Thursday, September 27
Trio Leads Huskies to 9-1 Start
Flint Hill volleyball sweeps Oakton.
Flint Hill swept Oakton in a private-public school volleyball matchup.
Classified Advertising Sept 26, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
The Retina Group of Washington Opens Tysons Office
The Retina Group of Washington (RGW) recently opened an office in Tysons Corner (8219 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120, Vienna), the practice’s sixth location in Virginia, as it continues to provide the most complete retinal and macular health care in the area.
Talents Galore at ‘Arts by George!’
The 7th annual George Mason University ‘Arts by George!’ to be held on Saturday, Sept. 29.
A bevy of incredible talent is set to entertain as the seventh annual George Mason University "Arts by George!" is coming on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. Arts by George! will take place in the de Laski Performing Arts Building on Mason’s Fairfax Campus, as well as Harris Theater and a tented plaza next to the performing arts building.
Week in Vienna
Textbooks Africa in concert with Model Inc. presents “Take Notes!” Dinner and Fashion Show on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Patriot Hall in Vienna. Textbooks Africa collects and ships used textbooks, library books and computers to schoolchildren in Africa. This non-profit brings together two vital concerns: education and the environment. Executive French Chef Bruno Bertin will present a full banquet menu. VIP tickets include wine pairings. Fashion show will feature an array of local emerging designers. Tickets available at http://textbooksafrica.org/events/.
Fall Fun Finds in Vienna
Event-filled season begins now.
Fall is the festive season in Vienna. There are the traditional annual events—from the Halloween parade to the Church Street Holiday Stroll and everything in-between—to new multi-generational activities. Local holiday craft fairs and bazaars are big, as are elementary school book fairs, a great place to buy holiday gifts for children that not only make them happy, but, support the schools as well. One of the nicest parts about school book fairs is that anybody can visit and buy.
Vienna Businesses Form a New Community Association
Vienna businesses are building their own association.
Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but, if Vienna businesses wrote a song, they would lament that the newly-renamed and newly-relocated Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce left its heart in Vienna. When the Chamber changed its name from the ViennaTysons Regional Chamber of Commerce, it also announced a move out of Vienna to Tysons Corner. That did not sit well with several Vienna businesses, neighbors who feel they are the business heart of Vienna. “The surprise came not so much as the move as it was the name change,” said VBA co-organizer Kathy Georgen of Georgen and Scarborough.
McLean's Cordial Debate Turns Controversial
Allen, Kaine battle for Northern Virginia votes.
“I’m open to dialogue, and I don’t see how openness is something controversial.” —Tim Kaine "If you want a job, you ought to join the Allen team.” —George Allen
Fairfax County Fall Fun Calendar
Along with the seasonal changes of fall—“sweater weather,” the oft-sighted decorative pumpkin, new menus and produce, and the swath of color across the treeline in every direction—come the fall events. Apple picking, parading through town in costume and spending time enjoying fall in Fairfax County are musts. Here are some favorite events to aid and abet your celebration of the season at hand.
Wednesday, September 26
Column: My Team
Not literally, of course. Nor am I the coach or the general manager. But I do feel like an owner, in that there are people that I invest in – again not literally, but definitely emotionally.
Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon
Police make discovery during welfare check, believe husband killed family before turning gun on himself.
A Herndon family of four was found dead in their home on Point Rider Lane the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fairfax County Police responded after a co-worker of one of the family members reported that they had not been to work this week.
Lake Anne Hosts Annual Multicultural Festival
Event features day of international culture, food.
Saturday, Sept. 22 marked the first time Jesse Ekland and Alicia Morales attended the Reston Multicultural Festival as a couple, but they used it to celebrate their anniversary anyway. That’s because it served as a catalyst for their relationship.
Keeping Tysons Corner Moving
Event provides updates on 495 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail.
In the next 15 months, Tysons Corner will see almost $5 billion in new transportation projects come online.
Seniors Group Takes Next Step
County approves proposal, next event set for Oct. 2 at Great Falls Park.
The Great Falls Senior Center Without Walls held its latest event Tuesday, Sept. 11 and had their proposal approved the same day by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The center seeks to join 13 other facilities in the County that are dedicated to meeting the needs of the senior community.
Friends and Newcomers Award Scholarships
Four local students awarded funds for college education.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club awarded scholarships to four local students Tuesday, Sept. 18, as part of their annual community outreach.
Finding Fall Fun in Great Falls
Spooktacular, horse shows highlight fall in Great Falls.
Many of Great Falls’ signature features will be in use this fall, including the Village Green and Turner Farm. The Great Falls Village Green will be the site of this year’s annual Spooktacular, where pets, children and parents alike can show off their costumes for the whole community.
Friday, September 21
Black Chamber of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Night Mixer
With access to capital and opportunity for growth at an alarming low for black-owned businesses, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on this small business crisis at the 4th Annual Candidates’ Night reception on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Hilton, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield. The annual nonpartisan NVBCC Candidates’ Night Mixer gives candidates and elected officials the opportunity to meet business owners face-to-face, and allows members of the African American community the chance to express their concerns about the future of Northern Virginia. Already, a dozen candidates and elected officials have been confirmed.
Area Roundups
Financial crimes detectives were alerted to the issue when they began to receive complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and, primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines. An alert customer spotted the skimming device on the machine and contacted hospital security who immediately called police on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Dam Project Worries South Run Residents
South Run residents want unofficial park entryway shut down permanently.
Chris Amans and his wife, Brenda Riffe, have lived in the leafy neighborhood of South Run in Fairfax Station since the community was developed in the mid-1980s. Bordered by Lee Chapel Road, Route 123, and the Fairfax County Parkway, many of the community’s 500 homes, which sell for close to $1 million, back up to Burke Lake Park. While they love the neighborhood’s mature trees, expansive 1/2-acre lots and access to Burke Lake Park, they have never been happy with the fact that their Laketree Drive cul-de-sac has become an unofficial entrance to the popular Burke Lake trails.
County Combats Chronic Homelessness
Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’
Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.
Classified Advertising Sept 19, 2012
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Wednesday, September 19
Marshall Goes Undefeated, Places Third at Field Hockey Invite
Scoring format leaves Statesmen out of championship game.
Marshall finished 4-0 at the two-day Herndon Invitational on Sept. 14-15.
Column: Refillable. Rechargeable. Reusable.
More like replaceable. Obviously, I want to remain positive and believe that today is not a good day to die (Worf from “Star Trek: Next Generation”) and that there will be many more tomorrows to live for and days beyond that to plan for. However, having a terminal disease has a tendency to darken up those rose-colored glasses.
A Farce That Never Lets Up
"Suite Surrender" now at 1st Stage in Tysons.
If you like your farce with loud bull-horn voices, lots of slamming doors, and telegraphed actions, then the 1st Stage production of "Suite Surrender" by Michael McKeever is for you.
Week in Vienna
Community meetings to discuss proposed garage, deadline for nominations for Northern Virginia Leadership Awards, McLean AAUW to host an open house, and The Business Bank promotes Dough McAlpine
Vienna Gardens Open to Visitors
Vienna Sustainability Garden Tour showcases innovative conservative ideas.
The 2nd Annual Vienna Sustainability Home & Garden Tour is a paean to conservation and a resourceful means of creating sustainability. From homemade deer fencing to energy-efficient homes, the 11 homes and single business participating in the Sept. 16 tour showcased vegetable and flower gardens that thrive in Northern Virginia.
Fall Farmers’ Market Brings in the Best of Autumn
Vienna market showcasing pumpkins, root vegetable and hardy flowering plants.
The Vienna Farmers’ Market—on Church Street, in the caboose parking lot—is transitioning from summer harvest to fall specialties, all this under sunny blue skies and crisp air. If you’ve been waiting for that first seasonal bite of crunchy, juicy locally-grown apples, now is your time.
Marshall High's Model UN Conference Focuses on Cyber Security
Cyber security and the threats posed to national infrastructure and economic networks will be the focus of Marshall High School’s ninth annual My First Model United Nations (UN) training conference on Saturday, Oct. 13.
Growing Hope in Vienna
For families looking for free family fun, look no further than the Vienna Town Green on Saturday, Sept. 29. For the seventh consecutive year, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna hosts its annual Walk & Family Fun Day for Growing Hope, a local nonprofit resource dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.
Celebrating Public Art in Reston
IPAR kicks off new exhibit at Reston Museum.
In his founding principles for Reston, Robert Simon mentioned the need for public art several times. The Initiative for Public Art-Reston presented a history of public art in Reston Saturday, Sept. 15, celebrating several major art projects that form the core of Reston.
Multicultural Festival Comes to Lake Anne
Annual event features food, culture and more from variety of nations.
Lake Anne will host Reston’s annual Multicultural Festival Saturday, Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is designed to celebrate Reston’s diversity, with live performances, arts and even a book fair. A signature part of the festival the past few years has been a naturalization ceremony for recent immigrants to the United States.
Reilly Takes Reins at McLean High School
New principal comes from Herndon High School.
Ellen Reilly has been named principal at McLean High School, replacing Dr. Deborah Jackson, who left in July. Reilly comes to McLean High from Herndon High School, where she served as an assistant principal. She previously served as an assistant principal at Oakton High School, and as an American Sign Language teacher at Falls Church High School and Mantua Elementary School.
5K to Support Military Housing
Second annual run to feaure at least 23 wounded warriors.
The streets of downtown McLean will be transformed into a race track Saturday, Oct. 6, as the second annual McLean 5K Run With the Warriors race is held. The event is hosted by Vinson Hall, which is a retirement community that houses more than 200 retired military and government personnel.
Great Falls Remembers 9/11
Annual ceremony marks 11 years since attacks.
Several dozen Great Falls residents gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Tuesday, Sept. 11 to pay tribute to those lost on that day, particularly six Great Falls residents that were killed when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.
Thursday, September 13
QB Downer Leads Oakton Football Past South County
Senior throws three touchdown passes, runs for one.
Oakton quarterback Kyle Downer led the Cougars to a 28-21 victory against South County on Sept. 7.
Local Real Estate: July 2012 Top Sales in Great Falls, McLean, Oak Hill, Reston, Oakton and Vienna
Local Real Estate: July 2012 Top Sales in Great Falls, McLean, Oak Hill, Reston, Oakton and Vienna
Madison Football Beats Woodson
The Madison football team defeated Woodson, 39-13, on Sept. 7 for its first win of the season
Vienna/McLean/Great Falls Calendar, Sept. 27-
Send announcements to vienna@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
New Ramp Opens at Tysons
A new ramp and flyover bridge connecting the eastbound Dulles Airport Access Highway to I-495 opened to traffic on Saturday, Sept. 8. The ramp provides a direct connection to the northbound and southbound Capital Beltway (I-495), improving safety and convenience for traffic near the interchange.
Week in Vienna
At the Sept. 10 Town Council meeting, Council approved a water service agreement with Fairfax County Water Authority to ultimately deliver up to 2.9 million gallons per day at a rate of $1.98 per 1,000 gallons of consumption effective Oct. 1, 2012.
A Miracle at Antioch Christian Church
Last week the Antioch Christian church on Beulah Road in Vienna experienced sadness and a miracle all at the same time: while Pastor Randy Beeman was in his office, he experienced a giant earth-shaking moment. He assumed it was another earthquake in our area or a possible crash on Beulah Road. As he looked out his window he saw one of the youth of the church, Alex Morabito, running in the yard and the pastor thought that she might have been involved in a car accident or had witnessed one.
Vienna/McLean/Great Falls Bulletin, Sept. 13-19
Whether you're looking for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, trying to improve your public speaking skills or looking to seek support or new friends, look at the Bulletin Board for help.
Bellini Salon & MedEsthetics Hosts ‘Princess Day’
Mrs. Virginia and Mrs. District of Columbia join Bellini Salon & MedEsthetics in support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving for their Princess Day event on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help MADD raise money in support of their cause.
‘Home Energy Makeover Contest’ for Area Residents
The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is sponsoring a Home Energy Makeover Contest in Northern Virginia in order to promote awareness of energy efficiency in the Northern Virginia area.
Letter: Energy Efficiency: It’s in our Homes and Wallet
The word sustainability scares some people, but energy efficiency just makes common sense and is one of the ways that sustainability becomes tangible for people. As we encounter rising energy costs in every aspect of our lives, it just makes sense to make our homes and the systems that run them cheaper and more environmentally responsible. We spend much of our time at home with family and friends, and homes have a huge impact on energy consumption and the health of the planet. The good news is that you can take charge and make a big difference. The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) in Charlottesville, Va. has helped many families in Central Virginia and Northern Virginia.
Letter: Vienna Youth, Inc. Thanks Area Businesses
I want to extend my thanks to all the area businesses and citizens who contributed to and cooperated with VYI in what was Vienna Youth’s 42nd annual Booster Day. Thanks to your generosity, patience and tolerance, we were able to raise nearly $50,000.
Wednesday, September 12
Classified Advertising Sept. 12, 2012
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Marshall Renovation, Celebration Goes On
Marshall High celebrates 50 years of academics and sports.
“We are very lucky all our kids graduated from Marshall,” said Rennert. “It’s a little jewel in Tysons Corner.”
Coffee for a Cure at Caffe Amouri
Lymphoma survivor leads team to fundraise on behalf of lymphoma research.
“Until 1995, my lymphoma was a death sentence … Because of research, there are many of us who are alive. My medicines were not around five years ago, and here I am, cancer-free.” —Valerie Kappler, Vienna, Remission Rider
Column: Trip Without a Fall
Recently, for the first time in nearly two years, I took a trip without having my car. Significant to me in that not “having my car” meant not being able to transport/have all my cancer things.
Tuesday, September 11
Great Falls Native Finding the Beat
Patrick Drohan and band, Atlas Road Crew, ready first EP.
Summers on Atlas Road in Columbia, S.C. can get very hot. Especially if they are five people and their various musical instruments crammed into a storage unit to play together. That’s how Great Falls native Patrick Drohan and his band, Atlas Road Crew, spend their time.
Pike Named to National Historic Register
Designation includes stretch of original road, now Dolley Madison Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road.
Georgetown Pike was named to the National Register of Historic Places Wednesday Aug. 22, giving the 14.4 miles of road from the Virginia-Washington, D.C. border to Leesburg Pike the recognition that many locals feel it deserves.
Bugler Plays Tributes All Over Town
Ted Smith commemorates 9/11 anniversary by playing ‘Taps’ at local schools, fire station.
Sarah Reeves was walking her niece to Haycock Elementary School at around 8:45 the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, when she saw a crowd waiting outside the school. As she slowed down to see what was going on, she heard the mournful sound of a bugle playing "Taps" in front of the flags at half-mast.
‘Strawman’ Charts Tysons Future
Potential taxpayer burdens still not defined.
The Tysons Corner Planning Committee has released the fourth iteration of their recommendations for redevelopment. The set of recommendations, nicknamed "Strawman," lay out the parameters for the anticipated 113 million square feet of development that Tysons Corner is expected to undergo by 2050.
Vienna Remembers 9/11
Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 partners with town to honor the dead and the brave of Sept. 11, 2001.
Sept. 11, 2012, was eerily similar to the warm, sunny day 11 years ago when terrorists hijacked four American jetliners, slamming them into buildings and the ground. As much of a day of infamy as was the attack on Pearl Harbor, Sept. 11 is commemorated every year throughout the United States. And every year, Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 partners with the Town of Vienna to honor the memory of the dead, the bravery of the day’s heroes and the sacrifices of those Americans actively battling terrorism daily.
Thursday, September 6
Classified Advertising Sept. 5, 2012
Read the latest Classified Ads here!
Wednesday, September 5
Dunn Loring Woods 50th Annual Great American Traditional Block Party
Saturday, Sept. 8 the 18 families residing on Syracuse Circle in the Dunn Loring Woods area of Fairfax will gather with former residents to celebrate their 50th consecutive annual block party.
Column: Symptoms or just Sometimes
Making the best of a bad situation, that’s how I roll (I’m a Red Sox fan after all). Some days are easier than others, some symptoms/treatments/results are better than others. And some columns make more sense than others. But that’s cancer for you: an equal opportunity “screwer-upper.”
Serbian Crown Hosts Piano Jam
Great Falls restaurant now features monthly open mic night.
Jennifer Flynn of Vienna stopped by the Serbian Crown Restaurant Thursday, Aug. 23 because she had heard about the highly-rated cuisine. What she didn’t expect was the latest edition of Piano Jam, the restaurant’s monthly open mic night.
McLean Home Hosts Energy Audit
Energy Action Fairfax wraps up pilot program.
Members of Energy Action Fairfax hosted an energy audit party in McLean, Wednesday, Aug. 29, to show how energy efficiency can be achieved with a few simple steps at home. The event was the sixth audit this summer held in a residence, part of Energy Action Fairfax’s pilot program.
Shooting to Support Military Families
Will Thomas shoots 2,600 three-pointers over Labor Day weekend.
Early the morning of Saturday, Sept. 1, the gym at Stone Ridge School in Bethesda was occupied by only one person. Will Thomas, a rising eighth grader at Longfellow Middle School, dribbled his basketball twice, stepped back behind the three-point line and let a shot go. After it hit the front of the rim, popped up and fell through the net, Thomas retrieved his ball and headed back out to the three-point line: one down, 2,600 to go.
Students GIVE Back in Big Way
Student-run educational nonprofit celebrates third year, expansion of services.
During his freshman year at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Kevin Cao had the opportunity to volunteer at Belvedere Elementary School in Falls Church. What he learned there is having impact around the Fairfax County School system to this day.
Tuesday, September 4
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names Interim Executive Director
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Galen Wixson as its interim executive director through December of 2012. Galen currently serves as the executive director of The Guitar Foundation of America where he has guided the organization through a transition to a new governance and management model, leading to several new program initiatives.