Living With My Decisions
On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
Kitchen Organization for the New Year
Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.
If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."
Top Designs of 2013
Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.
From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.
Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid
Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.
It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.
Independent Progressive
2014 More Interesting Than 2013
Apart from the Democrats’ sweep of Virginia’s top three executive branch jobs, 2013 wasn’t a very good year. Reston’s long-awaited rail service failed to make it to Wiehle Avenue on time. Not to be outdone, Supervisor Hudgins’ Task Force writing Phase One of the new Comprehensive/Master Plan for life with rail in Reston also failed to arrive on time—it was due for completion in 2010! And, the Reston Association Board veered off its tracks. It failed a test of its natural areas stewardship role in a deal so lacking in merit and transparency that most of RA’s own distinguished Environmental Advisory Committee resigned in protest.
Caroling at Talk Oaks
On Dec. 7, a group of families (Gregory, Hansing, Miller, and Roggeband), from the community visited the Assisted Living place at Talk Oaks in Reston for Caroling. In addition to the Caroling the kids presented individual pieces of music on piano, flute and violin. The seniors enjoyed it and they were happy to see so many smiling faces at the end of the Caroling/Concert.
Traditional Needlework Exhibit at Greater Reston Arts Center
Greater Reston Arts Center is pleased to present STITCH, a group exhibition examining the growing popularity of traditional needlework and its incorporation into diverse forms of contemporary art. The exhibition will run from Jan. 16 through March 1, at the gallery, located in Reston Town Center. Traditionally regarded as a craft or relegated to the category of “women’s work,” needlework—including stitching, embroidery, knitting, and crochet—has become an increasingly vital element in contemporary mixed-media compositions.
Obituary
Patricia Rae (Pat) Cochenour, 71, of Reston Dies
Patricia Rae (Pat) Cochenour, 71, died on Dec. 29, 2013, at her home in Reston, after a long battle with cancer. Pat was born in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 5, 1942, to Ada May (Thorowgood) Cox and the late Thomas E. Cox, Jr. She married James R. Cochenour on Aug. 20, 1980.
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
Sugar Plum Fairy From South Lakes
South Lakes Senior Rebecca Mattern captivates audiences.
For the past 41 years, Conservatory Ballet dancers have ushered in the holiday season with their annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This year more than 125 Northern Virginia elementary, middle and high school students filled the Center Stage’s dressing rooms and wings, eagerly awaiting their cue to take the stage.
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
Reston Business Honored at Event in Centreville
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) has been open two years now, making a huge difference in the lives of the day laborers it serves. And on Saturday, Dec. 7, those involved in the center’s success celebrated its anniversary. The Centreville Immigration Forum is responsible for the center’s continuing operation, and during the ceremony, CIF President Alice Foltz presented framed certificates to several people, acknowledging their contributions to the CLRC.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.
Top Reston, Herndon Sports Moments of 2013
Here is a look at the top Reston and Herndon sports moments of 2013.
Classified Advertising January 1, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Column: Legislative Resolutions
Legislation that is proposed for consideration by the General Assembly is called a bill. A bill that has passed the House of Delegates and the Senate and has been signed by the Governor in identical form becomes a law on July 1 after the adjournment of the legislative session and is included in the Code of Virginia. To know what the laws of the Commonwealth are, go to the Code at http://leg1.state.va.us/000/src.htm. Bills that will be voted on at the legislative session beginning on Jan. 9 can be reviewed at the same website.
The Reston Metro Lottery Issue
Real estate tips.
Not a week goes by that I don't have someone ask me what the impact of the Silver Line means for our local home prices in Reston. I hear things like "Should I wait for the Wiehle Metro Station to be completed before we sell?" or "How will the Metro effect my homes value when it opens?" These are all valid questions and deep down what I think they want me to tell them is that they’ve hit the Metro Lottery and their home’s value is going to spike, just like it did in 2005.
South Lakes Choral Department Presents Winter Concert
Reston students display their musical skills.
The Little Theatre in Reston’s South Lakes High School was packed the evening of Thursday, Dec. 19 as families and friends gathered to hear the music of the South Lakes Choral Department.
Blockbuster Musical Arrives at CenterStage
Reston Community Players present ‘Les Miserables.’
Megawatt electric energy filled the Reston Community Players (RCP) rehearsal hall. Cast members and technical crew were in the midst of the groundwork for the area community theater premiere of the multi Tony-Award winning musical "Les Misérables."
Diva Central Prom Dress Drive Begins Jan. 3
Items will be given away to Reston-area teens at March 8 prom dress giveaway event.
The 12th Annual Diva Central prom dress drive kicks off on Friday, Jan. 3, when Reston Community Center will begin collecting dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags, shawls and other accessories for students in the greater Reston area. Donations are tax deductible and may be dropped off daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods facility through Friday, Feb. 7. All donations are appreciated but should be in good condition, no older than five-years-old (circa 2009), and should be dry cleaned before donation. If dry cleaning is not possible, please indicate at the time of drop-off. Dress donations will benefit students in Fairfax County and other surrounding areas.