Stories for September 2014

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Fairfax County Reviews Bus Service

Fairfax County Department of Transportation begins project to reshape bus network.

Fairfax County Department of Transportation changed or canceled the services and routes of buses with the opening of the Silver Line metro. Now the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has begun its Comprehensive Transit Plan (CTP), a 10-year aspirational plan for Fairfax Connector and Metrobus service.

Lake Anne to Host Multicultural Festival on Sept. 27

Reston residents will be able to travel the globe in their own backyard this weekend. The 14th annual Reston Multicultural Festival will bring the community’s founding principle - to be open to all - to Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a celebration of culture.

GRACE, Macintyres to Receive County Art Awards

Arts Council of Fairfax County presenting annual Art Awards in October.

Two Reston art organizations will be recognized by the Arts Council of Fairfax County next month. The council will present their annual Art Awards to Patricia and Steve Macintyre - owners of Reston Art Gallery and Studios - and Greater Reston Arts Center on Oct. 24 for their work with the community.

Local Group Gives Scholarships to Women

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave out $10,000 in scholarships to college women to kick off the start of the school year. Six women from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, ranging in ages and opportunities, were presented scholarships during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club on Friday, Sept 19.

Students, Parents and Teachers Plea for Later Start Times

Students, parents and advocacy groups flooded the School Board’s public comment period with pleas to approve later start times for students next year during Sept. 19 meeting.

Portrait of a Graduate Approved

The Portrait of a Graduate has been drawn. This “portrait” - a part of the plans for the proposed strategic plan - was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Fairfax County School Board meeting after the board discussed it for more than an hour.

Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan

Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.

Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters

The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.

Fall Fun 2014

Upcoming family-friendly events in the area.

Post-Chemo Weak

For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.

Week in Reston

What's happening this week in Reston.

Reston Town Center: Upcoming Events

Upcoming events happening at Reston Town Center.

Obituary: Kate Ellison Anderson, 86, Dies

Kate Ellison Anderson died on Aug. 6, 2014, in Fairfax at the age of 86. She was born in Ogden, Utah and grew up in Layton, Utah.

Teatro De La Luna Comes to Lake Anne

Performance group Teatro De La Luna performed at Lake Anne Elementary School in both English and Spanish.

Column: What Is It About Virginia?

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum, state Delegate (D-36)

There really are not many native Virginians living in Northern Virginia. The growth of the region has come primarily from people moving here from other states or countries.

Column: A Special Shout-Out

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum, state delegate (D-36)

I know my constituents join me in a special thank-you shout-out to Barbara Shearer who has been my legislative assistant for over twenty years and who is retiring at the end of this month. Although a state legislative office is technically part-time, Barbara’s attention to details of constituent request and dependable follow-through gained for my office a reputation for having the best constituent services of any office of an elected official with many having full-time staff members.

Foust Bridging Political Divide

Democrats hope Foust’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” connects with voters.

Straightening his tie, John Foust is preparing for yet another “meet-and-greet” event at the Clifton home of Democratic supporters Terry Matlaga and Kevin Bell.

Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle

Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.

The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.

Classified Advertising September 17, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Reston Home Sales: August, 2014

In August 2014, 96 Reston homes sold between $1,325,000-$180,000.

Reston Home Sales: August, 2014

Lake Anne Fellowship House Revitalization Halted

Fellowship Square Foundation Board claims county did not support plans.

After two years of stalled plans, Norvus Residences is indefinitely deferring the revitalization of Lake Anne Fellowship House. According to a letter sent from the Fellowship Square Foundation Board of Directors, it was because the proposal did not have county support.

Reston Master Plan Debated

Residents discuss neighborhoods and convenience centers.

Reston residents met with Fairfax County officials Saturday morning to discuss the future of their neighborhoods.

Dalya Luttwak Exhibits at GRACE

Sculpture exhibit on display in Reston until Nov. 1.

Since 2007, artist Dalya Luttwak has been working on a series of sculptures depicting the root systems of various plants. Some of these sculptures are on display at Reston GRACE located on the corner of Market St. and St. Francis in the Reston Town Center.

Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season

Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.

Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.

Column: Medicaid Expansion Lite

Virginia’s first governor, Patrick Henry, was elected to four one-year terms. Henry’s reputation as a leader was well established before he became governor with his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech made in St. John’s Church in Richmond before the Revolution.

A Different Path to a 4-year Degree

NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.

Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Column: Almost Fall —The Silly Season is Underway

Did anyone see any salutes to working people on the first Monday in September this year? Sadly, the meaning of this holiday honoring working people has become barely an afterthought it seems.

Later High School Start Times for 2015?

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Rosh Hashanah – More Than Just a New Year

Throughout the year, the Jewish calendar is filled with Holidays commemorating key historic spiritual and physical milestones in Jewish history. Passover recalls our Exodus from Egypt, Shavuot receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, Purim the saving of the Jewish nation from Haman and King Xerxes of Persia. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, one may wonder, what’s happening, what key event in Jewish history do the Days of Awe commemorate?

Scared, Hopefully Not to Death

One of my greatest fears (or regrets, if I am in fact the cause of my own decline) is that my own stubbornness, stupidity, “male blockheadedness” and/or refusal to believe/pay attention to signs, symptoms, indications and instructions/health advisories from my oncologist about my health will lead to my premature death.

Commentary: Protecting Those Threatened by Domestic Violence

September marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – landmark legislation in which our nation committed new prevention and response resources so that our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends would no longer have to suffer in silence through domestic abuse.

Not Going Away

Citizens for gun legislation hold monthly vigil at NRA headquarters.

The Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence met outside the National Rifle Association’s headquarters in Fairfax on Sunday, Sept. 14. The group has met there on the fourteenth of every month since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Dec. 14, 2012.

Herndon Field Hockey Remains Undefeated

Senior captains Stone, Palacios provide 1-2 punch.

The Herndon field hockey team is 10-0.

Full Day Monday Challenges Discussed

The implementation of “full day Mondays” has been anything but easy for area elementary schools. The challenges that Fairfax County Public Schools faced to bring more hours to elementary students’ school year was addressed by Superintendent Karen Garza and several board members during a school board meeting on Sept. 4 at Jackson Middle School.

Portrait of a Graduate Discussed

The heart of the school system’s new strategic plan is closer to being approved. The Fairfax County School Board discussed the five component Portrait of a Graduate - with some asking for a component emphasizing a caring quality - at Monday’s work session.

Reston Triathlon Attracts Hundreds

Despite having spent the morning swimming, biking and running, Neil Medoff wasn’t impressed with himself. The Reston resident is one of two triathletes who has competed in the Reston Triathlon all 31 years it has been an event, but he said Sunday’s race was not a personal best.

Classified Advertising September 10, 2014

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Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit

Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.

“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”

Reston Town Center Hosts ChalkFest

IPAR ChalkFest brings hundreds of spectators and artists to Reston.

Amazing art lined the streets of Reston Town Center during the Reston ChalkFest event. Adults, teens and children had an opportunity to color the bricks of Reston’s Market Street between Library Street and Presidents Street.

Obituary: Euphemia Fay Sardone, 83, of Reston, Dies

Euphemia Fay Sardone, 83, of Reston lost her 14 year battle against Alzheimer disease on Aug. 25. Fay was born in Glasgow, Scotland and immigrated to the U.S. at age 19 in New York City, and pursued a modeling career. She later married, and settled in Fairfax County. In 1970 she became one of Northern Virginia’s first women Realtors, real estate broker, and co-owner and founder of Jerry Sardone Realty.

Businesses Change Hands at Reston Lake Anne Plaza

Some businesses move on despite redevelopment plans.

Located between Baron Cameron and Sunset Hills Road, Lake Anne Plaza and the adjacent neighborhood are the nucleus of the original Reston development. An important part of Reston’s development is its five village centers and town center.

A Plum Good Time!

Democrats gathered to support Dranesville Supervisor John Foust at Del. Ken Plum’s annual Family Picnic.

The powerful thunderstorms that drenched Northern Virginia Saturday night had the good sense to wait until the crowd of similarly powerful forces of nature – aka political VIPs - rallied, stumped and socialized at Del. Ken Plum's (D-36) Annual Summer Picnic and Pre-Election Rally.

Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?

Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.

With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.

A Concert for Gloria

In celebration of her 90th birthday, there will be a concert in honor of Gloria Sussman at the Reston Community Center.

Not only is Gloria Sussman a long-time Reston resident, she is a Reston celebrity. So many people use the word “Restonian” to describe Reston’s community-oriented environment and local camaraderie and it is people like Gloria Sussman who make this possible.

Time Sensitive

As much as I don’t want to be cognizant of date, time and place, relative to February 27, 2009 when Team Lourie first received the stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis on yours truly, I am (a terminal diagnosis will do that to you). Moreover, as often as I write about the need to live forward, rather than die backward (if you know what I mean), I still struggle with the application.

Column: The Legacy of Bob McDonnell

I had no idea what to expect when the jury announced it had reached its verdicts on the charges against former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen, but when the verdicts were announced I was stunned.

Obituary: Jean Stuart Clymer

Jean Stuart Clymer, 90, of Reston, died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014.

Extreme Politics

Foust, Comstock stake out opposing positions during first debate in hyper-partisan 10th district Congressional race.

Forget first-debate politeness. Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust — the candidates vying to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district — sustained the hyper-partisan tenor of their campaigns during a debate-style forum hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in Herndon last week.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

Classified Advertising September 3, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’

Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.

“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.

Lake Anne Hosts Jazz and Blues Festival

New Orleans came to Reston on Saturday. The 8th annual Lake Anne Jazz and Blues festival raked in some of the biggest crowds it’s seen yet on Saturday, Aug. 30, as people came in from all over the D.C. metropolitan region for a taste of the area’s best music.

Making change: Some DTR Lanes Converting to E-ZPass

Nineteen exact change lanes on the Dulles Toll Road are going to be converted to E-ZPass lanes over the next year.

Senior Centers in Fairfax County

A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015

A list of annual community events in the area.

I Scream

…for ice cream; from Brigham’s in Boston, the local New England establishment of my youth where I spent dollars – although it was likely cents back in those days – many afternoons, evenings and weekends.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Special Love Hosts Camp Fantastic

Ninety-nine campers (ages 7-17) with cancer just had an amazing week at Special Love’s Camp Fantastic. Children and teens with cancer from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region including D.C.

IPAR ChalkFest To Be Held at Reston Town Center

The Initiative for Public Art-Reston (IPAR) and Reston Town Center are jointly offering special chance to express your own inner artist on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6, at Town Center’s very first ChalkFest.

Quick Wit and Fast Comedy

Reduced Shakespeare Company Extravaganza at CenterStage.

A singular delight is soon arriving at Reston's CenterStage. An extravaganza of theatrical comedy covering over a week of different performances as the beloved Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) lays anchor.

New Works by Ronni Jolles at Reston Art Gallery & Studios

New works by Ronni Jolles will be featured in her September show, “Painting with Paper,” at Reston Art Gallery & Studios (RAGS), 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston, on the waterfront of Lake Anne Plaza.

South Lakes’ Greatorex Eyeing Chance to Play College Lax

Q&A: Senior earned all-district/conference in field hockey, lax.

Megan Greatorex is a two-sport athlete at South Lakes High School.

Great Falls Artists Exhibit in Reston

‘Breakthrough event’ at U.S. Geological Survey extends reach of arts group.

“A Sea of Sticks and Stones,” a juried exhibition of artworks by 34 members of Great Falls Studios, opens Sept. 3 at the U.S. Geological Survey National Center, taking the creative energy of Great Falls artists to neighboring Reston and awarding them $1,000 in prizes in the process.

Column: The Sad Saga of the McDonnells

Please tell me that I won’t have to see any more photos of the grim, or confidently smiling, faces of Bob McDonnell, Maureen, and their phalanx of lawyers either walking into or from the courtroom daily.

Column: Back to School

Although it has been many years since I was a teacher in the classroom, I still get a nervous stomach around Labor Day each year in anticipation of the beginning of a new school year. Teaching is the hardest work I have ever done in my life including being a legislator.

Reston Founder at Farmers Market

In his morning walk around Lake Anne, Reston Founder Robert Simon stopped at the Reston Farmers Market seafood stand on Saturday, Aug. 30, sampling the fresh (raw) clams. In the first photo, Karen Arnest of Arnest Seafood offers Reston Founder a fresh clam she just popped open; the second is the Founder enjoying the rest. Simon is seated in his new Swedish Walker, which accompanies him on walks around Lake Anne most mornings.

Letter: Opposing Corporatism

To the Editor

I've lived here less than a week and I am already disappointed. Being politically active, I try to research my local representative's take on the issues.