Monday, February 29
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Town of Vienna Police Department from Feb. 19-25.
Vienna: Outstanding Teacher
Corey Thornblad of Kilmer Middle School honored by FCPS.
Corey Thornblad, social studies teacher at Kilmer Middle School, has been named the Fairfax County Public Schools 2016 Outstanding Teacher.
Wolf Trap Has New Superintendent
George Liffert, a national park manager with 28 years’ experience, will lead Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.
Area Skaters Go National
Vienna, McLean skaters participate in 2016 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
Piper Williams of Vienna, Nina Sebastien of McLean, Elaine Zhang of Vienna, and Taylor Olson of Falls Church represented our area at the 2016 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in Kalamazoo, Mich. last week.
UVA Backs Students’ Research Projects
From examining how James Joyce’s work relates to civil unrest to quantitative eco-labeling schemes, and from researching Roman property law to analyzing the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, 50 University of Virginia undergraduates will pursue 46 grant-funded research projects this summer.
Friday, February 26
Springfield Veterinary Holistic Center offers extension to conventional medicine
Bettejeanne “BJ” Hammond much prefers the term “body work” to massage. “Open wine and get out the candles, that’s what people think of massage,” she said. “They think it’s to relax, but it’s so much more than that.”
Thursday, February 25
Art of Driving Scholarship Expands Eligibility Outside Fairfax County
After the first few years being open only to Lake Braddock Secondary School Students, the Art of Driving college scholarship in honor of Lake Braddock student Ashley Thompson expanded to all Fairfax County High Schools.
Week in Vienna
Superintendent Karen Garza, accompanied by the regional assistant superintendents, will provide an update on the budget, Strategic Plan, classroom initiatives, and other happenings in FCPS and listen to ideas, comments, and questions from the audience on Tuesday, March 29 at Madison High School.
Vienna: Flint Hill Student Wins Grand Prize in Coding Competition
Victor (Vale) Tolpegin, 16, won the grand prize in the international computer programming competition, Google Code-In. Tolpegin is a sophomore at Flint Hill School in Oakton.
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Town of Vienna Police Report from Feb. 12-18.
Vienna Pet-Pal Stories
Every pet-family has a story, some happy, some poignant.Their stories are a reminder of the unconditional love and devotion that pets bring into a home.
Vienna: On the Way to Forever Homes
The Korffs of Vienna foster dogs who wait for a family to love them.
For many families, watching the family pup frolic and play around is fun.
McLean and Vienna: Hope on Ice at Tysons Ice Rink
The first Hope on Ice took place last weekend at the Tysons Corner Ice Skating Rink.
Fairfax County Schools to Close March 1 for Super Tuesday
Concerns about parking and traffic, as well as new guidance from the Virginia Department of Education caused the Fairfax County School Board to reconsider closing schools for the March 1 Presidential primaries.
Editorial: Bad Bills
General Assembly has potential to do lots of damage in a short period.
From pressing for use of a barbaric form of execution, the electric chair, to codifying discrimination, to stripping localities of the major tool for ensuring infrastructure is in place for new development, to hiding more and more critical public information from the public, the Virginia General Assembly is poised to do harm to the Commonwealth.
Wednesday, February 24
Classified Advertising February 24, 2016
Read the lastest ads here!
Saturday, February 20
Vienna: Oakton Girls' Basketball Wins Conference 5 Championship
Cougars outscore Herndon 17-0 in opening quarter.
The Oakton girls' basketball team defeated Herndon for the Conference 5 title on Friday.
Friday, February 19
Commentary: Building on Success
Congress passes more legislation to fight human trafficking.
Congress continues to work together in a bipartisan manner on an issue that grabs headlines throughout the country and here in Northern Virginia.
County Budget Presented, About $300 More per Household
County Executive: Revenue growth is insufficient to fund all priorities. Schools still $68 million short.
County Executive Ed Long recommended a four-cent increase to the real estate tax rate.
Thursday, February 18
Sports Roundups
Sports happenings in Vienna, Great Falls and McLean.
FCPS Open Enrollment for Two-Way and World Languages Immersion Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools' online registration for the countywide lottery for two-way and world language immersion programs will open on Monday, Feb. 22.
FCPS Students Win Awards in 2016 Scholastic Writing Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools students at 22 schools won regional awards in the 2016 Scholastic Writing Awards Competition.
Tysons Chamber Names Francis Gary Powers, Jr. Acting President
Lori Lopez, Chairman for the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) announced that Francis Gary Powers, Jr. has been hired as the Acting President effective Jan. 15, 2016.
1st Stage Receives Six Helen Hayes Nominations
The Helen Hayes Awards, now in its 32nd year, recognizes outstanding achievement in more than 90 professional theatres across the Washington metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna.
Lieutenant Louis “Lou” Forges Retires from the Vienna Police Department
On Feb. 1, Lt. Louis “Lou” Forges retired from the Town of Vienna Police Department.
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Vienna Police Report from Feb. 5-11.
Letter: Overzealous Spenders
To the Editor
For decades the incessant grab for increasing revenues by local jurisdictions has been evidenced by larger and larger, more creative grabs by localities, some even illegal.
Vienna Business Association Installs New Board Members
The Vienna Business Association installed its 2016 Board of Directors, headed by chairman Mary Kay Claus, on Feb. 12, at the association’s luncheon meeting.
Vienna: From Green Bean to ‘Green’
Caffe Amouri wins Virginia Green Restaurant of the Year award.
From cold cups made of corn starch rather than plastic, fettucine coffee stirrers (big hit with little kids), windows that open in warm weather, and coffee grounds set out in a bin for free use by local gardeners, all underscore Amouri’s commitment to sustainability.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: January, 2016
In January, 2016, 68 homes sold between $1,556,775-$182,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: January, 2016
Fairfax County: Parents, Community Supporters Rally to ‘Invest in Kids’
Emotional independent outbursts and communal chants of “Fund our schools” and “Invest in kids” echoed through the grand amphitheater just beyond the entrance to the Fairfax County Government Center.
Tuesday, February 16
Editorial: Freedom of Information on Life Support in General Assembly?
Last week, the Assembly passed SB 202, which undid a major push eight years ago to ensure that all of our public spending was ‘online’ and searchable by ordinary citizens. This, of course, meant disclosing the salaries of public employees over a certain income level.
Editorial: Fairfax Presses Ahead with Diversion First
When police encounter someone in mental health crisis, they can transport them to Merrifield Crisis Response Center instead of jail.
Natasha McKenna died a little more than a year ago on Feb. 7, 2015.
Diversion First Program Launched
Fairfax County officials announce Diversion First program designed to help individuals get treatment not jail time.
Kevin Earley said he’s living proof that Diversion First works. Earley has been living with bipolar disorder and had his last episode in 2007.
Uncovering the Roots of Slavery
Local student creates slave index to help descendants trace family history.
A local college student is spending much of her senior year scouring the last wills and testaments of residents of Northern Virginia.
ServiceSource Helps People with Disabilities
Nonprofit ServiceSource helps people with disabilities.
In one section of the ServiceSource Chantilly Center, music therapist Myra Goodrich leads a group of budding musicians playing a cheerful song.
Touching Many Hearts
Minecraft for a Mission – Touching Heart and their “Kids on a Mission” raise funds for children in foster care.
They say that charity begins at home. Helen Yi and Taylor, the mother and daughter co-founders of Touching Heart, a nonprofit aimed at educating and inspiring children to empathize with the needs of others and to take action to assist them, have no argument with that statement.
‘Star Wars’ Fans Flock to Local Classes
Movie's popularity leaves fans wanting to feel "The Force."
Beams of neon light flash around a dark room. Young Star Wars fans from a galaxy not so far away wield light sabers and move with carefully choreographed steps.
Time To Plan for Kids’ Summer Camp Adventures
Local camp fair offers sampling of summer programs.
Under a blanket of February frost, summer might seem light years away, but it’s closer than one might think.
Thursday, February 11
Fairfax County: Public Safety Committee meets to discuss Ad Hoc Police Review recommendations and the Diversion First initiative
Just over a year since Natasha McKenna died following multiple shocks from a taser, while in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention center, her name was never raised during the Feb. 9 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee meeting. Two audience members stood on one side of the Government Center conference room, holding posters bearing a picture of McKenna’s face and text including “Black Lives Matter.”
Fairfax County: Training Center Residents Relocated
They’re all gone. As of August 2015, there were still 55 residents with mental or physical disabilities receiving services at the state-owned and operated Northern Virginia Training Center on Braddock Road.
Wednesday, February 10
Classified Advertising February 10, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Vienna and Oakton 2015 Home Sales
In 2015, 1,235 homes sold between $3,400,000-$181,084 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna and Oakton 2015 Home Sales
Tuesday, February 9
Virginia Cigarette Tax Remains Lowest in Nation
Opportunity for increase in cigarette tax blows up in smoke.
Dale Stein and the McLean Citizens Association couldn’t even raise a match before legislators in Richmond extinguished a possible increase in the cigarette tax for Fairfax County.
Editorial: Limiting Local Authority
Assembly rushes bill limiting proffers without addressing who will pay for infrastructure.
In Virginia, a Dillon Rule state, local governments have only the powers explicitly granted by the General Assembly. And what the assembly gives, the assembly can take away.
Stylish Valentine’s Day Table Settings
Flowers and candles create romantic designs.
Fresh flowers and candles are an easy way to add elegance and romance to a Valentine’s Day table. From dramatic to understated, local tastemakers offer suggestions for setting the mood for a memorable dinner.
Bringing Order to Household Chaos
Clever design solutions for hiding clutter.
Wires, cable boxes, soccer cleats, pet bowls and other items are life’s necessities, but they can be unsightly and disrupt the aesthetic of an elegant living space.
Fairfax County School Board Approves $2.67 Billion ‘No Cuts’ Budget
Calls for general salary raises and additional $40 million for teachers, lowering elementary class sizes.
Members of the Fairfax County School Board have taken the next step in realizing Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza’s vision of no additional cuts in the Fiscal Year 2017 school system operating budget. T
Area Students Shine in MATHCOUNTS Competition
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, at George Mason University.
Snowzilla Summit Ahead
Board names Fairfax County Animal Shelter for Michael Frey.
“What a difference a week makes,” said County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), in case anybody had moved on from the 29.3 inches of measured snow at Dulles Airport during the recent blizzard.
Honoring Black History
Fairfax County’s Cable Network presents programs in celebration of Black History Month.
Fairfax Public Access (FPA) will air a special series of movies and documentaries throughout the month of February in recognition of Black History Month.
Proffers in Danger?
Richmond caught the attention of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week specifically with House Bill 770 (Gilbert) and Senate B 549 (Obenshain), bills Sharon Bulova says will place “significant restrictions” on development, specifically citing “unreasonable proffers.”
Monday, February 8
Letter: Safeguarding Others in Time of Need
To the Editor
“To be successful, there must be strong community will.”
Haunting Wounded Souls, Interconnected Lives
For those seeking out a singular achievement into unapologetic mature themed theater, 1st Stage’s production of “When the Rain Stops Falling” will etch itself into audience thrall.
Barnes and Noble’s Teacher Contest Ends March 1
The Barnes and Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest ends March 1.
Week in Vienna
Weekly happenings in Vienna.
Vienna Teen Wins Best Delegate Award
Otilia Danalache, of Vienna, a freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, won the Best Delegate Award at The Ivy League Model United Nations Conference 2016.
Vienna: Broadway Hits at Shepherd’s Center
‘Lunch ‘N Life’ event to feature singer Jocelyn Jackson.
Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) is hosting their first in 2016 schedule of Lunch n’ Life events. T
Optimists Present $29,000 Donation to Growing Hope
At Feb. 3 dinner meeting, check presentation and installation of new members.
Northern Virginia, in support of local families confronting childhood cancer.
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Honors Volunteers
Fire department, Auxiliary recognizes selfless service in 2015.
Approximately 130 friends of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department came out on Feb. 6 to salute the department’s volunteers and staff for service to the community in 2015.
Oakton’s Bassett is Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital CFO
Laura Bassett, of Oakton, was appointed chief financial officer of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital.
Ayr Hill Garden Club Meeting Set for Feb. 22
The Ayr Hill Garden Club will meet on Monday, Feb. 22, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Road in Vienna.
Vienna Church Starts the Holy Season of Lent with Ashes and Dashes
Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 2589 Chain Bridge Road will once again be offering Ashes and Dashes, a drive-thru service that quickly provides ashes and prayer to Christian observers of Ash Wednesday, in its church parking lot on Feb. 10, from 6-8:45 a.m.
Thursday, February 4
Fairfax County: Election Officers Still Needed for March Primary
Cameron Sasnett has one message for people concerned about the integrity of elections -- at least from a procedure standpoint: Get involved as an election officer.
Fairfax County: In-Custody Death Investigated
Paul Guida died Oct. 17, 2015, while in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The 68-year-old Falls Church resident was charged with violating a protective order. He had been held without bond since Oct. 1, 2015.
Combined Commissions for Women Host Human Trafficking Awareness Event in Fairfax
Thirty years ago, “Jen” was lured into a pornography ring and sexually abused by a man who initially pretended to be her friend.
Wednesday, February 3
Snowzilla Summit Ahead
Board names Fairfax County Animal Shelter for Michael Frey.
“What a difference a week makes,” said County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), in case anybody had moved on from the 29.3 inches of measured snow at Dulles Airport during last week’s blizzard.
Classified Advertising February 3, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, February 2
Another Opportunity to Talk About It
Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, and often more about the parties than the game.
Editorial: Economic Development in Virginia
The General Assembly prides itself in providing a pro-business climate, but refuses infusion of more than $3 billion annually.
Hundreds of bills before this year’s General Assembly session focus on “business climate,” providing incentives for businesses to locate and expand here, extending tax exemptions and tax credits, encouraging international trade, reducing regulation and many other approaches perceived as pro-business.
Marking American Heart Month
Month-long observance raises awareness about cardiovascular disease and the role of aerobic exercise in preventing it.
Music is thumping, sweat is dripping and hearts are pounding. In a packed aerobic dance studio, students move in the name of health.
’Scrappy’ Wildcats Fall to Undefeated Cougars
Centreville coach Watson upset about officiating.
The Centreville girls' basketball team lost to Oakton on Monday.
Vienna: Oakton’s Marquis Scores 1,000th Point in Victory
Cougars remain undefeated with win over Centreville.
The Oakton girls' basketball team improved to 17-0 with a win over Centreville on Monday.
Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Nominations, New Deadline Feb. 9
Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers in the community.
Nominations are open for the 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.
Vienna Crime Reports
Notable incidents from the Vienna police reports from Jan. 22-28.
Vienna Resident Recognized as ‘Best of the Best’
Vienna resident Ian Ladner was awarded the Defense Logistics Energy Employee of the Quarter (Oct-Dec 2015).
Vienna: Cool Things to Do in Winter
When children are off from school in cold weather, there’s still fun to be found.
The children are off from school --- again. It’s winter and it’s cold, and, possibly, snowy. You’ve done the library (Patrick Henry and the Oakton Library), the movies (huge selection at Tysons AMC) and have taken the kids bowling (Bowl America is full of youngsters during “break”).