinshaw is running for the U.S. Congress to represent Virginia’s 11th District. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly recently announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026 due to worsening of his esophageal cancer.
37th Annual Candlelight Vigil for Fallen Officers
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Fund says 2024 numbers increase by 25% compared to 2023.
On Tuesday evening, May 13, a steady rain poured down during the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Fund’s 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Difficult Budget Adoption Raises Serious Questions
Can Fairfax City Councilmembers work together?
It’s pretty straightforward: When it’s time to adopt a government’s budget, those tasked with doing so are supposed to follow through. But during the May 6 Fairfax City Council meeting – after several weeks of meetings, work sessions, discussions, public hearings, budget scrutiny, and questions to City staff – some on the dais wanted to delay any action by a week.
Uniting to Help ‘Those Needing It the Most’
Britepaths in Fairfax opens a period pantry.
It’s 2025 but, sadly, the needs of American females overall still come in second to those of males, and the federal government is trying to demonize the word, “equity.” But in Virginia, and especially Fairfax County, women are doing their best to change things.
Join Sen. Boysko and Del. Sullivan for Great Falls Town Hall, Wednesday, May 28th
Sen. Jennifer Boysko and Del. Rip Sullivan will hold a Great Falls Legislative Town Hall happening at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 at the Grange.
Goal: Break 2024 Record
15,000 pounds produce donated in 2024
Spring gardening season is here, and donations of fresh vegetables crowd the table at Rock Spring United Church of Christ on Monday, May 12 as the produce bagging session gets underway.
Fresh Air, Fresh Food
The simple health ritual bringing neighbors together
In a Vienna neighborhood just off Tapawingo Road, a love of seasonal food has quietly evolved into a beloved local ritual.
Real-Estate Tax Hike; Meals Tax Is Stable
Suspense, but Fairfax City adopts its FY 26 budget.
There’s good news and bad news in Fairfax City’s FY 26 budget, adopted May 6, along with the City’s CIP (Capital Improvement Program) for FY 2026-2030.
Enjoying Nature and Learning about History
Combining local history with Earth Day activities, Fairfax City’s HisTree Day was April 26 at Historic Blenheim.
Fairfax City’s HisTree Day
Five FCPS High School Seniors Awarded Corporate-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships
More merit scholarship awardees will be named in coming weeks.
Five academically talented Fairfax County Public High School students are awarded 2025 “Corporate-sponsored Scholarships” from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Senior Living — 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.
Mount Vernon’s New Police Commander
‘Our ability to be successful is directly proportional to the public’s trust in us.’
Major Jeffrey Mauro, the new Commander of the Mount Vernon District Police Station, sees policing as a “noble profession” that extends far beyond patrolling the streets.
Gerry Connolly Dead at 75
Longtime congressman succumbs to esophageal cancer.
Congressman Gerry Connolly, the longtime Virginia politician and influential Democratic statesman on Capitol Hill, died early Wednesday, May 21.
Woodbine Nurses Week
Mayor Alyia Gaskins, center, presents a proclamation to the nurses at Woodbine Health and Rehabilitation Center May 15 in recognition of National Nurses Week, which ran from May 6-12.
Town of Vienna Holds Tax Rate Steady
At its regular meeting Monday, May 19, the Vienna Town Council adopted the Town budget, real estate tax rate, and water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2026.
Jazz Artist Entertains Many At Senior Center
Former Mount Vernon resident now mans the piano at Brightview assisted living.
Former Mount Vernon resident now mans the piano at Brightview assisted living.
Local Details of 2025 Point-In-Time Count
Fairfax County findings of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, vs. other jurisdictions.
Homelessness
Thursday, May 15
Supervisors Formally Adopt FY 2026 Budget
Maintain $149.7 million less than school board’s request / Chairman McKay says 6 percent increase for teachers.
Budget
Local Musician Captures the Calm of Nature
Piano instrumentals with nature overlays on new album series
Piano instrumentals with nature overlays on new album series
Friday, May 9
Youngkin Fails to Collaborate
Youngkin’s four-year total of vetoes: 437; surpasses McAuliffe prior record of 120.
Column
Thursday, May 8
Zimmerman celebrates 15 years as Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s conductor.
Zimmerman celebrates 15 years as Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s conductor.
Wednesday, May 7
On Arbor Day
New agreement to protect vegetation along the W&OD, and the possibility of a W&OD Visitors Center in Vienna.
In a show of environmental resilience, on Friday afternoon, April 25, Arbor Day 2025, Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn joined the Mayor of the Town of Vienna, Linda Colbert; Paul Gilbert, executive director of NOVA Parks; Virginia State Delegate Holly Seibold; and others who gathered on a portion of the Town Green in Vienna behind the Freeman House and Museum.
Don’t Panic But Do Avoid Tick Bites
Ticks are active in Fairfax County almost year round, including warm winter days.
Director with ‘Kind, Witty and Insightful Leadership’
Zimmerman celebrates 15 years as Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s conductor.
As the longtime conductor of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO), Christopher Zimmerman has made his mark on the local music scene. And at the orchestra’s May 31 concert, he’ll celebrate 15 years as its music and artistic director.
Knowledge, Care, Help and Lifelines for Senior Citizens
The Home for Life Expo was April 4 at Fairfax City’s Sherwood Center.
Senior Living
Car Seat Inspections on May 22
Parents may get their children’s car seats inspected this Thursday, May 22, from 5-8:30 p.m., outside the Sully District Police Station.
Park and Bark Is this Saturday in Chantilly
On Saturday, May 10, from 1-4 p.m., Ellanor C. Lawrence Park Friends will hold a special, dog-themed event called Park and Bark at the Walney Visitor Center, 5040 Walney Park Drive in Chantilly.
Skatepark Feedback
Alexandria News Briefs
Primary Voters Head to Polls for Early Voting
There are no GOP candidates for 8 of 15 House of Delegates seats representing Fairfax County.
Early voting started Friday, May 2, at some locations in Fairfax County for the June 17 Democratic primary.
Springtime, Cool Band Concert and Food Trucks
‘A Night of Toons:’ Centreville High presents its annual ‘Bandemonium!’
Springtime and warm weather mean it’s time for Centreville High’s band concert under the stars. The Wildcat Band’s Fourth Annual “Bandemonium!” is set for Friday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m., in the school’s bus loop.
Banding Birds Brings Satisfaction and Data
During spring migration’s height, in April and May, from 6 a.m. to noon, volunteers catch and band birds in the Occoquan National Wildlife Refuge near Marumsco Creek three mornings a week, a project undertaken there every spring since 2001, except 2020, the “covid year.”
Fairfax County Must Stick to Trust Policy
I want to remind our county Sheriff and Board of Supervisors that Fairfax County must stick to our Trust Policy. They must not make any voluntary exceptions to work with ICE because doing so puts innocent people at risk.
The Mondloch House
Multiple Generations Give Back
Giving back to the community is a family affair for three generations of Mondlochs who came out on a sunny Saturday, April 19, to plant plants, paint the kitchen and spruce up the Mondloch House and grounds.
Burke & Herbert Donates $28,800 to Support Local Families
Goals for Good Recipient, NVFS, receives record high contribution.
Burke & Herbert Bank representatives presented Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) with a check for $28,800 at the conclusion of the Bank’s annual Goals for Good Program.
Stamp Out Hunger
Stamp Out Hunger is the largest one-day food drive in America, and letter carriers are proud to deliver for every food bank counting on us
Celebrating the Nation’s Semiquincentennial
Fairfax County begins the 250th birthday party at Mount Vernon
With the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776, this year starts a planned year-long celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.
A Budget That Reflects Our Community’s Values
Thank you to all the residents who participated in this year’s budget process — whether you wrote to me, attended one of my budget town meetings or testified before the Board of Supervisors over three days of hearings.
Play It Forward Reaches Out to Change Lives
When Nicole Kovar gave up her weekly piano lessons and dreaded practices after five years, she never would have guessed where she would be today as the owner of her own business, Piano and More.
Supervisors Reverse Proposed Real Estate Tax Increase
Some programs saved from proposed cuts; FCPS request not fully funded.
Facing a budget shortfall of $ 292.7 million, on Tuesday, May 6, in the next-to-final step of the annual budget process, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors eliminated the 1.5 percent tax increase as proposed in the advertised budget, and reduced the tax rate by an additional quarter of a penny, to $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value.
Censoring Students
School Board to consider policy that could shut down investigative reporting by student journalists.
All that news that's fit to censor. That might be the new policy at Alexandria City Public Schools, where members of the Alexandria School Board are considering a proposal that would allow the principal of Alexandria City High School to spike stories submitted by student journalists.
Ticket Sales and Donations Down for GLOBAL’s Annual AcceptAbility Gala May 21
NIH Funding Cuts Loom for Down syndrome research.
Michelle Sie Whitten, president and CEO of the non-profit organization Global Down Syndrome Foundation (GLOBAL), fears the impact of two impending financial blows to the foundation.
Your Actions, Our Climate: Fairfax Needs You Now
Bold goals for Fairfax County: cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Fairfax County. Extreme weather and high energy bills are hitting many households hard. From prolonged heatwaves to higher utility costs, it's becoming increasingly clear that climate change and economic strain are affecting us all.