Stories for December 2016

Herndon Observes Wreaths Across America Day

Even with an ice storm, it was a beautiful day to remember, honor and teach.

Town of Herndon, in partnership with Herndon Woman’s Club, joined in to support National Wreaths Across America Day Saturday, Dec. 17 at Chestnut Grove Cemetery

Herndon-Reston FISH Plays Santa’s Helpers Once Again

Robyn Kampf thinks it was about forty (Yes, 4-0!) years ago that she first got involved in the Herndon-Reston Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help (FISH) holiday toy and food drive.

Dulles Regional Chamber Presents Stars Over Dulles Awards

The Dulles Regional Chamber hosted its annual Stars Over Dulles Awards Luncheon at the Westin Washington Dulles on Dec. 13.

Commentary: Burn, Burn, Burn!

The Story of Chanukah

The story of Chanukah happened more than 2,000 years ago.

While I enjoy studying history and reading the stories of the past, I equally enjoy studying the writing of history—historiography—which is “the writing of history based on the critical examination of sources, the selection of particulars from the authentic materials, and the synthesis of particulars into a narrative that will stand the test of critical methods.”

Dogwood Elementary Wins Walk to School Awards

Reston Association North Point District Director Resigns

Reston Association Board Director Dannielle LaRosa, who represents the North Point District, gave her notice of resignation on Dec. 15.

Helping Homes Project Team Recognized in Reston

Anna Varone, Reston Association’s director of covenants administration, recognized team members who worked on the RA’s Helping Homes Project this year.

Board Placing Wiehle Station Puzzle Pieces

Parcels are “coming in faster than we can think,” said Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins, regarding Wiehle Station Venture’s project at Commerce Park at 11400 Commerce Park Drive and 1913 Association Drive, north of Sunrise Valley Drive.

14-Story Hotel Smaller Than High Rises at Wiehle Station

CESC Commerce Executive Park was the first to present a vision to the Board of Supervisors for its 11.58 acres portion of land near Wiehle Metro Station.

Reston Holiday Parade Places Fourth in Nation

The Reston Holiday Parade placed fourth in USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice contest this year.

Tour de Lights Held in Reston

Reston Association’s Multimodal Transportation Advisory Committee held its sixth annual Tour de Lights bike ride on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Winter Coat Closet Open Until March 18 in Reston

The 2016-2017 Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet is open until Saturday, March 18, 2017.

Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy Cleared in Fatal Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney: homicide was justified self-defense.

In a decision released Dec. 16, Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh cleared Fairfax County Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin of any criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez that took place Aug. 15 outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Police Out to Catch Drunken Drivers in Fairfax County

Grant funds new DWI Enforcement Squad.

A new squad of police officers has started patrolling the county and they have only one mission: to combat impaired driving.

Holiday Grief

Workshop helps others deal with loss.

The holiday season is bittersweet for Jeanne Rorke.

Letter to the Editor: Protect the Consumer Protection Bureau

Consumer protection groups have grown increasingly concerned about Republican promises to cut back on financial regulations next year.

Commentary: Fairfax Police Reform Is Well Underway

I endorse the Connection Newspaper’s recent editorial on the progress Fairfax County has made implementing the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, on which I had the honor of serving as chairman of the Use of Force Subcommittee.

Commentary: Congress Coming Together to Find and Fund Faster Cures

On Dec. 8, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members, and the Speaker of the House, as the Speaker signed the 21st Century Cures Act.

Editorial: History in Police Reform Part 2

Civilian Review Panel — and they said it couldn’t be done ….

Last week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a Civilian Review Panel, part of a two-pronged concept of independent oversight of law enforcement recommended unanimously by the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed

Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.

After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.

Police Chief’s Cruiser Hit by Drunken Driver

News

Fairfax County Police Department Chief Col. Edwin Roessler Jr. was rear-ended by a drunken driver in Centreville on Monday night, Dec. 12.

Ad Hoc Commission Recommendations: 88 Percent Implemented

Public Safety Committee hears from Recruitment, Diversity and Vetting subcommittee chair.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is well on its way to implementing all recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. At the Dec. 13 meeting of the board’s Public Safety Committee, they announced 88 percent of the commission recommendations have been implemented or are soon to be so.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: November, 2016

In November, 2016, 59 homes sold between $1,210,000-$185,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: November, 2016

Fairfax County: Filling Oversight Positions

Supervisors outline procedures for bringing on police auditor and civilian review panel.

One week after voting to establish Fairfax County’s first Civilian Review Panel for police, Public Safety Committee chair supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova outlined steps to be taken to fill the nine-member panel, as well as hire an independent police auditor.

Herndon Lights Christmas Tree

Santa arrives by fire truck as Herndon gets into the holiday spirit.

As night fell, about 50 people attended the Town of Herndon's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Herndon's Old Town Hall on Elden Street.

Classified Advertising December 14, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

ADAMS Hosts Interfaith Event: Finding Common Ground

US Attorney General participates in Interfaith Event at All Dulles Area Muslim Society.

“When one is threatened, we are all threatened. That’s the pledge we made as citizens.”

‘A Simple Gesture’ Goes a Long Way To Fight Hunger

People throughout Northern Virginia are signing up to be a part of the “cool, green bag” movement.

Free Holiday Cab Rides Help Prevent Drunk Driving

Combating that holiday period which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is a “dangerous time to be on the road due to a high number of drunk drivers behind the wheel,” a local nonprofit organization will offer free cab rides to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during the winter holidays.

New Catholic Bishop: To Listen and Learn

A ministry to the faithful and the community beyond.

The Most Rev. Michael Burbidge assumed full authority last week as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

Open Floor Plan Provides Holiday Entertainment Solution

Open house helps homeowners looking for ideas.

It's one thing to talk a good game; quite another to put your ideas to the test by inviting a long list of perceptive critics to inspect your wares.

2017 Color of the Year: Greenery

Pantone says color will evoke reinvigoration.

When Reston-based interior designer Annie Elliott’s home office began to feel lackluster, she draped the windows with green Roman shades to infuse a burst of color into the muted space.

Quarterback Promotes ‘Phones Down. Touchdown.’ Initiative

Redskins’ quarterback urges region to put phones down while behind the wheel.

“If I get sacked in a game, I can get back up and move onto the next play — for the most part,” he said. “But when you text and drive, you might not get back up.”

Reston Chorale Leads Sing-Along to the ‘Messiah’

Holiday

“The Christmas portion to the ‘Messiah’ just speaks to people in a way that really gets to the heart of the holiday,” says Meeks-Versteeg."

Herndon: SPIRIT Equestrian Program Gets a Christmas Miracle

Horseback Riding

“We received the notice to vacate the property exactly one week before Thanksgiving and they wanted us moved out by Dec. 31,” Dada said. “We really need a Christmas miracle to go through this transition and survive it.”

Breaking Ground for Herndon Station Parking Garage

Reducing Congestion

The 2,007-space parking facility is designed to assist in reducing congestion on Northern Virginia roadways by creating additional opportunities for ridesharing and the use of public transit.

Herndon Homes Tour Showcases Holiday Spirit

Mi Casa es Tu Casa

“Holden Harrison was instrumental in saving our wonderful train Depot in the Town center,” explained Waddell. “I’m just getting in the spirit of things.” Harrison also served on the Town Council.

Herndon: Brothers Receive Good Neighbor Award

Service

Neighbors nominated the brothers for the award because they are always willing to help with yard work, shoveling snow and car repairs.

Herndon: Downtown Vision Closer to Reality

Town Council endorses proposal for redevelopment of downtown.

During a special meeting on Nov. 30, the Herndon Town Council adopted a resolution that directs town staff to move forward with negotiations on a proposal for the redevelopment of nearly five acres of downtown Herndon.

Herndon: Santa Visits Herndon Library

Holiday

Despite their no doubt very hectic schedule at this time of the year, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and two of his favorite elves managed to fit in a visit to the Winter Open House at the Herndon Fortnightly Library on Saturday.

Classified Advertising December 7, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Supervisors Establish Fairfax County’s First Police Civilian Review Panel

As complement to police auditor, panel will review abuse and misconduct complaints.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 to establish a Civilian Review Panel to provide oversight of Fairfax County Police and to hear complaints of police misconduct or abuse of authority.

McLean: Addiction Is Not 'Somewhere Else'

Former NBA player talks to McLean about countywide drug problem.

Herren believes parents “hover over [their] kids academically, apply pressure athletically and drop the ball socially and emotionally.” He urged parents to play an active role in making sure their kids don’t need substances on a Friday night.

Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole from Northern Virginia

In spirit of season, community organizations and businesses donate hundreds of service hours and supplies.

One hundred twenty-five children with life-challenging illnesses, their families and a support team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, for a total of 216 people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles International Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hottest destination of the season.

Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless

Shelter Information

NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174

Fairfax: Holidays Come to City Concerts, Plays, Santa and S’mores

City of Fairfax ushers in the holiday season.

Christmas in the City of Fairfax is always special. And a full slate of activities from Dec. 3-19 is sure to make holiday spirits bright.

Reston: South Lakes High Track Athlete Signs with Air Force Academy

Local Sports

She is the school-record holder in the all of the girls’ hurdle events: 55 meters (8.40), 100 meters (14.52), 300 meters (45.86). Devyn Jones, a senior at South Lakes High School, has signed a National Letter of Intent with the Air Force Academy.

Herndon: Tough Underground Work Underway on Silver Line Phase 2

Hand mining used to dig tunnels through granite.

"Imagine crawling under your desk and digging through solid rock in that tight space on your knees for eight or more hours every day," Kearney said. Further, it's a job the public cannot see and therefore cannot appreciate.

Herndon: So Much Fun Packed Into One Day

Set to welcome the holiday season with events for all ages.

Gather up your family and friends and begin celebrating the holiday season in the Town of Herndon on Saturday, Dec. 3. Multiple events are scheduled throughout the day, so put on your walking shoes, bundle up tight and head out for a fun packed day.

Herndon: The Giving Circle of HOPE Celebrates Million Dollar Milestone

Philanthropy

The Giving Circle of HOPE celebrated a major milestone this year – more than $1 million raised and granted to support small nonprofit organizations in Northern Virginia.

Fairfax: Getting into Holiday Spirit with Encore

Musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Undercover,’ takes the stage.

“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feel to it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynor van der Merwe. “There’s a strong storyline that sets up beautiful vocal and dance numbers that further tell the story. It’s a very entertaining show for the whole family. For two hours, the youngest to the oldest will be transported to a different world.”

Reston: Santa Claus Came to Town

The festivities will continue at Reston Town Center throughout December.

“Every year they take a break from telling the elves what to do and what to make to come out here and say a hello,” said Goff. “Santa and Mrs. Claus, we are so glad that you came to help us light our tree once again.”

Reston: Heroic Rescue at Lake Anne

Beth Hoyos, 47, of Reston helps father and daughter escape a sinking car that crashed into Lake Anne.

“I didn’t stop to think about it,” she says. “The guy said his daughter was in the car and he didn’t know how to swim. There was really no conscience choice. The only thing I really remember thinking at the time was, ‘Should I leave my boots on or take my boots off.’ The rest of it was sort of an autopilot: go in, make sure they’re OK and get them out.”