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Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 1www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
RN Golf Changes CourseNews, Page 3
56 Restaurants in NorthernVirginia Restaurant WeekNews, Page 12
Local Beer Served in RestonNews, Page 3
RN Golf Changes CourseNews, Page 3
56 Restaurants in NorthernVirginia Restaurant WeekNews, Page 12
Local Beer Served in RestonNews, Page 3
Opinio
n, Page 6
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Entertainm
ent, Page 12
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Spo
rts, Page 10
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lassifieds, Page 14
Pho
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March 9-15, 2016online at www.connectionnewspapers.com
RestonRestonHomeLifeStyleHomeLifeStyle
Page 8
HomeLifeStyle
Reston residents Melissa and JasonRomano purchased a retail space at RestonWashington Plaza, where they will openLake Anne Brew House, a nanobrewery.Lake Anne Brew House will have a bar andinside seating, as well as seating on thedeck overlooking Lake Anne.
Reston residents Melissa and JasonRomano purchased a retail space at RestonWashington Plaza, where they will openLake Anne Brew House, a nanobrewery.Lake Anne Brew House will have a bar andinside seating, as well as seating on thedeck overlooking Lake Anne.
2 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
NewsReston Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic
703-778-9414 or [email protected]
See Local Beer, Page 5
By Ken Moore
The Connection
Rescue Reston remains cautious,despite notification from RestonNational Golf Course attorneys
that it won’t continue its appeal to theVirginia Supreme Court.
“We will take a breath to enjoy this vic-tory while we watch for RN Golf’s nextmove,” Connie Hartke, president of Res-cue Reston, said Monday, March 7.
Last Friday, March 4, RN Golf Club’sattorney Scott D. Helsel wrote to the clerkof the Virginia Supreme Court to say itwon’t continue its legal appeal of FairfaxCounty Circuit Court decisions made inNovember. RN Golf’s attorney had origi-nally filed notice to appeal November’sFairfax County Circuit Court decision onDec. 22, 2015.
“While RN Golf may choose to pursueavailable redevelopment options in thefuture, and thus this letter is not intendedto waive any and all rights it may haveto do so, I am writing to let you knowthat RN Golf has decided not to continuewith its appeal in these cases,” wroteHelsel.
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE Michael F.Devine granted Fairfax County’s motion forsummary judgment, meaning the CircuitCourt vacated and voided the April 15, 2015county Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) de-cision concerning the Reston National GolfCourse.
The owners of Reston National GolfCourse hope to build housing on the landin the future, but the county circuit courtruling will require them to go through theusual zoning process to do so.
“The circuit court ruling on Friday, Nov.6, is considered a defeat for the owner ofthe golf course and is significant becauseany redevelopment of the course must nowbe preceded by the filing of specific planswith the county, which will then be com-pared with the ‘Development Plans’ ap-proved in 1971,” said John McBride, RestonAssociation’s legal counsel. “These plans arein the county zoning files and clearly limituse of the land to a golf course, open spaceand driving range. Any change to these ap-proved plans will require amendment ap-proval by the Fairfax County Board of Su-pervisors. The golf course owner had soughtto avoid this requirement for a plan amend-ment by seeking by-right use status for a
number of residential and other uses.”RN Golf claimed by-right development in
the matter of the land use designation ofReston National Golf Course.
The County website describes by-rightdevelopment as projects that are permittedunder their current zoning and do not re-quire any legislative action by the Board ofSupervisors or the Board of Zoning Appeals.“They are approved administratively and donot require public hearings. Our FairfaxCounty Supervisors, Attorneys and ZoningAdministrator adamantly disagree [that thegolf course could be developed by-right].Reston, like two other areas in FairfaxCounty, is a Planned Residential Commu-nity District which is unique and misunder-stood by outside speculators,” Hartke saidin the fall.
Many expected RN Golf to fight last year’sdecision to the Virginia Supreme Court.
“IT IS NOT ‘OVER,’ but this aspect ofRN Golf’s legal option is done and this is avery good thing,” Hartke said Monday.
Rescue Reston responded to RN Golf’sdecision to forego the appeal to the VirginiaSupreme Court on its website: “RescueReston views today’s action as a very posi-
tive moment in the fight to save the 166acres of open, recreation space that isintegral to Reston’s vision as a PlannedResidential Community.”
By Monday, Hartke said, “The collabo-ration of three sets of land use attorneys(the petitioners, Reston Association andFairfax County) gave us the winningstrategy against the corporate giant,Northwestern Mutual, partial owner ofRN Golf.”
“Rescue Reston will continue to defendthe recreational open space as clearlyoutlined in the Fairfax County Compre-hensive Plan for Reston at Reston Na-tional Golf Course, a 166-acre CertifiedAudubon Cooperative Sanctuary Pro-gram Golf Course,” she said.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ac-tions of Reston residents, Rescue Restonmembers, Reston Association and FairfaxCounty and in awe of how the commu-nity stood together during this arduousprocess,” she said. “Rescue Reston willprovide updates soon regarding ongo-ing actions needed to remain vigilant inmonitoring and continuing to protectthis valuable Reston amenity,” accord-ing to its website.
Rescue Reston remains cautious after RN Golflays approach shot short of Supreme Court.RN Golf Changes Course
By Ryan Dunn
The Connection
Reston Town Center’s World ofBeer hosted interviews Wednes-day, March 2 for its new pro-gram “Drink It Interns,” where
interns will use social media and writingskills to share beer stories they gather dur-ing their travels. With this program, threebeer lovers will have the opportunity tospend a summer traveling and seeking thebest craft beer and food courtesy of Worldof Beer (WOB).
Three judges for the event at Reston in-cluded Dogfish Head founder and presidentSam Calagione, Reston’s WOB general man-ager Jeremy Sundheimer, and USA Todaytechnology writer Mike Snider. Approxi-mately 20 people attended the interviewsession in Reston. The Reston WOB is oneof several ground-floor tenants in TheAvant, Boston Properties’ luxury residentialbuilding across from Reston Town SquarePark.
Applications are being accepted on Worldof Beer’s website until March 26, and ap-plicants can apply online by submittingvideo expressing their interest in the posi-tion. Reston was the first one of eight Worldof Beer locations to host in-person, openinterviews. Many applicants were interested
in the opportunity to combine their inter-ests of both travel and beer.
Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione hasanother line in his job description. In 2005,Calagione published his first book, “Brew-ing Up a Business.” Calagione’s secondbook, “Extreme Brewing,” was released in2006. Sam Calagione explores the powerof collaboration in his latest release, “Off-Centered Leadership.” In the book, heshares information and tips for entrepre-neurs and leaders in all industries. After theinterview sessions, Calagione signed cop-ies of his latest edition. Dogfish Head ale-house has locations in Fairfax and FallsChurch, and supports local communitiesprimarily through fundraising days in therestaurants. “It seems Dogfish Head alwayspushes the envelope in their beer, and I likethat,” said Jordan Silber, who attended thebook signing.
Saturday, March 12, World of Beer willhost the Award Ceremony for the LuckyLeprechaun 5K course.
Reston residents have enjoyed the craftbeer wave that has hit the nation. “We haveseen a desire for more craft beer in ourarea,” said Mark Ingrao, president of theReston Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of res-taurants now are looking to put craft brew-eries with their restaurants, and other res-taurants serving local food are complement-ing it with local beer and wine,” said Ingrao.In the fall, Reston Town Center hosts anOktoberfest event with craft beer.
Fairfax County has joined LoudounCounty in the establishment of several
RestonLocal Beer Served in RestonThirsty for local beerin Northern Virginia?Try Reston.
Interviews were heldat Reston World ofBeer at Reston TownCenter for the new“Drink It Interns”program, whereinterns will use socialmedia and writingskills to share beerstories they gatherduring their travels.
Reston residentsMelissa and Jason
Romano purchaseda retail space at
Reston WashingtonPlaza, where they
will open LakeAnne Brew House,
a nanobrewery.
Pho
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Photo provided
by Lake Anne
Brew House
4 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.Located in the Great Falls Village Centre
www.OldBrogue.com • 703-759-3309Only 15 minutes from Reston and Tysons Corner
Happy St. Patrick’s Day • Celebrating our 35th Year
NO ONE UNDER 21 ADMITTED on SPD...NO EXCEPTIONS!
Don’t forget our
St. Patrick’s Day Pub BashOpens at 10:00 am • $10 Cover Charge
Traditional Irish beers at all 3 barsLive entertainment all day in the pub featuring
Ted Garber(1:30pm-5:30 & 7:30 until Last Call)
Thursday, March 17thThe Snuggery’s Irish Concerts
Great for your office Party!Includes lunch or dinner, reservations required
Featuring Pennywhistle (Barry & Donal Nelson)straight from County Donegal, Ireland
Call for reservations!
Dinner 3:45 - 5:30pm: $40 pp6:00 - 7:45pm: $40 pp
& 8:00 - 9:45pm or later: $45 pp
Lunch 11:15 - 1:00pm: $35 pp1:30 - 3:15pm: $35pp
Commentary
By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum
State Delegate (D-36)
One of the responsibilities of the Governorof Virginia dictated by the State Constitu-tion is to propose a budget for a biennium.
With the governor being limited to one four-yearterm, the current scheduling of the two-year planfor state revenues and expenditures is awkward. Anewly elected governor takes office inheriting a bud-get left by the preceding governor; likewise the finalbudget proposed by a governor is implemented byhis or her successor. The mid-term budget takes onspecial significance as it is the only one proposedand implemented by a governor. The significance ofthis budget was clearly not lost on GovernorMcAuliffe. Of course, in all instances the budget mustbe approved by the General Assembly.
Both the House of Delegates and the Senate madeamendments to Gov. McAuliffe’s budget. In a ritualthat happens each even-numbered year when theGeneral Assembly meets in a “long” or 60-day ses-sion to consider the biennial budget, both houseshave appointed conferees to work out the differencesamong the two houses and the governor. The con-ference report once approved by both houses andsigned by the governor becomes the state’s budgetfor the next two years beginning on July 1, 2016.For a comparison of the governor’s, House and Sen-ate budgets, go to http://www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org/2016/02/24/key-budget-policy-choices/.
With growth in the economy the budget proposed
by Gov. McAuliffe and approved by the General As-sembly will, for the first time in history, exceed $100billion. While that number is huge in absolute terms,it is modest when Virginia, as the tenth wealthieststate in per capita income, is compared to otherstates. Virginia’s state and local revenue as a per-centage of personal income is 49th lowest amongthe states. The Commonwealth’s per capita state gen-eral fund expenditures are in the middle of the otherstates at number 25 with $2,168. The national aver-age is $2,496.
Specifics of the conference committee report willbe announced this week, but already the generaloutlines of the budget are clear. Priority was givenby the governor and by both houses of the legisla-ture to increase funding for public schools. Locali-ties will be receiving more for K-12 education thatwill move the state closer to its level of funding priorto the 2008 recession.
The net new dollars to Fairfax and other localitieswill help balance local budgets but will not resolveall funding needs in local schools.
The greatest disappointment in the budgetary pro-cess is the refusal on the part of the majority in theHouse and the Senate to approve Gov. McAuliffe’sproposal to expand Medicaid in the state. The pro-gram expansion paid for by federal funds would haveinsured as many as 400,000 working poor peopleand would have freed up more than $250 million instate dollars that could have been spent on meetingother needs. Budgets are always about makingchoices. Too bad we chose to pass up this opportu-nity.
Balancing the Budget
Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 5www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
RESTON • 1480 North Point Village • 703-733-3860Reserve your Easter meal for pick-up at HoneyBaked.com
(On Reston Parkway between Rt. 7& Baron Cameron Dr.)
From Page 3
Local Beermicrobreweries including Aslin Beer
Company in Herndon, Caboose BrewingCompany in Vienna, and Forge BrewWorks in Lorton. Reston residents Mel-issa and Jason Romano purchased a re-
tail space at Reston Washington Plaza,where they will open Lake Anne BrewHouse, a nanobrewery. Lake Anne BrewHouse will have a bar and inside seat-ing, as well as seating on the deck over-looking Lake Anne.
Crime
Missing Person: Detectives of the MajorCrimes Division Cold Case Section are searching fora missing 18-year-old woman, Madison Short. Po-lice responded to her home in the 11600 block ofNorth Point Court, in Reston, on Saturday, March5 around 8 a.m. for reports she wanted to harmherself. Short had left the home prior to theofficer’s arrival. Additional officers, K-9 and thepolice helicopter responded to search the area butshe was not located.
Neither detectives nor family have been able tolocate or contact her and are concerned for herwelfare. A detention order has been issued forShort’s immediate apprehension and return. Any-one who sees or has information on herwhereabouts is asked to contact law enforcementimmediately. Please use caution and do not ap-proach her.
Short is described as white, 18 years old, about5-feet-5-inches tall and 120 pounds. She has blue-tinted hair and blue eyes. She was last seenwearing black leggings and a multi-colored Mexi-can-style poncho. Short often travels by bus andfrequents the Reston, Chantilly and Fair Oaks ar-
eas. Anyone with information is asked to contactCrime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477,e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text“TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 orcall Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Unlawful Entry - 12100 Sunset Hills Road,11:07 p.m. The occupant of a hotel room reportedthat she was awoken by a noise from the windowarea. She saw a man’s arm attempting to reach thedoor handle. The suspect was startled by the vic-tim and fled the area.
Larcenies2900 block of Franklin Oaks Drive, phone from
business9400 block of Vernon Drive, sunglasses and
purse from vehicle12000 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, door from
vehicleStolen Vehicles2100 block of San Moritz Circle, 2011 ToyotaC a m r y
1700 block of Ascot Way, 1998 Cadillac Deville11800 block of Spectrum Center, 2007 LexusRX350
Reston Crime ReportsNotable incidents from the Fairfax CountyPolice Blotter from Feb. 29 to March 4.
6 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Opinion
No doubt Virginia and Texas willbe the last two states to continuewith the death penalty until, in-evitably, evolving standards of
decency lead the U.S. Supreme Court to de-clare that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
But fear of loss has motivated the Vir-ginia General Assembly to amend a lawthat allows prisoners facing executionto choose between lethal injection andthe electric chair so that the electric chair isused if drugs for lethal injection are not avail-able.
It’s barbaric, and execution debacles withelectrocution and unproven drugs for lethalinjection could speed overall rejection of thedeath penalty.
Most representatives from our area votedagainst, but in the House of Delegates, whichvoted 62-33 for the electric chair, Dave Albo,Jim LeMunyon and Vivian Watts voted in fa-vor; Tim Hugo didn’t vote but registered thathe intended to vote yes. (Voting no were Jen-nifer Boysko, David Bulova, Eileen Filler-Corn,Charniele Herring, Patrick Hope, Mark Keam,
Paul Krizek, Mark Levine, Alfonso Lopez, BobMarshall, Ken Plum, Mark Sickles, MarcusSimon and Rip Sullivan. Kathleen Murphydidn’t vote but registered that she intended tovote no.)
The Virginia Senate voted for the electricchair 22-17. From our area, only Dick Saslawvoted in favor of the electric chair. Voting nowere George Barker, Adam Ebbin, Barbara
Favola, Janet Howell, Dave Marden,Chap Petersen, Scott Surovell and Jen-nifer Wexton.
Residents of the 35th Senate Districtcould rightfully question whether they are get-ting the representation they expect from Sena-tor Saslaw (D), who without doubt will con-tinue to be reelected until he chooses to re-tire.
Saslaw voted for mandatory use of the elec-tric chair if lethal injection drugs are not avail-able, worked to kill legislation that would pro-tect consumers from predatory lending and in-terest rates of more than 200 percent, and waschief patron of the notorious proffer bill, which,if signed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe as passed,will result in localities losing the ability to tem-per costs of development and likely propertytax increases.
Making Good ChoicesOn Saint Patrick’s Day
Washington Regional Alcohol Program(WRAP), will offer the 2016 St. Patty’s DaySoberRide program, providing free cab ridesto would-be drunk drivers throughout theWashington-metropolitan area next Thursday,March 17.
SoberRide will be available for 12 hoursstarting 4 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day and con-tinuing until 4 a.m. on Friday, March 18 as away to help keep local roads safe from impaireddrivers during this traditionally high-risk holi-day.
Make your own plans to celebrate safely byhaving a designated driver, celebrating whereyou can take public transportation or spendthe night. But if those plans go awry, area resi-dents celebrating with alcohol may call the toll-free SoberRide phone number 1–800–200–TAXI (8294) for a no-cost (up to a $30 fare),safe way home. For more information, visitwww.soberride.com.
— Mary Kimm
Bringing Back the Electric ChairIn a word: Barbaric.
Letter to the Editor
Editorial
To the Editor:After reading the article, “Fairfax
County: Parents, CommunitySupporters Rally to ‘Invest in
Kids’ by Tim Peterson (Connection,February 18-24), spending onpublic education is clearly becom-ing a huge concern. Being a former
student of Fairfax County, I re-member how important programsrelated to the arts were to manystudents. Many students gained aninterest in music beginning at anearly age. Without the availabilityof the classes or the teachers,many young children may have
Protecting Arts Programs in Schools
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Reston
never discovered their hidden tal-ents or interests in the field.
I strongly believe spendingshould not cut out the arts frompublic education, and studentsshould continue to receive thesame opportunities we did whenwe were in elementary school.
Roxana JahanbaniGreat Falls
By John Lovaas
Reston Impact Producer/Host
I watch the debates of both par-ties’ presidential candidatesand am fascinated, baffled
and horrified. Fascinationcomes from never havingseen anything like the Re-publican debates and a sense thatRepublicans are discussing an-other country or perhaps planet,while Dems are talking about theU.S. I’m baffled as to how anyonecould listen to Trump or Cruz, thensupport them! Neither seemsequipped to function in a democ-racy based on laws and recogni-tion of the legitimacy of citizensin other parties.
Happily, today’s topic is the elec-tion for Reston Association’s Boardof Directors. I know personally allbut one of the 5 candidates run-ning for the three open slots—Lake Anne/Tall Oaks, North Pointand At-Large. All are civilized folkswho work within the rules of ourhomeowner association. I can as-
sure you noneof them willpropose carpetbombing oth-ers, arming allof us, or bar-
r i n gp e o p l eof other
colors or religions from Reston.The issues they wrestle with, whilenot of the war vs. peace variety,are important ones for us. RA doesa lot of things well, but key areasneed improvement. Luckily, thisfield of candidates includes newblood with both energy and ideasfor addressing festering problemssuch as a notable lack of transpar-ency at RA—closed sessions arestill used for discussions of topicslike election information; planningland “swaps;” and major propertyacquisition. Conflict of interestconcerns continue as RA has beenlax in requiring Board members tofile timely and complete disclosureforms, a simple and essential task,but sometimes tough for staff to
do when they are not backed bythe CEO and the Board itself.
Budget planning and approvallack rigor and discipline. New ac-tivities are added routinely, butelimination of activities is rare. Adose of zero-based budgetingcould flatten the rising assessmentcurve. Proposed budgets should bemade public for discussion beforethey are set in concrete. Last year,North Point director Danielle LaRosa discovered an unanticipatedsurplus estimated at one to two-plus million dollars. In a flash, staffproposed additions, including per-manent hires, to eat up the sur-plus. Ms. La Rosa proposed theexcess go to reduce member as-sessments, but the Board approvedtwo new full-time hires. Thus, as-sessments increased, albeit lessthan they would have without Ms.La Rosa’s work.
Major issues confront Reston’sfuture. For example, what majornew development/redevelopment(perhaps doubling our population)
should be approved? How do weassure thousands of new residentswho will burden community facili-ties—parks, pathways, pools, ten-nis courts, etc—pay a fair share fornew capacity? Experience to datein the rail corridor is not good. RAcut a deal that will allow futurecondo owners at Wiehle Station toaccess services at deep discountscompared to what current mem-bers pay.
Two strong candidates—JohnBowman running for the At-Largeseat and Sherri Hebert unopposedfor Lake Anne/Tall Oaks seat— areespecially qualified and focused onthe right issues: transparency andcommunity engagement, bringingrigor to the budget process to saveassessment dollars, managing newdevelopment consistent withReston principles, and assuringthat new residents pay their fairshare. Mr. Bowman brings mostrelevant community experience—he was active in forging newReston Master Plan—to go alongwith his 20 years in corporate de-velopment and technology man-agement. Ms. Hebert earned com-munity leader credits standing upto a developer (when RA was notinterested) to press for a new TallOaks Village Center responsive tocommunity needs. Ms. Hebert hasmanagement degrees and experi-ence in both government and thenonprofit world.
Ballots were mailed to all March7. Please vote online or by mail.
RA Elections More Civilized than Presidential Election
Independent Progressive
Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
21800 Towncenter PlazaSterling, VA 20164703-450-5453
1051 Edwards Ferry RoadLeesburg, VA 20176703-771-4688
www.sterlingappliance.com
Opinion
I remain committed to all our county residentsand to our school system and would like toshare the following information.
As you may know, the annual real estate tax is acombination of the Jan. 1 assessed property valueand a real estate tax rate determined each year bythe Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. This yearFairfax County property increased 1.2 percent overlast year’s assessed values. In Hunter Mill District,as a whole, property values do better than the countyaverage; our increase was 1.6 percent.
On March 1 2016, at the General Meeting of theBoard of Supervisors, the Board voted to advertise amaximum Real Estate Rate of $1.13 per $100 of as-sessed value of property. This is an increase of $0.04from the previous year.
As in past budget cycles, the Board of Supervisorstried to set the Real Estate Tax Rate at a level suffi-cient to fund the service needs of the county, whichincludes the needs of Fairfax County Public Schools.Before casting my vote on the rate to be advertised,I heavily considered the impact on all the real estatetaxpayers.
In the FY 2017 budget, the County Executive rec-ommended a three percent increase in the fundstransferred to the school system.
It was, and remains, my belief that our school sys-tem requires additional support, and we must havea serious conversation about those needs, thecounty’s needs, and the ability of our residents tosupport our collective needs.
A word of explanation: In this budget, each pennyin the Real Estate Tax rate produces approximately
$23 million in revenue. Therefore, the Board ap-proved advertised rate of $0.04 higher at $1.13 willraise the average homeowner’s tax bill $303.86 overlast year’s tax bill.
As a taxpayer and supervisor, I recognize and shareconcerns regarding the increase to our tax assess-ment. I hope you share my concern in the limitedtaxing authority Fairfax County has compared toVirginia’s cities and towns, and the Board of Super-visors inability to diversify our revenue streams. Inorder to alleviate some of the burden from ourhomeowners, we must minimize overdependence onthe Real Estate Tax revenue. Therefore, at March 1Board meeting, on my motion, the Board directedcounty staff to provide the following informationregarding a Meal Tax:
a. An updated report from the 2014 “Meals Tax inFairfax County Task Force;”
b. A timeline of implementation of the meal taxfor the restaurant industry should a meals tax refer-endum be successful;
c. An explanation of the cost relating to implemen-tation to help the industry prepare for implementa-tion should a meals tax referendum be successful;and
d. An implementation timeline for the Board ofSupervisors and steps necessary to be in compliancefor a November 8, 2016 voters referendum.
Again, I remain committed to our county residentsand to our school system.”
Supervisor Catherine M. Hudgins(D-Hunter Mill)
Supervisor Hudgins on Proposed County Budget“
8 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 9www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Now Open in Great Falls! Celebrating our 20th Year in Northern Virginia
“McMansion” but are you pre-pared for the electric bills, mow-ing that acre, and the propertytaxes on top of the monthly mort-gage? Ask the seller for details onutility costs and other mainte-nance that the property requires,i.e. pool upkeep.
❖ Don’t go “house-blind.”When you are so taken with thehouse that you might ignore fac-tors that will ultimately make fora poor buying decision. Visit theproperty several times, inside andout, at various times of the day andon different days of the week toget a real feel for the neighbor-
hood.❖ Research. Your agent can
direct you to resources where youcan check out local schools. Evenif you don’t have school-aged chil-dren, it’s something to think aboutfor re-sale — or any kids you maybe adding to the family.
“A properly priced property ingood condition is still the fastestmover,” are the words to the wisefrom Anita Lasansky CRB, manag-ing broker-VP, Long and FosterReston North Hills-Herndon withher more than forty years of localexperience.
HomeLifeStyle
By Andrea Worker
The Connection
Here we are, onceagain right on theheels of the Spring-Summer real estate
season when it seems like “ForSale” signs become the most com-mon lawn ornament or condo win-dow decoration. Television showslike “House Hunters,” “PropertyBrothers,” “Love it or List It,” andtheir like make the process of buy-ing or selling a property seemmostly a breeze, filled with after-noons sipping cocktails at the TikiBar while you make one of themost important decisions of yourlife. Selling, and certainly buyinga new home should be an occa-sion for celebration, but you mightnot be doing too much of that un-less you understand the basics ofeither process and have them wellunder control.
With help from some knowl-edgeable sources like the North-ern Virginia Association of Real-tors (NVAR), the National Associa-tion of Realtors (NAR) and somerespected local experts, here’s a bitof a primer on buying or selling aproperty. We’re going for the ba-sics here with a few commentsabout our local market. We willgive you some resources for moreinformation before we sign off.Ready? Here we go!
Let’s start with our sellers,since for the most part, they havethe most work to do to get the jobdone. First question. Use an agentor go it alone? You may think onlysaving the real estate agent fees isthe basis for the answer, but if youdecide to be your own agent, besure you have done the homeworkon legal and regulatory require-ments, and be prepared for thepaperwork. Sadly, one misstephere could be pretty costly andthere goes those potential savings.And are you ready to be your ownmarketer and be available nightand day and weekends to showyour property? Anotherthought…many potential buyersare not comfortable dealing di-rectly, especially during negotia-tions, with the homeowner andwould prefer the buffer of a trust-worthy agent that they can reallyshare their thoughts with. Statis-tics have also shown that proper-ties for sale by owner more oftenreceive lower initial offers, sincethe buyer might mistakenly be-lieve that the seller is in a moredifficult financial situation andmay accept a lower-than-market
value offer.Let’s assume that you are work-
ing with an agent. Hopefully, youasked all the right questions be-fore signing an agreement to sell.Don’t be shy. It’s okay to “inter-view” several agents and ask forreferences. Ask to make contactwith their last two or three clients– not just the ones that they offerup as testimonials. What’s theirtypical “Days on Market” and howdo their times compare to others.And a biggie – what’s the averagevariation between the initial list-ing price and the final sales price?The answer here may spare yousome disappointments and pro-vide some indication about yourreal estate agent’s skills at pricingyour property and negotiation thebest price.
Now what? Put on your thickestskin, open your wallet just a tad,listen to that agent, and before youeven have that first showing:
Be realistic about your ask-ing price. “Don’t be too aggres-sive,” cautioned real estate agentJennifer Boyce of Long and Fosterin Burke. Anita Lasansky, CRB,managing broker-vice presidentLong and Foster Reston NorthHills-Herndon, agrees with thatadvice, and adds that sellersaround the Wiehle Metro stationin Reston shouldn’t expect a bigbump in sales price just becauseof Metro’s arrival. Lasansky hasseen sellers factor in 5-10 percentincreases on that basis, but “it justhasn’t had that effect,” she said.Getting a pre-appraisal or advicefrom a lender can help in settingthe best realistic sales price, since
most buyers will need a mortgage.
Think about getting a pre-sale home inspection. Thiscould cost a bit. Think at least$500, depending on the size andage of the property. The buyer willhave an inspection done, but be-ing proactive could help locatepotential problems that mightstall, or even end a sale. Even ifyou don’t go for the professionalinspection, take a look around andget on with those repairs or moreaffordable upgrades you’ve beenmeaning to tackle. If you think thatbigger ticket items like a new roofor replacement of major appli-ances might be an issue, at leastget estimates on costs to help innegotiating with your potentialbuyers. While you’re at it, locatethose warranties and manuals -something that really impressesthose buyers, while last-minutesearches could pose a problem atclosing.
Clean and get organized.Here’s where you need that thickskin. Your agent isn’t casting as-persions on your personal taste or“dissing” your kids, pets, hobbies,etc. when she tells you to neutral-ize as much as possible, put awaythe toys and pet paraphernalia,and all the other stuff that is partof our comfortable living. Youragent is merely looking out foryou, and making your home ap-pealing to the widest pool of po-tential buyers. Pay special atten-tion to closets and bathrooms, andno, don’t use the spare bedroomas the storage catch-all. If thereisn’t space inside the house, con-
FOR BUYERS. Just as with thesellers, buyers should shop aroundfor a trusted real estate partner.Again, ask those questions, getthose referrals and be sure thatyour agent understands yourneeds and expectations and thatyou understand the process as theydescribe it.
The best starting place is mak-ing sure that you know what youare looking for. Single familyhouse with an enormous backyardor a “zero lot?” A condo in an ur-ban setting with Metro access, ora more resort feel with access towalking/biking trails or otheramenities? The National Associa-tion of Realtors suggests develop-ing a “Home/Neighborhood WishList,” prioritizing from “must have”to “it would be nice if …” and re-viewing the list after a fewviewings to see if your thoughtshave changed.
Some of the basics as advised bythe NVAR and NAR and some oftheir area experts:
❖ Get pre-qualified. Betteryet, get pre-approved by a lenderbefore you start looking. In manymarkets within Northern Virginia,buyers still out number inventory,so pre-approval can help set youroffer apart. Megan Bailey of BaileyFine Properties says “Buyers mustbe pre-approved before going outto look at homes with me. It’s im-portant to know that they feelcomfortable … by having thelender provide them with a “GoodFaith Estimate” to break down thecosts and to make sure the lendercan finance the home. Takingsomeone to look at homes out oftheir price range … sets the clientup for disappointment.”
❖ Think about resale. Thismay sound counter intuitive at thispoint, but especially for first-timebuyers with an average of 10 yearsin the home, it’s good to thinkahead and consider what the areaand the home might be like whenit’s time to move on.
❖ Keep repair, mainte-nance and running costs inmind. Even a brand-new homemay require some work or custom-izing to suit your lifestyle, so con-sider those costs. You may have theapproval for that attractive
A primer for doing eitherand avoiding pitfalls.Buying or Selling?
Photo by Andrea Worker
What’s wrong with this picture? It’s a gorgeous kitchen,but real estate agents will tell you that the green plasticcup, the dishwashing soap and the drainboard should allvanish from the selling photos of your house, and cer-tainly during any showings.
sider the smallest space at a stor-age facility for the the extra boxes,furniture, gadgets and whatnotswhile your property is on the mar-ket.
First impressions . Thatmeans check out curb appeal, fromthe condition of lawn and land-scape to the front entryway. Trimthose bushes. Edge that grass. Putdown some new mulch, and cleanup those oil spots on the driveway.Inside might await an affordableTaj Mahal, but if your buyers won’tcross the threshold because ofwhat they see on the outside…Even adding a pot of bright flow-ers, a seasonal wreath, and maybea new doormat can help.
Photos. Unless you are onegifted photographer, let the pro-fessionals handle this one. Mostbuyers today do their scoutingonline. Lots of quality photos at-tract the most visitors. Equally,photos that don’t show off eachroom to advantage, or contain petswandering by, the piled-high laun-dry basket, or a reflection of thephotographer can put your prop-erty on the “don’t want to see thatone” list.
❖ Do the “Sniff Test.” This oneis critical for homes with pets orsmokers. Again, put on your thickskin armour. Refrigerators, gar-bage disposals, trash cans and car-pets can be odoriferous stumblingblocks to a good showing. Giveyour home a thorough airing outbefore show time, especially in thekitchen.
❖ Stage it – Consider a profes-sional “stager” or at least give eachspace a neutral, de-cluttered liv-ing “story” that helps buyers visu-alize themselves right at home. Tohighlight upgrades or bring atten-tion to items/features in a room,you might add an attractive pic-ture frame with a few well writ-ten and formatted sentences onclassy writing paper. Of course, alittle light music and a plate ofyummy cookies make everyonefeel welcome.
❖ Put away small valu-ables, jewelry and medica-tions.
❖ Don’t hang around – andtake Fido or Fifi with you if pos-sible. If not, confine pets to cratesor one room and be sure to warnagents in advance. Be sure youhave left contact information incase of questions or issues.
❖ Make your property ac-cessible – Selling a home is of-ten a numbers game. As disruptiveas it can be, the more people wholook, the better chance of a sale.
Good Advice:“I let sellers know that they need to expect that some of
their privacy will be compromised...their home needs to bein showing condition every day before they leave, cleankitchen, beds made, everything put away, pets secured andcomfortable, and that the home smells clean and fresh. I al-ways suggest they visit model homes to see examples of whatbuyers fall in love with and why.”
– Megan Bailey, Bailey Fine Properties,[email protected]
“Some of my absolutes … for buyers, please be careful whatyou say. There could be a recording device in the house. Notunusual anymore with today’s security technology. For ex-ample, don’t look at pictures and say that their children lookcreepy. Yes, I have had this happen, but luckily it wasn’t re-corded. Sellers, put away medications and jewelry. It’s rare,but prescription drugs are the number one item that ‘goesmissing’ during open houses or showings.”
– Smita Lal, Long and Foster Reston North Hills-Herndon
“Recently had a listing that needed a bit of updating. Theseller was fine with spending some money to get their homein selling condition, but balked at my suggestion to replacethe fluorescent lighting in the kitchen. Four months later, theseller finally agreed to spend the $1000 to replace the light.We ratified a contract 5 days after the work was done. Moralof the story: If you are hiring a pro to help you buy or sell ahome, listen to their advice. They do this for a living, not onceevery 5 – 10 years. By the way, lighting is super important.Current and bright, please.”
— Andy Krumholz, Keller Williams Realty,Utopian Homes
“I always tell my sellers, ‘To be clear, I will give you a listof customized items to prepare your home. It will be in orderof importance. You may not agree with the list, and I under-stand that, but I assure you, the more you complete, the fewerdays on the market, and of course at the right price.’ So far Ihaven’t missed.”
— Lisa Carlisle, Long and Foster Reston NorthHills-Herndon
10 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Sports
Herndon guard Indeya Sanders, seen during the 6ANorth region tournament, scored her 1,000th careerpoint during the Hornets’ win over Woodside onFriday.
Herndon Girls’ Basketball WinsProgram’s First State Game
The Herndon girls’ bas-ketball team made itsfirst-ever state tourna-
ment game a memorable one.Herndon, the 6A North
region’s No. 4 seed, upset 6ASouth champion Woodside 53-41 on Friday during the statequarterfinals at VCU in Rich-mond.
The Hornets advanced to thesemifinals, where they facedtwo-time defending state cham-pion Cosby on Tuesday, afterThe Connection’s deadline.
Herndon, the Conference 5runner-up, earned a state berthby beating Conference 8 cham-pion Battlefield 50-48 in theregion semifinals on Feb. 24.The Hornets then lost to Fairfaxin the semifinals on Feb. 26 andLangley in the third-place gameon Feb. 27.
Despite the low seed, headcoach Cornelius Snead said the
Hornets can play with anyteam.
“As far as being the No. 4seed, we didn’t play wellagainst Fairfax, and againstLangley, they just made a fewmore plays than us down thestretch,” Snead wrote in anemail. “Nevertheless, we are inthe state tournament and all weneeded was an opportunity wefeel we can beat anyone on anygiven night.” Indeya Sandersled Herndon with 22 points.The junior guard reached 1,000points for her career.
“We got great contributionsfrom Sabrina Tolbert, MaureenCurran, Shawnice Gresham,Devyne Newman and JanieceLoney,” Snead wrote, “but [itwas an] all-around great teameffort.”
The win improved Herndon’srecord to 21-7.
—Jon Roetman
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By Jon Roetman
The Connection
With the Oakton girls’basketball team hav-ing secured a return
trip to the state final four, headcoach Fred Priester explainedwhat the Cougars learned fromlast year’s semifinal loss to Bethelthat could help during thisseason’s quest for a state champi-onship.
“Last time, I don’t want to saywe came out timid, but Betheldropped about five 3-pointers onus in the first minute-and-a-half,”Priester said, “and we were play-ing scramble ball the rest of thetime.”
Judging by Oakton’s perfor-mance against Woodbridge in thestate quarterfinals, the Cougarshave a firm grasp on what it takesto start a game in non-timid fash-ion.
Oakton, the 6A North regionchampion, opened Saturday’s con-test with a 20-2 run and defeated6A South No. 4 seed Woodbridge70-47 at Robinson SecondarySchool. The Cougars remainedundefeated and advanced to thestate semifinals, where they faced
Langley on Tuesday, after TheConnection’s deadline.
After a pair of Woodbridge freethrows cut the Oakton lead to 6-2with 5:29 left in the opening quar-ter, the Cougars scored 14 straightpoints, including a pair of 3-point-ers by Maddie Royle. Oaktonended the first quarter with a 23-5 advantage and extended the leadto 27-5 with buckets by Alex Mar-quis and Delaney Connolly earlyin the second quarter.
A Connolly 3-pointer gaveOakton a 34-14 halftime advan-tage and the Cougars led by asmany as 27 points in the secondhalf.
“We come out with a really highintensity every single game — alot of energy,” Connolly said. “Wepush the ball hard. We kind of ad-
just our speed depending on theteam that we’re playing and all ofus know our roles so we come outknowing what we have to do toscore points.”
Marquis said the Cougarsweren’t taking Woodbridge lightlyafter Herndon, the 6A Northregion’s No. 4 seed, upset 6ASouth champion Woodside theprevious night.
“We knew that Herndon cameout and beat the No. 1 rankedteam of their region,” Marquissaid, “so we knew that anythingcould happen and we knew thatwe were going to have to come outstrong and just play our game andwe couldn’t take anything forgranted.”
Royle led Oakton with 21 points,including 11 during the Cougars’dominant first quarter, andgrabbed eight rebounds. Connellyfinished with 15 points and ninerebounds. Kailyn Fee scored 14points and knocked down four 3-pointers, and Marquis added 12points.
Oakton finished with eight 3-pointers.
With so many scoring options,how does Priester decide who getsthe ball?
“It’s not a seamless process, I willtell you,” the Oakton head coachsaid. “We have certain rules forcertain people, but the fact of thematter is, if someone hits one, let’sget them the ball again as quicklyas possible. … I always have hada rule for as long as I’ve been
coaching, especially when youhave shooters: I’ll tell you whento stop shooting.”
Oakton improved to 29-0 withthe win over Woodbridge. It wasthe Cougars’ 55th victory in theirlast 56 games dating back to De-cember of 2014, including a pairof Conference 5 and 6A North re-gion championships. Oakton’s onlydefeat during that stretch was the73-63 loss to Bethel in the 2015state semifinals.
Despite falling behind 17-4 inthe first quarter, the Cougars had
a chance to tie or take the lead inthe fourth quarter.
“Last year was [our] first time… going to the state tournament,”Marquis said about the players onthe 2015-16 Oakton roster, “so Ithink now that we’ve been there,we know what it’s like and weknow how it feels to lose in thesemifinals and none of us wantthat to happen again, so we’ll beready.”
Oakton’s last state champion-ship came in 2012, when the Cou-gars finished 31-0.
Oakton junior Delaney Connolly finishedwith 15 points against Woodbridge onSaturday.
Maddie Royle and the Oakton girls’ bas-ketball team advanced to the state semifi-nals for the second straight year.
Oakton senior Alex Marquisscored 12 points during theCougars’ state quarterfinalvictory over Woodbridge onSaturday.
Hot Start PropelsOakton to State SemifinalsCougars openwith 20-2 runagainstWoodbridge.
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Reston Connection Sports Editor Jon Roetman
703-752-4031 or [email protected]
Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 11www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
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News
By Ken Moore
The Connection
More than 80 peoplefrom LongwoodGrove wrote Reston
Association to ask for help with“nuisance barking” coming fromBaron Cameron Dog Park.
“While this facility sits oncounty-owned land, the proximityto Reston Association homeownersis unacceptable to LongwoodGrove residents and should beunacceptable to this board,” MoiraCallaghan told the Reston Associa-tion Board, at its monthly meet-ing on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Callaghan, who gave a 10-minute presentation to the boardon behalf of the neighbors, askedfor assistance in relocating the dogpark.
“The negative impact of thispark feature on our neighborhoodis severe. The barking has createdyears of ongoing stress: the noisedisrupts sleep, and invades thepeace and quiet of homes through-out the day,” she said.
The Reston Association invitedLongwood Grove residents and allthose who signed the letter backon March 24, so the Board canaddress the issue of operations ofthe Baron Cameron Dog Park.
Reston Association’s Boardpresident Ellen Graves said thenumber of homeowners affectedand who wrote the Associationmet the threshold the Boardneeded to investigate and respond.
“I look forward to learningmore,” said Graves.
Other groups will be invited,including users of the dog park.
CALLAGHAN PREPARED atimeline of the Baron CameronDog Park’s history, which she willhave the opportunity to expandupon in late March.
“This facility was installed with-out Planning Commission ap-proval,” she said.
The recently revised noise ordi-nance prohibits “barking, howling,meowing, squawking or quackinganimals between 10 p.m. and 7a.m. when it can be heard inside ahome with its doors and windowsclosed, or if these sounds can beheard between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.for more than five minutes con-secutively or non-consecutivelyduring a 10-minute period.” How-ever, “no provisions of this Chap-ter shall apply,” according to theordinance, “to the use of dog parksbetween 7 a.m. and dusk Mondaythrough Friday, or between 8 a.m.and dusk on Saturday, Sunday andFederal holidays.”
“Nuisance noise should not bepermitted nor tolerated, especiallyin a community so thoughtfullyplanned,” said Callaghan.
She said many members ofLongwood Grove are dog owners.
“We do not oppose dog parks.We advocate for their responsibleplacement and management,” saidCallaghan.
“It is not peaceful to garden orhave a meal on your porch andhear 90 minutes or more of inces-sant barking. It is not healthy tohave your sleep disrupted by bark-ing dogs. One should not dreadsunny, warm weather because theyknow it means they will not beable to fully enjoy their home andproperty,” she said.
Barking Up theWrong Tree?Reston Association to hearLongwood Grove community’sproblems with barking dogs.
History Series Presents ‘Cartog-raphy of Northern Virginia’
As part of the monthly history series, the Reston Historic Trustand Museum presents “The Cartography of Northern Virginia” onThursday, March 10, 7 p.m. at the Jo Ann Rose Gallery in theReston Community Center Lake Anne. Come learn about earlysettlements and roads in the area and how the Northern Virginiaregion took shape from 1608 to the mid-nineteenth century.
The speaker for the evening will be Shelley Mastran, who holdsa Ph.D in Geography.
No reservations or tickets are needed for this event.
Week in Reston
12 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
By Ryan Dunn
The Connection
The GRACE Art gallery atReston Town Center hasan exhibit featuring works
from students from schools partici-pating in the Center’s signature arteducation program, GRACE Art.More than 40 area schools partici-pate in this program, in whichclassroom volunteers deliver aninteractive art history lesson withvisuals followed by hands-on artproject designed to reinforce thelesson. Student projects from par-ticipating schools are presented atthe GRACE gallery, promoting theimpact of this important visual artliteracy program. A well attendedreception was held Feb. 27.
The GRACE Art Program hasdeep roots in the Reston commu-nity and was established in 1976.“This is a great evening for theGreater Reston Arts Center be-cause we get to meet so many ofthe student artists who participatein the GRACE Art program at theirschools. The young artists andtheir parents are so proud to seetheir work in the gallery. The fami-lies love all of the interactive artactivities provided in the galleryduring the exhibition,” said JohnM. Adams, Director of Educationat GRACE.
The artwork in the exhibit was
inspired by twelve portfolios pre-sented in the schools this year, in-cluding: Frida Kahlo, PatrickDougherty, Romare Bearden,Michelangelo, Keith Haring,Claude Monet, Joan Miro,Alexander Calder, Diego Rivera,and more. Participating schools inthis exhibit include Academy ofChristian Education, Al Fatih Acad-emy, Aldrin Elementary School,Armstrong Elementary School,The Boyd School: Reston, ForestEdge Elementary School,Ravensworth Elementary School,Waples Mill Elementary School,and Willow Springs ElementarySchool.
The next exhibit EMERGINGVISIONS: CONTEMPLATINGCOMMUNITY will open March 15– April 9, with a reception onMarch 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The
Emerging Visions program offersFairfax County high school stu-dents the opportunity to work withthe Greater Reston Arts Center’scuratorial staff to create artworksthat will be exhibited in the gal-lery.
This year Emerging Visions isdedicated to the legacy of RobertE. Simon, his vision for his NewTown, its founding principles, andwhat it means to live in a planned,open community. Students in thisexhibit attend Herndon HighSchool, Oakton High School, andReston South Lakes High School.
GRACE provides a year-roundprogram of contemporary visualart exhibitions, education pro-grams for all ages, and specialevents. GRACE is located at 12001Market St #103, Reston. For moreinformation, go to restonarts.org.
Reston GRACE Celebrates Youth Art MonthArt exhibits atReston gallerydedicated to thearea’s youth.
A reception was held Feb. 27 at Reston GRACE galley.The nonprofit has been described as a jewel inReston’s cultural tapestry, and provides a year-roundprogram of art exhibitions, lectures, Children’s Work-shops, a Children’s Summer Art Program, and theNorthern Virginia Fine Arts Festival.
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The Connection
From March 7 to 14, thethird Northern VirginiaRestaurant Week (NOVA
Restaurant Week) will show-case many local eating estab-lishments. Some 56 restaurantsare expected to participate.
“Created four years ago bythe Greater Reston Chamber ofCommerce as an initiative of itsRestaurant and Hospitalitycommittee, Northern VirginiaRestaurant Week was originallyintended to support its Restau-rant and Hospitality membersby providing a venue for themto showcase their cuisine,” saidReston Chambers CEO, MarkIngrao. “This also satisfies oneof the Chamber’s four corner-stones, which is to promotebusiness development and tooffer our members and commu-nity marketing opportunities topromote their business. North-ern Virginia Restaurant Week isone of the major events avail-able to our Restaurant and Hos-pitality Fairfax community thatcelebrates eating out and build-ing community,” Ingrao said.
“In 2015, it was a very suc-cessful public relations cam-paign,” said Lisa Nicholls,board member and president ofTira! Strategies, “which helpedus to get a number of restau-rants to participate again. Itwas such a success that Ingraostarted to partner with otherchambers.”
Part of the challenge of thisevent, said Nicholls, has beenconnecting with local restau-rants. “I reach out and call res-taurants and let them knowwhat is happening,” she said.“Our Restaurant and Hospital-ity committee has been a bigdriver of this event. A numberof members of the Chamberhave restaurants or do businesswith restaurants. We organizeda phone campaign and theytalked about their experience
with NOVA Restaurant Week.The phone conversations helpto encourage new restaurantsto join Northern Virginia Res-taurant Week.”
“As it has happened, both res-taurant owners and chefs areeager to participate, becausethe Greater Reston Chamber ofCommerce serves as a go toplace for our Restaurant andHospitality businesses to en-gage with the community,” saidIngrao.
Chef Adam Stein, at thenewly opened Red’s Table inReston, looks forward withgreat enthusiasm for the NOVARestaurant Week. A frequentparticipant as a chef in restau-rant weeks in Ohio, Rhode Is-land, and Washington, D.C.,Stein has a unique plan— he isoffering the entire menu at adiscounted price, not just a fewselect dishes as other restau-rants do. “Since we are brandnew, offering the entire menuin its actual size portion, pa-trons have a much better expe-rience,” he said. “Since peopleget smaller portions from a lim-ited menu elsewhere, Red’sTable is raising the bar. Thespirit of NOVA Restaurant Weekis to get more people indoorsand to benefit the consumer,”Stein continues.
WUSA9’s Great Day Washing-ton will feature a restaurant perday from Arlington, Fairfax,Loudoun and Prince Williamcounties during NOVA Restau-rant Week. For more informa-tion, visit the NOVA RestaurantWeek atwww.novarestaurantweek.com.
Some 56 restaurants are participating in NorthernVirginia’s Restaurant Week from March 7 to 14.
56 Restaurants in NorthernVirginia Restaurant Week
Northern Virginia Res-taurant week is fromMarch 7 to 14.
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Send announcements [email protected]. Thedeadline is the Friday prior to the follow-ing week’s paper. Photos/artworkencouraged.
THURSDAY/MARCH 10Landscaping and Composting
Workshop. 6:30-8 p.m. 12001Sunrise Valley Drive ConferenceCenter, Reston. Join RestonAssociation and Landscaping expertsfor and informative workshop on treecare, landscaping tips, compostingand more. Light refreshments. RSVPat [email protected].
The Cartography of NorthernVirginia. 7-9 p.m. Jo Ann RoseGallery, Reston Community Center,2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. Learnabout early settlements and roads inour area and how the NorthernVirginia region took shape from 1608to the mid-nineteenth century.Shelley Mastran, who holds a Ph.D.in Geography, presents. Free. 703-709-7700.
SATURDAY/MARCH 12Bulldog Kissing Booth. 10 a.m.-4
p.m. PetMAC, 11412 WashingtonPlaza West, Reston. On the ReboundBulldog Rescue Foundation will bebringing their very popularBULLDOG Kissing Booth, staffed with
lovable bulldogs decked out in theirSt. Paddy’s Day finest, to give kissesfor dollars! All money raised at thekissing booth will support BulldogRescue. 571-325-2099.
13th Annual Kids’ Trout FishingDerby. 8 a.m.-noon. Herndon PoliceStation, 397 Herndon Parkway,Herndon. At the Sugarland Run TrailStream. Trout Unlimited will be onsite to help clean and store yourcatch. Teens and adults, age 16 & up,must have a valid Virginia StateFishing License to fish. herndon-va.gov. 703-435-6800 ext. 2109.
Winter Night-Time Campfire. 6:30a.m. Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 LakeFairfax Drive, Reston. Discover thenight sky through hands on activitiesand storytelling. Families can comeearly and picnic or toast hotdogs.Bring a toasting stick, blanket andflashlight. Smores provided. Childrenmust be accompanied by a registeredadult. $8, $10. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lakefairfax/.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K. 8:30 a.m.Reston Town Center, 11911Democracy Drive, Reston. Run likeyou’ve got the luck of the Irish onyour side. Enjoy a fun-filledcelebration at the finish line. http://www.prraces.com/luckyleprechaun/.
Wine Tasting. 3-5 p.m. Il Fornaio,11990 Market St. #106, Reston.Sample ten wines and enjoy an
appetizer or pizza of your choice.$35. Tax and gratuity not included.Reservations at [email protected].
SUNDAY/MARCH 13Choral Splendor II: Music for
Grand Organ and Chorus. 4 p.m.Saint Luke Church, 7001 GeorgetownPike, McLean. Reston Choralepresents an afternoon of music forgrand organ and chorus, featuringOrganists Paul Skevington and TordisFahringer performing Charles-MarieWidor’s magnificent Mass for twochoirs and two organs. The concertwill also include works by Dupré,Messiæn and Sweelinck. $25-$30.www.restonchorale.org.
NoVa Mini Maker Faire. 11 a.m.-5p.m. Langston Hughes MiddleSchool, 11401 Ridge Heights Road,Reston. South Lakes High School,11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston.Collection of Northern Virginia techenthusiasts, engineers, woodworkers,artists, and craftspeople. Opportunityfor kids to learn to make things.http://makerfairenova.com/.
Reston Community OrchestraConcert. 4 p.m. United ChristianParish of Reston, 11508 North ShoreDrive, Reston. Piano? Organ? WhyChoose? Join in the inspiringsanctuary of Reston’s United
Calendar
Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 13www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
bTo Highlightyour Faith
Community,Call Karen at703-917-6468
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Sunday School: preschool - grade 2Music: grades 3 - 7
10:25 a.m. Sunday School Grades 3 to 6Music 4 years to 2nd grade
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II5:00 p.m. Come Just as You Are Contemporary Service
Nursery care provided at 9:00 a.m. service
The Rev. James Papile, RectorThe Rev. Laura Cochran
703-437-6530www.stannes-reston.org
1700 Wainwright Dr., Reston
ST. ANNE’SEPISCOPALCHURCH • Reston
Welcoming, Diverse, Progressive COMMUNITIES
OF WORSHIPFrom Page 12
Calendar
Christian Parish and be inspired by thesekeyboard masterworks. Free.www.restoncommunityorchestra.org.571-449-7095.
WEDNESDAY/MARCH 17Classic Cinema Series. 7 p.m. Reston
Regional Library, 11925 BowmanTowne Drive, Reston. Join for aquirky Irish comedy to kick off yourSt. Patrick’s Day celebration. Calllibrary for title. Adults. 703-689-2700.
FRIDAY/MARCH 18Emerging Visions: Contemplating
Community Reception. 6-8 p.m.Greater Reston Arts Center, 12001Market St., 103, Reston. Openingreception to celebrate Youth ArtMonth exhibit. Free.www.restonarts.org. 703-471-9242.
SATURDAY/MARCH 19Victor Haskins. 7-9 p.m. ArtSpace
Herndon, 750 Center St. Herndon.Trumpet and electronic windinstrument player, composer/arranger, bandleader, and educator.Originator of ImproviStory, a genre/concept of music where storytellingdrives the creation of improvisedmusic, all derived from audiencesuggestion and interaction. $10-$15.ArtSpaceHerndon.org. 703-956-6590.
Aqua Egg Hunt. 1:30-4:20 p.m.Herndon Community Center, 814Ferndale Ave., Herndon. Childrenwill collect as many floating andsinking eggs as possible in the timeallowed. $10 for one child and oneparent. Check for age group times.herndon-va.gov. 703-435-6800 ext.2128.
SUNDAY/MARCH 20Run for Haiti 5K. 9 a.m. South Lakes
High School, 11400 South LakesDrive, Reston. Use your love ofrunning to help a mother, a child, afamily — live a better life. Run the 5kor the 1 Mile and you’ll providemonetary aid to Project Haiti andGHATES (Global HaitianAdvancement Through Education &Sports). Run on track. http://
www.prraces.com/runforhaiti/.
TUESDAY/MARCH 22Folk Club of Reston-Herndon. 7:15
p.m. Amphora Diner Deluxe, 1151Elden St., Herndon. Mid-AtlanticSong Contest winners Letitia VanSantand Woody Lissauer perform. $9/$10. [email protected].
Nancy Lasaterjoins the
Reston ArtGallery and
Studios coop-erative. Her
works can beseen in the
Group Showon exhibit
from March 3-31 at the
Reston ArtGallery and
Studios.
Photo
contributed
Award-WinningAward-
Winning
E-mail [email protected] for more information.
Newspapers & Online703-778-9431
www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/Advertising
SPECIAL CONNECTIONS CALENDARAdvertising Deadlines are the previous Thursday unless noted.
MARCH3/23/2016 ...Spring Fun, Food, Arts & EntertainmentFCPS Spring Break 3/21-3/25APRIL4/6/2016.................Wellbeing – Senior Living PulloutEaster Sunday is March 274/13/2016................Real Estate Pullout – New Homes4/20/2016...................................A+ Camps & Schools
14 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Zone 1 Ad Deadline:
Monday Noon
703-778-9411
Zone 1: • Reston
• Herndon • LoudounClassifiedClassified
21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements
21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements
21 Announcements 21 Announcements 21 Announcements
We pay top $ for STERLING, MEN'S WATCHES,
JEWELRY, COSTUME JEWELRY, FURNITURE, PAINTINGS AND CLOCKS.
Schefer Antiques703-241-0790
26 Antiques 26 Antiques
Zone 1 Ad Deadline:
Tuesday 4 p.m.
703-778-9411
Zone 1: • Reston
• Herndon • LoudounEmploymentEmployment
Part-Time Installation Merchandiser Alternate
needed to install Hallmark displays and merchandise Hallmark products in the
Reston area. To apply, please visit: https://hallmark.candidatecare.com EOE
Women/Minorities/Disabled/Veteran.
Software Developer: dsgn, dvlp, test & impl softwr apps using exp w/
Oracle, PL/SQL, CRM on Demand, Java, HTML, XML, Swing, Ajax Dojo, WebServices, Axis, xPresso, Eclipse, SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, SQLite, Tomcat,
Unix & Windws. Reqs BS/MS in comp sci, info systems or eng. + 5YR exp (3YR
w/ MS). Job in Herndon, VA. Email resumes to The Athene Group,LLC-
VET RECEPTIONISTSmall animal hosp. Great Falls.
Will train. 703-757-7570 • www.ourvets.com
Site Development Companypositions available
Work in Loudoun & ManassasGRADE & PIPE FOREMEN,
PIPE LAYERS, LABORERS & OPERATORSGood pay & benefits!
8730 Corridor Dr. (22407)CALL 540-891-9571 or
FAX résumé: 540-891-9573Or E-MAIL to: [email protected]
★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰
★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰★✰
— Flexible seasonal work schedule— Minimum base pay of $10.00 an hour PLUS OVERTIME!— Additional incentives/consideration for:
• Being bilingual (Spanish/English)• Relevant work experience• Extensive knowledge of plants/growing
**EARN EXTRA INCOME**SEASONAL/PART-TIME
Garden Center Merchandiser
For job descriptions & locations go to:
www.bellnursery.com/careers
Bell Nursery, a nationally recognized grower/ vendor is looking forhardworking people to stock our products at a garden center near you.
If you spend TOO much time hanging out in the garden departmentof your local home improvement retailer, we have the summer job for you!
Bell Nursery is one of the nation’s largest live good vendors,supplying the Home Depot with its beautiful flowers!
Our Seasonal Merchandisers work in the garden departments,unloading and displaying product while providing customer service.
Come get your hands dirty, enjoythe summer weather and, earn a paycheck!
Educational InternshipsUnusual opportunity to learn manyaspects of the newspaper business.Internships available in reporting,photography, research, graphics.Opportunities for students, and foradults considering change of career.Unpaid. E-mail [email protected]
CLASSIFIED
NEWSPAPERS
For AllYour
AdvertisingNeeds…
It Works.Week
After Week.
703917-6400
PlaceYourAd
Today!
to your community
For Local…
•Employment•Employees•Services•Entertainment•Announcements•Real Estate•Cars•Trucks•Vans•RV’s•Boats•Pets•Yard Sales•Crafts•Hobbies•And More!
I believe thefuture is only
the past again,entered through
another gate.-Arthur Wing
Pinero
Newspapers & Online
HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO
CLASSIFIED • CHOOSE 1 TO 6 ZONESE-mail [email protected]
or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411
EMPLOYMENT • CHOOSE 1 TO 6 ZONESE-mail [email protected]
or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411
Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 ❖ 15www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
Zone 1 Ad Deadline:
Monday Noon
703-778-9411
Zone 1: • Reston
• Herndon • Loudoun
Home & GardenHome & GardenCONTRACTORS.comconnectionnewspapers.com
EILEENS CLEANING SERVICE
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special location, Your satisfaction is our 1st priority. Reliable, Exp. Detailed.
Lic. Bonded Ins. serving VA/ MD/ DC.
call or text 703-725-8402
CLEANING CLEANING
Recessed LightingCeiling FansPhone/CATVComputer Network CablingService UpgradesHot Tubs, etc…
Office 703-335-0654Mobile 703-499-0522
Licensed/Bonded/Insured
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DESIGN AND BUILD • COMPLETE HOME RENOVATION• Kitchen, Bath, Basement Remodeling • Electricity, Plumbing • Doors, Windows, CrownMolding, Hand Rails, Chair Rails, Interior, Exterior, Finish Carpentry • Interior, Exterior
Painting, Pressure Washing • Ceramic, Hardwood Flooring, Refinish Floors, Deck Reflooring• Build Deck, Fence, Patios, Retaining Walls • Concrete Driveway, Brick or Stone Sidewalk
• Building Maintenance • Residential, Commercial • Foreclosures, Realtors WelcomeServing Northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland • Licensed and Insured
HAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & CommercialHAND & HAND HANDYMAN LLCGeneral Remodeling • Residential & Commercial
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HANDYMAN HANDYMAN HANDYMAN HANDYMAN
A&S Landscaping
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Serving All of N. Virginia
• All Concrete work• Retaining Walls • Patios• Decks • Porches (incl. screened) • Erosion & Grading Solutions• French Drains • Sump Pumps• Driveway Asphalt Sealing
IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS
Remodeling Bathrooms, Kitchens & Basements
Picture PerfectPicture Perfect
Exterior & Interior Repair, Painting, Carpentry,Wood Rot, Drywall, All Flooring, Decks
Licensed – Bonded – Insured“If it can be done, we can do it”
http://www.pphionline.com/
•FREE Estimates•FAST & Reliable Service
•EASY To schedule•NO $$$ DOWN!
Handyman Services Available
(703) 590-3187(703) 590-3187
Remodeling Homes, Flooring,Kitchen & Bath, Windows,
Siding, Roofing, Additions &Patios, Custom Deck, PaintingWe Accept All Major Credit Cards
Licensed, Insured, Bonded • Free Estimates • Class A Lic
RN. CONTRACTORS, INC.
Phone: 703-887-3827E-mail: [email protected]
www.rncontractors.com
IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS
J.E.S. ServicesYour neighborhood company since 1987
703-912-6886
Landscaping & Construction
All work Guaranteed
• Planting & Landscaping Design• Drainage & Water Problems• Concrete Driveways, Replacement or New• Patios and Walks • Masonry Work or Dry Laid• Paver, Flagstone, Brick, any style you choose• Retaining walls of all types
Free Estimates - Fully Licensed & Insured
LAWN SERVICE LAWN SERVICE
GOLDY BRICKCONSTRUCTION
Walkways, Patios, Driveways,Flagstone, ConcreteFREE ESTIMATES
Licensed, Insured, Bonded
703-250-6231
PAVING PAVING
Quality Tree Service& Landscaping
Reasonable prices. Licensed & insured.
24 Hour EmergencyTree Service
25 years of experience – Free estimates 703-868-5358
Summer Cleanup...Tree removal, topping & pruning,shrubbery trimming, mulching,leaf removal, planting, hauling,gutter cleaning, retaining walls,
drainage problems, etc.
TREE SERVICE TREE SERVICE
CHESAPEAKE/POTOMAC
WINDOW CLEANINGResidential Specialist/Family owned/operated
Working Owners Assures QualityNo Hidden Fees/No Broken Window Springs
30 yrs Experience in local area
Licensed 703-356-4459 Insured
WINDOWS & GLASS WINDOWS & GLASS
LANDSCAPING
SOD, Mulch, Clean-UpLeaf Removal
Hauling.703-863-7465
A&S CONSTRUCTION
The biggestthings arealways the
easiest to dobecause there isno competition.
-William Van Horne
Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.
By KENNETH B. LOURIE
And It’s Just SoHappening Now
The day after my seven-year anniversary. Andnot that I want to stop recounting the years sinceFebruary 27, 2009 – years for which I am mostproud to have survived – and thrived even, Imust look forward because it’s the future that liesahead, not the past. Medicine, science and nutri-tion are particularly evolving disciplines withrevelations, discoveries and life-changing/life-sav-ing/life-affirming research in the offing. Never-theless, having beaten my original, extremely dis-couraging, life-expectancy odds/prognosis: “13months to two years,” (received at age 54 and ahalf no less), doesn’t mean that I can rest on myunexpected and certainly unpredicted survival. Iwish the past was indeed prologue but we’re dis-cussing cancer here; I’m more afraid the pastmay simply be a prelude and that my epiloguemay suffer the consequences.
But not to worry. I’m not weakening in myresolve, just being realistic and honest. Cancer isnot the preferred diagnosis when one is planningone’s future. Even so, rates of survival seem torise every day now, and research studies, clinicaltrials (and tribulations) and non-Western alterna-tives, assure that presently, if not in the very nearfuture, great promise exists that many more of usafflicted with this terrible disease can begin/return to live relatively normal lives, making can-cer more of a chronic, treatable/manageable-typecondition rather than what it is now, in manycases (not all, of course): a terminal one, or atleast one with an abbreviated life expectancy.
Still, I’m not counting on any magic pill tocure what ails me. This whole cancer thing is myresponsibility. I must do all I can to keep my ownhouse in order. Relying, depending or anticipat-ing even that some opportunity will present itselfto rid me of my cancer cannot be my plan “A.”Plan “C” maybe? As such, in the interim, I muststeady on and stay the course and try to remainopen to new and different strategies, all the whileattempting to find calm in the midst of a very dis-tressing set of circumstances.
And diagnosis-to-date, I think I’ve done apretty good job of bearing the unbearable. Notthat I had any training or experience in suchendeavors (I had a relatively easy childhood in amiddle-class home, with two loving parents, andminimal sickness and/or loss with which to con-tend). Nevertheless, through DNA or a nurturingenvironment or thousands of years of evolution,it turns out I’m made of sterner stuff than I mighthave imagined. As an effect, or so it seems, Ihave endured my challenges with aplomb andgood humor; and if ever there were a situationthat called for it, receiving a terminal diagnosis atage 54-plus would certainly qualify.
But just like, at a fairly young age, crying overspilled milk doesn’t change the facts, neitherdoes bemoaning the facts of a malignant diagno-sis – in whatever alternative state you get to:denial and/or drink or disillusion, change any-thing. It may blur your reality, but the reality is:this particular problem is likely not going away,and the sooner you buck up and gain control,the sooner you can get on with your life.Granted, you have to allow for the shock of thediagnosis/prognosis to permeate your brain,almost like osmosis, and it definitely won’t hap-pen overnight, that’s for sure. Probably it willhappen when you experience your first chemo-therapy infusion/radiation treatment. That’s whenyou’ll know you’re not in Kansas anymore –unless you’re actually in Kansas. And when symp-toms and hair loss occur, you’ll be one-hundred-percent convinced that you’ve officially enteredyour own “twilight zone.”
And that’s what this anniversary part two col-umn has been about: moving forward somehow.Whether staying the course or changing proto-cols/treatment, maintaining a positive attitude inthis constant cycle of wondering if you can stilllive long and prosper, the future likely holds outmore hope than the past.
CLASSIFIEDDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon
E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected]
or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411
EMPLOYMENTDEADLINESZones 1, 5, 6............................Mon @ noonZones 2, 3, 4 ...........................Tues @ noon
E-mail ad with zone choices to:[email protected] or call Andrea @ 703-778-9411
ZONESZone 1: The Reston Connection The Oak Hill/Herndon ConnectionZone 2: The Springfield Connection The Burke Connection The Fairfax Connection The Fairfax Station/Clifton/
Lorton ConnectionZone 3: The Alexandria Gazette Packet
The Mount Vernon GazetteZone 4: Centre View North Centre View SouthZone 5: The Potomac AlmanacZone 6: The Arlington Connection
The Vienna/Oakton ConnectionThe McLean ConnectionThe Great Falls Connection
Newspapers & Online
HOW TO SUBMIT ADS TO
16 ❖ Reston Connection ❖ March 9-15, 2016 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com
