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Alex McVeigh

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Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 70 Years

New firehouse hosts anniversary celebration.

Milburn Sanders, 90, joined the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department (then known as the Forestville Fire Department) seven days after it opened on May 5, 1952. Seventy years later, he was part of the celebration at a new building, with generations of volunteer and career firefighters that came after him.

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Herndon High Hosts Youth Drinking Forum

Panel discussion, video highlight latest trends in teenage drinking.

Herndon High School hosted "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" Tuesday, April 24, a forum discussing the consequences of alcohol use with students and parents in the community. The event, hosted by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, featured facts about the social, legal and physical consequences of alcohol use.

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Helping Students Deal With Stress

‘Stress Less, Laugh More’ campaign comes to South Lakes, other area schools.

As AP and final exams loom closer than ever for area students, the administration of South Lakes High School spent last week trying to create an atmosphere that promotes mental wellness.

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Reston Volunteers Recognized

Local residents, organizations honored at annual Volunteer Service Awards.

Several Reston residents and organizations were honored at the 20th annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards Friday, April 27. The United Christian Parish, a faith-based group consisting of four denominations as well as Richard and Peg Brown, Sarah Samuel and Jean Pacelli were all awarded during the ceremony.

Three Run for Mayor

Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel, Councilmembers Jasbinder Singh, Bill Tirrell seek election.

With current Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis deciding not to seek re-election, three current councilmembers will seek his spot in the town’s May 1 election. Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel and Councilmembers Jasbinder Singh and Bill Tirrell look to succeed DeBendittis, who was first elected in 2006.

Nine Run for Town Council

Candidates seek six seats on Town Council for two-year term.

Nine candidates will vie for six seats on the Herndon Town Council in the May 1 election. With three current councilmembers declaring their candidacy for mayor, three current members as well as five new candidates will run.

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Taste of the Town Celebrated

Annual restaurant showcase benefits Council for the Arts of Herndon.

Samantha Hendrie of Herndon knew she didn’t have to worry about dinner for her family Thursday, April 19, she just had to bring them to Worldgate.

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Museum Tells Story of pre-Reston Simon

Program features early life of founder Robert Simon.

While Robert E. Simon Jr. literally started Reston’s history, his own history goes back five decades. Reston wasn’t founded until Simon was 50, and the Reston Historic Trust attempted to fill in residents on Simon’s early life during their Thursday, April 19 program at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne.

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Town Center Hosts Trayvon Martin Rally

Town Center Hosts Trayvon Martin Rally

As the Trayvon Martin case began making headlines around the nation, Rev. Mary Barrino-Smith of the Community of All People United Church of Christ decided it was time to get the local community involved. By contacting local faith communities and spreading the word online, more than 150 people attended a vigil Tuesday, April 17 at Reston Town Center.

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Community Aims to Fill Empty Bowls

Floris United Methodist Church hosts annual Food For Others event.

More than 500 people gathered at the Floris United Methodist Church Friday, April 13 to help raise money and awareness for hungry people in the area. The annual Empty Bowls event, which raised money for local food bank Food For Others and hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE, allowed guests to enjoy soups, snacks and deserts from local eateries, as well as take home a handmade bowl made by local potters, all for a $20 donation.

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Reston Celebrates 48th Birthday, Simon’s 98th

Lake Anne hosts annual Founder’s Day activities.

Reston founder Robert Simon officially founded the community that bears his name in his 50th year, in 1964. Forty-eight years later, Simon celebrated his 98th birthday at the Lake Anne Plaza Saturday, April 14.

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ADAMS Hosts Interfaith Seder

Event brings together people of faith to discuss faith, freedom.

Andrea Barron was part of the first Jewish-Arab Seder 25 years ago, which was held in Washington, D.C. organized by local Jewish leaders to promote peace.

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Recognizing Reston’s Best

Reston Interfaith, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosts annual awards gala.

The annual Best of Reston awards recognized four individuals, two organizations and two businesses Thursday, April 12 at the Reston Hyatt. Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of commerce host the awards, which celebrated their 21st year.

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Rotary Reaches 100 Members

Great Falls Rotary Club welcomes 100th member, 10 months after founding.

The Great Falls Rotary Club celebrated reaching its 100th member Thursday, April 12, achieving the milestone in record time. They reached 100 members in 10 months, growth that has attracted the attention of Rotary International.

Reston Association Announces Election Results

Two new at-large Board members elected, one re-elected.

Residents of Reston elected two new at-large members of the Reston Association Board of Directors Tuesday, Donna Miller Rostant and Michael Sanio. The two will replace directors Paul Thomas, who did not seek re-election and Tom Vis, who was not re-elected. Richard Chew, who served as an at large director until 2011 was elected after running unopposed for the South Lakes District director seat.

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Friends of Mill Plan for Future

More programs, Route 7 expansion discussed at Friends off Colvin Run Mill meeting.

While Colvin Run Mill’s claim to fame is its glimpse into life as it was 200 years ago, in the past, the Friends of Colvin Run Mill are just as concerned with its future.

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Cleaning Herndon’s Streams and Paths

Herndon Environmental Network hosts first group cleanup.

Charlotte Anderson, 12, knew there would be plenty to pick up while picking up trash along the stream in downtown Herndon, near the Fortnightly Library. But Anderson didn’t expect the first thing found to be a shopping cart, considering the site is almost a mile away from the closest grocery store.

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Helping Hungry Kids in Reston

Reston-based group is in third year of providing weekend meals.

Three years ago, Sandy Amato and Connie Laurent-Roy began their quest to feed hungry children in the Reston area. They began simply, in Amato’s basement, making about 80 meals a week for some children at Dogwood Elementary School that qualified for free lunches. The meals are for children to eat on weekends, when they cannot get meals at school.

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County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse

Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.

Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.

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Above and Beyond

Firefighters honored for Reston rescue efforts.

The water was swiftly rising at the intersection of Reston's Stuart Mill Road and Birdfoot Lane as deadly flash flooding surged throughout Fairfax County on Sept. 8, 2011. Two vehicles stranded at the intersection were quickly swept out to a tree line 150 feet into the water with a family of three and a single driver still inside.

Council Responds to County Water Ordinance

Councilmembers decide to address legislative ordinance issues with county.

The Herndon Town Council unanimously passed a response to the Dec. 6, 2011 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ decision to regulate water sales and rates from non-county providers.

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Egg Hunting in Brown’s Chapel Park

Community Center hosts annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt.

As children ages 1 through 9 gathered at Brown’s Chapel Park in Reston Saturday morning, they separated themselves by age group and massed along the borders of several different roped off areas. The areas were filled with colored eggs, which meant that for many children, filling their baskets would come down to strategy.

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Future of Silver Line Discussed

Panel discusses labor agreements, Loudoun County’s decision.

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion in Reston Wednesday, March 28 about the future of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line. The discussion featured Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Scott York and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President Jack Potter.

Arts Council Offers Taste of Spring

Taste of the Town brings restaurants to the forefront.

This Spring, the annual Taste of the Town festival will celebrate many of Herndon’s signature restaurants by giving visitors a chance to sample their signature items. Hosted by the Council for the Arts of Herndon, the 21st annual event has long been known as a showcase for destination dining.

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Classical Ballet Theatre Dancers On the Move

Nonprofit dance studio hosts annual fundraiser, prepares for move to Reston.

When Cynthia Donavin, executive director of the Classical Ballet Theatre, was searching for inspiration to find a new location for the studio, she turned to one of the area’s most famous patrons of the arts: Reston founder Robert Simon.

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South Lakes Hosts SingStrong

A cappella music event benefits Alzheimer’s charity.

Before last weekend, Randy Trott, 16, of Springfield didn’t know too much about a cappella music. "I thought it was pretty much like the beginning of [Queen’s] ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ a lot of singing soft, slow music," he said. "I had no idea that singing groups could do so much with just their voices, turn them into instruments of their own."

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Springtime in Reston

Egg hunt, Founder’s Day highlight Spring festivities.

Brown’s Chapel Park will be the site of Reston’s annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, which kicks off a Spring brimming with events. The hunt will also feature carnival rides, games and a performance by magician Eric Henning, who has performed around the area including the White House.

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Alcorn Named Citizen of the Year

Planning Commissioner recognized by Federation of Citizens Associations.

The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations named their Citizen of the Year Sunday, March 25, recognizing county Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn for more than a decade of service on the commission.

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First Responders Recognized

34th Annual Valor Awards presented to police officers, firefighters.

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognized 108 of the county’s first responders Wednesday, March 21 at the 24th annual Valor Awards. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as from the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, were given awards.

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County Takes Aim at Bullying

Survey helps county create bullying outreach, cyberbullying prevention.

Monitoring aggressive behavior is a primary concern of Fairfax County when conducting the annual Youth Survey. While fewer than 5 percent of students report gang activity or carrying a weapon, a majority of students have experienced bullying from one side or the other.

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Risky Behavior by the Numbers

Youth Survey highlights risks, assets for students.

Periodically, Fairfax County conducts a youth survey which polls thousands of students to get a glimpse into issues of substance abuse, antisocial behaviors as well as factors such as mental health and civic engagements.

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Herndon Seniors Create Exhibit

ArtSpace hosts second annual senior art show.

Last Fall, Herndon High School senior Baback Chiniforoushan was with some friends and his dog next to the Washington Monument when they performed a familiar ritual.

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John Marshall Bank Comes to Reston

Corporate Headquarters, new branch opens.

Reston welcomed the latest addition to its business community Thursday, March 15 with the grand opening of the John Marshall Bank branch and headquarters. Members of local chambers of commerce as well as several elected officials were in attendance.

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Candidates Sound Off at RA Forum

Five vie for two at-large seats, one for South Lakes district.

Five residents are running for two open at-large seats on the Reston Association Board of directors, while past board member Richard Chew is running unopposed for the South Lakes District. Current Vice President Paul Thomas will not be running for re-election, opening up one seat, and incumbent Tom Vis is hoping to keep his seat.

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Herndon Welcomes New Chief

Col. Maggie A. DeBoard sworn in as chief of police.

The Town of Herndon welcomed Col. Maggie A. DeBoard as chief of police Tuesday, March 6, when she was officially sworn in at the Ingram Council Chambers. DeBoard, a 25-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department, has previously served as captain of the Franconia District Station, commander of the county’s helicopter division, commander of the Special Operations division and deputy chief of investigations.

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No More Food Waste at Dranesville Elementary

Students, faculty kick off food donation program with LINK food bank.

After watching almost 6,000 pounds of food go to waste last year, the students and faculty of Dranesville Elementary School decided to do something about it. On Monday, March 12 the school cut the ribbon on their food recovery program, which will support LINK, a local nonprofit that provides food assistance to residents of Herndon, Sterling and Ashburn.

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Garden Club Goes to Library

Reston Garden Club, Hidden Lane Landscaping perform maintenance at Reston Library.

Visitors to the Reston Library may have noticed the exterior looking a bit neater since Wednesday, March 7, thanks to the efforts of the Reston Garden Club in partnership with Hidden Lane Landscaping. Members of the club spent the day clearing brush, shrubs and dead grass, while maintaining beds and laying down mulch.

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RA Hosts Watch Workshop

Crime Prevention Officer speaks about neighborhood watches.

The Reston Association hosted an informational meeting about neighborhood watch programs Tuesday, March 6, featuring county Crime Prevention Officer Katy Defoe.

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Reston Interfaith, YMCA Team Up

Organizations team up to donate YMCA memberships to transitioning families.

Reston Interfaith and the YMCA Fairfax County Reston have teamed up in an effort to assist those transitioning out of homelessness. The YMCA donated 35 memberships to Reston Interfaith clients who are in the transitional housing program.

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Great Falls Fire Station Welcomes Community

Grand opening held at new Great Falls Fire Station.

Ten years ago, five-year-old Harris LaTeef heard about Great Falls’ need for a new fire station, so he tried to do what he could to raise money for a new station: he opened a lemonade stand. While LaTeef’s stand raised $307.41 in a little more than four hours, it wasn’t enough. But on Saturday, March 10, LaTeef, now a freshman at Langley High School, was able to attend the grand opening of the new fire station he tried so hard to raise money for.

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McLean Hosts Annual Boar’s Head Feast

The McLean Choral Department presented its annual Boar’s Head Feast Saturday, March 10, featuring a three-course Medieval-style dinner and performances by a variety of choral groups.

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Langley Gears Up For Case Day

20th annual Case Day will debate Miller v. Alabama, Jackson v. Hobbs.

Langley High School seniors are currently putting the finishing touches on their 20th annual Case Day, which will take place Monday, March 19. This year’s cases will be Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs.

Fire Department Seeks Artifacts

Station looking for historic memorabilia for new station lobby.

The Herndon Fire Station has a lot of history to it, and much of it will be lost forever as a new station is built over the next year. And while the original cornerstone from the station’s 1950 construction will remain with the new station, Capt. Kerwin McNamara says they are looking for plenty more.

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Herndon Council Approves Metro Amendment

Plan allows for increased density, new road network, other changes for area north of station.

The Herndon Town Council voted four to three Tuesday, Feb. 28 to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that allows for redevelopment of the area north of the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metro station. The Council had been considering the plan for months, through various changes and approval from the town’s Planning Commission.

Service Across Generations

Councilmember Grace Wolf, daughter Lani nominated for volunteer awards.

Herndon Councilmember Grace Wolf has years of volunteer experience, with the Council For the Arts of Herndon, the Herndon Festival and the Girl Scouts among other things.

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RCA Questions Toll And Revenue Forecasts

Study worries about ‘optimum bias’ in projections.

The Reston Citizens Association released a report last month calling into question the toll and revenue forecasts done by CDMSmith, then known as Wilbur Smith and Associates. The forecasts were done to estimate costs and other planning measures for Phase Two of Dulles Metrorail.

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Citizens Discuss Future of Grange, Schoolhouse

Great Falls, Park Authority sound off on uses for historic resources.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Long-Range Planning Committee took the next step in creating their Long-Range Plan Monday night, with a public meeting to discuss the future of the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse.

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Fairfax DOT Presents Walker Road Update

Plan calls for crosswalk, new sidewalks, street parking.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Transportation Committee and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation presented a vision for the future of Walker Road just south of Georgetown Pike.

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Herndon High Step Team Kicks Off Title Defense

Herndon High School hosts 14th annual StompFest.

Fresh off a season in which they won the national championship, the Herndon High School Step Team kicked off their season by hosting the 14th annual StompFest Saturday at Herndon High. The event featured nine local teams competing for first place.

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Telling Tales of the Rail

Historic Trusts hosts program on railroad history.

The Reston Historic Trust presented the story of the Alexandria Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, which later became the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne Thursday, Feb. 23. Local historians Ron Beavers and Paul McCray told the story of the line, which began in Alexandria in 1847.