Stories for August 2016

Reston Letter: Tall Oaks: More Than Just a Village Center

Letter to the Editor

The Fairfax County Planning Commission clearly showed that unless a court tells them differently, they can dictate Reston’s future. Robert Simon’s vision, decades of planning and careful growth have now been taken over by Fairfax County. They know what’s best for Reston.

Reston Letter: Out-of-Scope Lighting

Letter to the Editor

I am writing to voice my concern, disappointment and disapproval for the installation of the out-of-scope lighting on Cross School Road by Sunrise Valley Elementary School. The lighting is not suitable for the size of the road and seems to be done without advisement and consult of the community. The lights are very large - highway size lights that, again, are out of scope for the nature of the road and residential community. In comparison - there are no lights on the far more traveled road - Sunrise Valley - that carries far more traffic through South Reston.

Letter: Does He Bite?

Letter to the Editor

Well, they're finally over! Suffering through the breathless NBC "coverage" of Olympic "sports," many of which few of us have ever heard of, involving Zika-virus and Rio-mugging avoidance tips, inane commentary, and tedious "up-close and personals" punctuated by the occasional showing of an actual event and immediate post-race interviews with "heroes" gasping for breath, I wondered about the origins of the ridiculous habit of winning athletes appearing to take a bite out of their medal before the cameras.

Reston Residents Oppose Apartment Redevelopment

180 residents sign petition opposing St. Johns development proposal in its current version.

St. Johns Wood is a sprawling campus of nine three-story buildings that house 250 apartments on about 14 acres of land nestled in the woods off Center Harbor Rd. in Reston - and that is exactly how some residents of the complex, and many of their neighbors in surrounding clusters of apartments, townhomes and single family dwellings would like to see it stay. A group about 35-strong made their opinions known at the Reston Association (RA) Governance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the RA offices.

Pay-to-Park System Comes to Reston Town Center

Live, work, pay.

The slogan “Live, Work, Play” has long been associated with Reston, a community that takes well-deserved pride in offering a multitude of options for all three of those activities, but with Reston Town Center (RTC) gearing up to launch a pay-to-park system for the first time since opening its streets in 1990, some Restonians, and even some of their neighbors, have put a spin on the motto.

Reston People: Mina Fies Named 2016 ‘Made it to a Million’ Femtor™ Award Finalist

Mina Fies, Founder and CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, a design-build firm located in Reston, was named a finalist in the “Made it to a Million” category at the eWomenNetwork 2016 International Femtor™ Awards Champagne Luncheon, held in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 6.

Column: Protecting Our Families

Commentary

In the week that I was in Chicago for the annual Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), there was a record 100 people shot in the city in less than a week.

New Reston CenterStage Season Opens

Timeless songs from Kathy Matea and Bill Cooley on Sept. 17.

Grammy award recipient Kathy Matea is known as an uplifting singer, songwriter and musician. Matea can be a too infrequent performer in the Fairfax County area. Soon she and her longtime collaborator, guitarist Bill Cooley will open the 2016-2017 season of professional performances at Reston’s CenterStage.

New Reston CenterStage Season Opens

Timeless songs from Kathy Matea and Bill Cooley on Sept. 17.

Grammy award recipient Kathy Matea is known as an uplifting singer, songwriter and musician. Matea can be a too infrequent performer in the Fairfax County area. Soon she and her longtime collaborator, guitarist Bill Cooley will open the 2016-2017 season of professional performances at Reston’s CenterStage.

‘Sunrise…Sunset’ by Dorothy Donahey on Exhibit at Reston Art Gallery & Studios

Reston Art Gallery & Studios (RAGS) presents an exhibit of paintings by Dorothy Donahey in her show “Sunrise…Sunset” on display from Sept. 2 through Oct. 6. All are welcome to meet the artist at a reception on Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 until 4 p.m. In this show, Donahey’s paintings are inspired by dawn and evening skies, and from musicals. “I’ll let the viewers decide which came first in my muse – the color of the sky, or the songs,” says Donahey.

Editorial: Take One Action to Prevent Suicide

Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-13, #MindsMatter

As school begins, we are accustomed to safety warnings. Slow down driving, watch for students along the roads, near schools and perhaps behaving unpredictably near intersections. Buckle seat belts. Wear bicycle helmets. Avoid distracted driving.

Herndon Area Nonprofits: Making Community Work

GrandInvolve is recruiting older adults as volunteers who would like to become mentors, reading and math helpers, and classroom helpers.

Reston/Herndon: Vibrant City Living, Small Town Life

Living in the Reston-Herndon area means you don’t have to pick just one!

Despite the fierce Herndon-South Lakes high schools rivalry, Herndonites and Restonians have more in common than they do differences. Not the least of which, residents from both towns share a lively and vibrant social scene.

Reston/Herndon: Everyone Counts in Hunter Mill

Every good community stems from those who work hard to make the community the best version of itself.

Reston Community Notes

Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne Plaza, founded in 1998, is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Reston Column: Leaving Vacation Behind, Into the Campaign

Independent Progressive

Hard to believe that August is almost done. Does that mean the wall-to-wall 90 to 100 degree days are about to end? Does it also mean that Labor Day is upon us and the U.S. presidential campaign is about to officially begin?! I can’t wait!

Reston Column: No Time to Lose

Commentary

“Our Nation is at risk,” thus began a report on schools given to President Ronald Reagan in 1983.

Reston: GRACE to Present Shih Chieh Huang’s Synthetic Transformations

The Greater Reston Arts Center will present Synthetic Transformations, a dynamic gallery experience by multimedia artist and 2014 TED Talk Fellow Shih Chieh Huang, sponsored by Leidos and the Arts Council of Fairfax County.

Reston Area Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Reston nonprofits

Rescue Reston to Hold 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

On Monday, Oct. 3 Rescue Reston will hold its 2nd annual fundraising golf tournament at Reston National Golf Course. Rescue Reston is the citizens’ organization created four years ago to prevent Northwestern Mutual’s plans to destroy 166 acres of recreational open space in Reston.

Vienna/Oakton Nonprofits: Making Community Work

Making Community Work

Caring for an Ill Spouse?

The Well Spouse Association, a national nonprofit which provides peer support to those caring for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, has free support groups in various northern Virginia locations. For more information, go to www.wellspouse.org or call 800-838-0879.

Keeping Youth Safe, Healthy and Drug Free

Looking for ways to keep Fairfax County youth and young adults safe, healthy and drug free? Then check out getting involved with the nonprofit Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County (UPC).

Column: Greater Transparency in Policing

Fairfax County Police embrace change, sanctity of life for all.

The Fairfax County Police Department was established on July 1, 1940 and today we have an authorized strength of 1,406 sworn law enforcement officers.

Welcoming Business Community in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce welcomes newcomers to the area.

I am pleased to welcome you to Northern Virginia on behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber) and the regional business community. The Northern Virginia Chamber is The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, representing nearly 700 member companies which in total employ more than 500,000 members of our regional community.

Helping to End and Prevent Homelessness

Nonprofits around Northern Virginia help with chronic homelessness, homeless families, victims of domestic violence, homeless youth and more.

‘Insider’s Tip’ to New Businesses

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority helps in starting or expanding business in the county.

If you are new to Fairfax County, welcome to one of the world’s most interesting places to live and work. If you are new to the county and are interested in being part of our dynamic business community, here is an “insider’s tip” that you will want to know: The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), works with everyone who wants to start or expand a business in the county.

County Schools: Teaching for 21st Century

What’s new at Fairfax County Public Schools.

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year in Fairfax County Public Schools. With each new school year, we have the wonderful opportunity to build upon our previous successes and continue to improve our work with our students.

Sharon Bulova: 'Welcome to Fairfax County'

Welcome to Fairfax County, one of the greatest places in the nation to live, work, play and raise a family.

About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, to gather information about the best things in and around your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

How to Vote in Fairfax County

Every year is election year in Virginia; mechanics and details of voting require attention to detail.

Column: Women’s Equality Day Is 96 Years Young

In four years, celebrate centennial of 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.

On Aug. 26, 2016, our nation celebrates the Women’s Equality Day for the 96th time.

Column: #MindsMatter: Lifesaving Conversations Every Day

Take one action for awareness of National Suicide Prevention week #MindsMatter.

It’s 3 p.m. School’s out. Like clockwork, alerts start ringing, letting our crisis workers know that young people are out of class, and they need to talk.

Minds Matter to Local Mental Health Service

PRS Inc. of McLean prepares for National Suicide Prevention Week.

Although National Suicide Prevention Week occurs next month, a local mental health service got a head start last week and launched its public awareness campaign on social media.

Children Science Center Lab Takes 10-year View

Amy Burke, board chairwoman of the Children's Science Center Lab in Fair Oaks Mall, and executive director Adalene “Nene” Spivey watch Emily Brunner, 15, of Falls Church take on the robotic arm challenge by programming the device to play the “Happy Birthday” song on a xylophone.

Reston Home Sales: July, 2016

In July, 2016, 138 Reston homes sold between $1,257,500-$157,000.

Reston Home Sales: July, 2016

Fairfax County: Aiming To Reduce Deer Population

Second Deer Management Program discussion

With an ecosystem struggling to support a deer population several times what’s considered to be healthy for a habitat, Fairfax County is preparing once again to initiate its deer management program.

Fairfax: Man Dies After Being Shot by Fairfax Sheriff’s Deputy Outside Inova Hospital

Hispanic male was discharged patient who was escorted by security to bus stop before the incident.

Early Tuesday morning, Aug. 16, a man died after having been shot by a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy outside the green garage area at Inova Fairfax Hospital the previous evening.

Fairfax County Police Release Name of 2-Year-Old Victim in Murder-Suicide

Despite pleas from the girl’s family, Fairfax County Police have released the name of the young victim who was found dead along with the body of Roy Eugene Rumsey, 58, in an upstairs bedroom at the scene of a house fire in Fairfax on July 27.

Classified Advertising August 17, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial – Election 2016: Much at Stake Nationally, Locally

Possible record turnout should motivate more early voting.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8, and in some ways that seems like it can’t possibly come soon enough.

Create a Back-to-School Game Plan

Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.

As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.

Considering a Private School?

Educational consultants can help families navigate application process.

For families considering an independent school for the 2017-2018 school year, the admissions process begins this fall. From essays and interviews to school visits and standardized tests, the process for getting into kindergarten may feel nearly as daunting as applying to college.

Stars of Summer

Northern Virginia Swimming League holds individual championships

Olympic swimming started with an expected bang in its opening weekend in Río, with Katie Ledecky and the men’s four by 100 freestyle relay, that included Michael Phelps in the second leg, captured gold medals for Team USA.

Ginny Thrasher's Golden Gun

Springfield’s Ginny Thrasher wins Olympic gold in air rifle.

Before she left for the Río Olympics, 19-year-old sharpshooter Ginny Thrasher of Springfield was just looking to get experience in her first games. “I was looking more towards 2020 as a realistic option,” she had said.

Column: Solar Coming to Reston—At Last?

Independent Progressive

Do you ever wonder why there seem to be almost no solar panels in Reston? You’d think that this generally progressive planned community inspired by visionary Robert Simon would in fact be a leader in using solar technology.

Column: Slow but Steady Course of Human Rights

Commentary

Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment [ERA] was already being hotly debated in the Virginia General Assembly when I became a member of the House of Delegates in 1978.

Time to Plane Around

Be ready for just 'plane' fun at 24th Annual Plane Pull® benefiting Special Olympics Virginia.

The 24th annual Dulles Day Family Festival and Plane Pull will be held Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dulles International Airport. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Virginia.

‘Reston Pioneer’ Robert Fulton Hanlon, 81, Dies

On July 25, 2016, Bob Hanlon, 81, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Reston.

MOD Pizza opens at Reston Plaza America

MOD stands for Made On Demand.

MOD Pizza, MOD stands for Made On Demand, held a grand opening at Reston’s Plaza America on July 1.

One Step To ‘One Fairfax’

Agreeing on a policy to create opportunity for all.

Jeff McKay didn’t mince words when discussing racial, social and economic inequity in Fairfax County.

Stylish Solutions for Organized Homes

Practical and chic ideas for making a home back-to-school ready.

Before school begins later this month, taking the time to organize home and school supplies can take the stress out of the transition from a laid-back summer to a structured, schedule-driven school year. Local home design and organizational experts share ideas to help parents add practical organizational tools to their home without sacrificing their sense of style.

Commentary: Responding to the Zika Threat

There have been 50 reported cases of Zika in Virginia, all linked to foreign travel, as of early August.

Last week, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was forced to issue a domestic travel warning to pregnant women planning to visit Miami, a popular getaway destination.

Editorial: Laser Focus on Safety

While Metro lapses can’t be excused, it’s much safer than driving; maintenance-related safety issues also plague area bridges and roads.

Intense scrutiny on the safety and maintenance record of the Washington region’s Metro system is resulting in continuing revelation of lapses, and ongoing inconvenience with repair schedules shutting down entire lines and the end of late night service.

New Policy Outlines Public’s Rights to Record Police Activity

With the development and prevalence of increasingly portable technologies, people of all ages are capturing more and more moments on video, including law enforcement activity. On June 1, the police department issued a new departmental policy pertaining to anyone who might record police activity, whether it be something they see as a passerby or a direct interaction with an officer - according to FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.

Fairfax County Police Receive National Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies recognized compliance with 484 standards.

In a hearing in Baltimore’s inner harbor on Saturday, July 30, the Fairfax County Police Department received a formal recognition of its national accreditation from the Gainesville, Va.-based Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.

Communities Observe National Night Out

Law enforcement and neighborhoods come together in Fairfax Station, Springfield and countywide.

Every night, that’s seven nights a week, Amanda Fox and her mother make rounds of the 169 houses in their community of Cardinal Estates in Springfield.

Editorial: An Open Letter to Readers and More

Buy an ad in our annual Newcomers and Community Guide, please.

Has your organization been featured in the Connection Newspapers, or the Alexandria Gazette Packet or the Mount Vernon Gazette or the Centre View or the Potomac Almanac?

Reston: Meet Joanna and Janelle

Twin sisters, Joanna and Janelle Grove, of Reston, share enormous passion: baking bread.

Watching these two running their stand at a recent farmers’ market was a bit like seeing double. Well, the Reston-based Grove twins, Joanna and Janelle, are identical twins, after all, and deciding which is which is a bit challenging.

Reston Column: Clinging to the Past

Commentary

At the same time that the Nation is moving forward with a major political party nominating a woman as candidate for the presidency of the United States, Virginia institutions are clinging to past traditions that should have been abandoned decades ago.

Reston: Helping with Compassion

TJ student attends Congress of Future Medical Leaders.

Rising junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Kamron Soldozy, represented Northern Virginia at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a gathering of the nation’s brightest high school students interested in medicine, from June 25-27.

Reston: Breuer-Designed 'Architectural Gem' Not Saved

Testimonials before Board of Supervisors didn’t matter; saving the American Press Institute designed by Marcel Breuer was not part of its purview.

Restonians left the county’s Board of Supervisors meeting July 26, 2016 incredulous.

Reston: Lake Anne Jazz Week Returns Aug. 26-Sept. 3

Week long activities to conclude with 10th Annual Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival.

Lake Anne Plaza has announced the return of their Lake Anne Jazz Week and the artist line up for their annual Jazz & Blues Festival, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The Lake Anne Jazz Week will take place starting Friday, Aug. 26 and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 3, Labor Day Weekend, with the 10th Annual Jazz & Blues Festival.

Reston: New Stage for Tall Oaks

Plan approved for building 156 residential units plus 5,809 square feet of office space and 8,584 square feet of retail for center now 86 percent vacant.

The closing of Giant in 2007 started a slow decline of Tall Oaks Village Center, “once a vibrant and successful center that was supported by the community,” said Hunter Mill Supervisor Catherine Hudgins.

What We Did on V-J Day

Vienna resident’s memories of the end of the war.

Memories of WW ll in an American child's mind are a distinct set of curiosities -- special activities removed from the ordinary day to day routine of growing up.

Mall STEM Lab Celebrates First Birthday

Children's Science Center Lab celebrates with cake, a new robot, aquarium and checks worth $125,000.

Some children go to the shopping mall because their moms have to run errands or it's a nice place to hang out with friends. Who knew Fair Oaks Mall is a go-to place to conduct science experiments, program a robot and make stuff out of a 3-D printer?

Passion to Excel in STEM Field

CORE Foundations hosts Summer Camp for area children.

At most summer camps, children are encouraged to step away from their screens and head outdoors. But for the campers enrolled in a program conducted by Core Foundations, a local nonprofit that encourages children to follow their passions in STEM fields, it was all about learning how to innovate with technology.