Stories for July 2013

Stories for July 2013

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Wednesday, July 31

“Chemo-Nosabe”

Although I’ve not seen the current “The Lone Ranger” theatrical release, I am of a certain age and generation who grew up watching – on black and white television with no remote control and only three watchable channels – the original “The Lone Ranger” (starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels), along with other weekday-afternoon and Saturday-morning classics like “The Rifleman,” “Roy Rogers,” “Sky King,” “Superman,” “Leave It To Beaver” and “Ozzie and Harriet” – in my house, anyway. And though the “effects” weren’t nearly as “special” as they are in today’s movie/television productions/versions, nevertheless, the effects on me, personally, were far greater. Can you say wholesome goodness? The Golden Rule? Do unto others…

A Delicate Balance – At Home

How appropriate is it to tell a cancer patient something negative (that he likely doesn’t want to hear) – yet needs to know, and which might ultimately quash his fighting spirit and adversely affect his day – and night? Moreover, would withholding certain discouraging observations intermittently along the cancer-treatment way, in order for said patient to feel good and positive about himself – and better prepare him for any and all news/results which might upset his precariously imperfect life and moreover, likely chip away at his emotional wherewithal as well – cause more harm than 100-percent honesty all the time?

Silence of the Court

Justices deny public access to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments. Unlike the U.S. Supreme Court, which denies video recordings but allows audio recordings, the commonwealth's top appeals court has a complete blackout on public access to proceedings. In a written response to questions from Connection Newspapers, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court explained that audio records were once public, but the installation of new equipment in January 2008 created new concerns for justices.

Keeping Pets Safe

Veterinary experts say common household items can harm animals.

Did you know that a bowl of grapes sitting on your counter can be fatal to your dog or that a bouquet of fragrant lilies could be lethal to a cat? Were you aware that a stick of gum might cause a life-threatening canine emergency? Veterinary experts say that while pet hazards are lurking around almost every home, many pet owners are unaware of them. From favorite foods to over-the-counter-pain relievers, a number of common household items are dangerous to family pets.

The Pampered Pooch

Luxury accessories for well-heeled canines.

Marcia Schwartz strolled through the handbag section at a high-end department store at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Va., her eyes taking in the latest offerings from Prada. The companion at her side was not a personal shopper or a credit card-clad husband, however. It was a snow-white fuzzball with a rhinestone-encrusted collar named Cleopatra. Cleo, as she is most often called, is a Bichon Frisé.

For the Love of Animals

From taking orders in a pizza shop to finding homes for thousands of animals, the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation has a great "tail" to tell.

In 2001, there were too many dogs without homes and too few people to help them.

Tuesday, July 30

Classified Advertising July 31, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

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Cindy’s Legacy to Host 2nd Annual Golf Clinic

Nonprofit supports families and patients affected by cancer.

Cindy’s Legacy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing services for families affected by cancer, will host its second annual golf clinic at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course Friday, Aug. 9.

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Herndon Town Calendar Photos Chosen

Local photographers recognized at ArtSpace.

The walls of ArtSpace Herndon are currently decorated with almost 60 photos of Herndon’s signature moments. From large events such as the Herndon festival, to the simple pleasure of two children holding hands on a brisk fall day, local photographers submitted their shots for inclusion in the town’s annual calendar.

Roessler Named County Police Chief

New police chief vows focus on diversity.

Edwin C. Roessler, named Fairfax County's police chief at Tuesday's Board of Supervisor's meeting, promised to launch a Diversity Council in an effort to recruit, promote and respond to Fairfax County's increasingly diverse community.

Monday, July 29

Fairfax County Animal Shelter Temporarily Suspends Intake of Dogs

Canine influenza suspected culprit after dozen dogs become ill.

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter has temporarily suspended its intake of dogs, after one dog died of pneumonia and about a dozen more dogs have exhibited symptoms of an unspecified upper respiratory illness.

Thursday, July 25

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Silence of the Court: Virginia Supreme Court Denies Access to Audio Recordings

Lack of transparency is explained as effort to shield personal conversations.

The Virginia Supreme Court operates in silence, denying public access to audio recordings of its oral arguments.

Wednesday, July 24

Classified Advertising July 24, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

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Local Students Learn by Doing

Centreville Elementary fourth-graders create living map of Virginia.

It’s one thing to tell children about their state — its shape, geography and crops — and another thing to have them re-create it in an interactive scale model. But that’s what happened at Centreville Elementary.

WFCM Gears up for Backpack Collection

1,682 backpacks needed for local students.

It may seem early to think about returning to school, but Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) is already busy collecting backpacks for local students attending 23 elementary, middle and high schools. “These backpacks are given to students whose parents can’t afford all the school supplies it takes to send a child to school, let alone backpacks,” said Jennie Bush, WFCM’s community outreach manager. “Often, these families must decide between putting food on the table and gasoline in the car.” So WFCM has partnered with Collect for Kids, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Kids are First to help these students. Kids R First provides the school supplies needed at each grade level, and WFCM contributes the new backpacks.

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Expo Sunoco Eyes Expansion

Alcoholic beverages sales concern WFCCA.

Sunoco plans to expand its gas station near the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections

22 Years Prison for Handyman’s Death

Victim died protecting his boss’s son.

Jose Cardona wasn’t famous and didn’t hold an impressive, white-collar job. He worked as a handyman and gardener for a wealthy businessman in Centreville. But that didn’t make his life any less important than any other human being’s. And when the time came, he more than proved his value as a person by giving up his own life to protect that of his employer’s son.

Joining Together To Save Animals

There are dozens of animal welfare organizations across the country working to secure "forever homes" for dogs and cats of all ages. And while there's a general camaraderie amongst them, stemming from their common cause, what's a little friendly competition among peers? For the past few years, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has sponsored a nationwide contest to challenge shelters to see how many more animals they could adopt between June and August beyond the total the year before.

Centre View Calendar

The Airbus IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, is showing movies including “Hubble,” “Fighter Pilot,” “Space Junk,” “Air Racers”, “The Dream is Alive” and ”Star Trek: Into the Darkness”. Visit http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/ or call 703-572-4118 for the movie schedule.

Town Examines Herndon Parkway-Van Buren Street Intersection Improvements

Public comment open on three options for Herndon Parkway and Van Buren Street intersection.

The Town of Herndon hosted a public comment meeting Wednesday, July 17, to solicit suggestions on improvements for the intersection of Herndon Parkway and Van Buren Street.

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Mellow Mushroom Opens in Herndon

Pizza bakers offer wide selection of craft beer, pizzas, veggie and gluten free options.

Members of the Herndon Town Council and business community, not to mention those interested in a good pizza pie, were on hand for the opening of Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers on Elden Street Monday, July 22.

Monday, July 22

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Lost Dog: Helping Save Lives, One Pet at a Time

Area residents explain their dedication to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation.

Behind every adoption successfully completed by the Arlington-based Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, there's a volunteer with a happy heart.

Friday, July 19

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Local Real Estate: May 2013 Top Sales

Local Real Estate: May 2013 Top Sales

Thursday, July 18

Centreville Home Sales: June, 2013

In June 2013, 121 Centreville homes sold between $1,075,000-$155,000.

Centreville Home Sales: June, 2013

Chantilly Home Sales: June, 2013

In June 2013, 38 homes sold between $900,000-$143,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: June, 2013

Roundups

Bank Robbed in Chantilly

Centre View Bulletin

Blood Drive. At NVAR Fairfax Headquarters, 8407 Pennell Street, Fairfax. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call 703-207-3207 or email gkruchko@nvar.com.

Centreville Calendar

Centreville Calendar

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Solving a Real-World Problem

Rocky Run students win a national science competition.

A team of three, seventh-grade girls from Rocky Run Middle School just won the national championship in the U.S. Army’s 11th annual eCybermission competition.

School Notes

Steven Bowen was named to the spring 2013 dean's list at Creighton University. Grace McKnight, a rising senior at Chantilly and a member of the Chantilly Academy Air Force Junior ROTC program, has been selected to attend the Leadership Laboratory Activity. The encampment will take place at the end of June at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

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Slow Down on Roundabout Plan

WFCCA asks supervisors, Park Authority for public hearings on roundabout.

To VDOT’s way of thinking, a roundabout should be built at the intersection of Braddock and Pleasant Valley roads in Centreville. But a vocal and determined group of local residents wants to put the brakes on this project.

Behind the Scenes at Police Academy

Local residents get a glimpse of weapons and vehicle training.

Police officers firing weapons and forcing a vehicle off the road during a high-speed pursuit — these are some of the things local residents recently got to see as part of a demonstration sponsored by the Sully District Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee at Fairfax County’s police academy in Chantilly.

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‘It’s Irreverent … and Entertaining’

Westfield Summer Stage Presents ‘The Producers’

With a cast and crew of more than 100, Westfield Summer Stage presents the musical that won more Tony awards than any other show in Broadway history, “The Producers.” The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 19-20 and July 26-27, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m., at Westfield High, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly. Seats are reserved; tickets are $12 at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com and $15 at the door.

‘For Service Beyond the Call of Duty’

Police MPO Gubesch is Officer of Month for June.

An 18-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department, MPO Mike Gubesch is the Sully District Station’s Officer of the Month for June. And he was honored recently at a meeting of the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee.

Chavarria Wins TurnAround Award

At the June MountainView Alternative High School senior luncheon, Jalissa Chavarria won the $1,000 TurnAround Life Award.

Helping Teens Bounce Back from Adversity

Look for their strengths and build on them.

It’s not easy being a teenager. And in today’s world — where a fragile psyche can be crushed by thoughtless, callous and hurtful words by an online bully — it’s important to endow teens with the tools they need to have confidence in themselves, shake off the insults and bounce back.

Gentry, Waters Engaged

James and Tamara Bailey of Clifton and Wayne Gentry of Chesapeake, Va., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Courtney Paige Gentry, to Kevin Joseph Waters.

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Police Corral Wayward Cow in Centreville

Fairfax County Animal Control Officers are used to dealing with dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons and other critters. But it’s not every day they’re called upon to capture a cow on the run in the streets of Centreville.

Centre View Crime Report

The following incidents were reported from the Sully District Station:

To the Editor:Coverage Appreciated

Your coverage of the July 4th Barbeque at Mubarak Mosque was a pleasure to read and look at. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I wanted to say thank you for this. As an attendee, I felt so much pride on that very day. I was able to celebrate all the major facets of my life come together on that very special day. I was able to celebrate my Muslim identity and American identity together without any conflict because loyalty is a part of my faith. I was able to share this sentiment of loyalty and love with friends, family, and guests of the community

Electrical Fire Engulfs Clifton Townhouse

A townhouse fire, early last Wednesday, July 10, caused an estimated $25,000 damage to a townhouse near New Braddock Road in Clifton.

Centreville School Notes

Olivia Cibelle Zendja has been named to the dean's list for the 2013 spring semester at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Centreville Military Notes

The 10th District’s Class of 2017 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for academy prep schools

Editorial: Share Wisdom With Newcomers and Others

The Connection's Newcomers and Community Guide publishes in late August.

Our Insider's Edition Newcomers and Community Guides, will publish the last week of August. What tips do you have for someone getting to know your community? We're hoping to share the places, activities, events, organizations and volunteer opportunities your neighbors might not know about. What great places and activities do you want your new neighbors to know about? Events that should not be missed? Organizations that do a great job? Places to volunteer? Tips for navigating your PTA or your school’s front office? We'd love to have your photos to go along with your suggestions.

Wednesday, July 17

Virginia Voters Get More Choices in 2013

Northern Virginia has most two-party races on ballot.

While the Virginia governor’s race is the one getting the most attention, both nationally and in the state, Virginia’s House of Delegates race is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade.

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Students, Teachers Practice Science

There’s something for everyone at GMU’s VISTA science camp.

The thought of spending a summer immersed in science and math assignments is likely to make many students cringe. However, some Northern Virginia children are embracing the idea with a summer camp filled with projects that run the gamut from baking cookies in a solar oven to building a model roller coaster.

Classified Advertising July 17, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Thursday, July 11

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Young Students Tackle Real-World Problems

Rocky Run eighth-graders learn via their science projects.

To the untrained eye, they looked like science-fair projects. But Ileana Rodriguez, eighth-grade science teacher and Science Department chair at Rocky Run Middle School, said her students created experimental-design displays.

Celebrating the Fourth At Chantilly Mosque

Food, fun, politicians and gratitude.

There were hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelons, children’s games, politicians and speeches — a typical, American celebration of the Fourth of July. But this one last Thursday was at the Mubarak Mosque in Chantilly, home of the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Before Going Forward, Taking a Look Back

Centreville High seniors open elementary-school time capsule.

Before a group of Centreville High seniors graduated in June, they returned to their elementary school, Union Mill, to reunite with their classmates and take a trip down memory lane.

Centre View Calendar

The Airbus IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, is showing movies including “Hubble,” “Fighter Pilot,” “Space Junk,” “Air Racers”, “The Dream is Alive” and ”Star Trek: Into the Darkness”. Visit http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/ or call 703-572-4118 for the movie schedule.

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Alliance Theatre presents ‘Grease.’

It’s high school 1959, and the students at Rydell High are busy with their classes, music and love lives. And with a rockin’ beat underscoring the story, the audience will see the blossoming romance of tough guy Danny and nice girl Sandy.

Editorial: More Than Disclosure Needed for Virginia

Time for limits on campaign contributions as well.

At least until after November’s election, most candidates in Virginia seem to think that there should be some reform to Virginia’s campaign finance and disclosure rules. At least it seems likely that most will support expanding disclosure rules to require disclosure of gifts to immediate family members as well as candidates/officials.

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections. Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, July 18, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.

Editorial: Pet Centre View

The Pet Centre View will publish July 24. Send us your photos by July 18.

Wednesday, July 10

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Westfield Preps for Parade in Pasadena

Tournament of Roses president speaks to students

Sure, the students in Westfield High’s marching band are enjoying their summer. They’re also busy learning new music and practicing their drills. Besides marching on the Bulldog football field come fall, they’ll be participating Jan. 1 in the Tournament of Roses Parade. And before school ended, Parade President R. Scott Jenkins came here to officially extend the invitation to Westfield’s band. During the band’s awards banquet at the Westfields Marriott, he gave each member an autographed “Dreams Come True” poster. In return, the band performed a concert for him at GMU’s Center for the Arts. First, though, Jenkins came to the school to meet the students and tell them a bit about the parade. He discussed its history, gave them specifics about what to expect and told them how happy he is that they’ll be participating.

Tuesday, July 9

Petersen to Governor: Explain, Deny, Return or Resign

Petersen first Virginia legislator to suggest McDonnell resign over alleged wrongdoing in accepting gifts from prominent donor.

The tipping point for state Sen. J. Chap Petersen (D-34) was the $6,500 Rolex watch.

Monday, July 8

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Terry McAulife Launches Healthcare Platform at Inova Alexandria Hospital

Affordable Care Act is a key point of distinction between candidates for governor.

Democratic candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe found himself in the emergency room this week, but it wasn't because of a medical crisis.

Thursday, July 4

Classified Advertising July 3, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

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Hybrid Outrage at the Department of Motor Vehicles

Two legislators vow to introduce effort to repeal new tax on hybrid vehicles.

Suzanne Cleary has owned a hybrid vehicle since 2006, making her an early adopter and a proselytizer to her friends and neighbors.

Wednesday, July 3

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Meatless Diet Could Prolong One’s Life

New study shows vegetarian and vegan diets could lower risk of untimely death.

Walk into Annie Mahon’s spacious kitchen on a day she’s cooking, and the first thing you’ll notice are fresh herbs and spices resting on her wooden cutting block. The second is a savory aroma wafting from a Le Cruset cauldron simmering on the gas cook top as chickpeas bubble until the outsides are a glistening alabaster and the insides are creamy.

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Remembering Reema in Song and Dance

The annual Remembrance Cabaret for 2006 Westfield High grad and Virginia Tech victim Reema Samaha was June 15 at Westfield.

Centre View Bulletin Board

Centre View Bulletin Board

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Braddock/Pleasant Valley Dilemma

Residents want their say before supervisors vote on design.

While discussing local road projects last week, Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) saved the most controversial one — the Braddock/Pleasant Valley roads intersection — for last. VDOT’s proposing a roundabout, but residents in nearby communities say it’ll benefit Loudoun County commuters, while flooding Braddock and Pleasant Valley roads with so much traffic that it’ll all but imprison them in their neighborhoods.

Road Projects Moving Forward

Frey updates Sully District Council.

Transportation was the topic last week when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations, updating the panel and audience on local road projects. “We have a fair amount of transportation improvements coming in the next two years,” he said last Wednesday, June 26. “And for the first time in awhile, there’s some optimism that we’ll be able to [carry them out] because of the passage of the transportation bill.”

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Eline Leaves Rocky Run

He’s named new principal of Robinson Secondary School.

Under Matt Eline’s leadership at Rocky Run Middle School, several teams of math and science students have won state and national championships, and the school, itself, received the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, three years in a row.

Military Notes

Navy Seaman Apprentice Alexander L. Tran, son of Kim C. and Scott T. Tran of Centreville, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Tran is a 2012 graduate of Chantilly High School. Army Pvt. Kie Hwan Park has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Park is the son of Sang Sup and Hyun Sook Park of Centreville. He is a 2011 graduate of Westfield High School, Chantilly.

Centre View North School Notes

The following academic awards were given out at Chantilly High School

Centre View School Notes

Alison Hager earned a bachelor of arts from Villanova University.

Mountain View Departmental Awards

The following awards were given to Mountain View High school students.

County Issues Safety Advice

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department issued the following advisory on fireworks safety. According to the National Fire Protection Administration, far more fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries, and $32 million in direct property damage. More than 9,600 fireworks related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.

Centre View Calendar

The Airbus IMAX Theater at National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, is showing movies including “Hubble,” “Fighter Pilot,” “Space Junk,” “Air Racers”, “The Dream is Alive” and ”Star Trek: Into the Darkness”.

Crime Report

BURGLARY, 13800 block of Laurel Rock Court, June 18, 5:35 p.m. A resident reported someone entered the home and stole jewelry. Forced entry was made through a rear door. ROBBERY, 14400 block of Turin Lane, June 18, 2:50 a.m. Two 24-year-old men reported they were assaulted and robbed of their wallets. The victims were walking when they were allegedly assaulted by three men. The suspects fled. One victim was not seriously injured; the other was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. During an investigation, a 19-year0ld man from Centreville was arrested and charged with malicious wounding and robbery. The case is under investigation.

Centreville Day Plans Are Now Underway

Event seeking sponsors, vendors, crafters, nonprofits.

Centreville Day isn’t until fall, but event organizer Cheryl Repetti is putting out the call for participants now. Sponsorships, vendor, crafter and nonprofit spaces are available at early-bird pricing through July 31. The one-day, outdoor festival is held in Centreville Park in the Centreville Historic District and includes a variety of fun, activities and entertainment for all ages. This year’s 21st annual event is Oct. 19, and the planning is already beginning.

Letter to the Editor: So Many Supported Grad Party

On June 13, the Chantilly community came together to celebrate the graduation of the Chantilly High School Class of 2013. The 2013 CHS All Night Grad Party, themed “Oh, What a Knight,” was held at Chantilly High School. It proved to be quite the night of fun for all who attended. The graduates enjoyed inflatables, carnival and casino games, as well as great food. It was a fantastic sendoff for our seniors as they begin a new phase of their lives. An event of this size takes many volunteers to make it a success.

Chantilly Tragedy Described As Family Murder-Suicide

Police say suspect killed brother and himself.

The tragic event in which two men were stabbed and another was shot last week inside a Chantilly home has turned into a murder-suicide. Fairfax County police identified the murder victim as Haseeb Raza, 24. They also said his suspected killer was his 20-year-old brother, Mohammad H. Raza.

Olympian Ziegler To Lead Swim Clinic

World Record holder, two-time Olympian, and Great Falls native, Kate Ziegler, is visiting the Virginia Run Riptide Swim Team on June 30. Ziegler, who was a member of the 2008 and 2012 Olympian Teams and currently holds the World Record in the 1500 meter freestyle, is conducting a swim clinic to encourage and inspire young swimmers to reach their greatest potential, while learning to overcome adversity.

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Tuesday, July 9, from 5-8:30 p.m., at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary. But residents should install the child safety seats themselves so technicians may properly inspect and adjust them, as needed.

Tuesday, July 2

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Shelter House Presents Changing Lives Awards

Awards given to individuals and organizations, new board sworn in. jumphead

Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that serves those affected by homelessness and domestic abuse, held their annual awards ceremony and welcomed a new board Tuesday, June 25.

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Senator Tim Kaine Tours Downtown Herndon

Senator speaks to residents, officials, business owners.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D) took a tour of downtown Herndon Friday, June 28, visiting a variety of local businesses.

Monday, July 1

Editorial: HOT-Lanes and No Metro for I-66?

Did you miss the public discussion and input? So did we.

One day when I was stuck in traffic on I-66, I was briefly entertained by the license plate of the vehicle in front of me. "66 SUCKS," it read. No question, commuting on I-66 is a bear.