C-Section Boom in Northern Virginia
Region has some of the highest rates of cesarean-section deliveries for low-risk pregnancies.
Behind the closed doors at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church and the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, a quiet change has been taking shape over the last few decades.
Fairfax County School Board Addressing Budget Shortfalls
Budget shortfall is $17 million.
The Fairfax County School Board is considering options to close a $17 million shortfall in their 2015 budget. Superintendent Karen Garza presented the board with possible adjustments at a work session on April 28. The school board is set to adopt their final budget on May 22. On April 29, the Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2015 budget, including a school transfer of three percent, short of Garza’s requested 5.7 percent increase.
Despite Advances, Many Virginians Remain Uninsured
Affordable Care Act expands coverage, but more than 800,000 still have no health insurance.
What is the state of the uninsured in Virginia?
Reston Langston Hughes Middle Celebrates Poetry
Poetry contest raises awareness about creativity
At the end of April, Langston Hughes Middle School held an after school award ceremony for the annual poetry contest. Approximately 80 poems by students were entered this year’s annual poetry contest, and winners were announced. The contest, sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) and the school’s PTA, offered students an arena to express ideas poetically. Representing NWFCU was Nicolette Watkins. “It has been a wonderful opportunity for the credit union to work with this school,” said Watkins.
Reston National Golf Course to Host Annual Junior Golf Day Saturday, May 10
Free Admission, Contests, Prizes, Inflatable Dinosaur ‘Golfzilla’ Among Highlights
(VIENNA, VA) – Reston National Golf Course – managed by Billy Casper Golf (BCG), the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in the U.S. – will host its annual Junior Golf Day on Saturday, May 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. Attendees will enjoy free admission, instructional clinics conducted by PGA Professionals, contests and prizes, and even the chance to witness “Golfzilla,” a 19-foot tall inflatable dinosaur. Golfers can demo the latest Nike Golf clubs on Reston National’s driving range.
Celebrating Spring with Dance
Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) celebrates this spring by sharing its love of dance with the community. In late March, it hosted children and their families at its Herndon studios for shorter, narrated Children’s Series performances of The Sleeping Beauty, and, in early April, it took the full classic ballet to the big stage at the Ernst Theater. There, dancers performed before hundreds of enthusiastic audience members. In addition to friends and family, these included military personnel and Fairfax County teachers who received complimentary tickets in honor of CBT’s Silver Anniversary.
Pet Fiesta Held At Reston Town Center
Thousands attend pet focused May 3 event.
Visitors and participants of the annual Reston Pet Fiesta enjoyed sunny mild weather on Saturday, May 3. One of the signature events of Reston Town Center, this outdoor event was open to the public and brought together local businesses, animal rescue groups and pet owners for a day of activities and demonstrations. The event was also an opportunity to put in volunteer hours with animal adoption groups.
Farmers Come Back to Lake Anne
Reston opens 17th Farmers Market season.
They’re back! And judging by the crowds wandering the stalls at the Reston Famers Market (RFM) at Lake Anne on Saturday, May 3, quite a lot of folks could barely wait. “There are other markets open during the winter, but this is the one we really enjoy,” said Sue Anne Miller of Burke, who arrived just after things got under way at 8 a.m. “Bringing the family to Opening Day is like the official start to Spring for us,” said Miller, juggling her coffee cup, a yummy from vendor Grace’s Pastries and a handful of reuseable shopping bags.
Reliving Musical Memories
The Reston Chorale presents ‘Feelin' Groovy: Reston's Early Years.’
When & Where The Reston Chorale’s spring Pops Concert celebrates Reston’s 50th Anniversary with a musical flashback to the 60s and 70s. Saturday, May 10, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods. Tickets are now available at www.restonchorale.org.
Shelter House Names New Director
Joe Meyer worked with organization for nine years.
The new executive director for Shelter House isn’t new to the organization at all. Joe Meyer, who has worked with Shelter House for the past nine years, was named the head of the nonprofit helping to put an end to homelessness and fight domestic violence in Reston and beyond. “My main focus and goal is to serve the staff at Shelter Homes and provide the support they need to get the job done,” he said. Shelter House Board President Denise Miller said he was chosen from a pool of 50 applicants. The board hired an outside search firm and put together a task force to whittle the pool down to their final choices. Many of the board members were involved in the process to find a new executive director.
A Little Team That Could
Forest Edge Elementary team goes to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.
In March an intrepid group of third and fifth graders from a Reston elementary school entered a regional competition and pulled off a surprise win against students twice their age. On April 26, they doubled down at the state tournament. The Red Hot Chili Puddings are a team of rookies led by rookie coaches. Their pursuit, Odyssey of the Mind, is a world-wide creative problem-solving competition involving students of all ages. It pits bright and creative kids against each other in both spontaneous and long-term tests of intellect and creativity. This little team with the long odds won first place in their division at the regional competition — and then some.
Fundraising for Lake Anne Elementary
Lake Anne Elementary PTA held a fundraiser called the ‘Dolphin Dash’ after the school’s mascot. In this fundraising dash the children go out and receive pledges (or a simple donation) for every lap they make around the parking lot. To date, they have raised upwards of $13,000 for the school. Pictured: Principal Brendan Menuey, Ed.D. and the parent who spearheaded this, Michelle Brennan, along with the dolphin and the students -- Bahran; Jinan and Martha, all fourth graders.
Protecting Driver’s License Information Becomes Law
Del. David Bulova’s legislation (House Bill 1072) to protect personal information on driver’s licenses was enacted into law during the reconvened session of the General Assembly on April 23. The new law, which will be effective on July 1, limits the ability of a business to electronically scan the bar code on a driver’s license and then store and use that data. State Sen. David Marsden (D-37) carried the companion legislation (Senate Bill 40), which has also been enacted into law.
County Budget Markup Passes
Three supervisors still oppose the budget.
Fairfax County is another step closer to having an approved budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Supervisors approved the 2015 budget markup at its April 22 meeting at the county Government Center. Supervisors Linda Smyth (D-Providence), Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and John Cook (R-Braddock) opposed the markup.
Fairfax County Honors ‘Superheroes’
22nd Annual Fairfax County Service Awards presented.
Maybe they don’t wear capes and flashy uniforms, but local volunteers are superheroes. That was the theme for the 22nd Annual Fairfax County Service Awards, where more than 100 volunteers were recognized for their work with breakfast Friday, April 25, at The Waterford in Springfield. More specifically, this year’s theme was "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact," which was reflected in the comic book-inspired table decor and introductions by master of ceremonies Jeff Goldberg, Virginia Bureau Chief for ABC7 and News Channel 8.