Friday, September 28
Uncorking the Possibilities
Local builders say wine storage options are almost limitless.
From those who sip an occasional glass of Chianti with friends to enthusiastic oenophiles, the notion of owning a wine cellar is fascinating to many people. In fact, a recent U.S. Luxury-Home Market survey by Wine Trends, a wine-consulting firm, showed that 67 percent of respondents were interested in incorporating wine storage into their homes.
Thursday, September 27
Classified Advertising Sept 26, 2012
Read the latest ads here!
The Retina Group of Washington Opens Tysons Office
The Retina Group of Washington (RGW) recently opened an office in Tysons Corner (8219 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120, Vienna), the practice’s sixth location in Virginia, as it continues to provide the most complete retinal and macular health care in the area.
Talents Galore at ‘Arts by George!’
The 7th annual George Mason University ‘Arts by George!’ to be held on Saturday, Sept. 29.
A bevy of incredible talent is set to entertain as the seventh annual George Mason University "Arts by George!" is coming on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. Arts by George! will take place in the de Laski Performing Arts Building on Mason’s Fairfax Campus, as well as Harris Theater and a tented plaza next to the performing arts building.
Week in McLean
Police are investigating a report of 24 catalytic converters that were reportedly stolen off of 2012 Toyota Tundra pick-up trucks at a car dealership storage lot.
Scout Project Combines Technology, Hiking
Nick Mariam, a Boy Scout in Troop 128, McLean, and a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, combined his interests in technology and hiking in his Eagle Scout Project at Seneca Tract in Great Falls. Seneca Tract is a Northern Virginia Regional Park that is popular for hiking, access to the Potomac River, and horseback riding. The Potomac Heritage Trail runs through the park and connects the area with Riverbend Park and Algonkian Regional Park.
Community Meeting on Salona
How do we enhance Salona’s value to the community today and for future generations? The Salona Task Force wants to hear the community’s views. The Salona Task Force, appointed in 2011 by Dranesville Supervisor John Foust and Fairfax County Park Authority Board member Kevin Fay, was charged with reaching out to the McLean community regarding possible future uses of a conservation easement granted to the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) at historic Salona.
Public Forum to Discuss Tysons Transportation Funding
After seventeen months of deliberation, County officials have developed a plan for the Board of Supervisors on how to fund an estimated $3.1 billion in additional transportation needed to support the transformation of Tysons into an urban center. County residents will now have an opportunity to hear planners discuss the recommendations at a public forum. The McLean Citizens Association hosts the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean.
Lane Joins Cardinal Bank of Tysons Corner
Cardinal Bank of Tysons Corner brought in a new member to their Government and Technology Lending Group, Vice President Commercial Loan Officer Robert Lane.
McLean's Cordial Debate Turns Controversial
Allen, Kaine battle for Northern Virginia votes.
“I’m open to dialogue, and I don’t see how openness is something controversial.” —Tim Kaine "If you want a job, you ought to join the Allen team.” —George Allen
Fairfax County Fall Fun Calendar
Along with the seasonal changes of fall—“sweater weather,” the oft-sighted decorative pumpkin, new menus and produce, and the swath of color across the treeline in every direction—come the fall events. Apple picking, parading through town in costume and spending time enjoying fall in Fairfax County are musts. Here are some favorite events to aid and abet your celebration of the season at hand.
Wednesday, September 26
Column: My Team
Not literally, of course. Nor am I the coach or the general manager. But I do feel like an owner, in that there are people that I invest in – again not literally, but definitely emotionally.
Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon
Police make discovery during welfare check, believe husband killed family before turning gun on himself.
A Herndon family of four was found dead in their home on Point Rider Lane the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fairfax County Police responded after a co-worker of one of the family members reported that they had not been to work this week.
Keeping Tysons Corner Moving
Event provides updates on 495 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail.
In the next 15 months, Tysons Corner will see almost $5 billion in new transportation projects come online.
Fall Fun in McLean
MPAartfest, pumpkin patch part of local fall events.
Fall is home to several annual traditions in McLean. One such tradition, the McLean ArtFest, hosted by the McLean Project for the Arts, will hit a major milestone this year, and the MPA is celebrating accordingly.
Seniors Group Takes Next Step
County approves proposal, next event set for Oct. 2 at Great Falls Park.
The Great Falls Senior Center Without Walls held its latest event Tuesday, Sept. 11 and had their proposal approved the same day by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The center seeks to join 13 other facilities in the County that are dedicated to meeting the needs of the senior community.
Friends and Newcomers Award Scholarships
Four local students awarded funds for college education.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club awarded scholarships to four local students Tuesday, Sept. 18, as part of their annual community outreach.
Friday, September 21
Black Chamber of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Night Mixer
With access to capital and opportunity for growth at an alarming low for black-owned businesses, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce will shine a light on this small business crisis at the 4th Annual Candidates’ Night reception on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Springfield Hilton, 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield. The annual nonpartisan NVBCC Candidates’ Night Mixer gives candidates and elected officials the opportunity to meet business owners face-to-face, and allows members of the African American community the chance to express their concerns about the future of Northern Virginia. Already, a dozen candidates and elected officials have been confirmed.
Area Roundups
Financial crimes detectives were alerted to the issue when they began to receive complaints that ATM cards were being used fraudulently to purchase groceries, expensive coffees, and, primarily, to get cash from other ATM machines. An alert customer spotted the skimming device on the machine and contacted hospital security who immediately called police on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Dam Project Worries South Run Residents
South Run residents want unofficial park entryway shut down permanently.
Chris Amans and his wife, Brenda Riffe, have lived in the leafy neighborhood of South Run in Fairfax Station since the community was developed in the mid-1980s. Bordered by Lee Chapel Road, Route 123, and the Fairfax County Parkway, many of the community’s 500 homes, which sell for close to $1 million, back up to Burke Lake Park. While they love the neighborhood’s mature trees, expansive 1/2-acre lots and access to Burke Lake Park, they have never been happy with the fact that their Laketree Drive cul-de-sac has become an unofficial entrance to the popular Burke Lake trails.
County Combats Chronic Homelessness
Fairfax County joins national effort to house ‘most vulnerable.’
Fewer families experienced homelessness in Fairfax County this year, a 16 percent decline stemming largely from the County’s “housing first” focus, which rapidly identifies housing for those living on the edge. But the number of chronic homeless—the most entrenched street dwellers and vulnerable individuals—jumped 20 percent this year. According to the September report released by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH), 51 percent of single homeless individuals (353 people) were identified as chronically homeless in 2012, compared to 39 percent in 2011. An additional 43 adults were counted as unsheltered in 2012 over the previous year.
Classified Advertising Sept 19, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Wednesday, September 19
Marshall Goes Undefeated, Places Third at Field Hockey Invite
Scoring format leaves Statesmen out of championship game.
Marshall finished 4-0 at the two-day Herndon Invitational on Sept. 14-15.
Column: Refillable. Rechargeable. Reusable.
More like replaceable. Obviously, I want to remain positive and believe that today is not a good day to die (Worf from “Star Trek: Next Generation”) and that there will be many more tomorrows to live for and days beyond that to plan for. However, having a terminal disease has a tendency to darken up those rose-colored glasses.
A Farce That Never Lets Up
"Suite Surrender" now at 1st Stage in Tysons.
If you like your farce with loud bull-horn voices, lots of slamming doors, and telegraphed actions, then the 1st Stage production of "Suite Surrender" by Michael McKeever is for you.
Marshall High's Model UN Conference Focuses on Cyber Security
Cyber security and the threats posed to national infrastructure and economic networks will be the focus of Marshall High School’s ninth annual My First Model United Nations (UN) training conference on Saturday, Oct. 13.
Langley High Band to Hold Tag Day Fundraiser, Welcomes New Band Director
On Saturday, Sept. 22, band members from Langley High School will participate in “Tag Day” throughout neighborhoods in McLean and Great Falls.
Letter: The Best Kind of Home Improvement
Kudos to Sally Horn of the MCA for joining the Energy Action Fairfax pilot project and to homeowners Ernest Carter and Roshanak Badii who invited neighbors over to watch the energy audit of their home (“McLean Home Hosts Energy Audit,” McLean Connection, Sept. 5-11, 2012).
Harvest Happenings at McLean Community Center
Award-winning children’s music group Rocknoceros, with band members Coach Cotton, Williebob and Boogie Woogie Bennie, will perform at McLean Community Center’s Harvest Happenings on Saturday, Sept. 22.
McLean Student Conquers Denali
For Brian DeMocker, of McLean, being high means being on a mountaintop above 14,000 feet. Up until this summer, he’d reached that elevation 15 times, mostly in Colorado. But on July 1 of this year, he conquered the 20,320 foot summit of Denali in Alaska, the highest point in North America.
Studying Monarch Butterflies at Churchill Road
Churchill Road second graders began the new school year by learning about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly.
Woman’s Club, Lemon Road School Reward Children for Summer Reading
On Friday, Sept. 14, at McLean’s Lemon Road Elementary School, the Woman’s Club of McLean hosted an awards party with pizza and ice cream for students in the school’s summer reading program. The club presented a $20 gift certificate for books to three of the children, selected by lot, one from first and second grade, one from third and fourth grade and one from fifth and sixth grade, and every student in the program got a “goody bag” of school supplies.
Greater McLean Chamber to Present Business and Community Awards
The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce will present its annual Business and Community Awards on Oct. 2 at the 3rd Annual Suits and Sneakers event. Held at Claude Moore Colonial Farm (6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean), the festivities will run from 6 until 9 p.m
MWAA Releases Toll Rates to 2014
Community groups concerned about raises and effect on local traffic.
The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority has released its scheduled toll rate increases for the Dulles Toll Road up to 2015. Effective January 1, 2013, tolls at the mainline plaza will be $1.75 (up from $1.50) and the ramps will be $1.00 (up from $0.75).
Reilly Takes Reins at McLean High School
New principal comes from Herndon High School.
Ellen Reilly has been named principal at McLean High School, replacing Dr. Deborah Jackson, who left in July. Reilly comes to McLean High from Herndon High School, where she served as an assistant principal. She previously served as an assistant principal at Oakton High School, and as an American Sign Language teacher at Falls Church High School and Mantua Elementary School.
5K to Support Military Housing
Second annual run to feaure at least 23 wounded warriors.
The streets of downtown McLean will be transformed into a race track Saturday, Oct. 6, as the second annual McLean 5K Run With the Warriors race is held. The event is hosted by Vinson Hall, which is a retirement community that houses more than 200 retired military and government personnel.
Great Falls Remembers 9/11
Annual ceremony marks 11 years since attacks.
Several dozen Great Falls residents gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Tuesday, Sept. 11 to pay tribute to those lost on that day, particularly six Great Falls residents that were killed when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.
Friday, September 14
Letter: Deliberate Falsehoods in Health Care Debate
When I saw the letter "Questioning the War on Women," [Connection, August 15-21, 2012] I had that Yogi Berra feeling of "deja vu all over again" because I had read the same letter in a July edition of your paper. A second reading did not improve the contents or make them any more accurate.
Thursday, September 13
Local Real Estate: July 2012 Top Sales in Great Falls, McLean, Oak Hill, Reston, Oakton and Vienna
Local Real Estate: July 2012 Top Sales in Great Falls, McLean, Oak Hill, Reston, Oakton and Vienna
Vienna/McLean/Great Falls Calendar, Sept. 27-
Send announcements to vienna@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday for the following week's paper. Photos/artwork encouraged. For additional listings, visit www.connectionnewspapers.com.
New Ramp Opens at Tysons
A new ramp and flyover bridge connecting the eastbound Dulles Airport Access Highway to I-495 opened to traffic on Saturday, Sept. 8. The ramp provides a direct connection to the northbound and southbound Capital Beltway (I-495), improving safety and convenience for traffic near the interchange.
Vienna/McLean/Great Falls Bulletin, Sept. 13-19
Whether you're looking for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, trying to improve your public speaking skills or looking to seek support or new friends, look at the Bulletin Board for help.
Trio of Challengers on the Ballot to Challenge Moran This November
Republican, Independent Green and independent offer a variety of options for voters.
A trio of challengers will oppose longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) this November, although the Northern Virginia district is solidly blue and not considered competitive.
Wednesday, September 12
Classified Advertising Sept. 12, 2012
Read the lastest ads here!
Column: Trip Without a Fall
Recently, for the first time in nearly two years, I took a trip without having my car. Significant to me in that not “having my car” meant not being able to transport/have all my cancer things.
Week in McLean
Woman assaulted, E-ZPass changes and Business Bank promotion.
On Friday, Sept. 7 at 10:45 a.m. a 40-year-old woman reported a burglary and attempted sexual assault. The victim entered her apartment in the 8000 block of Chanute Place and encountered an unknown man. The suspect attempted to sexually assault her. She fought him until he stopped and fled the apartment.
Wounded Warrior Honored in McLean
Wounded warrior Sgt. Kenneth Lyon, Ret., 27, was an honored guest at the Patriot Republican Women’s Club brunch event to commemorate the 11th Anniversary of Sept. 11.
MPAartfest to Hold Teen Talent Auditions on Sept. 22
MPAartfest is looking for musically talented teens between the ages of 12 and 17 to audition to become the MPAartfest Idol.
Letter: Tysons: A Monstrosity Of Staggering Imagination
In the history of cities and significant population centers over the millenniums, one aspect has most always held sway in determining their locations, patterns of growth and the ability of commerce and community to thrive—transportation. In its many forms, these modes of transportation include navigable rivers and waterways (the great cities of Europe come to mind), natural sea-going harbors, established land and trade routes, and, in the industrial age, the confluence or terminus of railway lines (think Atlanta).
Letter: Perfect Volunteer Group for Healthy Living
I have just read the very informative article on “Living Long, Living Healthy” by Marilyn Campbell, Connection publication Sept. 5-11, 2012. The “Advice on Healthy Living” made me realize that right here in McLean we have the perfect volunteer group to promote healthy living, The Woman’s Club of McLean.
McLean Doctor Named to Hope Connections Board
Hope Connections for Cancer Support, the local nonprofit whose mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of the disease, has named three new members to its Medical Advisory Board (MAB). The 16-member MAB is made up of oncologists and other medical professionals from local hospitals and private practices who refer patients to Hope Connections and help to identify the best possible speakers for Hope Connections educational workshops.
Girl Scouts Create ‘Trashy Tree’
Members of Girl Scout Senior Troop 3377 have created a banner, nicknamed “Trashy Tree,” as a prerequisite for their Girl Scout Gold Award projects. The purpose of the banner is to showcase the importance of re-using materials that would otherwise be thrown away.
McLean Drama Company Moves to Different Venue
McLean Drama Company Moves to New Venue
Not standing still, the McLean Drama Company (MDC) has broadened its mission and will soon produce its annual festival of new, award-winning 10-minute plays in a new location: the Woolly Mammoth Rehearsal Hall in Washington, D.C.
McLean Drama Company Moves to New Venue
McLean Drama Company Moves to New Venue
Not standing still, the McLean Drama Company (MDC) has broadened its mission and will soon produce its annual festival of new, award-winning 10-minute plays in a new location: the Woolly Mammoth Rehearsal Hall in Washington, D.C.
New Teachers at Churchill Road
Churchill Road School welcomed more than 800 students and 100 staff members for the 2012-2013 school year. Among the new faces at Churchill are fourth grade teacher Aubrey Beiswenger and fifth grade teacher Louis Depa.
Used Book Sale in McLean
The McLean Area American Association of University Women (AAUW) is holding its 43rd Annual Used Book Sale Sept. 14-16 at the McLean Community Center to raise money in support of AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The McLean Area AAUW Book sale has raised more than half a million dollars over the previous forty plus years. The funds will contribute to the 4.3 million dollars the National AAUW has committed this year for women’s scholarships, research grants and achievement awards and for legal advocacy against discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace and McLean AAUW local scholarships for re-entry women students.
Tuesday, September 11
Great Falls Native Finding the Beat
Patrick Drohan and band, Atlas Road Crew, ready first EP.
Summers on Atlas Road in Columbia, S.C. can get very hot. Especially if they are five people and their various musical instruments crammed into a storage unit to play together. That’s how Great Falls native Patrick Drohan and his band, Atlas Road Crew, spend their time.
Pike Named to National Historic Register
Designation includes stretch of original road, now Dolley Madison Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road.
Georgetown Pike was named to the National Register of Historic Places Wednesday Aug. 22, giving the 14.4 miles of road from the Virginia-Washington, D.C. border to Leesburg Pike the recognition that many locals feel it deserves.
Bugler Plays Tributes All Over Town
Ted Smith commemorates 9/11 anniversary by playing ‘Taps’ at local schools, fire station.
Sarah Reeves was walking her niece to Haycock Elementary School at around 8:45 the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, when she saw a crowd waiting outside the school. As she slowed down to see what was going on, she heard the mournful sound of a bugle playing "Taps" in front of the flags at half-mast.
‘Strawman’ Charts Tysons Future
Potential taxpayer burdens still not defined.
The Tysons Corner Planning Committee has released the fourth iteration of their recommendations for redevelopment. The set of recommendations, nicknamed "Strawman," lay out the parameters for the anticipated 113 million square feet of development that Tysons Corner is expected to undergo by 2050.
Thursday, September 6
Classified Advertising Sept. 5, 2012
Read the latest Classified Ads here!
Wednesday, September 5
Column: Symptoms or just Sometimes
Making the best of a bad situation, that’s how I roll (I’m a Red Sox fan after all). Some days are easier than others, some symptoms/treatments/results are better than others. And some columns make more sense than others. But that’s cancer for you: an equal opportunity “screwer-upper.”
Serbian Crown Hosts Piano Jam
Great Falls restaurant now features monthly open mic night.
Jennifer Flynn of Vienna stopped by the Serbian Crown Restaurant Thursday, Aug. 23 because she had heard about the highly-rated cuisine. What she didn’t expect was the latest edition of Piano Jam, the restaurant’s monthly open mic night.
McLean Home Hosts Energy Audit
Energy Action Fairfax wraps up pilot program.
Members of Energy Action Fairfax hosted an energy audit party in McLean, Wednesday, Aug. 29, to show how energy efficiency can be achieved with a few simple steps at home. The event was the sixth audit this summer held in a residence, part of Energy Action Fairfax’s pilot program.
Shooting to Support Military Families
Will Thomas shoots 2,600 three-pointers over Labor Day weekend.
Early the morning of Saturday, Sept. 1, the gym at Stone Ridge School in Bethesda was occupied by only one person. Will Thomas, a rising eighth grader at Longfellow Middle School, dribbled his basketball twice, stepped back behind the three-point line and let a shot go. After it hit the front of the rim, popped up and fell through the net, Thomas retrieved his ball and headed back out to the three-point line: one down, 2,600 to go.
Tuesday, September 4
$168,000 Awarded in Scholarships to Student Leaders
This year, a total of$168,000 in scholarships was given out to awardees. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia currently has 20 active college scholarship funds set up by generous donors. There is approximately $175,000 in college scholarship funds awarded every year to over 50 high school students in Northern Virginia.
David Clement Barry, Jr., Capt U.S. Navy (Ret.), Dies at 82
On Saturday evening, Sept. 1, David C. Barry, Jr. died peacefully at his home in McLean, surrounded by his six children, their spouses and 17 grandchildren.
Vanderhye, Swygert to Co-chair MPAartfest
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) has named Margi Vanderhye and George Swygert co-chairs of the sixth annual MPAartfest. Vanderhye is an MPA board member and former Virginia state delegate. Swygert is a regional executive with Capital One.
Letter: Excellence Criteria, Misleadingly Incomplete
Reporting by the McLean Connection (MC) generally excels. Nonetheless, some articles, such as that submitted for the Aug. 22-28 issue [“School System Committed to Excellence,” by Ilryong Moon, chairman of the Fairfax County School Board] have fundamental internal disconnects that MC should have identified in a note.
Memories of Summer
Young adult novel by Shannon Greenland lets readers enjoy the last few moments of summer.
If you are a teen, or a parent of one, longing to indulge in one last burst of summer, you’re in luck: Former McLean author Shannon Greenland recently published “The Summer My Life Began,” a tribute to the long days and many free hours of summer.
State-of-the-Art Medical Center Opens in Tysons
Kaiser Permanente’s new facility features more than 20 medical specialties, adds 106 new jobs.
Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, a not-for-profit health plan and care provider, opened the doors to its new Tysons Corner Medical Center on Monday, Aug. 13, offering members in Northern Virginia a broad array of medical services conveniently located under one roof. The 200,000 square-foot medical center also provided approximately 106 new jobs.
Fundraiser Supporting McLean Youth Football
A fundraiser for McLean Youth Football has been announced by HBC Realty Groups Community Charity Champions. Come to dinner on Monday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean, enjoy dinner and know that approximately 60 percent of the proceeds from food and drink will go to the charity, as long as the diner brings the flyer for the event. Contact HBC Realty Group at 703-734-0192 or visit www.HBCRealtyGroup.com to receive a flyer.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names Interim Executive Director
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Galen Wixson as its interim executive director through December of 2012. Galen currently serves as the executive director of The Guitar Foundation of America where he has guided the organization through a transition to a new governance and management model, leading to several new program initiatives.