Stories for April 2013

Yoga Week Comes to the Area

Local effort offers budding yogis a chance to improve their minds, bodies and spirits with free or $5 classes.

D.C. Yoga Week Runs through May 5 For more information and a list of participating studios, visit HYPERLINK "http://dccy.org/" http://dccy.org/. “This event will raise awareness about how great yoga is for your mind, body and spirit.” — Amanda Shipe, Mind Your Body Oasis, Arlington

Looking “ASCANce”

It wasn’t exactly “Executive Clemency.”

Cooper Middle School Presents ‘The Wiz’

Students perform adaptation of classic "Wizard of Oz."

Cooper Middle School will present one of its most ambitious productions ever starting May 8 with "The Wiz." A soulful retelling of "The Wizard of Oz," the Cooper production will feature a cast of 60 and a crew of 30.

Silver Line Approaching Tysons

Route 7 lane shifts and paving, installation of sidewalks and streetlight foundations signal coming of Silver Line.

With construction completion of Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project anticipated in September, motorists and pedestrians are seeing an increase in project-related activities all along Leesburg Pike (Route 7) from the Dulles Toll Road to the overpass at Route 123.

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Luncheon Features Students’ Poetry

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors name winners of 31st annual poetry contest.

The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors honored 10 Great Falls Elementary School students Friday, April 16, at their 31st annual poetry luncheon

Great Falls Farmers Market Hits Spring Season

Spring produce, other goods available at weekly market.

The Great Falls Farmers Market has kicked off its spring season, welcoming vendors returning and new with fruits, vegetables and other products. Three vegetable vendors are currently at the market, offering early spring crops.

Programming Marathon at TJ 

Area high schoolers impress instructors at the 24-hour computer programming marathon.

When a voice over the loudspeaker announced, “free swag outside,” a stampede of teenagers cleared out the Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST) gymnasium in less than a minute. Even after almost 20 hours of coding and programming, the students were at no loss for enthusiasm, especially for free paraphernalia decorated with the TJ Hackathon logo. Kim Holton, a volunteer whose son was participating in the hackathon, said, “They all seem really tired and they’re dragging, but they’re excited.”

Laudable Performances

Langley High School’s production of “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.”

The path to happiness is often obstructed by challenges, and in this case by horrid schools, financial troubles and ruthless uncles. Amidst the overwhelming corruption and poverty in Victorian England, Langley High School’s production of “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” proves that the resilience of the human spirit triumphs in the end. “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” was adapted from the Charles Dickens novel of the same name by David Edgar in 1980. Prior to Edgar’s work, the novel’s adaptation was an eight-hour production, which often had to be performed over the course of a couple days.

Chesterbrook Elementary Inaugurates Renovated Outdoor Stairway

Representatives from the McLean Community Foundation and Transurban Fluor joined Chesterbrook staff and families for a ribbon cutting ceremony at their Earth Day Celebration on Monday, April 22, to inaugurate their newly renovated outdoor stairway.

Poetry Corner

The Wave

see it coming. I see the leading, massive wave marking the peak of high tide It rumbles towards me like a bull to a matador Building up force the closer and closer it gets until The icy, stinging slap of the wave slams over my body Lifting me up and off my feet Tumbling into the deep blue watery depths of the ocean. The salt water explodes through my nose As foggy bits of shells mixed with sand fly past my eyes in the undercurrent My arms are ripped, scratched and burned from the ocean floor And my lungs scream for air As I tumble head over heels towards the shore.

Oakcrest School Announces Artwork of the Year Awards

Oakcrest School recently announced the winners of the Artwork of the Year Awards at Fine Arts Night: Grace Allen, seventh grade, won among middle schoolers and Jane North, 12th grade, at the upper school level.

Teacher of the Year

Longfellow Middle School CTE teacher recognized by the Southern Business Education Association.

Search the faces of Helene Safford’s students, and you won’t find one look of boredom. No signs of restlessness or clock-watching either. In fact, the expressions on the seventh and eighth graders’ faces in Safford’s speech arts class portray nothing but enthusiasm. On a recent Monday afternoon, the computer-lined classroom featured students milling about, and the noise level was high. But Safford wouldn’t have it any other way. The students were working in groups, consulting with their peers and with Safford on a broadcasting technology project.

Spring Hill Students Win Earth Day Awards

The school celebrates Earth Day with a multi-media celebration and contest.

Spring Hill Elementary School kicked off a new tradition this year for Earth Day. The entire student body shared their own interpretation of the importance of Earth Day through a school-wide art show and talent contest. The students created a variety of artistic creations, ranging from visual art to poetry and performance art. The celebration concluded with a recycled-goods fashion show.

Celebrating Earth Day at Churchill Road

Churchill Road Elementary lived up to its Green Flag Award status by promoting a variety of eco-friendly programs and activities leading up to Earth Day.

Bowling in Support of Junior Achievement

More than 100 McLean- and Washington, D.C.-based KPMG employees and their families bowled at Bowl America Falls Church on Wednesday, April 24 and Saturday, April 27, as part of Junior Achievement (JA) of Greater Washington’s annual JA Bowl.

McLean Orchestra Hosts ‘Midnight in Paris’

Orchestra offers its final “Season of Imagination” concert on May 4.

Trust people who wear formal attire as their uniform, and those who direct and administer their efforts, to know how to put on a gala. Sunday, April 21, was the night of the McLean Orchestra’s annual fundraiser held at the Hilton Tysons Corner. Themed “Midnight in Paris” from reception start through a dinner that included a live auction, acknowledgements and awards, and finally dancing to the tunes of Ed Witles The Elegant DJ, the black-tie evening was as well-arranged, conducted and received as any of the musical performances for which the orchestra is known.

Classified Advertising April 24, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Editorial: Connection Guide to Parks Wins ‘Best in Show’

Investigative reporting, in depth coverage, education writing, photography, art, design, sports, garner Virginia Press Association honors.

The Connection Newspapers won dozens of awards from the Virginia Press Association, with winners announced on Saturday, April 20, in Norfolk.

Madison Girls' Lax Beats McLean

Nine Warhawks score at least one goal.

Freshmen and sophomores on 2011 state championship team now leaders for Madison girls' lacrosse.

South County Soccer Club Bonds in Bermuda

While other Elite Clubs National League soccer teams took a well-deserved break, one team went on the trip of a lifetime. FC Virginia U14s traveled to Bermuda over the Easter holiday, having the opportunity to experience island life while also playing against the full Bermuda women’s national team, and a high school team from Florida.

Fairfax County Budget Reflects ‘Increasing Needs, Decreasing Revenues’

"We as a board spend a lot of time talking about helping people in need, I can only say that when it came time to tax them, they were sadly forgotten." —Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield)

Autism Speaks Volumes for Student Volunteers

Fairfax County Public Schools use latest techniques to teach autistic students. v

In many ways, the three best friends—Anna Kate Martin, Devin Martin and Sarah Carmen—are typical sixth-grade girls.

Langley Softball Star Heads to Drexel

Ashley Panetta committed to becoming a Drexel Dragon and playing D-I softball for Drexel University beginning in the 2013-2014 season on Wednesday, April 17, at a signing party with teammates, parents, her school’s athletic director and friends.

Week in McLean

Comstock, Wolf to Host Human Trafficking Forum in McLean

Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-34) will host a town hall meeting on Friday, May 3, with U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10), Del. Tim Hugo (R-40), the Richmond Justice Initiative and a panel of local experts, federal and state officials to educate the community about human sex trafficking in Virginia and both how the commonwealth is cracking down on this growing crime and how residents can further increase awareness of the threat posed in the area.

Runners Line Up to Stop Child Abuse

Great Falls neighbors join in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, which helps explain why 300 runners gathered at 9 a.m. at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, grouped in teams with names like "Peggy's Posse," "Kids4Kids" and—a favorite—"Team Baxter" (named after organizing member Kim Roellig's dog) on Saturday, April 13.

What Housing Slump?

Real estate experts explain the rise in luxury condominium sales

When a retired couple decided it was time to leave their sprawling suburban home, they wanted to downsize without giving up luxury. As a result, they purchased a high-end condominium and hired Bethesda, Md., based interior designer Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design to create a serene and sophisticated space.

Karen Garza Hired as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools

FCPS Board lauds Garza’s “openness” and “willingness to engage” community.

The Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved educator Karen Garza of Texas to be the next superintendent of the 181,000 student district at its April 18 school board meeting.

Classified Advertising April 17, 2013

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McLean Home Sales: March, 2013

In March 2013, 82 homes sold between $9,300,000-$186,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: March, 2013

Editorial: Value-added Evaluation?

TJ admissions illustrate growing gap between “haves” and “have-nots.”

More than 181,000 students attend Fairfax County Public Schools. So why do the 480 students who were accepted for next year’s freshman class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology seem so important? Fairfax County Public Schools have a single elite magnet school, Thomas Jefferson, and TJ is frequently referred to as the top high school in the country. Dramatic disparity in the makeup of admissions at TJ is an indicator of disparity in early identification of students as gifted and talented, of access to advanced classes and enrichment, and in the basic education that the Fairfax County Public school system offers to all of its students.

Column: A False Sense of Security

Not that there’s anything wrong with that; in fact, as a four-year, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer survivor, it’s amazing to have any security, false or otherwise, whatsoever.

‘We Have Not Forgotten’

Residents rally in Vienna to support stricter gun control measures.

Less than six miles from the National Rifle Association (NRA) headquarters in Fairfax, more than 100 people gathered on the Vienna Town Green Saturday, April 13, to urge Congress to support stricter gun control measures.

Marymount Professor, McLean Resident Named Virginia Counselor Educator of the Year

A Marymount University professor was honored recently for her work to educate and train school counselors.

Countdown to College Decision Day

Local college counselors offer advice on making the right choice.

As the May 1 national college decision day looms, the day students must shell out hefty deposits to secure their spots at colleges and universities, students like Daniels are feeling pressure.

Letter: A Misreading of History

That a few local schools are named for Confederate generals bothers Kiran Hampton [“Alarmed by School Names,” Connection, April 11-17, 2013]. The US Army and Navy have named forts and ships after Confederate heroes. The Veterans Administration provides headstones for Confederate graves. That wouldn’t have happened if they were traitors. No Confederates were convicted of treason. Hampton’s shame that Virginia fought with the Confederacy suggests a misreading of US history.

Letter: Thinking of History In Real Time

Letter writer Kiran Hampton asks if she is "the only one alarmed by the presence of high schools named after Confederate leaders?" ["Alarmed By School Names, Connection, April10-16, 2013]. In response, I would say, "Why yes, I believe she is."

Letter: It Wasn’t ‘Good Guys Vs. Bad Guys’

In a letter regarding local schools named after Confederate generals [“Alarmed by School Names,” Connection, April 10-16, 2013] the author displays an extraordinary lack of understanding of the complexities of the issues leading to the War Between the States as well as a contempt for the courage and sacrifice of those who, often reluctantly, believed that their primary duty was to a sovereign Virginia rather than to what they believed had been conceived as a voluntary union of independent states.

Langley Hosts Relay for Life

Event will be first at school in 15 years.

Langley High School will be the site of the first Relay for Life event in more than 15 years starting Saturday, April 28. The event will be a 12-hour fundraiser walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Fashion On the Go

Janet Gonzalez brings mobile boutique to Northern Virginia.

As the youngest of four girls, Janet Gonzalez got used to hand-me-down clothes at a young age. The child of two parents who lived through the Great Depression, she became interested in fashion very early, often riding her bike miles away to look at the latest trends on stores and magazines.

Opening Day for McLean Little League

Players parade down Westmoreland, kick off 2013 season.

Hundreds of boys and girls kicked off their 2013 season Saturday, April 13, as McLean Little League celebrated opening day at the McLean Little League Fields. The players, coaches and parents started their morning at McLean High School before marching almost a mile down Westmoreland Street to the fields.

Editorial: Voting Again

Every year is election year in Virginia, and it’s a bit much.

The most hotly contested race for statewide office in Virginia, the Republican contest for lieutenant governor, will be decided at a statewide convention on May 18. That’s about a month from now.

New Benches at Cooper Middle

Four new benches, nine azalea shrubs and three dogwood trees have been installed in strategic locations around the Cooper Middle School campus as of Saturday, April 6.

Week in McLean

Spring Hill Elementary Promotes Reading

To promote reading over Spring Break, the reading teachers at Spring Hill Elementary School encouraged students to "Get Caught Reading" in a unique location and have their picture taken.

Preparations for McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Nearly Complete

The Woman’s Club of McLean is in the final stages of preparing for the community’s first-ever Kitchen and Garden Tour, planned for Wednesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A formal “kickoff” will take place at Holyrood Drive and Countryside Court in west McLean at 10 a.m., near the six large homes that will open their kitchens and extensive gardens for the tour.

Kent Gardens Fundraiser a Success

Community Charity Champions raised $2,160 for the Kent Gardens Elementary School PTA at a fundraiser held on Tuesday, April 9, at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean.

Madeira Junior Creates Garden at Churchill Road

Girl Scout Aerryn Rees, Madeira School junior, is working toward her Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive, by creating a sustainable garden at her alma mater, Churchill Road Elementary School in McLean.

Artistic Portrayal of City Living

McLean High drama presents “Rent.”

Poverty, AIDS and a search for identity are triumphed by love and hope in Jonathan Larson’s trailblazing musical, “Rent.” “Rent” premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1996, and it chronicles the lives of struggling young adults in New York City through the lens of an aspiring filmmaker, Mark, and his camera. This compelling story about the hardships of city living was once again brought to life at McLean High School.

Project for the Arts to Host Spring Benefit May 16

McLean Project for the Arts' annual Spring Benefit will be held on Thursday, May 16, 7-9 p.m. at Federal Home's historic Langley Ordinary. The fundraiser is co-chaired by Katharine Powell and Molly Newberry.

Classified Advertising April 10, 2013

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New Home for Turtles at Riverbend

Girl Scout Natalie Gilbert builds and donates new box turtle habitat.

Young visitors to the Riverbend Park Nature Center used to have a hard time looking at the three box turtles in the turtle habitat. The old habitat featured a solid wood wall, meaning children could only look straight down at the turtles and rarely had an opportunity to see more than the tops of their shells.

Locals Support Military Vets

Operation Second Chance receives donation from local State Farm office.

Members of the State Farm branch in Great Falls presented a check for $1,500 to Operation Second Chance, a charity that provides for injured service members and their families, Thursday, April 4.

Parents Sound Off on School Issues

McLean Citizens Association hosts education discussion at McLean High School.

Parents from around the McLean and Langley High School pyramids gathered at McLean High Monday, April 8, to participate in an education forum hosted by the McLean Citizens Association.

Langley Theatre Explores Dickens

“The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby” debuts April 18.

When the plans were announced for Langley High School’s spring play, many of the cast and crew weren’t familiar with the title. While “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” isn’t at the top of the list of the most popular Charles Dickens works, after doing their research, the cast found plenty to get excited about.

Column: Asked and Answered

I think about it enough, I don’t want to think about it too much. What’s “it?” Cancer.

Children ‘Dress Up With Grown-ups’

Medical Care for Children Partnerships funds medical, dental care for children of uninsured working families in Fairfax County.

“To me, children are the most beautiful creatures of God and there is nothing comparable to being able to give them a healthy and happy smile.” —Dr. Tehreem Butt, recipient of the Dr. Jorge Arnoldson Award

Letter: A Photo ID: Victory for Voters

To the Editor:

Asian American Chamber Recognizes ‘Jewels of Asia’

The Asian American Chamber of Commerce held its third Annual Awards Gala, Jewels of Asia, on Friday, April 5, at the Westin Tysons Corner. More than 200 guests gathered to recognize businesses (public & private sector, for-profit & non-profit) as well as business leaders of Asian and Pacific Islander descent who have made outstanding contributions to the Metropolitan Washington D.C. business community and economy.

Marshall High to Present ‘Legally Blond’

The GC Marshall HS Theater thespians are rehearsing for the musical Legally Blond, a family friendly fun musical that will be performed in the new Marshall High School Theater.

A Very Good Year

2013 starts on a high note for real estate in McLean and Great Falls: first quarter sales are up 7.5 percent.

By 2013 starts on a high note for real estate in McLean and Great Falls: first quarter sales are up 7.5 percent.

Week in McLean

McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Planned for May 1

On Wednesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2), the Woman’s Club of McLean will mount the community’s first Kitchen and Garden Tour. The hours of the tour will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Set in Countryside Estates in west McLean (the same area that was featured in the club’s 2010 Holiday Homes Tour), the event will focus on the kitchens and gardens of six large homes situated on one-acre lots.

Outstanding Volunteer

McLean Community Center honors David Sanders, establishes Craig McKenzie Legacy Award

The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) ninth annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception was held on Sunday, March 24, in the Community Hall. The theme was “Aloha” and center volunteers were treated to a catered lunch by Makakoa Catering and live music by The Aloha Boys. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

‘Rumors’ Arriving at the Alden

McLean Community Players are bringing “Rumors,” a Neil Simon farce.

The word farce conjures up frenetic energy, slamming doors, any number of wacky situations and characters to match. To rid audiences of any remaining winter blues or general funk, the McLean Community Players are bringing "Rumors," a Neil Simon farce about the upwardly mobile, professional classes to the Alden stage.

Journalist Maurine Beasley Addresses McLean Woman’s Club

Dr. Maurine Hoffman Beasley, journalism professor emerita at the University of Maryland and author and co-author of numerous books on the media and on Eleanor Roosevelt, spoke about her latest book at the Tuesday, April 2, meeting of the Woman’s Club of McLean.

Classified Advertising April 3, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Foundation Prepares to Promote Mental Health

Josh Anderson Foundation to sponsor events across county for mental health and depression awareness.

Before Fairfax County students finish the school year and head to summer break, they first must deal with exams, both final and for AP classes. This can lead to a lot of stress over the final two months of school, pressure the Josh Anderson Foundation is determined to relieve.

Keeping Lawns Green in Great Falls

Choosing environmentally friendly ways to manage lawns.

As the weather warms and lawns begin to grow again, it’s tempting to start fertilizing right away to ensure they look as full and green as possible. The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Environmental Committee says that spring fertilizing isn’t necessary most of the time, and can cause harm to lawns and waterways.

Family PASS to Host Soiree

Fundraiser will help serve families facing homelessness.

A mother of four children, Josephine Rivera didn’t have many options after becoming a victim of domestic abuse. After her husband was arrested, she was forced to support those children, ages 8 to 18, on an $8 an hour salary, and she soon found herself homeless.

Easter at The Falls

Ecumenical council hosts annual Easter Sunrise Service.

Dozens of people gathered at Great Falls Park before sunrise Easter Sunday, using flashlights to walk the path from the parking lot to the visitor center. At an hour usually reserved for only staff members, the Great Falls Ecumenical Council held its annual Easter Sunrise Service in the park.

Langley Boys' Lacrosse Bounces Back

Saxons overcome missing players, loss to Robinson.

The Langley boys' lacrosse team defeated Chantilly on March 28 in a rematch of last season's state championship game.

Hundreds of Low Income Residents Receive Free Dental Care

Event was part of The Northern Virginia Dental Society’s 10th Annual Mission of Mercy

Several hundred low income and uninsured residents of Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County received free dental care recently when the Northern Virginia Dental Society (NVDS) hosted its 10th Annual Mission of Mercy (MOM) project.

Column: Selfless or Selfish

Selfless or Selfish

A Richmond Report Card Presented

SALT hosts annual Richmond Wrap-up.

Asked how effectively the issues facing disadvantaged populations have been addressed by legislators in Richmond, Carla Peterson, director of Virginia Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE), said: “Not nearly enough. What has happened is that [Governor Bob] McDonnell has hired a person who is probably the most reformist person that I know of, in charge of corrections. [A person] who is making progress and not as much as we would like to see done, but it serves as a glimmer of hope. There are some [changes] taking place.”

Area Jazzercise Holds 'Dance for a Cure'

St. Mark ESL Offers Spring Language Program

The number one goal of most students of English as a Second Language is a universal one: to communicate. In particular, the adult students of St. Mark English as a Second Language (ESL) program want to be able to converse in English with their children, with their employers and with their neighbors.

Fairfax County’s Homeless Population Declines 12 Percent

Emphasis on rapid re-housing, prevention keys to success.

Despite economic obstacles and fallout from across-the-board sequester cuts, Fairfax County’s number of homeless individuals declined 12 percent decline in the past year, and 26 percent since 2007.

Photo Contest Winners Announced

The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department has announced the winners of its 2013 amateur photography contest, held March 16 and 17 at the Vienna Community Center. There were 250 entries by 70 photographers.

Cooper Orchestra Receives Straight I’s

The orchestra performs at the highest level in the state assessment.

Cooper Symphonic Orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Bo-Min Son, received straight I's, the highest level of achievement in the Virginia State Middle School Orchestra Assessment on March 9 at Kenmore Middle School.

Week in McLean

Arleigh Burke Pavilion Opens for Medicare Part A Admissions

Vinson Hall Retirement Community has announced that Arleigh Burke Pavilion’s Health Care Center is now open to Medicare Part A admissions.

Eight Run for MCC Governing Board

Three adult, two teen positions available.

Eight Run for MCC Governing Board

Letter: A Great First Step

Letter to the Editor

McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Planned for May 1

Woman’s Club schedules tour to benefit local Wounded Warrior project.

On Wednesday, May 1 (rain date: May 2), the Woman’s Club of McLean will mount the community’s first Kitchen and Garden Tour. The hours of the tour will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Set in Countryside Estates in west McLean (the same area that was featured in the club’s 2010 Holiday Homes Tour), the event will focus on the kitchens and gardens of six large homes situated on one-acre lots.

Kentucky Derby Benefit in McLean