Friday, March 28
Robinson Baseball Rallies to Beat Marshall
Rams score three in the seventh for walk-off win.
The Robinson baseball team improved to 3-0 Thursday with a 6-5 win over Marshall.
Thursday, March 27
Classified Advertising March 26, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
In Search of ‘Game Changing’ Ideas
Local legislators reflect on social issues addressed by Virginia General Assembly in 2014.
At a presentation hosted by SALT [Social Action Linking Together) on March 22, more than 50 community activists gathered to hear local legislators offer brief comments on social progress in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2014 General Assembly session. The presentation was hosted at American Legion 180.
FCPS Students Earn 27 National Scholastic Awards
Fairfax County Public Schools students earned 27 national awards in the National Scholastic Art Awards program sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Nima Jeizan of Marshall High School earned an American Visions Medal—equivalent to a best in show for the nation—and Elisabeth Hughes of Oakton High School earned a Gold Medal and Best in Grade Award. Gold Key award-winning entries from the Fairfax region were judged at the national level against winning artwork from across the country where they earned Gold Medals, Silver Medals, American Visions Medals, and Best in Grade Awards. National medalists will be celebrated at an award ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City in May. Select national award winning work will be included in an exhibition in New York, and a traveling exhibition over the coming year.
Local Student Starts Foundation
Katharine Jiang’s contribution grants 100 D.C.-area students notebook-laden backpacks.
Few high school students can say they have created a foundation. Sixteen-year-old Katharine Jiang of Great Falls is one of those few.
Langley High Orchestra Inspires Florida School
The smiling high school senior held her violin in her outstretched hands, offering to show the 6-year-olds how to play it. As she plucked the strings, a child recoiled in surprise, afraid that he was close enough to hurt the instrument. Twenty minutes later, that same child was holding the violin and the bow, exclaiming,"I want to play this."
Letter: Lying Already?
To the Editor: [Barbara] Comstock is not even on the ballot and already she’s throwing lies around in a letter designed to raise Republican hackles and raise money for her primary. She reported that John Foust, Dranesville Supervisor on the Fairfax Board and her likely opponent for the 10th District, “just voted last night for an 8.5 percent tax hike on homeowners.” Truth is that Foust actually voted for a cap on property taxes, which was agreed to by Republicans and Democrats working together on the Board. Really, Barbara, a bald-faced lie, and one so easy to catch, doesn’t help your image.
Mental Health and the Expansion of Medicaid
There is a growing consensus forming in the General Assembly that now is the time to improve the safety net for mental health services. Both the House and Senate budgets increase funding for these services by millions of dollars (House proposed a $10 million increase and the Senate $20 million) above the proposed budget of $36 million that Governor McDonnell presented in December.
Churchill Road Science Olympiad Team Wins First Place at the Regional Tournament
The Churchill Road Elementary School Science Olympiad team turned in a fabulous performance at the Virginia Science Olympiad Regional Tournament on Saturday, March 1, at Madison High School in Vienna. Competing against 20 other teams from area elementary and middle schools, Churchill Road’s team won First Place. The school’s fifth and sixth graders competed against other fifth and sixth graders, as well as seventh and eighth graders, in science topics that included Life Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Technology and Inquiry and Nature of Science. CRS students placed in the top five in 14 events, and they placed in the top 10 in most other events.
Churchill Road Elementary Receives Safe Community Coalition Grant
Churchill Road Elementary School received a $1,000 grant from the Safe Community Coalition (SCC). Debra Maes, Churchill Road’s Environmental Studies Educator, said that the grant will be used to help maintain the cold frames built by the fifth grade students. These cold frames protect the plants from freezing.
Fun Fair at Chesterbrook Elementary
Chesterbrook Elementary School held its Fun Fair on Saturday, March 15. One of the booths at the Fair was developed as part of Chesterbrook's Service Learning Project. Through the Atitlan Education Project, a non-profit program of Congressional District Programs, Chesterbrook students help Escuela Caracol, a school in Guatemala. The booth had informational materials and also sold handcrafted goods that were made in the Guatemalan village where Escuela Caracol is located. Chesterbrook teacher, Betsy Butler, staffed the booth and also sold scarves she had knitted. The funds made from booth sales will be used by Escuela Caracol to help support scholarships for the local Mayan children and for books and art supplies for the school. For more information about Escuela Caracol, visit www.escuelacaracol.org
Disaster Recovery Practiced in McLean
Last week, McLean was flooded with AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) trailers, trucks and vans. Luckily, there was no disaster.
McLean HS Crew Team Mulch Madness
The 2014 team of rowers and coxswains from McLean High moved 16,000 bags of mulch over a two day period and still managed to finish several hours early. They did this with just under 70 Crew roster members, parents, siblings, friends and faithful alumnae. The event could not be hold without the parents who loaded, drove, chased and cleaned the trucks, prepared food, handled the organizational tasks and sat security detail with the mulch, trucks, and equipment overnight.
Celebrating Chaplin’s 125th Birthday
The Alden in McLean will celebrate Charlie Chaplin’s 125th birthday with an evening of silent films with live musical accompaniment on Wednesday April 16, at 7:30 p.m. A star of the silent era, Chaplin was a British comic actor, filmmaker and composer who rose to fame with such films as “The Gold Rush,” “City Lights” and “The Great Dictator.” Tickets are $10, $6 for MCC district residents. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, inside the McLean Community Center.
Bestselling Author to Keynote Women's Leadership Forum
Christina Daves, author of "PR for Anyone: 100+ Affordable Tips to Easily Create Buzz for Your Business" will keynote the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce's Regional Women's Leadership Forum on Tuesday, April 29. Held at Capital One Bank Headquarters (1680 Capital One Dr, McLean). The event will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Alden Awards 15 Local Students Fine Arts Scholarships
Fifteen high school students received scholarships for successfully competing in the 2014 James C. Macdonald Fine Arts Scholarship Competition.
Wednesday, March 26
East All-Stars Beat West All-Stars in 10th Suburban Classic
McLean’s Prock named East MVP; South Lakes’ Jensen scores 22.
McLean's Cami Prock and South Lakes' Caitlin Jensen had big afternoons during the Suburban Classic.
Editorial: Challenging Budgets
Local Government should be able to access income taxes to give relief on real estate taxes.
Northern Virginia governments are facing shortfalls in the classic budget sense: projected revenues are less than last year’s expenditures plus increases in costs.
Another Milestone
March 30, 2014. My age 59 and a half (9/30/54 is my date of birth). The age at which money deposited into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be withdrawn without incurring a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Not that I’m retiring. I am remembering though when this cancer-centric life of mine began.
Virginia Bluebells: Native Spring Beauty
Carpets of bluebells coming soon to a park near you.
The Virginia Bluebells are coming. In early Spring, these native wildflowers will burst into bloom profusely throughout much of the Washington area. Botanically named Mertensia virginica, one of a number of species of Mertensia, Virginia Bluebells can be found in many moist, woodland areas, especially along streams and rivers. Depending on the weather, they first appear in early April as light pink buds, and then open into several shades of pink, blue and even white. In some areas along the local rivers they bloom in stunning profusion, creating a veritable carpet of color.
‘Carmen’ Comes to Area
Virginia Opera brings "Carmen" to Center for the Arts.
Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will present Georges Bizet’s sultry tragedy about opera’s most famous femme fatale, "Carmen." The opera has enthralled audiences for more than a century and is one of the most popular. "Carmen" follows Don José and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring Carmen who tosses him aside for another man leading to jealous rage.
‘Goal Is To Spot Kids in Crisis’
Police, others take suicide prevention training.
Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.
Friday, March 21
Celebrating Inclusion
Board of Supervisors Names March Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month.
The Board of Supervisors has designated March "Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month" in Fairfax County. Both those with disabilities and those without have their lives enriched when people with disabilities are fully included in the community. This special month seeks to help those with disabilities find ways to be involved in the community, and bring awareness to others of these engaged neighbors.
Thursday, March 20
McLean Home Sales: February, 2014
In February 2014, 69 homes sold between $3,100,000-$140,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: February, 2014
Wednesday, March 19
Letter: Incorrect Assertion
In a letter ["A Manufactured Crisis," Connection, March 12, 2014] Jack Kenny states that the ObamaCare Medical Devices tax applies to fishing poles and tires, and that "the Department of Health and Human Services has asked retailers to not show the tax on your sales receipt."
Career Ministry Serves Community
People find support and encouragement at Career Network Ministry at McLean Bible Church in Vienna.
In the metro D.C. area, job clubs and networking events have been long used as tools for persons on the job hunt. One weekly job event that has grown over the years is the Career Network Ministry, hosted at McLean Bible Church at 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. "I hate to see our ranks grow, because it means so many are unemployed," said Mallard Owen, "yet I also think it is a shame that there are not more of these groups across the country." A resident of Ashburn, Owen does not attend McLean Bible Church, yet has helped with operations at the Career Network Ministry (CNM) for approximately five years.
Letter: A Reasonable Decision on Oakcrest School
Your article on the recent SEA approval for Oakcrest School ["Supervisors Clear the Way for Oakcrest School Relocation," Connection, March 5-11, 2014] regrettably repeats disinformation from Steve Hull and the Hunter Mill Defense League (HMDL). Contrary to their claim, I did not "agree" to the conditions imposed by the Board of Supervisors in their original approval. Supporting Oakcrest’s right to build on their own property was certainly not tantamount to agreeing to any conditions that might be imposed on someone else’s property. I was not a party to the negotiations resulting in the final conditions, dated the day of the hearing, nor were they even made available to me until a week after the approval.
Local Students Spice it Up
Students from McLean, Robinson, and Woodson High Schools compete in culinary competition.
Student chefs from the Fairfax County school culinary program gathered last Thursday afternoon for the second annual Real Food for Kids Culinary Competition. The contest allowed students from the county’s four culinary academies to compete for a chance to have their vegetarian entrées used in the county’s school lunch program.
10th District Democrats Nominate John Foust
Democrats cancel convention uniting for Dranesville Supervisor for Congress.
The field of GOP contenders vying for retiring U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf’s seat is still crowded, but the Democratic pool of political hopefuls dwindled to one on Monday: Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville).
Langley, Cooper Orchestras Share the Spotlight
On the evening of March 13, the Langley High School Orchestra and Cooper Middle School Orchestra shared the stage in the annual Pyramid concert. Before the concert, a dinner was held to welcome the Middle School students and give them a chance to mingle with the older musicians.
STEMtastics: Inspiring Middle School Girls to Pursue STEM Careers
Fifty McLean students from Longfellow and Cooper Middle Schools joined students from 35 other schools on March 8 at STEMtastics, a career day event designed to educate and inspire the students to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Loving Pi and Pie
The 16-year-old McLean resident Kira Becker created a video about why students and teachers love Pi Day.
March 14 means two important things to both students and math geeks: a time to recite the digits of pi and eat even more pie.
Del. Comstock Accepting Applications To The Young Women's Leadership Program
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) has officially launched the second year of her Young Women's Leadership Program, which provides young women enrolled in middle school and high school the opportunity to meet and interact with women in leadership positions in government, politics and business. Through this program, young women will be able to learn about career opportunities in various fields, develop their leadership skills, identify their strengths and interests and practice effective communication with others to help realize their future educational and career goals.
Editorial: Income Gap Alive and Well
Statistics make life in the area sound idyllic, but many families are left out in the land of plenty.
Northern Virginia is a place of wonder and plenty. So says the New York Times this past week in, "Income Gap Meet the Longevity Gap," (March 15, 2014).
No Know. No Problem.
I felt a bit of a dope this week when, after reading last week’s column, "Whew!", multiple friends called to inquire specifically as to the "Tony-the-Tiger Great" news I wrote that I received from my oncologist, and I couldn’t answer them in any detail: shrinkage, less fluid, "partial stable remission"? Nothing. And though I tried to get my oncologist to explain to me exactly what was so encouraging about this most recent CT Scan – compared to the one I took three months ago (as opposed to the one I had nine months ago which was mistakenly compared to this most recent scan and resulted in the "Some better, some worse. I’ll explain more on Friday" e-mail I received from my doctor and talked about in "Whew!") – I was rebuffed. Rebuffed in the best possible way: being told instead how great I was doing, how great my lab results were (for this most recent pre-chemotherapy) and how I could live a long time like this (presumably continuing to be infused with Alimta) – it was almost disconcerting; especially when you consider the original e-mail assessment we received and our less-than-positive interpretation of it. Moreover, the oncologist’s exuberance and smiling countenance, along with his offer of a congratulatory handshake led me away from the missing facts and immediately into these new-found feelings.
How To Prepare for New SAT
Local experts say working hard in class is the best way to be successful.
Linda Mitchell and her 15-year-old daughter, Alexis, say they don’t really know what to expect when Alexis sits for the SAT college admissions exam in 2016, but they’re not too worried at this point. Two years is a long time.
Art Educators, Galleries Celebrate Youth Art Month
Experts say art can teach valuable life skills.
Brightly colored self-portraits, landscapes dotted with spring flowers and hand-carved sculptures fill a gallery at the McLean Project for the Arts in McLean. All of the art was created by local school children. Meanwhile, in Alexandria, parents and tots dip their fingers in glue, clay and paint to create collages, sculptures and paintings.
Tuesday, March 18
Classified Advertising March 19. 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, March 17
Casino Night at Ritz-Carlton for Boy and Girls Clubs
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, Fairfax Region runs clubs that serve children and teens in Mount Vernon and Falls Church, and held its inaugural Casino Night at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons on Friday, March 7. About 200 attended and enjoyed gaming, good food, music and live and silent auctions for a good cause.
Thursday, March 13
Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Spring
Experts suggest a yearly spring maintenance check-up.
With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s time to focus on your home.
Getting Your Garden Ready for Spring
Local experts tell you what you should do now, in spite of the cold weather.
It doesn’t feel like spring. Last week’s snow made it seem like warm weather might never arrive, so planting a garden might be the last thing on your mind. However, local gardening experts say this is the ideal time to start preparing your landscape to yield colorful spring foliage. Bill Mann, of Behnke Nurseries in Potomac, Md., said spring garden preparation plans differ from year to year. "It depends on the landscape beds you have and whether or not you’re planning to put in a vegetable garden," he said.
Whimsy Meets Elegance
Potomac designer creates playful yet polished home for family of five.
When an active family of five approached Potomac interior designer Sharon Kleinman and asked her to give their home a makeover, they wanted a whimsical yet polished space.
Kitchen Confidential
From light-filled to dramatic, local designers create dream kitchens.
When Allie Mann of Arlington, a designer and senior interior specialist at Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. was tasked with giving the first floor of a McLean, Va., home a face lift, she had to think free-flowing and airy.
Arlington Family Outgrows Home but Stays Put
Family builds addition to accommodate their growing needs.
When a family of five realized that they’d outgrown their home in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington, they pondered two options: purchase a new home or build an addition onto their existing home. They decided to stay in their home.
15th Biennial Ikebana Show at the Art League
Twenty-five members of the Washington, D.C., branch of the Sogetsu School participated in the 15th biennial Ikebana Show at the Art League in the Torpedo Factory last week.
Near Zero Temps Call for Back-to-Basic
What mid-winter maintenance can reveal about your home’s needs.
While common sense suggests that home improvements should be put off to warmer weather, a sustained period of colder temperatures often reveals systemic problems that will need correction sooner or later. As temperatures dropped precipitously several weeks ago, all Reston homeowner Craig Mattice knew was that his original mansard roof was plagued with ice dams and his 10-year-old, 600-square-foot addition was so cold the pipes were freezing. Moreover, no amount of thermostat adjustment improved the situation much.
Northern Virginia's Growing Debt Burden
Local governments use debt as a tool to build for the future.
Back in the 1920s, Harry Byrd became governor of Virginia on what he called a "pay-as-you-go" platform.
Wednesday, March 12
Dowling Enters First Season as McLean Head Baseball Coach
Virginia Tech-Bound Sullivan is Highlanders’ Top Pitcher.
John Dowling spent two seasons as Lee head coach before coming to McLean
Empty-Nesters Re-invent the Family Home
Built-ins, cleverly articulated interior increase usable space without need to add-on.
Sometimes life’s second act requires a bold set change. How else are others to know that the featured players have moved on, embracing new beginnings?
Van Metre Wins Sales, Marketing Awards
Van Metre Homes won eight Silver Awards at the 2014 National Sales and Marketing Awards, hosted by the National Sales and Marketing Council.
Classified Advertising March 12, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
The D.C. Design House Designers Announced
Some of the area’s top designers competed for an opportunity to donate their talent to transform a local, grand home into a showcase home. Local designers chosen to help transform the 2014 DC Design House include:
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. Additionally, Sales Associate J.D. Callander of the McLean/Dolley Madison office was individually recognized for her exceptional industry success during the month of December. A top producer, Callander led the region for resale listings. She can be reached in Weichert’s McLean/Dolley Madison office at 1313 Dolley Madison Boulevard or by phone at 703-760-8880.
Garden Club of Virginia Celebrates 81st Tour
House and garden tours will take place across Virginia during the 81st Historic Garden Week. Garden week runs from Saturday, April 26-Saturday, May 3.
Editorial: Voting Against Virginia?
Local proponents of expanding health coverage for poor people have a point about those in the General Assembly voting against it.
When Delegates Scott Surovell, Charniele Herring and Rob Krupicka, along with Sen. Adam Ebbin got together to make the case for expanding Medicaid in Virginia, they brought slide presentations, charts, spreadsheets, poll results and more.
Whew!
Originally, this column was to be a discussion about the communication process between my doctor and this patient. Specifically, the time lag between when tests are performed/completed and when those results are communicated to the doctor who in turn – per this patient’s request, e-mails them to me. In the olden days, results were most likely offered up in person; in the post-olden days, more likely a phone call was made; presently, at least in my experience, results most likely will be e-mailed. I imagine an enduring problem for the patient – during all three "days," has been the time waiting for test results and hearing about them from your doctor. Excruciating is one of the most accurate characterizations of that delay, combined with an unhealthy dose of helplessness. Eventually, if you live long enough, you sort of become accustomed to the process and learn to roll with the punches, both figuratively and literally. Nevertheless, the patience and experience you learn can’t totally stop the rampant speculation that keeps you up at night and sleepy during the day.
Mr. Horejsi Goes to Richmond
In the fight for social justice with patience and persistence.
Every year, dozens of high-priced lobbyists descend on Virginia’s state capitol.
Race to Watch - II
To the Editor: There were a few errors in my letter published in the Connection of March 5th [“Race to Watch”]. I stated that Barbara Comstock spent $1.4 on her race and won by less than 52 percent of the vote. She actually spent $1.4 million and received 50.6 percent of the vote, a margin of only 422 votes. I also understated Bob Marshall's margin of victory. He won by 495 votes, not close to 400 votes. Sue Rosenberg Vienna
Del. Comstock Accepting Applications To The Young Women's Leadership Program
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) has officially launched the second year of her Young Women's Leadership Program, which provides young women enrolled in middle school and high school the opportunity to meet and interact with women in leadership positions in government, politics and business.
Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures: A Local Teen Looking to Make a World of Difference
George C Marshall High School sophomore, Taylor Lane, of Dunn Loring, had listened her whole life to amazing stories of people who had made a difference in the world through courageous acts of heroism or selfish acts of compassion. Both of her parents had lived through the Rwandan genocide, now marking its 20 year anniversary, and led the evacuation of innocents out of the country. From their experiences, Taylor had been taught to believe in the “power of one,” that anyone could make a difference in the world.
Youth Art on Display
33rd Annual McLean Project for the Arts Youth Art Show kicks off with a crowd.
Over three decades ago the McLean Project for the Arts began lining its gallery walls with artwork from the Mclean youth and 33 years later, the tradition has continued on as the gallery’s annual Youth Art Show. Saturday marked the opening reception of the youth art exhibition at the McLean Community Center that featured the artwork of hundreds of students from eight McLean elementary schools.
Stephan Quinn Cassaday Named Barron’s #1 Financial Advisor in Virginia
Cassaday & Company, Inc. announced that Barron’s, a leading financial publication, named Stephan Quinn Cassaday, CFP, CFS as the number one financial advisor in the state of Virginia on its annual list of America’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: 2014 State by State. This list includes both independent advisory firms and large wirehouses. Previously, Stephan Quinn Cassaday was ranked fourth from 2010-2013. He was also ranked in 2009.
Longfellow Middle, TJHSST Win Regional Science Bowls
Science Bowl teams from Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) won first place in the regional Science Bowl held in Newport News, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Longfellow team placed first in a field of 16 middle school teams, winning a $750 prize to support science programs at the school. Team members are Nicholas Begotka, Aditya Sarkar, Franklyn Wang, Wenbo Wu, and Fred Zhang. Longfellow science teacher Jim Bradford coaches the team.
Week in McLean
Two Die in Merrifield Area Crash Around 1:50 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 3, a police officer attempted to stop the driver of a 1999 Dodge Neon, for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The Neon was west bound on Hilltop Road when it attempted to flee. The Neon lost control near the intersection with Old Lee Highway and ran off the road, striking a tree.
Spelling Bee Championship Held at Churchill Road
On Feb. 24, Churchill Road Elementary crowned a new champion in the school’s sixth annual Spelling Bee. Sixth grader Brandon Torng won the championship after 13 rounds by correctly spelling the word “glockenspiel.” Of his spelling bee experience, Brandon said: “It was really exciting to win and it was a great experience. It was hard work (studying for the bee), but it was worth it.” Brandon will be representing Churchill Road at the county Spelling Bee later in March. Congratulations also to the first runner up, fifth grader Eliana Schoenberg, and second runner up, fourth grader Nia Brockelman. The winner of the Fairfax County Bee will advance to the Scripps National Bee in Washington, D.C. The school is thankful to parent Shivu John and the many parent volunteers for organizing this event and to second grade teacher Cindy Zemke for serving as the Bee’s pronouncer.
Superman Comes to McLean
Theater Unspeakable presents ‘Superman 2050’ at Alden Theatre.
That iconic comic-book super-hero Superman is coming to the McLean Community Center. He is ready to save the day from his foe Lex Luther. Superman and the gang will be live and in person as performed by Theatre Unspeakable in the new "Superman 2050." "The moment I saw 'Superman 2050' at a conference in Philadelphia last year I knew I had to book them for the Alden. The show is just so unique," said Kathleen Herr, director of Youth Programs, Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center.
Remembering Segregation in McLean and Vienna
Longtime resident reflects on life in McLean and Vienna during uncertain times.
Deloris Evans remembers the excitement of riding the bus with students from The Madeira School. She was thrilled because they were going to see Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 inauguration parade. She was also delighted because this was her father’s bus. He was the chauffer for Lucy Madeira, head and founder of The Madeira School. And for this event, he was given permission to bring his young black daughter onto a bus full of white students to see the historic parade.
Really, Lying Already?
To the Editor: [Barbara] Comstock is not even on the ballot and already she’s throwing lies around in a letter designed to raise Republican hackles and raise money for her primary.
Winning Championship, Honors
The McLean fifth grade girls' basketball team won the Division 2 championship with a 36-25 victory over Gainesville on Saturday at Liberty Middle School in Centreville.
McLean Community Center to Hold Hearing on Programs
The McLean Community Center Governing Board will hold its annual Public Hearing on Programs at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26. The board is seeking comments and suggestions on Center programs and services from residents of the Dranesville Small District 1A tax district, which it serves. The regular monthly meeting of the Governing Board will immediately follow the hearing. All meetings of the board are open to the public. The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
Saturday, March 8
Braunstein Retiring from CSB
He led agency through transformation, advocated for mental health services.
George Braunstein said he entered the field of mental health services almost accidentally. “My first college degree was in history and education. I was going to be a high school history teacher,” Braunstein said.
Thursday, March 6
Editorial: Take the Money
No downside to gaining health care for 200,000 or more; 30,000 jobs and millions of dollars for hospitals from expansion of Medicaid.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe is right to make expansion of health coverage part of the budget process.
Sex Trafficking in Our Backyard
Fairfax County detective, trafficking victim testify at Congressional hearing.
Since its creation in October 2013, the human trafficking unit of the Fairfax County Police Department has received over 70 tips and leads about human trafficking in Northern Virginia.
Wednesday, March 5
Classified Advertising March 5, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Supervisors Clear the Way for Oakcrest School Relocation
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approves a special exception amendment Feb. 25.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a special exception amendment from the Oakcrest School on Tuesday, Feb. 25, providing for a traffic light at the intersection of Hunter Mill Road and Crowell. The decision ended a four-year back-and-forth between the McLean-based Oakcrest School, landowners near the intersection of Hunter Mill and Crowell roads, and the board of supervisors. With the approval of its special exception amendment, Oakcrest School can now begin building its new facility, which will include a heavily disputed driveway entrance on Crowell Road.
Letter: Race to Watch
Thanks for the well-documented article on the political trends in Virginia's 10th Congressional District ("How Red is the 10th District?" February 19-25, 2014). The conventional wisdom among political prognosticators is that the District leans Republican. However, recent voting patterns suggest that a strong Democratic candidate could be well within striking distance for a win. Consider the following: first, in the past two gubernatorial elections, the Republican nominee won the 10th District by only 1 percent. Second, the seat is now open, and retiring Congressman Frank Wolf’s name recognition and constituent service record are not in play.
Four Boy Scouts Receive Eagle Scout Medals
Robert Hefferon, Quan Pham, Eswar Sriram, and Sudharsan Sriram, members of Boy Scouts of America Troop 869 in McLean, received their Eagle Scout medals in a ceremony at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Feb. 22.
The Langley School Presents ‘Annie’
Performances March 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s Sherman Arts Center.
Middle School students at The Langley School will present the Broadway musical, "Annie," in three evening performances March 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s Sherman Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased online at www.langleyschool.org for $8 each.
McLean Project for the Arts Honors Capital One
The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) held a business leaders reception in their galleries honoring lead MPA ArtReach sponsor, Capital One on Feb 19.
Letter: Common Sense Law Obstructed
Keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people is just common sense – but sadly, in Virginia, our system is backwards and works to protect criminal access to guns.
Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Not Yet, Really
While we’re exchanging pleasantries here, in semi real time – although this column will not be most read until March 6th (I need to submit it on Monday, March 3rd as we go to press on Tuesday, March 5th), I feel the obligation, given how last week’s column ended, to update you on the results from my February 26th CT Scan. Presumably, by the title you all have determined that as of this writing, Saturday, March 1st, I have not heard back from my oncologist. Typically, I would have already heard from him, electronically. But so far, not a peep, electronic or otherwise and believe me, I’ve been checking, as you might imagine.
Board Advertises Higher Tax Rate
Rate gives board flexibility, options in determining final budget.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 Tuesday to advertise a higher real estate tax rate that could add about $100 to annual tax bills, which will be on top of the $332 county homeowners will see this year as a result of higher real estate assessments. Setting the advertised tax rate formally begins the two-month public process to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and the rate represents the maximum potential tax rate for FY2015.
Preventing Teen Suicides
Recent deaths shine light on FCPS suicide prevention programs.
Every 15 seconds, a teen in the United States tries to commit suicide. Every 90 minutes, one succeeds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that the number of attempted suicides among teenagers increased from 6.3 percent in 2009 to 7.8 percent in 2011.
Cox Charities Virginia Awards Area Nonprofits
Cox Communications awarded $160,000 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations in Virginia through Cox Charities grants programs. The grants presented Feb. 21 are part of the nearly $8 million Cox contributes annually through cash and in-kind support to the communities where they do business.