People

Superintendent Visits Twain Middle School

The stop is the next to last on Garza’s Listening Tour

The school board has already approved their FY 2015 budget, but concerned teachers and parents continue to voice their concerns as the process to receive county funding moves on. The budget was among several topics addressed at Twain Middle School on Feb. 17, a stop on Superintendent Karen Garza’s listening tour.

Snowstorm Hits the Area

School closures and road conditions among major concerns

Fairfax Station resident Lia Keith said she was lucky this year in terms of snow days. “They plowed our road early, which is unusual,” Keith said. “I was also off work and didn’t have to go in until Thursday, which was fortunate.”

Helping Those With Disabilities

Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program serves hundreds

Although it’s been bone-chillingly cold this winter, volunteers still show up for their weekly shifts at the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program in Clifton. “The horses still need to be fed, even when it snows,” said NVTRP interim executive director Kelsey Gallagher.

Trout Season To Begin At Reston Lake Fairfax

Passes for fishing available for purchase.

Fishermen who enjoy catching trout are invited to participate in the 2014 trout season Feb. 14 through May 4. Due to inclement weather, the county delayed the event for a week. "The county was trying to not encourage water activities when the lake was frozen over," said Lake Fairfax park employee Dustin Meyers. One thousand pounds of rainbow trout and 200 pounds of golden trout will soon be in the waters of Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. This 20-acre lake will be restocked five times during the spring season by Cast-a-line of Goshen, Va.

‘Divine Love’ on Display in Reston

Elizabeth Linares’ Photography display opens at Reston Center.

"My work has evolved over the years, but I like to portray light," said Elizabeth Linares. Linares hosted a reception at the Reston Center 2 Solo Exhibit location on Thursday, Feb. 6. Her photography exhibit, "Divine Love" will be on display at the Reston Center 2 until Feb. 27. "This exhibit shows the breadth and depth of Elizabeth’s work," said League of Reston Artists President Jim Schlett.

Board of Supervisors Approves Reston Master Plan

The Board’s Approval of the Revised Master Plan on Feb. 12 cleared the way for an expansive 50-year vision for Reston.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the Comprehensive Reston Master Plan on Tuesday, Feb. 12, adopting the vision for Reston’s growth for the next 50 years. Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) motioned for the Board to approve the revised plan’s vision for Reston with founder Bob Simon’s original 1962 goals in mind.

Capitol Steps Help Cornerstones

The 31st annual benefit performance and live auction raises $152,605 for affordable housing programs in Reston.

More than 600 Reston residents came out to the 31st Annual Capitol Steps Benefit Performance at the Hyatt Regency Reston to raise money for Cornerstones’ affordable housing programs. The event, held on Sunday, Feb. 16 and sponsored by Long and Foster Real Estate, raised a total of $152,605 for Cornerstones.

Herndon Rotary Club Holds Valentine's Sock Hop

Final show for Herndon fundraising event.

The Fabulous Hubcaps band preformed Saturday evening at the Herndon Community Center’s gymnasium, playing some favorite classic rock n’ roll hits including "Surfin’ USA" and "Get Around." The Valentine's Sock Hop has been an annual event for the Herndon Rotary Club, but due to multiple factors will no longer be held as a fundraising event.

Heaven and Earth Akido Hosts Fundraiser

Funds raised for family of departed Herndon waiter.

"Damien was one of the first folks who I spoke with when I came back to the area after being overseas over three years," said Ben Ericksen. "We stuck up a pleasant conversation, and I told him I was back from Afghanistan. I would take some of the students up to the O’Sullivan’s restaurant."

Vienna Seeks Feedback from Town Residents

Will conduct a survey on its programs and services.

The Town of Vienna wants to see how well it’s doing, so it’s going to survey some of its residents to find out. Toward that end, it contracted this month with ETC Institute to do the deed.

‘I Like Gliding Across the Ice’

Vienna teen competing in synchronized ice skating Nationals.

Vienna’s Ceci Picard isn’t an Olympian, but she is an accomplished ice skater. And on Feb. 27, she and her teammates will compete in the Synchronized Skating National Competition in Colorado Springs.

Vienna Man Guilty in Teen’s Death

McLean girl, 16, died after using heroin.

Kyle Alifom, 20, of Vienna pleaded guilty last Monday, Feb. 10, in federal court in connection with the death of a 16-year-old McLean girl.

Obituary: Richard Alan DeMello

On Feb. 11, 2014, Richard died at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. He was a loving husband for 42 years of Sharon (Henault) DeMello; loving father of Shawna Dillon (James Dillon); cherished member of the Henault family; a friend to so many. Richard is survived by a brother, Leon and a sister, Karen DeMello. Richard was an electronics engineer in communications for the Department of Defense, Navy.

Just Chillin’ in the Snow

Two snowstorms, Feb. 12-13, brought 14 inches of snow initially, plus 4 more inches later, to the local area, bringing dogs and people out to play.

Women of Faith Discuss Peace

Concerned about unrest in the world and wanting to do something about it, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosted an interfaith event. Held Feb. 8 at the Mubarak Mosque in Chantilly, it gave women from different walks of life the chance to discuss their perspectives on peace. The event was called “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.” And during its course, the women presented their ideas on: * How to save the world from destruction, * How to create true peace and harmony in the world, and * What’s the role of religion in promoting justice, freedom, human rights and peace?

The Connection