Wednesday, July 30
Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding
For some, it starts out on two wheels.
Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.
Serving Families For 90 Years
Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.
An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.
Column: “CanSir”
When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.
Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia
On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.
Cronin Gives Oakton Girls’ Basketball Defensive Presence
Q&A: Rising senior named 2014 Conference 5 Defensive POY.
Oakton rising senior Karlie Cronin is a basketball and lacrosse standout at Oakton.
Week in Vienna
Farmers markets, bike lanes and police.
Shouse Village Sharks Fall Short
The Shouse Village Sharks lost against High Point Pool 231-174 in NVSL Division 8.
Vienna Youth Players Present Musical
‘Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?’ opens Aug. 1, runs for two weekends.
For children who studied in Catholic school in the 1950s and 60s, a burning question that perplexed young minds was, “do black patent leather shoes really reflect up?”
Ice Cream Social At Freeman House
Historic Vienna, Inc. hosts family summer fun with games and ice cream.
Historic Vienna, Inc. takes its mission to preserve and promote Vienna’s colorful history seriously.
‘Realizing that Being Different Is OK’
Vienna, Oakton residents perform in ‘Shrek the Musical.’
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
‘They’re Thinking Beyond Themselves’
They’re of Indian descent, so they’re helping Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), which works mainly in India, Pakistan and Nepal.
Silver Line Officially Opens
Weihle-Reston East to Largo Town Center.
After the speeches, after the ribbon-cutting, there was a mad rush to board the first publicly open rail cars that rolled on the Silver Line heading towards Tysons Corner.
Tysons Welcomes Metrorail
Arrival of Silver Line to Tysons set to encourage residential development.
Five Silver Line Metro stations located in Reston and Tysons Corner opened to the public on Saturday, July 26.
First Train Arrives to McLean
Grand opening of the new metro line welcomed by residents.
It was 12:23 p.m. Saturday, July 26 when for the first time, a full Silver Line metro train zoomed from Reston, through Tysons Corner and into the new McLean metro station.
Tysons Corner Center Plaza Opens
Local artwork, children’s play space, free movies.
Confetti cannons, people blowing bubbles, acrobats inside of balloons and many more eye catching celebratory notes were a part of the Tysons Corner Center Plaza opening on July 24.
Governor's Mansion, Confidential
Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.
When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.
Thursday, July 24
Madison’s Koshuta Returned to Dominance Following Torn ACL
Q&A: 6-2 post earned all-state in 2014, committed to Virginia Tech.
Madison rising senior Kelly Koshuta is committed to Virginia Tech.
Pet Connection July 2014
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna
Express Lanes, Rapid-Bus Transit Planned for I-66
Improvements will be made from Capital Beltway to Haymarket.
Express lanes and rapid-bus transit could be coming to Interstate 66, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on July 17.
Wednesday, July 23
Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women
Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.
When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.
Meet Best Friends of Vienna Area
Stories of people and their pets in the Vienna area.
Everybody knows the old saying “a dog is man’s best friend” but over time it seems that dogs have become everyone’s best friend.
Vienna Saints Second in National Tournament
The Vienna Saints, fifth grade girls team, competed in the 2014 United States Basketball Association National Tournament and placed second in their age group.
Express Lanes, Rapid-Bus Transit Planned for 1-66
Improvements will be made from Capital Beltway to Haymarket.
Express lanes and rapid-bus transit could be coming to Interstate 66, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced on July 17.
Children Enjoy Big Vehicles Up Close
Some 2,800 people attended the recent Touch-A-Truck event at the Chantilly Regional Library.
Grants to Support Animal Welfare
2014 Barkdull Memorial Fund winners announced.
On May 13, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Margery Barkdull Memorial Fund for Animal Welfare announced four winners for the 2014 grant process from a group of 12 applicants.
1st Stage Appoints Alex Levy as Artistic/Managing Director
1st Stage, Tysons’ award-winning professional theater, has announced the appointment of Alex Levy as its Artistic/Managing Director effective Sept. 1.
Change of Command
Two Oakton natives assume new duties.
Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, who was born and raised in Oakton, relieved Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud as commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) during a change of command ceremony, July 1.
Caffe Amouri Celebrates Birthday
Live music, activities for children and hotdogs draw community.
Business and nonprofit interwove on Saturday, July 19, when Caffi Amouri celebrated its fourth anniversary in business with a benefit on behalf of the Lamb Center, a faith-backed charity that serves the poor and the poor-in-spirit locally.
Luna
She acts so much like a person you can’t help but talk to her because you know she understands what you’re saying.
Puppies Destined for Important Work
Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.
A Dog, a Pig and a Horse: Oh, My!
Oakton teen Maddie Whishard tends to a small herd of animals, including a pig, a horse and a beagle.
“People told me I couldn’t,” she says, noting that her peers doubted her when she initially showed interest in raising a piglet. Determined, Whishard read up on pig care and saved up her money (no word on whether or not she used a piggy bank).
Residents Comment on Maple Avenue Corridor
Tell Town Council the pros and cons of what’s proposed.
At the July 7 public hearing for Vienna’s proposed Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) zoning district, people spoke both for and against the project.
Plan to Enhance Maple Avenue
Public hearing held on proposed, new zoning district.
On July 7, the Town Council held part one of a two-part public hearing on the proposed, new district for commercial property along Maple Avenue. Part two is set for Aug. 18.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
Thursday, July 17
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: June, 2014
In June 2014, 132 homes sold between $1,875,000-$234,250 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: June, 2014
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna.
Expect HOV Lane Closures This Summer
Construction of 95 Express Lanes continues.
Drivers planning on using Interstate 95 to get to their vacation destination, or even just to get to work, should prepare for overnight and weekend HOV lane closures from Washington, D.C. to Dumfries as construction of the 95 Express Lanes continues.
Wednesday, July 16
Madison Graduate Kerrigan Heading to Ohio State
Q&A: Lacrosse standout fan of musician Mat Kearney, mom’s lobster bisque soup.
Madison graduate Katie Kerrigan will play lacrosse at Ohio State.
Financial Education for College Students
Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.
As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.
Numbers Indicate Stable Market
June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.
The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.
Between Halves
At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.
Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area
For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
Vienna Arts Society Presents Heroes Healing Wall
Troops on the mend from Fort Belvoir compose multi-media puzzle pieces.
The newest exhibition of the Vienna Arts Society is a trifecta of purpose
Cooling off at Vienna Woods
Local Swim and Tennis Club offers choices to residents of all ages.
Established in 1959, this summer spot is home away from home for 750 members and an array of staff members.
‘Really Fun and a Great Experience’
Local students enjoy summer computer camp.
In the morning, Bijoy Thomas taught seven students, ages 12-14, how to make DS, or hand-held, video games. And in the afternoon, he taught them about BattleBots and Raspberry Pi.
Neighbors Object to Follin Lane Project
They say it’ll result in a ‘clear and present danger.’
The $2 million road project consists of reconstructing Follin, widening it and installing sidewalks, storm drains, curbs and gutters.
School Board Decreases Suspension Time
Student Rights and Responsibilities revised.
The school board voted unanimously at the end of June to change the discipline handbook, which will now focus on in school suspensions to preserve time in school.
Vienna Residents Want Small-Town-Feel Preserved
Some anticipate an addition to traffic problems with the Silver Line opening July 26.
Vienna Mayor, Laurie DiRocco, resident for 19 years said, “This town does have a special feel.”
Friday, July 11
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna.
Wednesday, July 9
Classified Advertising July 9, 2014
Read the lastest ads here!
New Tysons Transportation Management Named
Tysons Partnership hopes to reduce traffic.
The number of single occupancy vehicles in Tysons Corner will be reduced as more people take the bus, metro or carpool to work.
Train Station Parking Will Be Expanded
Two easements should help Vienna businesses, trail users.
After much discussion and public comment, The Town of Vienna has granted conservation and parking easements to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Vienna’s 4th of July Celebration Draws Thousands
Sunny skies, breeze set stage for celebration.
The weather could not have cooperated more had the Town of Vienna scripted and directed it for the town’s annual 4th of July celebration.
A New Work Order
Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.
Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.
Vienna Author Launches Next Thriller
Mark Gilleo takes his reader on a suspenseful journey of intrigue in “Favors and Lies.”
Mark Gilleo’s world embraces private detectives, bail bondsmen, hackers, madams, and murder.
America Eats Tavern Opens at Tysons
American cuisine and culture on display at the Ritz-Carlton.
America Eats Tavern (AET), the new restaurant helmed by Spanish-born and award-winning celebrity chef José Andrés and business partner Rob Wilder, opened in the Tysons Corner Ritz-Carlton last month.
Vienna Screen Porch Judged Best of Class
Sun Design Remodeling named National Contractor of the Year for indoor/outdoor innovation.
A spacious screen porch addition to a Mediterranean-style home in Vienna has won a national Contractor of the Year Award for Sun Design Remodeling. The indoor/outdoor solution was judged the nation's best residential addition by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at an awards ceremony held in New Orleans this past spring. The custom-designed addition to the home's rear elevation integrates a nearly 4,000-square-foot house with mature landscaping that includes flowering shrubs, garden pathways and a fully-stocked koi pond. The project boasts a Tuscan-style interior design that incorporates a wood-fired pizza oven.
His and Her Addition
Addition pulls together styles and overcomes challenges.
On the face of it, adding a two-level structure to a 30-year-old brick house is not especially difficult. Essentially, Vienna homeowners Al Dobson and his wife Joan Davanzo each have a pet project — a spacious first level garage to house sport cars, motorcycles and ’60s rock for him; a lovely sunroom comprised of floor-to-ceiling window walls for her.
Oakton’s Lourdes Navarro in ‘Pippi Longstocking’
Plays the title character’s girlfriend in children’s show.
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”
You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?
Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.
Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.
Week in Vienna
Street work, farmers markets, blood drive and volunteer opportunity.
Climate Change Could Affect Your Drinking Water
Residents could see—and smell—a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury we are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect our waterways—and our water bills.
NASA Comes to Colvin Run Elementary
Space station astronauts speak live to students.
Students got a real hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experience by linking directly with the NASA international space station.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
Tuesday, July 8
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.
Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals
On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.
Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success
For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.
Wednesday, July 2
July 4th Festivities in Fairfax County
A list of celebratory events taking place on July 4th.
A list of parades, fireworks and family-friendly events taking place this Friday, July 4.
Area Gears Up for Rail Opening
Silver Line starts running on July 26.
On July 26, the expectations and hopes of commuters in Tysons and Reston will either be met or dashed when the gates to the Silver Line Metro stations are opened at noon.
Letter: Campaign Experience
I recently had the opportunity to volunteer on the John Foust for Congress Campaign – a small office with a small army of professionals, interns, and volunteers – and I’m pleased to say that it was an extremely positive experience.
Tour de Tysons Attracts Hundreds
427 cyclists swarm Tysons.
The 2nd Annual Tour de Tysons bicycle races attracted a record 427 cyclists who competed in 9 separate races.
Shouse Village Sharks Fall to Sleepy Hollow
The Shouse Village Sharks lost against Sleepy Hollow Bath, 281-139, in NVSL Division 8.
Michel Rene Salon & Spa Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Michel Suissa and Rene Szramski, co-owners of Michel Rene Salon & Spa, are celebrating their anniversary of 35 years in business.
Rebuilding Together Joins Crate and Barrel to Repair New Generations Home in Vienna
More than 50 associates from Crate and Barrel joined Rebuilding Together to make repairs and renovations to the New Generations residential treatment home for women receiving treatment services for substance use and mental health disorders and their children.
Letter: Outraged by Medicaid Rejection
It is senseless to reject federal funds that would clearly benefit Virginians.
Senior Projects Create Opportunities After Graduation
The Senior Project presentation is the last requirement that students fulfill before graduating from Flint Hill School.
Optimists Honor Local Officers
Vienna Police Officer Patrick Kiley and Fairfax County Officer Philip C. Stone recognized.
On June 18, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna honored Town of Vienna Police Officer Patrick J. Kiley and Fairfax County Police Officer PFC Philip C. Stone, Fair Oaks District, with its “Charles A. Robinson Jr. Respect for the Law” awards.
Vienna Celebrates the 4th with Festival, Fireworks, Fun
The Town of Vienna’s annual 4th of July small-town festival and fireworks is one of the characteristics of Vienna that give it, well, its small-town feel.
Vienna Residents Want Small-Town-Feel Preserved
Some anticipate an addition to traffic problems with the Silver Line opening July 26.
With the Silver Line opening date confirmed for Saturday, July 26, in addition to the overall expansion of the Metro and Tysons area, some long-time Vienna residents express their concerns of preserving Vienna’s small-town feel.
Vienna Residents Are Happy to Be Here
Town conducted survey on its programs and services.
On the whole, Vienna residents are pleased with their town and its services and believe it’s a great place to live and raise children. That was the overall result of a professionally conducted survey done recently on the Town’s behalf.
Council Mulls Memorial to Mayor Jane Seeman
May form committee to decide what type would be best.
After serving on the Vienna Town Council, M. Jane Seeman was Vienna’s mayor for 14 years until her death from lung cancer on Feb. 23.
Full-Day Mondays Start in September
Teachers promised planning time.
Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).