Tuesday, December 31
Saturday, December 28
Oakton Survives Host Mount Vernon in Holiday Tournament Semifinal
Potential Cougar blowout turns into a narrow barnburner as Majors’ comeback bid falls short
The Oakton boys' basketball team beat Mount Vernon.
Friday, December 27
Spiritual Wellness in the New Year
What is it and how does one achieve it?
As we begin a new year, many are focused on their spiritual health and well-being. In fact, the National Wellness Institute names spiritual wellness as one of the seven dimensions of overall wellness. It’s essential in life, say experts.
Cures for Cabin Fever
Creative ideas for housebound parents and children.
Winter brings frigid temperatures, icy roads, snow and often school closures. While sledding and building snowmen are fun, hazardous weather conditions mean much of the time is spent indoors, and soon the novelty of time off can become cabin fever. Local child education experts offer activity suggestions for filling those long winter days. Susan Friedman, executive editor for digital content at the National Association for the Education of Young Children and a Bethesda resident, suggests parents encourage a child’s natural curiosity. "In the same way that school classrooms have activity centers, parents can create boxes that focus on different activities like playing dress up with clothes, hats and neckties," she said. "You can create a box with art supplies and a box with games or puzzles."
In Defense of My Own Mechanism
So much of what I feel as a cancer survivor comes from the feedback I receive from others. Positive, complimentary, flattering characterizations are crucial to my optimistic outlook. Negative descriptions, reactions, etc., are not. Not to discount honesty, but the emotional divide on which a cancer patient’s self-assessment/attitude teeters is delicate indeed and honesty is sometimes (I said "sometimes") not the best policy. If I’m in the right mood, negativity can be deflected, absorbed even; not a problem. If I’m in the wrong mood, however, the negative can push me into a black hole of emotional despair. Regardless of whether the comment/observation is well-intended, accurate or even prudent under the circumstances, its effect can be deeply felt. Getting back to normal is not impossible and mostly within my control, but if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not have to claw my way out.
Editorial: Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year
As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.
New Deputy Chief of Police Selected
Chief of Police Jim Morris has announced the appointment of Daniel Janickey as Vienna’s new Deputy Chief of Police. He will succeed Captain Mike Miller, who retired on Oct. 1, after serving 29 years with the Vienna Police Department. Janickey was selected from among 103 candidates. "Dan has over 24 years of local law enforcement experience and brings with him a very diverse resume of accomplishments," said Chief Morris. "He will be a great addition to the Town of Vienna Police department and the community." Commenting on Chief Morris’ selection, Town Manager Mercury Payton said, "This selection for Deputy Chief is indicative of the Town’s commitment to excellent service. I expect that Dan will immediately assist the Chief in advancing the goals for the department."
Vienna’s Top Stories of 2013
Sequestration and two-week-plus federal government shutdown in October of 2013 loomed over the local economy as thousands of federal employees were furloughed during the shutdown. Essential personnel did show up but with no bonus compensation even after furloughed federal employees were paid for their time not working. Essential personnel were heard to grumble on social media about the inequity.
A Look Ahead at 2014
Elected officials discuss the year 2014 in Vienna.
What’s the outlook for 2014? The economy, health care and federal government take center-stage in the theatre that is Northern Virginia and Vienna, specifically. Here’s what some of the area’s elected officials see through the looking glass.
Colvin Run Elementary Students Donate Food for Those in Need
Boxes of non-perishable food that filled the trunks of eight large SUVs were donated on Monday, Dec. 16, by Colvin Run Elementary School families to a local Fairfax County elementary school.
Thursday, December 26
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: November, 2013
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: November, 2013
Classified Advertising December 25, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, December 20
Children's Connection 2013
Annual children's issue showcases artistic talent of local students.
We asked principals and teachers from local schools to encourage students to contribute their stories and artwork for our annual Children's Issue. The responses as always, was enormous. While we were unable to publish every piece we received, we did our best to put together a paper of a balanced sampling of submitted stories, poems, drawings, paintings and photographs
Letter: Parents Advocate for Class Size Caps
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent’s (Dr. Karen Garza) conducted a "Listening Tour" meeting at Cooper Middle School in McLean. Many parents who spoke at the meeting were concerned about large class sizes in their children’s schools. This is not a problem in most FCPS schools - the average elementary school class in FCPS has only 21-22 students, and plenty of FCPS elementary schools average 20 or fewer students per class.
Teaching Love of Music in Vienna
Hyun-Mi Chung, owner of Elite Piano Academy, is announcing the third anniversary of her studio in Vienna. Chung has brought her 28 years teaching experience to Vienna to the delight of her many students who share the desire to learn. She expresses her gratitude to the students and their parents for their support during this time. Chung, a graduate of Juilliard School (B. M. & M. M.), the first woman pianist to have recorded all 35 Beethovens Sonatas, has a love of music that has been the motivation for her dedication to teaching. Since coming to Vienna, she has maintained a class of 50 students in a six day-a-week schedule. In addition, she has held two recitals per year (one per semester) for her students at the Vienna Presbyterian Church.
Vienna/Oakton Students Perform in The Nutcracker
On Dec. 11 through the 15, 16 students from Vienna/Oakton elementary, middle & high schools took the stage to perform in the Conservatory Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Performances took place at the Reston Community Center’s CenterStage.
Fundraising for a Good Cause
The fourth graders at Vienna Elementary School raised $2,156.09 to donate to Jill’s House, a respite facility for children with special needs, by selling wrist-bands the students made. They also collected loose change at school and from friends. The students’ aimed to raise $500, but they ended up raising much more.
A Visit from St. Nick
Vienna’s traditions shine during holidays and, in December, it shines an awful lot. Traditional activities and events abound, from the Church Street Stroll to Santa visits. Every year, Santa takes time out of his busy toy-making schedule to stop by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s pancake breakfast. He turned up there again on Dec. 14 to the cheers of young children. He listened to wish-lists and sat for photos and seemed to know the names of many of the children and their parents. Parents rushed to take photographs.
Santa Run Begins
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department volunteers cruise Vienna neighborhoods in antique fire engine.
In most places, people go to events. In Vienna, occasionally, events go to the people. And the annual Santa Runs, operated by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and volunteers, is an event that goes out to the people, the whole Vienna community, for a full week leading up to Christmas. The 2013 Santa Run kicked off on Dec. 15 with drives through side streets off Beulah Road near Meadowlark Gardens.
Vienna Celebrates "First Night" on New Year’s Eve
Vienna Business Association and Town of Vienna debut family-focused New Year’s Eve celebration on Historic Church Street.
First Night Vienna is planned to be the best family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration the community has ever seen.
Thursday, December 19
Family Science Night at Colvin Run Elementary
Colvin Run Elementary School (CRES) hosted its second annual Family Science Night on Dec. 6, with hands-on experiments from the Children's Science Center's Museum Without Walls Mobile Labs.
Backwards Thinking
Considering that I’ve been cancer-centric now for nearly five years, one would have thought I might have learned and totally embraced an alternative concept: forward living – and less thinking about past causes and their possible current effects. Certainly cancer causes physical manifestations and symptoms that are diagnosable and indicative of trouble. But it’s the unseen effects that in some cases cause as many difficulties. What I am referring to is the mental and emotional toll a terminal diagnosis and short term prognosis can have on the patient’s perspective on life and living, and what’s presumptively thought to be left of it.
Preserve 3-2-1 for Housing
Housing for all income levels near transit supports vibrant communities and job growth, reduces traffic.
In the latest edition of The Herrity Report, Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity proposed "redirecting developers’ $3 per square foot contribution for buying rent-controlled housing units into a trust fund to pay for public school renovation and construction."
Home for the Holidays: Surviving a Long Trip
Keeping children entertained on lengthy airplane rides.
Liz Henry is nervous about her upcoming flight to San Francisco. It’s not TSA regulations or long lines that are causing her anxiety, however. It is traveling alone with her three children — all of whom are under the age of 6.
Teaching Children To Be Charitable
Experts say modeling, nurturing are keys to raising generous children.
Elena Santiviago walked her 6-year-old son down the aisle of a grocery store near her Arlington home. They picked up five boxes of toothpaste and two bottles of mouthwash, several bars of soap and a few sticks of deodorant. The shopping trip was part of a school project in which students fill holiday stockings with personal hygiene items for the homeless.
Art Educator Releases Two Books
Stories offer children and parents innovative ways to explore art.
Elizabeth Augenblick Smith, 10, spent a recent Saturday afternoon gluing strips of brightly hued tissue paper to create a collage. There were no rules or guides to follow.
Classified Advertising December 18, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Wednesday, December 18
Thursday, December 12
Classified Advertising December 11, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
New Approach to Mental Health
Reforms in wake of tragedy involving state senator's son.
Advocates for mental health services have been calling for improved services and increased funding for years, although the issue has been pushed aside year after year.
Wednesday, December 11
Gifts for the Foodie in Your Life
Local gourmets share their favorite products for the food lovers on your list.
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned cook or a budding culinary enthusiast, buying presents for a foodie can be a daunting task. What’s the best pan? The coolest gadget? The latest trend in desserts? Local gourmets come to the rescue with culinary goodies to entice even the most discerning of food aficionados.
Opening Up
Open floorplan plus cathedral ceiling equals Mclean ranch stylishly re-invented.
Assess a circa-1952 ranch on a shady street in McLean with an eye towards maximizing value. Among the shortcomings: rooms that are too small and dark; a kitchen that hasn't been remodeled in 25 years. A tiny breakfast room. A rear grade too steep for an addition. A front elevation with no visible front door.
Holiday Décor: Make It Sparkle
Local designers offer suggestions for home decorating.
’Tis the season for decking the halls. Whether your style is traditional and colorful, muted and demure or metallic and glittery, three local designers offer distinct holiday decorating ideas to spark your creativity.
Come Home to a Luxury Bedroom
Local designers unveil inviting spaces that are perfect for dreaming of sugarplums.
Bedrooms are no longer just for sleeping, at least according to some local designers. They’re for relaxing and watching television, but they’re also for reading and for eating a lazy weekend breakfast. In fact, some modern bedrooms are probably larger than their owners’ first apartments. Three local tastemakers unveil master bedrooms that are so opulent and amenity-filled that it’s surprising their owners ever want to leave.
A New Luxury Kitchen for the Holidays
Designers describe the perfect spaces for baking, cooking and entertaining.
With the holiday season in full swing, many people are finding themselves spending more time in the kitchen. Whether you hate to cook or love it, it can be more enjoyable when done in the kitchen of your dreams, complete with state-of-the-art appliances and custom-made marble topped islands.
A "Scancer" Update
Since you asked, or rather indulged me the past few weeks by wading through my two "Scanticipation" columns anticipating a result, I am happy to finally share that result with you: "Stable and better." These are the exact words e-mailed to me by my oncologist in response to my post-Thanksgiving inquiry about my CT Scan completed on the 27th.
Editorial: Happy Holidays, Safely
SoberRide safety net, 1-800-200-TAXI.
Holiday party season is well under way, along with winter weather advisories. It’s up to individuals to make good decisions about celebrations that involve alcohol and how to handle transportation.
Tysons Plan Debated
Follow-up dialogue with County staff on Phase I, Land Use.
As part of the Tysons Plan Amendment Process, a follow-up meeting on Dec. 4 was held by the Fairfax County Planning Staff with the public at Freedom Hill Elementary School. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss proposed changes to Phase 1 of the Tysons Plan. Implementation of the Tysons Development Plan began in 2010, after a 5 year planning process.
Additional Tests Delay Completion of Silver Line Phase 1
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced that additional tests are needed on Phase 1 of the Silver Line, focusing on software updates related to the Automatic Train Control System, before the project can be turned over to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Lady Statesmen Gymnasts Win Third Place in Season Opener
The George C. Marshall Lady Statesmen Gymnastics team kicked off their 2013-14 season with a third place finish in a six-team contest at Washington & Lee High School in Arlington.
Ron Glass Named Top Producer at Long & Foster
Ron Glass, a commercial broker with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Commercial sales office, located in Vienna, has been named top producer for September 2013. Long & Foster is the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States.
Holiday Fun for Everyone
Season highlights sparkling winter wonderland to Santa visits.
The weather outside may not be frightful, but it sure has that wintry feel to it. Fortunately, there are seasonable activities and events that warm up December days and brighten December nights.
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist Named Best in America
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist has been named the Best Florist in America by the hit daytime show “Steve Harvey” as part of its first annual Neighborhood Awards. Airing on Friday, Nov. 29, the “Steve Harvey” Neighborhood Awards recognize the unsung individuals and businesses who exemplify excellence in their communities. Categories this year include: Best Daycare Provider, Best Principal, Best Bus Driver, Best Police Officer, Best Deli, Best Bakery, Best Pizzeria, Best Florist, Best Steakhouse and Best Coffee Shop. Viewer votes determined both the nominees and the final winners. “Steve Harvey” is a nationally syndicated daytime show - check local listings for time and channel.
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Receives Wells Fargo Donation
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was recognized by the Vienna Branch (Maple Avenue) of Wells Fargo Bank for their outstanding commitment to seniors in the community. SCOV was also the recipient of a donation $1,000 for their work addressing vital community needs. Thirty-three other local agencies and schools were also honored at Wells Fargo Bank’s “South Potomac Days of Giving” breakfast 2013 held earlier in the month. SCOV serves seniors in the Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Merrifield and portions of Fairfax and Reston areas.
Humanity at Its Finest
To the Editor: Thank you to the ladies and police of Vienna who gave support and encouragement to a handicapped old lady whose walker tipped and she ended up waiting an hour in the street for an ambulance. This was kindness and comfort way beyond the call of duty. Thank you for examples of humanity at its finest. Gratefully, Clare Schwartz Oakton
Madison High Senior Olivia Staton to Appear on NPR's From the Top
James Madison High School senior, Olivia Staton, 16, will appear on a national broadcast of From the Top on NPR, the pre-eminent showcase for America’s best young classical musicians, hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. The episode will air locally on 90.9 FM on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
Friday, December 6
Vienna Dentists to Host Dentistry From The Heart Event
On Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, Vienna Smiles, located at 2553 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, will host a Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) event to provide free dental service to those in need based on a first-come first-serve basis from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the dental practice of Hisham Barakat, DDS and Jennifer Babbio, DDS. For more information, call 703-938-0212.
Thursday, December 5
Alcorta Wins Foot Locker South Regionals
Lake Braddock’s Christen, Kunc advance to nationals.
The Football Locker national cross country meet is this weekend in San Diego.
Tux the Penguin Loves Teachers
The Friends Huge Used Book Sale is Thursday, Dec. 5 – Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Richard Byrd library.
Can the Richard Byrd library mascot, Tux the Penguin, do something special for our local teachers and their students? He thinks so. He talked with the Friends and they have created an event everyone will love - Educators Night - as part of their upcoming sale.
Classified Advertising December 3, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, December 4
‘Must-see’ Absurd Nonsense
1st Stage presents ‘Noises Off.’
Good news. The cure for doldrums or just a plain-old bad mood is here. It is playing at 1st Stage, where a merry, talented band of actors take the audience on a frenetic, joyful, ride into the farce "Noises Off." The actors literally throw themselves into the production. They are unselfconsciously fearless in their pratfalls, spot-on with their comic timing and bring on a happy, silly bliss.
Week in Vienna
Thing happening around Vienna.
Church Street Holiday Stroll in Vienna
Hundreds come out to music, marshmallows and winter magic.
Hundreds of people strolled along Church Street on Monday evening, Dec. 2, during the annual Church Street Holiday Stroll between Lawyers Road and Mill Street. Highlights included local singing groups performing holiday carols, a petting zoo, marshmallow-roasting on open fires, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.
Warrior Canine Connection Celebrates First Graduation
Vienna’s Patty Kennedy honored.
The graduation ceremony was like every other commencement. It included a graduation speaker, honored guests, the National Anthem, an invocation and a crowd of spectators cheering as the grads took their places on stage. They were proud to have just completed their schooling and ready to enter the next phase of their lives, meet more challenges and discover new horizons.
Jon T. Thew of Reston Dies
Jon T. Thew, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Nov. 24. Jon was originally from the Hudson Valley area of New York. He has resided in Reston, Va., since 1992. Jon had a 30-year career at IBM and worked as a consultant until he retired in 2001. Jon was an active member of Vienna Presbyterian Church.
Handcrafters Guild Arts & Crafts Show Comes to Vienna
Thanksgiving weekend tradition draws shoppers from throughout region.
The Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild Arts & Crafts Show annually takes over the Vienna Community Center for three days of the Thanksgiving weekend.
Holiday Gifting from Toys to Acts of Kindness
The spirit of the season is giving of love.
There’s still plenty of time to buy gifts for family and party hosts. There is even time to buy a gift or two for someone without the means to reciprocate. Here are a few ideas from local shops, restaurants and resources. And, please, remember that gifts do not have to come in wrapping to be welcomed and appreciated.
The Latest on Biscuit
The little Shih Tzu finds a loving home in Oakton.
Biscuit, the little Shih Tzu who survived on his own for more than two years in the Franconia Community and was rescued by Fairfax County Animal Control Officer Enna Lugo, staff and volunteers of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, has been adopted and is adjusting well to life in his new home. After being rescued last April, he spent several months in foster care with Officer Lugo and was adopted in August by Faisal and Rashid of Oakton, and their two school-age children, Julia and Sam.
Tuesday, December 3
Warhawks Welcome Return of 6-Foot-2 Koshuta
Post player missed sophomore season due to torn ACL.
The Madison girls' basketball team opens its season tonight at Oakton.
The Holiday Blues: Cope and Prevent
Mental health experts say being realistic and seeking support can help you avoid holiday stress and depression.
While the holiday season is filled with parties, shopping, decorating and other festive activities, mental health experts say it often brings unwelcome guests as well: stress and depression. While they can be difficult to manage when one is in the midst of a bout, with a few strategies one may be able to prevent both before they ruin the holiday season.
Staying Fit During the Holidays
Staving off extra pounds during the season of sweets.
Patty McAndrews works out with a trainer twice a week at of TRUE Health and Wholeness in Arlington. She found that restarting her fitness regimen about two months ago has strengthened her abdominal muscles and toned her body.
Holiday Recipe Makeovers
Strategies for keeping traditional treats healthy
When Alice Jenkins saw her doctor two months ago, he diagnosed her with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and suggested she change her diet and lose about 30 pounds. Lawson, 45, started a diet program and has lost nine and a half pounds, but now that she’s in the midst of the holiday season, she’s concerned about losing the strides that she’s made with her dietary changes. "I have a large family and we get together a lot during the holidays," said Lawson, who lives in Alexandria. "There is always sweet potato pie, macaroni and cheese, and deep fried turkey."
Every Tweet Counts
How Republican Brian Schoeneman earned wrath of his party by making sure every vote counted in county.
On the morning of Nov. 6, the day after the general election, it appeared that Republican Mark Obenshain had eked out a razor-thin victory over Democrat Mark Herring to become Virginia’s next Attorney General. Like most hotly-contested political battles, the close race generated even closer scrutiny.
Editorial: Who Will Be Hurt?
Innovations, changes and cuts designed to help the budget should be subject to analysis of how they will affect those on the short end of the economic and digital divide.
As Fairfax County faces a tight budget year and Fairfax County Public Schools consider significant cuts, clearly some changes are going to affect services on the ground. As various proposals emerge, there should be some specific analysis of how changes, innovations and cuts would affect the poorest one-third or so of the county’s residents specifically.