Stories for February 2012

Column: State Shirks Transportation Responsibility

Maybe we should rename our County The Bank of Last Resort.

Sounds of Excellence in Vienna

American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras play with members of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra at Vienna Presbyterian Church.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, members of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras had a rare opportunity to rehearse with 28 members of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in preparation for a side-by-side performance on Feb. 26 at Vienna Presbyterian Church.

Bone Marrow Donor Drive for 13-year-old Leukemia Survivor

Shynia Milligan's family is coordinating the bone marrow drive at Almas Temple, on K Street in Washington, D.C.

Thirteen-year-old Shynia Milligan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in the summer of 2010. AML is a life-threatening blood cancer.

Classified Advertising

Read this weeks great jobs and get your home ready for spring with our home services directory!

Telling Tales of the Rail

Historic Trusts hosts program on railroad history.

The Reston Historic Trust presented the story of the Alexandria Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, which later became the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne Thursday, Feb. 23. Local historians Ron Beavers and Paul McCray told the story of the line, which began in Alexandria in 1847.

Reston Resident Tracks History Through Advertisements

Jay Paull runs website featuring thousands of vintage ads.

Jay Paull’s love of advertisements is practically genetic. His great-grandfather was an early publisher in West Virginia, and his daughter (Paull’s grandmother) started to collect those early publications. They’ve been passed down from generation to generation, with each one adding more advertisements to the collection.

Riverbend Kicks Off Master Planning Process

Master Plan will serve to update plan created in 1975.

The Fairfax County Park Authority kicked off the master planning process for Riverbend Park during a public meeting Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Grange. The 411-acre park, which includes more than two miles of land along the Potomac River, has been guided by a master plan that was created in 1975.

MPA Begins 50th Anniversary Celebration

Organization hosts "pop-up" party in downtown McLean.

Fifty years ago, the McLean Project for the Arts began as a way for local artists to get together, meet the local community and sell a few paintings while they are at it. The organization has undergone many changes since then, establishing a gallery at the McLean Community Center and putting on several signature events per year, but it remains the same at its core.

Langley Leads Recycling Efforts

School will serve as pilot program for athletic field recycling.

Langley High School will serve as a pilot program for Fairfax County when it comes to recycling on the athletic fields during sporting events. The Langley Eco School club is spearheading the initiative, collecting grant money to purchase the recycling cans to be placed next to the regular trash cans.

Donatos Comes to Vienna

Vienna franchise first of dozens to open in Northern Virginia.

Evidently, a lot of Vienna people have been watching the build-out of the newly-opened Donatos pizza and sub restaurant in the Danor Shopping Center.

Column: “Battling Cancer”

I suppose, as a cancer patient, there’s a presumption/understanding that not giving into cancer and its potential ravages is an ongoing battle – to the death, if you will. And I imagine, on many levels, some truer than others, it is. War is indeed waged – so to speak, in hopes of defeating this horrible disease (enemy).

Monte Carlo Without the Passport

Annual Chamber gala goes for the "chi-chi" look.

he Vienna area gets an opportunity to don its fanciest duds, do some gaming, sample foods from the area’s most popular restaurants, bid on classy auction prizes, listen to party music, drink from lit-up bar glasses and win raffle prizes on Saturday, March 3.

Letter: Wolf's Crusade Article

Letter to the Editor

Alex McVeigh’s article on Rep. Wolf's book "Prisoner of Conscience" ["Wolf’s Crusade," Connection, February 15-21, 2012] is very much worth acknowledging as his constituents and other constituents of neighboring districts are not well informed about Rep. Wolf's commitment to this issue of global human rights.

Colvin Run Mill Turns Sap to Syrup

In February, mill presented two maple syrup boil-downs to public.

Colvin Run Mill is not in Vermont nor are its maple trees "sugar" maple, but the park’s demonstration of a maple syrup boil-down harkens back to the simple ways of country living.

Kaine Touts ‘Talent Economy’ at Fairfax Company

In bid for U.S. Senate seat, Kaine holds economic roundtables.

During a campaign stop at a Fairfax workforce development company on Thursday, former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) emphasized the need to foster a "talent economy" that will reboot America’s drive to the top of the economic ladder.

The Bus Was Stuffed

Local food pantries receive record donations from 2nd annual Stuff the Bus campaign.

Fairfax County’s second annual Stuff the Bus campaign roared to the finish line last week, collecting more than 25,604 pounds of food and $3,483 – a 26 percent increase in food, and a 236 percent increase in cash over 2011 totals.

Pet Connection

We asked our readers to send in pictures of their pets.

Madison Defeats South Lakes in Liberty Girls Finals

Tourney MVP Koshuta of Madison scores 32 in win; Rendle, Severin earn All-Tourney honors for Seahawks.

The James Madison High girls’ basketball team played one of its best games of the season in last Friday night’s Liberty District tournament finals versus South Lakes. The defending district champion Warhawks were clicking in all areas of the game and kept a talented Seahawks’ squad at bay in a 78-47 victory. The postseason title game took place at South Lakes’ spacious Wendell G. Byrd Gymnasium in Reston.

Langley Wrestling Continues Strong Postseason

The Langley High wrestling team finished ninth place overall at last Saturday’s Northern Region Championships. The 30-team, two-day event took place Feb. 10-11 at Hayfield High School in Alexandria.

Madison Wrestling Continues Strong Postseason

Warhawks Hoy, Dooley capture Northern Region crowns.

The Madison High wrestling team finished 10th place overall at last Saturday’s Northern Region Championships. The 30-team, two-day event took place Feb. 10-11 at Hayfield High School in Alexandria.

Voters to Have Final Say on Eminent Domain Amendment

Opinions are divided as to what kind of influence the amendment could have if passed.

This fall, voters across Virginia will be confronted with a hotly debated amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to limit the ability of local governments to use the power of eminent domain.

Column: Marking Time

As much as I don’t want to be ever-mindful of today’s date – relative to when I first learned of my diagnosis, that Thursday three years ago this very week, when my Internal Medicine doctor called me with the results of the biopsy (confirming the malignancy); and of course all that had preceded it and all that has happened since.

Great Dogs of Great Falls Offers Variety of Services for Pets

When it came time to choose a second career, Linda Waitkus wasn’t sure what to do. After 30 years of retail experience, including managing the Bloomingdale’s at Tysons Corner, she looked in several directions. But it wasn’t until she went to a meeting of a local women’s club that she got an idea.

MCC, Park Authority Debate New Sign

Community Center board, Park Authority have mixed feelings about MCC sign.

The McLean Community Center has been working on changing and updating the sign at McLean Central Park, at the corner of Dolley Madison Boulevard and Old Dominion Drive for the past few years. But their plan for a new sign, on property owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority, might not be in keeping with the Park Authority's future plans for the park.

Group Finds Homes for Abandoned or Displaced Pets

Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation hosts weekly adoption events.

Since 2001, volunteers from the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation have gathered every weekend all over the area with one objective: to find homes for dogs and cats in need of rescue. The foundation holds 10 events per weekend, including two at the Petsmart in Tysons Corner.

Brightview Specifications Presented to GFCA

Land Use and Zoning committee hears information on proposed assisted living facility.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Land Use and Zoning committee began hearing information on architectural specifications for the proposed Brightview assisted living facility. The facility, which was approved as a special exception by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last year, will be located off Colvin Run Mill where Thelma’s was previously located.

RCA Names Citizen of Year

Nick Brown recognized for almost four decades of volunteer work.

When he moved to Reston in 1975, Nick Brown wasted no time getting involved with his community. Thirty-seven years later, he was named the Reston Citizen Association’s Citizen of the Year during a ceremony at the Reston Community Center Monday, Feb. 20.

Vienna’s Animal Tales

Pets: family, therapists, life savers.

All pet-parents think their pets are pretty special. Some pets are just cuddly and lovable, some blindly-devoted, some clever. Some dogs risk their lives as part of their jobs, while others give humans with physical disabilities independence.

Reston Lions Recognize Young Musicians

Ryan Sill and Alexander Pauken won first place vocal and instrumental respectively amid stiff competition at the annual "James A. Bland" Contest held on Feb. 7, in Reston, sponsored by the Reston Lions Club.

Sexuality and Family Life Educator to Visit Flint Hill School

Debbie Roffman, author of Sex & Sensibility: The Thinking Parent's Guide to Talking About Sex, and an expert on Sexuality and Family Life Education, will spend a week in early March working with eighth grade students at Flint Hill School in conjunction with their Wellness class’ sexuality unit.

Vienna Optimist Club Awards High School Essay Winners

The Optimist Club of Greater Vienna awarded $600 to three local high school students at its Feb. 15 dinner meeting. The students were winners of the annual Optimists International essay contest, "How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community."

Vienna Optimists Host Speech Contest

Deaf and hard of hearing elementary school students from Camelot Elementary School competed in a speech contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna at a regular membership meeting on Jan. 18 at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna.

Marcia Ferritto to Perform at Flint Hill School

Marcia Ferritto, a professional violinist with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra who teaches Orchestra and Chamber music at the Cleveland Institute of Music, will join with Flint Hill Middle and Upper School Orchestra teacher Jason Day in a 50-minute viola/violin concert featuring the works of Mozart, Martinu, and Bartok.

World Cultures Meet at Marshall High

Twenty countries represented at International Night.

The dimming lights and the consequent hush that fell over the auditorium at sharply 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday Feb.15 signaled the start of Marshall’s annual International Night.

Employment and Classified Ads Feb. 22, 2012

Classifieds Feb. 22, 2012: Job Opportunities, Yard Sales, Home Repairs and Handyman Services

Schultz Requests Public Hearing on Honor Cords for Military Enlistees

After a majority (7-5) of Fairfax County School Board members resisted a uniform policy to recognize military enlistees with honor cords during graduation ceremonies at its Feb. 13 work session, Elizabeth Schultz (Springfield) launched a campaign for a public hearing on the issue.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Feb. 22-29

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

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Feb. 22-29

Things to do in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Making the Grade

Local school officials offer strategies for strengthening study habits.

When Jackie Jackson’s son brought home his report card recently, the Centreville mother of three was shocked. "His grades had fallen to an unacceptable level," said Jackson

People of Faith Gather to Support Marriage Equality

Holding red heart balloons and handing out candles and flowers, nearly 200 guests gathered in the shadow of the historic Fairfax County Courthouse to celebrate the union of a one couple on Valentine’s Day.

Honoring Grads Who Choose to Serve

Burke moms lobby school board to recognize enlistees during graduation ceremonies.

When Carolyn Kellam’s 17-year-old son, Danny, asked for permission to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps last year, she said "the mom in me was scared to death, but the citizen in me was very proud."

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board Steps Out of the Jazz Age

Bill would increase representation for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads.

For almost a century, the Commonwealth Transportation Board has been partying like it was 1922.

Making Their Mark at McLean Project for the Arts

Artist Renee Sandell hosts weekly gatherings during current exhibit.

Artist Renee Sandell is all about making her mark. In fact, she believes most of life is about people making their marks. That’s one of the reasons she has invited the community to participate in her exhibit, "Marking and Mapping: Finding Time, Space and Place," currently on display at the McLean Project for the Arts at the McLean Community Center.

Wolf Recalls Human Rights Crusades

Book tells his experiences with human rights violations around the world.

As a public servant for more than 30 years, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) has had his share of experiences. But it was a trip to Ethiopia in 1984 that he calls a "life changing experience," because it opened his eyes to human rights violations around the globe.

Langley Comes Up Big for Marshes

Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) recognized Langley community for supporting student through cancer battle.

When Langley High School volleyball player Maureen Marsh began experiencing knee pain her freshman year, doctors told her it was just growing pains. But the pain persisted, and trainers eventually found a small lump on her knee. A bone biopsy on Oct. 15, 2009 confirmed something else: a rare form of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma.

Fashion Walks on the Wild Side at Langley High

Langley High School hosts annual fashion show.

The Langley High School auditorium was transformed into a scene from "The Jungle Book" Saturday night, as they hosted their annual fashion show, "Walk Into the Wild." Students, faculty and families strode on the runway showing the latest in jungle-themed fashions.

Forum Examines Teen Dating Violence

Program addresses role of students, parents, bystanders.

Teenagers are often given statistics and lectures about what constitutes dating abuse, but the Feb. 9 program "What’s Love Got to do With it: Healthy Relationships and Dating" at McLean High School addressed the problem from a number of different angles.

Romney Addresses Technology Council

Presidential hopeful speaks on importance of innovation.

The Northern Virginia Technology Council welcomed Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney Friday, Feb. 10 at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The former Massachusetts governor spoke about his experiences in the world of business and the importance of allowing innovation to flourish.

Center Seeks Donated Dresses

RCC collects for annual Diva Central dress drive.

The Reston Community Center is collecting gently used formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags and other accessories for students who would otherwise be unable to afford prom attire as part of their annual Diva Central dress drive.

County Opens Proposal Process for Crescent Apartments

Requests for proposals are aimed to enhance affordable housing, aid in Lake Anne revitalization.

Fairfax County has started exploring opportunities to redevelop the Crescent Apartments, a 181-unit complex located just northeast of Lake Anne. The county began accepting Requests for Proposals Feb. 9.

UPS Store Helps With Costs of Learning

Store presents $10,000 worth of books to local schools and learning centers.

There were piles of extra packages around the UPS Store in the South Lakes Village Center Friday, Feb. 10. The stacked white boxes weren’t being shipped around the country, instead they were filled with books destined for local learning centers.

County Considers Meals Tax Referendum

>Last week, it looked as if the Virginia General Assembly might give Fairfax County something it has craved for years: the ability to generate new revenue through user fees, such as tax on restaurant meals, which would drive down the County’s reliance on property taxes.

Vienna Shopping Center Awards $1,000 to Madison High

The merchants of Vienna Shopping Center donated $1,000 to James Madison High School as part of the shopping center's Holiday Shopping Spree promotion.

Vienna’s Historic Love Story

Prominent Vienna couple celebrated 65th wedding anniversary on Feb. 8.

In 1946, World War II was over and men and women in the armed forces were returning home, some to the hugs of spouses and children, others to parents and siblings. Mayo Stuntz, born and raised in Vienna, was one of those young men returning as an eligible bachelor.

Vienna Resident ‘Plants’ a Church

Johnny Kurcina grew up in Vienna, opened Anglican Christ Church Vienna.

Johnny Kurcina grew up in Vienna, going to local schools, playing local sports. Like many teenage boys, Kurcina wanted to get away from his hometown after graduating from James Madison High School.

Flint Hill School Fills ‘Empty Bowls’ to Benefit the Hungry

For the second consecutive year, the students of Flint Hill School and their friends and family partnered to raise funds for DC Central Kitchen on Feb. 11.

Deputy Director of Public Works Appointed

Director of Public Works Dennis Johnson announced the selection of Michael Gallagher as the Town’s Deputy Director of Public Works on Feb. 8.

Editorial: Saving the Bay - A Good Investment

Cleaning up the water that runs into the Chesapeake Bay will help create jobs and economic activity in Virginia.

A plan to raise $300 million in bonds to upgrade wastewater treatment plants around the commonwealth stalled in a House of Delegates committee last week, a setback in meeting EPA requirements to clean up the water that leads to the Bay.

Oakton’s Mosaic Harmony: A Fountain of Black History

As the country celebrates Black History Month in February, Fairfax County has a multicultural interfaith choir that is spreading African-American culture in all of its concerts.

Column: "Diseased"

But not sickness. Not health, either, as last week’s column ended. At least that’s the way I characterize my having stage IV lung cancer. And I don’t know if I’m splitting hairs here, since I’ve never worked in a salon, although I do get my hair cut regularly; but I have been accused of speaking double-talk.

Obituary: Barbara Parkinson, 67, Longtime Connection Employee, Dies

Barbara Jean Parkinson, 67, of Sterling, Va., died Feb. 7, 2012 at her residence. Born on Sept. 17, 1944 in New York she was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Lundy.

Week in Vienna

Things happening in the Vienna area.

District Indoor Track and Field Championships Completed

South Lakes boys win Liberty ahead of second place Langley; Oakton girls capture Concorde crown.

The South Lakes High indoor track and field teams were victorious on both the boys’ and girls’ sides at the recent Liberty District championships, held over two days at the Prince George’s County Sportsplex in Maryland. The first day of postseason competition took place on Friday, Jan. 27. The second and final day of action was held last Thursday, Feb. 2.

Oakton Boys, Girls Capture Region Swim and Dive Titles

Next up for Oakton is state championships meet Feb. 17-18.

Oakton High’s varsity boys and girls swim and dive teams both won their respective Northern Region Championship meets this past Saturday night, Feb. 4 at the Oak Marr Recreation facility. The Oakton boys scored 281.5 points to finish first over second place Woodson (250) and third place Madison (217). The Oakton girls scored a winning 245 points with West Potomac (190) and Langley (181) finishing second and third.

Senior Night is Crenshaw Family Affair

Robinson’s Crenshaw helps lift Rams to victory

Robinson Secondary senior Tristian Crenshaw spent a lot of time as a child playing pickup basketball games with his grandparents James A. Boswell and Debbie Chandler-Boswell. But over time, those enjoyable games became less frequent.

30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder

‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’

Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections

The Play’s the Thing

Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.

Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.

Details of the Offense

In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.

Progress Report from Labor Resource Center

The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.

‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High

One-act play festival takes the stage.

Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Campbell Takes a Look Back

Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.

Heading for Huntsville

CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.

The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.

Valentine's Day Décor

In honor of Cupid's day, share ideas for sweetening a home or dining table.

Whether planning a dinner party for friends, a romantic meal for two or a breakfast surprise for children, local designers say simple accents can create a festive atmosphere on Valentine's Day.

Tightening Asbestos Regulations

Bill protecting workers passes Senate with unanimous vote.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Yet labor advocates say the people who are licensed to remove asbestos may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.

House on a Hill

Contemporary in Oakton transformed into welcoming southern colonial.

Hunstville, Ala. is a pretty small town-- yet it has three historic districts and more homes in the national register than most places twice its size. Growing up in such a community, Gina Jones is understandably attracted to welcoming porches and grand foyers--hallmarks of the antebellum style.

Remodeling: An Opportunity To Follow One’s Passion

Adding that personal touch.

Having remodeled thousands of projects over the past 25 years, our clients' reactions tell us that some of the most successful projects often address a specific passion or interest. Folks seem to be spending more and more time at home not only working, but also enriching their lives through personal interests.

Editorials: Access to Activities for Home Schoolers; Action in Richmond; Changes in Gun Laws

Families who home-school their children in this area take a burden off crowded schools, and off taxpayers who pay on average between $12,000 and $16,000 per year per child in school depending on where in Northern Virginia.

Best of Reston Named

Reston Interfaith, Chamber name annual award winners.

Four individuals and four organizations were named Best of Reston for 2012 at Google’s Reston headquarters Thursday. Feb. 2. The annual awards, which are awarded to those who serve their community, will be given at the 21st Best of Reston Awards April 12.

Great Falls Seniors Group Seeks Input

Group looks for feedback from seniors with needs, interested volunteers.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Seniors Group is seeking input from the community’s senior population, as well as those who might be interested in volunteering to provide services to seniors. The group, which hosted a town hall meeting last year, hopes to work with community organizations such as the Great Falls Ecumenical Council, Share, Inc and other nonprofits.

Extra Space Breaks Ground in Downtown McLean

Personal storage facility will be in office-like building, will contribute to downtown revitalization.

Fairfax County officials joined with members of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, the McLean Planning Committee and the McLean Revitalization Corporation to break ground on a new personal storage facility Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Great Falls Plans for Future of Resources

Grange, Forestville Schoolhouse, Riverbend Park to be discussed at meetings this month.

As Great Falls prepares for its future, two meetings this month will help the community decide what the next generation holds for several major landmarks.

President Comes to Area, Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights

Fairfax County housing advocates applauded President Barack Obama’s proposed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights, saying it will give homeowners critical protection from predatory lenders and important safeguards when they purchase a home.

VDOT Hoists Beam for 495 Express Lanes in Tysons Corner

VDOT and its construction partners Fluor-Lane erected the 495 Express Lanes Project’s largest beam over the 495 north (inner loop) lanes on Friday night, Feb. 4.

Column: Keeping Dulles Rail On Track

Henry Ford once said that you should not find fault, but find a remedy, because anyone can complain. I believe this principle describes our efforts over the last year to reduce the cost of Dulles Rail and keep it moving forward.

A Place of Love and Beauty

1st Stage presents ‘Almost, Maine.’

Smitten you can become with the delightful, upside-down quirkiness at the heart of "Almost, Maine" the current 1st Stage production.

‘Find the Fun Fair’ Comes to Vienna

Free activities, raffle prizes.

Hundreds of parents and their children turned out for www.playtodaydc.com’s public launch at Westwood Country Club on Feb. 4, a "Find the Fun Fair." Favorites activities, from inflatable bouncers to modified "t-ball," and business partners promoting their children’s offerings, ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They’re Making ‘100 Bowls of Soup’

Local entrepreneur wants to change processed food industry one bowl at a time.

Early in Katharine Mardirosian’s post-college life, she considered a career in international relations. A Harvard graduate, Mardirosian traveled and worked in eastern Europe and New York.

Column: Back On The Juice…

The chemotherapy juice, that is. Going forward now, every three weeks until I’ve completed six infusions, finishing sometime around mid May barring any foreseen – and previously experienced blips (meaning delays): levels, counts, readings, etc., that would compel my oncologist to stop åhe treatment and await results of a retest

Faith Notes (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community

Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Feb. 9-16.

Weekly entertainment in the Vienna, McLean, and Great Falls area.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Feb. 9-16.

Community events in the Vienna, McLean, and Great Falls area.

Cementing the Districts

Republicans try to lock in eight-to-three advantage in congressional redistricting.

Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape.

Madison Boys Making Progress in District Hoops

Senior guard Nate Favero is Warhawks’ top scorer this winter.

The Madison High boys’ basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak with a 52-38 win at Liberty District opponent Stone Bridge High in Ashburn on Jan. 20. Then, in their next game three days later at district rival McLean, the Warhawks nearly pulled off an upset victory in a 54-53 loss to the sizzling hot Highlanders.

Moderate Mutiny

With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb. In an interview on Thursday, Jan. 19, Kaine said he hopes to promote a "talent economy" in Washington. It’s a reality the former governor says has become evident in the last few decades, when Virginia moved from being one of the lowest median income states to being one of the wealthiest.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Lunar Chinese New Year festivities continued this past weekend, attracting hundreds of thousands of shoppers and visitors to Fair Oaks Mall. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the Chinese traditional calendar, based on the phases of the moon and the solar year. The year is 4710 and celebrates the dragon, which is considered the luckiest sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, power and good luck.

Commentary: Dulles Rail Phase II: A Common Sense Approach

This spring the Fairfax and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will be required to make a final decision to opt in or out of Phase II of the Dulles Rail project. Rail through Tysons past the airport and into Loudoun is the largest public works project in the history of the Commonwealth and it has significant financial implications to the counties, its residents and businesses, and especially to the users of the Dulles Toll Road. As the Dulles corridor and Tysons are the economic engines of the region and the Commonwealth the project also has telling implications on our future job growth.

Letter: Waste of Taxpayer Money

I recently received a "Richmond Update" from Del. Jim Le Munyon advising: "I have proposed an additional $400,000 in the state budget for the State Police to more effectively conduct background checks for individuals desiring to purchase a firearm. Recently, a constituent brought to my attention the significant delays some purchasers were experiencing in receiving the results of their background checks …"

Brookfield Explosion: A Year Later

Questions still remain; SCC finds probable gas-company violations.

One minute, Thuan Nguyen and his family lived in a two-story house in Chantilly’s Brookfield community. The next minute, it was gone — blown sky high in a gas explosion and burned to the ground.

Remembering Harry Heisler

Wife mourns husband of 28 years.

Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.

Fulfilling a Dream

Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.

Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."

‘We’re Really Frustrated’

Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.

Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.

Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace

At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.

SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?

State and gas company disagree over report.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.

Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly

Windows smashed, property damaged.

The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.

President Announces Homeowners Bill of Rights

Gives speech to crowd at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church.

Calling the continuing depression in the housing market a "make-or-break" moment for the middle class, President Barack Obama delivered a short and pointed speech this morning about his proposed Homeowner’s Bill of Rights to an audience in Falls Church.

Fanquest at Oakton High

McLean, Oakton High Special Olympics basketball teams face off in a sold-out game.

Fanquest 2012 was held Saturday evening at Oakton HS featuring a game between the Oakton HS and McLean HS Special Olympics basketball teams.

Column: "Progression"

There’s a word – in a medical context, anyway, that you don’t hear every day. And if you’re a stage IV lung cancer survivor – like me, 35 months post-diagnosis, it’s hardly the word you ever want to hear – or see – describing the most recent CT Scan of your lungs (Mediastinum) where your malignant tumors have been in "partial stable remission" going on two-plus years now. "Progression" means growth. Growth means the relative calm under which you’ve existed for the last few years is officially over.

She’s Got ‘Stage Presence’

Student placement auditions Feb. 1 and 2.

Stacey Jones has been engaged in dance and theatre pretty much her whole life. She sang in school choruses and performed in musical theatre in high school.

Opening Doors to Part-time Careers

Flexforce Professionals pairs experienced professional women with local companies.

If it weren’t for three highly-educated, resourceful local moms who wanted to be home when the school bus arrived, there would, probably, be no "Flexforce Professionals" today.

Comedy Club Opens in Vienna

The Back Room really is a back room.

To its list of social events, Vienna has now added "comedy club."

Madison Grad Stars in Spamalot

Rowan comes back to area in March.

In a musical replete with flying cows, insults involving hamsters and flatulent Frenchmen, Arthur Rowan, 1997 graduate of James Madison High School in Vienna and former actor with the Reston Players, plays the straight man.

Hair Cutting, Skin Care at Marshall High

Cosmetology class teaches real-life skills.

Following the twisted hallways inside Marshall High School leads to the side of the school not known to many where classes like Cosmetology are held.