Monday, April 30
Nutritionist Draws a Crowd at McLean High
More than 150 attend the ‘Power of Your Plate’ talks.
When a presentation draws double the audience expected, someone has hit a hot spot. On Tuesday, April 24 at McLean High School, local nutritionist Victoria Wood pulled in an audience of over 150 with her talk, "The Power of Your Plate."
Wounded Warrior Visits Langley School
Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder shares a message about service and perseverance with middle-schoolers.
Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder wasn’t able to run the Marine Corps marathon with his friends last fall. He was recovering from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan. So while they ran it without him, wearing "Brad Snyder" t-shirts, he made a plan. He said, "well alright, next year I’m going to run with you guys."
McLean High Bands Win at National Competition in Boston
McLean High School’s Symphonic, Concert and Jazz Bands all brought home first place trophies from a national band competition in Boston last weekend. In addition the school’s Percussion Ensemble received the highest "Superior Gold" rating by judges and five musicians received an "Individual Soloist Award." McLean’s bands traveled to Boston to compete in the WorldStrides Heritage Festival which pitted the music program against top programs in high schools from the East Coast to California and Alaska.
Great Falls Farmers Market Highlights Local Produce
Local farmers and vendors from Great Falls make up nearly half the vendors.
From honey to honey buns, from produce to pickles, the newly located Great Falls Farmers Market has it all. They go beyond many other local farmers markets because they are able to offer many products that are grown and produced in the village of Great Falls, taking local a step further.
Great Falls Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale
The Great Falls Garden Club will hold its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. In addition to the Plant Sale, the Great Falls Garden Club will be hosting a Small Standard Flower Show from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Great Falls Library at 9830 Georgetown Pike. One can see, in the Horticulture Division, what beautiful flowers can be grown in the Great Falls area. Everyone is invited.
Friday, April 27
Area Welcomes Discovery
A famed pace Shuttle finds home in Chantilly.
The Washington area kept its eyes to the sky on Tuesday morning April 17, for a special over-flight by the Space Shuttle Discovery docked to its 747 carrier aircraft. The Discovery is moving to its new home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. The Discovery has flown 39 missions, spent 365 days in space, and was the longest-serving orbiter in NASA’s shuttle program.
Thursday, April 26
Growing Up in a Virtual World
The effects of today’s technologies on the lives of teenagers.
Until recently, we didn’t know that the average teenage girl sends or receives a staggering 4,050 text messages per month. That boils down to at least one message every seven minutes during her waking hours. This is a problem, said Dr. Leonard Sax, well-known author and psychologist, not just because of the amount of time spent, but because this and other research findings show that today’s teenage girl is hyper-connected to her peers; and she is more disconnected than ever from herself.
Good, Bad and Ugly In Virginia Budget
The Virginia Senate finally adopted the State Budget on a vote of 21-19 last week. It now goes to the Governor for his amendments.
Wednesday, April 25
Northern Region Well Represented at Capital Classic
West Springfield’s Battle, T.C. Williams’ Huggins win MVP honors.
Coming off the bench didn't stop West Springfield senior Logan Battle from earning MVP honors during the 39th Annual Capital Classic.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Home & Garden and Classified ads!
Northern Region Sports Notes (April 25-May 1)
Girls sporting pink look at district lax playoffs; McLean boys tennis unbeaten; Templin leads Saxons softball over Marshall.
This week the undefeated McLean High boys' tennis team, under head coach Aavo Tomkov, had a challenging slate of competition versus Liberty District opponents. The Highlanders (8-0), earlier in the week on Tuesday, April 24, were scheduled to travel to cross-town and Liberty District rival Langley High (7-1).
Lady Saxons Surge Past Marshall in Liberty lacrosse
Swomley scores four times for first place Langley squad.
The Langley Lady Saxons notched another impressive win, defeating the George Marshall Lady Statesmen, 15-5, in a Liberty District lacrosse match-up played last Thursday, April 19.
Langley, Madison Compete in Boys Tennis
Saxons prevail to improve to 7-1.
In a Liberty District boys' tennis match on April 16, the Langley High Saxons defeated the Madison Warhawks, 6-3, in the competition held at Madison in Vienna.
Connection Wins Public Service Award for Homeless Coverage
VPA Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service; plus 44 other awards.
The Connection Newspapers was awarded the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service last Saturday, April 21, "for exhaustive coverage of homelessness in the newspaper's circulation area."
Supporting McLean’s Clemyjontri Park
Concert in the Park moves indoors, to the home of Dan and Juliann Clemente, minutes away from the Park.
On Saturday, April 21, the Friends of Clemyjontri Park Foundation in McLean held their second annual Concert in the Park – sort of. The theme of this year’s black-tie fundraising event was "Under the Big Top" and was scheduled to take place under the park’s newly installed 900 sq. ft. canopy, built to provide shade and available for rental for special occasions.
Coming In from The Cold
Fairfax County hosts hypothermia meeting to address shelters’ concerns.
Fairfax County officials met with about 75 representatives from churches and other houses of worship Sunday, April 22, to address rumors and concerns that the County’s Fire Marshal will shut down their hypothermia programs next winter - and shut out many homeless residents - because of fire code violations.
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.
Space Shuttle Discovery Flies Over Langley High
Harris LaTeef, a 9th grader from Langley High School and Assistant Editor of The Saxon Scope, the school newspaper, was on top of the sports bleachers capturing photos of the Space Shuttle Discovery as it passed low over Langley on its way to Dulles Airport on April 17.
Langley High Wins Science Olympiad
Langley High School's Science Olympiad team won first place in Division C (grades 9-12) at the Virginia Science Olympiad state competition, held April 14 at Westfield High School.
Letter: Deserving Better
Letter to the Editor
On Tuesday, April 10, I attended Barbara Comstock's town hall meeting in Great Falls. As a constituent, I wanted to ask her why she voted for mandatory ultrasound procedures for women (HB462) and why she voted for the so-called "personhood" bill (HB1) that would give full rights to zygotes and could restrict a woman's access to birth control, while voting against funding for two of our northern Virginia priorities: education and transportation (HB30).
Langley Crew Wins Races, Helps Community
The Langley crew team has three regattas under their belt with some great successes: Several boats have come in first, second or third in their heats. The freshmen and novice boats have produced some great times – building future successes for the team.
A Gripping Play
Langley High’s production of ‘The Crucible.’
A maddening witch hunt, a town turned on its head, and a court fallen to corruption -- and it all started with a dance; this crazed phenomenon, the hunt for witches, that swept Salem, Mass., in 1692, was depicted beautifully in Langley High School's production of "The Crucible."
Column: Really?
Having recently upgraded my cell phone, I have finally, due to its larger keys and simplified data-entry process, learned how to enter “contacts” and their phone numbers as well as select some of these key contacts for speed-dialing.
MPA Celebrates 50 Years
McLean Project for the Arts curators select works from their favorite artists for a golden anniversary exhibition.
McLean’s reputation as a trailblazer in the world of art is little known. It has the distinction of hosting one of the longest continually-running nonprofit art centers in the Washington-area, the McLean Project for the Arts. The MPA is also the first public-private partnership in the arts in Fairfax County.
Celebrating Earth Day at Churchill Road
On Friday, April 20, Churchill Road Elementary School students and staff participated in a school wide pep-rally to celebrate Earth Day.
Great Falls Farmers Market Returns to Village Centre
Opening day set for Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Great Falls Community Farmers Market is opening on Saturday, April 28, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the parking lot at the Walker Road entrance to the Great Falls Village Centre -- where it was the year before last.
Grand Day for Great Falls Little League
Great Falls Little League (GFLL) celebrated its annual Opening Day on Saturday, April 14. Current youngsters within the league were on hand in full uniforms, excited about the prospects of the upcoming season and cherished days of team camaraderie ahead.
Great Falls Elementary Performs at Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival
Accompanied by Mamiya Worland (Sahara Sensei), 19 first graders, 12 third graders, and four fourth graders from the Japanese Immersion Program at Great Falls Elementary School performed at the Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 14.
Great Falls Elementary Poets Recognized
Friends and Neighbors Club awards nine at annual luncheon.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club held their 30th annual poetry contest, awarding nine Great Falls Elementary School students during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club.
Langley Choir Tours Europe
Vocal groups win one silver, three gold medals at 2012 Young Prague Festival.
On March 29, 113 Langley choral students and chaperones along with their director, Dr. Mac Lambert, and Langley High School administrator Sonya Williams gathered in the Langley High School auditorium with suitcases and passports in hand.
Tuesday, April 24
Worek Wants to Continue McLean Football's Winning Ways
Former Langley, Madison head coach believes Highlanders have strong program in place following three years under Jim Patrick.
This past Jan. 25, McLean High School announced that Dennis Worek would be the man to coach the Highlanders' high school football team. This after Jim Patrick stepped down as the McLean head coach to devote more time to being the school's director of student activities.
Supervisors Endorse Advertised Budget
Highlights include restored funding for human services, libraries, employee pay.
"Morning has broken, like the first morning…" Cat Stevens sang it in his 1971 hit, and Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova used it to sum up the board’s 8-2 vote, endorsing the advertised 2013 budget during the April 24 budget session.
Friday, April 20
Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
Community events in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
April 20-27.
Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Home and Garden and classified ads!
Thursday, April 19
Sports Notes From Around the Region
Highschool, youth, college news.
On Wednesday April 11, at Madison High School, the undefeated McLean High boys’ tennis team defeated Madison 8-1. Madison was competitive in all three doubles matches and three of the singles matches against a deep and impressive Highlander team.
Culinary Classes for Children
Little gourmands cook up fun in the kitchen.
"If you lick your hands you have to wash them," said instructor Beth Bigler as she teaches a class of kindergartens students how to make vegetable pizzas. "Are these pickles?" asks a 6-year-old student as she clutches a dark-green, cylindrical vegetable in her tiny fingers.
Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters
Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.
Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.
Langley Lacrosse Snaps Madison Girls' Unbeaten Streak
Saxons win riveting Liberty District contest, 13-11.
The Langley High varsity lacrosse team defeated the reigning Virginia State champion Madison Warhawks on their home turf in Vienna, 13-11, in a Liberty District showdown last Friday night between two of the state's top-ranked girls programs.
Wednesday, April 18
Pleading for Restoring Funding for Human Services
Residents, agencies testify to need for community services.
After three years of deep budget cuts and declining revenue, Fairfax County is showing signs of fiscal equilibrium as property values and revenues begin a slow uphill climb.
Addressing ‘College Drinking Culture’
The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" forums continue through May.
It’s college decision time for Fairfax County seniors, and college-bound students and their parents are encouraged to attend an upcoming program that deals with binge drinking on college campuses. "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" will be presented by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, in collaboration with the Fairfax County Police Department, in April and May at locations across the county.
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
Performing for Supervisors
Artistic group hosts open house April 22.
Members of the Traveling Players Ensemble provided classical entertainment in the form of King Lear - and some levity, in the form of artistic director Jeanne Harrison - to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week during its public hearings on the fiscal year 2013 budget.
‘Nerd Girls’ Founder Visits The Madeira School
On Thursday April 12, Tufts University engineering professor and "science rock star," Dr. Karen Panetta, spoke to students at the Madeira School.
Letter: Facts vs. Opinions
Letter to the Editor
Robert Cox’s letter to the editor [Laws That Violate Woman’s Right, April 11, 2012] states that Delegate Comstock voted for a law that would "take away a woman’s right to choose her own health care and instead force the Government to make health decisions for that woman."
Letter: Different Perspective
Letter to the Editor
If '"lifelong Democrat" Jim Daniels ("Missing Republican Party," Connection, April 11-17) would remove the partisan goggles he might find there really is another way of looking at the world.
Letter: Fighting for Women’s Rights
Letter to the Editor
It is time to pay attention to the serious threats to women’s rights that are taking place in our state and across the nation. At stake are fundamental liberties that affect everyone, not just women. At least 39 state legislatures in recent session and the US Congress have proposed laws restricting women's basic health care rights.
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.
Thinking Strategically at Churchill Road
Churchill Road Elementary school held a Strategy Game Night for Grades K-6 the evening of Thursday, April 12.
The Forestville School Bell
The school bell that is now situated in front of the new Great Falls fire station has a history dating back to 1889. George and Alice Hicks Gunnel sold one acre of land to the Forestville School Trustees in 1889 so that they could build a new schoolhouse on Georgetown Pike in the current location of "The Old Schoolhouse."
Janet O’Dell, of Great Falls, Dies
Janet Rae O'Dell, of Great Falls, passed away on March 13, 2012 from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she moved to the Washington area in 1972.
Forestville Goes to World Finals
Forestville Elementary students win State Odyssey of the Mind Finals and head to 2012 World Finals.
The Forestville Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team won at the Virginia State Finals in Newport News on Saturday, April 14, and will be competing in the 2012 World Finals being held May 23-26 on the campus of Iowa State University.
Lacing Up for Gianna
Langley basketball team comes together in support of their coach’s daughter.
Throughout our high school years we have our takeaways. The people and the moments that when we are young guide us, and when we are older follow us. In 1981, at Langley High School there were two teachers who believed in an overly chatty girl with a bigger interest in her social life than studying for her next exam.
Spring Art Festival Returns
Festival to be held at the Village Green Day School Saturday and Sunday.
The Sixth Annual Great Falls Spring Art Festival and Sale, a showcase for art created locally, will be held next weekend, April 21 and 22, at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Rotary Reaches 100 Members
Great Falls Rotary Club welcomes 100th member, 10 months after founding.
The Great Falls Rotary Club celebrated reaching its 100th member Thursday, April 12, achieving the milestone in record time. They reached 100 members in 10 months, growth that has attracted the attention of Rotary International.
Gardeners Donate Produce to Share
Gardening program aims to provide fresh food for food bank clients.
As the weather warms, local gardeners are heading back to their plots. Share, a local nonprofit, will be using some of what they produce to provide fresh food to their clients. Open since 1969, Share operates a weekly food bank out of the McLean Baptist Church, as well as clothing, furniture and other family assistance.
McLean High Hosts ‘Smash’ Viewing
Students discuss realities of careers in show business.
Executives from the television show "Smash" visited McLean High School Monday afternoon, showing theater students clips from the show and hosting a discussions about the realities of life in show business. Alan Paul, associate director at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C. spoke to students about what they could expect if they hoped to work onstage or onscreen for a living.
Tuesday, April 17
Column: “Meagulpa”
As a veteran of the chemo wars, I should have been better prepared mentally for the food/taste challenges often caused by the infusion of such cancer-fighting chemicals, but I wasn’t.
Saturday, April 14
Reston Raiders Compete in National Ice Hockey Championships
12-under team trades pins with players from other states.
The Reston Raiders won their first game, 4-2, over a team from Arizona at the USA Hockey 12 and Under Tier II National Championships, which ran March 28 through April 1 at the twin rink Ashburn Ice House and SkateQuest Reston facilities.
Friday, April 13
Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012
Fairfax County Real Estate: Top Sales by Town in February 2012
Faith Notes (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community.
Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
April 13-19.
Community events in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
April 13-20.
Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.
Thursday, April 12
Interest in Budget Slows as Economy Picks Up
Employee compensation, human service funding compete for attention.
Rising property values, a relatively low unemployment rate, and the lack of hot-button issues — such as full-day kindergarten — have reduced public involvement in Fairfax County’s proposed $6.7 billion budget compared to recent years, according to county leaders.
Design with Children in Mind
BOWA Builders share tips for design that works for the whole family.
Whether it’s a closet, the kitchen or a study area, there are numerous ways to incorporate child-friendly design into any space, and children today are becoming more and more involved in the process. Even if the child is toddler-aged, simple tasks, such as picking colors, themes or bedding, can help them feel that they are part of the process.
From Home to Dream Home: Split Foyer to French Colonial
Sun Design Remodeling’s design solution for Mulligan home tops category in “Contractor of the Year” Awards.
Tastes change; so, too, an owner’s requirements of their home. In the early 1960s, for instance, no floor plan concept seemed better suited to the demands of modern life than the split level — which deployed half-levels to apportion interior space into sleeping zones, family gathering rooms and service areas.
Home Work
‘Why Is My Home Rotting Away?’
"Mike, why is my house rotting away!?" This is the kind of question brimming with alarm and horror that builders and remodelers often hear. "How old is your house?" I asked. "It’s only 15 years old." "Ray, your house is not rotting away, but the skin of your house might be."
McLean Baseball Hands Bruins Their First Loss
Highlander left-handed pitcher Brock Hunter holds Lake Braddock bats down in spring break tournament game win.
The McLean High baseball team handed previously unbeaten Lake Braddock its first loss of the season last week, 5-2, in a spring break tournament game played Tuesday, April 3 at McLean High School.
Wednesday, April 11
Author Michael Dirda Comes to Flint Hill
Michael Dirda, former Washington Post Book World Editor and Pulitzer-Prize winning critic, will meet with Flint Hill School’s Middle and Upper School students on Tuesday, April 17.
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.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment and Classified Ads!
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.
McLean Rotary Honors Vienna Youngster
On April 3, the Rotary Club of McLean honored Noah Haefner, a seventh grader at Longfellow Middle School, for his efforts to support the McLean Stop Hunger Now project. Noah and his fellow Student Council representatives raised more than $2,600 for the next meal packaging day scheduled for Nov. 10, 2012 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean.
Column: Look What I Saw, Really
A male patient sitting directly across from me being infused with his unique chemotherapy cocktail, a bit too far for a conversation, but certainly close enough for a knowing/empathetic glance.
NASA Comes to Langley High
On Friday March 30, Langley High Students had a special speaker, NASA's Roger Hunter, Mission Manager for Project Kepler. The Kepler Mission, NASA Discovery mission #10, is specifically designed to survey our region of the Milky Way galaxy to discover hundreds of Earth-size and smaller planets in or near the habitable zone and determine the fraction of the hundreds of billions of stars in our galaxy that might have such planets. Since science operations began in May 2009, the Kepler team has released two catalogs of transiting planet candidates. So far, there are 2,321 candidates.
Letter: Laws That Violate Woman’s Right
Letter to the Editor
Anne Gruner's letter to the editor ["General Assembly More Productive Than reported," Connection, March 28-April 3, 2012] fails to note that the General Assembly's job is specifically to pass legislation as it relates to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Should we commend the General Assembly for doing its job?
First Quarter Numbers Tell ‘A Great Story’
McLean, Great Falls real estate market 9.5 percent up.
The real estate market in McLean and Great Falls for the first quarter 2012 in terms of sales over first quarter 2011 is up 9.5 percent.
Week in McLean
Things happening in the McLean area.
Childhelp to Host Fashion-Show Fundraiser
On Sunday, April 15, the DC Chapter of Childhelp Wings will host an "afternoon of fashion, fun, and philanthropy" at the Tysons Corner Bloomingdale’s.
Roller Coaster Mystery Ride
McLean Community Players present ‘Deathtrap.’
"Deathtrap," by Ira Leven, has been fascinating audiences more than 30 years, since it debuted on Broadway. "Experiencing 'Deathtrap' is like your first visit to a circus, a thrilling delight with every twist and surprise," said veteran McLean Community Players’ director Jerry Bonnes.
McLean’s Winter Guard Wins Regional Competition
McLean High School’s Winter Guard took first place in their division at the Atlantic Indoor Association’s Regional Championship last Saturday night at Woodbridge High School. The competition, which closes out the indoor season, pitted McLean’s 12 member team against 15 regional groups.
Friends of Mill Plan for Future
More programs, Route 7 expansion discussed at Friends off Colvin Run Mill meeting.
While Colvin Run Mill’s claim to fame is its glimpse into life as it was 200 years ago, in the past, the Friends of Colvin Run Mill are just as concerned with its future.
Tuesday, April 10
Breast Care ‘Under One Roof’
New Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health highlighted at McLean Woman’s Club meeting.
On Tuesday, April 3, representatives from Virginia Hospital Center addressed the Woman’s Club of McLean on the hospital’s new Reinsch Pierce Family Center for Breast Health. The center, which in 2011 received a significant gift from the locally based Reinsch Pierce family, is an advanced facility that offers patients all necessary medical, surgical and related services "under one roof," and has a staff specifically dedicated to breast health, according to the speakers.
Impeccably Styled Show
McLean High’s production of "A View from the Bridge."
It feels just a bit claustrophobic sitting in McLean High School’s small Black Box theatre for the McLean Theatre Company’s production of "A View from the Bridge." The simple set with the round dining room table and the worn armchair feels almost too real, as though there are actually people living here. So when the actors enter, the audience is pulled headlong into the searing family drama of the Carbones, Italian Americans in 1950s Redhook whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of a pair of illegal immigrants to their home.
Spring Art Exhibit Opens at Great Falls Library
An art exhibition featuring 43 paintings, photographs, art quilts and other new works by Great Falls artists, opened April 3 and will be displayed through the end of the month at the main conference room of the Great Falls Community Library. Several of the artists are exhibiting with Great Falls Studios for the first time. The show is sponsored by Great Falls Studios, a network of artists based in Great Falls.
Colvin Run Students Win Odyssey of the Mind Competition
On March 31, Colvin Run Elementary school fifth graders participated in the NOVA North Odyssey of the Mind competition held at Langley High School. A total of 100 plus teams from Northern Virginia participated in this competition.
Editorial: On Funding the Silver Line
Commonwealth will collect the dividends, but refuses to invest; Northern Virginia pays.
Northern Virginia localities should together commission a study now to determine how much growth is stimulated by the opening of the Metro stations in Tysons and along the toll road out to Dulles, how many new jobs created, quantify how much that growth leads to increased income and sales tax, and how much revenue (taxes) would get shipped off to Commonwealth coffers.
Friday, April 6
Federal Prosecutors Uncover Schoolyard Prostitution Ring in Suburban Fairfax County
U.S. Attorney: Underground Gangster Crips led prostitution ring that spanned Northern Virginia.
The high school girls were threatened with violence if they attempted to leave. They were sexually exploited by customers of the sex trafficking operation as well as the men who ran the prostitution ring.
Representing Oakton High
The Oakton High School Jazz Band B performed at the annual Chantilly Invitational Jazz Festival on March 17, with over 20 other area high school jazz bands.
Vienna Egg Hunt Draws Hundreds
Finding, decorating and rolling eggs keep children busy on grounds of Freeman House.
Amid great fanfare, a rather large fuzzy, furry Easter bunny arrived at Freeman House grounds on March 31, kicking off the annual Easter egg hunt and roll sponsored by the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation and Historic Vienna, Inc.
Thursday, April 5
County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse
Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.
Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.
Basketball’s Capital Classic Showcase Set for April 21
Preliminary game will feature Westfield’s Zach Elcano and former Chantilly player Kethan Savage.
The 39th Annual Capital Classic high school basketball event, set to take place on Saturday, April 21, will consist of a full day of All Star hoops games at T.C. Williams High in Alexandria.
Saxons' Softball Enters Spring Break With Winning Mark
Langley shuts down South Lakes for Liberty win; In girls' lacrosse, Saxons, Highlanders meet in early season cross-town match.
Going into this week's spring break, the Langley High girls' softball team, under head coach Jessica Roche, had put together a winning record at 3-2. The Saxons, in a high-scoring road game last Thursday, March 29 versus Liberty District opponent Stone Bridge High in Ashburn, lost to the Bulldogs 11-7. Langley opened the game's scoring in the top of the first inning with two runs, the highlight being a two-run double off the bat of senior third baseman Julia Weeks. However, the home team Bulldogs, an inning later, answered with three runs in the second and four more in the third to build a 7-2 lead.
The Winding Baseball Trek Towards Becoming a Cincinnati Reds’ Fan
With Opening Day here, its’ fun to follow more than one major league team.
I did not grow up as a Reds’ fan. In fact, Cincinnati’s great Big Red Machine caused me great heartache when, as a 12-year old boy growing up in Northern Virginia, I watched on TV as my favorite team, the Red Sox, lost to Sparky Anderson’s crew, 4-3, in Game 7 of the 1975 Fall Classic. I had been ecstatic after Carlton Fisk’s 12th inning game-winning home run had given the ‘Sox a 7-6 win in Game 6. But following the Game 7 loss, in which my favorite player, the great Carl Yastrzemski, flew out to end the game in the bottom of the ninth inning at Fenway Park, I was in tears – a broken kid.
Classified Advertising
Read the latest Employment, Classifieds and Home and Garden ads here!
Wednesday, April 4
Arlington Aerials Have Successful Championship Showing
The Arlington Aerials gymnastics team attended the Level 8-9 State Gymnastics Championships on March 24 and 25. The meet was held at the U-Turn Sports Center in Richmond.
Democratic Lawmakers Address Social Justice Forum in Vienna
Event hosted by SALT and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations.
Fairfax County’s Democratic lawmakers knew they were preaching to the choir – and some of the preachers - at the legislative wrap-up session hosted by Social Action Linking Together (SALT) and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organization in Vienna on Saturday.
Fasten Your Seatbelts
VDOT officials say I-495 Express Lanes will be just that.
Predictable, safe and reliable is not how most motorists would describe driving on the obstacle course known as the Capital Beltway.
Phase 1 of Dulles Metrorail 67 Percent Complete
Phase 2 hits a snag as Loudoun County Supervisors debate opting out.
VDOT officials delivered good news and bad news on the 23-mile Dulles Corridor Metrorail project during a news conference March 29 at the VDOT Virginia Megaprojects office.
A Triumph of Artistry
'Side Man' arrives at 1st Stage.
Director Michael Dove has created an unflinching, poignant look into deep corners of lives unraveling. His production of "Side Man" is a strong play for adults who want to be fully transported by awe for what creative talent can accomplish.
Campaigning for Kaine in Vienna
Anne Holton, former first lady of Virginia, met with more than 40 local business owners, community leaders and supporters at Yama Sushi restaurant in Vienna on Saturday, March 31, during an event hosted by Delegate Mark Keam (D- 35).
Freedom Hill Elementary Hosts International Day
School celebrates the global diversity of its student body.
Freedom Hill Elementary School [FHES] celebrated the diversity of its student population with an enthusiastically-attended International Day on March 30.
Vienna Students Win DAR Good Citizens Awards
Two Vienna high school seniors recently won DAR Good Citizens awards from Fairfax County Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Virginia Chess Champions
Colvin Run Elementary School won the 2012 Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Championships K-3 Chess Tournament.
Colvin Run Elementary School (CRES) students participated in the 2012 Virginia Scholastic & Collegiate Championships Chess Tournament held on March 17-18, 2012 at Best Western Tysons Westpark Hotel, McLean, Virginia.
Week in McLean
Things happening in the McLean area.
Outstanding Contributions
McLean Community Center honors Joann Berkson and Dick La Porte.
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) 8th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception was held on Sunday, March 25, in the Community Hall. The theme was "Italy" and Center volunteers were treated to a catered lunch by Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant and live music by The Wayne Tympanick Trio. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
Six Run for McLean Community Center’s Board
Three adult, two teen positions available.
Six McLean tax district residents have qualified to run for seats on the McLean Community Center’s 2012–2013 Governing Board. The board sets policy and provides general oversight for all the facilities and programs of the Center, including the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Center. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
Ordinary Heroes
When most people hear the word "hero," they think of the man with tights and a cape.
Tuesday, April 3
Great Falls Goes Egg Hunting
Optmist Club hosts annual Children’s Spring Festival and egg hunt.
The Great Falls Village Green was littered with 7,000 brightly colored eggs Sunday afternoon. Most of the eggs were filled with candy, but 900 of them contained $10,000 worth of gemstones donated by Jorge Adeler of Adeler Jewelers.
Possible Future for Historic Buildings?
Community members come up with conceptual plan for Grange, schoolhouse.
Having historic properties such as the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls has become a bit of a mixed blessing for the community. On one hand, the properties represent living history, both are in the National Register of Historic Places, and are relics of a different age.
Longfellow’s Science Bowl Stars
Four eighth graders headed to second straight nationals.
For four members of the Longfellow Middle School Science Bowl team, this year is another chance to compete in the National Science Bowl Finals. After winning the state competition for the second straight year, the four members of the team are studying up and are eager for their return trip to nationals.
Langley Presents ‘The Crucible’
Tale of Salem Witch Trials will be performed black box style.
When it came time to present their Spring show, Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," the Langley Theatre Department decided to think a little inside the box. A black box theater, that is.
Future of Silver Line Discussed
Panel discusses labor agreements, Loudoun County’s decision.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion in Reston Wednesday, March 28 about the future of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line. The discussion featured Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Scott York and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President Jack Potter.
Smartphone Technology Helping Children Get Fit
Chesterbook Elementary opens outdoor fitness trail.
We all know children love using technology, so why not use technology to show them the correct way to exercise? Chester the Chipmunk, the mascot of Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, was pleased to introduce the school's outdoor QR Fitness Trail Monday, March 26. QR stands for Quick Response, and it is the next-generation coding system that allows smartphones to quickly read data.
From Slime to Simple Machines
Great Falls Elementary kicks off new science enrichment program.
Great Falls Elementary School (GFES) is going where few elementary schools have gone before, into the exciting world of science enrichment.
Column: Infusing Is Semi Amusing
So here I go again; heavy-duty chemotherapy for the first time in nearly three years. As such, I thought I’d try and write another column while actually sitting in the Barcalounger at The Infusion Center (as I did three years ago: “Chemo-Cocktailing at the Depot” was that column’s title) and see what my pen has to say.