Stories for January 2014

Confused and then Infused

Since March 6, 2009, nearly five years now, save for nine months when I was taking an oral chemotherapy medication at home, every three weeks I have been infused with some sort of chemotherapy drug. In that time, I have certainly become familiar and fairly well-known to the various staff at The Infusion Center. What follows is the most recent exchange with the receptionist in Oncology, as best as I can recall it.

Debate Over School Budget Continues

Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.

Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.

Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations

Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.

While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.

Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman

During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.

One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.

Cartoon: 10 to 20 Years

10 to 20 Years

Vienna-Oakton Moms Run This Town

Local women’s running group has 600-plus members and growing

While most of local life was inside trying to stay toasty-warm during January’s big freeze, one group of Vienna-Oakton women braved the frigid temps, the snow, the ice, to maintain their daily runs. Vienna-Oakton Moms Run This Town, a group of 600-plus “moms,” ran as many as 18 miles in a single day. Sarah Talley founded the Vienna-Oakton group, an arm of the free-to-join international network of Moms Run This Town. “The power of a group is motivating,” said Talley, who belongs to several running groups. “We are having fun. Because if you’re not having fun, why do it?”

Town Buys De-Icing Salt, OKs Drainage Contract

The many times snow has fallen this winter has prompted the Vienna Town Council to order nearly $60,000 worth of road de-icing salt to keep the local roads as safe as possible in inclement weather. “The past light winters lulled us into a false sense of complacency about the need for salt,” Director of Public Works Dennis Johnson told the Council during its Monday night, Jan. 27, meeting. As a result, he didn’t bring a request to the Town Council to fund this item in its budget. Otherwise, it would have been a routine renewal of the contract.

Consulting Companies Create Alliance

Local consulting companies, Full Suite Solutions and Red Apple Consultants, LLC, are ringing in 2014 with the announcement of a strategic alliance. Full Suite Solutions was founded in 2006 by Cait von Schnetlage, MBA, and has since provided marketing materials for almost 3,000,000 square feet of commercial real estate in Northern Virginia, as well as: business plans, investments packages, SEO, and marketing strategy services to clients from around the world. Red Apple Consultants, LLC was founded in 2012 by Arsalan Sajjad and has landed contracts as the preferred vendor for federal government contractors throughout the region.

Greater Vienna Babe Ruth Baseball

Registration is now open for the spring 2014 season: Offering Prep League for 13’s, American League for 14’s and 15’s, Senior League for 16-19’s, and Senators travel teams. Returning players, register online at gvbrl.org. New players must register in person on Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna. Early-bird discount applies to everyone registering in person. More information at gvbrl.org.

Winter Fun Guide

From theatre to cooking to music and the arts, Vienna-Oakton offer diversity of pastimes.

Maybe there is not a plethora of outdoor activities — there are some — but there are a myriad of indoor activities and events that appeal to adults and to children. Chances are you will find something here to do next week … and the week after. The Vienna Theatre Company presents “This,” a humorous take on the tribulations of friends of a certain age — 40-ish. The five characters face great changes in their lives, from the birth of a child to the death of a spouse to the search for love, with infidelity thrown into the mix. “This” has adult language and is not appropriate for children under 16. Tickets are priced at $13 each for adults and are available for purchase at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry Street, SE, or at the door on performance day. Shows are on Jan. 24, 25, 31, and Feb. 1 at 8 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 and 9. Call the community center at 703-255-6360 for weather cancellations. For more details on the production, go to www.viennatheatrecompany.org/ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW TRIP sponsored by the Town of Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation, Wednesday, March 6. A charter bus leaves the Vienna Community Center at 8 a.m. and returns at approximately 7 p.m. The 2014 Flower Show is a collaboration of flower show designers and the nation’s great art museums, turning the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a 10-acre canvas of landscapes, gardens and floral arrangements. The cost of the day trip is $69 for Town of Vienna residents and $86.25 for out-of-town participants. Cost includes transportation and admission to the show with all-day re-entry privileges. Registration required. For more information, call Vienna Parks and Recreation at 703-255-6360 or register online at www.viennava.gov. “SOUVENIR: A FANTASIA ON THE LIFE OF FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS” opens at 1st Stage on Feb. 7 and closes on March 2. The production centers on the life of an eccentric real-life heiress who could not distinguish fantasy from reality. As bad as her voice was, she packed recital halls. She even performed at Carnegie Hall in 1944. Show times for “Souvenir” are Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. General admission is $27. Student and military tickets are $15. Group discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.1ststagetysons.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856. “Souvenir” is appropriate for all ages. 1st Stage, a professional theatre, is located in an industrial center in Tysons, at 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. For the season’s schedule of plays, go to www.1ststagetysons.org. Casino Night to benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Fairfax County region. The Ritz-Carlton of Tysons Corner is hosting a benefit on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Fairfax County Region, on Friday, March 7, from 6:30-11:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Casino night admission includes an open bar, dinner buffet, gaming, and dancing. Live and silent auction prizes include weekend get-a-ways, dinner at award-winning restaurants, hotel-dinner-limo packages, sporting event tickets and more. Guests receive funny money and a bidder number. Use the winnings from Black Jack, Texas Hold 'Em, Craps towards raffle tickets for prizes. Tickets are priced at $95 per person or $175 per couple. The Ritz-Carlton offers a Casino Night overnight room rate specially-priced at $119. Free artist demonstration sponsored by the Vienna Arts Society on Thursday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Prominent artist Chica Brunsvold creates her whimsical, colorful and complex paintings on yupo paper. The March exhibition at the arts center highlights “Great Escapes,” featuring paintings inspired by her travels. Enjoy light refreshments served. The Vienna Arts Center is located at 115 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. Phone 703-319-3971 or see www.ViennaArtsSociety.org for information and schedule of events. Vienna Choral Society sings lullabies from around the world on Saturday, March 15, at 4:30 p.m. at Vienna Baptist Church. To set the sleepy-time mood, VCS singers will perform in pajamas. The performance will appeal to children and grown-ups alike. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+) and for students (15 - 18); free for youth 14 and younger with a paying adult. Purchase tickets at door. Vienna Baptist Church is located at 541 Marshall Rd., SW, Vienna. For more information, see www.viennachoralsociety.org. ON-GOING Culinaria Cooking School From hands-on workshops of the foods of the world to children’s cooking classes and wine-pairing dinners, Culinaria embraces the fun and diversity that is food. On most Saturday mornings, a kids’ class is offered. There are couples-dinners, ladies’ night out, themed ingredients and a romantic Valentine’s Day wine dinner. Feb. 6 features a chocolate-making class, while Feb. 12 features healthy eating. Culinaria is “recreational” cooking instruction at its most sublime. Prices for individual classes begin at $65. Culinaria Cooking School is located at 110 Pleasant Street NW, Vienna. For more information on classes, go to www.culinariacookingschool.com/ or e-mail info@culinariacookingschool.com. The school’s phone number is 703-865-7920. Live music at Maplewood Grill Jazz, pop piano, and blues music are performed at Maplewood Grill in the bar. Tuesday through Saturday evenings, 8 to 10 p.m. Maplewood Grill is at 132 Branch Road S.E. in the Danor Shopping Plaza. Phone 703-281-0070 for dinner reservations. Weekend “jams” at Caffe Amouri Neighborhood coffee house Caffe Amouri hosts “The Beat” on Saturday nights with scheduled musical artists. Admission is free. Friday night is “club night.” Caffe Amouri plays records – yes, records, and lays out games for patrons to use. Saturday night features “The Beat,” a hosted open mic night. Usually a host is there to introduce the scheduled line-up of musical artists. It’s open to the audience, as well, what the Hawaiians call “kanikapila.” It’s been a popular Saturday night resource in Vienna. See www.caffeamouri for schedule of entertainment. Vienna-Oakton Moms Run This Town While many local people cannot imagine running in 25 degrees — some cannot even imagine going outside to pick up the newspaper at 25 degrees — it's evident that many runners here love winter runs. And the Vienna-Oakton chapter of “Moms Run This Town” maintain a daily schedule of runs throughout the winter months. Membership is open to any woman although most of the runners are “moms.” It’s a tight-knit group. When a NoVa member was struck and killed by a drunk drive in mid-January, the Vienna-Oakton chapter dedicated a run to her. To join, go to www.facebook.com/groups/vienna.va.mrtt/. The Barns at Wolf Trap offers musical programming through the spring. Artists range from the jazz pianist John Eaton to world music and oldies singers such as Chad & Jeremy. The Oakridge Boys, Hapa and David Crosby are counted among the headliners. Ticket prices vary. The Barns of Wolf Trap is located at 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, in a rustic setting. Visit www.wolftrap.org for schedule and ticket sales. Especially for Children Jammin’ Java Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings — and, occasionally, on Sundays — Jammin' Java hosts children shows with performances by the region's most favorite performers, from Rocknoceros to The Great Zucchini and a multitude of popular artists in between. Tickets are $5 each for guests over two years old and a $1 service charge applies on internet reservations. 227 Maple Ave E., Vienna. For schedule of shows, go to https://jamminjava.com/kids-shows or phone 703-255-1566. Patrick Henry Library offers programming for pre-schoolers, from storytime to music and dance. 101 Maple Avenue East Vienna, VA 22180-5794 Telephone: 703-938-0405 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ph/ for hours and event schedule. Oakton Library offers storytime and activities for preschoolers. 10304 Lynnhaven Place Oakton, VA 22124-1785 Telephone: 703-242-4020 http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ok/ Culinaria Cooking School offers Saturday morning children’s cooking classes: Pasta-making, tapas, global cuisine and baking. Mexican food and pizza are popular with the youngsters. Prices range from $60 per student to $95 for both parent and child. Culinaria Cooking School is located at 110 Pleasant St. NW, Vienna, in a low-rise brick building. The facility is state-of-the-art. For more information on classes, go to www.culinariacookingschool.com/ or e-mail info@culinariacookingschool.com. The school’s phone number is 703-865-7920. The Vienna Arts Society and Patrick Henry Library co-sponsor the Annual Free Children’s Printmaking Workshop on Tuesday, March 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the library’s conference room. A dozen local artists will assist children ages 7 - 12 as they print a fish, create relief prints, mono-prints, and other prints. Contact the Children's Librarian to register: 703-938-0405. Patrick Henry Library is located at 101 Maple Ave. E, Vienna

Models to Walk Runway for Families Touched by Autism

Arts for Autism enlists fashion community and students in event to benefit the Autism Society of Northern Virginia.

The Autism Society of Northern Virginia will hold its fourth Arts for Autism gala and fashion show on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Tower Club Tysons Corner.

Changing of the Guard?

Centreville girls’ basketball wins third straight over Oakton.

The Centreville girls' basketball team has won three straight against Oakton.

Classified Advertising January 22, 2014

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Into the Budget Fray

Bulova highlights accomplishments, challenges in annual address.

Despite the lingering impact of an anemic economy, and the regional ripple effects of federal sequestration, Fairfax County residents will see some concrete signs of progress this year.

Editorial: Extend Health Coverage in Virginia

Standing on what is essentially scorched earth, Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly have condemned hundreds of thousands of poor Virginians to living without health coverage even though it would be fully funded by Federal money for the next three years, and with Virginia paying 10 percent after five years.

Friends Forever

Since it had been more than a few months, today I summoned up the courage to Google my long-time friend and fellow stage IV lung cancer survivor, Suzanne. Suzanne and I had been years out of touch (for no real reason other than initiative and the geographic consideration that she lived in Barnstable, Ma. and I live in Burtonsville, Md.) and recently back in touch – due to our identical cancer diagnoses. I learned that she had succumbed to her disease back in October, 2013. We last had contact electronically back in the summer. She was extremely weak then, she said, too weak to talk, so e-mailing was best. In that e-mail, ultimately her last, she wrote that the most recent chemotherapy drug with which she was infused was no longer effective and that her oncologist had no other drugs left to recommend. Not that she said it in so many words, but at that point her prognosis was grim. She offered that her two boys were with her and from them she would gain great comfort. The news was very unsettling to me and I was afraid that this e-mail might be our last – and so it was.

‘This Is the Town’s Building’

Vienna Community Center will receive addition, renovation.

For nearly half a century, Vienna’s community center has served its residents. Whether hosting classes, meetings or special events, it’s one of the most heavily used buildings in town. Since its dedication on April 17, 1966, it’s been renovated three times. But the last time was in 1998 and, now, it’ll be repaired again, and enlarged, as well.

Norine McGraw Swaminatha

Obituary

On Thursday, Jan. 2, Norine Mcgraw Swaminatha, 65, a 34-year resident of the Town of Vienna passed away at home. Beloved and devoted wife to Kris Swaminatha, mother to Tara Swaminatha (Robert Kaplan), Sheela Myers (Stephen), Meara DeRose (Paul) and Neala Swaminatha and sister to Regina McGraw; grandmother to Arin and Molly Kaplan, Emily and Mason Myers, and Vinny and Lucy DeRose; The Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, Jan. 10 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norine's memory to the American Brain Tumor Association (on Norine's page at http://hope.abta.org/goto/Norine, by phone 773-577-8750, or by mail at 8550 Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 550, Chicago, Illinois, 60631-3225).

Petersen Proposes Amendments, Bills

Over the next couple months, the General Assembly will be dissecting the biennial state budget proposed by the outgoing governor. Individual members may propose amendments, and state Sen. Chap Petersen did so on Jan. 10. “They are all relatively small amounts, but could have a critical role,” Peterson said.

What’s Next for I-66

VDOT will hold a public information meeting on the next steps to identify potential traffic improvements in the I-66 Corridor. It’s set for Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Road in Vienna. (If cancelled due to weather: Tuesday, Feb. 4). VDOT and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation have identified 10 concepts to increase capacity within the I-66 corridor, plus options to increase travel-mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs and enhance travel efficiency.

Greater Vienna Babe Ruth Baseball

Registration is now open for the Spring 2014 Season. Offering Prep League for 13’s, American League for 14’s and 15’s, Senior League for 16-19’s, and Senators travel teams. Returning players, please register online at gvbrl.org. New players must register in person. Two sessions are planned, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Early-bird discount applies to everyone registering in person. More information at gvbrl.org. Play ball!

‘This’ Opens in Vienna

Vienna Theatre Company presents comedy-drama exploring challenges of a certain-age.

On Jan. 24, the Vienna Theatre Company debuts “This,” a drama with a humorous take on the tribulations of life at about 40 years old … give or take a year or two in either direction.

Vienna Mayor to Retire in 2014

After 14 years at the helm, M. Jane Seeman will not seek re-election.

IT WAS 1996 when M. Jane Seeman stepped in to fill her husband’s unexpired term on the council after his death. She ran and won seats on the council in 1997 and 1999. When then-mayor Charles Robinson approached Seeman about running for mayor in 2000, she had some trepidation. “I was thinking I wasn’t capable at all,” Seeman said. “I felt as if I swallowed a rock. “If you really believe in something, you have to step forward and do it. I believe in Vienna and that’s what this was all about.” Seeman was diagnosed with lung cancer in spring, 2013, but her decision to turn the reins of the town over came a year before her diagnosis. Other than the cancer, she called herself a “healthy” person. Throughout Seeman’s administration and in the years before, the town’s emphasis was on maintaining Vienna’s way of life, a small-town feel with a family focus, Seeman said. “It’s paid off. We have all these young families moving to Vienna, raising their kids here.”

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: December, 2013

In December 2013, 82 homes sold between $2,775,000-$204,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: December, 2013

Classified Advertising January 15, 2014

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Virginia Supreme Court Opens Access to Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments

Policy change overturns blackout instituted in 2008.

Members of the Virginia Supreme Court have a New Year’s Resolution — become more transparent.

South Lakes’ Aghayere, Rendle Dominate Boards in Victory

Madison’s Koshuta scores 28 points in defeat.

The South Lakes girls' basketball team defeated Madison 60-52 on Jan. 10.

Oakton’s Weaver Leads Gymnastics Team to Victory

Sophomore wins all-around competition.

The Oakton gymnastics team won a home meet on Jan. 9.

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Raises Funds for Two Local Charities

For the last fifteen years, the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) has been hosting their Community Thanksgiving Service along with participating congregations. The monies raised from the service offering are then distributed to local charities.

New Exhibition Opens at Vienna Arts Society Center

Award-winning art showcased through January.

There are a lot of things the Vienna Arts Society [VAS] does well: it offers art classes to adults and children; it sponsors and hosts a major art show each fall; it supports a local nonprofit every year with art pieces donated by its artists; it provides children’s activities at community events. Its claim to fame, however, is probably the new exhibitions by local artists it produces every month.

Week in Vienna

Fairfax County police are looking for the person who robbed a BB&T Bank, last Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Oakton. The incident occurred around 11:29 a.m. when a man entered the bank at 2941 Chain Bridge Road.

From Late Night Comedy to Your Bedroom

Why the General Assembly matters more in Virginia than most states.

The Virginia General Assembly began its annual session last week on Jan. 8. The actions of the Virginia General Assembly matter more to localities than it would in many other states. In Virginia, localities have only the power specifically granted by the General Assembly, the Dillon rule. So, for example, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County in Maryland recently voted to increase the minimum wage in those localities. They didn’t need permission from Maryland General Assembly to do so. Arlington and Alexandria might be inclined to follow suit (the District government also voted to increase the minimum wage) but do not have that power.

In Case Someone Is Wondering

I don’t mind being alive, really I don’t. Occasionally though, I receive well-intended inquiries – electronic and otherwise, from people (who know my cancer story) who are sort of wondering if perhaps I’m not. When people haven’t heard from me in a while – and this is a category of people with whom I don’t have regular/recurring interactions, but rather a group of people who reach out and attempt to touch me (figuratively speaking) every three or four months or so – there is a presumption on their part that my silence (so far as they know) is not in fact golden, but rather ominous, as in the cancer might have won and yours truly didn’t. And when I respond, their pleasure/relief at my not having succumbed to the disease is quite positive, generally speaking. Their honesty and joy in learning that I’m still alive is both rewarding and gratifying. Rewarding in that they care and gratifying in that I must be doing something right which enables me to sustain myself through a very difficult set of medical circumstances: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the terminal kind (is there any other kind?).

Let Sun Shine on Virginia’s Financial Disclosure Laws

State legislators turn attention to ethics in wake of McDonnell gift scandal.

As members of the Virginia General Assembly convene for the first time since last February, legislators are stampeding to introduce ethics legislation in response to the gift scandal which engulfed then Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R). The revelations last spring about numerous undisclosed gifts and purported loans from businessman Jonnie Williams to McDonnell — including a $6,500 Rolex watch engraved to the "71st Governor of Virginia" and $35,000 in gifts and catering for his daughters’ weddings — shined a spotlight on Virginia’s porous financial disclosure laws.

‘Really Strong Dancers, Powerhouse Singers’

Oakton High senior is in the musical, ‘Cats.’

If Oakton High senior Shanelucas Ramsey has been acting a bit catlike recently, there’s a good reason. He has a featured role in the Fairfax Academy’s upcoming production of “Cats.” Featuring a cast and crew of nearly 85, it will burst upon the Fairfax High stage in what promises to be a treat for both the eyes and ears. It’s directed by Mike Replogle, director of the Musical Theatre Academy, and choreographed by Andrea Heininge, who heads the Dance Academy.

Vienna Day of Service Brings Together Nonprofits, Volunteers

More than 75 people explored service volunteering opportunities in the community.

Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe created a day of volunteer service to kick off his term as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Saturday, Jan. 4, more than 75 people came to the American Legion hall on Center Street to explore volunteer opportunities that make the community a better place to live in.

Del. Keam Introduces His New Legislation

Named to House Courts of Justice Committee.

Del. Mark Keam (D-35) began his third term in the Virginia General Assembly on a high note, garnering a new committee assignment and introducing 10 bills. He took the oath of office last Wednesday, Jan. 8, at noon.

Vienna Second Grader Chelsea Hu Performed at McAuliffe Inaugural Ceremony

Vienna Louise Archer Elementary School second grader Chelsea Hu performed “America the Beautiful” with her World Children’s Choir at the Saturday, Jan. 11 inauguration of Terry McAuliffe as the 72nd Governor of Virginia.

Classified Advertising January 8, 2014

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Living With My Decisions

On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.

Kitchen Organization for the New Year

Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.

If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."

Top Designs of 2013

Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.

From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.

Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid

Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.

It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.

Week in Vienna

Town Offices to Observe Martin Luther King. Jr. Day Town of Vienna offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The Vienna Community Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no classes, drop-in programs or activities will be held. Refuse collection will be collected as normal on Monday, Jan. 20. Public safety services will not be impacted.

Toy Trains Displayed At Colvin Run Mill

Families enjoy annual train display.

During the last weeks of December, the interior of Colvin Run Mill parks barn was filled with 250 feet of train track, nine trains and more than 500 miniature imitation trees for the 24th annual train display created by Jim and his wife Jo Anne Stapleton. “This is the only hobby I’ve ever had,” said Jim Stapleton, a resident of Purcellville in Loudoun County.

Town of Vienna Poised for a Robust 2014

Town leaves 2013 on strong footing.

By all appropriate measurements – Moody’s, Standard and Poor, the Vienna Town Council and Town Manager – Vienna’s way-of-life and financial footing remain in the exceptionally healthy zone. Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton called 2013 a “successful year as typical for the town,” referring to the town’s financial position as strong and robust. “Our budget was reasonably put together with a goal in mind that the services residents expect be provided at the same excellent, prudent level that we’ve always had,” said Payton.

Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf

Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.

Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.

Bathroom Organization for New Year

Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.

Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.

First Night Celebrated in Vienna

VBA estimates 3,500 to 4,000 party-goers took part in first annual town New Year’s Eve block party.

Between 3,500 and 4,000 local families and friends celebrated the last night of 2013 at the First Night Vienna block-party presented by the Vienna Business Association [VBA] and the Town of Vienna. Church Street closed down for five hours between Mill and Center streets as families strolled the road, stopping at fire pits to roast marshmallows, sample free hot chocolate and popcorn, and listen to the music presented at four venues. The kids’ tent, providing family-focused music and entertainment, offered face-painting, party hats and glow-sticks. Even on a cold night, the moonbounce had lines.

Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution

Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.

Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.

Classified Advertising January 1, 2014

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