Thursday, October 27
Fairfax County: Breaking Down the Bonds
County seeks authorization to finance transportation and parks projects, and human services and community development facilities
Fairfax County will try to make the most of voters’ time on election day Nov. 8, having them weigh in not only on the Presidential and Congressional elections, but also proposed Constitutional amendments, a referendum and bond questions.
Fairfax County: Garza FCPS Departure Impacts Stuart Name Change Working Group
Responding to a student-led group petitioning to change the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, the Fairfax County Public Schools board voted over the summer to create a working group that would consider the community concerns and look into the logistics of a potential name change.
Volunteer Events & Opportunities
Service
30th Annual Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Caregivers Conference, Friday, Nov. 11, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The conference "Gems: A Treasure Chest of Ideas" will have speakers and resources on topics important to caregivers. The $30 fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, and certificate of attendance.
Bradley Farm Haunted House Presents ‘Spirits of the Past – One Final Year’
Looking for some spine tingling fun this Halloween? Right here in Herndon, the Bradley Farm Haunted House promises everyone a ghoulishly fun time for just $5 a walk-thru.
Herndon Village Network Celebrates Volunteers
Volunteers make a difference by providing the elderly much-needed transportation
Herndon Village Network (HVN), a not-for-profit organization serving Herndon senior citizens, celebrated its dedicated volunteers with a tea held on Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Four Seasons clubhouse. These volunteers make a difference by providing the elderly much-needed transportation for appointments, errands, and social gatherings.
Week in Reston
Nominations Needed for ‘Free Roof for the Holidays’
- Nominations Needed for ‘Free Roof for the Holidays’ -
Week in McLean
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Shepherd’s Center Needs Volunteers to Help Area Seniors
Accepting the Outcome
Commentary
Even though I literally wore holes in the soles of my shoes campaigning door to door, covering the equivalent of five districts in a person-to-person campaign was impossible. I congratulated the winners and kept on working.
Washington West Film Festival A Success
Film festival brings together filmmakers and film lovers.
A red carpet was laid out at Reston Town Center’s Bow Tie Cinema for the 6th annual Washington West Film Festival. The 6th annual Washington West Film Festival (WWFF) showcased fifty-nine films from around the world, including world premieres and D.C. premieres. ”We're getting terrific feedback about our Washington West 2016 lineup of films,” said Brad Russell, founder and president of WWFF.
Wednesday, October 26
Leadership vs Rhetoric
Letter to the Editor
Congresswoman Comstock worked across party lines to pass a 5-year transportation bill—the first of its kind in 10 years—which brings $6.2 billion to the Commonwealth. She also supported bipartisan bills to replace No Child Left Behind, provide resources to combat the heroin epidemic, and bolster our national security.
Classified Advertising October 26, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, October 25
Reject the Meals Tax
“A closer look at school spending shows the intentions of the School Board are to delve into more political correctness and social engineering.”
A “no” vote will send a message to the county Board of Supervisors that higher taxes should not be routine, and that county leaders must focus on better management, and more importantly, the School Board, more efficiency, and greater respect for taxpayers.
Bulova: Vote Yes
A legally binding commitment 70 percent would go to Fairfax County Public Schools.
I was elected chairman in 2009, just as the Great Recession settled over this country like a stubborn storm cloud. The market value of property in Fairfax County plummeted, resulting in historic reductions in both residential and commercial tax revenues. At the same time, more people than ever turned to the county for assistance. Former County Executive Tony Griffin’s prediction, in the throes of the Recession years, that “this will be our new normal” has proven prescient.
Six Area Students Named Regional Finalists in Siemens Competition
Six students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have been named regional finalists in the 2016 Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology. The Siemens Competition is the nation’s premier research competition for high school students and is administered by Discovery Education.
Friday, October 21
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Letter: ‘It’s About the Issues’
Letter to the Editor
Much has been made about the personalities of the two Presidential candidates. All we really have to do is take a close look at the issues.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Shining A Light on the Arts of Herndon
An “Arts Crawl” around historic downtown was a perfect mid-point for Herndon Arts Week, an annual celebration that started its 2016 run with “Kids Day” at Frying Pan Park and ended appropriately with a performance by child prodigy pianist Jose Andre Montano at ArtSpace in the town.
Herndon: A Dreamy Tale of Love and Loss
Mystical drama ‘Eurydice’ coming to NextStop Theatre.
The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has fascinated audiences for centuries. But NextStop Theatre is producing a modern retelling told from the perspective of Eurydice. That gives it a different outlook. The play titled “Eurydice” is written by Sarah Ruhl.
Herndon Letter: A Leader on Veterans Issues
Letter to the Editor
All too often our veterans have been forgotten and not given the honors they deserve when they return home from their tours of duty. As a veteran myself, I have long been bothered by the fact that many of our veterans who served in the Korean War have not received the recognition they are owed.
Navy’s Birthday Celebrated at Herndon High
Herndon High School Navy JROTC Cadets celebrated the Navy’s 241st Birthday with cake and camaraderie, but they also had a special surprise: Captain Fred Blakeman, the original Senior Naval Science Instructor, joined them for this special day. Captain Blakeman started the unit in 1983 and remained at Herndon for 17 years making the unit one of the best in Fairfax County.
Herndon: Rising Eagle Scout Demonstrates Talent, Leadership and Philanthropic Spirit
More than 200 members of the community attended Xander Day’s Make A Difference Day Benefit Concert and Children’s Book Drive on Oct. 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Herndon.
Herndon/Reston: Innovate Conference Explores Prospects of ‘Individualized Medicine’
The 5th annual Innovate Conference presents “Intersections: Healthcare, Informatics and Personalized medicine” and introduces audiences to a nationally recognized cast of experts. Keith Crandall, PhD, the founding Director of the Computational Biology Institute at George Washington University, sets the stage and introduces opening keynoters Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and Governor Terry McAuliffe (invited), providing a look at Federal and state intersections with research in healthcare and informatics.
Thursday, October 20
Fairfax County: Room to Improve for Fairfax County Public Schools on SAT
Scores above Virginia, national Levels, but achievement gap remains
On average, Fairfax County Public High Schools performed better on the SAT college placement exam in 2016 than the Commonwealth of Virginia overall average.
Wednesday, October 19
Vienna, Herndon, Springfield: Baking a Robot
‘Lego Girls’ from Fairfax-Herndon-Vienna area raise funds for competition.
“Bake Sale! Support an all-girls robotics team!” our team yelled in front of Giant, our local grocery store, located on Lee Jackson Memorial Highway.
Friday, October 14
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
The Trump Question? Asked and Answered
Comstock and Bennett trade jabs during first debate in race for 10th Congressional seat.
At the first of two 10th Congressional District debates on Thursday, Oct. 6, Democratic challenger LuAnn Bennett was not shy about hanging the Trump albatross around the neck of freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock.
Fairfax County: Lockard Named Interim Superintendent
Dr. Steven Lockard will take over for Dr. Karen Garza as Fairfax County Schools superintendent for the interim period while the School Board searches for her replacement.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 86 homes sold between $1,399,000-$176,000 in the Oak Hill and Herndon area.
Oak Hill and Herndon Home Sales: September, 2016
Wednesday, October 12
Classified Advertising October 12, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, October 7
From the Beginning to the End
982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.
Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.
Seminars on Downsizing
The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.
Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax
League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer
Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.
Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options
Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.
Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.
Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens
Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.
Herndon, Reston: White House Ornaments on Sale
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors have announced that the White House Ornaments are available for sale to benefit Artemis House, Fairfax County shelter for women and children.
Herndon, Reston Obituary: John David Farrell, Sr. MD, 79, Dies
On Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, Dr. John David Farrell entered into peaceful rest after a long illness at home with his family at his bedside. He was born March 24, 1937, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Herndon to Celebrate Arts Week
The event’s theme: Shining Lights on the Arts in Herndon.
Downtown Herndon businesses open their doors to the public for the 6th Annual Arts Crawl, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5:30 - 8 p.m. The Arts Crawl is one of many free activities scheduled during Herndon Arts Week.
Thursday, October 6
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.
Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Herndon: Senior Tea Sweetened with Art
Every month seniors are invited to visit the ArtSpace Herndon gallery to view the current exhibit and enjoy a cup of tea on the second Friday of the month, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. All teas are free and open to the public. The next Senior Tea will be held on Friday Oct. 10.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Saturday, October 1
Herndon’s NextStop Theatre Receives ‘Applause Award’
For the second consecutive year, Herndon’s NextStop Theatre has been honored with the “Applause Award” by the International Centre for Women Playwrights (ICWP). This major award recognizes theatres that produced 50 percent or more women playwrights in their 2015/16 season of shows. ICWP defines 50/50 by the number of performances in a theatre’s season.
Herndon: Rising Eagle Scout to Hold Benefit Concert
A local rising Eagle Scout with a passion for music and reading has reached out to a local nonprofit organization to lend his talent to help children who may not have a book to call their own.
Food for Kids Drive Continues in Herndon
Assistance League of Northern Virginia held its 2016-17 Weekend Food for Kids Kickoff event on Sept. 15 at Dominion Resources, 3072 Centreville Road, in Herndon.