Stories for April 2016

Fairfax Station: Fourth annual Fragile X walk raises $55,000 for molecular bank for research

Jimi Grande of Fairfax Station may never get to teach his ten-year-old son Jimmo to throw a baseball. Jimmo was born with effects from an inherited genetic mutation called Fragile X that can cause moderate to severe mental impairment and learning disabilities, and is linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Reston: Easing Prom Pressure

Prom dress giveaway takes pressure off teens’, parents’ wallets.

It’s a night filled with anticipation. But it can cost almost one month’s rent. It’s prom night.

Herndon: History Revisited at Frying Pan Park

Herndon park hosts Civil War Presentation, Spring Farm Day.

More than 80 persons traveled to Herndon’s Frying Pan Farm Park to attend a presentation related to the history of the American Civil War.

Herndon: Nysmith School Sixth Graders Win Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind

Sixth-graders from the Nysmith School for the Gifted in Herndon won the Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Division II, Technical Problem on Saturday, April 16 in Newport News, Va.

Herndon: Studying Culture and Foreign Language at Fox Mill Elementary

Fox Mill Elementary School fifth-grader and Japanese Immersion (J.I.) student Rylee Gustafson began studying the language when she was very young.

Herndon Outlook: What Comes Next?

Land development and construction in Herndon.

State of the County Presented Over Breakfast

Leadership Fairfax hosts 25th Annual Board of Supervisors State of the County Breakfast and presents Hanley Award to Bill Bouie for Public Service.

With the number and types of commitments made on their daily schedules, it takes a special occasion to gather the entire roster of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in one place at one time outside the walls of their meeting chambers.

Preparing for Summer Camp Away

Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.

A child’s first residential summer camp experience can be fraught with emotions that run the gamut from excitement to terror.

Academic Camps Combine Education and Fun

Local camps help students maintain school skills in a relaxed environment.

One summer Ana Lado created a summer camp activity for students at her neighborhood pool. The Marymount professor set up a picnic area, and included activities and books. Her plan was to engage the students and give them the opportunity to read and build reading skills while still enjoying fun activities traditionally associated with summer.

From Colonial History to Future Entrepreneurs

Campers can explore diverse interests in specialty summer camps.

This summer dozens of elementary school-aged children will travel back in time to the Colonial Era where, among other things, they’ll learn to spin cotton into cloth for garments.

Editorial: More Voters Might Not Mean Much More Voting

Governor’s action brings Virginia in line with 39 other states.

Last week, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) restored the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements.

Responding to Teen Sex Trafficking

Comprehensive approach seeks to educate teens.

In 2012 Fairfax County Detective William Woolf discovered a 16-year-old girl being prostituted by the M-16 gang. At the time there was little recognition that the problem existed locally. The girl was recovered and since then Woolf has interviewed 300 recovered victims, some as young as 12-years old. After the initial shock, Northern Virginia businesses, faith communities and educational groups sought to understand the extent of the problem.

Fairfax County: Chief Investigating Cyberbullying of Dead Female Firefighter

Search for Nicole Mittendorff called off after police “preliminarily identify” female remains, find suicide note found in her abandoned vehicle.

The search for Nicole Mittendorff, a paramedic-firefighter based at Fire Station 32 in Fairfax Station, has been suspended, a release from Virginia State Police said on Thursday, April 21.

Herndon and Reston Weekend

Weekend fun.

Removing a Barrier to Pomp and Circumstance

Gowns for Grads program at George Mason provides regalia for needy graduates.

When Muntaha Choudhary walks across the stage during George Mason University’s graduation ceremony this May she will celebrate not only her bachelor’s degree, which has been eight years in the making, but also the fact that she is the first person in her family to graduate from college.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Approve 4-Cent Tax Rate Increase

The gap between the Fairfax County School Board and total county budgets is a formality away from being the smallest since before Jan. 7 when FCPS Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza announced she wouldn’t be making any additional cuts in her $2.67 billion Fiscal Year 2017 budget.

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon.

Herndon High Drama Presents “Legally Blonde” Musical

Students engaged in arts productions.

Herndon High School continues its tradition of having a student body engaged in the performing arts.

Herndon: How to Spend $55 Million

Herndon Town Council will hold a public meeting on budget on April 26.

Town Manager Arthur A. Anselene presented the Proposed FY 2017 Herndon Budget to the Town Council Tuesday night, April 12.

Student Teacher Returns to Herndon, Arrested

Former Coates Elementary teacher arrested after attempting to have sexual activity with a 13-year-old boy.

Kathleen Antonina Capitano, 24, arrived at a hotel in Herndon Saturday, April 16, to have sex with a 13-year-old boy she met while student teaching last year at Coates Elementary School, according to Fairfax County Police.

Herndon Middle Schoolers Attend Leadership Conference

Herndon Middle School chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) participated in a weekend leadership training conference held April 8–10 in Virginia Beach, Va.

Letter: Selfishness, Not Altruism, Behind Tax Increases

To the Editor

The Board of Supervisors and School Board should give the approximately 12,000 classroom teachers salary increases, but give no raises to other school and county employees.

Editorial: On the Guilty Plea of Adam Torres

Geer’s death exposed “obfuscation … and a lack of public accountability.”

Adam Torres, charged with murder in the death of Springfield resident John Geer, was the first Fairfax County Police officer in the history of the department to be charged in such a death.

Fairfax County: Torres Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter of John Geer

Former Police officer faced murder charges for 2013 shooting

It was over before it began. Neither prosecution nor defense gave opening statements in former Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres’ trial for the August 2013 murder of Springfield resident John Geer. Instead on Monday, April 18, Torres pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter for the August 2013 incident.

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Elegant homes and gardens in Old Town, Arlington and Falls Church will be open to the public.

Some of the most spectacular gardens will be in bloom and on display during the 83rd annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia.

Modular Homes Come of Age

What's behind the growing popularity of modular homes? Recent research shows that a house comprised of architecturally-specific, pre-constructed modules can be assembled on a homeowner’s lot for 10-15 percent less than of the cost of a comparably-sized “stick-built” house.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: March, 2016

In March, 2016, 68 homes sold between $1,235,000-$168,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: March, 2016

Fairfax County Police Hold Assessment Public Hearing

As part of an on-site assessment by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., Fairfax County Police held a public forum on April 11 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Fairfax County: 24th annual Service Awards recognizes community champions, hundreds of volunteers

Kathy Hertz, a longtime volunteer in Clifton, spent more than a week in Lesvos, Greece just after Christmas with her cousin. The two of them volunteered in and around a refugee camp for individuals being funnelled to Athens and hopefully back to Germany or other European havens.

Commentary: On Bread and Matzah

The eight‑day festival of Passover is celebrated in the early spring, from the 15th through the 22nd of the Hebrew month of Nissan.

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon

Herndon: Scouts Doing a Good Turn

On Saturday, April 2, Scouts from several area scouting units assisted with the Town of Herndon's Parks and Recreation Department volunteer cleanup day at Runnymede Park in Herndon.

Herndon Volunteer Appreciation Event Held

32nd annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Night a success.

Herndon helped volunteers feel the appreciation at the 32nd annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Night at the Herndon Community Center on April 10.

Empty Bowls Event in Herndon

Giving Circle of HOPE draws attention to food insecurity in Northern Virginia.

Friday evening, April 8, the ninth annual Empty Bowls event was hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE at Floris United Methodist Church on Frying Pan Road in Herndon.

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents from March 28 to April 3.

Becoming Aware of Child Sex Trafficking

The problem extends throughout northern Virginia.

She stands on the sidewalk outside the mall with her backpack full of 7th grade science and math books. An older man pulls up and she gets in the backseat of his car.

Classified Advertising April 13, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Inaugural Living Well Summit Piques Interest of County Seniors

Summit helps county residents improve with age.

Local residents can learn how to age gracefully Saturday, April 16, at the Living Well, Aging Well Summit in the Fairfax County Government Center.

Help Wanted: Mature Workforce at Employment Expo in Tysons

Older adults in search of work can discuss job opportunities with various industry representatives Monday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the “50+ Employment Expo” in the Sheraton Tysons Hotel.

Progress Made, Challenges Remain on Ending Homelessness

HomeAid NoVA hosts ‘Keep the Homeless Housed’ Forum.

In 2008, Fairfax County partnered with the City of Falls Church to adopt an ambitious strategic plan to address the issue of homelessness in the region.

Finding Fun in Science

Area youth turn out for Project BEST Science and Technology Fun.

What could possibly have lured some 100 and more middle school youngsters back to a school building on a Saturday, especially if that school isn’t theirs and they had to get up extra early just to get there?

Editorial: Award-Winning Connection Newspapers

Still striving to be the Connection to your community.

Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association for work done in 2015.

Speaker Series

Senior Services of Alexandria will present Aging Well, Working Together for a Livable Community for all Ages, next in a speaker series, on Wednesday, April 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria.

Luxury Condos are a Growth Market for Seniors

Active retirees seek options for independent living, including condos in Alexandria, Arlington, Tysons, Reston, McLean, Bethesda and Chevy Chase, among others.

When Joyce and Don Lipman decided to move out of their Potomac, Md. home, they opted for a high-end townhouse instead of a retirement community.

Taking the Long View

Budgeted, incremental improvements are the key to effective planning, aging in place.

When they decided not to move-on after retirement, seniors Mike and Sandy Nusbaum slowly began enlarging their long-term residence with several goals in mind.

Golden Notes

Living well at any age.

‘Shark Tank’ for Seniors

High school students design and present tech products to improve lives of older adults.

Chantilly High School freshman Aru Rajpurohit remembers seeing her great-grandfather struggle to drink his morning tea and other beverages, his hands shaking from Parkinson’s disease.

Letter: Help Prevent Child Abuse

If you see a blue pinwheel dotting the landscape in April, we hope you will pause and think about what it represents--National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Letter: Limiting Health Care Choices

To the Editor

Recently it was announced that Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna are planning to merge, which would severely limit the choices residents of the Commonwealth have when picking their healthcare provider.

Sanderson Honored for 25 Years of Civic Service in the Arts

Douglas J. Sanderson, a principal in the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., was honored at the 2016 Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' annual awards banquet with a Citation of Merit recognizing his 25 years of “pro-bono legal service

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon

Herndon: Speaking Japanese at Fox Mill Elementary

The school showcases Japanese Immersion Program.

Two hundred forty-six first through sixth graders at the Herndon school are enrolled in the Japanese Immersion program at Fox Mill Elementary. That 246 represents an impressive 40 percent of the entire student population.

Herndon: The Taste of Mom’s Soup

Profile: Katharine Mardirosian of 100 Bowls of Soup.

When you first enter Herndon’s iconic store, 100 Bowls of Soup, herbal fragrances surround you and they may even transform your ideas of soup.

Send in Mother's Day Photos to the Connection

Mother’s Day is May 8 this year and as usual every year at this time, this newspaper calls for submissions to our Mother’s Day photo gallery.

Editorial: Move Forward with Independent Oversight

While FCPD has embraced many critical changes, supervisors need to move forward with oversight.

Last week, the Fairfax County Police Department posted a list and progress report of 202 recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, each currently labeled as one of: implemented, in progress or under review.

First Responders Honored at 38th Annual Valor Awards

‘Ready for All Emergencies’

Technician Ryland Chapman and Lieutenant Lawrence Mullin with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were preparing to return home from a deployment with Virginia Task Force 1 to earthquake-rocked Kathmandu, Nepal when another quake sent them back out for duty.

Lawmakers Wrap-up Richmond Legislative Session

Unspent TANF grant money, prisoner rights among social issues discussed.

On average, low income families in Virginia who are eligible and sign up for funds from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant receive $269 monthly and are cut off after five years. But lawmakers say there’s a lot more unexpended money available in the federal grant that, if it remains unused, could one day be taken back.

Vienna: Defense Leads Oakton Girls’ Lax to Win Over Madison

Palmucci scores two goals for Cougars.

The Oakton girls' lacrosse team beat Madison 10-8 on Saturday.

Herndon Pitcher Menendez No-Hits Rival South Lakes

Hornets beat Seahawks 2-0, improve to 5-1.

Herndon pitcher Antonio Menendez threw a no-hitter against South Lakes