Tuesday, March 31
Vienna: Marshall Baseball Coach Tarr Pleased with Pitching Performances
Statesmen competitive against perennial powers Madison, PVI.
The Marshall baseball team received a pair of promising early-season pitching performances.
Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy
Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.
Oakton and Marshall High School Teams Go to Nationals at Robotics Competition
This Friday and Saturday annual Greater DC Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition was held at the Patriot Center: 48 teams primarily from Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland created robots to compete in this year’s game “Recycle Rush.”
Photography Contest Winners Announced
The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department has announced the winners of its 2015 amateur photography contest, held March 21 and 22, at the Vienna Community Center. There were 227 entries by 66 photographers.
Vienna Theatre Company Presents 'Other Desert Cities'
Rosemary Hartman, director of Vienna Theatre Company’s next production described “Other Desert Cities” as “a play with plenty of political overtones in a world of power and influence, but driven by a complex family situation and a big secret.”
Vienna Children Learn about Micro and Macro Economies
Westbriar Elementary School children learn about financial literacy.
Students in Future Business Leaders of America spent the day teaching Westbriar Elementary School students in Vienna about financial literacy during “JA in a Day.”
Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights
Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.
Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.
Monday, March 30
Fairfax County School Board Votes Down Veterans Day School Holiday
Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.
Friday, March 27
Editorial: Good, Bad and Ugly
A look at recently ended session of the Virginia General Assembly.
The 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to an end last week, and some of the biggest news was about what it did not do.
Thursday, March 26
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - March 27-29, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Wednesday, March 25
Column: Health Matters More
I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.
Tuesday, March 24
Letter: There's No 'Away'
Letter to the Editor
I am dismayed by what my neighbors' put out for "trash." Yes, we all know about Goodwill, Purple Heart, various organizations that collect clothing, kitchen gadgets and other items.
Springtime Events Popping Up in Vienna
From flowers to festival to family fun, there’s something for everyone.
The Egg Roll on the lawn of Freeman House typically marks the start of Vienna’s springtime events. That’s this weekend. April gets a bit more jam-packed with family fun and Memorial Day weekend flaunts one of Northern Virginia’s biggest events, the Rotary Club’s ViVa! Vienna! covering the three-day weekend.
Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds
Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.
“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”
Fairfax County Students Win Science Awards
Students from across the county recognized at 60th Annual Fairfax County Regional Science And Engineering Fair.
High school students from Fairfax County schools attended the annual regional science fair held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, March 20-22, to compete for prizes and recognition.
Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger
Letter to the Editor:
We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.
Emotional Beginning for Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request.
Friday, March 20
First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open
NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County March 20-22, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
Commentary: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities
Letter to the Editor
The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.
Thursday, March 19
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: February, 2015
In February, 2015, 67 homes sold between $2,234,220-$252,500 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: February, 2015
Students From Around Fairfax County Recognized for Promoting Peace
After a friend of South County High School senior Sakira Coleman was sexually assaulted while running on a local public path, Coleman decided to take action and started the “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night” program.
First Meeting Set for Fairfax County Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by board chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Wednesday, March 18
FCPS Students Win 17 First Place Awards at Virginia DECA Conference
A total of 385 students from 20 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall were recognized at the Virginia DEC
FCPS Students Win Eight Top Prizes in Regional History Day Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students won eight first place awards at the regional competition for National History Day held last weekend at Mount Vernon High School. The two best entries in each category and in each age division have qualified to compete in the Virginia History Day contest on Saturday, April 18, at Virginia State University in Petersburg.
Vienna: Hot-Handed Bethel too Much for Oakton
Cougars fall in 6A girls' basketball state semifinals.
The Oakton girls' basketball team ended its season with a 27-2 record.
I-66 Inside the Beltway Plans
Officials present transformation plans for the eastbound section from I-495 to Route 29 in Rosslyn.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne headlined the “I-66 Inside the Beltway Transformation Project Kick-Off” briefing on Thursday, March 12 at the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Northern Virginia District office.
Vienna Police Officers Sheeran and Evans Graduate from the Leadership in Police Program
In 2014, Town of Vienna Police Department Master Patrol Officers (MPO) James Sheeran and Jarod Evans graduated from the Leadership in Police Organizations program.
National Youth Orchestra Includes Vienna Talent
Percussionist from Vienna receives chance to perform under conductor Charles Dutoit and with pianist Yundi Li.
Tyler Cunningham, 18-year-old senior and percussionist at Langley High School, will join 113 other young musicians from around the country selected to form the 2015 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA).
Vienna Eye Doctor Pens Bedtime Story About Getting Goodnight’s Sleep
Dr. Nisha Patel is used to telling people to open their eyes. But the Vienna ophthalmologist had trouble getting her then 3-year-old daughter, Avni, to close her eyes and go to bed.
Vienna Teen Elected to School Board
Madison HS student focuses on students’ mental health and workload.
Ben Press, a junior at James Madison High School in Vienna, was elected as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board on Feb. 12. He will take over from Harris LaTeef from Langley High School on July 1.
Marshall High Wins Culinary Challenge
Edison and Chantilly culinary academies take part in contest.
The tables have been set and the contestants wait eagerly as the judging begins, each judge moving carefully between courses, sampling and chewing and making notes. There’s sweetness in the mix for the winner, a monetary prize and a chance to have their dish installed as a permanent fixture.
Women’s Center Conference to Honor Women Leaders in McLean
Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance -- What Women Should Know” (HarperCollins, 2014) will be among the awardees at The Women’s Center’s 29th Annual Leadership Conference on Saturday, April 11.
Column: Money Matters
It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.
Tuesday, March 17
Leadership Fairfax Hosts Supervisors Breakfast
State of the County Address, supervisors’ questions and an award ceremony top the agenda.
The agenda and the speakers have to be of significant interest to get some 300 people to brave local traffic and attend a meeting that started at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Fairfax (LFI) apparently succeeded in offering both in the ballroom of the Fairview Park Marriott on Friday morning, March 13, hosting its 24th Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast.
The Right Fit: Choosing a Summer Camp
How parents can ensure positive summer experiences for their children.
Though the official start of spring is still days away and the frigidity of winter is still recent on the minds of many, Janelle Wright, a Potomac, Md., mother of two, has already mapped out the summer for her children.
Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy
Time for change in public access to police information.
The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.
Saturday, March 14
Madison Girls' Basketball Team Suffers OT Loss to Cosby in State Semis
Warhawks senior Koshuta finishes with 32 points, 11 rebounds.
The Madison girls' basketball team lost to Cosby in overtime on Friday in the state semifinals.
Friday, March 13
ROUNDUP: Woodson Boys Lose, Westfield Boys Win in 3OT
Madison girls lose in OT, Oakton girls fall to hot-handed Bethel.
Roundup of 6A state semifinal action.
Thursday, March 12
Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards
Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.
It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.
Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia
Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.
After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.
Historic Virginia in Gardens
This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.
The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.
Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment
Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.
Wednesday, March 11
Vienna Shop Vandalized, $100,000 Damage
Postnet suffered the loss of its equipment and infrastructure in store rampage.
When Postnet locked its doors on the evening of Feb. 5, none of the staff could have imagined the destruction its employees would bear witness to the next morning. A vandal, apparently holding a grudge against employees, trashed the printing shop during the night, wrecking all the shop’s equipment – from $44,000 digital presses to the coffee maker and microwave – to the tune of more than $100,000.
Women’s Center Conference to Honor Women Leaders
Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance -- What Women Should Know” (HarperCollins, 2014) will be among the awardees at The Women’s Center’s 29th Annual Leadership Conference on Saturday, April 11. “The Confidence Code” is a follow-up to their New York Times best-selling book, “Womenomics: Work Less, Achieve More, Live Better.”
Inova Announcement a Huge Win for Fairfax Economy
There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the need to diversify the Fairfax County and Washington-area economies. Sequestration served as a wake-up call that the county and region must not be overly dependent on federal spending any more than Pittsburgh in the ‘70s was overly reliant on steel and Seattle on Boeing.
Freeman Store Launches New American-Made Products in Vienna
2015 season kicked off on Feb. 28.
Freeman Store and Museum, on Historic Church Street, kicked off its 2015 season on Feb. 28, introducing vintage puzzles and toys, and antiques to its collection of Vienna-logo, made-in-Virginia and American-made nostalgic products. Known locally as Freeman House, the store and museum is owned by the Town of Vienna and operated by Historic Vienna, Inc.
Column: How Lucky Am I
You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”
Sunday, March 8
Dog as Lifeline to Vienna Boy with Mitochondrial Disease
Golden Retriever assistance dog connects Jack to schoolmates, community.
Jack DeLacy was not expected to see his second birthday. But by the time he turned 4, it was clear the DeLacys could start planning for a future they never expected to have.
Vienna: Connolly's Perimeter Shooting Propels Oakton to Region Championship
Cougars limit Madison standout, Virginia Tech signee Koshuta to 10 points.
The Oakton girls' basketball team beat Madison 50-42 Saturday in the 6A North region final.
Friday, March 6
Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax
The first residents move into Kate’s Place.
Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.
Vienna: Koshuta Carries Madison Over Region Semifinal Hump
Senior forward scored 33 points, grabs 18 rebounds against Chantilly.
The Madison girls' basketball team will face Oakton in the region championship game on Saturday.
Thursday, March 5
Fairfax County hosts first Inmate Resource Fair.
They’re hoping the third time will be a charm: 34-year-old Demeterius Spann of the Richmond Highway area of Alexandria and 29-year-old Nydale Sheppard of Reston have each been incarcerated three times.
Wednesday, March 4
Vienna Celebrates 125 Years of Incorporation
Community turns out for birthday party on Feb. 28.
The Town of Vienna, in partnership with Historic Vienna, Inc., celebrated the town’s 125th incorporation anniversary, calling it a “birthday” ceremony, on closed-down Church Street and the grounds of Freeman House on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Special Screening of Honor
Film screening March 16 to help WWII veterans travel to their monument.
The Honor Flight Network transports aging veterans to visit memorials built in Washington D.C. in their honor.
Column: Sole-Searching
There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.