Protecting Driver’s License Information Becomes Law
Del. David Bulova’s legislation (House Bill 1072) to protect personal information on driver’s licenses was enacted into law during the reconvened session of the General Assembly on April 23. The new law, which will be effective on July 1, limits the ability of a business to electronically scan the bar code on a driver’s license and then store and use that data. State Sen. David Marsden (D-37) carried the companion legislation (Senate Bill 40), which has also been enacted into law.
County Budget Markup Passes
Three supervisors still oppose the budget.
Fairfax County is another step closer to having an approved budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Supervisors approved the 2015 budget markup at its April 22 meeting at the county Government Center. Supervisors Linda Smyth (D-Providence), Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and John Cook (R-Braddock) opposed the markup.
Fairfax County Honors ‘Superheroes’
22nd Annual Fairfax County Service Awards presented.
Maybe they don’t wear capes and flashy uniforms, but local volunteers are superheroes. That was the theme for the 22nd Annual Fairfax County Service Awards, where more than 100 volunteers were recognized for their work with breakfast Friday, April 25, at The Waterford in Springfield. More specifically, this year’s theme was "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact," which was reflected in the comic book-inspired table decor and introductions by master of ceremonies Jeff Goldberg, Virginia Bureau Chief for ABC7 and News Channel 8.
Father and Son "Twogether"
As a born, bread and buttered Bostonian (Newton Centre, a suburb, to be specific), one of my enduring and genetic passions has been to live and die (figuratively speaking; this is not a cancer column) for The Boston Red Sox. My father sold concessions at Fenway Park (the stadium home of the Bosox since 1912), during the Depression when he was a little boy (not yet an adolescent even). He was nicknamed "Beezo," (his given name was Benet, although he was always called Barry) so he could gain full acceptance to a local knothole gang. Named after the wooden planks which surrounded the old Braves Field in Boston (a National League team called Boston its home as well back in the day), the kids ("gangs") would stand and peer through the knotholes in the wooden planks which otherwise blocked their view. It was a privilege and an honor for my father to be so connected to the game this way. He grew up loving baseball, and as a parent, he passed his love of the game on to me – and my brother.
Editorial: Trending in the Right Direction
Commitment to ending homelessness shows progress, but more affordable housing is needed.
On one night in late January, local jurisdictions in our area fanned out to count the number of people who were literally homeless. Fairfax County released its numbers last week; Arlington and Alexandria will do so in the near future. In Fairfax County, the commitment in 2010 to end homelessness in 10 years has resulted in significant progress, even in the wake of the great recession. The number of people literally homeless decreased by a third from 2008 to 2014, from 1,835 to 1,225 counted this year. Many non-profit organizations have partnered to prevent homelessness one family or individual at a time for those on the brink and to house chronically homeless individuals. There is so much still to be done.
Herndon Passes Nearly $49 Million Budget
Tax rate will remain the same.
The Herndon Town Council approved its $48,827,100 2015 budget. The budget, which maintains the current tax rate of $0.2650 per $100 of assessed value, was passed 6-1 at the April 22 meeting. Council member Charlie Waddell was the only one who voted against the budget. He wanted to see a lower tax rate. “I’m not ready to pass the budget, as is,” he said. “I might be in a couple of weeks.”
Herndon High Drama Produces ‘Blithe Spirit’
Herndon spring play begins May 1.
“It is hilarious how witty and comical this play can be, I am looking forward to performing with my classmates,” said Jessie Jorgensen, a Herndon High sophomore. Jorgensen is performing as the character Ruth in the May spring production of “Blithe Spirit” a play by Noël Coward. Herndon High junior Bonnie Sasseen has the role of Elvira Condomine. “I had read the play before and the character is very fun,” said Sasseen. “She is a very physical character, she is both exciting and amusing to play.” Taking the role of Charles Condomine is Herndon senior Hunter Robinson. “The whole show is a very witty fast paced comedy,” said Robinson.
Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. Holds Fish Fling
Event honors volunteers who contribute to FISH’s efforts.
Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families meet emergencies and short-term needs, held its 9th Annual Fish Fling Gala at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 11 p.m. The gala was FISH’s largest fundraising event to acquire the financial support for its Family Assistance Program. In 2013 FISH worked with over 1,300 area families.
13 Vie for Herndon Council Seats
Town election for mayor, council on May 6.
Herndon’s seats for mayor and council will be left up to voters on Tuesday, May 6. The town elections, between two mayoral candidates and 11 council candidates, will be held at Herndon Community Center at 814 Ferndale Ave. Lisa Merkel, current mayor, will face contender Connie Hutchinson, current vice mayor. “I think she has a different vision for the town,” said Hutchinson. “I think she wants Herndon to be different from the way it is now. I’d like it to stay true to its unique identity.” Merkel agrees they have different visions for the town. “I ran for council and for mayor because I really think Herndon can have it all,” she said.
Comstock Wins 10th District GOP Canvass
Sole female Republican candidate sweeps party polls, will face John Foust in November election.
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) is the 10th Congressional District Republican pick for Congressman Frank Wolf’s open seat. The current delegate reined in more than 7,000 votes at the party canvass on Saturday. “It is an honor and a privilege to win my party's nomination for Virginia's 10th Congressional District and follow in the footsteps of my mentor, Congressman Frank Wolf,” she said in a press release.
Herndon Holds Taste of The Town
Town fundraising event showcases local restaurants.
Herndon’s annual Taste of the Town event was celebrated April 24 at the Herndon Worldgate Center. The annual event has been known as a showcase for destination dining, but was not held in 2013. “I am thrilled that this event is back, it is a great opportunity to try food from around the town,” said Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel. “I am extremely happy with the turnout, it was missed when it was not held last year,” said Herndon resident Linda Downer. “It is good to have Taste of the Town back again,” said Jimmy Cirrito, owner of Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern. Cirrito along with other local restaurant owners had food samples ready for guests attending the ticketed event. There were 19 food vendors participating in the event including JJ Deli, Matsutake Japanese Restaurant, Vocelli’s Pizza, The Chocolate Chick, Pizzanese, Chantel’s Cakes and Pastries, and others. Several sponsors helped with the event including MEDA, Herndon Florist, Rappaport Companies, XOXO Photos, and Meadows Farms Nurseries.
Officer Presgrave Hangs Up His Hat
HPD Captain retires after 41 years of service.
In 1972, American soldiers were fighting in the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal broke and NASA received their first pictures from Mars from an orbiting probe. That August was also Police Captain Robert Presgrave’s first month as an officer for the Herndon Police Department. More than 41 years later, he is retiring from the everyday business of keeping the town a safer place. “There are a thousand stories I can write,” he said. “If I could write like an author, I’d write a book.”
Lisa Merkel for Mayor
To the Editor: I am very pleased to endorse Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel for re-election on May 6. I am proud of what Lisa has accomplished in her first term as Mayor, working hard on the issues that are important to Herndon residents. Lisa has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments. Whether it be making infrastructure improvements, attracting new businesses, improving access to transportation, upgrading technological services, or fighting for our schools, Lisa has been able to bridge the gap between talking about making improvements and actually setting the wheels of action in motion.
Obituary
Joseph Iannucci, 87, of Herndon, Dies
Joseph Iannucci, 87, originally of Millbrook, N.Y. died Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at his home in Herndon. Born in Fondi, Italy on October 12, 1926, he was the son of Giuseppe and Assunta Pannozzo Iannucci. Joe served his country during WW-II with the US Army from March 1945 - December 1946. He graduated from Millbrook High School in 1947 after being discharged from the Army. He was Class President and President of the Student Council. After the Army, Joe attended Niagara University, and was captain of the golf team. Joe graduated in 1951 with a degree in chemistry. His years following graduation were spent working as a chemist for Squibb, McKesson & Robbins, and Chesebrough Ponds/Unilever. After retiring from Unilever, Joe worked part-time at Imaginative Research Associates as a consultant.
Who is Trailing Don Beyer in Hotly Contested Democratic Primary?
Candidates elbow each other out of the way to secure second place.
Campaign finance documents show that former Lt. Gov. Don Beyer crushed the nine other candidates in the hotly contested Democratic primary.
Alone on the Road: 7 out of 10 Northern Virginia Workers Use Single-Occupancy Vehicles
Study raises concerns about amount of time drivers spend commuting alone.
Despite the decades-long war against the single-occupancy vehicle, seven out of 10 workers in Northern Virginia drive to work alone every workday.
What to Expect
Real estate experts offer a forecast for spring.
Real estate agent Joan Caton Cromwell says she lost a home bidding war last week in Falls Church even though her client was a strong contestant.
Spring Songbirds Arriving Now
Local bird groups and bird walks help beginning birders see colorful birds.
The birds are coming. The annual migration of often brightly colored songbirds from their winter homes in Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and the southern U.S. is underway now. Millions and millions of avian migrants fly northward every night and the come down to rest or nest every morning. Some of the birds are enroute to nesting areas far to the north; some nest right here or nearby.
Region Sees Lowest Number of TB Cases in Decades
Outreach efforts get people in for tuberculosis treatment before it spreads.
When Dr. Barbara Andrino came to the Fairfax County Health Department in 2011, there were 137 cases of tuberculosis in Northern Virginia.
Week in Herndon
Herndon-Reston FISH to Hold Annual Fundraising Event Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicating to help families meet emergencies and short-term needs, will hold its 9th Annual Fish Fling Gala at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 11 p.m. This gala is FISH’s largest fundraising event to acquire the financial support for its Family Assistance Program. In 2013 FISH worked with over 1300 area families.