Tuesday, March 31
Vienna: Marshall Baseball Coach Tarr Pleased with Pitching Performances
Statesmen competitive against perennial powers Madison, PVI.
The Marshall baseball team received a pair of promising early-season pitching performances.
Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy
Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.
Oakton and Marshall High School Teams Go to Nationals at Robotics Competition
This Friday and Saturday annual Greater DC Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition was held at the Patriot Center: 48 teams primarily from Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland created robots to compete in this year’s game “Recycle Rush.”
Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights
Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.
Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.
Inspiring Middle School Girls to Pursue STEM Careers
A capacity crowd of 500 middle school girls and parents filled the NOVA-Annandale Ernst Center auditorium on Saturday, March 21, to attend STEMtastics 2015.
Robert H. Bork III Awarded Eagle Scout Medal
Robert H. Bork III, 17, of McLean, received the Boy Scouts¹ highest award of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor conducted by Troop 869 at Trinity United Methodist Church.
McLean Theatre Company Presents ‘The Laramie Project’
The McLean High School Theatre Company (MTC) presents the renowned docudrama “The Laramie Project,” April 9-12. Directed by Amy Poe, the award-winning company uses a series of interviews to piece together the facts and fabrications surrounding the tragic 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard.
MPA Celebrates Youth Art Month
On March 25, McLean Project for the Arts welcomed hundreds of students and their families for the opening reception for Youth Art Month Part 2: Langley High School Pyramid.
Video Art by David Carlson on Exhibit
Water Unspoken: Video by David Carlson will run April 16 through May 30 at McLean Project for the Arts (MPA).
A Guest of Honor at Churchill Road
Churchill Road fifth graders in Sue Lackey and Rick Woler’s science classes had a special visitor on the day before spring break.
Welcoming Spring at Churchill Road
Despite the wintry weather, Churchill Road first and second graders are preparing for spring.
Monday, March 30
Fairfax County School Board Votes Down Veterans Day School Holiday
Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.
Friday, March 27
Editorial: Good, Bad and Ugly
A look at recently ended session of the Virginia General Assembly.
The 2015 session of the Virginia General Assembly came to an end last week, and some of the biggest news was about what it did not do.
Thursday, March 26
Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - March 27-29, 2015
A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.
A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.
Wednesday, March 25
Great Falls: Langley Boys’ Lax Bounces Back From Historic Loss
Saxons beat Yorktown in home opener.
The Langley boys' lacrosse team won a pair of games after opening the season with its first ever loss to McLean.
Column: Health Matters More
I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.
Tuesday, March 24
Letter: There's No 'Away'
Letter to the Editor
I am dismayed by what my neighbors' put out for "trash." Yes, we all know about Goodwill, Purple Heart, various organizations that collect clothing, kitchen gadgets and other items.
Mrs. McLean Runs for Mrs. Virginia
Mary Carolyn Becker campaigns against texting while driving, promotes STEM.
Lifelong Mclean resident Mary Carolyn Becker wears many hats, and soon she hopes to add a crown. Becker, mother of six, University of Maryland Ph.D. candidate, current Mrs. McLean, and commercial space industry statistician, hopes to become the next Mrs. Virginia on March 28 during the 27th annual Mrs. Virginia beauty pageant.
Gala Attracts Record Attendance, Raises $72,000
Proceeds to benefit seniors, veterans and wounded warriors.
McLean and Vinson Hall Retirement Community residents joined together to celebrate Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation’s 21st Annual Gala and Silent Auction on March 14.
Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds
Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.
“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”
Fairfax County Students Win Science Awards
Students from across the county recognized at 60th Annual Fairfax County Regional Science And Engineering Fair.
High school students from Fairfax County schools attended the annual regional science fair held at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, March 20-22, to compete for prizes and recognition.
Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger
Letter to the Editor:
We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.
Emotional Beginning for Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request.
Friday, March 20
First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open
NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.
Commentary: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities
Letter to the Editor
The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.
Thursday, March 19
McLean Home Sales: February, 2015
In February, 2015, 59 homes sold between $2,735,000-$185,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales: February, 2015
Students From Around Fairfax County Recognized for Promoting Peace
After a friend of South County High School senior Sakira Coleman was sexually assaulted while running on a local public path, Coleman decided to take action and started the “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night” program.
First Meeting Set for Fairfax County Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by board chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Wednesday, March 18
FCPS Students Win 17 First Place Awards at Virginia DECA Conference
A total of 385 students from 20 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) high schools and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall were recognized at the Virginia DEC
FCPS Students Win Eight Top Prizes in Regional History Day Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students won eight first place awards at the regional competition for National History Day held last weekend at Mount Vernon High School. The two best entries in each category and in each age division have qualified to compete in the Virginia History Day contest on Saturday, April 18, at Virginia State University in Petersburg.
I-66 Inside the Beltway Plans
Officials present transformation plans for the eastbound section from I-495 to Route 29 in Rosslyn.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne headlined the “I-66 Inside the Beltway Transformation Project Kick-Off” briefing on Thursday, March 12 at the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Northern Virginia District office.
Great Falls: Labovitz’s Goals Push Langley Boys' Soccer Past Wakefield
Saxons have sights set on state championship.
The Langley boys' soccer team defeated Wakefield 3-0 on Monday.
Marshall High Wins Culinary Challenge
Edison and Chantilly culinary academies take part in contest.
The tables have been set and the contestants wait eagerly as the judging begins, each judge moving carefully between courses, sampling and chewing and making notes. There’s sweetness in the mix for the winner, a monetary prize and a chance to have their dish installed as a permanent fixture.
Women’s Center Conference to Honor Women Leaders in McLean
Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance -- What Women Should Know” (HarperCollins, 2014) will be among the awardees at The Women’s Center’s 29th Annual Leadership Conference on Saturday, April 11.
Column: Surrounded by History, Inspired by Legacy
Delegate reflects on freshman year in Richmond.
It has been scarcely two months since a snowy day in January when voters in McLean, Great Falls and Sterling chose me, in a special election, to represent them in the Virginia House of Delegates. Since then, everything has moved at warp speed!
Letter: Another Honor
Let
With reference to the recent article about the Langley girls’ basketball team (“Langley Girls’ Basketball Team Has Bright Future,” Connection, March 4-10, 2015).
Springy Saturday in McLean
McLean Community Center will hold Spring Fest, a spring-themed event for young children, from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 4.
Dance Company Pilobolus Performs in McLean April 17
Award-winning, internationally recognized Pilobolus Dance Company will perform innovative, energetic and gravity-defying works at The Alden in McLean in April.
Churchill Road Elementary Prepares 5,000 Sandwiches for Martha’s Table
Churchill Road kindergarteners, first and sixth graders (and a few 8th grade CRS alums) helped make sandwiches for the homeless for Martha’s Table on Wednesday, March 11.
The Reston Chorale to Present ‘Choral Splendor: Music of France’
On Sunday, March 22, The Reston Chorale will present Choral Splendor: Music of France, featuring Louis Vierne’s Messe Solennelle in its rarely heard original form: With mixed chorus and two organs.
Column: Money Matters
It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.
Dynamic Father-son Duo Contributes to Educating Families About Type I Diabetes
Michael Sevila shares the same field as Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Like Cutler, who also has Type I diabetes, Michael is the one in charge.
Tuesday, March 17
McLean Officer Saves Life, Possibly Twice
Car engulfed in flames when officer leads man to safety.
Officer Sharif Issa "didn't run away from a fire, he ran into a fire," said Lucy Caldwell, public information officer with the Fairfax County Police Department.
Leadership Fairfax Hosts Supervisors Breakfast
State of the County Address, supervisors’ questions and an award ceremony top the agenda.
The agenda and the speakers have to be of significant interest to get some 300 people to brave local traffic and attend a meeting that started at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Fairfax (LFI) apparently succeeded in offering both in the ballroom of the Fairview Park Marriott on Friday morning, March 13, hosting its 24th Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast.
The Right Fit: Choosing a Summer Camp
How parents can ensure positive summer experiences for their children.
Though the official start of spring is still days away and the frigidity of winter is still recent on the minds of many, Janelle Wright, a Potomac, Md., mother of two, has already mapped out the summer for her children.
Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy
Time for change in public access to police information.
The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.
Friday, March 13
Class Sizes, McLean Day, Cookies and Noise
Look at McLean Citizens Association Board by the numbers.
The McLean Citizens Association Board passed a resolution on March 4 “addressing longstanding McLean community concerns about inequitable and large class sizes in elementary, middle and high schools located in the greater McLean and other similar areas,” according to Sally Horn, MCA president.
My Pit’s The Pit
Freshman’s funny film about McLean High School Band featured in Bethesda Film Fest.
About 100 people submitted films, and Josh Leong, 14, of McLean, is $500 richer for earning one of five spots in an upcoming Film Festival for a comedy film sketch about his high school marching band.
Thursday, March 12
Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards
Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.
It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.
Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia
Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.
After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.
Historic Virginia in Gardens
This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.
The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.
Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment
Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.
Class Sizes, McLean Day, Cookies and Noise
Look at McLean Citizens Association Board by the numbers.
The McLean Citizens Association Board passed a resolution on March 4 “addressing longstanding McLean community concerns about inequitable and large class sizes in elementary, middle and high schools located in the greater McLean and other similar areas,” according to Sally Horn, MCA president.
McLean Student's Film Featured at Bethesda Film Fest
About 100 people submitted films, and Josh Leong, 14, of McLean, is $500 richer for earning one of five spots in an upcoming Film Festival for a comedy film sketch about his high school marching band. Well, no, not his marching band, said Leong. The percussion section of the McLean High School marching band.
McLean’s Brown-Kaiser, Green Earn All-State Honors
Seniors each place top eight in one event.
McLean's Lizzy Brown-Kaiser and Jacqueline Green competed at states on March 8.
Wednesday, March 11
Take It Outside
Playworks makes recess fun for all.
A reception for Playworks, a nonprofit organization that aims to change play in schools and recess, was held on Sunday, March 1 at the home of of Jim and Patrice Angle in McLean. Jim Angle is the former chief national correspondent for Fox News.
Women’s Center Conference to Honor Women Leaders
Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of “The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance -- What Women Should Know” (HarperCollins, 2014) will be among the awardees at The Women’s Center’s 29th Annual Leadership Conference on Saturday, April 11. “The Confidence Code” is a follow-up to their New York Times best-selling book, “Womenomics: Work Less, Achieve More, Live Better.”
A Play for All Times
Oakcrest School presents “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
What happens when two women are engaged to the same man? Naturally, one can assume that things get dramatic. But when mistaken identities, good friends, and true love are involved, pandemonium erupts as Oscar Wilde’s most beloved play, The Importance of Being Earnest, withstood the test of time and exuberantly came to life on the stage of Oakcrest High School.
Inova Announcement a Huge Win for Fairfax Economy
There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the need to diversify the Fairfax County and Washington-area economies. Sequestration served as a wake-up call that the county and region must not be overly dependent on federal spending any more than Pittsburgh in the ‘70s was overly reliant on steel and Seattle on Boeing.
McLean High School Presents 'Big Fish'
Iris Murdoch once said, “We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality.” This task rings especially true for one man, an optimistic dreamer. This is the man that will take you on a journey… a journey through McLean High School’s production of Big Fish.
Letter: Another Honor
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: With reference to the recent article about the Langley girlsn basketball team (“Langley Girls’ Basketball Team Has Bright Future,” Connection, March 4-10, 2015) I would like to point out that Lizzy Shamloo from Langley high school also received First team all region honors from the Northern Virginia Women’s basketball league.
Column: How Lucky Am I
You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”
Friday, March 6
Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax
The first residents move into Kate’s Place.
Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.
Thursday, March 5
Fairfax County hosts first Inmate Resource Fair.
They’re hoping the third time will be a charm: 34-year-old Demeterius Spann of the Richmond Highway area of Alexandria and 29-year-old Nydale Sheppard of Reston have each been incarcerated three times.
Wednesday, March 4
Great Falls: Langley Girls’ Basketball Team Has Bright Future
Saxons win 21 games, reach region quarterfinals.
Langley ended its season with a loss to West Springfield in the region quarterfinals.
McLean Student’s Artwork Featured at the Smithsonian
High school senior would like to use art to help others.
Maya Chung, of McLean, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), is the youngest of 56 artists selected to have their art displayed in the “Artists at Work” exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center in Washington, D.C. Chung’s black ink drawing titled “Redbay (Persea borbonia)” was inspired by a botanical sample collected in the museum’s butterfly garden, and is in the style of a scientific drawing.
Week in McLean
Weekly happenings in McLean.
Column: Sole-Searching
There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.