Wednesday, July 30
Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding
For some, it starts out on two wheels.
Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.
Serving Families For 90 Years
Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.
An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.
Column: “CanSir”
When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.
Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia
On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.
South Lakes Rising Senior Wojciechowski Looking for Continued Improvement
Q&A: Pitcher recently traveled to Haiti for mission trip.
Matt Wojciechowski helped the South Lakes baseball team earn the No. 2 seed in the 2014 Conference 6 tournament.
Shiver Me Timbers!
First Pirate Fest a success.
The event was set up like a port town. Even the games had to be paid in doubloons rather than with cash.
Letter: Bow Hunts are Consistent with Reston Values
The Reston Association has wisely begun to approve bow hunts to curb our deer overpopulation, under strict regulations that this be done safely and professionally.
Column: Kids Count
Officials at all levels of government need to demonstrate that we know how much kids count!
An index of key indicators in four domains measures what children need most in order to thrive: (1) economic well-being, (2) education, (3) health and (4) family and community.
Column: Riding the Silver Line—Day One
No doubt about it: The Silver Line is a game changer for Reston.
I was kind of excited about the opening of the Reston (Wiehle-Reston East) Metro station on Saturday.
Silver Line Officially Opens
Weihle-Reston East to Largo Town Center.
After the speeches, after the ribbon-cutting, there was a mad rush to board the first publicly open rail cars that rolled on the Silver Line heading towards Tysons Corner.
Tysons Welcomes Metrorail
Arrival of Silver Line to Tysons set to encourage residential development.
Five Silver Line Metro stations located in Reston and Tysons Corner opened to the public on Saturday, July 26.
First Train Arrives to McLean
Grand opening of the new metro line welcomed by residents.
It was 12:23 p.m. Saturday, July 26 when for the first time, a full Silver Line metro train zoomed from Reston, through Tysons Corner and into the new McLean metro station.
Governor's Mansion, Confidential
Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.
When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.
Thursday, July 24
Pet Connection July 2014
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston
Wednesday, July 23
Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women
Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.
When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.
Column: Billion-Dollar Give-Away!
By the time you are reading this column Virginia will have reached the milestone by having refused to accept a billion dollars of monies paid by Virginia taxpayers to close the coverage gap for 400,000 working poor Virginians who cannot afford health insurance!
Wiehle-Reston East Opens for Metro Riders
Fairfax County holds open house at Reston garage.
Fairfax County held an open house at the Wiehle-Reston East Garage on July 19 to show potential Metro riders access and parking options.
Nieman Promoted to Litigation Manager
National workplace law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. has announced that shareholder Matthew F. Nieman has been elevated to Litigation Manager of the firm’s Washington, D.C. Region office, which is located in Reston.
Letter: Calling Reston ‘Home’
Letter to the Editor
In response to Mr. Simon's recent letter as a concerned resident of Reston [Where Are Your Kids?” – Reston Connection, July 2-8, 2014], I can assure him my children are not indoors twiddling their thumbs but are outside enjoying all that Reston has to offer including swimming pools, nature camps, free entertainment shows, walking/scooting/biking around the lakes and even the Farmers Market every Saturday. Indeed, to their great delight, you came up to chat with them a few weeks ago as you were on your way to mail some letters.
Dog Training With Heart
dOgBediance uses positive reinforcement to form good habits.
Bodie spends Friday evening wandering in and out of stores at Reston Town Center, padding his way around iPods and dusting the walls with his fluffy tail. The 5-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog was undergoing an obedience training session from dOgBEDIENCE trainer Michael Peer, a police officer that turned his passion for dogs into a part-time job.
Libraries Promote Summer Reading
Fairfax County program encourages students to read.
Every summer, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) offers a summer reading program for children ages preschool-12th grade.
Puppies Destined for Important Work
Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.
GRACE Artist Member Exhibit
Exhibit runs through Aug. 23.
Local talent is on display in Reston for the next month. Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) restarted its Artist Member Exhibition on July 17 to thank their members for supporting local art.
Enjoying Summer at the Reston’s Dog Park
Restonians and their dogs socialize at one of Reston’s many community facilities.
While many make the trip to the Reston’s only open-air, off-leash dog park a handful of times a year, many others make it part of their daily routine.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
Column: Why Can’t Everyone Be Cool?
Around Lake Anne, the Reston Lake Anne Air-conditioning (RELAC) controversy is stirring again among homeowners forced to use the antiquated chilled water system to cool their homes.
Friday, July 18
Josh Anderson Foundation Spotlighted on National Show
Deepak Chopra interviews Lauren Anderson.
A local foundation was catapulted to national status on Friday. Josh Anderson Foundation [JAF] Executive Director Lauren Anderson had a chance to talk to holistic health advocate Deepak Chopra for his show One World about JAF’s mission.
Thursday, July 17
Column: Summertime at the General Assembly
Legislators in the earliest days of the Republic were mostly of the planter class; women, blacks and non-landowners could not vote or hold office. The best time to get away from the plantation and the crops was in the wintertime. That probably started the custom that continues to today whereby the General Assembly holds its regular session in the winter beginning on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January.
Reston Home Sales: June, 2014
In June 2014, 108 Reston homes sold between $1,251,000-$160,000.
Reston Home Sales: June, 2014
Letter: Silver Line - At What Cost?
To the Editor
As a transit commuter living in Reston, I appreciated the honesty in the opinion piece by Ken Plum, “Silver Line No Silver Bullet” [Reston Connection, July 2-8, 2014]. Still, among all the positive notes about the benefits of the Silver Line, I continue to see public officials ignoring the huge increase in costs for daily transit riders in Reston (not just drivers on the Toll Road).
Letter: Deer Hunting Contradicts Reston’s Values
To the Editor
It seems ironic that the RA approved bow hunting of deer less than a 1/2 mile away from Reston’s prized multi-million dollar Nature Center [“Bow Hunting to Help Deer Management,” Reston Connection, July 2-8, 2014]. The mission of the Nature Center is “to provide good environmental stewardship.” ”Does that not include stewardship to the inhabitants of our environment? Bow hunting can result in a slow painful death. Why choose that when humane alternatives exist?
Shakespeare Company Extravaganza Returns to Reston
The trio’s annual visit to RCC’s CenterStage has made them a favorite with Reston audiences.
In celebration of Reston’s 50th Anniversary, Reston Community Center (RCC) has announced a 10-day Reduced Shakespeare Company Extravaganza. The festival will include eight performances by The Reduced Shakespeare Company, a comedy boot camp and several opportunities to meet members of the internationally-known comedy ensemble.
Wednesday, July 16
Jensen to Play Point Guard for Mary Washington
Q and A: South Lakes basketball standout helped Seahawks win Conference 6 championship.
South Lakes graduate to play basketball for Mary Washington.
Financial Education for College Students
Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.
As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.
Numbers Indicate Stable Market
June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.
The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.
Between Halves
At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.
Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area
For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Reston Water Mine Pool to Expand
Lake Fairfax pool facility to be expanded, construction begins September.
With a lazy river and water slides, the outdoor pool has been a great attraction for families and visitors, but size and capacity limitations have increased the waiting times for patrons.
Fairfax County Prepares Bus System For Silver Line
Bus changes help ensure Silver Line success.
Among the changes are elimination of old bus routes and the closure of the Sunset Hills Interim parking in Reston near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway.
Peter Pan Jr. at Forest Edge Elementary
The cast and set/stage crew consisted of 64 students from grades 4 through 6.
Kickoff Held For Fairfax 2015 Games
Police and firefighters conduct demonstrations at Reston Town Center.
The World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) Sports Extravaganza offered live demonstrations including Honor Guard, Muster Carts, Police Motors, and Martial Arts.
GRACE Presents Artist Member Exhibition
Greater Reston Arts Center is presenting the first of what will become a biennial exhibition highlighting the talents of the area artist members.
Hawaii Spirit at Lake Anne Plaza
Fifth annual Ukulele Festival held Saturday.
Lake Anne’s fifth annual Ukulele Festival brought out music lovers from all over the D.C.-metro area to the plaza to listen to live music, learn to play a Beatles tune or two and pick up a ukulele for those feeling inspired.
Reston Metropolitan Unveils Rooftop Features
Reston Chamber of Commerce attends ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The rooftop level includes a sports club with cardio-theater equipment and saunas, and a movie screening room with surround sound.
Reston Hospital Center Gets STAR Program Certification
Reston Hospital Center is leading the way by offering excellent cancer rehabilitation services to its patients by becoming STAR Program Certified.
Wolfe Elected President of Principals’ Association
Wolfe served on the VAESP board of directors for the past six years, and served as an at-large member and president-elect before being elected president.
Friday, July 11
Week in Reston
On Saturday, July 12, Executive Chef John-Michael Hamlet will visit the Reston Farmers Market to offer a cooking demonstration using fresh products from the Market. Chef’s visit will continue a tradition begun many years ago at the Reston Farmers Market.
Letter: Counter-arguments Missing
I recently read the Reston Connection article, "What's Offensive about Redskins Pride?" (July 2-8, 2014) and found it lacked balance. Where were the counter-arguments (in favor of changing the name of the team)? I didn't see any and they're necessary to make a debate credible.
Letter: Understatement of the Decade
Letter to the Editor
Delegate Plum may be granted a modicum of exultation, although his commentary "Silver Line No Silver Bullet" (Connection, July 2-8, 2014) could well qualify as the understatement of the decade. He recognized from the outside that Rail to Dulles would be a costly venture for Toll Road users, boasting in cost mitigation of having lobbied successfully in Richmond to "keep tolls down."
Wednesday, July 9
Classified Advertising July 9, 2014
Read the lastest ads here!
Fees for Reston Metro Garage Announced
$4.85 per car daily, $75 annually for bike room.
The parking fees for the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station garage has been finalized.
Esposito Nominated for Power Players Award
Jackson Lewis P.C., one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing workplace law firms, has announced that Washington SmartCEO has selected Jewell Lim Esposito as a Finalist for the 2014 Power Players Awards.
Thousands Attend Firecracker 5K Race
The race for the troops held at Reston Town Center.
The 5K race began at 8 a.m. and had approximately 2,300 persons registered to participate.
Thousands Attend Firecracker 5K Race
The race for the troops held at Reston Town Center.
THE 5K RACE began at 8 a.m. and had approximately 2,300 persons registered to participate.
A New Work Order
Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.
Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.
Local Company Recommended for Silver Line Contract
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, to submit final proposals.
A local construction company has been recommended to be awarded a Silver Line Phase II contract.
You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?
Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.
Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.
Column: Changing of the Guard at Reston Citizens Association
The recent Reston Citizens Association (RCA) Board election, although it received little media coverage, was an important event for Reston.
Column: The White House of Virginia
Even then and until today, I find it fascinating to stand in a place of importance.
Week in Reston
Chef to Visit Reston Farmers Market
Chef’s visit will continue a tradition begun many years ago at the Reston Farmers Market.
Letter: Understatement of the Decade
Delegate Plum may be granted a modicum of exultation, although his commentary "Silver Line No Silver Bullet" (Connection, July 2-8, 2014) could well qualify as the understatement of the decade.
Letter: Counter-arguments Missing
I would think that one goal of sports organizations is to bring people together, not divide them.
Parties, Action Continue At Reston Pools
Reston Association holds 4th of July party and other events.
The afternoon on July 4 there was a community party at Lake Newport Pool in Reston.
‘Let’s Dance!’
Classical Ballet Theatre brings women together.
Ballet isn’t only for little girls in pink tutus.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
Tuesday, July 8
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.
Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals
On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.
Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success
For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.
Wednesday, July 2
July 4th Festivities in Fairfax County
A list of celebratory events taking place on July 4th.
A list of parades, fireworks and family-friendly events taking place this Friday, July 4.
Silver Line: A Welcome Newcomer to Neighborhood
Reston, Herndon residents, community leaders reflect on upcoming opening of Silver Line.
Just how long have the residents of Reston and Herndon been waiting for their own rail connection to the Greater Washington Metro system?
Ukulele Festival Returns to Lake Anne Plaza
July marks the annual ritual when ukulele fans head to the waterfront at Lake Anne and enjoy the tranquil tunes when the plaza hosts its popular Lake Anne Ukulele Festival, set for Saturday, July 12.
Bow Hunting to Help ‘Deer Management’
Bow hunting approved for some homeowners on Sourwood Lane.
Deer have overstayed their welcome for some Reston residents.
Music and Community at Café Montmartre
Lake Anne restaurant continues to be a local entertainment venue.
The evening of Friday, June 27, residents of Reston and other guests were at Café Montmartre for the restaurant’s monthly music event.
The Dandelion Patch Celebrates 20th Anniversary
As the retailer’s customer base grew at an annual rate of more than 300 percent, they expanded to serve evolving client needs over the past 20 years.
Nebert, Douglas D., of Reston, Dies
Nebert, Douglas D. 51 (Aug. 15, 1962 - May 31, 2014) Long-time Reston resident and U.S. Geological Survey pioneer in Geospatial Technology, Doug Nebert, died in a private plane crash in Toledo, Ore. on May 31.
Letter: A Thank-you Note
Mr. Knoeckel, I’m sorry it has taken four months, but I thank you so much for everything you did and directed me the night before the Super Bowl
Opinion: Silver Line No Silver Bullet
For those of us who have been looking at the seemingly completed infrastructure for many months, announcement of the actual date that we can ride this important new service for our community is welcome news.
Full-Day Mondays Start in September
Teachers promised planning time.
Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).