Page, 5connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/...May 22, 2019 · Raffle Winners are Rich Bajusz, Tamara Drpic, Sunil Behera, Tina Pai, Antonio Radilla, Don Lehr, Bike to

Style saleonSEE OUR AD INSIDEFURNITURE & MATTRESSES MARLOFURNITURE.COM

Senior LivingPage, 5

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com May 22-28, 2019

Opi

nio

n, Pag

e 4 v

Enter

tai

nm

ent, Pag

e 8 v

C

lass

ified

s, P

age

10Photo b

y M

ercia

Hobs

on/T

he

Connec

tio

n

Postal CustomerECR WSS

Attention Postmaster: Time sensitive material.

Requested in home 5-23-19

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDEaston, MDpermit #322

Five Dems Vie for Hunter Mill Supervisor SeatNews, Page 3

Comstock Redevelopment Gets ‘Green Light’News, Page 7

Bike to Work DayHerndon Style

News, Page 2

Cyclists gather in Herndon for bike repairs, refresh-

ments and to enter the raffle on Bike to Work Day 2019.

2 ❖ Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ May 22-28, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

Thanks for taking part ina wildly successful Biketo Work Day. If this was

your first time participating, as itwas for over 100 of you, congratu-lations. Hope this is the start of aregular thing,” wrote CindyRoeder, Director of Parks and Rec-reation in Herndon to all 460 offi-cially registered riders at theHerndon Pit Stop who participatedin the 2019 Bike to Work Day.

Commuter Connections, theWashington Area Bicyclists Asso-ciation (WABA) and local govern-ments, including the Town ofHerndon Parks and RecreationDepartment, hosted one of thenation’s largest Bike to Work Dayevents. At the Herndon pit stopsponsored by Parks and Recreationand A-1 Cycling, many riders from

surrounding communities arrivedto start their day and end their day,wheeling to work.

Held Friday, May 17, 5:30 a.m.-10 a.m. and again 4:30 p.m.-6p.m., the Herndon pit stop locatedon the Town Hall Green and offthe W&OD Trail proved a populardestination.

The annual celebration wasmeant to increase awareness andexpose people to the benefits ofbicycling to work for transit.

“What a beautiful day for a ride,”said Tim Taylor of Chantilly whostopped in Herndon. “I work fromhome but came here to get my t-shirt. Then I’m heading back hometo work.” Antonio Gajo of Ashburnsaid, “I’ve been doing it for fouryears. I work at Sprint in Reston. Inormally bike in the summer be-cause the kids are in school, so Idon’t have to drive them.”

“If you missed out on a t-shirt,

we do have some left-over, avail-able first come, first served. Theyare available at either A1 Cycling,2451 Centreville Rd, Herndon, orat the Herndon Community Cen-ter, 814 Ferndale Ave. We are bothopen daily. Call or email if you

want to check for a specific size orhave one left at the counter foryou,” Roeder wrote to all regis-tered cyclists.

Raffle Winners are Rich Bajusz,Tamara Drpic, Sunil Behera, TinaPai, Antonio Radilla, Don Lehr,

Bike to Work DayHerndon StyleGood for the cyclist, good fortraffic, good for the environment.

“

Sean Tillman, Herndon Parks and Recre-ation, gives a free t-shirt to Antonio Gajoof Ashburn as he continues to Bike toWork at Sprint in Reston.

Cyclists gather in Herndon for bikerepairs, refreshments and to enter theraffle on Bike to Work Day 2019.

Melania Stopper, Nick Georgas,Zhihong Zhang, KrishnaBhimnathini , Susan Berger, Jon StOnge, Dave Lennon and LeoKhang. All of the prizes will beavailable at A1 after Tuesday, May21, reported Roeder.

Pho

to

s by M

ercia H

obso

n/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Oak Hill/Herndon Connection ❖ May 22-28, 2019 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

NewsConnection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or [email protected]

By Andrea Worker

The Connection

First elected in 1999 as the HunterMill District representative on theFairfax County Board of Supervi-sors, Cathy Hudgins announced at

the Jan. 22 Board Meeting that she wouldnot seek reelection this year.

After 20 years in the position, Hudginshas decided to retire when her fifth termconcludes at year end.

A champion of many social issues and ofthe Metro and other transportation im-provements in the district, Hudgins hasfaced some of her loudest and largest crit-ics in the last few years – particularly amongReston residents. Vehement oppositionarose to her support of allowing higher den-sity development in Reston.

Five Democratic candidates are lookingto occupy Hudgins’ seat when the newBoard convenes. For the first time in recentmemory, the race will include a DemocraticPrimary to be held on June 11. On the bal-lot will be:

❖ Walter Alcorn, serving 16 years on

the county’s Planning Commission and twoon the Park Authority carries the endorse-ments of current Board Chair SharonBulova and U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11).

❖ Laurie Dodd – a child advocateattorney and former an environmental law-yer, long-time Reston resident Dodd hasworked for progressive candidates and im-provements for the community.

❖ Shyamali Hauth –an Air Force vet-eran with 10 years of active duty, Hauth isa local small business owner and the Chairof the Outreach Committee for the HunterMill District Democratic Committee.

❖ Maggie Parker – executive with Reston-based Comstock Developers, the force be-hind much of Reston’s recent majordevelopment projects. Parker sees her em-ployment and experience as an asset to hercandidacy, stating that with her backgroundshe can work most effectively with that sec-tor to produce the best results for all.

❖ Parker Messik – the youngest of the can-didates, having just graduated fromRoanoke College in June 2018. His youthand inexperience relative to his opponents

don’t seem to faze or deter him as he cam-paigns on a platform to stop big develop-ment, particularly in Reston and Vienna, toend the Reston Town Center parkingscheme, to support schools, transportationimprovement and to expand affordablehousing in the region.

So far, their meetings at local debatesand forums have been admirably civil. Ata North County Supervisor Candidate Fo-rum on the Environment hosted by non-profit 350Fairfax on May 6, there wasunanimous agreement on the threat of cli-mate change and the need to pick up thepace of local government’s response towhat most of the attending Hunter Mill andProvidence Districts candidates named asa crisis, even as they offered variations onsolutions, ranging from the “one smallchange can make a big difference” to the“fight the issue on a regional/state/federallevel” approaches.

Despite the relative cordiality during thepublic events, things have turned a bit moreheated of late with Dodd “disappointmentto learn that [opponent] Walter Alcorn re-ceived contributions from the American

Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), anorganization funded by the Koch Brothers… ALEC has pushed … state laws to bol-ster gun rights, allow environmental deg-radation, restrict voting rights, … cripplecollective bargaining … privatize essentialpublic functions, along with many otherextreme laws …”

Alcorn responded swiftly, returning thetwo individual contributions of $250 to thedonors working for ALEC which his cam-paign apparently accepted without priorknowledge of the ALEC association. He alsocategorically denied breaking a campaignpromise to not accept contributions fromdevelopers, stating that his pledge was notto accept campaign funds from developerswith land use cases in the Hunter Mill Dis-trict, and he maintains that he has been trueto that pledge.

Reston-based nonprofit Cornerstoneshosted the quintet of candidates on May 13,this time focused on affordable housing –or the lack, thereof – in the community.

The Connection offered all five candidatesthe opportunity to submit their response toidentical questionnaires.

Candidates in their own words: Why they are running, what differs them from others in race?

Five Dems Vie for Hunter Mill Supervisor Seat

Walter AlcornAge: 52Education: University of Virginia,1988Family: Wife, Kristina, 2 childrenNative of: VirginiaMoved to District: 1995

Why are you running?Walter Alcorn has lived in

Vienna and Reston since 1995. Hewas awarded the 2011 FairfaxCounty Citizen of the Year by theFairfax County Federation of Citi-zens Associations for his work onthe Planning Commission wherehe served from 1997 - 2012. Onthe Planning Commission he es-tablished the first requirement thatall new residential developmentoffset its impact on public facili-ties, created the first requirementthat new high-rise developmentinclude affordable housing, devel-oped the first County policy tomaximize pervious surfaces, and

Laurie DoddAge: 58Education: Duke University, BSin Zoology, 1982University of North Carolina atChapel Hill, JD, 1987Family: Husband, Steve Dodd,Children: Kevin (25) and Emma(23)Native of: Cleveland, Ohio. Grewup in Atlanta, Ga.Moved to your district:1996

Prior and current professional,/political and civic experiences,community/involvement etc.

❖ Current Child AdvocateAttorney for neglected and abusedchildren, advocating fortheir educational and mentalhealth needs, and in court hear-ings.

❖ Former Legal Services lawyerrepresenting low income tenantsand homeless people

Shyamali HauthAge: 53Education: B.A. in Psychologyand Management from Saint LeoUniversity ‘90; M.S. in HumanResource Management from TroyState University ‘92Family: Husband, Chris Hauth,Four Children - Nyx, Christian,Justin, and BrandonNative of: I was born in Rachni,India and grew up in Seattle,Wash.Moved to your district: 2015

Experience:-❖ Air Force Veteran, 10 Years

Active Duty❖ Human Resource Manager❖ Speech, Communication, &

Leadership Professor at SpokaneCommunity Colleges

❖ Small Business Owner –Mahari Yoga

❖ Founder of Hear our Voice-Reston (HOV-R)

Parker MessickAge: 24Education: Roanoke College, BAwith a major in political scienceFamily: Engaged to my FiancéeJennifer, we are getting marriednext yearNative of: Virginia. Born inRichmond lived in FairfaxCounty almost entire lifeMove to District: 2000

Prior professional experience?“I have worked in polling and

campaigning prior to my run. Mostrecently I worked on CarterTurner’s/special election race totry and flip the House of Delegates.

Why are you running?“I am running because I feel the

voices of the/average citizen in theHunter Mill District are not beingreflected in/our county govern-ment. Particularly on the issue ofdevelopment where/we have seenlarge amounts of development

Maggie ParkerAge: 59Education: College of the HolyCross, BA History 1981Family: Divorced, son RJ, 29Native of: ConnecticutMoved to yourDistrict: Moved to FairfaxCounty in 1986, Reston in 2012

Prior current and current profes-sional and political experience,community involvement, etc.:

“Public relations executive withComstock, an asset managementand development company head-quartered in Reston, guidingComstock’s Affordable HousingPolicy, significantly exceedingFairfax County’s policy and alreadyproducing 88 units at Reston Sta-tion – many more to come

Board memberships:❖ Greater Reston Chamber of

Commerce❖ Reston Hospital Center

See Alcorn, Page 6 See Dodd, Page 6 See Hauth, Page 6 See Messick, Page 6 See Parker, Page 6


Opinion

Make a plan to vote in the FairfaxCounty Democratic primary byJune 11. Otherwise count your-self out. Most of the path for

the future of governance in Fairfax County willbe decided when the votes are counted thatday.

All polling places will be open on June 11,polls are open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

At least four members of the 10-member Board of Supervisors will benew. The chairman will be new, al-though possibly a former district mem-ber.

The two at-large vacancies in the county havethe power to change the political and socialclimate of the county, and to set priorities forreform. Every ballot in Fairfax County will haveat least these two races for the Democratic pri-mary, and it is so important to turn out andvote for them:

❖ Commonwealth’s Attorney

❖ Chairman, Board of SupervisorsRaces that will be on the ballot depending

on location:❖ Member Virginia Senate, 31st, 33rd or

35th Districts❖ Member House of Delegates, 38th or 49th

Districts❖ Member Board of Supervisors, Braddock

District❖ Member Board of Supervisors,

Hunter Mill District❖ Member Board of Supervisors, Lee

District❖ Member Board of Supervisors, Providence

DistrictSample ballots can be seen at

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/upcoming.You can vote absentee in person at the Fairfax

County Government Center until June 8.❖ Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday,

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.❖ Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

❖ Saturday June 1, June 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Satellite locations listed are open one day

only, Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.❖ Franconia Governmental Center❖ Herndon Fortnightly Library❖ Lorton Library❖ Mason Governmental Center❖ McLean Governmental Center❖ Mount Vernon Governmental Center❖ North County Governmental Center❖ Providence Community Center❖ Sully Governmental Center❖ West Springfield Governmental CenterSee www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absen-

tee.

Most local races in Fairfax County are likely tobe decided in June, don’t wait for November.

Vote June 11, It’s Fairfax County’s Election DayUPCOMING VOTER PHOTO ID EVENTS❖ The Office of Elections is open during normal

business hours to provide the opportunity to registerto vote or obtain a free voter photo ID if needed.

12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 323Fairfax, VA 22035703-222-0776

❖ Sherwood Regional LibraryJune 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, and Oct. 510 a.m. until 2 p.m.2501 Sherwood Hall LaneAlexandria, VA 22306

Editorial

By Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

State Delegate (D-36)

Following the daily newscoming out of our Nation’sCapital is enough to leave

anyone despondent. The backingaway from long-sought freedomsagainst discrimination and oppres-sion to a seeming lack of concernabout the health of our planet andits people to a rise in hatefulspeech and behavior punctuated by the con-centration of wealth in the hands of a few atthe expense of the many contribute to the feel-ing of desperation on the part of many whoshare values very different than those holdingpositions of power today. Add to the very realconcerns about the direction of our country theplight of millions around the world and onecan become very depressed.

I remind myself regularly that it is impor-tant to remember that behind all the darkclouds there is a sunny side. While my ex-amples of the sunny side will be from our com-munity over the last couple of days, the sun-shine of care and compassion shines in differ-

ent ways and intensities through-out the world every day We some-times have to clean the lensesthrough which we view our com-munity and the world to gain aclearer perspective of where weare and where we are headed.

Just last weekend Jane and Ispent an evening with the caring

and compassionate people in our communitywho raise money and work through FISH(Friendly, Immediate, Sympathetic Help) tohelp those who are down on their luck paytheir utility bills and rent, fill prescriptions,and learn to manage their finances. A golftournament today with Kids R First along withthe volunteer help of many will provide fund-ing to ensure that thousands of children inour region start school with book bags filledwith needed school supplies. Students inSouth Lakes High School (SLHS) who do nothave enough to eat at their homes can getfood through the SLHS Food Pantry on schooldays and for the weekends.

Days in a homeless shelter can no doubtseem bleak despite the best efforts of volun-teers to make them seem otherwise, but noth-ing can replace the burst of sunshine thatcomes from Cornerstones and all its support-ers who work mightily to end homelessness inour community. I spent an evening recentlywith the volunteers of Britepaths who are do-ing the same kind of work in other areas ofour region bringing hope to many.

I spend time monthly with volunteers fromMoms Demand Action, Brady Campaign, andother groups working to end gun violence.Their commonsense approach to the publichealth crisis of gun violence will pay off. I con-tinue to be impressed with the determinationand hard work of the Herndon-RestonIndivisibles who are devoted to the election ofcaring candidates to office and to bring focuson bad public policies.

I am honored to be in public office to ob-serve and participate in the hard work of citi-zens who bring sunshine where it is needed. Ihave listed just a few examples. Join with usand pull back the shades to let the sunshinein. Let me know at [email protected] if youare looking for ways to become involved.

Looking on the Sunny SideCommentary

To the Editor:It is undeniable that a conser-

vative resurgence is currently ac-tive in America and concentratingefforts on a women’s right to pri-vacy and abortion. Although me-dia focus is on Georgia and Ala-bama, the recent protest activityby D.C. Area Anti-Abortion Advo-cacy (a.k.a. DC4A) occurring out-

side of D.C. area middle and highschools, including James MadisonHigh School, is a prime exampleof how quasi-political interestgroups are affecting our commu-nity. Pro-Life activism is protectedthrough civil rights and libertieswithin the United States and pub-lic high schools; students can or-ganize clubs, write academic and

newspaper arguments, invitespeakers, and hold discussions toconvey their beliefs on abortion.But, the protestors from DC4A aredifferent; the adult volunteersshout through bull-horns at stu-dents exiting school, hold up pho-tos of severed fetuses, and ap-proach students to video their re-sponses on why they want to “kill

babies.” Then DC4A posts thesevideos onto their Facebook andYoutube to rile members by say-ing that the students “insult themurdered babies.” I call upon theVirginia General Assembly to makeit illegal for non-school entities toshare identity even if the videocamera itself is not on campusgrounds.

Grace KuglerVienna

Protecting Minors from Political GroupsLetters to the Editor

www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

@HerndonConnect

An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper delivered

to homes and businesses.Published by

Local Media Connection LLC

1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314

Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go to

connectionnewspapers.com/subscribe

NEWS DEPARTMENT:[email protected]

Kemal Kurspahic Editor ❖ 703-778-9414

[email protected]

Mercia HobsonCommunity Reporter

[email protected]

Andrea WorkerContributing Writer

[email protected]

Jean CardProduction Editor

[email protected]

ADVERTISING:For advertising information

[email protected]

Debbie FunkDisplay Advertising/National Sales

[email protected]

David GriffinMarketing Assistant

[email protected]

Classified & EmploymentAdvertising703-778-9431

Editor & PublisherMary Kimm

[email protected]@MaryKimm

Executive Vice PresidentJerry Vernon

[email protected]

Editor in ChiefSteven Mauren

Managing EditorKemal Kurspahic

Art/Design:Laurence Foong, John Heinly,

Ali KhalighProduction Manager:

Geovani Flores

[email protected]

Oak Hill & Herndon


By Marilyn Campbell

From fine lines to age spots,normal changes in the skinare inevitable as it ma-tures. Skincare after 50

doesn’t need to involve plastic sur-gery or products with a high pricetag. There are simple options fortreating the conditions that appearas one ages.

“Everyone ages differently, butyou may notice your skin is drierand thinner and starting to look likepaper,” said dermatologist ShellyHall, M.D. “You may notice thatyou’re developing more age spotswrinkles and creases. Your skinmight be blotchier and irritated eas-ily. You also might notice that youskins heals more slowly.”

One of the top recommendationsfor aging skincare is sunscreen. “Formost of us, skin gets more fragileas we age. That’s why it’s essentialfor seniors to take extra care andprotect themselves from the sun,”said Susan Yohe, gerontology nursefor the Fairfax County Health De-partment. “In addition to using ahigh-SPF sunscreen, we also recom-mend long, loose fitting clothingthat covers the skin, and a wide-brimmed hat when outside. Thiswill help keep you safe and preserveyour skin.”

“Wear sunglasses to reduce linesaround eyes,” added Hall. “Slatheron sunscreen that offers broad-spec-trum protection and stay out of thesun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It’sso important because the sun canage your skin prematurely. Indoor tanning and sunlamps expose your skins to UV rays which can alsomake your skin age faster.”

Watch for skin cancer that can occur because oftoo much exposure tothe son, warns Hall.“Everyone should seea dermatologist for askin care exam atsome point.”

Wash your facetwice a day, but avoidusing soap, suggestHall. “Use warm wa-ter and a mild cleaner,but don’t scrub.”

“Vitamin A creamcan reduce finewrinkles,” said Hall.“It also helps withrough skin and hyper-pigmentation or discoloration that comes with ag-ing and overexposure to the sun. Products that con-tain Vitamin C can lead to healthy skin and may re-verse the negative effects of aging.”

Getting adequate sleep promotes healthy skin, says Hall.“It gives our body and skin time to refresh and renew.”

Diet and lifestyle also play a role in the way one’s

skin ages. Eliminating smoking, decreasing alcoholconsumption and eating fresh fruits and vegetablesand foods rich in Omega-3 offer the nutrients neces-sary for healthy, glowing skin, says Sara Ducey, pro-

fessor of Nutritionat Montgomery Col-lege.

“Water is espe-cially important forkeeping skin hy-drated,” she said.“Fish is particularlyimportant, espe-cially fatty fish thatare rich in Omega-3 fatty acids likesalmon and tuna.Berries are great forthe skin becausethey help keep in-flammation down.

Green, leafy vegetables especially parsley and let-tuces offer tremendous nutrition.”

A simple and holistic approach is the foundationof skincare, advises Hall.

“The bottom line is maintaining a healthy lifestyle,eating a healthy diet and practicing sun protection,”she said.

Adjusting the regimen for senior skin as one ages.Skincare after 55

Senior Living

Photo by Marilyn Campbell

Berries of all types are rich in antioxidants.

“Berries are great for the skinbecause they help keepinflammation down. Green,leafy vegetables especiallyparsley and lettuces offertremendous nutrition.”

— Sara Ducey, Professor of Nutrition, Montgomery College


News

From Page 3

Meet the Candidates for Hunter Mill District Supervisor

brought citizens into the re-planning ofTysons Corner from which emerged a con-sensus plan that received the 2012 BurnhamAward from the American Planning Asso-ciation. More recently he led a volunteereffort with citizens, developers and hous-ing advocates to create a blueprint for re-forming Fairfax County’s land use policiesto get more affordable housing.

In addition to County volunteer activitiesWalter has an environmental career thatspans the public and private sectors, andnow serves as VP of Environmental Affairsand Industry Sustainability for the Con-sumer Technology Association.

Walter is running to manage growth whileproviding more affordable housing, fullyfund our schools, and protect and expandour green spaces. As County SupervisorWalter will initiate key fixes to Reston’s com-prehensive plan (e.g., remove village cen-ter density, incorporate population projec-tions and conditions), initiate policies to getmore affordable housing from underutilizedoffice parks and commercial centers, explorelong-term local financing options for main-taining our schools and county services, andempower citizens to engage constructivelyin the land use decision processes.

Alcorn

DoddFrom Page 3

❖ Former Environmental attorney repre-senting Friends of the Earth in Clean WaterAct cases

❖ Involved with PTA at several FairfaxCounty Public Schools, swim team, scout-ing, 4-H, etc.

❖ Long-time Democrat, elected to serveas a delegate at 2016 Democratic NationalConvention

Why are you running?“I want to protect the district from un-

controlled development. As a parent andchild advocate, I will ensure that our schoolsystem and mental health systems are topnotch. I want to increase affordable hous-ing in all parts of the county. And I will takeaction to reduce our carbon footprint andfight climate change.Ó

What do you see as the top issues in your/district and what solutions do you propose?

❖ The top issue in our district is uncon-trolled development. As supervisor, I wouldnot approve any more residential develop-ment without asking whether we have theschools, roads, parks, and public safety toserve them. We need transit-oriented devel-opment and expansion of affordable hous-ing opportunities. I will not give up onemore inch of the district to unplannedgrowth.

Environmental issues - Fairfax Countyshould take the lead in addressing environ-mental issues through a public private part-nership, engaging our wealth of technologycompanies and others – Google, Amazon,

INOVA Hospital, Mars, Hilton, WMATA – tofind innovative solutions. We must moveforward with a community-wide energy andclimate action plan. Replacing ourstreetlights with efficient LED lighting is agood start that must be followed by boldaction, including a focus on our transpor-tation system.

Education. Fund universal pre-K. Payraises for teachers and staff, while classsizes are reduced. When we have more than800 trailer classrooms in Fairfax County,saying that our school system is “fullyfunded” rings hollow. I will work with theschool board to ensure that we provide aworld-class education to our children andfuture leaders.”

Key ways you differ from your opponents?“I am the only candidate in this race who

has the breadth of experience in our district,who does not take a dime from corporationsor developers – no matter where they haveprojects, who has advocacy skills to speakup for our residents, and who is beholdento no one but the citizens of Hunter MillDistrict. This is the leadership we need, nowand for the future of Hunter Mill.”

HauthFrom Page 3

❖ Chair, Veterans & Military FamiliesCommittee for the Fairfax County Demo-cratic Committee

❖ Chair, Outreach Committee for theHunter Mill District Democratic Committee

Why are you running?“Hunter Mill deserves a leader who will

guide us into 2020 with the vision, integ-rity, and compassion to bring innovation toour community - a leader that reflects thegreat diversity of thought and culture acrossour region. That leader is me.

I have led a life of service around theworld, across this great nation, and righthere in Fairfax County. I want FairfaxCounty, and specifically the Hunter MillDistrict, to be the leader of a progressivevision of community … We need new lead-ership that reflects the desires and diver-sity of the community. As a grassroots com-munity organizer, I understand the benefitof building a community from the groundup. I understand the importance of engag-ing voters in decisions that will affect theirlives.”

Top 3 issues in your district and what so-lutions your propose?

“Climate Change - We need a multi-fac-eted and bold approach to addressing cli-mate change in Fairfax County. Increaseminimum LEED standard to Gold for anynew construction and renovation — withan incentive for Platinum. Solar panels onschools and government buildings is a start,but we also need to encourage our busi-nesses to do the same and reduce our over-all energy use. We must also reduce trafficcongestion by lowering the cost of and in-creasing the use of public transportationsystems. Making walking and biking safer

through appropriate lighting and the devel-opment of bike friendly transit zones willalso reduce our energy consumption andimprove the quality of life. Additionally, wecan initiate several consumer-orientedchanges like a single use plastics ban, anincreased emphasis on waste reduction, andthe introduction of front yard gardens andzero-scapes.

❖ Affordable Housing - a S.M.A.R.T.E.(Safe, Mixed Income, Accessible, Reason-ably Priced, Transit-oriented, and Environ-mentally Sustainable) housing plan. Thisplan is comprehensive and wouldincentivize new construction and renova-tions to include percentages of housing ac-cessible to various income levels. We needto be creative and use the conceptsof tiny or small houses, add-on mother-in-law style apartments, utilizing existingoffices and other buildings for new hous-ing and community space, and creatingcommunity based housing to ensure wedraw from as many sources as possible toaddress the needs of the county.

❖ Education - Teacher and staff pay needsto improve and we need to bring equityacross the school system. For both safetyand to improve the learning environmentwe need to address the overcrowding andexcessive use of trailers. Offering appren-ticeships for those not choosing toattend college, or skills-based learning forstudents of differing abilities. We alsoneed to ensure our curriculum is inclusiveand welcoming.

Key ways you differ from your opponents?*I am the only veteran running for this

seat. I fully understand the sacrificesthat must be made in order to serve thepeople and I amwilling to make these sac-rifices.

I have a unique life experience that al-lows me to fully grasp the diversity of ourdistrict and advocate for our constituents’needs.

I’m an Indian immigrant. I was born inRanchi, India, and became a naturalizedcitizen in 1983. I am part of the 30.8 per-cent of Fairfax County that is foreign-born.

I’m the mother of a transgender non-bi-nary child and a grandmother of achild with autism.

As an Air Force Veteran and militaryspouse, I have lived all over the UnitedStates and the world, giving me a diversityof experiences which I can bring to theBoard of Supervisors. I have seen how lo-cal governments operate elsewhere, as wellas creative ways problems were resolved,and will bring these ideas to the table.”

MessickFrom Page 3

occur that have been/unwanted and deeplyopposed by much of the community. Thisdevelopment/has been pushed through de-spite intense opposition.Ó

Top 3 issues in your district?“Excessive unwanted development, the

paid parking at/Reston Town Center, andeducation.

On the key issue of development I/willuse the county’s zoning power to block newdevelopments in Reston/that the people donot want. In Vienna I will work with thetown/council to see that the people ofVienna’s wishes are successfully/imple-mented as well.

The Reston Town Center was able toimplement paid/parking because a singledeveloper, Boston Properties, was able to/acquire all the land. I plan to negotiate adeal between them and the/county tosee that the paid parking program perma-nently end.

When it/comes to education I want to seethat our schools’ are fully funded/and our teachers are paid better. In addi-tion, I want to be advocate/for special needsstudents. As someone who is autistic my-self, (Asperger’s Syndrome) I knowfirst-hand the need to promoteneurodiversity and make our schools a placewhere all students can/succeed.Ó

Key ways you differ from your opponents?“I am the only candidate to/make firm

campaign promises about ending the paidparking at the/Reston Town Center and Ihave kept it as one of my main two issuesmy/entire campaign. Additionally, I havetaken the strongest stance when/it comesto pushing back against large scale devel-opment in the Hunter/Mill District. I alsosupport allowing neighborhoods that con-sist of/single family homes to remain as is,instead of rezoning them for/other purposessuch a duplexes or multiple houses per lot.Ó

ParkerFrom Page 3

❖ Northern Virginia Transportation Alli-ance

❖ Greater Reston Arts Center❖ Wolf Trap Foundation Associates❖ Chair, Public Art Reston❖ Chair, Reston Transportation Service

District Advisory Board❖ Loudoun Transportation Advisory

Board❖ Loudoun County Chamber of Com-

merce

Why are you running?“I believe that for our government to

work, each individual should take respon-sibility; my life’s opportunities of profes-sional work, community service, and moth-erhood have provided a rich palette of ex-periences to bring to the job of governingas Supervisor; my experiences of workingwith the region’s governing organizations,stakeholders and staff have well preparedme to affect positive change.”

Top three issues?“Affordable Housing:/Increase contribu-

tion to Affordable Housing Fund from one-half cent to 1.5 cents; Additional tax on

See Parker, Page 10


See Comstock, Page 12

News

By Mercia Hobson

The Connection

The Herndon Downtown Redevel-opment Project by ComstockHerndon Venture LC reached akey milestone May 15. The Heri-

tage Preservation Review Board consideredand unanimously approved all three Appli-cations for Certificates of Appropriateness(COA) necessary for the project to moveforward. The Board approved Applicationsfor COAs for demolition of a non-contrib-uting structure and site features at 750 Cen-ter Street, “ArtSpace Herndon;” demolition

of a historic contributingstructure, non-contributingstructure and site featuresat 770 Elden Street, “theformer Subaru Building;”and construction of new

structures and plazas in connection with theplanned redevelopment in DowntownHerndon. The redevelopment would con-sist of approximately 210,830 square feetof land owned by the Town of Herndon. TheApplicant was Comstock Herndon Venture,LC represented by Noah Klein, Esquire,Odin Feldman & Pittleman, PC.

The Board heard and approved near simi-lar applications for COAs by Comstock inJune 2018. During staff remarks, Plannerand Deputy Zoning Administrator Town ofHerndon Bryce Perry said the 2018 approv-als for COAs were appealed. “The COAswere subsequently voided by the ZoningAdministrator, and the cases were with-drawn by the applicant,” Perry said.

Demolition of 750 Center Street, ArtSpaceHerndon

In his presentation, Community DesignPlanner Town of Herndon Christopher J.Garcia stated, “This application is beingsubmitted in conjunction with two HPRBcases... currently being brought forward forBoard consideration, which are componentsof a broader effort by the Town of Herndonto realize the community’s vision, long-range planning goals, and objectives to fur-ther develop a more vibrant mixed-use,mixed-density environment in DowntownHerndon.”

Garcia qualified the proposed demolition.“It complies with the town zoning ordinancesection,” he said. Garcia said that the Down-town Pattern Book showed this location an“opportunity for redevelopment … and ithas no priority for preservation.” Garcianoted the building was not a historic land-mark, did not, among other things, contrib-

added that its removal would not adverselyimpact the overall historical landmarks inthe town’s preservation or overlay districts.

Noah Klein with the law firm, OdinFeldman & Pittleman, PC represented theApplicant, Comstock. He echoed Garciapoints and added that the building was“identified as an area of opportunity forredevelopment in the Master Plan.” Thedemolition was also assumed in the RFPprocess, Klein reported. The Board ap-proved the application with the conditionsthat the interior and exteriors be profession-ally photographed and the site graded af-ter demolition.

Demolition of existing structures and sitefeatures at 770 Elden Street

The Board voted unanimously and ap-proved with conditions the demolition oftwo other Town-owned buildings, one a“contributing commercial structure...(anda) non-contributing accessory building.”Garcia reiterated the demolition would re-alize planning goals and objectives for amore vibrant downtown.

According to Garcia, although the build-ing was a historical structure, it was of thelowest level, and the site and building in-vestigation submitted by the Applicant iden-tified structural issues that would make res-toration or relocation unfeasible. Garcianoted the poor structural condition of themasonry construction throughout the pri-mary structure and cracked and disintegrat-ing masonry on load bearing walls, mostnotably on the Elden Street side. “There issome risk... of a partial collapse of exteriorwalls due to the continued deterioration ofthe masonry facades,” he said.

Klein brought up documented environ-mental analyses. He noted, “the significantenvironmental contamination,” citing re-ports in 2015, corroborated in 2018. Men-tioning hazardous materials such as asbes-tos and lead paint. He mentioned, “envi-ronmental contamination from those yearsof industrial use. They permeate through-out the soils, and they go underneath theconcrete slab. It would be susceptible topartial or complete collapse during environ-mental remediation efforts,” Klein said.

Klein said Comstock was committed toworking with the community and it incor-porated and “mirrored” the Subarubuilding’s architectural stepped parapet andthe color of the building into the new de-sign, significant to some citizens in thetown. “We’re continuing that commitmentto work with the community … identifyingmaterials within the building that might beworth saving,” he said.

During the public comment portion, Citi-zen Barbara Glakas thanked Comstock forincluding “a visual of what was once there.”

During the board discussion, MikeMcFarlane said, “I disagree with a lot of theapplication in so far as I think there is sometown history. It (the Subaru building is) avery important building for our town. Thisdeep parapet is something specific to this

Major Step for Comstock in the Town of HerndonHPRB approves Cer-tificates of Appropri-ateness to demolishbuildings and con-struct structures andplazas.

Planner and Deputy Zoning Admin-istrator Town of Herndon BrycePerry explains why the HPRB ishearing Applications again forCertificates of Appropriateness byComstock Herndon Venture, L.C.

Heritage Preservation ReviewBoard Member Mike McFarlanestates that unlike the applicationlast year, this one related to thedemolition of structures at 770Elden Street and was well docu-mented.

Citizens listen to remarks during the public comment section of theHPRB May 15 Public Hearing.

Structural damage at 770 Elden Street, Application for Certificate ofAppropriateness approved by Heritage Preservation Review Board fordemolition.

Pho

to

co

ntributed via Po

werPo

in

t by C

om

sto

ck

ute to the overall character of the HeritagePreservation Overlay district and did notqualify as a landmark building or structurein the National Register of Historic Places

or the Virginia or landmarks registry. Garciasaid the building was of common design andconstructed ordinarily, and no significanthistorical event occurred on site. Garcia

Pho

to

s by M

ercia H

obso

n/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Herndon

Evolution

Series


The 39th Annual Herndon Festival,will be held May 30 - June 2 in anew location, at the Northwest Fed-

eral Credit Union, 200 Spring Street. TheHerndon Festival features local and nation-ally known entertainment on two stages, acarnival, children’s hands-on art area, arts& crafts show, business expo, 10K/5K racesand fitness expo on Sunday at the HerndonCommunity Center, complimentary shuttle

bus service, and an assortment of food ven-dors. The festival is produced by the Townof Herndon Parks and Recreation Depart-ment with assistance from local civic orga-nizations and businesses. Northwest FederalCredit Union is serving as the title sponsorfor the 2019 Herndon Festival. Festivalgoers can learn about all the Festival high-lights and insider tips to having a great timeat herndonfestival.net.

Celebrating community: Herndon Festival 2018.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

Herndon Festival Set for May 30-June 2

The Second Annual Reston Pride Fes-tival will be held on Saturday, June1 from 2. to 7 p.m. at Lake Anne

Plaza to celebrate and support GreaterReston’s LGBTQ+ community. The festivalwill feature choral groups, dancers, per-formers, and speakers. The event will beco-emceed by Delta B. Knyght, a Washing-ton, D.C.-based Drag Entertainer, and KenWilliamson, music director for WashingtonPlaza Baptist Church and a former Las Ve-gas entertainer. In addition, the festival willhave more than 40 LGBTQ+ friendly ex-hibitors. This child-friendly event is free andopen to the public.

The Second Reston Pride Festival is co-sponsored by the Unitarian UniversalistChurch in Reston, St. Anne’s EpiscopalChurch, and United Christian Parish, withkey support from Lake Anne Plaza, RestonCommunity Center, Cornerstones, Restonfaith communities, nonprofits, and otherlocal organizations. The Reston Pride Festi-val, begun in 2018, was created and hostedby the Unitarian Universalist Church inReston “to break the silence in the greaterReston/Herndon area about LGBTQ+ peopleand issues,” said the Rev. Dr. Debra Haffner,minister of the Unitarian Universalist Churchin Reston and co-chair of Reston Pride.

The first Reston Pride Festival was held in 2018.

Pho

to

co

ntributed

Reston Pride Festival to Be Held June 1

Submit entertainment announcements atwww.connectionnewspapers.com/Calendar/. Thedeadline is noon on Friday. Photos/artwork encour-aged.

ONGOINGMr. Knick Knack! Mondays through September,

10:30-11:15 a.m. at Reston Town Square Park.Free performances of heart-centered music forchildren. No performances on Memorial Day orLabor Day. Visit restontowncenter.com/eventsfor more.

Herndon Farmers Market. Thursdays, throughmid-November, 8 a.m-12:30 p.m. in HistoricDowntown Herndon, Lynn Street. Vendors willoffer seasonal plants, produce, baked goods,meats and more; all sold by local growers andproducers. Additional enhancements to themarket include seasonal events andentertainment, including “Farmers’ Market FunDays,” free performances for the whole family.Visit www.herndon-va.gov/FarmersMarket formore.

THURSDAY/MAY 23Yoga with Rupa. 7 p.m. at Reston Regional

Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Arelaxing hour of yoga led by Rupa Shah. Adults,teens. Call 703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.

MAY 23-JUNE 23Golden Age Musical. At NextStop Theatre, 269

Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. From ArtisticDirector Evan Hoffmann comes a wildlyinventive re-imagining of an American mega-musical as no one has seen it before. Singin’ inthe Rain has all the magic and glamour of thegreatest movie musical ever made. So, when theprojector at a super-fan screening of the filmgoes up in smoke, the hosts save the day… afterall, in theatre, the show must always go on. $40-55. Visit www.nextstoptheatre.org/shows/singin-in-the-rain.

FRIDAY/MAY 24Family Yoga. 10:30 a.m. at Reston Regional

Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.Enjoy playful yoga, stories and songs along withyour actively walking child. No experienceneeded. 2-4 years old with an adult. Call 703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Live Music: Full Plate. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. atKalypso’s Sports Tavern on historic Lake Anne inReston. Bands play inside the sports bar on adedicated stage. No cover. Visitwww.kalypsossportstavern.com.

SATURDAY/MAY 25Top to Bottom Look at Colvin Run Mill.

10:30 a.m. at Colvin Run Mill, 10017 ColvinRun Rd, Great Falls. Climb to new heights andexplore the second and third floors at ColvinRun Mill on Saturdays in May. Register for the“Four Floor Tour Class” to get an insider’s lookat this 200-year-old working mill. Theexploration may last up to two hours. $10 perperson, and the tours are designed for visitorsage 10 to adult. NOTE: Participants will beclimbing steep stairs to reach the added tourareas in this historic building. The areas are notADA accessible, but alternative arrangementswill be made for those who cannot climb thestairs but wish to participate. Call 703-759-2771or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvin-run-mill.

Star-Spangled Salute with The RestonChorale. 7 p.m. at the Pavilion at Reston TownCenter. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy The RestonChorale’s patriotic music in honor of MemorialDay. Free. Donations of items for troop carepackages are welcomed. Visit restonchorale.org.

SUNDAY/MAY 26Reston Live. 3-8 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza, 1609

Washington Plaza W., Reston. Reston Livefeatures live bands, rising star talentcompetition, local market and food vendors, andmore. This family friendly event will include amagic show and face painting. Bring a lawn ortailgate chair and enjoy the festival at the Plaza.Free. Call 703-282-8825 or visitwww.corefoundation.org for more.

Live Music: Ethel. 7 p.m. at CenterStage atReston Community Center, 2310 Colts NeckRoad, Reston. String quartet ETHEL andGrammy Award–winning instrumentalist RobertMirabal collaborate in this cross-cultural concertexperience of instrumental virtuosity, song, and

storytelling. Tickets are $20 atRestonCommunityCenter.com or 703-476-4500.

MONDAY/MAY 27Park Authority Salutes Military with Free

Admission Day. The Fairfax County ParkAuthority will honor those who serve and haveserved in the U.S.

Armed Forces with a free day for military families atRECenters and lakefront parks on MemorialDay. Families can enjoy such amenities as pools,fitness rooms, drop-in fitness classes, gyms andmini-golf. The lakefront parks offer amusementssuch as carousel rides, boat rides, train rides,mini-golf and camping. Amenities vary bylocation. Excludes the Water Mine, regulationgolf and food vendors.Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/honoring-americas-veterans-memorial-day for details.

TUESDAY/MAY 28Baby Play And Explore. 11 a.m. at Reston

Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive,Reston. Join for an hour of unstructured playand social time for babies. Cosponsored by theFRRL. Age birth-18 months with adult. Noregistration required. Call 703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Spanchats. 7 p.m. at Reston Regional Library,11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. Join anongoing Spanish conversation group. All levelsfrom beginner to fluent are welcome. Adults.Call 703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.

INOVA Blood Drive. 1-6 p.m., beside the Pavilionat Reston Town Center. Schedule Bloodmobileappointments at 1-866-256-6372 or inova.org/donateblood. On-site registration available.

WEDNESDAY/MAY 29Create a Home Inventory. 7 p.m. at Reston

Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive,Reston. Certified Professional Organizer SusanKousek will share three ways to create a homeinventory at low or no cost. She’ll demonstrateeach of the three ways, discuss the pros andcons of each, and tell participants how step-by-step. Adults. Call 703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.

THURSDAY/MAY 30Dollars and Sense. 7 p.m. at Reston Regional

Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.Monthly group discussion focuses on businessleaders and markets. Discussing “Freakonomics”by Steven Levitt.

The event is free and open to the public. Call 703-689-2700 or visitlibrarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov.

THURSDAY/MAY 30-SUNDAY/JUNE 2Herndon Festival 2019. At Northwest Federal

Credit Union, 200 Spring St, Herndon.The four-day festival, which is produced by the Town ofHerndon’s Parks and Recreation Departmentwith assistance from area civic organizationsand businesses, will feature entertainment ontwo stages, a carnival, a children’s hands-on artarea, arts & crafts show, business expo, 10K/5Kraces and fitness expo, and an eclectic variety oftop-quality food vendors. Visitwww.herndonfestival.net.

FRIDAY/MAY 31Live Music: Something’s Brewing. 9:30 p.m.-

1:30 a.m. at Kalypso’s Sports Tavern on historicLake Anne in Reston. Bands play inside thesports bar on a dedicated stage. No cover. Visitwww.kalypsossportstavern.com.

SATURDAY/JUNE 1Gardens of Note. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. around Reston.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of notable gardenson The Reston Chorale’s exclusive tour withpop-up performances, beekeeping talks, and theHidden Lane garden party. $22/advance; $25/tour day. [email protected] or visitwww.restonchorale.org for more.

Reston Pride Festival. 2-7 p.m. at Lake AnnePlaza. The Second Annual Reston Pride Festivalwill celebrate and support Greater Reston’sLGBTQ+ community. The festival will featurechoral groups, dancers, performers, speakers –both political leaders and faith leaders – allcoming together to support the LGBTQ+community. In addition, more than 40 LGBTQ+friendly exhibitors. This child-friendly event isfree and open to the public. Visitwww.facebook.com/RestonPride/ for more.

FRIDAY/JUNE 7Live Music: The Jones. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. at

Kalypso’s Sports Tavern on historic Lake Anne inReston. Bands play inside the sports bar on adedicated stage. No cover. Visitwww.kalypsossportstavern.com.

Entertainment


Entertainment

By David Siegel

The Connection

It’s not only a jaunty Hollywood moviemusical, but “Singin’ in the Rain” is alive theater production too. Full of ro-

mance and humor propelled forward withtwenty sunshine-bright musical numberswith lively dancing “the production will beuniquely NextStop’s,” said Evan Hoffmann,Producing Artistic Director.

For those less familiar with “Singin’ in theRain,” it takes place in Hollywoodºas “talk-ies” take their toll on theºsilent screenºera.It focuses on a romantic lead Don Lockwood(Wood Van Meter) and his sidekick CosmoBrown (Robert Mintz) along with aspiringactress Kathy Selden (Morgan Kelleher).Added to that is a silent screen leading per-former, Lena Lamont (Carolyn Burke) witha voice that may not be best suited for the“talkies.”

“NextStop has always produced musicals.In the past few years, we have actually ex-panded the number of shows that we do intotal each season and that has includedmusicals,” said Hoffmann. “We pride our-selves on doing the most diverse collectionof shows possible, in every way. Even thethree musicals that we did this season camefrom three very different camps of musicaltheater; contemporary rock, Off-Broadwayexperimental, and American classic.”

“I have had a lifelong love of this musi-cal.” added Hoffmann. “We are re-imagin-

ing this beautiful story with an eye towardsmaking it more theatrical and making itmore about the characters (and dancing)than the production values. All of this whilesimultaneously offering frequent and lov-ing nods to the iconic imagery of the film.”

“Singin in the Rain” will feature a cast ofeight talented performers who will act, sing,dance and bring forth plenty of comedy.NextStop veteran Elisa Rosmanºis musicdirector in charge of breaking forth unfor-gettable tunes from Arthur Freed (lyrics)and Nacio Herb Brown (music). The show’sbook is by Broadway legends, Betty Comdenand Adolph Green. The musical tunes in-clude the celebrated, “You Stepped Out ofa Dream,” “All I Do Is Dream Of You,” “Make‘Em Laugh,” and “Good Morning.”

“It is going to be amazing! I spent nearlya year finding the eight exceptional triple-threat performers that make up this cast.They are dancing their faces off under theamazing choreography of Robert Mintz,who is pulling double duty as both our cho-reographer and performer,” addedHoffmann. “These are going to be some ofthe most impressive production numbers wehave ever had on our stage.”

Wood Van Meter, Morgan Kelleher and Robert Mintz in “Singin’ in theRain” at NextStop Theatre.

Pho

to

by Lo

ck an

d C

om

pan

y/C

ourtesy N

extSto

p T

heatre

‘Walk Down the LaneWith a Happy Refrain’NextStop producingmusical ‘Singin’in the Rain.’

Where and WhenNextStop Theatre Company presents “Singin’ in

the Rain” at 269 Sunset Park Drive, Sunset Busi-ness Park, Herndon. Performances: May 23 to June23, 2019. Thursdays; May 23, June 6, June 22 at8 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturday May 25 at 7p.m., June 1, 8, 15 & 22 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; andSunday, May 26 at 2 p.m., June 2, 9, 16 & 23 at 2p.m. Tickets: General Admission:º$40-55*(NextStop strongly encourages booking in ad-vance. Ticket prices increase as performances getnearer and fill up). Call 866-811-4111 or visit:www.NextStopTheatre.org


commercial space built in Countyfor Affordable Housing Fund; Zon-ing modifications to allow forproperties to be used for afford-able housing solutions; ReducingProperty Taxes; Supporting eco-nomic development to provideadditional tax base that can offsetresidential rates; Reviewing taxrelief guidelines.

Relieving traffic congestion andfinding transportation solutions:Continue to fight for transporta-tion dollars for Northern Virginiaand Hunter Mill; Continue workon multimodal transportation op-tions including optimizing theConnector bus network; Ensuringthat the Department of Transpor-tation has the resources to stay ontop of the rapidly-developing tech-nological advances in the indus-try; IImproving pedestrian and bi-cycle access and safety; Creatingpedestrian and bicycle bridgesover wide thoroughfares.”

Key ways I differ from my oppo-nents?

“I am a successful business-woman who has learned how to dodevelopment right and how toweave the old with the new. Ireadily admit that change is here;we must make sure it delivers atReston standards and with Reston’sfounding principle of inclusivity atits heart. I believe that our localgovernment is strong but can bebetter, that we must de-Trump bybeing civil, acting with courtesy andunderstanding that words matter.

ParkerFrom Page 6

News

Submit civic/community announce-ments at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome.Deadline is Thursday at noon, at leasttwo weeks before event.

THURSDAY/MAY 30Interfaith Ramadan Dinner. 7:30

p.m. (registration); 8 p.m. (programstarts) at Fairfax County GovernmentCenter – Cafeteria, 12000Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.Join for an Interfaith RamadanDinner hosted by Fairfax CountyChairwoman Sharon Bulova. Call toprayer and dinner are at 8:30 p.m.Register at bit.ly/fxcounty2019.

SATURDAY/JUNE 1Dementia Care Support. 10-11 a.m.

at Hunters Woods at Trails EdgeShowroom, 2254B Nunters WoodsPlaza, Reston. Dementia CareSupport Group - 1st Saturday of themonth. Distinguish between normalaging and dementia, understanddifferent types of dementia, theimpact of changes to the brain andhow family caregivers can best copewith these changes. Free. Call 703-708-4047 or visitwww.integracare.com.

Peripheral Neuropathy SupportGroup. 2-4 p.m. at Mason District

Bulletin Board

See Bulletin, Page 11


Kenny Lourie is an Advertising Representative forThe Potomac Almanac & The Connection Newspapers.

By KENNETH B. LOURIE

And now the fun begins. Not!For some reason, I can’t get the Journey song,

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” out of my head, except that my lyrics are “Waitin’, Wonderin’, Hopin’.” I’ll know the results of last week’s di-agnostic scans soon enough, on Tuesday in fact, the day before this column publishes, when we have our next usual and customary post-scan, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.

As it is presently scheduled, what having a Tuesday appointment after the preceding Wednesday scan means is, we won’t have re-ceived the results prior to our appointment. The interval of time is too short.

When the post-scan appointment had been on Friday, nine days out, as it has been on many occasions, my oncologist felt compelled (maybe because we ‘compelled’ him) to email the us scan’s results rather than make us wait so long. But six days is not quite so long enough before he’ll be seeing us, so I am humming a Journey song in the interim.

And let me tell you, going in cold (not know-ing the results beforehand) “is all it’s cracked up to be” -- to invoke a quote by “Hawkeye” from M*A*S*H when talking to Radar about his widowed mother being alone.

But I won’t be alone on Tuesday; my wife, Dina, will be along for the ride. A ride she has made many times, especially during the early years of heavy-duty chemotherapy when infusion

hours, door to door.The process for these post-scan appointments

is somewhat different, 45 minutes or so. It begins in an examining room with yours

truly being examined/questioned by a nurse (“Are you in any pain?”) followed by her check-ing my vitals: oxygen level, pulse and blood pressure (“Mr. Lourie, you’re blood pressure is high.” “You bet it is.”).

After she enters the information on the com-puter, she’ll excuse herself and as she exits the examining room she advises us that the doctor will be in shortly.

on his schedule, we’ll hear a knock on the door and my oncologist’s voice asking if it’s OK for him to enter. “Yes, of course,” we say.

the examining chair, where I’m sitting, is on his immediate left, partially blocked from his view as he opens the door. Dina is sitting in a chair directly ahead of him and in clear sight as he enters the room. This means she’ll see his face before I do and instinctively she’ll try to read his expression and body language for a hint of what’s to be said.

Occasionally, he breaks the ice immediate-ly and says something like “scans look good, very pleased,” knowing that we as patients are hanging on his every word. Other times, he says very little as he sits at his computer and begins asking the standard questions with which we are all too familiar.

-utes, depending on my interruptions. Generally, within the context of this exchange, the subject of my scan results will be mentioned.

This is the moment of truth. I can’t really say it’s worth waiting for, good

news or bad. It’s more about enduring. Unfortunately, we can’t change much about

this process. I have a “terminal” disease and scanning is the process by which the doctor can assess my health. Waiting for this assessment is the absolute bane of my existence.

And now with a more frequent scanning schedule, every two months, I am “bane-ing” more than ever before. I can’t say it’s a perfect set of circumstances, but it’s my journey and I’m stuck with it.

The Weak After

Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike,Annandale. The Peripheral Neuropathy SupportGroup for greater Washington meets the firstSaturday of the month. All are welcome. RSVPfor available seating. Call 301-263-0616 or visitwww.dcpnsupport.org for more.

TUESDAY/JUNE 4Professional Networking Breakfast. 8-9:30

a.m. at Sunrise at Reston Town Center, ThirdFloor Activity Room, 1778 Fountain Drive,Reston. Start the day with Sunrise. Enjoy a hotbreakfast, with all the trimmings, while meetingand mingling with colleagues. Meet the Sunriseteam, tour the community, and learn moreabout their services. [email protected] or call Jenat 703-956-8930 for more information and toRSVP.

SATURDAY/JUNE 8Caregiver Workshop. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hollin

Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road,Alexandria. Join this Caregiver Workshop withPete Shrock, nationally known grief and crisisresponder, focusing on building resiliencethrough caregiving challenges. This is a freeevent, and all caregivers and family membersare invited to attend. Lunch will be provided.Visit insightmcc.org, to register or contactLindsey Vajpeyi at 703-204-4664 [email protected].

TUESDAY/JUNE 11Park Authority Summer Jobs. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

at the Herrity Building, 12055 GovernmentCenter Parkway, Fairfax. This year the FairfaxCounty Park Authority’s Rec-PAC summer campprogram will operate at 45 elementary schoollocations around Fairfax County on weekdaysfrom July 1-Aug.8, 8:15 a.m.-3:45 p.m.Applicants are required to bring an originalSocial Security Card and a DMV photo ID. Onlythose who are 18 years of age and older will beconsidered. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec-pac/jobs or [email protected].

FRIDAY/JUNE 14Application Deadline: Fire Academy. The

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Departmentisnow accepting applications for its Girls Fire andRescue Academy summer camp, which will takeplace July 11-13, 2019. The Academy is open tofemale students who will be in grades 7-12 inthe upcoming 2019-2020 school year.Participants must be a Fairfax County resident.Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems.

SUPPORT GROUPSParent Support Partners, a service of the

Healthy Minds Fairfax initiative, are all parentswho have received training and are qualitied tooffer education, support and assistance at nocost to families or caregivers. They providereliable information that families can use indecision-making and are familiar with servicesand resources that can help families in distress.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/healthymindsfairfax or www.nami-northernvirginia.org/parent-peer-support.html.

ONGOINGAssistance League of Northern Virginia, a

volunteer nonprofit, invites community membersto join the organization to participate in itsReading Express program. Volunteers provideone-on-one tutoring to first grade studentsduring the school year. To learn more contactVP Membership Mary Gronlund [email protected] or Program Coordinator LynnBarron at [email protected].

Sunrise at Reston Town Center offers amonthly Caregiver Support Group on the fourthWednesday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m. Monthlysupport group offers a safe place for familycaregivers, to meet and develop a mutualsupport system and to exchange practicalinformation and possible solutions. Learn aboutresources available in the community and howto manage caregiver related stress. Call 703-956- 8930 or [email protected] to RSVP.

From Page 10

Bulletin


News

Photos contributed via PowerPoint by Comstock

Comstock shows images of proposed historical elements (train related)for the downtown redevelopment project. Image for illustrative pur-poses.

Comstock depicts proposed image toincorporate architectural stepped para-pet and color into new design.

Proposed overhead lighting and Arts Walk/Screen beside Ice House onElden Street. Images for illustrative purposes.

Noah Klein with the law firm, OdinFeldman & Pittleman, PC repre-sents the Applicant, Comstock.

Pho

to

by M

ercia H

obso

n/T

he C

on

nectio

n

Comstock Redevelopment Gets ‘Green Light’From Page 7

type of town … I think if you talked to any-body on the Comstock group, I think theyalways made a pitch that this building couldcome down, so I feel that the structure wasalmost preordained to be demolished toredevelop the downtown.” McFarlaneadded that unlike the application last year,this one was well documented.

Certificate of Appropriateness of NewConstruction

HPRB considered and passed unani-mously an application for a Certificate ofAppropriateness: “...for the construction ofnew structures and plazas consisting of 273apartments, associated amenity space, sitefixtures, approximately 17,000 square feetof retail and approximately 18,000 squarefeet of arts-related uses as well as an asso-ciated parking garage including private andpublic parking spaces in connection with theplanned redevelopment in downtown,” aswritten in the agenda.

Bryce Perry describedthe history and the cul-mination of monthsand years of planning.Perry recalled howHPRB reviewed theproject “...over a dozenpublic meetings.” Heshared how the designbegan with publicmeetings in 2009,“charrette stakeholdersessions.” He explainedthe culmination of thedevelopment andadoption of theHerndon DowntownMaster Plan in Febru-ary 2011, which set the“vision for redevelop-ment in the downtownand the framework forland uses...The Down-town Pattern Book wascreated, and the zoningordinance was amended to implement theprinciples of the Master Plan...The zoningordinance includes some dimensional stan-dards and some standards for both build-ing and site design. The Pattern Book pro-

vides design guidance to be considered fornew construction that includes architecturalguidance on form, scale, means of articula-tion, and building material,” Perry said.

According to Perry, thedesign of the new con-struction was appropri-ate to the period of sig-nificance and met alldesign guidelines.

From there, the Ap-plicant presented mass-ing diagrams, devel-oped drawings, such asbuilding sections andmoving toward archi-tectural forms and howbest to break up themass of the buildings.

“In this case that wascreated by creating anumber of smallercompositions along thefacade, making it ap-pear as a number ofsmaller buildings,”Perry said. They variedthe roofline and articu-lated the windows and

storefronts he said. “The board also beganconsidering how the buildings would ap-pear in relation to the neighboring build-ings,“ Perry said.

Garcia noted that not much changed with

the proposed plan since June 2018, exceptfor open space information, the eliminationof some uplighting, dividing up the build-ings and materials to reduce mass, reduc-ing the visibility of the penthouse elevator,and such.

Neil Klein reviewed the design process.He said that it had been a collaborative ef-fort between Comstock and the Town. Hesaid the applicationwas tailored toHerndon’s historicheritage, creatingan environment ofpedestrian walk-ways and a sense ofplace with outdoorseating. “The ideaagain is to connect,to create a designthat connects to thesurrounding envi-ronment and alsohonors the historicheritage. I’ll justgive one example on the arts walk. Therewill be written, etched into the pavement,a timeline of historic art and historicevents.” Klein described the use of the rail-road motif that connects to the period ofsignificance and the industrial character ofthe downtown.

Board member Eric Boll asked, “Is therea plan for, set-asides for affordable housingin the 273 units?

Klein said, “No.” The Town of Herndonlater said that affordable housing was notpart of the RFP presented to Comstock.

Public CommentsDuring citizens comments, John Boylan

representing the Dulles Chamber of Com-merce, said, “The Greater Dulles Regionencourages you to approve this. We couldn’tbe happier with Comstock and what you’ve

done to help thecommunity.” Boylanwas one of 16 indi-viduals who spokein favor of theproject.

John Vassallostated he was notopposed to the de-velopment. “I’m op-posed to a lot ofthings in it; a few ofthe things in it, andthe way it got about.You know thiswhole thing smacks

of conflict... Mr. Garcia and the other staff,they’ve done a lot of work; the Board’s donea lot of work... but private. There’s been nopublic involvement with thisapplication...the public can come to thework sessions and sit there.”

For more information on the project, itstimeline and what happens next, visitwww.herndon-va.gov.

“The Greater DullesRegion encourages you toapprove this. We couldn’tbe happier with Comstockand what you’ve done tohelp the community.”

— John Boylan,Dulles Chamber of Commerce

“The idea again is toconnect, to create adesign that connectsto the surroundingenvironment and alsohonors the historicheritage. There will bewritten, etched intothe pavement, atimeline of historic artand historic events.”

—Noah Klein for ComstockHerndon Venture, LC

Documents

Page, 5connection.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/news/...May 22, 2019 · Raffle Winners are Rich Bajusz, Tamara Drpic, Sunil Behera, Tina Pai, Antonio Radilla, Don Lehr, Bike to