Stories for November 2013

Classified Advertising November 27, 2013

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Usury Explosion: Northern Virginia Becomes Hotbed for Car-Title Lending Industry

Route 1 corridor currently has eight locations; soon to get ninth.

In the last three years, dozens of new car-title lending businesses have popped up in neighborhoods across Northern Virginia — the result of recent regulations opening the door to a business that charges as much as 264 percent a year on loans.

Column: "Scanticipation"

When I get CT-Scanned on Wednesday, November 27th, it will be nearly four months since my last diagnostic scan. That occurred during my hospital "staycation" during the first week of August, when I was admitted due to the extremely abnormal fluid buildup in my left lung.

Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows

Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts

Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.

Opportunities to Serve Others on Thanksgiving

Local charities in need of help from the community.

Rahsan Baatin bikes to his Arlington, Va., office on most days. He runs every day. His wife Victoria swims each morning. The two are gearing up to spend Thanksgiving morning running The Trot for Hunger, a 5k race to raise more for the local charity SOME (So Others Might Eat).

Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving

Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.

"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.

While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.

Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival

Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.

"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.

Author Writes Children’s Sleep Book

Pat Britz hosts signing at Katie’s Coffee Shop.

During her years working for the National Sleep Foundation, author Pat Britz heard it all from parents. Calls about children that wouldn’t go to bed, that couldn’t sleep and more.

Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings

Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.

Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.

Long & Foster’s Tysons Office Designated as a Toys for Tots Collection Site

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., announced that its Tysons Corner office launched its annual toy drive to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign on Nov. 13. Toys may be dropped off seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Long & Foster’s Tysons Corner office, located at 8227 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna. All donations must be made before Dec. 18.

Vienna Photographer’s Exhibit Shows Wildlife of Africa

Photo exhibit on display in Reston until Nov. 30.

On Nov. 14 there was an evening reception at the Reston Center 1 for photographer Patricia Deege’s exhibit "Africa The Living Wild."

What I Did Last Summer

High School Diplomats program for rising juniors and seniors is a cultural exchange experience

Every September, as long as I can remember, I have written the age old paper titled "What I did last summer." I have always dreaded this assignment to the point that I would ask my parents in May about our plans for the summer, hoping there might be something special to report in September.

Vienna Arts Society Hosts Treasury of Art Show and Sale

More than 150 original pieces of art were juried by art specialist Jack Rasmussen for the Vienna Arts Society 44th Annual Treasury of Art Show and Sale that took place Nov. 22 through Nov. 24 at the Vienna Community Center.

CROP Hunger Walk raises $25,000

More than 150 individuals from churches, schools, organization and the Vienna community participated in the 9th annual CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk on Nov. 10.

Vienna Youth Soccer’s ‘Give Cancer the Boot’ Campaign Raises Awareness and Builds Community

Vienna Youth Soccer’s (VYS) fields were a sea of pink in October as players and their families participated in the second annual "Give Cancer The Boot" campaign by wearing pink during games and practices.

Air Force Strolling Strings Perform at Vienna Elementary

On Nov. 19, the Air Force Strolling Strings performed at Vienna Elementary for students.

Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving

So many needs, so many great organizations, give locally where your heart leads you.

The holidays are about giving. They are about children. The holidays are about sharing, about joy, about alleviating suffering for others. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation.

Fairfax County Holiday Calendar

Your guide to holiday events in the Northern Virginia area.

Oakton’s Stoney, Girls’ Team Win State XC Titles

Three Oakton girls’ harriers earn all-state

Stoney is Oakton's first individual boys' cross country state champion since the 1970s.

Classified Advertising November 20, 2013

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Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books

Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.

Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.

A Place for Youth in Need

The Alternative House has been providing support, since 1972, to at risk youth and their families.

Driving on Gallows Road near the Dunn Loring Fire Department, you will pass a well maintained split-level home with purple doors with a sign in front titled “Alternative House.” Located at 2100 Gallows Road, the Alternative House has been providing support, since 1972, to at risk youth and their families. Christine Bartell, resource manager, said, “It is the only organization in the area offering emergency shelter to young people,” and added “that estimates have shown that there are 7,000 homeless kids in Northern Virginia.” In the predominantly affluent Fairfax County, the number of at risk youth is not visible to many, making it an even greater challenge for Bartell and other staff when conducting community outreach efforts. The Alternative House views their Open Door Information Sessions and their Ambassador program as key efforts to obtaining community engagement and support. Bartell manages resources, such as property and donations that support their initiatives. The Alternative House is supported by a dedicated staff of 40 employees and 1,350 volunteers.

Supporting Wounded Warriors and Their Families

Yellow Ribbon Fund arranges and pays for variety of services.

Honoring Wounded Warriors As the executive director of the Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF), Vienna’s Mark Robbins spearheads projects that make the lives of Wounded Warriors and their families better. With his staff of 11 and 1300-plus volunteers, he leads the YRF in planning and hosting 100 events a year.

SafeSpot Fall Show Brings New Trends

Over 250 guests enjoyed SafeSpot's Fall Fashion Show at Bloomingdale's on Sunday, Oct. 6. Professional models were elegant in the latest trends and the young models were local children who delighted the audience. The proceeds from the show will help open a safe, child-friendly center for abused children in Fairfax County called SafeSpot, since the county does not currently have a center to help its traumatized children. The center will provide direct services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse in Fairfax County and the SafeSpot center is designed to reduce the trauma experienced by child abuse victims as they navigate the legal, investigative and social service systems following an allegation of abuse.

Holiday Shopping the ‘Small-town’ Way

Local businesses offer personalized service, distinctive and unique gifts

So, you ask, what makes shopping at Vienna’s small businesses a pleasant, rewarding experience. For starters, merchandise and services are likely to be unique and distinctive, and customer service is typically personal and enthusiastic. You can go to the mall and find the same brands, harried employees and temporary staffing at one store or another. Or … you can shop locally where the merchants are your neighbors, your fellow club or church members, and community supporters. From one-of-a-kind hand-knit hats to wood birdhouses and bat condominiums, Vienna-logo gifts, and pumpkin pie liqueur, there’s something for everyone in Vienna’s hometown shops.

Holiday Gift Ideas in Reston

Reston Used Book Shop, Reston Museum offer local gift ideas.

When hunting for presents this holiday season, the Reston Used Book Store offers hard-to-find reads alongside bestsellers at one of the area’s most popular gift destinations.

Unfunded Northern Virginia Transportation Projects Discussed

County seeks feedback on unfunded projects.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation hosted their latest Countywide Conversation on Transportation Meeting in Reston Wednesday, Nov. 13, to solicit opinions on unfunded transportation projects.

Letter: Bad Plan for County Libraries

I find it very disturbing that after many hours of public meetings, hundreds of speakers, and thousands of emails and petition signatures about the proposed "strategic redirection" of Fairfax libraries you can still believe that absolutely dreadful plan contains many ideas "of value" which "should continue to be explored."

Letter: Response to Sharon Bulova

Perhaps I am mistaken, but your recent article ("Library Reorganization Deserves More Work," The Connection, Nov. 13-19, 2013) sounds to me like a repudiation of the hard-fought community efforts over the last several months to maintain strong library services. It also appears to be a pre-emptive strike against the Library Board of Trustees presentation to be made on Nov. 19.

Treasury of Art Show and Sale

Vienna Arts Society exhibition runs from Nov. 22 through Nov. 24 at the Vienna Community Center.

You can see art treasures in museums and art shows around the world, but, to see a treasury of art, one must visit Vienna the weekend of Nov. 22.

Getting Ready for Guests at Thanksgiving and Beyond

Ideas for prepping your home so that visitors feel welcome.

When Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season next week, it will mean an onslaught of house guests for some. Local style gurus offer simple ideas for getting your home ready for visits from friends and family.

Learning to Create an Organized Holiday Season

Local pros offer tips for staying on track from Thanksgiving and beyond.

"If you’re organized, you’ll definitely experience less stress this holiday season," said professional organizer Susan Unger, of ClutterSOS in Vienna. "If you figure out what your goal is and map out everything in advance, you won’t find yourself staying up late wrapping presents and other chores and you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends."

Teaching Children to Make Holiday Gifts

Local art experts offer crafty gift ideas.

Gifting your child’s teacher, grandparents or other family members with holiday cheer doesn’t have to add another line item to your budget. Homemade gifts from children are among the most cherished, say experts, and creating them can be as memorable for the child as the recipient.

Tips for Holiday Card Photos

Local photographers offer suggestions for taking great family photos.

Amber Wilson has spent the last week scouring her computer files in search of the perfect pictures for her holiday card. One image missing from her collection is a shot of her entire family.

Column: Cost of Living

As the person primarily responsible for stocking the house with supplies and maintaining miscellaneous inventory, I am frequently in stores (supermarket, drugstore, pet store, etc.) buying the staples (not an office supply reference) our family needs to maintain our lifestyle, such as it is.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Like a Chef

Local chefs and culinary experts share family stories and recipes.

As a teen, Chef Guiseppe Ricciardi’s Thanksgiving dinners were anything but traditional. Ricciardi , the proprietor of Dolce Vita and Dolce Veloce in Fairfax, moved to New York from Italy with his family when he was 14. His family celebrated Thanksgiving in their new country, but they put an Italian twist on the holiday.

Holiday Cooking with Children

Local culinary instructors offer suggestions for bonding in the kitchen.

Maria Kopsidas recalls childhood holidays filled with turkey, sweets and merriment. Because she grew up in a family of professional chefs, cookbook authors and culinary enthusiasts, the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas always brings fond food recollections.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Shop in McLean

Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 30. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as a dedicated day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: October, 2013

In October 2013, 82 homes sold between $1,629,807-$185,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: October, 2013

Classified Advertising November 13, 2013

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Oakton Wins Individual, Team Region Cross Country Titles

Stoney wins boys’ title, Oakton girls win team championship.

Oakton boys', girls' cross country teams qualify for states.

Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work

In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.

Up on the Rooftop

A Free Roof for the Holidays program continues.

As the holiday season approaches, many children dream of hearing hoofs clicking on their rooftops. But as the economy continues to stutter, we continue to hear of families struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. For these families, keeping a roof over their heads—even if it leaks—is their immediate dream.

Vienna Boy Receives Champion of Character Award

Wolfi Gottschalk, a 9-year-old football player for the Vienna Youth Inc. Buccaneers, received the 2013 Fairfax County Champions of Character award for the Providence district male athlete.

Holiday Bazaar Returns to Vienna

80 vendors display their wares at Vienna Community Center.

The Vienna Woman’s Club held its 53rd annual Holiday and Harvest Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Vienna Community Center.

Most Successful Event Ever

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna’s fundraiser nets $32,000.

The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna’s event wowed the crowd at their annual benefit.

Winter Walk of Lights to Open at Meadowlark

The light show runs Nov. 15 - Jan. 5.

On Nov. 1, the Meadowlark Gardens offered a sneak peak at their Winter Walk of Lights lightshow. In the lightshow, a total of about 500,000 LED lights will be on display for about six miles of trail at Meadowlark Gardens Park in Vienna.

Vienna 3A Braves Win Fall Ball Classic Championship

The Vienna 3A Braves captured the Vienna Little League Fall Ball Classic Championship on Oct. 29.

Archer Fifth Graders Win Robotics Tournament

On Nov. 2, Tidal Force 6--a group of fifth graders from Louise Archer Elementary School-- captured the 1st-Place Champions Award at the 2013-14 VA-DC First Lego League (FLL) Regional Robotics Tournament held at Eagle Ridge Middle School in Ashburn.

Potters Return to Colvin Run Mill

Local potters returned to Colvin Run Mill the first weekend of November for their holiday sale. Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located in Alexandria.

Editorial: Proof Every Vote Matters

Elections have consequences, including very close races.

Tuesday morning, a full week after an Election Day that included races that were more suspenseful than anticipated (and also many races that were foregone conclusions), we are probably more than a month away from certifying the winner of the Virginia Attorney General race.

It Wasn’t Fun While It Lasted

But it was only a week, and I was able to leave under my own power, assisted by a wheelchair, which is of course standard procedure when leaving a hospital after an admission, so it wasn’t a total loss. It was three months ago today, Friday, August 2nd that I was "ambulanced " to Holy Cross Hospital where I spent the beginning of my seven, first-ever nights in a hospital; pretty fortunate track record for someone my age.

Creating a Feast for the Eye

Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.

While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.

Choosing Art

Local designers offer tips on how to banish blank walls.

When Anne McCloud and her fiance, Mark Graham, moved into their Herndon home two years ago, with the exception of a large, deep red Chesterfield sofa, a present from Anne’s parents, the furniture they had was left over from graduate school: a tattered antique chair in need of reupholstering and two side tables.

Home for the Holidays

Amateur chef Dave Mulligan gets the kitchen of his dreams ... just in time for Thanksgiving.

As Dave Mulligan tells it, he owes the long-coveted "blue eyes" granite countertops now in his kitchen to events that started with a leaking shower one floor above.

Sweet Gathering in the Sunshine

Mentors, foster children and other youth learn about bees; county needs more foster families, mentors.

On a beautiful day in late summer, a group of young people of varied backgrounds, including some youth in foster care, gathered with their adult mentors under the ongoing auspices of Fairfax Families4Kids on a field trip into the countryside.

Route 7 Widening Plans Updated

Intersection improvements, increased pedestrian and bicycle facilities highlight $300 million project.

The Virginia Department of Transportation held an update meeting regarding the Route 7 Widening project Wednesday, Nov. 6. The estimated $300 million project will widen Route 7 from four lanes to six for 6.9 miles from Jarrett Valley Drive to Reston Avenue.

SCC Takes Aim at Student Stress

Dr. Madeline Levine to speak at Alden Nov. 19.

The Safe Community Coalition, an advocacy group serving the Langley and McLean High School pyramids, as well as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is taking on the challenge of student stress head on.

Where Have All Of Tyson’s Forests Gone?

It is happening over and over again. Piece by piece, our natural landscape is being taken away from our families. Whose neighborhood will be affected next?

Week in Vienna

A look at what's happening in Vienna this week.

Vienna Fire Station Holds Grand Opening

The Wolftrap station made more than 60 calls during its first two weeks of operation.

On Nov. 2, the newest Fairfax County fire and rescue station No. 42, Wolftrap had a grand opening open to the public.

Vienna Election Day

A ‘steady flow of people’ reported.

Weather has not been a hindrance for voters in the Vienna area.

Officers Gain Training in Criminal Justice

On Oct. 19, Officer Bradley "Brad" A. Reedy and Officer Marcos F. Herrera graduated from the 60th Session of the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.

Letter: Connolly Is Best at Humor, Not Details

In his letter ["The Damage Is Already Done," Connection, Oct. 23-29, 2013], Rep. [Gerry] Connolly (D-11) asserts a number of cases of individuals hurt by or concerned about the 13-day shutdown of the federal government.

Letter: Storm Recovery and Resilience in Northern Virginia

As terrible as this may sound, when I think back on my experiences with Hurricane Sandy I seem to most vividly recall the five-day weekend.

Mountain Kim Builds Character and Strength

Martial arts school teaches focus, respect and discipline.

When Tae Kwon Do Grand Master Mountain Kim opened his martial arts school in Vienna about 35 years ago, it was the second of the eponymous Mountain Kim Tae Kwon Do schools in Northern Virginia.

Classified Advertising November 6, 2013

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Amphora Kicks Off Change 4 Change! Campaign

Amphora Restaurant recently kicked off its Change 4 Change! campaign at is Vienna location, benefiting Meant 2 Live Foundation’s OZ Project that serves more than 200 orphans with HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable children in Zambia by providing schooling and other services.

GMU Rector Visits Penn State

Athletic program explored.

As the Pennsylvania State University community geared up for a busy home football weekend, a visitor from Fairfax was present in the stands: CDaniel Clemente, Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors.

Yoga Community Lauds New Smithsonian Exhibit

Sackler exhibit is first of its kind.

Yoga instructor Luann Fulbright of McLean moved her practice from the mat to a gallery recently when she joined diplomats, philanthropists, artists and fellow yogis at a gala to celebrate the opening of "Yoga: The Art of Transformation" at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. It is the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga.

Column: This Spud’s For You

There’s more talk now than ever before, about the possibility of the Washington, D.C. professional football team changing its name.

Fairfax County Wants You

County launches "Transportation Dialogues" to get feedback on public’s priorities.

Not since 1987 — when today’s 40-something motorists were newly-minted drivers — has Fairfax County seen any new revenue stream for its traffic-choked roadways or relief for the region’s chronic gridlock.

Stacey Kincaid Elected County’s First Female Sheriff

Kincaid, a Vienna resident, pledges commitment to diversity, department’s employees and community outreach programs.

Democrat Stacey Kincaid, a 26-year-veteran of the sheriff’s department, made local history Tuesday by becoming Fairfax County’s first female sheriff.

Paying Attention to the Pros

High School coaches, players share opinions on Redskins’ Meriweather.

Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has received penalties, fines and a suspension for illegal hits.

Battleground? Not Exactly

Competitive state races gave voters more choices, but they stick with incumbents over challengers.

Every two years, Virginia holds all of its statewide elections.

Editorial: Be Part of Children’s Connection

Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 6.

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.

Bicyclers Take Aim At Tysons

Cycling summit examines Tysons Corner accessibility.

Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling hosted their annual Bike Summit Saturday, Nov. 2. Cycling and accessibility advocates examined the ways that people will be able to access the four Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner, stations that currently do not have onsite parking.

Citizens Oppose Residential Studios Proposal

Amendment would allow for low-income residential studios in many residential districts.

The McLean Citizens Association hosted a public forum to address the county’s proposed Residential Studios Zoning Ordinance Amendment Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Classified Advertising, October 30, 2013

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