Stories for September 2013

Commentary: In Search of Affordable Housing

Challenges for Residential Studio Units and the need to address them.

Fairfax County’s Planning Commission will hold two workshops on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 to expand the discussion about the proposed residential studio unit (RSU) amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. There will be a staff presentation on Sept. 25, and questions submitted online by citizens to the Planning Department will be answered in the second workshop on Oct 2. The plan is for both workshops to be televised on the county’s cable station.

Editorial: Vote

It will matter who is elected governor.

To vote on Election Day, you must be registered at your current address no later than Oct. 15, 2013. You can check your registration status online by visiting the State Board of Elections website at www.sbe.virginia.gov. There you can also download a voter registration form and mail or fax it to your elections office address.

Column: A Study in Contrasts

The decision for yours truly to participate in a Phase 1 Study at N.I.H. or Johns Hopkins (depending upon availability and qualifications) discussed in last week’s column has been put on hold, temporarily. It seems that my oncologist was thinking about me over the holiday weekend and called me on Wednesday following Labor Day to say he had a diagnostic idea concerning me: a 24-hour urine collection (a “Creatinine Clearance Study”) which would provide a more accurate reading (than the regular lab work I have; from blood) of my kidney function.

Column: A Peculiar Existence

I’m not exactly pretending that I don’t have stage IV lung cancer (non-small cell, to be specific), but ever since my hospital admission on August 2nd, I have been treatment-free; no I.V. chemotherapy, no oral medication, no targeted treatment, no nothing. And during this sabbatical (I use that term loosely; being off chemotherapy has been as much about recovering from surgery and recuperating from my hospital “stay-cation” as it was anything necessarily intended), I have progressed from feeling crappy and being short of breath—while being infused previously, to where I have become relatively asymptomatic, breathing normally and for the nearly eight week treatment-free interval mentioned, have felt mostly OK.

Residential Studios Put on Hold

Supervisors establish committee, plan additional public outreach.

At the recommendation of Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-At-Large) and Supervisor Michael Frey (R-Sully), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 24 deferred its Nov. 20 public hearing on a proposed residential studios (RSUs) amendment to conduct additional community outreach. The board also established a Planning Commission Residential Studios Committee.

Northern Virginia Supports Day to Serve

The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), a coalition of 14 counties, cities and towns that work together on regional issues, passed a unanimous resolution endorsing Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell’s call to participate in the 2013 Day to Serve.

New Nosy Recruits ‘Bolt & Silas’ Prepare for Duty

Although they are just a few months old and still in their bonding and training phases, two new bloodhound pups are preparing for the rigors of police work in Fairfax County. Bolt and Silas are the police department’s newest additions to their bloodhound team. The agency purchased the pups in August when they were just 6 weeks old. They join Shnoz and Cody, sisters from the hills of Northern Alabama who joined the agency in 2008 at 19 months old.

McAuliffe, Cuccinelli Highlight Small Business Summit

Gubernatorial candidates speak at the Mason Inn & Conference Center.

Virginia gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli were the keynote speakers at the fourth annual Virginia Small Business Partnership (VASBP) Summit, hosted by Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies LLC at The Mason Inn in Fairfax on Friday, Sept. 20. “We are thrilled to have them join us,” said Paul A. Miller, chairman of the VASBP.

Wear Jeans to Work, Help End Homelessness

Register now to participate in Jeans Day Fairfax on Oct. 18.

Just by wearing jeans to work, you can actively help nearly 3,000 men, women and children in Fairfax County who face homelessness and hunger every day. On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Friday, Oct. 18 “Jeans Day Fairfax,” the third annual Jeans Day event in Fairfax County.

Bulldozing Tactics

To the Editor: Things didn't go the way she wanted. The "wrong" candidate was endorsed. Hell to pay. A petulant state senator stamps her foot, threatening retribution.

Facts About Rec Center Still Needed

To the Editor: I am writing in response to Bob Simon's letter ["Facts About the Rec Center," July 24-30, 2013] regarding the Rec Center planned for Reston by the Reston Community Center (RCC). While I understand Bob thinks that there has been misinformation about the Rec Center, I feel there has not been enough information available about the center, primarily around the finances. The current proposal commits Reston taxpayers to paying the full capital and operating expenses of this $33 million center, while other centers are supported in full by the county

Commentary

Where Is the Outrage?

Aaron Alexis exercised his constitutional right to bear arms when he carried his shotgun and pistols to work with him at the Washington Navy Yard where he proceeded to shoot 12 other people before the police shot him in what the Washington Post termed a “rampage.” The pattern is becoming all too familiar: You get ticked off at someone or something; you get yourself a really big gun that a lot of people are spending a lot of money and time to ensure you can purchase as easily as possible; you vent your anger by shooting a lot of people; and you get put out of your misery when the police shoot you. If it sounds like a familiar story line, it’s because you’ve heard it many times—Virginia Tech, Fort Hood, Tucson, Aurora, Newtown, and now the Washington Navy Yard to name just a few of the sprees in recent years.

Farmers Market Takes Festival Holiday and Lake Anne Down

Independent Progressive

What a marvelous season 2013 has been at the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne! And there is much more to come after a one-day break for Multicultural Festival day this Saturday, Sept. 28.

NatureFest Returns to Runnymede

Annual festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 6.

The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Runnymede Park will team up to host this year’s NatureFest Sunday, Oct. 6. The annual event gives local residents a chance to explore the plants and animals that live in the 58-acre park.

Fall Comes to Reston

Multicultural Festival, Reston Home Tour highlight fall events.

This fall, several new features will come to two of Reston’s signature events. The Reston Multicultural Festival, which will take place at Lake Anne Saturday, Sept. 28, will begin with the annual naturalization ceremony.

Six Run for RCC Board

Six candidates seek three openings on Reston Community Center Governing Board.

Six candidates are currently running for three seats on the Reston Community Center’s Governing Board. A preference poll is currently being conducted through the first week in October.

Running, Walking for a Cause at Susco 8K

Annual Tim Susco 8K run, 2K walk comes to South Lakes.

Tim Susco, a 1999 graduate of South Lakes High School, was living his dream in the summer of 2007. He was working as a location scout for the NBC show “Heroes” when he suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away at the age of 25.

Full Disclosure? Forms Plagued By Lack of Information, Absence of Oversight

Fairfax County goes so far as to redact disclosure documents.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent.

Reston Home Sales: August, 2013

In August 2013, 104 Reston homes sold between $1,100,000-$140,000.

Reston Home Sales: August, 2013

Editorial: Addressing Virginia’s Economy

Ending gridlock in Congress and supporting health care reform would be huge steps in supporting economic recovery in Virginia.

The strength of Virginia’s economy, especially Northern Virginia’s economy, comes significantly from federal spending. So while the governor and other elected officials claim that Virginia’s success is because Virginia is a low-tax state with fewer regulations, it’s worth considering that the sequester and continuing gridlock in Congress threaten Virginia’s most important resource, federal spending.

Navy Yard Shootings Hit Close to Home

Four Fairfax County victims killed in Washington Navy Yard rampage.

“Marty was a kind and caring man. He had such a sweet spirit and was in every way a man that lived his life to honor Christ.” —Pastor Steve Holley of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield

Local Business Leaders Spotlight Opportunities for UK Companies

Fairfax County EDA organizes Sept. 26 seminar in London.

Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) officials announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, that local executives will speak at a London seminar to spotlight opportunities for British companies interested in homeland security business opportunities in the United States.

Full Disclosure?

Forms plagued by a lack of information, absence of oversight; redacted documents.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent. Some elected officials choose to disclose a great deal of information while others disclose very little. Fairfax County officials have decided to redact information that's supposed to be part of the public record. And nobody is reviewing the forms to make sure they are accurate.

Classified Advertising Sept. 18, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Week in Reston

Metro Launches Silver Line Website

Metro Launches Silver Line Website Metro has launched a website—www.silverlinemetro.com—for information on the Silver Line. The site will be updated frequently with new service details, destinations and partner information. If you have additions to suggest or links you would like Metro to include, email your comments to externalrelations@wmata.com.

Agility Cats Perform at National Cat Show

Reston woman’s Abyssinian cats are famous for athletic prowess.

Cat trainer and breeder Lisa-Maria Padilla, 52, of Reston, appeared with her blue Abyssinian cats at the National Capital Cat Show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly over the weekend, Sept. 7-8.

Life Time Athletic Opens in Reston

New gym brings jobs, promotes fitness in Reston

Life Time Athletic Reston held an official opening ceremony on the evening of Sept. 12. The grand opening ceremony was open to the public, and several local dignitaries attended, including Robert "Bob" Simon, Jr., founder of Reston. Life Time Athletics staff from the Reston store and other locations including Centreville were also on site to attend to the large number of visitors.

Reston Teen Serves Up Recipes the Italian Way

Ben Gaiarin, a 16-year-old Reston native and student at South Lakes High School, explores Italian cuisine.

Imagine yourself savoring all the flavors of Europe; the cheeses and breads of Switzerland, the bratwurst and schnitzel of Germany, the pastries of France, the pastas and pizzas of Italy and the classic dishes of countries like England, Spain, Austria and Hungary.

Lake Anne Interim Agreement Approved

Board of Supervisors hopes project will serve as revitalization catalyst.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an interim agreement for the redevelopment of the Crescent Apartments, which are located in the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization District. The 16.5-acre site contains 181 affordable housing units.

Festival on the Square Returns Oct. 27

The 5th annual Festival on the Square is Sunday, Oct. 27 from noon until 4 p.m. at Reston Heights, 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston. In addition to hosting the Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith) Help the Homeless Community Walk, Festival on the Square offers a full afternoon of free family fun including live entertainment, a petting zoo, a hay maze, trackless train rides, face painting, moon bounce, giant slide, children’s activities, trick-or-treating, plus the Z Car Club’s Judging and People’s Choice Award.

Planning Area’s Future Transit

Transportation officials discuss transportation funding, projects.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance hosted their annual "What You Need to Know About Transportation" seminar Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Gannett building in McLean.

South Lakes Football Overcomes Fourth-Quarter Deficit

Denny scores two touchdowns in win against W-L.

Seahawks score game-winner in final two minutes.

A New Beginning for Fairfax County Public Libraries?

Library trustees vote to discard beta plan in favor of more public outreach sessions.

On Wall Street, a “beta” test refers to assessing the risk, volatility and expected return of a particular portfolio. If Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials had a crystal ball to assess the volatility of its planned beta tests this fall, it’s likely they may have steered clear of the project that became a quagmire of epic proportions.

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

County suspends discarding of library books.

Just when Sam Clay, Fairfax County’s Public Library director, thought FCPL’s public image couldn’t get any worse, Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) released photos of bins filled to the brim with discarded library books.

Letter: Joining Forces to Prevent Homelessness

You can prevent homelessness, you can end chronic homelessness, you can move people rapidly out of homelessness. What you cannot do is stand aside and let people fall. This simple belief—that together we can change the rate and severity of people losing their homes—brings together nonprofits, for-profits, civic leaders and government staff. We each play a special role, depending on our location and mission. For United Community Ministries (UCM), prevention is the key.

Column: Now This is What

Do nothing (no more treatment) and live life to the fullest (for as long as I’m able, and right now, I’m extremely able); start another chemotherapy protocol – with an I.V. chemotherapy drug which, according to my oncologist, has not been proven in any clinical setting to be better than the patient doing nothing; or, try to get into a Study (Phase 1, 2 or 3) at either N.I.H. (National Institutes of Health) or Johns Hopkins (in Baltimore) and let the treatment chips fall wherever experimental/research medicine takes them. This is what my oncologist discussed with Team Lourie at my most recent appointment, my first appointment with him since my hospitalization and subsequent release.

NVAR Summit at GMU’s Mason Inn

Complex shortage of homes for sale likely to persist; boomers not planning to retire, not planning to move, experts say. Rising mortgage rates should inspire renters to buy soon.

Nationally syndicated columnist and moderator Kenneth R. Harney introduced the expert panel for the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) 17th annual Economic Summit Thursday morning, Sept. 5. Dr. David Crowe, chief economist and senior vice president of the National Association of Home Builders, joined economic experts David E. Versel, a senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, and Dr. Lawrence Yun, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors.

Condo Renovations

As sales of condominiums grow, so does demand for luxury renovations.

More people are moving from leafy, sprawling suburbs to more urban areas, neighborhoods both in the city and in Northern Virginia that offer close proximity to restaurants, jobs, cultural activities and Metro.

Big Ideas for Small Spaces

Local designers offer ideas for decorating small rooms.

Whether one is sprucing up a small powder room or decorating a studio apartment, space limitations often pose a design challenge. However, local designers say that no matter how a small space’s square footage or how awkward the layout, there are plenty of decorative cures for small spaces. Whether one is sprucing up a small powder room or decorating a studio apartment, space limitations often pose a design challenge. However, local designers say that no matter how a small space’s square footage or how awkward the layout, there are plenty of decorative cures for small spaces.

Top-to-Bottom Makeover Embraces Longterm Horizons

The Hollis family wanted a house that would work better today — and long into the future.

Sometimes it’s not limited square footage that makes a house feel inadequate — it’s how that square footage is configured.

Like Magic

New plan in built-out 1940s colonial gains vital square footage as young family looks ahead.

In the end, a skillful spatial reconfiguration is like a deft magician's trick — you've seen it with your own eyes, but you still can't figure out how they did it. “Really, I don't know how this plan created so much more usable space,” Alexandria resident Alice Goulet said, discussing a recent reconfiguration to several rooms in the family's 1,800-square-foot center-hall Colonial.

Northern Virginia Designers Awarded Rooms in Showhouse Event

Northern Virginia/metro area interior designers Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design and Wayne Breeden of E. Wayne Breeden Design are among 17 designers awarded rooms at the benefit Winchester Showhouse & Gardens, open to the public through Sept. 29.

Sun Design Named One of U.S.’s Fastest Growing Private Companies

Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc., of Fairfax, was named by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies. This is the fourth time the magazine has included Sun Design on its annual Inc. 5000 list.

Week in Reston

Police responded to the area of Virginia Center Boulevard and Baronhurst Drive on Monday, Sept. 9 shortly after 3:30 p.m. for the report of a crash involving a motorcycle. Initial responding officers summoned Crash Reconstruction Detectives to the scene.

Reston Strikes Blue Win First Tournament

The Great Falls and Reston U11 girls of the Reston Strikers Blue team played and won their first tournament of the season. They got a new coach (Georgiou Apostolos) this year as well as a couple of new players to round out the team. This tournament was the first time they stepped on the field together as a team. To note—Coach Apostolos also coaches his daughter's U14 Team (they are currently ranked No. 1 in WAGS—Washington Area Girls Soccer). They also won in this same tournament. The tournament was the OBGC Capital Cup Labor Day Tournament, which is one of the top rated Labor Day tournaments in the region.

Reston Strikers Win at OBGC Capital Cup

The Reston Strikers stepped onto the field in their first tournament Saturday, Aug. 31 to play in one of the top rated Labor Day tournaments in the region, the OBGC Capital Cup. The tournament included top teams from mostly Virginia and Maryland, ages U9-U19. The debut game for the Strikers ended in a 3-3 tie, awarding them one point in the bracket rankings. In their second game, the Strikers confidence grew with an easy 8-0 win. The Strikers had to beat the first place team in order to make it into the championship game. A tie would mean it was over. The Strikers won 2-1, and then faced off with the winners of bracket B on Monday, Sept. 2nd. The Reston Strikers won in a 2-0 victory.

Reston Association Holds Biannual Yard Sale

The Reston Association held a biannual yard sale at the parking lot near the organization’s office at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive on Sept. 7. Shoppers and vendors mingled from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., enjoying the nice weather. The event organizer, Ashley Soloff, developed the idea of a community yard sale sponsored by the Reston Association. The idea was well received, as some neighborhoods in Reston do not permit individual yard sales.

Lockheed Employees Show Generous Spirit to Lake Anne ES

Employees of Lockheed Martin who work for the HRAccess Program (Human Resources for TSA) donated supplies to Lake Anne Elementary School; the "Recruiting and Hiring Team" as well as the "Personnel, Payroll and Benefits Team" contributed to the cause. These employees pooled their own money and one individual took the money and went school supply shopping specifically for the Lake Anne school. Her name is Renee McPherson and she is pictured above at Lake Anne Elementary School with school Administrative Assistant Michelle Claude.

Reston Native Unearths the Past in Spain

South Lakes High 2011 graduate explores ancient sites, archeology.

A former baseball player for South Lakes High School in Reston, Ben Raymond is used to spending time playing in the dirt. But this summer, his time in the dirt took on a whole new meaning.

Commentary: Lessons to Be Learned From Others

For many years I used North Carolina as a state that I thought Virginia should emulate. As another southern state, North Carolina was showing Virginia up in its commitment to improving the quality of life of its residents through investments, particularly in education. North Carolina’s appropriation for its university system was at least quadruple the amount per student as Virginia’s. Its preschool program was a model for the country. The state recognized early the importance of the high technology industries and was very successful in attracting new businesses to the Research Triangle.

Column: Another Questionable Use of Lethal Force

On Aug. 29, another civilian was shot to death in a situation that, on the face of it, did not justify the use of lethal force. Mr. John Geer was shot to death standing in the doorway of his home with no visible weapon according to reports from his father and neighbors.

South Lakes Student Honored for Writing

A South Lakes High freshman was among those honored Sunday, Sept. 8, for their entries in a Grandparents Day writing contest. She is Anusha Rahman and she received an honorable mention for “The Journey to My Grandparents.”

Herndon Scouts Collect Bikes for the World

On Sept. 28, Boy Scout Troop 159 will have a bike drive for Bikes for the World.

Did you just buy a new bike and find someone to adopt your old bike which is not in a perfect condition? Do you have a child’s bike at home that's not fit for your son or daughter? Do you have a bike with missing parts? Put your old bike to good use by donating it to Bikes for the World.

Editorial: Small Steps to Fight Homelessness

Efficiency apartments would serve 20-somethings, service workers, retirees and more.

One way to prevent homelessness is to think small. It doesn’t take much space to house one person. Sure, many houses in our area have 1,000 square feet and sometimes two or three times that much per person, but that’s really not necessary.

Celebrating Diversity Through Music

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bilingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues.

With grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bi-lingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues in the coming weeks.

Classified Advertising September 11, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Reston Hosts 30th Triathlon

Event features two men who have done all 30 races.

Thirty years ago, many of Reston’s swimmers, runners and cyclists came together to host the first Reston Triathlon.

Herndon Hosts Classic Car Show

Automobiles, live music, swing dancing come to downtown.

Downtown Herndon went back in time by more than a half century Sunday, Sept. 8, for the 12th annual AARP Dulles Classic Car Show.

Austin Nicholls of Fairfax Troop 1530 Achieves Eagle Rank

Austin David Nicholls, an Oak Hill resident and rising junior at South Lakes High School, earned scouting’s highest rank of Eagle on June 18. Austin is a member of Troop 1530, sponsored by Pender United Methodist Church in Fairfax, and it was at Pender's ReGift Thrift Store in Chantilly that he decided to do his Eagle Scout project.

Opinion: Dangers of Failure To Act

Our current and future standing in the international community is on the line.

President Obama has sought Congressional approval to carry out limited surgical strikes in Syria against the regime of Bashar al Assad in response to his use of chemical weapons to attack Syrian civilians, which killed 1,429 people, including 426 children.

Editorial: Later Start Times for High School

It’s past time to act; let this year be the year.

Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, the first day of school in Fairfax County, Dr. Karen Garza began her official day at 6:30 a.m. at Chantilly High School. While Garza was making herself available for interviews before the first class started at 7:20 a.m., many students were already on the school bus.

Wellbeing: How To Set Realistic Goals

Local experts say the key to success is setting achievable goals.

Laura Wheeler Poms, of Fairfax, set out to earn a doctorate degree and make a career change. As a wife, mother and working professional, the goal, she said, often felt lofty. “Writing my dissertation at times felt overwhelming, especially if I looked at it as one huge project,” said Poms, who now holds a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology and is an assistant professor of global and community health at George Mason University in Fairfax. “I set goals like writing one page or doing one analysis each day and I was able to get it done. I also gave myself little rewards along the way.”

Column: Indeterminate Sentence

And no, that’s not another made-up phrase by yours truly describing my occasionally cluttered/run-on prose with which many of you extremely patient regular readers are all too familiar. No, it has to do with how I perceive my future now that I’m post-hospital and sleeping in my own bed. Instead of nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, doctors and miscellaneous other hospital staff too numerous to list, I have one wife and five cats to do my bidding. And though they’re not nearly as attentive as the hospital staff, I know that they all have my best interests at heart.

Saving Jobs in Hard Times

Virginia lawmakers will push work sharing legislation this session.

“Having been through the recession and recent slight increases in Virginia unemployment rates as federal sequestration takes effect, it is important that we give Virginia businesses all the tools we can to help them and their employees get through challenging times. This bill does that.” —State Sen. George Barker (D-39)

‘Shared Work:’ A Win-Win-Win Solution

Preventing layoffs, maintaining the well-being of employees and their communities and keeping businesses competitive.

How do we mitigate the devastating effects of layoffs on employees, employers and their communities? Is there a "win-win-win" solution?

Week in Reston

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Reston and Herndon will feature Delegates Ken Plum and Tom Rust at its monthly meeting at the Reston Regional Library on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. Come and hear these delegates to the Virginia General Assembly bring us up to date on the 2013 legislative session and outlook for the coming year on issues of interest to women in particular and Virginians in general. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to briefly meet your delegate and to ask questions.

REACT to Hold Annual Meeting Oct. 2

Reston Environmental Action (REACT) is a non-profit organization of residents working within their neighborhood or building to increase green habits.

Jazz, Blues Time at Lake Anne

Seventh annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival held in Reston.

The seventh annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues Festival was held on Saturday, Aug. 31. Visitors and guests enjoyed an afternoon and evening of "Jazz on the Lake." Reston Community Center was a major sponsor of this annual event presented by the Friends of Lake Anne and the Lake Anne Merchants and hosted by Lake Anne Plaza. The event was free and open to the public.

GRACE to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Celebration from Sept. 12 through Nov. 2.

A retrospective exhibition marking GRACE’s 40th anniversary, 40 for 40 celebrates the organization’s continuous engagement with contemporary art in the metro D.C. area since its founding in 1974. The show will feature a selection of 40 artists who have exhibited at GRACE, or have been closely involved with the organization, over the course of the past four decades.

Correction

The story “Public Libraries Version 2.0?” (Reston Connection, August 14-20, 2013) incorrectly attributed a quote to Jennifer McCullough.

Mosaic Harmony to Perform for Global Camps Africa

Global Camps Africa invites the community to join them for an evening of music and a chance to meet some of the people of Camp Sizanani, GCA’s residential camp for HIV/AIDS affected children in South Africa on Thursday, Sept. 5. The evening will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a concert by Mosaic Harmony, a multicultural, interfaith community choir of the metropolitan Washington area that draws on the rich heritage of African-American inspirational music to demonstrate and encourage unity in the midst of diversity.

Commentary: Marching With a Purpose

I was in college in 1963 in Norfolk, Va. when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his now famous “I Have a Dream” speech. While I agreed fully with the purpose of the March on Washington, I did not have the money nor was I resourceful enough to make my way to Washington, D.C. to participate. I did not have any sense of the importance the march would have or the eloquence of one of the many speakers that day that would resonate through history. Last week I took part in both the “National Action to Realize the Dream March” on Aug. 24, and in the “50th Anniversary March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” last Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The Pet Elf Celebrates 15 Years in Business

The Pet Elf is now officially in its 15th year of caring for Reston and Herndon’s pets. Kim Waite-Williams is the owner of The Pet Elf, one of Pet Sitters International’s nearly 7,000 members. Sept. 8, they’ll be marking the occasion with an outdoor picnic to honor their many clients and their pets at North Hills Pavilion, N. Village Road at Hollow Timber Court, Reston, from noon to 4 p.m.

Classified Advertising Sept. 4, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Letter: ‘Works Sunday 2013’ Thanks the Community

In short, it was you, our neighbors, who made “Works Sunday” a joyful, caring and compassionate event celebrating the common humanity and vibrant diversity of our communities. And so, we of the committee wish to publicly thank all those who gave so freely of their time, talent and treasure to make this year’s “Works Sunday” the major success that it was.

Week in Reston

Fairfax County Police are investigating a fatal crash that took place on Sunrise Valley Drive near Commerce Park Drive. An 82-year-old woman was driving a 2000 Subaru Legacy when she struck the rear of a Fairfax Connector bus while she attempted to change lanes at around 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23.

Reston Founder Welcomes Newcomers

“I believe you will find you have moved to a friendly place. Your neighbors will want to get to know you no matter how old or young you are and regardless of the color of your skin or the size of your bank balance. The 50 miles of paved pathways within Reston make it possible for you to get around on foot or on a bicycle. You can meet people and make friends on the pathways and you can enjoy the natural open spaces that wind through as they connect to the five Village Centers.

Rescue Reston Protects Golf Course

Rescue Reston is a grass-roots organization comprising community volunteers who oppose redevelopment of Reston National Golf Course into residential housing or any site development other than a golf course or comparable open space.

Check Your Local Community Center

Reston Community Center enhances quality of life of those living in Reston.

New to the area? Whether you recently moved to the Reston area or are one of the thousands of employees that commute here every day for work, there’s a hidden gem in the neighborhood that you cannot afford to miss—Reston Community Center.

Obituary: Robert Irving Gould Dies

Robert Irving Gould, born Nov. 5, 1937 died Saturday, Aug. 17 from lung disease. He is survived by his wife Sandra Gould and family Patricia and Gabriel Chavez and children Victoria, Corinne and Nathan; Robert Gould and Jennifer Chung; Kevin and Cindy Gould and children Kyle and Mason; Sean Gould; and Sandra’s family Peter and Joyce Repole and children Laci and Brenden and Stephanie Repole and son Alexander. He also has a brother and two sisters, Thomas Gould, Mary Louise Hobbs and Joanne Dorrett and their spouses and families.

Get to Know Reston Non-profits

Sweet Virginia Foundation is Northern Virginia's charitable beekeeping cooperative whose mission is to promote urban/suburban beekeeping and provide educational and volunteer opportunities for adults and children. Sweet Virginia uses the fine honey it produces from local honeybee colonies to raise funds for local charities dedicated to serving the needs of those most vulnerable in our local community. Supported organizations include Homestretch, Fairfax CASA, The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Fairfax Families4Kids and several more small scale, DC area non-profits focused on serving the most vulnerable among us.

Residents Agree: Reston Rocks

Restonians on what is so great about living in Reston.

“My family loves living in Reston. The first thing that motivated us to look for a house here were the summer concerts at the Reston Town Center. During our house-hunting trip my husband and I had dinner there, and the music and the people really appealed to us.