Stories for June 2013

Professional Business Organizations Meet on Softball Field

Vienna Business Association and Vienna Business Networking International inaugurate annual softball game.

The Vienna Business Association [VBA] faced off with challenger Vienna Business Networking International [BNI] on June 23 in a closely-contested softball game at Southside Field. Family and colleagues cheered on their players and BNI edged out VBA for a 20-18 win. The match, bringing in players that belong to either of the two professional business clubs or serving double-duty in both clubs (not counting a few ringers), was a friendly competition supported by a barbeque buffet catered by Red, White and Blue, and a bounce-house to keep the children entertained.

Column: No Shame in Crying

Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).

Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?

The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.

Potoman/North Sends off Talented Players

The Potomac/North U16 and U19 teams, full of Fairfax County players, both took home the Gold Medal Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23 the VA Commonwealth Games (The Virginia Olympics) for Field Hockey at the University of Virginia.

New Bicycle Signs Dedicated in Downtown McLean

Signs placed to aid cyclists and walkers through downtown McLean.

Fairfax County staff joined with bicycling advocates in downtown McLean Thursday, June 20, to celebrate the installation of several bicycle wayfinding signs. The signs give directions to bicyclists and pedestrians throughout downtown McLean to community landmarks such as the McLean Community Center, and W&OD Trail.

GFCA Hosts Groundwater Contamination Discussion

Lawyer speaks on experiences with groundwater contamination.

The Great Falls Citizens Association hosted Matt Pawa, an attorney with experience dealing with groundwater contamination Thursday, June 20.

Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’

Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.

City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

MPO Christopher “Chris” Shaver Receives Respect for Law Award

The Vienna Optimist Club held their annual banquet to honor the 2013 Charles A. Robinson Respect for Law Enforcement Award recipients Thursday, June 20 at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna. MPO Christopher “Chris” Shaver was chosen as the Town of Vienna Police Department’s Optimist Club award winner. This award is given annually to one Vienna Police officer and one Fairfax County Police officer after having been nominated by their respective commanders.

Monks Make Mandala at Unity of Fairfax

Sacred dances, chanting, lectures and mandala creation will all take place at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton. For information on tickets, visit www.unityoffairfax.org or call the Unity of Fairfax office at 703-281-1767.

Going Beyond Limits

Singer-songwriter Luke Brindley releases two new albums at Jammin Java.

Singer-songwriter Luke Brindley held his double-album release party at Jammin Java in Vienna on Friday, June 21. Brindley, who resides in Reston, performed music for friends and local fans off of the two albums he is simultaneously releasing at the restaurant and music venue, which he co-owns with his brothers.

Letter: Legislation to Harass Impoverished Virginians

Does the "Every Child Matters” mantra by Virginia legislators apply to all Virginia children except for those receiving benefits via TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)?

Total Health Concepts Opens in Vienna

Local residents, current clients and friends celebrated the grand opening of Total Health Concepts of Vienna on June 8, enjoying a sampling of the company’s services, nutritious grilled food, and a moon bounce for children. Total Health Concepts integrates nutrition counseling, fitness training, relationship coaching, and therapy in a multifaceted approach to help people live healthy lives and find personal fulfillment.

Rotary Club of Vienna Honors Members

2013-2014 Board of Directors installed, outstanding members honored.

The Rotary Club of Vienna, which, during the past year, donated $168,000 to local schools, nonprofits and the Town of Vienna, installed its 2013-2014 slate of officers at a banquet program on June 19. More than 80 guests attended as members of the service club were honored for outstanding participation.

Viewpoints from Vienna on the Green Concert Series

What do you like most about Vienna on the Green?

Vienna Community Gathers on The Town Green

Free concert series on Town Green features a range of music genres from rock to blues.

A summer tradition for many Vienna residents, The Concert Series at the Town Green, 144 Maple Ave. E., hosts a variety of free family-friendly concerts most Friday and Sunday nights. “We come here every year,” said June Terry of Vienna.

Housing’s Roaring Rebound?

Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.

In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.

Classified Advertising June 19, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95

As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.

Kilmer Eighth Graders Win Showcase

Coach Susan Bates and Joyce Tian and Pallavi Bhave of Vienna are pictured with Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) next to the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, June 6.

Viewpoints

Madison Graduates: Where are they going next and where do they see themselves in 10 years?

Graduating With Roses

Madison High graduates more than 400 students, with 94 percent college bound.

Seniors of James Madison High School entered the Robinson Secondary School basketball gym to the customary “Pomp and Circumstance” with the orchestra led by conductor Erin Eberly on Saturday, June 8.

Levey’s Washington Revisited in Vienna

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna hosts Bob Levey at luncheon.

Bob Levey’s 37-year career with the Washington Post spanned the eras of Watergate, Desert Storm and the rise of Internet news reporting. For 23 years, Levey wrote Bob Levey’s Washington, a personal look at the region he loves. He shared his experiences on June 10 with guests of Shepherd Center of Oakton-Vienna’s Lunch ‘n’ Life, drawing on anecdotes and perspectives.

Viewpoints: Oakton High School Graduation

Where Are You Going Next and Where Do You See Yourself in 10 years?

Where Are You Going Next and Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

Cougars Told to ‘Do It Now’

Oakton graduates say goodbye to high school.

Oakton High School’s graduating class of 2013 gathered at the Patriot Center Friday, June 14, for the school’s 45th annual commencement ceremony. With their burgundy caps and gowns, the class came together one last time to reflect on their high school years and celebrate their future.

Oakton Book Drive in Support of Literacy Council

Parents from Oakton Elementary school delivered over 1,000 books to the Northern Virginia Literacy Council as a result of a book drive that was held at the school recently.

Viewpoints: Marshall High School Graduation

Where Do You Go Next and Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

At Marshall, a Time to Start Over

Marshall High School graduates at DAR Constitution Hall.

On Friday, June 14, Marshall High School held their graduation ceremony at Constitution Hall. This year, 354 seniors marched down the aisles, in light blue and red robes, ready to walk across the stage to receive the diplomas they have been working their entire academic career for.

Viewpoints: New Tysons

What do you think about the changes coming to Tysons?

Open House Highlights ‘New Tysons’

County presents plans for “New Downtown.”

Westbriar Elementary School in Vienna, located one block off of Old Courthouse Road and just minutes away from the massive Tysons Corner redevelopment project that is being hailed as the construction of Fairfax County’s “New Downtown,” was the venue for the “Transforming Tysons” Open House. Considering its enormous scope, and the media attention that this project had received even before the first jackhammer went into action, it’s easy to believe that there have literally been thousands of pages of documents, reports, graphs, sketches and communiqués generated on the subject—and more keep coming.

McLean Central Park Draft Plan Presented

Draft plan features new access points, amphitheater.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented a draft of the Master Plan revision for McLean Central Park Monday, June 8 at the McLean Community Center.

Update on Proposed Great Falls TD Bank

Final submission to county planning commission made.

Representatives for TD Bank presented the latest on the proposed Great Falls branch, which would be located at the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. This was the sixth such meeting hosted by the Great Falls Citizens Association.

Father’s Day at Colvin Run Mill

For over 20 years, Colvin Run Mill has organized a special Father’s Day program for children and their fathers. “A day of fun on a kid’s budget,” is their motto for the event. On Sunday, June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., the park welcomed Northern Virginia Carvers to the park to teach free wood carving lessons. When the fathers come they are given a tour of the mill, and can watch the mill’s grinding process.

Classified Advertising June 12, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Column: Full Circle

I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.

Rock the Pink at Occoquan

The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.

Madison Wins Best Play at Cappies

Local high school receives three awards.

Madison High’s “Lend Me a Tenor” won the award for Best Play at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Robinson Secondary captured the Best Musical honor for “Hairspray.” Madison also received awards for Comic Actor in a Play and Costumes. And presenting the starry statuette for Best Play was Karen Garza, recently named superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.

On the Campaign Trail

Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.

Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards

McLean, Langley, Madeira honored.

Local schools brought home half a dozen awards among them at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. McLean High won three; Langley, two; and Madeira, one. Robinson Secondary captured the Best Musical honor for “Hairspray,” and Madison won the Best Play award for “Lend Me a Tenor.”

Establishment Wins Democratic Primary

State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.

Fairfax Celebrated

The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.

Rogers’ Retirement Dream

Aging-in-place remodel required a generator, much to relief of their neighbors.

Ted Rogers, 73, recently completed a senior-friendly makeover to his home, with the help of a master builder to meet his often challenging technical requirements.

Volunteering Gives Seniors a Sense of Fulfillment

Shepherd Center network provides opportunities for seniors to help seniors.

Kathy Tugendhat chairs the Adventures in Learning organizing committee at Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV). She teaches conversational ESL at Patrick Henry Library, one-on-one. On Wednesdays in the summer months, Tugendhat tells stories and leads songs for youngsters on the grounds of the Little Library. She sings with the Vienna Choral Society because she loves it. “It keeps me young,” said Tugendhat. She’s also 80 years old.

Reel Potential Finds Motivation in the Movies

Scott DiGiammarino uses film clips to get message across.

Great Falls resident Scott DiGiammarino knows the power of movies. In his recent TED Talk at TEDx Rock Creek Park, entitled "Why Movies Move Us," he spoke about the impact movies have, and the neuroscience behind it.

Growing up With Baseball in Great Falls

Langley senior Bryan Even to play Division II baseball next year.

Growing up in Great Falls, Langley High School senior Bryan Even found his second home on the diamond. He started his career with Great Falls Little League, where he found inspiration every opening day from the members of the Langley Saxons varsity team.

Lake Anne Hosts Summer Film Series

'Back to the Future' is first installment.

Dark clouds and the threat of rain didn’t deter more than 100 people from gathering at Lake Anne Plaza for the first installment of Lake Anne’s summer film festival. The crowd gathered in front of a large movie screen to watch the 1985 classic “Back to the Future.”

Langley Orchestra Presents Western Concert

The end of the year concert is a night filled with country-style outfits, tunes from the Old West, and plenty of spirit.

Langley Orchestra ended a year of great concerts with their Western concert on Tuesday, June 4.

Paying Respect to Fallen Soldiers

Around 25 scouts from Troop 976 Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Vienna and their families visited the Arlington National Cemetery on May 25 to pay their respects to the soldiers who have given their lives over the years for the United States’ liberty and security.

Youth Inspire Invites Independent Projects Proposals

Youth Inspire, a local non-profit organization run by Langley High School students, is primarily a movement focused on providing support to pediatric cancer patients around the world.

Father’s Day Gallery

Steve Straker celebrates Father's Day while Tony and Carrie Mancuso remember their father who passed away.

Book Sale Draws Hundreds to Vienna Community Center

25,000 books and more than 70 volunteers bring two-day Historic Vienna, Inc.’s sale to life.

When the doors opened at the Vienna Community Center on June 8, welcoming buyers to the annual Historic Vienna, Inc. [HVI] book sale, more than 25,000 books awaited them. And this is one well-organized book sale. Books were arranged by genre, from mystery and novels to reference books and cookbooks. “Treasures,” those books that are rare or vintage, have their own nook.

Vienna Idol Raises $14,500

Grace Atiyeh to give her $500 prize to charities.

Six finalists waited through “The Final Countdown” to learn who would become the new Vienna Idol. From six, it came down to three in the June 7 competition.

Mission Control at Colvin Run

The children communicated with NASA’s Mission Control via a live broadcast televised on NASA TV. The students generated a wide range of questions and asked them directly to ISS CapCom and Chief Engineer Hal Getzelman of the ISS Mission Control Center.

Walmart Hiring for Approximately 200 for New Tysons Corner Store

Walmart planning to open new store in the summer

Walmart will hire approximately 200 people to work at the new Walmart expected to open this summer in Tysons Corner on Leesburg Pike Road and Westwood Center Drive. A temporary hiring center has opened at 8603 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 200, Vienna.

People: Vincent Reese

Pursuing Football and Degrees

Vincent Reese of Vienna received an MBA from North Greenville University in Greenville, S.C. where he was a football graduate assistant, coaching tight ends while working under coach Jamey Chadwell and running backs under coach Carroll McCray and the NGU football coaching staff.

‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs

A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.

Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.

MCA Hosts Members Update

Speakers share plans for new community center, downtown improvements.

The McLean Citizens Association hosted their annual membership meeting Thursday, May 30, bringing in organizations from around the community to provide the latest on McLean’s past, present and future. Sally Horn, president of MCA, called the last 12 a "terrific and challenging year," particularly in terms of Tysons Corner funding and transportation plans.

Langley Alumni Face Off Against Varsity

Second annual Langley Alumni Baseball Game held at Nike Field.

The Langley High School varsity baseball team squared off against its past self Sunday, June 2 at Nike Field, as the current team took on a team made up of alumni for the second straight year.

And the Winners Are …

Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.

The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Week in Vienna

A 65-year-old Vienna man was riding his bicycle on the W&OD Trail when he was struck by a motorist who was driving her car on the trail. Sensational Summer Strategies will be presented by Assistive Technology Services on Friday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services. The Vienna Farmers Market located at 301 Center St. S., the Faith Baptist Church parking lot in Vienna, is hosting special events for children on Saturday, June 8, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Sergeant Thomas M. Taylor Graduates From the Leadership in Police Organizations Program

On May 24, 2013 Sergeant Thomas M. Taylor graduated from the fourth session of the Leadership in Police Organizations program. The program was held in conjunction with the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.

A Shear Madness of an Evening

1st Stage presents "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward.

Light-hearted fare has arrived at Tysons 1st Stage in the guise of Noel Coward's 1941 hit, "Blithe Spirit." It is a lovely dessert-like confection of escapist froth and meringue. But its age—it was written during the "keep calm and carry on" times of the London Blitz of World War II—is beginning to show even under the assured direction of Lee Mikeska Gardner.

Experiencing All-American Football Camp

Local players gain exposure to college coaches during camp and develop skills for football and life.

Over the past two years, over 100 athletes who have attended the camp are playing NCAA football, including 48 who received Division I scholarships in 2012.

Maplewood Grill Continues the Fine Dining Tradition

Father and son keep local restaurant part of community.

The years that Chef Paul Kuchler spent at the sides of the classical chefs who worked his father’s kitchen at Le Canard paid off. Kuchler now is co-owner and head chef of Maplewood Grill, designing the menu, perpetuating some of Le Canard’s traditional recipes, refining new signature dishes and overseeing the kitchen details of Maplewood Grill. It was Marcel Kuchler’s idea to reinvent his French restaurant as one with a contemporary American spin and his son Paul took off with the concept.

Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles

Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.

Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.

Animals Blessed in Vienna

Antioch Christian Church holds its third annual blessing for family pets.

Antioch Christian Church, the quaint white clapboard church on Beulah Road, hosted its third annual pet blessing on June 2 and pet parents came from throughout the area to have their pets blessed by Antioch’s pastor, Randy Beeman. Any family pet, of any species, was welcome.

Social Life of 20s Revisited

Flint Hill High School’s performance of “The Boy Friend.”

Throwing themselves and the audience back into the jiving time of the 1920s, Flint Hill High School performed “The Boy Friend” on May 3.

Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships

Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.