Stories for June 2013

Column: No Shame in Crying

Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).

Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?

The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.

New Bicycle Signs Dedicated in Downtown McLean

Signs placed to aid cyclists and walkers through downtown McLean.

Fairfax County staff joined with bicycling advocates in downtown McLean Thursday, June 20, to celebrate the installation of several bicycle wayfinding signs. The signs give directions to bicyclists and pedestrians throughout downtown McLean to community landmarks such as the McLean Community Center, and W&OD Trail.

GFCA Hosts Groundwater Contamination Discussion

Lawyer speaks on experiences with groundwater contamination.

The Great Falls Citizens Association hosted Matt Pawa, an attorney with experience dealing with groundwater contamination Thursday, June 20.

Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’

Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.

City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Week in McLean

Used Book Collection Continues

The McLean Area American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Annual Used Book Collection is Saturday, June 29 at the Sun Trust Bank, 515 Maple Ave., Vienna, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final collection dates are also at the Sun Trust Bank on July 20 and Aug. 10. All kinds of books in good condition, especially children’s books and DVDs are needed for its 44th annual Book Sale.

495 Express Lanes Speed Limit Increases to 65 mph

While the speed limit on the 495 Express Lanes is now 65 mph, the speed limit on the mainline Beltway lanes will remain 55 mph. Drivers traveling on the Express Lanes will now see new regulatory on-road signs reflecting the speed increase on the left side of the roadway.

Weichert Realtors Recognize McLean/Dolley Madison Office

Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the McLean/Dolley Madison office was recognized for outstanding performance in May. The office led the entire company in dollar volume, the company and the region in resale dollar volume, as well as the region, which comprises offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Delaware counties, for new home dollar volume, resales and resale revenue units.

St. Luke Pastor to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Ordination to Priesthood

Father David L. Martin, newly appointed pastor of St. Luke Parish in McLean, will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to Priesthood on June 30. The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, appointed Father David L. Martin as the new pastor of Saint Luke Parish (4625 parishioners) effective June 29, 2011.

Blue Lightning Wins Softball City Series

Stella & Dot's Blue Lightning won the McLean Little League AA Softball City Series Saturday under manager Greg Kutz.

Two Area Residents Elected to Hope Connections Board

Hope Connections for Cancer Support, the local nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people with cancer and their loved ones deal with the emotional and physical impact of the disease, has elected four new members to its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is made up of 19 members; the four new members include two from Fairfax County: Sharon Glickman and James J. Lynch, Ph.D.

Head of The Langley School Retires After 13 Years

This month, Doris Cottam will retire from her position as head of school at The Langley School, an independent school in McLean serving nearly 500 students in preschool to eighth grade. During her 13 years as head of school, Cottam transformed The Langley School financially, strategically, programmatically and culturally into a professional, sustainable model for the 21st century—all while embracing and maintaining the school’s community-based roots. When she retires at the end of June, she will leave behind a legacy of growth and financial stability that will successfully propel Langley into its eighth decade.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm Announces 40th Year of Operations

Museum and working farm has served more than 2 million visitors since 1973.

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run is celebrating 40 years of operations in 2013. The living history museum and privately operated National Park portrays family life on a pre-Revolutionary War era working farm in Northern Virginia. Through interactive educational programs, special events, internships and more The Claude Moore Colonial Farm furthers understanding of everyday living and agriculture in late 18th century Virginia. Over 2,000,000 visitors across the U.S. and internationally have visited the museum and farm since its founding in 1973.

Housing’s Roaring Rebound?

Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.

In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.

Classified Advertising June 19, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Highlanders Encouraged to Do ‘Great Things’

Class of 2013 defines McLean High one last time.

The light above the original 13 colony nameplates in Constitution Hall changed from a gushing green to a Highlander red by late afternoon. Of the 521 McLean seniors who proceeded across the stage on Thursday, June 13, 21 percent of them did so with honors. Their keynote speaker, CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell, gave the Class of 2013 key principles of how to live one’s life. He told two stories about Sept. 11, 2001: the two people’s stories were Father Mychal Judge and Lieutenant Kevin P. Shaeffer.

Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95

As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.

Rising to Boys & Girls Clubs ‘Youth of the Year’

With help of Boys & Girls Clubs, local immigrant student receives full college scholarship.

Today, Henry Lopez has a bright future, complete with a full scholarship to college. It wasn’t always that way, however, and he remembers being a preschool student in a foreign country, unfamiliar with the language and culture, fighting to learn, to fit in, to avoid falling into a gang.

Week in Fairfax

Fair Oaks Townhouse Fire

Fire officials say a blaze last week at a Fair Oaks townhouse caused an estimated $50,000 damage. The single-family home is at 4815 Green Duck Lane, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Week in McLean

Walmart Hiring for 200 Jobs in New Tysons Store, Charity Dinner for McLean Project for the Arts, Shelter House to Host Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards.

Viewpoints: Marshall High School Graduation

Where Do You Go Next and Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?

At Marshall, a Time to Start Over

Marshall High School graduates at DAR Constitution Hall.

On Friday, June 14, Marshall High School held their graduation ceremony at Constitution Hall. This year, 354 seniors marched down the aisles, in light blue and red robes, ready to walk across the stage to receive the diplomas they have been working their entire academic career for.

Viewpoints: New Tysons

What do you think about the changes coming to Tysons?

Open House Highlights ‘New Tysons’

County presents plans for “New Downtown.”

Westbriar Elementary School in Vienna, located one block off of Old Courthouse Road and just minutes away from the massive Tysons Corner redevelopment project that is being hailed as the construction of Fairfax County’s “New Downtown,” was the venue for the “Transforming Tysons” Open House. Considering its enormous scope, and the media attention that this project had received even before the first jackhammer went into action, it’s easy to believe that there have literally been thousands of pages of documents, reports, graphs, sketches and communiqués generated on the subject—and more keep coming.

Teaching Love of Learning

Arlene Connolly, Spring Hill Elementary kindergarten teacher, retiring after 22 years.

Long-time Spring Hill Elementary kindergarten teacher Arlene Connolly is retiring after 22 years at the McLean school. Connolly, a native of Manhasset, N.Y., taught in New York before moving with her husband, Joe, to the Washington, D.C. area in 1971.

Dr. Ericksen Joins Kaplan Center

Jeffery Ericksen, MD, an expert in regenerative medicine, joined the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine team, June 6. Before joining the Kaplan Center, Dr. Ericksen served at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital as an attending physician and as the director of the hospital’s Interventional Pain Clinic and Polytrauma Network Site. Dr. Ericksen also holds an associate professorship at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Ryan Cheng Receives Award, Langley Rowers Honored

Ryan Cheng, Langley rower and graduating senior, received the Hillary J. Fein Spirit Award for the “athlete who best embodies the true spirit and passion for crew.” This honor is awarded every year by Langley crew to honor the memory of Hillary Fein, Langley Class of 1999. Fein was a dedicated member of the Langley crew team who died in 2000.

McLean Central Park Draft Plan Presented

Draft plan features new access points, amphitheater.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented a draft of the Master Plan revision for McLean Central Park Monday, June 8 at the McLean Community Center.

Great Falls Elementary School Students Heading to Japan

Great Falls Elementary students take two-week trip to Japan.

Several Great Falls Elementary students will be spending the first part of their summer vacation in Japan, as part of an exchange program. While on the trip, they will visit various locales in the country, including a visit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

CAR Hosts Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Great Falls

More than 60 worn and damaged flags "retired" June 14.

While the burning of the American flag is often used as a form of protest or rejection of what it stands for, the United States Code also says that burning is the proper way to dispose of damaged or worn flags.

Great Falls Elementary Schools Receive Donations

Celebrate Great Falls donates to three local elementary schools.

Celebrate Great Falls presented the parent teacher groups for the three Great Falls elementary schools, Colvin Run, Forestville and Great Falls, a check for $7,104.46 Tuesday, June 11.

Update on Proposed Great Falls TD Bank

Final submission to county planning commission made.

Representatives for TD Bank presented the latest on the proposed Great Falls branch, which would be located at the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. This was the sixth such meeting hosted by the Great Falls Citizens Association.

Viewpoints: Langley High School Graduation

Where Are You Going Next and Where Do You See Yourself in 10 years?

Graduates of Langley High School talk about their future on their graduation day.

Saying Goodbye at Langley

‘Selfless’ Class of 2013 has no problem with the delay.

The 469 graduates in Langley High School’s Class of 2013 had to wait before they could walk across the stage in Constitution Hall to receive their long coveted diplomas. On the Thursday morning of June 13, when potential torrential rainstorms moved swiftly in the Washington D.C. area, a tardy bus delayed the ceremonies 16 minutes.

Wolf Announces Appointments to the Nation’s Service Academies

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2017 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for Academy prep schools.

Having Fun and Helping Cause

Vorndran and Loving families enjoying great Italian food in support of their favorite Little League teams.

Urging Congress to Help End Slavery

Area resident joins anti-trafficking advocates in visit to congressional offices.

Fairfax County resident, Dawn Turton—who lives in Springfield, works in McLean, and goes to church in Alexandria—returned home late Tuesday evening, June 11, from Washington D.C. after visiting the offices of congressman Moran, Senator Warner and Senator Kaine. Turton was among 250 individuals from 40 states who took part in a day of advocacy organized by human rights agency International Justice Mission (IJM). Participants met with more than 210 congressional offices to build support for strong U.S. policies to combat trafficking and slavery at home and abroad.

Classified Advertising June 12, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Column: Full Circle

I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.

Designing a Colorful World

Local interior design experts offer suggestions for choosing paint colors for one’s home.

Choosing paint for one’s home can be a daunting task. Colors often look different on paint chips and fan decks than they do on interior walls. What are some of the secrets to making the right choices? Local interior designers offer suggestions.

Rock the Pink at Occoquan

The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.

On the Campaign Trail

Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.

Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards

McLean, Langley, Madeira honored.

Local schools brought home half a dozen awards among them at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. McLean High won three; Langley, two; and Madeira, one. Robinson Secondary captured the Best Musical honor for “Hairspray,” and Madison won the Best Play award for “Lend Me a Tenor.”

Establishment Wins Democratic Primary

State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.

Fairfax Celebrated

The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.

Creating Livable Community For All Ages

County and local organizations seek to find and meet seniors’ needs.

People over 55 make up approximately 30 percent of Fairfax County’s population, making them the largest population group. Many of that group have chosen, or plan, to spend their later years in Fairfax County, but as they age in place, there are certain services and resources needed.

MedStar Opens McLean Rehabilitation Facility

New site aims to be "one stop shop" for rehabilitation.

MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital Network has opened a new outpatient facility in downtown McLean. The facility aims to provide complete care for both orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation needs.

Dranesville Lord, Lady Honored

Bob Hahne, Wendy Gradison honored by supervisors.

Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) named two McLean residents, Robert Hahne and Wendy Gradison, 2013 Lord and Lady Fairfax for his district. The annual recognition highlights local residents for their community service.

Reel Potential Finds Motivation in the Movies

Scott DiGiammarino uses film clips to get message across.

Great Falls resident Scott DiGiammarino knows the power of movies. In his recent TED Talk at TEDx Rock Creek Park, entitled "Why Movies Move Us," he spoke about the impact movies have, and the neuroscience behind it.

Growing up With Baseball in Great Falls

Langley senior Bryan Even to play Division II baseball next year.

Growing up in Great Falls, Langley High School senior Bryan Even found his second home on the diamond. He started his career with Great Falls Little League, where he found inspiration every opening day from the members of the Langley Saxons varsity team.

Langley Orchestra Presents Western Concert

The end of the year concert is a night filled with country-style outfits, tunes from the Old West, and plenty of spirit.

Langley Orchestra ended a year of great concerts with their Western concert on Tuesday, June 4.

Week in McLean

Church to Host Discussion on Gun Violence and Gospel Values

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, will host a free faith and public policy breakfast on “Gun Violence and Gospel Values—Possible Church Responses” on Saturday, June 15, with a simple breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program, ending by 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited.

Partnering to Provide Children Medical, Dental Care

Margery Leveen Sher described the Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) Foundation’s work at the May 30 Hispanic Business Summit hosted by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Latino Advisory Board. Sher exhorted the Hispanic business leaders to become involved in this special public/private partnership which provides medical and dental care to children in low-income families without access to physicians and dentists.

Langley Orchestra Presents Final Concert

The Langley High School Orchestra presented its final concert of the school year on June 4 in the Langley HS Auditorium. Directed by Dr. Scott McCormick and Ms. Bo-Min Son, "Blazing Bows of the West" featured music from iconic Western movies and music with an American theme.

Farmer’s Market Held at Churchill Road

Churchill Road fourth graders held their second annual farmer’s market in the school’s butterfly garden on June 4-5 and thanks to the efforts of fourth grade teachers Aubrey Beiswenger, Rachel Dunleavy, David Ickowski, Nick Kilpatrick, Claire McHale and Mary-Lynn Robosky, these 10-year-olds learned about entrepreneurship firsthand.

Scavenger Hunt at Churchill Road

Churchill Road sixth graders took advantage of the summery May weather to go on a scavenger hunt in Steven Nicklas’ science class.

Supporting Reading Program at Lemon Road

The Woman’s Club of McLean at its June 4 meeting presented a check for $1,000 to Karla Barnes, reading specialist at Fairfax County’s Lemon Road Elementary School, for use in the school’s reading program.

‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs

A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.

Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.

MCA Hosts Members Update

Speakers share plans for new community center, downtown improvements.

The McLean Citizens Association hosted their annual membership meeting Thursday, May 30, bringing in organizations from around the community to provide the latest on McLean’s past, present and future. Sally Horn, president of MCA, called the last 12 a "terrific and challenging year," particularly in terms of Tysons Corner funding and transportation plans.

Langley Alumni Face Off Against Varsity

Second annual Langley Alumni Baseball Game held at Nike Field.

The Langley High School varsity baseball team squared off against its past self Sunday, June 2 at Nike Field, as the current team took on a team made up of alumni for the second straight year.

And the Winners Are …

Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.

The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Week in McLean June 5, 2013

Book Collection to Support Scholarships for Women

The McLean Area American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Annual Book Collection in preparation for its 44th annual Book Sale is Saturday, June 8 at the Sun Trust Bank, 515 Maple Ave., Vienna, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional collection dates at the Sun Trust Bank are: June 29; July 20; and, Aug. 10. All kinds of books in good condition, especially children’s books and DVDs are needed.

A Shear Madness of an Evening

1st Stage presents "Blithe Spirit" by Noel Coward.

Light-hearted fare has arrived at Tysons 1st Stage in the guise of Noel Coward's 1941 hit, "Blithe Spirit." It is a lovely dessert-like confection of escapist froth and meringue. But its age—it was written during the "keep calm and carry on" times of the London Blitz of World War II—is beginning to show even under the assured direction of Lee Mikeska Gardner.

Experiencing All-American Football Camp

Local players gain exposure to college coaches during camp and develop skills for football and life.

Over the past two years, over 100 athletes who have attended the camp are playing NCAA football, including 48 who received Division I scholarships in 2012.

Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles

Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.

Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.

Week in McLean June 5, 2013

Church to Host Discussion on Gun Violence and Gospel Values

Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, 1724 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, will host a free faith and public policy breakfast on “Gun Violence and Gospel Values—Possible Church Responses” on Saturday, June 15, with a simple breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program, ending by 10:30 a.m. Everyone is invited.

Brief: McLean Girls Win Elite Showcase Championship

The McLean '98 Spirit Green U14 Girls, coached by Christian Michel, scored a pulsating victory over the Culpeper Comets in the championship game of the Virginian Elite Showcase Tournament (Premier Gold Division) on Memorial Day Monday.

Brief: McLean Galaxy Green Wins Virginian Elite Showcase

McLean Galaxy Green U10 Boys Team were champions in the Gold West Division of the Virginian Elite Showcase Tournament over Memorial Day Weekend.

Brief: Fairfax County Park Authority Completes Trail Connecting Ingleside Avenue and Churchill Road

Residents of McLean are now enjoying a new asphalt trail connecting Churchill Road to Ingleside Avenue at Baron Road in McLean.

McLean Green United Defends Championship

McLean Green United, U12 Girls Travel Soccer, successfully defended their championship at the 2013 FC Delco Player’s Cup over Memorial Day in Chester County, Pa.

Scavenger Hunt and Churchill Road

Churchill Road sixth graders took advantage of the summery May weather to go on a scavenger hunt in Steven Nicklas’ science class.

The Faces of MCC

Elections give 2013-2013 McLean Community Center Governing Board seats to three adults, two teens.

Five McLean tax district residents have won seats on the McLean Community Center’s 2013-2014 Governing Board.

Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships

Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.