Thursday, October 27
Fairfax County: Breaking Down the Bonds
County seeks authorization to finance transportation and parks projects, and human services and community development facilities
Fairfax County will try to make the most of voters’ time on election day Nov. 8, having them weigh in not only on the Presidential and Congressional elections, but also proposed Constitutional amendments, a referendum and bond questions.
Fairfax County: Garza FCPS Departure Impacts Stuart Name Change Working Group
Responding to a student-led group petitioning to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, the Fairfax County Public Schools board voted over the summer to create a working group that would consider the community concerns and look into the logistics of a potential name change.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Service
30th Annual Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Caregivers Conference, Friday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The conference "Gems: A Treasure Chest of Ideas" will have speakers and resources on topics important to caregivers. The $30 fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, and certificate of attendance.
Week in Reston
Nominations Needed for ‘Free Roof for the Holidays’
- Nominations Needed for ‘Free Roof for the Holidays’ -
Week in McLean
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Reston P&Z Committee Meeting - From Informational to Inflamed
Planning Procedures Under Scrutiny
Things got a bit heated at the October meeting of the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee on Monday, Oct. 17. “We urge the applicant to inform the public and get input from the very beginning of the process,” said Regina Coyle.
Accepting the Outcome
Commentary
Even though I literally wore holes in the soles of my shoes campaigning door to door, covering the equivalent of five districts in a person-to-person campaign was impossible. I congratulated the winners and kept on working.
Three Reston Residents Appointed to RCC Board
Beverly Cosham, Michelle A. Moyer and Paul D. Thomas elected in Preference Poll.
At the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins requested and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved appointment of three Reston residents to the nine-member Reston Community Center Board of Governors.
Washington West Film Festival A Success
Film festival brings together filmmakers and film lovers.
A red carpet was laid out at Reston Town Center’s Bow Tie Cinema for the 6th annual Washington West Film Festival. The 6th annual Washington West Film Festival (WWFF) showcased fifty-nine films from around the world, including world premieres and D.C. premieres. ”We're getting terrific feedback about our Washington West 2016 lineup of films,” said Brad Russell, founder and president of WWFF.
Wednesday, October 26
Leadership vs Rhetoric
Letter to the Editor
Congresswoman Comstock worked across party lines to pass a 5-year transportation bill—the first of its kind in 10 years—which brings $6.2 billion to the Commonwealth. She also supported bipartisan bills to replace No Child Left Behind, provide resources to combat the heroin epidemic, and bolster our national security.
Classified Advertising October 26, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 25
Reject the Meals Tax
“A closer look at school spending shows the intentions of the School Board are to delve into more political correctness and social engineering.”
A “no” vote will send a message to the county Board of Supervisors that higher taxes should not be routine, and that county leaders must focus on better management, and more importantly, the School Board, more efficiency, and greater respect for taxpayers.
Bulova: Vote Yes
A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.
Friday, October 21
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Herndon/Reston: Innovate Conference Explores Prospects of ‘Individualized Medicine’
The 5th annual Innovate Conference presents “Intersections: Healthcare, Informatics and Personalized medicine” and introduces audiences to a nationally recognized cast of experts. Keith Crandall, PhD, the founding Director of the Computational Biology Institute at George Washington University, sets the stage and introduces opening keynoters Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and Governor Terry McAuliffe (invited), providing a look at Federal and state intersections with research in healthcare and informatics.
Restonians ‘Embrace Change’
Annual Reston Home Tour features six diverse private homes, and a roam through BLVD, Reston’s newest luxury apartments.
A mild, sunny autumn day made wandering from one end of Reston to the other a decided pleasure, both for the ticket holders for the annual Reston Home Tour, and for the homeowners who generously put their digs on display. “Really,” said one gentleman volunteer at the stop at the five-story Beacon Heights Derrick/Lashlee townhouse along Lake Audubon.
Column: Fall Comes to Reston—The Good, Bad and Ugly
Independent Progressive
I love the fall! If it were up to me, we would have fall weather for eleven months of the year. This fall, however, is having real ups and downs.
Reston Column: My Election Picks
Commentary
Voters in the 36th legislative district which I represent will receive my annual voting guide in their mailboxes this week. I hope you will find it useful. You can also view the guide online at www.kenplum.com.
Reston: ‘Voices of Muslim Identity’ Take CenterStage
Reston Community Center presents “Beyond Sacred.”
Reston’s CenterStage is bringing a singular theater work called “Beyond Sacred: Voices of Muslim Identity” to local audiences. The production will explore the diversity of experiences in America.
Reston Nova Labs Inspires Entrepreneurs
Reston maker space encourages new product.
Mike Hogarty, owner of Hotrods 2 Hybrids joined with Callye Keen from Red Blue Collective to create Alpha, a new fidget toy.
Thursday, October 20
Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT
Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains
On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.
Wednesday, October 19
Capital Bikeshare to Launch in Tysons, Reston
On Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, Fairfax County elected officials, community partners and county staff will host a two-part ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of Capital Bikeshare in Fairfax County.
Friday, October 14
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Oktoberfest Celebrated at Reston Town Center
Not to be deterred by the weather, a steady flow of revellers matched the steady drizzle that couldn’t put a damper on Oktoberfest Reston 2016 on Saturday, Oct. 8.
Reston: Eileen Anatra Recognized as ‘Administrator of the Year 2016’
Eileen Anatra, recently named to be Executive Director of Tall Oaks Assisted Living, Coordinated Services Management senior community in Reston, was named “Administrator of the Year” for 2016 by the D.C., Maryland and Delaware Chapter of the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals at their fall meeting in Ocean City, Maryland, Monday, October 3, 2016. The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) is the nation’s leading organization of professionals involved in the management of nutrition and food service.
Reston: Iconic Musical for Season Opening
Reston Community Players 50th season opens with ‘Gipsy’ on Oct. 21.
That great American musical classic “Gypsy” will be opening the Reston Community Players (RCP) 50th season. “We selected ‘Gypsy’ to start off our 50th season because it is an iconic and classic musical, and we really wanted something recognizable to kick off our 50th,” said Jolene Vettese, President, Reston Community Players and Assistant Director of “Gypsy.”
Reston Home Tour on Saturday, Oct. 15
This year's Reston Home Tour (in it's 15th year) will take place on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and benefits the Reston Historic Trust and the Reston Museum. This year’s theme, Embracing Change, celebrates lives that have changed and homes that reflect their owners.
Reston Letter: Connolly: Competent, Caring, Accessible
Letter to the Editor
As the headlines on the devastating impacts of climate change in our country and worldwide are hitting the media, we wonder whether our legislators are doing enough to address this issue. It is comforting to know that we have such a champion in our Congressman Gerald Connolly. Here are some of Gerry's environmental activities:
Fairfax County: Lockard Named Interim Superintendent
Dr. Steven Lockard will take over for Dr. Karen Garza as Fairfax County Schools superintendent for the interim period while the School Board searches for her replacement.
Reston Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 88 Reston homes sold between $1,200,000-$169,834.
Reston Home Sales: September, 2016
Wednesday, October 12
Classified Advertising October 12, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 11
Connolly: Competent, Caring, Accessible
With all the headlines on the devastating impacts of climate change in our country and worldwide, it is comforting to know we have a champion for these problems in our Congressman Gerald Connolly.
Friday, October 7
From the Beginning to the End
982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.
Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.
Seminars on Downsizing
The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.
Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax
League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer
Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.
Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options
Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.
Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.
Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens
Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.
Reston Column: Cyber Security
Commentary
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Reston Column: Budget, Spending Out of Control at RA?
Commentary – Independent Progressive
We have known for months now that the Tetra/Lake House debacle was certain to put upward pressure on the Reston Association budget. Assessments would surely rise if there wasn’t belt tightening at RA.
The Reston Chorale Kicks Off Its 50th Season
The Reston Chorale kicks off its 50th Season on Oct. 15 with Memories: Through the Years—a pops concert featuring a bit of Broadway, a touch of jazz and some good ol’ rock ‘n roll.
Herndon, Reston: White House Ornaments on Sale
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors have announced that the White House Ornaments are available for sale to benefit Artemis House, Fairfax County shelter for women and children.
Herndon, Reston Obituary: John David Farrell, Sr. MD, 79, Dies
On Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, Dr. John David Farrell entered into peaceful rest after a long illness at home with his family at his bedside. He was born March 24, 1937, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Thursday, October 6
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.
Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Saturday, October 1
Walk to End Alzheimer's in Reston
1,000 walkers raise $177,061 in one- and two-mile walk around Reston Town Center.
More than 1,000 walkers took part in the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Northern Virginia at Reston Town Center on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016.
Maya Callahan Wins Award in Lonely Planet Kids Poetry Competition
Maya Callahan, 11, a home schooled Reston resident, was selected by Lonely Planet’s Kids Poetry Competition for a runner-up award for her poem “Camping.” The poem was written after a camping trip with her Girl Scout troop last year.
Reston: RA Board Opposes St. John’s Wood Project
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, during a special meeting of the Reston Association Board to discuss land use and zoning matters in the community, the directors voted unanimously to oppose the application for the redevelopment of the St. John’s Wood Apartments.
Reston Multicultural Festival Draws Thousands
People turn out to celebrate their diversity at Lake Anne Plaza.
Thousands of people celebrated their diversity at the annual Reston Multicultural Festival held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.
Reston Multicultural Festival Draws Thousands
People turn out to celebrate their diversity at Lake Anne Plaza.
Thousands of people celebrated their diversity at the annual Reston Multicultural Festival held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.