Stories for April 2013

Yoga Week Comes to the Area

Local effort offers budding yogis a chance to improve their minds, bodies and spirits with free or $5 classes.

D.C. Yoga Week Runs through May 5 For more information and a list of participating studios, visit HYPERLINK "http://dccy.org/" http://dccy.org/. “This event will raise awareness about how great yoga is for your mind, body and spirit.” — Amanda Shipe, Mind Your Body Oasis, Arlington

Looking “ASCANce”

It wasn’t exactly “Executive Clemency.”

Silver Line Approaching Tysons

Route 7 lane shifts and paving, installation of sidewalks and streetlight foundations signal coming of Silver Line.

With construction completion of Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project anticipated in September, motorists and pedestrians are seeing an increase in project-related activities all along Leesburg Pike (Route 7) from the Dulles Toll Road to the overpass at Route 123.

Programming Marathon at TJ 

Area high schoolers impress instructors at the 24-hour computer programming marathon.

When a voice over the loudspeaker announced, “free swag outside,” a stampede of teenagers cleared out the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST) gymnasium in less than a minute. Even after almost 20 hours of coding and programming, the students were at no loss for enthusiasm, especially for free paraphernalia decorated with the TJ Hackathon logo. Kim Holton, a volunteer whose son was participating in the hackathon, said, “They all seem really tired and they’re dragging, but they’re excited.”

Town Employees Honored for Service to the Community

On April 24, three Town of Vienna employees received Rotary Club of Vienna’s 2013 “Service Above Self” award. Mark Sherwood, operations superintendent, and Jonathan Wooden, sanitation supervisor with the Department of Public Works, and Tammy Barker, dispatcher with the Vienna Police Department, received the awards for their dedication and service to the Vienna community.

Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Each year more than 200 volunteers at Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) serve as medical drivers, companion drivers, friendly callers and visitors, health and wellness counselors, fundraisers and grant writers. These volunteers run programs such as Lunch n’ Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events and caregivers’ support groups.

Taste of Vienna Brings Community Together

Vienna Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser offered restaurant fare, live entertainment and a moonbounce for kids.

Certainly, Saturday’s almost-May weather contributed to the festive mood at the 2nd Annual Taste of Vienna sponsored by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Abundant sunshine and cloudless blue skies lit up Cherry Street on April 27. Throngs of local families, seniors, teens and babies in strollers milled around food and wine tents, under eating tents and along the stage front, where contemporary pop bands performed. It was the kind of community-spirit day Vienna is known for.

Confronting Lyme Disease

A former patient becomes patient consultant.

Marjorie Veiga became ill after her second daughter was born. She developed intense pain in her hip area and a hypersensitivity to pressure. Drawing sheets over herself hurt. She had symptoms of arthritis and was tired, weak and in pain. After suffering six weeks of these unfamiliar symptoms, Veiga sought out a diagnosis. She said she never before felt an intensity like that.

Community Center Expansion Discussed

Open forum on April 23 solicited viewpoints and needs from community.

If you had an unlimited budget—or a magic wand—what would you turn the Vienna Community Center into? Most of the more-than 35 attendees at the Department of Parks and Recreation April 23 forum on the proposed expansion of the community center shared a consensus of what they hoped to see an expanded community center look like (from a large indoor swimming pool with retractable walls to a well-equipped fitness center and regulation-sized gym).

Student Receives Governor’s Award at State Science and Engineering Fair

Andrea Shao-yin Li of Vienna, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School, was awarded The Governor's Award and Grand Prize First Place at the 28th Annual Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair held on April 6 at Virginia Military Academy in Lexington, VA.

Classified Advertising April 24, 2013

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Editorial: Connection Guide to Parks Wins ‘Best in Show’

Investigative reporting, in depth coverage, education writing, photography, art, design, sports, garner Virginia Press Association honors.

The Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association, with winners announced on Saturday, April 20, in Norfolk.

Madison Girls' Lax Beats McLean

Nine Warhawks score at least one goal.

Freshmen and sophomores on 2011 state championship team now leaders for Madison girls' lacrosse.

South County Soccer Club Bonds in Bermuda

While other Elite Clubs National League soccer teams took a well-deserved break, one team went on the trip of a lifetime. FC Virginia U14s traveled to Bermuda over the Easter holiday, having the opportunity to experience island life while also playing against the full Bermuda women’s national team, and a high school team from Florida.

Fairfax County Budget Reflects ‘Increasing Needs, Decreasing Revenues’

"We as a board spend a lot of time talking about helping people in need, I can only say that when it came time to tax them, they were sadly forgotten." —Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)

Autism Speaks Volumes for Student Volunteers

Fairfax County Public Schools use latest techniques to teach autistic students. v

In many ways, the three best friends—Anna Kate Martin, Devin Martin and Sarah Carmen—are typical sixth-grade girls.

A Day of Service at Kilmer Middle

Students learn how to make a difference in their community and the world.

On Wednesday, April 17, students, teachers, and administrators experienced the first official Day of Service at Kilmer Middle School. The program saw the day’s usual lesson plans replaced with community service activities of all sorts. While the activities ranged in variety from packaging food, to writing letters of advocacy, to creating digital PSAs and so much more, the objective was the same for each—to teach youths about their ability to make a difference in their community and the world.

Week in Vienna

Runners Line Up to Stop Child Abuse

Great Falls neighbors join in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which helps explain why 300 runners gathered at 9 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, grouped in teams with names like "Peggy's Posse," "Kids4Kids" and—a favorite—"Team Baxter" (named after organizing member Kim Roellig's dog) on Saturday, April 13.

Spring Break With Orphans of China

Vienna 16-year-old gives $5000 to four orphanages while visiting the country.

A 16-year-old from Vienna, Charlotte Heffelmire, raised and donated $5,000 to Chinese orphanages while in the country over spring break.

Making Life ‘Greener’ in Vienna

Vienna Green Expo showcases community conservation options.

During the 5th Annual Vienna Green Expo on Thursday, April 18, three Vienna businesses were recognized for incorporating green practices into their business. The Vienna Town/Business Liaison Committee awarded Maple Avenue Market, Vienna Paint and Caffe Amouri with the 2013 Vienna Green Business Recognition Award.

Vienna Woman’s Club Supports Homeless Female Veterans

Club fundraises on behalf of Final Salute, Inc.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there are more than 13,000 homeless female veterans living in the United States; half of them are single mothers. Only about half of the 500 transitional housing programs accept women. These homeless female veterans have fewer resources than male veterans do.

What Housing Slump?

Real estate experts explain the rise in luxury condominium sales

When a retired couple decided it was time to leave their sprawling suburban home, they wanted to downsize without giving up luxury. As a result, they purchased a high-end condominium and hired Bethesda, Md., based interior designer Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design to create a serene and sophisticated space.

Karen Garza Hired as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools

FCPS Board lauds Garza’s “openness” and “willingness to engage” community.

The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved educator Karen Garza of Texas to be the next superintendent of the 181,000 student district at its April 18 school board meeting.

Classified Advertising April 17, 2013

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Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2013

In March 2013, 69 homes sold between $1,498,850-$194,900 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2013

Editorial: Value-added Evaluation?

TJ admissions illustrate growing gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”

More than 181,000 students attend Fairfax County Public Schools. So why do the 480 students who were accepted for next year’s freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology seem so important? Fairfax County Public Schools have a single elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ is frequently referred to as the top high school in the country. Dramatic disparity in the makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of disparity in early identification of students as gifted and talented, of access to advanced classes and enrichment, and in the basic education that the Fairfax County Public school system offers to all of its students.

Column: A False Sense of Security

Not that there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, as a four-year, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer survivor, it’s amazing to have any security, false or otherwise, whatsoever.

‘We Have Not Forgotten’

Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.

Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.

Countdown to College Decision Day

Local college counselors offer advice on making the right choice.

As the May 1 national college decision day looms, the day students must shell out hefty deposits to secure their spots at colleges and universities, students like Daniels are feeling pressure.

Patrick Henry Library Book Sale Draws Community

Two-day spring sale sells donated books of every genre.

t took a year of planning and collecting, approximately 15 volunteers and more than 2,000 books to carry off the spring book sale hosted by Friends of Patrick Henry Library. The two-day sale, spread over April 13 and 14, took over the front lawn, the event room and an area of the children’s department. When the book sale opened to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, a waiting line had already formed.

Silver and Gold at Vienna Long & Foster

Long & Foster® Real Estate, Inc.’s, commercial division honored 19 brokers from the Virginia Commercial office, located at 8227 Old Courthouse Road in Vienna.

Teaching and Having Fun

Marshall High students became teachers for a day at Westbriar Elementary.

It is 9:15 a.m. and a cop, a nurse, and a pilot walk into the main office at Westbriar Elementary School. In reality, they are elementary school students dressed up for their potential careers and for Junior Achievement Day. On Friday, April 5, members of the Marshall High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) visited students at Westbriar to teach them basic concepts in economics and finance.

Letter: A Misreading of History

That a few local schools are named for Confederate generals bothers Kiran Hampton [“Alarmed by School Names,” Connection, April 11-17, 2013]. The US Army and Navy have named forts and ships after Confederate heroes. The Veterans Administration provides headstones for Confederate graves. That wouldn’t have happened if they were traitors. No Confederates were convicted of treason. Hampton’s shame that Virginia fought with the Confederacy suggests a misreading of US history.

Letter: Thinking of History In Real Time

Letter writer Kiran Hampton asks if she is "the only one alarmed by the presence of high schools named after Confederate leaders?" ["Alarmed By School Names, Connection, April10-16, 2013]. In response, I would say, "Why yes, I believe she is."

Letter: It Wasn’t ‘Good Guys Vs. Bad Guys’

In a letter regarding local schools named after Confederate generals [“Alarmed by School Names,” Connection, April 10-16, 2013] the author displays an extraordinary lack of understanding of the complexities of the issues leading to the War Between the States as well as a contempt for the courage and sacrifice of those who, often reluctantly, believed that their primary duty was to a sovereign Virginia rather than to what they believed had been conceived as a voluntary union of independent states.

Week in Vienna

Historic Vienna Collects Used Books, Antiques Appraisers Come to Vienna, Pear Tree Cottage to Hold Spring Sale, Planting Ceremony in Honor of Arbor Day, The Farmers’ Market is Moving, Bike to Work Day is May 17, and Learn About Flowers in Time for Mother’s Day

Making the National Geographic Bee State Finals

Eighth grader among 10 finalists chosen to compete for the state title.

Nicolas Ruiz of Vienna, an eighth grade student at Trinity School at Meadow View (TSMV) in Falls Church, was one of 10 finalists who competed on Friday, April 5, in Farmville, Va. for the opportunity to represent Virginia in the National Geographic Bee.

Shooting for Stardom

Marshall HS vocalist/songwriter has global fans.

Remember this name: Sammy Hakim. The George C. Marshall High School junior is a finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, and holds the record for most weeks at number one on independent charts as ranked by New Music Weekly.

Vienna Muckdogs Take the Tourney

The Vienna Muckdogs, a 10-and-under travel baseball team from Vienna, played in the ninth annual Longhorn Stampede Baseball Tourney, held Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 7, at Philip Bolen Park in Leesburg. The Muckdogs managed to beat out all their competition.

Editorial: Voting Again

Every year is election year in Virginia, and it’s a bit much.

The most hotly contested race for statewide office in Virginia, the Republican contest for lieutenant governor, will be decided at a statewide convention on May 18. That’s about a month from now.

Louise Archer Helps Stop Hunger

Louise Archer Elementary School students volunteered on Sunday, April 7, at the Vienna Community Center with Stop Hunger Now.

Caffe Amouri Recognized for Community Service

The Vienna Town/Business Liaison Committee has recognized Caffe Amouri, 107 Church St. N.E., and its owner, Michael Amouri, with the 2013 Carole Wolfand Business Community Service Award during the Vienna Volunteer Recognition Reception on Tuesday, April 9.

Classified Advertising April 10, 2013

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Filmmaker Turns Camera on Reston

Rebekah Wingert-Jabi wins Peabody Award, begins work on documentary about Reston.

Rebekah Wingert- Jabi has lived all across the world. She moved to Reston as a child, attended college in Minnesota and California, studied abroad in China and lived in the Middle East. She became interested in still photography at a young age, and while in China she got a video camera and became fascinated with the idea of moving images.

Column: Asked and Answered

I think about it enough, I don’t want to think about it too much. What’s “it?” Cancer.

Madison Baseball Wins Battle of Vienna

Warhawks overcome three-run deficit to beat Oakton.

The Madison baseball team scored 11 unanswered runs to beat Oakton.

Children ‘Dress Up With Grown-ups’

Medical Care for Children Partnerships funds medical, dental care for children of uninsured working families in Fairfax County.

“To me, children are the most beautiful creatures of God and there is nothing comparable to being able to give them a healthy and happy smile.” —Dr. Tehreem Butt, recipient of the Dr. Jorge Arnoldson Award

Celebrating Nonviolence

Celebration of Dreams and Expressions of Peace at Unity of Fairfax.

Jubilant, energetic and uplifting are just a few ways to describe the atmosphere at Unity of Fairfax on Saturday evening, April 6, during the Celebration of Dreams and Expressions of Peace closing ceremony of the 64-day Season of Nonviolence.

Letter: A Photo ID: Victory for Voters

To the Editor:

Asian American Chamber Recognizes ‘Jewels of Asia’

The Asian American Chamber of Commerce held its third Annual Awards Gala, Jewels of Asia, on Friday, April 5, at the Westin Tysons Corner. More than 200 guests gathered to recognize businesses (public & private sector, for-profit & non-profit) as well as business leaders of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who have made outstanding contributions to the Metropolitan Washington D.C. business community and economy.

Week in Vienna

Artists at Work At Oakton Elementary

Public art project caps two-year renovation of school.

The kinetic sculpture—16-feet-tall, with bright blue and green swirling arrows—looks like a classic Alexander Calder mobile on exhibit at the National Gallery of Art.

School Promotes Family Fitness

First Oakton Elementary Fun Run features magician, face-painting and free fun!

On Sunday, April 21, local families will hit the pavement in the heart of Vienna in an effort to raise money to support educational and enrichment programs at Oakton Elementary School (OES).

Revisiting History at Freeman Store

Vienna celebrates as National Register of Historic Places marker is unveiled.

Late last year Vienna’s Freeman Store building was honored with inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Last Saturday, Vienna residents, local dignitaries, town council members and passers-by gathered at the historic site to watch the unveiling of the new plaque

McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Planned for May 1

On Wednesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2), the Woman’s Club of McLean will mount the community’s first Kitchen and Garden Tour.

PFC Ryan N. Myers Named American Legion Post 180 Vienna Police Officer of the Year

On April 3, The American Legion Post 180 in Vienna held its annual ceremony and banquet dinner to honor their 2013 Town of Vienna Police Officer of the Year. This year’s recipient was PFC Ryan N. Myers.

Prom Package Contest Makes Prom a Bit Brighter

Karin’s Florist partners with local businesses to provide prom prize valued at over $1,000.

For 56 years, Karin’s Florist has been part of the Vienna community, serving it at births, anniversaries, proms, weddings, and other special events marking a passage in life.

Marshall High to Present ‘Legally Blond’

The GC Marshall HS Theater thespians are rehearsing for the musical Legally Blond, a family friendly fun musical that will be performed in the new Marshall High School Theater.

Classified Advertising April 3, 2013

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Foundation Prepares to Promote Mental Health

Josh Anderson Foundation to sponsor events across county for mental health and depression awareness.

Before Fairfax County students finish the school year and head to summer break, they first must deal with exams, both final and for AP classes. This can lead to a lot of stress over the final two months of school, pressure the Josh Anderson Foundation is determined to relieve.

Family PASS to Host Soiree

Fundraiser will help serve families facing homelessness.

A mother of four children, Josephine Rivera didn’t have many options after becoming a victim of domestic abuse. After her husband was arrested, she was forced to support those children, ages 8 to 18, on an $8 an hour salary, and she soon found herself homeless.

Madison Boys’ Lax Edges Yorktown

Madison goalie Hayden, Yorktown keeper Pollack play well.

The Madison boys' lacrosse team comes from behind to beat Yorktown.

Hackathon to Promote Invention

24-hour computer science event to be held April 26-27.

The first time Mayank Jain heard of a hackathon was as a freshman at the University of Illinois. Having graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in June 2012, a tournament such as this, where students collaborated and created software projects within a short window of time, was what he was looking for from the field of computer sciences.

Local Researchers Address ‘Concussion Culture’

Education and proper health care are keys.

With the impending warmer weather comes an increased number of children participating in outdoor activities. Some local health care professionals and researchers are issuing words of caution.

A Richmond Report Card Presented

SALT hosts annual Richmond Wrap-up.

Asked how effectively the issues facing disadvantaged populations have been addressed by legislators in Richmond, Carla Peterson, director of Virginia Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE), said: “Not nearly enough. What has happened is that [Governor Bob] McDonnell has hired a person who is probably the most reformist person that I know of, in charge of corrections. [A person] who is making progress and not as much as we would like to see done, but it serves as a glimmer of hope. There are some [changes] taking place.”

St. Mark ESL Offers Spring Language Program

The number one goal of most students of English as a Second Language is a universal one: to communicate. In particular, the adult students of St. Mark English as a Second Language (ESL) program want to be able to converse in English with their children, with their employers and with their neighbors.

Wolftrap Shines at NoVa Odyssey of the Mind

Fifth and sixth graders garner accolades at regional tournament.

Several teams from Wolftrap Elementary School competed at the NoVa North Odyssey of the Mind Region 9 Tournament, which took place at Oakton High School on Saturday, March 9.

Week in Vienna

VYS Patriots Black Win Platinum at Jefferson Cup

The Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) Patriots Black, an under-13 girls travel soccer team, competed in the 2013 Jefferson Cup tournament Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, in Richmond.

Marshall Road Elementary Raises Money to Support Veterans

Marshall Road Elementary School (MRES) is donating $532 as part of its project to support military veterans.

Pickleberry Pie Adopts Vienna Center for Disabled Students

If you’ve never witnessed the therapeutic power of music, you’ve never seen a Pickleberry Pie-sponsored live performance for hospitalized children or disabled students. Prominent professional performers—from musicians and storytellers to animals—bring their specialties to school or hospital centers or to the hospital rooms of children too sick to leave their beds. Pickleberry Pie, a national service organization with a large network in the D.C. area, funds the performances. Most participating performers hire out at reduced rates as a public service.

Fairfax County’s Homeless Population Declines 12 Percent

Emphasis on rapid re-housing, prevention keys to success.

Despite economic obstacles and fallout from across-the-board sequester cuts, Fairfax County’s number of homeless individuals declined 12 percent decline in the past year, and 26 percent since 2007.

New Vienna Police Chief Settles in

James “Jim” Morris comes to Vienna from 24 years with Fairfax County Police.

‘Remission Riders,’ Oakton Wine Shop Fight Lymphoma

Vienna bikers, lymphoma survivors and their supporters at 2nd Annual Spring Fling Wine Festival.

A team of 21 “Remission Riders” were at the Oakton Wine Shop to raise funds for the Seventh Annual Lymphoma Research Foundation Bike Ride on Saturday, March 9. The bike team and wine shop hosted lymphoma survivors and advocates as well as those wanting to relax and enjoy some wine.