Stories for May 2015

Stories for May 2015

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Friday, May 29

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Summer Fun: Fairfax County Fairs & Festivals 2015

Your guide to this summer's festivals and more.

Fairs and festivals in the Northern Virginia area.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 29-31, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Thursday, May 28

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Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training

Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.

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Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016

Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.

$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.

Wednesday, May 27

Column: Mad Man

Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?

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Rules on Noise Set To Change

Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.

Editorial: Voting, June 9

No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.

To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.

Tuesday, May 26

Police: Attempted Robbery Results in Death

Herndon man, 24, killed in Reston; two charged in robbery.

Rashad Kejuan Daye, 24, of the Herndon area, was killed Sunday, May 17 during a robbery attempt, according to Fairfax County Police.

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Herndon Remembers Fallen

American Legion holds observance at Herndon cemetery.

Herndon residents came together on Monday, May 25 at Herndon Chestnut Grove Cemetery to commemorate Memorial Day.

Friday, May 22

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 22-24, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax

For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.

Thursday, May 21

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McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia

Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.

Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops

Letter to the Editor

I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.

Column: Up and Down and All Around

Commentary

No. That’s not my stomach talking.

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Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum

Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.

Wednesday, May 20

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Students with Special Needs Attend Day Prom

For more than 10 years, hundreds of students with special needs — those with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities — have been able to enjoy a prom of their own. The event takes place during the day and, this year, was held at the Waterford near Fair Oaks Mall.

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Last Piece of the Downtown Puzzle for Herndon?

Council schedules public hearing on potential purchase of Ashwell property for Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m.

The Herndon Town Council will consider purchasing approximately 1.67 acres of land in Herndon’s historic downtown.

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Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Column: In Contrast

Commentary

Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.

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Nysmith ‘Know Brainers’ Keep on Competing

Eighth graders take “You Be the Chemist” and Odyssey of the Mind challenges.

The school year is coming to a close – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for the students at the Nysmith School in Herndon to squeeze in a few more competitions and maybe a trophy or two before that last bell rings.

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More Area Residents Bike To Work

Reston and Herndon host pit stop for cyclists on Bike to Work Day.

On Friday, May 15, commuters swapped gas pedals for bike pedals in the metropolitan Washington region to participate in the annual Bike to Work Day (BTWD) event.

Herndon Holds Technology and the Arts Reception

Award ceremony for winners of countywide art competition.

On May 13, the Council for the Arts of Herndon announced the winners of the 2015 Tech Arts Competition at a special reception, held in honor of student artists.

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Herndon Town Council to Consider Downtown Land Purchase

Opportunities to encourage economic development.

Herndon officials announced the Town Council will consider on May 26 the purchase of 1.67 acres of land in Herndon’s historic downtown. Combined with about three acres already owned by the town, the purchase will clear the way for a comprehensive development project, in accordance with a master plan adopted by the Town Council in 2011, according to a statement from the town government.

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Thought-provoking Classic

“A Man for All Season” arriving at NextStop Theatre.

“The show may be set in 16th Century England, but the issues raised have little changed over the centuries”, noted Todd Huse, who plays the central role of Thomas More in the upcoming production of “A Man for All Seasons” at NextStop Theatre.

Tuesday, May 19

Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs

Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.

Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015

On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.

Monday, May 18

Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission

Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.

John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.

Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos

This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.

Friday, May 15

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: April, 2015

In April, 2015, 88 homes sold between $1,100,000-$167,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: April, 2015

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Wednesday, May 13

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Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles

High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.

Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Healthcare Events

Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect

“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."

Column: Why Fi?

Commentary

“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.

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Setting Example of ‘Giving Back’

Rohil Bhinge of Fairfax receives another recognition.

Rohil Bhinge of Fairfax, sixth grader at Nysmith School in Herndon is the youngest recipient of the 2015 Carson Scholar award of $1,000. Dr. Ben Carson is an American author and retired neurosurgeon.

Tuesday, May 12

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Operation VetsHaven Car Show Held in Herndon

Car show hosted at Volkswagen Group headquarters.

Despite overcast weather, Operation VetsHaven and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. hosted a second annual Operation VetsHaven Car Show Benefit in Herndon on Saturday, May 9.

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Nanobrewery To Open at Herndon’s Sunset Park

Craft beer location to open in Herndon.

A pair of brothers-in-law plan to open a nanobrewery in Herndon’s Sunset Park complex: Andrew Kelley and Kai Leszkowicz have signed a lease for 257 Sunset Park.

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Herndon’s Farmers Market, Every Thursday Morning

Julie Frederickson, of Herndon, will bring home the tomato plant that she bought from Hutt Produce at the Herndon Farmers Market. She'll plant it "for Mother's Day," she said.

Monday, May 11

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Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy

Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.

Wednesday, May 6

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Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games

A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”

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Healthy Relationships for Life

Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.

Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.

Column: “CT Looked Good”

Commentary

Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.

Tuesday, May 5

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

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Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.

Letter: Mother’s Day and Islam

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

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Herndon Hosts Friday Night Live

Friday Night Live music returns to Herndon.

The evening of Friday, May 1, downtown Herndon hosted the year’s first Friday Night Live with the band Go Go Gadjet. Sponsored by organizations including Volkswagen Group of America and the Worldgate Center, Friday Night Live (FNL!) is one the most popular outdoor concert series in the D.C. area.

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Duck Donuts Opens in Herndon

Donut store now open at BB&T Center in Herndon.

The Duck Donuts store on Elden Street near Herndon Parkway had crowds of clients this weekend, the first days of their opening.

Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice

Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.

Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS

Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.

Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:

Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread

Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.

There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.

Friday, May 1

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Farmers Markets 2015

Buy fresh fruits and veggies from local vendors this summer.

Your guide to all the farmers markets in the Northern Virginia area.

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Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 1-3, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.