Stories for November 2014

Column: ‘Shrinkage’

Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).

Thanksgiving Q&A: Herndon’s Palacios All About Field Hockey

Penn signee enjoys mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey.

Herndon's Sofia Palacios signed to play field hockey at Penn.

And The “Scancer” Is…

Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist. At this meeting, I am examined, and of course, the radiologist’s report of the most recent scan is discussed, and plans for the future – stay the course and/or adjust or switch altogether – are considered.

“Shrinkage”

Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs.

An Exceptional Education

Exceptional Schools Fair offers parents a chance to learn more about schools for their children with special needs.

Maureen Kleinman wandered from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from schools that cater to students who have special needs. She asked questions about each school’s resources and environment.

Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM

Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.

November Raises Awareness and Celebrates Caregivers

Resources available for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Mary Driver-Downs has been one of the primary caregivers for her mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for the past six years. It has been a difficult journey, but one she says is well worth it.

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Ideas for giving thanks in style.

Whether one’s taste in table settings is subtle or over-the-top, it is possible to give thanks in style. From centerpieces to table runners, local designers say the right combination of accessories can create a Thanksgiving table that guests will remember long after the holiday.

Herndon Teen Dances in ‘A Christmas Carol’

Holiday classic offers dinner and a play.

A holiday classic comes to life in an intimate, dinner-theater setting when the City of Fairfax Theatre Co. and Truro Anglican Church present “A Christmas Carol.”

Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving

Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.

Season of Giving to Help Neighbors in Need

Communities come together to support neighbors in need in Reston, Herndon area.

2014 hasn’t been a good year for “Arleta” (name has been changed for anonymity) of Herndon. It started off with the loss of her husband to cancer, leaving her the single parent of twin 8-year-old boys.

Herndon High Presents ‘Peter Pan’

Herndon High Theatre presents family-friendly play Dec. 4-6.

The family favorite tale of a boy who can fly will be preformed onstage by Herndon High School students on Dec. 4, 5 and 6. Written by Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the island of Neverland.

Arson Suspected At Herndon Fire

Neighborhood crime solvers seek suspects.

This autumn fires affected residential areas, one causing an estimated $1.25 million worth of damage on Herndon apartment buildings. On Monday, Nov. 10 Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department responded to the fire at the 13800 block of Jefferson Park Drive at 9:50 a.m.

Herndon Rotary Club Opens Little Free Library

Rotary club holds dedication ceremony in downtown Herndon.

Despite cool weather, the Town of Herndon residents and members of the Herndon Rotary Club assembled at downtown Herndon for the dedication and unveiling of the Rotary Club of Herndon’s first Little Free Library on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Little Free Library is a neighbor-to-neighbor sharing of books, and was made possible with the support of local businesses and the Rotary Club of Herndon

Herndon High Holds Fall Band Concert

Herndon band performs free concert at school before trip to Norfolk.

Herndon High School band welcomed the community to attend a free concert the evening of Nov. 12 at Herndon High School auditorium. The concert was held to thank the community for generous support during the annual Tag Day fundraiser.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: October, 2014

In October 2014, 69 homes sold between $980,000-$170,500 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: October, 2014

Potter’s Fire of Herndon is All Fired Up for the Holidays

Business gears up for the season with special dinnerware and holiday decor sets.

Although Potter’s Fire is barely a year old, they are already veterans of the holiday season. The potters and glazers in the shop are busy creating holiday dinnerware and their popular mugs for gift givers who love to buy local.

Many Herndon Residents in Opposition to November Elections

Town Council holds second public hearing on possible town charter changes.

Herndon’s town council heard from another crowd of residents about proposed changes to the town’s election process. Residents for and against changes to the number of years councilmembers and the mayor serve and moving the election to November spoke out at Nov. 11 town council public hearing.

Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria

New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.

Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.

As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.

Editorial: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally

Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.

There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Column: And The “Scancer” Is…

Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.

Engagement: Barbiere-Rockholt Engaged

Barbiere-Rockholt Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barbiere of Herndon announce the engagement of their daughter, Michelle, to Daniel Rockholt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rockholt, of Lake Monticello, Va.

Q&A: Herndon’s Taylor Stone Signs with Louisville

Senior named 6A North region field hockey Player of the Year.

Herndon senior Taylor Stone signed a letter of intent to play field hockey at Louisville.

ArtSpace Herndon Displays Skies Exhibit

Painting exhibit on display until Nov. 30.

Herndon’s community art gallery ArtSpace Herndon opened a new painting exhibit to the public in November. The exhibit “Skies” by artist Bobbi Pratte is a collection of landscapes, painted in locations across the United States and Europe, with focus on the sky.

Herndon Community Center Turns 35

Herndon Community Center celebrates anniversary, holds open house.

Herndon Community Center hosted an open house Saturday, Nov. 8. Both the community center and Herndon Parks and Recreation Department welcomed everyone to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Herndon Community Center.

Excuse Me

Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.” Years later, after a chemotherapy infusion, I saw my oncologist walking through the Infusion Center and asked him if my thinning hair might be a result of this most recent chemotherapy drug (not all chemotherapy results in hair loss). His response was similar to what my friend had advised me in 2009. He said: “You can blame me,” (which of course, I understood to mean, cancer/the treatment of cancer) “for anything.”

Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs

Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things. And thanks to a great friend, Rebecca Nenner, whom I have written about previously, I have/have had to become more open, and consequently, have assimilated into my life many non-Western, non-traditional alternatives (pills, supplements, super foods, activities/behaviors, etc.) with which I was totally unfamiliar (I’m a sports and chocolate kind of person), in an attempt to outlive my prognosis.

Jean R. Packard Remembered at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna

Jean Packard was Frank Roberts’ first boss. He was 13, she was 22 and the acting editor of her father Dave’s Clermont Sun newspaper in Batavia, Ohio. “I was a ‘devil’s rat,’” Roberts said, responsible for odd gofer jobs around the office. “I was trying to hide from work and she’d track me down. She was a tough boss.”

Community Gardens for Herndon

County will hold public meeting for possible garden plots.

Barbara Welsh wants to see a community garden in Herndon. The Herndon Environmental Network (HEN) vice president has been working for the past two years to allow community garden plots in town. County Park Authority will hold a meeting on Dec. 1 to find out if the rest of the community does, too.

McLean Location for 2015 DC Design House

House will benefit Children’s National Health System.

The new country estate at 956 Mackall Farm Lane in McLean will be the location for the 8th annual DC Design House, a project that raises money to benefit Children’s National Health System. The 2015 DC Design House will be held from April 11 to May 10.

New Interior Design Book Features Local Tastemakers

Interior designers offer advice on creating an elegant home.

Fall not only brings vibrantly colored leaves and pumpkins, but it also ushers in a slew of new book releases. Among those is an interior design book featuring local designers.

Editorial: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need

Roll up those sleeves and help.

This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities. That is to say, more than a quarter of a million people, including many children, go hungry on a regular basis.

Oakton, Langley Football Reach Postseason

The Oakton and Langley football teams each earned a spot in the 6A North region playoffs. Oakton enters the postseason as the region’s No. 14 seed and will travel to face No. 3 Lake Braddock at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.

Column: Excuse Me

Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.”

Trick or Treat So Others May Eat

Girl Scout Troop 6747, of Herndon, braved the cold and wind on Nov. 2 to "Trick or Treat So Others May Eat." The girls wore their Halloween costumes and went door to door collecting can foods that will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Herndon's Malaria Meltdown

Local teen educates peers on the disease.

Kritika Singh wants to eradicate malaria for good - one mosquito at a time. The 16-year-old McLean resident and CEO of Malaria-Free World hosted the inaugural Malaria Meltdown conference at Nysmith School of the Gifted on Sunday to educate her generation on the dangers third world countries face with the disease.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.

Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. Long-time Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help his neighbor Elsa Armendaris.

Herndon Proposal Brings Crowd to Town Council

Town Council seeking input on election changes.

Herndon residents got a chance to voice their thoughts on possible new election procedures. Nearly 20 residents spoke about their thoughts on changing the town election to November and moving to staggered four year terms at the Oct. 28 town council meeting.

Natural Treatments for Anxiety

Experts say complementary medical treatments can help relieve anxiety and other mental disorders.

When 35-year-old Andrea Evenson decided to try meditation, exercise and yoga to deal with her anxiety, she had already been on a myriad of anti-anxiety medications.

Column: November Is Adoption Month

Here’s how to help find a forever family for children and teens waiting in foster care.

If you are lucky, you don't know what it's like to live in the precarious limbo that defines foster care in this country.

Commentary: Sometimes Perception Really Isn’t Reality

Fairfax County is home to one of the wealthiest populations in the country. Unbeknownst to many, the county is also home to the second largest population of homelessness in this region. In fact, more than 1,200 residents of Fairfax County are without stable and safe homes.

Herndon’s Butler, Morris Earn Regional Berth

Herndon had two strong individual performances at the Conference 5 cross country championship meet.

Oakton Girls’ XC Wins Conference 5 Championship

The Oakton girls' cross country team performed well despite some additional time away from competition.

HOT Topic

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.

Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

Column: Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs

Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things.

Fairfax Field Hockey Advances to Region Final

Rebels beat Herndon, secure state tournament berth.

The Fairfax field hockey team defeated Herndon 2-1 on Tuesday night in the 6A North region semifinals.

Local Foundation Promotes Campus Safety, Discusses Commemorative Quilt

The VTV Family Outreach Foundation, a Centreville-based national nonprofit campus safety advocacy organization, held their 2014 annual meeting last weekend at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. VTV was formed by the families of victims and survivors of the April 16, 2007 mass shooting tragedy at Virginia Tech.

Herndon’s Butler, Morris Earn Regional Berth

Herndon harriers Lauren BHerndon harriers Lauren Butler and Jack Morris placed in the top 15 in their respective races at the Conference 5 meet on Oct. 30 at Burke Lake Park, earning each a berth in the 6A North region meet on Nov. 5.utler and Jack Morris placed in the top 15 in their respective races at the Conference 5 meet on Oct. 30 at Burke Lake Park, earning each a berth in the 6A North region meet on Nov. 5.

Herndon’s Palacios, Stone Sisters Thrive in Blowout Victory

Hornets throttle South County, return to region semifinals.

The Herndon field hockey team travels to face Fairfax in the 6A North region semifinals.

Steady Election Turnout in Reston and Herndon

Voters aware of new photo ID requirement.

Midterm elections were held throughout Virginia on Nov. 4, with voting stations open at locations throughout the commonwealth’s 95 counties. “There will be approximately 2,500 election officers working at the county’s 238 precincts,” stated Lisa M. Connors, public information officer for Fairfax County.