Saturday, November 30
Obituary: Grace Jarman Dawson, 93
During the 1960s as a volunteer 4-H club leader, Grace Dawson played a key role in the acquisition and early development of Frying Pan Park.
On Wednesday Nov. 27, 2013, Grace Jarman Dawson, 93, died peacefully at home in Purcellville, Va. She was born on June 3, 1920 in Crozet, Va. to Mattie and George Jarman, one of seven children.
Wednesday, November 27
Classified Advertising November 27, 2013
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Usury Explosion: Northern Virginia Becomes Hotbed for Car-Title Lending Industry
Route 1 corridor currently has eight locations; soon to get ninth.
In the last three years, dozens of new car-title lending businesses have popped up in neighborhoods across Northern Virginia — the result of recent regulations opening the door to a business that charges as much as 264 percent a year on loans.
Tuesday, November 26
Column: "Scanticipation"
When I get CT-Scanned on Wednesday, November 27th, it will be nearly four months since my last diagnostic scan. That occurred during my hospital "staycation" during the first week of August, when I was admitted due to the extremely abnormal fluid buildup in my left lung.
Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows
Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts
Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.
Opportunities to Serve Others on Thanksgiving
Local charities in need of help from the community.
Rahsan Baatin bikes to his Arlington, Va., office on most days. He runs every day. His wife Victoria swims each morning. The two are gearing up to spend Thanksgiving morning running The Trot for Hunger, a 5k race to raise more for the local charity SOME (So Others Might Eat).
Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving
Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.
"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.
While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.
Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival
Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.
"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.
Community Creates Season of Giving
Organizations and individuals step to transform ‘The Holiday Season’ into ‘The Season of Giving.’
Thursday, Thanksgiving, traditionally marks the beginning of "The Holiday Season." The Christmas Shopping Derby will kick off at midnight for many of the big retailers, and the frantic rush of decorating, card sending, gift buying, wrapping, parties, baking, cooking, preparing for visitors or preparing to travel shifts into high gear.
Herndon’s Annual 5K Turkey Trot Brings Out Crowds
November race brings together community.
"Way to go! You are doing great!" cheered Wolf Gottschalk as participants in the 2013 Herndon Turkey Trot ran by Ferndale Avenue near the Herndon Community Center.
Three Birds Seeks Energy Education
Foundation seeks to assist schools with alternative energy solutions.
When Rachel Carson Middle School installed 11 solar panels several years ago, Joseph Plummer was inspired. After all, the students worked to raise more than $40,000 for the installation, which gave them a hands-on chance to learn about alternative energy sources.
Holiday Homes Tour Set for Dec. 7
Annual tour features five homes, will be walkable for the first time.
The Town of Herndon will host its annual Holiday Homes Tour Saturday, Dec. 7, giving visitors a chance to explore five residences and the visions of their owners.
Monday, November 25
Dranesville Elementary Holds Fun Run
Fun Run attended by all grades called a success.
Dranesville Elementary School in Herndon had a fun run fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 15, with students from third grade through sixth grade gathering at 9:15 a.m.
Herndon Drama Proves ‘Anything’s Possible’
Imagine a tiny world, smaller than the eye can see. Imagine it hurtling through space with no direction. Imagine this little planet, and know that it is possible. By just thinking, anything is possible. Herndon High School masterfully illustrated this power of imagination in their rendering of "Seussical the Musical."
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
So many needs, so many great organizations, give locally where your heart leads you.
The holidays are about giving. They are about children. The holidays are about sharing, about joy, about alleviating suffering for others. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation.
Thursday, November 21
Classified Advertising November 20, 2013
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Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books
Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.
Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.
Wednesday, November 20
Council for the Arts of Herndon Holds Creative Connection Event
Local artists network at Classical Ballet Theater.
Saturday, Nov.16, the Council for the Arts of Herndon held a networking event at the Classical Ballet Theater, in the Reston-Herndon Office Park. Wine and light refreshments were served, and the event was open to the public. “We had always planned to hold the event at different venues to highlight the arts venues in Herndon,” said Council for the Arts of Herndon (CAH) Director Signe Friedrichs. “The first of these events was held at ArtSpace Herndon.”
Herndon Council Okays Town Gateway Signs
Members of the Herndon Town Council voted on Tuesday, Nov. 12, to approve the design of gateway signs that will be set up around the entrances to the town of Herndon.
NextStop Theatre to Present Two Holiday Shows
Herndon's NextStop Theatre is giving audiences two new Holiday theater treats. The two shows "have a tremendous amount of heart and can appeal to anyone who loves the holiday season.
Classical Ballet Theatre Presents Nutcracker
Annual production will run Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
The Classical Ballet Theatre will present their annual production of “The Nutcracker” starting Nov. 30 at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.
Thrift Shop Gift Ideas in Herndon
The Closet, Bargain Loft, offer gift ideas that support local charities.
While there’s no shortage of standard brick-and-mortar and online places to shop for this holiday season, several thrift shops in Herndon offer special gift opportunities, as well as a chance to help the less fortunate while doing so.
Herndon Cadets Visit Boot Camp
Naval JROTC cadets train at Parris Island, S.C.
Members of the Herndon High School Naval Junior ROTC got a chance to train in the same place as members of the Marine Corps for 48 hours, experiencing life at boot camp firsthand.
Holiday Gift Ideas in Reston
Reston Used Book Shop, Reston Museum offer local gift ideas.
When hunting for presents this holiday season, the Reston Used Book Store offers hard-to-find reads alongside bestsellers at one of the area’s most popular gift destinations.
Unfunded Northern Virginia Transportation Projects Discussed
County seeks feedback on unfunded projects.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation hosted their latest Countywide Conversation on Transportation Meeting in Reston Wednesday, Nov. 13, to solicit opinions on unfunded transportation projects.
Tuesday, November 19
A Lesson on Thankfulness
Chanukah and Thanksgiving are deeply connected.
For the first time since 1888, and not for at least another 77,798 years, the festivals of Chanukah and Thanksgiving converge. It is a rarity that invites us to take a closer look at the underlying message of both, the common theme they both share.
Getting Ready for Guests at Thanksgiving and Beyond
Ideas for prepping your home so that visitors feel welcome.
When Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season next week, it will mean an onslaught of house guests for some. Local style gurus offer simple ideas for getting your home ready for visits from friends and family.
Learning to Create an Organized Holiday Season
Local pros offer tips for staying on track from Thanksgiving and beyond.
"If you’re organized, you’ll definitely experience less stress this holiday season," said professional organizer Susan Unger, of ClutterSOS in Vienna. "If you figure out what your goal is and map out everything in advance, you won’t find yourself staying up late wrapping presents and other chores and you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends."
Teaching Children to Make Holiday Gifts
Local art experts offer crafty gift ideas.
Gifting your child’s teacher, grandparents or other family members with holiday cheer doesn’t have to add another line item to your budget. Homemade gifts from children are among the most cherished, say experts, and creating them can be as memorable for the child as the recipient.
Tips for Holiday Card Photos
Local photographers offer suggestions for taking great family photos.
Amber Wilson has spent the last week scouring her computer files in search of the perfect pictures for her holiday card. One image missing from her collection is a shot of her entire family.
Column: Cost of Living
As the person primarily responsible for stocking the house with supplies and maintaining miscellaneous inventory, I am frequently in stores (supermarket, drugstore, pet store, etc.) buying the staples (not an office supply reference) our family needs to maintain our lifestyle, such as it is.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Like a Chef
Local chefs and culinary experts share family stories and recipes.
As a teen, Chef Guiseppe Ricciardi’s Thanksgiving dinners were anything but traditional. Ricciardi , the proprietor of Dolce Vita and Dolce Veloce in Fairfax, moved to New York from Italy with his family when he was 14. His family celebrated Thanksgiving in their new country, but they put an Italian twist on the holiday.
Holiday Cooking with Children
Local culinary instructors offer suggestions for bonding in the kitchen.
Maria Kopsidas recalls childhood holidays filled with turkey, sweets and merriment. Because she grew up in a family of professional chefs, cookbook authors and culinary enthusiasts, the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas always brings fond food recollections.
Editorial: Shop Locally, Shop in McLean
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 30. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as a dedicated day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
Friday, November 15
Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: October, 2013
In October 2013, 78 homes sold between $925,000-$177,000 in the Herndon and Oak Hill area.
Oak Hill, Herndon Home Sales: October, 2013
Classified Advertising November 13, 2013
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Wednesday, November 13
Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work
In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.
‘Seussical’ Musical To Show At Herndon High
Since September, students of Herndon High School have been practicing and perfecting their presentation of “Seussical,” a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the books of Dr. Seuss that debuted on Broadway in 2000. “This is the debut production of ‘Seussical’ at Herndon High School,” Zoë Dillard, Herndon High School Theatre Director said.
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church Hosts Annual Chili Cook-off
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Herndon held their annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Nov. 9. The event was well attended, with 17 different chilies in the competition. The previous year, there were 12 chilies in the competition.
Country Current Comes to Herndon
United States Navy Band plays for United Methodist Congregation.
On Nov. 9, members of the United States Navy Band Country Current preformed before an audience at Herndon United Methodist Congregation. “It was a nice concert, very well attended,” Burke resident Sarah Hooke said. Hooke has been the church organist for 19 years.
Week in Herndon
Parenting Strategies for Toddler Tantrums
The MOMS Club of Herndon is hosting guest speaker, Karla Fife, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), who will present a Parenting Strategies talk on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. – Noon at Trinity Presbyterian Church (615 Dranesville Rd, Herndon, VA 20170). Fife will discuss tactics for handling toddler tantrums and other basic strategies for dealing with the trials and tribulations of toddlerhood.
Herndon Scout Achieves Eagle Rank
Herndon resident Aidan Toole was honored at St. Joseph Church parish hall on Sunday, Nov. 3, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 913. Toole, 16, has been a scout since 2003 when he joined Cub Scout Pack 913 in the first grade as a Tiger Scout.
Clay Café Continues Art Outreach
Hutchison Elementary students ‘experience the art first hand.’
On Nov. 6, third grade students at Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon had the opportunity to paint pre-fired ceramic plates in the school’s theatre room.
Parris Island Orientation Provides Inspiration
>"Ready! Pain! Move! Discipline!" are just some of the many command and response calls that Herndon High’s Navy Junior Reserve Office Training Corps (NJROTC) learned during their November orientation visit to the most rigorous military training camp in the world – Parris Island.
Connolly in Herndon, to Honor Veterans
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11) joined veterans on the Herndon Town Green to honor the service of those who defended our nation in war. Connolly addressed veterans at an 11 a.m. ceremony sponsored by the American Legion, Wayne M. Kidwell, Post 184 in Herndon.
Potters Return to Colvin Run Mill
Local potters returned to Colvin Run Mill the first weekend of November for their holiday sale. Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located in Alexandria.
Editorial: Proof Every Vote Matters
Elections have consequences, including very close races.
Tuesday morning, a full week after an Election Day that included races that were more suspenseful than anticipated (and also many races that were foregone conclusions), we are probably more than a month away from certifying the winner of the Virginia Attorney General race.
It Wasn’t Fun While It Lasted
But it was only a week, and I was able to leave under my own power, assisted by a wheelchair, which is of course standard procedure when leaving a hospital after an admission, so it wasn’t a total loss. It was three months ago today, Friday, August 2nd that I was "ambulanced " to Holy Cross Hospital where I spent the beginning of my seven, first-ever nights in a hospital; pretty fortunate track record for someone my age.
Creating a Feast for the Eye
Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.
While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.
Choosing Art
Local designers offer tips on how to banish blank walls.
When Anne McCloud and her fiance, Mark Graham, moved into their Herndon home two years ago, with the exception of a large, deep red Chesterfield sofa, a present from Anne’s parents, the furniture they had was left over from graduate school: a tattered antique chair in need of reupholstering and two side tables.
Home for the Holidays
Amateur chef Dave Mulligan gets the kitchen of his dreams ... just in time for Thanksgiving.
As Dave Mulligan tells it, he owes the long-coveted "blue eyes" granite countertops now in his kitchen to events that started with a leaking shower one floor above.
Sweet Gathering in the Sunshine
Mentors, foster children and other youth learn about bees; county needs more foster families, mentors.
On a beautiful day in late summer, a group of young people of varied backgrounds, including some youth in foster care, gathered with their adult mentors under the ongoing auspices of Fairfax Families4Kids on a field trip into the countryside.
Tuesday, November 12
Planning Commission Makes Recommendations
Review process leads to Comprehensive Plan Amendments.
The Town of Herndon Planning Commission unanimously approved several changes to the town’s Comprehensive Plan Tuesday, Nov. 5. The current plan was approved in August 2008, and Code of Virginia specifies that local comprehensive plans shall be reviewed by the local planning commission.
Race For 86th District Still Undecided
Del. Tom Rust (R-86) leads Jennifer Boysko by 57 votes, provisional ballots and recount likely to come.
According to the results of the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election, Del. Tom Rust (R-86) leads challenger Jennifer Boysko 10,386 to 10,329, a margin of only 57 votes.
Thursday, November 7
Classified Advertising November 6, 2013
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Wednesday, November 6
GMU Rector Visits Penn State
Athletic program explored.
As the Pennsylvania State University community geared up for a busy home football weekend, a visitor from Fairfax was present in the stands: CDaniel Clemente, Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors.
Yoga Community Lauds New Smithsonian Exhibit
Sackler exhibit is first of its kind.
Yoga instructor Luann Fulbright of McLean moved her practice from the mat to a gallery recently when she joined diplomats, philanthropists, artists and fellow yogis at a gala to celebrate the opening of "Yoga: The Art of Transformation" at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. It is the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga.
Column: This Spud’s For You
There’s more talk now than ever before, about the possibility of the Washington, D.C. professional football team changing its name.
Fairfax County Wants You
County launches "Transportation Dialogues" to get feedback on public’s priorities.
Not since 1987 — when today’s 40-something motorists were newly-minted drivers — has Fairfax County seen any new revenue stream for its traffic-choked roadways or relief for the region’s chronic gridlock.
Stacey Kincaid Elected County’s First Female Sheriff
Kincaid, a Vienna resident, pledges commitment to diversity, department’s employees and community outreach programs.
Democrat Stacey Kincaid, a 26-year-veteran of the sheriff’s department, made local history Tuesday by becoming Fairfax County’s first female sheriff.
Paying Attention to the Pros
High School coaches, players share opinions on Redskins’ Meriweather.
Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has received penalties, fines and a suspension for illegal hits.
Battleground? Not Exactly
Competitive state races gave voters more choices, but they stick with incumbents over challengers.
Every two years, Virginia holds all of its statewide elections.
Editorial: Be Part of Children’s Connection
Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 6.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.
Generation Next Event Held At GRACE
On Oct. 30, Greater Reston Art Center [GRACE] held a happy hour event to inspire and involve the next generation of GRACE members and community patrons.
Letter: In Rust, I Trust
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I plan to vote for the one person whose demonstrated experience and leadership makes him the only real choice to represent us in the Virginia House of Delegates. That person is Delegate Tom Rust.
Reston Rink Ready for Skaters, Fundraiser for Character Counts Coalition
Mother Nature did not cooperate with the planned Reston Town Center Skating Rink season opener this weekend.
Running Marathon to Honor Brother
Oak Hill resident Ginny Atwood ran the Marine Corps Marathon to raise funds for the Chris Atwood Foundation.
The road to recovery has its ups and downs, and it’s not a sprint - it’s a marathon.
Herndon High Graduate Publishes 'Fabulous Beast'
Herndon High School graduate Sarah Kain Gutowski has published her first chapbook of poetry, "Fabulous Beast: The Sow," a cycle of 19 poems in the form of a fable.
Artists of Montorno Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
ArtSpace Herndon will be opening a brand new exhibit this week titled "Artists of Montorno." Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5 the exhibit will provide a glimpse into the Montorno Studio in Seravezza, Italy.
Northwest Federal Credit Union and its Foundation Go Pink
October 25 marked a "heartfelt hope for a cure" day at Northwest Federal Credit Union and its charitable arm, Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation in Herndon.
Herndon Hits the Polls
Chilly temperatures didn’t stop Nikki Malabressi from walking about a half mile to her polling place at Herndon High School (HHS).
Simon’s Likeness to Benefit Cornerstones
Bronze bust of Robert Simon to be auctioned off to assist with affordable housing.
As Reston approaches its 50th year, and its founder approaches his 100th year, Robert Simon’s vision for his community is still very much intact. Part of his vision included people of all income levels living side by side.
Getting Children to Give Back
Touching Heart aims to train next generation of compassionate leaders.
As her birthday approached several years ago, Taylor Yi of Herndon realized she wasn’t that excited about another year of presents from her friends.
Friday, November 1
Classified Advertising, October 30, 2013
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