Classical Ballet Theatre Hosts Local Preschools
On Thursday, April 18, Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) dancers enjoyed sharing their love of the performing arts with preschool students from Herndon Elementary Head Start, Montessori Country Day School, Reston Children's Center and St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. As part of their free outreach program, CBT performed Act I of their popular Cinderella production, which is packed with choreography, costumes, and good-natured humor. The students clapped for big leaps and twirls, laughed with stepsisters “Haughty” and “Spiteful,” and delighted in Cinderella's magical transformation into a princess dressed in a shimmering ball gown. Afterwards, enthusiastic audience members asked many questions and visited with cast members.
Aldrin's Barbara Gist Is Virginia’s 2013 National Outstanding Assistant Principal
Barbara Gist, assistant principal of Aldrin Elementary in Reston, was selected as Virginia’s 2013 National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year (NOAP). The 2013 award marks the second year that the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), in collaboration with the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP), has presented this award.
Commentary: Children and Outside Learning
Research highlights the benefits of outdoor and environmental education for children—ranging from increased academic achievement, improved social skills and interest in school, and boosted health, according to environmental education leaders who have organized NoVA Outside: An Alliance of Environmental Educators (www.novaoutside.org). I attended their School Environmental Action Showcase last week at George Mason University, and I was impressed by the students and their projects. The showcase is like a science fair but with the emphasis on environmental science.
Langston Hughes Celebrates Diversity Week
The celebration of Diversity Week at Langston Hughes Middle School came to a peak on Monday, April 29, with speeches by guest speakers, including Robert E. Simon, the founder of Reston. In an event which took place at the school hall, guest speakers spoke on the topic “How does Diversity Make Reston a Special Place to Live and Learn?”
South County Soccer Club Bonds in Bermuda
While other Elite Clubs National League soccer teams took a well-deserved break, one team went on the trip of a lifetime. FC Virginia U14s traveled to Bermuda over the Easter holiday, having the opportunity to experience island life while also playing against the full Bermuda women’s national team, and a high school team from Florida.
Commentary: Congress in Clutches of NRA
Before I criticize the lack of action on the part of the U.S. Senate on modest gun measures last week, I will freely admit that the Virginia General Assembly is clearly in the clutches of the National Rifle Association (NRA). The last several years have seen a steady decline in Virginia’s attempt to reduce gun violence but without my support or vote. Most recently the General Assembly repealed the limitation on handgun purchases. The problem of gun violence is nationwide and appropriately should be addressed by the U.S. Congress. Opinion polls indicate overwhelming support for congressional action, especially as it relates to criminal background checks. At the same time, incidents involving gun violence continue to mount up.
South Lakes Senior Awarded Scholarship
Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere awarded $5,000 from Northern Virginia Urban League.
The Northern Virginia Urban League awarded $50,000 in scholarships to local high school students at its annual Community Service and Scholarship Awards Dinner Friday, April 19. The organization, whose mission it is to enable disadvantaged youth to achieve economic and academic success, awarded one scholarship to South Lakes High School senior Osasenaga Kelly Aghayere.
Tailored Living Opens Herndon Showroom
Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, Delegates Tom Rust and Ken Plum and Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce President Mark Ingrao gave owners Juliana and Todd Carter of the new Herndon Tailored Living showroom a warm Herndon welcome at their opening and ribbon cutting Wednesday evening, April 17.
Our Red Shoe 5K Benefits Area Ronald McDonald House Charities
lmost 500 people signed up for the Saturday, April 6, Our Red Shoe 5K in Dulles Station, and although the day of the race was chilly, 600 people (and their dogs) came to Herndon to participate in the family friendly race, walk and fun run, which helped raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C.
Karen Garza Hired as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools
FCPS Board lauds Garza’s “openness” and “willingness to engage” community.
The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved educator Karen Garza of Texas to be the next superintendent of the 181,000 student district at its April 18 school board meeting.
Reston Home Sales: March, 2013
In March 2013, 72 Reston homes sold between $1,280,000-$155,000.
Reston Home Sales: March, 2013
‘We Have Not Forgotten’
Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.
Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.
Del. Rust in Kidney Walk
On Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m., Del. Tom Rust (R-86) with volunteers from the Team Rust walk team will join hundreds of residents of the Reston and greater Herndon area for the 2013 Northern Virginia Kidney Walk at the Reston Town Center.
Hundreds Take Part in Reston Walk MS
More than 1,600 individuals and 50 volunteers participated in Sunday’s Walk MS presented by Booz Allen Hamilton in Reston, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s National Capital Chapter.