Thursday, May 30
Lake Braddock Baseball Beats Marshall in Region Semifinals
Bruins secure state berth, will face Oakton in region final.
The Lake Braddock baseball team scored 13 runs in the fourth inning to pull away from Marshall.
Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.
Wednesday, May 29
Classified Advertising May 29, 2013
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Summer Fun in Fairfax
The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.
Column: Airing on the Side of Caution
I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
100 New Citizens Sworn In
Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.
The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.
Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 28
Langley Chorus Presents Spring Show
Annual concert to feature pop hits through the decades.
The Langley High School chorus has explored on and off-Broadway, as well as Disney for their annual spring show in years past. This year they will take a trip through the decades, exploring pop music throughout its history with “Get On Your Feet: Pop Music Through the Decades.”
Brief: Week in McLean
Fire at Marshall High, McLean Chamber Promotes Bike to Work Day, and Book Collection to Support Scholarships for Women
Brief: Churchill Road Holds Math Olympics
Churchill Road third and fourth grade students Rachel Dunleavy, Samantha Spencer, Jennifer Williams and David Ickowski’s math classes competed in Math Olympics the week of May 20.
Underdog Marshall Baseball Advances to Region Semifinals
Statesmen one win shy of states after 0-7 start.
The Marshall baseball team will face Lake Braddock in the regional semifinals.
Local Student to Receive Statewide Award
A Floris fifth-grader honored for excellence in math.
A Floris Elementary School fifth-grader has been selected as the Virginia recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association of Gifted Children.
Thankful for Life
Delaney Saslav, 5, of McLean, reunites with rescuers at McLean fire department.
Everyday the McLean Volunteer Fire Department works tirelessly to protect and serve the McLean community. On Saturday, May 25, the dedicated firefighters were able to see the importance and the impact of their efforts with the visit of Delaney Saslav.
Viewpoints: What is your favorite way or place to have fun in summer in McLean?
What is your favorite way or place to have fun in summer in McLean?
Celebrating Partnerships
Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.
He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.
McLean Honors Fallen Heroes
Memorial Day ceremony held at McLean High.
McLean Post 270 of the American Legion hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at McLean High School on Monday, May 27. The event drew members of Post 270, their families, local leaders and community members as they gathered to dedicate a memorial stone in honor of the fallen service members of the Korean War.
McRain Day Still Manages to Shine
What the numbers say about McLean Day?
The weather forecast called for rain in McLean. Sure enough, about an hour after the 98th annual McLean Day started, it was pouring. That didn’t surprise Volunteer Coordinator Peggy Moore, who says organizers have often joked the event should be called “McRain Day.” But this is an event that goes on rain or shine, “unless the weather is dangerous,” Moore says, holding a funnel cake.
Summer Fun in McLean
Fireworks return to Langley, concerts return to McLean Central Park.
After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made. After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made.
Thursday, May 23
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
The sacrifices of those who died in war.
1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.
Tea Party Ticket
Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.
Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.
Wednesday, May 22
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs
Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 21
Vienna Police Sergeant Tom Taylor Honored
On May 4, Sergeant Tom Taylor was honored for his enforcement efforts against drunk and impaired drivers. The Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (V.A.S.A.P.) in Fairfax County and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) held its annual awards ceremony at the Tysons Westpark Hotel in McLean.
Week in McLean
Three Suspects Arrested, Charged in Serial Burglaries
Brief: Preserving Trees in McLean
McLean Trees Foundation plants, maintains trees at Lewinsville Park.
Volunteers for the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF) honored Mother’s Day and Mother Earth by edging, mulching and pruning 30 trees along Chain Bridge Road in Lewinsville Park in McLean. Three native Fringe Trees were also planted. The trees mark the entrance to Lewinsville Park and provide an important natural gateway to the business and residential community of McLean.
Brief: Churchill Road Students Support SHARE
On Friday, May 17, Steve Mournighan and Vic Kimm, from SHARE, Inc., a McLean-area food bank, picked up nearly half a truckload of food and household items donated by Churchill Road Elementary School families to help replenish the SHARE, Inc. shelves.
Brief: Community Charity Champions to Host Fundraiser for McLean Little League
A fundraiser for Mclean Little League has been announced by HBC Realty Group’s (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Champions. Come to dinner on Tuesday, June 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean to support Mclean Little League. Approximately 70 percent of the proceeds from food and drink will go to the charity, as long as the diner brings the flyer for the event.
Great Falls Exxon Site Contamination Update
Residents discuss contamination at Georgetown Pike-Walker Road intersection.
Great Falls residents gathered at the Grange Tuesday, May 14 to hear the latest on the contaminated site at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road, and to hear plans for its cleanup.
Joe Cassella 5K Raises $16,000
Annual run supports families of children suffering from cancer.
Frank Cassella remembers his brother Joe as a man who had very high character. Even throughout Joe’s 10-month battle with mesothelioma, which claimed his life in July 2009 at the age of 40, Frank remembers a brother who embraced support, not pity.
MCA Presents Teen Character Awards
The McLean Citizens Association presented 11 local teenagers with their Teen Character Awards during McLean Day Saturday.
A Day for McLean
Annual McLean Day festival held at Lewinsville Park.
Temperatures in the low 60s and rain throughout the day might have kept some people from the annual McLean Day Festival Saturday, May 18, but for the hundreds who look forward to the event, they didn’t even bat an eye.
New Source of Information for Seniors in McLean
McLean Senior Source help desk opens at community center.
Seniors in McLean now have a one-stop shop to access services with the opening of the McLean Senior Source Tuesday, May 21. Volunteers will man a phone, computer and table in the McLean Community Center in order to connect seniors and caregivers with services they need.
Friday, May 17
Classified Advertising May 22, 2013
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McLean Home Sales: April, 2013
In April 2013, 106 homes sold between $2,350,000-$182,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: April, 2013
Thursday, May 16
Fairfax County Attracts Innovative Technology Firms
More than 1,400 jobs added to local economy in first quarter.
Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013.
Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue
Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.
Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.
Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes
Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.
In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.
Classified Advertising May 15, 2013
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Concerned Citizens Host Gun Control Forum
Speakers examine past, present and future of gun control reform.
Ruth Hoffman of McLean watched the details of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December and couldn‘t help but feel it hit close to home. As the mother of a four year old and seven year old, she identified with the families of the victims of the tragedy, and found herself rethinking her previously held belief on guns.
Tuesday, May 14
Brief: Langley High Senior Presents ‘A Musical Journey’
In his senior recital, Langley High School student Paul Li performed piano solos and presented many of the compositions that he wrote during the school year. He conducted the concert, entitled "A Musical Journey,” at the Langley High School Auditorium on Friday, May 10.
Second Annual Langley Alumni Game Set
Langley varsity baseball team to face off against alumni June 2 in second annual game.
On Sunday, June 2 past and present members of the Langley High School baseball team will face off in the second annual Langley Varsity versus Alumni Baseball game. Last year the alumni won the inaugural game by a single run.
Brief: Week in McLean
Woman Robbed at Bank ATM, Book Collection and Sale to Support Scholarships for Women, BlogPaws Conference to Be Held at Tysons Corner, Trail Map Signs Installed at Pimmit Stream Valley
Brief: McLean Kitchen and Garden Tour Nets $10,225 for Wounded Warriors
At a meeting of the Woman’s Club of McLean on May 7, club President Virginia Sandahl announced that the proceeds of the previous week’s Kitchen and Garden Tour sponsored by the club were $10,225.
Brief: Longfellow Middle, TJHSST Win Virginia Science Olympiad Titles
Teams from Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) captured first place in Division B and Division C, respectively, in the 2013 Virginia Science Olympiad, held at Virginia Tech.
Brief: Woman’s Club Honors Young Musicians, Safety Patrols
The musicianship of four students at Cooper and Longfellow middle schools, in McLean, was recognized by the Woman’s Club of McLean at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 7, where the students also performed on their instruments. Katherine Quion, of Cooper Middle School, played Valse Triste, by Jean Sibelius, on the viola. Nancy Kurtic, also of Cooper Middle School, played excerpts from Chocolats, by Philippe Rose, on the trumpet.
Walking, Biking to School
Chesterbrook Elementary School held a walk/bike to school day last week, which served two purposes. The primary purpose was to encourage families and students to enjoy the benefits of walking and biking. Fresh air, sunshine and exercise all helped bring smiles to the faces of the many students who walked or biked to school last Friday.
Brief: ‘Muffins for Mom’ at Churchill Road
Churchill Road kindergarteners celebrated Mother’s Day on Friday, May 10 by hosting “Muffins for Mom.”
The Langley School Offers Basketball Camp Led by NBA Veteran
The Langley School is pleased to offer Keith Bogans’ Langley Summer Jam, a coed basketball camp featuring NBA veteran Keith Bogans, for the third consecutive summer on the school’s campus in McLean.
Studio Rep Proceeds to Improv
Student ensemble hosts monthly improv nights.
Studio Rep is a group of eight high schoolers that perform shows throughout the year. For the past few years, the group holds auditions at the start of each school year, and once the troupe is selected, they perform through May.
McLean Chamber Honors Educators
Langley and McLean High School teachers, students, employees awarded.
The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce honored staff, students and faculty from McLean and Langley High Schools with their annual education awards.
Brief: Honoring Teens at McLean Day
McLean Citizens Association to present Teen Character Award at McLean Day.
The McLean Citizens Association is awarding teens a Teen Character Award in the 16th annual award ceremony at McLean Day on Saturday, May 18. The award ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. at Lewinsville Park on Chain Bridge Road in McLean. A staff member from the office of Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust; Janie Strauss, Dranesville District school board member; and Sally Horn, McLean Citizens Association president, will present the awards.
Brief: Pizza for Charities at McLean Day
McLean Rotary has broadened its menu at McLean Day and will be the only pizza vendor for the event—offering Domino’s pizza, in addition to its regular, popular hotdogs and drinks. McLean Rotary Club members have manned a hotdog booth at McLean Day since 1975, when McLean Day was held at the McLean Community Center.
Brief: McLean Day Celebrates Hometown
The Saturday, May 18 event highlights the hometown feel.
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) annual community festival McLean Day 2013: “Celebrating Our Hometown” draws a large crowd of residents and local businesses and organizations together once a year to celebrate their “hometown.”
Friday, May 10
Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: March 2013 Top Sales
In March 2013, 26 Great Falls homes sold between $5,634,180-$425,000 and 82 homes sold between $9,300,000-$186,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: March 2013 Top Sales
Thursday, May 9
Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure
Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.
Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.
Wednesday, May 8
Classified Advertising May 8, 2013
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Langley Boat Takes State Championship
angley's novice men's eight-seat boat won the Virginia State High School Crew Championship for their category on Saturday. The Ted Phoenix regatta is the state championship for all novice rowers. The class the men rowed in was one of the most competitive, with the list of contenders including Washington-Lee, Yorktown, Madison, Langley, TC Williams, Woodbridge, Hylton, West Potomac, Mt. Vernon, Oakton, Woodson, Robinson, Lake Braddock, and Wakefield.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Tuesday, May 7
McLean Station Nears Completion
Work continues on systems beneath the canopy of the Silver Line's McLean Station.
McLean Jazzercise Raises $12,525 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Over 100 dancers participated in Jazzercise of McLean and Tysons Corner’s Dance for a Cure fundraiser, which raised $12,525 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by staging a benefit dance-fitness marathon on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Week in Vienna
This week in Vienna features some new, exciting events like a new Police Chief and a concert!
Letters: How to ‘Make Life Greener?It was fantastic to read about Vienna’s commitment to more sustainable living [“Making Life ‘Greener’ in Vienna” (The Vienna and Oakton Connection, April 24-30, 2013
The writer is the coordinator for the Virginia Healthy Air Coalition of the American Lung Association in Virginia.
McLean High Yearbook Wins Pacemaker Award
Other area high school publications recognized.
“The Clan,” the yearbook of McLean High School, was one of 25 high school yearbooks nationwide to be recognized with a Pacemaker Award by the Journalism Education Association-National Scholastic Press Association (JEA-NSPA) for 2013.
Week in McLean
Serial Burglaries in McLean Area
This week in McLean had some interesting events like a Church yard sale, a book sale, and even a few burglaries!
McLean’s Kitchen and Garden Tour a Success
A ribbon-cutting kicked off McLean’s first Kitchen and Garden Tour, on Wednesday, May 1.
Park, Ride and Relax
MCC asks residents to “Park, Ride and Relax” by using three convenient shuttle services on McLean Day 2013.
The McLean Community Center asks residents to help the environment, reduce traffic on Chain Bridge Road and eliminate personal stress by using free shuttle rides.
McLean Day 2013, Saturday, May 18: “Celebrating Our Hometown”
It’s the place to be with the people you want to be with: McLean Day has that hometown feel.
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) annual community festival McLean Day 2013: “Celebrating Our Hometown” draws a large crowd of residents and local businesses and organizations together once a year to celebrate their “hometown.”
McLean Day Only Gets Better With Age
This year’s Saturday, May 18 celebration approaches centennial.
The McLean Community Center’s annual community festival is approaching its 100th anniversary.
Help Fully Restore Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill, the Park Authority site, is a finalist in a web-based contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
Letters: Mega-mansions and the Like
My friend and I decided to go for a drive around our Great Falls “village” and enjoy the sights. Alas, what I saw of our manmade structures was less than uplifting.
Letters: Pike As a Raceway
I have resided in Great Falls since 1986. For more than 25 years, I drove along Georgetown Pike, "a scenic byway," to the beltway before 6 a.m. on most business days.
Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.
McLean Girls’ Soccer Can Clinch Liberty’s No. 2 Seed
Shine leads Highlanders past Madison.
The McLean girls' soccer team defeated Madison 1-0 on May 2.
Great Falls Resident to Paddle the Potomac
Aryan Golzar will go on 400-mile journey to raise money for scholarship.
Growing up in Great Falls, Aryan Golzar always loved the Potomac River. The same 400-mile-long-plus waterway that led to settlements from the Chesapeake Bay to West Virginia drove his imagination during his formative years, and now it’s become something even more.
Community Celebrates Great Falls Day
Celebration features live performances, history displays.
Members of Great Falls and the surrounding communities gathered at the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse Sunday, May 5, for Great Falls Day. In celebration of the two historic buildings, as well as other signature aspects of Great Falls, hundreds attended the event to enjoy a pleasant Sunday and learn more about history.
Haddad Celebrates 50 Years of Dance
Margaret Haddad Studio to present "Down Memory Lane."
After dancing and teaching ballet in four countries over the past five decades, Margaret Haddad’s Studio of Classical Ballet will look back on some of her favorite shows with "Down Memory Lane."
Great Falls Exxon Environmental Meeting Set
GFCA to host meeting on former Exxon station contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association will host a public meeting Tuesday, May 14, to address the environmental impact of lingering effects on the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike.
McLean Forum Highlights Sex Trafficking
Area officials host human trafficking forum.
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) joined Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) and others at the McLean Community Center Friday, May 3, to discuss the facts of human trafficking. The U.S. State Department estimated that human trafficking is the third largest source of profits for international organized crime, behind firearms and narcotics.
Friday, May 3
Classified Advertising May 1, 2013
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