Stories for August 2013

Column: From Weak to Week

Eight days and seven nights. Not exactly the vacation I was planning. Nevertheless, admitted to the hospital on Friday, August 2nd. Discharged on Friday, August 9th: that was my hospital “staycation.” Though I definitely improved as the post-surgical week went on, the process itself – specifically, nearly four days in S.I.C.U. (Surgical Intensive Care) with round-the-clock monitoring, nursing and doctoring – was hardly restful. In fact, if you read the following prose, you’ll presumably develop an understanding of the cons.

Every Year Is Election Year in Virginia

Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.

While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade. According to an official candidate list released last month by the Virginia State Board of Elections, 57 House seats will be contested this November — marking only the second time in the last decade where at least half of the 100 House seats will have more than one name on the ballot.

What in the World Does a Supervisor Do, and Why Should We Care?

Local Government 101: Where the rubber meets the road.

We see them at just about every community event. They manage a budget larger than the budgets of four states, and rule over a county with a diverse, well-educated population of more than a million people. The 10 members of the Fairfax County Supervisors have an intense, time-consuming, insanely detailed job, one that comes with enormous power and even more responsibilities. They impact our lives in large and small ways, allocating money and resources in ways that can propel our community forward—or cost us our first-rate status in education, livability and culture. Yet most of us, media included, are so focused on politics at the state and national level that we overlook the decision-makers in our own backyard.

Obsessed With Politics? Fairfax County Welcomes You!

What newcomers need to know to be politically-savvy insiders.

Fairfax County may be physically separated from Washington, D.C.—the ground-zero of All Things Political—but residents here are a politically-savvy bunch. We know who Larry Sabato is—a prominent University of Virginia political analyst—and we pay attention to Not Larry Sabato—a Virginia politics blog by Ben Tribbett, a Fairfax County resident and self-described “vicious campaign insultant.” We follow our politicians on Twitter and Facebook.

Supervisors Give Us Their Best “Insider” Tips

Fairfax County has a fantastic park and library system, with tons of activities to enjoy. One of my personal favorites is the Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Accotink Park every summer.

An Insider's Guide to the Arts in Northern Virginia

A selection of upcoming arts productions, happening right where you live.

There are more artists of every stripe making art in Northern Virginia than you may realize. Populating the bedroom communities, small towns, growing cities and metropolitan areas of Fairfax County, Arlington and Alexandria are your pick of dance, theatre, choral, symphonic, visual and performance, music and fill-in-the-blank groups. Look beyond Wolf Trap and Jammin' Java to the Torpedo Art Factory, the Workhouse Arts Center, and smaller, quality groups like ArtSpace Herndon and McLean Project for the Arts to cast their creative spell (that's only to name a few). Delve in and, we dare you, let your stereotypes of an artless string of suburbs dissolve. In place you'll get something much better than stereotypes: some culture.

Dulles Day Festival, Plane Pull Returns Sept. 14

The event benefits Special Olympics Virginia.

Whether you’re pulling the plane, cheering from the sidelines or racing down the runway in tennis shoes at this year’s first-ever 5K, there's something for everyone at the Dulles Day Festival and Plane Pull, benefiting Special Olympics Virginia. Grab your family, friends and co-workers and put your muscles to the test Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dulles International Airport.

Hornets Ready for New Season

Parents and faculty discuss new sports season at Herndon High.

Coaches’ Night was held on Aug. 19 at Herndon High School. The coaches of fall sports and athletics for Herndon High School students met with parents at the school cafeteria. “It is an informational session where you get and see who your coaches are and meet other parents,” said Jonathan Frohm, director of Student Activities and Athletics.

Get to Know Local Herndon Non-profits

Reston Interfaith helps those that are homeless and struggling in Northern Virginia to build more stable lives by connecting them to vital resources that solve their needs for housing, child care, food or financial assistance. Programs and services include the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Emergency Food Pantry, Hypothermia Prevention Program and the Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Touching Heart Inspires Spirit of Caring and Giving

Children learn by example and by doing. That’s the principal behind Touching Heart, where the goal is to inspire and cultivate a spirit of caring and giving in children that will last a lifetime. Touching Heart’s mission is to educate children to have a giving heart.

Helping Hungry Kids at Floris United Methodist Church

On Sunday, Aug. 25, members and friends of Floris United Methodist Church of Herndon packaged 1,200 weekend meals for students at Hutchison Elementary School. The two-hour event for the Help Hungry Kids program was for all ages, and more than 100 volunteers participated in assembling the bags. In addition to this annual event, Help Hungry Kids is sustained by individual volunteers and families that assemble and deliver packages to the church on the first Sunday of each month.

Get to Know Your Herndon Area Business Connections

Comprised of the Herndon and Chantilly/Centreville Chambers, Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce covers Herndon, Sterling, Centreville, Chantilly, South Riding and Dulles Airport. Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce serves businesses in the Dulles Corridor.

Letter: Pulled Back to 18th Century

I read with interest Del. Barbara Comstock’s piece [“Investing in 21st Century Industries and Jobs,” Connection, August 21-27, 2013]. If Ms. Comstock really wants to make Virginia a welcoming destination for new businesses, she should stop voting for socially repressive and discriminatory legislation. Tax breaks and open land are not the only factors that companies consider when deciding to make a move. Top executives also consider traffic problems and education, both issues whose solutions Ms. Comstock has failed to support.

Newcomers and the Community Guide; Get to Know Area Non-profits

Get to know the area non-profits!

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: July, 2013

In July 2013, 99 homes sold between $1,550,000-$165,000 in the Herndon and Oak Hill area.

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: July, 2013

Best Educated, Most Diverse

If you are a new resident of Fairfax County, or an employee working for a company new to the county, welcome!

New Superintendent Relishes Opportunity

A fan of Baylor grad RG3 … not Cowboys

Here in Fairfax, not only do we have the talent and the expertise to solve the problems facing us in FCPS, but we are uniquely positioned to solve the most pressing issues facing public schools across the country. -Karen K. Garza, Ph.D., superintendent, Fairfax County Public Schools

Chamber Gives Voice to Businesses

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (Fairfax Chamber), the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, represents 650 member companies with nearly 500,000 employees throughout the region.

Northern Virginia Senior Olympics

Online registration for the 2013 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is open Deadline to register online is Aug. 30. The fee is $12. Participants can register online at www.nvso.us. Events take place Sept. 7-19 at 17 venues throughout Northern Virginia. Call 703-228-4721 for more.

Chambers

Find a comprehensive online listing of county business resources at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/business-resources.

Welcome to Fairfax County

Hello and welcome to Fairfax County!

A Year in Fairfax County

A sampling of some of the cherished, annual events of the county.

Upcoming events in the county.

Editorial: About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Great Falls Connection’s mission is to bring the local news you need, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

Classified Advertising August 8, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Developments Abound in Reston

Silver Line, Master Plan task force opportunities loom.

Reston will be the first community along the Dulles Corridor to experience the Silver Line with the opening of the Wiehle Avenue Station. With stations at Reston Town Center and off Sunrise Valley Drive to come as part of Phase Two, the community is actively involved in planning for both phases.

Looking Into Herndon’s Future

Downtown, Metro development in store for Herndon.

Long known as a destination for several of Herndon’s signature restaurants, the historic downtown is beginning to shape up into a focal point for people of all kinds.

Silver Line Brings New Opportunities

Metrorail line aims to connect Washington, D.C. with Dulles Airport by 2018.

When the first trains of Metro’s Silver Line start carrying passengers, around February 2014, it will mark a new era for Northern Virginia, particularly the northern part of Fairfax County. By 2018, riders from Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston and McLean will have access to Dulles Airport and Washington, D.C. via the Silver Line.

Excerpts From King’s ‘I Have a Dream’

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to the March on Washington 50 years ago next week, Aug. 28, 1963.

Excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech: “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

Fairfax Republicans Nominate Bryan ‘BA’ Wolfe for Sheriff

Wolfe faces Democratic nominee Stacey Kincaid in Nov. 5 special election.

When retired Fairfax police officer Bryan “BA” Wolfe was selected as the Republican nominee for Fairfax County Sheriff last week, he vowed to “restore the public trust” by making the 500-member department more “accountable and transparent.”

Shedding Sunshine on the Secret World of Regulation in Virginia

Advisory panel rejects effort to open records of the State Corporation Commission.

Ever wonder what happens during deliberations that regulate payday lending? How about the effort to oversee your health insurance?

Classical Ballet Theatre Presents Contemporary Master Class

Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) will kick off its 2013-2014 Master Class series.

Week in Herndon

This week in Herndon is filled with many new, exciting events!

Back to School

What Are the Most Exciting Changes in Herndon Schools?

Back to school season in Herndon brings plenty of new changes.

Trinity Presbyterian Church Hosts Concert Series

The Loudoun Jazz Ensemble performed at the fellowship hall of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon on the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 18.

People’s Choice Winner

Herndon senior Josh Katz reflects on award-winning photograph.

When the Town of Herndon 2014 calendars are sent to all the residents late this year, the work of Josh Katz will adorn the main page. Katz, a rising senior at Herndon High School, took this year’s People’s Choice Award winning photograph.

Herndon Council Approves Preliminary Subdivision Plan

Helgar Oaks would feature nine houses on Van Buren Street.

The Herndon Town Council unanimously approved an application for a preliminary subdivision plan on the 400 block of Van Buren Street. The lots at 417 and 419 Van Buren Street, located adjacent to Bruin Park, are currently empty and total about three acres.

Preserving History’s Jewels

Fairfax County considers new “resident curator” program to save historic properties.

“A successful resident curator program would allow the county to restore, maintain and protect important historic properties at little or no cost to the public.” —Cindy Walsh, Fairfax County Park Authority’s Resource Management Division director

Fairfax County Public Libraries: Version 2.0?

Staff, volunteers urge supervisors to reconsider “disastrous” library reorganization plan that cuts staff and services.

In a world where the Internet has replaced newsprint, e-books have supplanted paperbacks and the latest films stream directly to laptops, how do public libraries compete?

Classified Advertising August 14. 2013

Read the lastest ad here!

Is Your Home Ready for Back to School?

Local designers offer tips for creating functional and stylish homework spaces.

Summer will soon come to an end, and children everywhere will be heading back to school and coming home with homework. To keep students engaged and excited, some local designers offer suggestions for creating a space so fun and inviting that your children will want to hang out there — even if that means doing homework.

Outdoor Elegance Meets Cutting Edge Technology

A design/build team explores fine architecture in weather-resistant materials.

If anything in the summer of 2013 points to still evolving homeowner expectations, it may be the frequency with which locals are integrating screen porches, patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens into original landscaping schemes that artfully marry the house to its setting.

Geocaching Diversifies

Urbanites embracing new game.

Geocaching usually has been portrayed as someone with hiking boots and a walking staff gazing afar from a hilltop in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not so anymore. Substantial numbers of those joining the sport are placing and hunting for caches in urban settings, and that includes Northern Virginia.

Editorial: Library Mission

Further cuts to library budget must be analyzed for impacts on needy families.

The current proposal to “streamline” services at Fairfax County Public Libraries comes on top of disproportionate, and some would say Draconian, cuts since 2009.

Chinese Fiddlers Come to Reston

Shanghai Yangpu Youth Palace student troupe performs at Reston Town Center.

Ashley Syed was walking along Market Street in Reston Town Center Saturday, Aug. 10 when she heard music that she described as “something right out of a movie.” As she got closer to the town center’s pavilion, the music grew louder.

Isabel Robles Heads to Houston Ballet

Isabel Robles will spend school year with Houston Ballet.

After spending six weeks in a summer intensive program with the Houston Ballet, Isabel Robles decided that wasn’t enough, now she will spend the school year in the company’s year-round program.

Town of Herndon Hires Economic Development Manager

Dennis Holste will work on maintaining and growing town’s business base.

The Town of Herndon has hired its first ever economic development manager. Dennis Holste will hold the position as the town prepares to take advantage of development opportunities such as those presented by the Metrorail Silver Line.

Editorial: On Federal Dollars in Virginia

State’s role as one of the biggest “takers.”

We received some emails and phone calls about the expansion of Medicaid in response to last week’s editorial.

Opportunity for Accountability?

Independent Progressive

We have a new Fairfax County Police chief (Reston Connection, Aug. 7-13).

Week in Herndon

The MOMS Club of Herndon will host a Healthy Foodies discussion on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

Herndon Celebrates National Night Out

Fourteen neighborhoods in Herndon participate in celebrations and block parties.

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Herndon Police Department and the community participated in the celebration of "America's Night Out Against Crime."

Duy Lam Exhibits at ArtSpace Herndon

Exhibit continues until Sept. 1.

On Saturday, Aug. 10 ArtSpace Herndon hosted a reception for artist Duy Lam’s exhibit, “Union of Color and Form.” This exhibit opened to the public on Aug. 6 and will continue to be on display until Sept. 1.

McAuliffe Talks Issues With Dulles Regional Chamber

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe recently met with members of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce during a meet-and-greet styled event where he discussed key issues of this year’s election.

Hunters Creek Wins ‘Battle of Bottles’

It was a hard-fought contest, with both sides leaving it all on the battlefield.

Opinion: Issues That Matter

Mental health services discussion gives insight into real differences between candidates.

It came as somewhat of a relief to have the candidates for governor in Virginia, Ken Cuccinelli (R) and Terry McAuliffe (D), discuss an actual issue that matters to many Virginia families this week at a forum on mental health issues.

Will the Next Attorney General Defend Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage?

Republican says he will defend amendment; Democrat is not so sure.

Virginia's next attorney general will have to stand in a courtroom and make a decision about whether or not the commonwealth's constitutional ban on marriage should be defended. Republican candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-26) has been clear about his support for the amendment and his intention to provide a vigorous defense of marriage. Democratic candidate Sen. Mark Herring (D-33), on the other hand, has yet to take a position on whether or not he will defend the amendment.

The Median Has No Message

Political signs banished from roadsides as campaign season heats up.

Some people call them flowers of democracy. Others call them weeds of political pollution. Whatever one thinks of the campaign signs and placards that appear along the roads of Fairfax County, expect to see a lot fewer of them. Last month, county officials launched a new program in which nonviolent inmates at the county jail hit the streets four days a week to remove illegal signs. With apologies to Marshall McLuhan, the message is no longer in the median. Anger and resentment has been rising over the issue of roadside political signs for years, and campaigns frequently go to war with each other to see which side can plant or steal or deface the largest number of placards. Unlike Prince William County, which had an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation that allows the local government to collect the signs and fine violators, Fairfax was caught in a bind. Part of the Virginia code made it illegal for the county to remove the signs in Fairfax County until after an election.

If You Are What You Eat, Eat Well

Local nutritionist turns personal challenge into book and health and nutrition practice.

When Teri Cochrane’s son was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with asthma and placed on a variety of medications, including steroids. Less than two years later, doctors warned the Reston mother that he would have frequent seizures, would never have a normal childhood and would never grow taller than 5 feet 4 inches. When Cochrane’s daughter was born three years later, she also suffered from health problems, including chronic, severe abdominal pain.

County Hosts Hearing on Crescent Apartments Redevelopment

Crescent redevelopment proposal brings optimism, concern for some.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hosted a public hearing to discuss an interim agreement to redevelop the Crescent Apartments at their Tuesday, July 30 meeting.

Reston Interfaith Renamed Cornerstones

Nonprofit rolls out new name, logo, but “mission remains the same.”

Reston Interfaith hasReston Interfaith has been a force in the community for the past 43 years, advocating for those in need on a multitude of different levels. On Thursday, Aug. 1, they officially changed their name to Cornerstones. been a force in the community for the past 43 years, advocating for those in need on a multitude of different levels. On Thursday, Aug. 1, they officially changed their name to Cornerstones.

Golf Tournament Benefits Arts Council

Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern hosts annual fundraiser.

Though the grounds were damp from the night before, and the skies threatened rain in the morning, that didn’t stop more than 100 golfers from taking to the Herndon Centennial Golf Course Thursday, Aug. 1.

Smith Takes Stage at Jammin’ Java

Singer-songwriter A.J. Smith headlines hometown show.

Growing up in Herndon, A.J. Smith went to see plenty of shows at Jammin’ Java in Vienna. On Sunday, Aug. 4, the singer-songwriter went to another show at the venue, but this time he was the headliner.

Opinion: Rosh Hashanah—The Jewish New Year

The two-day festival of Rosh Hashanah is observed on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei—This year Sept. 5th and 6th.

Week in Herndon

Upcoming Events in Herndon

Fairfax County Board Honors Herndon High Step Team

Team members are 2013 Youth Step USA National Champions.

he Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored the Herndon High School Step Team at its July 30 board meeting for winning the 2013 Youth Step USA National Championship.

New County Police Chief Named

Supervisors appoint Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr.

Effective Tuesday morning Aug. 6, a Centreville resident, Lt. Col. Edwin C. Roessler Jr., became Fairfax County’s new chief of police. He was appointed July 30 by the county Board of Supervisors.

Sullivan Named to Fairfax County Park Board

Rip Sullivan named by Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) to represent Dranesville district.

McLean resident Richard "Rip" Sullivan has been named the Dranesville representative for the park authority board, replacing Kevin Fay, who stepped down in July.

‘Camp Hutchison’ Feeds Heads, Hearts

ver 100 elementary school children are getting a groundbreaking summer school experience, thanks to the partnership between Hutchison Elementary School and Floris United Methodist Church. "Camp Hutchison" runs from July 8 through Aug. 2 and is facilitated by over 130 volunteers from the church and local community.

Champions Parade at Frying Pan

Frying Pan Farm Park hosts 65th annual 4-H Fair.

From Aug. 1-4, Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon held its 65th annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival.

Candidates Agree on Amendment for Voting Rights, Disagree on Executive Order

Restoration of civil rights on the agenda for next governor.

Should nonviolent felons have their right to vote automatically restored? What exactly is a nonviolent felony? What kind of process can be considered automatic?

Editorial: Enjoy Tax Holiday, Donate School Supplies

Good timing to help those in need.

It is debatable whether recurring tax holidays for different seasonal needs are good policy. But since this weekend is Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around. The savings are more significant this year with the new sales tax increases in effect as of July 1.