Stories for February 2012

Stories for February 2012

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Wednesday, February 29

Column: State Shirks Transportation Responsibility

Maybe we should rename our County The Bank of Last Resort.

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Reston Marine Comes Home

Community support eases burden of local marine family.

The Rhodes family of Reston received the best Valentine’s gift. Lt. Col. Lewis Rhodes returned home safely from seven months’ deployment in Afghanistan on Monday, Feb. 13.

The Miracle of Life

Did you know that the Book of Esther read every year on the holiday of Purim (Thursday March 8), is the only book in the entire Bible in which a reference to God is not made even once? Why?

Week in Herndon

Things happening in the Herndon area.

Joanne Virginia Donohue Watson, 85, Dies

Joanne Virginia Donohue Watson, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday Feb. 17, 2012 at Stonehenge Assisted Living in Blairsville, Ga.

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Bone Marrow Donor Drive for 13-year-old Leukemia Survivor

Shynia Milligan's family is coordinating the bone marrow drive at Almas Temple, on K Street in Washington, D.C.

Thirteen-year-old Shynia Milligan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in the summer of 2010. AML is a life-threatening blood cancer.

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Farm to Fork at Frying Pan Farms

Winter farmers market opens at Frying Pan Park.

The indoor winter farmers market at Frying Pan Farm was greeted last Thursday with an eager crowd of buyers. "We've been waiting for this. I really use the farmers markets to tell me what is in season. I can look around and see what's fresh and growing locally," said Herndon’s Irene Hill. "We are trying to eat more locally and farmers markets tell me what's in season, "said Hill.

Letter: The Contraceptive Controversy

Letter to the Editor

The federal rule requiring that large employers cover contraceptive services prompted an outcry. Arguing in the name of religious liberty, religious leaders argued that the requirement violates their First Amendment rights.

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Local Mom Bloggers Converge to Network, Raise Money

Blogging community steps up to support new moms.

On the night of Feb. 21, local moms tweeted, linked, and blogged in real time from NOVALive, a networking and charity event held at Fairfax Corner’s upscale consignment boutique, Chic Envy.

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Church, Herndon Elementary Sign Partnership Agreement

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon and Herndon Elementary inked their partnership on Friday, Feb. 3.

Classified Advertising

Read this weeks great jobs and get your home ready for spring with our home services directory!

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Cooking with the Golden Girls in Herndon

Herndon Youth are "Cooking with the Golden Girls" at Sunrise Senior Living Center.

The "Golden Girls" of the Sunrise Senior Living Center in Fair Oaks, are once again enjoying the excitement of Girl Scout visitors. Maryann Rigo, a sophomore at Oakton High School and Herndon resident, could not help but return to the Center for her Girl Scout Gold Project after running the Sewing Center for the residents there in June 2010.

Tuesday, February 28

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Herndon High Step Team Kicks Off Title Defense

Herndon High School hosts 14th annual StompFest.

Fresh off a season in which they won the national championship, the Herndon High School Step Team kicked off their season by hosting the 14th annual StompFest Saturday at Herndon High. The event featured nine local teams competing for first place.

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Telling Tales of the Rail

Historic Trusts hosts program on railroad history.

The Reston Historic Trust presented the story of the Alexandria Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, which later became the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne Thursday, Feb. 23. Local historians Ron Beavers and Paul McCray told the story of the line, which began in Alexandria in 1847.

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Reston Resident Tracks History Through Advertisements

Jay Paull runs website featuring thousands of vintage ads.

Jay Paull’s love of advertisements is practically genetic. His great-grandfather was an early publisher in West Virginia, and his daughter (Paull’s grandmother) started to collect those early publications. They’ve been passed down from generation to generation, with each one adding more advertisements to the collection.

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Rail Association Takes Look Forward

Developers discuss Silver Line strategies.

The Dulles Corridor Rail Association hosted a "look forward" Friday, Feb. 24 in Herndon to examine the plans around the proposed Silver Line Metrorail Stations.

Column: “Battling Cancer”

I suppose, as a cancer patient, there’s a presumption/understanding that not giving into cancer and its potential ravages is an ongoing battle – to the death, if you will. And I imagine, on many levels, some truer than others, it is. War is indeed waged – so to speak, in hopes of defeating this horrible disease (enemy).

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Kaine Touts ‘Talent Economy’ at Fairfax Company

In bid for U.S. Senate seat, Kaine holds economic roundtables.

During a campaign stop at a Fairfax workforce development company on Thursday, former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) emphasized the need to foster a "talent economy" that will reboot America’s drive to the top of the economic ladder.

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The Bus Was Stuffed

Local food pantries receive record donations from 2nd annual Stuff the Bus campaign.

Fairfax County’s second annual Stuff the Bus campaign roared to the finish line last week, collecting more than 25,604 pounds of food and $3,483 – a 26 percent increase in food, and a 236 percent increase in cash over 2011 totals.

Thursday, February 23

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Pet Connection

We asked our readers to send in pictures of their pets.

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Madison Defeats South Lakes in Liberty Girls Finals

Tourney MVP Koshuta of Madison scores 32 in win; Rendle, Severin earn All-Tourney honors for Seahawks.

The James Madison High girls’ basketball team played one of its best games of the season in last Friday night’s Liberty District tournament finals versus South Lakes. The defending district champion Warhawks were clicking in all areas of the game and kept a talented Seahawks’ squad at bay in a 78-47 victory. The postseason title game took place at South Lakes’ spacious Wendell G. Byrd Gymnasium in Reston.

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Voters to Have Final Say on Eminent Domain Amendment

Opinions are divided as to what kind of influence the amendment could have if passed.

This fall, voters across Virginia will be confronted with a hotly debated amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to limit the ability of local governments to use the power of eminent domain.

Wednesday, February 22

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Krazy for K9s at Frying Pan

Krazy for K9s 4H Club meets at Frying Pan Park weekly. The club practices basic obedience, agility, and canine freestyle (dancing to music).

Column: Marking Time

As much as I don’t want to be ever-mindful of today’s date – relative to when I first learned of my diagnosis, that Thursday three years ago this very week, when my Internal Medicine doctor called me with the results of the biopsy (confirming the malignancy); and of course all that had preceded it and all that has happened since.

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Ballet Students Share Their Love of Dance

Classical Ballet Theatre students are forwarding dance shoes and attire this month to Mzansi Productions in South Africa. A professional performing arts company, Mzansi Productions provides dance instruction to less fortunate children.

Herndon’s New Chief of Police

Maggie A. DeBoard appointed as Town’s Chief of Police.

Arthur A. Anselene, town manager of the Town of Herndon, has announced the appointment of Maggie A. DeBoard to the position of Chief of Police. DeBoard assumes her new post on Monday, March 5.

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Peeps and Positive Behavior

Candies are part of Franklin’s anti-bullying program.

Marshmallow Peeps are soft, tasty candies popular during holidays throughout the year. They’re also playing a role in Franklin Middle School’s efforts to encourage positive behavior in its students.

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Council Defers Metro Decision

Continuation of public hearing set for Feb. 28.

The Herndon Town Council voted Feb. 14 to defer a decision on adoption of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow for redevelopment of 38 acres between Herndon Parkway and the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metrorail station.

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RCA Names Citizen of Year

Nick Brown recognized for almost four decades of volunteer work.

When he moved to Reston in 1975, Nick Brown wasted no time getting involved with his community. Thirty-seven years later, he was named the Reston Citizen Association’s Citizen of the Year during a ceremony at the Reston Community Center Monday, Feb. 20.

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Herndon Kicks Off Relay For Life

Annual American Cancer Society Fundraiser will take place June 9.

The Herndon Relay for Life kicked off planning for its ninth year of the event Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Herndon Police Station. Herndon is one of more than 5,000 communities that hold the annual event, which features an overnight relay event that raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Tuesday, February 21

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Herndon’s Tortilla Factory to Close

The landmark restaurant closing March 1.

Customers from all over the Washington Metropolitan area are streaming to the Tortilla Factory in Herndon after learning the restaurant will soon be closing its doors after more than 35 years in business.

Fine Art Photo Competition 2012

ArtSpace Herndon invites photographers from D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia to participate in the 2012 ArtSpace Herndon Fine Art Photography Competition.

Employment and Classified Ads Feb. 22, 2012

Classifieds Feb. 22, 2012: Job Opportunities, Yard Sales, Home Repairs and Handyman Services

Monday, February 20

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Schultz Requests Public Hearing on Honor Cords for Military Enlistees

After a majority (7-5) of Fairfax County School Board members resisted a uniform policy to recognize military enlistees with honor cords during graduation ceremonies at its Feb. 13 work session, Elizabeth Schultz (Springfield) launched a campaign for a public hearing on the issue.

Friday, February 17

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

Feb. 22-29

Community events in the Reston/Herndon area.

Weekly Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

Feb. 22-29

Things to do in the Reston/Herndon area.

Thursday, February 16

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Making the Grade

Local school officials offer strategies for strengthening study habits.

When Jackie Jackson’s son brought home his report card recently, the Centreville mother of three was shocked. "His grades had fallen to an unacceptable level," said Jackson

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People of Faith Gather to Support Marriage Equality

Holding red heart balloons and handing out candles and flowers, nearly 200 guests gathered in the shadow of the historic Fairfax County Courthouse to celebrate the union of a one couple on Valentine’s Day.

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Honoring Grads Who Choose to Serve

Burke moms lobby school board to recognize enlistees during graduation ceremonies.

When Carolyn Kellam’s 17-year-old son, Danny, asked for permission to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps last year, she said "the mom in me was scared to death, but the citizen in me was very proud."

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Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age

Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.

For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.

Wednesday, February 15

Wolf Recalls Human Rights Crusades

Book tells his experiences with human rights violations around the world.

As a public servant for more than 30 years, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) has had his share of experiences. But it was a trip to Ethiopia in 1984 that he calls a "life changing experience," because it opened his eyes to human rights violations around the globe.

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Students Conduct Kitchen Experiments

Village Green Day School hosts annual science fair.

Students at the Village Green Day School presented their annual Science Fair Friday, Feb. 10. The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students spent the last few weeks experimenting and discovering what science their kitchens offer.

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Romney Addresses Technology Council

Presidential hopeful speaks on importance of innovation.

The Northern Virginia Technology Council welcomed Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney Friday, Feb. 10 at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The former Massachusetts governor spoke about his experiences in the world of business and the importance of allowing innovation to flourish.

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Center Seeks Donated Dresses

RCC collects for annual Diva Central dress drive.

The Reston Community Center is collecting gently used formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags and other accessories for students who would otherwise be unable to afford prom attire as part of their annual Diva Central dress drive.

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County Opens Proposal Process for Crescent Apartments

Requests for proposals are aimed to enhance affordable housing, aid in Lake Anne revitalization.

Fairfax County has started exploring opportunities to redevelop the Crescent Apartments, a 181-unit complex located just northeast of Lake Anne. The county began accepting Requests for Proposals Feb. 9.

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UPS Store Helps With Costs of Learning

Store presents $10,000 worth of books to local schools and learning centers.

There were piles of extra packages around the UPS Store in the South Lakes Village Center Friday, Feb. 10. The stacked white boxes weren’t being shipped around the country, instead they were filled with books destined for local learning centers.

Week in Herndon

The Town of Herndon is seeking citizen volunteers to fill current vacancies on the Chestnut Grove Cemetery Advisory Committee. The committee provides guidance to the cemetery on future development, general operations and rules and regulations.

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Herndon Officials Visit Richmond

Town of Herndon elected officials and staff traveled to Richmond on Thursday, Feb. 9, to visit the town’s representatives at the General Assembly and to discuss the town’s 2012 legislative agenda.

Editorial: Saving the Bay - A Good Investment

Cleaning up the water that runs into the Chesapeake Bay will help create jobs and economic activity in Virginia.

A plan to raise $300 million in bonds to upgrade wastewater treatment plants around the commonwealth stalled in a House of Delegates committee last week, a setback in meeting EPA requirements to clean up the water that leads to the Bay.

Tuesday, February 14

Column: "Diseased"

But not sickness. Not health, either, as last week’s column ended. At least that’s the way I characterize my having stage IV lung cancer. And I don’t know if I’m splitting hairs here, since I’ve never worked in a salon, although I do get my hair cut regularly; but I have been accused of speaking double-talk.

Monday, February 13

Obituary: Barbara Parkinson, 67, Longtime Connection Employee, Dies

Barbara Jean Parkinson, 67, of Sterling, Va., died Feb. 7, 2012 at her residence. Born on Sept. 17, 1944 in New York she was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Lundy.

Saturday, February 11

District Indoor Track and Field Championships Completed

South Lakes boys win Liberty ahead of second place Langley; Oakton girls capture Concorde crown.

The South Lakes High indoor track and field teams were victorious on both the boys’ and girls’ sides at the recent Liberty District championships, held over two days at the Prince George’s County Sportsplex in Maryland. The first day of postseason competition took place on Friday, Jan. 27. The second and final day of action was held last Thursday, Feb. 2.

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Oakton Boys, Girls Capture Region Swim and Dive Titles

Next up for Oakton is state championships meet Feb. 17-18.

Oakton High’s varsity boys and girls swim and dive teams both won their respective Northern Region Championship meets this past Saturday night, Feb. 4 at the Oak Marr Recreation facility. The Oakton boys scored 281.5 points to finish first over second place Woodson (250) and third place Madison (217). The Oakton girls scored a winning 245 points with West Potomac (190) and Langley (181) finishing second and third.

Senior Night is Crenshaw Family Affair

Robinson’s Crenshaw helps lift Rams to victory

Robinson Secondary senior Tristian Crenshaw spent a lot of time as a child playing pickup basketball games with his grandparents James A. Boswell and Debbie Chandler-Boswell. But over time, those enjoyable games became less frequent.

Thursday, February 9

30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder

‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’

Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections

The Play’s the Thing

Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.

Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.

Details of the Offense

In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.

Progress Report from Labor Resource Center

The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.

‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High

One-act play festival takes the stage.

Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Campbell Takes a Look Back

Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.

Heading for Huntsville

CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.

The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.

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Freezin’ for a Reason at Lake Anne

On Saturday, Feb. 4, 185 hearty souls jumped into the 40 degree water of Lake Anne at Lake Anne Plaza.

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Valentine's Day Décor

In honor of Cupid's day, share ideas for sweetening a home or dining table.

Whether planning a dinner party for friends, a romantic meal for two or a breakfast surprise for children, local designers say simple accents can create a festive atmosphere on Valentine's Day.

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Tightening Asbestos Regulations

Bill protecting workers passes Senate with unanimous vote.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Yet labor advocates say the people who are licensed to remove asbestos may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.

Wednesday, February 8

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House on a Hill

Contemporary in Oakton transformed into welcoming southern colonial.

Hunstville, Ala. is a pretty small town-- yet it has three historic districts and more homes in the national register than most places twice its size. Growing up in such a community, Gina Jones is understandably attracted to welcoming porches and grand foyers--hallmarks of the antebellum style.

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Remodeling: An Opportunity To Follow One’s Passion

Adding that personal touch.

Having remodeled thousands of projects over the past 25 years, our clients' reactions tell us that some of the most successful projects often address a specific passion or interest. Folks seem to be spending more and more time at home not only working, but also enriching their lives through personal interests.

South Lakes Wrestling Breaks Through for Third Place District finish

Forrest brothers, Ryan and Josh, both gain individual titles.

The South Lakes High wrestling team put together its best postseason showing in recent memory when the Seahawks earned a third place team finish at last Saturday’s Liberty District Championships. The two-day event (Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4) took place at Langley High School.

Editorials: Access to Activities for Home Schoolers; Action in Richmond; Changes in Gun Laws

Families who home-school their children in this area take a burden off crowded schools, and off taxpayers who pay on average between $12,000 and $16,000 per year per child in school depending on where in Northern Virginia.

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Reston Community Center Exhibits Artwork

Upcoming art exhibits at Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery and at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods will feature four Washington, D.C. area artists and an abstract artist known for her colorful works inspired by nature.

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Kyle Brightwell Earns a Spot as Percussionist for Boston Symphony Orchestra

Reston native Kyle Brightwell is proof that, with hard work and perseverance, dreams can come true.

Week in Herndon

Things happening in the Herndon area.

Column: Virginia Assembly—From Bad to Worse

Last year, our legislators exemplified the ethically-challenged behavior so commonplace in Richmond. Several turned up in France sipping fine wines claiming to be studying uranium mining, all expenses paid by a corporation seeking Assembly approval to mine uranium and make billions.

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Reston Residents Nominated for Western Web Series

Husband and wife, Paul Awad and Kathryn O’Sullivan, in competition for Best Web Series.

Awards for drama, directing and acting tend to bring to mind the Oscars and Emmys, Hollywood and Broadway, not the Internet and Reston. Nonetheless, the web series, "Thurston," created by Reston residents, husband and wife, Paul Awad and Kathryn O’Sullivan, has been nominated for the 3rd Annual Indie Soap Awards for Best Web Series in the drama category.

Tuesday, February 7

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Best of Reston Named

Reston Interfaith, Chamber name annual award winners.

Four individuals and four organizations were named Best of Reston for 2012 at Google’s Reston headquarters Thursday. Feb. 2. The annual awards, which are awarded to those who serve their community, will be given at the 21st Best of Reston Awards April 12.

Fixing Park-Monroe Intersection

Council to discuss intersection at Feb. 14 meeting.

The Herndon Town Council will hold a public hearing on plans for ways to make the intersection of Park Avenue and Monroe Street on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Ingram Council Chambers. The angles and elevations of the intersection have made it a priority for the town for years.

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Metro Plan Goes to Herndon Town Council

Draft plan will now be considered for adoption by Town Council.

The Town of Herndon Planning Commission unanimously recommended a plan for the area north of the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metrorail station at their Monday, Feb. 6 meeting. The decision means the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow for redevelopment will be passed on to the Town Council, which began discussions at their Feb. 7 work session.

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Great Falls Seniors Group Seeks Input

Group looks for feedback from seniors with needs, interested volunteers.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Seniors Group is seeking input from the community’s senior population, as well as those who might be interested in volunteering to provide services to seniors. The group, which hosted a town hall meeting last year, hopes to work with community organizations such as the Great Falls Ecumenical Council, Share, Inc and other nonprofits.

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Great Falls Plans for Future of Resources

Grange, Forestville Schoolhouse, Riverbend Park to be discussed at meetings this month.

As Great Falls prepares for its future, two meetings this month will help the community decide what the next generation holds for several major landmarks.

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President Comes to Area, Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights

Fairfax County housing advocates applauded President Barack Obama’s proposed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights, saying it will give homeowners critical protection from predatory lenders and important safeguards when they purchase a home.

Column: Back On The Juice…

The chemotherapy juice, that is. Going forward now, every three weeks until I’ve completed six infusions, finishing sometime around mid May barring any foreseen – and previously experienced blips (meaning delays): levels, counts, readings, etc., that would compel my oncologist to stop åhe treatment and await results of a retest

Monday, February 6

Entertainment (Reston/Herndon)

Feb. 8-15.

Entertainment in the Reston, Herndon area.

Bulletin Board (Reston/Herndon)

Feb. 10-14

Community events in the Reston, Herndon area.

Faith Notes (Reston/Herndon)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community, including special holiday services.

Friday, February 3

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Cementing the Districts

Republicans try to lock in eight-to-three advantage in congressional redistricting.

Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape.

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Seahawk Wrestlers Confident Going Into Districts

Postseason tournament set to take place Friday and Saturday at Langley High.

The South Lakes High wrestling team earned its first dual team victory of the season when it edged host Yorktown High, 46-44, in a non-district competition which took place on Jan. 11 in Arlington.

Thursday, February 2

Moderate Mutiny

With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb. In an interview on Thursday, Jan. 19, Kaine said he hopes to promote a "talent economy" in Washington. It’s a reality the former governor says has become evident in the last few decades, when Virginia moved from being one of the lowest median income states to being one of the wealthiest.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Lunar Chinese New Year festivities continued this past weekend, attracting hundreds of thousands of shoppers and visitors to Fair Oaks Mall. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the Chinese traditional calendar, based on the phases of the moon and the solar year. The year is 4710 and celebrates the dragon, which is considered the luckiest sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, power and good luck.

Commentary: Dulles Rail Phase II: A Common Sense Approach

This spring the Fairfax and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will be required to make a final decision to opt in or out of Phase II of the Dulles Rail project. Rail through Tysons past the airport and into Loudoun is the largest public works project in the history of the Commonwealth and it has significant financial implications to the counties, its residents and businesses, and especially to the users of the Dulles Toll Road. As the Dulles corridor and Tysons are the economic engines of the region and the Commonwealth the project also has telling implications on our future job growth.

Letter: Waste of Taxpayer Money

I recently received a "Richmond Update" from Del. Jim Le Munyon advising: "I have proposed an additional $400,000 in the state budget for the State Police to more effectively conduct background checks for individuals desiring to purchase a firearm. Recently, a constituent brought to my attention the significant delays some purchasers were experiencing in receiving the results of their background checks …"

Remembering Harry Heisler

Wife mourns husband of 28 years.

Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.

Fulfilling a Dream

Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.

Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."

‘We’re Really Frustrated’

Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.

Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.

Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace

At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.

SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?

State and gas company disagree over report.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.

Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly

Windows smashed, property damaged.

The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.

Wednesday, February 1

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President Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights

Gives speech to crowd at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church.

Calling the continuing depression in the housing market a "make-or-break" moment for the middle class, President Barack Obama delivered a short and pointed speech this morning about his proposed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights to an audience in Falls Church.

Column: "Progression"

There’s a word – in a medical context, anyway, that you don’t hear every day. And if you’re a stage IV lung cancer survivor – like me, 35 months post-diagnosis, it’s hardly the word you ever want to hear – or see – describing the most recent CT Scan of your lungs (Mediastinum) where your malignant tumors have been in "partial stable remission" going on two-plus years now. "Progression" means growth. Growth means the relative calm under which you’ve existed for the last few years is officially over.

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VOICE Seeks Funds for Dental Care

Organization has raised $150,000, needs another $50,000 to provide free dental care.

As a dentist practicing for 11 year, Kristin Donohue says she has seen plenty of lives that have been transformed by access to dental care. As a volunteer at a dental clinic that offers free care in Bailey’s Crossroads she has also seen her fair share of people who don’t have that access.

More Declare for Herndon Elections

Councilmember Bill Tirrell will run for mayor, lawyer Dave Webster for council.

As May approaches, more people are throwing their hat in the ring for mayor of Herndon, as well as position on the town’s six-member council. Current councilmember Bill Tirrell announced Jan. 26 that he will be running for mayor in the May 1 election.

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New Fire Station Planned

Expected to open in 2015, new facility will offer more space, flexibility.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, along with the county’s Public Works and Environmental Services division have begun the process of renovating the Herndon Fire Station, located on Spring Street. The original station, built in 1950, will be replaced with a facility that can better handle the special equipment and volume of calls currently serviced at the station.