Wednesday, November 27
Classified Advertising November 27, 2013
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Usury Explosion: Northern Virginia Becomes Hotbed for Car-Title Lending Industry
Route 1 corridor currently has eight locations; soon to get ninth.
In the last three years, dozens of new car-title lending businesses have popped up in neighborhoods across Northern Virginia — the result of recent regulations opening the door to a business that charges as much as 264 percent a year on loans.
Tuesday, November 26
Column: "Scanticipation"
When I get CT-Scanned on Wednesday, November 27th, it will be nearly four months since my last diagnostic scan. That occurred during my hospital "staycation" during the first week of August, when I was admitted due to the extremely abnormal fluid buildup in my left lung.
Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows
Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts
Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.
Opportunities to Serve Others on Thanksgiving
Local charities in need of help from the community.
Rahsan Baatin bikes to his Arlington, Va., office on most days. He runs every day. His wife Victoria swims each morning. The two are gearing up to spend Thanksgiving morning running The Trot for Hunger, a 5k race to raise more for the local charity SOME (So Others Might Eat).
Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving
Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.
"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.
While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.
Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival
Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.
"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.
South Lakes Seniors Attend STEM Diversity Symposium
Three South Lakes High School seniors—Mahrukh Chowdan, Marli Saunders and Olivia Vita were chosen by the GEMS Club Initiative to attend the first-ever STEM Diversity Symposium on Capitol Hill to discuss the accomplishments women and minorities have made in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as the importance of encouraging more women and minorities to pursue STEM studies and careers. The event took place on Nov. 13.
‘Les Miserables’ Storms the Barricades at the Reston Holiday Parade
The cast and crew of the Reston Players production of "Les Miserables" are excited to announce their participation in this year’s Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29.
Column: Beyond Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your family! In previous columns on this date I have presented the historic evidence clearly establishing that the first Thanksgiving celebration took place at Berkeley Plantation in Virginia on Dec. 4, 1619—several years before the Pilgrims ever left England to come to Plymouth Colony.
Community Creates Season of Giving
Organizations and individuals step to transform ‘The Holiday Season’ into ‘The Season of Giving.’
Thursday, Thanksgiving, traditionally marks the beginning of "The Holiday Season." The Christmas Shopping Derby will kick off at midnight for many of the big retailers, and the frantic rush of decorating, card sending, gift buying, wrapping, parties, baking, cooking, preparing for visitors or preparing to travel shifts into high gear.
Three Birds Seeks Energy Education
Foundation seeks to assist schools with alternative energy solutions.
When Rachel Carson Middle School installed 11 solar panels several years ago, Joseph Plummer was inspired. After all, the students worked to raise more than $40,000 for the installation, which gave them a hands-on chance to learn about alternative energy sources.
Holiday Homes Tour Set for Dec. 7
Annual tour features five homes, will be walkable for the first time.
The Town of Herndon will host its annual Holiday Homes Tour Saturday, Dec. 7, giving visitors a chance to explore five residences and the visions of their owners.
Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings
Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.
Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.
Monday, November 25
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
So many needs, so many great organizations, give locally where your heart leads you.
The holidays are about giving. They are about children. The holidays are about sharing, about joy, about alleviating suffering for others. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation.
Thursday, November 21
Classified Advertising November 20, 2013
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Seahawks Ready to ‘Cut Nets’
South Lakes girls’ basketball returns nine from state-playoff team.
The South Lakes girls' basketball team opens the season on Dec. 3 at Stone Bridge.
Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books
Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.
Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.
Wednesday, November 20
Nature Center Hosts Evening Hike
On Nov. 13, Reston Association hosted an evening hike at the Walker Nature Center on 11450 Glade Drive. The hike was led by naturalist Ken Rosenthal, who led a similar group with a target audience of grandparents and grandchildren the previous year.
Lake Fairfax Still Open As End of the Year Approaches
Although Reston’s Lake Fairfax park’s outdoor Water Mine Swimmin’ Hole is closed until May 2014, the park remains open to visitors and patrons.
Reston Exhibit Shows Wildlife of Africa
Photo exhibit on display until Nov. 30.
On Nov. 14, there was an evening reception at the Reston Center for photographer Patricia Deege’s exhibit "Africa The Living Wild."
Classical Ballet Theatre Presents Nutcracker
Annual production will run Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
The Classical Ballet Theatre will present their annual production of “The Nutcracker” starting Nov. 30 at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.
Thrift Shop Gift Ideas in Herndon
The Closet, Bargain Loft, offer gift ideas that support local charities.
While there’s no shortage of standard brick-and-mortar and online places to shop for this holiday season, several thrift shops in Herndon offer special gift opportunities, as well as a chance to help the less fortunate while doing so.
Herndon Cadets Visit Boot Camp
Naval JROTC cadets train at Parris Island, S.C.
Members of the Herndon High School Naval Junior ROTC got a chance to train in the same place as members of the Marine Corps for 48 hours, experiencing life at boot camp firsthand.
Holiday Gift Ideas in Reston
Reston Used Book Shop, Reston Museum offer local gift ideas.
When hunting for presents this holiday season, the Reston Used Book Store offers hard-to-find reads alongside bestsellers at one of the area’s most popular gift destinations.
Unfunded Northern Virginia Transportation Projects Discussed
County seeks feedback on unfunded projects.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation hosted their latest Countywide Conversation on Transportation Meeting in Reston Wednesday, Nov. 13, to solicit opinions on unfunded transportation projects.
Tuesday, November 19
A Lesson on Thankfulness
Chanukah and Thanksgiving are deeply connected.
For the first time since 1888, and not for at least another 77,798 years, the festivals of Chanukah and Thanksgiving converge. It is a rarity that invites us to take a closer look at the underlying message of both, the common theme they both share.
Column: Invest in the Young
There is no program or service for which public dollars can be invested that will have a greater return than those invested in the care and education of young children. People who work in early childhood and day care programs have known intuitively and anecdotally for a long time that children in their programs were much more likely to be successful by a number of different measures than were children who did not have access to their programs.
Column: Election Day 2013
Some friends who work on election issues for the Democratic Party have pestered me to stand up and serve as an election officer. The last couple of elections Republican election officers substantially outnumbered Democrats working the polls—not a healthy situation. So, I bit the bullet and signed up.
Getting Ready for Guests at Thanksgiving and Beyond
Ideas for prepping your home so that visitors feel welcome.
When Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season next week, it will mean an onslaught of house guests for some. Local style gurus offer simple ideas for getting your home ready for visits from friends and family.
Learning to Create an Organized Holiday Season
Local pros offer tips for staying on track from Thanksgiving and beyond.
"If you’re organized, you’ll definitely experience less stress this holiday season," said professional organizer Susan Unger, of ClutterSOS in Vienna. "If you figure out what your goal is and map out everything in advance, you won’t find yourself staying up late wrapping presents and other chores and you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends."
Teaching Children to Make Holiday Gifts
Local art experts offer crafty gift ideas.
Gifting your child’s teacher, grandparents or other family members with holiday cheer doesn’t have to add another line item to your budget. Homemade gifts from children are among the most cherished, say experts, and creating them can be as memorable for the child as the recipient.
Tips for Holiday Card Photos
Local photographers offer suggestions for taking great family photos.
Amber Wilson has spent the last week scouring her computer files in search of the perfect pictures for her holiday card. One image missing from her collection is a shot of her entire family.
Column: Cost of Living
As the person primarily responsible for stocking the house with supplies and maintaining miscellaneous inventory, I am frequently in stores (supermarket, drugstore, pet store, etc.) buying the staples (not an office supply reference) our family needs to maintain our lifestyle, such as it is.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Like a Chef
Local chefs and culinary experts share family stories and recipes.
As a teen, Chef Guiseppe Ricciardi’s Thanksgiving dinners were anything but traditional. Ricciardi , the proprietor of Dolce Vita and Dolce Veloce in Fairfax, moved to New York from Italy with his family when he was 14. His family celebrated Thanksgiving in their new country, but they put an Italian twist on the holiday.
Holiday Cooking with Children
Local culinary instructors offer suggestions for bonding in the kitchen.
Maria Kopsidas recalls childhood holidays filled with turkey, sweets and merriment. Because she grew up in a family of professional chefs, cookbook authors and culinary enthusiasts, the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas always brings fond food recollections.
Editorial: Shop Locally, Shop in McLean
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 30. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as a dedicated day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
Friday, November 15
Springfield Home Sales: October, 2013
In October 2013, 114 Springfield homes sold between $1,025,000-$210,000.
Springfield Home Sales: October, 2013
Reston Home Sales: October, 2013
In October 2013, 75 Reston homes sold between $1,350,000-$154,000.
Reston Home Sales: October, 2013
Classified Advertising November 13, 2013
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Wednesday, November 13
Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work
In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.
Nearly Naked Mile Held at Reston Town Center
Fundraiser for Medstar Washington Hospital Center draws crowds.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Reston Town Center was filled with visitors who came to participate in the Nearly Naked Mile. Kelly Kavanaugh, a head coach at Potomac River Running, was emceeing the race.
Reston Holiday Parade Returns Nov. 29
Reston Town Center presents the 23rd annual Reston Holiday Parade on Friday, Nov. 29 at 11a.m. to launch the festive season with Macy’s-style balloons, musicians, dancers, antique cars, and more. This one-of-a-kind, one-hour parade along Market Street will also welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus in a horse-drawn carriage.
Jewelry Trunk Show at Reston Town Center
Appalachian Spring, Reston Town Center, presents an Ed Levin Jewelry Trunk Show, Nov. 16, which will feature the entire Ed Levin 2013 jewelry collection of over 200 different designs.
Column: The Nature of Virginia
Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe hit the ground running when the day after his election he announced his transition team and a webpage at which he solicits ideas and suggestions and invites resumes from those who want to work in his administration: http://action.terrymcauliffe.com/page/s/transition.
Halloween Candy Used for a Good Cause
Dr. Tisseront's 8th Annual Halloween Candy Buy-Back event benefiting Children's National Medical Center and Troops overseas was held on Monday Nov. 4.
Potters Return to Colvin Run Mill
Local potters returned to Colvin Run Mill the first weekend of November for their holiday sale. Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located in Alexandria.
Editorial: Proof Every Vote Matters
Elections have consequences, including very close races.
Tuesday morning, a full week after an Election Day that included races that were more suspenseful than anticipated (and also many races that were foregone conclusions), we are probably more than a month away from certifying the winner of the Virginia Attorney General race.
It Wasn’t Fun While It Lasted
But it was only a week, and I was able to leave under my own power, assisted by a wheelchair, which is of course standard procedure when leaving a hospital after an admission, so it wasn’t a total loss. It was three months ago today, Friday, August 2nd that I was "ambulanced " to Holy Cross Hospital where I spent the beginning of my seven, first-ever nights in a hospital; pretty fortunate track record for someone my age.
Creating a Feast for the Eye
Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.
While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.
Choosing Art
Local designers offer tips on how to banish blank walls.
When Anne McCloud and her fiance, Mark Graham, moved into their Herndon home two years ago, with the exception of a large, deep red Chesterfield sofa, a present from Anne’s parents, the furniture they had was left over from graduate school: a tattered antique chair in need of reupholstering and two side tables.
Home for the Holidays
Amateur chef Dave Mulligan gets the kitchen of his dreams ... just in time for Thanksgiving.
As Dave Mulligan tells it, he owes the long-coveted "blue eyes" granite countertops now in his kitchen to events that started with a leaking shower one floor above.
Sweet Gathering in the Sunshine
Mentors, foster children and other youth learn about bees; county needs more foster families, mentors.
On a beautiful day in late summer, a group of young people of varied backgrounds, including some youth in foster care, gathered with their adult mentors under the ongoing auspices of Fairfax Families4Kids on a field trip into the countryside.
Tuesday, November 12
RCA Gives ‘D’ To Reston Master Plan Draft
Citizens Association cites numerous failures with master plan.
As Reston prepares for its future, the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force recently voted to send their work onto the Fairfax County Planning Commission for consideration.
Thursday, November 7
Classified Advertising November 6, 2013
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Wednesday, November 6
GMU Rector Visits Penn State
Athletic program explored.
As the Pennsylvania State University community geared up for a busy home football weekend, a visitor from Fairfax was present in the stands: CDaniel Clemente, Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors.
Yoga Community Lauds New Smithsonian Exhibit
Sackler exhibit is first of its kind.
Yoga instructor Luann Fulbright of McLean moved her practice from the mat to a gallery recently when she joined diplomats, philanthropists, artists and fellow yogis at a gala to celebrate the opening of "Yoga: The Art of Transformation" at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. It is the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga.
Column: This Spud’s For You
There’s more talk now than ever before, about the possibility of the Washington, D.C. professional football team changing its name.
Fairfax County Wants You
County launches "Transportation Dialogues" to get feedback on public’s priorities.
Not since 1987 — when today’s 40-something motorists were newly-minted drivers — has Fairfax County seen any new revenue stream for its traffic-choked roadways or relief for the region’s chronic gridlock.
Stacey Kincaid Elected County’s First Female Sheriff
Kincaid, a Vienna resident, pledges commitment to diversity, department’s employees and community outreach programs.
Democrat Stacey Kincaid, a 26-year-veteran of the sheriff’s department, made local history Tuesday by becoming Fairfax County’s first female sheriff.
Paying Attention to the Pros
High School coaches, players share opinions on Redskins’ Meriweather.
Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has received penalties, fines and a suspension for illegal hits.
Battleground? Not Exactly
Competitive state races gave voters more choices, but they stick with incumbents over challengers.
Every two years, Virginia holds all of its statewide elections.
Editorial: Be Part of Children’s Connection
Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 6.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.
Jane Wallace New Long & Foster Manager
Jane Wallace, a real estate professional with nearly 10 years of residential and commercial real estate experience, has been named manager of the Reston office of Long & Foster Real Estate, the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States and the No. 1 seller of luxury homes in the Mid-Atlantic.
Reston United Blue Goes to States
The Reston United Blue (u12) competed in the National President's Cup Tournament Saturday, Oct. 26, led by coach Kamal Ismail.
South Lakes Flag, Support in Afghanistan
The Hunter Mill District Office is rallying the Reston community to contribute to their Support Our Troops project. The office is teaming with South Lakes High School, along with help from Reston Youth Association, and Reston Soccer Association, to bring a taste of home to a unit of 78 soldiers and sailors serving in Ghazni, Afghanistan.
Generation Next Event Held At GRACE
On Oct. 30, Greater Reston Art Center [GRACE] held a happy hour event to inspire and involve the next generation of GRACE members and community patrons.
Letter: In Rust, I Trust
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I plan to vote for the one person whose demonstrated experience and leadership makes him the only real choice to represent us in the Virginia House of Delegates. That person is Delegate Tom Rust.
Reston Hospital Receives Awards for Patient Care
Reston Hospital Center has announced the recognition of several departmental awards for their patient care. Over the past several months, Reston Hospital Center has received five awards celebrating these significant achievements.
Jungmin Park and Ajay Leister at GRACE
Opening reception is Thursday, Nov. 21.
Two area artists, Jungmin Park and Ajay Leister, have work on exhibit at the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) from Monday, Nov. 18 through the New Year.
Reston Thanksgiving Food Drive Kicks Off
Community comes together to support those in need.
Reston Community Center (RCC) announced this year’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, in partnership with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith).
‘Rite of Spring’ Celebrated at Reston's CenterStage
The legendary Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" caused protests when first performed 100 years ago coupled with the provocative dancing of Njinsky.
Hanging Out With Dad
Dads, grandpas, uncles and male role models all came to school with their sons and daughters Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Lake Anne Elementary School.
Now What?
Results of the election are not known to me as I write this column, but polling suggests that there will be a shift towards the middle of the political spectrum in the Old Dominion this year.
Lake Anne—Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Besides being a charming place to live, Lake Anne Village is Reston’s historic heart, the place where it all began in 1964.
Voters ‘Slow and Steady’ at Reston Polls
At Dogwood Elementary: baked goods, coffee, and left over Halloween candy was on offer to reward the good citizenship.
"No big rush. Just a strong, steady stream." That’s how Craig Dubois described the scene at Armstrong Elementary on Lake Newport Road in Reston as he offered sample ballots – with a Democratic twist - to arriving voters.
Reston Rink Ready for Skaters, Fundraiser for Character Counts Coalition
Mother Nature did not cooperate with the planned Reston Town Center Skating Rink season opener this weekend.
Author Explores ‘Undead Chaos’
Joshua Roots released debut urban fantasy novel.
For the past 10 years, Joshua Roots has wanted to write a book. While an active duty Marine, he says he played around with the idea.
Bicycle Access Coming to Wiehle Station
Bicycle racks, lockers, equipment part of alternative access options.
While the Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station is the only Silver Line Phase One station to have a parking garage directly adjacent to it, room has been made for other modes of transportation.
Simon’s Likeness to Benefit Cornerstones
Bronze bust of Robert Simon to be auctioned off to assist with affordable housing.
As Reston approaches its 50th year, and its founder approaches his 100th year, Robert Simon’s vision for his community is still very much intact. Part of his vision included people of all income levels living side by side.
Getting Children to Give Back
Touching Heart aims to train next generation of compassionate leaders.
As her birthday approached several years ago, Taylor Yi of Herndon realized she wasn’t that excited about another year of presents from her friends.
Friday, November 1
Classified Advertising, October 30, 2013
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