Stories for May 2016

Reston: South Lakes Softball Beats South County at Regionals

Seahawks advance to 6A North region semifinals.

The South Lakes softball team defeated South County 2-0 in eight innings on May 26.

Reston: Surfing, Yoga, Films, Chalk, Blues and Ukes at Lake Anne

Lake Anne announces summer events schedule.

Lake Anne Plaza announced its line-up of new and popular summer events to take place on the Plaza.

Commentary: Legal Meaning of Sex Discrimination

Recently Attorney General Mark Herring issued an official opinion at my request and the requests of others as to the meaning of sex discrimination under Virginia law.

Commentary: Up Close and Personal with Marie, On Her Own Terms

Using an approach called Trauma-informed Care, Cornerstones helps clients create strategies and find solutions that offer them control, choice and hope.

Reston: Police Need Help in Identifying Reston Robbery Suspect

Detectives from the Major Crimes Division are investigating a commercial robbery that occurred in the 7-11 convenience store located at 2303 Soapstone Drive #C, on Friday, May 20.

Letter: Meals Tax, Where Will This End?

To the Editor

"Diversified revenue," Supervisor McKay hails the tax, as though it were some kind of blessing. Hunter Mill's Hudgins describes it as a "tool" -- a hammer?

Reston: Splashes of Color with Rain

25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival showcased the work of 200 artists across the United States and Canada.

Talib Aleem of Reston brings his camera into waves big enough for him to get in. “If you want your images to be more, ‘Wow,’ you have to go where you can get more ‘Wow’ pictures,” said Aleem.

Commentary: Energy Sustainability and Resiliency in Virginia

Those who were concerned that the 2016 Energy, Sustainability and Resiliency conference sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation would be business as usual were in for a surprise.

Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance

Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis

If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines

Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.

Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing

FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.

In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

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.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities

Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.

Reston Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 146 Reston homes sold between $1,600,000-$152,065.

Reston Home Sales: April, 2016

Week in Reston

Weekly happenings in Reston

Letter: Here it Comes the ‘Tall Oaks Cluster’

The Tall Oaks developer held another community meeting with residents. The venue was the old grocery store space at Tall Oaks Village Center.

Commentary: Keeping Tabs on the Commonwealth

Last week I attended my first meeting as a member of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).

Commentary: Reston’s Disappearing Performing Arts Center

If you want to read a good book that will inform and entertain at the same time, get a copy of Kristina Alcorn’s “In His Own Words.”

Reston: Dock Dogs Make a Big Splash at Lake Anne

It was a real dog day afternoon at Lake Anne in Reston, and yes, there literally was a lot of splashing going on!

Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences

Offering to bring balance into gender issue.

For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance

When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Reston: South Lakes Boys’ Lax Wins First Conference Championship

Seahawks beat Yorktown in Conference 6 tournament final.

The South Lakes boys' lacrosse team beat Yorktown on Friday to win the Conference 6 title.

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors

West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Week in Reston

Weekly happenings in Reston

Reston Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Fairfax County Police blotter from May 2-7.

Letter: Families’ Contributions Appreciated

To the Editor

As we always tell our families there is no contribution too small that it would not warrant our gratitude and, in the case of this year's effort, mention on our train.

Letter: Merely a Thank You

To the Editor

A recent letter (“The Money Train,” Reston Connection, April 27-May 3, 2016) expressing concerns regarding Reston’s Lake Anne Nursery and Kindergarten’s (“LANK”) current annual giving campaign has deeply saddened me as a parent of the school and as a native Restonian.

Reston: Hilarity Without Bounds

Reduced Shakespeare Company returns to CenterStage.

They are back. The Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) is returning for its regular appearance at Reston’s CenterStage.

Commentary: Racial Diversity in the Virginia Justice System

A group of attorneys, the Virginia Coalition for Racial Diversity in the Justice System, earlier this year brought to the attention of the community and the General Assembly that “there is a glaring, longstanding, and inexcusable lack of racial diversity amongst sitting judges, prosecutors, and public defenders in Virginia's criminal justice system.”

Reston Farmers Market Opens

The Reston Farmers Market opened on Saturday, May 7 and Restonians showed up bright and early at the Lake Anne Village parking lot to buy vegetables, meats, dairy and to chat with vendors and neighbors.

Herndon: Fresh, Summer Nights: Entertainment at NextStop Theatre

Dulles Corridor audiences seeking summer evening attractions will not have far to drive. Herndon’s NextStop Theatre will be offering a lot of performances to whet the appetite.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose

In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.

Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose

Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.

South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Moves to Address Department Cyberbullying

After the suicide of Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff and suspected cyberbullying of the 31-year-old that came to light after her death, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue is cracking down on workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day

Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.

Week in Reston

Weekly happenings in Reston.

Reston Community Center Launches Online Learning

Reston Community Center (RCC) has announced the launch of UGotClass, an online learning program featuring more than one hundred non-credit courses and certificate programs that can be used for personal and professional development. B

Commentary: Restoring Rights

Governor Terry McAuliffe issued an executive order recently restoring civil rights of voting, serving on a jury, running for office, or being a notary public for persons who had been convicted of any and all felonies in the past and who have completed the terms of incarceration and who have completed any period of supervised release of probation and parole.

Reston: See You at the Market

The Reston Farmers Market opens 19th season on Saturday, May 7.

We always enjoy the coming of spring in Reston. The woods are greening, the birds are singing and the pathways are again filled with people.

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Farmers Markets in Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.

Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail

Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”

One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

County Budget Approved

Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”

When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.

Madison's Vannicola Out-Duels South Lakes' Rayle in 10 Innings

Warhawks hurler strikes out 21 in 2-1 victory over Seahawks.

The Madison softball team defeated South Lakes 2-1 in 10 innings on Friday.