People

Herndon Police Youth Academy Graduates Honored

On May 22, the Herndon Town Council recognized the graduating class from the Twelfth Session of the Herndon Police Youth Academy at an official Town Council presentation.

ArtSpace Herndon Announces Art Photography Competition Winners

ArtSpace Herndon and the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts have announced the winners of the 2012 Fine Art Photography Competition.

Montessori Country School Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Montessori Country school in Herndon celebrated their 40th Anniversary at a big family bash on Friday, May 18. Many alumni as well as current families were in attendance.

Longing for Peace and Happiness

Elden Street Players present "Flowers for Algernon."

"I wanted to give audiences a timeless classic play; one that touches on many different issues," said the award-winning Gloria DuGan, director of "Flowers for Algernon," the next Elden Street Players production. "This play deals with important moral and ethical matters, including how life can be both beautiful and painful."

Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny

$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’

Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.

"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.

Teacher Honored for ‘Inspiration’

Former Wolftrap Elementary student builds a new lab in honor of his teacher Candace Leyton.

Candace Leyton was not just one to educate; she was one to inspire. Chris Shumway, her former student who was a UVA undergrad and Harvard Grad student, wanted to honor a teacher who made him "feel empowered."

Oakton Student Builds Seven Bullpen Pitching Mounds

Oakton High School freshman Evan Heitman completed his Eagle project with more than 50 volunteers by building seven bullpen pitching mounds at the Chantilly Youth Association Little League fields.

Vienna Brings Out Its Heavy Equipment

Annual Public Works Day draws hundreds of children.

The dream to climb aboard construction and heavy-duty equipment and emergency vehicles came true for hundreds of children on May 24.

ViVa! Vienna! Takes Over Town

Marketplace, food, live entertainment draw thousands.

It takes a lot more than blistering, pounding heat to keep Vienna-area families and neighbors away from ViVa! Vienna!, the Vienna Rotary Club’s three-day Memorial Day weekend festival.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Hits Vienna

The Pure Pasty Co. makes celebration cake.

It took a four-month period, two pounds each of butter, flour and sugar, eight pounds of mixed dried fruit, home-made marzipan and fondant, brandy and artistic finesse to create the spectacular Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee cake at The Pure Pasty Co. on Church Street.

Vienna Police Department Volunteers Honored

On May 24, the Town of Vienna Police Department along with Vienna Youth Football Incorporated honored several individuals that volunteer their time to the Town of Vienna Police Department. Vienna Youth Football, Incorporated Chairman Mark Meana hosted the event along with Capt. Mike Miller from the Town of Vienna Police Department.

Oakton Dentist Indicted

Hamada Makarita, 50, of Oakton, has been charged in a 15-count indictment of using his position as a dentist to illegally distribute prescription pills to patients, employees and women he dated. He was also charged with allegedly using the identity of another dentist to fraudulently bill an insurance company of more than $160,000 in claims.

Madeira Student Reaches Out to Orphans in Thailand

Charlotte Heffelmire, of Vienna, is a freshman at the Madeira School and spent her spring break in the tropics, but not to sunbathe and enjoy the beach. Instead, she presented several thousand dollars to the Pattaya Orphanage near the Gulf of Siam in Thailand. For the last several years Charlotte has been working and saving her money as well as collecting donations to help the orphans in Thailand.

Langley High Students Win Science Olympiad Medals

Local students competed in the 28th annual National Science Olympiad at the University of Central Florida on May 18-19. Representing Virginia, a team from Langley High School challenged 59 other state champion high schools from the U.S.

The Connection