Stories for September 2014

New Voter Identification Requirements

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

Junior Committee: Work Horses

Young local equestriennes anchor Washington International Horse Show.

Mary Elizabeth Cordia of Alexandria Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the leading metropolitan indoor horse show in the U.S. This six-day event is held annually in October at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

Dulles International Airport Holds Plane Pull

Seventy teams participate in fundraising event for Special Olympics Virginia.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Dulles Airport held its annual plane pull. The Dulles Day plane pull, which began in 1993, featured 70 teams of 25 people competing to pull an 82-ton 757 FedEx Cargo Jet 12 feet in the shortest amount of time. Now in its 22nd year, Dulles Day is a festival that includes live music, airplane displays, tours of the runways, kids play areas, a dunk tank and more.

Herndon’s H.K. Lee Recognized

Martial arts instructor receives award at ceremony.

Herndon’s H.K. Lee Academy of TaeKwonDo Grandmaster H. K. Lee received a special Presidential Commendation from the President of the Republic of Korea, Geun-Hye Park. Grandmaster Lee was the first distinguished recipient to receive the Korean President’s Commendation at the opening ceremony of The World TaeKwonDo Won in Muju, Republic of Korea on International TaeKwonDo Day, Sept. 4.

Local Aikido Studio Reduces PTSD Effects

As a soldier fighting in Iraq, Brian Ericksen thought the idea of martial arts in a war zone was ridiculous. Then, one day, it clicked for him. The owner of Heaven and Earth Aikido used the calming form of martial arts while in the service to center himself in some of the most dangerous places in the world and now wants to help former veterans and sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder to do the same.

Local Group Gives Scholarships to Women

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors gave out $10,000 in scholarships to college women to kick off the start of the school year. Six women from George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, ranging in ages and opportunities, were presented scholarships during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club on Friday, Sept 19.

Students, Parents and Teachers Plea for Later Start Times

Students, parents and advocacy groups flooded the School Board’s public comment period with pleas to approve later start times for students next year during Sept. 19 meeting.

Portrait of a Graduate Approved

The Portrait of a Graduate has been drawn. This “portrait” - a part of the plans for the proposed strategic plan - was passed unanimously at Thursday’s Fairfax County School Board meeting after the board discussed it for more than an hour.

Board of Supervisors Approves 50+ Community Action Plan

Vote is “the beginning, not the end” for Herrity.

Supervisor Pat Herrity’s so-called “Silver Tsunami” population in Fairfax County isn’t getting any younger. The data haven’t changed: the amount of people over 50 should increase by 40 percent between 2005 and 2030, and those 70 and older should shoot up 80 percent in the same period.

Supervisors Break Ground on New Public Safety Headquarters

The Fairfax County Police and Fire Departments are getting a new home. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Supervisor John Cook broke ground on what will be a $142 million, eight-story headquarters.

Fall Fun 2014

Upcoming family-friendly events in the area.

Post-Chemo Weak

For the past year, every three weeks I have been infused with a chemotherapy drug called Alimta, “the last miracle drug,” to quote my oncologist, and a drug with which I hadn’t previously been infused.

Week in Herndon

What's happening this week in Herndon.

Letter: Inspirational Experience

Letter to the Editor

As a participant in Delegate Barbara Comstock’s Young Women in Leadership Program, I wish to comment on how much I appreciated this unique experience.

People

EWA Names Sarah Beerbower Director, Sales and Service.

Sarah Stewart Beerbower joins Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) in the newly created position of Director, Sales and Service.

New Pediatric Dental Office Opens at Worldgate Centre in Herndon

Dr. Charlie Coulter brings his nine years of Pediatric Dental Experience to Herndon, by opening a new pediatric dental practice, Dentistry for Children of Northern Virginia (www.Dentistry4ChildrenVA.com) at Worldgate Centre on Oct. 1.

Dulles Chamber Banking Luncheon Offers Industry Insight, Presents Lifetime Achievement Award

The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce held its annual Banking Luncheon on Sept. 5 at the Hyatt Dulles hotel in Herndon, where nearly 200 area bankers and financial leaders gathered for this premier industry event.

Foust Bridging Political Divide

Democrats hope Foust’s reputation as a “bridge-builder” connects with voters.

Straightening his tie, John Foust is preparing for yet another “meet-and-greet” event at the Clifton home of Democratic supporters Terry Matlaga and Kevin Bell.

Editorial: Deadly Medicaid Debacle

Literally killing poor people who could have health care, while refusing to give Virginia’s economy a boost.

The poor people of Virginia are so seriously harmed by the actions of the Virginia General Assembly in refusing to expand Medicaid at little additional cost to the Commonwealth that those harmed should have some legal recourse.

Classified Advertising September 17, 2014

Read the latest ads here!

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: August, 2014

In August 2014, 99 homes sold between $1,080,000-$167,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: August, 2014

Herndon Celebrates Lighting Of W&OD Trail

Herndon is first municipality to light a section of the W&OD trail.

Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon town council celebrated the completion of installation of lights along the W&OD trail with a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The ceremony was held on the W&OD Trail near the intersection with Lynn Street in downtown Herndon, near the caboose.

Dranesville Elementary Holds Back to School Night

Parents and teachers reconnect at school event.

Herndon Dranesville Elementary hosted its annual Back to School Night on Monday, Sept. 15 for parents to meet the teachers and individuals who support their children. The event was for parents and guardians only so families could understand the aspects of their child’s education.

Senator Warner Visits Downtown Herndon

Herndon business owners speak with Senator Mark Warner.

United States Senator Mark Warner made a visit to downtown Herndon on Friday, Sept. 12. The purpose of the visit was to connect and chat with some local business owners and staff.

Town Council Promotes Bike and Pedestrian Safety

100 cyclists and pedestrians killed on the roads in Virginia every year.

Herndon is promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety this month. The Town Council passed a proclamation recognizing Virginia Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month to make drivers aware of their less protected counterparts on the road.

Deer Archery Program Enters Sixth Season

Continued overabundance brings bow-hunters back to parks.

Even at 72, the animated Disney classic “Bambi” can still soften the hardest hearts when it comes to appreciating the innocence and natural beauty of deer. But the reality in Fairfax County is that an unnaturally high density of Bambis and mothers of Bambi is an ongoing threat to biodiversity and road safety.

A Different Path to a 4-year Degree

NOVA’s Guaranteed Admissions Program gives students opportunities to attend their dream schools.

Noor Naveed immigrated to the United States from Pakistan with her family shortly after the 9/11 attacks. The family settled in Northern Virginia and, years later, Naveed graduated from Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria. She dreams of becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Later High School Start Times for 2015?

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza will propose later high school start times at the Fairfax County School Board’s business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 18, for the Board’s formal consideration at its business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Rosh Hashanah – More Than Just a New Year

Throughout the year, the Jewish calendar is filled with Holidays commemorating key historic spiritual and physical milestones in Jewish history. Passover recalls our Exodus from Egypt, Shavuot receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, Purim the saving of the Jewish nation from Haman and King Xerxes of Persia. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, one may wonder, what’s happening, what key event in Jewish history do the Days of Awe commemorate?

Commentary: Protecting Those Threatened by Domestic Violence

September marks 20th Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) – landmark legislation in which our nation committed new prevention and response resources so that our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends would no longer have to suffer in silence through domestic abuse.

Herndon Mom Chronicles Her Preemie Blessing

Michelle Stevens shares her family’s experiences in blog, book.

“We went to the NICU [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit] early that morning to learn how to mix Emily's high-calorie formula and administer her vitamins.

Herndon High Band Thanks the Community

On Saturday, Sept. 6, 150 Herndon High School Band students fanned out across Herndon for their annual Tag Day event, their biggest fundraiser of the year. The students worked together in teams and braved the intense heat and humidity, dressed in full marching band uniforms, courageously knocking on door after door, cheerfully repeating the phrase “Hi, I’m from the Herndon Band” to all who would listen.

Not Going Away

Citizens for gun legislation hold monthly vigil at NRA headquarters.

The Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence met outside the National Rifle Association’s headquarters in Fairfax on Sunday, Sept. 14. The group has met there on the fourteenth of every month since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Dec. 14, 2012.

Herndon Field Hockey Remains Undefeated

Senior captains Stone, Palacios provide 1-2 punch.

The Herndon field hockey team is 10-0.

Full Day Monday Challenges Discussed

The implementation of “full day Mondays” has been anything but easy for area elementary schools. The challenges that Fairfax County Public Schools faced to bring more hours to elementary students’ school year was addressed by Superintendent Karen Garza and several board members during a school board meeting on Sept. 4 at Jackson Middle School.

Sustainability Fair Saturday

Children and parents alike can learn how to keep the planet healthy on Saturday. The second annual Northern Virginia Sustainability Fair, an event to get children excited about the Earth’s future, will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Frying Pan Park.

Portrait of a Graduate Discussed

The heart of the school system’s new strategic plan is closer to being approved. The Fairfax County School Board discussed the five component Portrait of a Graduate - with some asking for a component emphasizing a caring quality - at Monday’s work session.

Classified Advertising September 10, 2014

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Board of Supervisors Approves 2014 Budget Carryover Package

FCPS full-day Mondays at discussion forefront.

When students at the 142 public elementary schools around Fairfax County stayed there the full day on Monday -- the first time in about four decades -- they likely weren’t worried about the cost. That’s between the school board and board of supervisors. Grown-up stuff.

‘Recession Ripple Persists’ at Realtors’ Summit

Private sector job growth key to strengthening regional economy, housing demand.

“There’s no question the primary economic driver of this region has always been Uncle Sam,” said David Versal, senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis. “That said, we’re not Detroit.”

‘Parked Outside the Door’ Opens at ArtSpace Herndon

Photo exhibit examines relationships with vehicles and buildings.

Photographer John Petro’s exhibit “Parked Outside the Door” has opened at art gallery ArtSpace Herndon. In the exhibit, Petro explores two fundamental constructs of ingenuity, vehicles and buildings. While traveling America, Petro captured scenes of mobility and permanence.

Editorial: Change Is Coming, Right?

Legislators on changing the culture of cash and gifts in Virginia: Crickets.

With former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen facing what could be decades in prison after their convictions for corruption, a reasonable person might reasonably expect that members of the General Assembly would be gearing up to make some big changes.

Plane Pull Returns to Dulles

Power of teamwork on exhibit at the 22nd Annual Plane Pull Sept. 20.

Looking for a great way to unite friends, family and coworkers in a common cause?

Time Sensitive

As much as I don’t want to be cognizant of date, time and place, relative to February 27, 2009 when Team Lourie first received the stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis on yours truly, I am (a terminal diagnosis will do that to you). Moreover, as often as I write about the need to live forward, rather than die backward (if you know what I mean), I still struggle with the application.

Letter: Programs To Be Proud Of

Letter to the Editor

In her letter in the (“Opposing Medicaid Expansion,” Connection, August 20 – 26, 2014) Elinor Bartlett made it clear that she strongly opposes Medicaid expansion in Virginia. Fine, but while I strongly support her right to hold and express such a view, I cannot accept her use of irrelevant, unsupported, and factually wrong statements about Social Security and Medicare in support of her position.

Extreme Politics

Foust, Comstock stake out opposing positions during first debate in hyper-partisan 10th district Congressional race.

Forget first-debate politeness. Republican Barbara Comstock and Democrat John Foust — the candidates vying to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf in Virginia’s 10th Congressional district — sustained the hyper-partisan tenor of their campaigns during a debate-style forum hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in Herndon last week.

The Broad-winged Hawks Are Coming

Every Autumn, in addition to literally billions of songbirds, a million or more avian raptors (hawks, eagles, and falcons) migrate from their nesting and breeding areas all over North America to their winter homes, mostly in Central and South America. Raptor enthusiasts and hawk counters often head for mountain ridges and other concentration points in hopes of seeing some of the birds fly by.

Classified Advertising September 3, 2014

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Taking On the ‘Silver Tsunami’

Herrity to present 50+ Plan to Board of Supervisors next week.

“It’s here,” said Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield). “We’re already living in it.” Between 2005 and 2030, the number of individuals 50 and older is projected to grow by 40 percent in Fairfax County and the number 70 and older is projected to grow by 80 percent. Herrity attributes the changes to both the aging of Baby Boomers, and the general increase in life expectancy.

Herndon Holds Labor Day Festival

Never-ending wine. Dramatic cooking demonstrations. Endless food vendors. Herndon’s Labor Day Festival attracted people from all over the region Monday, Sept. 1, to the town square for a food and libation-centric hoorah for the unofficial end of summer.

Making change: Some DTR Lanes Converting to E-ZPass

Nineteen exact change lanes on the Dulles Toll Road are going to be converted to E-ZPass lanes over the next year.

Senior Centers in Fairfax County

A list of senior centers in Fairfax County.

Quilting Studio Adds to Dream Home

At 72, Wanda Rogers engages in an early American craft she first learned from her grandmother.

Quilting takes patience; ditto the steps entailed in setting up a quilting studio all of one's own. Such are the reflections of Wanda Rogers, 72, who is now tapering off a 51-year professional career, and increasing precious hours spent in the pursuit of a mountain-state handicraft she learned from her mother and grandmother.

Newcomers Guide: Year-round Festivals 2014-2015

A list of annual community events in the area.

I Scream

…for ice cream; from Brigham’s in Boston, the local New England establishment of my youth where I spent dollars – although it was likely cents back in those days – many afternoons, evenings and weekends.

$12 Million Suit Against Fairfax County Police

2013 shooting victim’s family seeks damages in wrongful death case.

The year-long silence surrounding the police shooting of John Geer has been broken — but not by Fairfax County Police or the U.S. Department of Justice. John Geer was shot to death by Fairfax County Police on Aug. 29, 2013.

Eagle Scout Project to Benefit Herndon High Band

Ryan Jasmann, with Boy Scout Troop 157, based out of Herndon United Methodist Church, dedicated his Eagle Scout project to benefit the Herndon High School Band program.

Herndon High Marching Band Holds Summer Camp

The Herndon High School Marching Band has been preparing and practicing their show, the Final Frontier, since the first week of August. The first two days of camp consisted of 33-member leadership team learning how to be effective leaders of this 147-member band.

Herndon Elementary Holds Open House

Parents, teachers and students meet before school begins.

Herndon Elementary School (HES) held an open house on Aug. 29 as an opportunity for teachers, parents and students to meet and connect. Fairfax County Public Schools opened Sept. 2, so students could visit their classrooms and get oriented.