Stories for July 2016

Stories for July 2016

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Friday, July 29

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: June, 2016

In June, 2016, 136 homes sold between $1,280,000-$177,500 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: June, 2016

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Senior Dogs: Untold Stories

Like many geriatrics, senior dogs in our area are illness survivors and living with a range of conditions including arthritis, hip dysplasia and chronic back pain.

Thursday, July 28

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Fairfax County: Non-profit Our Daily Bread Changes Name To Britepaths

Fairfax-based non-profit Our Daily Bread has changed its name to Britepaths.

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Fairfax County: School Board Work Session Draws Transgender Regulation Protesters

The Fairfax County School Board was scheduled to discuss new regulations for addressing daily life at school for students who identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming at July 21 work session held at the school system’s Gatehouse Road headquarters in Falls Church.

Wednesday, July 27

Herndon: By Popular Demand

Herndon’s illusion artist Derek Jaspers returns to NextStop Theatre with encore performance.

With a sold-out performance when Herndon’s Derek Jaspers first appeared at NextStop Theatre just a few weeks ago with his deception and sleight of hand skills, audiences clamored for a return engagement.

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Herndon Team Wins Conrad Spirit Challenge

Students win first place for international business and innovation competition.

The Conrad Spirit of Innovation Challenge began in August 2015 with more than 500 students from 16 countries creating concepts, products and services to help humanity. More than 90 teams advanced to the Finals of the Challenge, hosted at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

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Herndon’s Pet Celebrity

Godsey joined the Phipps family in 2002 and since has grown to be a central member of his neighborhood.

Godsey, three-fourth dachshund and one-fourth Jack Russell, joined the Phipps Family in 2002. He was born on Veteran’s Day on a family farm in Abingdon, Va. Now fourteen years old, Godsey has lost all his teeth causing his tongue to hang endearingly outside his mouth, and has lost hearing in both ears.

Herndon Letter: SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program Needs Help

Letter to the Editor

SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program would like to ask for your support by sharing our story in community and supporting our efforts to provide continuing service for families in need in our community. SPIRIT is a recognized non-profit dedicated to its mission. We are a transparent, professional organization, with International recognition, which serves all of Fairfax County. In order to provide continuing service to Fairfax County residents, we need to begin a public dialogue with any entities who can provide a sustainable solution for this situation.

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A Herndon Year

Arts Herndon announced the winners for the 6th Annual Herndon Town Calendar Photo Competition. The prize-winning art will be highlighted in the upcoming Herndon Calendar, which is mailed to every business and resident of the town in December.

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‘Big’ at Herndon High

Herndon Grand Musical Theatre Experience presents “Big The Musical.”

The Grand Musical Theatre Experience returned to Herndon High School with a production of “Big The Musical” by John Weidman, music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Cast of the musical performed at a July Herndon Friday Night Live event on the Town Green. The show is directed by Morganne Davies with musical direction by Dana Van Slyke, and is based upon the 1988 motion picture "Big" written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg.

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Herndon: An Appeal to Keep SPIRIT Alive

Horses used to bring a magic of healing and improving a quality of lives for centuries. Today, more than ever humans need healing and better life skills and experience. This is what we with horses at SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program, Inc. do to serve community.

Tuesday, July 26

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Senator Kaine Hosts Interfaith Forum

Senator Tim Kaine spends last day before VP pick showing why Virginia matters.

No one knew it at the time, but Sen. Timothy M. Kaine’s (D-Va.) public appearances moderating roundtables in Northern Virginia last Thursday, July 21 would be his last day of relative political anonymity before being catapulted to political prominence 24 hours later as Hillary Clinton’s pick for her Vice-Presidential running mate.

Thursday, July 21

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Fairfax County: School Transgender Regulations in Limbo

Fairfax County Public Schools are holding off on implementing new regulations regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students.

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Fairfax County: Support for Police Auditor, Civilian Review Panel

Supervisors discuss independent oversight recommendations from Ad Hoc Commission.

Details of an independent auditor for Fairfax County police and a civilian panel to review cases of alleged FCPD abuse of authority or misconduct are still being hammered out. However there was general agreement among County Supervisors at the July 19 Public Safety Committee meeting that they are in favor of moving forward with the recommendations from the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission to create both entities for accountability.

Wednesday, July 20

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Herndon: Friday Night Live! Rocks in Herndon

The bands Six to Midnight and Crazy in Stereo performed for free at Friday Night Live! last Friday, July 15 at the Town Green in downtown Herndon.

Letter: Clarifying Constitutional and Legal Rights

To the Editor

I want to offer a few corrections to the Commentary by Jennifer Boysko (D-86) in the July 6-12, 2016 edition of the Oak Hill-Herndon Connection (“Time to Stand Up to Anti-women Regulations.”)

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Herndon’s beloved principal to leave July 30 after creating foundation of hope

Herndon High School principal Dr. William Bates is leaving, but the philosophy of hopeology he instilled in the Hornet community will remain.

Letter: Keeping Young Minds Engaged in Summer

To the Editor

Summer means warmer weather and time for vacations. But it’s also a time when the average student loses nearly two months of academic knowledge.

Letter: Taking the Lead on Climate Change

To the Editor

Senator Tim Kaine took the the floor of the United States Senate, and displayed the potential for being a climate champion.

Letter: Taking Exception

To the Editor

The Last week’s Connection included a Letter to the Editor from Elizabeth Torpey Bradsher ("School Board Politics and Transgender Policy.") I

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Food Truck Full of Temptations: Ed Hardy

Ed Hardy’s truck has recently been parked in Reston at lunchtimes, but often travels around Fairfax County to feed the hungry.

Editorial: Voting, for Former Felons and Others

In a Democracy, we’re best served by more voter participation.

Today, the Virginia Supreme Court will hear an expedited challenge to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s (D) restoration of the voting and civil rights of more than 200,000 Virginians who were convicted of felonies, served their time and completed any supervised release, parole or probation requirements. The restoration of voting rights moves Virginia into the mainstream.

Thursday, July 14

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Fairfax County: Four Arrested at Natasha McKenna Protest

Racial justice group calls for Sheriff Kincaid to fire deputies.

Four demonstrators were arrested Monday morning at a protest outside the Fairfax Courthouse for the February 15 in-custody death of Natasha McKenna.

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Fairfax County: School Board Receives New Transgender Regulations

Discussion moves to a work session

Friday afternoon, July 1, Fairfax County School Board members each received an email containing new operating regulations regarding transgender and gender nonconforming students.

Tuesday, July 12

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon

Herndon: Second Incident of Bullets Fired Into an Occupied Dwelling

Officers responded to the report of a bullet that had been fired into a home in the 2100 block of Monaghan Drive in Herndon on Friday, July 9, at around 10:48 p.m.

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Impact Herndon’s Look Forever

Herndon Town Council wants to hear from everybody in Town by the end of July.

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Herndon: Patriot Challenge, Annual Enthusiasm

From the Friday Night Live stage July 8, Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel announced winners of this year’s Patriot Challenge business decoration contest.

Herndon: Candidates Announced for Mayor, Town Council

Current Councilmember Jasbinder Singh announced at the end of June that he will run against Mayor Lisa Merkel for the Town’s Mayor position in the upcoming Nov. 8 election.

Letter: Misinterpretation and Misdirection

To the Editor

This is a response to Mr. Peter Storm’s specious letter, (“What Was the Founding Fathers’ Intent?” (Connection, July 6-12, 2016) and the broader leftist propensity toward historical misinterpretation and misdirection regarding the 2nd Amendment.

Letter: School Board Politics and Transgender Policy

To the Editor

The perception from many like me is that the Fairfax County School Board is hungry for national media attention as evidenced by their 2015 vote on the Gender Nonconforming and Transgender Student Policy

Editorial: Be Part of Our Annual Community Guide

Share tips in upcoming Newcomers and Community Guides.

The Connection’s annual Newcomers and Community Guides will publish Aug. 24 with a deadline of Aug. 17.

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Fairfax Symphony Celebrating 60th Season

Orchestra deepens community ties.

Sixty years and counting. Since 1956, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has been a leading orchestra, while remaining committed to community involvement.

Experiential Learning Camp for High School Students

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington seeks participants in a three-day experiential learning camp on Aug. 8 to 10 at the JA Finance Park in Fairfax.

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White Kitchens Are a Trend with staying Power

The clean, crisp look of a white kitchen has staying power and versatility, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

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Park Discovery Trail Leads Children to Presidential History, Prizes

Which U.S. President made a daring escape from the enemy through Riverbend Park? What does the House at Hidden Pond Nature Center have in common with the White House? Which Commander-in-Chief saved Sully Historic Site from demolition? T

Letter: Supervisor Hudgins Shows Appreciation to Fairfax County Police Department

To the Editor

In response to the horrific events in Dallas, Texas, I felt it was important to show our community appreciation for the Fairfax County Police Department and their work in our community.

Thursday, July 7

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Fairfax County: School Board Renews Superintendent Garza’s Contract

Fairfax County Public Schools has secured four more years with Dr. Karen Garza at the helm as superintendent. The School Board members voted unanimously to extend her contract through June 30, 2020 at their June 30 meeting.

Wednesday, July 6

Herndon Resident Installed as Bishop

On May 15, 2016, Michael Hunsaker was installed as the Bishop of the Herndon Ward of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Herndon Crime Report

Notable police activities reported June 20-26.

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Commentary: Time to Stand Up to Anti-Women Regulations

On Monday, June 27, the Supreme Court of the United States made the right decision to find the Texas TRAP laws unconstitutional.

Herndon: More Rain Than Shine, But Loads of Fun

Jenna and Fritz Tanis came to the fireworks in Herndon prepared, with a tent comfortable for four no matter how much rain fell.

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Herndon Business Owner Raises Funds for Fisher House Foundation

On Thursday, June 23, Sean Moran, franchise owner of Wireless Zone in Herndon and South Riding, Virginia, presented Fisher House Foundation a check for $758 as part of his continued support for the charity.

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Herndon Youth and Adults ‘Read for the Win’ this Summer

Herndon Fortnightly Library’s Summer Reading Challenge inspires all to read.

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Herndon High’s Sharpshooters Have Best Season in School’s History

After six months dedicated to practice, perfection, and intense competition, the Herndon High Navy JROTC Rifle Team celebrated their best season ever.

Tuesday, July 5

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Dragon Boating

It’s been called the fastest growing water sport in the world – although it took more than 2,000 years to recently take aim at that title.

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Assistance League of Northern Virginia Installs New Board of Directors

Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s Installation of the 2016-17 Board of Directors was conducted on June 13 during the annual chapter meeting and luncheon.

Pushups For Charity Challenge Benefits Veterans

Local veteran opens gym, Rebel Fit USA.

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Healthy Summer Entertaining

Tips for serving bounty of tasty, fresh produce.

Strategies for Preventing Concussions This Summer

Local physician is pioneering traumatic brain injury treatment.

Summer has been dubbed “trauma season” by health care professionals.

Letter: Protect Homeowners, and School Budget

To the Editor

Regarding John Knight's letter ("Seniors Unfairly Tapped for School Budget") in the last week’s Connection: While the sentiment is nice and I would join anyone in complaining about the burden of taxes being put on all the homeowners; in my opinion businesses and developers get away with tax breaks.

Editorial: Hungry in Summer

There are hungry children in Northern Virginia, more so in summertime.

Summer for most children in Northern Virginia is a time of fun and activities, camp and vacation, trips to the pool and possibly to the library.