Friday, August 29
Exhibit Of Konko Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
ArtSpace Herndon shares story of a Ghana village and a literacy program.
ArtSpace Herndon brings the story of the village of Konko with an exhibit that opens Aug. 26.
High Schools Aiming High
Recent news from Herndon, Langley and McLean High.
Herndon, Langley and McLean High Schools offer a rich program of courses, extracurricular activities and events.
JamBrew Indie Concerts Return to Herndon
While Herndon Friday Night Live concludes music does not yet stop.
Friday Night Live, the Herndon outdoor concert series concluded on Aug. 22 with performances by bands Almost Journey and The Fuzz. “We have had a great year so far for Friday Night Live,” said founder Doug Downer.
Lifelong Herndon Resident Honored for Community Service
Delegate Tom Rust presents resolution recognizing Elma Mankin.
“I was born here 90 years ago, I have been here all my life although I have traveled extensively,” said Elma M. Mankin. “When I was growing up Herndon was a small town.
Backpacks Donated At Herndon Hutchison Elementary
Community reaches out to families of young students.
Thousands of students in the Virginia and D.C. Metro area will be returning to schools this fall. In Fairfax County, public schools open Sept. 2.
Representing Herndon in State Assembly
Delegate Tom Rust (R-86) serves the residents of Herndon, and parts of Oak Hill, Chantilly, and Sterling in the Virginia General Assembly. He has resided in the Town of Herndon all his adult life and remembers when Dulles Airport was nothing but forest; now he is looking forward to seeing the Silver Line constructed to Herndon.
A County of 186,785 Students
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year. The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students, parents, and educators. Our dedicated staff has been working hard to prepare for another school year that builds on our tradition of excellence at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Thursday, August 28
Classified Advertising August 27, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
The Closet Turns 40
Aaron Sawyer tours around the back of a small Herndon thrift store, pointing out the volunteers who have dedicated years upon years to sifting through piles of trash-turned-treasures to sell or give away to other communities. The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area manager said the nonprofit, which started as a way for five local congregations to combine their clothing closets, is now town institution.
Hometown Hero
Lesley Pappalardo, a slender brunette, stopped her car in front of a home with smoke billowing out of its windows in late June. Worried that someone was still inside, she opened the door to find an elderly man lying on the ground of the burning building and his dogs waiting for help.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: July, 2014
In July 2014, 103 homes sold between $1,315,000-$159,500 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: July, 2014
Wednesday, August 27
Town Council Tackling Herndon Hot Issues
Herndon will be undergoing changes in the next five years to stay on top of the progression around it. As a town that will have a working metro station running through in the next four years, business growth, community cultural and diversity awareness and increasing the walkability and bikeability of the town will become focus for the Herndon Town Council to tackle.
What’s on the Ballot; How to Vote
Election Day is Nov. 4, 2014, but you can vote as early as Sept. 19.
Every year is Election Year in Virginia. This year, every Virginia voter will choose one member of the U.S. Senate and their member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Welcome to Fairfax County
Welcome to Fairfax County, the best place in the country to live, work and play. Fairfax County is home to a fantastic public school system, top tier business and shopping opportunities, compassionate human services, and some of the best parks and open spaces in the D.C. Metropolitan region.
About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Connection’s mission is to deliver the local news you need, to try to make sense of what is happening in your community, 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 achievements, milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
Herndon Planning Committee Holds Parking Conference
Committee receives input from Herndon residents.
The Town of Hendon Planning Commission met Aug. 21 to solicit comments on whether parking requirements in the downtown should be reduced or remain as currently required.
And Another Thing I’m “Righting” On
Not only did last week’s CT Scan indicate shrinkage, where necessary – and stability, where hoped for – it also accomplished these hoped-for goals after only two months of chemotherapy (still infused every three weeks) rather than the normal three months of chemotherapy. So depending on how the calendar/treatment schedule actually fell, I probably received two fewer infusions than usual, yet all the radiological indications – and interpretations – continue to be encouraging; after five and a half years, no less. I think I’m entitled to use the word amazing – and lucky, too.
Fairfax County’s Success Story
Economic success: 50 years in the making.
If you are a newcomer to Fairfax County, allow me to welcome you to one of the most dynamic communities anywhere in the world to live and work. It was the vision of many people to create this kind of community, so please allow me to offer a quick history lesson.
Oakton Field Hockey Bounces Back
Cougars overcome early deficit to beat Osbourn Park.
Oakton will face Madison on Sept. 3.
Editorial: Back to School - Good Steps, Good Intentions
The first day of school in Fairfax County is Tuesday, Sept. 2, but Monday, Sept. 8 is the beginning of something important. For the first time in decades, elementary school students will have a full day of school on Mondays instead of being sent home hours early. This action makes so much sense in for families with children in elementary school. The ability of Superintendent Karen Garza to facilitate this change to go into effect right away is remarkable, and we hope a promise for more changes ahead.
Newcomers Guide: Area Nonprofits
A list of nonprofits in the community.
A list of nonprofits in the community.
Thursday, August 21
Town Council Considers Zoning Amendment
It may be easier for businesses to open their dream office space in the future near Herndon’s impending Silver Line Metro station. The Herndon Town Council unanimously approved to consider an amendment to the Landmark Business Overlay District to change the requirements and regulations at the Aug. 12 meeting.
Freezing for a Good Cause
Cold water or cash? That was the question about 20 residents were forced to make Saturday for a charity challenge making its rounds through the nation.
Curator Program Study Being Finalized
Historic homes that have been abandoned - and perhaps lost their original charm - could have a second chance to return to their former glory. Fairfax County Parks Authority is currently finalizing a resident Curator Program Implementation Study that would allow anyone with the time, money and expertise, to live in a historic place in order to fix it up.
Wednesday, August 20
Editorial: Accountability for Police in Northern Virginia
There is more transparency in the police shooting in Ferguson last week than in police shootings in Northern Virginia.
This is not Ferguson, and tanks do not roll down the streets of Northern Virginia driven by police officers pointing sniper rifles at residents.
Mural Dedication Held in Herndon
Art mural by Keith Naquin on view at Station Street in Herndon.
Associates and friends of the Council for the Arts of Herndon (CAH) assembled to celebrate the dedication of a mural at the Dominion Animal Hospital at 795 Station Street in Herndon. The mural, painted by former Herndon High School art teacher Keith Naquin, is a 95-foot long piece of art, and was commissioned by the CAH. Almost 100 persons attended the outdoor dedication ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Parked Outside the Door at ArtSpace Herndon
In Parked Outside the Door, photographer John Petro explores two fundamental constructs of ingenuity that long ago separated homo sapiens from brutes: vehicles and buildings.
Removing Barriers to College
Local services help students complete college paperwork, remove barriers.
LaQuita King relocated across the state from Chesapeake, Va., to Alexandria in the summer of 2013, moving into an apartment with her aunt and three cousins. King had just graduated from high school and was looking forward to taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College. So far, that hasn’t happened.
All Write For Now
And so it goes, every three months or so; a CT Scan, a week or so of waiting, and then a face-to-face appointment with my oncologist to learn/discuss the results. Thankfully, the results continue to be amazing. My doctor has told me that I’m his third miracle; stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer patients generally don’t live beyond two years. I’m in year six.
Inspiring Success
Nysmith School challenges students at the level they are ready for.
To those families whose K-8 children are now or previously were enrolled at The Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon, the school combines exceptional academics with “serious fun” to create an environment in which the children are motivated to stretch to their limits and maximize their potential.
A Thought-provoking Play
Herndon’s NextStop Theatre to present “Gidion's Knot.”
NextStop Theatre will be presenting audiences with an absorbing, provocative theater piece sure to raise disquieting issues to chew on. With the school year about to begin the dramatic work "Gidion's Knot" takes what could be a current school bullying and aftermath incident and places it on stage for all to take in.
Classified Advertising August 20, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, August 14
Oakton’s Rizzo Committed to South Carolina
Q&A: Infielder led Cougars in batting average as freshman.
Oakton's Joe Rizzo is committed to the University of South Carolina.
Safety at a Crossroads in Poor Communities Across Northern Virginia
Less affluent neighborhoods in Northern Virginia suffer from higher pedestrian fatalities.
A national database of pedestrian crashes compiled by Governing Magazine shows 95 pedestrian fatalities in Northern Virginia between 2008 and 2012. While 26 of the pedestrian fatalities occurred in wealthy neighborhoods, where the per capita income is more than $53,000, a much larger number happened in poor communities like this stretch of Route 1 in Mount Vernon.
Wednesday, August 13
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
Heads Up Football Flourishing in Fairfax County
Program reduces concussion risk by teaching players to take the “head” out of tackling.
It wasn’t that long ago when youth football coaches believed a player’s toughness was measured by his ability to play through the pain. Concussions and other serious injuries were just “part of the game.”
Write Now, I Just Don’t Know
The biggest writing problem that I have, other than the ones you regular readers generally know about, is writing a current column on the weekend immediately preceding the next Wednesday’s publication date, when I am still waiting on results from my most recent CT Scan. This isn’t like putting the cart before the horse, this is more like putting the horse in the cart and pulling it.
Homelessness: Source of Trauma for Children
Nearly 700 children live in emergency homeless shelters in Fairfax County at some point during the year.
Summer vacation is wrapping up; kids everywhere are gearing up for the return to school. Stores are filled with school supplies; back-to-school advertising fills our TVs, radio and mailboxes. Many families are hustling from store to store getting supplies, backpacks, clothes and haircuts. As children, while we hated to see summer end, we fondly remember the yearly ritual and the excitement and anticipation of getting all those new things.
U.S. Rep Wolf (R-10) Announces Service Academy Appointments
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2018 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for Academy prep schools.
Week in Herndon
Service academy appointments and Herndon MOMS club.
Raising Hens in Herndon
More homeowners embracing hens as pets.
The Herndon resident is a member of Hens for Herndon, an advocacy group supporting suburban agriculture in the town.
National Night Out Held In Herndon
Neighborhoods In Town of Herndon get acquainted with police force.
Neighborhood block parties were held throughout the town of Herndon on Aug. 5 in celebration of National Night Out. In 1984, National Night Out started as a way to promote crime prevention through neighborhood camaraderie.
Great Turnout For Herndon’s Tavern Golf Tournament
Golf event raises money for The Council for the Arts of Herndon.
"This year's tourney was easily one of the best ever,” said Jimmy Cirrito, owner of Jimmy's Old Town Tavern.
Letter: Fit Academics Into the Fun
Finding ways to fit academics into the fun is imperative to making sure children are prepared for the coming school year which begins in just a few short weeks.
Liana Martine Freedy and John Andrew Taylor Engaged
A November wedding is planned.
Classified Advertising August 13, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, August 7
Income Growth in Fairfax and Alexandria Lags Behind State and National Averages
Loudoun is the one bright spot in the region.
Paycheck growth in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria are lagging behind the state and the nation, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Wednesday, August 6
Crime Solvers Hold 5K, Raise Money
In the second year, the race has gained momentum, more runners, and two vendors.
Early Saturday morning, runners and walkers alike descended onto Fairfax Government Center for the second annual Crime Solvers 5K and helped raise money for Fairfax Crime Solvers. “[We’re] just a partnership to keep our community safe,” Fairfax County Crime Solvers President and Chairman, Jody Donaldson said.
Stride Right
Not that I’ve felt that my attitude toward being diagnosed with stage IV (“terminal”) non-small cell lung cancer at age 54-and-one-half was ever to be considered as model behavior, but I do believe, after the initial shock wore off, eventually I assimilated its effects into my routine reasonably well. Not without a million bumps and bruises along the way, however, both physically and emotionally; nevertheless, though time has not healed all that has preceded this column, I’ve managed to find and maintain an extremely delicate balance between “joie de vivre” and “c’est la vie.”
Preventing Sports Injuries
How to keep kids safe while they’re having fun.
As students prepare to return to school, one activity many look forward to is sports. While the benefits of athletic activities are numerous, however, so are injuries.
Anna Margaret Butler Marries Ryan Joseph Brunswick
Anna Margaret Butler and Ryan Joseph Brunswick were married on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Oak Hill.
Governor Proclaims Teen Cancer Awareness Week
Cancer support group witnesses signing of proclamation in Herndon.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe in the company of cancer survivors and friends signed a proclamation in the town of Herndon proclaiming the third week of January as Teen Cancer Awareness week in Virginia.
Editorial: Brightening Outlook for End of Summer
Local pleasures to offset discouraging news.
The news here has been a bit discouraging, and that’s without considering the human tragedy and disaster of several different international situations.
Hutchison Elementary Teachers Learn New Ways to teach Science
Next fall, students in Herndon will join a growing movement of innovative science achievement and learning in Virginia.
Summer Camp, Cabaret at NextStop Theatre
NextStop Theatre’s first summer of theatre classes.
Opening on Aug. 28 at NextStop’s Industrial Strength Theatre will be “Gidion’s Knot” by Johnna Adams.