Stories for January 2015

Editorial: Outlook

Many bright spots will be overshadowed in the coming budget season.

Long awaited, the opening of the Silver Line promises to bring transformation to Tysons and around the current station in Reston, with another Reston station and Herndon to come.

Fairfax County Supervisors Defer Decision on Salary Adjustment

How should a county supervisor be compensated for his or her service? That question continues to be up for discussion, as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defer voting on a compensation adjustment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.

School Holds Bullying Prevention Week

The week of Jan. 12, Churchill Road Elementary School students participated in Bullying Prevention Week. Organized by school counselors Jamie Meyers and Alex Mantel, peer mediators created thematic posters and fifth and sixth grade students filmed anti-bullying skits that were aired on the morning Bobcat News broadcast.

A Challenge for Garza: Excessive Homework

To the Editor: Your article “How Does She Do It” - Karen Garza’s vision: the irresistible force moving immovable object of Fairfax County Public Schools (The Connection,December 24-10, 2014) showed FCPS Superintendent Dr. Garza as a force for change. In the Fairfax County school system, students demonstrate excellence by collaborating and achieving good grades with the assistance of teachers.

Tysons Chamber, LearningRx Kick Off Job Shadow Program

Maureen Loftus, executive director of LearningRx of Vienna and Reston is leading the kick-off of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) job shadow program for 11th and 12th grade students of Oakton, Madison and Marshall high schools in Fairfax County, where students will shadow professionals in various industries in January and February.

What do you like and dislike about the new Metro stations?

Tysons Corner Station riders share what they like and dislike about new service.

What do you like and dislike about the new Metro stations?

McLean’s Silver Lining

New Metro stations bring benefits, some disadvantages to McLean.

For riders and users of the Silver Line, the impact of the new stations, which opened on June 23, are on accessibility and options. Michael Caplin, executive director of Tysons Partnership, an association of business, government and community leaders, said that the Silver Line “turbo-charged the community.”

McLean Theatre Company Earns 21 National, State and Local Recognitions

McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) recently earned 21 national, state and local theater recognitions from the YoungArts Foundation, Virginia Thespians and DCMetrotheaterarts.com respectively. Nearly all recognized appear in MTC’s upcoming regional premiere of “Big Fish,” running February 16, 19–22 at McLean’s Burks Auditorium.

Supporting Kent Gardens PTA

The Community Charity Champions Fundraiser for Kent Gardens PTA was a success. The organizers would like to thank everyone for coming to Pulcinella in support of Kent Gardens PTA and contributing to that success in raising $2,170. Pictured: The Cline-Thomas family and Kent Gardens principal Holly McGuigan.

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center to Hire More Than 100 Employees

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, located in Tysons Corner, anticipates it will be hiring more than 100 employees. The new hotel, which is expected to open in winter/spring of 2015, is accepting online applications for positions in sales, room service, food and beverage, management, culinary, engineering, and more. The online application process is now available.

Column: Traffic Caught

If I were writing this column in Massachusetts – where I was born and mostly educated (K-12), and had a thick Boston accent, that’s how court would likely be pronounced; changing a noun into a verb.

Schools to Expand by $856 Million

Capital Improvement Plan approved, rising enrollment causes concerns about classroom space.

Five more school buildings and renovations for several existing ones may be approved by 2020. The Fairfax County School Board approved the $856 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at the Jan. 22 meeting to set priority on the projects the school system wants done in the next five years.

McLean Festival Finds a Sweet Spot

Chocolate Festival gets ‘smoother and smoother’ every year.

Chocolate covered bacon, chocolate covered marshmallows, chocolate gelato... And the list goes on. The fourth annual McLean Rotary Chocolate Festival attracted hundreds of sweet tooths to the community on Sunday, Jan. 25, to indulge in their favorite treats.

McLean Outlook: Developing the Community

Completion of community centers, pedestrian improvements.

McLean community leaders will be busy this year. Between the looming pedestrian improvements and downtown development residents have a lot to look forward to.

Great Falls: Langley Girls' Basketball Team on a Roll

Hard-nosed defense, Coach Baker’s preparation key during 13-1 start.

The Langley girls' basketball team defeated Langley 44-25 on Jan. 23 to improve to 13-1.

College Prep for All

The ANA Project offers college test preparation tools to students at all income levels.

Amir Mousavi of Arlington, owner of Langley Prep, a provider of private, in-home tutoring for standardized tests, says students with limited financial resources are often at a disadvantage when it comes to preparing for college admissions examinations such as the SAT and the ACT.

Editorial: Baby Steps, Not Enough

Supervisors should take action, not defer to “outside expert,” on absurd and outrageous behavior of police department.

Finally, now that the Fairfax County Police Department has taken stonewalling into the arena of the absurd, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has at least said it is time for change. It is a step, but a step that continues the appearance of obfuscation if not outright obstruction.

Fairfax County Delivers Geer Documents

Thirty days after a court order by Fairfax Circuit Court judge Randy Bellows, Fairfax County has produced documents concerning the shooting death of John Geer.

Demolition at Langley Begins

Three-year renovation project will update local school.

Phase one of Langley High School’s renovation project has begun. The building, built in the 1960s, will receive its first major overhaul in an effort to update the building to create a more effective learning environment for students.

Chocolate Lover’s Paradise in McLean

Chocolate Festival returns on Sunday, Jan. 25.

One day every year, McLean Community Center is a chocolate lover’s dream. The McLean Chocolate Festival will host 17 vendors selling decadent artisan chocolate goods on Jan. 25, ranging from candies to chocolate dipped bacon.

McLean Residents Air Concerns to Legislators

Town Hall meeting held in McLean Community Center.

Six local state legislators listened to the concerns of a room full of people last Saturday. Several delegates and state senators took part in a Town Hall meeting on Jan. 17 at the McLean Community Center to talk about some of their bills and find out what issues their constituents thought were important.

Could Fairfax County End Veteran Homelessness in 2015?

Chairman Bulova, Fairfax County take on national Mayors Challenge.

The transition from serving in the armed forces to civilian life is often not simple. While in Fairfax County there are more than 12,000 veteran-owned businesses, indicating a significant measure of success, for others the path is far more difficult.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bulova Releases 2015 State of the County Address

Despite a projected shortfall of nearly $100 million facing Fairfax County going into the FY 2016 budget, Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova remains encouraged by a 2014 that she said was full of accomplishments.

Public Information Meetings on Transforming I-66

Work is underway to transform Northern Virginia's I-66. Under the proposed plan, I-66 would be improved to provide:

Marshall Academy CyberPatriots Advance to the National Competition

Students from Marshall, a Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Academy, are advancing to the national round of the annual CyberPatriot Competition. They are doing so after two teams were awarded first and third place in the state competition, and after a long day of regional competition that took place on Saturday, Jan. 17.

New Additions at Tower Club

The Tower Club at Tysons Corner, a ClubCorp property, has recently unveiled its expansion as part of the continued development at Tysons Corner Center. For the unveiling of the club’s new Crescent Lounge and upscale restaurant Reserve, members were invited to the Tower Club’s winter wonderland re-opening celebration on Jan. 8.

Perform in Honors Orchestra Concert

Eleven students represented Langley High School in the District XII Honors Orchestra Concert on Jan. 10, at Wakefield High School.

Lady Saxons Hold Skills Tournament for Special Olympians

The Lady Saxons — Langley High School’s Varsity Basketball Team — is doing its part both on and off the court. Last Saturday, the Lady Saxons traveled to Catoctin Elementary School in Leesburg to help run an afternoon Skills Tournament for Special Olympics basketball athletes. The athletes worked on shooting, dribbling, passing and having fun.

Two Potomac School Seniors Honored for Science Research

It's been a banner year for Ashley Rodriguez and Josh Tarplin, two seniors in The Potomac School's Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) program. Over the past few months, Rodriguez and Tarplin’s two-year independent research projects have earned them awards and scholarships from some of the most prestigious competitions in the country.

McLean Community Foundation Announces Grants Recipients, New Grants Cycle

The McLean Community Foundation (MCF) has announced the following grants recently awarded to organizations benefiting the citizens of McLean:

A Musical on Challenges of Growing Up

“13,” the musical, arriving on the Alden stage.

"I face the world for what it is, and not what I wish it could be" are key lyrics from the McLean Community Players (MCP) production of the musical "13." With rock-infused music and thought-provoking lyrics by Tony Award winning Jason Robert Brown, "13" is about the challenges of growing up.

Where ‘New McLean’ Met ‘Old McLean’

Carole L. Herrick publishes a new book on McLean local legends.

”There’s old McLean and there’s new McLean,” said Carole L. Herrick, author of “Legendary Locals of McLean” which went on sale on Jan. 19. Old McLean are property owners who once owned expansive farms or dairies, while new McLean are people who settled in the area when the Central Intelligence Agency came in 1961. For a while old and new McLeans coexisted, new Cadillacs would be parked next to beat up old Chevy trucks used in the farms.

Letter: Volunteer for the Games

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor: I love this community. There are so many ways to serve a community as diverse and as vibrant as ours. I recently competed in a special election to succeed Congresswoman Comstock. While I came up short in the vote count, largely due to the unfortunate weather on Election Day, I am as inspired to serve as I was on that day. My passion to serve others only strengthens with each pursuit.

Column: Seasonal Seven Dwarfs

Sneezy, Coughy, Phlegmy, Stuffy, Achy. No-Sleepy and Post-Nasal Drippy; and no Doc, which is possibly what led to this column being written.

Scott Surovell (D-44) Announces Bid for State Senate

Del. Scott Surovell (D-44) used his blog and e-newsletter to make his intention known: Less than a week after Sen. Toddy Puller (D-36) announced she would not look to serve another term, Surovell declared he would run for the vacant seat on Sunday, Jan. 18.

McLean Gymnastics Looking for Return to States

Highlanders finished state runner-up in 2014.

The McLean gymnastics team finished state runner-up last year.

McLean Home Sales: December, 2014

In December 2014, 90 homes sold between $4,065,309-$135,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: December, 2014

Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: 2014 Top Sales

General Assembly Fairfax Delegation Holds Public Meeting Prior to Session in Richmond.

Justin Dolan addressed the state delegates and senators from his wheelchair rather than the podium. The 34-year-old Falls Church resident has cerebral palsy, and received an Individual & Family Developmental Disabilities Support waiver.

Deadline for School Audit Committee Changes

Citizens Association wants community members added to School Board committee.

McLean Citizens Association (MCA) wants the county School Board to add community members to the audit committee. MCA voted on a resolution Jan. 7- stemming on a resolution made by Fairfax County Public School board members recently - to make changes to the audit committee by July 1.

Fairfax County Supervisors Seek Outside Help with Transparency

“Independent expertise” to advise on information disclosure policies.

Eight days after offering the public the first of any kind of official explanation for officer-involved shooting of Springfield resident John Geer, the Board of Supervisors took another step.

The $2.4 Billion Question

FCPS Superintendent presents next year’s budget.

Fairfax County Public Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza is proposing a $2.4 billion budget for the 2015-16 school year. The proposed Fairfax County Public Schools’ budget includes funds for full-day Mondays, teacher compensation and later high school start times while still finding room for $55.4 million in cuts.

Letter: County Shouldn’t Spray Against Fall Cankerworm

Letter to the Editor

This letter is in response to a recent letter to the editor about Fairfax County’s Fall Cankerworm Insecticide Spraying Program.

Forestville Elementary Girls Perform on the Elipse Stage

Kendall Ladd, Erin Kearns and Christina Barton -- fifth graders at Forestville Elementary - submitted an audition tape and were chosen to perform on the Ellipse Stage at the National Christmas on Dec. 13. They chose to sing "You're a mean one Mr. Grinch."

Renovation, expansion include new gym and fitness center.

On Jan. 10 elected officials, County staff, contractors and members of the community celebrated the completed expansion and renovations of Spring Hill RECenter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The RECenter is located at Lewinsville Road and Spring Hill Road in McLean.

Weichert, Realtors’ Recognizes McLean/Old Dominion Office, Top Associate

Bruce L. Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced the McLean/Old Dominion office was recognized for outstanding performance in December. The office led the region, which comprises offices throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier and Delaware counties, for resale dollar volume.

Blurred Lines

McLean doctor writes about what he knows.

The unassuming house right off Chain Bridge Road in McLean has a small sign bearing Dr. Robert Comunale’s name in the front yard. For passersby or the mailman, it is just a sign to indicate who lives in the house.

Backyard Dreaming

Local tastemakers say winter is the best time to plan an idyllic backyard retreat.

Spring may seem light years away from the frigid January temperatures, and lounging in your backyard is probably the last thing you want to do at the moment, but landscape designers say now is the time to start planning a summer retreat.

Column: $32.99 Plus Shipping

For one box of 54 petite Belgian waffle cookies in three delicious flavors: milk chocolate, dark chocolate and vanilla; an extravagance to be sure, available during the holidays; this recipient (actually, my wife, Dina, was the recipient) very happy to oblige and indulge.

Elizabeth Weil Oberdorfer, 96, of McLean, Dies

Elizabeth Weil Oberdorfer died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, surrounded by two generations of her family. She lived 96 vibrant years. Elizabeth was born in Montgomery, Ala. in 1918. She graduated from Smith College in 1939 and worked and lived in New York City for a short time following her graduation.

Top Fitness Trends for 2015

Here are some low-cost and mobile routines.

The beginning of a new year is often a time when many resolve to begin a fitness plan or to ramp up their current routine. Officials at the American College of Sports Medicine rang in the New Year by releasing the organization’s annual survey of the top fitness trends for 2015.

Editorial: Happy New Year

Focused on community.

Happy New Year. We need your help in 2015. As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to deliver news readers need close to home, to help readers enjoy great local places and events, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives.

McLean in 2015: A Lot to Look Forward To

Expect renovations, downtown development in McLean.

McLean has a lot to look forward to. Literally. Between the looming pedestrian improvements and downtown development, in addition to the yearly battle for their share of the county budget, McLean leaders will be busy this year.

Gift Bags, Handmade

Churchill Road kindergartners in Erin Thurston’s class are proud of the gift bags they made for kindergartners at their buddy school, Dogwood Elementary in Reston.

Comstock's Character Honored in McLean

In 1997, Barbara Comstock gave the first Character Does Count Award to The Honorable Ed Meese. At the time, Comstock was the first President of the Patriot Republican Women’s Club. Fast forward to the present, and Barbara Comstock, Congresswoman-Elect for Virginia’s 10th District, was herself honored with this year’s 2014 Character Does Count Award.

A Perfect Score

Ellen Kim, 16, from McLean achieves perfect score on the PSAT.

Every year in October, roughly 3.5 million high school students across the country take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The test is used for entry into the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Competition, which can provide college scholarships to eligible students who achieve high scores.

Charles Clinton Thompson II Dies at 72

McLean resident was an award-winning journalist, decorated Naval officer.

Charles Clinton Thompson II, 72, of McLean died Dec. 15, 2014 at Perry Point Veteran’s Medical Center in Perry Point, Md., with his wife and sons by his side. Thompson, known as “Charlie,” was an Emmy award-winning investigative reporter for “60 Minutes,” author, and decorated Naval officer who served bravely in Vietnam.

Column: Down and Not Out, Yet

Thankfully (so far as I know, which isn’t very far), after a five-week interval between infusions, which included two additional weeks of pre-chemotherapy lab work and an out-of-the-ordinary 24-hour urine collection (“creatinine clearance”) to boot – to more accurately measure my kidney function in hopes of meeting a 1.6 threshold – muster was finally passed, and I was subsequently infused without any further adieu.

Overnight I-66 Closures in January

All lanes of Interstate 66 in one direction will close intermittently between midnight and 5 a.m. on several dates in January for the installation of gantries. Each closure will last up to 30 minutes.

Letter to the Editor: A Wonderful Article

To the Editor: What a wonderful article you wrote, Kareese (“How I Left…” by Kareese Akinloba, grade 8, Irving Middle School, Children’s Connection, January 1-7, 2015). Your writing ability is beyond your years.

Kathleen Murphy wins 34th District

Voters turn up despite snow storm.

Kathleen Murphy was greeted with cheers by more than a hundred supporters as she entered her victory party at McLean Community Center. The democrat won the 34th District seat of the state House of Delegates, 6,406 to 6,082, on Tuesday after Republican Craig Parisot conceded the race.

Children's Connection 2014

This week, the Connection turns over its pages to the youth and students.