Stories for November 2016

Column: Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA

The success of early voting in the 2016 Presidential Election reaffirms my conclusion from visiting 12,000 homes last year — Virginia should expand early voting.

Facing Addiction, Tools in Fairfax County

The following information was provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

The Surgeon General released the first-ever report on Facing Addiction in America on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Reston

There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Reston: ‘Wild’ Chinese Lantern Festival Illuminates NoVa

Over 800 hand-made lanterns have been shipped from southern China to northern Virginia for the Chinese Lantern Festival at Roer’s Zoofari, the old Reston Zoo, in Vienna. All the lanterns in the festival are life-sized or oversized animals that stand at heights as tall as 55 feet, says George Zhao, spokesperson for the festival.

Reston: Seahawks Advance to Region Semifinals

South Lakes (11-1) to face Lake Braddock (11-1), the top-ranked team in the state.

With less than two minutes to play, it appeared the Seahawks had made an improbable comeback to advance to the region semifinals. After falling behind 14-0, they had scored three unanswered touchdowns. But the Wildcats pulled off a miraculous 75-yard flea-flicker bomb for a score with 1:25 remaining, stunning South Lakes and pulling Centreville to within 22-20.

Reston: Paying Traffic Tickets with Canned Food Donations?

Reston-based company StandUnited is petitioning the Fairfax County Police Department to allow people to pay their parking tickets with canned food donations for one week during the holidays.

The Nutcracker Ballet in Herndon

The Classical Ballet Theatre in Herndon presents its condensed Children's Series Nutcracker.

The Classical Ballet Theatre in Herndon presented its Children's Series Nutcracker, a condensed version of the popular holiday classic. The ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman's story, "The Nutcracker and the House King." Next weekend, the Classical Ballet Theatre will perform Saturday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at the Ernst Community Cultural Center at the NVCC Annandale Campus, located at 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale.

Herndon: Viewpoints A Thanksgiving Tradition Continues Strong at Herndon Elementary

What are you thankful for?

“The police are very supportive of the school and community as a whole,” says Nancy Cassidy, an office assistant in the main office of the elementary school. “I think they’re very good at community outreach.” She says police officers come every Friday to help pack bags for the school’s Weekend Backpack Program, a program that provides children in need with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food at times when school resources are unavailable, such as weekends and during school vacations. “The kids love seeing them,” Cassidy says.

Herndon Turkey Trot Race a Success

Some 858 runners participate in pre-Thanksgiving tradition at Herndon Community Center.

The first-place male winner was James Luehrs, 23, of Reston, who finished with a time of 16:16. He is Herndon High School's cross country and distance track coach. Some 858 runners participated in The Turkey Trot 5K Race sponsored by the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Herndon Community Center. The race wound around the Herndon Centennial Golf Course.

Herndon Receives First Application for ‘Metro’ Area Redevelopment

Stanley Martin Homes wants to build 64 new townhomes at 625 Herndon Parkway.

Stanley Martin Homes wants to build 64 new townhomes at 625 Herndon Parkway. This is the first redevelopment requested for the Herndon Transit-Oriented Core, roughly 38 acres of land immediately north of the new metrorail station that is being constructed in Herndon on the Silver line.

Herndon: Citizen Committee Rejects Cellphone Tower Next to Crossfield Elementary

Committee Denies Cell Tower Application

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee voted 3-2 to deny an application to build a cellphone tower on Crossfield Elementary School property on Fox Mill Road in Herndon. "This is about money, not anything else,” says Griffin, who is a father of a fourth grader who attends the elementary school.Milestone Communications towers on county school properties has generated more than $13 million of income over the last 20 years for the school system, says Forkas. The proposed tower would generate approximately $40,000 of revenue a year for the school system once at least three carriers agree to use the tower, he says.

Fairfax County: Commonwealth’s Attorney Begins Review of FCPD Report on Deputy-Involved INOVA Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Fairfax County: Planning Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.

Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools

Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.

Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.

Thinking Beyond Serving Meals

Experts advise finding age-appropriate ways for children to give back.

During this season of giving thanks, opportunities for expressions of gratitude can seem ubiquitous.

Easing Election Fears

Local therapists say acknowledging, reassuring are keys to easing anxiety.

On the morning after what was possibly the most adversarial election in recent history, psychologist Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D. felt an urge to send a text message to her two teenaged children. 

Springfield Home Sales: October, 2016

In October, 2016, 146 Springfield homes sold between $810,000-$160,000.

Springfield Home Sales: October, 2016

Reston Home Sales: October, 2016

In October, 2016, 93 Reston homes sold between $1,259,000-$152,000.

Reston Home Sales: October, 2016

Roberta Thole Presents ‘Then and Now’ at Reston Art Gallery & Studios

Roberta Thole's contemporary and abstract works visually contain times past and present, with imagery and ideas of Greco-Roman antiquity. Known for her use of copper and fresco, her canvases are richly textured with geometric and architectural elements resembling ancient walls and ruins, resulting in a range of timeless, complex works. “Then and Now” is on exhibit now through Dec. 1. All are welcome to visit the working studio to see the display during weekend gallery hours, or by appointment, or by chance at Reston Art Gallery & Studios, 11400 Washington Plaza, Reston.

Reston: Lily Siegel Appointed Executive Director and Curator of the GRACE

“Lily has already achieved a great deal in her young career, which speaks to her special talents,” said Robert Goudie, GRACE Board Chair. “She brings outstanding academic achievement, a passion for contemporary art, a demonstrated ability to raise money for and manage significant projects, and a national perspective, relationships, and experiences.

Reston: Region Races For ‘Team Red, White & Blue’

More than 600 people from all over the greater Washington area braved 30-degree weather on Sunday morning to salute veterans and members of the military by running in Dominion Consulting’s Third Annual Veterans Day 5K. “Just by getting vets out who have issues [post-traumatic stress disorder] gets them involved and gives them two hours or so to not think about those things,” says Lynch, who is a veteran of the Air Force.

Reston: Reston Association Board Members Divided; Pools on Chopping Block

Board Divided Over Budget

Reston Association’s 2017 proposed budget was hotly debated during a public hearing that left both residents and board directors in disagreement.

A Violation of the Comprehensive Plan

Reston resident analyzes Saint John’s Wood redevelopment proposal.

A group of determined neighbors are holding steadfast in their opposition to the proposed redevelopment plans for the St. Johns Wood (SJW) apartment complex. John Mooney is a member of Reclaim Reston. He added his signature to those of more than 675 locals who signed Reston resident Susanne Andersson-Tosado’s on-line petition opposing the project.

Tysons: Warby Parker to Open First Virginia Eyeglasses Store

Warby Parker, a popular online eyeglasses retailer, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Virginia on Nov. 19 at Tysons Corner Center mall.

Classified Advertising November 16, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Classified Advertising November 23, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Column: Opportunity Neighborhood Launches in Reston

Event signifies community commitment to making opportunity a reality for children, youth and families.

A motivated audience of Reston-area residents, nonprofits, schools, county programs, businesses, faith organizations and elected officials gathered at South Lakes High School to launch the Reston Opportunity Neighborhood (“RestON”) movement.

Catch of the Day

David Clark Recognized As a Member of the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl presented by American Family Insurance Selection Tour visited South Lakes High School to recognize David Clark as a member of the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.

An Open Letter to County Officials: Deny John’s Wood Redevelopment

I urgently request that you deny the current Saint John’s Wood Apartments redevelopment proposal because of its serious non-conformities with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan.

Setting a holiday table

Local tastemakers offer suggestions for creating festive tablescape. 

As Thanksgiving draws near, thoughts of table settings and holiday décor abound.

Guest-Ready Home for the Holidays

From organizing to decorating, a guide for getting a house ready for visitors. 

Ready or not, the holidays are coming.

Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families in Fairfax County are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.

Decking the Halls, Stuffing Bellies

Local cooking schools offer crash courses in holiday dishes.

Ever since Bernadette Lott can remember, she’s had a sweet tooth as big as a sugar cane field.

Additional Factors Impede Efforts To Quit Smoking

Public encouraged to learn about challenges faced by smokers with mental illness who want to quit.

Despite her mental health challenges, Deneice Valentine quit smoking in part by learning to meditate.

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

Source: http://results.elections.virginia.gov/

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

A Design Solution as Big as a Barn Door

Master bath renovation explores themes from Great Falls' bucolic past.

With its metal roof, stucco siding and silo, the 5,800-sq-ft., five-bedroom Great Falls residence exuded nostalgic references to the community's bucolic past. Getting the house to owner requirements, however, entailed a commitment.

Northern Virginia: Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.

It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.

Fairfax County: Sayles Receives Environmental Excellence Award

Sayles is a retired Denver police officer, DEA agent, Ad Hoc Police Commission contributor and long-time county resident

A 12-year-old African American boy watched as a city of Denver patrol car with two white police officers drove slowly by his house, where he reported people attempting to break in.

Fairfax County: No to Trump And Meals Tax

Beyer, Connolly re-elected.

With final numbers still coming in from around the country, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carried a strong lead early Wednesday morning over Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton.

Clinton and Kaine Carry Virginia, Trump Seizes Key Battlegrounds

Comstock, Connolly, Beyer re-elected; meals tax voted down; bonds voted up.

MEALS TAX referendum would have allowed Fairfax County supervisors to enact up to a four percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.

Herndon Votes 2016: Election Day ‘Block Party’

"… everyone has been pretty upbeat and friendly. Too bad the whole election wasn’t more like this.” — Keith Magnusson

Mayor Lisa Merkel was on hand to welcome the first wave of voters at the Herndon Community Center, although she was not the first one to show up at the front doors.

Fairfax County: Autopsy Report Yet to Come for Deputy-Involved Shooting

Administrative investigation to follow.

Law enforcement officials are still waiting to receive the final autopsy report for Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, who was shot dead by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.

Reston Network Analysis Community Meeting Set for Monday, Nov. 7, 2016

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a community meeting on the Reston Network Analysis and associated Funding Plan on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, 7 p.m., in the lecture hall at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, Va. , to discuss the project status and next steps.