Thursday, May 30
Lake Braddock Baseball Beats Marshall in Region Semifinals
Bruins secure state berth, will face Oakton in region final.
The Lake Braddock baseball team scored 13 runs in the fourth inning to pull away from Marshall.
Oakton Baseball Beats South County in Northern Region Semifinals
Cougars advance to championship game, secure state berth.
The Oakton baseball team will face Lake Braddock on Friday in the Northern Region championship game.
Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.
Wednesday, May 29
Classified Advertising May 29, 2013
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Summer Fun in Fairfax
The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.
Column: Airing on the Side of Caution
I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
100 New Citizens Sworn In
Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.
The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 28
Summer Fun at Reston Town Center
Summer Concerts on the Town, Taste of Reston highlight annual events.
Reston Town Center will host their annual concert series starting June 1 and going through Aug. 24. The annual Summer Concerts on the Town series features everything from big band jazz to West African dance, Zydeco and more.
Reston Historic Trust Examines Reston’s Architecture
Historic Trust hosts discussion on development of Reston.
There is a small elevated concrete platform just south of the Lake Anne Plaza. According to the writing on the platform, it was built in 1963. But the plaza wasn’t completed until 1964.
Lake Braddock Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Bruins beat Madison, will face Marshall.
The Lake Braddock baseball team is one win away from heading back to the state tournament.
Korean Bell Garden Marks Anniversary
Anniversary celebration brings more than 350 visitors to Meadowlark Gardens.
On Saturday, May 25, visitors to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna were granted free admittance. This was due to the first anniversary celebration of the completion of the park’s Korean Bell Gardens. The celebration began at 11 a.m. and brought more than 350 visitors to the park.
Public Works Day Draws Hundreds to Property Yard
Children climb in heavy equipment and wear hardhats.
Every year, during National Public Works Week, the Town of Vienna opens up its property yard on Mill Street to the public. This is no ordinary “open house,” either. The equipment, from ditch diggers to garbage trucks and front loaders and everything a town needs to maintain its infrastructure, is washed clean and spiffy-ed up. The all-afternoon event on May 23 featured snacks, give-outs that kids like—from blowup balls to hardhats—popcorn, tattooing and the chance to climb into a police car without being hauled off to the police station. Kids look forward to Public Works Day all year.
Summer Fun Abounds in Vienna
Guide to special events and children’s activities.
Every Friday and Sunday evening—and summer Wednesday—free concerts liven up the Vienna Town Green. Sponsored by the Town of Vienna’s Parks and Recreation Department and local businesses and individuals, the concerts feature local musicians and special guests, including the armed forces bands.
Underdog Marshall Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Statesmen one win shy of states after 0-7 start.
The Marshall baseball team will face Lake Braddock in the regional semifinals.
Local Student to Receive Statewide Award
A Floris fifth-grader honored for excellence in math.
A Floris Elementary School fifth-grader has been selected as the Virginia recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association of Gifted Children.
Celebrating Partnerships
Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.
He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.
Monday, May 27
Community Comes Together for ViVa! Vienna!
Annual three-day Rotary Club festival featured food, amusement rides, live entertainment and 300-plus vendor marketplace.
Thousands of local families, teens, seniors, preschoolers and friends thronged the historic Church Street corridor over Memorial Day weekend at ViVa! Vienna! The annual festival, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greater Vienna, featured 30 amusement rides for children of all ages, fried food, fresh food and frozen food, live entertainment on two stages—three if you count Vienna Idol—and more than 300 vendors selling arts, crafts, goods and services.
Thursday, May 23
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
The sacrifices of those who died in war.
1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.
Tea Party Ticket
Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.
Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.
Wednesday, May 22
Reston Community Orchestra Wraps up 25th Season
Reston Community Orchestra welcomes youth for season finale.
The Reston Community Orchestra concluded their 25th season Sunday, May 19, with a performance at the Reston Community Center.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs
Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 21
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Returns to Reston Town Center
Greg Sawyer of Herndon describes himself as an art fan, but says he’s a “little intimidated” by it. Still, having recently moved from Texas and living without roommates for the first time in his life, he has an apartment to decorate. That brought him to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center last weekend.
Vienna Police Sergeant Tom Taylor Honored
On May 4, Sergeant Tom Taylor was honored for his enforcement efforts against drunk and impaired drivers. The Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (V.A.S.A.P.) in Fairfax County and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) held its annual awards ceremony at the Tysons Westpark Hotel in McLean.
Brief: Connolly Honors Mayo Stuntz on House Floor
Rep. Gerry Connolly’s Congressional Record Statement commemorating the extraordinary life of Mayo Stuntz of Vienna.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the extraordinary life of one of Fairfax County’s more iconic figures, Mayo Sturdevant Stuntz, who passed away May 9, at the age of 97. Mr. Stuntz not only witnessed the historical events that shaped our community, but he and his family also dedicated themselves to documenting, sharing and preserving that history for future generations.
ViVa! Vienna! Returns Memorial Day Weekend
Three-day festival features live entertainment, carnival food, rides and 300-plus vendors.
ViVa! Vienna! is back: Carnival midway, live entertainment and food vendors kick-off the three-day Memorial Day weekend festival on Saturday, May 25. And that’s just the beginning. On Sunday, more than 300 vendors—selling crafts, goods and services—converge along the historic Church Street corridor, hosting upwards of 50,000 visitors to the festival sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greater Vienna.
Vienna Woman’s Club Awards Scholarships
Madison HS seniors, Vienna elementary schools recipients of club’s generosity.
The Vienna Woman’s Club celebrated 51 years of scholarship awards on May 15 at a program honoring three local high school seniors and four Vienna elementary schools. The scholarship winners each received a $1,000 check from the Woman’s Club. “The scholarships honor exceptional seniors and their families,” said Scholarship and Education Committee co-chair Jo-Lynn Westlund.
Joe Cassella 5K Raises $16,000
Annual run supports families of children suffering from cancer.
Frank Cassella remembers his brother Joe as a man who had very high character. Even throughout Joe’s 10-month battle with mesothelioma, which claimed his life in July 2009 at the age of 40, Frank remembers a brother who embraced support, not pity.
New Source of Information for Seniors in McLean
McLean Senior Source help desk opens at community center.
Seniors in McLean now have a one-stop shop to access services with the opening of the McLean Senior Source Tuesday, May 21. Volunteers will man a phone, computer and table in the McLean Community Center in order to connect seniors and caregivers with services they need.
Friday, May 17
Classified Advertising May 22, 2013
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Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: April, 2013
In April 2013, 132 homes sold between $1,850,000-$194,900 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: April, 2013
Thursday, May 16
O’Sullivan’s 7 Goals Lead Westfield Girls’ Lax to Concorde Title
Bulldogs beat defending champion Oakton in overtime.
The Westfield girls' lacrosse team will host Stone Bridge tonight in the Northern Region quarterfinals.
Fairfax County Attracts Innovative Technology Firms
More than 1,400 jobs added to local economy in first quarter.
Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013.
Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue
Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.
Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.
Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes
Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.
In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.
Classified Advertising May 15, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Quick Takes
Q&A with Pastor King Rhodes.
Pastor King Rhodes is founder and senior pastor of His Church International Christian Center (HCICC) in Springfield, and has been involved in Christian ministry and community outreach for more than 20 years. As a longtime advocate for foster youth, Rhodes and his ministry help support the mission of Fairfax Families4Kids, a foster-mentoring program for teens in Fairfax County. On Saturday, May 18, Rhodes’ church will sponsor the organization’s 5-K Walk during Foster Care Appreciation Month.
Tuesday, May 14
‘Day Prom’ Celebrated
On Thursday, May 9, Herndon High School hosted a very special prom at the Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax. Called the “Day Prom” the event is held for students with special needs that might not be able to attend their general education prom.
Brief: Week in Vienna
Teens on the Green Concert, Town Offices Observe Memorial Day, Family Scavenger Hunt in Vienna, Public Works Day Open House May 23, Community Forum on Maple Avenue Vision.
Brief: Unity of Fairfax Benefit Concert in Support of Women’s Center in Vienna
The Unity of Fairfax fourth annual “Who is My Neighbor” benefit concert, entitled “Breaking the Silence: Finding Your Voice," raised funds for The Women’s Center in Vienna while promoting awareness of the issues of abuse, bullying and mental illness on May 10.
Brief: Spring Into Summer Fashion Show to Benefit Artemis House
The OLGC Women’s Club hosted a Spring into Summer Fashion Show in DeSales Hall, located on the parish campus of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna Thursday, May 2. The clothing sponsor for the event was Chico’s of Reston Town Center. Chico’s provided the evening’s colorful spring and summer fashions which featured a dazzling line up of Women’s Club models wearing a number of different casual and formal looks for daytime and evening events.
Incumbents Retain Town Council Seats
Standing under umbrellas, the four candidates running for three Vienna Town Council seats greeted voters in a rain steady throughout most of the morning and early afternoon. The rain wasn’t torrential but neither was voter turnout throughout much of the day.
Thursday, May 9
Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure
Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.
Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.
Wednesday, May 8
Classified Advertising May 8, 2013
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Safety and Bike Rodeo Teaches Healthy Habits
Child-centered activities held on Town Green on May 4.
Those children on Mill Street on Saturday, the ones in the parking lot across from the Town Green surrounded by Vienna police officers, were not being charged with a traffic violation. They were, instead, being guided around a training course by Vienna police in Vienna’s 2nd Annual W&OD Safety and Bike Rodeo sponsored by the Town of Vienna Bicycle Advisory Committee, Friends of the W&OD and local civic groups and businesses.
Vienna Farmers’ Market Opens in New Location
Spring produce and family activities marked opening day.
Opening day of the Vienna Farmers Market—in its new home on Center Street—looked as much like a spring fair as it did farmers’ market. May 4 was sunny and warm and shoppers turned out by the dozens and dozens to enjoy the initial rites of spring, from baseball at Waters Field to the food and fun at the farmers market. Operated and sponsored by the Optimists Club of Greater Vienna, the farmers market found a welcome on the grounds of Faith Baptist Church, across the street from Waters Field and caddy-corner from the firehouse.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Tuesday, May 7
McLean Station Nears Completion
Work continues on systems beneath the canopy of the Silver Line's McLean Station.
McLean Jazzercise Raises $12,525 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Over 100 dancers participated in Jazzercise of McLean and Tysons Corner’s Dance for a Cure fundraiser, which raised $12,525 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by staging a benefit dance-fitness marathon on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Week in Vienna
This week in Vienna features some new, exciting events like a new Police Chief and a concert!
Letters: How to ‘Make Life Greener?It was fantastic to read about Vienna’s commitment to more sustainable living [“Making Life ‘Greener’ in Vienna” (The Vienna and Oakton Connection, April 24-30, 2013
The writer is the coordinator for the Virginia Healthy Air Coalition of the American Lung Association in Virginia.
McLean High Yearbook Wins Pacemaker Award
Other area high school publications recognized.
“The Clan,” the yearbook of McLean High School, was one of 25 high school yearbooks nationwide to be recognized with a Pacemaker Award by the Journalism Education Association-National Scholastic Press Association (JEA-NSPA) for 2013.
Week in McLean
Serial Burglaries in McLean Area
This week in McLean had some interesting events like a Church yard sale, a book sale, and even a few burglaries!
McLean’s Kitchen and Garden Tour a Success
A ribbon-cutting kicked off McLean’s first Kitchen and Garden Tour, on Wednesday, May 1.
Park, Ride and Relax
MCC asks residents to “Park, Ride and Relax” by using three convenient shuttle services on McLean Day 2013.
The McLean Community Center asks residents to help the environment, reduce traffic on Chain Bridge Road and eliminate personal stress by using free shuttle rides.
McLean Day 2013, Saturday, May 18: “Celebrating Our Hometown”
It’s the place to be with the people you want to be with: McLean Day has that hometown feel.
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) annual community festival McLean Day 2013: “Celebrating Our Hometown” draws a large crowd of residents and local businesses and organizations together once a year to celebrate their “hometown.”
McLean Day Only Gets Better With Age
This year’s Saturday, May 18 celebration approaches centennial.
The McLean Community Center’s annual community festival is approaching its 100th anniversary.
Help Fully Restore Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill, the Park Authority site, is a finalist in a web-based contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
Letters: Mega-mansions and the Like
My friend and I decided to go for a drive around our Great Falls “village” and enjoy the sights. Alas, what I saw of our manmade structures was less than uplifting.
Letters: Pike As a Raceway
I have resided in Great Falls since 1986. For more than 25 years, I drove along Georgetown Pike, "a scenic byway," to the beltway before 6 a.m. on most business days.
Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.
Oakton Boys’ Soccer Finishes Regular Season Undefeated
Cougars beat Westfield on senior night.
The Oakton boys' soccer team finished the regular season with an 11-0-2 record.
Haddad Celebrates 50 Years of Dance
Margaret Haddad Studio to present "Down Memory Lane."
After dancing and teaching ballet in four countries over the past five decades, Margaret Haddad’s Studio of Classical Ballet will look back on some of her favorite shows with "Down Memory Lane."
Great Falls Exxon Environmental Meeting Set
GFCA to host meeting on former Exxon station contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association will host a public meeting Tuesday, May 14, to address the environmental impact of lingering effects on the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike.
Friday, May 3
Classified Advertising May 1, 2013
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Wednesday, May 1
Chantilly Comeback Falls Short Against Oakton
Chargers leave bases loaded in bottom of seventh inning.
The Oakton baseball team improved to 13-3 with Tuesday's victory over Chantilly.