Saturday, June 30
Severe Storms Rock Region; 1.5 Million Homes Without Power
Virginia Governor announces State of Emergency.
Following the aftermath of last night's surprise thunderstorms, many local residents woke up to significant amount of damage. Fallen trees and branches were spread across the area, and power outages were abundant.
Friday, June 29
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Thursday, June 28
Wednesday, June 27
A Decision Time for Silver Line
Deadline approaches for Loudoun County Board vote on extending the rail into county.
Whoever coined the quip "like herding cats," must have had in mind the financing of the Dulles Rail Project. It requires getting consensus from two county boards of supervisors, Fairfax and Loudoun, the Federal government, the Virginia government and therefore the governor and state legislature and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority.
Column: A GAP In My Thinking
Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to buy a new car (in this instance, “new” means different, not a current model year). Estimated repairs at 137,000 miles that could have escalated into the unknown – and unaffordable – thousands compelled me to fish so I wouldn’t have my bait cut (and I don’t even like to fish).
Tuesday, June 26
Retzer Takes Reins at South Lakes
Kim Retzer, South Lakes Class of 1989, named principal.
As a member of South Lakes High School’s Class of 1989 Kim Retzer (nee Brophy) planned on going to law school, majoring in Government and Politics at George Mason. But she began substitute teaching during college, leading to a long term substitute position while a teacher was on maternity leave.
Boy Charged in Frying Pan Slashings
Herndon boy, 17, charged in two animal attacks.
Fairfax County Police arrested and charged a 17-year-old Herndon resident Saturday, June 23 for two slashing attacks on and adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park.
Herndon Mayor Merkel, New Council Sworn In
2012-14 Herndon Town Council to take office July 1.
The 2012-14 Herndon Town Council, as well as newly elected Mayor Lisa Merkel were sworn in at the Herndon Municipal Center Thursday, June 21. Connie Hutchinson, Sheila Olem and Grace Wolf are returning members, joined by Dave Kirby and Charlie Waddell who return from previous terms on the council and Melissa Jonas, who previously served on the town’s Planning Commission.
Fighting Capital Punishment
Anti-death penalty advocates speak at St. John Neumann.
For most people, the death penalty is a concept that occasionally intersects their lives in the form of news reports about people from across the country. But for others, it is something that has taken someone away from them, or threatens to. St. John Neumann Catholic Church hosted a panel discussion of members of Journey to Hope, a group consisting of families of murder victims, as well as others who have been touched by the death penalty in America.
Great Stories for a Great Cause
Better Said Than Done, a community of professional storytellers based in Northern Virginia, hosted a night of storytelling for a cause. In "Our Bodies, Our Selves," storytellers shared personal tales of tattoos, dealing with Alzheimers, marathon running and other crazy things we do and have done with our bodies. The event was a fundraiser for Friends of Reston.
Reston Rotary Awards Annual Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Reston awarded a scholarship to Julie Linovitz in the amount of $3,000 at a regular meeting of the club at the Hidden Creek Country Club on May 30.
Letter: National Priorities ‘Completely Skewed’
It doesn't seem possible that our national priorities--the relative importance of how we spend our tax dollars--could be so completely skewed.
Over the Edge
Rappellers raise $60,000 for Special Olympics.
Rose Pleskow is not one to shy away from a challenge. The 23-year-old Reston resident competed in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece, last summer, earned multiple medals in the 2012 Virginia Special Olympic Summer Games and recently competed in an 800-meter race in the waters around the Cayman Islands.
Tennis Opportunities for All Ages
Reston-Herndon area provides opportunities for children, more experienced players.
Looking for open-air fun for the family this summer? The Reston Association provides a range of activities to soak up all of a family’s free time, including pools and tennis courts for guests and locals with the appropriate passes.
Column: Couple of Bad Weeks for Virginia
The Commonwealth that has been reeling all year from a spate of bad publicity from the legislative session found itself in the national spotlight again as the president of its nationally premiere university was forced out in a behind-the-scenes maneuver by a couple of members of the Board of Visitors without a formal vote.
Column: High Density Without Infrastructure Not a Problem
I was reminded recently that here in Reston we still have citizens with the courage to speak up for the community to government that seems unresponsive, incompetent or worse. The context was a key meeting of Fairfax Supervisor Hudgins’ Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force (affectionately, the RMPSSTF). The name alone suggests they have something to hide.
Robert E. Simon Chairs the 2013 Best Of Reston Awards
Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce have announced Robert E. Simon as the Chair of the 22nd Annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service on April 11, 2013.
Editorial: Case Closed. Why the Secrecy?
No reason for police to exercise "blanket" approach, shielding every document in every case.
Connection readers know that we respect and appreciate our public safety professionals.
Monday, June 25
Even in Closed Cases, Police Maintain Culture of Secrecy
Public must rely on information police agencies choose to share, even if it's wrong.
In December of 2008, the Fairfax Police Department chased 19-year-old Hailu Brook across the county line into Arlington and shot him dead.
Friday, June 22
Thursday, June 21
Fairfax Board Objects to Governor’s Transit Funding Game
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed a regional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton on Tuesday, June 19, objecting to the administration’s attempt to circumvent the efficient transit funding system used successfully in Northern Virginia for decades.
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Wednesday, June 20
Week in Reston
News in Reston.
Farewell Mr. Butler
The class of two thousand and twelve wishes to extend an enormous thank you to our principal, Mr. Bruce Butler.
Column: New Fee is a Bad Idea
The building of the Dulles Toll Road in the 1980s was viewed as a way to provide traffic congestion relief to western Fairfax County at a time when Routes 7 and 50 or a series of secondary roads were the only ways to get from Reston to Tysons Corner and beyond.
Local Interfaith Group Raises $200,000 for Full-Time Dentist
VOICE, a local interfaith group, has raised $200,000 to fund a full-time dentist at the western Fairfax County branch of the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, low-income dental clinic.
‘Ride is Over’ at South Lakes
The school graduates 460.
On Thursday’s South Lakes’ Class of 2012 Graduation Ceremony, student speaker, William Cochrane evoked memories of the senior class’ Homecoming pep rally cheer.
Column: Where To Begin?
I realize this admission may sound weird, but having cancer is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky to be alive, and quite happy about it, too. But waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. some bad cancer news to appear (lab work, scan, advisory from my oncologist), is tiresome because it’s always so worrisome.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
Herndon-Monroe Metro Station Design Revised
Public hearing held at Herndon High School.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority hosted a public hearing on design refinements to the Dulles Metrorail Phase Two Environmental Assessment Wednesday, June 13 at Herndon High School.
Local Dancer Headed to Miami
Grace Cho to spend summer at Miami City Ballet.
Grace Cho, 13, has been dancing since she was four years old. The Reston resident says dancing is how she likes to express herself.
Tuesday, June 19
Making the Most of Summer
Advice for planning warm weather activities for children.
"I’m bored, there’s nothing to do," is a phrase often uttered by children during the summer. The end of the school year leaves many parents scrambling for activities to keep their young ones active and stimulated. Experts say it is important to plan activities to keep children safe and out of trouble.
Editorial: Summer Projects
Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Connection.
The summer is in full swing at the Connection, with many interns and staff members focused on some light and some more serious summer projects.
Reston Home Sales: May, 2012
In May 2012, 112 Reston homes sold between $980,000-$110,000.
Reston Home Sales in May, 2012
Monday, June 18
Reston Swimmers Kick Off 40th Season
Outstanding first week showings by RSTA teams, swimmers.
The sun shined brightly last Saturday morning as hundred of swimmers gathered for the first meet of the Reston Swim Team Association's (RSTA) fortieth season. And while the first meet brings back old friends and introduces new swimmers to the joy of the ‘summer season,’ for those that have been associated with RSTA for any length of time this season opened with a bitter sweet feeling because an ‘old friend’ wasn't there to share the good times.
Friday, June 15
Father's Day Photo Gallery 2012
We asked our readers to send in pictures in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, June 17. Here are their submissions.
Thursday, June 14
Langston Hughes Student Gets STARS Recognition
Langston Hughes Middle School STARS Program has recognized Joseph Letteri, 12, who has been teaching violin to five children at Forest Edge Elementary School throughout this school year.
Beloved Yoga Comes to Reston
Love Your Body Events at Reston Town Center kicks of Virginia Yoga Week.
Despite the 90 degree weather, hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered Sunday for the Love Your Body event in Reston Town Center.
Herndon’s Gardens on Display
Annual garden tour highlights creativity of local gardeners.
The Town of Herndon’s Cultivating Communities initiative will host their annual Garden Tour Sunday, June 24 from noon to 4 p.m. The tour will feature five different stops within the town borders, all representing a variety of approaches to suburban residential gardening.
William Mueller Engaged to Ramona Layne
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mueller of Clifton are happy to announce the engagement of their son, LCDR William Kenneth Mueller, USNR to Ramona Ruth Layne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Layne, Jr of San Antonio, Texas.
Column: Get on Board, Virginia
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) dropped a provision last week from its procurement documents for construction of Phase 2 of the Silver Line that would have rewarded bonus points to bidders who included a project labor agreement (PLA) in their proposals.
South Lakes Wins Two Cappie Awards
South Lakes High won two starry statuettes at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It received the honors for Female Vocalist for its production of "West Side Story," plus the new category of Marketing & Publicity.
Wednesday, June 13
Dominion Simulates Hurricane
Exercise allows Dominion Power to practice for severe storm events.
Dominion Power hosted a hurricane drill Wednesday, June 6, simulating the effects of fictional Hurricane Joseph and showing how they would manage such a storm. The Herndon headquarters serves about 900,000 customers.
Herndon’s Gardens on Display
Annual garden tour highlights creativity of local gardeners.
The Town of Herndon’s Cultivating Communities initiative will host their annual Garden Tour Sunday, June 24 from noon to 4 p.m. The tour will feature five different stops within the town borders, all representing a variety of approaches to suburban residential gardening.
Staying Safe This Summer
Neighborhood Resource Center hosts safety briefing.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department hosted a summer safety briefing Thursday, June 7 at the Neighborhood Resource Center in Herndon. Lt. Bill Vance of Station Four on Spring Street explained some of the more common summer safety hazards.
Volunteers Prep Townhouse
Long & Foster employees ready townhouse for occupation by family in need.
Members of the Long & Foster Reston office on Wiehle Avenue became handymen for the day, as almost a dozen employees gathered at a Reston townhouse owned by Reston Interfaith to prepare it for a family in need.
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Editorial: Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, benefit public good and fill gaps since government cannot do it all.
A few weeks ago, the Connection was lucky enough to be included in a group of Fairfax County organizations honored for their efforts in giving back to the community.
Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Learning from His Father’s Mistakes
Growing up estranged from his own father, one man decides to give his sons a different life.
Wanting the best for my two sons yet having concerns about raising them properly, my wife and I looked into various parenting education programs offered through Fairfax County. This is how I discovered the Fathers In Touch Program.
Thursday, June 7
Celebrating Taste Of Reston June 15-17
Held at Reston Town Center.
Taste of Reston, recently voted 2012 Best Food Festival of Northern Virginia by Virginia Living, is expected to draw record crowds to Reston Town Center.
Art Doesn’t Lie – People Lie
Reston Community Players’ New Play Project presents world premiere of ‘Fake’ June 15-16.
Reston Community Players New Play Projects presents the world premiere of the fully staged play "Fake" by Jim Gordon on June 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. at the CenterStage Theatre in the Reston Community Center.
Obituary: Francis M. (Frank) McClarnon, of Reston, Dies
Longtime Reston resident Francis M. (Frank) McClarnon passed away on May 29, 2012, at Reston Hospital, after suffering a stroke on May 19.
Keller Williams Realty, Reston sponsors ‘A Night at the Races’
Keller Williams Realty, Reston Market Center recently hosted a "A Night at the Races," which raised over $18,000 for Reston Interfaith. In addition, over 40 Keller Williams Realty associates took on a landscaping project to beautify the grounds of the Embry Rucker Memorial Shelter.
Column: Vacation Time
Jane and I just returned last week from a wonderfully relaxing, ten-day vacation in Italy. It was our first visit to that country.
Reston Bike Club Presents Jersey Design Contest Awards
The Reston Bike Club (RBC), over the last five years, has worked with the South Lakes High School Fine Arts Department: Each year, the RBC brings a jersey design contest to the school and with the help of Amy Saylor, fine arts teacher, art students get a chance to implement their newly-learned skills in submitting designs to the club.
New Aircraft Lands at Dulles
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental lands at neighboring airport.
The first ever passenger flight of Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental landed at Dulles Airport on June 1, shortly after noon. Operated by Lufthansa, the new aircraft will fly the Frankfurt-Dulles route six days a week. New design features of the aircraft include wings with raked-back tips and engines with scalloping that enhances fuel efficiency. At over 250 feet long, the plane is now the longest commercial aircraft built in the United States.
Week in Herndon
News in Herndon.
Wednesday, June 6
Cows with Attitude
Frying Pan Park is a model for Plourde and Reed’s Udder-ly Witty picture book.
"And the cows meant it," the final line of "Only Cows Allowed," was the starting point for author Lynne Plourde. "It just popped into my head one day," she said. "The cows had some attitude."
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
Classified Advertising
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Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Reward Offered In Frying Pan Attacks
$7,500 offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.
The Fairfax County Park Authority announced a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons suspected of attacking animals at Frying Pan Farm Park sometime the night of May 26 or the morning of May 27. The slashing attacks left a chicken, a calf and two goats wounded.
Tuesday, June 5
Closet Begins Summer Shopping Days
Monthly Thursday evening hours allow more shopping opportunities.
The Closet, a nonprofit thrift shop in downtown Herndon, will open Thursday evenings once a month, to allow potential shoppers another chance to explore the various clothes, antiques, electronics and other appliances offered.
Herndon Celebrates 32nd Annual Festival
Tens of thousands flock to annual downtown event.
Out of all the rides, games, food, activities and vendors at this year’s Herndon Festival, Geoff Smith, 12, of Herndon, says one thing will stick out in his mind: a robot that can shoot baskets.
Reston Hosts Sprint Triathlon
Event raises money for Reston Interfaith.
Eight hundred swimmers, cyclists and runners showed up to do all three the morning of Sunday, June 3 at Lake Newport Pool and the surrounding roads for the sixth annual Reston Sprint Triathlon. The event was hosted by the Reston Association and the CORE Foundation, which assists nonprofit fundraising.
Great Falls Kicks off Summer on the Green
June Fest leads into first edition of annual Concerts on the Green.
Celebrate Great Falls hosted the inaugural edition of June Fest, a spring festival at the Great Falls Village Centre that featured local businesses, organizations and carnival games and rides. Celebrate Great Falls re-christened their festival June Fest this year, to avoid confusion with the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Optimists.
Farmers Market Going Strong in New Location
Weekly market features locally grown produce, meats, beauty products.
Every Saturday morning the Great Falls Farmers Market offers fresh produce and other unique, homemade goods, of which many come directly from Great Falls itself. Now located at the Great Falls Village Centre (in the parking lot next to Wells Fargo) every Saturday, it features a variety of vendors both returning and new.
Friday, June 1
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.