Reaching the Century Mark
Miriam Huston of Reston celebrated her 100th birthday at a party at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington. Huston has two children, Jo Ann Niemela and Terrance Huston, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Her sixth great-grandchild was born the day before her 100th birthday. Huston was born on April 27 in 1905, during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency. She’s lived through World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War and 18 of 43 presidents. The big party last week included a short presentation for Huston, a lot of cake and the Fabulettes, who performed music from the '20s, '30s and '40s. For Huston, the music brought back many memories and she danced to four songs. “Not bad for age 100,” said Suzanne Hellmann, Huston’s granddaughter. “I keep busy,” Huston said. She has played the saxophone since she was 17 and recently played in a recital with her great-granddaughter, who turns 9 next month. She also decorates china and writes poetry. In 2000, she received a medal for her poetry from the International Society of Poets. “So, I do my poetry on my computer, paint china and play my saxophone,” she said. For her next birthday, Huston said, “Well, I would like to dance again.”
Reston WalkAmerica
Last Saturday at Lake Fairfax in Reston, the March of Dimes held its WalkAmerica, a fund-raising event to help babies. More than 700 walkers participated in the six-mile walk, which raised $300,000. Del. Kenneth “Ken” Plum, who also participated, was recognized at the event for his work to increase the number of newborn screenings for Virginia babies.
March of Dimes has been urging states to screen for 29 specific genetic disorders and in May Gov. Mark Warner is expected to sign legislation that increases the commonwealth’s screening program to the recommended 29. Currently, Virginia screens for 10. March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
Reston Skaters Unite
Thanks to Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and various other sponsors, a Skate Park on Wheels is coming to Reston. The event will be held May 14, from 1-7:30 p.m., at the Wiehle Avenue Park and Ride lot. The event, which is free, features ramps, rails, an inline skating rink and skate board demonstrations. Wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads are required for participants under the age of 16. Helmets are required for all ages. Call 703-324-8651.
Microsoft Technology Center Completed
Microsoft completed the construction of a Microsoft Technology Center in its Reston location off of Sunset Hills Road. The center, one of six in the country, displays the latest hardware and software from Microsoft and its technology partners. The centers were created to help companies reach their business goals by demonstrating and customizing Microsoft technology.
Dogwood Elementary Helps FCPS Fitness Win Award
Dogwood Elementary was one of six schools in the county’s school system to have a pilot snowshoeing system — a program specifically cited for helping Fairfax County Public Schools be selected to receive the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports award. The snowshoeing program was instituted to demonstrate healthy outdoor activities that students can do during winter. Students received instruction in their physical education classes on proper technique and agility and flexibility exercises and games. Parent-accompanied field trips were held during the winter months so students could practice the sport.
Plaza America Family 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, May 15, Plaza America in Reston will hold its 4th Annual Family 5K Run/Walk to benefit Children’s National Medical Center. The event begins, at 8:30 a.m., at Plaza America. The event is ranked third on the list of top 25 most competitive 5K races in the metropolitan area. Participants can register at www.runwashington.com.
More than Pocket Change
The increased tolls on the Dulles Toll Road are scheduled to take effect May 22, raising the rate from 50 cents to 75 cents at the main plaza and 25 cents to 50 cents at other gates, including the three gates in Reston.
Friday Night Live
According to Doug Downer, this year's Friday Night Live line up could be the best one yet.
Created as a means to bring more people into the core downtown area of Herndon, Downer said the chamber run event has a reputation to uphold each year.
"We try to improve the event every year," he said. "This year we have returning artists and new artists."
Scheduled to open May 6 on the Town Green, at 6:30 p.m., the event, which features live entertainment, food and beverages, ends at 10:30 p.m. and runs through August.
The bands JunkFood and Fools & Horses are slated to kick off this year's free season.
Proceeds from on site sales go to the chamber, which in turn gives the money directly to various community-run organizations.
May's line up includes: JunkFood and Fools & Horses May 6, Right Foot Red May 13, Love Seed Mama Jump May 20 and Black Sheep (reggae) May 27.
For more information visit www.herndonrocks.com or call 703-481-6133.
Calendar
May 5, 7:30 p.m., Reston Association’s Working Session at Isaac Newton Square.
May 9, 9:00 a.m., Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
May 9, 7:00 p.m., Reston Community Center Community Relations Committee Meeting at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods.