Stories for November 2016

Column: Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA

The success of early voting in the 2016 Presidential Election reaffirms my conclusion from visiting 12,000 homes last year — Virginia should expand early voting.

Facing Addiction, Tools in Fairfax County

The following information was provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

The Surgeon General released the first-ever report on Facing Addiction in America on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Vienna

There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

Vienna: Thanksgiving Viewpoints

What Are You Most Thankful For?

“Thankful for eight years with the Obama Family as our First Family. What a kind, loving, moral family. They will be truly missed. Thankful for my husband of a blessed 46 years together. Thankful for a wonderful daughter and her family and especially my grandchildren. Thankful for nature around me. Thankful for my dear friends. Thankful for art and music that takes away pain. Thankful for the Vienna Community.”

Vienna: Stronger Together in Vienna

Community rallies in support of inclusion and kindness

A young mother living in a bombed-out German town in early 1942 fled with her children to a less-dangerous home in Germany, seeking safety and refuge. Eventually, in 1952, they made their way to the United States.

McLean: ‘Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas’ Arriving to Alden

New Holiday musical entertainment for children and families is on its way to the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center. It is an energetic, colorful production with original music based upon the NY Times best-selling book “Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas” by award-winning author Jane O’Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.

McLean: Tree-Lighting Celebrated at Tysons Corner Center

A Tree-Lighting Ceremony featuring "American Idol's" Kris Allen and WASH-FM's Loo Katz and Chilli Amar was held on Friday, Nov. 18 at Tysons Corner Center's Plaza area near the ice skating rink.

Fairfax County: Commonwealth’s Attorney Begins Review of FCPD Report on Deputy-Involved INOVA Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Fairfax County: Planning Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.

Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools

Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.

Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.

Thinking Beyond Serving Meals

Experts advise finding age-appropriate ways for children to give back.

During this season of giving thanks, opportunities for expressions of gratitude can seem ubiquitous.

Easing Election Fears

Local therapists say acknowledging, reassuring are keys to easing anxiety.

On the morning after what was possibly the most adversarial election in recent history, psychologist Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D. felt an urge to send a text message to her two teenaged children. 

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: October, 2016

In October, 2016, 86 homes sold between $1,700,000-$199,900 in the Vienna and Oakton area.

Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: October, 2016

Vienna: A True Adventure

James Madison High School’s production of ‘Deadwood Dick’ engages the audience.

Hop on your horses and gallop on over to James Madison High School, because a night of cowboys, card games, true love, and lively fun awaits at their production of “Deadwood Dick.” Based on a popular series of nineteenth century dime novels by Edward L. Wheeler, “Deadwood Dick” follows the tradition of old Western melodrama, filled with mustached villains, dashing heroes, and lovely, woe-ridden heroines.

Vienna: Sergeant Patrick Kiley and Dispatcher II Amy Milliman Receive Service Recognition Award

Sgt. Patrick Kiley and Dispatcher II Amy Milliman received a Service Recognition Award for their outstanding effort in organizing the 2016 Cops and Kids Fun Run. Sgt. Kiley and Dispatcher Milliman were responsible for every detail of the Fun Run, which our department hosted for the first time in several years.

Vienna: Steven Gellman to Release Holiday Album at Jammin Java

Singer/songwriter Steven Gellman celebrates the holiday season at Jammin Java on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. with the “Hearth & Home” album release concert. Jammin Java, named one of the best music venues in the country by Paste Magazine, is located at 227 Maple Ave East, Vienna.

Vienna: New Town of Vienna Police Officer Graduates from Academy

Officer Rachel E. Rohr graduated from the 67th Session of the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy. The Academy curriculum includes, but is not limited to, 320 hours of academic studies including crisis intervention, assisting individuals with mental illness, de-escalation techniques and first aid training; 94 hours of firearms training; 84 hours of emergency vehicle operation; 110 hours of physical training and 130 hours of defensive tactics training.

Santa HQ Opens at Tysons

Santa Claus makes special stop for service members

“What better way to say thank you to those who have served and our military families than to bring them Santa Claus?” says Becca Willcox, spokeswoman for Tysons Corner Center. “We’re lucky to have him here so early.”

McLean: Joy, Tears and Laughter

“Broadway Bound” from Neil Simon at 1st Stage.

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, “Broadway Bound” is a treasure from the fertile mind of Tony Award winning playwright Neil Simon. Under the fine, perceptive direction of Shirley Serotsky, “Broadway Bound” is a remarkable production full of family love and pain with plenty of humor.

Tysons: Warby Parker to Open First Virginia Eyeglasses Store

Warby Parker, a popular online eyeglasses retailer, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Virginia on Nov. 19 at Tysons Corner Center mall.

Classified Advertising November 16, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Classified Advertising November 23, 2016

Read the latest ads here!

Gifts from the Heart

From ‘things’ to to experiences, gifts come in all kinds of packaging.

The Vienna-Oakton Connection offers its readers “part 1” of gift ideas, from small community businesses with personalized service to gifts that benefit the spirit of the heart.

Blood Donation Drive at Madison High

On Oct. 31, Madison HS held its semi-annual blood drive in conjunction with INOVA.

Week in Vienna

Deer Feeding Ban Is In Effect

Many residents enjoy seeing white-tailed deer up close and may feel they are contributing to the animal’s welfare by providing supplemental food.

Holiday Season Kicks Off

Events in Vienna-Oakton serve children and adults, welcome the spirit of giving.

The festive season, of sparkling lights and aromatic baked sweets, of craft bazaars and seasonal holiday music, of good-will and selfless spirit, is upon us.

Setting a holiday table

Local tastemakers offer suggestions for creating festive tablescape. 

As Thanksgiving draws near, thoughts of table settings and holiday décor abound.

Guest-Ready Home for the Holidays

From organizing to decorating, a guide for getting a house ready for visitors. 

Ready or not, the holidays are coming.

Vienna: Madison High School Student honored by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Justin Hu, a freshman at James Madison High School, was honored as one of the brightest students from around the world at an international awards ceremony by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY). This year, more than 27,000 students participated in CTY’s Talent Search, representing all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

Vienna: OLGS Wimbledon Tennis Team Ends Winning Season

OLGC – Wimbledon I, ended the regular season with a 12-0 record and had match record score of 72-3 in total games played.

Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families in Fairfax County are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.

Decking the Halls, Stuffing Bellies

Local cooking schools offer crash courses in holiday dishes.

Ever since Bernadette Lott can remember, she’s had a sweet tooth as big as a sugar cane field.

Additional Factors Impede Efforts To Quit Smoking

Public encouraged to learn about challenges faced by smokers with mental illness who want to quit.

Despite her mental health challenges, Deneice Valentine quit smoking in part by learning to meditate.

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

Source: http://results.elections.virginia.gov/

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

Vienna: Madison High Students Collect Food for Others

Food Drive

Madison High School is running its annual canned food drive from Oct. 31 to Nov. 22.

A Design Solution as Big as a Barn Door

Master bath renovation explores themes from Great Falls' bucolic past.

With its metal roof, stucco siding and silo, the 5,800-sq-ft., five-bedroom Great Falls residence exuded nostalgic references to the community's bucolic past. Getting the house to owner requirements, however, entailed a commitment.

Northern Virginia: Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.

It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.

Fairfax County: Sayles Receives Environmental Excellence Award

Sayles is a retired Denver police officer, DEA agent, Ad Hoc Police Commission contributor and long-time county resident

A 12-year-old African American boy watched as a city of Denver patrol car with two white police officers drove slowly by his house, where he reported people attempting to break in.

Fairfax County: No to Trump And Meals Tax

Beyer, Connolly re-elected.

With final numbers still coming in from around the country, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carried a strong lead early Wednesday morning over Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton.

Clinton and Kaine Carry Virginia, Trump Seizes Key Battlegrounds

Comstock, Connolly, Beyer re-elected; meals tax voted down; bonds voted up.

MEALS TAX referendum would have allowed Fairfax County supervisors to enact up to a four percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.

It's Election Day: Vienna, Oakton Vote

Thousands Cast Ballots at Great Falls Library

Fairfax County expected thousands of voters to cast their ballot at the Great Falls Library off Georgetown Pike yesterday.

Tuesday at Langley High: School is Out and Voting is In

Election 2016

Fairfax County Public Schools were closed for Election Day, but people woke up early to vote at Langley High School off of Georgetown Pike yesterday.

Vienna: It's Election Day: Vienna, Oakton Vote

November 8, 2016

As long as you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are planning to vote on your way home from work, give yourself plenty of travel time. Election officials want you to keep in mind that you need to be in line by 7 p.m at your poll location in order to cast your vote.

Fairfax County: Autopsy Report Yet to Come for Deputy-Involved Shooting

Administrative investigation to follow.

Law enforcement officials are still waiting to receive the final autopsy report for Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, who was shot dead by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.