People

Column: The Sad Saga of the McDonnells

Please tell me that I won’t have to see any more photos of the grim, or confidently smiling, faces of Bob McDonnell, Maureen, and their phalanx of lawyers either walking into or from the courtroom daily.

Column: Back to School

Although it has been many years since I was a teacher in the classroom, I still get a nervous stomach around Labor Day each year in anticipation of the beginning of a new school year. Teaching is the hardest work I have ever done in my life including being a legislator.

Reston Founder at Farmers Market

In his morning walk around Lake Anne, Reston Founder Robert Simon stopped at the Reston Farmers Market seafood stand on Saturday, Aug. 30, sampling the fresh (raw) clams. In the first photo, Karen Arnest of Arnest Seafood offers Reston Founder a fresh clam she just popped open; the second is the Founder enjoying the rest. Simon is seated in his new Swedish Walker, which accompanies him on walks around Lake Anne most mornings.

Opinion: School Jitters

Most children in our region experienced their first day of school this week. Back to school is an exciting time for students as they shop for new clothes and supplies, learn their schedules, play sports, and meet new teachers. It can also be a stressful time since a new school year means change.

Lee High Welcomes New Principal, West Springfield Holds ‘Spartan Spree’

Springfield high schools get ready for a new school year.

Many believe that it is the job of the student to challenge and push themselves in the classroom, but for incoming Robert E. Lee High School Principal, Deirdre Lavery, success begins with the teachers.

What’s on the Horizon for Town of Vienna

On the horizon for local residents are a transportation project, a plan to help W&OD trail users and Church Street businesses, plus a major expansion and renovation of the Vienna Community Center.

Bob Simon’s Favorite Events, Places in Reston

Reston’s founder, Bob Simon, in last year’s Connection’s Newcomers Guide shared his list of top ten favorite events and places in Reston:

What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax

On the horizon for local residents are some mixed-use projects, school-boundary changes, potential traffic shifts and the reopening of a historic and much-loved eating place.

Samantha Bird Wins Gold in Ulman Cancer Fund Triathlon

Iron Girl all-female race took place in Ellicott City, Md.

Finishing more than 10 seconds ahead of her closest competitor, Burke resident Samantha Bird was the overall champion at the Iron Girl all-female sprint triathlon held in Ellicott City, Md. on Aug. 17.

Great Falls Optimists’ Planned Activities

Planned activities for the Great Falls Optimist Club that provide opportunity for all ages to learn, serve, lead and to help youth who influence the future.

Friends & Neighbors to Host Kick-off Luncheon

Great Falls Friends & Neighbors [GFFN] is a women’s club designed to connect new with current residents of Great Falls and the surrounding communities. For all members young or old, it is a wonderful way to establish friendships and community contacts through the social, educational and cultural activities that GFFN provides. In addition, the club provides service, support, and donations to philanthropic and civic organizations, particularly in and close to the Great Falls community. GFFN is a nonprofit organization.

Exhibit Of Konko Opens at ArtSpace Herndon

ArtSpace Herndon shares story of a Ghana village and a literacy program.

ArtSpace Herndon brings the story of the village of Konko with an exhibit that opens Aug. 26.

Local Player on World Stage

South County senior plays in World Cup Quarterfinal with U.S. Women’s U-20 Soccer.

Kaleigh Riehl has been “playing up” her whole life. When the lifelong Fairfax Station resident first joined the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) soccer team at age 7, she played with 8-year-olds and had to wait until she reached that age to compete. “

Everybody Goes to Spartans

Family-owned restaurant bustles with local patrons.

“Have you been to Spartans? Everybody goes there,” said Diane Thompson, a former teacher at Terra Centre Elementary School. She lives in Springfield now but likes to hang around Burke because it has a “more small town feel.”

Lorton Boy Finds 10,000-year-old Arrowhead

Noah Cordle and family were on vacation in Long Beach Island, N.J.

Lorton resident Andrea Cordle’s family has been vacationing around Long Beach Island, N.J. since her mother was a child -- but they’ve never come across something like this. While staying in Beach Haven, her 10-year-old son Noah was walking into the Atlantic when “it just hit my foot,” he said. “Several times. Because of the waves.”

The Connection