Tuesday, February 28
Winners Named in 8th Annual Fine Art Photography Competition
First Place Winner had never entered a photography competition.
Professional and amateur photographers as well as art enthusiasts gathered Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Post Gallery, ArtSpace Herndon located in the Historic Downtown District to celebrate the 8th Annual Fine Art Photography Competition and Exhibit.
Homeowners Oppose Proposed Transit Area Tax
Lack of notification also criticized.
Homeowners voiced concern about paying a proposed service district tax that is being proposed in Reston and outside the Town of Herndon.
Beware Early Allergy Season
Experts offer suggestions for preventing and treating allergy symptoms.
Those experiencing Itchy, watery eyes and seemingly endless sneezing know that spring allergy season is getting an early start this year thanks to this season’s mild winter weather.
Prayer Vigil at ICE Office
Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.
On the morning of Feb. 8, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up across the street from Rising Hope Mission Church on Russell Road in the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria.
Fairfax County Solicits Public Input on Environmental Vision
Online survey open through March 6.
Fairfax County is preparing to update the Environmental Excellence 20-Year Vision Plan (Environmental Vision) and the public is urged to weigh in via an online survey.
Chief to Release Name of Officer in Herndon Shooting
Risk assessment is complete.
The risk assessment of the officer involved in the fatal Jan. 16 shooting of Mohammad Azim Doudzai is now finished, according to a Feb. 24 release from Fairfax County Police.
U.S. Marshals Warn Public of Jury Duty Phone Scams
The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public of a nationwide telephone scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers or law enforcement officials seeking to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty.
Editorial: Good, Bad and Missed Opportunities
Results of the 2017 session of the General Assembly.
GOOD THINGS Progress in funding mental health and addressing the opioid epidemic on multiple levels were among the successes of the 2017 General Assembly session.
Thursday, February 23
Prayer Vigil at ICE Office
Rising Hope pastor speaks about arrests outside church.
Rising Hope Mission Church holds vigil at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Wednesday, February 22
Commentary: What Can I Do?
In a previous column I addressed in part the question I get from more and more constituents about what they can do to be more active in public service.
Restonians Organize Against Paid Parking At Town Center
Protest March Set for Saturday, March 4
Restonians are revolting against paid parking at Reston Town Center.
Sunrise Senior Living Hires New Director of Sales in Reston
Sunrise Senior Living at Reston Town Center hired Kevin Rios as its new director of sales.
Angus the Scottie: At Home at Lake Anne
After we lost our first Scottie, we searched high and low for a young one to fill the void in our family.
Letter to the Editor: Reston Family Displaced by Fire, Needs Temporary Home
As some of you may have heard, members of our community recently suffered a massive fire and their home will not be habitable for a year.
Reston Girl Scout Pursues Badge Repairing Mount Vernon Trail
Sathiya Kannan, a Girl Scout from Reston, will be repairing one of the bridges on the Mount Vernon Trail in Alexandria on Saturday, March 25, as a Silver Award Project for scouting.
Letter to the Editor: Ordeal with Reston ‘Pay for Parking’
RTC management folks, the way you ran this "pay for parking" scheme was like a bunch of rookies.
Tuesday, February 21
Matching Pets to Their Owners
Animal shelters’ counselors help families find the right fit when seeking a pet adoption.
Natasha had been abandoned and was wandering the streets of Arlington under the blaze of a hot summer sun when she was rescued and taken to a local shelter.
Lawmaker Work Group to Examine Virginia Predatory Lending
Panel to investigate internet loans, car-title loans and open-end lines of credit.
The growing chorus of criticism about predatory lending in Virginia may not have prompted lawmakers to start passing laws to crack down on the industry. But it has accomplished one thing, formation of a work group.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
Robert Johnson of Woodbridge understands the mental health crisis from a personal perspective.
A Record Year for Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Region honors its supporters.
Megan Newman told her story at the Alzheimer’s Association “Wall of Hope” reception at Tysons Corner on Feb. 9. She was only 18, a senior in high school, when her mother started to ask the same question more than once.
Opinion: Budget Season in Fairfax County
Attend a town hall meeting and express your priorities.
Alexandria and Arlington each have a meals tax, both enacted without a referendum because as urban forms of government in Virginia, their local elected bodies were authorized to enact the tax legislatively.
Monday, February 20
Fairfax County NAACP Hosting Community Gathering
The NAACP of Fairfax County is hosting a community and Black History Month commemoration on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Fairfax County Names First Independent Police Auditor
Richard G. Schott, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to be Fairfax County’s first-ever independent police auditor.
Hunter Mill Community Summit to Be Held March 4
On Saturday, March 4, the Hunter Mill District Community Summit will take place at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon.
The Connection HomeLifeStyle Real Estate and Remodeling Focus
Sponsored
This special focus will use the award-winning Connection Newspapers’ resources to illustrate the benefits of buying and listing homes for sale this summer.
Friday, February 17
Reston Home Sales: January, 2017
In January, 2017, 60 Reston homes sold between $1,700,000-$160,000.
Reston Home Sales: January, 2017
Thursday, February 16
Fear Follows ICE Enforcement
Men said to be detained after leaving Mount Vernon shelter.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Mount Vernon.
Era of the Iron Fist: How Did Democrats Rule the House of Delegates?
Democrats complain about Republican heavy-handedness, but were they any better?
Democrats complain that Republicans are sidelining their bills without much consideration. But were Democrats any better when they had control of the House of Delegates?
Wednesday, February 15
Editorial: Ending Gerrymandering Important to Region
Efforts appear dead for this session, but elections later this year provide new opportunities.
While three bills that could have reined in the runaway gerrymandering in Virginia made it through the Virginia Senate to crossover, they died on Tuesday morning in a House subcommittee, despite some vocal Republican support.
Job Fairs Match Fairfax County Teens, Employers
Supervisor Pat Herrity’s (R-Springfield) office, along with a variety of business and community organizations, hosted two teen job fairs and resume building workshops last year.
In Session: Virginia General Assembly Briefs
Ghost of Carter Glass
Meet state Sen. Carter Glass of Lynchburg.
FCPS Adopts $2.8 Billion Budget for FY2018
5.1 percent increase from 2017 prioritizes compensation and classroom resources.
The Fairfax County School Board formally adopted interim Superintendent Steve Lockard’s proposed $2.8 billion operating budget at its Feb. 9 meeting, following several work sessions and public hearings on the matter.
Chief Still Withholding Officer’s Name in Fatal Herndon Shooting
Temporary restraining order to not release name vacated by judge.
Fairfax County chief of police Edwin Roessler has yet to release the name of the 16-year veteran officer who fatally shot Mohammad Azim Doudzai, 32, at his Herndon-area home on Jan. 16 this year.
Improve Driver Laws, Reduce Road Deaths
Virginia’s highway safety report card.
Clifton resident Debbie Sausville represented Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at a recent Capitol Hill news conference where Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) issued “report cards” rating all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their progress toward adopting 15 optimal laws that scientific studies, data analysis and real world experience show are effective at preventing death and injury on roadways.
Fairfax County Executive Proposes $4.10 Billion Budget
Calls for no increase in real estate taxes; falls $61 million short of schools’ request.
An exercise in “triage and trade-offs” was how Mount Vernon District Supervisor Daniel Storck described the FY 2018 budget as proposed by County Executive Ed Long to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Celebrating Black History Month
Educators say these lessons are urgently needed in current racial climate.
Even though Elavie Ndura knows that it is a daunting challenge to help children grasp the entirety of the African American experience in the shortest month of the year, each February she and other educators give it their best effort.
Tuesday, February 14
St. Patrick's Day Comes Early in Herndon
The Folk Club of Reston/Herndon presents Seamus Kennedy on Feb. 21 during its third Tuesday Spring Concert Series.
Get ready to get your green on a bit early for St. Patrick's Day as Seamus Kennedy, Irish songwriter, guitarist and comedian, makes a concert stop in Herndon during his East Coast tour.
Reston's Olivia Beckner Finishes Second in New York Race
Olivia Beckner, a junior on the South Lakes High School track and field team, finished second in the girls mile at the 110th New York Millrose Games here on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Cornerstones of Our Community — Best of Reston Finalists Announced
On Feb. 9, Leidos hosted a Sneak-Peek Reception where 22 finalists were announced as candidates for the Cornerstones of Our Community — 2017 Best of Reston Awards.
Investigation of Reston Association and the Tetra Deal — Finally
Independent Progressive
After months of delay and obstruction, Reston Association finally signed a contract to review the RA internal decision to acquire the Tetra property; the community referendum and acquisition of it; and, management and accounting for its renovation and operation.
Commentary: Balancing the Budget
Although the “short sessions” of the General Assembly held on the odd-numbered years are about two weeks less in length than the regular session in the even-numbered years because they do not consider a biennium budget, the fact is that the budget is adjusted at every session of the General Assembly.
Reston Lions Announce Music Competition Winners
Fourteen students participated in the James A. Bland Music Competition, co-sponsored by the Reston Lions Club and the Reston Community Center, held at the Hunters Woods Center, on Feb. 7.
Letter to the Editor: Turned Away by New Parking System in Reston
Below is an email I sent to Reston Town Center after using the new parking system today for the first time.
Freezin' for a Reason in Reston
Virginia Polar Dip attracts 200 participants; raises $80,000 for Camp Sunshine.
With water temperature at 38 degrees, more than 200 participants took the plunge in the 10th Annual Freezin' for a Reason (Virginia Polar Dip) on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Lake Anne Plaza's waterfront in Reston.
Heated Debate About Reston's Lake House Review
Members of the Reston community vented their frustrations and concerns about an independent review of the Reston Association that is underway during a community input session at RA headquarters on Thursday, Feb. 9.
Friday, February 10
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Feb. 8
If you have lived in Fairfax County for any amount of time, you are surely familiar with the traffic situation here.
Commentary: First Amendment Is Alive and Well
“Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Wednesday, February 8
Standing Together at ADAMS
Peace rally draws hundreds against immigration ban.
The All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) campus has one foot in Fairfax County and the rest of the property in Loudoun. On Friday, it drew hundreds of people from all around the Northern Virginia region to show their support for the members of one of the largest mosques in the country at an event that featured appearances by Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring.
Know Your Rights – ADAMS Hosts Travel Ban Legal Forum
In the wake of President Trump’s executive orders cancelling or suspending visas and banning – at least temporarily - entry into United States by travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations, leaders at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) quickly organized a legal forum to inform people of their rights under the new regulations.
Faith Communities Come Together to Feed and Protect Homeless From Hypothermia
The county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program is now offering homeless individuals refuge from the winter cold.
Commentary: How a Bill Does Not Become a Law in Virginia
Most people can remember the flowchart from high school civics class that graphically showed how a bill becomes a law.
Marvin Gaye’s Soulful Music Takes Reston's CenterStage
Fans of Marvin Gaye’s passionate songs and rich voice will have the opportunity to see his masterworks brought to life through dance and movement at Reston’s CenterStage.
Reston Chorale Takes To CenterStage
Camerata, The Reston Chorale's 30-voice chamber ensemble, is presenting a concert on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Reston Community Center's CenterStage.
Governor Visits Reston to Announce Commitment to Hiring More Veterans
Gov. Terry McAuliffe visited Reston on Wednesday, Feb. 1, to announce a new goal of hiring 25,000 veterans in the state of Virginia through the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program by 2018.
Reaching the Finals in Reston
Luke Brindley of Reston made the cut in the Folk/Acoustic category and is now a finalist to perform in a live concert performed by the competition’s finalists on Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda.
Letter to the Editor: Voting Rights Under Attack
Unsatisfied with the existing identification requirements to vote in Virginia, on Feb. 1 Republicans in Virginia’s House of Delegates voted to make it even harder to vote in state elections.
Synergy Design & Construction Celebrates Grand Opening of New Reston Showroom
Mark and Mina Fies, owners of Synergy Design & Construction, a design-build firm located in Reston, celebrated the Grand Opening of their new showroom on Jan. 24 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
Reston Hospital Offers Most Advanced Spinal Surgery Options
Health Care
Reston Hospital Center is the first in the region to add the Mazor surgical assurance platform to its award‐winning regional spinal surgery program. The Mazor X system combines unprecedented pre‐operative planning tools and analytics with unparalleled intra‐operative guidance, giving Reston Hospital Center patients the most advanced spinal surgery options available.
"Broadway Night" at South Lakes High
More than 200 students in South Lakes Pyramid perform 20 Broadway shows.
More than 200 students from South Lakes High Pyramid schools performed in "Broadway Night" last Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4, 2017, at the school.
Tuesday, February 7
Bulova Calls for Land Use Engagement
Board of Supervisors chairman to host Community Council on Land Use Engagement.
At the Jan. 24 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (BOS), Chairman Sharon Bulova handed the gavel to Vice Chairman Penelope Gross (D-Mason District), and proceeded to utilize a “Chairman’s Initiative” to introduce a “Board Matter” of her own.
MATHCOUNTS Winners Announced
Top area teams, students advance to Virginia state competition.
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS Competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 4, at George Mason University.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Honoring the Past and Present
A home with both a rich history and modern conveniences is on the market in Fairfax.
When Betsy Rutkowski purchased her Fairfax home, she was drawn to its rich history and the childhood memories which it evoked.
City House, Country House
Home offers sunny interior and bucolic surroundings.
European craftsmanship, a free-flowing floor plan and light-filled rooms characterize a home that was designed according to the vision of a local jurist.
Fireplace as Focal Point
A hearth is in demand for cold weather.
“Fireplaces have never fallen out of favor,” said David Foster, president of Foster Remodeling Solutions.
In Session: Virginia Assembly Briefs
The backlog of untested rape kits has received a lot of media attention in recent years, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been working to find ways to process all that evidence. But that’s not the only problem with rape kits. Many of them are them are simply thrown away.
Cracking Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Rocky Road Ahead
Governor, business leaders and analysts offer insights on regional economy.
The road signs along the highway to the region’s economic future are a bit difficult to read, sometimes pointing positively one way, and at other times seeming to indicate slow downs and hazards ahead, according to speakers and panelists at last week’s regional economic conference.
A Look Inside Fairfax County Police Diversity Training
Commanders hear speeches on openness, forgiveness, professionalism.
West Springfield District Police Commander Cpt. Gervais T. Reed said when police officers leave the profession, some are in good shape, others are bitter.
Thursday, February 2
Fairfax County: Body-Worn Cameras for Police Coming Closer
Policy addressing privacy, mental health, metrics needed before pilot begins.
Fairfax County Police could have a body-worn camera program for officers up and running as early as the fall. That’s what Police Chief Edwin Roessler and the Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee discussed at the committee’s first meeting of 2017 on Jan. 31.
Fairfax County: Deadline Reached for Civilian Review Panel Nominations
Supervisors to review applications before Feb. 14 meeting.
Jan. 31 was the final day for applications and nominations for Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel, one of two new forms of independent oversight for the police department.
Wednesday, February 1
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers Want to Crack Down on Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about Facebook and Twitter?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
Angry Birds on the Road: Lawmakers to Crack Down on On-the-Road Screen Time
Texting while driving is already illegal, but what about all the other screen time?
Lawmakers in Richmond are a bunch of angry birds, frustrated at existing law they believe does not solve the problem of drivers devoting their attention to their handheld screen instead of the road.
South Lakes Girls, Boys Win Liberty Conference Championship
Junior Olivia Beckner won both the 1,000 meters (2:55.67) and 1,600 meters (5:04.44) in meet record times while seniors Timiebi Ogobri and Don’ta Whitely had outstanding performances to lead the South Lakes High School track teams to the Liberty Conference Championships.
Freezin’ For A Reason Set for Feb. 11
Fun
The 10th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason (Virginia Polar Dip) will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at Lake Anne Plaza (Waterfront) - 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, 12– 3 p.m.
Reston: Lake House Review Gets More Expensive
Price tag for independent review goes from $1 to up to $45K.
The Reston Association Board of Directors hired StoneTurn Group, LLC to independently review the processes it used to purchase and renovate the Lake House property. The decision was made in executive session during the board’s regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26.
RA Divided On Lake Anne Dock Revitalization
Lake Anne Dock Revitalization Debated
The Reston Association needs to replace its aging dock at Lake Anne Village Center, but its Board of Directors were divided on how to move forward with the work during its last meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26.
At the Half 2017
Commentary
The 2017 session of the General Assembly that got underway on Jan. 11 is barreling ahead towards its midpoint of Feb. 7. At that midpoint, referred to as “crossover.”
Fear, Anger Make National Politics Local
Independent Progressive
The aftermath of the 2016 Presidential Election sent shockwaves around the nation and through our community. The ferment from turmoil around the White House seems especially strong in Reston.
Oh, The #Adulting You’ll Do
Reston resident writes for children and adults.
Alissa Buoni knows a thing or two about how to talk to kids. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in School Counseling from The George Washington University. She uses all of that experience - personal and educational - in her debut children’s book “Oh, The #Adulting You’ll Do.”
Week in Herndon
Nysmith Team Wins Highest Honors in WordMasters Challenge
A father daughter dance, the semi-formal dance for girls ages 3-12, will be held at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave., Herndon on Saturday, Feb. 4, 6:30-9 p.m.
Neighbors Rehash Shooting Death
Herndon neighborhood recovers from shooting incident.
“No purse, no phone, no nothing,” she says. “I could not contact my daughter to come and pick me up. I could not call my son … It was very scary,” she says. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Neighbors Rehash Shooting Death
Herndon neighborhood recovers from shooting incident.
“No purse, no phone, no nothing,” she says. “I could not contact my daughter to come and pick me up. I could not call my son … It was very scary,” she says. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”