Thursday, January 30
Debate Over School Budget Continues
Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.
Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.
Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations
Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.
While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.
Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman
During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.
One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.
Wednesday, January 29
Broom Wins Young Artist Competition
McLean resident Joe Broom, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, has won the U.S. Air Force Band’s Colonel George S. Howard Young Artist Competition for 2014. In addition, Broom recently learned he’s been selected as a finalist in the U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition to be held next month. “This was one of the best competitions we’ve ever had,” said Captain David Alpar, Officer in Charge of the U.S. Air Force Concert Band. “The level of play was very high. Joe’s performance was excellent — truly enjoyable.”
Newly Acquired Resolute Racing Shell Christened
More than 100 rowers, crew alumnae, parents and friends gathered in the McLean High School gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 10 for the christening of the newly acquired Resolute racing shell named in honor of Ken Meade, father of Cammie and Allie Meade who rowed for the McLean High School Crew Club (MCC).
MPA Welcomes Development Director, Board Members
McLean Project for the Arts welcomes Krista Vita as its new Development Director. Vita has worked in non-profit development for more than 10 years. She is a member of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington and manages a volunteer writing workshop for high school seniors.
Winter Food, Fun and Entertainment in McLean
Stay active with a variety of events around McLean during the colder months.
It’s easy to stay in during the colder months, but every once in a while families need to get out and have fun. McLean has plenty to offer, with plays and musicals, teen dances, and even a few chances to get out of town with neighbors to ski resorts and museums. Here are some ideas to get you started for your winter fun plans:
Churchill Road Team Excels at Langley Invitational
The Churchill Road Science Olympiad Team participated at the Langley Invitational on Dec. 15. Under the direction of mentors Jennifer Ezzell (5th grade teacher) and Rajee Ramesh (parent), the Churchill Road team was the top-ranking elementary school team, placing fourth overall among the 21 middle and elementary teams. The sixth graders Ian Palk and Christopher Sole placed first in the Solar System category. The team members are looking forward to the Regionals later this spring.
Thursday, January 23
Classified Advertising January 22, 2014
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Wednesday, January 22
Into the Budget Fray
Bulova highlights accomplishments, challenges in annual address.
Despite the lingering impact of an anemic economy, and the regional ripple effects of federal sequestration, Fairfax County residents will see some concrete signs of progress this year.
Editorial: Extend Health Coverage in Virginia
Standing on what is essentially scorched earth, Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly have condemned hundreds of thousands of poor Virginians to living without health coverage even though it would be fully funded by Federal money for the next three years, and with Virginia paying 10 percent after five years.
Friends Forever
Since it had been more than a few months, today I summoned up the courage to Google my long-time friend and fellow stage IV lung cancer survivor, Suzanne. Suzanne and I had been years out of touch (for no real reason other than initiative and the geographic consideration that she lived in Barnstable, Ma. and I live in Burtonsville, Md.) and recently back in touch – due to our identical cancer diagnoses. I learned that she had succumbed to her disease back in October, 2013. We last had contact electronically back in the summer. She was extremely weak then, she said, too weak to talk, so e-mailing was best. In that e-mail, ultimately her last, she wrote that the most recent chemotherapy drug with which she was infused was no longer effective and that her oncologist had no other drugs left to recommend. Not that she said it in so many words, but at that point her prognosis was grim. She offered that her two boys were with her and from them she would gain great comfort. The news was very unsettling to me and I was afraid that this e-mail might be our last – and so it was.
Tuesday, January 21
Del. Comstock Shares Her Notes on Opening Week
A new beginning, a new chairmanship and a new legislative session.
It is always an honor to be part of the oldest continuous legislative body in the western world. On Jan. 8, we began a new session with a new Administration. The session is always kicked off early in the morning (7 a.m.) with the annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast. In keeping with tradition, outgoing Governor McDonnell and incoming Governor McAuliffe and senior government officials attend. This year I had the honor of offering the prayer for State Legislators at the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast also features guest speakers every year and everyone was moved by the powerful testimony of Thomas Haynesworth, a truly inspirational man, who was exonerated in 2011 after being wrongfully imprisoned for 27 years for crimes he did not commit. Mr. Haynesworth spoke of his faith sustaining him throughout this unjust ordeal.
Musical Approach to Family
"La Cage aux Folles" arriving at Alden Theater.
Musical director John Edwards Niles will have an orchestra of 10 to perform the score of 16 songs. Choreography is by Duane Monahan.
Comstock Image Versus Record
To the Editor: Regarding the Connection article "Comstock runs for Congress," Connection, Jan. 15, the Virginia legislature gerrymandered the 10th Congressional District to ensure that Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) lived in that district so that when Congressman Frank Wolf retired, she would be in a position to run for his seat. In her two terms as a delegate in a body dominated by her party, she has focused on a number of "mom and apple pie" issues like lyme disease (she's against it) and more slots for Northern Virginia students at state universities (she's for that but proposes no way to pay for the increased cost to the universities). In the meantime, she voted against the historic, bi-partisan transportation funding compromise last year, and also opposed the state budget that included greater funding for higher education and teacher pay raises. She also voted numerous times to allow greater access to guns. Yet, when speaking in McLean, she invariably fails to mention these votes and skirts any questions.
Broom Wins Young Artist Competition
McLean resident Joe Broom, a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, has won the U.S. Air Force Band’s Colonel George S. Howard Young Artist Competition for 2014. In addition, Broom recently learned he’s been selected as a finalist in the U.S. Marine Band Concerto Competition to be held next month.
Art and Function
New MPA exhibit unlocks hidden beauty in everyday gadgets, contraptions, or refuse.
McLean Project for the Arts hosted a reception on Jan. 16, to celebrate the opening of its latest exhibition, “Contraptions: Reflections on the Almost Functional.” The exhibition also includes solo shows by artists, Melissa Burley, and Eric Celarier.
Public Weighs Options for Park Land Swap
Officials reveal three alternatives for Langley Fork Park land swap.
McLean residents may see an upgraded Langley Fork Park within the next year, but some are more excited than others about 55 potential new acres of synthetic turf fields, lights, and the crowds that will come with it.
MPA Welcomes Development Director, Board Members
McLean Project for the Arts welcomes Krista Vita as its new Development Director. Vita has worked in non-profit development for more than 10 years. She is a member of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington and manages a volunteer writing workshop for high school seniors. MPA also elected four new board members: Debbie Jardot, a longtime McLean resident, formerly MPA development director and manager for government relations for the Walt Disney Company; Derrick Swaak, supervising broker for the McLean office of TTR Sotheby’s and is involved in McLean community affairs; George D. Swygert, Jr., currently a regional executive in local distribution for Capital One Bank and also serves on the board of the Phillips Collection; and, Brittany Yam, formerly director at Project 4 Gallery and administrative coordinator for Arlington Arts Center.
Churchill Road Team Excels at Langley Invitational
The Churchill Road Science Olympiad Team participated at the Langley Invitational on Dec. 15. Under the direction of mentors Jennifer Ezzell (5th grade teacher) and Rajee Ramesh (parent), the Churchill Road team was the top-ranking elementary school team, placing fourth overall among the 21 middle and elementary teams. The sixth graders Ian Palk and Christopher Sole placed first in the Solar System category. The team members are looking forward to the Regionals later this spring.
Young Speaks about Civil Rights, King’s Legacy
“A Continuing Legacy” speaking series came to McLean Community Center’s theater.
HALFWAY THROUGH, the former U.N. ambassador opened the event up to questions from audience members. Chuck Smith of Reston asked how he thought President Obama could deal with vast income inequality within the U.S. due to a majority of the income being owned by the super rich. Young responded that it was difficult for any leader, himself included, to deal with 1 percent controlling all of the country’s money, but that the president could still work to enable the poor with economic opportunity. He cited his own history of using international investment to fight poverty, and said that the same approach could be applied to African countries with slow economies and high poverty.
Preserve School Quality
To the Editor: Our teachers are bringing home less money in their paychecks today than they did in 2010. Seventy percent of teachers at McLean High School need to have second jobs to make ends meet. We’ve cut our county school support staff to student ratio levels to 50 percent lower than any other school district in the metro area. Fairfax County gets $1,855 per pupil from state aid while other school districts in the state get on average $3,420 per pupil due to an antiquated state allocation calculation. And, we continue to look for ways to cut costs in the school operating budget.
Friday, January 17
McLean Home Sales: December, 2013
In December 2013, 79 homes sold between $12,000,000-$158,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: December, 2013
Thursday, January 16
Classified Advertising January 15, 2014
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Virginia Supreme Court Opens Access to Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments
Policy change overturns blackout instituted in 2008.
Members of the Virginia Supreme Court have a New Year’s Resolution — become more transparent.
Wednesday, January 15
Comstock Runs for Congress
Comstock will run against state Sen. Richard Black (R-13) and Richard Shickle (Frederick) for the Republican nomination.
Virginia State Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) will be running for the Republican nomination for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District election in 2014. Comstock issued an official statement Jan. 7 about her decision to run, citing her past three terms as a delegate successfully working within the limits of Virginia's state budget as a primary reason behind her decision to run.
McLean Community Center Governing Board Meet
The Governing Board of the McLean Community Center will hold its first meeting of the year at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22. All Governing Board meetings are open to the public. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. Tax district residents (Small District One A-Dranesville) who wish to speak during the “Citizen Comment” portion of the meeting are asked to call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711 to be placed on the agenda.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in McLean Features Civil Rights Leader Andrew Young
In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the Alden at the McLean Community Center is presenting Ambassador Andrew Young: “A Continuing Legacy,” at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Young, whose efforts have served and shaped the country for more than 50 years, will share personal memories of Dr. King and his years in the Civil Rights movement. Tickets are $20, $10 for MCC district residents. The Alden is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, inside the McLean Community Center.
From Late Night Comedy to Your Bedroom
Why the General Assembly matters more in Virginia than most states.
The Virginia General Assembly began its annual session last week on Jan. 8. The actions of the Virginia General Assembly matter more to localities than it would in many other states. In Virginia, localities have only the power specifically granted by the General Assembly, the Dillon rule. So, for example, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County in Maryland recently voted to increase the minimum wage in those localities. They didn’t need permission from Maryland General Assembly to do so. Arlington and Alexandria might be inclined to follow suit (the District government also voted to increase the minimum wage) but do not have that power.
In Case Someone Is Wondering
I don’t mind being alive, really I don’t. Occasionally though, I receive well-intended inquiries – electronic and otherwise, from people (who know my cancer story) who are sort of wondering if perhaps I’m not. When people haven’t heard from me in a while – and this is a category of people with whom I don’t have regular/recurring interactions, but rather a group of people who reach out and attempt to touch me (figuratively speaking) every three or four months or so – there is a presumption on their part that my silence (so far as they know) is not in fact golden, but rather ominous, as in the cancer might have won and yours truly didn’t. And when I respond, their pleasure/relief at my not having succumbed to the disease is quite positive, generally speaking. Their honesty and joy in learning that I’m still alive is both rewarding and gratifying. Rewarding in that they care and gratifying in that I must be doing something right which enables me to sustain myself through a very difficult set of medical circumstances: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the terminal kind (is there any other kind?).
Let Sun Shine on Virginia’s Financial Disclosure Laws
State legislators turn attention to ethics in wake of McDonnell gift scandal.
As members of the Virginia General Assembly convene for the first time since last February, legislators are stampeding to introduce ethics legislation in response to the gift scandal which engulfed then Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R). The revelations last spring about numerous undisclosed gifts and purported loans from businessman Jonnie Williams to McDonnell — including a $6,500 Rolex watch engraved to the "71st Governor of Virginia" and $35,000 in gifts and catering for his daughters’ weddings — shined a spotlight on Virginia’s porous financial disclosure laws.
Foust Addresses ‘Good Morning McLean’ Meeting
Supervisor meets local business leaders, discusses county budget, arrival of metro and McLean projects.
The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce met Thursday, Jan. 9, for a breakfast sponsored by Middleburg Bank at J. Gilbert’s in McLean to discuss the major issues facing the town in 2014. Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) addressed the chamber’s board of directors and spoke about a variety of issues, including the county budget for Fiscal Year 2015, the ongoing transformation of Tyson’s Corner and potential projects for local parks in McLean.
Creating Books with Children
Experts say helping little readers become authors can deepen a love of reading.
K.J., 8, and his sister Kalina, 3, love reading books, particularly books they’ve written themselves or with their mother. In fact, K.J. is an avid reader of both homemade and traditionally published books, and his sister is following in his footsteps.
Week in McLean
The McLean Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its current grants cycle until Feb. 1, 2014. Applications can be found on the MCF’s website at mcleancommunityfoundation.org.
Churchill Road Team Excels at Langley Invitational
The Churchill Road Science Olympiad Team participated at the Langley Invitational on Dec. 15. Under the direction of mentors Jennifer Ezzell (5th grade teacher) and Rajee Ramesh (parent), the Churchill Road team was the top-ranking elementary school team, placing fourth overall among the 21 middle and elementary teams. The sixth graders Ian Palk and Christopher Sole placed first in the Solar System category. The team members are looking forward to the Regionals later this spring.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
Praise in Motion, of Shiloh Baptist Church in McLean, performed Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee’s 20th annual Martin Luther King Festival at Westfield High in Chantilly. In photo, the group is dancing to the powerful song, “Break Every Chain.”
Thursday, January 9
Classified Advertising January 8, 2014
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Wolf to Retire After 34 Years in Congress
Supervisor John Foust running for Democratic nomination, Republican nominee still up in the air.
After 34 years of representing constituents in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced Dec. 17 that he would not seek reelection to the House of Representatives seat he has occupied for 17 terms. Wolf expressed his appreciation toward his family, staff and all of his constituents who supported his efforts in office.
2013: Banner Year in McLean and Great Falls
The total number of home sales in McLean and Great Falls is up in 2013 over 2012. Further every market segment is up year over year except for that in the under $750,000 category. The reason I believe that this segment fell short in terms of number of sales is due to lack of supply. Current inventory level is less than one month for homes to purchase for under $750,000 in McLean/Great Falls, which includes condos. Economists and other experts that analyze the real estate market typically consider a balanced market to be a 6-month supply, thus the current lower price market in McLean and Great Falls is in a seller’s market cycle. This is in line with market conditions experienced throughout 2013.
Wednesday, January 8
Living With My Decisions
On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
Kitchen Organization for the New Year
Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.
If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."
Real Estate
2013: Banner Year in McLean and Great Falls
The total number of home sales in McLean and Great Falls is up in 2013 over 2012. Further every market segment is up year over year except for that in the under $750,000 category. The reason I believe that this segment fell short in terms of number of sales is due to lack of supply. Current inventory level is less than one month for homes to purchase for under $750,000 in McLean/Great Falls, which includes condos. Economists and other experts that analyze the real estate market typically consider a balanced market to be a 6-month supply, thus the current lower price market in McLean and Great Falls is in a seller’s market cycle. This is in line with market conditions experienced throughout 2013.
Putting Always Kids First
McLean basketball community mourns the loss of John Micocci.
Both the first time and last time I saw John Micocci, I was reffing house league basketball in McLean. The first time was in 2002. I was a new ref, which is to say a ref who has not learned the limits or extent of the “power” of the position. John was the age-group coordinator for the high school girls’ house league in McLean.
Top Designs of 2013
Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.
From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.
Wolf Receives Character Does Count Award
U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-10) was honored by the Patriot Republican Women’s Club at their annual Christmas Luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 14tat Assaggi Osteria in McLean. The Character Does Count Award is given annually to an outstanding leader who demonstrates ongoing adherence to the highest moral and spiritual ideals in personal as well as public behavior. Rep. Wolf’s long and distinguished career in Congress, his outstanding record of promoting human rights around the world, and his expertise in protecting Americans both here and in U.S. foreign operations makes him the ideal recipient of this award. Wolf’s strong leadership continues as he works diligently to convince Congress to investigate the security and intelligence failures that lead up to the attack and death of American citizens in Benghazi.
Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid
Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.
It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.
Grateful to the Community
To the Editor: To the McLean, Vienna and Great Falls communities: The Woman’s Club of McLean would like to express its gratitude for supporting the club’s 47th annual Holiday Homes Tour and MarketPlace. Preliminary estimates show that the two events successfully met our goals of providing essential support to local charities and nonprofits. The proceeds will be especially meaningful in this time of general need, which is felt most strongly in the holiday season. Thank you again for your generous support. Best wishes to all for the holidays and a fulfilling new year. Mildred Thompson, President Woman’s Club of McLean
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
Shakespeare Comes to Alden
American Shakespeare Center performs a double-bill of the Bard celebrating his 450th birthday.
In such a Shakespeare-rich area, "no one does it like the American Shakespeare Center...Shakespeare is so alive in their hands," said Sarah N. Schallern, Performing Arts Director, the Alden at the McLean Community Center. "They have quite a fan base, and to be able to host them in our beautiful, intimate Alden Theatre is a joy and an honor."
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
Children’s Connection: What an Inspiration!
To the Editor: I just finished reading the McLean Connection, Children's Connection 2013. I am so impressed by the children, what an inspiration they are! Thank you and the children for this special gift.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.
Thursday, January 2
Top Great Falls, McLean Sports Moments of 2013
Here is a look at the top Great Falls and McLean sports moments of 2013.
Classified Advertising January 1, 2014
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