Stories for April 2012

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic

West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.

Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

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Northern Region Sports Notes (April 25-May 1)

Girls sporting pink look at district lax playoffs; McLean boys tennis unbeaten; Templin leads Saxons softball over Marshall.

This week the undefeated McLean High boys' tennis team, under head coach Aavo Tomkov, had a challenging slate of competition versus Liberty District opponents. The Highlanders (8-0), earlier in the week on Tuesday, April 24, were scheduled to travel to cross-town and Liberty District rival Langley High (7-1).

Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reston Lions Meet

Paul D'Addario, who is blind from a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) caused by damaged nerve cells in his eyes, spoke to the Reston Lions Club at their meeting on Wednesday, April 18. He discussed the effects of the condition and a study he is participating in at Johns Hopkins Hospital that is helping to improve the technology needed to provide relief to those who have the same condition.

The Silly and the Serious Mix at Bicycling Charity Event

Redskins’ linebacker Alexander hosts third annual Ride to Provide.

Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander along with teammate Kedric Golson and several other current and former Redskins traded in their shoulder pads and football helmets for biking shorts and biking helmets for the third annual Ride to Provide, a charity bike ride, Saturday April 21.

Letter: Herndon Elections: Vision and Action

Letter to the Editor

The Herndon Town Elections are coming up on May 1. I encourage everyone to check the candidates’ websites and attend events to learn more about them and their vision for Herndon.

Letter: Merkel for Mayor

Letter to the Editor

On May 1st, at our Community Center, you will pick a new team to guide our Town for the next two years. The leader of that team, our next Mayor, will set the agenda and represent our community at the local, county and state level. We feel the best qualified candidate is our current Vice Mayor, Lisa Merkel. We need to elect a true leader with a positive vision for our Town.

Letter: Supporting Merkel for Mayor

Letter to the Editor

I am proud to support Lisa Merkel for Mayor of Herndon. Since Vice Mayor Merkel took office in 2010, she has succeeded in re-focusing the town away from the divisive issues of immigration and day labor, and put her energies where they needed to be: land use, economic development and budget.

Viewing Space Shuttle Discovery

Floris Elementary School students and staff in Herndon held classes outside on April 17 to witness the Space Shuttle Discovery’s final flight into Dulles Airport.

Herndon Honors Volunteers

Town holds the 28th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Night.

On April 15, 425 volunteers were honored for their service to the Town of Herndon from 38 different service organization and groups. Each of the honorees contributed 100 hours or more of volunteer service in the community last year. The 28th Annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Night was held at the Herndon Community Center.

Oakton Baseball Trying to Regain its Footing

Since 6-1 start, Cougars have struggled in Concorde District play.

A tough stretch of the season has hit the Oakton High baseball team since the start up of play within the Concorde District schedule a few weeks ago. The Cougars, who were 6-1 at one point this spring, entered this week in the midst of a tough five-game losing streak.

Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget

Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.

"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

Community events in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Reston/Herndon area.

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Sports Notes From Around the Region

Highschool, youth, college news.

On Wednesday April 11, at Madison High School, the undefeated McLean High boys’ tennis team defeated Madison 8-1. Madison was competitive in all three doubles matches and three of the singles matches against a deep and impressive Highlander team.

Team Sisters Walk for a Cause

Syron sisters, Catherine of Burke and Judy of England, raise funds for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Considering that they live some 3568 miles apart, the Syron sisters, Catherine and Judy, remain close. Born only 15 months apart, they were raised in the North of England, moved with their family to Brussels, Belgium as teenagers, and later even shared accommodations for a few years before Catherine moved to the US, where she now lives in Burke. Sadly, they share more than just a happy childhood and continuing friendship. Catherine and Judy also share the BRCA-2 Breast Cancer gene.

Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

Herndon Softball Impressive Over Season's First Half

Young Hornets team set to host defending region champs Westfield this Friday night.

The Herndon High girls' softball team, under the direction of head coach Jourdan Coombs, has played with a freshness and vibrancy which has resulted in numerous wins this spring season. Despite having an overall inexperienced and young varsity roster made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores, the Hornets have proven to be a handful for their opponents to handle on way to winning seven of their first 11 games thus far, going into this week's action.

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

Reston Community Orchestra Celebrates ‘Caribbean Night’

"Well, that was fun, and it certainly was different!" That’s the comment that was often heard as the appreciative crowd left the Reston Community Center Saturday evening. Utilizing a different venue and a totally new theme, the Reston Community Orchestra put on a successful Annual Benefit that was pleasing to everyone.

Reston Community Players Producing Tony winner ‘August Osage County’

"With rich, memorable characters, a dark comedy about family members challenging each other" will drop in at Center Stage, said Andrew JM Regiec, director of "August Osage County." Complete with unforgettable family members living a very unique family life style the show is "fodder for how people communicate with each other with quite unexpected manners."

Love, in Black and White

South Lakes senior places ad in The Connection to ask girlfriend to prom.

Before the dress, the corsage, the dinner, way before the last dance, there is the question. And the question is how to ask that someone special to go to prom with you. South Lake senior Jeff Church of Reston wanted to ask his girlfriend, South Lakes junior Erin Flattery of Herndon, in a different way.

Letter: Herndon Elections: Vision and Action

Letter to the Editor

The Herndon Town Elections are coming up on May 1. I encourage everyone to check the candidates’ websites and attend events to learn more about them and their vision for Herndon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Reston Raiders Compete in National Ice Hockey Championships

12-under team trades pins with players from other states.

The Reston Raiders won their first game, 4-2, over a team from Arizona at the USA Hockey 12 and Under Tier II National Championships, which ran March 28 through April 1 at the twin rink Ashburn Ice House and SkateQuest Reston facilities.

Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012

Faith Notes (Reston/Herndon)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community, including special holiday services.

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

April 13-20.

Community events in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

April 13-20.

Things to do in the Reston/Herndon area.

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

Seahawks Take First two Games in S.C.

South Lakes baseball competing in out-of-state spring break tourney.

The South Lakes High baseball team won its first two games at the BATRUP Tournament over spring break week (April 2-6) in Bluffton, S.C.

Herndon Boys' Soccer Ready for District Play

Lanigan's Hornets enter this week's play unbeaten through six games.

The Herndon High boys' soccer team has experienced a successful opening half of the season, going 4-0-2 over its first six games. The team's solid play thus far has the Hornets in a good mindset as they prepare for a tough Concorde District schedule ahead.

Lunch with a Legend

Reston founder Bob Simon celebrates 98th birthday.

Everybody knows Robert E. Simon, Jr. After all, he is Mr. Simon the visionary, the master urban planner and real estate developer.

Founder’s Day

Join Reston Historic Trust and the Reston Museum at Founder’s Day on Saturday, April 14 at Lake Anne Plaza to celebrate Reston’s 48th and founder Robert E. Simon, Jr.’s 98th birthday

New at Lake Anne

Installation and performance combine action and form.

Reston Community Center, the Initiative for Public Art – Reston, Friends of Lake Anne and the Reston Museum are co-presenting Out of Place, a site-situated installation and contemporary dance performance conceived by architect Ronit Eisenbach and dance artist Sharon Mansur, inspired by the history of the planned community of 1960s New Town of Reston and the sculpture and architecture of Lake Anne Plaza. The dance performance will take place on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza.

Raising Money, Awareness of Kidney Disease

Local resident, TV reporter in 2012 Kidney Walk.

Chantilly resident Jummy Olabanji has the distinction of being an on-air reporter with WJLA, the local ABC TV affiliate; and in 2002, she was part of the first class to graduate from Westfield High.

Creating a Downtown

Revitalization of Downtown Herndon key for Town Council candidate.

Eric Boll may be knocking on your door one day soon. Boll is one of the nine candidates in the running for the six seats on the Herndon Town Council.

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Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

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.

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.

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.

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County

U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.

The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.

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.

Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21

Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.

The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.

Herndon Baseball Off to Fast 4-0 Start

Hornets spending spring break week in Myrtle Beach; South Lakes baseball notches first win.

The Herndon High baseball team is spending its spring break week competing in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Hornets, who won their first three games of the season prior to making their trip down south, saw their record improve to 4-0 with a 13-5 win over Monticello High (Charlottesville) this past Saturday, March 31 in its first of three scheduled games in the Gamecock state. Herndon was scheduled to play games versus Pickerington High School North (Ohio) at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3 of this week, and Hancock County High (Lewisport, Kent.) on Thursday, April 5 at 3 p.m. Herndon's spring break games are taking place at Griffith Stadium at the Cal Ripken Experience facility in Myrtle Beach.

The Winding Baseball Trek Towards Becoming a Cincinnati Reds’ Fan

With Opening Day here, its’ fun to follow more than one major league team.

I did not grow up as a Reds’ fan. In fact, Cincinnati’s great Big Red Machine caused me great heartache when, as a 12-year old boy growing up in Northern Virginia, I watched on TV as my favorite team, the Red Sox, lost to Sparky Anderson’s crew, 4-3, in Game 7 of the 1975 Fall Classic. I had been ecstatic after Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning game-winning home run had given the ‘Sox a 7-6 win in Game 6. But following the Game 7 loss, in which my favorite player, the great Carl Yastrzemski, flew out to end the game in the bottom of the ninth inning at Fenway Park, I was in tears – a broken kid.

Classified Advertising

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Heroes of Mount St. Helens

Reston resident writes about role of gophers.

Among the smallest of the animals that live on Mount St. Helens, the northern pocket gopher has been credited with aiding in the restoration of Mount St. Helens. "Gopher to the Rescue," a newly released book written by Reston resident Terry Jennings, examines the role of gophers in eco-system recovery following a volcanic eruption.

Column: Are We Still Slaves?

This Friday evening, April 6, Jews the world over will be celebrating the first night of Passover with a traditional meal called the "Seder." A ritual celebrated every year commemorating the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt 3,323 years ago.

Herndon Masonic Lodge Receives National Award

The Masonic Information Center (MIC) has awarded Herndon Lodge one of just 18 national Mark Twain Awards for demonstrating excellence in 2011 Masonic activities.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

VDOT officials say I-495 Express Lanes will be just that.

Predictable, safe and reliable is not how most motorists would describe driving on the obstacle course known as the Capital Beltway.

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.

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.

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.

Above and Beyond

Herndon firefighters honored for heroism.

The water was swiftly rising as a lone woman was frantically crying for help from the roof of her car during the deadly flash flooding of Sept. 8, 2011.

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.