Stories for October 2013

Walking for a Burning Reason

Flicker of Hope fundraiser benefits burn survivors.

When David Borowski was 6 weeks old, his mother witnessed his bassinet suddenly burst into flames—with her newborn in it. She grabbed her infant to her chest, trying to smother the fire engulfing his little form. The telephone was enveloped by the fire, and David’s mom ran to the street.

Vienna Halloween Parade Attracts Thousands

Costumed children, bands, floats and vehicles anchor 90-minute parade.

As chilly—and drizzly—as it was, the weather did not deter thousands of local families to line Maple Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 23 to celebrate the 67th annual Vienna Halloween Parade. Hosted for the first time ever as a partnership between the Town of Vienna and the year-old Vienna Business Association [VBA], the parade featured Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman as its Grand Marshal in 2013. New this year was a concert presented on the Town Green by the School of Rock as an early evening prelude to the parade.

Letter: Strongly Opposed to Cutting Food Aid

Last week, Elizabeth Berry wrote a letter expressing concern over a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would cut food aid for nearly 3.8 million people, and asked that I oppose this legislation. I strongly oppose it. The cuts recommended by the House would eliminate free school meals for 280,000 children and aggravate an already difficult situation for many families in Virginia struggling to put food on the table. We must protect nutrition assistance programs because it’s our responsibility to ensure the neediest among us have access to food when times are hardest.

Letter: Cuccinelli: Real Solutions to Real Problems

Two of my main concerns with the welfare of Virginia citizens are well addressed in Cuccinelli's plans for the future: education and mental health care. Education is a hot topic with many people especially in educationally rich Fairfax County. We've made many strides in education for the future, but more can still be done. Cuccinelli aptly outlines areas where we're weak, statewide. Planning for future needs and student welfare in a digital age is also crucial.

Editorial: Vote Nov. 5 or Before

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

For voters in Virginia, it is hard to overstate how important it is to go out and vote next week. All Virginia voters will see statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race. In addition, there are a few local races in Alexandria and Arlington, a bond question in Fairfax County and a referendum question about the housing authority in Arlington.

Column: Excuse Me, Pardon Me, Excuse Me…

If it wasn’t a coincidence, it was the next thing to being one. What it was, was the hiccups; occurring after chemotherapy infusion number one and again after chemotherapy number two. The first episode lasted only a few days and annoyed my wife, Dina, way more than it annoyed me. The first hiccuping episode was fairly constant; however it was not exhausting – and I wasn’t having any trouble sleeping because of them. Nor was I making any disturbing sounds or having any difficulty breathing – when caught in mid-hiccup, and/or eating because of the herky-jerky movements/spasms of my diaphragm. In general, it was a fairly benign effect. In the big picture, it didn’t seem particularly important that it was the hiccups I was having, so I never called my oncologist. It was the hiccups after all. It might as well have been a skinned knee. Jeez. And sure enough, within a couple of days, I was “hiccuped out.”

Sheriff’s Race Heats Up

Kincaid, Wolfe trade barbs over guns, vandalism.

Like many of her neighbors, Vienna resident Jane Li said she didn’t know Fairfax County had a sheriff’s department until a few weeks ago.

Voters to Decide on $250 Million Bond

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Fairfax County voters will be asked to approve a $250 million school bond. If approved, the schools plan to use the money to:

Making Voters Feel Welcome, No Matter Their Language

County election officials have stepped up outreach efforts and volunteer recruitment efforts.

“I was touched with the Korean community’s efforts to help us translate materials and provide volunteers. … And so we're trying to encourage other pockets. My next target is Vietnamese. We’ve also printed recruitment brochures in Farsi, Arabic, Chinese Korean, French, and Spanish.” — Cameron Quinn, Fairfax County’s chief elections officer

Democrats Lead in Polls as Voters Head to the Polls for Election Day

Hotly contested race for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Democrats have the wind at their backs heading into Election Day next week, as Republican gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli struggles to overcome a deficit in the polls.

Oakton Women’s Club Supports Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna

Each year the Oakton Women’s Club hosts their fashion show in Oakton to raise money to support the local community. The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was the recipient of the net proceeds for the 2013 fashion show and received a generous $1,000 donation. Pictured (from left) Jayne Young, office administrator of SCOV, and Linda Byrne, president of the Board Oakton Women’s Club. Centered is a photo of Jeanne Robertson, the headliner for SCOV’s annual fundraiser. Their event is already sold out with 1,000 attendees expected at the Oct. 27 event in Vienna. Founded in 1997, SCOV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for adults (50-plus) to seek rewarding lives and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. In 2012 SCOV provided services and programs to more than 3,000 older adults in the Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Merrifield and portions of Reston and Fairfax areas. In 2012 it was voted the Best Nonprofit of the Year (2012) by the Vienna Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce. In September, 2013 SCOV was selected the Charity of the Month by WTOP 103.5FM Radio.

Stunned by the ‘War’ Theme

To the Editor: The false slogan of “war on women”—trumpeted throughout the 2012 election—is being dusted off to slander a candidate who, unlike his opponents, has spent a verifiable lifetime of helping Virginia’s women.

Girl Scout Earns the Gold Award

Girl Scouts, known for selling cookies, do more than that. The Girl Scout Award is the highest honor earned annually by fewer than 3,000 Girl Scouts in the entire U.S. who have demonstrated superior leadership, organization and a higher commitment to community service. Gold Award projects cover a range of issues from anti-bullying campaigns to tutoring to promoting healthy behaviors.

Vienna Girls Recognized for Community Service

Girl Scouts Alison (Aly) Luckett and Taylor Lane of Vienna have earned their respective Silver Trefoil Awards. That award, which is unique to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, recognizes commendable community service. Specifically, Aly and Taylor each completed over 100 hours of service in a variety of categories, including Girl Scout community service hours, national service hours (including volunteering with federal, state and local government entities) and global service hours.

Farmers Market Closes With a ‘Thank You’

Bulbs planted at Faith Baptist Church in appreciation of the church’s support.

The Vienna Farmers Market closed its 2013 season with assistance from the Ayr Hill Garden Club and children visiting the market on Saturday, Oct. 26. To thank Faith Baptist Church for its partnership and use of church grounds, market master Sarah Jane Brady teamed up with the garden club to plant spring bulbs in a little garden out back.

Commentary: Dollars and Sense—Stewardship of FCPS

As many have become aware, the Fairfax County School Board’s budget discussions for the 2015 fiscal year have begun early. It is unfortunate that it has taken a combination of a $140 million deficit and demonstrable efforts by FCPS’ new Superintendent Karen Garza to bring full attention of the stakeholders, including the School Board, to education policy and funding.

Colvin Run Opens New Playground

Addition features reading garden, new blacktop, reading benches.

Students, parents, teachers and administrators at Colvin Run Elementary School celebrated the opening of their new playground Wednesday, Oct. 23.

State Gardens Open for Business in Great Falls

Garden center features local art, firewood, plants, cider, with more to come.

For Ian McKeown, it was all about the Christmas trees. As someone who spent most of his life working at garden centers and farmers market, when the Vienna native was looking for a path, he decided to follow the Christmas trees.

Classified Advertising October 23, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial: Halloween Party Safety Net

Make plans for a safe celebration; SoberRide safety net for those over 21.

Halloween is now a major holiday for adults, especially young adults, and also one of the major holidays each year that involve partying with alcohol and the risks of drinking and driving.

Denim Do-gooders Help Put Zip on Homelessness

Deltek hosts “challenge breakfast” to turn $5 into $25,000.

Casual Friday got a twist on Friday, Oct. 18, as thousands of employees throughout Fairfax County became denim do-gooders by throwing on a pair of jeans to help prevent and end homelessness. Deltek, Inc., the Herndon-based global software and information solutions company, kicked off the third annual Jeans Day in Fairfax County by hosting a fundraising breakfast. The company, founded in 1983 by Don deLaski and his son Kenneth, hosted one of the first Jeans Day events in Fairfax County. “We were excited to see Deltek host this challenge breakfast that welcomed businesses, nonprofits and other community leaders interested in helping to make jeans day a huge success this year,” said Dean Klein, director of Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). “Even though we continue to have great support from longtime supporters, we also saw so much energy and enthusiasm from new partners.”

Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Local experts offer their best tips for creating your jack-o-lantern.

Whether your goal is to carve and decorate the best pumpkin on the block or simply use this fall gourd for Halloween inspiration, local culinary experts offer pumpkin ideas that will keep the season festive. Before embarking on a pumpkin carving project, take a look at the condition of your knives. “Generally speaking, a dull knife is a dangerous knife,” said Christine Wisnewski, a culinary instructor at Culinaria Cooking School in Vienna. “And a pumpkin, because of its size and shape, can be a challenge, even if you have good knife skills. If you use a knife, make sure it is sharp and work slowly.” Wisnewski generally advises eschewing chef’s knives for a pumpkin carving kit, usually found in supermarkets and craft stores. “The cutting tools may look less impressive than your best kitchen knife, but they do work well,” she said. “The small blades are deeply serrated and make quick work getting through dense pumpkin flesh.” Pumpkin carving kits are also a solution to the safety issue. “If the kids do want to carve, no one’s fingers are at risk with these little carving tools,” she said. “Our family has managed to get many years of use out of the tools that came with our first kits.”

Week in Vienna

The Town of Vienna has earned “Silver Certification” in the Virginia Municipal League’s 2013 Green Government Challenge, a friendly competition among local governments to encourage reduction of carbon emissions. Awards were presented Oct. 14, at the annual VML conference in Arlington.

Oakton Women’s Club Supports Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna

Each year the Oakton Women’s Club hosts their fashion show in Oakton to raise money to support the local community. The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was the recipient of the net proceeds for the 2013 fashion show and received a generous $1,000 donation. Pictured (from left) Jayne Young, office administrator of SCOV, and Linda Byrne, president of the Board Oakton Women’s Club. Centered is a photo of Jeanne Robertson, the headliner for SCOV’s annual fundraiser. Their event is already sold out with 1,000 attendees expected at the Oct. 27 event in Vienna. Founded in 1997, SCOV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for adults (50-plus) to seek rewarding lives and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.

Officers in Pink Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

Residents and motorists in Fairfax County may notice hot pink collars peeking out of the top of the official uniform as officers respond to calls for service for the next two weeks. For the first time, officers are sanctioned to wear the T-shirts that read “Arrest Breast Cancer; Unlock the Cure” between Oct. 18-31. Hundreds of Police Department employees purchased the shirts at $15 each, with proceeds being donated to local cancer charities. The pink T-shirt campaign is being supported by the Fairfax County Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 77 and donations from Tysons Corner Center and Blue Line Motors of Warrenton.

Something's Missing

To the Editor: Here we were in election season again, but something seemed to be missing. Then it occurred to me: Where were all the campaign signs that usually pollute the median strips of our busy streets, distracting drivers and inconveniencing the crews charged with mowing and maintaining these areas? In past years, candidates often became engaged in arms races that resulted in hundreds of signs being plastered on every open space available. I inquired with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and learned that the county has new authority to enforce the laws against temporary signage on state highway rights-of-way, complete with the ability to levy fines against violators. Hallelujah!

Sheltering Animals & Families Together

Initiative promotes domestic violence shelters that accept pets.

Did you know that approximately 2.3 million people, primarily women, are victims of partner violence? Did you know that over 62 percent of the American households have, at least, one pet? Approximately 48 percent of abused women do not leave an abusive situation because they will not leave their pets behind. Pets are likely to be victimized by the household abuser. The abuser’s animal cruelty is used to force compliance from the victims. “What I do to the dog is what I can do to you” is the message the abuser sends, according to Allie Phillips, founder of Sheltering Animals & Families Together [SAF-T]. “As a prosecutor in Michigan, I saw women who stayed with their abusers to protect their pets,” said Phillips. “If they leave, the abuser will turn his anger on the pet. The pet usually is the primary target used to control the victim. “I created the safety program to help get these women out of their abusive homes.”

On County Libraries: We Should Know Better

To the Editor: I am the assistant branch manager at Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. I also worked at Reston Regional Library for four

Both Sides of Humility

To the Editor: Frank Wolf has been a decent congressman, but his column in last week's Connection shows how easy it is for politicians to (unintentionally?) speak with a forked tongue [It’s Going to Take Humility, Connection, Oct. 16-22, 2013]. At first he tells us, almost lectures us, about the value of humility. I agree, he's on target here. The swelled heads of congressmen leads to hardened opinions and an unmerited sense of self-importance on both sides of the aisle.

Preserving the Lifeline

To the Editor: As a long-time resident of Fairfax County, I am concerned about congressional initiatives that would kick 1.7 million Americans off the Food Stamp Program (SNAP). The program has been a lifeline for millions of Virginians suffering the effects of the economic downturn.

Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide Supported by Fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club

Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide are being supported by the 4th Keller Williams Charity Golf Tournament in October. The tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at Trump National Golf Club Washington in Potomac Falls, Va., with 36 holes on two courses and waterfront vistas of the Potomac River.

Halloween Parade Steps Off on Oct. 23

Pre-parade entertainment on Town Green new in 2013.

Vienna’s longest-running and most-anticipated annual event—the 67th Vienna Halloween parade—steps off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. One hundred-plus groups, clubs, bands and floats take over Maple Avenue between Berry and Center streets.

Studying Science of Sleep

MCA hosts discussion on later high school start times.

For almost everyone, the sound of their alarm telling them to wake up is one of the toughest parts of the day. Students are especially used to still trying to shake off the last of the night’s sleep while in homeroom or first period.

W-L Volleyball Earns ‘Statement’ Win Over Madison

Generals come from behind to win five-set thriller.

Washington-Lee extended its winning streak to nine matches.

Creating a Spooky Halloween Dinner

Local culinary experts offer ideas for turning an ordinary meal into a ghoulish adventure.

Halloween dinner in Christine Wisnewski’s Vienna home is often a balancing act between healthy and sugary. On the sweetest holiday of the year, for example, the mother and culinary instructor at Culinaria Cooking School, also in Vienna, prepares a wholesome dinner for her eager trick-or-treaters, managing candy-induced sugar highs and inevitable post-confection lows.

Halloween Parade Steps Off on Oct. 23

Pre-parade entertainment on Town Green new in 2013.

Vienna’s longest-running and most-anticipated annual event—the 67th Vienna Halloween parade—steps off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. One hundred-plus groups, clubs, bands and floats take over Maple Avenue between Berry and Center streets. With a theme of “Celebrating Music and Theatre Through the Decades,” the parade is led by Grand Marshal Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman. The parade was originally founded to give Vienna children an opportunity to dress in costume and march through the town. The tradition holds fast today.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: September, 2013

In September 2013, 106 homes sold between $2,140,584-$199,900 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: September, 2013

Fire Stations Host Open Houses

Vienna fire department wins best open house for 2nd Battalion for third straight year.

Fairfax County fire stations capped off National Fire Prevention Week with station “open houses” throughout the County on Oct. 12. In Vienna zipcodes 22180 through 22182, there are two fire and rescue departments, Station 2 in the heart of Vienna, and the newly-launched Wolftrap station, number 42. The Wolftrap station celebrated its grand opening with the ceremonial “push-in” of its engine. Fairfax County fire stations capped off National Fire Prevention Week with station “open houses” throughout the County on Oct. 12. In Vienna zipcodes 22180 through 22182, there are two fire and rescue departments, Station 2 in the heart of Vienna, and the newly-launched Wolftrap station, number 42.

Editorial: Don’t Let Negatives Keep You From Voting

Choices are stark; think about what principles should guide governance in Virginia for the next four years.

Every Virginia voter will have the option to cast a ballot for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and their member of the Virginia House of Delegates. While much of the coverage and advertising at the top of the ticket has been negative in the extreme, it will still matter who is governor. Don’t turn up your nose, hold your nose if necessary, and go vote. You can vote on Nov. 5; most likely you can vote before that.

Classified Advertising October 16, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Federal Shutdown Hurts Claude Moore Colonial Farm

Despite being privately funded and operated, farm closed for eight days because of shutdown.

On Monday, Sept. 30, volunteers and staff at Claude Moore Colonial Farm were preparing for their busiest month of the year, with thoughts of a looming federal government shutdown far from their minds. After all, in 1995 and 1996 the property was unaffected by similar shutdowns.

Walk to School Wednesdays at Spring Hill

More than 300 students participate in National Walk to School Day.

Many Spring Hill Elementary Students are used to walking to school every day, but on Wednesday Oct. 9, there was a rush hour of sorts on the paths and sidewalks as more than 300 students participated in National Walk to School Day.

Battleground Northern Virginia

What role will the region play in the election?

For many years, Northern Virginia has been written off by both parties as a Democratic stronghold — a place where Republicans simply try to cut their losses while they focus on the rest of the commonwealth. But this election cycle may be different. All three of the gubernatorial candidates are from Fairfax County. And recent statewide candidates have not been able to win without picking off selected jurisdictions in Northern Virginia. "As you look at Northern Virginia that's further from Washington, you see a more Republican area — Prince William, western Fairfax, Fauquier," said Stephen Farnsworth, professor at University of Mary Washington. "That's where the real action is in Northern Virginia politics." As Election Day draws closer and television becomes a virtual battlefield for attention, a real battle is brewing on the ground here in Northern Virginia. Candidates and their advisors are looking at the path to victory back in 2009 for Republican Bob McDonnell, who won Prince William County, Fairfax County and Fauquier County. Although this race is likely to be closer than 2009, the importance of Northern Virginia is looming larger than ever.

Week in Vienna

Vienna Halloween Parade Oct. 23

The 67th annual Vienna Halloween Parade will step off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, on Maple Avenue from Berry Street to Center Street. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrating Music and Theatre through the Decades” with Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman serving as Grand Marshal. Once again, the parade will feature the Washington Redskins Marching Band as a special guest.

Helping Pets With Disabilities

Mutts 'n' Munchkins raises $ 2,800 for Pets With Disabilities.

At a Mutts n Munchkins' event on Sunday Sept. 29, 48 pre-registered crafty and volunteering children from Falls Church and surrounding areas were given the platform to set up their own tables and sell their own animal-related products, baked goods, crafts or games which were then purchased by the public for low donation prices.

Flint Hill School Presents Two Nights of An Evening of Laughter

Flint Hill School announces “An Evening of Laughter,” a production of four one-act plays to be held on Nov. 1 and 2. Six upper school students will perform roles in each of four one-act plays. "I love the one-act and short play format for many reasons,” says director and upper school drama teacher Carlo Grossman. “Besides the variety of different pieces the audience gets to enjoy, the actors have an opportunity to stretch their acting skills with roles different plays. In this case, the theme is comedy and the fun is infectious."

Everyone's Got a Story To Tell

Third annual festival brings together storytellers to share films and inspire change.

It's a very simple premise: there's something powerful, almost magic, about stories. Whether it's the friendship formed between a pilot of antique planes and an Indiana farm family, or the struggle for respect for African American soldiers following World War II; an unlikely meeting of a man with nothing left to live for and one struggling to continue; or a family's fight to stay in their home, stories are the common way in which humans relate to and learn from each other. Starting next Wednesday, the Washington West Film Festival strives to not only share tales from around the world, but to create new ones. Brad Russell, president of the festival, said the inspiration for the festival was the surprising lack of one in this area. "I saw a need or opportunity for a great, prestigious film festival," he said.

Picasso and Einstein Meet in Vienna

Vienna Theatre Company presents “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a Steve Martin comedy.

If you smile at Steve Martin’s humor and appreciate high-quality community theatre, you can find both at the Vienna Theatre Company upcoming production of Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” Characterized as a comedy, the 90-minute one-act play incorporates thought-provoking perspectives infused with episodes of levity. In other words, it embodies the essence of Steve Martin’s humor interpretation.

Editorial: Get a Flu Shot, Register to Vote

Getting a flu shot has never been easier.

Classified Advertising October 9, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Vienna Oktoberfest Showcases Vienna Hospitality Bavarian-style

Food and drink, entertainment, vendors and children’s activities draw crowds throughout the day.

As hot as it was on Oct. 5—in the upper-80s—it was still picture-perfect weather for the Vienna Oktoberfest, a full day of family fun, food, live entertainment and beer and wine.

Week in Vienna

Town of Vienna Offices to Observe Columbus Day Town of Vienna offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. The Vienna Community Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no classes or drop-in programs will be held. Refuse collection will operate as normal on Monday, Oct. 14. Public safety services will not be impacted.

Mutts 'n' Munchkins Raises $2,800 for Pets With Disabilities

At a Mutts n Munchkins' event on Sunday Sept. 29, 48 pre-registered crafty and volunteering children from Falls Church and surrounding areas were given the platform to set up their own tables and sell their own animal-related products, baked goods, crafts or games which were then purchased by the public for low donation prices.

Focus on Food Crisis

Marshall HS sponsors My First Model UN Training Conference.

Next week 250 middle and high school students will gather at Marshall High School for the 10th annual My First Model United Nations Training Conference. The conference will run all day on Oct. 19, and will feature morning training sessions, afternoon model United Nations conference sessions, and lunch. For students who hold any interest in international relations, it is not to be missed, according to Marshall High School senior Samuel Carpenter. Carpenter is a member of Marshall’s Model UN Team, and is helping to organize the event.

Decorating for Fall

Local designers offer suggestions for bringing the harvest into your home.

The colors of autumn are all around as pumpkins and squash fill produce stands and leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow before falling from their branches. Local designers and tastemakers are unveiling home accents that bring the warm hues of the season into the home. Whether using pillows, throws or flowers, adding the colors and textures of fall requires less effort than one might expect. “Emerald green, orange and turquoise are three of the biggest color trends we’re seeing,” said Marcus Browning of European Country Living in Old Town Alexandria. “Throws and pillows are a given, but you can also tie in traditional and modern accessories with rugs, stained glass lamps with modern or intricate designs.” Small trays provide a canvas for highlighting color and adding functionality to a room, says Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Bethesda, Md. “Color and pattern are in right now,” she said. “I just purchased the C. Wonder (http://www.cwonder.com) navy and white chevron tray for my home. It adds a punch of color and freshness to a room. Preppy is back in a big way, too, offering lots of patterns.”

Negative Campaign

Candidates appear at minority business forum, attacking each other.

Local and statewide candidates for office appeared at an unprecedented forum in Northern Virginia last weekend, a collaboration of minority business groups of blacks, Hispanics and Asians. But as candidates arrived at the Annandale campus of the Northern Virginia Community College for a Sunday afternoon forum, voters realized that the tone of the campaign would remain unrelentingly negative. "All three of the Republican candidates are Tea Party right wing extremists," said Del. Ken Plum (D-36), who is running unopposed. "Look at their records and their stands on the issues." Plum attacked Cuccinelli's lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act as well as his investigation into a University of Virginia professor studying climate change. The longtime delegate also said the Republican attorney general candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-25) has a similar record, including a bill that would have required women to report abortions to police. Together with the candidate for lieutenant governor, Plum said, the ticket is Tea Party from top to bottom.

Country Fair Comes to St. Francis

Annual event features games, quilt show.

As temperatures rose to near 90 degrees Saturday, Oct. 5 at the annual St. Francis Country Fair in Great Falls, many of the fair’s traditions were turned upside down.

ArtFest Comes to Central Park

Annual event features live art, juried show.

As a first time visitor to the annual MPAartfest, it didn’t take long for Andrea Dorsey and her sister Beverly to be impressed.

St. Thomas Pumpkin Patch Back in Business

St. Thomas Episcopal Church opens annual fall fundraiser.

The green lawn in front of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean had some orange added to it Saturday, Oct. 5, courtesy of a truckload of pumpkins and hundreds of student volunteers.

Classified Advertising Oct. 2, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Guest Editorial: Virginia’s Easy Access to Guns

A parent asks why background checks aren’t better.

How do you respond to a 7 year old when she comes home from school and says “we did our bad man drill today Mommy, but don’t worry it was just for practice, no one really came into our school to shoot us”?

Senior Volunteers Stay Active

Fifty percent of Mount Vernon RECenter’s volunteers are senior citizens.

The Mount Vernon RECenter is known for its ice skating rink, massive indoor swimming pool and fitness center with spa and sauna. It has 46 volunteers who help greet guests, clean up the fitness room, landscape the grounds and assist people with adapted swimming and ice-skating. Exactly half of them are retired senior citizens over 50 who want to stay active while giving back to the community.

Choosing a Home for the Golden Years

Many options for retirement communities in the region.

Jim Harkin, 81, and his wife, Phyllis, 80, have little free time these days. Jim spends his days protecting and photographing wildlife on the 60-acre campus at The Fairfax, a Sunrise Senior Living Community, in Fort Belvoir. He helped build, refurbish and maintain more than 20 birdhouses on the grounds, including homes for tree swallows and purple martins.

Active Seniors Compete for Glory

fter 11 days of more than 50 events held Sept. 7-19, the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics finished with a golf event at Forest Greens Golf Course in Triangle, Va. Other events ranged from cycling, swimming and pickle ball to Mexican train dominos and Scrabble.

Diverse Needs, Desires Drive Mobility Solutions

Seniors increasingly seek innovative plans that embrace both the present and the future.

Russ Glickman was a traditional full-service remodeler until the late 1990s when he abruptly added a host of accessibility certifications to a long list of building industry credentials. The service extension was less about opportunity than a personal call to apply what he’d learned from personal experience in helping his son, Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy.

Column: “Mor-Tality” or Less

Meaning, in my head anyway, the future and what there is left of it. More specifically, I mean life expectancy. When you’re given a “13-month to two-year” prognosis—at age 54 and a half, by a cancer doctor, your cancer doctor—the timeline between where you are and where you thought you’d be when becomes as clear as mud.

Residential Studios Put on Hold

Supervisors establish committee, plan additional public outreach.

At the recommendation of Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-At-Large) and Supervisor Michael Frey (R-Sully), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday deferred its Nov. 20 public hearing on a proposed residential studios (RSUs) amendment to conduct additional community outreach.

Now What?

Fairfax County braces for “domino effect” of federal government shutdown.

“We live in a ‘company town’ and the company is the federal government, so most of us have family and friends who are federal employees or contractors impacted by this shutdown,” Long said in a memo emailed to county employees Tuesday. Long said his biggest concern was the “domino effect” the shutdown will have on the local economy, and “the short-term uncertainty that will impact business decisions.”

Social Justice Matters

SALT forum gives candidates a chance to tell voters where they stand on social justice issues.

But one group also thinks voters should know where candidates stand on social justice issues when they go to the polls Nov. 5. “Our elected officials have a great deal of influence on the common good, so it’s reasonable that we find out where candidates stand on these issues,” said John Horejsi, founder of SALT (Social Action Linking Together), a non-partisan, faith-based advocacy group started in 1983.

Leadership Fairfax Honors Community Leaders Who Make a Difference

Leadership Fairfax (LFI) has chosen the 2013 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards (NVLA) recipients via a panel of community and business leaders evaluating nominations submitted by Leadership Fairfax alumni and the general public. The award recipients will be honored at the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Westwood Country Club in Vienna.

Minority Chambers of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Forum

The recently formed alliance of Northern Virginia Minority Chambers of Commerce will give members of the fast growing minority business community the opportunity to meet with the commonwealth’s gubernatorial and statewide candidates at the first-ever joint Candidates’ Forum, Sunday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus.

On the Job and Hot on the Trail

Finding people is fun for new, police bloodhound pups.

“We’ll get them out here and acclimate them to the noises — gunfire, [vehicle] brakes and birds,” said Masood. They’ll also be exposed to airplanes, wind, rain, heat, car horns honking, plus obstacles such as fences. And they’ll learn how it feels on their paws to walk in the woods, through brush, on cement, carpet, tile floors, etc. That way, said Clarke, “When they get out on the street, when they’re almost a year old, they’ll be ready.”

South Lakes Field Hockey Edges Marshall

Seahawks score in opening minute of second half.

The South Lakes field hockey team improved to 8-3-1.

Volunteer Opportunities

*Fairfax County’s Meals on Wheels urgently needs drivers in the Annandale, Franconia/Kingstowne, Reston, Mount Vernon and McLean areas. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Poetry Corner

The Waves of the World

Light begins to flash pointing at me with such force causing me to black out unable to see unable to fight with the feeling of the current pulling me in every which way fighting my way out finding no release My chest begins to concave From the weight of the world Pressing on it Trying to use the voice I know I have But it vanishes Just like the appearance I have On the world Conforming to the current finding out who I am Or more like trying to find out As there is still no way out Using my last breath I fade into abyss I become … nothing

Marshall High Innovates Lunchtime

Statesmen Station launches pilot lunch, whole, fresh food bar, at ribbon cutting.

Tasting food, listening to a student-led, food-themed rap performance and celebrating healthy food was the agenda at school Thursday, Sept. 12 at Marshall High. Principal Jay Pearson and the Real Food For Kids group launched "the Statesmen Station," a pilot lunch program featuring fresh foods, in the form of a soup, salad and sandwich bar. With a ribbon cutting, volunteer-parent organization Food For Kids, which advocates for more fresh food in Fairfax County Public Schools, started the new lunchtime innovation.

Community Comes to Town Green

Optimists’ event welcomes local children, cancer survivors.

Overcast skies and cool-ish temperature might have kept some people away from the Optimists’ fundraiser Family Fun Day and Walk for Growing Hope, but for those who came to jump in the bouncehouse, dunk Del. Mark Keam and Caffe Amouri owner Michael Amouri, and to bid on raffle and auction prizes, the time was well-spent and rewarding.

Vienna Oktoberfest Brings Fun, Food and Gemütlichkeit on Oct. 5

Town Green and Church Street become a festival ground from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vienna Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Vienna Business Association in cooperation with the Town of Vienna, runs Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the historic Church Street corridor. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with Rocknoceros on the Children’s Stage on the Town Green, and the School of Rock on the main stage in the Beer and Wine Garden. The Beer and Wine Garden will be open for entertainment and food at 11 a.m. and for beverage purchase at noon. The beer garden is cash only and an ATM will be available there.

The Taste of Fall

Local chefs and nutritionists offer healthy recipes for tasty fall dishes using seasonal ingredients.

When the temperature starts to drop and leaves begin to turn red and orange, you can often find chef Susan Limb meandering through local farmers markets, sorting through rough-textured, knotty sweet potatoes; tough, waxy butternut squash; and dusty, rose-colored apples.

Officials Discuss Derecho Aftermath

Puclic safety staff address changes, effects of storm.

Around 10 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012, the Northern Virginia area was hit by a derecho. A term unknown to many at the time, including local emergency personnel, the fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms hit the area and left three dead, trees down, houses damaged, widespread power outages and the failure of the 911 Emergency system.

McLean Central Park Plan Changes Unveiled

Amphitheater, outdoor games part of master plan revision.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented updates to the McLean Central Park Master Plan Monday, Sept. 23 at the McLean Community Center.

Justice Scalia Speaks to Technology Council

Supreme Court justice discusses new book, current legal issues.

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonin Scalia spoke to members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner.