Stories for May 2013

Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing

Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.

In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.

Classified Advertising May 29, 2013

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Summer Fun in Fairfax

The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.

Column: Airing on the Side of Caution

I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.

Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer

As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.

Unconventional Camp Ideas

Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities

Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”

100 New Citizens Sworn In

Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.

The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.

Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Author Abigail Trafford Discusses Planning for ‘My Time’

Trafford speaks at Reston Community Center about ways to spend later years.

The Reston Community Center hosted author and speaker Abigail Trafford Wednesday, May 22, as the keynote speaker for their “Celebrate Your Bonus Years” event.

Summer Fun at Reston Town Center

Summer Concerts on the Town, Taste of Reston highlight annual events.

Reston Town Center will host their annual concert series starting June 1 and going through Aug. 24. The annual Summer Concerts on the Town series features everything from big band jazz to West African dance, Zydeco and more.

Reston Historic Trust Examines Reston’s Architecture

Historic Trust hosts discussion on development of Reston.

There is a small elevated concrete platform just south of the Lake Anne Plaza. According to the writing on the platform, it was built in 1963. But the plaza wasn’t completed until 1964.

Summer Fun in Herndon

Herndon Festival, new concert series highlight summer events.

Whether it’s downtown or the surrounding areas, there’s plenty of summer fun to be had in Herndon. Though it takes place a few weeks before the official start of summer, this weekend’s Herndon festival marks the start of the season for many.

Herndon Pays Tribute to the Fallen on Memorial Day

Annual Memorial Day ceremony held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Herndon residents gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day. The annual ceremony featured members of the American Legion, Herndon High School Naval JROTC and guest speaker Dr. Duane C. Young, a retired Army major.

Herndon Environmental Network Founder Recognized

Carlin Anderson named finalist for Cox Conserves Heroes.

When Herndon resident Carlin Anderson was looking for opportunities to volunteer, she wanted her efforts to go to helping the environment on a local and global level.

Week in Reston

Reston Hospital Center Receives Radiation Oncology Accreditation

Reston Hospital Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

NOVA Labs Sponsors ‘Take-apart’ Day

NOVA Labs threw open its doors on Saturday, May 11, to host a “Take-Apart” day, for the Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) Club from Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston. The 12 Hughes seventh graders could hardly wait for safety instructions and raced to pick out their pieces of equipment from bins of recycled phones, computers, answering machines and electronic games.

Chadia King of South Lakes Named Apple Scholar

This year’s 35 “Apple Scholars” were selected from over 400 applications that were reviewed by a committee of 30 judges from the Apple Federal Credit Union (FCU) membership community. The foundation selected students who demonstrated a commitment to helping their school and/or community.

Reston Summer Viewpoints

What Is Your Favorite Place or Way to Have Fun in the Summer?

Reform the Reforms

Reform would re-direct education expectations to ensure that every child was a successful learner.

Not unlike a raw material fed into one end of the school factory, the children are expected to come out the other end as a defined product. Teachers are the assembly-line workers with strict product specifications their students are expected to meet with the teacher’s rate of pay increasingly dependent upon the students’ performance.

Local Student to Receive Statewide Award

A Floris fifth-grader honored for excellence in math.

A Floris Elementary School fifth-grader has been selected as the Virginia recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association of Gifted Children.

Celebrating Partnerships

Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.

He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day

The sacrifices of those who died in war.

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.

Tea Party Ticket

Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.

Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.

Reston Community Orchestra Wraps up 25th Season

Reston Community Orchestra welcomes youth for season finale.

The Reston Community Orchestra concluded their 25th season Sunday, May 19, with a performance at the Reston Community Center.

Katherine Hanley Shelter Hosts Open House

Shelter houses more than 20 families at a time.

Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that operates two homeless shelters in Fairfax County, as well as a domestic abuse shelter, hosted an open house at their Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax Tuesday, May 14.

Herndon Farmer's Market Opens With New Activities

Cooking demos, live entertainment, extended hours part of this year’s market.

The Herndon Farmers Market has returned for the season, in a new location and with new extended hours designed to make shopping for fresh produce and other goods easier.

Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs

Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Local Artist Overcomes TBI With Passion for Art

Brian Menish makes art, defies Traumatic Brain Injury.

After years of intensive physical, speech and occupational therapy, Menish not only survived, but he now has regained the ability to walk and participate in nearly every activity of a typical 24-year-old male.

Love Your Body – Northern Virginia Yoga and Wellness Day

Free Public Event presented by Beloved Yoga ~ Proceeds Benefit Reston Interfaith

“At Love Your Body Day, everyone can learn about the many ways to take care of their bodies from the inside out – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to feel stronger, healthier, and better able to manage stress,” says Maryam Ovissi, co-owner of Beloved Yoga.

Reston’s ‘Party With a Cause’

Bad weather not a problem at Relay for Life.

To officially begin the event survivors from the area walk a lap amongst themselves wearing purple to signify the disease they overcame.

Alarmed Over Crescent Apartments Future

Faith communities and residents host a walk to raise awareness of possible loss of affordable housing.

On Sunday, May 19, V.O.I.C.E (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) walked with many residents of Reston, and tenants of Crescent Apartments to raise awareness of affordable housing in Reston and more specifically—plans to redevelop the Crescent Apartments on North Shore Drive from 181 units to much larger 700-900 units.

Fairfax County Band Directors Recognize Solo Performers

The Fairfax County Band Directors Association has recognized 15 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students for excellence in solo instrumental music performance as part of the 2013 Fairfax County Band Directors Association Solo Competition.

Reston Concerts on the Town Announces its 2013 Season

Commentary: Every Two Years

I told the several people who were present that I thought we needed a new Fairfax Resolves, remembering the resolution that the citizens of Fairfax County had drawn up to list their grievances against England before the revolution.

Column: Reston Marches to Support Neighbors

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon, ideal for marching to support our neighbors in Lake Anne’s Crescent Apartments and support some old-time Reston values.

Ballpark Bus Ups Reston 'Nattitude'

Reston Town Center showed some serious "Natitude" on Saturday, May 11 when the Ballpark Bus made its debut, shuttling over 40 baseball fans to Nationals Park from Clyde's of Reston.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Returns to Reston Town Center

Greg Sawyer of Herndon describes himself as an art fan, but says he’s a “little intimidated” by it. Still, having recently moved from Texas and living without roommates for the first time in his life, he has an apartment to decorate. That brought him to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center last weekend.

Classified Advertising May 22, 2013

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Reston Home Sales: April, 2013

In April 2013, 106 Reston homes sold between $1,470,000-$140,000.

Reston Home Sales: April, 2013

Great Falls Optimist Club Awards Helping Hands

Great Falls sixth graders honored.

The Great Falls Optimist Club recognized four sixth graders Wednesday, May 8 with their Helping Hands award, the first time the club has given out the awards to sixth graders whose efforts in school and in their communities have brought them to the attention of their teachers.

Fairfax County Attracts Innovative Technology Firms

More than 1,400 jobs added to local economy in first quarter.

Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013.

Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue

Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.

Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.

Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes

Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.

In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.

Classified Advertising May 15, 2013

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Quick Takes

Q&A with Pastor King Rhodes.

Pastor King Rhodes is founder and senior pastor of His Church International Christian Center (HCICC) in Springfield, and has been involved in Christian ministry and community outreach for more than 20 years. As a longtime advocate for foster youth, Rhodes and his ministry help support the mission of Fairfax Families4Kids, a foster-mentoring program for teens in Fairfax County. On Saturday, May 18, Rhodes’ church will sponsor the organization’s 5-K Walk during Foster Care Appreciation Month.

‘Day Prom’ Celebrated

Eight high schools participate in daytime prom for special needs students.

Prom is pretty intimidating as it is: date, hair, dress, food, limo, flowers, dancing... gasp. But the annual event is also a privilege, a rite of high school passage that bonds students through shared experience for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many students with special needs will never share that experience with their peers. Their physical or intellectual disabilities can make participating in such a large and emotional gathering overwhelming, uncomfortable, and in some cases, simply impossible.

Brief: Boyd School Celebrates Diversity at International Festival

The Boyd School hosted their annual International Children’s Festival on Saturday, May 4, and students, parents, staff and friends participated in the celebration of diversity of the school and the neighboring community.

Brief: Tigerlily Founder Maimah Karmo Receives Global Sisterhood Award

Maimah Karmo, who founded the nonprofit Tigerlily Foundation in Reston that serves women and girls nationally and globally, is one of four pioneering female leaders who will receive recognition for the dynamic work she is doing in her community. Karmo will receive the Sisterhood Agenda Global Partner Award, now in its third year, as presented by the Sisterhood Agenda at the SHE: Sisters Healthy & Empowered event in celebration of National Women’s Health Week on Friday, May 17, in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Commentary: Mental Health Needs Go Unmet

Under provisions of the Code of Virginia that were strengthened after the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech in 2007, an individual who has a mental illness and is likely to cause “serious harm to himself or others” or who has “a lack of capacity” to protect himself from harm or to provide for basic human needs and “is in need of hospitalization or treatment,” may be held under a temporary detention order.

Reston Youth Swim, Bike, Run

Amy’s Amigos host annual Reston Youth Triathlon

Swimmers were able to hit the water at the Ridge Heights Pool Sunday, May 12, a few weeks before the scheduled Memorial Day pool opening, but there was a catch: they had to cycle and run as well. The annual Reston Youth Triathlon took triathletes age 6 to 15 through the pool and on the streets surrounding South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. Participants ages 6 to 8 swam 50 meters, biked 1.03 miles and ran a third-mile, ages 9 to 11 swam 100 meters, biked three miles and ran 1.11 miles and ages 12 to 15 swam 150 meters, biked five miles and ran 1.51 miles.

Residents Discuss Baron Cameron Priorities

The Fairfax County Park Authority has started the master planning process for Baron Cameron Park, a 60-acre park at the northwest corner of the intersection of Wiehle Avenue and Baron Cameron Avenue.

‘Day Prom’ Celebrated

On Thursday, May 9, Herndon High School hosted a very special prom at the Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax. Called the “Day Prom” the event is held for students with special needs that might not be able to attend their general education prom.

Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure

Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.

Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.

Week in Reston

The ninth Ultimate NOVA Business Expo is taking place on May 17, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at QINETQ Building, 11091 Sunset Hills, Suite No. 800 in Reston, with some 100 exhibitors and hundreds of additional guests. This is the perfect place for business owners and other professionals to promote and grow their businesses.

Students, Teachers Exhibit Together

Art reception at Lake Anne Reston Community Center.

On Sunday, May 5, students and teachers in Reston Community Center’s visual arts program assembled in a reception to meet with friends and relatives. The work is on display now at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery at the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne.

Reston Girl Competes for Miss Virginia Title

Sara S. Gouda, the daughter of Sabri A. Gouda of Reston, is a state finalist in the National American Miss Virginia Pageant. She will compete with other pre-teen aged girls from across Virginia at the Reston Hyatt July 25-27 of this summer. Sara—who plays piano, games, soccer and volleyball—also likes reading, singing and spending time with her family.

Commentary: Forging a Future Path

Over the next couple of decades Virginia will have many more job openings for educated professionals and skilled technicians than there are persons in the pipeline to fill them, according to Northern Virginia Community College President Robert Templin speaking at “Blueprint Virginia,” an annual economic summit in Northern Virginia last week.

Reston Accessibility Committee—Award and Leadership

Last Tuesday, I went to the Fairfax County Government Center or “Taj Mahal,” as it is called by some, to watch the Board of Supervisors present citizen awards and issue grand proclamations. I was there to applaud presentation of the Community Partnership Award to an especially deserving Reston group, the Reston Accessibility Committee (RAC) of the Reston Citizens Association.

Natasha Parnian and Andrew Farms Engaged

Natasha Parnian, of Reston, and Andrew Farms, of Chantilly, are engaged and plan to wed Saturday, June 15.

Classified Advertising May 8, 2013

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Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries

Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.

Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’

Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.

“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams

Women Mean Business

In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.

Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters

In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.

Reston Nature House Hosts Spring Festival

Event features live animals, nature demonstrations.

Darren Chambers, 7, of Reston says he’s scared of spiders, silverfish and ants, but there’s one thing he’s not scared of: snakes. He had a chance to look at snakes up close and personal Saturday, May 4, at the Walker Nature Education Center during their Spring Festival.

Reston Farmers Market Opens Season

Weekly market open for business at Lake Anne.

The Reston Farmers Market opened its 2013 season Saturday morning, May 4, at Lake Anne Plaza. The market returns stronger than ever this year, with new additions including the county’s first seafood vendor at a farmers market.

Town Holds Big Truck Days

Children invited to explore equipment at Public Works Maintenance Complex.

The Town of Herndon opened up its Public Works Maintenance Complex and its large vehicles May 2 and 3 for the annual Big Truck Days. The event gave families and children a chance to explore some of the town’s heavy maintenance equipment.

Community Celebrates Great Falls Day

Celebration features live performances, history displays.

Members of Great Falls and the surrounding communities gathered at the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse Sunday, May 5, for Great Falls Day. In celebration of the two historic buildings, as well as other signature aspects of Great Falls, hundreds attended the event to enjoy a pleasant Sunday and learn more about history.

Haddad Celebrates 50 Years of Dance

Margaret Haddad Studio to present "Down Memory Lane."

After dancing and teaching ballet in four countries over the past five decades, Margaret Haddad’s Studio of Classical Ballet will look back on some of her favorite shows with "Down Memory Lane."

Classified Advertising May 1, 2013

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