Friday, February 28
Pet Connection
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Take a look at some of the adorable pet photos our readers sent in for our Pet Connection.
Thursday, February 27
Assistance Dogs: Making Connections
Service dogs and their “handlers” are teamed up through paws4people.
I was already one of those embarrassingly crazy dog people, when I first met Kyria and Terry Henry, founders of paws4people.org. But I had no idea how little I truly knew about the bonds possible between animals and their people. After photographing puppies coming home for the first time, dogs sharing their favorite pastime and pets who are older and/or ill, I really thought I knew all about the animal/people connection.
Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public
Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.
When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.
Wednesday, February 26
Budget Process: Get Involved
Chairman gives blueprint for community engagement in Fairfax County budget process.
In Fairfax County, when we adopt the budget, we are investing in the priorities and needs of the community. At the center of this open and transparent process is community engagement. It is critical that we have the community at the table with us when we are considering changes to the budget that the County Executive released for advertisement at our Board Meeting on Feb. 25. Below are some opportunities to learn about the budget, ask questions and make suggestions during the months of March and April. I look forward to hearing from you.
High Five
I made it. It’s five years after receiving a terminal diagnosis on February 27, 2009 from my oncologist: stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, accompanied by a "13-month to two-year" prognosis. Let’s be honest, medical professionals don’t toss around the word "terminal" because you’re going to be treated at an airport. Presumably, they know their facts and figures as well as the patient’s present condition, confirmed by a variety of diagnostic results from X-Rays, CT Scans, P.E.T. Scans, lab work and of course the ever-popular biopsy, so their diagnosis/prognosis is a bit more than an educated guess. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and until proven otherwise, I was not about to succumb to their statistics. Still, based on the best medical knowledge available at the time, this patient (yours truly) was given a limited life expectancy and encouraged to take the vacation I had always dreamed of – for obvious you’re-life-is-now-shorter-than-you-ever-imagined-type reasons, and yet, five years hence, here I am.
Spelling Away at Terraset Elementary
Terraset Elementary School in Reston hosted its eighth annual Spelling Bee on Feb. 19, in the school's cafeteria. Fourteen students from grades 3-6 participated. The format followed those used by both the county and national bee programs. Sia Komba, a fourth grader, won in round nine, with the word "manufacture." Archer Oliver, a sixth grader, was runner-up. Komba will advance to compete against students from all over Fairfax County at the 2014 County Bee in March. The winner of the county contest will advance to the Scripps National Bee in Washington, D.C. Of her Spelling Bee experience, Komba said, "I liked learning new words, and I feel really good about what I did. I'm really excited!" Sarah Nieto, a fourth grade teacher and chair of the Spelling Bee Club at Terraset was pleased with the outcome this year. "We've had some competitive Bees in the past, but this one was really exciting. The kids prepared well," she said as the participants and other students congratulated Komba on their way back to their classes.
Reston Woman Trains Agility Cats
Her Abyssinians are famous in the cat world for their feats of athleticism.
Abyssinian cat trainer Lisa-Maria Padilla, 52, of Reston, is quite a fixture in the world of cats. Her performance cats called “Abys” do feats of athleticism all over the U.S. – at cat shows in Madison Square Garden, Orlando, and Las Vegas. The prize money is about $400 for the agility ring, so she does it mostly for the bragging rights.
Bulova: ‘This Will Be a Challenging Budget’
Fairfax County average homeowner will see tax bill increase $330 under County Executive’s proposed $7 billion budget.
Fairfax County Executive Edward Long, Jr. unveiled a $7 billion budget proposal Tuesday that reflects his "cautious and deliberative approach to budgeting," a result, Long said, of continuing uncertainty over federal spending and sluggish commercial tax revenues.
SingStrong for a Cause
Professional a cappella singers preform at South Lakes High School.
For three days at South Lakes High School in Reston, the music of the human voice was celebrated with the sixth annual SingStrong International Charity A Cappella Festival. This event featured five concerts, an auction, and over a dozen classes and coaching sessions from professional musicians.
Fathers Take Daughters to Dance
Fathers and daughters enjoy special night at Herndon Community Center.
The evening of Saturday, Feb. 1, Herndon Community Center was host to the 6th annual Father Daughter Dance at the gymnasium room. Operating the DJ table was Aaron Hahn, owner of Basement Media Productions. The focus of the event was dance to popular music. Songs ranging from “Cotton Eyed Joe” to “Gangnam Style” were broadcast during the night. Appetizers and drinks were also served.
Hollywood Comes to Fairfax
How to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph adoptable animals.
Animals at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter were given the celebrity treatment on Feb. 23 when a team from the non-profit Shelter Art Foundation taught shelter staff and volunteers how to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph their adoptable animals.
Giving Bianca a Second Chance
A Fairfax County Animal Shelter happy ending.
Bianca, a nine-year-old, female, German shepherd mix dog, had been living her life on the end of a chain in a rural part of Virginia. In late January, an unknown stray dog approached Bianca and attacked her. Bianca’s owner came outside and in an attempt to stop the attack he hit both dogs with a shovel, striking Bianca over the head and injuring her. Rather than pursue vet care, the owner drove Bianca to the local pound and surrendered her. For the next 36 hours, Bianca sat with no medical care, until a sympathetic staff person called the shelter’s rescue partner at the Highland County Humane Society in rural Virginia.
‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’
Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.
There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.
Proposed Art in Silver Line Keeps Communities in Mind
Planned public art to be displayed at Silver Line station on Jan. 23.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has unveiled its plans for public art to be placed outside of metro stations built in Phase I and Phase II of the Silver Line project. Among the proposed projects are a colorful, light-reactive glass display outside of the Tysons Corner station by Philadelphia artist Ray King; a series of lighted metal and concrete columns at the Greensboro station by Iowa artist David Dahlquist; and a 30-foot tall, light-integrating metal work by Arizona artist Barbara Grygutis for the Spring Hill station.
RA Proposes Covenant Changes for RELAC Service
Lake Anne residents are divided over a proposed amendment.
Lake Anne residents may soon be required to fulfill additional requirement if they wish to switch their air conditioning service from the Lake-centered Reston Lake Anne Air Conditioning Corporation (RELAC) system to their own home units. Language in a new amendment proposed by the Reston Association requires that residents obtain recertification of their medical excuse from a doctor every year after requesting to switch. The change to Covenant 15, which sets standards for Lake Anne residents’ air conditioning usage, bars removal of RELAC equipment from homes if they are not first inspected by a RELAC-certified professional - something that current residents say does not exist.
Q&A with David Harris, Reston Association’s New Chief Financial Officer
Reston Association has hired longtime Northern Virginia resident and public accounting professional David Harris as their new chief financial officer. Harris took a few minutes on Friday afternoon to discuss his background and what his plans are for managing RA’s finances and information technology department as he settles into his new role.
Musical Escape Into Innocent Pleasures
Reston Community Players to present "Xanadu" at CenterStage.
"It is going to be a great over-the-top time," said Evie Korovesis, who is featured in the upcoming Reston Community Players' production of the musical comedy "Xanadu." It's about time for an escape into glitter, big hair, silver disco balls and roller skates. Laced up into their roller skates, the Reston Community Players (RCP) are deep into rehearsal working on pop tunes like "Evil Woman," "Have You Ever Been Mellow," "Strange Magic," “Suddenly” and “I’m Alive.”
Impasse in Richmond
Commentary
One essential step in successful negotiations is to anticipate what the other side needs or wants and attempt to come as close as possible to that position to arrive at a compromise. This process is followed effectively on a daily basis in businesses, families, and legislatures. While the rhetoric has been harsh from the Republican majority in the House of Delegates about not approving an expansion of Medicaid in the state, I understood their partisan and ideological stance but was confident that some middle ground, or as Governor McAuliffe calls it “common ground,” could be reached. My optimism is starting to wane.
Touring Artist Series Continues in Reston
Tickets still available for CenterStage performances in dance, music and theatre.
Reston Community Center (RCC) continues its 2013-2014 Professional Touring Artist Series at the CenterStage with an eclectic mix of musicians, dancers and theatre performers. RCC Arts and Events Director Paul Douglas Michnewicz says that his choices for his inaugural season were personal. He specifically chose many of these performers for their intriguing backgrounds and how that has inspired the work they present. “The personal stories and backgrounds of these artists are as fascinating and compelling as the performances they present on stage,” Michnewicz says of the season. “My hope is that audiences will personally connect with both the artists and the art they present.” In addition to the performances, Reston Community Center has announced the addition of the Parents Time Out Series. During select PTAS performances, parents will have the opportunity to sign up children ages 4-9 for activity-based childcare while they attend the performance. This option is available for Modern Moves (May 28) and Raul Midón (May 31).
Volunteers Needed to Help Older Adults
Meals on Wheels needs drivers in Fairfax. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Tuesday, February 25
Conference-Champion Seahawks Continue Second-Half Surge
South Lakes Beats West Potomac in Regional Tournament.
The South Lakes boys' basketball team will host Robinson tonight.
South Lakes Girls’ Basketball Captures Elusive Postseason Title
Seahawks win Conference 6, beat Lake Braddock at regionals.
The South Lakes girls' basketball team will host Centreville tonight.
Additional Delays Slow Handover of Silver Line to Metro
Performance issues and unmet safety testing requirements cited as reasons for the continued delay.
Phase I of the Silver Line is still not quite ready for final testing by Metro authorities, according to a Monday statement issued by Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA). With the handover of the Silver Line project to Metro authorities looming, Northern Virginia residents will have to be patient despite their readiness to hop on the train at new Tysons Corner and Reston Metro stations.
Thursday, February 20
Trout Season To Begin At Reston Lake Fairfax
Passes for fishing available for purchase.
Fishermen who enjoy catching trout are invited to participate in the 2014 trout season Feb. 14 through May 4. Due to inclement weather, the county delayed the event for a week. "The county was trying to not encourage water activities when the lake was frozen over," said Lake Fairfax park employee Dustin Meyers. One thousand pounds of rainbow trout and 200 pounds of golden trout will soon be in the waters of Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. This 20-acre lake will be restocked five times during the spring season by Cast-a-line of Goshen, Va.
‘Divine Love’ on Display in Reston
Elizabeth Linares’ Photography display opens at Reston Center.
"My work has evolved over the years, but I like to portray light," said Elizabeth Linares. Linares hosted a reception at the Reston Center 2 Solo Exhibit location on Thursday, Feb. 6. Her photography exhibit, "Divine Love" will be on display at the Reston Center 2 until Feb. 27. "This exhibit shows the breadth and depth of Elizabeth’s work," said League of Reston Artists President Jim Schlett.
Board of Supervisors Approves Reston Master Plan
The Board’s Approval of the Revised Master Plan on Feb. 12 cleared the way for an expansive 50-year vision for Reston.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the Comprehensive Reston Master Plan on Tuesday, Feb. 12, adopting the vision for Reston’s growth for the next 50 years. Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) motioned for the Board to approve the revised plan’s vision for Reston with founder Bob Simon’s original 1962 goals in mind.
Capitol Steps Help Cornerstones
The 31st annual benefit performance and live auction raises $152,605 for affordable housing programs in Reston.
More than 600 Reston residents came out to the 31st Annual Capitol Steps Benefit Performance at the Hyatt Regency Reston to raise money for Cornerstones’ affordable housing programs. The event, held on Sunday, Feb. 16 and sponsored by Long and Foster Real Estate, raised a total of $152,605 for Cornerstones.
Column: At the Half
Last week the General Assembly reached the midpoint of its annual session, or "crossover" as it is called in the legislature. At this time in the calendar, the House of Delegates and the Senate have completed work on the bills that were introduced into the respective houses. Any bills that were passed are now sent to the other body for consideration. In order for a bill to become a law it must pass through both houses in identical form and be signed by the governor. When a bill is passed in different form in the two houses, a conference committee with representatives from both legislative bodies is appointed to work out differences in a compromise that must then be approved by both houses.
Column: 2014 Great Backyard Bird Count—In Reston
In case you missed it, the 17th annual Great Backyard Bird Count took place Feb. 14 to the 17th. This 4-day event takes place in February every year across the county—and last year saw participation expand into 110 other countries. This amazing example of citizen science in action engages birders of all ages in a count that helps create a real time snapshot of bird populations just before birds start their migration back to the north.
Delegates Rust, Plum Provide Richmond Updates
Delegates Tom Rust (R-86) and Kenneth Plum (D-36) recap successes and missed opportunities in the first part of this year’s General Assembly session.
Herndon and Reston Delegates Tom Rust (R-86) and Kenneth Plum (D-36) ended the first half of the 2014 General Assembly session happy with the House of Delegates’ passage of transportation, education and absentee military voting bills. Tuesday, Feb. 11 marked the "crossover" point for this year’s General Assembly session, when both houses of the General Assembly must vote on all non-budget related legislation or allow those bills to die.
Reston Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 53 Reston homes sold between $970,000-$110,000.
Reston Home Sales: January, 2014
Winter Storm Hits Northern Virginia
Fairfax County residents took shelter as over a foot of snow shutdown power, school, and roads.
Northern Virginia residents took shelter from a snow storm that began the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 12 and lasted until the Thursday night. Fairfax County felt the lasting effects well into the weekend, with schools unable to clear parking lots and county offices closed through the weekend. Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Tuesday, Feb. 11, giving state authorities and utility companies time to prepare for the storm.
Money on the Shelves: Jurisdictions Take Variety of Approaches to Funding Libraries
Some have recovered from the recession, others are still struggling.
What is the future of the neighborhood library?
Wednesday, February 19
Residents Discuss Route 7 Widening, Effects on Neighborhoods
Great Falls and Reston residents discuss how Route 7 construction would impact their neighborhoods.
Great Falls and Reston residents met at The Grange in Great Falls on Tuesday, Feb. 11 to voice their concerns about the 6.9-mile project along Route 7 that will widen the road from four to six lanes. A presentation led by Great Falls Citizens Association board members went into great detail about the impending changes to each intersection along the stretch, extending from Seneca Road at the edge of Reston to Jarrett Valley Drive just before Tysons Corner.
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence. On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, overturned the convictions of Mildred and Richard Loving, declaring the ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
Until Further Notice
Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: "13 months to two years" is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ "you’re going great"/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is.
How Red Is the 10th District?
Wolf’s retirement sparks crowded political stage as both parties vie for coveted Congressional seat.
U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf’s announcement in December that he would not seek reelection to an 18th term in Congress came as a surprise to both Republicans and Democrats. Wolf’s retirement notice instantly set off a feeding frenzy among politicians maneuvering to gain the Northern Virginia Congressional seat.
Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults
Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.
Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.
Monday, February 17
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence
Thursday, February 13
Letter: Correcting Error on Mental Health Services
Fairfax County serving more people now.
A Feb. 11 editorial by Mary Kimm, referencing reporting by Michael Pope, makes an incorrect assertion that our services to people with mental illness in Fairfax County have been “dramatically cut back.”
Wednesday, February 12
The Bird Feeder Celebrates Anniversary
Owner Roger Ritter has helped Reston’s bird and wildlife lovers with their needs for two decades.
When Roger Ritter and his wife Gail opened The Bird Feeder in Reston in 1993, they filled a consumer niche for a community of fellow bird and wildlife lovers in Reston.
School Board Votes For Longer SLEEP
Money saved from annual bus route review will be earmarked for implementation of later start times.
According to SLEEP, a local group advocating for later high school start times in Fairfax County, 72 out of 92 counties in Virginia have a high school start time of 8 a.m. or later.
Proposed Art in Silver Line Keeps Communities in Mind
Planned public art to be displayed at Silver Line station on Jan. 23.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has unveiled its plans for public art to be placed outside of metro stations built in Phase I and Phase II of the Silver Line project.
Bursting Virginia's Bubble
To the Editor: For the past four years, we Commonwealth citizens have enjoyed prosperity recorded by few states. We have had four years of state budget surpluses, the lowest unemployment rate in the surrounding states and the District, the most business-friendly state east of the Mississippi, much safer healthcare facilities for the women, and we were protected from attacks on our freedoms by an all-intrusive Federal Government. We had a strong Attorney General, who learned in the Constitution fought to allow Virginia to keep the constitutional rights the states reserved for themselves. These performance metrics did not happen accidentally. It took the leadership of a Governor and General Assembly working together to bring the best (if not perfect) government available. Sure, one can argue Virginia was helped by a bankrupting Federal Government spending program. We will eventually pay the price for that.
Family Fitness Night at Lake Anne Elementary
Family Fitness Night at Lake Anne Elementary School (LAES) in Reston on Thursday, Feb. 6, meant lots of family fun, as well as the opportunity for parents to spend a little quality time with their children getting some health and wellness tips, and joining them in completing the more than thirty exercise challenges set up for them in the school’s gym.
Southgate Saturday School Begins Sixth Year of Arts, Science Programs
Southgate Community Center partners with Hunters Woods Elementary and the Potomac Academy to bring arts and science education programs to 4-6th graders.
On the morning of Saturday, Feb. 8, about 50 Hunters Woods Elementary School students got out of bed for a surprising destination at Southgate Community Center: Saturday School. Since 2009, Southgate Community Center has collaborated with Hunters Woods Elementary and George Mason University’s Potomac Arts Academy to provide weekly sessions in visual arts, music, theater, and science to 4-6th graders. The program invites between 40-50 students each winter to join.
Leave It to the Feds
Despite Virginia’s historic antipathy toward the federal government, the Commonwealth has nonetheless historically ceded decisions to federal authorities on major issues on which the state had been unwilling to move forward. Another issue is about to fall into this category: same-sex marriage.
Tuesday, February 11
An Unexpected Present
Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, I appreciated it in the most), but I received my first senior discount the other day. I was fast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restaurant when the unexpected kindness occurred. Considering that I’m not at the age yet when such discounts are typically available, I certainly did not (do not) presume that my appearance somehow reflects an age which I am not. In truth, I don’t believe it does. So even though I didn’t ask for the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier tallied my bill, she then spoke the price and adjusted it downward 10 percent for my surprise "senior" discount. On hearing the lower price and the reason for it, I immediately responded: "Oh, you’re giving senior discounts to people over 40?" To which she replied, while looking me directly in the eye: "No. Over 30." Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for the discount and commended her on her excellent answer/customer service.
Home Design: What the Pros Know
A look inside the homes of some of the area’s top builders.
Remodeling industry professionals spend their days helping clients create dream homes, adding quartzite counter tops and outdoor, stacked stone fireplaces, turning ideas and photos into functional, chic living spaces.
MATHCOUNTS Champions
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competitions were held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. This year, because of the exceptionally large number of students participating, the Regional competition had to be split between two venues.
Friday, February 7
Valentine’s Weekend
Romantic events happening in the Fairfax County area.
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day by heading off to one of these events this weekend.
Lewis West Marshall, of Reston, Dies
Lewis West Marshall, Sr. M.D., F.A.C.P. passed away on Jan. 23.
Column: Closing the Income Gap
Between 2007 and 2012, the median wages of Virginia’s highest income earners rose by eight percent while the lowest income families’ wages shrank by 10 percent, according to an analysis by the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis. The gap between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen in Virginia as it has throughout the nation. A growing underclass of unemployed, under-employed and under-paid creates a challenge for the state and the nation. Too many people are faced with the monthly decision of paying for the rent, utilities, food, prescriptions and school supplies without enough money to cover them all. Public and private relief organizations are strained to keep their food pantries and clothing closets stocked to meet the increased demand.
Column: Jim Moran—Straight Talking Progressive
Congressman Jim Moran (D-8) announced last week that he will not seek re-election in 2014. He is retiring after 22 years on the Hill. He is the senior Virginia Democrat on the Hill, and is one of only two solid progressives from Virginia. The other is Rep. Bobby Scott.
Classified Advertising February 5, 2014
Read the latest here!
Thursday, February 6
Editorial: Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
McLean, W-L Gymnastics Teams Qualify for Regionals
Highlanders win Conference 6 title, W-L runner-up.
W-L, McLean gymnastics finished 1-2 at regionals the last two years.
Editorial: For Nonpartisan Redistricting
Virginia is a purple state, gerrymandered to bleed red.
Consider that in statewide elections, Virginia voters have chosen Democrats in the last two presidential elections, for U.S. Senate, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Almost none of these elections was by a wide margin, but it’s clear that Virginia is a purple state leaning blue.
Wednesday, February 5
Nine Candidates Vying for Attention in 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Race to replace Jim Moran is expected to be competitive and expensive.
It's been three weeks since longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced that he would not be seeking a 13th term in Congress, opening up an epic primary fight that is now starting to take shape.
Editorial: Few Thoughts on General Assembly Action
Yes, allow homeschoolers access to programs in public school.
It’s possible that this is not the right bill exactly, and in general, we favor local control. But it is wrongheaded of public schools to force families into a take-it-or-leave-it position.
Virginia Health Department Forecasts Seasonal ‘Stomach Bug’
Statewide data monitored by the Virginia Department of Health indicate that norovirus was arriving in Virginia just in time for the cold weather.
Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Consistent Bedtimes Linked to Improved Wellbeing in Children
Local experts offer suggestions for helping youngsters get a good night’s sleep.
When the clock strikes 9 on any given evening, 13-year-old twins Timothy and Danny Gulyn and their 11-year-old twin brothers, Christopher and Jonathan, know that it’s time for bed. Whether they are on vacation during the summer or at their Arlington home on a school night, the siblings follow a consistent routine that has them tucked-in at the same time every day.
Piece of Mind
Today I was eating a Tootsie Roll, and while chewing it, felt something sharp against my gum. Knowing my candy, sharp I should not feel, so immediately I stopped chewing in hopes of locating the sensation; which I did. It turns out that I broke off the top half of a previously (years ago) installed dental crown. Fortunately, the crown was still in my mouth, so I was able to retrieve it. Upon closer examination of it and the now crown-less tooth, it appears that the crown and the tooth are completely intact (undamaged) and perhaps a simple re-cementing at the dentist’s office awaits, a repair achieved much less expensively than replacing the entire crown. (I can hope, can’t I? After all, I am a cancer patient; hope is what I do.)
Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance
More than 50 volunteers who are helping local residents sign up for health care insurance were recognized by state and local leadership last Saturday. To date, these Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 500 individuals with the new Marketplace system, overcoming barriers of language, technology and understanding the new health care law. The volunteers were thanked for the commitment and service:
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.