Stories for February 2014

Pet Connection

Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.

Take a look at some of the adorable pet photos our readers sent in for our Pet Connection.

Assistance Dogs: Making Connections

Service dogs and their “handlers” are teamed up through paws4people.

I was already one of those embarrassingly crazy dog people, when I first met Kyria and Terry Henry, founders of paws4people.org. But I had no idea how little I truly knew about the bonds possible between animals and their people. After photographing puppies coming home for the first time, dogs sharing their favorite pastime and pets who are older and/or ill, I really thought I knew all about the animal/people connection.

Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public

Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.

When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.

Budget Process: Get Involved

Chairman gives blueprint for community engagement in Fairfax County budget process.

In Fairfax County, when we adopt the budget, we are investing in the priorities and needs of the community. At the center of this open and transparent process is community engagement. It is critical that we have the community at the table with us when we are considering changes to the budget that the County Executive released for advertisement at our Board Meeting on Feb. 25. Below are some opportunities to learn about the budget, ask questions and make suggestions during the months of March and April. I look forward to hearing from you.

High Five

I made it. It’s five years after receiving a terminal diagnosis on February 27, 2009 from my oncologist: stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, accompanied by a "13-month to two-year" prognosis. Let’s be honest, medical professionals don’t toss around the word "terminal" because you’re going to be treated at an airport. Presumably, they know their facts and figures as well as the patient’s present condition, confirmed by a variety of diagnostic results from X-Rays, CT Scans, P.E.T. Scans, lab work and of course the ever-popular biopsy, so their diagnosis/prognosis is a bit more than an educated guess. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and until proven otherwise, I was not about to succumb to their statistics. Still, based on the best medical knowledge available at the time, this patient (yours truly) was given a limited life expectancy and encouraged to take the vacation I had always dreamed of – for obvious you’re-life-is-now-shorter-than-you-ever-imagined-type reasons, and yet, five years hence, here I am.

Bulova: ‘This Will Be a Challenging Budget’

Fairfax County average homeowner will see tax bill increase $330 under County Executive’s proposed $7 billion budget.

Fairfax County Executive Edward Long, Jr. unveiled a $7 billion budget proposal Tuesday that reflects his "cautious and deliberative approach to budgeting," a result, Long said, of continuing uncertainty over federal spending and sluggish commercial tax revenues.

Hollywood Comes to Fairfax

How to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph adoptable animals.

Animals at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter were given the celebrity treatment on Feb. 23 when a team from the non-profit Shelter Art Foundation taught shelter staff and volunteers how to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph their adoptable animals.

Giving Bianca a Second Chance

A Fairfax County Animal Shelter happy ending.

Bianca, a nine-year-old, female, German shepherd mix dog, had been living her life on the end of a chain in a rural part of Virginia. In late January, an unknown stray dog approached Bianca and attacked her. Bianca’s owner came outside and in an attempt to stop the attack he hit both dogs with a shovel, striking Bianca over the head and injuring her. Rather than pursue vet care, the owner drove Bianca to the local pound and surrendered her. For the next 36 hours, Bianca sat with no medical care, until a sympathetic staff person called the shelter’s rescue partner at the Highland County Humane Society in rural Virginia.

‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’

Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.

There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.

Volunteers Needed to Help Older Adults

Meals on Wheels needs drivers in Fairfax. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Herndon ES Celebrates International Night

School and PTA host event to celebrate culture.

“This is an annual event held in partnership with the PTA,” said Herndon Elementary Principal Ann Gwyn. “It is all about celebrating the many cultures here in Herndon Elementary.” The International Night event was held Feb. 20. Foreign foods dishes were brought in and were available to sample. “We start planning this event in November, it is a very popular event,” said school PTA president Amanda Geary.

Tasting Soul Food

ArtSpace Herndon hosts event on African American cuisine.

“It is our distinct pleasure today to host a Black History Month event,” said Lawrence Verbiest, executive director of ArtSpace Herndon introducing the coordinator for the event, Elise Abby Arrington. For four years now Arrington has helped arrange an event to commemorate Black History month. Last year, Arrington helped coordinate a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation with other local high school students at ArtSpace Herndon.

Holidays Are Over, But Need Still Exists

Commentary

We live in a community comprised of people from many diverse backgrounds. What a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. We are able to live in culturally vibrant communities, teach our children how to live in a multicultural world and we are able to learn tolerance and respect for others. God wants every individual to know that he is loved and valued. Jesus said in Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with your entire mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Loving Horses at Frying Pan

Farm Park provides a riding experience for children.

Children of all ages love horses. But keeping a horse is difficult when pasture and riding land are scarce. Here in Herndon, Frying Pan Farm Park and Spirit Open Equestrian have joined together so that children can ride and, for a short time, pretend the horses are their very own.

Volkswagen Donates Van to Children’s Science Center

The Children’s Science Center will use the van for its traveling Museum Without Walls programs in Northern Virginia.

The Children’s Science Center is now the owner of a brand new 2014 Volkswagen Routan minivan thanks to a donation by the Volkswagen Group of America. Volkswagen executives handed over the keys to the 2014 Routan to Children’s Science Center board members on Monday, Jan. 17 in front of the company’s headquarters in Herndon.

Additional Delays Slow Handover of Silver Line to Metro

Performance issues and unmet safety testing requirements cited as reasons for the continued delay.

Phase I of the Silver Line is still not quite ready for final testing by Metro authorities, according to a Monday statement issued by Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA). With the handover of the Silver Line project to Metro authorities looming, Northern Virginia residents will have to be patient despite their readiness to hop on the train at new Tysons Corner and Reston Metro stations.

Delegates Rust, Plum Provide Richmond Updates

Delegates Tom Rust (R-86) and Kenneth Plum (D-36) recap successes and missed opportunities in the first part of this year’s General Assembly session.

Herndon and Reston Delegates Tom Rust (R-86) and Kenneth Plum (D-36) ended the first half of the 2014 General Assembly session happy with the House of Delegates’ passage of transportation, education and absentee military voting bills. Tuesday, Feb. 11 marked the "crossover" point for this year’s General Assembly session, when both houses of the General Assembly must vote on all non-budget related legislation or allow those bills to die.

Herndon High Prepares For StompFest

Year marks Step Team’s 20th year at school.

High school step teams from around the area will be arriving at Herndon High on Saturday, Feb. 22 for the annual StompFest. "This will be the biggest event we have ever had," said team captain Hannah Vaughn. The Herndon High step team was founded in 1994, and StompFest has been an annual event for sixteen years.

Herndon Rotary Club Holds Valentine's Sock Hop

Final show for Herndon fundraising event.

The Fabulous Hubcaps band preformed Saturday evening at the Herndon Community Center’s gymnasium, playing some favorite classic rock n’ roll hits including "Surfin’ USA" and "Get Around." The Valentine's Sock Hop has been an annual event for the Herndon Rotary Club, but due to multiple factors will no longer be held as a fundraising event.

Herndon High To Produce ‘Robin Hood’

Children’s show also fundraiser for HHS Drama Boosters.

"No cast member goes on stage while tech crew is doing operations," said Catherine "Cassie" Szymczyk.

Teacher Vs. Student Basketball Game

Teachers win competitive game against students at Herndon Middle.

On Feb. 6, a team of seventh and eighth grade students from Herndon Middle School competed in a basketball match against school teachers. "We had a lot of students attend this year’s event," said after-school specialist Mike Thomas who was also helping as game announcer.

Heaven and Earth Akido Hosts Fundraiser

Funds raised for family of departed Herndon waiter.

"Damien was one of the first folks who I spoke with when I came back to the area after being overseas over three years," said Ben Ericksen. "We stuck up a pleasant conversation, and I told him I was back from Afghanistan. I would take some of the students up to the O’Sullivan’s restaurant."

Fresh Take on ‘Pinocchio’

New partnership brings ‘a fresh, playful and hilarious take’ on "Pinocchio" at Industrial Strength Theater.

Local family theater is getting a big boost. Fairfax County's newest professional theater troupe, NextStop Theatre is partnering with the Faction of Fools, a Helen Hayes Awardee for Outstand Emerging Theatre Company.

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: January, 2014

In January 2014, 35 homes sold between $827,575-$140,000 in the Herndon and Oak Hill area.

Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: January, 2014

Winter Storm Hits Northern Virginia

Fairfax County residents took shelter as over a foot of snow shutdown power, school, and roads.

Northern Virginia residents took shelter from a snow storm that began the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 12 and lasted until the Thursday night. Fairfax County felt the lasting effects well into the weekend, with schools unable to clear parking lots and county offices closed through the weekend. Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Tuesday, Feb. 11, giving state authorities and utility companies time to prepare for the storm.

Money on the Shelves: Jurisdictions Take Variety of Approaches to Funding Libraries

Some have recovered from the recession, others are still struggling.

What is the future of the neighborhood library?

Eleven Candidate In Epic Democratic Primary to Replace Moran

Successful candidate could emerge with 10,000 votes.

The Democratic primary is shaping up to be the most competitive election in recent memory, one with an unprecedented number of candidates.

Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry

Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.

In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence. On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, overturned the convictions of Mildred and Richard Loving, declaring the ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.

Until Further Notice

Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: "13 months to two years" is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ "you’re going great"/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is.

How Red Is the 10th District?

Wolf’s retirement sparks crowded political stage as both parties vie for coveted Congressional seat.

U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf’s announcement in December that he would not seek reelection to an 18th term in Congress came as a surprise to both Republicans and Democrats. Wolf’s retirement notice instantly set off a feeding frenzy among politicians maneuvering to gain the Northern Virginia Congressional seat.

Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults

Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.

Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.

Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry

Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.

In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence

Letter: Correcting Error on Mental Health Services

Fairfax County serving more people now.

A Feb. 11 editorial by Mary Kimm, referencing reporting by Michael Pope, makes an incorrect assertion that our services to people with mental illness in Fairfax County have been “dramatically cut back.”

Herndon High Hosts Improvathon

Students practice and learn improv at fundraising event.

“I got a whistle, and we have some penalties,” said Scott D. Pafumi. Pafumi, was laying out rules for the Improvathon event at Herndon High auditorium. The Theatre Director at Herndon Middle School, Pafumi had been asked to referee this year’s Improvathon. Ten teams made of students from across Fairfax County went to Herndon High on Saturday, Feb. 8 for six games related to improvisational or improv theatre. Judging the events were Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, Town councilmember Melissa Jonas, and Herndon High Assistant Principal Maria Sneed. Evan Hoffman, director of the NextStop Theatre Company was the master of ceremonies. Participating with the Herndon High team was Herndon senior Hunter Robinson.

Strings Concert Held at Dranesville Elementary School

The fourth and fifth grade students perform for family and friends.

”It was a great evening for the kids,” said Seth Lovern. His daughter, Alexis, a fourth grade student at Dranesville Elementary School had just completed an evening string concert at the school cafeteria. “Her mom plays the violin, so she [Alexis] wanted to play the viola to be different.”

Week in Herndon

The MOMS Club® of Herndon will host a Relationship Roundtable on Thursday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – Noon at Trinity Presbyterian Church (615 Dranesville Rd, Herndon). Guest speakers Elizabeth Mahoney and Irene Burkett will lead an open discussion on ways to strengthen your relationship with your spouse or partner. Topics to be addressed include: common barriers to communication, effective communication techniques, and stress reduction methods. All Herndon, VA (zip codes 20170 and 20171) stay at-home mothers are encouraged to join this free event.

Rachel Carson’s Linda Gammon Wins Band Director of the Year Award

Carson Middle School band director Linda Gammon was named the 2013-14 Secondary Band Director of the Year.

Linda Gammon has won countless awards over the course of her 38-year teaching career, been named guest conductor of nearly every district band in Virginia, and has published a number of music education books. In Feb. 2014, Gammon added the Fairfax County Band Directors Association (FCBDA) Secondary Band Director of the Year Award to that list of achievements.

Holidays Are Over, But Need Still Exists

We live in a community comprised of people from many diverse backgrounds. What a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. We are able to live in culturally vibrant communities, teach our children how to live in a multicultural world and we are able to learn tolerance and respect for others. God wants every individual to know that he is loved and valued. Jesus said in Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with your entire mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Floris Elementary Chess Team Wins Silver Knights Cup

Floris Elementary students competed in the third annual Silver Knights Cup chess tournament recently and won top school in the competition. The top four scorers from each school were taken to calculate school placements; from Floris, the top scorers were Ray Shen, Mantra Vivek, Anand Vinod, and Jonathan Tong. More than 220 students from 20 schools participated in the tournament in one of four sections: K-1, K-3, K-5, and K-8. Other Floris students who competed were Connor Whiting, Alec Riso, Aditya Kakkar, Vikas Nanduri, Shrey Papneja, Shiven Chokshi, Sumanth Ratna, Sri Kapa, Krish Sahoo, Yashwant Kapa, Shivam Papneja, Yash Sahoo, Maria Izzi, and Zahra Izzi.

School Board Votes For Longer SLEEP

Money saved from annual bus route review will be earmarked for implementation of later start times.

According to SLEEP, a local group advocating for later high school start times in Fairfax County, 72 out of 92 counties in Virginia have a high school start time of 8 a.m. or later.

ArtSpace Hires New Executive Director

Lawrence Verbiest has been named executive director of ArtSpace Herndon. On Jan. 8, the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts’ board of directors voted to offer the position to Verbiest. He accepted the position and began work on Jan. 21.

Herndon Gymnast Bradley Earns All-Around Region Berth

Oakton finishes runner-up at Conference 5 gymnastics meet.

The Herndon gymnastics team had two individuals advance to regionals.

An Unexpected Present

Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, I appreciated it in the most), but I received my first senior discount the other day. I was fast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restaurant when the unexpected kindness occurred. Considering that I’m not at the age yet when such discounts are typically available, I certainly did not (do not) presume that my appearance somehow reflects an age which I am not. In truth, I don’t believe it does. So even though I didn’t ask for the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier tallied my bill, she then spoke the price and adjusted it downward 10 percent for my surprise "senior" discount. On hearing the lower price and the reason for it, I immediately responded: "Oh, you’re giving senior discounts to people over 40?" To which she replied, while looking me directly in the eye: "No. Over 30." Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for the discount and commended her on her excellent answer/customer service.

Home Design: What the Pros Know

A look inside the homes of some of the area’s top builders.

Remodeling industry professionals spend their days helping clients create dream homes, adding quartzite counter tops and outdoor, stacked stone fireplaces, turning ideas and photos into functional, chic living spaces.

MATHCOUNTS Champions

The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competitions were held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. This year, because of the exceptionally large number of students participating, the Regional competition had to be split between two venues.

Cartoon: Absolute Proof Global Warming is a Hoax

Absolute Proof Global Warming is a Hoax

Valentine’s Weekend

Romantic events happening in the Fairfax County area.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day by heading off to one of these events this weekend.

Column: Closing the Income Gap

Between 2007 and 2012, the median wages of Virginia’s highest income earners rose by eight percent while the lowest income families’ wages shrank by 10 percent, according to an analysis by the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis. The gap between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen in Virginia as it has throughout the nation. A growing underclass of unemployed, under-employed and under-paid creates a challenge for the state and the nation. Too many people are faced with the monthly decision of paying for the rent, utilities, food, prescriptions and school supplies without enough money to cover them all. Public and private relief organizations are strained to keep their food pantries and clothing closets stocked to meet the increased demand.

Groundhog Day Held At Frying Pan Park

Families visit groundhog burrow.

"They are like little lawnmowers, so when it is spring, they eat everything they can," said Frying Pan Park naturalist Shannon Morley. "When it is summer, they eat everything they can. And when it is fall they still eat. But in winter they rest or hibernate." Morely was giving a presentation to families on groundhogs that reside on the park grounds.

Floris United Methodist Church To Host Chocolate Festival

On Saturday, Feb. 8, Floris United Methodist Church will hold its 23rd Annual Chocolate Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. One of the church’s largest community events, the festival features carnival games, large inflatables, face painting, balloon art, food and lots of chocolate. An entertainment and travel-themed Silent Auction and an expansive homemade bake sale table are other highlights of this event. It is free and all are welcome. The church is located at 13600 Frying Pan Road, in Herndon. For more information, go to www.florisumc.org/chocolate or call the church office at 703-793-0026.

Classified Advertising February 5, 2014

Read the latest here!

Editorial: Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.

McLean, W-L Gymnastics Teams Qualify for Regionals

Highlanders win Conference 6 title, W-L runner-up.

W-L, McLean gymnastics finished 1-2 at regionals the last two years.

Editorial: For Nonpartisan Redistricting

Virginia is a purple state, gerrymandered to bleed red.

Consider that in statewide elections, Virginia voters have chosen Democrats in the last two presidential elections, for U.S. Senate, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Almost none of these elections was by a wide margin, but it’s clear that Virginia is a purple state leaning blue.

Nine Candidates Vying for Attention in 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary

Race to replace Jim Moran is expected to be competitive and expensive.

It's been three weeks since longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced that he would not be seeking a 13th term in Congress, opening up an epic primary fight that is now starting to take shape.

Editorial: Few Thoughts on General Assembly Action

Yes, allow homeschoolers access to programs in public school.

It’s possible that this is not the right bill exactly, and in general, we favor local control. But it is wrongheaded of public schools to force families into a take-it-or-leave-it position.

Virginia Health Department Forecasts Seasonal ‘Stomach Bug’

Statewide data monitored by the Virginia Department of Health indicate that norovirus was arriving in Virginia just in time for the cold weather.

Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection

The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.

Consistent Bedtimes Linked to Improved Wellbeing in Children

Local experts offer suggestions for helping youngsters get a good night’s sleep.

When the clock strikes 9 on any given evening, 13-year-old twins Timothy and Danny Gulyn and their 11-year-old twin brothers, Christopher and Jonathan, know that it’s time for bed. Whether they are on vacation during the summer or at their Arlington home on a school night, the siblings follow a consistent routine that has them tucked-in at the same time every day.

Piece of Mind

Today I was eating a Tootsie Roll, and while chewing it, felt something sharp against my gum. Knowing my candy, sharp I should not feel, so immediately I stopped chewing in hopes of locating the sensation; which I did. It turns out that I broke off the top half of a previously (years ago) installed dental crown. Fortunately, the crown was still in my mouth, so I was able to retrieve it. Upon closer examination of it and the now crown-less tooth, it appears that the crown and the tooth are completely intact (undamaged) and perhaps a simple re-cementing at the dentist’s office awaits, a repair achieved much less expensively than replacing the entire crown. (I can hope, can’t I? After all, I am a cancer patient; hope is what I do.)

Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance

More than 50 volunteers who are helping local residents sign up for health care insurance were recognized by state and local leadership last Saturday. To date, these Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 500 individuals with the new Marketplace system, overcoming barriers of language, technology and understanding the new health care law. The volunteers were thanked for the commitment and service:

How to Fix I-66?

More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.

It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.