Growing Hope in Vienna
For families looking for free family fun, look no further than the Vienna Town Green on Saturday, Sept. 29. For the seventh consecutive year, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna hosts its annual Walk & Family Fun Day for Growing Hope, a local nonprofit resource dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families.
Marshall Renovation, Celebration Goes On
Marshall High celebrates 50 years of academics and sports.
“We are very lucky all our kids graduated from Marshall,” said Rennert. “It’s a little jewel in Tysons Corner.”
Coffee for a Cure at Caffe Amouri
Lymphoma survivor leads team to fundraise on behalf of lymphoma research.
“Until 1995, my lymphoma was a death sentence … Because of research, there are many of us who are alive. My medicines were not around five years ago, and here I am, cancer-free.” —Valerie Kappler, Vienna, Remission Rider
Vienna Remembers 9/11
Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 partners with town to honor the dead and the brave of Sept. 11, 2001.
Sept. 11, 2012, was eerily similar to the warm, sunny day 11 years ago when terrorists hijacked four American jetliners, slamming them into buildings and the ground. As much of a day of infamy as was the attack on Pearl Harbor, Sept. 11 is commemorated every year throughout the United States. And every year, Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 partners with the Town of Vienna to honor the memory of the dead, the bravery of the day’s heroes and the sacrifices of those Americans actively battling terrorism daily.
Church Street Garage Debated
Proposal submitted under Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act.
“This is an opportunity to get Church Street to work better.” --Mayor M. Jane Seeman
Vienna Insiders Perspective
What makes living in Vienna special?
Everyone knows that the best advice comes from experience--and that's true even in the small things. Newcomers and old-timers alike can find a refreshing look at what we love about Vienna herein. Looking for the best place to eat? Forget yelp and find a local blog or ask a neighbor. Wondering about the places to be on the weekend? Finding an in-the-know peer can be the antidote to a all kinds of boredom. So, c'mon, you've got no excuse: do your research and get exploring.
Oakton Senior Loves Her Girlhood Home
86-year-old Pat Price lives in house she was raised in.
Pat Price lives in her girlhood home in Oakton. Not in the same place, but in the same house. Price is 86 years old now. Her Oakton bonds go back to before 1850 when her great-grandmother took over as Oakton School’s first teacher. A great-grandfather fought in the Civil War. Her “people,” as she refers to her ancestors, have been in the Vienna-Oakton area for more than 150 years.
Free Fun in Vienna
There’s a bit of free something for all around town.
From free concerts on the Town Green to Civil War-era exhibitions and festivals to presentations, there are lots of free things to do in the Vienna area for every age group. Even those not-quite-free things are a bargain for what you get. The restored and newly-repainted red caboose across the street from Freeman House is maintained by the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna. Children are always welcome to climb aboard, but once a month or on special occasions, the Optimists open the doors to the caboose for the public to walk through.
Vienna Woman Follows a Slippery Slope
Madison grad training for skeleton in winter Olympics
Since graduating from Elon University, Veronica Day’s life has gone downhill. And well it should be because Day, a Madison High School graduate in 2007 who was track and field three-time All-State, who broke Elon’s track and field records, is at the U.S. Olympic Committee’s training facility at Lake Placid, honing her skill at "skeleton," a relative of luge and bobsled. She’s preparing for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.
Moonlight Shines in Vienna
“Moonlit Musical,” children’s theatrical production, premiers in Vienna.
What child has never imagined herself to be on-stage, bowing to adoring fans? If you are a child living in Fairfax County, you have a good shot at stardom.
National Farmers' Market Week Starts in Vienna
USDA launches National Farmers’ Market Week from Vienna’s Church Street farmers’ market.
USDA Under-Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Ed Avalos launched National Farmers’ Market Week from Vienna’s Church Street farmers’ market on Aug. 4.
‘Footloose’ Takes Foot in Vienna
Musical comes to Vienna Community Center for five performances, starting Aug. 3.
"Footloose" hit the big screen with a bang in 1984. More than 15 years later, it opened on Broadway. Now, "Footloose" comes to Vienna.
Terrorists Across the Street
Vienna Author’s ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ reflects on pre-9/11 activities in Vienna.
If it weren’t for the reported suspicions of Mark Gilleo’s mother, "Love Thy Neighbor" suspense novel may never have been written.
Markers Dedicated at Oakton Schoolhouse
Cooperative effort between Hunter Mill Defense League and County produces interpretive panels.
In 2007, a group of Oakton-area community supporters, along with Chevy Chase Bank and the owners of Appalachian Outfitters, saved the historic Oakton schoolhouse from demolition. With funding from Chevy Chase, the building that once stood on the corner of Hunter Mill Road and Rt. 123 was moved to its current location on Hunter Mill Road, just a few hundred yards from where it originally stood.
Caffe Amouri Celebrates 2nd Birthday
Coffeehouse offered free hot dogs, live music throughout day.
Caffe Amouri turned two and the coffeehouse threw a party for the community out front on July 14 to say "thanks" for its support. And the community returned the thanks with their presence.
Kids’ Music Program Brightens Summer
Wolf Trap’s Theatre-in-the-Woods presents song, dance and puppetry.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts isn’t just for adults. Its education outreach programs feature performances for young children, from kiddie-rock music to classical ballet and global performing arts.
A $1,000 ‘Thank-you’
Bazin’s waiter gets big tip for service.
Michael Manetti wasn’t doing anything he does not normally do when serving the party of 12 at Bazin’s on Church Friday night. He says he was there when they needed him, not when they didn’t. Manetti knows when to be unobtrusive. When the party’s host signed off on the bill, Manetti got the shock of his professional career. He was given a $1,000 tip.
Vienna Celebrates with Festival, Fireworks
Music, food, kids’ activities highlight festival at Community Center.
Vienna celebrated the 4th of July in style … old-style, that is.
Summer Stories, Song and Sprinklers Kick Off on Town Green
Weekly Wednesday fun starts at 1 p.m. behind Freeman House on the Town Green.
For children, one of the great joys of summer is running through sprinklers. Preface that with a story and fun songs, like the Hokey Pokey, and you have an old-fashioned country-style afternoon. Historic Vienna, Inc. partners with the Town of Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation every Wednesday to provide music and sprinkler-power on the Town Green.
Vienna Police PIO Retires
Bill Murray looks back on 23 years with Vienna Police Department.
After 23 years with the Vienna Police Department, five of which were spent as Public Information Officer for the department, MPO Bill Murray is retiring from the police force, effective June 30.
Summer’s in Session in Vienna
Fun abounds throughout town.
From toddler to teen, 20-something to Social Security, there are activities and events in Vienna to please any age demographic. Most, unbelievably, are free.
Town Green Rocks with Kiddie-Rock
Rocknoceros Kicks Off Kids’ Concert Series on Town Green with huge crowd.
On June 20, local kiddie-rock stars Rocknoceros kicked off the children’s concert series on the Town Green. One could hardly find grass among the ground cover of blankets and lawn chairs and humans of all ages and heights, from newborns in carriers to grandparents.
Vintage Baseball Game Draws Fans, History Buffs
Baseball played by 1864 rules comes to Vienna.
A Mid-Atlantic Vintage baseball tournament and living history exhibition on June 23 continued Vienna’s sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War.
Honoring Outstanding Student-Athletes
17th Annual Scholarship Hall of Fame Banquet recognizes former VYI players.
June 12 marked the 17th annual presentation of the Vienna Youth Inc.
Student Supporters Honored for Dedication
Delta Kappa Gamma education society recognizes selfless missions at awards banquet.
Local school staff and community groups, from building supervisor to principals and Vienna Optimists, were recognized by the Vienna-area chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma education society for going beyond job descriptions to benefit school children.
Civil War-era Baseball Comes to Vienna
1864-rules games, exhibits, highlight the Civil War Living History Exhibition.
Baseball, as played 150 years ago – except for beaning the runner – comes to Vienna on Saturday, June 23, as three 1864-rules teams play a series of exhibition games for the community.
Music for Khristin
Vienna Idol, Kyllopalooza benefit Khristin Kyllo Memorial Fund.
For two weather-perfect weekend evenings, the Vienna Town Green thundered in music, from soloists to bands, pop to folk, all in the memory of Vienna student Khristin Kyllo.
Book Sale a Big Vienna Draw
People from across region gather to browse over thousands of books.
Historic Vienna, Inc.’s annual two-day mega-book sale covered all day June 9 and 10. Tents covered the rows and rows of genre-organized books, thousands and thousands of them.
Vienna Farmers Market Gearing Up for Summer
Spring stock giving way to hot-weather favorites.
The Vienna Farmers Market is boasting a colorful palette of produce now, from spring-like floral pastels to the richer hues of red strawberries and deep-green kale. In between are local meats, freshly-made breads, sweets, herb mixes and granola to hot-off-the-stove prepared small dishes.
Boulevard Extension, Ramps Questioned
Westbriar-area residents upset over proposals for new exit ramps.
If remarks by residents and applause from the audience were an indication of the emotional climate at the open house meeting hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation on May 31 at Westbriar Elementary School, the consensus was that the plan to extend Boone Boulevard, destroying Tysons’ only remaining forest, was a bad proposal that never should have gone to the table. That a developer – JGB – supports the position of homeowners, brought two traditionally-adversarial fronts together in a moment of unity.
Blessing Pets in Vienna
Antioch Christian Church holds second pet blessing on June 1.
Under big shade trees on a sunny June 1, Pastor Randy Beeman of Antioch Christian Church blessed pets there in the flesh and those there in spirit. They came from Vienna, Reston and Herndon seeking grace for their pets, part of the family. It was the second annual public pet blessing since Beeman became pastor of the small white church on Beulah Road.
Vienna Brings Out Its Heavy Equipment
Annual Public Works Day draws hundreds of children.
The dream to climb aboard construction and heavy-duty equipment and emergency vehicles came true for hundreds of children on May 24.
ViVa! Vienna! Takes Over Town
Marketplace, food, live entertainment draw thousands.
It takes a lot more than blistering, pounding heat to keep Vienna-area families and neighbors away from ViVa! Vienna!, the Vienna Rotary Club’s three-day Memorial Day weekend festival.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Hits Vienna
The Pure Pasty Co. makes celebration cake.
It took a four-month period, two pounds each of butter, flour and sugar, eight pounds of mixed dried fruit, home-made marzipan and fondant, brandy and artistic finesse to create the spectacular Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee cake at The Pure Pasty Co. on Church Street.
Concerts on the Green Kick Off Summer
Free performances run two to three times a week.
The Town of Vienna concert series on the Town Green kicked off on May 11 when the U.S. Navy’s own Sea Chanters performed to a crowd-covered lawn.
ViVa! Vienna! Launches Summer with Fun, Food and Marketplace
Three-day Memorial Day weekend festival hits town on May 26.
It’s back, and more fun-filled and family-friendly than ever … It’s the annual three-day ViVa! Vienna! Memorial Day weekend festival sponsored by the Vienna Rotary Club, abundant with more than 325 vendors, all-day free live entertainment and 24 kid-friendly amusement rides. The Historic Church Street corridor closes down completely on May 27 and 28 when the area hums with festival life. On May 26, opening day of ViVa! Vienna!, Church Street remains open. Only amusement rides and the food court are operational on opening day.
Vienna Women’s Club Hands Out Scholarships to Local Students
Three recipients receive $1,000 each to help with college expenses.
For 50 years, the Vienna Women’s Club [VWC] has recognized outstanding academic and community achievement with its annual scholarship awards going to deserving local high school students.
‘Ticket to Art’ Benefits Vienna Arts Society, American Legion
Annual art raffle and silent auction on May 19.
"Ticket to Art," the May 19 fundraiser hosted by the Vienna Arts Society [VAS], has partnered with American Legion Post 180 of Vienna this year. The purchase of a $125 "ticket" to art entitles raffle winners to choose an original art piece valued between $150 and $650.
Vienna Idol Celebrates a Local Life with Music
Caffe Amouri and Whole Foods sponsor music competition to benefit Khristin Kyllo Memorial Fund.
As fiercely-competitive as she was in the sports arena, Khristin Kyllo was equally as fiercely-loyal to her friends and family. When she died suddenly in December 2010, in her dorm room at Princeton, her friends and classmates rallied around the family of the former James Madison High School softball and basketball standout.
Vienna Teen a Robowiz
Local team scores big in robotics in international competition.
Neeraj Prasad, a Vienna 13-year-old 7th-grader, loves science and technology so much so that he lives for science and technology.
Walk on the Hill Graced with Sun and Warmth
Community views home gardens, relaxes to music.
The weather was postcard-perfect for the 2012 Windover Heights Walk on the Hill … heavenly blue skies, a bit of contrail here and there to lend a modern art pattern to the sky. Neighbors strolled and chatted, the Green Hedges Jazz Band and the Vienna Community Band played on an expansive lawn, and Windover homeowners served refreshments. The Old Time Machine performed at the historic cabin on Walnut Lane.
Vienna Specialties on Display
Hundreds enjoyed the food of 30 food vendors before rain hit.
Vienna went on a global food odyssey on April 28 as the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department [VVFD] hosted its inaugural Taste of Vienna food festival on fire station grounds.
A Taste of Vienna Celebrated
April 28 food festival benefits Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
You’d better hit the gym now if you want to prepare for the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s [VVFD] first annual Taste of Vienna food festival, scheduled on April 28.
History Revisited in Vienna
Freeman Store Historical Plaque unveiled.
More than 100 members of the Vienna-area community and a cast of local dignitaries took part in the program at Freeman Store on April 21 at which the plaque commemorating Freeman Store’s historical designation in the Commonwealth was unveiled.
Baby Boomers and Beyond Health Fair Debuts in Vienna
Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna and the Town of Vienna partner to host wellness exhibitions.
"Baby Boomers and Beyond" were introduced to the broad diversity of health and wellness services offered in the Vienna area at the health fair sponsored by the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna [SCOV] and the Town of Vienna Department of Parks and Recreation. From health care navigation to dancing to Latin music, the four-hour exhibition on April 21 at the Vienna Community Center focused on the wellness needs of the area’s senior population.
Freeman Store Unveils Historic Designation
Church Street building recognized for role in Civil War.
Historic Vienna, Inc. volunteers, Town officials and other Fairfax County elected officials will gather at Freeman Store on April 21, 2 to 3 p.m., to unveil the plaque designating Freeman Store’s historic status. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, Virginia Senator Chap Petersen, Del. Mark Keam and Mayor M.
‘The Fantasticks’ Plays in Vienna
Longest-running musical in country opens April 20 for three weekends.
The longest-running show in New York City – 50 years old and going strong – comes to Vienna on April 20. It’s not the off-Broadway edition, but, it’s the next best thing. "The Fantasticks," as brought to life by the Vienna Theatre Company [VTC], opens for three weekends at the Vienna Community Center with evening and matinee performances. The storyline centers on the chicanery used by two fathers to "match" their children in marriage
Hilton McLean Hosts Wedding Giveaway
Ten couple vie for free wedding package, honeymoon in Barbados.
On April 4 at the Hilton McLean, ten couples vied to win a wedding package valued at $28,000. And all each couple had to do was to convince a panel of judges, through video or live performance, that they deserved to win the contest. An earlier essay competition narrowed the finalists to ten.
Marking History on Lawyers Road
Hunter Mill Defense League unveils State Historic Marker.
On Saturday, April 7, the Hunter Mill Defense League [HMDL] unveiled a State Historic Marker commemorating the November 26, 1861, skirmish between Union troops, the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Confederate troops, the 1st North Carolina Cavalry, serving under General J.E.B. Stuart.
Alegria Opens at Church Street
Patrick and Julie Bazin’s Mexican restaurant features small plates, specialty tacos and tequila.
There aren’t many restaurants that have patrons waiting outside for the restaurant’s door to open for the first time to the public. It’s even rarer when the restaurant advertised no opening date until the day prior to opening. But nothing is surprising when the restaurant is the eagerly-awaited Alegria, the Mexican taco and small-plate margarita café owned and run by Vienna’s own Patrick and Julie Bazin. On April 5, Alegria welcomed its first customers, opening five minutes early from its scheduled time.