Friday, August 29
Facing Challenges of Next Half Century
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) on Reston’s future.
It is shaping up to be another momentous year for Reston, and we have much to celebrate.
Bob Simon’s Favorite Events, Places in Reston
Reston’s founder, Bob Simon, in last year’s Connection’s Newcomers Guide shared his list of top ten favorite events and places in Reston:
Letter: Janet's Bad Timing
Letter to the Editor
Last Thursday, an economic study of the Northern Virginia Economy (which includes Senator Janet Howell's 32nd Senate District) reported a projected anemic 2 percent Economic Growth Rate.
Candidates Forum To Be Held Sept. 8
The Reston Community Center (RCC) Board of Governors announced four candidates for its 2014 Preference Poll. This year's candidates are William Keefe, William Penniman, Linda A. Singer and Vicky Wingert. Candidacy statements for each candidate can be found online.
Reston Association Begins Meetings On Pony Barn Pavilion
Reston Association seeks community input regarding redevelopment.
Surrounded by a secluded wood at the intersection of Steeplechase and Triple Crown Road in Reston is the Pony Barn Picnic Pavilion, a 2006 square foot picnic pavilion near Glade Stream.
Obituary: Thomas A. Weaver, 55, of Reston, Dies
Thomas A. Weaver died suddenly on Aug. 20, 2014, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Florida. Born May 27, 1959, in Lutcher, La., the son of Simone (Pomainville) Barbara and the stepson of John F. Barbara Jr. He was a graduate of Destrehan High School and Delgado Culinary School.
A County of 186,785 Students
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students, parents, and educators. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to prepare for another school year that builds on our tradition of excellence at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Obituary: Robert Knight, of Reston, Dies
Aug. 29, 1940 - Aug. 16, 2014.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, Robert Knight, of Hamilton, Va., passed away. He was husband to Andrea Knight, father of Kim Knight (Brad) Jones and Kyle (Kolynn) Knight, grandfather of Andrew Jones and Knox Knight.
Thursday, August 28
Classified Advertising August 27, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Reston Home Sales: July, 2014
In July 2014, 113 Reston homes sold between $1,265,000-$176,000.
Reston Home Sales: July, 2014
Wednesday, August 27
Community Leaders Tackle Reston’s Hot Issues
In the next five years, community leaders hope to ensure the Wiehle-Reston East Station is successful, build and endorse a system of trails to get people there, build the Soapstone Connector, update the community - including the plazas - and work on keeping housing affordable in the rising economic market.
A Summer Snow Day at Town Center
Hundreds of happy pups got to frolic in the snow last weekend at Reston Town Center. Petco hauled 20 tons of snow to the town center plaza to give local pets and pet owners a Summer Snow Day to give back to the community and raise awareness for local animal shelters.
What’s on the Ballot; How to Vote
Election Day is Nov. 4, 2014, but you can vote as early as Sept. 19.
Every year is Election Year in Virginia. This year, every Virginia voter will choose one member of the U.S. Senate and their member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Welcome to Fairfax County
Welcome to Fairfax County, the best place in the country to live, work and play. Fairfax County is home to a fantastic public school system, top tier business and shopping opportunities, compassionate human services, and some of the best parks and open spaces in the D.C. Metropolitan region.
About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
Century Bike Tour Held At Reston Pavilion
Over a thousand from D.C. metro area attend bike event.
On Aug. 24, Reston Bicycle Club held its 32nd annual century bike tour. The event began and ended at Reston Town Center. “We had approximately 1,165 riders,” said Ed Robichaud, a resident of Reston and member of the RBC bike club. The Reston Bicycle Club (RBC) was formed in 1982 to promote cycling in the Reston and surrounding areas. RBC is a volunteer, nonprofit club, with over 700 members.
And Another Thing I’m “Righting” On
Not only did last week’s CT Scan indicate shrinkage, where necessary – and stability, where hoped for – it also accomplished these hoped-for goals after only two months of chemotherapy (still infused every three weeks) rather than the normal three months of chemotherapy. So depending on how the calendar/treatment schedule actually fell, I probably received two fewer infusions than usual, yet all the radiological indications – and interpretations – continue to be encouraging; after five and a half years, no less. I think I’m entitled to use the word amazing – and lucky, too.
Fairfax County’s Success Story
Economic success: 50 years in the making.
If you are a newcomer to Fairfax County, allow me to welcome you to one of the most dynamic communities anywhere in the world to live and work. It was the vision of many people to create this kind of community, so please allow me to offer a quick history lesson.
South Lakes Field Hockey Splits a Pair on UTL First Day
Seahawks lose to Robinson, beat Stuart.
South Lakes faces rival Herndon on Sept. 3.
Column: The Climate is Changing
“Climate change, once considered an issue for a distant future, has moved firmly into the present,” according to a report, Climate Change Impacts in the United States, that was released this year and that includes the findings of 300 experts affiliated with the National Climate Assessment and Development Advisory Committee (http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/).
Editorial: Back to School - Good Steps, Good Intentions
The first day of school in Fairfax County is Tuesday, Sept. 2, but Monday, Sept. 8 is the beginning of something important. For the first time in decades, elementary school students will have a full day of school on Mondays instead of being sent home hours early. This action makes so much sense in for families with children in elementary school. The ability of Superintendent Karen Garza to facilitate this change to go into effect right away is remarkable, and we hope a promise for more changes ahead.
Newcomers Guide: Area Nonprofits
A list of nonprofits in the community.
A list of nonprofits in the community.
Thursday, August 21
Lake Anne Jazz Festival on Aug. 30
Lake Anne’s Jazz and Blues festival has grown a lot since it started eight years ago. The free festival, which features D.C. - area world class musicians, local wine and beer as well as temporary public art, will take place Aug. 30 from 2 to 8 p.m.
Curator Program Study Being Finalized
Historic homes that have been abandoned - and perhaps lost their original charm - could have a second chance to return to their former glory. Fairfax County Parks Authority is currently finalizing a resident Curator Program Implementation Study that would allow anyone with the time, money and expertise, to live in a historic place in order to fix it up.
Wednesday, August 20
Area Teachers, Programs Honored
Three Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teachers and the Technology and Engineering Education program at Fairfax High School have been recognized for excellence by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association (VTEEA).
Editorial: Accountability for Police in Northern Virginia
There is more transparency in the police shooting in Ferguson last week than in police shootings in Northern Virginia.
This is not Ferguson, and tanks do not roll down the streets of Northern Virginia driven by police officers pointing sniper rifles at residents.
Obituary: Stanley I. Richards, 78, of Reston, Dies
Stanley I. Richards, age 78, of Reston, died at INOVA Fairfax Hospital on Tuesday, July 29 after a brief illness. Mr. Richards was born on May 29, 1936 in Washington D.C.
Removing Barriers to College
Local services help students complete college paperwork, remove barriers.
LaQuita King relocated across the state from Chesapeake, Va., to Alexandria in the summer of 2013, moving into an apartment with her aunt and three cousins. King had just graduated from high school and was looking forward to taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College. So far, that hasn’t happened.
All Write For Now
And so it goes, every three months or so; a CT Scan, a week or so of waiting, and then a face-to-face appointment with my oncologist to learn/discuss the results. Thankfully, the results continue to be amazing. My doctor has told me that I’m his third miracle; stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer patients generally don’t live beyond two years. I’m in year six.
Column: Lessons for Fairfax County from Ferguson, Mo.?
At first blush, it is hard to imagine much positive coming out of last week’s tragic news from Ferguson, Mo., where an unarmed 18-year-old man was shot six times by a police officer. Fairfax County is no stranger to such events. Police killings of unarmed people also occur in Fairfax County.
Column: Conservation as a Way of Life
For those whose parents lived through the Great Depression, you can skip the next few sentences since you know what I am about to say. For my younger readers, let me explain that life during the Great Depression (1935 to the mid-1940s) was so difficult that it made an indelible mark on the way that people thought and lived.
Classified Advertising August 20, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, August 14
Taylor to Use Up-Tempo Offense at South Lakes
First-year Seahawks coach spent last season at South County.
First-year South Lakes head coach Trey Taylor praised the Seahawks' athleticism.
Safety at a Crossroads in Poor Communities Across Northern Virginia
Less affluent neighborhoods in Northern Virginia suffer from higher pedestrian fatalities.
A national database of pedestrian crashes compiled by Governing Magazine shows 95 pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia between 2008 and 2012. While 26 of the pedestrian fatalities occurred in wealthy neighborhoods, where the per capita income is more than $53,000, a much larger number happened in poor communities like this stretch of Route 1 in Mount Vernon.
Wednesday, August 13
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
Heads Up Football Flourishing in Fairfax County
Program reduces concussion risk by teaching players to take the “head” out of tackling.
It wasn’t that long ago when youth football coaches believed a player’s toughness was measured by his ability to play through the pain. Concussions and other serious injuries were just “part of the game.”
Organized for School Year
Local organizers offer suggestions on dealing with the summer mess.
When summer comes to a grinding halt in a few weeks, a new school year will begin. From alarm clocks and school bells to piles of homework assignments and sports schedules, maintaining a coordinated household can be difficult, however. Local organizers are offering simple suggestions to help make the transition from summer to the start of the school year seamless.
Write Now, I Just Don’t Know
The biggest writing problem that I have, other than the ones you regular readers generally know about, is writing a current column on the weekend immediately preceding the next Wednesday’s publication date, when I am still waiting on results from my most recent CT Scan. This isn’t like putting the cart before the horse, this is more like putting the horse in the cart and pulling it.
Homelessness: Source of Trauma for Children
Nearly 700 children live in emergency homeless shelters in Fairfax County at some point during the year.
Summer vacation is wrapping up; kids everywhere are gearing up for the return to school. Stores are filled with school supplies; back-to-school advertising fills our TVs, radio and mailboxes. Many families are hustling from store to store getting supplies, backpacks, clothes and haircuts. As children, while we hated to see summer end, we fondly remember the yearly ritual and the excitement and anticipation of getting all those new things.
U.S. Rep Wolf (R-10) Announces Service Academy Appointments
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2018 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for Academy prep schools.
‘Happy’ Books Come to Neighborhood
Terraset Elementary school book mobile gives out free books.
Several times this summer, a blue Mazda brimming with books has circled Reston’s neighborhoods.
Totally Trucks Event Held In Reston
Event shows vehicles used by Reston Association.
Trucks on display included a dump truck, trash truck, back hoe, Bobcat and a moving tractor. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Fairfax County Police, and USPS also had vehicles at the event.
Column: Two Ladies Named Alice
I am blessed to have known both of them!
Classified Advertising August 13, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, August 7
Income Growth in Fairfax and Alexandria Lags Behind State and National Averages
Loudoun is the one bright spot in the region.
Paycheck growth in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria are lagging behind the state and the nation, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Wednesday, August 6
Crime Solvers Hold 5K, Raise Money
In the second year, the race has gained momentum, more runners, and two vendors.
Early Saturday morning, runners and walkers alike descended onto Fairfax Government Center for the second annual Crime Solvers 5K and helped raise money for Fairfax Crime Solvers. “[We’re] just a partnership to keep our community safe,” Fairfax County Crime Solvers President and Chairman, Jody Donaldson said.
Stride Right
Not that I’ve felt that my attitude toward being diagnosed with stage IV (“terminal”) non-small cell lung cancer at age 54-and-one-half was ever to be considered as model behavior, but I do believe, after the initial shock wore off, eventually I assimilated its effects into my routine reasonably well. Not without a million bumps and bruises along the way, however, both physically and emotionally; nevertheless, though time has not healed all that has preceded this column, I’ve managed to find and maintain an extremely delicate balance between “joie de vivre” and “c’est la vie.”
Preventing Sports Injuries
How to keep kids safe while they’re having fun.
As students prepare to return to school, one activity many look forward to is sports. While the benefits of athletic activities are numerous, however, so are injuries.
Week in Reston
Artwork and candidates sought.
Column: Thank You, DCRA
The opening of the Silver Line brought an overflow crowd of dignitaries and well-wishers to cut the ribbon and ride the first train.
Pick Reston’s Official Bird!
Residents can choose between five birds by Sept. 30.
Residents will have until the end of September to choose Reston’s official bird.
Governor Proclaims Teen Cancer Awareness Week
Cancer support group witnesses signing of proclamation in Herndon.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe in the company of cancer survivors and friends signed a proclamation in the town of Herndon proclaiming the third week of January as Teen Cancer Awareness week in Virginia.
New RA Board Member Chosen
Dannielle LaRosa is temp North Point director.
A longtime Reston resident was chosen to be the temporary North Point director at Reston Association’s last board meeting.
Column: Why Can’t Everyone Be Cool?—Part 2
Lake Anne homeowners still bound by covenant to the aging Reston Lake Anne Air Conditioning (RELAC) chilled water system have petitioned Reston Association to hold a referendum on eliminating the covenant.
Touring Artists Series Returns to Reston’s CenterStage
Tickets go on sale for general public, Reston residents on Aug. 8.
Reston Community Center (RCC) announced the 2014-2015 Professional Touring Artist Series at the CenterStage.
Forest Edge Elementary Teachers Learn New Ways to Teach Science
Next fall, students in Reston will join a growing movement of innovative science achievement and learning in Virginia.
Editorial: Brightening Outlook for End of Summer
Local pleasures to offset discouraging news.
The news here has been a bit discouraging, and that’s without considering the human tragedy and disaster of several different international situations.