People

‘People Can Identify with Characters’ Humanity’

Local woman writes book, ‘A Season’s Assemblage.’

A new author has emerged on the literary scene with an anthology of short stories called "A Season’s Assemblage." Her name is Cleo Magwaro, and she’s a resident of Fair Oaks’s Penderbrook community.

Column: To Fairfax County Graduates - Do Not Lose Sight of Community

To the graduates of Fairfax County Public Schools: This month you will don caps and gowns to mark the end of your high school career. Your accomplishment is the product of hard work, perseverance, and the support of many. While you are reflecting on your accomplishments, consider how you will begin your new chapter. As you set off into the world, I ask you not to lose sight of your community and to seize the opportunity to be an active, engaged citizen. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) lists many responsibilities of American citizenship, perhaps the most important of which being a citizen’s obligation to "participate in the democratic process." In the 2012 election, just 38 percent of 18 through 24 year olds voted. That number is much lower for state and local elections. As real challenges face the young people graduating today, I encourage you to become educated about the election process and to vote for candidates you believe will represent you well.

‘Dream Come True’ for Vienna Teen

New horse, high scores and ribbons for Cassie Picard.

Vienna teenager Cassie Picard spends a lot of time horsing around – but that’s because she rides ponies in competition.

Week in Reston

Volunteers needed and scholarships awarded.

Animal Shelter Holds ExtravaCATza!

Residents are invited to visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter this June to take part in ExtravaCATza!, a celebration of cats and kittens. The shelter’s at 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax and, all month long, adoption fees on all cats and kittens will be just $10.

Local Area Team Wins Third Place in Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Tournament

In a tough competition of all the regional winners in the state tournament, the team came in third place.

Obituary

Marcella A. (Ridder) Urban, of Reston, Dies

Marcella A. Urban, Reston resident for more than five years, died peacefully at Sunrise Senior Living in Oakton on June 5.

McLean Trees Foundation Honors Joyce Crandall

During a recent volunteer workday, the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF) planted two native Fringetrees and one American Hornbeam tree along Chain Bridge Road in Lewinsville Park in memory of McLean resident Joyce Crandall.

Traffic Signal Needed Near Westgate Elementary

MCA resolution passes nearly unanimously.

Drivers taking a shortcut on Magarity Road to get to work in the morning may find a traffic light to aid the crosswalk guard in the future.

Reading Rodeo Held at Churchill Road

On June 4, Churchill Road first graders celebrated the culmination of their language arts program at their annual Reading Rodeo.

New Zoning Laws Target Downtown

Green space and taller buildings planned.

Although Herndon’s Silver Line station is not slated to open for several more years, rezoning measures are taking place to redevelop downtown.

Eat. Drink. Pay?

Fairfax County task force debates voters’ appetite for another meals tax referendum.

It has been 22 years since Fairfax County asked voters to approve a tax on restaurant meals, an issue that ignited protests, caused deep divisions among community leaders and threatened to melt down several political careers. The reverberations of that epic failure — what many consider the third rail of county politics — continue to echo in the ears of county politicians.

Burnt Offerings Exhibit On Display At ArtSpace Herndon

Paintings by Reston artist Morgan J. Norwood on display until June 29.

In June, visitors to the community art gallery ArtSpace Herndon will see an array of paintings making an artistic ring of fire in the main gallery.

Nysmith Odyssey of the Mind Team Places Third in World Finals

Last week the seventh grade Nysmith Odyssey of the Mind team traveled to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Ames, Iowa, and took home the trophy for third place in the world.

Week in Great Falls

Great Falls Senior Center to Host Barbershop Quartet

The Connection