Saturday, June 30
Severe Storms Rock Region; 1.5 Million Homes Without Power
Virginia Governor announces State of Emergency.
Following the aftermath of last night's surprise thunderstorms, many local residents woke up to significant amount of damage. Fallen trees and branches were spread across the area, and power outages were abundant.
Friday, June 29
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
June 29-July 6.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
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Wednesday, June 27
A Decision Time for Silver Line
Deadline approaches for Loudoun County Board vote on extending the rail into county.
Whoever coined the quip "like herding cats," must have had in mind the financing of the Dulles Rail Project. It requires getting consensus from two county boards of supervisors, Fairfax and Loudoun, the Federal government, the Virginia government and therefore the governor and state legislature and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority.
Flint Hill School’s Coach Attends White House Celebration of Title IX
Jody Patrick, Flint Hill School’s head varsity girls’ basketball coach and P.E. teacher, was invited to attend a special function at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, June 20, to mark the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark statute that ensures equity between boys and girls for all educational programs that receive federal funding.
Amanda Tiede of Vienna Named LLC Woman of the Year
Tommy Cleaver, CBRE executive, and Amanda Tiede, a Vice President at Cassidy Turley, were named the National Capital Area Chapter’s 2012 Man & Woman of the Year at Saturday’s Grand Finale Gala at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.
Oakton Graduates Urged to Question
Oakton High School seniors received diplomas on Tuesday.
The Patriot Center filled with families and friends on Tuesday, June 19, each seeking out the best vantage point from which to watch their children, siblings, and friends graduate from Oakton High School.
Ryan, Zekowski Win Neighborhood’s Scholarship
Sean Ryan, son of Linda and Michael Ryan and Thomas Zekowski, son of Kathleen and David Zekowski, were the winners of the Second Annual Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association (DLWCA) Scholarship.
Summer’s in Session in Vienna
Fun abounds throughout town.
From toddler to teen, 20-something to Social Security, there are activities and events in Vienna to please any age demographic. Most, unbelievably, are free.
Town Green Rocks with Kiddie-Rock
Rocknoceros Kicks Off Kids’ Concert Series on Town Green with huge crowd.
On June 20, local kiddie-rock stars Rocknoceros kicked off the children’s concert series on the Town Green. One could hardly find grass among the ground cover of blankets and lawn chairs and humans of all ages and heights, from newborns in carriers to grandparents.
Vintage Baseball Game Draws Fans, History Buffs
Baseball played by 1864 rules comes to Vienna.
A Mid-Atlantic Vintage baseball tournament and living history exhibition on June 23 continued Vienna’s sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War.
Pedestrian Bridge Opens at Wolf Trap
Congressman Jim Moran (D-8) spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new pedestrian bridge over the Dulles Toll Road, connecting the two main facilities at the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center.
Scholarship Promotes Knowledge of History, Government
With a seven minute speech about the importance of history and knowledge of government, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) presented the National Heritage Scholarship at Oakton High School in May to kick-off the school’s annual award night.
Gang Task Force Receives $850,000
The fight against gang activity in Northern Virginia received a financial boost last week in the form of an $850,000 check from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.
Column: A GAP In My Thinking
Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to buy a new car (in this instance, “new” means different, not a current model year). Estimated repairs at 137,000 miles that could have escalated into the unknown – and unaffordable – thousands compelled me to fish so I wouldn’t have my bait cut (and I don’t even like to fish).
Tuesday, June 26
Having Fun Along the Potomac
Riverbend, Great Falls Parks offer summer activities.
The Potomac River makes up the eastern border of Great Falls, and this summer the two parks located alongside it will be brimming with summer activities over the next few months, as Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park will host a variety of classes, trips and educational sessions.
Great Falls Couple Explore Local Day Trips
Beth and David Sansbury chronicle ‘52 Perfect Day Trips.’
Great Falls residents Beth and David Sansbury are no strangers to travel. The two of them count 67 countries they’ve visited. But after long careers in the CIA, they had enough of being cooped up in an office. So after retirement, they began spending their days outdoors pursuing their true passions: hiking, biking, kayaking and touring local attractions.
Enjoying Summer in McLean
Fourth of July, revamped Block Party highlight summer events.
This summer in McLean will start off with an annual celebration and conclude with a revamped version of one of the community’s signature youth events. The annual Fourth of July fireworks show will take place Wednesday, July 4 at Langley High School, with grounds opening up at 8 p.m.
Fighting Capital Punishment
Anti-death penalty advocates speak at St. John Neumann.
For most people, the death penalty is a concept that occasionally intersects their lives in the form of news reports about people from across the country. But for others, it is something that has taken someone away from them, or threatens to. St. John Neumann Catholic Church hosted a panel discussion of members of Journey to Hope, a group consisting of families of murder victims, as well as others who have been touched by the death penalty in America.
Editorial: Case Closed. Why the Secrecy?
No reason for police to exercise "blanket" approach, shielding every document in every case.
Connection readers know that we respect and appreciate our public safety professionals.
Monday, June 25
Even in Closed Cases, Police Maintain Culture of Secrecy
Public must rely on information police agencies choose to share, even if it's wrong.
In December of 2008, the Fairfax Police Department chased 19-year-old Hailu Brook across the county line into Arlington and shot him dead.
Friday, June 22
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
June 22-29
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Thursday, June 21
Fairfax Board Objects to Governor’s Transit Funding Game
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed a regional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton on Tuesday, June 19, objecting to the administration’s attempt to circumvent the efficient transit funding system used successfully in Northern Virginia for decades.
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Wednesday, June 20
Honoring Outstanding Student-Athletes
17th Annual Scholarship Hall of Fame Banquet recognizes former VYI players.
June 12 marked the 17th annual presentation of the Vienna Youth Inc.
Student Supporters Honored for Dedication
Delta Kappa Gamma education society recognizes selfless missions at awards banquet.
Local school staff and community groups, from building supervisor to principals and Vienna Optimists, were recognized by the Vienna-area chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma education society for going beyond job descriptions to benefit school children.
Civil War-era Baseball Comes to Vienna
1864-rules games, exhibits, highlight the Civil War Living History Exhibition.
Baseball, as played 150 years ago – except for beaning the runner – comes to Vienna on Saturday, June 23, as three 1864-rules teams play a series of exhibition games for the community.
Madison High Graduates Class of 2012
"Four score and zero years ago they entered as freshmen at James Madison High," said Forrest Schmidt, Senior Class President of 2012, in her opening speech. Schmidt talked about the ups and downs of high school and, while they may not remember everything taught, they will never forget each other.
Column: Where To Begin?
I realize this admission may sound weird, but having cancer is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky to be alive, and quite happy about it, too. But waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. some bad cancer news to appear (lab work, scan, advisory from my oncologist), is tiresome because it’s always so worrisome.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
Supporting Local Schools
Celebrate Great Falls raises more than $18,000 for local elementary schools.
Members of Celebrate Great Falls presented a check for $18,125 to members of the Forestville, Colvin Run and Great Falls Elementary Schools. The money, which was raised at the annual golf tournament Monday, June 4, puts the total donated to local schools from the golf tournament at more than $98,000 in the last five years.
Share Hosts Benefit Concert
Local musicians play to support local nonprofit.
Charles Wesley United Methodist Church hosted their third annual benefit concert for Share of McLean, a local nonprofit that assists the needy in the McLean area. Share’s five-fold mission includes a food pantry, clothing room, transportation to medical appointments, family assistance in the form of rent or utility payments and furniture delivery.
Highlander Class of 2012 Graduates
McLean High School says farewell to 428 seniors.
The 428 members of the McLean High School Class of 2012 gathered for the final time at DAR Constitution Hall Thursday, June 14 for the school’s annual commencement ceremony. The students donned their red caps and gowns to celebrate the end of their time at McLean High and to celebrate their future.
McLean Rotary Names Business Person of Year
Christopher Fay recognized for efforts with Homestretch.
The McLean Rotary Club named its Business Person of the Year during their Tuesday, June 12 meeting, honoring Christopher Fay of Homestretch, a Falls Church-based nonprofit that provides homeless families with the ability to secure permanent housing, as well as obtain the skills needed to obtain self-sufficiency.
Langley Class of 2012 Graduates
School graduates 486 seniors.
Almost 500 seniors graduated from Langley High School Thursday, June 14 at DAR Constitution Hall. The Class of 2012 sent 486 seniors across the platform, with most looking ready and eager to take on the next phase of their lives.
Tuesday, June 19
Making the Most of Summer
Advice for planning warm weather activities for children.
"I’m bored, there’s nothing to do," is a phrase often uttered by children during the summer. The end of the school year leaves many parents scrambling for activities to keep their young ones active and stimulated. Experts say it is important to plan activities to keep children safe and out of trouble.
Editorial: Summer Projects
Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Connection.
The summer is in full swing at the Connection, with many interns and staff members focused on some light and some more serious summer projects.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: May, 2012
In May 2012, 125 homes sold between $2,076,993-$189,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales in May, 2012
Monday, June 18
It's Cougars All the Way
Oakton girls lacrosse, in return trip to state finals, finishes deal.
A year after losing in the state title game, the Oakton High girls' lacrosse team took the next step and won this year's state crown when the Cougars defeated Langley High, 12-7, in the finals game played last Saturday evening, June 9 at Westfield High School. It marked the fourth state championship triumph in the history of the Oakton girls' lacrosse program and came one year after the Cougars had reached the state title game before losing to Vienna cross-town rival Madison.
Friday, June 15
Father's Day Photo Gallery 2012
We asked our readers to send in pictures in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, June 17. Here are their submissions.
Thursday, June 14
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
June 15-22.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Davis, Krage Lead Oakton Softball to States
Allison Davis and Mandy Krage lifted the Oakton softball team into the state tournament.
Wednesday, June 13
Welcoming the Dragon
Great Falls Elementary School hosts annual performance of "The Enormous Turnip."
The students in the Japanese Immersion Program at Great Falls Elementary School held their annual performance of "The Enormous Turnip" Friday, June 8. Based on a Russian fairy tale, the story is about a farmer who recruits an assortment of characters to help him remove an enormous turnip from the ground.
Jones Strives to Personalize Patient Care
Concierge Principal Medical Group celebrates one year in McLean.
Working in a hospital, Dr. David Jones was able to see firsthand the delays and inconveniences of many current medical practices. So he decided to go, in his words, "back to the way medicine was 30, 40 years ago," and started a concierge practice in McLean a year ago. On Thursday, June 7, Jones celebrated one year in business with the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce at his Beverly Road Office.
SCC Honors Partners
Coalition recognizes volunteers, officials for efforts over past school year.
The Safe Community Coalition honored dozens of individuals and organizations at their annual members meeting Tuesday, June 5 at the McLean Community Center. The primarily volunteer-run organization coordinates various activities and events designed to raise awareness of issues faced by youths, mostly in the Langley and McLean High School pyramids.
Planning for Tysons Future
Officials provide update on Tysons redevelopment, 495 Express lanes, Metro Silver Line.
This month marks two years since the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Tysons Corner. The plan is aimed at making Tysons into an urban center, which Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova says will bring in 100,000 residents and 200,000 jobs by 2050.
Latest Downtown Revitalization Project Breaks Ground
Project will place overhead utility wires underground at intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road.
Local county and business officials gathered at the peninsula at the intersection of Elm Street, Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road Thursday, June 7 to break ground on an underground utility project that is a major step in the revitalization of downtown McLean. The project will place underground all electric and communications lines from the Shell station at the intersection west on Old Dominion Drive and from the Starbucks to the McLean Cleaners along Chain Bridge Road.
Local Art Supports Local Charity
Langley senior organization charity art sale.
Langley High School senior Gabriella Jacobsen has always been interested in art. Art runs in her family, through her grandmother and mother, and while Jacobsen enjoys creating art as well, she’s also interested in the practical side. She used this side Saturday, June 9 to hold a charity art sale at Langley to benefit the Gandhi Brigade, a Maryland-based nonprofit.
Connecting to Their Community
Langley High School Community Service Club celebrates first year.
The Langley High School Community Service Club celebrated their first year of existence Friday, June 8 at The Old Brogue. Club members volunteered at 11 different events for a total of more than 300 hours around the area during the year, from helping pack meals for the homeless to spending time with the residents of Vinson Hall, a nursing home.
Staying Safe This Summer
Neighborhood Resource Center hosts safety briefing.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department hosted a summer safety briefing Thursday, June 7 at the Neighborhood Resource Center in Herndon. Lt. Bill Vance of Station Four on Spring Street explained some of the more common summer safety hazards.
Volunteers Prep Townhouse
Long & Foster employees ready townhouse for occupation by family in need.
Members of the Long & Foster Reston office on Wiehle Avenue became handymen for the day, as almost a dozen employees gathered at a Reston townhouse owned by Reston Interfaith to prepare it for a family in need.
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Editorial: Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, benefit public good and fill gaps since government cannot do it all.
A few weeks ago, the Connection was lucky enough to be included in a group of Fairfax County organizations honored for their efforts in giving back to the community.
Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Vienna Youth Soccer to Hold Food Drive
Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) is sponsoring their third iCAN! Food Drive to benefit Food for Others on June 16, between 9 a.m. – 1p.m. at Giant in Vienna.
Music for Khristin
Vienna Idol, Kyllopalooza benefit Khristin Kyllo Memorial Fund.
For two weather-perfect weekend evenings, the Vienna Town Green thundered in music, from soloists to bands, pop to folk, all in the memory of Vienna student Khristin Kyllo.
Book Sale a Big Vienna Draw
People from across region gather to browse over thousands of books.
Historic Vienna, Inc.’s annual two-day mega-book sale covered all day June 9 and 10. Tents covered the rows and rows of genre-organized books, thousands and thousands of them.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Learning from His Father’s Mistakes
Growing up estranged from his own father, one man decides to give his sons a different life.
Wanting the best for my two sons yet having concerns about raising them properly, my wife and I looked into various parenting education programs offered through Fairfax County. This is how I discovered the Fathers In Touch Program.
Thursday, June 7
Tough Final Week For Madison Softball
Rams end Warhawks' successful season.
The Madison High girls' softball team saw its season end in disappointing fashion with a pair of postseason losses. Nevertheless, it was an overall successful and winning campaign for head coach John Schneeberger's Warhawks.
Wednesday, June 6
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
Celebrating Women’s Rights
Ann Dexter Gordon receives 2012 Silent Sentinel Award in Vienna.
Women’s history was front and center in Vienna last week at a gala reception announcing the 2012 recipient of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Silent Sentinel Award.
Week in Vienna
News in Vienna.
Democrats Gather for Petersen’s Fundraiser
They weren’t all young, and they weren’t all lawyers, but they were most definitely all democrats at State Sen. Chap Petersen’s annual "Young Lawyers" party held at ICONS in downtown Fairfax on Thursday, March 31.
Four Decades of Helping Teens
Alternative House helps youth with no place to call home.
Driving up to the Alternative House, there is already a sense of welcome: as you enter, the walls are decorated with posters made by teens depicting their dreams and hopes for the future, like going to college, having a family, or finding the perfect job, the hopes and dreams that the house strives to help them achieve.
Freeman Store Earns Placement on National Register Of Historic Places
On May 15, the National Park Service announced its placement of the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church Street NE, on the National Register of Historic Places. The Freeman Store and Museum was previously listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and is the only structure in Town to hold these highly sought after designations.
Vienna Farmers Market Gearing Up for Summer
Spring stock giving way to hot-weather favorites.
The Vienna Farmers Market is boasting a colorful palette of produce now, from spring-like floral pastels to the richer hues of red strawberries and deep-green kale. In between are local meats, freshly-made breads, sweets, herb mixes and granola to hot-off-the-stove prepared small dishes.
Boulevard Extension, Ramps Questioned
Westbriar-area residents upset over proposals for new exit ramps.
If remarks by residents and applause from the audience were an indication of the emotional climate at the open house meeting hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation on May 31 at Westbriar Elementary School, the consensus was that the plan to extend Boone Boulevard, destroying Tysons’ only remaining forest, was a bad proposal that never should have gone to the table. That a developer – JGB – supports the position of homeowners, brought two traditionally-adversarial fronts together in a moment of unity.
Blessing Pets in Vienna
Antioch Christian Church holds second pet blessing on June 1.
Under big shade trees on a sunny June 1, Pastor Randy Beeman of Antioch Christian Church blessed pets there in the flesh and those there in spirit. They came from Vienna, Reston and Herndon seeking grace for their pets, part of the family. It was the second annual public pet blessing since Beeman became pastor of the small white church on Beulah Road.
Pedestrian Enforcement in Merrifield District
After two pedestrians have been struck so far in 2012 and a subsequent education campaign, officers began active enforcement of pedestrian crossing violations on Gallows Road near the Dunn Loring Metro station on Monday, June 4.
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Great Falls Troop 1991 Bronze Recipients
Great Falls Junior Girl Scout Troop 1991 members Isabelle Saba, Nicole Haley, Eliza Pastore, Ale Van Scoyoc, Julianna Grimson and Jacqueline Grimson received the Bronze Award at a ceremony on May 24 at Christ the King Church in Great Falls. The Bronze Award is the highest award in Junior Girl Scouts.
Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Tuesday, June 5
Reston Hosts Sprint Triathlon
Event raises money for Reston Interfaith.
Eight hundred swimmers, cyclists and runners showed up to do all three the morning of Sunday, June 3 at Lake Newport Pool and the surrounding roads for the sixth annual Reston Sprint Triathlon. The event was hosted by the Reston Association and the CORE Foundation, which assists nonprofit fundraising.
Langley Alumni Gather on the Diamond
Alumni defeat varsity 10-9 in first ever match.
Members of Celebrate Great Falls and other residents spent the weekend taking part in traditions old and new, bringing together old and young as part of the first Great Falls Days events.
Farmers Market Going Strong in New Location
Weekly market features locally grown produce, meats, beauty products.
Every Saturday morning the Great Falls Farmers Market offers fresh produce and other unique, homemade goods, of which many come directly from Great Falls itself. Now located at the Great Falls Village Centre (in the parking lot next to Wells Fargo) every Saturday, it features a variety of vendors both returning and new.
Sweet Filling For Empty Bowls
McLean community picks up bowls for fundraiser.
Members of the McLean High School community returned to the school Thursday, May 31 to pick up hundreds of bowls they made last March and to help raise funds to combat worldwide hunger. On March 1, students, families and school staff came to make bowls out of one-pound lumps of clay, and after months of work from the school’s ceramics students, those bowls and more were available for a donation to Stop Hunger Now.
MPA Paints in the Park
Children, professional artists celebrate McLean Project for the Arts’ 50th anniversary.
As part of their celebration of 50 years in existence, the McLean Project for the Arts hosted a "Painting in the Park" exhibition Sunday, June 3 in McLean Central Park. The community’s youngest artists were invited out to help make cupcakes out of clay and other crafts, while the professional artists were invited to take advantage of whatever inspiration the clear, sunny day had to offer.
Friday, June 1
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.