Stories for April 2012

Nutritionist Draws a Crowd at McLean High

More than 150 attend the ‘Power of Your Plate’ talks.

When a presentation draws double the audience expected, someone has hit a hot spot. On Tuesday, April 24 at McLean High School, local nutritionist Victoria Wood pulled in an audience of over 150 with her talk, "The Power of Your Plate."

Wounded Warrior Visits Langley School

Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder shares a message about service and perseverance with middle-schoolers.

Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder wasn’t able to run the Marine Corps marathon with his friends last fall. He was recovering from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan. So while they ran it without him, wearing "Brad Snyder" t-shirts, he made a plan. He said, "well alright, next year I’m going to run with you guys."

Area Welcomes Discovery

A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.

The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.

Good, Bad and Ugly In Virginia Budget

The Virginia Senate finally adopted the State Budget on a vote of 21-19 last week. It now goes to the Governor for his amendments.

Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic

West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.

Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.

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Northern Region Sports Notes (April 25-May 1)

Girls sporting pink look at district lax playoffs; McLean boys tennis unbeaten; Templin leads Saxons softball over Marshall.

This week the undefeated McLean High boys' tennis team, under head coach Aavo Tomkov, had a challenging slate of competition versus Liberty District opponents. The Highlanders (8-0), earlier in the week on Tuesday, April 24, were scheduled to travel to cross-town and Liberty District rival Langley High (7-1).

Lady Saxons Surge Past Marshall in Liberty lacrosse

Swomley scores four times for first place Langley squad.

The Langley Lady Saxons notched another impressive win, defeating the George Marshall Lady Statesmen, 15-5, in a Liberty District lacrosse match-up played last Thursday, April 19.

Langley, Madison Compete in Boys Tennis

Saxons prevail to improve to 7-1.

In a Liberty District boys' tennis match on April 16, the Langley High Saxons defeated the Madison Warhawks, 6-3, in the competition held at Madison in Vienna.

Warhawks’ Softball Honors Teachers

Madison follow up festivities with District win over Fairfax.

The Madison High girls’ softball team paid tribute to four of the school’s teachers during pre-game ceremonies of the Warhawks’ Liberty District home game versus Fairfax last Friday night, April 20.

Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage

VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.

The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."

Coming In from The Cold

Fairfax County hosts hypothermia meeting to address shelters’ concerns.

Fairfax County officials met with about 75 representatives from churches and other houses of worship Sunday, April 22, to address rumors and concerns that the County’s Fire Marshal will shut down their hypothermia programs next winter - and shut out many homeless residents - because of fire code violations.

A Taste of Vienna Celebrated

April 28 food festival benefits Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

You’d better hit the gym now if you want to prepare for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s [VVFD] first annual Taste of Vienna food festival, scheduled on April 28.

History Revisited in Vienna

Freeman Store Historical Plaque unveiled.

More than 100 members of the Vienna-area community and a cast of local dignitaries took part in the program at Freeman Store on April 21 at which the plaque commemorating Freeman Store’s historical designation in the Commonwealth was unveiled.

Baby Boomers and Beyond Health Fair Debuts in Vienna

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna and the Town of Vienna partner to host wellness exhibitions.

"Baby Boomers and Beyond" were introduced to the broad diversity of health and wellness services offered in the Vienna area at the health fair sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna [SCOV] and the Town of Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation. From health care navigation to dancing to Latin music, the four-hour exhibition on April 21 at the Vienna Community Center focused on the wellness needs of the area’s senior population.

Langley High Wins Science Olympiad

Langley High School's Science Olympiad team won first place in Division C (grades 9-12) at the Virginia Science Olympiad state competition, held April 14 at Westfield High School.

Column: Really?

Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.

MPA Celebrates 50 Years

McLean Project for the Arts curators select works from their favorite artists for a golden anniversary exhibition.

McLean’s reputation as a trailblazer in the world of art is little known. It has the distinction of hosting one of the longest continually-running nonprofit art centers in the Washington-area, the McLean Project for the Arts. The MPA is also the first public-private partnership in the arts in Fairfax County.

Great Falls Farmers Market Returns to Village Centre

Opening day set for Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Great Falls Community Farmers Market is opening on Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the parking lot at the Walker Road entrance to the Great Falls Village Centre -- where it was the year before last.

Museum Tells Story of pre-Reston Simon

Program features early life of founder Robert Simon.

While Robert E. Simon Jr. literally started Reston’s history, his own history goes back five decades. Reston wasn’t founded until Simon was 50, and the Reston Historic Trust attempted to fill in residents on Simon’s early life during their Thursday, April 19 program at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne.

Town Center Hosts Trayvon Martin Rally

As the Trayvon Martin case began making headlines around the nation, Rev. Mary Barrino-Smith of the Community of All People United Church of Christ decided it was time to get the local community involved. By contacting local faith communities and spreading the word online, more than 150 people attended a vigil Tuesday, April 17 at Reston Town Center.

Great Falls Elementary Poets Recognized

Friends and Neighbors Club awards nine at annual luncheon.

The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club held their 30th annual poetry contest, awarding nine Great Falls Elementary School students during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club.

Langley Choir Tours Europe

Vocal groups win one silver, three gold medals at 2012 Young Prague Festival.

On March 29, 113 Langley choral students and chaperones along with their director, Dr. Mac Lambert, and Langley High School administrator Sonya Williams gathered in the Langley High School auditorium with suitcases and passports in hand.

Oakton Baseball Trying to Regain its Footing

Since 6-1 start, Cougars have struggled in Concorde District play.

A tough stretch of the season has hit the Oakton High baseball team since the start up of play within the Concorde District schedule a few weeks ago. The Cougars, who were 6-1 at one point this spring, entered this week in the midst of a tough five-game losing streak.

Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget

Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.

"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Community events in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

April 20-27.

Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

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Madison Boys' Tennis Falls to Talented McLean Team

But Warhawks bounce back with Liberty win over Fairfax.

On Wednesday April 11, at Madison High School, the undefeated McLean High boys’ tennis team defeated Madison 8-1. Madison was competitive in all three doubles matches and three of the singles matches against a deep and impressive Highlander team.

Sports Notes From Around the Region

Highschool, youth, college news.

On Wednesday April 11, at Madison High School, the undefeated McLean High boys’ tennis team defeated Madison 8-1. Madison was competitive in all three doubles matches and three of the singles matches against a deep and impressive Highlander team.

Culinary Classes for Children

Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.

"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.

Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters

Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.

Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.

Langley Lacrosse Snaps Madison Girls' Unbeaten Streak

Saxons win riveting Liberty District contest, 13-11.

The Langley High varsity lacrosse team defeated the reigning Virginia State champion Madison Warhawks on their home turf in Vienna, 13-11, in a Liberty District showdown last Friday night between two of the state's top-ranked girls programs.

Madison Girls Looking to Get on a Soccer Roll

3-2-1 Warhawks aiming for their first district win this Friday night at Marshall.

With the second half of the high school girls’ soccer season having started up with district play last week, the Madison High Warhawks, while having played stretches of good soccer at 3-2-1, are still working to achieve bigger and better things.

Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services

Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.

After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.

Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’

The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.

It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.

Freeman Store Unveils Historic Designation

Church Street building recognized for role in Civil War.

Historic Vienna, Inc. volunteers, Town officials and other Fairfax County elected officials will gather at Freeman Store on April 21, 2 to 3 p.m., to unveil the plaque designating Freeman Store’s historic status. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, Virginia Senator Chap Petersen, Del. Mark Keam and Mayor M.

‘The Fantasticks’ Plays in Vienna

Longest-running musical in country opens April 20 for three weekends.

The longest-running show in New York City – 50 years old and going strong – comes to Vienna on April 20. It’s not the off-Broadway edition, but, it’s the next best thing. "The Fantasticks," as brought to life by the Vienna Theatre Company [VTC], opens for three weekends at the Vienna Community Center with evening and matinee performances. The storyline centers on the chicanery used by two fathers to "match" their children in marriage

Hilton McLean Hosts Wedding Giveaway

Ten couple vie for free wedding package, honeymoon in Barbados.

On April 4 at the Hilton McLean, ten couples vied to win a wedding package valued at $28,000. And all each couple had to do was to convince a panel of judges, through video or live performance, that they deserved to win the contest. An earlier essay competition narrowed the finalists to ten.

The Forestville School Bell

The school bell that is now situated in front of the new Great Falls fire station has a history dating back to 1889. George and Alice Hicks Gunnel sold one acre of land to the Forestville School Trustees in 1889 so that they could build a new schoolhouse on Georgetown Pike in the current location of "The Old Schoolhouse."

Janet O’Dell, of Great Falls, Dies

Janet Rae O'Dell, of Great Falls, passed away on March 13, 2012 from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she moved to the Washington area in 1972.

Forestville Goes to World Finals

Forestville Elementary students win State Odyssey of the Mind Finals and head to 2012 World Finals.

The Forestville Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team won at the Virginia State Finals in Newport News on Saturday, April 14, and will be competing in the 2012 World Finals being held May 23-26 on the campus of Iowa State University.

Lacing Up for Gianna

Langley basketball team comes together in support of their coach’s daughter.

Throughout our high school years we have our takeaways. The people and the moments that when we are young guide us, and when we are older follow us. In 1981, at Langley High School there were two teachers who believed in an overly chatty girl with a bigger interest in her social life than studying for her next exam.

Spring Art Festival Returns

Festival to be held at the Village Green Day School Saturday and Sunday.

The Sixth Annual Great Falls Spring Art Festival and Sale, a showcase for art created locally, will be held next weekend, April 21 and 22, at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Community Aims to Fill Empty Bowls

Floris United Methodist Church hosts annual Food For Others event.

More than 500 people gathered at the Floris United Methodist Church Friday, April 13 to help raise money and awareness for hungry people in the area. The annual Empty Bowls event, which raised money for local food bank Food For Others and hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE, allowed guests to enjoy soups, snacks and deserts from local eateries, as well as take home a handmade bowl made by local potters, all for a $20 donation.

Reston Celebrates 48th Birthday, Simon’s 98th

Lake Anne hosts annual Founder’s Day activities.

Reston founder Robert Simon officially founded the community that bears his name in his 50th year, in 1964. Forty-eight years later, Simon celebrated his 98th birthday at the Lake Anne Plaza Saturday, April 14.

Rotary Reaches 100 Members

Great Falls Rotary Club welcomes 100th member, 10 months after founding.

The Great Falls Rotary Club celebrated reaching its 100th member Thursday, April 12, achieving the milestone in record time. They reached 100 members in 10 months, growth that has attracted the attention of Rotary International.

Gardeners Donate Produce to Share

Gardening program aims to provide fresh food for food bank clients.

As the weather warms, local gardeners are heading back to their plots. Share, a local nonprofit, will be using some of what they produce to provide fresh food to their clients. Open since 1969, Share operates a weekly food bank out of the McLean Baptist Church, as well as clothing, furniture and other family assistance.

McLean High Hosts ‘Smash’ Viewing

Students discuss realities of careers in show business.

Executives from the television show "Smash" visited McLean High School Monday afternoon, showing theater students clips from the show and hosting a discussions about the realities of life in show business. Alan Paul, associate director at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C. spoke to students about what they could expect if they hoped to work onstage or onscreen for a living.

Column: “Meagulpa”

As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.

Reston Raiders Compete in National Ice Hockey Championships

12-under team trades pins with players from other states.

The Reston Raiders won their first game, 4-2, over a team from Arizona at the USA Hockey 12 and Under Tier II National Championships, which ran March 28 through April 1 at the twin rink Ashburn Ice House and SkateQuest Reston facilities.

Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012

Faith Notes (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

April 13-19.

Community events in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

April 13-20.

Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up

Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.

Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.

Design with Children in Mind

BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.

Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.

From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial

Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.

Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.

Home Work

‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’

"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."

Madison Boys Tennis Triumphant at South Lakes

Liberty District win puts Madison over the .500 mark.

This past Monday, April 9, the Madison High boys' tennis team improved its season record to 3-2 with a 7-2 win at Liberty District rival South Lakes in Reston.

John E. Petersen, GMU Professor, Dies

John Earle Petersen, 71, a former councilmember for the City of Fairfax and leading authority in the field of public finance, died April 4 of a heart attack at his home in the City of Fairfax. The city has lowered its flags to half-staff in his honor.

Author Michael Dirda Comes to Flint Hill

Michael Dirda, former Washington Post Book World Editor and Pulitzer-Prize winning critic, will meet with Flint Hill School’s Middle and Upper School students on Tuesday, April 17.

Marking History on Lawyers Road

Hunter Mill Defense League unveils State Historic Marker.

On Saturday, April 7, the Hunter Mill Defense League [HMDL] unveiled a State Historic Marker commemorating the November 26, 1861, skirmish between Union troops, the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Confederate troops, the 1st North Carolina Cavalry, serving under General J.E.B. Stuart.

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Alegria Opens at Church Street

Patrick and Julie Bazin’s Mexican restaurant features small plates, specialty tacos and tequila.

There aren’t many restaurants that have patrons waiting outside for the restaurant’s door to open for the first time to the public. It’s even rarer when the restaurant advertised no opening date until the day prior to opening. But nothing is surprising when the restaurant is the eagerly-awaited Alegria, the Mexican taco and small-plate margarita café owned and run by Vienna’s own Patrick and Julie Bazin. On April 5, Alegria welcomed its first customers, opening five minutes early from its scheduled time.

McLean Rotary Honors Vienna Youngster

On April 3, the Rotary Club of McLean honored Noah Haefner, a seventh grader at Longfellow Middle School, for his efforts to support the McLean Stop Hunger Now project. Noah and his fellow Student Council representatives raised more than $2,600 for the next meal packaging day scheduled for Nov. 10, 2012 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean.

Column: Look What I Saw, Really

A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.

Reston Association Announces Election Results

Two new at-large Board members elected, one re-elected.

Residents of Reston elected two new at-large members of the Reston Association Board of Directors Tuesday, Donna Miller Rostant and Michael Sanio. The two will replace directors Paul Thomas, who did not seek re-election and Tom Vis, who was not re-elected. Richard Chew, who served as an at large director until 2011 was elected after running unopposed for the South Lakes District director seat.

NASA Comes to Langley High

On Friday March 30, Langley High Students had a special speaker, NASA's Roger Hunter, Mission Manager for Project Kepler. The Kepler Mission, NASA Discovery mission #10, is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine the fraction of the hundreds of billions of stars in our galaxy that might have such planets. Since science operations began in May 2009, the Kepler team has released two catalogs of transiting planet candidates. So far, there are 2,321 candidates.

Week in McLean

Things happening in the McLean area.

Childhelp to Host Fashion-Show Fundraiser

On Sunday, April 15, the DC Chapter of Childhelp Wings will host an "afternoon of fashion, fun, and philanthropy" at the Tysons Corner Bloomingdale’s.

Roller Coaster Mystery Ride

McLean Community Players present ‘Deathtrap.’

"Deathtrap," by Ira Leven, has been fascinating audiences more than 30 years, since it debuted on Broadway. "Experiencing 'Deathtrap' is like your first visit to a circus, a thrilling delight with every twist and surprise," said veteran McLean Community Players’ director Jerry Bonnes.

McLean’s Winter Guard Wins Regional Competition

McLean High School’s Winter Guard took first place in their division at the Atlantic Indoor Association’s Regional Championship last Saturday night at Woodbridge High School. The competition, which closes out the indoor season, pitted McLean’s 12 member team against 15 regional groups.

Friends of Mill Plan for Future

More programs, Route 7 expansion discussed at Friends off Colvin Run Mill meeting.

While Colvin Run Mill’s claim to fame is its glimpse into life as it was 200 years ago, in the past, the Friends of Colvin Run Mill are just as concerned with its future.

Helping Hungry Kids in Reston

Reston-based group is in third year of providing weekend meals.

Three years ago, Sandy Amato and Connie Laurent-Roy began their quest to feed hungry children in the Reston area. They began simply, in Amato’s basement, making about 80 meals a week for some children at Dogwood Elementary School that qualified for free lunches. The meals are for children to eat on weekends, when they cannot get meals at school.

Breast Care ‘Under One Roof’

New Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health highlighted at McLean Woman’s Club meeting.

On Tuesday, April 3, representatives from Virginia Hospital Center addressed the Woman’s Club of McLean on the hospital’s new Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health. The center, which in 2011 received a significant gift from the locally based Reinsch Pierce family, is an advanced facility that offers patients all necessary medical, surgical and related services "under one roof," and has a staff specifically dedicated to breast health, according to the speakers.

Impeccably Styled Show

McLean High’s production of "A View from the Bridge."

It feels just a bit claustrophobic sitting in McLean High School’s small Black Box theatre for the McLean Theatre Company’s production of "A View from the Bridge." The simple set with the round dining room table and the worn armchair feels almost too real, as though there are actually people living here. So when the actors enter, the audience is pulled headlong into the searing family drama of the Carbones, Italian Americans in 1950s Redhook whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of a pair of illegal immigrants to their home.

Spring Art Exhibit Opens at Great Falls Library

An art exhibition featuring 43 paintings, photographs, art quilts and other new works by Great Falls artists, opened April 3 and will be displayed through the end of the month at the main conference room of the Great Falls Community Library. Several of the artists are exhibiting with Great Falls Studios for the first time. The show is sponsored by Great Falls Studios, a network of artists based in Great Falls.

Colvin Run Students Win Odyssey of the Mind Competition

On March 31, Colvin Run Elementary school fifth graders participated in the NOVA North Odyssey of the Mind competition held at Langley High School. A total of 100 plus teams from Northern Virginia participated in this competition.

Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line

Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.

Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.

Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County

U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.

The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.

Representing Oakton High

The Oakton High School Jazz Band B performed at the annual Chantilly Invitational Jazz Festival on March 17, with over 20 other area high school jazz bands.

Vienna Egg Hunt Draws Hundreds

Finding, decorating and rolling eggs keep children busy on grounds of Freeman House.

Amid great fanfare, a rather large fuzzy, furry Easter bunny arrived at Freeman House grounds on March 31, kicking off the annual Easter egg hunt and roll sponsored by the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation and Historic Vienna, Inc.

County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse

Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.

Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.

Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21

Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.

The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.

Madison Softball Captures Own Spring Break Tournament

Warhawks win two Saturday games, including finals victory over Centreville.

The Madison High girls' varsity softball team won its own ‘Madison Spring Break Tournament’ last Saturday afternoon, March 31 with an impressive 8-2 finals win over Centreville High. That same day, in a morning game versus Annandale High, the Warhawks defeated the Atoms handily, 19-0, in a semifinals contest of the tournament. That set up the title game between Madison and Centreville, which had defeated West Potomac in the other semifinals matchup. The participating schools in the Madison Spring Break Tournament were: Lee, Edison, Annandale, Mount Vernon, West Potomac, Centreville, and the host Warhawks.

The Winding Baseball Trek Towards Becoming a Cincinnati Reds’ Fan

With Opening Day here, its’ fun to follow more than one major league team.

I did not grow up as a Reds’ fan. In fact, Cincinnati’s great Big Red Machine caused me great heartache when, as a 12-year old boy growing up in Northern Virginia, I watched on TV as my favorite team, the Red Sox, lost to Sparky Anderson’s crew, 4-3, in Game 7 of the 1975 Fall Classic. I had been ecstatic after Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning game-winning home run had given the ‘Sox a 7-6 win in Game 6. But following the Game 7 loss, in which my favorite player, the great Carl Yastrzemski, flew out to end the game in the bottom of the ninth inning at Fenway Park, I was in tears – a broken kid.

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Schweiker, Harris Lead Oakton Boys’ Lax Past W-L

Cougars improve to 2-3 with 14-2 victory against Generals.

Jack Harris scored four consecutive goals during a five-minute stretch in the first half and Oakton cruised to a 14-2 victory against Washington-Lee on March 30 at Herndon High School.

Democratic Lawmakers Address Social Justice Forum in Vienna

Event hosted by SALT and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.

Fairfax County’s Democratic lawmakers knew they were preaching to the choir – and some of the preachers - at the legislative wrap-up session hosted by Social Action Linking Together (SALT) and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organization in Vienna on Saturday.

Fasten Your Seatbelts

VDOT officials say I-495 Express Lanes will be just that.

Predictable, safe and reliable is not how most motorists would describe driving on the obstacle course known as the Capital Beltway.

Phase 1 of Dulles Metrorail 67 Percent Complete

Phase 2 hits a snag as Loudoun County Supervisors debate opting out.

VDOT officials delivered good news and bad news on the 23-mile Dulles Corridor Metrorail project during a news conference March 29 at the VDOT Virginia Megaprojects office.

A Triumph of Artistry

'Side Man' arrives at 1st Stage.

Director Michael Dove has created an unflinching, poignant look into deep corners of lives unraveling. His production of "Side Man" is a strong play for adults who want to be fully transported by awe for what creative talent can accomplish.

Week in Vienna

Things happening in the Vienna area.

Campaigning for Kaine in Vienna

Anne Holton, former first lady of Virginia, met with more than 40 local business owners, community leaders and supporters at Yama Sushi restaurant in Vienna on Saturday, March 31, during an event hosted by Delegate Mark Keam (D- 35).

Freedom Hill Elementary Hosts International Day

School celebrates the global diversity of its student body.

Freedom Hill Elementary School [FHES] celebrated the diversity of its student population with an enthusiastically-attended International Day on March 30.

Vienna Students Win DAR Good Citizens Awards

Two Vienna high school seniors recently won DAR Good Citizens awards from Fairfax County Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Virginia Chess Champions

Colvin Run Elementary School won the 2012 Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Championships K-3 Chess Tournament.

Colvin Run Elementary School (CRES) students participated in the 2012 Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Championships Chess Tournament held on March 17-18, 2012 at Best Western Tysons Westpark Hotel, McLean, Virginia.

Outstanding Contributions

McLean Community Center honors Joann Berkson and Dick La Porte.

The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) 8th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception was held on Sunday, March 25, in the Community Hall. The theme was "Italy" and Center volunteers were treated to a catered lunch by Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant and live music by The Wayne Tympanick Trio. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

Ordinary Heroes

When most people hear the word "hero," they think of the man with tights and a cape.

Great Falls Goes Egg Hunting

Optmist Club hosts annual Children’s Spring Festival and egg hunt.

The Great Falls Village Green was littered with 7,000 brightly colored eggs Sunday afternoon. Most of the eggs were filled with candy, but 900 of them contained $10,000 worth of gemstones donated by Jorge Adeler of Adeler Jewelers.

Possible Future for Historic Buildings?

Community members come up with conceptual plan for Grange, schoolhouse.

Having historic properties such as the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls has become a bit of a mixed blessing for the community. On one hand, the properties represent living history, both are in the National Register of Historic Places, and are relics of a different age.

Longfellow’s Science Bowl Stars

Four eighth graders headed to second straight nationals.

For four members of the Longfellow Middle School Science Bowl team, this year is another chance to compete in the National Science Bowl Finals. After winning the state competition for the second straight year, the four members of the team are studying up and are eager for their return trip to nationals.

Langley Presents ‘The Crucible’

Tale of Salem Witch Trials will be performed black box style.

When it came time to present their Spring show, Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," the Langley Theatre Department decided to think a little inside the box. A black box theater, that is.

Egg Hunting in Brown’s Chapel Park

Community Center hosts annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt.

As children ages 1 through 9 gathered at Brown’s Chapel Park in Reston Saturday morning, they separated themselves by age group and massed along the borders of several different roped off areas. The areas were filled with colored eggs, which meant that for many children, filling their baskets would come down to strategy.

Smartphone Technology Helping Children Get Fit

Chesterbook Elementary opens outdoor fitness trail.

We all know children love using technology, so why not use technology to show them the correct way to exercise? Chester the Chipmunk, the mascot of Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, was pleased to introduce the school's outdoor QR Fitness Trail Monday, March 26. QR stands for Quick Response, and it is the next-generation coding system that allows smartphones to quickly read data.

From Slime to Simple Machines

Great Falls Elementary kicks off new science enrichment program.

Great Falls Elementary School (GFES) is going where few elementary schools have gone before, into the exciting world of science enrichment.

Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing

So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.