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Alex McVeigh

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Three Birds Seeks Energy Education

Foundation seeks to assist schools with alternative energy solutions.

When Rachel Carson Middle School installed 11 solar panels several years ago, Joseph Plummer was inspired. After all, the students worked to raise more than $40,000 for the installation, which gave them a hands-on chance to learn about alternative energy sources.

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Holiday Homes Tour Set for Dec. 7

Annual tour features five homes, will be walkable for the first time.

The Town of Herndon will host its annual Holiday Homes Tour Saturday, Dec. 7, giving visitors a chance to explore five residences and the visions of their owners.

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Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings

Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.

Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.

Classical Ballet Theatre Presents Nutcracker

Annual production will run Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

The Classical Ballet Theatre will present their annual production of “The Nutcracker” starting Nov. 30 at the Northern Virginia Community College Annandale campus.

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Thrift Shop Gift Ideas in Herndon

The Closet, Bargain Loft, offer gift ideas that support local charities.

While there’s no shortage of standard brick-and-mortar and online places to shop for this holiday season, several thrift shops in Herndon offer special gift opportunities, as well as a chance to help the less fortunate while doing so.

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Herndon Cadets Visit Boot Camp

Naval JROTC cadets train at Parris Island, S.C.

Members of the Herndon High School Naval Junior ROTC got a chance to train in the same place as members of the Marine Corps for 48 hours, experiencing life at boot camp firsthand.

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Unfunded Northern Virginia Transportation Projects Discussed

County seeks feedback on unfunded projects.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation hosted their latest Countywide Conversation on Transportation Meeting in Reston Wednesday, Nov. 13, to solicit opinions on unfunded transportation projects.

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Author Explores ‘Undead Chaos’

Joshua Roots released debut urban fantasy novel.

For the past 10 years, Joshua Roots has wanted to write a book. While an active duty Marine, he says he played around with the idea.

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Bicycle Access Coming to Wiehle Station

Bicycle racks, lockers, equipment part of alternative access options.

While the Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station is the only Silver Line Phase One station to have a parking garage directly adjacent to it, room has been made for other modes of transportation.

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Simon’s Likeness to Benefit Cornerstones

Bronze bust of Robert Simon to be auctioned off to assist with affordable housing.

As Reston approaches its 50th year, and its founder approaches his 100th year, Robert Simon’s vision for his community is still very much intact. Part of his vision included people of all income levels living side by side.

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Getting Children to Give Back

Touching Heart aims to train next generation of compassionate leaders.

As her birthday approached several years ago, Taylor Yi of Herndon realized she wasn’t that excited about another year of presents from her friends.

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RA Board to Decide on Lake Anne Land Swap

Swap would assist in redevelopment efforts, vote to be held Nov. 21.

The Reston Association Board of Directors will vote on a land swap involving two parcels of land near Lake Anne at their Thursday, Nov. 21 meeting.

New Superintendent Hosts Q&A

Karen Garza speaks at Sunrise Valley Elementary School.

New Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza visited with parents and teachers at Sunrise Valley Elementary School Monday, Oct. 28, as part of her listening tour around the county.

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Washington West Film Festival Comes to Reston

Proceeds from festival will go to fight homelessness locally.

Bow Tie Cinemas in Reston Town Center hosted filmmakers and moviegoers alike as part of the Washington West Film Festival last weekend, concluding with a red carpet event and showing of the Peabody award winning “My Neighbourhood” by local filmmaker Rebekah Wingert-Jabi Saturday, Oct. 26.

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Home Tour Celebrates Simon’s Vision

Annual tour gives glimpse of variety of Reston homes.

Danielle Harrison has lived in Reston for 10 years. She has attended a few events at the Reston Museum, is excited for Reston founder Robert Simon’s 100th birthday next April and considers herself very knowledgeable when it comes to Reston history.

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Reston Hospital Provides Construction Update

Physicians expected in new medical office building after Thanksgiving.

Reston Hospital Center is currently in the process of adding more than 150,000 square feet of new office space and facilities.

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Screamin’ for a Reason at Bradley Farm

Bradley Farm Haunted House returns to benefit Herndon-Reston FISH.

The annual Bradley Farm Haunted House will be resurrected this year on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. The annual haunted house, which raises money for Herndon-Reston FISH, is themed “Panic Attack: Confront Your Fears and Phobias.”

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Council Approves Preliminary Boundary Agreement

Agreement would help settle western town border issue with Loudoun County.

The Herndon Town Council voted unanimously a resolution that would begin the process of settling a dispute over the town’s western border Tuesday, Oct. 8. The approval sets in motion a process by which the town and Loudoun County could come to an agreem

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Town Center Hosts Oktoberfest Reston

Annual festival features German food, dance.

Thomas Redding had one thing on his mind during last week’s succession of rainy days, and it could only be found Saturday morning at Reston Town Center.

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Runnymede Hosts NatureFest

Annual festival explores flora and fauna at local park.

The Friends of Runnymede Park and the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual NatureFest Sunday, Oct. 6. The festival gave nature enthusiasts of all ages a chance to explore the diverse habitats within the park.

Reston Native David Bendernagel Releases Novel 'The End of the City'

“The End of the City” features South Lakes student protagonist.

Growing up in Reston, David Bendernagel said he always thought writing was cool. His interests ranged from the fantastical to the realistic, and with his first novel, “The End of the City,” he has found a way to explore both of those themes in an unorthodox, but interesting way.

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Lighting the Night at Reston Town Center

Annual walk funds blood cancer research, family support.

“Ava B” will turn 5 years old early next year, and spent more than half of her young life dealing with leukemia. She was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2011 at age 2. Since then, she has undergone more than 20 months of chemotherapy, and seen her family and friends rally around her.

Great Falls Studios Explore Art’s Natural Habitat

Great Falls Studios releases book to celebrate 10th anniversary.

Great Falls Studios was founded 10 years ago by several artists who wanted to network. Now, it features more than 90 artists who work in almost every conceivable medium, and they work hard to promote arts events around the community.

Town Releases Annual Report

Manager reports “exceptional period.”

Herndon Town Manager Art Anselene presented the annual report for Fiscal Year 2013 to the Town Council Tuesday, Sept. 24.

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Multicultural Festival Comes to Reston

Annual multicultural festival held at Lake Anne.

Nearly 50 years ago, Robert Simon founded Reston with several goals, and one of them was diversity. For the past 12 years, the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association, Reston Community Center and Reston Association have hosted a tribute to that goal, the Reston Multicultural Festival.

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Reston Sport & Health Renovates

Location kicks off new features after $1.5 million renovation.

Sport & Health Clubs celebrated a $1.5 million renovation to their Reston location with a ribbon cutting and casino night Thursday, Sept. 26. The renovation of the club, located at Isaac Newton Sqaure, stretched to almost every aspect of the facility.

NatureFest Returns to Runnymede

Annual festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 6.

The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Runnymede Park will team up to host this year’s NatureFest Sunday, Oct. 6. The annual event gives local residents a chance to explore the plants and animals that live in the 58-acre park.

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Fall Comes to Reston

Multicultural Festival, Reston Home Tour highlight fall events.

This fall, several new features will come to two of Reston’s signature events. The Reston Multicultural Festival, which will take place at Lake Anne Saturday, Sept. 28, will begin with the annual naturalization ceremony.

Six Run for RCC Board

Six candidates seek three openings on Reston Community Center Governing Board.

Six candidates are currently running for three seats on the Reston Community Center’s Governing Board. A preference poll is currently being conducted through the first week in October.

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Running, Walking for a Cause at Susco 8K

Annual Tim Susco 8K run, 2K walk comes to South Lakes.

Tim Susco, a 1999 graduate of South Lakes High School, was living his dream in the summer of 2007. He was working as a location scout for the NBC show “Heroes” when he suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away at the age of 25.

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Lake Anne Interim Agreement Approved

Board of Supervisors hopes project will serve as revitalization catalyst.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an interim agreement for the redevelopment of the Crescent Apartments, which are located in the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization District. The 16.5-acre site contains 181 affordable housing units.

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Planning Area’s Future Transit

Transportation officials discuss transportation funding, projects.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance hosted their annual "What You Need to Know About Transportation" seminar Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Gannett building in McLean.

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Reston Hosts 30th Triathlon

Event features two men who have done all 30 races.

Thirty years ago, many of Reston’s swimmers, runners and cyclists came together to host the first Reston Triathlon.

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Herndon Hosts Classic Car Show

Automobiles, live music, swing dancing come to downtown.

Downtown Herndon went back in time by more than a half century Sunday, Sept. 8, for the 12th annual AARP Dulles Classic Car Show.

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Developments Abound in Reston

Silver Line, Master Plan task force opportunities loom.

Reston will be the first community along the Dulles Corridor to experience the Silver Line with the opening of the Wiehle Avenue Station. With stations at Reston Town Center and off Sunrise Valley Drive to come as part of Phase Two, the community is actively involved in planning for both phases.

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Silver Line Brings New Opportunities

Metrorail line aims to connect Washington, D.C. with Dulles Airport by 2018.

When the first trains of Metro’s Silver Line start carrying passengers, around February 2014, it will mark a new era for Northern Virginia, particularly the northern part of Fairfax County. By 2018, riders from Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston and McLean will have access to Dulles Airport and Washington, D.C. via the Silver Line.

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Leidos Locates in Reston

SAIC to split into two parts, second part will move to Reston Town Center.

SAIC, one of the largest employers in Northern Virginia, has announced that they will locate the headquarters for Leidos in Reston Town Center. Leidos is the to-be-formed new company that handles national security, health and engineering solutions.

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People’s Choice Winner

Herndon senior Josh Katz reflects on award-winning photograph.

When the Town of Herndon 2014 calendars are sent to all the residents late this year, the work of Josh Katz will adorn the main page. Katz, a rising senior at Herndon High School, took this year’s People’s Choice Award winning photograph.

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Herndon Council Approves Preliminary Subdivision Plan

Helgar Oaks would feature nine houses on Van Buren Street.

The Herndon Town Council unanimously approved an application for a preliminary subdivision plan on the 400 block of Van Buren Street. The lots at 417 and 419 Van Buren Street, located adjacent to Bruin Park, are currently empty and total about three acres.

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Chinese Fiddlers Come to Reston

Shanghai Yangpu Youth Palace student troupe performs at Reston Town Center.

Ashley Syed was walking along Market Street in Reston Town Center Saturday, Aug. 10 when she heard music that she described as “something right out of a movie.” As she got closer to the town center’s pavilion, the music grew louder.

Isabel Robles Heads to Houston Ballet

Isabel Robles will spend school year with Houston Ballet.

After spending six weeks in a summer intensive program with the Houston Ballet, Isabel Robles decided that wasn’t enough, now she will spend the school year in the company’s year-round program.

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Dancers on Display At Great Falls Library

Artist Jill Banks hosts workshop at Great Falls Library.

The conference room at the Great Falls Library was transformed into a studio of sorts Saturday, Aug. 10. Artist Jill Banks hosted a painting demonstration featuring two local dancers, and welcomed visitors and other artists throughout the day.

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County Hosts Hearing on Crescent Apartments Redevelopment

Crescent redevelopment proposal brings optimism, concern for some.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hosted a public hearing to discuss an interim agreement to redevelop the Crescent Apartments at their Tuesday, July 30 meeting.

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Reston Interfaith Renamed Cornerstones

Nonprofit rolls out new name, logo, but “mission remains the same.”

Reston Interfaith hasReston Interfaith has been a force in the community for the past 43 years, advocating for those in need on a multitude of different levels. On Thursday, Aug. 1, they officially changed their name to Cornerstones. been a force in the community for the past 43 years, advocating for those in need on a multitude of different levels. On Thursday, Aug. 1, they officially changed their name to Cornerstones.

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Golf Tournament Benefits Arts Council

Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern hosts annual fundraiser.

Though the grounds were damp from the night before, and the skies threatened rain in the morning, that didn’t stop more than 100 golfers from taking to the Herndon Centennial Golf Course Thursday, Aug. 1.

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Hinds Feet Ministries Celebrates 15 Years of Service to Liberia

Local nonprofit performs outreach to Liberia.

Trypetus Cooper Padmore spent her formative years living around the world. A native of Liberia, she spent time in Great Britain and the United Stated during her school years. She left Liberia with her family after the military coup in 1980.

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Cindy’s Legacy to Host 2nd Annual Golf Clinic

Nonprofit supports families and patients affected by cancer.

Cindy’s Legacy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing services for families affected by cancer, will host its second annual golf clinic at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course Friday, Aug. 9.

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Herndon Town Calendar Photos Chosen

Local photographers recognized at ArtSpace.

The walls of ArtSpace Herndon are currently decorated with almost 60 photos of Herndon’s signature moments. From large events such as the Herndon festival, to the simple pleasure of two children holding hands on a brisk fall day, local photographers submitted their shots for inclusion in the town’s annual calendar.

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Rotary Club of Great Falls Launches Foundation

Foundation will allow for tax deductible donations.

In their first two years, the Rotary Club of Great Falls has experienced almost unprecedented growth, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing clubs in Rotary International. Now they have taken the next step to reach deeper into the community, founding a 501(c)3, the Rotary Club of Great Falls, Virginia Foundation.

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Obituary: Dr. Thomas Wilkins Dies at 83

For more than 40 years, Wilkins worked to better lives of those around Reston.

When Dr. Thomas Wilkins moved to Reston in 1969, he said he did so because it was “an island of equality in a sea of inequality.” Wilkins passed away Saturday, July 20 at the age of 83, having spent 44 years trying to make Reston a stronger community.

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