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On the article Swimming, Diving - and Traffic and Concrete?
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On the article What Will Happen to Reston's Dog Park?
leslie sogandares
4:26 pm on Wednesday, April 3, 2013
ReplyI moved to Reston when the North Point area was open space. There were huge cries from the community about the construction of neighborhoods and schools and North Point Village Center, etc. What was created out of that beautiful, open, green space is lovely and thriving now. Yes, this proposed center will impact open space and create congestion where there isn't as much now, just as the entire North Point area did several years ago. But development ruin? Not exactly. Just the continued exploration of opportunities for people in this community who want a facility that is on par with those in the rest of the county: one that supports therapeutic exercise classes, competitive swimming for the local high school and masters swimmers, among numerous club teams, and fitness activities for youth and adults all over Reston.
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On the Blog Post Citizens Speak Out on Rec Center Proposal
leslie sogandares
8:40 am on Friday, March 29, 2013
ReplyOur high school doesn't have a home pool, unlike so many in Fairfax County. When the SLHS swim team trains, it does so in a non-regulation sized pool, with water that is far warmer than is appropriate for healthy and effective training. The dive team can't even practice with the swimmers--it must do so at the rec pool in Herndon. SLHS home meets are at the Herndon Community Center, but no team banner hangs on the wall. Madison, McLean, Langley, Chantilly, and other swim and dive teams practice and compete in facilities that support proper training and are home to their dual meets. There is significant advantage to those teams as a result.
I appreciate the concerns of the neighbors whose homes surround Baron Cameron park and the dog owners who don't want to see the dog park impacted. I am a lifelong dog owner and value the comments made by those who spoke on Monday night. I also want to be clear that this facility, if it is ever built, will come along after my kids have moved on, but I still support it because of the incredible benefits it can bring to Reston in the long term. I think there is an answer that will suffice for all of us, if we are all willing to compromise. The opportunity for on-going, and respectful, discussion gives Reston a chance to meet a tremendous need in our community. Thanks to the RCC board for keeping this discussion open and honest!
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On the Blog Post Citizens Speak Out on Rec Center Proposal
leslie sogandares
8:39 am on Friday, March 29, 2013
ReplyKudos to the board for holding an informative, if lively, forum for this important discussion. Mentioned many times throughout the evening, this wasn't the only opportunity for the community to hear about the process and the on-going discussion about matters that influence the decision, including location, cost, facility plans, etc. I was glad to attend a second time to hear about RCC's efforts, and I am certain that I will go again. This is a process, and the board seems very interested in what the Reston community wants to say.
As a parent of two swimmers, I am very much in support of a new aquatics facility. We commute to practice facilities around the beltway every day of the week and to competition sites several times a month. I am intrigued by the level of support other communities give to swimming, and gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, etc., on display at these venues. I am also amazed at the potential for revenue that scheduled competition brings to the sites. Swim teams, alone, pay tens of thousands of dollars to host a meet each weekend, and that doesn't touch the additional financial gains that the surrounding businesses see from those patrons.
(more to follow!)
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On the article Education Dept. Investigating Discrimination Complaints Against FCPS
leslie sogandares
4:43 pm on Friday, September 28, 2012
ReplyThree comments:
1. To Michael Boykin: really? That's all you have?
2. To everyone with continued worry over admissions to TJ: Take an IB class at South Lakes (or an AP or IB class anywhere in the county) and then tell me your kid needs more rigor. None of us--NONE OF US! had the academic expectations that these kids have today in one of the most ridiculously competitive school systems in the nation. I cannot believe how much we complain about admissions to TJ when exceptional opportunities are in every high school in this county.
3: To Sean O'Connor: Sports aren't preeminent at TJ, huh? Try swimming against 'em. Go ahead. Try. -
On the article Time to Visit 'Almost, Maine'
leslie sogandares
3:22 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2011
ReplyWhat lovely stage design. Kudos to the set design and tech team too!
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On the article Rise and Shine
leslie sogandares
7:32 am on Tuesday, August 23, 2011
ReplyI am waiting for the videotaped account of this morning's breakfast service. Any word yet? HAHAHA!!
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On the article Pool Pass? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Pool Pass
leslie sogandares
11:29 am on Thursday, July 28, 2011
ReplyPool pass done. So now she's ready to be a Shark. We'll have the team management call Poe's agent and work out a deal for 2012.
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On the article A Note to the Reston Association From Some Vienna Residents
leslie sogandares
6:02 pm on Friday, July 22, 2011
ReplyDear Bison:
I hear ya about this heat. My name is Lil' Buddy, and I live in the garage of some nice folks who hail from SoRes (that's Bravo-speak for south Reston). I have a pretty cush job, you see, maintaining the cold beveridges for the family and their friends.Most days, I chill in the cool cover of the garage, but this week has taught me a little something about being taken for granted. I'm sweating buckets in here trying to keep the inside fridge temps to a frosty 48 degrees, just so I can keep those Coronas and the 2-buck Chuck perfectly chilled for my 'rents. I'd love a day off. I'd be thrilled if someone would step into the inner sanctum, declare a heat emergency, and turn a fan on my front side. That's a love you don't get much in a summer of swelt.
Call me, or hoof a text when you figure out that pool situation. I'm dying to try a back flip from the board. But leave that hot tub to the margarita machine. She's chill enough to get in these days. -
On the article Virginia Is For Lovers
leslie sogandares
4:41 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
ReplyNow hold on a minute, Mrs. VE. If we declare intimacies such as those which require the help of these toys, ahem, aids, a competitive sport, and set up viewing stations inside the most successful competitors' master bedrooms, I bet plenty of Restonians would sign up. We are, indeed, a sporty lot!
leslie sogandares
7:14 pm on Thursday, April 18, 2013
I voted in favor of the facility, whether it is constructed at Baron Cameron or not. The value of land already available to RCC and not designated for another purpose, requiring purchase, should not be overlooked. I am intrigued by suggestions by North Reston folks that a better, more feasible location for an aquatics facility would be at Tall Oaks. Let me understand--a primary objection is that the facility will bring major traffic to an intersection of 20 lanes, and people think that a more feasible solution would be to put this facility in a shopping complex that feeds into a two-lane road (North Shore Drive). Really? And other objections include the issue of construction near an elementary school? Near, not IN? Forest Edge ES, South Lakes HS and Lake Anne ES have recently completed major renovations INSIDE their buildings, and while I am sure there were headaches, the outcomes for both schools are beautiful and far more functional educational facilities. I don't recall reports of dangerous conditions/outcomes for students and teachers while those renovations were taking place. What is the danger inherent in construction "nearby"?