Stories for December 2013

Local Leaders Eye Transportation, Development Plans in 2014

Reston to celebrate 50th anniversary, Simon’s 100th birthday in April.

Silver Line construction and future development projects top local leaders’ lists for the most pressing issues of 2014. Reston is preparing for the opening of the Wiehle – Reston East station in the second quarter of the New Year, and community members are both excited and concerned about potential congestion around the new station on Wiehle Avenue. "We need to make sure that around the stations we are developing in a way that allows for an urban community to grow while maintaining the town feel of Reston," said Reston Citizens Association (RCA) president Colin Mills.

Joy of the Season Shared At Herndon Police Station

Herndon Police host Cops & Kids outreach event.

"It is serving the community well … it is reinforcing the wholesome fabric of the town, and families are strengthened by this," said Herndon resident and Town Council member Charlie Waddel. He was referring to the Greater Herndon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 64 Cops & Kids Program event held Saturday, Dec. 21.

‘30 Years 30 Artists’ At ArtSpace Herndon

Art exhibit promotes traditional printmaking art.

Last Monday artists and volunteers were setting up the new art exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, "30 Years 30 Artists." In conjunction with the "30 Years 30 Artists" exhibit, the Northern Virginia Community College’s Loudoun campus students are showcasing seven students’ printmaking in a display called "NOVA Student Printmakers." The students’ exhibit includes etchings, lithographs, linocuts, and original hand-pulled prints.

ArtSpace Herndon Fine Art Photography Competition

ArtSpace Herndon invites photographers from Virginia, D.C,, Maryland, and West Virginia to participate in the 2014 ArtSpace Herndon Fine Art Photography Competition. The competition is open to fine art photographers aged 18 or older working in any medium (digital or analog, color or monochrome), and using any printing technique – they care about well-done art more than the specific medium, technique or format. Fine art photography of any subject is welcome; there is no required theme for entries.

Spiritual Wellness in the New Year

What is it and how does one achieve it?

As we begin a new year, many are focused on their spiritual health and well-being. In fact, the National Wellness Institute names spiritual wellness as one of the seven dimensions of overall wellness. It’s essential in life, say experts.

Cures for Cabin Fever

Creative ideas for housebound parents and children.

Winter brings frigid temperatures, icy roads, snow and often school closures. While sledding and building snowmen are fun, hazardous weather conditions mean much of the time is spent indoors, and soon the novelty of time off can become cabin fever. Local child education experts offer activity suggestions for filling those long winter days. Susan Friedman, executive editor for digital content at the National Association for the Education of Young Children and a Bethesda resident, suggests parents encourage a child’s natural curiosity. "In the same way that school classrooms have activity centers, parents can create boxes that focus on different activities like playing dress up with clothes, hats and neckties," she said. "You can create a box with art supplies and a box with games or puzzles."

In Defense of My Own Mechanism

So much of what I feel as a cancer survivor comes from the feedback I receive from others. Positive, complimentary, flattering characterizations are crucial to my optimistic outlook. Negative descriptions, reactions, etc., are not. Not to discount honesty, but the emotional divide on which a cancer patient’s self-assessment/attitude teeters is delicate indeed and honesty is sometimes (I said "sometimes") not the best policy. If I’m in the right mood, negativity can be deflected, absorbed even; not a problem. If I’m in the wrong mood, however, the negative can push me into a black hole of emotional despair. Regardless of whether the comment/observation is well-intended, accurate or even prudent under the circumstances, its effect can be deeply felt. Getting back to normal is not impossible and mostly within my control, but if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not have to claw my way out.

Editorial: Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year

As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: November, 2013

Classified Advertising December 25, 2013

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Children's Connection 2013

Annual children's issue showcases artistic talent of local students.

We asked principals and teachers from local schools to encourage students to contribute their stories and artwork for our annual Children's Issue. The responses as always, was enormous. While we were unable to publish every piece we received, we did our best to put together a paper of a balanced sampling of submitted stories, poems, drawings, paintings and photographs

Painters Unite to Make Friday the 13th Someone’s Lucky Day

Friday, Dec. 13 was anything but unlucky for one Reston family, tenants in one of the 53 townhouses owned by Cornerstones Housing Corporation in Reston, Herndon and Centreville, that are rented at affordable rates to persons earning half or less than the area’s median income.

Herndon Holiday Train Show Attracts Crowds

Train enthusiasts enjoy Train Show at Herndon Municipal Center.

"I have tons of train equipment, which I have kept since I was 5-years-old," said Larry Aronson, a Herndon resident visiting the train display at Herndon Municipal Center on Saturday with his daughter and his grandson. "It is nice to have layouts like this that can put on a display like this." On both Saturday and Sunday, hundreds of members of the community stopped by to see the model trains. Displaying their model trains were members of the Northern Virginia NTRAK and the Potomac Module Crew. Herndon Chamber of Commerce and the Herndon Historical Society sponsored the train show.

Herndon Elementary Holds Reflections Ceremony

Herndon Elementary School celebrated their Reflections participants on Wednesday, Dec. 4. PTA Reflections is part of the National PTA art competition in which participants enter in various artistic mediums. The theme this year was "Believe, Dream, Inspire." HES is very proud of the effort the students put into their artwork. A special thanks to the Reflections Committee Chair: Pavithra Rajesh.

Retiring Flags – Respectfully

Eagle Scout project retires American flags in Herndon.

We’ve all seen images of the American Flag being burned in protest both here and abroad, but did you know that burning the Flag is also done when it is "retired" after being deemed unserviceable? And that it is done so in a ceremony marked with respect and honor?

Backwards Thinking

Considering that I’ve been cancer-centric now for nearly five years, one would have thought I might have learned and totally embraced an alternative concept: forward living – and less thinking about past causes and their possible current effects. Certainly cancer causes physical manifestations and symptoms that are diagnosable and indicative of trouble. But it’s the unseen effects that in some cases cause as many difficulties. What I am referring to is the mental and emotional toll a terminal diagnosis and short term prognosis can have on the patient’s perspective on life and living, and what’s presumptively thought to be left of it.

Preserve 3-2-1 for Housing

Housing for all income levels near transit supports vibrant communities and job growth, reduces traffic.

In the latest edition of The Herrity Report, Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity proposed "redirecting developers’ $3 per square foot contribution for buying rent-controlled housing units into a trust fund to pay for public school renovation and construction."

Home for the Holidays: Surviving a Long Trip

Keeping children entertained on lengthy airplane rides.

Liz Henry is nervous about her upcoming flight to San Francisco. It’s not TSA regulations or long lines that are causing her anxiety, however. It is traveling alone with her three children — all of whom are under the age of 6.

Teaching Children To Be Charitable

Experts say modeling, nurturing are keys to raising generous children.

Elena Santiviago walked her 6-year-old son down the aisle of a grocery store near her Arlington home. They picked up five boxes of toothpaste and two bottles of mouthwash, several bars of soap and a few sticks of deodorant. The shopping trip was part of a school project in which students fill holiday stockings with personal hygiene items for the homeless.

Art Educator Releases Two Books

Stories offer children and parents innovative ways to explore art.

Elizabeth Augenblick Smith, 10, spent a recent Saturday afternoon gluing strips of brightly hued tissue paper to create a collage. There were no rules or guides to follow.

Classified Advertising December 18, 2013

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Cartoon: This is the ACTUAL Congress

This is the ACTUAL Congress

Classified Advertising December 11, 2013

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New Approach to Mental Health

Reforms in wake of tragedy involving state senator's son.

Advocates for mental health services have been calling for improved services and increased funding for years, although the issue has been pushed aside year after year.

Gifts for the Foodie in Your Life

Local gourmets share their favorite products for the food lovers on your list.

Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned cook or a budding culinary enthusiast, buying presents for a foodie can be a daunting task. What’s the best pan? The coolest gadget? The latest trend in desserts? Local gourmets come to the rescue with culinary goodies to entice even the most discerning of food aficionados.

Opening Up

Open floorplan plus cathedral ceiling equals Mclean ranch stylishly re-invented.

Assess a circa-1952 ranch on a shady street in McLean with an eye towards maximizing value. Among the shortcomings: rooms that are too small and dark; a kitchen that hasn't been remodeled in 25 years. A tiny breakfast room. A rear grade too steep for an addition. A front elevation with no visible front door.

Holiday Décor: Make It Sparkle

Local designers offer suggestions for home decorating.

’Tis the season for decking the halls. Whether your style is traditional and colorful, muted and demure or metallic and glittery, three local designers offer distinct holiday decorating ideas to spark your creativity.

Come Home to a Luxury Bedroom

Local designers unveil inviting spaces that are perfect for dreaming of sugarplums.

Bedrooms are no longer just for sleeping, at least according to some local designers. They’re for relaxing and watching television, but they’re also for reading and for eating a lazy weekend breakfast. In fact, some modern bedrooms are probably larger than their owners’ first apartments. Three local tastemakers unveil master bedrooms that are so opulent and amenity-filled that it’s surprising their owners ever want to leave.

A New Luxury Kitchen for the Holidays

Designers describe the perfect spaces for baking, cooking and entertaining.

With the holiday season in full swing, many people are finding themselves spending more time in the kitchen. Whether you hate to cook or love it, it can be more enjoyable when done in the kitchen of your dreams, complete with state-of-the-art appliances and custom-made marble topped islands.

A "Scancer" Update

Since you asked, or rather indulged me the past few weeks by wading through my two "Scanticipation" columns anticipating a result, I am happy to finally share that result with you: "Stable and better." These are the exact words e-mailed to me by my oncologist in response to my post-Thanksgiving inquiry about my CT Scan completed on the 27th.

Editorial: Happy Holidays, Safely

SoberRide safety net, 1-800-200-TAXI.

Holiday party season is well under way, along with winter weather advisories. It’s up to individuals to make good decisions about celebrations that involve alcohol and how to handle transportation.

Bobbie Kilberg Honored as Business Hall of Fame Laureate

The 2013 Washington Business Hall of Fame Laureate and Northern Virginia Technology Council President and CEO Bobbie Green Kilberg with Virginia Governor Bob O’Donnell and Junior Achievement student and student at George C. Marshall High School Matt Colwell.

Herndon Lights Christmas Tree

Families gather at event hosted by Town of Herndon and Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Despite cold weather, scores of people showed up to hear the singing of Christmas carols at the Town Square in downtown Herndon. Eileen Curtis, president of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, greeted everyone on Saturday evening, Dec. 7.

Herndon Community Center Holds Annual Arts and Crafts Show

Local artists and entrepreneurs arrive for Sunday show despite snow.

More than 50 local artists came to the Herndon Community Center located at 814 Ferndale Avenue for the 35th Annual Arts and Crafts Show. Kevin L. Mitchell, resident of Fredricksburg arrived with a display of handcrafted wire sculpture figures. "Over the years I discovered my artistic voice, and I started bringing my works to comic conventions this year," said Mitchell. He has a variety of designs in his catalog from sports figures to science fiction themed figures.

‘Old Fashioned Holiday’ at Frying Pan

Brisk weather was not a deterrent to the hundreds who came out to celebrate the ‘Old Fashioned Holiday on the Farm’ at Frying Pan Farm Park on Dec. 7. Hundreds enjoyed the holiday music, pictures with Santa, close-up meetings with farm animals, roasted marshmallows, crafts, food, hayrides and pony rides.

Democrats Shut Out of Power in Senate

Even if Democrats win in two special elections, control over committees is unlikely.

Don't expect Democrats to take control over state Senate committees anytime soon, even if the party manages to hold both of the seats where special elections are now underway.

Classified Advertising December 3, 2013

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Chanukah Celebrated At Herndon Town Square

Menorah lit as community celebrates Festival of Lights.

There was a festive atmosphere on Sunday night as members of the community came to the Herndon Town Square to celebrate Chanukah.

Performing at All American Bowl

Herndon High senior Blake Morgan will perform in premier football game.

Herndon High School senior Blake Morgan was honored at the school auditorium with the presentation of an All-American Bowl jacket from local soldiers, in the company of friends, family, fellow band mates and students. "We are thrilled Blake is representing us," said Herndon High Band Director Kathleen G. Jacoby.

Life Turns on a Dime

After ‘hitting a wall of sand’ on the beach on July 23, 2013 Tucker Winfrey of Herndon and his family have been ‘overwhelmed by the goodness and generosity of the people around them.’

New Year’s Eve Celebration at ArtSpace Herndon

A New Year’s Eve Celebration is an ArtSpace Herndon signature event. The celebration, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in historic downtown Herndon, features live music and family-friendly activities both inside and outside the gallery.

‘Dress Up Herndon’ Contest Announced

Town of Herndon residents are invited to deck the halls, hang wreaths, string lights – and nominate their own or their neighbors’ homes for the annual "Dress Up Herndon for the Holidays" Neighborhood Decoration Contest, sponsored by the town’s Cultivating Community Initiative.

Good Neighbor Awards Presented

The Town of Herndon’s annual Good Neighbor Awards were presented on Tuesday, Nov. 26, by Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon Town Council to recipients Dr. Soo Kang and Jung Kang, and Mike and Carol Fleming. Recipients were nominated by town citizens for their kindness and neighborliness. From left: Jung Kang, Mayor Merkel, Soo Kang, Carol Fleming, Mike Fleming, Tooran Shadman (Cultivating Community member, the volunteer group that judges all nominations and selects winners).

Jon T. Thew of Reston Dies

Jon T. Thew, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Nov. 24. Jon was originally from the Hudson Valley area of New York. He has resided in Reston, Va., since 1992. Jon had a 30-year career at IBM and worked as a consultant until he retired in 2001. Jon was an active member of Vienna Presbyterian Church.

The Holiday Blues: Cope and Prevent

Mental health experts say being realistic and seeking support can help you avoid holiday stress and depression.

While the holiday season is filled with parties, shopping, decorating and other festive activities, mental health experts say it often brings unwelcome guests as well: stress and depression. While they can be difficult to manage when one is in the midst of a bout, with a few strategies one may be able to prevent both before they ruin the holiday season.

Staying Fit During the Holidays

Staving off extra pounds during the season of sweets.

Patty McAndrews works out with a trainer twice a week at of TRUE Health and Wholeness in Arlington. She found that restarting her fitness regimen about two months ago has strengthened her abdominal muscles and toned her body.

Holiday Recipe Makeovers

Strategies for keeping traditional treats healthy

When Alice Jenkins saw her doctor two months ago, he diagnosed her with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and suggested she change her diet and lose about 30 pounds. Lawson, 45, started a diet program and has lost nine and a half pounds, but now that she’s in the midst of the holiday season, she’s concerned about losing the strides that she’s made with her dietary changes. "I have a large family and we get together a lot during the holidays," said Lawson, who lives in Alexandria. "There is always sweet potato pie, macaroni and cheese, and deep fried turkey."

"Scanticipation" Not So Much

As much as last week’s column, "Scanticipation" was about my looking forward – in a non-foreboding way, to my scheduled CT Scan on the 27th and the presumptive positive (not negative) results, having to write a column for this week before having received those results makes this writing effort particularly challenging.

Every Tweet Counts

How Republican Brian Schoeneman earned wrath of his party by making sure every vote counted in county.

On the morning of Nov. 6, the day after the general election, it appeared that Republican Mark Obenshain had eked out a razor-thin victory over Democrat Mark Herring to become Virginia’s next Attorney General. Like most hotly-contested political battles, the close race generated even closer scrutiny.

Editorial: Who Will Be Hurt?

Innovations, changes and cuts designed to help the budget should be subject to analysis of how they will affect those on the short end of the economic and digital divide.

As Fairfax County faces a tight budget year and Fairfax County Public Schools consider significant cuts, clearly some changes are going to affect services on the ground. As various proposals emerge, there should be some specific analysis of how changes, innovations and cuts would affect the poorest one-third or so of the county’s residents specifically.