Warner, Gillespie Clash in U.S. Senate Debate
Stark distinctions on same-sex marriage, immigration, abortion and healthcare.
In front of an audience of Northern Virginia business leaders, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie honed their attacks on each other during a sharp, wide-ranging debate Tuesday evening, Oct. 7.
Getting Children Excited for Halloween
Local experts offer advice for keeping trick-or-treating fun, not scary, for small children.
For many children, Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. From Power Rangers and athletes to princesses and pirates, dressing up in their spookiest or most imaginative attire and trolling the streets in search of treats is a major part of the fun for school-age children. For younger children, however, the ghosts and goblins who are meant to entertain can cause too much of a fright.
The Private School Admissions Process
Local educators offer insider tips on how to select and get a child admitted to the perfect school.
While this school year might still feel new, some parents are already thinking next fall. Or if they’re not, they should be. For parents who are considering sending their children to one of the area’s private schools for the 2015-2016 school year, the application process should be underway.
Not in the Mood
Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy. Moreover, in spite of my best psychological efforts, generally speaking, there seems little I can do to diminish its effect. More often than not, it’s merely time; simply time passing and/or time spent trying to talk myself out-of how I feel and in-to how I haven’t failed.
Editorial: Coming - Children’s Connection
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children. The results are always remarkable. It is a keepsake edition for many families.
Oktoberfest Held At Reston Town Center
Visitors attend weekend-long festival in Reston.
Despite overcast weather, the 2014 Oktoberfest was held again at Reston Town Center with Alpine Dancers, exhibitors, Oktoberfest fare, beer and carnival rides.
Week in Reston
Weekly happenings in Reston
Three Appointed to the Community Center Board
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the request of Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed three Reston residents to the nine-member Reston Community Center Board of Governors: William Keefe, William Penniman and Vicky Wingert.
Saved by the Feds
Commentary
As I wrote in a column several months ago, Virginia has historically ceded decisions to federal authorities on major issues on which the state had been unwilling to move forward, despite the Commonwealth's historic antipathy toward the federal government.
John Geer Killing—An End to Impunity?
Independent Progressive
In August 2013, a Fairfax County Police Officer shot and killed unarmed John Geer as he stood in his doorway talking to police. There were many civilian witnesses, including family, to the SWAT team killing.
Eagle Project Completed
Troop 160, Franklin Middle School, held an Eagle Court of Honor last month for James Pesce at Reston Bible Church.
Uplifting, Magical Dance
Reston's Gin Dance Company making impressions.
"Through dance, we deliver our ideas, stories and emotions across without saying a word," said Shu-Chen Cuff, artistic director of the Reston-based Gin Dance Company.
Buzz Aldrin Elementary Named a National PTA School of Excellence
National PTA has recognized Buzz Aldrin Elementary School and the Buzz Aldrin Elementary School PTA as a National PTA School of Excellence for their achievement in building effective family-school partnerships.
‘Sent from God’
Reston pastor retires after two decades of service.
U.S. Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-11) and Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) joined area church leaders and visitors to celebrate the retirement of Resurrection Baptist Church pastor Ronald Winters on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston.
Column: Not in the Mood
Sometimes, believe it or not, I’m not in the mood to be a terminal cancer patient (duh). Not that the effect is particularly tangible, but the weight of it, as well as the associated waits I’ve occasionally written about, can get awfully heavy.
Seeing Red and Blue with Connolly
Colleagues say Gerry Connolly’s vision central to productivity.
Gerry Connolly doesn’t have 20/20 vision. His round wire-framed spectacles and cropped salt-and-pepper mustache have long accessorized his look, whether sporting a black pinstripe suit or a billowy navy University of Virginia windbreaker
Show for All Ages
Reston Community Players brings the family musical ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ to CenterStage.
Technical artisans were completing the finishing touches to transport a comic strip to life. Set decorator Bea Morse was nimbly sewing cushions for an oversized couch for the Reston Community Players (RCP) musical, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Column: The Age Wave
Commentary
Last week, Bob Brink, a former colleague of mine who represented Arlington-McLean in the House of Delegates and who was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to be Deputy Commissioner for Aging Services, spoke to the Northern Virginia Aging Network’s (NVAN) annual legislative summit.
Writing a Novel in 30 Days
Hunters Woods fifth graders gear up for 2014 Young Writers Project.
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and for years the NaNoWriMo organization has put forth the challenge to write a novel in 30 days.
Bio and Q&A with Gerry Connolly
Q: What do you think are your top three accomplishments in office? A: * The Silver Line. I wasn’t alone, but I'm very proud of my championship of the Silver Line and the fact that it's up and running and succeeding. It took 19 years to sort of get people to reimagine it and get it built. It was a long, tough struggle.