Friday, December 21
Giving Back on the Road to Eagle Scout
Sudharsan “Suddy” Sriram of Troop 869, supported by Trinity Methodist Church, McLean, completed his Eagle Scout Project earlier this summer at the childcare center that helped raised him, Westgate Child Center.
Touching For Sure, But Not Always
Usually, but not always, when I show for my scheduled post-chemotherapy/post-scan appointment with my oncologist, I am physically examined (touching, feeling). Recently, due to some enhanced computer and facility upgrades, I was shown the actual scans, digitized. However, on more than one occasion over the last 18 months or so, after we discussed the results of my most recent CT Scan – and lab work, no physical exam was performed. Apparently, as I later learned, the good results from my scan sort of trumps any need to feel for physical manifestations.
How the Powerless Access Power
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Instincts…
Forty-five months later, I am still dealing with feelings – as in still living, for which I am amazingly fortunate. However, those feelings seem to sometimes have a mind of their own, and accordingly tend to take over and rewire one’s brain (figuratively speaking).
Wednesday, December 19
Avoiding Jet Lag
Medical experts offer suggestions for those traveling across multiple time zones during the holidays.
Every December, Linda McDonald travels from her Oak Hill home to Stockton, Calif., to visit her family for Christmas. She tries to head west a few days before the holiday, but often leaves on Christmas Eve, and arrives feeling hazy and sluggish.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Children
Whether it’s to replace a tooth that was lost or broken during a hockey game or to create a Hollywood-smile before taking the stage for a school play, pediatric dentists say an increasing number of children are undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.
Present Needing to be Accounted For
As a stage IV non-small cell lung cancer diagnosee/patient/survivor/anomaly, living long--whether prospering or not, is not the simple and presumptive proposition I had anticipated. No more do I anticipate living the same number of years and in the same relative good health that my parents (both deceased), experienced well into their 80s. Now, my life revolves around my oncologist and the CT Scans and lab work that precede our recurring appointments.
A Life Lesson in Giving Back
An immigrant’s son becomes state delegate and introduces the Virginia DREAM Act.
My father was born in a small town in the Andes mountains region of Venezuela. He was one of 22 brothers and sisters from the same parents. At the age of 19 he came to this country with $280 in his pocket and the dream of a better life. He worked as a bus boy and waiter, learned English, and went to school. He graduated from Northern Virginia Community College when I was 5 years old. He then took one class a semester at George Mason University every year, until he graduated from college one month before I graduated from Robinson High School in Fairfax. As a result of his achieving the American Dream, my father was able to change the lives of my entire family in Latin America.
Pay Now, Bye Later
Contrary to last week’s column, if I do pay for it now (things I can’t afford), then I’ll be so in debt later that I may end up saying “bye” anyway--from the stress of it. And if that were to happen; dying with a smile on my face, so to speak, would I be truly better off now anticipating that later was not going to be my problem? Do I want to be a modern day version of George Raft, the American actor from the 1930s and 40s best known for his portrayals of mobsters, who said about his Hollywood money: “I must have gone through $10 million during my career. Part of the loot went for gambling, part for horses and part for women. The rest I spent foolishly.”
Three Narcotics K-9s Support the Force
Leroy, Lucy and Vegas are trained and ready for duty. With their keen sense of smell, they are experts at scanning wide varieties of locations and assisting patrol officers with requests for service on a 24/7 basis. These dogs are busy, industrious professionals.
Legislators Are Not Gun Shy About Responding to Connecticut Shooting
Should access to guns be limited or expanded?
Last year's mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut has already prompted a heated debate about gun control in Virginia, where the upcoming session of the General Assembly is likely to feature a number of bills on both sides of the issue.
Tuesday, December 18
Immigrant Experience Guides Success
Delegate Mark L. Keam
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) is the first Korean American and the first Asian-born immigrant to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.
Immigrants Gain Influence in Virginia
Immigrants make significant gains in influencing political system.
On Election Night Nov. 6, Keisy Chavez’s nerves were frayed. The Fairfax single mom had been campaigning hard for Democrats since the official launch of Latinos for Obama last April.
Classified Advertising Dec. 19, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Enhanced Security Around Schools
FCPS releases message about Connecticut tragedy.
On Sunday, Dec. 16, Superintendent Jack Dale sent an email message to all FCPS families and employees. He said the Fairfax County Police Department will be increasing patrols and visibility this week around all FCPS schools, including elementary schools, in response to Friday's tragedy in Connecticut.
Monday, December 17
Going Casual for a Cause
Nearly 10,000 people and 130-plus organizations participate in Jeans Day 2012 to help end homelessness.
Nearly 10,000 residents representing 130 businesses, Fairfax County agencies, schools and organizations pulled on their favorite jeans Friday, Dec. 14 for the second annual Jeans Day—a powerful community initiative that aims to “Put the ZIP on Homelessness” through building awareness and fundraising.
Understanding Yoga
Local yogis explain popular styles of yoga.
Joanna Mosely says she can’t tell a downward facing dog from a baby cobra. She belts out a perplexed “huh?” when asked if she knew the difference between Ashtanga and Bikram.
Preventing Holiday Weight Gain
Nutritionists say merriment doesn’t have to lead to bulge.
Festive holidays are filled with sweet treats from eggnog and cider to fruitcake and chocolate bonbons.
Keys to Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
Finding balance can preserve one’s well-being.
Food, festivities and friends are synonymous with the holidays. However, celebrations can take a toll on your health.
Brief: Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installs New Leadership
Brief: There were multiple transfers of the torch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Installation Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6 at NVAR Headquarters in Fairfax
Brief: Sierra Club Marched in Winterfest for Transit Oriented Development
Brief: Sierra Club members, friends and neighbors from McLean and surroundings celebrated at the Winterfest Parade on Sunday, Dec. 2.
Langley Presents ‘A Musical Journey to Germany’
The Langley High School Orchestra presented "A Musical Journey to Germany" on Dec. 11.
Cappies Review: "Almost, Maine"
As the clock strikes 9 p.m. in a quaint, quiet town in northern Maine, nine couples simultaneously explore the puzzling issues of romance.
Week in McLean
Check out what is going on this week in McLean.
Brief: Chorus Hosts Renaissance Feaste
Langley choral department performs annual 16th century show.
The Langley High School Choral Department hosted their annual Renaissance Feaste Dec. 7 and 8 at the Capital Church in Vienna.
Brief: ‘Once in a Lifetime’
Brief: In Terri Peters’ first grade class at Spring Hill Elementary School, students took a moment to celebrate on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.
Brief: Bringing Joy to Children of Injured Service Members
In the spirit of the holidays, donors and volunteers affiliated with the nonprofit organization Our Military Kids provided gifts to more than 120 children of severely injured service members across the country, helping to minimize the financial burden of Christmas.
Brief: New Dominion Women’s Club Helps Instill Love of Reading
Macy’s grants funds, Women’s Club distributes books for children at Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center preschool.
Preschool–age children who attend the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center chose a book about the family to take home and keep when the New Dominion Women’s Club of McLean distributed books on Friday, Nov. 16, in time for Thanksgiving, a time when families often gather with relatives to celebrate the holiday.
Brief: Junior League Gets Seal of Approval
Brief: Virginia’s First Lady Maureen McDonnell has named the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) a recipient of the First Lady’s Opportunity Seal of Approval.
Brief: Former Astronaut Comes to Churchill Road
Brief: Churchill Road’s GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) hosted a very special guest speaker at their Dec. 12 meeting.
Thursday, December 13
Classified Advertising Dec. 12, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Schools Attract Immigrants to Fairfax
Our community of 200 single family homes in central Fairfax is far more culturally diverse than when Hickory Farms was built while the first wave of refugees from the Vietnam War resettled in the Washington area in the late 1970s. While the Vietnamese led the way, the biggest impact on our community has been the second wave of Indian, Pakistani, and Korean immigrants who have sought out new lives in Fairfax County.
Opinion: American Conversations from Nepal
Although it is a little over six years since I first landed in the USA from Nepal, it is not too early to say that I am living the dream. For me, the American dream is not about amassing money and living in luxury, but about living freely and fully in mutual harmony in a community. It is about happily raising a family in a peaceful and safe environment, giving kids the best education possible, and adapting to the American culture of “giving.”
Letter: Saving the World, or at Least Fairfax County
I’ve lived here my entire life. I’ve ventured through trails all over Northern Virginia, I’ve gazed upon the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, I’ve sat next to the awesome power that makes up the tidal region of the Potomac River, I’ve stalked trout lying in a stream bed, slowly making their way up to the surface and back down once again.
Editorial: Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas
We are a nation of immigrants, to invoke the title of John F. Kennedy’s posthumously published book; undeniably a nation descended from immigrants and a nation greatly augmented by immigration. From this perspective, with the first immigrants motivated by the search for religious freedom, even Christmas is a religious holiday of immigrants.
Wednesday, December 12
Washington-Lee Gymnastics Team Sets Bar High
Generals beat McLean, Marshall, Lee, Wakefield at Monday meet.
The Washington-Lee gymnastics team defeated host McLean and three other schools in a meet on Dec. 10.
Fairfax County's Holiday Season
A collection of events to fill your days with cheer.
Make every last day of the year a festive one, be warmed by the holiday spirit of the season and spend time with friends and family--Fairfax County has something for everyone to take joy in before the year is up.
Tuesday, December 11
Week in McLean
Find out what is going on this week in McLean.
Sikhs Bring Foundation of ‘Service to Others’
Fairfax Station temple active in community outreach.
On a recent Thursday evening, Ajaib Singh, 78, one of the founding members of the Sikh Foundation of Virginia, politely escorts a visitor to the area where one removes shoes and dons a headscarf.
Dynamic and Diverse
New immigrants bring religious diversity to Fairfax County.
At the intersection of Hooes Road and Silverbrook Drive, on the dividing line between Lorton and Fairfax Station, is the largest Hindu structure in three states.
Bienvenido! Huān yíng! Welcome!
Chantilly Bible Church thrives on diversity by providing outreach to immigrants.
Pastor Isaac Huang vividly remembers the day he landed in the United States from Taiwan. It was Jan. 7, 1982, and Huang, 25, was looking forward to studying computer science at Old Dominion University.
Being Muslim in Fairfax County
Immigrants face the challenge of balancing Islamic faith and American culture.
Over the years, Muslims from different countries migrated and settled in the Fairfax County area; however, the children of immigrant parents often struggle the most because they have to balance their Islamic faith along with the influence of American culture.
Making Their Voices Heard
Caroling about "fiscal cliff" at Tysons Corner Center.
On Monday, Dec. 10, a group of 30-40 residents of Northern Virginia and beyond met by the entrance of California Pizza Kitchen in Tysons Corner Center in preparation to go caroling.
Buying Gifts in McLean
McLean offers a variety of local shopping options for the holidays.
For those who try to avoid crowded malls this time of year, McLean offers a host of local shopping options. There
Brief: Langley High Choirs to Present Holiday Concert
The Langley High School Choral Department will present their annual holiday winter concert on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium (6520 Georgetown Pike).
Brief: Performing The Nutcracker
Brief: Classical Ballet Theatre (CBT) congratulates its talented dancers on another outstanding Nutcracker production: pictured are seniors Kristen Wolaver of Langley High School and Kaley Thornton of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Brief: McLean Symphony to Present Holiday Concert
Classical Guitarist Benjamin Beirs takes part in a Musical Celebration of the Season.
The McLean Symphony and Maestro Dingwall Fleary present their annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre.
Letter: Taking Chances On ExpressLanes
Letter: The way the ExpressLanes system is set up at this time, there is no way that we can know the traffic conditions on Route 495 prior to entering the highway.
Letter: Goals More Than Met
Letter: To the McLean, Vienna and Great Falls communities: The Woman’s Club of McLean would like to express its gratitude for your support of the club’s 46th annual Holiday Homes Tour and MarketPlace.
McLean Woman’s Club Homes Tour a Success
A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off last week’s 46th annual Holiday Homes Tour sponsored by the Woman’s Club of McLean.
Planning for Future of McLean Central Park
Master plan aims to integrate park, Dolley Madison Library, McLean Community Center.
The Fairfax County Park Authority kicked off the master planning process for McLean Central Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, hosting a public input meeting at Churchill Road Elementary School.
Friday, December 7
Classified Advertising Dec. 5, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
Thursday, December 6
Langley Dominates Centreville in Opener
Head Coach Hess said Saxons will try to capitalize on team’s “beef.”
The Langley boys' basketball team will try to capitalize on its size this season.
Immigration Assistance Organizations
A list of some local non-profit organizations that provide immigration assistance, also provided by Fairfax County at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/organizations.htm.
Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response
The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms. Historically the churches in the United States have been immigrant churches. Who among us cannot trace one’s ancestors back to a country outside the U.S.? The church’s care and concern for countless European immigrants is well known. Today, we the faith community are called to welcome immigrants with similar hospitality.
Editorial: Holiday Revels With a Safety Net
A serious backup, but seriously, make a plan ahead of time.
You know the drill, the five-to-seven or six-to-eight drop-in happy hour, you've been invited to five of them, and you could attend an infinite number of these between now and the second day of 2013. And there are many other varieties of holiday festivities, many involving more than a drink or two. So make a plan.
Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia
Program doubles in Arlington, triples in Fairfax and quadruples in Alexandria.
The use of food stamps is skyrocketing in Northern Virginia, and the spike isn’t just about the recession.
Wednesday, December 5
Day Shifts, Night Shifts On the Road to Success
An Indian immigrant’s story: Making it and giving back.
When the chain pharmacy he worked for opened a drive-through pharmacy, it was the final straw for Amit Shah of Fairfax.
Building a Better Life
An Afghan immigrant’s story: From Soviet war to American Dream.
“Personally, I never think anyone is better than me, and I never think I’m better than anyone,” Bob Zahory of Centreville chuckles as he offers up another pomegranate lemonade.
Living Life in ‘The Dream Land’
Jorge Adeler shares his story of the American Dream coming true.
The American Dream has been shared for generations—some call it an idea; others call it a reality. Many people come leaving behind former lives in search for better ones, not only for themselves but also for their children.
Social Programs Adapt To Fulfill Immigrant Needs
Fellowship House, Interfaith help immigrants on their way to self-sufficiency.
A visitor to Hunter’s Woods Fellowship House in Hunter’s Woods Square in Reston could hear 21 different languages.
Tuesday, December 4
Cooper Students Assemble Kits for Hurricane Relief
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, Cooper Middle School students worked together to assemble Hygiene Kits as part of nation-wide Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts.
Brief: Intelsat to Relocate to Tysons
The company will bring more than 430 employees to local economy.
Brief: Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Intelsat, the world’s leading provider of satellite services, will relocate its U.S. headquarters to the Tysons Corner area of Fairfax County from its current location in Washington, D.C.
Viewpoints: What do you like most about the holiday season?
Residents answer the question, "What do you like most about the holiday season?"
‘Best Friends’ Parade in McLean
Annual ReinDog Parade attracts hundreds to downtown McLean.
McLean's annual ReinDog parade attracts hundreds of residents and their dogs downtown for a day of fun.
Letter: Tax Cuts for Richest Don’t Help Small Business
Letter: I’m a small business owner/operator and an engineer by trade, so I make my business and economic decisions based largely on facts and numbers.
Brief: Red Cross Fundraiser Nets $92,000 in Three Hours
Brief: In three hours, the third annual “In The Bag” silent auction of designer purses raised $92,000 to benefit the American Red Cross of the National Capital Region.
Silver Line Faces ‘Daunting Issues’
Challenges planners face before cars get rolling.
In August, 2013, 55 years after construction began on the Dulles International Airport, the first phase of a $7 billion Metrorail connection between Washington, D.C. and Dulles will be completed that will extend rail travel to five stops in Tysons Corner and Reston.
’Tis the Season for Joyfulness
"Altar Boyz" at Tysons’ 1st Stage.
There is a joyful noise full of tight harmonies backed by spot-on keyboards and percussion with lyrics full of universal positive messages at 1st Stage.
Brief: Langley High Orchestra Presents German Orchestral Music
Brief: The Langley High School Orchestra will present its next concert on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Langley HS Auditorium. “An Evening of German Orchestral Music” will feature music of German composers.
Letter: Opposing Tysons’ Service District Tax
Letter: As a member of the Tysons Land Use Task Force involved in writing the Comprehensive Plan, and speaking on behalf of existing residential neighborhoods in the area, I am compelled to express total opposition to the Planning Commission's recommendation to fund 50 percent of Tysons Transportation costs from a "service district tax" on existing residential property owners.
Letter: Tax Cuts for Wealthiest: Not Right and Not Smart
Letter: Right now in D.C., our representatives are trying to find a solution to keep us from going over the fiscal cliff.
Ball in the House Comes to Alden Theatre
Group brings musical entertainment “a cappella.”
An evening of lively, fun a cappella style singing will be in store for audiences at the Alden Theatre.
Brief: McLean High School Performs for Elementary Schools
Brief: The award-winning McLean High School Theatre Company is taking a new holiday show on the road.