Herndon, Reston Obituary: John David Farrell, Sr. MD, 79, Dies
On Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, Dr. John David Farrell entered into peaceful rest after a long illness at home with his family at his bedside. He was born March 24, 1937, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.

Fairfax County: Meals Tax Statement Debated During Joint Budget Meeting
Text prepared by Board of Supervisors and FCPS board chairs.
There continues to be division, at least among several members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, on whether voters should approve a referendum allowing the government to levy up to a four percent additional tax on prepared foods and beverages at restaurants, as well as ready-to-eat foods from grocery and convenience stores.
Fairfax County Public Schools Beat Virginia On-Time Graduation Rate
The Virginia Department of Education has released graduation rates for school systems around the Commonwealth. Fairfax County Public Schools had 92.3 percent of its 2016 class graduate on time, compared with the state average 91.3 percent.

Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.

Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.

Walk to End Alzheimer's in Reston
1,000 walkers raise $177,061 in one- and two-mile walk around Reston Town Center.
More than 1,000 walkers took part in the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Northern Virginia at Reston Town Center on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016.
Maya Callahan Wins Award in Lonely Planet Kids Poetry Competition
Maya Callahan, 11, a home schooled Reston resident, was selected by Lonely Planet’s Kids Poetry Competition for a runner-up award for her poem “Camping.” The poem was written after a camping trip with her Girl Scout troop last year.
Reston: RA Board Opposes St. John’s Wood Project
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, during a special meeting of the Reston Association Board to discuss land use and zoning matters in the community, the directors voted unanimously to oppose the application for the redevelopment of the St. John’s Wood Apartments.

Reston Multicultural Festival Draws Thousands
People turn out to celebrate their diversity at Lake Anne Plaza.
Thousands of people celebrated their diversity at the annual Reston Multicultural Festival held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.

Reston Multicultural Festival Draws Thousands
People turn out to celebrate their diversity at Lake Anne Plaza.
Thousands of people celebrated their diversity at the annual Reston Multicultural Festival held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston.
Reston: Oktoberfest Returns to Reston on Oct. 8
The beer and wine will be flowing at Oktoberfest Reston produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Oktoberfest Reston is one of the largest fall festivals in Northern Virginia, drawing crowds up to 35,000. This event features the best in fall and German brews with traditional Oktoberfest fare from area restaurants.

Reston: Washington Plaza Baptist Church to Install New Pastor
Reverend Michelle L. Nickens will be formally installed as the fifth pastor of Washington Plaza Baptist Church (WPBC) on Sunday, Oct. 9, during a special 4 p.m. service. A reception will follow in the Plaza Room on the lower level.

Fairfax County: Call for Civility in Schools’ LGBTQ Discussion
School board Board also receives Opening of Schools report, votes on challenged materials review committee.
Robert Rigby stood before the Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 22 wearing a red polo shirt, typically a sign of unity at board meetings among parents and community members who have opposed recent policy updates in the school system surrounding students who identify as transgender.
Editorial: Independent Police Auditor Marks History
Kudos to Board of Supervisors for unanimous approval of independent police auditor; now on to the Civilian Review Panel.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position and office of independent police auditor on Tuesday, Sept. 20, creating the first civilian, independent oversight of law enforcement in Fairfax County. The unanimous vote demonstrated the board’s commitment to the ongoing process that began early in 2015 when Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova established the 32-member Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.

McLean, Great Falls, Reston: Wannabe Beekeepers Wanted
Beekeeping is a trending hobby, but many stung by the idea don’t know where to begin. On Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Reston Association Headquarters Conference Center, master beekeeper Todd Harding teaches wannabe backyard beekeepers the basics of procuring, maintaining, and feeding bees. The class is held in Reston at the home-owners association, but is open to everyone, regardless of address.

Vienna, Reston: The Path Toward Tomorrow
Giving Circle of Hope hosts County needs assessment reporting.
According to Michelle Gregory, Division Director from the Countywide Service Integration and Planning Management department, it’s probably been more than a decade since Fairfax County conducted a human services needs assessment for the residents of the region. In the summer of 2015, the County decided it was more than time to take a detailed look at how things have changed since the last official recording and to see who most needed what in our area.
Walk to Prevent Suicide
Walk supports survivors of suicide loss and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The Out of the Darkness Walks are American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s largest fundraiser, producing millions for suicide prevention programs, and works to unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are “smart about mental health.”