Stories for November 2020

Stories for November 2020

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Friday, November 27

Opinion: Column: A Question of Time

Let us presume, for the sake of this column, that I only have papillary thyroid cancer stage IV, and that my years as a non small cell lung cancer patient, also stage IV, are over.

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Seniors and the Flu

Getting vaccinated can reduce hospital visits and admissions during anticipated shortage due to COVID-19

While shopping for dinner on a recent Wednesday afternoon, Roger Whitehead spotted a sign near the pharmacy of a grocery store near his home in Alexandria.

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Artifacts Tell the Nation’s Story at the New Army Museum

The display cases, first-hand accounts and newsreel footage showcased in the museum.

In 1861, when the Civil War was just starting, Capt. Josiah Sawell was attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore with the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer infantry.

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The Potomac River, a Stalling Recovery?

Cleaner than it was in 2011 when it got a D, but “its recovery is plateauing.”

While the Potomac River is clearly not what the Washington Post in 1951 called an “open sewer,” for the first time in a decade, the river’s health has declined, reported the Potomac Conservancy last month, falling from a grade of B to B- and still unsafe for swimming or fishing.

Wednesday, November 25

Holiday Celebrations COVID-Style

Dealing with separation from family and friends

The decision to spend holidays away from loved ones can be a necessity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving in Time of Covid

As the Thanksgiving and winter holidays approach, many residents may be wondering how to celebrate safely this season.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In-Person Class: More Focused, Engaged

I am writing in response to the article titled “Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms ” published in your newspaper on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

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Helping Families in Need this Holiday Season in Reston and Herndon

Cornerstones combines Thanksgiving Food Drive with Gifts for Kids.

Cornerstones was back at it again, ready to assist 1,000 Reston and Herndon families struggling to make ends meet this holiday season.

Monday, November 23

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Talking Turkey, ‘Respectable’ Birds

Virginia has around 180,000 turkeys, elusive in the woods and fields.

Alan Warburton did a double take when he spotted a wild turkey ambling across his Mount Vernon yard in the Tauxemont community in April.

Wednesday, November 18

Opinion: Column: I'm Here to Report

As my brother, Richard, has often said: "If the oncologist is happy, then I'm happy."

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Addressing the Demands of Virtual University Classrooms

Marymount psychology professor offers solution to distance learning obstacles

For some students and professors, the loss of in-person contact has disrupted higher education and the experiences that often accompany it.

Jeffrey McKay to Head VACo

Fairfax County board chairman elected president of statewide organization representing interests of Virginia’s 95 counties

Jeffrey McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, was elected to serve as 2021 President of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo).

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In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students

Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.

People, Parks, and Pandemics

It happened from the very beginning, as shopping centers, gyms and restaurants closed in the last half of March and news spread about the pandemic: people started gathering in parks.

School Building Closed? Try a Park

Families across Northern Virginia are challenged with online education.

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NWFCU Foundation Raises $100K for Scholarship Program at Golf Tournament

NWFCU Foundation, the charitable arm of Northwest Federal Credit Union, held its fifth annual Drive for the Driven Golf Tournament on Oct. 19, 2020.

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Veterans Day Observed with Caution in Herndon

American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston installs modified Avenue of Flags

Due to COVID restrictions, the Town of Herndon canceled its public recognition program on the Town Green for its Veterans Day Observance sponsored annually by The Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston.

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Food For Neighbors Receives $5,000 Sprouts Grant to Fight Hunger

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Bryan Daniell, Assistant Manager of Sprouts Farmers Market in Herndon, presented Food For Neighbors with a $5,000 Neighborhood Grant from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation.

Tuesday, November 17

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A Godsend for The Closet of the Greater Herndon Area

Together they made it happen.

In reality, the project Chantilly-based non-profit organization HomeAid Northern Virginia recently completed for The Closet of Greater Herndon proved different from its typical work, but was a game-changer for the nonprofit thrift shop located in a 100-year-old building in the heart of the town’s historic downtown district.

Wednesday, November 11

Opinion: Column: As Second Opinions Go...

...it was first rate.

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Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools

COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.

Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.

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Thanksgiving Decor in the Era of Covid-19

Creating dining elegance at a distance

Naomi Patterson’s Thanksgiving table is usually set with linen dinner napkins, cleaned and starched, and her wedding china, ecru with a platinum border.

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Music Connects in Herndon

Virtual recitals strengthen stretched ties.

Will Meinert (bass) and Emily Misch (soprano) of Herndon are opera singers performing and streaming recitals and short productions with a mix of discussions.

Tuesday, November 10

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Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Roberta Gosling, co-founder of the South Lakes High School Food Pantry said, “Since COVID-19, the SLHS PTSA Food pantry has pivoted to a contact-free distribution system.

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Herndon Seeks to Amend Agreement with Comstock

Closing on property planned before or on Dec. 15

Mayor Lisa C. Merkel may have the honor of inking the closing deal with Comstock Herndon Venture, LC on the Historic Herndon District project before her term ends on Dec. 31 of this year.

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Sheila A. Olem Wins Mayoral Race in Herndon

Herndon Town Council 2021-22 boasts diversity

Sheila A. Olem will be sworn in as the new mayor of the Town of Herndon 2021-22.

Thursday, November 5

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Why Is Dino Drudi Always the One?

Why am I always the one ending up critiquing Michael Pope's articles.

Wednesday, November 4

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Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Kindness During a Very Difficult Year

The lines to vote early at the Springfield-Franconia Government Center were a 3-4 hour wait every day for two weeks.

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: A Generation Capable of Change

What kind of world do you want to live in, a world where you have no problems or issues to fix in your community?

Opinion: Column: Better Late Than Never...

...to get a second opinion about one's first cancer; especially if there's now a second cancer to consider.

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Assistance League of Northern Virginia Helps Meet Needs for Local Families

Assistance League of Northern Virginia distributed another 400 $20 grocery gift cards in October to families at the six schools that normally would have received the Weekend Food for Kids food bags.

Decompressing after a Divisive Election

Limit time on social media or watching post-election coverage

The moments that stretched her to her professional limits came immediately after the 2016 presidential election.

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The Pandemic Election

Virginia voters support Biden, Warner and a new redistricting commission.

Twenty years ago, Virginia was a red state. Republicans scored Virginia's electoral votes in every presidential election since LBJ was reelected in 1964. Republicans held both U.S. Senate seats. The Grand Old Party had all the statewide offices, a majority of the congressional delegation and both chambers of the General Assembly. That was the environment when Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Democrats, ran for governor and lieutenant governor.

Fairfax County Unofficial Election Results

Fairfax County Unofficial Election Results

Matrix, Sunlight Discussed at Fairfax County Public Safety Committee

Community, advocacy groups and police give more than 2,500 suggestions on police reform; Governor signs reform bills from special session

Police reform includes improving morale for police officers.

Don’t Get Burned When Buying Firewood This Fall

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to measure deliveries of firewood to ensure they receive the full value of their purchase.

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Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet Continues

Distribution limited to five Saturdays November through March

As the weather gets colder, the need for coats and winter outerwear is greater than ever this season for community members who are unsheltered.

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Public Hearing on Historic Herndon Nov. 17

Herndon Town Council nears replacing Heritage Preservation Program

Community members and business owners in the Herndon Preservation Overlay District may soon be presented with new guidance on maintaining and updating their property and Town regulation processes for exterior change.

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More than Half of Fairfax County’s 700,000 Voters Voted Early

Virginia localities take precautions to protect voters, workers

Virginia localities are taking a number of precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at polling places even though masks will not be required.

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Election Storm of the Century: Herndon-Reston Area

Saying the vote counts is an understatement.

Election Day 2020 will go down in history.

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Scouting for Food Nov. 14

Things have changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scouting for Food on Nov. 14