Saturday, June 30
Severe Storms Rock Region; 1.5 Million Homes Without Power
Virginia Governor announces State of Emergency.
Following the aftermath of last night's surprise thunderstorms, many local residents woke up to significant amount of damage. Fallen trees and branches were spread across the area, and power outages were abundant.
Friday, June 29
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Classifieds and Employments ads!
Thursday, June 28
Wednesday, June 27
A Decision Time for Silver Line
Deadline approaches for Loudoun County Board vote on extending the rail into county.
Whoever coined the quip "like herding cats," must have had in mind the financing of the Dulles Rail Project. It requires getting consensus from two county boards of supervisors, Fairfax and Loudoun, the Federal government, the Virginia government and therefore the governor and state legislature and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority.
Column: A GAP In My Thinking
Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to buy a new car (in this instance, “new” means different, not a current model year). Estimated repairs at 137,000 miles that could have escalated into the unknown – and unaffordable – thousands compelled me to fish so I wouldn’t have my bait cut (and I don’t even like to fish).
Tuesday, June 26
Retzer Takes Reins at South Lakes
Kim Retzer, South Lakes Class of 1989, named principal.
As a member of South Lakes High School’s Class of 1989 Kim Retzer (nee Brophy) planned on going to law school, majoring in Government and Politics at George Mason. But she began substitute teaching during college, leading to a long term substitute position while a teacher was on maternity leave.
Boy Charged in Frying Pan Slashings
Herndon boy, 17, charged in two animal attacks.
Fairfax County Police arrested and charged a 17-year-old Herndon resident Saturday, June 23 for two slashing attacks on and adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park.
Herndon Mayor Merkel, New Council Sworn In
2012-14 Herndon Town Council to take office July 1.
The 2012-14 Herndon Town Council, as well as newly elected Mayor Lisa Merkel were sworn in at the Herndon Municipal Center Thursday, June 21. Connie Hutchinson, Sheila Olem and Grace Wolf are returning members, joined by Dave Kirby and Charlie Waddell who return from previous terms on the council and Melissa Jonas, who previously served on the town’s Planning Commission.
Fighting Capital Punishment
Anti-death penalty advocates speak at St. John Neumann.
For most people, the death penalty is a concept that occasionally intersects their lives in the form of news reports about people from across the country. But for others, it is something that has taken someone away from them, or threatens to. St. John Neumann Catholic Church hosted a panel discussion of members of Journey to Hope, a group consisting of families of murder victims, as well as others who have been touched by the death penalty in America.
Editorial: Case Closed. Why the Secrecy?
No reason for police to exercise "blanket" approach, shielding every document in every case.
Connection readers know that we respect and appreciate our public safety professionals.
Monday, June 25
Even in Closed Cases, Police Maintain Culture of Secrecy
Public must rely on information police agencies choose to share, even if it's wrong.
In December of 2008, the Fairfax Police Department chased 19-year-old Hailu Brook across the county line into Arlington and shot him dead.
Friday, June 22
Thursday, June 21
Fairfax Board Objects to Governor’s Transit Funding Game
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed a regional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton on Tuesday, June 19, objecting to the administration’s attempt to circumvent the efficient transit funding system used successfully in Northern Virginia for decades.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Home and Garden and Classified ads!
Wednesday, June 20
The Closet of Greater Herndon Awards Scholarships
The Closet of Greater Herndon recently awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to 15 deserving high school graduates in ceremonies at five local high schools. The names of the 2012 scholarship winners are:
Herndon Teacher Charged: Possession of Child Pornography
Fairfax County police have charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He is Robert C. Fenn, 26, of 3031 Emerald Chase Drive in Herndon.
Column: Where To Begin?
I realize this admission may sound weird, but having cancer is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky to be alive, and quite happy about it, too. But waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. some bad cancer news to appear (lab work, scan, advisory from my oncologist), is tiresome because it’s always so worrisome.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
Herndon-Monroe Metro Station Design Revised
Public hearing held at Herndon High School.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority hosted a public hearing on design refinements to the Dulles Metrorail Phase Two Environmental Assessment Wednesday, June 13 at Herndon High School.
Local Dancer Headed to Miami
Grace Cho to spend summer at Miami City Ballet.
Grace Cho, 13, has been dancing since she was four years old. The Reston resident says dancing is how she likes to express herself.
Tuesday, June 19
Making the Most of Summer
Advice for planning warm weather activities for children.
"I’m bored, there’s nothing to do," is a phrase often uttered by children during the summer. The end of the school year leaves many parents scrambling for activities to keep their young ones active and stimulated. Experts say it is important to plan activities to keep children safe and out of trouble.
Editorial: Summer Projects
Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Connection.
The summer is in full swing at the Connection, with many interns and staff members focused on some light and some more serious summer projects.
Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: May, 2012
In May 2012, 98 homes sold between $1,160,000-$79,149 in the Herndon and Oak Hill area.
Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales in May, 2012
Monday, June 18
Reston Swimmers Kick Off 40th Season
Outstanding first week showings by RSTA teams, swimmers.
The sun shined brightly last Saturday morning as hundred of swimmers gathered for the first meet of the Reston Swim Team Association's (RSTA) fortieth season. And while the first meet brings back old friends and introduces new swimmers to the joy of the ‘summer season,’ for those that have been associated with RSTA for any length of time this season opened with a bitter sweet feeling because an ‘old friend’ wasn't there to share the good times.
It's Cougars All the Way
Oakton girls lacrosse, in return trip to state finals, finishes deal.
A year after losing in the state title game, the Oakton High girls' lacrosse team took the next step and won this year's state crown when the Cougars defeated Langley High, 12-7, in the finals game played last Saturday evening, June 9 at Westfield High School. It marked the fourth state championship triumph in the history of the Oakton girls' lacrosse program and came one year after the Cougars had reached the state title game before losing to Vienna cross-town rival Madison.
Friday, June 15
Father's Day Photo Gallery 2012
We asked our readers to send in pictures in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, June 17. Here are their submissions.
Thursday, June 14
Herndon’s Gardens on Display
Annual garden tour highlights creativity of local gardeners.
The Town of Herndon’s Cultivating Communities initiative will host their annual Garden Tour Sunday, June 24 from noon to 4 p.m. The tour will feature five different stops within the town borders, all representing a variety of approaches to suburban residential gardening.
South Lakes Wins Two Cappie Awards
South Lakes High won two starry statuettes at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It received the honors for Female Vocalist for its production of "West Side Story," plus the new category of Marketing & Publicity.
Week in Herndon
Smoking Materials Cause Herndon Townhouse Fire
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded to a townhouse fire, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Friday, June 8, in the Herndon area of Fairfax County. The single- family home is located at 2542 Peter Jefferson Lane, in the McNair Farms West subdivision.
Bolivian Artist Comes to Herndon
Herndon Artspace opens its doors to Fabricio Lara; exhibit open through July 8.
The Herndon ArtSpace opened its doors the evening of June 9 to the public for their Artist Reception Mas Alla De Las Cavernas, the paintings of Bolivian artist, Fabricio Lara.
Pocket Change
After saving pocket change for 20 years, Northwest Federal Credit Union member George Shoemaker brought his coin collection - pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters totaling $7,124 - to the Herndon-based credit union for deposit. It was the largest, single deposit of coins ever counted at Northwest Federal, and it took more than two hours to complete.
Wednesday, June 13
Dominion Simulates Hurricane
Exercise allows Dominion Power to practice for severe storm events.
Dominion Power hosted a hurricane drill Wednesday, June 6, simulating the effects of fictional Hurricane Joseph and showing how they would manage such a storm. The Herndon headquarters serves about 900,000 customers.
Herndon’s Gardens on Display
Annual garden tour highlights creativity of local gardeners.
The Town of Herndon’s Cultivating Communities initiative will host their annual Garden Tour Sunday, June 24 from noon to 4 p.m. The tour will feature five different stops within the town borders, all representing a variety of approaches to suburban residential gardening.
Staying Safe This Summer
Neighborhood Resource Center hosts safety briefing.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department hosted a summer safety briefing Thursday, June 7 at the Neighborhood Resource Center in Herndon. Lt. Bill Vance of Station Four on Spring Street explained some of the more common summer safety hazards.
Volunteers Prep Townhouse
Long & Foster employees ready townhouse for occupation by family in need.
Members of the Long & Foster Reston office on Wiehle Avenue became handymen for the day, as almost a dozen employees gathered at a Reston townhouse owned by Reston Interfaith to prepare it for a family in need.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Classified and Home and Garden Ads!
Editorial: Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, benefit public good and fill gaps since government cannot do it all.
A few weeks ago, the Connection was lucky enough to be included in a group of Fairfax County organizations honored for their efforts in giving back to the community.
Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Learning from His Father’s Mistakes
Growing up estranged from his own father, one man decides to give his sons a different life.
Wanting the best for my two sons yet having concerns about raising them properly, my wife and I looked into various parenting education programs offered through Fairfax County. This is how I discovered the Fathers In Touch Program.
Thursday, June 7
Celebrating Taste Of Reston June 15-17
Held at Reston Town Center.
Taste of Reston, recently voted 2012 Best Food Festival of Northern Virginia by Virginia Living, is expected to draw record crowds to Reston Town Center.
Art Doesn’t Lie – People Lie
Reston Community Players’ New Play Project presents world premiere of ‘Fake’ June 15-16.
Reston Community Players New Play Projects presents the world premiere of the fully staged play "Fake" by Jim Gordon on June 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. at the CenterStage Theatre in the Reston Community Center.
Reston Bike Club Presents Jersey Design Contest Awards
The Reston Bike Club (RBC), over the last five years, has worked with the South Lakes High School Fine Arts Department: Each year, the RBC brings a jersey design contest to the school and with the help of Amy Saylor, fine arts teacher, art students get a chance to implement their newly-learned skills in submitting designs to the club.
New Aircraft Lands at Dulles
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental lands at neighboring airport.
The first ever passenger flight of Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental landed at Dulles Airport on June 1, shortly after noon. Operated by Lufthansa, the new aircraft will fly the Frankfurt-Dulles route six days a week. New design features of the aircraft include wings with raked-back tips and engines with scalloping that enhances fuel efficiency. At over 250 feet long, the plane is now the longest commercial aircraft built in the United States.
Week in Herndon
News in Herndon.
Wednesday, June 6
Cows with Attitude
Frying Pan Park is a model for Plourde and Reed’s Udder-ly Witty picture book.
"And the cows meant it," the final line of "Only Cows Allowed," was the starting point for author Lynne Plourde. "It just popped into my head one day," she said. "The cows had some attitude."
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment and Classified Ads!
Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Reward Offered In Frying Pan Attacks
$7,500 offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.
The Fairfax County Park Authority announced a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons suspected of attacking animals at Frying Pan Farm Park sometime the night of May 26 or the morning of May 27. The slashing attacks left a chicken, a calf and two goats wounded.
Tuesday, June 5
Closet Begins Summer Shopping Days
Monthly Thursday evening hours allow more shopping opportunities.
The Closet, a nonprofit thrift shop in downtown Herndon, will open Thursday evenings once a month, to allow potential shoppers another chance to explore the various clothes, antiques, electronics and other appliances offered.
Herndon Celebrates 32nd Annual Festival
Tens of thousands flock to annual downtown event.
Out of all the rides, games, food, activities and vendors at this year’s Herndon Festival, Geoff Smith, 12, of Herndon, says one thing will stick out in his mind: a robot that can shoot baskets.
Reston Hosts Sprint Triathlon
Event raises money for Reston Interfaith.
Eight hundred swimmers, cyclists and runners showed up to do all three the morning of Sunday, June 3 at Lake Newport Pool and the surrounding roads for the sixth annual Reston Sprint Triathlon. The event was hosted by the Reston Association and the CORE Foundation, which assists nonprofit fundraising.
Friday, June 1
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.