Thursday, February 28
South Lakes Girls’ Basketball Advances to States
Seahawks lose to Edison in Northern Region final.
South Lakes will face Stonewall Jackson on Friday in the state quarterfinals.
Classified Advertising Feb. 27, 2013
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Wednesday, February 27
GRACE Celebrates Youth Art Month
Area students exhibit at Greater Reston Arts Center.
Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) will celebrate Youth Art Month by presenting two exhibitions dedicated to the artistic achievements of the area's youth.
Column: All’s Well That Ends Well
Not only did the 2013 session of the General Assembly end on time last Saturday, but it also ended on a high note. Having sat through a couple of decades of failed efforts to pass meaningful legislation addressing our transportation needs, I was not optimistic that we would be successful this year.
Column: Cautious Optimism for Reston RELAC
Well, we are about to get our wish. According to the Joint Petition filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), AQUA Virginia, the accidental corporate owner of the antiquated Reston Lake Anne Air Conditioning (RELAC), is going away. AQUA finally found someone to take it off their hands.
Happy Day at Forest Edge
RCC’s Good Neighbors Woodworking Group donates toys.
It was a day filled with fun and excitement for preschool children of Forest Edge Elementary School on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the school’s main cafeteria. The occasion was the presentation of about 50 hand-made wooden toys to the children by members of the Reston Community Center’s Good Neighbors, a senior adult volunteer woodworking group.
Alliance Pushes for Gun Control Policies
Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence holds vigil at NRA headquarters.
Members of the Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence gathered at the National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax Friday, Feb. 22, to advocate for stricter gun laws. This was the group’s second such protest, where more than 30 members carried signs citing statistics about gun-related deaths.
Civil War Raid Comes to Downtown
March 17 marks 150 years since Mosby’s raid of Herndon.
On St. Patrick’s day 150 years ago, Union soldiers from the First Vermont Cavalry were at the Town of Herndon depot and sawmill. They were expecting a group of reinforcements, but instead Confederate Capt. John Mosby and his unit arrived on a raid, sparking a brief skirmish.
Column: To Buy Or Not To Buy
That is my question. And though I can’t quite quote Shakespeare the way I can quote The Three Stooges: “Moe, Larry, the cheese. Moe, Larry, the cheese,” “’tis nobler” to ask it nonetheless. Still, if Hamlet had been diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer, as I have, perhaps he wouldn’t have been contemplating suicide but rather allocating his monthly budget – as I do every day, with nearly every purchase. That’s my dream, “perchance” or otherwise.
Bulova Gives State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her “State of the County” address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Civil War Raid Comes Downtown
March 17 marks 150 years since Mosby’s raid of Herndon.
On St. Patrick’s day 150 years ago, Union soldiers from the First Vermont Cavalry were at the Town of Herndon depot and sawmill. They were expecting a group of reinforcements, but instead Confederate Capt. John Mosby and his unit arrived on a raid, sparking a brief skirmish.
Alliance Pushes for New Policies
Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence holds vigil at NRA headquarters.
Members of the Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence gathered at the National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax Friday, Feb. 22, to advocate for stricter gun laws. This was the group’s second such protest, where more than 30 members carried signs citing statistics about gun-related deaths.
Saturday, February 23
Classified Advertising Feb. 20, 2013
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Friday, February 22
Column: Definition of “Slippery Slope”
Figuratively speaking, of course. That definition being: a late stage cancer patient/survivor previously characterized as “terminal” awaiting the results of their most recent diagnostic scan. A scan that will indicate whether the tumors have grown, moved or God forbid, appeared somewhere new. If your life hung in the balance before the scan, waiting for results of this however-many-months-interval-scan will most assuredly loosen your figurative grip on your equilibrium and your most literal grip on your sanity. This is a domain, unlike the one referred to in one of the more infamous Seinfeld episodes, that one cannot master. To invoke and slightly rework Dan Patrick’s “catch” phrase: You can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it.
Thursday, February 21
Reston Home Sales: January, 2013
In January 2013, 50 Reston homes sold between $1,000,000-$136,600.
Reston Home Sales: January, 2013
New Recreation Facility Debated
Reston Community Center solicits public input on a new indoor recreation center at Baron Cameron Park.
Reston Community Center invited the public to bring their wish lists to an open forum meeting on Monday, Feb. 11, to discuss the potential development of a new indoor recreation center at Baron Cameron Park. In 2012, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors transferred 68 acres at the park to the Fairfax County Parks Authority, and Bill Bouie, who is both a member of the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, as well as the chairman of the parks authority Board told the assembly that the Reston Community Center is “an interested party” in the Fairfax County Parks Authority’s Master Planning Process about to begin in March.
Circus Comes to Town
I am going to be taking two of my grandchildren to the Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Richmond Coliseum tonight. It is really amazing how quickly the circus can move into its venue; amaze, entertain and hold in suspense its audience; and then pack up and move on. Just a few blocks from the Coliseum, the General Assembly opened at the State Capitol the second week in January and will pack up this week and members will go back home. For the last six weeks the 140 members of the House of Delegates and State Senate along with their staff and about a thousand lobbyists have been holding forth on Capitol Square for the annual legislative session. The agenda is serious, and the activities over the past several weeks have been humorous, suspenseful and in a term used by the circus ringmaster, “unbelievable.”
Rock Musical Takes CenterStage
Reston Community Players to present "Next to Normal."
A "cathartic, powerful rock musical, with a hopeful ending and a great honesty to it" is the way director Andrew JM Regiec describes the next Reston Community Players production, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award recipient "Next to Normal." With a score of about three dozen songs "Next to Normal" tells the story of a suburban family battling personal demons "through a fast-paced story-telling and the heightened emotions that music can bring," said Regiec.
TJ Students Promote Science
Science Innovation and Inspiration Youth Conference at Langston Hughes Middle.
The study of science and technology among youths was given a boost on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Langston Hughes Middle School. The Science Innovation and Inspiration Youth Conference (ScI2YC), a STEM conference aimed at encouraging the study of science and technology among middle school students was hosted by Project BEST.
Week in Reston
The Reston Historic Trust and the Reston Museum are exploring the early history of Reston. The Reston Museum is producing another free program on Feb. 28, 7-9 p.m., to be presented at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at Reston Community Center—Lake Anne, titled: “Building Community in Reston: Diversity, Openness and Inclusiveness.”
P Minor of a Purim Paparazzi
Instead of joining an exasperated press probing into prominent people's privacies, I will pursue celebrities like King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther and Vashti of Persia. I will serve a much greater purpose by presenting a better picture, or portrait, of the Megillah's principal personalities. It gives me the opportunity to report on the grand procession of Mordechai, Haman and his sons Parshandatha, Parmashta and Poratha, to name only three. Now, with the approach of Purim, I prefer to devote my expertise to promote the proper performance of the Purim procedures and its prerequisites.
‘Casino Royale’ Raises $10,000 for Homeless Children
The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce’s event honors educators, raises money for county students.
The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Casino Royale event evidenced great success on Feb. 8, packing a ballroom at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly with guests eager to support education in Fairfax County. Chamber members, sponsors, and Fairfax County Public School educators enjoyed the evening, raising more than $10,000 for homeless children in Fairfax County and honoring seven area educators who were presented with the chamber’s Educator of the Year Award.
New Approach to Helping Chronic Homeless
County joins "100,000 Homes" effort as chronic homelessness on rise.
The number of chronically homeless individuals in Fairfax County is on the rise. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are considered chronically homeless, many living in cars or sleeping in tents. In an effort to find permanent homes for these individuals, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness is joining the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless throughout the nation.
‘Two Symphonies and a Dance’ for Area Music Lovers
Virginia Chamber Orchestra to present early Mozart and Mendelssohn works.
There has always been the debate about the role of nature and nurture in a child’s development. This is especially true in child prodigies. Mozart and Mendelssohn were from musical homes and received encouragement in musical studies. Although Gluck sang in his church choir, his interest in music was surely of his own making as he was expected to work in his family’s forestry business.
Wednesday, February 20
Seahawks End Majors' Season with Buzzer-Beater
Mount Vernon girls' basketball loses in regional quarterfinals.
South Lakes advances to face Oakton in the Northern Region semifinals.
Thursday, February 14
Classified Advertising Feb. 13, 2013
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Wednesday, February 13
A Positive Reflection
Joan Brady gives foster children needed exposure.
On Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, Joan Brady of Great Falls had just started a three-month sabbatical from her job with an Internet company. Newly-married, Brady, who was 36 years old at the time, was exhausted from 80-hour work weeks in a rigid corporate environment. She wanted time that fall to contemplate what to do next with her life. The next day provided answers and a sense of urgency. It was Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks, and the moving stories of heroism and tragedy on 9/11, indelibly left their mark. Brady, like many Americans, was inspired to do something new, to take more chances, to change direction.
Editorial: On Transportation
Compromise, in the works, should include indexing the gas tax to inflation.
Virginia needs more options, not fewer, in developing revenue to pay for roads and transportation. Compromise on a plan to increase transportation revenue should not include making Virginia the only state in the nation without a gas tax. The current, ridiculously low gas tax should be indexed to inflation. The last thing the commonwealth needs is to do away with an existing, major source of money for roads.
Tuesday, February 12
Week in Reston
Local Early Childhood educators will get together for what will be the largest gathering of classroom teachers, leaders and administrators in Virginia.
Statesmanship Prevailed
During legislative sessions in Virginia there is far too much partisan bickering, currying to special interests and, in recent years, doing the things that appear on late-night comedy shows.
Elected Leaders Failing Us at So Many Levels
Americans are feeling more than a little let down by our government in Washington.
Senators Speak on Debt Situation
Mark Warner, Tim Kaine address Northern Virginia Technology Council.
Senators Mark Warner (D) and Tim Kaine (D) spoke to members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Friday, Feb. 8, at the Sprint building in Reston.
Sweet Tradition Raises Funds for Local Children in Need
Chocolate Festival at Herndon’s Floris United Methodist Church.
The Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon has been hosting their annual Chocolate Festival for charity for about 20 years.
Declaration of Independence Signer and Loudoun County Resident Remembered
Few people are aware that the land occupied by Washington Dulles International Airport was once the home of one of the country’s founding fathers.
Herndon High Presents ‘Hansel and Gretel’
Annual children’s production tells classic fairy tale.
The Herndon High School Theater Department will present their annual children’s show starting Friday, Feb. 15, featuring “Hansel and Gretel.”
Student-Athletes Mark Black History Month
Herndon students commemorate 150 years since signing of Emancipation Proclamation.
Three years ago, Elise Ashby Arrington decided that she wanted her son Harrison Craddock to understand the importance of Black History Month.
Friday, February 8
Classified Advertising Feb. 6, 2013
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Wednesday, February 6
February Is Heart Month
Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.
When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.
Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
Making the Difference Between Struggle and Success
Carmen Jordan of Reston has been a mentor for Fairfax Families4 Kids for six years. She is considered one of the most experienced mentors in the program. In addition to working full-time as a marquee account manager at Deltek in Herndon, Jordan makes herself available to “trouble-shoot” for the children and families she mentors. In the following column, she details her experiences with the program, and at-risk foster youth.
'Stuff the Bus’ Campaign Helps Feed the Hungry
Donations continue to increase as campaign enters third year.
Local grocery stores were packed this weekend with shoppers stocking up on Super Bowl snacks for the annual football fan party. At the Wal-Mart in Fairfax, shoppers were greeted with colorful displays of chips, dips and other party favorites. They were also greeted by volunteers from Our Daily Bread (ODB), who were handing out flyers and encouraging shoppers to donate gift cards or specific items to restock ODB’s pantry shelves. A Fairfax nonprofit for nearly 30 years, ODB provides food and other critical services to the working poor, the elderly and the disabled. More than half of ODB’s clients are local children.
Week in Reston
Abduction/Assault on W&OD Trail in Reston, Self Defense Training for Women, and Fusion Dental Earns Esteemed Angie’s List Award
Reston Community Players Receive 15 WATCH Nominations
The Reston Community Players has been nominated for 15 Washington Area Community Honors (WATCH) for artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater.
Commentary: The Politics of Fear
Fear can be a powerful influence in our lives. A healthy fear of something that is harmful may keep us safe. Fear of the unknown can cause helpful caution or limit our perspective. Too often fear can be misused to manipulate the actions of others. In Richmond, as elsewhere, fear is evident and at work in many aspects of the legislative process.
Classical Ballet Theatre Students Rock Philadelphia, Perform in Reston
The Classical Ballet Theatre students competed in the recent semi-finals of the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition, held in Philadelphia, Pa.
Broadway Night at South Lakes
Hundreds of Broadway fans turned up at South Lakes High School on Thursday, Jan. 17, and Friday, Jan. 18, for a musical treat—students from South Lakes High School, two middle schools and eight elementary schools performed over two dozen classic numbers from musicals such as Guys & Dolls, Godspell, Grease, Les Miserables and South Pacific.
Lily Dunlap of Herndon Middle Wins Peace Poster Contest
Lily Dunlap, an eighth grade student at Herndon Middle School, won a competition sponsored by the Reston Lions Club.
Reston Lions Honor Music Competition Winners
Students win awards at the James A. Bland Music Scholarship competition, co-sponsored by the Reston Lions Club and the Reston Community Center and held at the community center on Tuesday, Jan. 29.
Tuesday, February 5
Taking the Plunge at Lake Anne
Hundreds participate in Polar Bear Dip to raise money for Camp Sunshine.
When Jean Young of Reston bundled up for her Saturday walk with her dog Seamus around Lake Anne Saturday, Feb. 2, she was worried her down jacket, long underwear, wool hat and gloves might not provide enough protection from the 30- degree weather. Little did she know she would be encountering more than 100 people wearing even less.
South Lakes Girls’ Basketball Atop Liberty District
Seahawks’ Rendle, Aghayere making plays in paint.
The South Lakes girls' basketball team is 18-3 with one regular-season game remaining.
Friday, February 1
Family Raises Support Fighting Son's Rare Disease
Two hundred plus friends and family will descend on Santinis Restaurant in Herndon to raise support and awareness for Congenital Muscular Dystrophy on Thursday, Feb. 7, from 5-9 p.m. One in 10 Americans is affected by a rare disease. John Gluck, of Herndon, is that one in 10 with a rare form of muscular dystrophy called congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). As a rare group of diseases causing muscle weakness at birth, CMD is under-recognized and under-diagnosed by physicians. Several defined genetic mutations cause muscles to break down faster than they can repair or grow. A child with CMD may have various neurological or physical impairments. Some children never gain the ability to walk, while others lose the ability as they grow older. There is no cure and no treatment to slow disease progression.