Stories for May 2013

Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing

Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.

In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.

Classified Advertising May 29, 2013

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Summer Fun in Fairfax

The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.

A Time of Remembrance

Memorial Day ceremony held at Ox Hill Battlefield Park.

The Battle of Ox Hill was fought Sept. 1, 1862 in a torrential thunderstorm. When it ended, two key Union generals were dead and more than 1,500 soldiers had been killed or wounded.

Column: Airing on the Side of Caution

I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.

Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer

As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.

Unconventional Camp Ideas

Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities

Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”

100 New Citizens Sworn In

Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.

The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.

Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.

Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Author Abigail Trafford Discusses Planning for ‘My Time’

Trafford speaks at Reston Community Center about ways to spend later years.

The Reston Community Center hosted author and speaker Abigail Trafford Wednesday, May 22, as the keynote speaker for their “Celebrate Your Bonus Years” event.

Summer Fun at Reston Town Center

Summer Concerts on the Town, Taste of Reston highlight annual events.

Reston Town Center will host their annual concert series starting June 1 and going through Aug. 24. The annual Summer Concerts on the Town series features everything from big band jazz to West African dance, Zydeco and more.

Reston Historic Trust Examines Reston’s Architecture

Historic Trust hosts discussion on development of Reston.

There is a small elevated concrete platform just south of the Lake Anne Plaza. According to the writing on the platform, it was built in 1963. But the plaza wasn’t completed until 1964.

Summer Fun in Herndon

Herndon Festival, new concert series highlight summer events.

Whether it’s downtown or the surrounding areas, there’s plenty of summer fun to be had in Herndon. Though it takes place a few weeks before the official start of summer, this weekend’s Herndon festival marks the start of the season for many.

Herndon Pays Tribute to the Fallen on Memorial Day

Annual Memorial Day ceremony held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Herndon residents gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day. The annual ceremony featured members of the American Legion, Herndon High School Naval JROTC and guest speaker Dr. Duane C. Young, a retired Army major.

Herndon Environmental Network Founder Recognized

Carlin Anderson named finalist for Cox Conserves Heroes.

When Herndon resident Carlin Anderson was looking for opportunities to volunteer, she wanted her efforts to go to helping the environment on a local and global level.

Week in Herndon

The Herndon High School Theatre Department will perform Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” in the Herndon High auditorium. Town of Herndon Promotes Its Culinary Community.

It’s a Matter of Color Exhibition and Student Show

ArtSpace Herndon’s “It’s a Matter of Color” exhibit will run from June 4 through July 7 with an artists reception on Saturday, June 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. The show features watercolors and oils by artists Catherine Hillis and Jill Poyerd.

Herndon Optimists Honor Herndon Elementary Teachers

Herndon Elementary School teachers Jaime Graham and Susie Doak are this year’s winners of the Herndon Optimist Award from Herndon Elementary.

Herndon Summer Viewpoints

What Is Your Favorite Way or Place to Have Fun in Summer in Herndon?

Residents of Herndon share their favorite things to do over the summer.

Local Student to Receive Statewide Award

A Floris fifth-grader honored for excellence in math.

A Floris Elementary School fifth-grader has been selected as the Virginia recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association of Gifted Children.

Celebrating Partnerships

Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.

He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.

Art Matters as Elden Street Players Present ‘Red’

"Red" puts the audience in the center of Rothko's life and studio at the zenith of his career.

Arts Competition Attracts More Schools

Ninth Annual SAIC Technology and the Arts Competition Awards Ceremony held.

On Monday, May 20, The Council for the Arts of Herndon presented the ninth Annual SAIC Technology and the Arts Competition Awards Reception at the SAIC Conference Center in McLean.

Herndon High NJROTC Changes Command, Honors Cadets

Before honoring seniors with a full unit pass-in-review and piping over the side, CDR Richard Cassara, US Navy (Ret.), took one last opportunity to stress his high expectations of his cadets, to congratulate seniors for their leadership and innovation, and to impress upon them the importance of continuing to do their best.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day

The sacrifices of those who died in war.

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.

Tea Party Ticket

Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.

Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.

Reston Community Orchestra Wraps up 25th Season

Reston Community Orchestra welcomes youth for season finale.

The Reston Community Orchestra concluded their 25th season Sunday, May 19, with a performance at the Reston Community Center.

Katherine Hanley Shelter Hosts Open House

Shelter houses more than 20 families at a time.

Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that operates two homeless shelters in Fairfax County, as well as a domestic abuse shelter, hosted an open house at their Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax Tuesday, May 14.

Herndon Farmer's Market Opens With New Activities

Cooking demos, live entertainment, extended hours part of this year’s market.

The Herndon Farmers Market has returned for the season, in a new location and with new extended hours designed to make shopping for fresh produce and other goods easier.

Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County

Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs

Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.

Local Artist Overcomes TBI With Passion for Art

Brian Menish makes art, defies Traumatic Brain Injury.

After years of intensive physical, speech and occupational therapy, Menish not only survived, but he now has regained the ability to walk and participate in nearly every activity of a typical 24-year-old male.

Fairfax County Band Directors Recognize Solo Performers

The Fairfax County Band Directors Association has recognized 15 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students for excellence in solo instrumental music performance as part of the 2013 Fairfax County Band Directors Association Solo Competition.

Week in Herndon

Memorial Day Observance at Chestnut Grove. Town of Herndon Holiday Schedule. 2013 Herndon Festival Set for May 30-June 2. Delegate Rust Receives ‘A+’ Rating. Are You Missing Money?

Herndon Joins Bike To Work Day

On Friday, May 17, the Town of Herndon hosted a bike pit stop close between the Herndon Depot Train Museum and old Town Hall, just off the W&OD trail.

Herndon High Presents ‘Improvathon’

The event honors Chuck Stanley.

For the past four years the Stanley family has been awarding a scholarship to a Herndon High School theatre arts student in memory of their son and brother, Chuck Stanley. This year, the HHS Drama Department decided to show their thanks.

Remembering Paige Saucedo

Herndon High hosts annual event in memory of its late teacher.

The second annual Paige R. Saucedo Memorial ESOL Scholarship Fund Event was held on Saturday, May 18, at Herndon High School. The occasion marked the second anniversary of the sudden passing of Herndon High’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department chair, Paige Saucedo.

Rachel Carson Middle Performs Original Show

One act show written and staged by students with assistance of Arena Stage Artists.

The students of Rachel Carson Middle School performed an original production this past week. The play, “Grayscale,” is one the students wrote and staged with the help of Arena Stage artists.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Returns to Reston Town Center

Greg Sawyer of Herndon describes himself as an art fan, but says he’s a “little intimidated” by it. Still, having recently moved from Texas and living without roommates for the first time in his life, he has an apartment to decorate. That brought him to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center last weekend.

Classified Advertising May 22, 2013

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Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: April, 2013

In April 2013, 88 homes sold between $1,075,000-$158,000 in the Herndon and Oak Hill area.

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: April, 2013

Fairfax County Attracts Innovative Technology Firms

More than 1,400 jobs added to local economy in first quarter.

Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013.

Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue

Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.

Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.

Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes

Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.

In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.

Classified Advertising May 15, 2013

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Fairfax County a ‘Trailblazer’ in Using Social Media

Sign up for Technology Town Hall on June 1.

The digital and information revolutions have changed nearly every aspect of our lives. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, tablet computers and laptops, many Americans are connected to the Internet almost constantly. This rapidly increasing ubiquity of the Internet has helped people connect across geographic and cultural barriers.

Week in Herndon

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized Del. Tom Rust (R-86) at their annual Legislative Awards Recognition Dinner for his support on initiatives that have helped move Virginia forward. Rust received an “A+” rating for supporting pro-business legislation during the 2013 General Assembly session.

Quick Takes

Q&A with Pastor King Rhodes.

Pastor King Rhodes is founder and senior pastor of His Church International Christian Center (HCICC) in Springfield, and has been involved in Christian ministry and community outreach for more than 20 years. As a longtime advocate for foster youth, Rhodes and his ministry help support the mission of Fairfax Families4Kids, a foster-mentoring program for teens in Fairfax County. On Saturday, May 18, Rhodes’ church will sponsor the organization’s 5-K Walk during Foster Care Appreciation Month.

Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm Park

Spring Farm Day was held at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, and although the weather was overcast, the event was well attended.

‘Day Prom’ Celebrated

Eight high schools participate in daytime prom for special needs students.

Prom is pretty intimidating as it is: date, hair, dress, food, limo, flowers, dancing... gasp. But the annual event is also a privilege, a rite of high school passage that bonds students through shared experience for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, many students with special needs will never share that experience with their peers. Their physical or intellectual disabilities can make participating in such a large and emotional gathering overwhelming, uncomfortable, and in some cases, simply impossible.

Area Students Receive Hispanic Leadership Alliance Scholarships

Recipients are first in their families to attend college.

Every year, The Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA), a non-profit organization based in Northern Virginia, gives out scholarships to Latino high school students for post-secondary education. The alliance identifies itself as “a group of area residents committed to helping its students achieve their highest academic potential.”

Brief: Boyd School Celebrates Diversity at International Festival

The Boyd School hosted their annual International Children’s Festival on Saturday, May 4, and students, parents, staff and friends participated in the celebration of diversity of the school and the neighboring community.

From Herndon to Sierra Leone

Floris United Methodist Church leads student service trip.

Emily Lopynski started her Pen Pal relationship with Afiju, a boy of about the same age from the Child Rescue Centre in Bo, Sierra Leone, when she was in the third grade. Lopynski, a Herndon resident, just finished her freshman year at William and Mary College. She and Afiju are still in touch. In fact, their communication over the years has grown. “It was so wonderful when he got access to Facebook,” Lopynski said. “We could really keep up with each other and have a real conversation.” A vast improvement, considering that for most of the time since the two first “met,” their friendship relied on the exchange of letters that sometimes took as long as five months from the writing of one to the reading by the other.

Brief: Technology and the Arts High School Competition

High school students across Fairfax County will have the opportunity to put a creative twist on their computer talents this spring as they take part in the Council for the Arts of Herndon’s ninth annual SAIC Technology and the Arts Competition. The innovative program challenges students in all Fairfax and Arlington County high schools to create works of animation, digital art, digital music and digital photography, blending technology and artistry into one cutting-edge masterpiece.

‘Day Prom’ Celebrated

On Thursday, May 9, Herndon High School hosted a very special prom at the Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax. Called the “Day Prom” the event is held for students with special needs that might not be able to attend their general education prom.

Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure

Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.

Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.

Natasha Parnian and Andrew Farms Engaged

Natasha Parnian, of Reston, and Andrew Farms, of Chantilly, are engaged and plan to wed Saturday, June 15.

Week in Herndon

The 129th edition of Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars is coming to Dulles Town Center. The classic, American-style circus, complete with elephants, tigers, aerialists and acrobats, mystifying magic and hilarious clowns, will appear for performances on Friday, May 10, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 11, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 12, at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Farmers Markets Open In Herndon

Thursdays are Herndon Fun Days from July 11 to Aug. 29.

Thursday, May 2, marked the opening of two farmers markets in Herndon, one in the Town of Herndon, and the other at Frying Pan Farm Park. Fairfax County has been a strong supporter of local farmers markets. As stated on their webpage, products sold at farmers markets are produced by vendors within 125 miles of Fairfax County.

Friday Night Live in Herndon

Gonzo's Nose opens new concert season on the Town Green.

Friday, May 3, marked the first Friday Night Live concert of the season for the Town of Herndon. This popular concert series began with a performance by the band Gonzo’s Nose, a Virginia-based band that has been performing since 1996. This year is the 19th season of Friday Night Live. Like all previous shows, this performance was held on the Town Green between the Herndon Fortnightly Library and the Herndon Municipal Center. The annual series brings many cover bands to Herndon to perform with no tickets or reservations required.

Oak Hill Students “Plant It” With Dominion

On Arbor Day, April 26, the third-graders at Oak Hill Elementary School had a chance to get their hands dirty and plant some trees. It was all part of Dominion Virginia Power’s environmental program Project Plant It!, a fun and educational way to help the children learn about trees and the environment.

Classified Advertising May 8, 2013

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Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries

Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.

Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’

Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.

“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams

Women Mean Business

In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.

Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters

In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.

Reston Nature House Hosts Spring Festival

Event features live animals, nature demonstrations.

Darren Chambers, 7, of Reston says he’s scared of spiders, silverfish and ants, but there’s one thing he’s not scared of: snakes. He had a chance to look at snakes up close and personal Saturday, May 4, at the Walker Nature Education Center during their Spring Festival.

Reston Farmers Market Opens Season

Weekly market open for business at Lake Anne.

The Reston Farmers Market opened its 2013 season Saturday morning, May 4, at Lake Anne Plaza. The market returns stronger than ever this year, with new additions including the county’s first seafood vendor at a farmers market.

Town Holds Big Truck Days

Children invited to explore equipment at Public Works Maintenance Complex.

The Town of Herndon opened up its Public Works Maintenance Complex and its large vehicles May 2 and 3 for the annual Big Truck Days. The event gave families and children a chance to explore some of the town’s heavy maintenance equipment.

Town Passes FY2014 Budget

Budget up 7.3 percent form last year, calls for no tax increases.

The Herndon Town Council passed the budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which will take effect on July 1 of this year. The $49,603,300 budget reflects an increase of 7.3 percent of the FY2013 budget.

Classified Advertising May 1, 2013

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Five Northern Region Athletes Compete at Capital Classic

Wakefield senior Moore leads Northern Region scorers with 12 points.

The District All-Stars defeated the Suburban All-Stars; the United States All-Stars beat the Capital All-Stars.