Stories for February 2016

Stories for February 2016

Subscribe

Friday, February 26

Tease photo

Springfield Veterinary Holistic Center offers extension to conventional medicine

Bettejeanne “BJ” Hammond much prefers the term “body work” to massage. “Open wine and get out the candles, that’s what people think of massage,” she said. “They think it’s to relax, but it’s so much more than that.”

Thursday, February 25

Art of Driving Scholarship Expands Eligibility Outside Fairfax County

After the first few years being open only to Lake Braddock Secondary School Students, the Art of Driving college scholarship in honor of Lake Braddock student Ashley Thompson expanded to all Fairfax County High Schools.

Tease photo

Herndon: Winners Announced in Photo Competition

Late winter events at ArtSpace Herndon.

Each year ArtSpace Herndon invites photographers from Virginia, D.C. Maryland, and West Virginia to participate in their annual Fine Art Photography Competition.

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Herndon Police report from Feb. 8-14.

Herndon: Water Meters, Automated Splash

The Town of Herndon will replace existing residential water meters in the middle of March and upgrade to an automated meter reading (AMR) system.

Tease photo

Construction Begins in Herndon

Mayor Lisa Merkel began to “seriously consider running” for Town Council in 2009, when a project to redevelop the Busch Motors property was voted against. On Monday, Feb. 22, Herndon’s downtown revitalization began at the corner of Elden and Monroe.

Tease photo

Herndon’s Top Shot Competes in Navy National Championship

Allison Maxwell, a senior at Herndon High School, made Herndon Navy JROTC history.

Tease photo

Fairfax County Schools to Close March 1 for Super Tuesday

Concerns about parking and traffic, as well as new guidance from the Virginia Department of Education caused the Fairfax County School Board to reconsider closing schools for the March 1 Presidential primaries.

Editorial: Bad Bills

General Assembly has potential to do lots of damage in a short period.

From pressing for use of a barbaric form of execution, the electric chair, to codifying discrimination, to stripping localities of the major tool for ensuring infrastructure is in place for new development, to hiding more and more critical public information from the public, the Virginia General Assembly is poised to do harm to the Commonwealth.

Wednesday, February 24

Classified Advertising February 24, 2016

Read the lastest ads here!

Saturday, February 20

Tease photo

Vienna: Oakton Girls' Basketball Wins Conference 5 Championship

Cougars outscore Herndon 17-0 in opening quarter.

The Oakton girls' basketball team defeated Herndon for the Conference 5 title on Friday.

Friday, February 19

Commentary: Building on Success

Congress passes more legislation to fight human trafficking.

Congress continues to work together in a bipartisan manner on an issue that grabs headlines throughout the country and here in Northern Virginia.

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon

Tease photo

Herndon: Red Sunday Goes Mobile

LifeJacket provides food, shelter for homeless.

In December, LifeJacket successfully completed its eighth annual Red Sunday event. The goal of the nonprofit is to eradicate hunger and homelessness by reaching out to assist residents in the immediate and surrounding areas.

Tease photo

County Budget Presented, About $300 More per Household

County Executive: Revenue growth is insufficient to fund all priorities. Schools still $68 million short.

County Executive Ed Long recommended a four-cent increase to the real estate tax rate.

Thursday, February 18

Tease photo

Herndon Church Hosts Chocolate Festival

The 25th chocolate festival held at Herndon Floris United Methodist Church.

Despite cold weather, families from around the Herndon area attended the Saturday chocolate festival hosted by Floris United Methodist Church.

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Herndon police report from Feb. 1-7.

Tease photo

Herndon: Connections Between Sisters On Stage and Off

NextStop to present ‘Crimes of the Heart.’

The relationship between sisters can be so powerful.

FCPS Open Enrollment for Two-Way and World Languages Immersion Programs

Fairfax County Public Schools' online registration for the countywide lottery for two-way and world language immersion programs will open on Monday, Feb. 22.

FCPS Students Win Awards in 2016 Scholastic Writing Competition

Fairfax County Public Schools students at 22 schools won regional awards in the 2016 Scholastic Writing Awards Competition.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: January, 2016

In January, 2016, 39 homes sold between $1,111,684-$195,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: January, 2016

Tease photo

Fairfax County: Parents, Community Supporters Rally to ‘Invest in Kids’

Emotional independent outbursts and communal chants of “Fund our schools” and “Invest in kids” echoed through the grand amphitheater just beyond the entrance to the Fairfax County Government Center.

Tuesday, February 16

Editorial: Freedom of Information on Life Support in General Assembly?

Last week, the Assembly passed SB 202, which undid a major push eight years ago to ensure that all of our public spending was ‘online’ and searchable by ordinary citizens. This, of course, meant disclosing the salaries of public employees over a certain income level.

Editorial: Fairfax Presses Ahead with Diversion First

When police encounter someone in mental health crisis, they can transport them to Merrifield Crisis Response Center instead of jail.

Natasha McKenna died a little more than a year ago on Feb. 7, 2015.

Tease photo

Diversion First Program Launched

Fairfax County officials announce Diversion First program designed to help individuals get treatment not jail time.

Kevin Earley said he’s living proof that Diversion First works. Earley has been living with bipolar disorder and had his last episode in 2007.

Uncovering the Roots of Slavery

Local student creates slave index to help descendants trace family history.

A local college student is spending much of her senior year scouring the last wills and testaments of residents of Northern Virginia.

Tease photo

ServiceSource Helps People with Disabilities

Nonprofit ServiceSource helps people with disabilities.

In one section of the ServiceSource Chantilly Center, music therapist Myra Goodrich leads a group of budding musicians playing a cheerful song.

Tease photo

Touching Many Hearts

Minecraft for a Mission – Touching Heart and their “Kids on a Mission” raise funds for children in foster care.

They say that charity begins at home. Helen Yi and Taylor, the mother and daughter co-founders of Touching Heart, a nonprofit aimed at educating and inspiring children to empathize with the needs of others and to take action to assist them, have no argument with that statement.

Tease photo

‘Star Wars’ Fans Flock to Local Classes

Movie's popularity leaves fans wanting to feel "The Force."

Beams of neon light flash around a dark room. Young Star Wars fans from a galaxy not so far away wield light sabers and move with carefully choreographed steps.

Tease photo

Time To Plan for Kids’ Summer Camp Adventures

Local camp fair offers sampling of summer programs.

Under a blanket of February frost, summer might seem light years away, but it’s closer than one might think.

Thursday, February 11

Tease photo

Fairfax County: Public Safety Committee meets to discuss Ad Hoc Police Review recommendations and the Diversion First initiative

Just over a year since Natasha McKenna died following multiple shocks from a taser, while in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention center, her name was never raised during the Feb. 9 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee meeting. Two audience members stood on one side of the Government Center conference room, holding posters bearing a picture of McKenna’s face and text including “Black Lives Matter.”

Tease photo

Fairfax County: Training Center Residents Relocated

They’re all gone. As of August 2015, there were still 55 residents with mental or physical disabilities receiving services at the state-owned and operated Northern Virginia Training Center on Braddock Road.

Tease photo

Clifton’s Ping Pong Tournament a Smash Hit

The staccato of plastic meeting wooden table and rubber-clad paddle in rapid succession filled the Clifton Town Hall as little orange balls whizzed back and forth, competitors across a range of ages and skill levels vying for the title of Ping Pong Champion.

Wednesday, February 10

Classified Advertising February 10, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Oak Hill and Herndon 2015 Home Sales

In 2015, 954 homes sold between $1,590,000-$131,513 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon 2015 Home Sales

Tuesday, February 9

Tease photo

Herndon’s Not Another Podcast

From a dining room table to community at large.

Once a week, Herndon resident Bill McKenna prepares his audio equipment for his weekly podcast. The podcast is usually recorded at his home in downtown Herndon, and from there u

Tease photo

Herndon Drama Presents ‘Cinderella’

Family friendly production at Herndon school Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.

Hendon High school drama team presents the story of Cinderella this February at Herndon High auditorium.

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Herndon Police reports from Jan. 25-31.

Herndon: Downtown, New Town Website and More

The Town of Herndon extended its deadline for proposals for the downtown development until Feb. 19.

Tease photo

Pride of Herndon on Display

Herndon High Band students compete for All-Virginia Band.

Herndon High School made a strong showing in this year’s band competition, held at McLean High School on Jan. 9, that, in the words of director Kathleen Jacoby, “…rivaled any in memorable history.”

Virginia Cigarette Tax Remains Lowest in Nation

Opportunity for increase in cigarette tax blows up in smoke.

Dale Stein and the McLean Citizens Association couldn’t even raise a match before legislators in Richmond extinguished a possible increase in the cigarette tax for Fairfax County.

Editorial: Limiting Local Authority

Assembly rushes bill limiting proffers without addressing who will pay for infrastructure.

In Virginia, a Dillon Rule state, local governments have only the powers explicitly granted by the General Assembly. And what the assembly gives, the assembly can take away.

Tease photo

Stylish Valentine’s Day Table Settings

Flowers and candles create romantic designs.

Fresh flowers and candles are an easy way to add elegance and romance to a Valentine’s Day table. From dramatic to understated, local tastemakers offer suggestions for setting the mood for a memorable dinner.

Tease photo

Bringing Order to Household Chaos

Clever design solutions for hiding clutter.

Wires, cable boxes, soccer cleats, pet bowls and other items are life’s necessities, but they can be unsightly and disrupt the aesthetic of an elegant living space.

Tease photo

Fairfax County School Board Approves $2.67 Billion ‘No Cuts’ Budget

Calls for general salary raises and additional $40 million for teachers, lowering elementary class sizes.

Members of the Fairfax County School Board have taken the next step in realizing Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza’s vision of no additional cuts in the Fiscal Year 2017 school system operating budget. T

Area Students Shine in MATHCOUNTS Competition

The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, at George Mason University.

Snowzilla Summit Ahead

Board names Fairfax County Animal Shelter for Michael Frey.

“What a difference a week makes,” said County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), in case anybody had moved on from the 29.3 inches of measured snow at Dulles Airport during the recent blizzard.

Tease photo

Honoring Black History

Fairfax County’s Cable Network presents programs in celebration of Black History Month.

Fairfax Public Access (FPA) will air a special series of movies and documentaries throughout the month of February in recognition of Black History Month.

Proffers in Danger?

Richmond caught the attention of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week specifically with House Bill 770 (Gilbert) and Senate B 549 (Obenshain), bills Sharon Bulova says will place “significant restrictions” on development, specifically citing “unreasonable proffers.”

Thursday, February 4

Tease photo

Fairfax County: Election Officers Still Needed for March Primary

Cameron Sasnett has one message for people concerned about the integrity of elections -- at least from a procedure standpoint: Get involved as an election officer.

Fairfax County: In-Custody Death Investigated

Paul Guida died Oct. 17, 2015, while in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The 68-year-old Falls Church resident was charged with violating a protective order. He had been held without bond since Oct. 1, 2015.

Tease photo

Combined Commissions for Women Host Human Trafficking Awareness Event in Fairfax

Thirty years ago, “Jen” was lured into a pornography ring and sexually abused by a man who initially pretended to be her friend.

Wednesday, February 3

Snowzilla Summit Ahead

Board names Fairfax County Animal Shelter for Michael Frey.

“What a difference a week makes,” said County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), in case anybody had moved on from the 29.3 inches of measured snow at Dulles Airport during last week’s blizzard.

Classified Advertising February 3, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Tuesday, February 2

Another Opportunity to Talk About It

Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, and often more about the parties than the game.

Editorial: Economic Development in Virginia

The General Assembly prides itself in providing a pro-business climate, but refuses infusion of more than $3 billion annually.

Hundreds of bills before this year’s General Assembly session focus on “business climate,” providing incentives for businesses to locate and expand here, extending tax exemptions and tax credits, encouraging international trade, reducing regulation and many other approaches perceived as pro-business.

Marking American Heart Month

Month-long observance raises awareness about cardiovascular disease and the role of aerobic exercise in preventing it.

Music is thumping, sweat is dripping and hearts are pounding. In a packed aerobic dance studio, students move in the name of health.

Tease photo

Herndon High Winter News

STEP Team, Marching Band, Writing Center active at the school.

The Herndon High Step Team performed at the Strathmore on Saturday, Jan. 16 to celebrate and honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tease photo

’Threaded with Green’ at ArtSpace Herndon

Winter exhibits at Herndon art gallery.

The quilts in ”Threaded with Green” on display at ArtSpace Herndon show the talent, dedication, and attention to detail from nineteen invited fiber artists. Every quilt in the show has an element of green.

Tease photo

Cadets Answer Call of Duty to Senior Citizens in Herndon

Herndon NJROTC helps out.

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Herndon police reports from Jan. 18-24.

Tease photo

’Scrappy’ Wildcats Fall to Undefeated Cougars

Centreville coach Watson upset about officiating.

The Centreville girls' basketball team lost to Oakton on Monday.

Tease photo

Vienna: Oakton’s Marquis Scores 1,000th Point in Victory

Cougars remain undefeated with win over Centreville.

The Oakton girls' basketball team improved to 17-0 with a win over Centreville on Monday.

Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Nominations, New Deadline Feb. 9

Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers in the community.

Nominations are open for the 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.