Obon Festival at Ekoji Temple
Celebration remembers ancestors who passed away.
Hundreds of people attended the Obon Summer Festival Saturday, July 13, at the Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station.
Commentary: McDonnell Sets a New Low
—In Virginia, Who Cares?
The daily discoveries of more unethical and corrupt behavior by Governor Bob McDonnell continue to pile up. Most recent are the two grant “loans” to Bob and wife Maureen, each for more than what the average Virginian earns in a year, a Rolex for Bob, a New York fashion shopping spree for Maureen and gifts for two daughters’ weddings. These gifts are all from a wealthy donor involved in million-dollar-litigation with Virginia who is getting first family promotion of his diet supplement business to boost stock prices. All in all, the total undisclosed cash, loans, lodging, gifts, etc. in McDonnell’s enrichment scheme is estimated at $270,000 … so far.
Reston, Herndon Teachers Attend Williamsburg Workshops on American History
Seven social studies teachers in area schools have been selected to attend the 2013 Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in American History. One of them had to decline at the last minute due to a family medical issue.
Firecracker 5K for the Troops
The USO of Metropolitan Washington, a nonprofit providing support services and programs to area military members and their families, benefited on Independence Day as the charity of choice during the annual Firecracker 5K for the Troops race at Reston Town Center.
A Touch of Hollywood in Lorton
The 5th annual Clifton Film Fest premiers July 20.
The 5th anniversary of the Clifton Film Fest—Fairfax County’s first and only celebration of independent film—will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 4 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Lorton Road.
Letter: Reducing Storm Water Runoff
To the Editor: In recent years Reston took an admirable effort to restore its streams. Highly effective in certain respects, the renewal allowed for improvement in important stream functions. The flood plane was evened out, a meadow ecosystem was created, the riffle-flow system slowed the streams flow rate, and the area was generally beautified.
Teaching Girls the Value of Science
The Girls Excelling in Math and Science (GEMS) Club Initiative, Nova Labs, and the Mid-Atlantic Girls Collaborative (MAGiC) have announced a new project: The Girl Makers of Northern Virginia.
Classical Ballet Theatre Offers Full Scholarships to Male Dancers
Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) in Herndon offers full scholarships to boys and young men interested in training under the auspices of the renowned Alisher Saburov—a former Bolshoi Ballet star with high expectations and masculine form—who has produced very successful male athletes
Week in Reston
Police have charged one adult and three juveniles in connection with the June 7 robbery and assault near Pinecrest Road. The adult, Ali Lewis, 19 of Freetown Court, Reston was charged with robbery on June 21.
Theresa Marie Christian and James Hays-Wehle Engaged
Theresa Marie Christian, daughter of Eliot and Marcia Christian of Reston, is engaged to James Hays-Wehle, son of Edward Hays and Sarah Wehle of Milton, Mass.
Commentary: Making College Affordable
Members of the college graduating class of 2013 will average more than $35,000 in total debt, according to a study reported recently by CNN. The bulk of the debt is in government loans, but private, state and personal and family loans along with credit card debt contribute to the total.
Making a Critical Point
Restonian joins area friends in forming, running their own theatre.
Two local recent college grads have eschewed the traditional post-collegiate path of endless interviews and internships for something a little more creative. Julia Katz and Alex Burns, of Falls Church and Reston, respectively, along with Deborah Cline, a former classmate, have decided to follow up their undergraduate studies by founding a theatre company. Additionally, the company’s ensemble features Matthew Schott, also of Reston.
Week in Herndon
Officers responded to a report of a stabbing in the 2100 block of Astoria Avenue shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday, July 10.
Herndon Olympics Swim Meet Was a Splashing Success
Three records broken at this year’s meet attended by Olympic gold medalist Josh Davis.
The 34th annual Herndon Olympics was held last Tuesday, July 9. Hundreds of swimmers from nine local swim teams competed, allowing the community to come together to encourage young athletes, support local businesses and to meet Olympic gold medalist Josh Davis.
Viewpoints
"This is where the dreams begin."
Josh Davis, who won three gold medals at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and two silver medals at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000, said about the Herndon event: “This is where dreams begin and champions are made as they take pride representing their neighborhood and their city. … Of the 4,000 summer league swim championships going on this month, this is one of the best ones in the country.”
Mapping it Out
City of Fairfax gets strategic about future of parks and recreation.
On a summer Sunday afternoon, several people huddle over a giant digital map of Van Dyck Park spread out across tables at the Sherwood Community Center, musing about future amenities at the City of Fairfax’s oldest and largest park, located just across the street.
A Spirit Tested
Elden Street Players to present “Caroline, or Change.”
Fifty years ago Sam Cooke sang, "It's been a long time coming, but I know a change gon' come. Oh yes it will." It was the time of the civil rights movement and the assassination of President Kennedy.
John Tran Takes Oath for Circuit Court
John M. Tran was presented with his official commission as a Fairfax Circuit Court judge on Friday, July 12, at 4 p.m. at the Fairfax Courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.
Editorial: City Council vs. Women’s Health Centers
There’s something I learned in college that has always stuck with me: Political theory is not formed in a vacuum. How we see the world is informed by the times we have lived through. I’m a native of Virginia and most of my life has now been lived here in Fairfax. I’ve made it my home and raised my children here.
Finnegan’s Irish Pride Opens in Tysons
Finnegan’s is celebrating their newest spot with a grand opening ceremony held on June 29, offering guests to sample the Irish fare, watch their game on one of the big screen TVs,