Newcomers & Community Guide Photo by Lisa Fay/The Connection

Crepe myrtle hangs over the W&OD trail during the summer months.

online at www.connectionnewspapers.com Local Media Connection LLC

Newcomers &Community Guide

2019-2020

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2 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2019-20 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

MAIN STREET HOME IMPROVEMENTSiding - Decks - Roofing – Windows – Patios

Newcomers

See Give Locally, Page 5

❖ Cornerstones, 11150 Sunset HillsRoad, Suite 210, Reston, servingReston and Herndon. 571-323-9555,www.cornerstonesva.org.

Nonprofit providing support andadvocacy for those in need of food,shelter, affordable housing, qualitychildcare, and other human services.Programs and services include theEmbry Rucker Community Shelter,Emergency Food Pantry,Hypothermia Prevention Program,Thanksgiving Food Drive, Gifts forKids and annual Coat Drive. AlaciaEarley at 571-323-9568 [email protected].

❖ SHARE of McLean operates a foodpantry; provides assistance tofamilies to avoid eviction, keeputilities on and meet other needs in acrisis. Share of McLean will provideholiday assistance to more than 250needy families this year. Help us helpour neighbors in need donatingWalmart, Target, Giant, or Safewaygift cards. [email protected] for moreinformation. Visitwww.shareofmclean.org for moreinfo about Share.

❖ Herndon-Reston FISH (FriendlyInstant Sympathetic Help), 336Victory Drive, Herndon, 703-391-0105 herndonrestonfish.orgHerndon-Reston FISH has assistedlocal residents in short term crises bysince 1969. FISH provides FriendlyInstant Sympathetic Help byresponding to emergency requests forrent, transportation, utilities, medicalprescriptions and other needs. FISHoperates The Bargain Loft, a thriftstore, which needs donations of goodquality saleable items, accepting andselling art, furniture, jewelry,

household linens, dishes, pots andpans, books, women’s designerclothing (clean and on hangers),puzzles, games, collectibles, smallelectronics and much more. If youhave store questions, call 703-437-0600. Herndon-Reston FISH alsoprovides Holiday Food & Gift Basketsduring the November and Decemberseason.

❖ LINK, serving Herndon, Chantilly,Loudoun and more. Every year thegoal is to provide each family with aweek’s worth of non-perishable foodin November and again in December.When funds allow, grocery gift cardsare also included. In November,clients also receive a voucher forcoats and warm clothing. InDecember, children 16 and underreceive [email protected]. 703-437-1776www.linkagainsthunger.org.

❖ Committee for Helping Others(CHO), Vienna, organized in 1969 bya group of churches and individualsin the Dunn Loring, Merrifield,Oakton, Vienna community toprovide simple, loving charity tothose in need. Last year 450 childrenhad a special Christmas through theannual Christmas Store. 703-281-7614, www.cho-va.com

❖ Northern Virginia FamilyService. Just $50 provides acomplete holiday meal to a family offour. Donate at give.nvfs.org/holidaydonation or via check payableto “NVFS” with “Operation Turkey”on the memo line, or send grocerystore gift cards. Northern VirginiaFamily Service, attn: Holiday

Where to Give LocallyList of Nonprofits in Fairfax County

Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2019-20 ❖ 3www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Newcomers & Community GuideVienna Connection Editor Kemal Kurspahic

703-778-9414 or

[email protected]

By Laurie DiRocco

Mayor of Vienna

I would like to welcome you to ourlovely Town of Vienna. I think you willagree that Vienna is a special andmemorable place. Before I share my

favorite things about Vienna, let me pro-vide some general information and a fewfacts and figures about our Town.

The Town of Vienna is 4.4 square mileswith about 16,500 residents and 14 parks,including the W&OD trail and Town Green.Vienna has inviting residential neighbor-hoods, a vibrant business district with manyunique and local shops, and some of thebest-ranked schools in the country. TheTown is known for its numerous commu-nity events, including the Fourth of July fire-works, Oktoberfest, and the Halloween Pa-rade as well as its strong sense of home-town pride.

These facts and figures help explain whyVienna is a great place to live and work,but they don’t reveal the true heart ofVienna. To me, Vienna is its numerous vol-unteers, many of whom are honored everyyear at my Mayor’s Volunteer RecognitionCeremony. Some residents help an elderlyneighbor with groceries and yard workwhile others help bring public art to thecommunity.

To me, Vienna is the volunteer firefighterswho drive Santa around in their 1946 an-tique truck to greet residents young and old.To me, Vienna is the place where Town po-lice shut down Maple Avenue for the JamesMadison High School homecoming parade.

I CHERISH the Town’s strong sense of his-tory. Listed on the National Historic Regis-try, the Freeman Store and Museum onChurch Street is a small, local gift store filledwith historical displays and memorabilia. Ialways buy the newest Christmas ornamentthere.

I also appreciate the Town’s original LittleLibrary, which smells of wood and oldbooks. Every year students at Louise ArcherElementary School, built in 1939, host aspecial day to celebrate the school’s historyand first educator.

I strive to honor the Town’s rich historywhile planning for thoughtful growth. Werecently completed renovation of the Town’scommunity center, which was originally con-structed in 1966. I am so excited for big win-dows that allow sunlight to shine through thewalkways and the new full-size gymnasium.

The community center will be the Town’sfirst green building and will be LEED silvercertified. A few years ago, the Town adoptedthe Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) Plan,

which supports redevelopment along Vienna’smain thoroughfare. The plan includes greenbuildings, mixed uses, outdoor seating, pub-lic art, and improved pedestrian walkways.

My husband and I love to walk aroundTown, especially to local restaurants. Onany given day, you will see lots of peoplewalking and biking in Town, and we striveto support these activities. The Town has aTransportation Safety Commission and aPedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commis-sion that work on adding more sidewalks;implementing traffic-calming measureswhere needed; researching creative solu-tions to challenging intersections; and sup-porting Safe Routes to School. On Fridaysat 9:30 a.m., I lead a walking group fromTown Hall. Everyone is invited (please comejoin me!) and we usually walk about 3miles. It is a great opportunity to see vari-ous parts of Town and to chat with resi-dents. Last spring, we walked to see theoldest trees around Town.

The Town has a strong relationship withits schools. Currently, I am working withJames Madison pyramid principals on apartnership in which students work onTown projects and help solve problems inthe community. The new project-basedlearning program will help educate studentsabout local government, teach them howto be active and engaged citizens, and pos-sibly lead them to discover career directions.

OK JUST A FEW MORE, less well-knownthings that I truly love about Vienna.

Many people don’t realize that Vienna hasan eclectic music scene with Jammin’ Java,School of Rock, and Vienna Jammers, toname a few. Right outside of Town is WolfTrap National Park for the Performing Arts.Additionally the Town Green hosts a vari-ety of local bands. I can’t forget to mentionVienna Idol, the Town’s annual musical tal-ent contest that raises money for theKhristin Kyllo Memorial Fund.

You may not realize that the train depoton Dominion Road is home to the NorthernVirginia Model Railroaders, who hostmonthly open houses so the public can viewtheir model train displays.

Many people when they think of ChurchStreet, think of Vienna Presbyterian Church,whose historical chapel sits on the cornerof Church and Mill Street. But the First Bap-tist Church has been in existence longerthan the Town itself, with its original loca-tion on Lawyers Road near Church Street.This year the First Baptist Church is cel-ebrating 150 years in the Town of Vienna!

I believe Vienna’s strong sense of com-munity is created by its citizens and theirdesire for a caring and welcoming place tocall home. I am so grateful to be mayor ofthis special Town. If you ever want to knowmore about the Town or have any questionsor concerns, please feel free to contact meat [email protected] or 703-255-6310.For more information, visit the Town’swebsite at www.viennava.gov.

1. Vienna Halloween Parade – the Town hashosted this parade on Maple Avenue for 70years!

2. Northside Park – 26 acres of conservationland.

3. Town Green – hosts Town events and musicalacts.

4. ViVa Vienna – Vienna Rotary hosts thisMemorial Day weekend event and allproceeds go back to the community!

5. Oktoberfest – hosted by the Vienna BusinessAssociation.

6. Meadow Lane Park – lots of tree coverage

makes this a great park for little ones in thesummer.

7. Walk on the Hill – people stroll through thelovely Windover Heights neighborhood andview gardens while learning aboutenvironmental sustainability.

8. Church Street Stroll – shop at local businesseson Church Street while seeing Santa androasting marshmallows.

9. Chillin’ on Church – enjoyable summer eventswith cold drinks, music, and tasty foodtrucks.

10. Renovated Vienna Community Center – thecentral hub of the community!

Mayor Laurie DiRocco’s Top 10 Places/Events

Photo by Andrea Worker/The Connection

A summer Friday night, Aug. 18, 2017 at “Chillin’ on Church St.”

Photos contributed

Mayor Laurie DiRocco, right, with Bicycle Advisory Committee membersCharlie Strunk and Beth Eachus. Vienna was designated a BicycleFriendly Community last year by the League of American Bicyclists.

Mayor LaurieDiRocco on what’sthe best about livingin Vienna.

Mayor Welcomes You to the Town

*First published in Newcomers &Community Guide 2017


The Heads: Dan, JJ, Abigail, 24,Emily, 22, Paxton, 21, and BrianHead, 27, love the events andamenities that Vienna has to offer.

special when all my childrenwere at Oakton Elementary atthe same time,” said JJ Head.

Abigail Head, 24, said it was agreat place to grow up. “It wasreally nice living in a big cul desac near the woods right aroundour house where we could playgames like cops and robbers, kickthe can, kickball, basketball, ex-plore in nature and build thingslike ice castles in the winter orlittle huts out of sticks with otherkids our age in the neighborhood.”

Newcomers

Sharing Vieanna, Oakton Experiences with Newcomers

“Our family moved to Vienna fiveyears ago from Louisville, Kentuckywith our seven-year old daughterand a new baby girl on the way,”said Jeffrey Carpenter. “Both mywife and I had previously lived inAlexandria and in Washington, D.C.prior to starting a family, but inlooking to move back to the D.C.area from Louisville with a grow-ing family, our priorities hadchanged. We wanted to live in a citythat was still close to D.C. and allof the economic vitality and culturalexperiences it offers while also en-joying a safe, child-friendly neigh-borhood, excellent schools, and ahome with a yard for the kid’s firstdog. We found all of that and morein Vienna. Vienna is great becauseit has a small town feel with acces-sibility to large city life, kids can stillplay outside, ride a bike, and walkto a friend’s house in the neighbor-hood, neighbors come over forbarbeques and host Halloween par-ties at their homes. The schools arecommitted to academic excellencewhile promoting citizenship andkindness. Our family is so gratefulto have discovered Vienna and tohave made it our home.”

The Carpenter Children: Gabrielle, 12, and Cate Car-penter, 5, enjoy life in Vienna, especially around Hal-loween time.

Brian and Joy Harrington areVienna’s Parks and Rec dream duo.”We love living in Vienna,” said JoyHarrington. “The schools and sportsprograms, as well as the wealth ofCommunity Center classes andevents and beautiful parks for chil-dren, help to make Vienna a favor-ite spot for families. Everything weneed is close and convenient to ac-cess. Brian and I have lived inVienna our whole lives, 34 years,and are so grateful we could buy ahome in Vienna and raise our chil-dren here. Both sets of our parentslive in Vienna and my Grandmotherdecided to retire here too, to be nearall of us. Vienna is our family tradi-tion! Just last night we had a familynight. We went swimming at HunterMill Pool and Tennis Club and thenreturned to see the Disney movie‘Moana’ on the Town Green. It wasso much fun seeing our friends andother families enjoying a great timeright here in our hometown. Brianand I both work for Vienna Parksand Recreation, so we are nearhome and the children’s schoolsduring the day. Living and workingin Vienna makes it simple to partici-pate in special events at school andthe children are comfortable know-ing we are usually nearby.”

A Family Night in Town

Harrington family photo: Joy, Brain, Isabella, 6, andDavid Harrington, 4. Joy and Brian say they are enjoyingraising their children in Vienna.

Year-round FestivalThe Head family are

long time residents ofVienna. After raisingfour kids in the area,JJ Head has a goodhandle on the town.“We have l ived inVienna for 22 years. Itis a wonderful place toraise a family. We lovethe small town feel,the tight knit commu-nity, the wonderfulschools, youth sports,and the events thatbring everyone to-gether. Among our favorites arethe Halloween parade, VivaVienna, Holiday Stroll and mostrecently Chil l in’ on ChurchStreet. A great family activity isbiking along the W&OD trailheading to Great Harvest Bread,Freeman House or the FarmersMarket. Fairfax County has someof the best schools in the coun-try. As a former elementaryschool teacher, I am very im-pressed with the schools inVienna and Oakton. It was very

Grateful forDiscovering Vienna

The Stunz family aresomewhat icons in theVienna community. “Mygrandad picked out Viennaas a great place to live af-ter he graduated from col-lege in Wisconsin in 1900— he loved the easy com-mute to his job in D.C., heloved the people who livedhere, and he loved thesmall town atmosphere; itreally was a small town inthe early 1900s,” saidAnne Stunz. “I especiallyappreciate Vienna’s De-partment of Parks and Rec-reation. They create so many won-derful events and facilities for thecommunity, and they really sup-port history by working hard tokeep the 1959 Freeman Store and1897 Little Library in good repairand by helping Historic Vienna Incwith our programs. They are won-derful people. I love that Viennakeeps its unique identity throughfun events all year that celebrateits sense of community — such asViva Vienna, the Chillin’s onChurch, Oktoberfest, ChurchStreet Stroll, and all the events atthe Town Green and elsewherearound town. I always think of theFreeman Store and Museum as theheart of Vienna. The town wasbrilliant to save this piece of itshistory back in the 1960s so that

—Lisa Fay

The Magic of Vienna

Vienna would never forget itssmall town roots.” Anne Stunz’sparents wrote a book titled “ThisWas Vienna” detailing Vienna fromits birth. The book can be boughtat the Freeman Store and Mu-seum.

Brad Swanson, Stunz’s hus-band, added that, “When you flyover northern Virginia you see anundifferentiated mass of hous-ing, roads and commerce. Butsomehow a part of that agglom-eration, marked off by invisiblelines, is a real community withan identity, a history and a con-tinuing tradition that pullspeople together whether they arelongtime residents or new to thetown. That, to me, is the magicof Vienna.”

Brad Swanson and Anne Stunz,President of Vienna’s own His-toric Vienna Inc., are engaged intown events and activities involv-ing the Freeman Store.


Newcomers

From Page 2

Initiatives, 10455 White Granite,Drive, Suite 100, Oakton, VA 22124.

❖ Second Story — Abused andHomeless Children’s Refuge, 2100Gallows Road, Vienna, VA 22182,703-506-9191. Second Story(formerly Alternative House)provides shelter and services forhomeless, runaway or abusedteenagers, unaccompanied youth,and young mothers and theirchildren. Requests for food andclothing are up more than 50percent. second-story.org.

❖ Shepherd’s Center of OaktonVienna providing services, personalenrichment, volunteer opportunitiesfor adults 50 and over. Currently

serving 3,000+ mature adults in theregion.

703-281-0538, www.scov.org❖ Touching Heart in Herndon is a

nonprofit organization whose missionis to educate children to have givinghearts. www.touchingheart.com,703-901-7355.

❖ FACETS helps parents, their childrenand individuals who suffer the effectsof poverty in the Fairfax area, apartner in efforts to endhomelessness in Fairfax County.FACETS is always in need ofvolunteers, and offers a variety ofone-time and ongoing opportunities.703-865-4251 [email protected]. 10640 PageAve., Suite 300, Fairfax VA 22030

Where to Give Locally

Vienna, Oakton:A Small TownNext to City Life

Allie Jensen had the privilege ofgrowing up between two greattowns. “I think Oakton and Viennais great because it’s a small townwith its own unique traditions andspaces but it’s also in close prox-imity to such a big city (D.C.), soyou can really get a combinationof the small town and big city life.My family has lived in Oaktonsince 2001, so 18 years.”

Allie Jensen has lived mostof her life in close proximityto both Oakton and Vienna.

6 ❖ Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2019-20 Vienna/Oakton Connection ❖ Newcomers & Community Guide 2019-20 ❖ 7www.ConnectionNewspapers.com www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

Newcomers

Postcards from Vienna Celebrating a small-town feel year-round.

The red caboose is a bright marker for the center of town.Cocoa Vienna gets festive by putting out Santa’s sleigh on their porch.

Santa and his elves enjoy a cup of coffee at Caffè Amouri. The Freeman Store and Museum decorated for the Christmas holiday.

Caffè Amouri transforms into “CaffèWonderland” during the holidays.

Crepe myrtle hang over the W&ODtrail during the summer months. The inside of the Vienna Train Depot features old pictures of the depot.

Viva! Vienna! festival is celebrated every Memorial Day weekend inthe town.

Church Street during Viva! Vienna!Vendors decorate the street.

The original part of Vienna Presby-terian Church.

Photos by Lisa Fay/The Connection

The Vienna Train Depot in the snow.

Diamond Spa sits on Church Street and offers a variety of services.

The Town Green has a small theater for local performers and events.Vienna’s Little Library is open the first Sunday of each month, excludingJanuary and February, from 1-4 p.m.


Newcomers and Community Guide

❖ On or About Sept. 20: Absentee Voting beginsat the Office of Elections, 12000 Government Cen-ter Pkwy., Conference Rooms 2/3, Fairfax

❖ Oct. 15: Voter Registration Deadline. In-person:5 p.m., online: 11:59 p.m.

❖ Oct. 29: Deadline to request an absentee ballotby mail, 5 p.m.

❖ Nov. 2 Final day to vote absentee in-person, 5p.m.

❖ Nov. 5: Deadline to return your ballot to theOffice of Elections, 7 p.m.

❖ Nov. 5: Election Day, Polling Places open 6 a.m.to 7 p.m.

Fairfax County Office of Elections,Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m.-4:30

p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 323Fairfax, VA 22035703-222-0776 TTY [email protected]/elections/

When you register to vote in Virginia, you DO NOTregister to vote by party. Virginia is an Open Primarystate which means that any registered voter in Vir-ginia can vote in either a Democratic or Republicanprimary. When both parties are holding a primaryelection, you will be asked which primary you wantto vote in when you check in to vote with your photoID. Note, you may only vote in one primary.

Voter ID Requirements:Per Virginia law effective July 1, 2014, all residents

must provide valid photo identification when theyvote in-person. Please consult the VA Department ofElections for the most up to date information regard-ing acceptable forms of voter photo ID.

Many types of photo ID are acceptable for votingin Virginia. You only need to show ONE acceptablephoto ID to vote. Photo IDs can be used to vote up toone year after the ID has expired. Acceptable formsof valid identification: Virginia driver’s license, Vir-ginia DMV-issued photo ID, United States passport,Employer-issued photo ID, Student photo ID issuedby a school, college, or university located in Virginia,Other U.S. or Virginia government-issued photo ID,Tribal enrollment or other tribal photo ID, VirginiaVoter Photo ID card

If you get to your polling place without acceptablephoto ID, you can vote a provisional ballot. You willbe given instructions on what to do so your vote cancount.

OFFICES ON THE BALLOT,Fairfax County

❖ Member Virginia Senate, vote for one in yourdistrict

❖ Member House of Delegates, vote for one in yourdistrict

❖ Commonwealth’s Attorney, vote for one❖ Sheriff, vote for one❖ Chairman Board of Supervisors, vote for one❖ Member School Board at Large❖ Member Board of Supervisors. vote for one in

your district

Candidates,Fairfax CountyChairman, Board ofSupervisors

Jeffrey C. McKay (D)Joseph F. Galdo (R)

Commonwealth’s Attor-ney

Steve T. Descano (D)Jonathan L. Fahey (I)

SheriffStacey Ann Kincaid (D)Christopher F. De Carlo (I)

Board of Supervisors,District Representatives

Braddock DistrictJames R. Walkinshaw (D)S. Jason Remer (R)Carey Chet Campbell (I)

Dranesville DistrictJohn W. Foust (D) incumbentEd. R. Martin (R)

Hunter Mill DistrictWalter L. Acorn (D) unop-

posed

Lee DistrictRodney L. Lusk (D) unop-

posed

Mason DistrictPenelope A. “Penny” Gross

(D) incumbentGary N. Aiken (R)

Mount Vernon DistrictDaniel G. “Dan” Storck (D) in-

cumbent, unopposed

Providence DistrictDalia A. Palchik (D)

Springfield DistrictLinda D. Sperling (D)Patrick S. “Pat” Herrity (R) in-

cumbent

Sully DistrictKathy L. Smith (D), incum-

bentSrilekha R. Palle (R)

School BoardSchool Board At-Large(vote for three)

Abrar E. OmeishCheryl A. BufordPriscilla M. DeStefanoRachna Sizemore HeizerVinson PalathingalIlryong Moon, incumbentKaren A. Keys-Gamarra, in-

cumbent

Braddock District, SchoolBoard

Zia TompkinsMegan O. McLaughlin, in-

cumbent

Dranesville District,School Board

Anastasia S. KarloutsosArdavan MobasheriElaine V. Tholen

Hunter Mill District,School Board

Laura Ramirez DrainMelanie K. Meren

Lee District, SchoolBoard

Tamara J. Derenak Kaufax,incumbent

Mason District, SchoolBoard

Ricardy J. AndersonTom L. Pafford

Mount Vernon District,School Board

Pamela C. OnoniwuSteven D. MosleyKaren L. Corbett Sanders, in-

cumbent

Providence District,School Board

Andrea L. “Andi “ BayerJung ByunKarl V. Frisch

Springfield District,School Board

Laura Jane H. CohenR. Kyle McDanielElizabeth L. Schultz, incum-

bent

Sully District, SchoolBoard

Stella G. PekarskyTom A. Wilson, incumbent

Soil and Water Conserva-tion Director NorthernVirginia District

Vote for ThreeC. Jane DudikChris E. KoernerChristopher A. BowenEdward F. McGovernJonah E. “Jet” ThomasMonica A. BillgerGerald Owen “Jerry” Peters

Jr., incumbent

School BondBallot Question

This is the text of the public schoolbond question that will be on theNov. 5, 2019, general election ballot:

Shall Fairfax County, Virginia,contract a debt, borrow money, andissue capital improvement bonds inthe maximum aggregate principalamount of $360,000,000 for the pur-poses of providing funds, in additionto funds from school bonds previ-ously authorized, to finance,including reimbursement to theCounty for temporary financing for,the costs of school improvements,including acquiring, building, ex-panding and renovating properties,including new sites, new buildings oradditions, renovations and improve-ments to existing buildings, andfurnishing and equipment, for theFairfax County public school system?

Dates and Deadlines forElection Day

❖ Member School Board. vote for one in your dis-trict

❖ Soil and Water Conservation Director NorthernVirginia District

❖ School Bonds Referenda

Voter Registration and VoterPhoto ID Opportunities

The Office of Elections is open during normal busi-ness hours to provide residents the opportunity toregister to vote or obtain a free voter photo ID ifneeded. The Office of Elections also provides resi-dents opportunities to attend offsite events through-out the year.

Upcoming Voter Photo IDEvents❖ Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sherwood Regional

Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306❖ Aug. 27, 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., Burke Lake Gardens,

Thursday, 9608 Old Keene Mill Rd., Burke, VA 22015❖ Sept. 10, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Leewood Healthcare Center,

Tuesday, 7120 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003❖ Sept. 11, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Arleigh Burke Pavilion,

Wednesday, 1739 Kirby Rd., McLean, VA 22101❖ Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Chesterbrook Residences,

Monday, 2030 Westmoreland St., Falls Church, VA 22043❖ Sept. 20, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., The Virginian, Friday, 9229

Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031❖ Sept. 23, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Goodwin House Bailey’s

Crossroads, Monday, 3440 South Jefferson St., FallsChurch, VA 22041

❖ Sept. 24, 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Sunrise at Reston TownCenter, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., 1778Fountain Dr., Reston, VA 20190

❖ Sept. 24, 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m., Hunters Woods at TrailsEdge, Tuesday, 2222 Colt Necks Rd., Reston, VA 20191

❖ Sept. 25, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Tall Oaks Assisted Living,Wednesday, 12052 North Shore Dr., Reston, VA 20192

❖ Sept. 26, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., The Crossings at Chantilly,Thursday, 2980 Centreville Rd., Herndon, VA 20171

❖ Sept. 28, Noon until 4 p.m., Reston Multicultural Festival -Lake Anne Plaza, Saturday, 2310 Colt Necks Rd., Reston,VA 20191

❖ Oct. 1, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., The Woodlands RetirementCommunity, Tuesday, 4320 Forest Hill Dr., Fairfax, VA22030

❖ Oct. 5, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., 2019 First Baptist Church ofMerrifield Harvest Festival, Saturday, 8122 Ransell Rd.,Falls Church, VA 22042

❖ Oct. 5, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sherwood Regional Library,2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306

❖ Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. until Noon, Heatherwood/Burke HealthCare, Monday, 9642 Burke Lake Rd., Burke, VA 22015

—See MORE ON ELECTIONS, Page 13

Nov. 2 Final day to vote absentee in-per-son, 5 p.m.


3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105, Fairfax, VA 22030

Register Now

for Fall

703-273-5344thecenterballetarts.com

Ballet • PointeModern • Jazz • TapPilates Conditioning

Kinderballet

You can read any of this week’s 15 papers digital editions here:www.ConnectionNewspapers.com/PDFs

District 86Ibraheem S. Samirah (D), incumbent, unopposed

Virginia State Senate

District 30Adam P. Ebbin (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 31Barbara A. Favola (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 32Janet D. Howell (D), incumbentArthur G. Purves (R)

District 33Jennifer B. Boysko (D), incumbentSuzanne D. Fox (R)

District 34J. C. “Chap” Petersen (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 35Richard L. “Dick” Saslaw (D), incumbent,

unopposed

District 36Scott A. Surovell (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 37Dave W. Marsden (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 39George L. Barker (D), incumbentS. W. “Dutch” Hillenburg (R)

Archive photo

Nov. 5: Election Day, Polling Places open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

House of DelegatesDistrict 34Kathleen J. Murphy (D),

incumbent,Gary G. Pan (R)

District 35Mark L. Keam (D), incumbent,

unopposed

District 36Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum,

incumbent, unopposed

District 37David L. Bulova (D), incum-

bent, unopposed

District 38L. Kaye Kory (D), incumbent,

unopposed

District 39Nick O. Bell (R)Vivian E. Watts (D), incumbent

District 40Dan I. Helmer (D)Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo (R),

incumbent

District 41Eileen Filler-Corn (D), incum-

bentJohn M. Wolfe (I)Rachel D. Mace (L)

District 42Kathy K. L. Tran (D), incumbentSteve P. Adragna (R)

District 43Mark D. Sickles (D), incumbentRichard T. Hayden (R)

District 44Paul E. Krizek (D), incumbent,Richard T. Hayden (R)

District 45Mark H. Levine (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 46Charniele L. Herring (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 47Patrick A. Hope (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 48Richard C. “Rip” Sullivan (D), incumbent,

unopposed

District 49Alfonso H. Lopez (D), incumbentTerry W. Modglin (I)

District 53Marcus B. Simon (D), incumbent, unopposed

District 67Karrie K. Delaney (D), incumbent, unopposed

Candidates, General Assembly, Nov. 5, 2019To check what is on your ballot and

the status of your voter registration,visit elections.virginia.gov/registra-tion/view-your-info

Newcomers and Community Guide


As your local, weekly newspaper,the Connection’s mission is todeliver the local news you need,to help make sense of what is

happening in your community, to advocatefor community good, to provide a forum fordialogue on local concerns, and to recordachievements, milestones and events in thecommunity and people’s lives.

Here in our Newcomers and CommunityGuide, we include details of how to vote inthe upcoming elections, information on lo-cal and regional fairs and festivals, plus tipsand tidbits from the community.

We invite newcomers and long-time resi-dents alike to let us know how we’re doingand let us know what is going on in yourpart of the community. If you have ques-tions or ideas, send us an email. We inviteyou to send letters to the editor or to sendan email with feedback about our coverage.

We want to know if someone in your fam-ily or your community published a book,started a business, became an Eagle Scout,raised money for a good cause, accom-plished some feat like running a marathon,supporting a cause or having art includedin an art show. We publish photos and notesabout personal milestones and communityevents, including births, engagements, wed-dings, anniversaries, awards and obituaries.

We are also interested in events at yourchurch, mosque, synagogue, community cen-ter, pool, school, club, etc. Email us a noteabout the event, being sure to include whenand where the photo was taken and thenames of all the people who are in a photo.

We also publish notes about news andevents from local businesses. Notes aboutopenings, new employees and anniversariesare welcome. It is especially important tous to let people know about events aheadof time in our calendar of events. We appre-ciate getting notice at least two weeks ahead

of the event, and we encourage photos.Your community Connection newspaper is

one of 15 papers published by the indepen-dent, locally owned Local Media ConnectionLLC, serving the suburbs of Metropolitan Wash-ington in Northern Virginia and Potomac, Md.

Our flagship paper, the Alexandria Ga-zette Packet, is one of the oldest continu-ously publishing papers in the country, be-ginning publication in 1784.

— Mary Kimm

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Newcomers & Community Guide

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September 2019MONDAY/SEPT. 2Herndon Labor Day Festival. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

at Herndon Town Green, 777 Lynn St.,Herndon. Great music, a craft show, food, 12wineries and micro-brews and culinarydemonstrations. Visit herndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/labor-day-festival formore.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY/SEPT. 7-8Burke Centre Festival. 9:30 am-5 pm at Burke

Centre Conservancy6060 Burke Centre Parkway Burke. Festival

includes an Arts & Craft Fair, festival foodvendors, amusement rides, pony rides, musicalentertainment provided by local and nationallyrecognized performers, nature shows, after-hours Wine Garden. Visitwww.burkecentreweb.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=19&title=Burke+Centre+Festivalfor more.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 14Dulles Day Plane Pull. At Dulles International

Airport, Dulles. The 2019 Dulles Day FamilyFestival & Plane Pull is a full day of excitementwith airplane and auto exhibits, the children’szone and bus pull, varied displays and activities,vendors, food and entertainment. Visitwww.planepull.com for more.

SATURDAY/SEPT. 28Reston Multicultural Festival. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.,

Lake Anne Plaza, Reston. The RestonMulticultural Festival celebrates all theentertainment, dress, food, and culturaltreasures from all over the world that are allhere in Reston. Rain or shine. Free. Visitwww.restoncommunitycenter.com/attend-shows-events-exhibits/reston-multicultural-festival for more.

October 2019THURSDAY-SATURDAY/OCT. 10-12Fairfax’s Fall for the Book Festival. 4400

University Drive, Fairfax. Enjoy literature andhear authors give readings at the Fall for theBook Festival. Visit www.fallforthebook.org formore.

SATURDAY/OCT. 5Taste of Annandale. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tom Davis

Drive in central Annandale, between ColumbiaPike and John Marr Drive. The fifth annualTaste of Annandale will showcase localrestaurants during a daylong family-friendlycelebration aimed at building community spirit,engaging young people, and promoting localbusinesses. Other activities include a 5K;multicultural music, dance, and other liveentertainment; a chili cook-off; and much more.Visit tasteofannandale.com for more

THURSDAY-MONDAY/OCT. 24-28Washington West Film Festival. Screening

events in Reston, Arlington and other localareas. For tickets and schedule visitwwfilmfest.com.

November 2019FRIDAY/NOV. 29Reston Holiday Parade at Reston Town Center,

11900 Market St. Reston. Holiday parade withtree lighting, sing along, and more. Visitwww.fxva.com/event/reston-holiday-parade-tree-lighting-sing-along-%26-more/22348/ formore.

December 2019SUNDAY/DEC. 1Great Falls Celebration of Lights at Village

Field. 3:45-6:30 p.m. Celebrate the beginning ofthe season with a Christmas Tree Lighting. Enjoyhot chocolate and seasonal music. Visitcelebrategreatfalls.org/event/celebration-of-lights/ for more info.

SATURDAY/DEC. 7Living Saviour’s Holiday Bazaar at 5500 Ox

Road Fairfax Station. Event is 9: a.m-3 p.m. Thisis a family event with free admission. Shop avariety of vendors including small business andhomemade arts and crafts. There will also be aSilent Auction with proceeds benefiting localhypothermia shelters this winter. Visitwww.eventbrite.com/e/living-saviors-third-annual-holiday-bazaar-tickets-64259195985?aff=ebdssbdestsearch for more.

April 2020APRIL 18-25Historic Garden Week. This eight-day statewide

event provides visitors with a uniqueopportunity to see elaborate gardens with morethan 2,000 flower arrangements created by theGarden Club of Virginia Members. Visitwww.va.gardenweek.org for more.

May 2020Great Falls Artfest on the Green. On the Great

Falls Village Green. Great Falls Studios SpringArt Show and Sale under the big tent and a fewlittle tents, too. This annual event is a show andsale highlighting Great Falls Studios membersboth at Great Falls Grange & Schoolhouse and inthe working studios in Great Falls VillageCentre. Visit www.greatfallsart.org/artfest/

Great Falls Annual Charity GolfTournament. Hidden Creek Country Club.1711 Club House Road, Reston. Join for amorning or afternoon round of golf and supportthree Great Falls elementary schools.Opportunities for sponsorships and volunteeringare available. Visit www.celebrategreatfalls.org.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY/MAY 28-31Herndon Festival 2020. Thursday, 6-10 p.m.;

Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.;and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at NorthwestFederal Credit Union, 200 Spring St., Herndon.Four day outdoor festival with threeentertainment stages, two fireworks displays,Kid’s Alley with children’s art area, arts and craftshow and more. All ages. Visitwww.herndonfestival.net for more.

THURSDAYS/MAY-AUGUSTTake a Break Concert Series. 7-9 p.m. Lake

Anne Plaza, 11404 Washington Plaza W, Reston.On Thursdays, take a break with this outdoorconcert series. Visitwww.restoncommunitycenter.com/take-a-breakfor a weekly lineup.

FRIDAYS/MAY-AUGUSTHerndon Friday Night Live! 6:30 p.m. 777

Lynn St., Herndon. Listen to great music onFriday nights during the summer. Visitherndonrocks.com/schedule.php for more.

June 2020Springfield Days. South Run Park, 7550

Reservation Drive, Springfield. Springfield Daysis a community-wide celebration that includes a5K run, “Pet Fest” and car show. Visitwww.springfielddays.com for more.

Cardboard Regatta. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. LakeAccotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road,Springfield. Featured during Springfield Days,witness the cardboard boat creations race alongLake Accotink’s shoreline at 2 p.m. $4 vehiclefee. Call 703-569-0285 or [email protected]. Visitwww.springfielddays.com for more.

Vintage Virginia Wine and Food Festival. 11a.m.-6 p.m. Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 BullRun Drive, Centreville. A fun-filled day withfood, musical entertainment and more. Visitwww.vintagevirginia.com for more.

Lake Anne Chalk on the Water Festival. 11a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 WashingtonPlaza, Reston. Chalk on the Water is a two-daystreet-painting festival where participants willcreate street art. Festival goers can purchase a“plot” of brick space on the plaza and paint totheir hearts delight whatever flows from theirimagination. Visit www.chalkonthewater.com.

Taste of Reston. Reston Town Center, 11900Market St., Reston. Carnival games and rideswith a family fun zone. Visitwww.restontaste.com for more.

Love Your Body Yoga Festival. Yoga studiosand wellness centers of Northern Virginia will beoffering classes, services, and information onways to care for your body, along with liveentertainment and activities for children.Donations to participate in classes benefit

Cornerstones. Presented by Beloved Yoga.www.belovedyoga.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY/JUNE 5-7Celebrate Fairfax! Festival. Friday, 6 p.m.-

midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; andSunday, 11 a.m.-7p.m. Fairfax CountyGovernment Center, 12000 Government CenterParkway, Fairfax. Musical performances, rides,games and food. Call 703-324-3247 or visitwww.celebratefairfax.com/.

JUNE-AUGUSTReston Concerts on the Town. Fridays, 7:30-

10 p.m. Reston Town Center Pavilion. Bringlawn chairs or picnic blankets and enjoy livemusic in the Pavilion Saturday nights. Free. Rainor shine. Presented by Reston Town Center,Boston Properties, and Reston Town CenterAssociation. Alcohol permitted at restaurantsonly. 11900 Market Street, Reston. Visitwww.restontowncenter.com/concerts.

Great Falls Concerts on the Green. Sundays,6-8 p.m. Great Falls Village Centre Green. Comeout with your picnic baskets and chairs for anentertaining evening of free, live music! 776Walker Road, Great Falls. Visitwww.celebrategreatfalls.org/concerts-on-the-green/.

Arts in the Parks. Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10a.m. Performance venues include Burke LakePark Amphitheater, E.C. Lawrence ParkAmphitheater, Mason District ParkAmphitheater, and Frying Pan Farm Park VisitorCenter. Entertain children, teach them theimportance of protecting our natural resources,introduce them to live entertainment in aninformal kid-friendly atmosphere, and forge aconnection between kids and parks. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/arts-in-the-parks for more.

July 2020Herndon 4th of July Celebration. Bready Park

at the Herndon Community Center, 814Ferndale Ave., Herndon. A family-fun eventfeaturing games, arts and craft activities, bingo,food face painting, balloon artists, andfireworks. Visit www.herndon-va.gov/recreation/special-events/4th-of-july for more.

Great Falls 4th of July Celebration &Parade. 5K Walk Run, Blood Drive, LittlePatriot Parade, and floats, horses, antique carsand pets making a loop in the Main Parade.Fireworks start after dusk.www.celebrategreatfalls.org/4th-of-july-celebration-parade/

Vienna 4th of July Festival and FireworksShow. Live musical entertainment, arts andcrafts for kids, antique and classic car show andfireworks. Visit www.viennava.gov for more.

Fairfax’s Independence Day Celebration. Inthe Downtown Fairfax Historic District.Independence day parade, historical tours,games, entertainment and fireworks. Visitwww.fairfaxva.gov/about-us/special-events/independence-day-celebration

Obon Festival. Highlighting Japanese culture atEkoji Buddhist Temple, 6500 Lakehaven Lane,Fairfax Station. Visit www.ekoji.org for more.

JULY-AUGUSTBraddock Nights Concert Series. Fridays,

7:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park, 7500Accotink Park Road, Springfield or Royal LakePark, 5344 Gainsborough Drive, Fairfax. Listento musical performances in the great outdoors.Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/braddock-nights for location andschedule.

August 2020Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival. At

Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road,Herndon. Enjoy old-fashioned family fun withcarnival games, rides and tempting foods. Fridayfeatures the free Big Truck Night event from 5-7:30 p.m. “No Horn” hour is from 5-6 p.m.Tractor Pull at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Stop by the4-H Fair throughout the weekend as exhibitorsdisplay their winning entries and get their farmanimals ready to show. Try a turn at farmchores, watch stage entertainment and enjoyhorse and livestock shows.Thursday and Friday– free parking and discount tickets for unlimitedrides. Admission to the 4-H Fair and Carnival isfree; $10 per car parking fee on Saturday andSunday. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/4-h-fair for details.

Fairs & Festivals

The whirl and twirl of rides by Cole Shows Amusement Company at-tracted crowds during the Fairfax County 71st 4-H Fair and Carnival heldat Frying Pan Park in Herndon.

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and CarnivalEnjoy old-fashioned family fun with carnival games, rides and tempting foods. Friday features the free

Big Truck Night event from 5-7:30 p.m. “No Horn” hour is from 5-6 p.m. Tractor Pull at 4 p.m. on Sat-urday. Stop by the 4-H Fair throughout the weekend as exhibitors display their winning entries and gettheir farm animals ready to show. Try a turn at farm chores, watch stage entertainment and enjoy horseand livestock shows. In August at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon. Admission tothe 4-H Fair and Carnival is free; $10 per car parking fee on Saturday and Sunday. Visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/frying-pan-park/4-h-fair for details.

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Newcomers & Community Guide Photo by Lisa Fay/The Connection

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