Stories for May 2016

Herndon: Wings of Magic

Help Herndon sign the Mayors for Monarchs pledge to increase monarch butterfly habitat and population.

Carol and Jay Hadlock take precise details to facilitate the birth of monarch butterflies in their Herndon home.

Herndon Garden Tour

Garden Tour approaches: Saturday, June 18, noon to 4 p.m.

Herndon enjoys cultivating community initiative. This year’s 2016 Herndon Garden Tour on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 4 p.m. is one budding example.

Get Involved: Herndon’s Future Downtown

The Herndon Town Council wants the public’s feedback on two potential proposals for Town’s downtown.

Herndon Hosts Second TEDxHerndon Event

Saturday, May 21, Herndon hosted its second TEDxHerndon event at Herndon Middle School. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a global set of conferences run by the private nonprofit Sapling Foundation.

This Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon.

Herndon: Thanks for 40 Years, Miss Helen

Helen Guest has been the director at St. Timothy’s Pre-School more years than Carrie Manetto has been alive.

Herndon Festival Returns June 2-5

Event features free entertainment, fireworks and carnival

The 36th Annual Herndon Festival will be held June 2-5.

Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance

Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis

If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.

Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines

Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.

Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing

FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.

In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.

A Mindful Family

Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.

Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016

Observe a moment of silence.

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.

Relay For Life to Help Find Cure for Cancer

Local Relay For Life event is June 11.

On the surface, walking around a track over and over may not seem too productive. But when done during the Relay for Life, it can make a world of difference to people battling cancer.

Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer

Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.

As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.

Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities

Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: April, 2016

In April, 2016, 102 homes sold between $857,000-$159,600 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.

Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: April, 2016

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents from the Herndon Police reports from May 2-8.

Herndon Elementary School Student Honored for Clean Air Initiative.

Jaeya Taxali, a sixth-grade student at Crossfield Elementary, gained her inspiration from the school bus ride home.

Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences

Offering to bring balance into gender issue.

For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.

Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance

When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.

Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum

“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.” 

When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.

Language Immersion for Young Children

Experts tout the benefits of an early start

When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.

Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge

After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.

Commentary: Who is my neighbor?

You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.

Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First

While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.

Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue

Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.

The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.

Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility

Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.

A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.

Centreville Baseball Keeps Season Alive with Win Over Herndon

Wildcats pitcher Egbers strikes out 12 in six innings, gets no decision.

The Centreville baseball team defeated Herndon 5-4 in eight innings on Saturday.

Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors

West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”

Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal

In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.

Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …

... Hollow victories for public accolade.

Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.

Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse

Home transformation gives family of five more living space.

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.

Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining

Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.

Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.

Police to Continue Improving Transparency

Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.

Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

Westfield Boys’ Lax Earns Region Tournament Berth

Bulldogs hold off Herndon in Conference 5 tournament.

The Westfield boys' lacrosse team beat Herndon 12-11 on Friday.

Herndon: Police Investigate Series of Tire and Rim Thefts; Seek Public’s Assistance

Since February, there have been 10 incidents of tires and wheels stolen from 11 GMC or Chevrolet model vehicles in the Herndon, Chantilly, Fairfax and Vienna areas.

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon

Herndon: We the Students

Rachel Carson Middle School wins first place in Civic Education Competition.

Defying the stereotype of politically apathetic teenagers, Rachel Carson Middle School students won first place in the We the People National Invitational on May 2.

Herndon Hosts Big Truck Days

Weather does not stop Town of Herndon’s Department of Public Works.

“It was a little wet this year, but this event has been a favorite for kids and parents alike for many years,” said Robert B. Boxer, Director of the Town of Herndon’s Public Works.

Herndon Rocks in May

Art, music events in downtown Herndon.

The month of May has several upcoming art and music related events in Herndon. These include the annual Friday Night Live hosted on the Town Green in downtown Herndon, as well as music events at ArtSpace Herndon. Friday Night Live is held outdoors in downtown Herndon, on Friday nights from May 6-Aug 26.

Herndon Crime Reports

Notable incidents reported to the Herndon Police Department from April 25-May 1.

Herndon: Fresh, Summer Nights: Entertainment at NextStop Theatre

Dulles Corridor audiences seeking summer evening attractions will not have far to drive. Herndon’s NextStop Theatre will be offering a lot of performances to whet the appetite.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Women Help Build New Homes

Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.

More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.

Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose

In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.

Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose

Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.

South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.

Burke and Herndon: ‘Swim Like Michelle’ Event Raises Money for Foundation Fighting Blindness

Adult swimmers paddled precariously up and down the lanes, their vision obscured by blacked-out goggles. Some were able to feel their way forward without much course-correcting, others bounced between the lane lines like pin-balls.

Fairfax County Fire Chief Moves to Address Department Cyberbullying

After the suicide of Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff and suspected cyberbullying of the 31-year-old that came to light after her death, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue is cracking down on workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.

Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day

Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.

Week in Herndon

Weekly happenings in Herndon.

‘Big Truck Days’ Return to Herndon

The Town of Herndon’s Department of Public Works hosts its annual “Big Truck Days,” an opportunity for children – and their parents – to see the town’s big trucks and heavy equipment on display. Light refreshments will be served and souvenirs will be provided to children.

Pride of Herndon Marches in the Cherry Blossom Parade

The Pride of Herndon played for the entire nation on April 16 in the 81st annual Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington, D.C.

Herndon Crime Reports

Noted incidents from the Herndon Police Reports from April 18-24

Herndon: Stage Magic Comes to NextStop Theatre

Musical ’City of Angels’ at Herndon stage.

Hollywood’s 1940s golden age of fearless private eyes and wise-cracking femme-fatales working as partners to solve crimes while testing the boundaries of love is next for Herndon’s NextStop Theatre. It is “City of Angels,” a multi-Tony Award winning musical.

Herndon’s Cortona Academy Students Build Robot to Help Save the Coral Reef

Students from Cortona Academy in Herndon built an underwater robot to help save the coral reefs by removing an invasive species of starfish.

Herndon NJROTC Hosts Freshmen Drill Meet

The cadets from the Navy Junior ROTC hosted a drill meet for area JROTC units to compete at Herndon High School in what turned out to be a successful event.

Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo

Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 percent) of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.

Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth

To the Editor

There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.

Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22

Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.

Working to End the Longest Day

Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.

Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.

Farmers Markets in Fairfax County

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.

Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail

Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”

One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.

Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016

Read the latest ads here!

County Budget Approved

Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”

When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.

Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.