Wednesday, June 26
Column: No Shame in Crying
Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).
Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Speak in Reston
Northern Virginia Technology Council hosts Ken Cuccinelli, Terry McAuliffe.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council hosted Virginia’s two gubernatorial candidates Thursday, June 20 at Microsoft’s Reston offices.
Herndon High School Graduation Viewpoints
Where are you headed in the fall and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Tuesday, June 25
Herndon High Class of 2013 Graduates
Four hundred and eighty-eight seniors graduate at Patriot Center.
The 488 members of the Herndon High School Class of 2013 took their final steps as high school students Tuesday, June 18 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax.
Week in Reston
This week in Reston features exciting news and events!
Guest Dealers
South Lakes' All Night Grad Party, held Friday, June 14 after graduation, had three guest dealers from the FCPS School Board.
RCA Announces Board Candidates
Online elections June 26 to July 10.
Contact Information for the Candidates: Colin Mills (president)—703-608-6049, cwmills47@hotmail.com; Gary Lee Thomas (president)—703-620-4279, garyleethomas@yahoo.com; Gary Walker (Lake Anne/Tall Oaks/Town Center)—703-864-3535, gary@gehwokka.com; Joe Leighton (South Lakes)—571-213-2611, joe_leighton@comcast.net; John Hanley (Hunters Woods)—703-391-9549, john.hanley@gi-de.com; Connie Hartke (Hunters Woods)—703-476-1230, constance@actwebservices.com; Tammi Petrine (At-Large)—703-390-0577, para1010@verizon.net.
Commentary: Northern Virginia’s Health
The 2.2 million people in the Northern Virginia communities of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park cities live in the most populous region in the commonwealth and in some of the wealthiest jurisdictions in the nation.
Operation: Ladybug at Herndon-based Children's Science Center
The Children's Science Center of Herndon, at 485 Spring Park Place, Suite 500, is providing some ideas for backyard science this summer, with a call to young scientists to identify various species of ladybugs in their backyard.
Legislators Honored
Dulles Corridor Rail Association honors delegates, senators who helped provide Phase 2 funding.
HB2313 Supporters Helped Provide $300 Million for Phase 2: Senate of Virginia George L. Barker, Charles J. Colgan, Adam P. Ebbin, Barbara A. Favola, Mark R. Herring, Janet D. Howell, David W. Marsden, Linda T. Puller, Richard L. Saslaw Virginia House of Delegates David B. Albo, Robert H. Brink, David L. Bulova, Eileen Filler-Corn, Thomas A. Greason, Charniele L. Herring, Patrick A. Hope, Mark L. Keam, Kaye Kory, Robert K. Krupicka, James M. LeMunyon, Alfonso H. Lopez, Joe T. May, Randall J. Minchew, Kenneth R. Plum, Thomas Davis Rust, James M. Scott, Mark D. Sickles, Scott A. Surovell, Luke E. Torian, Vivian E. Watts Keep up with Phase 2 developments of the Silver Line at http://www.dullescorridorrail.com/www.dullescorridorrail.com.
Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’
Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.
City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Monday, June 24
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.
Thursday, June 20
Classified Advertising June 19, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, June 19
Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95
As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.
Teen Electrocuted on Fox Mill Elementary School Grounds
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, police and fire were called to Fox Mill Elementary School at 2611 Viking Drive in Herndon. First responders arrived and located four juvenile males: three 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old. One of the 14-year-olds had inadvertently come into contact with a live electrical wire and was electrocuted. He was pronounced dead on scene.
Sunrise Valley Teacher Honored
Katie Blomquist named the 2013 Virginia History Teacher of the Year.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has named Katie Blomquist, a fourth grade teacher at Sunrise Valley Elementary School, the 2013 Virginia History Teacher of the Year.
Paint the Pub Purple
Come one, come all event at O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Herndon.
Prepare to “Paint the Pub Purple” when O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub in Herndon hosts a happy hour benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) on Thursday, June 27. Taking place from 4-8 p.m., the happy hour will bring together supporters with drink and food specials and live music.
Week in Reston
Helping Celebrate All Night Grad Party
Detectives in the Reston Police District are investigating four recent robberies and assaults on Reston area paths that may be connected.
Letter: Supporting Indoor Facility at Baron Cameron Park
To the Editor:
I am a long-time Reston resident, strong community volunteer and parent of age-group swimmers. I am also a nationally recognized swimmer and swimming official. I support an Indoor Aquatic & Recreation Facility at Baron Cameron Park
Letter: Call to Ban Outdoor Smoking
To the Editor:
As a teenager, I really dislike smelling smoke from cigarettes, cigars, etc. I highly agree with Starbucks’ ban of smoking on their outdoor patios. The rest of the community should consider banning outdoor smoking also.
Classical Ballet Theatre Dancers Reach New Heights
Serious dancers throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area are finding a home at Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT). They come to receive preeminent, year-round classical ballet instruction under the auspices of former Bolshoi Ballet star and CBT Artistic Director Alisher Saburov. Dancers enroll to perform in the many Children's Series, community outreach, and full-length ballet productions, where they don stunning costumes and dance beautifully choreographed leading roles.
Reston Organizations Teach Girls the Value of Science
The Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) Club Initiative, Nova Labs and the Mid-Atlantic Girls Collaborative (MAGiC) have announced a new project: The Girl Makers of Northern Virginia.
Commentary: Bipartisan Approach Needed in Evaluating Legislators
The 2013 session of the General Assembly was a landmark one, according to most everyone who follows politics in the Old Dominion. It passed a sweeping transportation funding package that had eluded approval for at least a couple of decades.
Commentary: Teens Deserve Sleep Before School
For about 10 years, area parent groups and child health specialists have been arguing that high school start times should take into account the body clocks of high school students. In fact, research shows that high school age teens do their best if they get a solid nine hours of sleep. Adequate sleep improves learning, memory and performance in school. Inadequate sleep has many downsides.
Week in Fairfax
Fair Oaks Townhouse Fire
Fire officials say a blaze last week at a Fair Oaks townhouse caused an estimated $50,000 damage. The single-family home is at 4815 Green Duck Lane, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Reston Town Center Gives Taste of Reston
More than 20 vendors show off signature dishes at annual festival.
Paul Jones of Reston has one secret to success when it comes to the annual Taste of Reston festival: where there’s smoke, there’s food.
Viewpoints: South Lakes High School Graduation
Where are you headed in the fall and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
South Lakes Seniors Graduate
Class of 2013 features 104 International Baccalaureate, 119 honor graduates.
The South Lakes High School Class of 2013 gathered for the final time as students at the school, leaving the building that evening, Friday, June 14, as South Lakes alumni.
Tuesday, June 18
New Healthcare Facility Opens in Herndon
Clinic is first in Fairfax County to receive Affordable Healthcare Act funding.
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia opened a new healthcare center in Herndon Tuesday, June 11, the first such facility in Fairfax County that will receive funding from the federal government via the Affordable Healthcare Act.
Herndon Garden Tour Set for June 23
Annual tour features four local gardens.
The Herndon Garden Tour will be held Sunday, June 23 from noon to 4 p.m. The annual tour will feature four local residences and allow visitors to explore and learn about their gardens.
Thursday, June 13
Classified Advertising June 12, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Column: Full Circle
I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.
Rock the Pink at Occoquan
The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Tavern 64, A New Taste in Town Center
Recalling the tradition of legendary taverns that set the standard for this country’s restaurant and hospitality industry, Tavern 64 Regional Kitchen debuted at Reston Town Center Tuesday, June 4. In the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency Reston, Tavern 64 occupies the corner of Presidents and Market Streets.
‘Bird Doctors’ Come to Lake Anne Elementary
Neighborhood Nest Watch Program involves students in banding local birds.
Throughout the last two weeks, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center has sent ornithologists to Lake Anne Elementary School to teach all grade levels about birds. An ornithologist is a scientist that studies the health and habitat of birds. They capture birds and measure the legs for bone growth and the length of the feathers. These measurements, along with the weight, indicate the health of the bird. They also study the habitats of birds, which may be an indicator of the health of the birds in the area.
Commentary: Measure of Being Poor in Virginia
I have always maintained that the poor in Northern Virginia are worse off than others living in less affluent parts of the state because the cost of living is higher in this region. The difference can be most clearly seen in the cost of housing; and there have been many notable efforts on the part of local governments to increase the stock of workforce, affordable housing. The traffic coming into Northern Virginia from the west and south is made up largely of people who cannot afford housing in the area.
Fishing in the Rain
Friday afternoon, June 7, Jeremy Charles, a student at Hartford College in Pennsylvania on school break, pulled this bass from Lake Anne in the rain. Three of the neighbors with fishing experience estimated the bass, caught off the end of the main pier near the fountain, at easily 12 lbs. Charles returned it to the lake.
Silver Line Testing Continues
WMATA cars continue testing all along the Phase 1 alignment from East Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue in Reston.
Wednesday, June 12
On the Campaign Trail
Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.
Fairfax Celebrated
The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.
Creating Livable Community For All Ages
County and local organizations seek to find and meet seniors’ needs.
People over 55 make up approximately 30 percent of Fairfax County’s population, making them the largest population group. Many of that group have chosen, or plan, to spend their later years in Fairfax County, but as they age in place, there are certain services and resources needed.
Reel Potential Finds Motivation in the Movies
Scott DiGiammarino uses film clips to get message across.
Great Falls resident Scott DiGiammarino knows the power of movies. In his recent TED Talk at TEDx Rock Creek Park, entitled "Why Movies Move Us," he spoke about the impact movies have, and the neuroscience behind it.
Restonians Receive Lord, Lady Honors
Amanda Andere, Arthur Hill, Patricia Nicoson honored.
Three Restonians were recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, June 4 as Lords and Ladies of Fairfax. Each supervisor named a man and a woman to highlight their community service efforts.
Herndon Naval JROTC Cadets Leave Legacy
Graduating Naval JROTC cadets recognized for achievements.
Herndon High School’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps has been an integral part of the school’s fabric for years.
Lake Anne Hosts Summer Film Series
'Back to the Future' is first installment.
Dark clouds and the threat of rain didn’t deter more than 100 people from gathering at Lake Anne Plaza for the first installment of Lake Anne’s summer film festival. The crowd gathered in front of a large movie screen to watch the 1985 classic “Back to the Future.”
Tuesday, June 11
'Snow White and Rose Red' Opens at Industrial Strength Theatre
"Snow White and Rose Red" by Carter Burch will be shown in a June 15 to June 30 production at the Industrial Strength Theatre at 269 Sunset Park Drive in Herndon.
Art in The Windows at ArtSpace Herndon
Artwork transforms the ArtSpace Herndon building.
The Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts announced a first time event featuring public fine art panels, each 90”W x 50”H, installed in four empty window frames on the exterior of the ArtSpace Herndon building at 750 Center Street.
Big Trucks Come to Floris
Kindergarten students examine trucks, meet drivers.
The Kindergarten class of Floris Elementary took part in the 18th annual Big Truck Day on Tuesday, June 4, in the school parking lot.
Dominion Virginia Power, Assistance League of Northern Virginia Pack Food Bags
Dominion Virginia Power, purchased food and packed over 11,900 individual food bags for hungry children during the 2012-2013 school year.
Arts Competition Attracts More Schools
Ninth Annual SAIC Technology and the Arts Competition Awards Ceremony held.
On Monday, May 20, The Council for the Arts of Herndon presented the ninth Annual SAIC Technology and the Arts Competition Awards Reception at the SAIC Conference Center in McLean.
Thursday, June 6
On Her Way to Carnegie Hall
Maggie Kirtley Rocky Run Middle School student.
As a finalist in the American Fine Arts Festival competition, Maggie Kirtley, has earned the opportunity to perform piano in Carnegie Hall in New York City.
State Title
Chantilly High's Alex Watson and Jonah Williams won the Virginia State Title for Public Forum Debate at the VHSL State Debate Tournament.
Wednesday, June 5
‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs
A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.
Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.
Reston Community Center Indoor Facility Study Unveiled
Proposed new facility would have pool, fitness features.
The Reston Community Center Board of Governors Long-Range Planning Committee heard the results of the latest study on a possible indoor recreation facility Monday, June 3.
Two Killed in Taxicab Collision
Norbert Sebok, 29, and Jozsef Szathmari, 24, killed morning of June 1.
Norbert Sebok, 29, and Jozsef Szathmari, 24, of Sterling were killed in a car crash in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 1.
Herndon High School Step Team Crowned National Champs
Herndon High School Step Team wins second national championship in three years.
The Herndon High School Step team stood onstage holding hands, waiting anxiously for the results in the 2013 Youth Step USA National Championships Saturday, May 25. As the names of the top five finishers started coming in, coach Gary Bushrod started hearing every name but theirs.
Herndon Celebrates 33rd Festival
Annual festival brings live music, entertainment to downtown Herndon.
By the time it gets to Saturday, the third day of the three-day annual Herndon Festival, Jimmy Schwein of Herndon knows exactly what he wants to do. Having grown up coming to the festival, he’s used to coming at least three of the four days.
Tuesday, June 4
And the Winners Are …
Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.
The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Viewpoints: What Inspires Your Work?
The Reston Arts Show 2013 brings new artists and fresh perspectives from across America.
Artists share what inspires them in their work.
16,000 Runners, Walkers 'Ring in Hope'
Reston resident Matthew Clark among 10K, 5K winners.
The races drew in nearly 1,600 runners and walkers to Brambleton Town Center, where members of the Junior ROTC program from Chantilly presented the colors, followed by the playing of the national anthem. The colorful sound of a large bell rang by former Washington Redskins wide receiver Darnerien McCants signaled the start of the 5K and 10K races. The bell was part of a larger display of the “Bells of the Fallen,” which honor American service men and women who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation New Dawn.
Commentary: Picking Candidates
While primary elections are considered to be the most democratic way to select candidates, these elections suffer from little public notice or awareness, low voter turnout and the use of scarce resources that will not be available for the general election.
Commentary: A Bizarro World Slate
Imagine a state where the incumbents of the top posts—governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general—are all from one party. Imagine it is an election year. Imagine that party convening to select their candidates. One might expect a confident, party atmosphere celebrating a relatively popular incumbent governor and great unity in the coming battle to continue to hold power.
Bake Sale for Oklahoma
Several sixth graders in Reston wanted to do something to help families affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma, and thought a bake sale would be a good way to do it.
Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Celebrates 20th Anniversary
The sisters of the Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter (FCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary by hosting a Red Shoe Jazz Luncheon at the Hyatt Dulles in Herndon on May 18, with more than 400 guests in attendance. Among the honored guests were members of the Divine Nine, local and out of state dignitaries, and scholarship recipients. Fourteen vendors were spread throughout the reception area to provide attendees with selections of jewelry, clothing, art and Greek paraphernalia. The soulful trio Travelers Band provided live entertainment.
Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles
Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.
Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.
Monday, June 3
Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships
Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.