Above and Beyond
Firefighters honored for Reston rescue efforts.
The water was swiftly rising at the intersection of Reston's Stuart Mill Road and Birdfoot Lane as deadly flash flooding surged throughout Fairfax County on Sept. 8, 2011. Two vehicles stranded at the intersection were quickly swept out to a tree line 150 feet into the water with a family of three and a single driver still inside.
Great Falls Goes Egg Hunting
Optmist Club hosts annual Children’s Spring Festival and egg hunt.
The Great Falls Village Green was littered with 7,000 brightly colored eggs Sunday afternoon. Most of the eggs were filled with candy, but 900 of them contained $10,000 worth of gemstones donated by Jorge Adeler of Adeler Jewelers.
Possible Future for Historic Buildings?
Community members come up with conceptual plan for Grange, schoolhouse.
Having historic properties such as the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls has become a bit of a mixed blessing for the community. On one hand, the properties represent living history, both are in the National Register of Historic Places, and are relics of a different age.
Longfellow’s Science Bowl Stars
Four eighth graders headed to second straight nationals.
For four members of the Longfellow Middle School Science Bowl team, this year is another chance to compete in the National Science Bowl Finals. After winning the state competition for the second straight year, the four members of the team are studying up and are eager for their return trip to nationals.
Langley Presents ‘The Crucible’
Tale of Salem Witch Trials will be performed black box style.
When it came time to present their Spring show, Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," the Langley Theatre Department decided to think a little inside the box. A black box theater, that is.
Council Responds to County Water Ordinance
Councilmembers decide to address legislative ordinance issues with county.
The Herndon Town Council unanimously passed a response to the Dec. 6, 2011 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ decision to regulate water sales and rates from non-county providers.
Egg Hunting in Brown’s Chapel Park
Community Center hosts annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt.
As children ages 1 through 9 gathered at Brown’s Chapel Park in Reston Saturday morning, they separated themselves by age group and massed along the borders of several different roped off areas. The areas were filled with colored eggs, which meant that for many children, filling their baskets would come down to strategy.
Future of Silver Line Discussed
Panel discusses labor agreements, Loudoun County’s decision.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion in Reston Wednesday, March 28 about the future of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line. The discussion featured Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Scott York and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President Jack Potter.
Above and Beyond
Herndon firefighters honored for heroism.
The water was swiftly rising as a lone woman was frantically crying for help from the roof of her car during the deadly flash flooding of Sept. 8, 2011.
Arts Council Offers Taste of Spring
Taste of the Town brings restaurants to the forefront.
This Spring, the annual Taste of the Town festival will celebrate many of Herndon’s signature restaurants by giving visitors a chance to sample their signature items. Hosted by the Council for the Arts of Herndon, the 21st annual event has long been known as a showcase for destination dining.
Classical Ballet Theatre Dancers On the Move
Nonprofit dance studio hosts annual fundraiser, prepares for move to Reston.
When Cynthia Donavin, executive director of the Classical Ballet Theatre, was searching for inspiration to find a new location for the studio, she turned to one of the area’s most famous patrons of the arts: Reston founder Robert Simon.
South Lakes Hosts SingStrong
A cappella music event benefits Alzheimer’s charity.
Before last weekend, Randy Trott, 16, of Springfield didn’t know too much about a cappella music. "I thought it was pretty much like the beginning of [Queen’s] ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ a lot of singing soft, slow music," he said. "I had no idea that singing groups could do so much with just their voices, turn them into instruments of their own."
Springtime in Reston
Egg hunt, Founder’s Day highlight Spring festivities.
Brown’s Chapel Park will be the site of Reston’s annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, which kicks off a Spring brimming with events. The hunt will also feature carnival rides, games and a performance by magician Eric Henning, who has performed around the area including the White House.
Pearl Project Continues Legacy
Journalists speak on future of investigative journalism.
As a young journalist working in the Washington bureau of the Wall Street Journal, Asra Nomani found a friend in journalist Daniel Pearl. Raised in a conservative Muslim household, Nomani had not attended her prom, but 10 years after her senior year, Pearl helped organize a prom for her.
Spring Festival Comes Back to Great Falls
Optimist Club to host annual egg hunt and children’s festival.
The Sunday before Easter, the children of Great Falls will gather at the Village Green to search for eggs filled with candy, and in some cases, something even more valuable. The annual Spring Festival and Egg Hunt will be hosted by the Great Falls Optimist Club and will feature more than 5,000 eggs scattered across the green.
Alcorn Named Citizen of the Year
Planning Commissioner recognized by Federation of Citizens Associations.
The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations named their Citizen of the Year Sunday, March 25, recognizing county Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn for more than a decade of service on the commission.
First Responders Recognized
34th Annual Valor Awards presented to police officers, firefighters.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognized 108 of the county’s first responders Wednesday, March 21 at the 24th annual Valor Awards. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as from the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, were given awards.
Springtime in McLean
Garage Sale, McLean Day headline Spring events.
This Spring, McLean will host one of its signature events, as well as a new location for its annual Spring Garage Sale. The sale, which will take place Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature dozens of residents peddling their wares.
County Takes Aim at Bullying
Survey helps county create bullying outreach, cyberbullying prevention.
Monitoring aggressive behavior is a primary concern of Fairfax County when conducting the annual Youth Survey. While fewer than 5 percent of students report gang activity or carrying a weapon, a majority of students have experienced bullying from one side or the other.
Risky Behavior by the Numbers
Youth Survey highlights risks, assets for students.
Periodically, Fairfax County conducts a youth survey which polls thousands of students to get a glimpse into issues of substance abuse, antisocial behaviors as well as factors such as mental health and civic engagements.
Herndon Seniors Create Exhibit
ArtSpace hosts second annual senior art show.
Last Fall, Herndon High School senior Baback Chiniforoushan was with some friends and his dog next to the Washington Monument when they performed a familiar ritual.
John Marshall Bank Comes to Reston
Corporate Headquarters, new branch opens.
Reston welcomed the latest addition to its business community Thursday, March 15 with the grand opening of the John Marshall Bank branch and headquarters. Members of local chambers of commerce as well as several elected officials were in attendance.
Candidates Sound Off at RA Forum
Five vie for two at-large seats, one for South Lakes district.
Five residents are running for two open at-large seats on the Reston Association Board of directors, while past board member Richard Chew is running unopposed for the South Lakes District. Current Vice President Paul Thomas will not be running for re-election, opening up one seat, and incumbent Tom Vis is hoping to keep his seat.
Old Brogue Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
Crowds line up early for annual celebration.
On Saturday morning, the electronic clock that hangs on the wall of The Old Brogue in Great Falls read "0 Days, 0 Hours, 0 Minutes and 0 seconds" for the first time in 366 days. The clock spends most of the year counting down to St. Patrick’s Day, and it hadn’t read zero for long before people started showing up.
McLean Presents ‘A View From the Bridge’
McLean Theatre Company puts on Arthur Miller’s tale of 1950s immigrants.
When McLean High School’s McLean Theatre Company decided to present Arthur Miller’s "A View From the Bridge," the wide open spaces of the regular auditorium just wouldn’t do. For the performances, they decided to use the more intimate confines of the school’s black box theater. The result is a play, a tale of poor Italian immigrants living in the shadow of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, that happens within a few feet of the audience at all times.
Girl Scouts Tour the World
Annual Thinking Day Celebration features troops presenting different cultures.
The Old Firehouse Teen Center hosted more than 150 Girl Scouts Sunday, March 18 for their annual Thinking Day Celebration. The event, which also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, featured displays from 11 troops examining the culture and history of a specific country.
Langley Seniors Make Their Case
School hosts 20th annual Case Day.
Langley High School’s senior class spent Monday, March 19 going over two Supreme Court Cases with a fine-tooth comb, as part of the school’s annual Case Day. The event, now in its 20th year, allows the class to break down an upcoming case that will be heard by the Supreme Court, with students serving as counsel, justices, presenters and many other roles.
Colvin Run Hosts Lego League Expo
Eight Junior First Lego League teams present food safety projects.
Junior First Lego League Teams from around the county gathered at Colvin Run Elementary School Saturday, March 17 for a day to show what could be the future of food safety. Eight teams, including two from Colvin Run and one from Great Falls Elementary School, participated.
Herndon Welcomes New Chief
Col. Maggie A. DeBoard sworn in as chief of police.
The Town of Herndon welcomed Col. Maggie A. DeBoard as chief of police Tuesday, March 6, when she was officially sworn in at the Ingram Council Chambers. DeBoard, a 25-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department, has previously served as captain of the Franconia District Station, commander of the county’s helicopter division, commander of the Special Operations division and deputy chief of investigations.
No More Food Waste at Dranesville Elementary
Students, faculty kick off food donation program with LINK food bank.
After watching almost 6,000 pounds of food go to waste last year, the students and faculty of Dranesville Elementary School decided to do something about it. On Monday, March 12 the school cut the ribbon on their food recovery program, which will support LINK, a local nonprofit that provides food assistance to residents of Herndon, Sterling and Ashburn.
Garden Club Goes to Library
Reston Garden Club, Hidden Lane Landscaping perform maintenance at Reston Library.
Visitors to the Reston Library may have noticed the exterior looking a bit neater since Wednesday, March 7, thanks to the efforts of the Reston Garden Club in partnership with Hidden Lane Landscaping. Members of the club spent the day clearing brush, shrubs and dead grass, while maintaining beds and laying down mulch.
RA Hosts Watch Workshop
Crime Prevention Officer speaks about neighborhood watches.
The Reston Association hosted an informational meeting about neighborhood watch programs Tuesday, March 6, featuring county Crime Prevention Officer Katy Defoe.
Reston Interfaith, YMCA Team Up
Organizations team up to donate YMCA memberships to transitioning families.
Reston Interfaith and the YMCA Fairfax County Reston have teamed up in an effort to assist those transitioning out of homelessness. The YMCA donated 35 memberships to Reston Interfaith clients who are in the transitional housing program.
Great Falls Fire Station Welcomes Community
Grand opening held at new Great Falls Fire Station.
Ten years ago, five-year-old Harris LaTeef heard about Great Falls’ need for a new fire station, so he tried to do what he could to raise money for a new station: he opened a lemonade stand. While LaTeef’s stand raised $307.41 in a little more than four hours, it wasn’t enough. But on Saturday, March 10, LaTeef, now a freshman at Langley High School, was able to attend the grand opening of the new fire station he tried so hard to raise money for.
McLean Hosts Annual Boar’s Head Feast
The McLean Choral Department presented its annual Boar’s Head Feast Saturday, March 10, featuring a three-course Medieval-style dinner and performances by a variety of choral groups.
McLean Rotary Club Presents Youth Awards
Three local seniors recognized for ‘service above self.’
The McLean Rotary Club handed out its annual Youth Service Awards Tuesday, March 6 to three local seniors who have gone above and beyond in their community service efforts.
Langley Gears Up For Case Day
20th annual Case Day will debate Miller v. Alabama, Jackson v. Hobbs.
Langley High School seniors are currently putting the finishing touches on their 20th annual Case Day, which will take place Monday, March 19. This year’s cases will be Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs.
Fire Department Seeks Artifacts
Station looking for historic memorabilia for new station lobby.
The Herndon Fire Station has a lot of history to it, and much of it will be lost forever as a new station is built over the next year. And while the original cornerstone from the station’s 1950 construction will remain with the new station, Capt. Kerwin McNamara says they are looking for plenty more.
Herndon Council Approves Metro Amendment
Plan allows for increased density, new road network, other changes for area north of station.
The Herndon Town Council voted four to three Tuesday, Feb. 28 to approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that allows for redevelopment of the area north of the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metro station. The Council had been considering the plan for months, through various changes and approval from the town’s Planning Commission.
Service Across Generations
Councilmember Grace Wolf, daughter Lani nominated for volunteer awards.
Herndon Councilmember Grace Wolf has years of volunteer experience, with the Council For the Arts of Herndon, the Herndon Festival and the Girl Scouts among other things.
RCA Questions Toll And Revenue Forecasts
Study worries about ‘optimum bias’ in projections.
The Reston Citizens Association released a report last month calling into question the toll and revenue forecasts done by CDMSmith, then known as Wilbur Smith and Associates. The forecasts were done to estimate costs and other planning measures for Phase Two of Dulles Metrorail.
Colvin Run Jumps for the Heart
Students participate in events to raise money for American Heart Association.
Students at Colvin Run Elementary School got a little extra time in the gym Monday, March 5 and they were able to raise funds for the American Heart Association while they did it. The school hosted a Jump for the Heart event, where children could jump in many different ways to learn the importance of physical activities.
Citizens Discuss Future of Grange, Schoolhouse
Great Falls, Park Authority sound off on uses for historic resources.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Long-Range Planning Committee took the next step in creating their Long-Range Plan Monday night, with a public meeting to discuss the future of the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse.
Fairfax DOT Presents Walker Road Update
Plan calls for crosswalk, new sidewalks, street parking.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Transportation Committee and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation presented a vision for the future of Walker Road just south of Georgetown Pike.
Creating Bowls to Fill at McLean High
McLean High School prepares for upcoming Empty Bowls event.
On May 31, the community will be invited to McLean High School to select a clay bowl, fill it with the ice cream of their choice and donate money to help feed hungry people. But on Thursday, March 1, the bowls were just one-pound lumps of clay, waiting for dozens of students and faculty to turn them into bowls.
County Plans For Future of Senior Center
Early stages of Lewinsville Senior Center redevelopment begin.
Fairfax County held a public meeting about the proposed redevelopment of the Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean. The building was built in 1964, and Paula Sampson, director of Housing and Community Development, said this is a project the county has been looking at for years.
County Plans For Future of Senior Center
Early stages of Lewinsville Senior Center redevelopment begin.
Fairfax County held a public meeting about the proposed redevelopment of the Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean. The building was built in 1964, and Paula Sampson, director of Housing and Community Development, said this is a project the county has been looking at for years.
McLean Chamber Welcomes New Board
Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce hosts winter gala.
The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce welcomed their 2012 Board of Directors at their Winter Gala at the Gannett Headquarters building Friday, March 2. The 11-member board, as well as Chairman Merritt Green, First Vice-Chairman John Brough and Second Vice-Chairman Marcus Simon were sworn in by James S. Cheng, Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
Herndon High Step Team Kicks Off Title Defense
Herndon High School hosts 14th annual StompFest.
Fresh off a season in which they won the national championship, the Herndon High School Step Team kicked off their season by hosting the 14th annual StompFest Saturday at Herndon High. The event featured nine local teams competing for first place.
Telling Tales of the Rail
Historic Trusts hosts program on railroad history.
The Reston Historic Trust presented the story of the Alexandria Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, which later became the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne Thursday, Feb. 23. Local historians Ron Beavers and Paul McCray told the story of the line, which began in Alexandria in 1847.