Stories for April 2013

Yoga Week Comes to the Area

Local effort offers budding yogis a chance to improve their minds, bodies and spirits with free or $5 classes.

D.C. Yoga Week Runs through May 5 For more information and a list of participating studios, visit HYPERLINK "http://dccy.org/" http://dccy.org/. “This event will raise awareness about how great yoga is for your mind, body and spirit.” — Amanda Shipe, Mind Your Body Oasis, Arlington

Looking “ASCANce”

It wasn’t exactly “Executive Clemency.”

Three Officers Promoted

Cpl. Damien Austin, Sgt. Lawrence Whitmer and Lt. Michael Berg promoted in April 24 ceremony.

The Herndon Police Department promoted three of its officers Wednesday, April 24, during a ceremony at the town’s council chambers.

Herndon Cadets Host the 2013 Captain Blakeman Meet

Herndon High's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) hosted 10 other schools Saturday, April 27, to a drill meet designed for first year (NS-1) cadets to demonstrate their learning from older cadets in their programs.

From Joy to Terror

Oak Hill resident recounts Boston Marathon experience.

“She’ll often wait for me right at the finish line, but thank goodness she had decided to make her way to the family area.” -- Carol Byrne of Oak Hill

Life Time Club Set for September Opening

Life Time Athletic Reston will be 13th “Diamond” club in country.

Fitness buffs in Reston will soon have a new state-of-the-art gym to visit.

South Lakes Takes on the 80s

Drama department presents “Xanadu” May 2-4.

“My daughters looked at it the same way they look at ‘Grease,’ a story about people who live in a completely different time.” -- Terri Goldberg of Reston

Classical Ballet Theatre Hosts Local Preschools

On Thursday, April 18, Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) dancers enjoyed sharing their love of the performing arts with preschool students from Herndon Elementary Head Start, Montessori Country Day School, Reston Children's Center and St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. As part of their free outreach program, CBT performed Act I of their popular Cinderella production, which is packed with choreography, costumes, and good-natured humor. The students clapped for big leaps and twirls, laughed with stepsisters “Haughty” and “Spiteful,” and delighted in Cinderella's magical transformation into a princess dressed in a shimmering ball gown. Afterwards, enthusiastic audience members asked many questions and visited with cast members.

Aldrin's Barbara Gist Is Virginia’s 2013 National Outstanding Assistant Principal

Barbara Gist, assistant principal of Aldrin Elementary in Reston, was selected as Virginia’s 2013 National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year (NOAP). The 2013 award marks the second year that the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), in collaboration with the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP), has presented this award.

Commentary: Children and Outside Learning

Research highlights the benefits of outdoor and environmental education for children—ranging from increased academic achievement, improved social skills and interest in school, and boosted health, according to environmental education leaders who have organized NoVA Outside: An Alliance of Environmental Educators (www.novaoutside.org). I attended their School Environmental Action Showcase last week at George Mason University, and I was impressed by the students and their projects. The showcase is like a science fair but with the emphasis on environmental science.

Letter: Rising Above Terrorism: Marathoners Win, Terror Loses

America, we must continue running. Our United States history has proven repeatedly that those who persevere will prevail in the end, similar to a marathon.

Langston Hughes Celebrates Diversity Week

The celebration of Diversity Week at Langston Hughes Middle School came to a peak on Monday, April 29, with speeches by guest speakers, including Robert E. Simon, the founder of Reston. In an event which took place at the school hall, guest speakers spoke on the topic “How does Diversity Make Reston a Special Place to Live and Learn?”

Great Falls Farmers Market Hits Spring Season

Spring produce, other goods available at weekly market.

The Great Falls Farmers Market has kicked off its spring season, welcoming vendors returning and new with fruits, vegetables and other products. Three vegetable vendors are currently at the market, offering early spring crops.

Classified Advertising April 24, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Editorial: Connection Guide to Parks Wins ‘Best in Show’

Investigative reporting, in depth coverage, education writing, photography, art, design, sports, garner Virginia Press Association honors.

The Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association, with winners announced on Saturday, April 20, in Norfolk.

South County Soccer Club Bonds in Bermuda

While other Elite Clubs National League soccer teams took a well-deserved break, one team went on the trip of a lifetime. FC Virginia U14s traveled to Bermuda over the Easter holiday, having the opportunity to experience island life while also playing against the full Bermuda women’s national team, and a high school team from Florida.

Fairfax County Budget Reflects ‘Increasing Needs, Decreasing Revenues’

"We as a board spend a lot of time talking about helping people in need, I can only say that when it came time to tax them, they were sadly forgotten." —Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)

Commentary: Congress in Clutches of NRA

Before I criticize the lack of action on the part of the U.S. Senate on modest gun measures last week, I will freely admit that the Virginia General Assembly is clearly in the clutches of the National Rifle Association (NRA). The last several years have seen a steady decline in Virginia’s attempt to reduce gun violence but without my support or vote. Most recently the General Assembly repealed the limitation on handgun purchases. The problem of gun violence is nationwide and appropriately should be addressed by the U.S. Congress. Opinion polls indicate overwhelming support for congressional action, especially as it relates to criminal background checks. At the same time, incidents involving gun violence continue to mount up.

Gun Lobby Over Gun Victims

Last year, I wrote a letter to my senator, Mark Warner. In it, I appealed to him to reconsider his position on gun violence, to support renewal of an assault weapons ban, a ban of mega magazines, and closing the gun show loophole for potential mass murderers. My senator wrote a polite letter back reminding me of his “A” rating by the NRA and his staunch support of the Second Amendment. He noted my concerns and wished me well. Yep, I knew where he stood.

South Lakes Senior Awarded Scholarship

Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere awarded $5,000 from Northern Virginia Urban League.

The Northern Virginia Urban League awarded $50,000 in scholarships to local high school students at its annual Community Service and Scholarship Awards Dinner Friday, April 19. The organization, whose mission it is to enable disadvantaged youth to achieve economic and academic success, awarded one scholarship to South Lakes High School senior Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere.

Tailored Living Opens Herndon Showroom

Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, Delegates Tom Rust and Ken Plum and Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce President Mark Ingrao gave owners Juliana and Todd Carter of the new Herndon Tailored Living showroom a warm Herndon welcome at their opening and ribbon cutting Wednesday evening, April 17.

Our Red Shoe 5K Benefits Area Ronald McDonald House Charities

lmost 500 people signed up for the Saturday, April 6, Our Red Shoe 5K in Dulles Station, and although the day of the race was chilly, 600 people (and their dogs) came to Herndon to participate in the family friendly race, walk and fun run, which helped raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C.

Runners Line Up to Stop Child Abuse

Great Falls neighbors join in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which helps explain why 300 runners gathered at 9 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, grouped in teams with names like "Peggy's Posse," "Kids4Kids" and—a favorite—"Team Baxter" (named after organizing member Kim Roellig's dog) on Saturday, April 13.

What Housing Slump?

Real estate experts explain the rise in luxury condominium sales

When a retired couple decided it was time to leave their sprawling suburban home, they wanted to downsize without giving up luxury. As a result, they purchased a high-end condominium and hired Bethesda, Md., based interior designer Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design to create a serene and sophisticated space.

Karen Garza Hired as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools

FCPS Board lauds Garza’s “openness” and “willingness to engage” community.

The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved educator Karen Garza of Texas to be the next superintendent of the 181,000 student district at its April 18 school board meeting.

Classified Advertising April 17, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Reston Home Sales: March, 2013

In March 2013, 72 Reston homes sold between $1,280,000-$155,000.

Reston Home Sales: March, 2013

Editorial: Value-added Evaluation?

TJ admissions illustrate growing gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”

More than 181,000 students attend Fairfax County Public Schools. So why do the 480 students who were accepted for next year’s freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology seem so important? Fairfax County Public Schools have a single elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ is frequently referred to as the top high school in the country. Dramatic disparity in the makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of disparity in early identification of students as gifted and talented, of access to advanced classes and enrichment, and in the basic education that the Fairfax County Public school system offers to all of its students.

Column: A False Sense of Security

Not that there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, as a four-year, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer survivor, it’s amazing to have any security, false or otherwise, whatsoever.

‘We Have Not Forgotten’

Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.

Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.

Del. Rust in Kidney Walk

On Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m., Del. Tom Rust (R-86) with volunteers from the Team Rust walk team will join hundreds of residents of the Reston and greater Herndon area for the 2013 Northern Virginia Kidney Walk at the Reston Town Center.

Poetry Corner

Terraset Poems

Poetry by Kathy Walden Kaplan

Hundreds Take Part in Reston Walk MS

More than 1,600 individuals and 50 volunteers participated in Sunday’s Walk MS presented by Booz Allen Hamilton in Reston, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s National Capital Chapter.

Five-Year-Old Boy Missing, Involuntarily Disappeared

Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 5-year-old Cameron Serafin. He is believed to be in the company of his mother Rebecca Serafin and was supposed to have been returned to his father on Sunday, April 7. Detectives have reason to be concerned about Cameron’s welfare.

Reston Celebrates Simon’s 99th

Lake Anne hosts 10th annual Founder’s Day celebration.

Robert Simon opened up the first weekend of his 100th year at Lake Anne, celebrating with members of the community he founded. Simon, who celebrated his 99th birthday Wednesday, April 10, spent Saturday, April 13, surrounded by well wishers at the 10th annual Founder’s Day Celebration.

Best of Reston Recognized for Community Contributions

Bill Bouie receives the Robert E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award; other individuals, organizations honored.

Reston residents came together to pay tribute to their best Thursday, April 11, at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The annual Best of Reston awards recognized individuals and organizations whose efforts make the community a better place.

Reston Traffic: From Difficult to Impossible

The writer is the RCA representative to the Reston Master Plan Task Force, Reston Citizens Association (RCA) Board of Directors co-chair and RCA Reston 2020 Committee.

Love Can Give Us Beauty

Reston Community Players present "33 Variations."

Where and When Reston Community Players present "33 Variations" at CenterStage, Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Hunters Woods Shopping Center, Reston. Performances: April 26 – May 11, 2013. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., a Sunday matinee, May 5 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets $ 17-$20. Call 703-476-4500 or visit www.restonplayers.org.

Within Constitutional Limits

Our newly minted senator from Virginia, Tim Kaine, gave the best response I have heard to those who argue that the Second Amendment is an absolute right to own guns.

Founder’s Day Celebrates Community

Bob Simon’s diary for Saturday, April 13.

Founder’s Day is a wonderful celebration of our community sponsored by the Reston Historic Trust and the Reston Community Center

Reston Little Leaguers Kick Off New Season

Parade marks Opening Day.

Although there was no official headcount, judging by the size of the crowds it’s just possible that all 692 registered players, and their moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents all turned out for the 20th Annual Reston Little League (RLL) Opening Day Parade through Reston Town Center.

Ferrari Club Event Mixes Cars With Caring

More than 80 cars lined Market Street and filled the Pavilion.

The Mid-Atlantic Region of the Ferrari Club of America (FCA) held their annual Spring Thaw gathering at Clyde’s of Reston Town Center on Saturday, April 13.

New Eagle Scout Helps LINK

Eric Hepfinger is a 14-year-old member of the Boy Scout Crew 878.

Chocolate for Elephants in Reston

Chocolate for Elephants features gourmet chocolates, desserts and wines from local vendors, all sold to benefit the U.S. Friends of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Week in Herndon

This week in Herndon...

‘Mind Heart Vision’ Exhibit Opens at ArtSpace Herndon

At ArtSpace Herndon on Friday, April 12, there was an artists’ reception for the current exhibit “Mind, Heart, Vision.”

Poetry Corner

Rosalia

War in your old country took your young son, quakes destroyed your home.

A Second-time Finalist

Floris Elementary sixth grader qualifies for the Virginia National Geographic Competition again.

Nishanth Anand is calm and quiet as he talks about competing in the 2013 Virginia National Geographic Bee.

Kite Class at Frying Pan Farm Park

The weather was perfect on Saturday, April 6, for Frying Pan Farm Park’s annual kite class.

Editorial: Voting Again

Every year is election year in Virginia, and it’s a bit much.

The most hotly contested race for statewide office in Virginia, the Republican contest for lieutenant governor, will be decided at a statewide convention on May 18. That’s about a month from now.

Classified Advertising April 10, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

New Home for Turtles at Riverbend

Girl Scout Natalie Gilbert builds and donates new box turtle habitat.

Young visitors to the Riverbend Park Nature Center used to have a hard time looking at the three box turtles in the turtle habitat. The old habitat featured a solid wood wall, meaning children could only look straight down at the turtles and rarely had an opportunity to see more than the tops of their shells.

Ballet Studio Tells Cinderella Story

Classical Ballet Theatre performs classic fairy tale.

The Classical Ballet Theatre will present their spin on the classic fairy tale “Cinderella” starting Saturday, April 13. The not-for-profit dance studio will also host several free outreach performances.

Filmmaker Turns Camera on Reston

Rebekah Wingert-Jabi wins Peabody Award, begins work on documentary about Reston.

Rebekah Wingert- Jabi has lived all across the world. She moved to Reston as a child, attended college in Minnesota and California, studied abroad in China and lived in the Middle East. She became interested in still photography at a young age, and while in China she got a video camera and became fascinated with the idea of moving images.

Robotics Team Brings Home Hardware

After Washington, D.C. regionals, Herndon High School Robotics team competes in St. Louis.

The Herndon High School Robotics team gained several accolades at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) regional robotics competition, punching their ticket for the world championships in St. Louis, Mo., this month.

Column: Asked and Answered

I think about it enough, I don’t want to think about it too much. What’s “it?” Cancer.

Remodeling in Reston

Local homeowners and designers create ideal entertainment space.

“The main challenge on this project was framing the cathedral ceiling over the sunroom, given that it is about 24 feet up.” — Bruce Case, president of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.

South Lakes Boys’ Soccer Wins Fifth Straight

Seahawks beat Mount Vernon 1-0 Monday night.

The South Lakes boys' soccer team has won five in a row since dropping its opener.

Children ‘Dress Up With Grown-ups’

Medical Care for Children Partnerships funds medical, dental care for children of uninsured working families in Fairfax County.

“To me, children are the most beautiful creatures of God and there is nothing comparable to being able to give them a healthy and happy smile.” —Dr. Tehreem Butt, recipient of the Dr. Jorge Arnoldson Award

Week in Reston

Prom Dreams Come True at Reston Community Center

11th annual Diva Central event provides free prom dresses for high school girls. Jumphead

If you needed a dress for prom, accessories to match and, of course, the all-important shoes, Reston Community Center at Lake Anne was the place to be last Saturday, April 6.

Goodbye, My Friend, Joan

To Joan Jockwig Pearson Watkins, 1924-2013.

It is unbelievable to me that you aren’t next door any more. I’ve tried to remember when we first met, but it’s almost as if you were always there, part of the background of life at Lake Anne.

Letter: A Tennis Lesson To Baseball World

To the Editor:

Letter: Can a Golf Course Make a Good Neighbor?

To the Editor:

Commentary:Paving the Way

The Reconvened Session of the General Assembly that met last week concluded work for this year on the most significant funding program for transportation infrastructure approved by the legislature since the historic special session in 1986.

Energetic ‘Sustainable Reston’

Independent Progressive

ustainable Reston is one of our youngest and most active community organizations. Founded as part of the Reston Citizens Association, SR defines its mission as preparing Reston for the impacts of climate change, resource depletion as we pass peak oil, and economic problems beyond local control. It encourages local alternatives for food and commerce while minimizing fossil fuel use.

Classified Advertising April 3, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Examining Reston’s Natural History

Historic trust hosts program on Reston’s stewardship of natural resources.

When Robert Simon first saw the land that would eventually become Reston, he was struck by its beauty.

Foundation Prepares to Promote Mental Health

Josh Anderson Foundation to sponsor events across county for mental health and depression awareness.

Before Fairfax County students finish the school year and head to summer break, they first must deal with exams, both final and for AP classes. This can lead to a lot of stress over the final two months of school, pressure the Josh Anderson Foundation is determined to relieve.

Masonic Lodge Presents Annual Award

Connie Hutchinson, Bill Tirrell recognized with Community Builder award.

The Herndon Masonic Lodge presented their annual Community Builders award Monday, April 1, to Vice Mayor Connie Hutchinson and former councilmember Bill Tirrell. The two were recognized for their contributions to many aspects of the community.

Week in Reston

Rescue Reston Efforts Continue

Group announces new community events and reorganizes board.

After a brief respite due to RN Golf Management’s postponement of the Board of Zoning Appeals hearing from January to May, Rescue Reston is reemerging and ramping up its mission to alert Reston and other Fairfax County residents about the potential development of one of Reston’s primary green spaces.

Commentary: Silver Line Access

Construction on the Silver Line, the extension of Metrorail in the Dulles corridor, will be completed for its first phase to Wiehle Avenue by August 2013. After extensive testing by its operator, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the line will start carrying passengers by December 2013. Reston riders will be able to go to Tysons, Arlington, downtown, or as far as Largo, Md.—without getting out of their seats. As exciting as the prospects are for mass transit into and out of our community, there is an understandable level of apprehension and concern about access to the rail line and its impact on the community.

Fastest Team Time

Potomac River Running snags third Marine Corps Marathon Fastest-team Plaque.

Potomac River Running Store of Reston received a championship plaque for a third consecutive year from the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Race Director Rick Nealis on Thursday, March 21.

A Journey of Discovery

Mary Jo Smrekar of Reston and Sue Ries Lamb of Alexandria facilitate The Women’s Collaborative.

“Join With Us in Discovery.” That’s the header on the invitation for the 2013 Women’s Collaborative, a “journey of discovery” that takes place in three four-day sessions at Meadowkirk Retreat and Conference Center in Middleburg. The first session takes place Thursday, May 30, through Sunday, June 2; the second takes place in August; and the last is in October.

Reston Couple Celebrates 70 Years

Fairfax County’s Homeless Population Declines 12 Percent

Emphasis on rapid re-housing, prevention keys to success.

Despite economic obstacles and fallout from across-the-board sequester cuts, Fairfax County’s number of homeless individuals declined 12 percent decline in the past year, and 26 percent since 2007.