Father and Son "Twogether"
As a born, bread and buttered Bostonian (Newton Centre, a suburb, to be specific), one of my enduring and genetic passions has been to live and die (figuratively speaking; this is not a cancer column) for The Boston Red Sox. My father sold concessions at Fenway Park (the stadium home of the Bosox since 1912), during the Depression when he was a little boy (not yet an adolescent even). He was nicknamed "Beezo," (his given name was Benet, although he was always called Barry) so he could gain full acceptance to a local knothole gang. Named after the wooden planks which surrounded the old Braves Field in Boston (a National League team called Boston its home as well back in the day), the kids ("gangs") would stand and peer through the knotholes in the wooden planks which otherwise blocked their view. It was a privilege and an honor for my father to be so connected to the game this way. He grew up loving baseball, and as a parent, he passed his love of the game on to me – and my brother.
Editorial: Trending in the Right Direction
Commitment to ending homelessness shows progress, but more affordable housing is needed.
On one night in late January, local jurisdictions in our area fanned out to count the number of people who were literally homeless. Fairfax County released its numbers last week; Arlington and Alexandria will do so in the near future. In Fairfax County, the commitment in 2010 to end homelessness in 10 years has resulted in significant progress, even in the wake of the great recession. The number of people literally homeless decreased by a third from 2008 to 2014, from 1,835 to 1,225 counted this year. Many non-profit organizations have partnered to prevent homelessness one family or individual at a time for those on the brink and to house chronically homeless individuals. There is so much still to be done.
Why 30 Minutes Only?
To the Editor: Hunter Woods shopping Center marked new parking restrictions for the spaces directly across the stores on the left side nearest the RCC. The spaces are marked: 30 minutes only. This rule is quite incongruent with the merchants located there. When one dines at Ledo Pizza, you can expect more than 30 minutes to get and eat a good hot pizza. It takes more than 30 minutes to be served and chew and swallow meals at Hunan Café. Nail and Spa requires more than 30 minutes for a manicure or pedicure, not to mention both. Tanning needs more time for the entire procedure. The Buffalo Wing Factory has patrons staying more than 30 minutes. And I would guess Mathnasium has programs that require more than 30 minutes. To be fair, one can take out to go from Ledo Pizza or Hunan Café and that discourages patrons from enjoying a sit down meal in either place. So for whom are these spaces meant please? Teri Belf Reston
‘Reston at 50’ Studied
GMU symposium explores the planning and diversity of area.
Reston is a city with a past - a past that George Mason University students are discovering. Students - from undergraduates to doctoral candidates, presented their findings about Reston in time for the community’s 50th anniversary Monday at Hunter Mill Community Center. The symposium, titled “Reston at 50: Looking Back at Forward Thinking,” covered diversity, preservation, scholarship and planning to an audience of more than 50 community members. Director of African and African-American Studies Dr. Wendi Manuel-Scott moderated the event. “Many early residents settled into Reston because of the ideals of the community,” said Director of the School of Art Dr. Harold Linton during his talk about how Reston’s plan developed and some of the architecture the community centers were inspired from.
Week in Reston
Chamber to Sponsor a Free Movie Night The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce will host a free “Movie Night at the Chamber” to benefit the Washington West Film Festival on Thursday, May 1, from 6-9 p.m. They will screen the Tom Hank’s produced award-winning film “An Article of Hope,” directed by D.C. native Dan Cohen. Cohen will be in attendance for a Q&A; following the film, along with Washington West Film Festival president, Brad Russell. The screening will in the Chamber offices located at 1763 Fountain Drive, Reston, from 6-9 p.m. Refreshments and the requisite popcorn will be provided. To RSVP for this event, contact Mark Ingrao at marki@restonchamber.org or call 703-707-9045 to reserve your seat. Contributions are appreciated.
GRACE Opens Incubator Exhibit
Exhibit features works of artists Renee Stout and Odinga Tyehimba.
“I think there are few collaborative shows between two artists like this,” said Derryl Harris. “The depth and the materials, it is quite unique.” Harris, a resident of Herndon and board member of Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE), attended the April artists reception for the exhibit Incubator which features artwork of Renee Stout and Odinga Tyehimba. Self-taught artist Tyehimba combines interest in traditional art with his interpretation of the historic and contemporary experiences of Africans in the Americas. Renee Stout has received acclaim for her mixed-media works exploring issues including identity, race, gender, and healing.
Herndon Passes Nearly $49 Million Budget
Tax rate will remain the same.
The Herndon Town Council approved its $48,827,100 2015 budget. The budget, which maintains the current tax rate of $0.2650 per $100 of assessed value, was passed 6-1 at the April 22 meeting. Council member Charlie Waddell was the only one who voted against the budget. He wanted to see a lower tax rate. “I’m not ready to pass the budget, as is,” he said. “I might be in a couple of weeks.”
Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. Holds Fish Fling
Event honors volunteers who contribute to FISH’s efforts.
Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families meet emergencies and short-term needs, held its 9th Annual Fish Fling Gala at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 11 p.m. The gala was FISH’s largest fundraising event to acquire the financial support for its Family Assistance Program. In 2013 FISH worked with over 1,300 area families.
Reston Farmers Market Opens With SNAP Saturday, May 3
Independent Progressive
Question: What is the surest sign that spring has finally arrived? Answer: The Reston Farmers Market opens this Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center. The Market is back, stronger than ever: 27 of the 28 farmer-vendors return for the 2014 season, along with the problem-solving volunteers from the Fairfax Master Gardeners. And, there are some interesting and important additions. In the off-season, Market volunteers (Fran and I) recruited rancher and author, Forrest Pritchard of Smith Meadows Farm. Mr. Pritchard wrote best-selling “Gaining Ground,” the story of converting his traditional family farm into a wholly grass-fed operation. His farm adds to an already strong offering of quality meats in Reston. Smith Meadows also brings home-made pastas to the Market, to go with existing offerings including: the only fresh seafood stand in a County market; four quality bakeries; an impressive selection of fruits and veggies—including Sunnyside’s organics and Potomac’s ecoganics; fine goat and cow cheeses; honey; Virginia Vistas’ always flowering plants; and Kettle Corn.
Funraising Race at Lake Fairfax
Champions4Children 5K Race and Fun Run held In Reston.
“It was a fun race,” said Nick Abbott, “It brought me back to my high school days of cross country.” On the morning of Saturday, April 26 Abbott and other participants of the second annual Champions4Children 5K Race and Fun Run assembled at Lake Fairfax Park, in Reston. The event was a fundraiser for SafeSpot, a Children’s Advocacy Center, and nonprofit that will provide direct services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse in Fairfax County. The organization opened doors to their office in Fairfax on April 2. Approximately 315 persons registered for the race event, which also had corporate and individual sponsors. Some of the major sponsors included ASG Security, Capital One Bank, Colliers International, Willis of Maryland, ePlus Inc., Capital Source, and Todd and Michelle Kingsley. “We want a smiling face on every kid,” said Rebecca Cooper of WJLA/ABC. Cooper has been a long time supporter of the fight against child abuse, and was Grand Marshal for this year’s Champions4Children Race.
Assembly Leaves Unanswered Questions
Commentary
Last Wednesday the 2014 session of the General Assembly adjourned sine die at the end of the Reconvened Session that is called at the conclusion of each regular session to consider amendments to legislation proposed by the Governor and vetoes he made of any bills. Much of the work during the Reconvened Session dealt with technical issues related to the drafting of bills during a fast-paced session. Although the regular session has concluded, the General Assembly is already in special session to consider the biennium budget and closing the gap in health care coverage.
Reston and Sterling Lions Clubs Provide Eye Screening
The Reston and the Sterling Lions Clubs maintained a booth to provide PediaVision screening of eyes of children, 6 months to 19 years old, at the Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 26, held at the YMCA, 12196 Sunset Hills Road in Reston. PediaVision is a non-invasive procedure that takes only a few seconds to complete and detects the potential presence of problems such as nearsightedness and eye misalignment. Results are provided to parents to determine if follow-up vision care is needed. On Saturday, 40 children were screened. Results were provided to the parents of eight children to determine if additional care is needed. Above, Reston Lions Club President, Don Leas, is shown administering a test to a visitor to the booth. For more information on PediaVision, visit www.restonlions.org or SterlingLions@verizon.net.
Local Students Write Poetry and Reap Reward
To the Editor: Perhaps when your school is named for a famous poet, a flair for rhythmic verse comes naturally. This appears to be the case for students attending Langston Hughes Middle School in Reston.
Alone on the Road: 7 out of 10 Northern Virginia Workers Use Single-Occupancy Vehicles
Study raises concerns about amount of time drivers spend commuting alone.
Despite the decades-long war against the single-occupancy vehicle, seven out of 10 workers in Northern Virginia drive to work alone every workday.
What to Expect
Real estate experts offer a forecast for spring.
Real estate agent Joan Caton Cromwell says she lost a home bidding war last week in Falls Church even though her client was a strong contestant.
Spring Songbirds Arriving Now
Local bird groups and bird walks help beginning birders see colorful birds.
The birds are coming. The annual migration of often brightly colored songbirds from their winter homes in Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and the southern U.S. is underway now. Millions and millions of avian migrants fly northward every night and the come down to rest or nest every morning. Some of the birds are enroute to nesting areas far to the north; some nest right here or nearby.
Region Sees Lowest Number of TB Cases in Decades
Outreach efforts get people in for tuberculosis treatment before it spreads.
When Dr. Barbara Andrino came to the Fairfax County Health Department in 2011, there were 137 cases of tuberculosis in Northern Virginia.
Week in Reston
Herndon-Reston FISH to Hold Annual Fundraising Event Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicating to help families meet emergencies and short-term needs, will hold its 9th Annual Fish Fling Gala at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 11 p.m. This gala is FISH’s largest fundraising event to acquire the financial support for its Family Assistance Program. In 2013 FISH worked with over 1300 area families.
Babes in the Woods
Toddlers find adventure at Walker Nature Center Earth Day program.
A group of toddlers took turns hugging a massive blow-up globe after listening to a book about animals and insects that can be found in the woods. The children, excited and attentive, were at the Walker Nature Education Center’s Earth Day Explorers program on Monday to trek through the forest and learn more about the planet they live in. The event was for the Babes in the Woods nature program, targeted for children ages 18 to 35 months. “There’s no time too early to get started,” said naturalist Ken Rosenthal, Reston Association. “And sometimes the out-of-the box thinking really gets me.” His personal philosophy is there is no word or idea too big to introduce to a child.
World of Beer offers IT platform for business lunches
If you are looking for a unique location to hold a sales meeting that’s not far from your Arlington, Alexandria, or Ballston office, think World of Beer. The tavern that’s best known for after-work socializing and live music on weekends, is now offering meeting space and teleconference so companies can conduct online training or other web-based events for its employees. "We are a great place for off-site meetings," said Evan Matz, owner of World of Beer at 901 North Glebe Road in Ballston. "With little notice, CEOs and managers can reserve a separate room equipped with our IP-based video and wall monitor systems. It’s a perfect place to hold working lunches." The tavern, which stocks more than 500 kinds of craft beer from--you guessed it, around the world--also carries a full lunch menu to liven up business meetings with great food.