Stories for January 2015

Editorial: Outlook

Many bright spots will be overshadowed in the coming budget season.

Long awaited, the opening of the Silver Line promises to bring transformation to Tysons and around the current station in Reston, with another Reston station and Herndon to come.

Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment

How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Reston’s Beaver Gate

Reston Association seeks to address Reston’s busy beavers.

The Glade Stream Valley in Reston has been home to beavers for over 25 years. Reston Association’s environmental resource manager, Claudia Thompson-Deahl said beavers originally entered the stream system from the Twin Branches end, probably traveling up from the Potomac River via Difficult Run.

Herndon, Reston Galleries Attract Art Lovers

Exhibits at ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE on display through February.

In January, both the ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE community art galleries opened new art exhibits at their locations. ArtSpace Herndon located at 750 Center Street in downtown Herndon opened the soloist exhibit “In Warm Observations: People and Places” by artist Jill Banks.

Area’s Silver Lining

Reston, Herndon area residents mindful of transportation changes.

On July 26, 2014, Phase 1 of the Silver Line opened. Metro General Manager Richard Sarles introduced a list of speakers at the dedication ceremony in a tent at the new Wiehle-Reston East station in Reston.

Herndon Girls Win Conference Championship

Herndon swim and dive had senior night against Centreville on Jan. 23, with the Hornets’ boys’ and girls’ teams winning. All Herndon seniors will advance to the Conference meet Jan. 30-31.

A Challenge for Garza: Excessive Homework

To the Editor: Your article “How Does She Do It” - Karen Garza’s vision: the irresistible force moving immovable object of Fairfax County Public Schools (The Connection,December 24-10, 2014) showed FCPS Superintendent Dr. Garza as a force for change. In the Fairfax County school system, students demonstrate excellence by collaborating and achieving good grades with the assistance of teachers.

Letter: Sex Offender Serving in the House

To the Editor

To the Editor: Tracking the last eight months or so of Del. Ken Plums' Opinion columns in the Connection Newspapers, the bad topics are the Tea Party (Defender of a balanced budget, right to own a gun, and worshiping our Creator), and certain (but not all) ethics of political figures. According to Plum only some political positions are bad.

Reinvigorating Virginia’s Economy

Virginia is well on its way to economic recovery for many families, but working families across the state are telling me and other legislators that they feel like the recession never ended. Even in Northern Virginia, home to some of the wealthiest localities in the country, too many families struggle to earn enough to pay for basic necessities despite having full-time jobs.

Supporting Cornerstones

On Sunday, Jan. 18, the Women's Club of Greater Reston celebrated its 45th anniversary. WCGR president Susan Ragland presented a check in the amount of $450 to Gail Greenberg of Cornerstones.

Column: Traffic Caught

If I were writing this column in Massachusetts – where I was born and mostly educated (K-12), and had a thick Boston accent, that’s how court would likely be pronounced; changing a noun into a verb.

Schools to Expand by $856 Million

Capital Improvement Plan approved, rising enrollment causes concerns about classroom space.

Five more school buildings and renovations for several existing ones may be approved by 2020. The Fairfax County School Board approved the $856 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at the Jan. 22 meeting to set priority on the projects the school system wants done in the next five years.

Referendum for Reston Land Purchase

Former Visitor Center property could be bought back.

A referendum for a parcel of land north of the Dulles Toll Road is being put forth by Reston Association. The parcel, owned by Tetra Properties, will be sold to Reston Association after a voting process that ends in May.

Reston National Golf Stays the Course - for Now

Appeal decision to be announced April 15.

Julie Bitzer moved to a home near the Reston National Golf Course so she can indulge in her favorite past time as often as she likes. “I’m a golfer,” she said. “I was ecstatic I could live at and see the golf course and the open space.” With a home that faces the expansive greens of the 18-hole course, she felt her lifestyle and home were at risk when RN Golf - owned by Northwestern Mutual - appealed the Fairfax County Planning and Zoning staff’s decision that the course could not be converted to a residential area. She was not the only one to be concerned by the appeal.

Outlook: Reston Master Plan Takes Shape

Village Center updates, national golf course appeal mean big decisions.

Restonians may see their ideas become resolutions on paper this year. Community leaders are saying residents can look forward to new village center plans, the beginnings of a new Lake Anne Village Center and a decision on whether Reston National Golf Course wins the appeal on residential zoning.

Puller Will Not Seek Re-election

Just as the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 2015 January session, state Sen. Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-36) announced her decision to not run for re-election later this year. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of the 36th district in the Senate of Virginia,” Puller said in a Jan. 14 statement. “Now, with the encouragement, love and support of my family I have made the decision to step down.”

Editorial: Baby Steps, Not Enough

Supervisors should take action, not defer to “outside expert,” on absurd and outrageous behavior of police department.

Finally, now that the Fairfax County Police Department has taken stonewalling into the arena of the absurd, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has at least said it is time for change. It is a step, but a step that continues the appearance of obfuscation if not outright obstruction.

Fairfax County Delivers Geer Documents

Thirty days after a court order by Fairfax Circuit Court judge Randy Bellows, Fairfax County has produced documents concerning the shooting death of John Geer.

The Dream is Alive

Reston Community Center holds annual celebration for MLK holiday.

Reston Community Center is keeping the dream alive. RCC’s annual Hunters Woods luncheon program to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and analyze current issues in racism was held on Monday, Jan. 20, with keynote speaker Anna Deavere Smith’s series of monologues showing Restonians how Americans have reclaimed grace in the face of adversity.

Reston Phase II Working Draft to Be Presented

The working draft for phase two of Reston’s master plan will be presented on Jan. 29. The second phase focuses on improving residential neighborhoods and village centers.

Could Fairfax County End Veteran Homelessness in 2015?

Chairman Bulova, Fairfax County take on national Mayors Challenge.

The transition from serving in the armed forces to civilian life is often not simple. While in Fairfax County there are more than 12,000 veteran-owned businesses, indicating a significant measure of success, for others the path is far more difficult.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bulova Releases 2015 State of the County Address

Despite a projected shortfall of nearly $100 million facing Fairfax County going into the FY 2016 budget, Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova remains encouraged by a 2014 that she said was full of accomplishments.

Vilma L. Musk, 77, of Reston, Dies

Vilma L. Musk, age 77, died Dec. 7, 2014, in her home in Reston. She has been a Reston resident for 13 years and is missed by her many friends.

Sue W. Erickson, 79, Dies

Sue W. Erickson, age 79, of Ashburn, formerly of Reston passed Jan. 14, 2015. Beloved wife of late Robert D. Erickson. Loving mother of Michael (Karen) Erickson of Mont Vernon, N.H., Donna (Ricki) Church of Ashburn, Jerry (Nancy) Erickson, of Reston.

Building a New Virginia Economy

Candidate Terry McAuliffe campaigned on a platform of “building a new Virginia economy.” His theme clearly resonated with voters who elected him and with those who were concerned with Virginia’s sluggish recovery from the Great Recession. Following his campaign closely, I was impressed with his grasp of the issues and his commitment to resolving them. With his usual exuberance, the Candidate and now Governor made clear that he broadly defines the elements of a new economy.

Ethics Reform Tough in Virginia—Despite McDonnell

There is a lot of talk in the media that serious ethics reform could happen in this session of the Virginia General Assembly. Don’t count on it! Too many legislators regard special interest gifts as entitlements. While they profess to support limiting “tangible” gifts to a minimal value and more reporting, they fiercely guard their rights to certain gifts which supplement their incomes.

Theresa K. Robinson of Reston Dies

Theresa K. Robinson of Reston, passed away Jan. 3, 2015. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Robinson and Wendy Fox; brother Raymond Konisky Jr.; sister-in-law Lorraine Konisky; nephew Raymond Konisky III; nieces Cindy Konisky and Kathy Mitsin; great-niece Alexandra Konisky and great-nephew Brian Konisky.

Herndon Author Writes New Book on Sports Training for Young Athletes

According to Wendy LeBolt, Ph.D., in her new book “Fit 2 Finish – Keeping Your Soccer Players in the Game” the cycle of success boils down to “Develop – Balance – Observe – and repeat” to keep our young athletes fit and on the field, and taking their sport as far as their interest and skill can take them. Herndon resident LeBolt has some real skin in the game of soccer – literally.

Letter: Volunteer for the Games

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: I love this community. There are so many ways to serve a community as diverse and as vibrant as ours. I recently competed in a special election to succeed Congresswoman Comstock. While I came up short in the vote count, largely due to the unfortunate weather on Election Day, I am as inspired to serve as I was on that day. My passion to serve others only strengthens with each pursuit.

Column: Seasonal Seven Dwarfs

Sneezy, Coughy, Phlegmy, Stuffy, Achy. No-Sleepy and Post-Nasal Drippy; and no Doc, which is possibly what led to this column being written.

Scott Surovell (D-44) Announces Bid for State Senate

Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) used his blog and e-newsletter to make his intention known: Less than a week after Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) announced she would not look to serve another term, Surovell declared he would run for the vacant seat on Sunday, Jan. 18.

Reston Home Sales: December, 2014

In December 2014, 82 Reston homes sold between $1,220,000-$171,500.

Reston Home Sales: December, 2014

Founding Fathers Visit Reston and Herndon Schools

Reston couple funds further education in American history.

School children in eight Fairfax County Public elementary schools had the opportunity to hear and speak with Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry in January. Historical re-enactors Bill Barker and Richard Schumann, respectively, assisted with the experience.

NoVa Mini Maker Faire Returns To Reston

Tickets available for NoVa Mini Maker Faire at Reston South Lakes High School.

A family-friendly showcase of invention and creativity will return to Reston on March 15. Tech enthusiasts and innovators will gather March 15, in Reston as the second annual NoVa Mini Maker Faire meets at South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School.

General Assembly Fairfax Delegation Holds Public Meeting Prior to Session in Richmond.

Justin Dolan addressed the state delegates and senators from his wheelchair rather than the podium. The 34-year-old Falls Church resident has cerebral palsy, and received an Individual & Family Developmental Disabilities Support waiver.

Howell, Plum Meet With Residents

Citizens get chance to voice concerns before General Assembly session.

This General Assembly session will be a tough year to budget, according to two local legislators. State Senator Janet Howell (D-32) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36) met with local residents Jan. 8 at Reston Community Center - Hunter Mill to talk about the upcoming session and hear what their constituents thought are the issues to focus on.

Reston to the Rescue

Rescue Reston hopes to save local golf course.

Rescue Reston wants to see a sea of yellow T-shirts on Jan. 21. The organization wants supporters to show that local residents do not want the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals to allow Reston National Golf Course to be bulldozed.

Fairfax County Supervisors Seek Outside Help with Transparency

“Independent expertise” to advise on information disclosure policies.

Eight days after offering the public the first of any kind of official explanation for officer-involved shooting of Springfield resident John Geer, the Board of Supervisors took another step.

The $2.4 Billion Question

FCPS Superintendent presents next year’s budget.

Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza is proposing a $2.4 billion budget for the 2015-16 school year. The proposed Fairfax County Public Schools’ budget includes funds for full-day Mondays, teacher compensation and later high school start times while still finding room for $55.4 million in cuts.

Letter: County Shouldn’t Spray Against Fall Cankerworm

Letter to the Editor

This letter is in response to a recent letter to the editor about Fairfax County’s Fall Cankerworm Insecticide Spraying Program.

General Assembly Underway

The General Assembly convened for its annual session on Jan. 14. Although the session scheduled to adjourn at the end of February is termed “the short session,” it will have a full agenda of opportunities and challenges.

Mr. and Mrs. Pileated Enjoy the First Snow

Recently -- the pileated woodpecker has been voted in as the official bird of Reston. Erica Stoecker snapped this photo of Mr. and Mrs. Pileated enjoying on her Reston deck, on the first snow day of 2015.

Backyard Dreaming

Local tastemakers say winter is the best time to plan an idyllic backyard retreat.

Spring may seem light years away from the frigid January temperatures, and lounging in your backyard is probably the last thing you want to do at the moment, but landscape designers say now is the time to start planning a summer retreat.

Children Collect Food for Cornerstone Food Bank

Lake Anne Elementary donated over 20 boxes of food to Cornerstone Food Bank/Cornerstones Housing Corporation. The school selected this food drive because of the Cornerstone work with Reston Interfaith that helps the school community.

Column: $32.99 Plus Shipping

For one box of 54 petite Belgian waffle cookies in three delicious flavors: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vanilla; an extravagance to be sure, available during the holidays; this recipient (actually, my wife, Dina, was the recipient) very happy to oblige and indulge.

Amy Brass and Michael Macintyre to Wed April 2015

Mrs. Renee Brass and Mr. and Mrs. Steve Macintyre of Reston are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Amy Brass and Michael Macintyre. Both grew up in Reston and graduated from South Lakes High School.

Four Reston Scouts Earn Eagle Rank

Four local boys who became Cub Scouts together 11 years ago were recognized recently for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts. Troop 1313, chartered by Sunrise Valley Elementary School PTA in Reston, held a quadruple Eagle Court of Honor to recognize seniors Vijay Iyer, Tom Joyner, Jonathan Lee, and Charlie Quinn on Jan. 7.

Pet Food and Adoption Center Opens at Reston’s Lake Anne

PetMac merges animal rescue and good nutrition in shop.

When PetMAC owner Cindy Williams moved her pet supply and adoption center to Reston’s Lake Anne, she took her business philosophy of community outreach and high-quality inventory to a lakeside shopping center abundant with small locally-owned businesses.

Three Reston Developers to Support Best of Reston

Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce have announced that Boston Properties, Comstock, and The JBG Companies, have joined together to serve as Chairs of the 2015 Best of Reston Awards for Community Service.

Where is Mr. Higgins?

Reward for information leading to safe return of our cat, Mr. Higgins. He is a gray tabby cat with white chin, chest, and belly plus white paws, golden eyes,and a fluffy tail. May have black and white collar with tag.

Bank Robberies in Reston and Herndon

Winter a busy season for bank robberies.

For the second time in two weeks, a supermarket bank in Reston was robbed in the late afternoon. Fairfax County Police report the PNC Bank inside the Giant at North Point Village Center was robbed at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.

Top Fitness Trends for 2015

Here are some low-cost and mobile routines.

The beginning of a new year is often a time when many resolve to begin a fitness plan or to ramp up their current routine. Officials at the American College of Sports Medicine rang in the New Year by releasing the organization’s annual survey of the top fitness trends for 2015.

Editorial: Happy New Year

Focused on community.

Happy New Year. We need your help in 2015. As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.

Looking Forward: Reston 2015

Village Center updates planned.

After an eventful year, Reston may see their ideas become resolutions on paper. Community leaders are looking forward to new village center plans, the beginnings of a new Lake Anne Village Center and a new district government center this year.

Chanukah Celebrated At Downtown Herndon

Chabad of Reston-Herndon holds community celebration.

The Sunday evening of Dec. 21 members of the community assembled at the Herndon Town Square to celebrate Chanukah with the Chabad of Reston-Herndon. The event was open to the public and more than 35 persons came to attend.

With End Of Year Businesses Rotate in Herndon and Reston

Businesses change hands in the Herndon, Reston area.

Change is a constant, and although some have remarked change is neither good nor bad, nostalgia is a powerful potion. At some locations, including cafes and eateries, we make memories and recall experiences with friends and relatives.

Getting into the Spirit of the Holidays

Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) shared some extra special holiday magic with this year’s presentation of “The Nutcracker,” performed at the 525-seat Ernst Theater in Annandale. A sellout, the production featured beautiful choreography, stunning costumes, and some of the most highly trained pre-professional talent in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

The ‘Dream’ Lives On

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday birthday events to be held at Reston Community Center.

For this year's 30th annual Reston Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday birthday celebration the renowned Anna Deavere Smith will be the keynote speaker at the Monday, Jan. 19 community event. Her address, “Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity," will aim "to highlight the issues of community, character, and diversity in America."

Art Show to Honor Reston’s Official Bird

Friends of Reston is hosting a Children’s Art Show at the Walker Nature Center in celebration of the new Official Bird of Reston, the Pileated Woodpecker. Deadline for art is Saturday, Jan. 31 by 1 p.m. All submitted art will be displayed inside the Walker Nature Center’s Nature House from Sunday, Feb. 1 until Saturday, Feb. 7, and posted on its Facebook page.

Fairfax Cops Block Geer Killing Investigations

Finally some of the smoke is clearing. Sixteen months after unarmed John Geer was killed standing in his doorway by an unidentified Fairfax County Police officer we are getting an explanation of the wall of silence surrounding his death. In response to an inquiry by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the Fairfax Commonwealth Attorney (prosecutor) Raymond Morrogh revealed why he failed to complete his investigation into Mr. Geer’s killing and took the unusual step of passing the case to the U.S. Attorney (U.S. Justice Dept.) a year ago.

Redistricting Remains an Issue

Although the drawing of legislative district lines is supposed to take place each decade after the federal census, the controversy over where and how lines are drawn keeps the issues alive every year. Most recently a federal court declared the current Congressional district lines in Virginia invalid because the way the lines are drawn discriminates against minorities being able to get elected. Essentially the black population is packed into one district.

Murder Mystery at Reston Stage

Reston Community Players to present thriller “Rehearsal for Murder.”

"Be ready for a suspenseful murder mystery," said cast member Wilson Paine (Reston) describing the Reston Community Players next show, "Rehearsal for Murder." Mystery, love and being led in the wrong direction are central to what happens in this story about the search for the truth.

Letter to the Editor: Fairness for All – the Lake Anne RELAC Decision

To the Editor: As we turn the calendar to a new year, some of our Reston neighbors will be facing an important vote in January that affects their summertime comfort. Covenant 15 of the Reston Association Deed requires 343 households to use the 50+ year old Reston Lake Anne Air-Conditioning Corporation cooling system (RELAC), unless they receive an annual medical exemption -- a nightmare when the unit goes up for resale.

Letter to the Editor: Hateful Tweets Call for Action

To the Editor: I would like to applaud the Reston Connection for its coverage of FCPS Superintendent Garza's meeting with concerned parents on Dec. 3 (“County Superintendent Listens to Reston,” Connection, December 10-16, 2014).

Letter to the Editor: Taking Exception on Express Lanes

To the Editor: An article was recently published in your newspaper discussing the new I-95 express lanes (95 Express Lanes Open, The Connection, Dec. 18-24, 2014). One statement in the article read, “Construction manager for the project John Morse, of VDOT, said that the addition of a third lane will solve a number of problems and give people options other than waiting in traffic.”

Anna Deavere Smith to Highlight MLK Birthday Celebration

Anna Deavere Smith will highlight Reston Community Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Birthday celebration at the Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Hunters Woods, Reston. Events are Sunday, Jan. 18 and Monday, Jan. 19.

Collecting Toys for Tots, Donations for FISH

Reston's National Realty was again an official drop-off for the annual Toys for Tots campaign as well as donations to Herndon-Reston FISH. Both provide toys to local children.

Column: Down and Not Out, Yet

Thankfully (so far as I know, which isn’t very far), after a five-week interval between infusions, which included two additional weeks of pre-chemotherapy lab work and an out-of-the-ordinary 24-hour urine collection (“creatinine clearance”) to boot – to more accurately measure my kidney function in hopes of meeting a 1.6 threshold – muster was finally passed, and I was subsequently infused without any further adieu.

Overnight I-66 Closures in January

All lanes of Interstate 66 in one direction will close intermittently between midnight and 5 a.m. on several dates in January for the installation of gantries. Each closure will last up to 30 minutes.

Children's Connection 2014

This week, the Connection turns over its pages to the youth and students.