Stories for October 2014

Community Center Forums Set for November

Town Parks and Recreation wants input on changes.

Herndon Parks and Recreation Department wants to know what residents want changed at the community center. With the changing demographics in town, the department hopes to find out what services are needed in the next 10 years through upcoming forums.

High Schools to Start Later Next Year

School Board approves later start times.

Phyllis Payne has been fighting for more sleep for a decade. On Oct. 23, it all paid off. The co-founder of Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal - or SLEEP - saw the Fairfax County Public School Board approve to move high school start times ahead by 30 minutes, 11-1.

Liberty Printing House

New business finds freedom in Herndon.

The freedom of the press means more to Samer Zaiber and Ahmed Al-Sammarraie than to most. As immigrants from Iraq who have been stalked and threatened for their work with American funded projects, the owners of Liberty Printing House brought their ideas of freedom to a country that takes pride in the word.

Fairfax County Calendar

Your guide to entertainment in Fairfax County.

For those looking to fill their calendar with some home-brewed, Fairfax County fun stuff (read: entertainment and diversion), The Connection's Fairfax County Entertainment Calendar has many options: weekend jaunts and larks; date night inspiration; winter-to-spring fun; day-long festivals and events; art-outings; family fun-and-learning fusions; plays and shows; beyond-Small Business Saturday local shopping and bazaars; markets of handcrafted wares; music; 1Ks to marathons... the list goes on. If you know of an event not listed in our entertainment calendar, email it to south@connectionnewspapers.com for happenings in south Fairfax County or north@connectionnewspapers.com for entertainment in the northern parts of the county.

Poll Position

Local academics following the 11th Districts race say there’s really no substitute for the strength of incumbency.

Despite low public opinion of President Obama and a minimally productive Congress, representative Gerry Connolly has plenty going for him as the incumbent seeking re-election in Virginia’s largely democratic 11th district.

Board Approves Bicycle Master Plan

The Fairfax County Government Center has several massive parking lots. Many hundreds of spaces. But Bruce Wright and members of the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling only needed some rack real estate in front of the building. They rode into the afternoon session of the Board of Supervisors on two wheels apiece from Reston, taking the West Ox Road Side Path.

Stage Presence

Cappies recognized among arts leaders at Arts Council awards.

After Bill Strauss first approached Judy Bowns about creating a student-driven arts awards and journalism organization 16 years ago, the ensuing creative partnership resembled a pair of cartoon characters.

Herndon Trinity Presbyterian Holds Fall Festival

Families attend fall festival outdoor event.

Herndon’s Trinity Presbyterian Church held a children’s fall festival the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 26. The fall festival activities included a cupcake walk, art and craft event, and trunk or treating.

Herndon Middle Presents Play On History Of Herndon

Play presented at Hendon and Virginia Theatre Association conference.

Eighth grade students in the class of Herndon Middle School drama teacher Scott D. Pafumi performed a one act play on the history of Herndon on Oct. 23 at Herndon Middle School. The one act play covered the period from 1858 to the present.

Mutiny at the Debate

Final Comstock-Foust debate gets emotional as both candidates debate social issues for first time.

The final debate Sunday between Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust was arguably the most fiery and combative debate in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R) in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.

Down to the Wire

As 10th District race heads into homestretch, Foust, Comstock continue to battle for voters.

The race to replace U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R) in Virginia’s sprawling 10th district has been exactly what political prognosticators said it would be: one of the most watched, most expensive and most contested races in the 2014 midterm elections.

Running Out of Efficacy

Not that I’m the least bit worried (actually, I’m the most bit worried), but surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis years beyond one’s original prognosis does present its own unique set of problems. Most notably, and most personally for me, they concern treatment options. Specifically, what drugs, targeted or otherwise, can be infused and/or swallowed (when in pill form, like Tarceva) and for how long, when signs of internal organ damage are indicated on regular lab tests?

Column: Running Out of Efficacy

Not that I’m the least bit worried (actually, I’m the most bit worried), but surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis years beyond one’s original prognosis does present its own unique set of problems.

Editorial: Change for the Better in Fairfax County Schools

Later start times, full-day Mondays; who knows, next maybe gifted-and-talented programs for poor students?

Who says big bureaucracies can’t make big changes? One year into the tenure of Karen Garza, we have two huge changes that between them impact almost every single student, every family with children in Fairfax County Public Schools.

Northwest Federal Helps Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

Each October, Northwest Federal Credit Union and Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation host “NWFCU Pink Day” to rally employees and members around Breast Cancer Awareness. But this year, the effort got personal.

Herndon Cadets Participate in GWU Event

On Saturday, Oct. 18, joined by 30 officiating George Washington University (GWU) Navy ROTC midshipmen, Herndon High Cadets (NJROTC) celebrated their team effort in hosting and competing in the GWU Field Meet.

Local Foundation Promotes Campus Safety

The VTV Family Outreach Foundation, a Centreville-based national non-profit campus safety advocacy organization, held their 2014 annual meeting last weekend at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. VTV was formed by the families of victims and survivors of the April 16, 2007 mass shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Opinion: Vote ‘Yes’ on Transportation Bond

When you enter the voting booth on Nov. 4, you’ll be asked to vote Yes or No on a $100 million Fairfax County transportation bond. (Bonds are a form of long-term borrowing to finance public facilities and infrastructure and spread the costs over a long time frame. Virginia law requires that general obligation bonds be approved by voters in a referendum.)

Herndon Field Hockey Beats Westfield, Wins Conference 5 Championship

Louisville commit Stone leads Hornets to victory with three goals.

The Herndon field hockey team defeated Westfield 3-2 on Thursday night.

Dulles Now Screening for Deadly Virus

Local hospitals to treat ill passengers arriving from Africa.

Dulles International Airport was one of five airports in the nation to begin screening for Ebola last Thursday. The Center for Disease Control and Protection trained staff to check all passengers arriving from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to check for signs of illness to prevent more passengers from infecting others during their daily interactions.

Herndon High Pumps up SAT Average

Most improved among county schools.

Herndon High School did it. The school made the biggest gains in their Scholastic Assessment Test - more commonly known as SAT - scores among all other high schools in the county.

Herndon Frying Pan Park Holds Farm Harvest Days

Families from around the area visit Herndon farm park.

Hundreds of families took the advantage of mild fall weekend weather to attend the Frying Pan Farm Park’s Farm Harvest Days held Oct. 18 -19 in Herndon.

Connect Four

Complete ballot of 11th District candidates faced off in Lake Ridge.

It wasn’t so much a down and dirty debate as a no-frills four-way question-and-answer session. Not that AARP and the League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area (LWVFA), two of the sponsors of the “Meet the Candidates” series billed the Oct. 14 event as such. Tuesday’s meeting was the penultimate of seven events in the series.

Column: Self-Indulgent or Self-Effacing

After re-reading last week’s column: “Not in the Mood,” I began wondering if that column had strayed beyond the boundaries, so to speak, and was too much about me and not enough about my circumstances.

Fairfax Education Summit to Be Held on Oct. 25

The Fairfax County School Board will host Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) fifth annual Education Summit, Mapping Your Student’s Unique Journey: Explore the Many Choices in Fairfax County Public Schools, on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 a.m. at Edison High School.

Self-Indulgent or Self-Effacing

After re-reading last week’s column: “Not in the Mood,” I began wondering if that column had strayed beyond the boundaries, so to speak, and was too much about me and not enough about my circumstances. Certainly I understand, given my column’s recurring theme, that the subjects of me and my circumstances – and the personal stories I share with you regular readers – are basically the same. Still, I never want the content to be considered important because it’s MY life that’s being profiled. Quite the contrary. If the columns were any more about me, you wouldn’t be interested.

Editorial: Yes to Fairfax Transportation Bond

$84 million for pedestrian, bike and trail improvements.

Of more than 75 projects included in the current proposal, on the ballot for Nov. 4, all but seven are designed to make Fairfax County safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.

New Election Proposals Considered

New election schedule calls for four-year terms, November elections.

Herndon Town Council may be considering a proposal to change several aspects of their elections. The council will discuss over the next two months whether to extend councilmember terms to four years and move the May elections to November.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: September, 2014

In September 2014, 71 homes sold between $1,555,843-$172,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: September, 2014

Crashing the Parties

Marc Harrold, Libertarian; Joe Galdo, Green, run for Congress.

Marc Harrold is a self-professed creature of habit. He’s been going to the same bars and restaurants near his Fairfax home for years, where the close friends he’s made there say his great sense of humor and diverse intelligence help him “hold court” and converse easily with anyone, on any subject.

Sarvis: Warner-Gillespie Debate ‘Disappointing’

Libertarian candidate says chamber’s decision to include only major-party candidates in U.S. Senate debate a “disservice” to voters.

After a full day of campaigning at Fort Belvoir on Friday, Oct. 11, Robert Sarvis talked about his campaign for U.S. Senate, and his disappointment in not being invited to participate in Tuesday’s U.S. Senate Debate — a major televised debate hosted by The Fairfax Chamber at Capitol One’s convention center in McLean. “The Fairfax Chamber informed us that it was nothing other than ‘tradition’ to only invite major party candidates,” Sarvis said. “But this was after we formally requested an invitation, noted that over 145,000 Virginians voted for Robert Sarvis for governor in 2013, and sent them a petition signed by over 1,000 Virginians in support of a three-candidate debate.”

Warner, Gillespie Clash in U.S. Senate Debate

Stark distinctions on same-sex marriage, immigration, abortion and healthcare.

In front of an audience of Northern Virginia business leaders, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie honed their attacks on each other during a sharp, wide-ranging debate Tuesday evening, Oct. 7.

The Private School Admissions Process

Local educators offer insider tips on how to select and get a child admitted to the perfect school.

While this school year might still feel new, some parents are already thinking next fall. Or if they’re not, they should be. For parents who are considering sending their children to one of the area’s private schools for the 2015-2016 school year, the application process should be underway.

Not in the Mood

Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy. Moreover, in spite of my best psychological efforts, generally speaking, there seems little I can do to diminish its effect. More often than not, it’s merely time; simply time passing and/or time spent trying to talk myself out-of how I feel and in-to how I haven’t failed.

Editorial: Coming - Children’s Connection

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.

Herndon ArtSpace Expressions Portrait Exhibit Opens to Public

ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Exhibit kicks off ArtsWeek Herndon.

Finalists were recognized at the ArtSpace Herndon Expressions Portrait Exhibit during the Saturday, Oct. 11 artists reception. The art exhibit displays more than 20 portrait pieces composed by 18 artists.

Town Of Herndon Holds Homecoming Parade

Herndon’s community spirit beats back drizzle.

Despite rain and chilly weather, 50 units and nearly 1,500 participants marched in the Oct. 11 Herndon homecoming parade. Orchestrating the event was the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and many volunteers.

Herndon Field Hockey Unfazed by First Loss

Hornets to face Chantilly in regular-season finale.

Herndon enters tonight's game against Chantilly with a 14-1 record.

Week in Herndon

What's happening this week in Herndon?

Cunningham and Binzer Wedding

Lauren Kelly Binzer, daughter of Dr. Randy and Tennie Binzer of Spencer, and Craig James Cunningham, son of Clark and Kathy Cunningham of Spencer, received the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony on June 28, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City.

Column: Not in the Mood

Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy.

Seeing Red and Blue with Connolly

Colleagues say Gerry Connolly’s vision central to productivity.

Gerry Connolly doesn’t have 20/20 vision. His round wire-framed spectacles and cropped salt-and-pepper mustache have long accessorized his look, whether sporting a black pinstripe suit or a billowy navy University of Virginia windbreaker

Comstock's Comfort Zone

GOP candidate Barbara Comstock believes a woman's place is in the House ... of Representatives.

It’s just weeks before Election Day, and the contest to replace retiring Republican Congressman Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district has become one of the most watched, most expensive and most contentious races in the country.

Planting for Fall

Planning your autumn garden and yard.

As the first few weeks of fall unfold, carrying with them the promise of rich and vibrant colors, many local residents are starting to plan their fall gardens, both ornamental and edible. Pruning and and overall garden cleanup will make way for fall plants. In fact, this is the perfect time to clear away summer foliage and plant, horticulture gurus said.

Remodeler's Charity Home Tour

Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.

Those who know their way around Hunting Horse Drive sometimes might wonder what happened to the circa-1970s Colonial style house that used to be perched up on the overlook. Clearly, the sprawling manor house there now is an entirely different home, but how did it get there?

Former Herndon Resident Alice Woodruff, 89, Dies

Alice Woodruff, 89, of South Bethany, Del., died on Sept. 30, 2014. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 66 years, Harry Charles Woodruff ("Woody") and her children, H. Charles Woodruff II and Cynthia Woodruff, four grandchildren, Christopher, Joel, Jamie and Allison Woodruff and four great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

Bio and Q&A with Gerry Connolly

Q: What do you think are your top three accomplishments in office? A: * The Silver Line. I wasn’t alone, but I'm very proud of my championship of the Silver Line and the fact that it's up and running and succeeding. It took 19 years to sort of get people to reimagine it and get it built. It was a long, tough struggle.

Temporary Fire Station Nearly Ready

Current Herndon fire station is oldest in the county.

Firefighters at the Spring Street station will be moving to a temporary station in early November. The temporary station will be home base for the crew as the location, currently the oldest operating station in the county, is leveled.

Herndon Elementary’s New Sponsorship Program

PTA asks businesses for money to buy necessities for school.

Herndon Elementary is leaning on local businesses so they can lean on parents less. The school Parent Teacher Association started its new corporate sponsorship program at the beginning of the school year to help raise money for school needs that do not fit in the budget.

Bumbrey, McLaughlin Lead Herndon Football to Winning Record

Hornets are 3-2 after producing 5 wins in previous 4 seasons.

The Herndon football team defeated McLean 51-35 on Oct. 2.

Herndon Hosts HernDOG Bark Bash

Inaugural dog event held at Bready Park.

Herndon Parks and Recreation hosted their inaugural dog event at Bready Park on Sunday, Oct. 5. “I always thought Herndon should have a dog event,” said Dave Zakrzewski, a town of Herndon employee who helped coordinate the day’s activities.

Herndon Senior Center Hosts Antique Show

Antiques and collectibles appraised at October event at Herndon Senior Center.

The Herndon Senior Center, located at 873 Grace St., held a Jewelry and Antique Road Show on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The event was free and open to the public.

Letter

Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations.

Dear Chairman and Board Members: The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations (the Federation) appreciates the many years of support that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) has provided to the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). Recently, the FCPL introduced new policies that the Federation decided to examine.

Focus on Transportation

Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance presents regional priorities at 10th annual event.

“What You Need to Know about Transportation in Five Minutes or Less” was the working title of this year’s Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTA) seminar and reception held on Sept. 30 at Capital One’s auditorium in McLean.

Column: Week Of, Weak On, Week Off

This column completes the three-week arc which describes what I have endured mostly successfully for approximately five years now: chemotherapy every three weeks – with one year off for good behavior (not really good behavior; the year off was to switch to a twice-daily pill, Tarceva, to be taken at home, since the previous treatment was no longer stemming the tide). It’s been my experience that these anti-cancer drugs don’t exactly work forever.

Fortnightly Club Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The Herndon Fortnightly Club celebrated its 125th Anniversary on Sept. 21. It is one of the oldest woman’s clubs in Virginia.

Herndon NatureFest Held At Runnymede Park

Families learn about local wildlife and nature.

The Friends of Runnymede Park and the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual NatureFest on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Runnymede Park. Nearly 700 local residents and neighbors enjoyed learning about birds, bees and butterflies, recycling and native plants, and life in a meadow or stream.

Suzanne Scholte Fighting for Recognition in 11th District

Suzanne Scholte knows she has her work cut out for her. “This isn’t a race anybody's thinking is worth looking at,” she said at a meet and greet event in Montclair last weekend. “I think it was described as ‘Quixotic.’”

Yang, Heier Lead Oakton Volleyball to Victory

Cougars have won 6 of 7, will face Chantilly.

The Oakton volleyball team beat Centreville.

New Voter Identification Requirements

There are new requirements for voter identification that voters must bring with them to the polling place.

Voting Early, Absentee

Elections 2014

Virtually every voter in Virginia is eligible to vote absentee, which includes voting in-person absentee at a variety of locations from now through Nov. 1.

Column: Pre-Chemo Peek

I realize, given last week’s column: “Post-Chemo Week,” this week’s column about the preceding week (week-of, actually) of chemotherapy might be a bit bass-ackward, but it seemed reasonable to me that if you regular readers had an interest in the week-after, perhaps you’d have a similar interest in the week-before.

Herndon High Hosts Showcase Of Bands

Twenty-eight schools attend high school marching competition.

On Sept. 27, Herndon High hosted the Northern Virginia Regional Showcase of Bands, an opportunity for 28 local high school marching bands to display their skills and abilities. The showcase featured high school marching bands from throughout the region, presenting their field shows, in which the bands march and make formations on the field while playing music.