Thursday, March 31
New decision-making training meant to alter how Fairfax County police officers approach use of force
Making decisions can be instinctual, from the gut. It can also be practical and informed, coming to the best judgement considering all variables. For police officers responding to calls where there might be a threat of violence to civilians and or themselves, their decision whether to use force and which type to neutralize the situation quickly must be a hybrid.
Wednesday, March 30
Week in Reston
Science Youth Conference at Langston Hughes Middle School
Founding Reston: From Blueprint to Reality
In the fall of 1961, New York City real estate developer Bob Simon had $2 million that was burning a hole in his pocket.
Rescue Reston to Be Honored
Reston Citizens Association to name the supporters of Rescue Reston 2015 Citizen of the Year.
The annual Reston Citizen of the Year Award traditionally honors an individual who has contributed to the quality of life in Reston, helped others in need and acted with the goals of Reston in mind, without thought of personal benefit or recognition.
Reston Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police blotter from March 23-25.
Reston: Hunters Woods Neighborhood Coalition Sustaining a Welcoming Neighborhood
The Hunters Woods Neighborhood Coalition (HWNC) is a group of businesses, organizations and residents in and around the Hunters Woods Village Center that has had numerous successes since its inception.
Commentary: Words of Wisdom
Folks back home where I grew up in Page County, Virginia were not known to have a lot to say about events.
Editorial: Money to Treat Addiction, Mental Health Issues
Affordable Care Act could pay for help, better health for 100,000 uninsured people in Virginia with mental illness or addiction issues.
Poor people without health insurance in Virginia are being unnecessarily tortured, in some cases to death, by a General Assembly that refuses to expand Medicaid.
Commentary: Congress Must Act on the Growing Opioid Epidemic
Our nation is in the midst of an exploding opioid epidemic.
Commentary: Progress on Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations
Thoughtfulness and deliberation should not be construed as resistance or foot dragging.
A tremendous amount of progress has already taken place to implement many of these recommendations.
Fairfax Connector Considering Service Changes, Seeks Public Input
Fairfax Connector is proposing service changes for implementation in June 2016.
Sex Trafficking Young Victims in Northern Virginia
Federal funds for gang task force expire April 1.
The first article in an occasional series on human sexual trafficking in Northern Virginia.
Tuesday, March 29
Eating Smart
Profile: Jean Janssen, force behind area’s Smart Markets.
Food shoppers should take their collective hats off to Jean Janssen. She is the motivating spirit behind the area’s Smart Markets
Letter: Where is Civilian review Panel?
To the Editor
Last October, the 40 strong Ad Hoc Commission to Review Police Procedures, set up by Chairman Bulova and her Board of Supervisors (BOS), unanimously adopted a large number of recommendations, which they submitted to the BOS.
Thursday, March 24
Reston: Student Art on Display at GRACE
Reception held at Greater Reston Arts Center for high school students’ art show.
A reception was held the evening of March 18 for the Emerging Visions program, on display at the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) at Reston Town Center.
Reston Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police blotter from March 16-21.
Reston: ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’ at Lake Anne Elementary
On March 17 and 18, Lake Anne Elementary School's Musical Drama Club performed Disney's “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Founder’s Day to Honor Simon, Celebrate Community
Founder’s Day for 2016 has evolved into Founder’s Week.
Reston Historic Trust and Museum (RHT) invites the community to celebrate Robert E. Simon, Jr. and the community.
Reston: Celebrating Pinter, Poetry Month
Reston’s CenterStage celebrates Harold Pinter and National Poetry Month with actor Julian Sands.
Be smitten by the works of Nobel recipient Harold Pinter who wrote romantic verses to his wife such as this; "You are my life, And so I live."
Commentary: Redesigning Our Schools
My first experience in Fairfax County came as a result of being placed as an intern teacher by the University of Virginia in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Commentary: Fairfax Supervisors’ Inaction on Police Commission Report
Reston Association election ballots must be returned for counting by COB Monday, April 4.
Reston: Inspired by Cooking Shows, Grandma’s Baking
Profile: Adam Stein, executive chef at Reston’s Red’s Table.
Husky, tattooed, and obviously driven, Adam Stein, executive chef at Reston’s newish Red’s Table, is all about food and cooking.
Wednesday, March 23
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Awards $380,000 in Local Grants
Five of 36 grant awardees speak at “Cocktails & Conversation” event.
When Lorton residents Marcy Mager and husband David Lunter’s daughter Michell Merhige was killed in 2009, they wanted to establish a scholarship in her honor but knew handling the financial logistics would be tricky.
Editorial: Purple State
Nonpartisan redistricting could support the best interests of the population, not the politicians.
Letter: Misleading Headline
To the Editor
The March 16-22 edition of The Connection carried an “Education=Learning=Fun” column headlined “Do You Keep a Gun In Your Home?” I thought the topic a bit unusual for that column.
Classified Advertising March 23, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, March 17
Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Springfield: Brain Injury Services honors volunteers and community partners
Maya Simbulan of Fairfax is thankful for being normal. The Lake Braddock Secondary School freshman would like to pursue work with computer graphics and plays electric wheelchair soccer.
Fairfax County Public Schools to Seek FEMA Relief Funds
Winter Storm Jonas, Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse 2.0 — no matter what it’s called, the county-crippling January 2016 blizzard cost Fairfax County Public Schools $7.2 million to pay for employee overtime compensation, additional contractors and equipment rental.
Reston Home Sales: February, 2016
In February, 2016, 71 Reston homes sold between $1,275,000-$130,000.
Reston Home Sales: February, 2016
Letter: Gerrymandering Promotes Partisanship and Polarization
To the Editor
Everywhere we turn today, the media is bombarding us with antics of the current presidential campaign.
Letter: Time to Speak Out for Quality of Life in Fairfax County
To the Editor
Fairfax County is a composite of many things that make the quality of life rich for people living here.
Caregiving
Workshops and seminars for seniors and caregivers.
Wednesday, March 16
Reston Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police Blotter from March 7 to 14.
Reston: Founder’s Day Becomes Founder’s Week
Community groups come together to honor legacy of Bob Simon.
Robert E. Simon, Jr. passed away on Sept. 21, 2015 at his home on Lake Anne Plaza.
Commentary: A Circus Show
The purpose of the legislative session is serious business and not entertainment like the circus. There are times, however, that it may be difficult to tell the difference.
Ironically Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus moved into the Richmond Coliseum for its annual stand at the same time last week that a few blocks away the General Assembly concluded its annual meeting and members packed up and went home.
Herndon, Reston Business Update
Joe Grooming, which had a retail space at Reston Town Center is now PR Barbers. The business will be operated by Reg Laws, an owner of PR at Partners Salons.
Tuesday, March 15
Real Food for Kids' Culinary Challenge
11 teams of middle and high school students compete in school food competition.
Eleven teams of middle and high school students competed in the fourth annual Real Food for Kids' Culinary Challenge on Saturday, March 12 at Robinson Secondary School.
Mission: Promoting Peace
22 students or student groups receive the Student Peace Award, for their efforts to promote peace.
With causes ranging from anti-bullying efforts to human trafficking awareness to interfaith dialogue, students in Fairfax County were recognized for their peacemaking efforts at the 11th Annual Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County on March 13.
Encouraging STEM-curious Youth
Third Annual STEM Symposium draws a crowd at the Nysmith School.
“We need people in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields today, tomorrow and as far as we can envision.”
No E-Z Answers on I-66
VDOT’s Transform I-66 Inside the Beltway meeting leaves public waiting for answers.
There were also questions and comments of a financial nature.
And the Winner Is...
Wakefield Forest Elementary School student to compete at Scripps’ National Spelling Bee.
After 11 rounds of competitive play, fourth grade student Eric Kim, from Wakefield Forest Elementary School, was declared the champion for correctly spelling every word thrown at him.
Private Schools: When Leaving Unexpectedly
Spring is time to commit to one’s school of choice.
When Ashley and Clark Leonard enrolled their son in a local independent school, they were excited about the prospect of him thriving in a new, smaller academic environment.
Editorial: Homelessness on Its Way Out in Fairfax
Homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring; 776 fewer homeless individuals in 2016 than in 2008.
Homelessness is down in Fairfax County in every major category, a fact confirmed on Jan. 28, 2016, the annual Point in Time Count.
Legislative Wrap-Up Forum
Learn what your area legislator did during the Virginia General Assembly.
FCPL to Hold Community Forum
Fairfax County Public Libraries will hold community forums to see public opinion on what is needed in the community.
‘Do You Keep a Gun in Your Home?’
Starting conversations about gun safety can help prevent play date tragedies.
Starting the conversation felt awkward. After all, she didn’t want to offend another parent.
Monday, March 14
It Takes a Village
Campaign designed to end homelessness in Fairfax County.
When speaking with Kathy Albarado, one might not guess that she’d experienced periods of homelessness as an adolescent.
Thursday, March 10
Fairfax County: Commonwealth's Attorney Finds No Criminality in Paul Guida In-Custody Death
After a determination from the medical examiner that Falls Church resident Paul Guida, 68, died of natural causes while in the Sheriff’s custody at the Fairfax County Detention Center, Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond F. Morrogh concluded there was no evidence of criminality associated with involved law enforcement or staff at the jail.
Commentary: A Step Backwards for Virginia
Virginia New American leaders respond to the nomination of Ken Cuccinelli for the State Supreme Court.
From immigration to contraception to climate change denial to LGBT rights, Ken Cuccinelli has built a career on extreme conservative positions that are out of step with Virginia today.
Reston: RN Golf Changes Course
Rescue Reston remains cautious after RN Golf lays approach shot short of Supreme Court.
Rescue Reston remains cautious, despite notification from Reston National Golf Course attorneys that it won’t continue its appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston
Media Alive in Reston
Sharing messages from Fairfax County to the nation.
Reston based MetroStar Systems was named a finalist of the 10th Annual Helios Apollo Awards for the communication and culture categories.
Local Beer Served in Reston
Thirsty for local beer in Northern Virginia? Try Reston.
Reston Town Center’s World of Beer hosted interviews Wednesday, March 2 for its new program “Drink It Interns,” where interns will use social media and writing skills to share beer stories they gather during their travels.
Reston Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police Blotter from Feb. 29 to March 4.
Wednesday, March 9
Commentary: Balancing the Budget
One of the responsibilities of the Governor of Virginia dictated by the State Constitution is to propose a budget for a biennium.
Commentary: RA Elections More Civilized than Presidential Election
Independent Progressive
I watch the debates of both parties’ presidential candidates and am fascinated, baffled and horrified.
Commentary: RA Elections More Civilized than Presidential Election
Independent Progressive
I watch the debates of both parties’ presidential candidates and am fascinated, baffled and horrified.
Tuesday, March 8
Commentary: Supervisor Hudgins on Proposed County Budget
“I remain committed to all our county residents and to our school system and would like to share the following information.
Laptop Donations in Fairfax County
Help homeless youth in Fairfax County by donating laptops and tablets. Donate a working laptop or tablet through Friday, March 11.
Reston Chorale to Perform in McLean
Choral Splendor II: Music of France on Sunday, March 13, at Saint Luke Catholic Church.
The Reston Chorale will present Choral Splendor II: Music of France, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, at Saint Luke Catholic Church (7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean).
Editorial: Making Good Choices on Saint Patrick’s Day
Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), will offer the 2016 St. Patty’s Day SoberRide program, providing free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area next Thursday, March 17.
Editorial: Bringing Back the Electric Chair
In a world: Barbaric.
No doubt Virginia and Texas will be the last two states to continue with the death penalty until, inevitably, evolving standards of decency lead the U.S. Supreme Court to declare that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
Nanny Suites Add Value
High-end live-in quarters attract au pairs and can increase property values.
When Peggy Delinois Hamilton relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and began working full-time after spending eight years as an at-home mother of two children, childcare was one of her top concerns.
Remodeled Home Tour Set for March 12
Home evolves from center hall colonial to open plan with boldly original finishes.
To satisfy a couple's evolving lifestyle requirements, Sun Design Remodeling dramatically reconfigured the home's first level, introducing a “kitchen-centric” plan that better supports everyday uses and entertainment needs.
Buying or Selling?
A primer for doing either and avoiding pitfalls.
Here we are, once again right on the heels of the spring/summer real estate season when it seems like “For Sale” signs become the most common lawn ornament or condo window decoration.
Teen Trafficking Awareness Event in Springfield
West Springfield High School and Just Ask Prevention Project will hold an awareness night to address the issue of sex trafficking in the region on Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at West Springfield High School, 6100 Rolling Road, Springfield.
FCPS Students Named to 2016 Virginia Honors Choir
High school and middle school students named to honors choir.
Thursday, March 3
Fairfax County: Commission Recognizes Outstanding Women in Government Work
Edwyna Wingo of the Chantilly area began her career with Fairfax County as a nurse in the Health Department on Sep. 1, 1965 and worked her last full day Oct. 1, 2011.
Police Arrest 20 for Heroin Use in One Day
Operation Save-a-Life offered low-level offenders the chance at recovery treatment rather than jail time.
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Fairfax County Police served 20 arrest warrants, all for possession and or distribution of heroin.
Small Lifestyle Changes Can Have Big Impact
Researchers found that moderate weight loss improves health.
Dropping as little as five percent of one’s body weight can lead to significant health improvements, according to a new study published in the Cell Metabolism journal.
Managing Medication Can Be Challenging
“Let’s Talk about RxSM” helps seniors avoid prescription drug mishaps.
It was around 2 a.m. on a frigid winter night when Janet Russell was awakened from her sleep by the sound of woman calling for help.
Four-Cent Tax Rate Increase, with Side of Vitriol
Reconsideration hours later gives same result; board will consider putting meals tax to referendum in November.
Tuesday morning, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted for a four-cent tax rate increase, advertising a tax rate of $1.13 per $100 of assessed value.
Wednesday, March 2
FTC Robotics Team Heads to East Super-Regional Championship
The rookie “Techie Titans”, a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team from Nova Labs Robotics of Reston advanced to state championships in both Virginia and Maryland with multiple awards from regional tournaments.
Welcoming Spring in Reston
Family events and activities to look for.
As spring approaches, Reston will host a variety of events in early March.
Reston GRACE Celebrates Youth Art Month
Art exhibits at Reston gallery dedicated to the area’s youth.
The GRACE Art gallery at Reston Town Center has an exhibit featuring works from students from schools participating in the Center’s signature art education program, GRACE Art.
Letter: Importance of Voting for RA Board
To the Editor
It is time for that annual RA ritual: The election of members to the RA Board of Directors.
Reston: Fighting for Founder’s Village Center
Jefferson Apartment Group’s proposal for Tall Oaks to occur after market and economic viability study in April.
Reston Association Board member Eve Thompson has been so surprised by the Jefferson Apartment Group’s response to community input on Tall Oaks Village Center that she coined a new land use term.
Reston: Barking Up the Wrong Tree?
Reston Association to hear Longwood Grove community’s problems with barking dogs.
Moira Callaghan and more than 80 people from Longwood Grove wrote Reston Association to ask for help with “nuisance barking” coming from Baron Cameron Dog Park.
Commentary: Bills and More Bills
When change is needed we need to be willing to make that change.
If past history provides any indication, the 2016 session of the General Assembly will have considered nearly 3,000 bills and resolutions before its 60-day session adjourns in early March.
Reston, Herndon Polls See Steady Stream of Voters on Super Tuesday
“I believe this really is one of the most important elections in our lives.
Classified Advertising March 2, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, March 1
Reston: Northern Virginia Restaurant Week
56 Restaurants in Northern Virginia Restaurant Week
From March 7 to 14, the third Northern Virginia Restaurant Week (NOVA Restaurant Week) will showcase many local eating establishments. Some 56 restaurants are expected to participate.