Stories for May 2015

Stories for May 2015

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Saturday, May 30

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Lorton: Yates' Walk-Off Single Sends South County Softball to Region Quarterfinals

Stallions pitcher Bates allows one unearned run in seven innings.

The South County softball team defeated South Lakes 2-1 on Friday.

Friday, May 29

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Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015

Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.

Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Thursday, May 28

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Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training

Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.

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Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016

Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.

$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.

Wednesday, May 27

Column: Mad Man

Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?

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Rules on Noise Set To Change

Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.

Editorial: Voting, June 9

No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.

To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.

Tuesday, May 26

Commentary: Transit Means Business!

A couple of weeks ago I dropped off my Prius for service at a dealership near the Spring Hill Station on the Silver Line and caught the Metro for a one-stop trip to the Greensboro Station.

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Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned

In Hunter Mill: Adelle Jones and Kenneth R. Fredgren.

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Police: Attempted Robbery Results in Death

Herndon man, 24, killed in Reston; two charged in robbery.

Rashad Kejuan Daye, 24, of the Herndon area, was killed Sunday, May 17 during a robbery attempt, according to Fairfax County Police.

Friday, May 22

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax

For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.

Thursday, May 21

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McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia

Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.

Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops

Letter to the Editor

I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.

Column: Up and Down and All Around

Commentary

No. That’s not my stomach talking.

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Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum

Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.

Wednesday, May 20

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Students with Special Needs Attend Day Prom

For more than 10 years, hundreds of students with special needs — those with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities — have been able to enjoy a prom of their own. The event takes place during the day and, this year, was held at the Waterford near Fair Oaks Mall.

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Reston: Three for One, and One For All?

Board of Supervisors, Rescue Reston and Reston Association all filed legal appeals of the Board of Zoning Appeals April ruling regarding Reston National Golf Course.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Rescue Reston and Reston Association last week filed legal appeals of the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

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Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Column: In Contrast

Commentary

Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.

The Price No Longer Matters?

One third of eligible Reston Association voters casted ballots, with 53 percent of those voters in favor of authorization for RA Board of Directors to borrow $2.65 million to purchase the Tetra property, formerly known as the Reston Visitors Center.

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Cappies Review: A Warm Welcome to the ‘60s

South Lakes High School's production of “Hairspray” showed that "You can't stop the beat" of these performers.

Column: Lull before the Storm

If the Virginia political scene seems to you to be quiet at the moment, stick around for we may just be experiencing a lull before the storm. There are elections every year in Virginia, and at this point in the voting cycle there are numerous state and local offices on the ballot this fall.

Column: Looking Ahead to the 2015 Elections in Fairfax County

When we go to the polls in November, the ballot will include not only our state legislators, but also the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (Chairman and 9 district supervisors) and School Board (12 reps-9 district members and 3 at-large).

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Silver Anniversary Coming to Arts Festival

Bob Simon’s silhouette, sculpture, painting, jewelry, birds’ nests, marimbas, stained glass windows and more attracts 40,000 to Reston this weekend.

Dozens stopped to watch Adam Crowell play his art Sunday at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. “Teachers said it over and over when I pounded on desks, lockers and books. ‘That’s not a drum,’” he said.

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Nanobrewery To Open At Reston Lake Anne

Craft beer site to open in Reston.

Reston residents Melissa and Jason Romano purchased a retail space at 11424 Washington Plaza, where they will open Lake Anne Brew House, a nanobrewery. Thirst for local beer and new regulatory attitudes towards brewing have encouraged entrepreneurs to begin craft beer operations across the country.

Tuesday, May 19

Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of May 20

Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, May 21, from 5-8:30 p.m, at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary.

Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs

Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.

Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015

On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.

Monday, May 18

Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission

Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.

John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.

Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos

This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.

Saturday, May 16

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Reston: South Lakes Baseball Ends Lengthy Regional Tournament Drought

Wojciechowski throws four-hitter, strikes out 11 against W-L

The South Lakes baseball team defeated Washington-Lee 3-1 on Friday in the Conference 6 tournament quarterfinals.

Friday, May 15

Reston Home Sales: April, 2015

In April, 2015, 105 Reston homes sold between $1,600,000-$79,900.

Reston Home Sales: April, 2015

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Wednesday, May 13

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Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles

High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.

Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Healthcare Events

Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect

“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."

Column: Why Fi?

Commentary

“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.

Tuesday, May 12

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Reston’s ‘Tropical Resort’

Young swimmers enjoy a tropical environment at Goldfish Swim School.

The story behind the Goldfish Swim School in Reston might sound like a bit of a fish tale, but there’s plenty of evidence to prove otherwise.

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Changes To Parks And Pools In Reston

New outdoor racquetball and courts open at Reston Stratton Woods Park.

Fairfax County Park Authority will dedicate new outdoor racquetball and courts at Reston’s Stratton Woods Park on Saturday, May 16.

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Neyla Restaurant To Open in Reston

Mediterranean restaurant to open at Reston Town Center.

Neyla, the new Mediterranean restaurant in the former Paolo’s space at Reston Town Center, plans to open this week, said restaurant management.

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Filling Reston with Art of the Nation

Nationally ranked, this weekend’s juried show attracts serious collectors as well as local art lovers.

More than 200 artists from around the nation will display their original art across six Reston blocks during the 24th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

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Wheeling Their Way to School

Lake Anne Elementary students join International Bike to School Day.

Melissa Romano, mother of two students at Lake Anne Elementary School in Reston and one at Forest Edge, has been coordinating a monthly “bike to school” for about two years, but even she admitted that she had to up her game to organize Lake Anne’s participation in this year’s International Bike To School Day.

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‘Hamlet’ Comes to Lake Anne Park

Local theater company presents its debut production on May 16-17.

“To be or not to be. That is the question.” Thanks for that, Shakespeare, but in this case the question has already been answered. The young co-founders of Any Stage Theater Company declared that “Hamlet,” the debut production from their new theatrical outfit, will take place at Lake Anne Park, 11301 North Shore Drive, in Reston, rain or shine.

Monday, May 11

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Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy

Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.

Wednesday, May 6

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Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games

A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”

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Healthy Relationships for Life

Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.

Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.

Column: “CT Looked Good”

Commentary

Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.

Tuesday, May 5

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.

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Best of Reston

750 attend gala to celebrate the Best, raise $540,000 for Cornerstones.

Casey Veatch roused 750 people to a standing ovation near the end of the Best of Reston Awards for Community Service ceremony Thursday Night at the Reston Hyatt.

Real Estate: Interest Rates, Employment Drive the Market

Reston experiences strong home sales.

This is a brief look at the Reston real estate market. Sales are up in Reston; mortgage interest rates still way down.

Letter: What Is the Cost of Not Buying the TETRA Property?

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Column: American Tourists in Normandy

We now know for certain that spring is here and summer is not far behind. How so? Because the Reston Farmers Market opened for its 18th season on Saturday.

Column: We the People

In Virginia as in states throughout the South and the Midwest, there is a continuing stream of legislation that attempts to place the power of the states over that of the federal government.

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Sun Shines on Opening Day of Reston Farmers Market

Benjamin Stoessel, 15 months, loves his fresh vegetables, said his mother Laura Stoessel. "Zucchini all day," said his father Tim Stoessel.

Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice

Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.

Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS

Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.

Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:

Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread

Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.

There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.

Friday, May 1

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Farmers Markets 2015

Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.

Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.