Wednesday, November 27
Classified Advertising November 27, 2013
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Usury Explosion: Northern Virginia Becomes Hotbed for Car-Title Lending Industry
Route 1 corridor currently has eight locations; soon to get ninth.
In the last three years, dozens of new car-title lending businesses have popped up in neighborhoods across Northern Virginia — the result of recent regulations opening the door to a business that charges as much as 264 percent a year on loans.
Tuesday, November 26
Column: "Scanticipation"
When I get CT-Scanned on Wednesday, November 27th, it will be nearly four months since my last diagnostic scan. That occurred during my hospital "staycation" during the first week of August, when I was admitted due to the extremely abnormal fluid buildup in my left lung.
Navigating Local Holiday Craft Shows
Supporting local artisans and getting one-of-a-kind gifts
Madeline Marzilli plans to start making her Christmas list right after her Thanksgiving house guests leave this weekend. On her list will be one-of-a-kind items for family and friends that she hopes to pick up at some of the local holiday craft shows.
Opportunities to Serve Others on Thanksgiving
Local charities in need of help from the community.
Rahsan Baatin bikes to his Arlington, Va., office on most days. He runs every day. His wife Victoria swims each morning. The two are gearing up to spend Thanksgiving morning running The Trot for Hunger, a 5k race to raise more for the local charity SOME (So Others Might Eat).
Keeping the "Thanks" in Thanksgiving
Focusing on gratitude on a day reserved for feasting.
"Pilgrims," said James, 5, as his mother helped him fasten his helmet for a hockey lesson at the Cabin John Ice Rink near Potomac. "Turkey and pie," said his 6-year-old classmate Aiden. Both boys were responding to a question about the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Creating a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table
Local designers offer suggestions for laying the perfect tablescape.
While food preparation can be all-consuming on Thanksgiving Day, the table décor also plays a major role in a Turkey Day feast. Whether your style is subdued and casual or chic and sophisticated, local designers offer ideas and inspiration for table settings that are as delectable as the meal itself.
Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival
Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.
"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.
Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings
Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.
Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.
Bestselling Author Speaks at Alden
Safe Community Coalition welcomes Dr. Madeline Levine to discuss parenting tips, student stress.
The Safe Community Coalition welcomed bestselling author Dr. Madeline Levine to the Alden Theatre Tuesday, Nov. 19, to speak on successful parenting techniques.
Monday, November 25
Mclean Boys Victorious in Herndon U-10 Soccer Tournament
McLean Youth Soccer’s U-10 Boys Allstar Team emerged victorious in the Herndon Youth Soccer’s Allstar Tournament held at Baron Cameron Park among seventeen regional teams on Nov. 16-17.
A Time to Share
McLean’s community service group meets needs during the busiest time of year, and year round.
This time of year it is not uncommon to worry about meals, entertaining visiting relatives, or finding the time to shop and decorate. But for some members of the community, the worries are more basic.
HBC Community Charity Champions Help McLean Youth Lacrosse
The dinner at Pulcinella the Italian Host in support of McLean Youth Lacrosse raised $1,645 for area youth lacrosse players.
Ten Year Old Creates Tomorrow’s Lemonade Stand
LaunchPad encourages entrepreneurial spirit
Inspirations for big, booming businesses can come from anywhere, just as the entrepreneurial spirit can grow in all types of people.
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
So many needs, so many great organizations, give locally where your heart leads you.
The holidays are about giving. They are about children. The holidays are about sharing, about joy, about alleviating suffering for others. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation.
Thursday, November 21
Classified Advertising November 20, 2013
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Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books
Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.
Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.
Wednesday, November 20
SafeSpot Fall Show Brings New Trends
Over 250 guests enjoyed SafeSpot's Fall Fashion Show at Bloomingdale's on Sunday, Oct. 6. Professional models were elegant in the latest trends and the young models were local children who delighted the audience. The proceeds from the show will help open a safe, child-friendly center for abused children in Fairfax County called SafeSpot, since the county does not currently have a center to help its traumatized children. The center will provide direct services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse in Fairfax County and the SafeSpot center is designed to reduce the trauma experienced by child abuse victims as they navigate the legal, investigative and social service systems following an allegation of abuse.
Trimming the Trees for Safety
Bartlett Tree Experts, Area Wide Protective and VDOT partner with McLean Trees Foundation.
Bartlett Tree Experts, Area Wide Protective (AWP) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) together donated services to the McLean Trees Foundation (MTF) for removal of dead or dying Bradford pear trees on the Dolley Madison Boulevard median, between Elm Street and Beverly Road. Bartlett Tree Experts is a family-owned, international company that provides scientific tree and shrub care services locally out of their office in Springfield. Area Wide Protective is America’s traffic control leader, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective solutions to utilities and contractors throughout the Eastern United States.
Cooper Middle Hosts Super Cooper Looper
Students take part in a mile-long fun run for health and fitness.
On a crisp and sunny November day, Cooper Middle School students took even breaths and careful strides as they leapt towards the finish line in the Super Cooper Looper. The Nov. 13 event featured both seventh and eighth grade student participants in two separate mile-long fun runs. In conjunction with the actual run, students were asked to donate shoes and coats upon signing up for the fun run. The Super Cooper Looper provides students with an opportunity to give back while also engaging in a fitness activity designed to be fun and educational. The students, both running club and non-running club members ran on a track behind the school, designed by faculty organizers. As they ran, they were cheered on by fellow students, faculty organizers, spectators, and Langley High School Cross Country team members.
Haddad Ballet Presents Annual Nutcracker
Production will be at Madeira School Nov. 30, Dec. 1.
For the 22nd year, the Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet will present their performance of “The Nutcracker.”
GFCA Raises Contamination Questions
Initial corrective action plan missing pieces, public comment period to come.
Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Special Committee on Groundwater Contamination presented an update Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Tuesday, November 19
Brooksfield School Celebrates 25 Years
School brings Montessori education with emphasis on ‘mindfulness.’
More than 25 years ago, Mary Anne Duffus was almost at the end of her rope. She was chasing her dream of opening her own Montessori school, but after searching at multiple local churches for space, she couldn’t find one that would work.
Artisans Offers Artistic Gift Ideas
Jewelry, housewares, local art among items featured at The Artisans.
When it comes to buying local, The Artisans in McLean practices what they preach. The eclectic gift shop is filled with handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, accessories and much more.
Nova Knights Award SHARE, Inc.
The Northern Virginia Knights of the Round Table (NOVA) presented the 2013 Excalibur Service Award of $750 to SHARE, Inc., of McLean.
McLean Homes Tour to Cover Four Centuries
The McLean Woman’s Club Holiday Homes Tour on Thursday, Dec. 5 , from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature four houses each representing a separate century.
Getting Ready for Guests at Thanksgiving and Beyond
Ideas for prepping your home so that visitors feel welcome.
When Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season next week, it will mean an onslaught of house guests for some. Local style gurus offer simple ideas for getting your home ready for visits from friends and family.
Learning to Create an Organized Holiday Season
Local pros offer tips for staying on track from Thanksgiving and beyond.
"If you’re organized, you’ll definitely experience less stress this holiday season," said professional organizer Susan Unger, of ClutterSOS in Vienna. "If you figure out what your goal is and map out everything in advance, you won’t find yourself staying up late wrapping presents and other chores and you’ll have more time to spend with family and friends."
Teaching Children to Make Holiday Gifts
Local art experts offer crafty gift ideas.
Gifting your child’s teacher, grandparents or other family members with holiday cheer doesn’t have to add another line item to your budget. Homemade gifts from children are among the most cherished, say experts, and creating them can be as memorable for the child as the recipient.
Tips for Holiday Card Photos
Local photographers offer suggestions for taking great family photos.
Amber Wilson has spent the last week scouring her computer files in search of the perfect pictures for her holiday card. One image missing from her collection is a shot of her entire family.
Column: Cost of Living
As the person primarily responsible for stocking the house with supplies and maintaining miscellaneous inventory, I am frequently in stores (supermarket, drugstore, pet store, etc.) buying the staples (not an office supply reference) our family needs to maintain our lifestyle, such as it is.
Celebrating Thanksgiving Like a Chef
Local chefs and culinary experts share family stories and recipes.
As a teen, Chef Guiseppe Ricciardi’s Thanksgiving dinners were anything but traditional. Ricciardi , the proprietor of Dolce Vita and Dolce Veloce in Fairfax, moved to New York from Italy with his family when he was 14. His family celebrated Thanksgiving in their new country, but they put an Italian twist on the holiday.
Holiday Cooking with Children
Local culinary instructors offer suggestions for bonding in the kitchen.
Maria Kopsidas recalls childhood holidays filled with turkey, sweets and merriment. Because she grew up in a family of professional chefs, cookbook authors and culinary enthusiasts, the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas always brings fond food recollections.
Editorial: Shop Locally, Shop in McLean
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 30. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as a dedicated day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.
Friday, November 15
McLean Home Sales: October, 2013
In October 2013, 82 homes sold between $9,500,000-$205,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: October, 2013
Classified Advertising November 13, 2013
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Wednesday, November 13
Commentary: Library Reorganization Deserves More Work
In September, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors called for the suspension of a major reorganization proposed to our Fairfax County Public Library system. The suspension was requested in order to provide more opportunity for outreach to concerned library employees and patrons so that proposed changes could be explained, evaluated and vetted among stakeholders.
Up on the Rooftop
A Free Roof for the Holidays program continues.
As the holiday season approaches, many children dream of hearing hoofs clicking on their rooftops. But as the economy continues to stutter, we continue to hear of families struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. For these families, keeping a roof over their heads—even if it leaks—is their immediate dream.
McLean’s WinterFest 2013 Scheduled for Dec. 1
WinterFest 2013 - McLean’s holiday parade – will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1. To register online to be an entry in the parade, go to the WinterFest website at www.mcleanwinterfest.org.
Intersection Improvements, Walkway Installed at Westmoreland Street and Haycock Road in McLean
On Nov. 5, Supervisor John Foust (D- Dranesville), Haycock Elementary School Principal, Dr. Kelly Sheers, and Fairfax County Departments of Transportation and Capital Facilities personnel met at the intersection of Westmoreland Street and Haycock Road to celebrate the completion of a pedestrian walkway, signal crossing and right turn lane recently installed by Fairfax County.
McLean High Theatre to Present ‘Annie’
Show Starts Thanksgiving Friday.
The McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) kicks off the holiday season with "Annie," opening the Friday after Thanksgiving. Artistic Director Amy Poe leads this award-winning company in bringing this family-friendly favorite to McLean and the greater DC community.
McLean Antiques Show a Success
1,200 visitors attend 37th annual show at Alden Theater in McLean.
About 1,200 visitors attended the 37th McLean Antiques Show where 50 dealers from up and down the East coast sold their wares at the Alden Theater in McLean on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 9-10.
The Langley School Presents ‘James and the Giant Peach’
Middle School students at The Langley School will present Roald Dahl’s fantasy adventure, "James and the Giant Peach," in three evening performances Nov. 21-23 in the school’s Sherman Arts Center.
Woman’s Club To Hold MarketPlace Fundraiser
On Thursday, Dec. 5, the Woman’s Club of McLean will hold a fundraising fair featuring numerous vendors, a lunch and dessert concession, a silent auction, a bakery and a raffle. Dubbed the MarketPlace, it will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., in central McLean. Admission will be free.
Letter: MPA Thanks Community
On behalf of the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA), I would like to thank the McLean community for another year of enthusiastic support of MPAartfest. On Sunday, Oct. 6, McLean Central Park came alive with 49 juried artists, live musical performances, Open Studio, children’s art and art education and delicious food and drink as nearly 6,000 local residents gathered to celebrate the 7th annual MPAartfest.
Letter: Low-Income Micro-Units Could Come to Your Neighborhood
Thanks to a recent meeting arranged by the McLean Community Association, some of us became aware of the Fairfax County Planning and Zoning Department’s (DPZ’s) proposal to amend the county Zoning Ordinance so that low-income efficiency apartments of less than 500 square feet can be built in virtually every residential, commercial, and industrial zoning district, including in low-density residential neighborhoods zoned for single family homes.
13th Annual Enchanted Forest Holiday Extravaganza
The Junior League of Northern Virginia’s (JLNV) annual fundraiser, The Enchanted Forest, will take place on Nov. 23-24, at the Westin Tysons Corner.
School Promotes Healthy Meals
In conjunction with Fairfax County Public School’s wellness initiatives, Churchill Road School is encouraging students to include more fruits and vegetables into their meal choices.
Potters Return to Colvin Run Mill
Local potters returned to Colvin Run Mill the first weekend of November for their holiday sale. Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located in Alexandria.
Editorial: Proof Every Vote Matters
Elections have consequences, including very close races.
Tuesday morning, a full week after an Election Day that included races that were more suspenseful than anticipated (and also many races that were foregone conclusions), we are probably more than a month away from certifying the winner of the Virginia Attorney General race.
It Wasn’t Fun While It Lasted
But it was only a week, and I was able to leave under my own power, assisted by a wheelchair, which is of course standard procedure when leaving a hospital after an admission, so it wasn’t a total loss. It was three months ago today, Friday, August 2nd that I was "ambulanced " to Holy Cross Hospital where I spent the beginning of my seven, first-ever nights in a hospital; pretty fortunate track record for someone my age.
Creating a Feast for the Eye
Local designers share ideas for a striking Thanksgiving table.
While a menu of turkey and gravy will satisfy the belly this Thanksgiving, a well-designed centerpiece that reflects the warm hues of fall will be a feast for the eyes.
Choosing Art
Local designers offer tips on how to banish blank walls.
When Anne McCloud and her fiance, Mark Graham, moved into their Herndon home two years ago, with the exception of a large, deep red Chesterfield sofa, a present from Anne’s parents, the furniture they had was left over from graduate school: a tattered antique chair in need of reupholstering and two side tables.
Home for the Holidays
Amateur chef Dave Mulligan gets the kitchen of his dreams ... just in time for Thanksgiving.
As Dave Mulligan tells it, he owes the long-coveted "blue eyes" granite countertops now in his kitchen to events that started with a leaking shower one floor above.
Sweet Gathering in the Sunshine
Mentors, foster children and other youth learn about bees; county needs more foster families, mentors.
On a beautiful day in late summer, a group of young people of varied backgrounds, including some youth in foster care, gathered with their adult mentors under the ongoing auspices of Fairfax Families4Kids on a field trip into the countryside.
Tuesday, November 12
Veterans Day Celebrated at Freedom Memorial
Former Navy SEAL John “Sandy” Pidgeon speaks during annual ceremony.
More than 100 citizens gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month Monday to pay tribute to Americas’ veterans.
SCC Takes Aim at Student Stress
Dr. Madeline Levine to speak at Alden Nov. 19.
The Safe Community Coalition, an advocacy group serving the Langley and McLean High School pyramids, as well as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is taking on the challenge of student stress head on.
Langley High School Presents ‘Little Women’
Students put on musical version of Louisa May Alcott novel.
When it came to playing sisters, Langley High School students Madeleine Chalk, Jamie Goodson, Kathryn Bailey and Camila Maric were more than up to the task. The four play the March sisters in Langley’s upcoming production of “Little Women.”
Learning to Live Life
Motivational speakers and authors address local women.
When it comes to happiness, Joda Coolidge, Mindy Mitchell and Alison Nancye have seen both sides of the coin. Like everyone, their lives have seen ups and downs, but the trio have used their experiences to get to where they want in life.
Thursday, November 7
Classified Advertising November 6, 2013
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Wednesday, November 6
‘McLean Village Exchange’ Launched
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust hosted a gathering of community leaders and residents to launch the McLean Village Exchange Wednesday, Oct. 23.
McLean Theatre Company Wins Nine Awards
The McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) earned nine awards and recognitions at the Virginia Theatre Association’s (VTA) 2013 Conference awards ceremony Oct. 27, in Reston. MTC’s production of Jason Robert Brown’s "The Last Five Years," performed as a special 45-minute format, garnered five awards led by a special Judges Award for Best Musical Presentation and overall Honorable Mention for the production.
A World of Antiques All Under One Roof
The 37th Annual McLean Antique Show will be held at the McLean Community Center on Nov. 9-10. The 37th Annual McLean Antique Show will be held at the McLean Community Center on Nov. 9-10.
McLean Community Center Governing Board Adopts Annual Plan
The McLean Community Center Governing Board has developed and approved an annual plan for the 2013-2014 year that will streamline and give additional focus to the Board and staff’s many activities and initiatives.
Project Knitwell Fundraiser a Success
Project Knitwell held a fun, festive, and successful fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 28 at Mylo’s Grill in McLean.
Chesterbrook Woods Celebrates Oktoberfest
Approximately 300 neighbors attended Chesterbrook Woods Citizen's Association's (CWCA) Oktoberfest Block party on Oct. 27.
Making Sandwiches for Martha’s Table
On Oct. 9, Churchill Road first and sixth graders, along with members of Girl Scout Troop 1588, banded together for the first official community service activity of the school year.
GMU Rector Visits Penn State
Athletic program explored.
As the Pennsylvania State University community geared up for a busy home football weekend, a visitor from Fairfax was present in the stands: CDaniel Clemente, Rector of George Mason University’s Board of Visitors.
Yoga Community Lauds New Smithsonian Exhibit
Sackler exhibit is first of its kind.
Yoga instructor Luann Fulbright of McLean moved her practice from the mat to a gallery recently when she joined diplomats, philanthropists, artists and fellow yogis at a gala to celebrate the opening of "Yoga: The Art of Transformation" at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in Washington, D.C. It is the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga.
Column: This Spud’s For You
There’s more talk now than ever before, about the possibility of the Washington, D.C. professional football team changing its name.
Fairfax County Wants You
County launches "Transportation Dialogues" to get feedback on public’s priorities.
Not since 1987 — when today’s 40-something motorists were newly-minted drivers — has Fairfax County seen any new revenue stream for its traffic-choked roadways or relief for the region’s chronic gridlock.
Stacey Kincaid Elected County’s First Female Sheriff
Kincaid, a Vienna resident, pledges commitment to diversity, department’s employees and community outreach programs.
Democrat Stacey Kincaid, a 26-year-veteran of the sheriff’s department, made local history Tuesday by becoming Fairfax County’s first female sheriff.
Paying Attention to the Pros
High School coaches, players share opinions on Redskins’ Meriweather.
Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather has received penalties, fines and a suspension for illegal hits.
Battleground? Not Exactly
Competitive state races gave voters more choices, but they stick with incumbents over challengers.
Every two years, Virginia holds all of its statewide elections.
Editorial: Be Part of Children’s Connection
Call for student artwork and writing; deadline Dec. 6.
During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.
Tuesday, November 5
Bicyclers Take Aim At Tysons
Cycling summit examines Tysons Corner accessibility.
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling hosted their annual Bike Summit Saturday, Nov. 2. Cycling and accessibility advocates examined the ways that people will be able to access the four Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner, stations that currently do not have onsite parking.
McLean Hits Meals Milestone
One millionth meal packed at Stop Hunger Now event Nov. 3.
Several years ago, Bob Hahne was attending a Rotary Club district conference when he learned about an organization called Stop Hunger Now. The nonprofit hosts community meal-packing events that provide nonperishable, nutritious meals to hungry people around the world.
Citizens Oppose Residential Studios Proposal
Amendment would allow for low-income residential studios in many residential districts.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted a public forum to address the county’s proposed Residential Studios Zoning Ordinance Amendment Wednesday, Oct. 30.
McLean Casts its Vote
Residents will choose new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, delegate, sheriff.
On the first Tuesday of November last year, the halls of Langley High School were filled with lines of people waiting to cast their vote for president. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the lines weren’t quite as long, but voters throughout McLean went to their respective precincts throughout the day.
Friday, November 1
Classified Advertising, October 30, 2013
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