Saturday, December 28
South County Boys' Basketball Edges Langley
Stallion coach Hess faces former school in Holiday classic
South County beat Langley during the Mount Vernon holiday tournament.
Friday, December 27
Spiritual Wellness in the New Year
What is it and how does one achieve it?
As we begin a new year, many are focused on their spiritual health and well-being. In fact, the National Wellness Institute names spiritual wellness as one of the seven dimensions of overall wellness. It’s essential in life, say experts.
Cures for Cabin Fever
Creative ideas for housebound parents and children.
Winter brings frigid temperatures, icy roads, snow and often school closures. While sledding and building snowmen are fun, hazardous weather conditions mean much of the time is spent indoors, and soon the novelty of time off can become cabin fever. Local child education experts offer activity suggestions for filling those long winter days. Susan Friedman, executive editor for digital content at the National Association for the Education of Young Children and a Bethesda resident, suggests parents encourage a child’s natural curiosity. "In the same way that school classrooms have activity centers, parents can create boxes that focus on different activities like playing dress up with clothes, hats and neckties," she said. "You can create a box with art supplies and a box with games or puzzles."
In Defense of My Own Mechanism
So much of what I feel as a cancer survivor comes from the feedback I receive from others. Positive, complimentary, flattering characterizations are crucial to my optimistic outlook. Negative descriptions, reactions, etc., are not. Not to discount honesty, but the emotional divide on which a cancer patient’s self-assessment/attitude teeters is delicate indeed and honesty is sometimes (I said "sometimes") not the best policy. If I’m in the right mood, negativity can be deflected, absorbed even; not a problem. If I’m in the wrong mood, however, the negative can push me into a black hole of emotional despair. Regardless of whether the comment/observation is well-intended, accurate or even prudent under the circumstances, its effect can be deeply felt. Getting back to normal is not impossible and mostly within my control, but if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not have to claw my way out.
Editorial: Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year
As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.
A Year in Review, Things to Look for in 2014
Supervisor John w. Foust (D-Dranesville) reflects on most important events in McLean and Great Falls in 2013 and 2014.
Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville): *TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PLAN HB2313 - A significant event affecting the community in 2013 was the passage of HB2313 with bi-partisan support. This bill was the first comprehensive transportation plan passed in Virginia in 27 years.
Sen. Favola Shares Legislative Priorities
State Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) highlights the following legislative priority issues: *Safety Net: Retain McDonnell’s $1.6 M for extension of subsidies to foster youth and adopted youth until the age of 21. *Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) --- Index benefits to the COL Adjustment as determined by the Department of Labor (Need Budget Amendment as well). This helps women and children. Families stay an average of 3 years on TANF. The caseload has been decreasing in Virginia and $5M was shifted in the last biennium from TANF block grant dollars to funds General Fund services.
Comstock to Chair House Science And Technology Committee
Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-34) was named Chairwoman of the House Science and Technology Committee by Speaker Bill Howell (R-28). Howell said, "Barbara Comstock is one of the brightest and most energetic lawmakers in the General Assembly. She has worked tirelessly on issues important to Northern Virginia and the entire Commonwealth. For years she has been a leader on issues related to economic development and technology. This experience and knowledge will make her a great Chairwoman."
Achievements Remain High At Langley, McLean Pyramids
Janie Strauss, Fairfax County School Board, Dranesville Representative "Major events – 2013: *Dr. Karen Garza has become the new FCPS Superintendent *Voters approved the 2013 school bond "Student academic achievement remains high in the McLean/ Langley pyramid schools. Our schools are ranked among the tops in the nation in terms of academics, arts and extracurricular accomplishments. A few individual recognitions: Jason Cui from Langley was a Siemens Science Fair winner; Alex Stone, from McLean High, was named a YoungArts winner by the National YoungArts Foundation; Langley girls volleyball team won the state championship.
SHARE Celebrates Holiday
SHARE, Inc., local community relief organization, hosted its annual Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7, in the McLean Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Advocating for ‘Placemaking’
Elizabeth Morton, president, McLean Revitalization Corporation (MRC) *Some 2013 highlights:
Tysons Transformation Will Impact McLean
Most important happenings in and around McLean in 2013 and 2014.
Sally Horn, president, McLean Citizens Association: *Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved interim parking at the McLean Metro stop. A priority for MCA, the interim lot (which will provide surface parking for up to 10 years) promises to enable more McLean residents, especially those who do not have access to bus service or safe pedestrian pathways to Metro, to use Metro and help to remove cars from our roadways.
To Be! In McLean
January Is Shakespeare Month at The Alden.
Never "Too Much of a Good Thing," The Alden in McLean has declared January 2014 "Shakespeare Month" and has pulled together a month-long celebration of the Bard which will include films, a discussion with local experts and two performances by the acclaimed American Shakespeare Center on Tour. Prices vary and some events are free. The Alden is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, inside the McLean Community Center.
Thursday, December 26
McLean Home Sales: November, 2013
McLean Home Sales: November, 2013
Classified Advertising December 25, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Saturday, December 21
Callaghan Leads Langley to Second Consecutive Victory
Saxons senior guard scores career-high 28 points
The Langley boys' basketball team beat Chantilly on Friday night.
Friday, December 20
Children's Connection 2013
Annual children's issue showcases artistic talent of local students.
We asked principals and teachers from local schools to encourage students to contribute their stories and artwork for our annual Children's Issue. The responses as always, was enormous. While we were unable to publish every piece we received, we did our best to put together a paper of a balanced sampling of submitted stories, poems, drawings, paintings and photographs
Letter: Parents Advocate for Class Size Caps
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent’s (Dr. Karen Garza) conducted a "Listening Tour" meeting at Cooper Middle School in McLean. Many parents who spoke at the meeting were concerned about large class sizes in their children’s schools. This is not a problem in most FCPS schools - the average elementary school class in FCPS has only 21-22 students, and plenty of FCPS elementary schools average 20 or fewer students per class.
Teaching Love of Music in Vienna
Hyun-Mi Chung, owner of Elite Piano Academy, is announcing the third anniversary of her studio in Vienna. Chung has brought her 28 years teaching experience to Vienna to the delight of her many students who share the desire to learn. She expresses her gratitude to the students and their parents for their support during this time. Chung, a graduate of Juilliard School (B. M. & M. M.), the first woman pianist to have recorded all 35 Beethovens Sonatas, has a love of music that has been the motivation for her dedication to teaching. Since coming to Vienna, she has maintained a class of 50 students in a six day-a-week schedule. In addition, she has held two recitals per year (one per semester) for her students at the Vienna Presbyterian Church.
Dr. James Edward ‘Jay’ Manning, III, 78, Dies
Northern Virginia mourns the loss of a leader in education, former Langley High principal.
Northern Virginia has lost a towering presence in the community – an athlete, distinguished educator, and champion of every student.
Thursday, December 19
John Foust Announces Campaign to Represent Residents of 10th Congressional District
Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) announced the start of his campaign to represent the residents of Virginia’s tenth congressional district issuing the following press release:
Backwards Thinking
Considering that I’ve been cancer-centric now for nearly five years, one would have thought I might have learned and totally embraced an alternative concept: forward living – and less thinking about past causes and their possible current effects. Certainly cancer causes physical manifestations and symptoms that are diagnosable and indicative of trouble. But it’s the unseen effects that in some cases cause as many difficulties. What I am referring to is the mental and emotional toll a terminal diagnosis and short term prognosis can have on the patient’s perspective on life and living, and what’s presumptively thought to be left of it.
Preserve 3-2-1 for Housing
Housing for all income levels near transit supports vibrant communities and job growth, reduces traffic.
In the latest edition of The Herrity Report, Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity proposed "redirecting developers’ $3 per square foot contribution for buying rent-controlled housing units into a trust fund to pay for public school renovation and construction."
Home for the Holidays: Surviving a Long Trip
Keeping children entertained on lengthy airplane rides.
Liz Henry is nervous about her upcoming flight to San Francisco. It’s not TSA regulations or long lines that are causing her anxiety, however. It is traveling alone with her three children — all of whom are under the age of 6.
Teaching Children To Be Charitable
Experts say modeling, nurturing are keys to raising generous children.
Elena Santiviago walked her 6-year-old son down the aisle of a grocery store near her Arlington home. They picked up five boxes of toothpaste and two bottles of mouthwash, several bars of soap and a few sticks of deodorant. The shopping trip was part of a school project in which students fill holiday stockings with personal hygiene items for the homeless.
Art Educator Releases Two Books
Stories offer children and parents innovative ways to explore art.
Elizabeth Augenblick Smith, 10, spent a recent Saturday afternoon gluing strips of brightly hued tissue paper to create a collage. There were no rules or guides to follow.
Classified Advertising December 18, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Wednesday, December 18
Langley Boys' Basketball Coach Newman Gets First Win
Saxons defeat Fairfax to improve to 1-4.
The Langley boys' basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak.
Saturday, December 14
McLean Girls' Basketball Cruises to Victory Against Langley
Highlanders pull away with 35-3 run.
The McLean girls' basketball team improved to 4-0 with a win over Langley on Friday.
McLean Boys' Basketball Beats Rival Langley in Overtime
Highlanders senior Sullivan leads all scorers with 17 points.
The McLean boys' basketball team evened its record at 2-2 with a win over Langley on Friday.
Thursday, December 12
Classified Advertising December 11, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
New Approach to Mental Health
Reforms in wake of tragedy involving state senator's son.
Advocates for mental health services have been calling for improved services and increased funding for years, although the issue has been pushed aside year after year.
Wednesday, December 11
Gifts for the Foodie in Your Life
Local gourmets share their favorite products for the food lovers on your list.
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned cook or a budding culinary enthusiast, buying presents for a foodie can be a daunting task. What’s the best pan? The coolest gadget? The latest trend in desserts? Local gourmets come to the rescue with culinary goodies to entice even the most discerning of food aficionados.
Opening Up
Open floorplan plus cathedral ceiling equals Mclean ranch stylishly re-invented.
Assess a circa-1952 ranch on a shady street in McLean with an eye towards maximizing value. Among the shortcomings: rooms that are too small and dark; a kitchen that hasn't been remodeled in 25 years. A tiny breakfast room. A rear grade too steep for an addition. A front elevation with no visible front door.
Holiday Décor: Make It Sparkle
Local designers offer suggestions for home decorating.
’Tis the season for decking the halls. Whether your style is traditional and colorful, muted and demure or metallic and glittery, three local designers offer distinct holiday decorating ideas to spark your creativity.
Come Home to a Luxury Bedroom
Local designers unveil inviting spaces that are perfect for dreaming of sugarplums.
Bedrooms are no longer just for sleeping, at least according to some local designers. They’re for relaxing and watching television, but they’re also for reading and for eating a lazy weekend breakfast. In fact, some modern bedrooms are probably larger than their owners’ first apartments. Three local tastemakers unveil master bedrooms that are so opulent and amenity-filled that it’s surprising their owners ever want to leave.
A New Luxury Kitchen for the Holidays
Designers describe the perfect spaces for baking, cooking and entertaining.
With the holiday season in full swing, many people are finding themselves spending more time in the kitchen. Whether you hate to cook or love it, it can be more enjoyable when done in the kitchen of your dreams, complete with state-of-the-art appliances and custom-made marble topped islands.
A "Scancer" Update
Since you asked, or rather indulged me the past few weeks by wading through my two "Scanticipation" columns anticipating a result, I am happy to finally share that result with you: "Stable and better." These are the exact words e-mailed to me by my oncologist in response to my post-Thanksgiving inquiry about my CT Scan completed on the 27th.
Editorial: Happy Holidays, Safely
SoberRide safety net, 1-800-200-TAXI.
Holiday party season is well under way, along with winter weather advisories. It’s up to individuals to make good decisions about celebrations that involve alcohol and how to handle transportation.
Tysons Plan Debated
Follow-up dialogue with County staff on Phase I, Land Use.
As part of the Tysons Plan Amendment Process, a follow-up meeting on Dec. 4 was held by the Fairfax County Planning Staff with the public at Freedom Hill Elementary School. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss proposed changes to Phase 1 of the Tysons Plan. Implementation of the Tysons Development Plan began in 2010, after a 5 year planning process.
Additional Tests Delay Completion of Silver Line Phase 1
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced that additional tests are needed on Phase 1 of the Silver Line, focusing on software updates related to the Automatic Train Control System, before the project can be turned over to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Lady Statesmen Gymnasts Win Third Place in Season Opener
The George C. Marshall Lady Statesmen Gymnastics team kicked off their 2013-14 season with a third place finish in a six-team contest at Washington & Lee High School in Arlington.
Holiday Musical Comes to Alden Theatre
Theatre IV’s production of “The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves” will be presented at The Alden in McLean, as part of its McLean Kids Performance Series, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Tickets are $15, $10 for McLean tax district residents. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, inside the McLean Community Center.
Teen Center Offers Winter Break Trips
The Old Firehouse Teen Center (OFTC), a satellite program of the McLean Community Center (MCC), is offering day trips for 5th through 9th graders during Fairfax County Public Schools’ winter break. The center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The trips will depart and return from OFTC, which is located at 1440 Chain Bridge Road.
McLean High Student Dances with Encore
Performing in upcoming holiday show, ‘Switching Christmas.’
When a precocious, young girl changes places with a playful elf at the North Pole, things are bound to go awry and only Santa can save the day. That’s the premise of Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s new holiday show, “Switching Christmas,” and one of the performers is McLean High senior Emma Konnick.
Garza Holds Listening Tour
Schools Superintendent visits Cooper Middle School in McLean.
Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Karen Garza, Ph.D., held a Listening Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Cooper Middle School in McLean where more than 100 residents of the Dranesville District shared their concerns about local schools. The meeting, which was attended by local teachers, principals and parents, included School Board Rep. Janie Strauss (Dranesville).
Colonial Day at Churchill Road
On Friday, Dec. 6, Churchill Road fourth graders stepped back in time to the 19th century and participated in the school’s annual Colonial Day. This immersion into the life styles and customs of the colonial days marked the culmination of the fourth graders’ social studies unit on Colonial America.
Highlanders Hold Holiday Bazaar
Fundraiser offers school spirit wear and arts and crafts at McLean High School
The Highlander Holiday Bazaar was held at McLean High School on Saturday, Dec. 7. — Steve Hibbard
McLean Holiday Crafts Show a Hit
Featured 70 fine American artisans from across the country.
The 31st Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show was held Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at the McLean Community Center. The event featured 70 artisans from across the country in a juried show with paintings, glass, gourmet foods and jewelry, among other things. —Steve Hibbard
McLean Hosts ReinDog Parade
Dog owners display spruced up pooches in their holiday finest.
McLean’s finest pooches donned holiday apparel and paraded around during the 17th Annual ReinDog Parade Saturday at the Langley Shopping Center in McLean. Dignitaries included Santa on a fire truck, Peggy Fox of WUSA-TV Channel 9, and Supervisor John Foust. The dogs were judged in the following categories: small, medium, large and other (one cat). Celebrity judges included Dr. Kate Salkeld, DVM; Dr. Craig Felton, DVM; and Supervisor Foust. The entry fee was two cans of dog food that was donated to the Humane Society of Fairfax County.
Thursday, December 5
Newman Enters First Season as Langley Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
Collier, Callaghan are Saxons’ top returning athletes.
The Langley boys' basketball team will take on Stuart on Friday.
Alcorta Wins Foot Locker South Regionals
Lake Braddock’s Christen, Kunc advance to nationals.
The Football Locker national cross country meet is this weekend in San Diego.
Classified Advertising December 3, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Democrats Shut Out of Power in Senate
Even if Democrats win in two special elections, control over committees is unlikely.
Don't expect Democrats to take control over state Senate committees anytime soon, even if the party manages to hold both of the seats where special elections are now underway.
Wednesday, December 4
‘Must-see’ Absurd Nonsense
1st Stage presents ‘Noises Off.’
Good news. The cure for doldrums or just a plain-old bad mood is here. It is playing at 1st Stage, where a merry, talented band of actors take the audience on a frenetic, joyful, ride into the farce "Noises Off." The actors literally throw themselves into the production. They are unselfconsciously fearless in their pratfalls, spot-on with their comic timing and bring on a happy, silly bliss.
Langley High Orchestra Presents Russian Concert
The Langley HS Orchestra will present their winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Langley HS Auditorium. The concert is a collaboration of two of Langley's largest programs—Russian and Orchestra.
Weichert, Realtors’ Recognizes the McLean/Dolley Madison Office, Top Associate
Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the McLean/Dolley Madison office was recognized for outstanding performance in October.
Week in McLean
McLean Holiday Homes Tour Kicks Off Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, will kick off the McLean Woman’s Club’s Holiday Homes Tour, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McLean Stores Offer a Variety of Holiday Gift Ideas
"The staff at Child’s Play Toys have a great working knowledge of all the games, books and toys, and know what is appropriate for each age group," said customer Michele Hopkins.
Madeira Students Invited to People of Color Conference
The Madeira School has 15 community members scheduled to attend the annual National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (PoCC) and Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) in Washington, D.C. from Dec. 5-7.
Cantata for Community
Brian E. Wilhour composes the Christmas Cantata, which he will conduct on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean.
"In high school I was convinced I didn’t want to be a musician at all. That was the last thing I wanted." That’s Immanuel Church Music Director Brian E. Wilhour, reflecting on his 15 years at Immanuel, and having written 15 major choral and orchestral works.
Tuesday, December 3
The Holiday Blues: Cope and Prevent
Mental health experts say being realistic and seeking support can help you avoid holiday stress and depression.
While the holiday season is filled with parties, shopping, decorating and other festive activities, mental health experts say it often brings unwelcome guests as well: stress and depression. While they can be difficult to manage when one is in the midst of a bout, with a few strategies one may be able to prevent both before they ruin the holiday season.
Staying Fit During the Holidays
Staving off extra pounds during the season of sweets.
Patty McAndrews works out with a trainer twice a week at of TRUE Health and Wholeness in Arlington. She found that restarting her fitness regimen about two months ago has strengthened her abdominal muscles and toned her body.
Holiday Recipe Makeovers
Strategies for keeping traditional treats healthy
When Alice Jenkins saw her doctor two months ago, he diagnosed her with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and suggested she change her diet and lose about 30 pounds. Lawson, 45, started a diet program and has lost nine and a half pounds, but now that she’s in the midst of the holiday season, she’s concerned about losing the strides that she’s made with her dietary changes. "I have a large family and we get together a lot during the holidays," said Lawson, who lives in Alexandria. "There is always sweet potato pie, macaroni and cheese, and deep fried turkey."
"Scanticipation" Not So Much
As much as last week’s column, "Scanticipation" was about my looking forward – in a non-foreboding way, to my scheduled CT Scan on the 27th and the presumptive positive (not negative) results, having to write a column for this week before having received those results makes this writing effort particularly challenging.
Every Tweet Counts
How Republican Brian Schoeneman earned wrath of his party by making sure every vote counted in county.
On the morning of Nov. 6, the day after the general election, it appeared that Republican Mark Obenshain had eked out a razor-thin victory over Democrat Mark Herring to become Virginia’s next Attorney General. Like most hotly-contested political battles, the close race generated even closer scrutiny.
Editorial: Who Will Be Hurt?
Innovations, changes and cuts designed to help the budget should be subject to analysis of how they will affect those on the short end of the economic and digital divide.
As Fairfax County faces a tight budget year and Fairfax County Public Schools consider significant cuts, clearly some changes are going to affect services on the ground. As various proposals emerge, there should be some specific analysis of how changes, innovations and cuts would affect the poorest one-third or so of the county’s residents specifically.