Thursday, February 28
Classified Advertising Feb. 27, 2013
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Wednesday, February 27
Pets Matter in McLean
Mclean residents love their pets.
It was nearly seven summers ago that the Allen family met the runt of a littler of toy poodles from a Maryland breeder. From the moment she arrived at their McLean home, “Summer” was part of the family. “She just means everything to our family,” said Melissa Allen, who shares the home with her husband John and their three daughters.
Pancakes, Coffee and Donations
McLean woman helps with leukemia, lymphoma fundraiser.
Pancakes and syrup make a tasty meal; but at the Centreville IHOP, they’re also a way to raise money. And that’s what happened Feb. 5 when the restaurant held a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Week in McLean
Vienna Quilt Shop Becomes ‘Quilt Shop of McLean’, Fundraiser Supporting the Brooksfield School, and Donate Old Car to County Police
Collecting Books for Buddy School
For the second consecutive year, Churchill Road fourth grade students—all 144 of them—collected new books for the fourth grade students at their buddy school, Dogwood Elementary in Reston.
Local Leaders Praise Transportation Funding Bill
State Senator Chap Petersen wants you to curb your enthusiasm.
Politics makes strange bedfellows, and sometimes estranged ones as well. On Saturday, the last day of the Virginia General Assembly, state legislators struck a bipartisan 11th hour deal to pass a comprehensive transportation funding plan—the first long-term plan in 27 years.
Bulova: Move in the Right Direction
Local leaders applaud General Assembly’s Transportation Funding Bill.
“This is a great step toward addressing the transportation challenges we face in Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia region."
Fairfax Library Foundation Awards Scholarships Through Continuing Education
The Fairfax Library Foundation has announced that 13 Fairfax County Public Library employees and volunteers have each been awarded continuing education scholarships to foster the professional development of the Fairfax County Public Library team.
Column: To Buy Or Not To Buy
That is my question. And though I can’t quite quote Shakespeare the way I can quote The Three Stooges: “Moe, Larry, the cheese. Moe, Larry, the cheese,” “’tis nobler” to ask it nonetheless. Still, if Hamlet had been diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer, as I have, perhaps he wouldn’t have been contemplating suicide but rather allocating his monthly budget – as I do every day, with nearly every purchase. That’s my dream, “perchance” or otherwise.
Bulova Gives State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her “State of the County” address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Tuesday, February 26
Bulova Presents State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her "State of the County" address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Spring Hill Hosts Parental Presentation
Michelle Kriebel gives strategies on dealing with peer pressure.
Parents from Spring Hill and Churchill Road Elementary School got a few lessons in parenting Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Spring Hill Elementary School. Educator and presenter Michelle Kriebel spoke to more than 40 parents about strategies parents can take to set boundaries for their young children and deal with external factors such as peer pressure.
Foundation Plans for Art Center
Community Center for the Arts possible at Turner Farm.
The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts was founded in 2007 with the goal of eventually bringing an arts center to the community. Since then, they have run a school, working studio space and a gallery space on Walker Road, all while planning for the future.
Saturday, February 23
Classified Advertising Feb. 20, 2013
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Friday, February 22
Column: Definition of “Slippery Slope”
Figuratively speaking, of course. That definition being: a late stage cancer patient/survivor previously characterized as “terminal” awaiting the results of their most recent diagnostic scan. A scan that will indicate whether the tumors have grown, moved or God forbid, appeared somewhere new. If your life hung in the balance before the scan, waiting for results of this however-many-months-interval-scan will most assuredly loosen your figurative grip on your equilibrium and your most literal grip on your sanity. This is a domain, unlike the one referred to in one of the more infamous Seinfeld episodes, that one cannot master. To invoke and slightly rework Dan Patrick’s “catch” phrase: You can’t stop it, you can only hope to contain it.
Learning From the Past
What some area schools are doing to celebrate Black History Month.
The sound of steel drums vibrates through the air of a crowded auditorium in Potomac, Md. In McLean, elementary school girls share their understanding of the struggles of Rosa Parks. A group of second graders from Alexandria treks to downtown Washington to see the massive memorial statue of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Thursday, February 21
McLean Home Sales: January, 2013
In January 2013, 51 homes sold between $5,000,000-$195,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: January, 2013
Letter: Alarmed and Saddened
I participated in the public hearing on school discipline last week and was alarmed and deeply saddened to view the document Students Rights and Responsibilities for K-12, which lists pages and pages of all the “bad” behavior a student could possibly have, and the consequences for each violation. The really big consequence is for marijuana use, which merits immediate 10-day suspension and a referral for consideration of expulsion on the first violation.
Langley Crew Team Rows to ‘Stop Hunger Now’
The Langley crew team raised $2,500 toward the Langley pyramid effort to support the Stop Hunger Now charity, which culminated in a meal packaging event that was held at Colvin Run Elementary School on Saturday, Feb. 9. The Langley pyramid effort raised $19,000 total, which paid for 76,000 high protein meals that were put together or "packed" by volunteers. Langley crew held a fundraiser event at the Great Falls Safeway on Feb. 2 and also donated a portion of the proceeds from its annual indoor rowing competition—an "Erg-a-thon" against West Springfield High School that Langley won.
Spelling Bee Champion
On Feb. 11, Churchill Road crowned a new spelling bee champion. After 12 rounds among 20 finalists, 6th grader Matthew Cox took first place by correctly spelling the word “salubrious.” He will go on to represent CRS at the county bee on March 12 at Lanier Middle School. Sixth graders Soumya Peri and Eric Gan placed second and third, respectively.
On a Mission to Serve
On Tuesday, Jan. 22, Oakcrest School implemented a school-wide initiative called L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Experience, Academics, Daring) Day. The mission for the day was to provide a series of thoughtful workshops, service projects and field trips to kickoff the 3rd Quarter and Semester II.
McLean’s Potomac School Gets New Leader
John Kowalik described as a wise and gifted educator.
The Potomac School in McLean will soon have a new leader at the helm. School officials announced recently that John J. Kowalik will assume the role of head of school. The announcement came in a statement from Larry Culp, chair of Potomac’s board of trustees. “John Kowalik is a wise and gifted educator, with a rare combination of inspirational leadership capabilities and exceptional management skills. He is the right leader to build on [current Head] Geoff Jones’ remarkable achievements at Potomac during the last 13 years.”
McLean High Students Present The Salon Project
Revisiting the time and a place “where ideas mattered most.”
Conversations about Newtonian science, Benjamin Franklin’s electricity, liberty and equality, diplomacy, the monarchy, free speech, free press, American independence social life and scandal were just a few of the subjects broached in the Salon Project presentation, at the Corcoran Gallery of Art last Saturday, by McLean High School students in Dean Howarth’s program.
Promoting Arts in McLean
McLean Project for the Arts’ only surviving founder, Nancy Bradley, shares stories of its origin.
Fifty years ago, long-time resident Nancy Weyl Bradley, along with five local artists, made a decision that would permanently change the cultural landscape of McLean. They noticed a lack of opportunity for artists and those who appreciate art in the community. And it wasn’t long before the group of six women artists, most of whom were studying at American University, came up with the idea of opening an art gallery in McLean. It was not intended to be a vanity gallery to show their own works, but a true gallery to showcase the works of local artists.
Thinking of Young Patients on Valentine’s Day
Service learning was the focus of the February meeting of Churchill Road’s Student Council Association. SCA representatives made Valentine’s Day care packages for young patients at INOVA Children’s Hospital in Fairfax. Working with Jamie Gentille, Director of Child Life Services at INOVA Children’s Hospital, the CRS students put together packages of books, puzzles and games, along with hand-made cards, as a Valentine’s Day treat for the young patients. SCA officers J.J. Bellaschi, Izzy Schone and Whit Walter, along with SCA representative Liliana Schone and club sponsor Sharon Jones dropped the packages off at Fairfax Hospital on Valentine’s Day.
New Approach to Helping Chronic Homeless
County joins "100,000 Homes" effort as chronic homelessness on rise.
The number of chronically homeless individuals in Fairfax County is on the rise. Currently, nearly 300 individuals are considered chronically homeless, many living in cars or sleeping in tents. In an effort to find permanent homes for these individuals, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness is joining the 100,000 Homes Campaign, a national movement to find permanent homes for 100,000 chronically homeless throughout the nation.
‘Two Symphonies and a Dance’ for Area Music Lovers
Virginia Chamber Orchestra to present early Mozart and Mendelssohn works.
There has always been the debate about the role of nature and nurture in a child’s development. This is especially true in child prodigies. Mozart and Mendelssohn were from musical homes and received encouragement in musical studies. Although Gluck sang in his church choir, his interest in music was surely of his own making as he was expected to work in his family’s forestry business.
Thursday, February 14
Classified Advertising Feb. 13, 2013
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Wednesday, February 13
A Positive Reflection
Joan Brady gives foster children needed exposure.
On Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, Joan Brady of Great Falls had just started a three-month sabbatical from her job with an Internet company. Newly-married, Brady, who was 36 years old at the time, was exhausted from 80-hour work weeks in a rigid corporate environment. She wanted time that fall to contemplate what to do next with her life. The next day provided answers and a sense of urgency. It was Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks, and the moving stories of heroism and tragedy on 9/11, indelibly left their mark. Brady, like many Americans, was inspired to do something new, to take more chances, to change direction.
Editorial: On Transportation
Compromise, in the works, should include indexing the gas tax to inflation.
Virginia needs more options, not fewer, in developing revenue to pay for roads and transportation. Compromise on a plan to increase transportation revenue should not include making Virginia the only state in the nation without a gas tax. The current, ridiculously low gas tax should be indexed to inflation. The last thing the commonwealth needs is to do away with an existing, major source of money for roads.
Celebrating 70th Anniversary
Patrick and Adele Russell of McLean wed in February of 1943.
Pat Russell was a handsome young Navy reservist and a student at the University of Minnesota when he met 17-year-old Adele Marie Bissonnette at a friend's house in Minneapolis in 1939.
Magical Musical Memories
McLean Orchestra presents youth-centric concert.
For the first time in its more than 40 year history, the McLean Orchestra presented a “side-by-side” free concert on Sunday, Feb. 3, seamlessly pairing the professional musicians of the orchestra with their young counterparts from Principal Conductor Paul Kim’s McLean Youth Orchestra.
Area Students Excel at MATHCOUNTS Competitions
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competitions were held on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria.
Volunteers Needed to Help Count Homeless
Volunteers organized by FACETS and other local nonprofits will spread out across Fairfax County to count, photograph, and get names and histories for everyone experiencing homelessness for the county’s first ever “Registry Week,” a component of the 100,000 Homes Campaign,” beginning on Monday, Feb. 25, at various locations around Fairfax County.
Langley High Orchestra Performs in Italy
Two concerts, memorable sites.
The Langley High School Orchestra performed two concerts during their recent trip to Rome, Italy. The trip was an opportunity for the orchestra students to share their music with Italian children and adults, and to experience the rich culture and history of Rome.
Week in McLean
MCC Board to meet Feb. 27 and sheriff's office announces scholarship opportunity
McLean Student Appears in “Luck, Be A Lady” at Landon Middle
Landon Middle School, in collaboration with Holton Arms Middle School, has produced a one-hour, middle school age-appropriate version of the musical Guys and Dolls, Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at Landon School's Performing Arts Center.
Candidates Sought for MCC Board
The McLean Community Center (MCC), an agency of Fairfax County Government, is seeking candidates to run for open seats on its 2013-2014 Governing Board. The board provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Center.
Pride on Display at Chesterbrook
Chesterbrook Elementary celebrates with third annual International Night.
Chesterbrook Elementary School celebrated the international heritage of its students and families last Friday at its third annual International Night.
Building ‘Geodesic Dome’ at Churchill Road
After more than a month of hard work, fifth and sixth grade girls in the Churchill Road GEMS (Girls Excelling in Mathematics and Science) club completed the building of a geodesic dome.
Community Sounds off On School Discipline
County collects feedback on students’ rights and responsibilities.
Dozens of administrators, teachers, parents and community members gathered at McLean High School Thursday, Feb. 7, to share their feedback on the Fairfax County Public Schools Students Rights and Responsibilities manual.
McLean Seniors Sign Letters of Intent
Six students sign to play college sports in the fall.
Six McLean High School senior athletes made their college decisions final Wednesday, Feb. 6, signing letters of intent for their schools of choice for next year. Soccer players Evelyn Robinson and David Galdo, along with football player Robert Longwell have been awarded scholarships to play next year, while Lexi Slotkoff and Kris Hobbs will play for Ivy League schools.
Friday, February 8
Classified Advertising Feb. 6, 2013
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Thursday, February 7
Rooting for Transparency
Burke-based settlement hot on heels of anti-fraud land title certification.
Two grandmothers, Myrna Keplinger and Betty Reed, decided in 2000 that it would be nice to have an office space of their own. So they opened a realty and settlement office in the Mark Center in Alexandria and the two retired friends happily averaged 40 closings per month. Thirteen years and countless closings later, The Settlement Group grew to become the ninth largest settlement group in the region, with six offices in Northern Virginia, including locations in Burke, Franconia and McLean. As for Keplinger—she had undergone as much professional growth as had her business. She is now treasurer for the Virginia Land Title Association, on the American Land Title Association board of directors and an active member of its communications committee.
Wednesday, February 6
February Is Heart Month
Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.
When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.
Column: A Complicated Answer
And a further explanation and corollary to last week’s column: “A Simple Question,” which attempted to sort through my reactions to being asked an extremely innocent, appropriate, well-intended and always appreciated courtesy: “How are you?” and the problem that it sometimes causes me. That problem being: a question which had it not been asked would then not require an answer. An answer that I’ll always give, but not before I’ve given it some thought, which if I hadn’t thought about, wouldn’t have bothered me in the least
Making the Difference Between Struggle and Success
Carmen Jordan of Reston has been a mentor for Fairfax Families4 Kids for six years. She is considered one of the most experienced mentors in the program. In addition to working full-time as a marquee account manager at Deltek in Herndon, Jordan makes herself available to “trouble-shoot” for the children and families she mentors. In the following column, she details her experiences with the program, and at-risk foster youth.
'Stuff the Bus’ Campaign Helps Feed the Hungry
Donations continue to increase as campaign enters third year.
Local grocery stores were packed this weekend with shoppers stocking up on Super Bowl snacks for the annual football fan party. At the Wal-Mart in Fairfax, shoppers were greeted with colorful displays of chips, dips and other party favorites. They were also greeted by volunteers from Our Daily Bread (ODB), who were handing out flyers and encouraging shoppers to donate gift cards or specific items to restock ODB’s pantry shelves. A Fairfax nonprofit for nearly 30 years, ODB provides food and other critical services to the working poor, the elderly and the disabled. More than half of ODB’s clients are local children.
Police Warn Public of “Inheritance Scam”
Fairfax County Police (FCPD) has received numerous reports from residents across the U.S. involving a phony inheritance proclamation.
McLean High Musicians Dominate Northern Virginia Competition
McLean High School symphonic and concert band musicians dominated a recent county organized individual performance competition, taking 66 chairs or alternate positions in the All-Disrict Band.
McLean Author Launches New Book
Rebecca Shambaugh shows how organizations can harness the collective strengths of both men and women to create stronger businesses.
Try functioning without half of your brain. You might not be able to remember anything. You might not be able to drive. You might not be able to walk or talk. Now imagine a business that operates using only half its brainpower. It’s destined to fail.
McDonald’s Supports County Schools
The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C., presented Fairfax County Public Schools with a check for $4,200 on Friday, Jan. 18.
A Pleasing Romantic Comedy
1st Stage presents ‘Italian American Reconciliation.’
The pedigree of playwright John Patrick Shanley is top notch; he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his play "Doubt" and won an Oscar for the screen play for "Moonstruck." His "Italian American Reconciliation," now playing at 1st Stage in Tysons, will not disappoint.
Kathleen Murphy to Challenge Comstock in November
Democrat Kathleen Murphy kicked off her campaign yesterday to challenge Virginia Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) in this November’s House of Delegates election.
Week in McLean
Community dialogue on student discipline at McLean High, Health care legislation discussion, and Sheriff's office announces scholarship opportunity
Fifth Graders on a Hero’s Journey
Spring Hill Elementary students work with professional theater director to create their own works.
The students in Danny Seagraves’ fifth grade class know their grammar. They know spelling, math, and social studies too. These are all teachable subjects, according to the Spring Hill Elementary School teacher. But one concept that just can’t be taught, says 20-year teaching veteran Danny Seagraves, is creativity.
McLean Community Players Receive Seven WATCH Nominations
The McLean Community Players have been nominated for seven Washington Area Community Honors (WATCH) for artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater.
Making Sandwiches for Martha’s Table
In late January, Churchill Road second and fifth graders, as well as some siblings and parents, held the second sandwich-making event of the year for Martha’s Table, a Washington, D.C.,-based organized which helps feed the homeless.
Fairfax Softball and Special Olympics Raise Funds Bowling
Participants, family, friends and supporters of Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. (FAS) came together on Sunday, Jan. 27, for the 13th Annual Bowling Tournament to benefit Northern Virginia Special Olympics and Fairfax County Park Authority field improvements.
Tuesday, February 5
Fairfax Connector Proposes New Routes
Public input meeting held to solicit feedback on new bus routes.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation kicked off the public input process for their new bus routes in McLean Thursday, Feb. 1. The Fairfax Connector routes will be altered to take advantage of the opening of Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston in December, with the new routes expected to begin the same day as the stations open.
Marshall Boys’ Basketball: Doormat to District Contender
Statesmen have more wins this season than previous two combined.
The Marshall boys' basketball team is in second place in the Liberty District.