Comfort Women Memorial Highlights Human Trafficking
New Peace Garden a beacon of hope for victims.
When members of the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues unveiled a new memorial on May 30, they also illuminated the issue of local human trafficking in Northern Virginia. Elected officials including Supervisor John Foust, Japanese and Korean representatives, and human rights activists gathered to remember the women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery during WWII. Now the memorial stands sunlit on the back lawn of the Fairfax County Government Center, as a reminder for today’s community to take a stand against these crimes against humanity in their own neighborhoods.

Why Education Needs Its Foundation
More than 100 business leaders attend luncheon.
Approximately 33 percent of Fairfax County Public Schools kindergartners are living in poverty.

100,000 Homes Fairfax Wins Blue Ribbon Partnership Award
The 100,000 Homes Fairfax campaign was presented with a Blue Ribbon Partnership award from the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships (OP3) as part of its "Celebrate Partnerships" awards ceremony held on May 29.
Opinion: Transitioning to Summer
Summer is a time of change — always welcomed by students. The break during the hottest months gives a chance for kids to de-stress and prepare for their next grade on their short path to adulthood. After five summers at FACETS, I’ve had the opportunity to watch many children make this transition. What’s fun for kids though, can be a huge struggle for their parents. Finding appropriate and affordable care, providing enough meals during the day, and incurring the extra costs of entertaining children can be an enormous challenge for families that FACETS serves.
Opinion: Clearing the Air on New Carbon Standards
The EPA‘s new proposal to safeguard the air we breathe and contain a primary driver of climate change by reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants is the lynchpin to reducing our carbon footprint. As co-chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environmental Coalition, we welcome action on carbon pollution and look forward to working with all stakeholders in a responsible manner to advance a 21st century energy economy for America.
Fairfax County is Home to 10 Companies on 2014 Fortune 500 List
Ten Fairfax County-based companies, in industries ranging from defense and technology consulting to financial services and hospitality, hold spots in Fortune magazine’s list of the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. The 2014 Fortune 500 is available online.

Empire Strikes Back: Establishment Beats Tea Party at Republican Convention
Party insider Ed Gillespie seizes nomination at convention in Roanoke.
When conservative preacher E.W. Jackson took the stage at the Roanoke Civic Center to introduce Tea Party favorite Shak Hill at the Republican convention last weekend, hundreds of conservatives from across Virginia took to their feet. They waved placards.
Classified Advertising June 4, 2014
Read the latest ads here!

Poverty in the Classroom: Low-Income Students Scattered Through Northern Virginia
Where are the region's highest poverty schools?
When Carla Castro-Claure was approaching the age when she would soon attend Kindergarten, her mother became increasingly concerned about Hybla Valley Elementary School.
Column: Garden Magic
The General Assembly has been in recess since early March when a special session was called by the Governor to pass a biennial budget that had failed to pass in the regular session.

Dulles Corridor Virtual Tour
Local business leaders get a peek into the future.
A boom in both housing and population is expected as the Metrorail Silver Line stations begin to open.
Week in Reston
Reston Master Plan Phase II Open House and Film Exhibition
Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill) and the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning are hosting an open house on the Reston Master Plan Study Phase II.

Biggest Virginia Pine Becomes ‘Tree Cookie’
Possible tree competition for county.
Most cookies are done after baking for15 minutes. Not a tree cookie, however.

Tour de Cure Held in Reston
Cyclists bike to raise funds for American Diabetes Association.
Thousands of persons went to Reston Town Center on Sunday, June 1, to participate in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure Race.

Dean Klein To Be Awarded
Three county employees win Onthank award.
Dean Klein truly believes homelessness can be eradicated.

Love Your Body Yoga Festival Comes to Reston Town Center
Yoga studios and wellness centers of Northern Virginia will offer classes, services, and share information at Love Your Body Yoga Festival on Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, Reston.

South Lakes High School Holds Spring Concert
Reston band students display their music skills.
On May 29, the South Lakes High School symphonic band and wind ensemble performed at the school’s Little Theater.
South Lakes High Student Wins State Competition
Sarah Quan, senior at South Lakes High School in Reston, won first place in the instrumental category of the Virginia State James A. Bland competition May 16.
Reston Concerts on the Town Kick Off New Season
Reston Concerts on the Town, the weekly summer concert series at Reston Town Center, will kick off its summer season on June 7 with Beatles tribute band Hard Day’s Night.
Healthy Cooking with Children
Local foodies say cooking with children can establish a lifetime of healthy habits.
From creating dough for freshly baked bread to squeezing lemons for a neighborhood lemonade stand, Michael Roll enjoys spending time in the kitchen with his children transforming ordinary food into nutritious culinary creations, particularly during the summer. He says that when parents cook healthy meals with their children they model behavior that can last a lifetime.