Stories for November 2016

Classified Advertising November 30, 2016

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Column: Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA

The success of early voting in the 2016 Presidential Election reaffirms my conclusion from visiting 12,000 homes last year — Virginia should expand early voting.

Facing Addiction, Tools in Fairfax County

The following information was provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.

The Surgeon General released the first-ever report on Facing Addiction in America on Thursday, Nov. 17.

Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in McLean

There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.

McLean: Cocktails for a Crowd

New Dominion Women's Club hosts fundraiser pairing drinks with hors d'oeuvres.

The New Dominion Women's Club of McLean held its annual Cocktails for a Crowd fundraising event on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, at the Party Room in the McLean House in McLean to help kick off the holiday season.

McLean: ‘Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas’ Arriving to Alden

New Holiday musical entertainment for children and families is on its way to the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center. It is an energetic, colorful production with original music based upon the NY Times best-selling book “Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas” by award-winning author Jane O’Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser.

McLean: Tree-Lighting Celebrated at Tysons Corner Center

A Tree-Lighting Ceremony featuring "American Idol's" Kris Allen and WASH-FM's Loo Katz and Chilli Amar was held on Friday, Nov. 18 at Tysons Corner Center's Plaza area near the ice skating rink.

McLean Holiday Homes on Display

McLean Woman’s Club 50th Holiday Homes Tour set for Dec. 1

This year’s 50th annual Holiday Homes Tour, on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will focus on five homes, from a historic Colonial four large, unique houses on the north side of McLean.

McLean: Marshall High Presents ‘Little Women’

After you’ve polished off the last of the turkey this Thanksgiving and before you head into the holiday rush, bring the family to experience Marshall High School’s rendition of a beloved classic, “Little Women, the Musical” which opens on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Great Falls: Route 7 Under Construction For 6 Years

The main challenge of the project: Maintaining the traffic while VDOT widens the road.

The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to spend $234 million on improvements to nearly seven miles of Route 7, which include widening it from four to six lanes between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive. The project will be awarded to a contractor by January 2018 with construction starting by March 2019 and finishing in late 2025—a total of six years.

Fairfax County: Commonwealth’s Attorney Begins Review of FCPD Report on Deputy-Involved INOVA Shooting

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Fairfax County: Planning Commission Delays Vote on Farm Alcohol Zoning Amendment

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has deferred action on a zoning ordinance amendment that would affect the establishment and expansion of farm breweries, distilleries and wineries in the county.

Fairfax County: FCPS Testing Water Quality in Schools

Drinking water at 40 public schools in Fairfax County has been tested for safety, a release from FCPS said.

Fairfax County: School Board Formalizes Search for New Superintendent

Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) has been contracted by Fairfax County Public Schools to search for a new school system superintendent. Dr. Karen Garza announced on Sept. 19 she would be leaving that role to become president and CEO of the Columbus-based education organization Battelle for Kids.

Thinking Beyond Serving Meals

Experts advise finding age-appropriate ways for children to give back.

During this season of giving thanks, opportunities for expressions of gratitude can seem ubiquitous.

Easing Election Fears

Local therapists say acknowledging, reassuring are keys to easing anxiety.

On the morning after what was possibly the most adversarial election in recent history, psychologist Carolyn Lorente, Ph.D. felt an urge to send a text message to her two teenaged children. 

McLean Home Sales: October, 2016

In October, 2016, 87 homes sold between $5,000,000-$182,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: October, 2016

McLean: ‘Enchanted Forest’ Returns to Tysons

Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) will host the 16th annual “The Enchanted Forest,” a weekend-long holiday festival featuring a variety of affordable events for the entire family on Nov. 19 and 20 at the Westin in Tysons Corner, located at 7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.

TheatreMcLean Presents ‘Don’t Drink the Water’

McLean High School's award-winning theatre company, TheatreMcLean, presents Woody Allen’s hilarious slapstick comedy “Don’t Drink the Water.” Playing for one weekend only, Nov. 18-20, at McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean.

McLean: Potomac School’s Nardini to Play Tennis at University of Richmond

Joe Nardini, a senior at The Potomac School, has signed his national letter of intent to play Division I tennis for the University of Richmond.

McLean: Potomac School Debate Coaches Receive National Honor

The Potomac School’s current debate coach and a former coach were recognized for their work during the Holy Cross School (New Orleans) Invitational Tournament, which ran from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. Potomac Speech and Debate Coach Harry Strong received the Brother Melchior Polowy, C.S.C. Excellence in Coaching Award.

McLean Holiday Parade Set for Dec. 4

On Sunday, Dec. 4, McLean residents will welcome in the holidays as fun and fancy entries proceed down Old Chain Bridge Road for the eighth annual WinterFest parade. The stage will be set in the Langley Shopping Center, with Peggy Fox from WUSA Channel 9, again calling the parade.

McLean: Kirby Road Sidewalk in Three Years

Two preliminary designs for new sidewalk on Kirby Road connecting pedestrians to Chesterbrook Elementary School were presented to the community on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at a public meeting in the school’s cafeteria. The final design will be completed in 2017, land required for the projects will be acquired in 2018 and construction will start and finish in 2019.

Santa HQ Opens at Tysons

Santa Claus makes special stop for service members

“What better way to say thank you to those who have served and our military families than to bring them Santa Claus?” says Becca Willcox, spokeswoman for Tysons Corner Center. “We’re lucky to have him here so early.”

McLean: Joy, Tears and Laughter

“Broadway Bound” from Neil Simon at 1st Stage.

A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, “Broadway Bound” is a treasure from the fertile mind of Tony Award winning playwright Neil Simon. Under the fine, perceptive direction of Shirley Serotsky, “Broadway Bound” is a remarkable production full of family love and pain with plenty of humor.

McLean: Scouts, Alumni Help Clean Up School Grounds

Members of Cub Scout Pack 665 turned out in force to support an environmental stewardship service project at Churchill Road Elementary School in McLean. The Scouts helped Don Hutzel, Churchill Road Principal, tackle some grounds keeping tasks and fall clean up on the school grounds.

McLean: ‘John Eaton’s Holiday Songbook’ Comes to The Alden Dec. 17

‘John Eaton’s Holiday Songbook’ Comes to The Alden Dec. 17. Considered one of the foremost interpreters of American music, Eaton offers a combination of ultra-tasteful jazz, fascinating observations and humorous commentary. In a typical concert, he performs music from the vast treasure trove of American popular song and jazz. Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Fats Waller, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington and Harold Arlen are just a few of the great American composers he highlights.

Tysons: Warby Parker to Open First Virginia Eyeglasses Store

Warby Parker, a popular online eyeglasses retailer, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Virginia on Nov. 19 at Tysons Corner Center mall.

Classified Advertising November 16, 2016

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Classified Advertising November 23, 2016

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Deer Feeding Ban Is In Effect

Many residents enjoy seeing white-tailed deer up close and may feel they are contributing to the animal’s welfare by providing supplemental food.

Setting a holiday table

Local tastemakers offer suggestions for creating festive tablescape. 

As Thanksgiving draws near, thoughts of table settings and holiday décor abound.

Guest-Ready Home for the Holidays

From organizing to decorating, a guide for getting a house ready for visitors. 

Ready or not, the holidays are coming.

Editorial: Holidays Are for Giving

Give thanks and share locally; tens of thousands of families in Fairfax County are in need.

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks.

Decking the Halls, Stuffing Bellies

Local cooking schools offer crash courses in holiday dishes.

Ever since Bernadette Lott can remember, she’s had a sweet tooth as big as a sugar cane field.

Additional Factors Impede Efforts To Quit Smoking

Public encouraged to learn about challenges faced by smokers with mental illness who want to quit.

Despite her mental health challenges, Deneice Valentine quit smoking in part by learning to meditate.

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

Source: http://results.elections.virginia.gov/

Unofficial Election Results as of Monday, Nov. 14

McLean: Historic District to Include Mackall-Hall House

Expansion of Langley Fork

“Doug Mackall was born in the bedroom on the second floor on top of the stairs. I don’t know if Henry Mackall was born there or not, I don’t think he was in the house,” said Ulfelder. “Two prominent folks who have a lot to do with the preservation of history of McLean and have been involved in the overall Fairfax County community as well.”

Mark Zetts Honored for ‘Selfless Devotion’ to Community

McLean Citizens Association presents resolution recognizing years of Zett’s leadership on planning and zoning issues.

The McLean Citizens Association voted unanimously to approve a resolution expressing its “deep gratitude and appreciation” for his “exceptional dedication and selfless devotion” to MCA and the McLean community. Mark Zetts was a member of the MCA’s Board of Directors since 2002, he spent more than nine years as chair or co-chair of the association’s Planning and Zoning Committee.

A Design Solution as Big as a Barn Door

Master bath renovation explores themes from Great Falls' bucolic past.

With its metal roof, stucco siding and silo, the 5,800-sq-ft., five-bedroom Great Falls residence exuded nostalgic references to the community's bucolic past. Getting the house to owner requirements, however, entailed a commitment.

Northern Virginia: Bumpy road ahead for Capital Bikeshare expansion in Northern Virginia.

It takes a little over two hours to bike from downtown Washington D.C. to Reston. For the Capital Bikeshare, it’s a trip that’s taken six years.

Fairfax County: Sayles Receives Environmental Excellence Award

Sayles is a retired Denver police officer, DEA agent, Ad Hoc Police Commission contributor and long-time county resident

A 12-year-old African American boy watched as a city of Denver patrol car with two white police officers drove slowly by his house, where he reported people attempting to break in.

Fairfax County: No to Trump And Meals Tax

Beyer, Connolly re-elected.

With final numbers still coming in from around the country, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump carried a strong lead early Wednesday morning over Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton.

Comstock Wins 10th District Race

Hotly-contested seat targeted as a ‘flip’ for Democrats.

“She shows up. She even attended my town hall forums on heroin abuse because she knows it matters to her constituents.”

Clinton and Kaine Carry Virginia, Trump Seizes Key Battlegrounds

Comstock, Connolly, Beyer re-elected; meals tax voted down; bonds voted up.

MEALS TAX referendum would have allowed Fairfax County supervisors to enact up to a four percent tax on prepared foods and beverages.

Thousands Cast Ballots at Great Falls Library

Fairfax County expected thousands of voters to cast their ballot at the Great Falls Library off Georgetown Pike yesterday.

Tuesday at Langley High: School is Out and Voting is In

Election 2016

Fairfax County Public Schools were closed for Election Day, but people woke up early to vote at Langley High School off of Georgetown Pike yesterday.

McLean: Election Viewpoints 2016

Who did you vote for and why?

By 7 a.m., 361 people had submitted a ballot. The high school was the polling location for both the Chain Bridge and Langley precincts in McLean and the county’s Office of Elections expected nearly 6,000 voters to pass through its doors by the time it closed at 7 p.m.

Fairfax County: Autopsy Report Yet to Come for Deputy-Involved Shooting

Administrative investigation to follow.

Law enforcement officials are still waiting to receive the final autopsy report for Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, who was shot dead by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital on Aug. 15 of this year.

New Addition to Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties

McLean WinterFest – Registration now open.

Holiday parade on Sunday, December 4

Mark your calendars for McLean WinterFest parade Sunday, December 4th. To register to be in the parade, go to the WinterFest site at www.mcleanwinterfest.org. It’s fun to relive last year’s parade with the slideshow of entries while planning for WinterFest 2016, McLean’s only community parade.