Friday, February 28
Pet Connection
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Take a look at some of the adorable pet photos our readers sent in for our Pet Connection.
Thursday, February 27
Assistance Dogs: Making Connections
Service dogs and their “handlers” are teamed up through paws4people.
I was already one of those embarrassingly crazy dog people, when I first met Kyria and Terry Henry, founders of paws4people.org. But I had no idea how little I truly knew about the bonds possible between animals and their people. After photographing puppies coming home for the first time, dogs sharing their favorite pastime and pets who are older and/or ill, I really thought I knew all about the animal/people connection.
Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public
Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.
When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.
Wednesday, February 26
Feb. 5, 2014 (Fairfax Station, Va.) --- Today, Rob Wasinger (R-VA) launched his campaign for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District seat.
“In launching this campaign, I promise a conservative resurgence,” declared Wasinger. “From Fairfax to Winchester, Manassas to Leesburg, Loudoun and McLean, and all points in between, with the good people of Virginia’s tenth congressional district, we will put an end to the corruption of the cronies and the lobbyists, and restore the basic freedoms of limited government of, by and for the people.”
Celebrating and Remembering Haiti
Community Coalition for Haiti is holding an event to Celebrate and Remember Haiti. This is an opportunity to remember, respect, reflect and revel 25 years of service by the CCH and its predecessor organization. The CCH is looking forward to honoring all those who have served and supported CCH over the years and to celebrate the future and rebuilding of Haiti. They will also take time to recognize the work of Karen Carr in furthering the mission and vision of CCH during her 10 year tenure as Executive Director. You are invited to join a casual evening March 1, 5-8 p.m. for food, drinks, music, a silent auction and memories from the past 25 years. The event is being held at the Inova EPIC Training Center 8111 Gatehouse Rd, Falls Church.
Budget Process: Get Involved
Chairman gives blueprint for community engagement in Fairfax County budget process.
In Fairfax County, when we adopt the budget, we are investing in the priorities and needs of the community. At the center of this open and transparent process is community engagement. It is critical that we have the community at the table with us when we are considering changes to the budget that the County Executive released for advertisement at our Board Meeting on Feb. 25. Below are some opportunities to learn about the budget, ask questions and make suggestions during the months of March and April. I look forward to hearing from you.
High Five
I made it. It’s five years after receiving a terminal diagnosis on February 27, 2009 from my oncologist: stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, accompanied by a "13-month to two-year" prognosis. Let’s be honest, medical professionals don’t toss around the word "terminal" because you’re going to be treated at an airport. Presumably, they know their facts and figures as well as the patient’s present condition, confirmed by a variety of diagnostic results from X-Rays, CT Scans, P.E.T. Scans, lab work and of course the ever-popular biopsy, so their diagnosis/prognosis is a bit more than an educated guess. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and until proven otherwise, I was not about to succumb to their statistics. Still, based on the best medical knowledge available at the time, this patient (yours truly) was given a limited life expectancy and encouraged to take the vacation I had always dreamed of – for obvious you’re-life-is-now-shorter-than-you-ever-imagined-type reasons, and yet, five years hence, here I am.
Bulova: ‘This Will Be a Challenging Budget’
Fairfax County average homeowner will see tax bill increase $330 under County Executive’s proposed $7 billion budget.
Fairfax County Executive Edward Long, Jr. unveiled a $7 billion budget proposal Tuesday that reflects his "cautious and deliberative approach to budgeting," a result, Long said, of continuing uncertainty over federal spending and sluggish commercial tax revenues.
Hollywood Comes to Fairfax
How to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph adoptable animals.
Animals at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter were given the celebrity treatment on Feb. 23 when a team from the non-profit Shelter Art Foundation taught shelter staff and volunteers how to use Hollywood-style portrait techniques to photograph their adoptable animals.
Giving Bianca a Second Chance
A Fairfax County Animal Shelter happy ending.
Bianca, a nine-year-old, female, German shepherd mix dog, had been living her life on the end of a chain in a rural part of Virginia. In late January, an unknown stray dog approached Bianca and attacked her. Bianca’s owner came outside and in an attempt to stop the attack he hit both dogs with a shovel, striking Bianca over the head and injuring her. Rather than pursue vet care, the owner drove Bianca to the local pound and surrendered her. For the next 36 hours, Bianca sat with no medical care, until a sympathetic staff person called the shelter’s rescue partner at the Highland County Humane Society in rural Virginia.
‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’
Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.
There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.
Solving the VEXing Challenge Of STEM
Partnerships make it happen for winning team to attend State Robotics Championships.
After months of practice and winning the local competition, the Bailey's Computer Clubhouse team was elated to learn last week it qualified to enter the State VEX Robotics tournament in Doswell, Va., Feb. 22. That enthusiasm, however, was quickly tempered as the team sponsors realized, although the kids were ready, willing and able to go, they simply didn't have the entry fee or money for transportation to make it happen.
Oakcrest Community Hopes for Approval
To the Editor: Disappointment was the general sentiment of the Oakcrest community when we heard that no action was to be taken by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 11 concerning our SEA. However, we appreciate the responsibility displayed by Supervisor Hudgins in her motion to defer, because we understand the importance of a thorough, fair review of our application. There has been an intense level of community involvement in this SEA process, coordinated by Supervisor Hudgins. Oakcrest met with the surrounding community in a series of well attended meetings with the Hunter Mill Land Use Committee from January through March of 2013. We met directly with representatives of the Hunter Mill Defense League and had discussions with their traffic consultant in order engage in healthy dialogue about our amendment proposal.
Life-saving Bill Defeated
To the Editor: Thanks to Senator Barbara Favola, the Virginia General Assembly had the opportunity to keep guns out of the hands of those convicted of sexual battery and the assault of family members, not permanently, but for five years following the conviction. Research shows that, in domestic conflicts, victims are five times more likely to be murdered when the abusive person has a gun. Those who advocate for gun rights oppose many reforms, like background checks, claiming they would not stop “the bad guy with the gun.” This bill, however, was designed to do precisely that – keep guns from convicted bad guys – yet it was opposed, too. This likely life-saving legislation (SB 510) had bi-partisan support in the Virginia Senate but was defeated by the Republicans in charge of the House Courts of Justice Committee. Shame on them. They do not deserve the honor of serving the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is time we had leaders who choose to protect victims and the vulnerable rather than criminals. Ame Burgoyne McLean
Young Musicians Dazzle at the Alden Theater
The “Young Soloists Recital” at the Alden Theater featured four talented pianists and one violinist.
Five young musicians spanning an age range of seven years were given the chance to shine in front of a large crowd at the Alden Theater on Sunday, Feb. 23. While the audience heard lovely renditions of Chopin and Beethoven’s works, the performers were able to relax a bit performing in a non-competition setting. “Usually in competitions you perform for judges, but it’s very rare that you actually get to play for people who have just come here to listen to your music,” said 13-year old Kevin Wang, a student at Rachel Carson Middle School. Wang was joined by fellow pianists Victor Pan, 10, Evan Hu, 11, and Adam Heins, 17, as well as violinist Shankar Balasubramanian,16.
Children’s Author Laura Murray Visits Churchill Road
Thanks to Churchill Road librarian Sari Warren, award-winning Children’s Author, Laura Murray, visited the school on Feb. 19 and 20. The author of the Virginia Reader’s Choice book, “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School” and “The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck,” Murray was a huge hit with students and teachers.
Fundraiser Supporting the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center
Tuesday, March 11th, 2014 in McLean, VA
McLean, VA. – A fundraiser for the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center has been announced by HBC Realty Group’s (Keller Williams Realty) Community Charity Champions. Come to dinner on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 from 5 to 8 pm at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean to support the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center! Enjoy dinner and know that approximately 70% of the proceeds from food and drink will go to the organization, as long as the diner brings the flyer for the event. Contact HBC Realty Group at 703-734-0192 or visit www.HBCRealtyGroup.com to receive a flyer.
Tuesday, February 25
Additional Delays Slow Handover of Silver Line to Metro
Performance issues and unmet safety testing requirements cited as reasons for the continued delay.
Phase I of the Silver Line is still not quite ready for final testing by Metro authorities, according to a Monday statement issued by Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA). With the handover of the Silver Line project to Metro authorities looming, Northern Virginia residents will have to be patient despite their readiness to hop on the train at new Tysons Corner and Reston Metro stations.
Thursday, February 20
McLean Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 62 homes sold between $2,198,800-$155,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: January, 2014
Winter Storm Hits Northern Virginia
Fairfax County residents took shelter as over a foot of snow shutdown power, school, and roads.
Northern Virginia residents took shelter from a snow storm that began the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 12 and lasted until the Thursday night. Fairfax County felt the lasting effects well into the weekend, with schools unable to clear parking lots and county offices closed through the weekend. Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency Tuesday, Feb. 11, giving state authorities and utility companies time to prepare for the storm.
Letter: Ending Fox Penning
To the Editor: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) applauds Virginia state Senator David Marsden (D-37) for his tireless efforts to pass legislation to crack down on fox penning, a brutal blood sport in which wild-caught foxes are released into fenced enclosures and made targets for packs of dogs in gruesome competitions. When the foxes are cornered and forced to fight for their lives, the dogs are also often injured. A bill to place a moratorium on fox pens – S.B. 42 – passed the Senate earlier this week, thanks to Sen. Marsden’s continued efforts to keep the issue of fox penning front and center to ensure that the foxes – and dogs – are protected against this vicious activity.
Money on the Shelves: Jurisdictions Take Variety of Approaches to Funding Libraries
Some have recovered from the recession, others are still struggling.
What is the future of the neighborhood library?
Wednesday, February 19
Eleven Candidate In Epic Democratic Primary to Replace Moran
Successful candidate could emerge with 10,000 votes.
The Democratic primary is shaping up to be the most competitive election in recent memory, one with an unprecedented number of candidates.
Supporting McLean Community Foundation
Color Wheel donates $3,362.
Color Wheel in McLean presented a check for $3,362 to the McLean Community Foundation on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence. On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, overturned the convictions of Mildred and Richard Loving, declaring the ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
Until Further Notice
Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: "13 months to two years" is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ "you’re going great"/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is.
How Red Is the 10th District?
Wolf’s retirement sparks crowded political stage as both parties vie for coveted Congressional seat.
U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf’s announcement in December that he would not seek reelection to an 18th term in Congress came as a surprise to both Republicans and Democrats. Wolf’s retirement notice instantly set off a feeding frenzy among politicians maneuvering to gain the Northern Virginia Congressional seat.
Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults
Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.
Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.
Monday, February 17
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence
Thursday, February 13
Letter: Correcting Error on Mental Health Services
Fairfax County serving more people now.
A Feb. 11 editorial by Mary Kimm, referencing reporting by Michael Pope, makes an incorrect assertion that our services to people with mental illness in Fairfax County have been “dramatically cut back.”
Wednesday, February 12
McLean Woman’s Club Donates $1,500 to McLean Project for the Arts
At its monthly meeting on Feb. 4, The Woman’s Club of McLean presented its annual donation of $1,500 to the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) through the project’s representatives Bill DuBose and Robin Walker, who expressed their gratitude for the contribution. The club also sponsors and supports MPA’s exhibits of children’s art at the McLean Community Center. The donation is one of many that the club plans to make this year with funds obtained from its annual Holiday Homes Tour.
McLean Community Center Seeks Board Candidates
Nominating petitions will be available Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The McLean Community Center (MCC), an agency of Fairfax County Government, is seeking candidates to run for open seats on its 2014-2015 Governing Board. The board provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre (The Alden) and the Old Firehouse Teen Center. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
It’s A Celtic Invasion!
The Alden welcomes Nova Scotia’s Celtic Rock Ambassadors, Grand Dérangement, and Ireland’s Own Traditional Band, Caladh Nua, to its stage.
Two up-and-coming, internationally acclaimed Celtic music bands, one that treasures the heritage of traditional Irish music and one that brings a totally new rock aesthetic to the genre, will come to The Alden in McLean’s stage in the coming few weeks, just in time to get in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, inside the McLean Community Center.
Revealing Wonders of Science
McLean High School student Shivani Gupta started off an afternoon session of Wonders of Science at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop in Alexandria on Saturday, Feb. 1, with examples of bones and fossils that she collected as an 18th century natural scientist. Shivani is one of dozens of students participating in Dean Howarth’s Project Enlightenment at McLean High School. The project engages each student in researching the lives of individuals or 18th century professions engaged in the creation of useful knowledge. Saturday’s session introduced visitors to natural science, botany, physics and geology. Visitors were introduced to machines that produce electrical fluid, a camera obscura and a variety of fossils, bones and other artifacts that would have been collected and studied by 18th century scientists and thinkers.
School Board Votes For Longer SLEEP
Money saved from annual bus route review will be earmarked for implementation of later start times.
According to SLEEP, a local group advocating for later high school start times in Fairfax County, 72 out of 92 counties in Virginia have a high school start time of 8 a.m. or later.
Langley High Community Comes Together in Wake of Tragedy
Residents, teachers and students join together in the days following the deaths of two Langley seniors.
Fairfax County came together to support Langley High students and their families following the deaths of two 17-year old Langley seniors on Feb. 3 and 4.
Making Sandwiches for Martha’s Table
On Jan. 15, Churchill Road second and fifth graders, along with members of Girl Scout Troop 1588, worked hard for the second official community service activity of the school year. The group made sandwiches for Martha’s Table, a shelter in Washington, D.C., which serves more than 2,500 sandwiches daily to the homeless and those in need. The industrious group of students, scouts and parent volunteers made more than 2,100 sandwiches, bringing the total for both events to more than 4,300. This event was coordinated by Churchill Road PTA Community Service Committee Co-Chairs Robin Hoeymans and Sarah Walter.
Transforming Tysons
Scotts Run Station South wins the award for ‘Best Master Plan.’
SmithGroupJJR was awarded a 2013 Award of Excellence by the Northern Virginia chapter of National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), a commercial real estate development association, for its planning and design of the Scotts Run Station South master plan.
McLean Chamber Inducts New Board at Winter Gala
Chamber members met Feb. 6 at the Gannett Building in Tysons Corner for the annual Winter Gala.
Hundreds of McLean business leaders attended the 2014 Winter Gala on Feb. 8 for the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce to celebrate a successful year and install the chamber’s 2014-15 board of directors. Nearly all of the 14-member board returned from serving the previous year.
Representing Students on School Board
Harris LaTeef named student representative to Fairfax County School Board.
Harris LaTeef, a junior at Langley High School, has been elected by the countywide Student Advisory Council (SAC) to serve a one-year term as student representative to the Fairfax County School Board, beginning July 1. LaTeef will participate in School Board meetings as a nonvoting member, filling the position currently held by Will Ashe, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. LaTeef will be the 44th student representative to the School Board.
County Investigator Speaks About Credit Card, ID Theft Risk
At the Feb. 4 meeting of the McLean Woman’s Club, Officer Tom Polhemus, an investigator with the Financial Crimes Unit of the Fairfax County Police Department, spoke to the group about sophisticated schemes for stealing personal financial data and recommended ways to avoid being targeted. Officer Polhemus is one of 12 investigators in the Financial Crimes Unit, which handles some 4,500 fraud reports per year, he said.
An Inspired Production
‘Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins’ at 1st Stage.
With a masterful performance by Lee Mikeska Gardner, an eccentric woman is made thoroughly sympathetic, even noble in an exceptional production of "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" at 1st Stage in Tysons.
Raising Lettuce, Vegetables at Churchill Road
The wintry weather hasn’t interfered with Churchill Road’s four seasons environmental studies program. Taking advantage of a sunny winter day, fifth graders seeded their winter lettuces and vegetables. The seeds will germinate in the greenhouse until the soil temperatures are warm enough to transplant the seedlings to the raised beds. With the help of the school’s environmental studies coordinator Debra Maes, Churchill Road fourth graders began their agrarian business model by seeding colonial herbs in the greenhouse. These herbs will grow during the winter months in the greenhouse. The students will harvest the herbs and create products such as lavender soaps, thyme tinctures and loofah sponges for sale at their annual farmer’s market in June.
Week in McLean
Deadfall Days at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm
The Claude Moore Colonial Farm will hold Deadfall Days on Saturdays: Feb. 15 & 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Help the Farm prepare early for its 2014 season.
Weichert, Realtors’ McLean/Old Dominion Office Recognizes Top Associates
Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced Sales Associate Patricia Derwinski of the McLean/Old Dominion office was individually recognized for her exceptional industry success during the month of December. Top producer, Derwinski led the region, which comprises offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Delaware counties, for resale dollar volume. This top neighborhood specialist can be reached in Weichert’s McLean/Old Dominion office at 6257 Old Dominion Drive or by phone at 703-821-8300.
Saxon Stage Places Third in Regional One-Act Play Festival
Langley High School won its conference Jan. 25 and placed third in its first appearance in VHSL 6A North Region One Act Play Festival.
Langley High School theater students’ months of hard work paid off on Saturday, Feb. 8, when they placed third in the 2014 VHSL 6A North Region One Act Play Festival at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Langley won the Conference 6 championship on Jan. 25, securing the school’s first ever appearance in the regional competition, along with runner-up Washington-Lee High School from Arlington.
Tuesday, February 11
An Unexpected Present
Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, I appreciated it in the most), but I received my first senior discount the other day. I was fast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restaurant when the unexpected kindness occurred. Considering that I’m not at the age yet when such discounts are typically available, I certainly did not (do not) presume that my appearance somehow reflects an age which I am not. In truth, I don’t believe it does. So even though I didn’t ask for the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier tallied my bill, she then spoke the price and adjusted it downward 10 percent for my surprise "senior" discount. On hearing the lower price and the reason for it, I immediately responded: "Oh, you’re giving senior discounts to people over 40?" To which she replied, while looking me directly in the eye: "No. Over 30." Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for the discount and commended her on her excellent answer/customer service.
Home Design: What the Pros Know
A look inside the homes of some of the area’s top builders.
Remodeling industry professionals spend their days helping clients create dream homes, adding quartzite counter tops and outdoor, stacked stone fireplaces, turning ideas and photos into functional, chic living spaces.
MATHCOUNTS Champions
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competitions were held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. This year, because of the exceptionally large number of students participating, the Regional competition had to be split between two venues.
Friday, February 7
Valentine’s Weekend
Romantic events happening in the Fairfax County area.
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day by heading off to one of these events this weekend.
Commentary: Speak Up for Pollution Restrictions
Virginia is not immune to the dangers of climate change. In recent years, we have seen the damage sea level rise and storm surges have caused in our lowland areas. The science is clear that we must cut carbon to the levels scientists say are safe to address these issues.
Classified Advertising February 5, 2014
Read the latest here!
Thursday, February 6
Editorial: Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. 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.
McLean, W-L Gymnastics Teams Qualify for Regionals
Highlanders win Conference 6 title, W-L runner-up.
W-L, McLean gymnastics finished 1-2 at regionals the last two years.
Editorial: For Nonpartisan Redistricting
Virginia is a purple state, gerrymandered to bleed red.
Consider that in statewide elections, Virginia voters have chosen Democrats in the last two presidential elections, for U.S. Senate, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Almost none of these elections was by a wide margin, but it’s clear that Virginia is a purple state leaning blue.
Wednesday, February 5
Nine Candidates Vying for Attention in 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Race to replace Jim Moran is expected to be competitive and expensive.
It's been three weeks since longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced that he would not be seeking a 13th term in Congress, opening up an epic primary fight that is now starting to take shape.
Healthful Meal Ideas for Seniors
Dietician/chef creates meals that are nutrient-dense and easy to prepare.
Shirley Martin of Vienna has a pacemaker and is on warfarin, a blood thinner, and Vitamin K, found in dark leafy greens, can lessen the effectiveness of warfarin. Martin also has high cholesterol. "I have to be concerned about eating too many greens while I’m on warfarin or too many fats," said Martin. "I also try to keep from gaining weight."
Langley High Wins Theatre Festival
The school will compete at the Regional event on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Saxon Stage's production of "Fearful Symmetry," written by Alan Haehnel and directed by senior Jamie Joeyen-Waldorf, won the VHSL Conference 6 One Act Competition at James Madison High School on Saturday, Jan. 25. It is the first time in Saxon Stage history that Langley has won this event. Langley competed against Yorktown High School, Hayfield Secondary School, James Madison High School, Fairfax High School, McLean High School, South Lakes High School and Washington-Lee High School.
Transforming Tysons
Rendering of Station Street, as part of the Scotts Run Station South master plan.
SmithGroupJJR was awarded a 2013 Award of Excellence by the Northern Virginia chapter of National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), a commercial real estate development association, for its planning and design of the Scotts Run Station South master plan.
Handcrafted Jewelry Returns To McLean
McLean Community Center hosts jewelry showcase.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, approximately 40 local artists and jewelers from the Virginia and Washington, D.C. metro area came to sell their work at the McLean Community Center. "All the items at the showcase are handmade," said Sam Roberts, Director of Special Events for McLean Community Center (MCC).
McLean’s Alden Theatre Hosts ‘Elska’
"Elska" makes a debut in Virginia.
"I am Elska, and not too long ago, I discovered a newly formed iceberg." This was the opening line of performer Shelley Wollert in her production of "Elska" which was presented at the Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center.
McLean Community Center Seeks Board Candidates
Nominating petitions will be available Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The McLean Community Center (MCC), an agency of Fairfax County Government, is seeking candidates to run for open seats on its 2014-2015 Governing Board. The board provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre (The Alden) and the Old Firehouse Teen Center. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
Editorial: Few Thoughts on General Assembly Action
Yes, allow homeschoolers access to programs in public school.
It’s possible that this is not the right bill exactly, and in general, we favor local control. But it is wrongheaded of public schools to force families into a take-it-or-leave-it position.
Virginia Health Department Forecasts Seasonal ‘Stomach Bug’
Statewide data monitored by the Virginia Department of Health indicate that norovirus was arriving in Virginia just in time for the cold weather.
Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. 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.
Consistent Bedtimes Linked to Improved Wellbeing in Children
Local experts offer suggestions for helping youngsters get a good night’s sleep.
When the clock strikes 9 on any given evening, 13-year-old twins Timothy and Danny Gulyn and their 11-year-old twin brothers, Christopher and Jonathan, know that it’s time for bed. Whether they are on vacation during the summer or at their Arlington home on a school night, the siblings follow a consistent routine that has them tucked-in at the same time every day.
Piece of Mind
Today I was eating a Tootsie Roll, and while chewing it, felt something sharp against my gum. Knowing my candy, sharp I should not feel, so immediately I stopped chewing in hopes of locating the sensation; which I did. It turns out that I broke off the top half of a previously (years ago) installed dental crown. Fortunately, the crown was still in my mouth, so I was able to retrieve it. Upon closer examination of it and the now crown-less tooth, it appears that the crown and the tooth are completely intact (undamaged) and perhaps a simple re-cementing at the dentist’s office awaits, a repair achieved much less expensively than replacing the entire crown. (I can hope, can’t I? After all, I am a cancer patient; hope is what I do.)
Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance
More than 50 volunteers who are helping local residents sign up for health care insurance were recognized by state and local leadership last Saturday. To date, these Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 500 individuals with the new Marketplace system, overcoming barriers of language, technology and understanding the new health care law. The volunteers were thanked for the commitment and service:
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.