Stories for March 2012

Stories for March 2012

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Thursday, March 29

Faith Notes (Reston/Herndon)

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

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

Things happening in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

March 29-April 5

Things happening in the Reston/Herndon area.

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Fairfax Board of Supervisors Considers Raising Stormwater Management Fee

One-penny hike on property tax could raise $35 million for projects throughout the county.

When it rains, it pours. That’s why Fairfax County taxpayers may have to fork over more money this year for stormwater management.

Wednesday, March 28

Classified Advertising

See the latest Employment, Home and Garden, and classifieds!

Column: Peculiar Presence

In the last few months, out of the blue, I have received electronic correspondence from each of my three oldest childhood friends (none of whom have remained adulthood friends, though all three remain of interest to me) commenting on my cancer diagnosis; each having stumbled across one of my cancer columns online, presumably after initiating a Google-type search for yours truly.

All That Glitters

The Campagna Center’s annual Toast to Fashion fundraiser sparkles with fashion, food and fun.

With glittering displays of spring’s hottest fashion trends and most coveted accessories, the ballroom of the Belle Haven Country Club was transformed into a fashion-lover’s dream during the Campagna Center’s 13th annual Toast to Fashion on Thursday, March 22.

RCO Presents ‘Mostly Baroque’

Late Sunday, the Reston Community Orchestra pulled in a large and enthusiastic audience to the Reston Community Center.

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Celebrating Nowruz in Reston

Community comes together to celebrate Persian New Year.

The Persian New Year was greeted by a day-long celebration at the Reston Town Center on Sunday. Folk musicians played traditional music in the Pavilion, adults ate, talked and shopped and children played everywhere.

The Reston Chorale Presents ‘Americana’

The Reston Chorale did two performances Saturday night at the Community Center, both to full capacity and very enthusiastic audiences. There was a complete blend of styles, progressing through time from the sweet and smooth work of Pre-Civil War Stephen Foster, down to the early rock and roll of Bill Haley and finally to the edginess of the contemporary group Owl City.

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Following Birds to Nicaragua

Lake Anne teacher’s trip to Nicaragua makes learning "real."

Iconic birds, such as the ruby throated hummingbird, birds that bear the names of our cities, like the Baltimore oriole, and birds that are thought of as uniquely North American birds, such as numerous wrens and warblers, plus more than 150 other varieties of birds travel hundreds of miles every year to spend the winter on an island in Lake Nicaragua. From September to March these birds make their home in the tropical forests of Ometepe Island. In the spring they return to eastern United States to find mates and raise their young.

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Real World Comes to South Lakes

More than 55 careers represented at Career Expo.

More than 55 careers were represented Monday, March 19 at South Lakes High’s Second Annual 10th Grade Career Expo. The careers represented ranged from electricians to Internet technology, said Elizabeth Vandenburg, South Lake’s PTSA community outreach representative.

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Northern Region Sports Roundup

Lloyd to be inducted into basketball shrine.

The Lee High boys’ soccer team (1-2-1), under head coach John Millward, was able to hold off a late charge by the Oakton Cougars to win 1-0 in Lee's home opener this past Tuesday night, March 27. After a quick re-start, and some quick midfield play, Luis Aguilar, a senior forward, found senior midfielder Jamie Ahmed, who took a one-touch into space then placed a 36-yard shot into the upper net with 12 minutes left.

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."

Tuesday, March 27

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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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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.

NOVA Women Capture State Basketball Crown

Vienna’s Carlie Zirkle earns MVP honors.

The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) women’s basketball team won the 2012 Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Championship by defeating Southside Virginia Community College, 48-26. The tournament was held March 2-4 in Chesapeake. Former Marshall High standout Carlie Zirkle (Vienna) received the most valuable player honor and was named to the All-Tournament team, along with Halley Cummins (Vienna) and Yvette Gilliam (Woodbridge).

Editorial: Interrupting Harassment and Bullying

Empowering bystanders to intervene, students to set boundaries.

With a controversial and much discussed new movie, "Bully," coming out this week, local school districts continue to wrestle with the issue of bullying in the schools.

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Empty Bowls Event to Benefit Hunger Relief

The Giving Circle of HOPE will host its fifth annual "Empty Bowls," a benefit supper for hunger relief, on Friday, April 13, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Floris United Methodist Church, 13600 Frying Pan Road, Herndon. All proceeds will go directly to Food for Others, the largest distributor of free food to needy people in Northern Virginia.

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Promoting Arts and Music at Mosby Woods

One of the highlights of the year, the annual School Site Visit, continues to attract art supervisors, principals, and their art and music teachers to see exemplary arts education and arts integration programs in a local school.

Construction Begins at Herndon-Monroe Parking Garage

The Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride garage, located at 12530 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon, will undergo major structural repair and maintenance work beginning March 31. Commuters who use the 1,745-parking-space facility will be affected as areas of the garage will be blocked off in four phases for the construction project, with substantial completion of the work expected in September 2012

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Clearview Elementary Wins the A+ School Principal Challenge

This month, Clearview Elementary School of Herndon was all "a buzz" as it celebrated winning the annual A+ School Principal Challenge. Sponsored by Giant Food, this competition rewards school spirit by inviting principals to submit creative and unique challenges that they personally can meet in order to raise much-needed funding for their programs.

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Transitioning from Cub to Boy Scouts

Herndon’s Cub Scout Pack 913 awarded 18 of its Webelos II scouts with the Arrow of Light Award at Dranesville Elementary School on Friday, March 23.

Monday, March 26

Fairfax Symphony Announces 2012-2013 Season

The season will mark the beginning of a new three-year focus in programming called ‘Mischief in Music: Wit, Insolence and Insurrection.’

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and music director Christopher Zimmerman announced the 2012-2013 season repertoire, with six Masterworks performances at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax.

Friday, March 23

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‘Express Yourself’ at Herndon High

Herndon High School Fashion Show features 14 designers, 125 other students.

On Wednesday, March 14, student designers at Herndon High School expressed themselves in the Fashion Marketing program’s annual fashion show.

Thursday, March 22

Classified Advertising

The Latest Employment, Home and Garden, and Classified Ads!

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Sports Notes from the Northern Region

State high school hoops champs; Jimmy Lange wins again; Westfields hosts prestigious golf tourney.

Game Reports Wanted: Coaches, team managers/parents - Please send high school team game results to sports editor Rich Sanders at richsand8@aol.com, or contact him on twitter at richsand8. In game reports, please include date and place of game, game highlights, team win-loss record, and any other news-worth items. Photos are also accepted.

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Reston/Herndon Sports Notes

Reston Raiders competing at youth ice hockey Nationals.

The Reston Raiders PeeWee AA Blue team has had a season of exceeding expectations. Coached by Dave Regan, the locals amassed 24 points and put together an 11-7-2 record in the competitive CBHL. The Raiders’ season will continue on as they were honored by a selection to represent Virginia at the 12-under U.S. National Championships, set to take place here at home (Ashburn and Reston) from March 28 through April 1.

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Huge Turnout for South Lakes Baseball Opener

Seahawks fall to Herndon in local rival game, 13-3; Oakton off to 3-0 start.

The South Lakes Seahawks varsity baseball team kicked off their 2012 high school season Friday night, March 16 against rival Herndon High. The rain cleared and the stands at South Lakes were packed with a large contingent of fans, including students and little leaguers. Reston Little League was well represented on both teams with 18 alumni participating.

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St. Patrick’s Day Basketball Celebration at Wakefield High

Northern Region’s top seniors boys’ high school players, including Westfield’s Quentin Basil, compete in All-Star game, festivities.

Bryant Fultz wasn’t among the top performers in the dunk contest during the Northern Region Coaches Association All-Star Boys’ Basketball festivities on March 17, but the West Potomac senior made his mark during the main event.

Wednesday, March 21

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Does Music Make Children Smarter?

During Music In Our Schools Month, musicians raise awareness of impact of music education on lives of students.

Can playing the piano strengthen a child’s reading and math skills? Can joining a school band be a catalyst for building self-confidence? Does one develop strong analytical abilities by taking violin lessons? Some music experts say yes.

Exciting All-Star Afternoon

Concorde/Patriot All-Stars beat the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime.

West Potomac's Bryant Fultz threw down a fourth-quarter alley-oop dunk from fellow Wolverine Randall Brobbey, scored a team-high 15 points and earned game MVP honors as the Concorde/Patriot All-Stars defeated the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime at Wakefield High School.

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South Lakes Sophomore Wins Music Competition

Fedor Ouspensky, violin, wins First Prize in the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra’s Feuer Competition.

Fedor Ouspensky, violin, a sophomore at South Lakes High School (Reston), along with Michael Lewis, bass, a junior at West Potomac High School (Alexandria) and Cory Rivera, violin, an eighteen-year-old high school senior took the stage Saturday night at the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks concert to receive their awards and recognition as the three winners of the FSO’s 2012 Feuer Memorial String Competition.

Reston Interfaith Named as a 2012 Helios Apollo Awards Finalist

Reston Interfaith, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive social services to individuals and families in need, has been named a finalist for the 2012 Helios Apollo Awards, the premier awards program for recognizing employers in the Washington metropolitan region that invest in employee development initiatives that make an impact. Reston Interfaith is one of six finalists in the Tria award category, which represents companies with 101-175 employees.

Week in Herndon

Things happening in the Herndon area.

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Connections for Hope Celebrates Anniversary

On March 15, Connections for Hope celebrated two years serving the community.

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Eagle Project for Herndon Elementary

Jacob Reeves completed his Eagle Project for Herndon Elementary School on March 10.

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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.

Tuesday, March 20

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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.

Editorial: ‘Practices That Undermine Trust’

Virginia gets a failing grade on ethics rules.

The State Integrity Investigation is "designed to expose practices that undermine trust in state capitols — and spotlight the states that are doing things right."

Column: “Here, There And Everywhere”

The Beatles sang it on their “Revolver” album back in the mid 60s. My wife and I danced to it in the late 70s when we selected it as “first song as husband and wife” – in 1978. And recently we felt it, three years after my stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, as our reaction/assessment to the many similarly diagnosed individuals who’ve shared their lung cancer stories with us. Who knew?

Friday, March 16

Dick Warren Hays, of Reston, Dies

Dick Warren Hays, 78, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Education, community leader and bicycle activist, died of complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease on Feb. 25, 2012 at his home in Castle Rock, Colo. He moved to Colorado from Reston in July 2010.

Thursday, March 15

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

March 16-23.

Things happening in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

March 16-23.

Things to do in the Reston/Herndon area.

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A Mission of Mercy Helps Hundreds

More than 800 residents receive free dental services during two-day event.

The triage center at Saturday’s Mission of Mercy Dental health clinic resembled a modern-day MASH unit.

Wednesday, March 14

Classified Advertising

Read the lastest Classified and Employment ads!

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Virginia Officials Deliberately Moving Slowly on Health Care Exchange

If Supreme Court upholds health-care reform, governor would have to call special session.

Virginia has eight months to create a certification plan for how it plans to create a health-care exchange, a legal requirement of President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Business Matters

How far did the empire of Orange Julius reach? What’s the capital of Banana Republic? Is Aeropostale aerodynamic?

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Captain Honored for Community Service

Fire and Rescue’s Willie Bailey recognized for 1,000 volunteer hours.

It was supposed to be a one-time event, a toy drive to help 50 struggling families in the Gum Springs community along the Route 1 corridor. But that was 15 years ago.

Column: “Early Results Show Stable Disease”

There’s five words e-mailed from my oncologist that I can live with (Duh!). Certainly better than the previous nine words e-mailed eight weeks ago regarding my then current CT Scan: “Scan results show progression. We’ll talk more on Friday.”

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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.

Tuesday, March 13

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Local Designers Selected to Make Over D.C. Design House

Annual event raises money for Children's National Medical Center.

Some of the Washington area's top interior designers are unleashing their creative talent all in the name of charity. Organizers of the 2012 Washington, D.C. Design House announced the designers who will make over the 2012 D.C. Design Home.

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The Chateau in Oak Hollow

One of just four properties in Fairfax County listed at HomesDatabase.com for sale for more than $10 million, this home sits on five acres in Clifton, and is for sale for $12.5 million. The other three properties are in McLean.

Editorial: So Hard to Imagine?

Poor families face challenges that officials and many of the rest of us have trouble envisioning.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and even Northern Virginia includes many poor families and individuals. But officials seem to have trouble wrapping their brains around some of the difficulties this can cause.

South Lakes Senior Receives Student Peace Award

South Lakes High School chose senior Franck Simo to receive a Student Peace Award.

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Youth Art Celebrated at RCC Lake Anne

Students’ art attracts a large crowd.

Sunny, spring-like weather brought out a large crowd Sunday, March 11 to attend a reception in celebration of Youth Art Month at Reston Community Center Lake Anne.

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Reston, Herndon Girls Explore Math and Science

More than 200 Reston and Herndon fifth and sixth grade students participate in GEMS Conference.

Teen Talk Barbie, who said “math class is tough,” did not last long on store shelves when she was issued by Mattel in 1997, but her message has endured. Studies show that the number of girls pursing degrees or careers in math and science fields continues to lag behind their male peers due in large part to stereotypes about appropriate male and female professions.

Week in Herndon

Things happening in the Herndon area.

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Elden Street Players Win WATCH Awards

The Elden Street Players theatre company took home four top honors as the Washington Area Community Theatre Honors Awards announced the best of community theatre March 11 during the annual WATCH Awards ceremony at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria.

Michael Cordingley and Meredith Hoyle Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. David Cordingley of Herndon announce the engagement of their son, Michael Cordingley to Meredith Hoyle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Garland Hoyle of Virginia Beach.

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Stakes Are High in Virginia Budget Standoff

Lawmakers flee Capitol, where partisan gridlock reigns.

The budget standoff in Richmond could have drastic consequences in Northern Virginia, where every service from education to transportation is on the line.

Monday, March 12

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Fairfax Supervisors to Consider Even More Cuts to Library System

In the last four years, more than $5 million has been slashed from the library budget.

Walk into the Centreville Library and one is confronted with an institution in crisis.

Friday, March 9

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Chantilly Library: The Renewal Project

“A wonderful place for our community."

Just as the writing of a book begins with an idea, so did the renovations of the Chantilly Regional Library. It started around 2004, when then Branch Manager Bonnie Worcester and her staff first discussed how to improve customer service there.

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Chantilly Library Turns a Page

Ribbon-cutting signals start of new chapter.

When the ribbon was cut last week to celebrate the changes at the Chantilly Regional Library, it marked the beginning of a new era there. It was also the culmination of years of planning and work.

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Trophy Time For Westfield

Thespians win VHSL One-Act Play State Championship.

There’s rejoicing at Westfield High. The school’s thespians captured a state championship Saturday, March 3, at the VHSL One-Act Play competition in Charlottesville.

Thursday, March 8

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Gov. George Allen Goes Home Again on Super Tuesday

Former Virginia Governor George Allen spoke Tuesday morning to an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Conference, then headed to Loudoun County to meet with Republican primary voters and election workers at polling places on Super Tuesday in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties.

Column: Look What She Saw—Sort Of

Well there’s five seconds that fellow super-market-shopper won’t have back anytime soon. The question, the curiosity is: will she have nightmares and/or live to regret staring at me so intently that I think I may have seen the whites of her eyes – and it wasn’t even remotely dark?

Fairfax Supervisors Vote to Increase Advertised Tax Rate by 1 cent

Each 1 cent increase raises taxpayer bill by $45.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 6-3 Tuesday, March 6, to advertise the real estate tax rate for FY 2013 as $1.08 per $100 of assessed value. The current FY 2012 rate is $1.07.

Dulles Rail, Phase Two; Silver Line Station Names

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting and an Ask Fairfax online discussion to inform the public about Phase Two of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

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Local Governments Enjoy Record Spending

Bucking national trend, local governments here expand while others are contracting.

As local governments across America are laying off firefighters and teachers, governments in Northern Virginia are experiencing record levels of spending and an all-time-high number of employees.

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Not-So-Super Tuesday

Turnout for Virginia's presidential preference primary was lowest in recent memory.

With two of the major candidates in the Republican presidential contest failing to qualify for the ballot in Virginia, Super Tuesday was anything but super.

Wednesday, March 7

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‘Stars Over Dulles’ Gala

Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce Hosts annual awards event.

Laughter and style were out in full force as more than 300 guests attended the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards gala and benefit Saturday at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon.

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Learning to be Healthy

To help promote healthy lifestyles, the Armstrong Elementary Wellness Committee organized a nutrition and wellness obstacle course for students.

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Reston Pavilion Hosts ‘March for Babies’ Fundraiser

A four-day fundraiser for babies took place at the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion from Monday, Feb. 27 through Thursday evening, March 1.

Studying Bird Migrations at Reston’s Nature House

Abby Stocking had a challenge: How to educate the group in front of her that ranged in age from five years old to very mature adults.

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Romney, Paul Team Up in Reston

NVCC politics students stage mock GOP convention.

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney triumphantly entered the convention area. He was preceded by his running mate, Ron Paul. This convention was not in Tampa, but rather in a Northern Virginia Community College classroom in Reston.

Letter: Chambers ‘Frustrated’ With General Assembly

Letter to the Editor

On behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership, comprising the Dulles Regional, Greater Reston and Loudoun County chambers of commerce, we would like to convey our collective frustration with the conduct of the 2012 Virginia General Assembly and remind you of the priority we shared at the start of the 2012 session – to support policies that promote a strong, pro-business environment that enhances Virginia’s economic competitiveness, cultivates growth in all segments of our economy, and ensures adequate access to critical business infrastructure and resources. At this point in the session, on behalf of our 2,800 business members and their more than 100,000 employees, we urge you, once again, to focus on this top priority.

Week in Herndon

Things happening in the Herndon area.

Elden Street Players Present "Glengarry Glen Ross"

"What a great play with wonderfully rich characters," said Rosemary Hartman, director of the Elden Street Players upcoming production of David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross."

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Cougars Claw Their Way to State Tournament Victory

Oakton gets a big late game basket from Caroline Coyer and pulls away from Monaca in state quarterfinals.

There were less than four minutes remaining in last Friday night’s Virginia State AAA girls’ basketball quarterfinals playoff game between Oakton High and Monacan High of Richmond. A basket by Monacan had just tied the score and Oakton needed to answer. And who better to answer the call than senior guard Caroline Coyer, one of the region’s best all-time players, who has made her share of big baskets in leading the Cougars to state playoff appearances in three of her four high school years.

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Ryan Forrest’s Quest for State Crown Falls Just Short

South Lakes senior wrestler finished second in Virginia despite battling illness over the postseason.

Following a third place finish in his respective 145-division weight class at last winter’s 2011 Virginia State AAA high school wrestling championships, South Lakes’ Ryan Forrest was determined to come back and capture this year’s ultimate prize – a state crown.

Oakton Girls Re-Claim Northern Region Basketball Crown

Kathleen Coyer steps up to score 29 points in win over West Springfield.

The `Coyer Era’ of Oakton High girls’ basketball could not be winding down in more spectacular fashion than it currently is. The Coyer twins, senior guards Caroline and Kathleen, have played vital roles in the Cougars’ unparalleled success over the past four years. Caroline, the team’s point guard, is one of the Northern Region’s all-time best players. Katherine, at shooting guard, is a tremendous defensive player who scores when called upon and can match the on-court prowess of the best players out there.

Indoor Track Season Wraps Up at State Meet

Local Northern Region athletes compete in Hampton.

A number of local athletes put together strong showings at last weekend’s Virginia State AAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Friday and Saturday (Feb. 24-25) at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. On the boys’ side, Westfield High finished third overall and was the top finisher from out of the Northern Region. The Bulldogs finished with 27 team points. The team champion was Western Branch (48) of Chesapeake, a member of the Eastern Region. Finishing second was Grassfield (34 points) of Chesapeake.

Tuesday, March 6

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.

Classified Advertising

See the lastest Employment, Home and Garden and classified ads!

Cleaning Up One’s Plate

Local nutrition experts encourage healthy eating during National Nutrition Month and always.

When it comes to healthy eating, Alexandria wellness educator Cheryl Mirabella encourages her clients to load up during meals, but she offers a caveat.

Health Services Coalition Receives $10,000 Grant

Funding will help provide specialty health care to low income residents.

Northern Virginia Health Services Coalition's (NOVAHSC) Specialty Access program received a $10,000 grant to help provide low-income, uninsured patients with access to specialty medical care through a regional network of providers.

Editorial: Reenacting a Dark History?

Turning back the clock in Richmond.

Who could have anticipated that our elected officials would take African-American History month and Women's History month so seriously that they would literally try to turn back the clock?

Monday, March 5

Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

March 7-May 12

Events happening in the Reston, Herndon area.

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

March 7-May 11

Things happening in the Reston/Herndon area.

Saturday, March 3

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Larry Schuster Sr., Sharon Bulova’s Father, Dies

Lawrence “Larry” K. Schuster Sr. was born in Baltimore on May 24, 1922. During World War II he served as a Marine Corps Tech Sgt. in the Pacific Theatre, where he fought on Okinawa, Saipan and Iwo Jima. In 1946 he married Mary Suzanne “Sue” Knox.

Friday, March 2

Column: Protecting Residents in Tax, Road Debates

Congress finally has acted to ensure payroll tax relief for 170 million individuals and families through the rest of 2012. This additional tax relief is critical for maintaining the momentum of the economic recovery, and Northern Virginians will realize an average savings of $2,000 per household.

Column: A Raw Deal for Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is getting a raw deal from Governor McDonnell. While we need transportation investment to support this economic engine of the state, at least $1.5 billion in transportation funds are being diverted to wasteful and unnecessary projects in rural areas. Meanwhile, the state refuses to adequately fund Dulles Rail, leaving Northern Virginia taxpayers and toll payers to foot the lion's share of the bill.

Thursday, March 1

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State Senate Committee Kills Effort to Overturn King's Dominion Law

School boards were encouraged by support from governor, but couldn't win over Senate committee.

The Senate Committee on Education and Health voted today to kill an effort overturning the King's Dominion Law, which mandates that school divisions across Virginia begin classes after Labor Day.

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Outgoing County Executive Tony Griffin Presents Final Budget Proposal

$6.7 billion proposal is a 6.1 percent budget increase.

Appearing before members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the last time, outgoing county executive Anthony Griffin had the luxury of taking the long view.

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Governments Across Virginia Hope to Kill Local Aid to the State Program

Jurisdictions hope to kill funding scheme created at height of recession.

In the darkest days of the global financial crisis, leaders in Richmond were willing to do almost anything to balance the budget.