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OpinionLimiting Local Authorityareas as well.How are local governments supposed to payfor the costs of growth? Should the lion’s sharebe paid by existing residents through increaseproperty taxes?This is a complex question, not one thatshould be rushed.But right now, the General Assembly is rushingto restrict proffers and to give developersn Virginia, a Dillon Rule state, local govandbuilders substantial clout in legal chalernments have only the powers expliclengesto local government action. And theyitly granted by the General Assembly.aredoingthis without any consideration toAnd what the assembly gives, the assemhowlocalitieswill replace the resources theybly can take away.willlose.It’s the reason, for example, that localitiesIt’s time to slow this process down, and for ahave limited means of raising revenue and limreasonedconsideration. What exactly are theited taxing authority. And those limited meansabuses that require action? Look at specificare one reason localities have turnedexamples and address the specifics.to proffers, payments and improveLocal delegates voting in favor of thements to infrastructure agreed to by Editorialbillrestricting local proffer authority inbuilders as part of approval and zoncludedDave Albo (R-42), Eileen Fillering changes for new development.Members of the General Assembly, includ- Corn (D-41), Charniele Herring (D-46), Patricking many who represent only Fairfax County Hope (D-47), Tim Hugo (R-40), Paul Krizekdistricts, agree with builders that in many (D-44), Mark Levine (D-45), Ken Plum (D-36)places, the way local governments are using and Vivian Watts (D-39).Local delegates who voted against the billproffers is unfair, even out of control.Many point to Loudoun County, where build- included Jennifer Boysko (D-86), David Bulovaers pay substantial cash proffers, as an ex- (D-37), Mark Keam (D-35), Kaye Kory (D-38),ample. And to other counties where large, off Jim LeMunyon (R-67), Alfonso Lopez (D-49),site intersection improvements were required. Kathleen Murphy (D-34), Mark Sickles (D-43),Everyone seems to agree that the “abuses” and Marcus Simon (D-53).The Virginia Senate was expected to vote forare not taking place in Fairfax, Arlington andanamended version of the bill on Tuesday, Feb.Alexandria. But the restrictions apply to theseAssembly rushes billlimiting proffers without addressing who willpay for infrastructure.IOak Hill & 9.Reasonable action will fall to the confereesin reconciling the House and Senate versions,and to the governor, who would be able toamend the bill before signing or veto.— Mary Kimmmkimm@connectionnewspapers.comPet Photos for thePet ConnectionThe Pet Connection, a twice-yearly specialedition, will publish on Feb. 24, and photosand stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by Feb. 17.We invite you to send us stories about yourpets, photos of you and/or your family withyour cats, dogs, llamas, alpacas, hamsters,snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whateverother creatures share your home or yard withyou.Please tell us a little bit about your creature,identify everyone in the photo, give a briefdescription what is happening in the photo,and include address and phone number (wewill not publish your address or phone number, just your town name). Email tonorth@connectionnewspapers.com or onlineat www.connectionnewspapers.com/pets.For advertising information, emailsales@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703778-9431.Standing Up for the Safety NetBy Piper Phillips CaswellCEO, Phillips Programs forChildren and Familiesveryone may know someone like Brian, a child whostruggles at school, hasemotional outbursts, and is constantly visiting the office and facing detention. It’s children likeBrian and their families — whoselives are spiraling — that membersof the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized EducationFacilities serve — includingPhillips Special Education DaySchools.We are part of the educationalsystem many people don’t see orknow about. Programs such asours provide a custom educationfor those who have significantlearning and emotional challengesand for whom school has oftenbeen a place of repeated failureand frustration. As partners to thepublic schools systems and families, we step in to give a child another chance at education and lifesuccess.With the elections past us, newand returning members of thestate legislature are preparing forthe 2016 legislative session. AsEthey do, we wanted to make a plug at risk children is to make it easierfor the safety net. It’s important for them to get services. Too oftenthat kids — especially vulnerable children and their families are deones like Brian — don’t get lost in nied critical services due to burdensome, confusing andthe shuffle.time-consuming assessWe often work withyouth who are part of the Commentary ment and qualificationcriteria. Virginia’s servfoster care system. It caning agencies must bebe a difficult journey fora child, especially as they are facilitators for families to accessemancipated from the system. services, not barriers.Families we meet are oftenSome select to do so before their21st birthdays — choosing to forgo frazzled by the challenges theyservices. However, if they change face in getting appropriate educatheir minds, it is difficult for them tion and services for their children.to opt back into services that canhelp them succeed. That’s why weVolunteer Eventshope legislators will help this fragFairfax County’s free Familyile population regain access to serCaregiver Telephone Supportvices if they have a change ofGroup meets by phone on Tuesheart.day, March 8, 7-8 p.m. to discussIncontinence Issues and Caregiving.Changes that provide fundingRegisterbeforehandatfor comparable education serviceswww.fairfaxcounty.gov/OlderAdultsfor students approved for residenand click on Telephone CaregiverSupport Group. Call 703-324tial services are also a critical to5484, TTY 711.meeting the needs of youth whohave emotional, behavioral andThe Fairfax Commission onother special challenges. CurrentlyAging meets on Wednesday,March 16 at noon at the Hunterthere is no mechanism for childrenMill District Office, 1801 Cameronplaced in residential care to haveGlen Dr., Reston. Find out more atany of their educational costs paid.www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/That puts more children and famiolderadultservices/coa.htm. Call703-324-5403, TTY 711 for meetlies at risk.Another way we can help these4 Oak Hill/Herndon Connection February 10-16, 2016An independent, locally owned weeklynewspaper deliveredto homes and businesses.Published byLocal Media Connection LLC1606 King StreetAlexandria, Virginia 22314Free digital edition delivered toyour email box. Go toconnectionnewspapers.com/subscribeNEWS DEPARTMENT:herndon@connectionnewspapers.comKemal KurspahicEditor 703-778-9414kemal@connectionnewspapers.comAbigail ConstantinoEditorial Assistant703-778-9410 ext.427aconstantino@connectionnewspapers.comKen MooreCommunity mJon RoetmanSports Editor oetmanRyan DunnContributing Writer@rdunnmediaADVERTISING:For advertising 431Don ParkDisplay s.comAndrea SmithClassified Advertising, bie FunkNational or those of limited means, theprocess and costs of getting helpcan seem insurmountable. That’swhy expanding Medicaid up to133 percent of the poverty levelwill remove another obstacle tolow-income families getting help.Having a strong safety net iscritical to ensuring youth with special challenges grow, learn andsucceed. But the net is only goodif it can catch kids as they are falling. Our legislators can make itstronger, protecting and propellingyouth forward.and OpportunitiesDavid GriffinMarketing .comEditor & PublisherMary ve Vice PresidentJerry Vernonjvernon@connectionnewspapers.comEditor in ChiefSteven MaurenManaging EditorKemal KurspahicPhotography:Deb Cobb, Louise Krafft,Craig SterbutzelArt/Design:Laurence Foong, John HeinlyProduction Manager:Geovani Floresing access needs.The Herndon Senior Centerneeds Social Visitors. For theseand other volunteer opportunities,call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 orvisitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and click on VolunteerSolutions.Special Assistant to the PublisherJeanne rs.com@TheismannMediaCIRCULATION: e Northern Virginia LongTerm Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteer advocates forresidents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Contact LisaCallahan at 703-324-5861, TTY ectionNewspapers.com

NewsHerndon Crime ReportsHerndon High Bandstudents compete forAll-Virginia Band.Notable incidents from theHerndon Policereports fromJan. 25-31.erndon High School made a strong showing in this year’s band competition, heldat McLean High School on Jan. 9, that, inthe words of director Kathleen Jacoby, “ rivaled anyin memorable history.”Herndon High School had 15 students selected asparticipants or alternates in this year’s festival. District Band auditions are held in early January eachyear and include a blind audition with scales, sightreading, and performance of a prepared piece.“I attribute this year’s success to a strong seniorclass that has consistently worked hard not just toprepare for this audition, but since they began ontheir instruments years ago,” said Jacoby.The Pride of Herndon has three students participating in the Wind Ensemble, the district’s top band,and four with invitations to audition for All States.James Adams, Jacob Reeves and Aimee Toner, alongwith Ben Clark, principal trombone in symphonic,will be eligible for the All-Virginia Band, whose auditions will be held on Feb. 28.Students who participated in auditions echoedJacoby’s acknowledgement of the hard work necessary to perform at this level while praising her leadership and encouragement.“I know everyone who made it into district bandworked really hard for it, and Ms. Jacoby is alwayssupportive of us and does her best to help us do wellin the auditions,” said junior Evelyn Showalter, whowas chosen as principal oboist and English horn forthe symphonic band.The list of District 12 Festival participants and alternates is as follows:Photo contributedPride of Herndon on DisplayHThe Pride of Herndon has three studentsparticipating in the Wind Ensemble, thedistrict’s top band, and four with invitations to audition for All States.Wind Ensemble: James Adams, 10, Principal Percussion; Jacob Reeves, 12, second Chair Percussion,and Aimee Toner, 12, third Chair Flute.Selected for Symphonic Band:Evelyn Showalter, 11, Oboe and Principal EnglishHorn for the District; Benjamin Clark, 12, PrincipalTrombone, Kevin Archambeault, 11, Eb and Bb Clarinet; Olivia Duston, 10, Bb Clarinet; Abigail Witmer,12, Bb Clarinet; Carey Rice, 12, Bb Clarinet; PeterTrapp, 12, Principal Tenor Sax; Angela Phelps, 12,Trumpet; Simon Fogleson; 12, Trombone;Shennan O’Day, 11, Euphonium, and JordanSonderegger, 12, Percussion.Alternates: Julia Picchiottino, 12, Euphonium.Participants agree that the auditions, the rehearsals, and the concert offer the best of creative opportunities and the building of relationships that transcend their four years in high school band. EvelynShowalter, who has another year in the program,said, “The biggest thing I ever take away from anyband experience is the sense of band family and community. We all support one another and work together to make beautiful music, and we have fundoing it.”—Sally TonerResidents Encouraged to ‘Get Involved’From Page 3marketing opportunities,” according to Town documents.Members will be appointed bythe Town Council and must ownor manage a business in thetown or live in the town andhave expertise in their businesssector.The committee hopes to haverepresentation the arts community, the downtown business community, small business owners,hotel and hospitality sector, largeemployers, real estate sector, restaurants, and technology.See www.herndon-va.gov forapplications to all of the Town’sboards, commissions and advisory and ad hoc committees.Applications are also at theclerk’s office in the HerndonMunicipal Center, 777 LynnStreet.D INNER FORT WO 49.95APPETIZERS(Choice of 1)Ka Pow Shrimp or Tex Mex EggrollsSALADS(Choice of 2)House Salad, Caesar Salad or Mixed GreenDESSERTS(Choice of 1) Bread Puddingor Chocolate MousseValentine’s Day Weekend:Fri./Sat./Sun.MAJOR INCIDENTSIndecent Exposure - Jan. 26. 600Blk Center St. The victim reportedthat the suspect exposed himselfto her as she was walking throughthe area. The suspect is describedas a white male 5’9” to 5’11”, slimbuild. At the time of the incidentthe suspect was wearing a creamcolored long sleeve jumpsuit andhad his face covered with a blackarticle of clothing. The case isunder investigation.Aggravated Assault - Jan. 27. 700Blk Palmer Drive. A juvenile malereported he was assaulted byseveral males some of whom wereknown to him. The victimsustained minor abrasions andcontusions to the upper body. Thevictim declined medical attention.The case is under investigation.Burglary - Jan. 28. 1400-BlkCuttermill Court. An unknownperson entered the residencethrough a rear sliding glass doorwhile the victim was not home.Approximately 5,400 worth ofelectronics and jewelry weretaken. The case is underinvestigation.OTHER INCIDENTSJan. 25, 4:01 p.m. Assault-Simple,1100 Whitworth CourtJan. 27, 9:33 a.m. Fraud-FalsePretenses, 800 Grant St.Jan. 27, 10:20 a.m. Capias - Fail toAppear, 700 Lynn St.Jan. 27, 9:47 p.m. Assault-Simple,900 Jorss PlaceJan. 27, 11:29 p.m. Drunkenness(DIP), 900 Ferndale Ave.Jan. 28, 9:39 p.m. Drug/NarcoticViolation Ferndale Avenue/ParkAvenueJan. 26, 7:50 p.m. Assault-Simple,1100 Treeside LaneJan. 27, 12:19 a.m. Drunkenness(DIP), 1200 Wilshire DriveJan. 27, 3:26 a.m. Assault-Simple,700 Gentle Breeze CourtJan. 27, 1:25 p.m. Protective OrderViolation, 700 Gentle BreezeCourtJan. 28, 12:43 a.m. Drunkenness(DIP), 1000 Elden St.Jan. 28, 4:25 a.m. Drug/NarcoticViolation, 1000 Elden St.Jan. 28, 12:13 p.m. Drunkenness(DIP), 1200 Elden St.Jan. 28, 12:05 p.m. Drunkenness(DIP) 1200 Elden St.Jan. 28, 8:56 p.m. Drunkenness (DIP)1200 Wilshire DriveJan. 29, 12:04 a.m. Assault-Simple,1200 Magnolia LaneJan. 29, 5:22 p.m. Trespass - Banned,1200 Elden St.Dermatology & AllergySPECIALISTS OF VIRGINIAKathryn J. Sowerwine, MDDr. Kathryn J. Sowerwine is a boardcertified Allergist and Immunologistwith a special interest in dermatologicaldiseases linked to allergy. She completeda residency in Internal Medicine atGeorgetown University Hospital and herclinical and research fellowship in allergyand immunology at the National Institutesof Health in Bethesda, MD.Dr. Sowerwine has specialized training and experienceto find out what causes your allergies, prevent andtreat symptoms, and help keep them under control.ENTRÉESAllergy Patch Testing Asthma Hives Allergy EczemaFood & Environmental Allergy Testing SinusitisInsect Venom Allergy Testing Immunotherapy Allergic RhinitisSAUTÉED CHICKEN LEMONAccepting New Patients(Choice of 2) 12 oz PRIME RIBTraditional or Blackened served with mashedpotatoes and horseradish sauceServed over penne pasta, lemon caper sauceHICKORY GRILLED SALMONGrilled Salmon served with Mashed Potato,veggies, topped with grilled shrimp703-802-64001800 Town Center Dr., Ste. 415Reston, VA 201901715 N. George Mason Dr., Ste. 105Arlington, VA 22205Phone 703-709-1492 Fax 703-709-5111www.dermspecialistsva.com13999 METROTECH DRIVE , CHANTILLY , VA 20151 WWW . BACKYARDGRILLRESTAURANT . COMwww.ConnectionNewspapers.comOak Hill/Herndon Connection February 10-16, 2016 5

Herndon Drama Presents ‘Cinderella’By Ryan DunnThe Connectionendon High school drama teampresents the story of Cinderellathis February at Herndon Highauditorium. The production exploresthree versions of the story from India (thestory of a boy named Changez), Africa(the story of a girl named Sindela) andChina (the story of a young girl namedYeh Hsien). Each character is faced withadversity in their lives. Magical creatures(a cow for India, a frog for Africa, and ared fish from China) help the protagonists overcome adversity. The studentswill use this family-friendly productionto bring awareness to areas of the worldlacking fresh water. Students will host araffle during the production, and proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets willbenefit the nonprofit organization Charity: Water.Charity: Water is a nonprofit organization that provides clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Based in New York, the organization was founded in 2006 and has helpedfund 13,641 projects in 22 countries, benefiting over 4.6 million people. In thedrama production, each story is of how achild finds a way to a better life with thehelp of a river.“Water is a powerful symbol, and I feltone way to try to make the world a better place is to use this play to help raisemoney to get water to people in countries where water is scarce. Water travels all across the globe and it brings usall together, and that’s what the best theatre does: bring people together. A groupof actors and technicians of all backgrounds come together to make art andinvite the rest of the world to see it cometo life,” said student director PatrickHammes, a senior at Herndon. Newdrama teacher Morganne Davis hashelped supervise this production.Allie Kassraie, a junior, will be playingoriginal music on the acoustic and electric guitar. The play involves 30 studentsin the cast and crew ranging from freshmen to seniors. “It is a fresh take on‘Cinderella,’ which really reflects on thecommunity of Herndon with many peopleof many backgrounds,” said Kassraie.Music in the production will reflect onthe different cultures and settings in theproduction.The production has a cast of 18 students, with four narrators. “We have areally dedicated group of people. It isreally nice to be able to help out. I thinkit will be a really interesting show,” saidMeaghan Graney, the show’s stage manager and a senior. The “Cinderella” production is an hour-long and is plannedfor Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 10HomeLifeStylePhoto by Ryan Dunn/The ConnectionFamily friendly production at Herndonschool Feb. 12 at 7p.m. and Feb. 13 at10 a.m.HAllie Kassraie, a junior, will play original music on the acoustic andelectric guitar for the drama production of ‘Cinderella’ Feb. 12 at 7p.m. and Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.“As you’re planning aromantic dinner athome, think aboutincorporating china,vases, candle votives,trays and glasswarewith a gold trim for astunning table.”While red is oftenthe go-to floralcolor for Valentine’sDay, shades of pink,peach and purplecan offer eleganceand romance.— Angela Phelps ofLe Village MarchePhoto courtesy ofMerrifield Garden CenterStylish Valentine’s Day Table SettingsFlowers and candles create romantic designs.By Marilyn

in school, at home and in the com-munity. Applicants must meet cer-tain criteria and apply online until April 15, before 4 p.m. Week in Herndon b To Highlight your Faith Community, Call Karen at 703-917-6468 7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Sunday School: preschool - grade 2 Music: grades 3 - 7