Stories for January 2015

Editorial: Outlook

Many bright spots will be overshadowed in the coming budget season.

Long awaited, the opening of the Silver Line promises to bring transformation to Tysons and around the current station in Reston, with another Reston station and Herndon to come.

Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment

How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Herndon, Reston Galleries Attract Art Lovers

Exhibits at ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE on display through February.

In January, both the ArtSpace Herndon and Reston GRACE community art galleries opened new art exhibits at their locations. ArtSpace Herndon located at 750 Center Street in downtown Herndon opened the soloist exhibit “In Warm Observations: People and Places” by artist Jill Banks.

Area’s Silver Lining

Reston, Herndon area residents mindful of transportation changes.

On July 26, 2014, Phase 1 of the Silver Line opened. Metro General Manager Richard Sarles introduced a list of speakers at the dedication ceremony in a tent at the new Wiehle-Reston East station in Reston.

Herndon Girls Win Conference Championship

Herndon swim and dive had senior night against Centreville on Jan. 23, with the Hornets’ boys’ and girls’ teams winning. All Herndon seniors will advance to the Conference meet Jan. 30-31.

A Challenge for Garza: Excessive Homework

To the Editor: Your article “How Does She Do It” - Karen Garza’s vision: the irresistible force moving immovable object of Fairfax County Public Schools (The Connection,December 24-10, 2014) showed FCPS Superintendent Dr. Garza as a force for change. In the Fairfax County school system, students demonstrate excellence by collaborating and achieving good grades with the assistance of teachers.

Nysmith School Students Tackle Cybersecurity in Nationwide Competition

The security of the internet is a hot topic in the news these days – think hacks into retail credit card data, student identification and information, personal correspondence a la Sony, and even more worrisome, infiltrations like the recent “CyberCaliphate” hacking into the Twitter and YouTube accounts of the U.S. Central Command. With

Girl Scouts Learn about Law Enforcement Jobs, Internet Safety

More than a dozen Herndon-based Girl Scouts of Troop 6080 got a rare look at law enforcement careers during a visit from Postal Inspectors on Monday, Jan. 12, at Crossfield Elementary School.

Column: Traffic Caught

If I were writing this column in Massachusetts – where I was born and mostly educated (K-12), and had a thick Boston accent, that’s how court would likely be pronounced; changing a noun into a verb.

Schools to Expand by $856 Million

Capital Improvement Plan approved, rising enrollment causes concerns about classroom space.

Five more school buildings and renovations for several existing ones may be approved by 2020. The Fairfax County School Board approved the $856 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at the Jan. 22 meeting to set priority on the projects the school system wants done in the next five years.

Outlook: Downtown Herndon Takes Shape

Washington and Old Dominion Trail to become “centerpiece,” says mayor.

This year will be all about creating a livelier, more energetic downtown. The town council will take their plans to make the historic area more business-friendly from resolutions to reality this year.

Puller Will Not Seek Re-election

Just as the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 2015 January session, state Sen. Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-36) announced her decision to not run for re-election later this year. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the people of the 36th district in the Senate of Virginia,” Puller said in a Jan. 14 statement. “Now, with the encouragement, love and support of my family I have made the decision to step down.”

Editorial: Baby Steps, Not Enough

Supervisors should take action, not defer to “outside expert,” on absurd and outrageous behavior of police department.

Finally, now that the Fairfax County Police Department has taken stonewalling into the arena of the absurd, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has at least said it is time for change. It is a step, but a step that continues the appearance of obfuscation if not outright obstruction.

Fairfax County Delivers Geer Documents

Thirty days after a court order by Fairfax Circuit Court judge Randy Bellows, Fairfax County has produced documents concerning the shooting death of John Geer.

Herndon Residents Air Concerns to Legislators

Town Hall meeting addresses concerns about elections, Dulles Toll Road.

Education, town elections and transportation. Those and more were the topics Herndon residents asked about during the town hall meeting with Del. Tom Rust (R-86) and state Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D-33) on Jan. 17.

Mathews Win Final 2014 Herndon Good Neighbor Award

The final Good Neighbor winner was awarded at Herndon Town Council’s Jan. 13 meeting. Shannon and David Mathews, Summerfield Drive, were awarded due to their helpful nature and big hearts.

Could Fairfax County End Veteran Homelessness in 2015?

Chairman Bulova, Fairfax County take on national Mayors Challenge.

The transition from serving in the armed forces to civilian life is often not simple. While in Fairfax County there are more than 12,000 veteran-owned businesses, indicating a significant measure of success, for others the path is far more difficult.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bulova Releases 2015 State of the County Address

Despite a projected shortfall of nearly $100 million facing Fairfax County going into the FY 2016 budget, Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova remains encouraged by a 2014 that she said was full of accomplishments.

Theresa K. Robinson of Reston Dies

Theresa K. Robinson of Reston, passed away Jan. 3, 2015. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Robinson and Wendy Fox; brother Raymond Konisky Jr.; sister-in-law Lorraine Konisky; nephew Raymond Konisky III; nieces Cindy Konisky and Kathy Mitsin; great-niece Alexandra Konisky and great-nephew Brian Konisky.

Herndon Author Writes New Book on Sports Training for Young Athletes

According to Wendy LeBolt, Ph.D., in her new book “Fit 2 Finish – Keeping Your Soccer Players in the Game” the cycle of success boils down to “Develop – Balance – Observe – and repeat” to keep our young athletes fit and on the field, and taking their sport as far as their interest and skill can take them. Herndon resident LeBolt has some real skin in the game of soccer – literally.

Four Brave Girls Take Immediate Action to Help a Friend in Distress

One year ago, on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, during their lunch hour at Fox Mill Elementary School in Herndon, four fourth grade Junior Girl Scouts jumped to the aid of their classmate as she found herself choking on a piece of food. Using the skills that they had just learned a few months prior, in a First Aid class they attended with other Junior Troop’s members from Fox Mill, the four girl scouts (ages 9 and 10) immediately jumped into action.

Letter: Volunteer for the Games

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: I love this community. There are so many ways to serve a community as diverse and as vibrant as ours. I recently competed in a special election to succeed Congresswoman Comstock. While I came up short in the vote count, largely due to the unfortunate weather on Election Day, I am as inspired to serve as I was on that day. My passion to serve others only strengthens with each pursuit.

Column: Seasonal Seven Dwarfs

Sneezy, Coughy, Phlegmy, Stuffy, Achy. No-Sleepy and Post-Nasal Drippy; and no Doc, which is possibly what led to this column being written.

Francis, Scanlon Help Westfield Pull Away from Herndon

Bulldogs use 16-2 run to blow open close game.

The Westfield boys' basketball team is 13-1.

Scott Surovell (D-44) Announces Bid for State Senate

Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) used his blog and e-newsletter to make his intention known: Less than a week after Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) announced she would not look to serve another term, Surovell declared he would run for the vacant seat on Sunday, Jan. 18.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: December, 2014

In December 2014, 67 homes sold between $1,220,000-$173,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: December, 2014

Founding Fathers Visit Reston and Herndon Schools

Reston couple funds further education in American history.

School children in eight Fairfax County Public elementary schools had the opportunity to hear and speak with Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry in January. Historical re-enactors Bill Barker and Richard Schumann, respectively, assisted with the experience.

General Assembly Fairfax Delegation Holds Public Meeting Prior to Session in Richmond.

Justin Dolan addressed the state delegates and senators from his wheelchair rather than the podium. The 34-year-old Falls Church resident has cerebral palsy, and received an Individual & Family Developmental Disabilities Support waiver.

Howell, Plum Meet With Residents

Citizens get chance to voice concerns before General Assembly session.

This General Assembly session will be a tough year to budget, according to two local legislators. State Senator Janet Howell (D-32) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36) met with local residents Jan. 8 at Reston Community Center - Hunter Mill to talk about the upcoming session and hear what their constituents thought are the issues to focus on.

Fairfax County Supervisors Seek Outside Help with Transparency

“Independent expertise” to advise on information disclosure policies.

Eight days after offering the public the first of any kind of official explanation for officer-involved shooting of Springfield resident John Geer, the Board of Supervisors took another step.

Herndon Residents Praise Town Services

Locals give high scores to golf course, community center in survey.

Herndon residents are extremely satisfied with their quality of life in the historic town. According to a survey conducted by Continental Research Associates (CRA), residents find most town services to be exemplary.

The $2.4 Billion Question

FCPS Superintendent presents next year’s budget.

Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza is proposing a $2.4 billion budget for the 2015-16 school year. The proposed Fairfax County Public Schools’ budget includes funds for full-day Mondays, teacher compensation and later high school start times while still finding room for $55.4 million in cuts.

A Taste of Europe in Herndon

New location means a growth in clientele for Europa restaurant owners.

Europa isn’t new. It’s just new to Herndon. The Mediterranean restaurant, operated by the Fuentes family, moved from Tall Oaks Village Center and found a home on Station Street.

Vienna: Oakton Sophomores Royle, Connolly Provide Paint Presence

Royle scores career-high 18 points against Westfield.

Oakton defeated Westfield 63-46 on Jan. 9.

Letter: County Shouldn’t Spray Against Fall Cankerworm

Letter to the Editor

This letter is in response to a recent letter to the editor about Fairfax County’s Fall Cankerworm Insecticide Spraying Program.

Backyard Dreaming

Local tastemakers say winter is the best time to plan an idyllic backyard retreat.

Spring may seem light years away from the frigid January temperatures, and lounging in your backyard is probably the last thing you want to do at the moment, but landscape designers say now is the time to start planning a summer retreat.

‘Welcome to Virginia’ Sign Unveiled at Dulles International Airport

On Jan. 6, Governor Terry McAuliffe unveiled a new “Welcome to Virginia” sign at Dulles International Airport (IAD), welcoming travelers to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dulles is a major hub for domestic and international travel, servicing about 22 million travelers a year traveling to 83 nonstop domestic and 50 nonstop international destinations. The new signage is the first of its kind at IAD.

Column: $32.99 Plus Shipping

For one box of 54 petite Belgian waffle cookies in three delicious flavors: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vanilla; an extravagance to be sure, available during the holidays; this recipient (actually, my wife, Dina, was the recipient) very happy to oblige and indulge.

Nysmith Students Meet Cyber Defense Challenge

Two teams of middle school students from The Nysmith School of Herndon recently finished second and 12th out of 200 U.S. and Canadian teams participating in the seventh Annual CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Defense Competition.

Where is Mr. Higgins?

Reward for information leading to safe return of our cat, Mr. Higgins. He is a gray tabby cat with white chin, chest, and belly plus white paws, golden eyes,and a fluffy tail. May have black and white collar with tag.

Bank Robberies in Reston and Herndon

Winter a busy season for bank robberies.

For the second time in two weeks, a supermarket bank in Reston was robbed in the late afternoon. Fairfax County Police report the PNC Bank inside the Giant at North Point Village Center was robbed at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29.

Top Fitness Trends for 2015

Here are some low-cost and mobile routines.

The beginning of a new year is often a time when many resolve to begin a fitness plan or to ramp up their current routine. Officials at the American College of Sports Medicine rang in the New Year by releasing the organization’s annual survey of the top fitness trends for 2015.

Editorial: Happy New Year

Focused on community.

Happy New Year. We need your help in 2015. As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.

A Year Ahead: Herndon in 2015

Taking new downtown off paper and into reality.

This year will be all about creating a Metro-friendly downtown. While the town council focused on policies that will make the historic area more business friendly, 2015 will take them off paper and into reality.

Chanukah Celebrated At Downtown Herndon

Chabad of Reston-Herndon holds community celebration.

The Sunday evening of Dec. 21 members of the community assembled at the Herndon Town Square to celebrate Chanukah with the Chabad of Reston-Herndon. The event was open to the public and more than 35 persons came to attend.

Christmas Cheer Shared At Herndon Police Station

HPD, Herndon FOP and community provide children with presents.

”I think this is a great example of what communities do, we help each other out,” said Town of Herndon Vice Mayor Jennifer K. Baker. Baker was at Herndon Police Department on Saturday, Dec. 20 for the annual Cops & Kids outreach event.

With End Of Year Businesses Rotate in Herndon and Reston

Businesses change hands in the Herndon, Reston area.

Change is a constant, and although some have remarked change is neither good nor bad, nostalgia is a powerful potion. At some locations, including cafes and eateries, we make memories and recall experiences with friends and relatives.

Laughter and Charm at Herndon Stage

NextStop Theatre presents “Gutenberg! The Musical!”

"This is the funniest musical script I have ever read. It leaves me crying with laughter every time I read it," said Evan Hoffmann, NextStop Theatre's artistic director as he described what is in store at the upcoming production of "Gutenberg! The Musical!" "The show is a great fit for NextStop and our audiences."

Getting into the Spirit of the Holidays

Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) shared some extra special holiday magic with this year’s presentation of “The Nutcracker,” performed at the 525-seat Ernst Theater in Annandale. A sellout, the production featured beautiful choreography, stunning costumes, and some of the most highly trained pre-professional talent in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

The ‘Dream’ Lives On

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday birthday events to be held at Reston Community Center.

For this year's 30th annual Reston Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday birthday celebration the renowned Anna Deavere Smith will be the keynote speaker at the Monday, Jan. 19 community event. Her address, “Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity," will aim "to highlight the issues of community, character, and diversity in America."

Column: Down and Not Out, Yet

Thankfully (so far as I know, which isn’t very far), after a five-week interval between infusions, which included two additional weeks of pre-chemotherapy lab work and an out-of-the-ordinary 24-hour urine collection (“creatinine clearance”) to boot – to more accurately measure my kidney function in hopes of meeting a 1.6 threshold – muster was finally passed, and I was subsequently infused without any further adieu.