Stories for November 2012

Opinion: Immigrants and Today’s Faith Response

The presence of increasing numbers of immigrants is a challenge to the Fairfax County faith community commitments. The challenge is to be a faith community with open arms.

Editorial: Learning in a Global Community

Students in Fairfax County speak 160 languages.

This week our ongoing series about immigration in Fairfax County takes a look at county schools, and some of the joys and challenges of having a diverse student body that speaks as many as 160 different languages at home.

Classified Advertising Nov. 28,2012

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Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits

Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.

As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.

Author Examines Life by the Letter

Joe Reynolds publishes collection of letters on variety of topics.

In an era of e-mails, text messages and tweets, the art of writing a letter hasn’t been lost on McLean resident Joe Reynolds. It’s something he was raised on, his father and grandfather wrote him letters while he was at college, a tradition that he continued while his three children were away at school.

Final Tree Decision Yet to Come

Final tests to be run on white oaks at Georgetown Pike-Walker Road intersection.

The trees at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road will be subject to at least one more test to determine if they propose a safety hazard to drivers. The Virginia Department of Transportation had decided Sept. 18 to remove the trees as part of a mass removal of potentially hazardous trees, but announced Sept. 28 that they would wait for the community to hire an arborist.

Building a Savings Stockpile on Shoestring Budget

Money experts say it is possible to save, even on a limited income.

Even though Mary Beth Lanvin is employed full-time with a company that offers generous retirement benefits, she can’t afford to contribute to a 401(k).

Avoiding Holiday Debt

Plan now to prevent post-holiday bills.

Festive store displays mean the holiday shopping season is in full swing.

Tips for Year-End Charitable Giving

Financial experts offer suggestions for ensuring one’s donations are well spent.

’Tis the season for giving, and that includes donations to charities.

Brief: Helping Animals Find Homes for the Holidays?

Special adoption promotion to help animals find homes.

Brief: The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering a free spay or neuter for the first 100 cats, kittens, dogs or puppies adopted from the shelter through Dec. 31.

We Are the World, at Garfield

Teachers discuss challenges of teaching English as a Second Language.

Garfield Elementary School in Springfield, like all of Fairfax County, has a population that reflects a wide range of backgrounds.

Marshall High is the Face of Fairfax County

Upwards of 90 countries represented by student population.

The schools that feed into George C. Marshall High School are the academic home to children from all over the world.

Brief: History Conference Focuses on Conflict and Courage

Local historians honored.

Brief: The eighth Annual Fairfax County History Conference was held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in the City of Fairfax.

Brief: Community Meetings to Help Search for Superintendent

Brief: On Sept. 22, 2011, Superintendent Jack D. Dale announced his intention to retire from Fairfax County Public Schools effective June 30, 2013.

Uranium Money Spreads Across Virginia in Radioactive Debate

Upcoming General Assembly session to feature effort to lift ban on uranium mining.

The uranium deposits under the farmlands of Pittsylvania County are miles away from Northern Virginia, but the debate about what happens there is shaping up to be one of the hottest issues of the upcoming General Assembly session.

Feeling the Magic

Nationally-recognized musician wows audiences at Wolf Trap.

Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, John Eaton is a life-long music enthusiast who has been following his passion for over 40 years.

McLean Orchestra Performs Military Salute at Vinson hall

This past Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the McLean Orchestra once again honored America’s veterans with their third annual “Salute to Our Military” concert at Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

Homes Tour in River Oaks on Dec. 6

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, will kick off the McLean Woman’s Club’s 46th annual Holiday Homes Tour at the first tour house, 616 Live Oak Drive, in the River Oaks section of McLean.

Brief: Running in Vienna’s Turkey Trot

Brief: On Sunday, Nov. 18, members of the Churchill Road Ready to Run program participated in Vienna's 10K Turkey Trot.

Classified Advertising Nov 21, 2012

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McLean Home Sales: October, 2012

In October 2012, 74 homes sold between $2,100,000-$165,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales in October, 2012

Buy Now, Pay Later

Meaning: If I’m terminal, why deprive myself because of cost? If, in fact, I’m only living once – as the old saying goes, and somewhat less of a life than I had anticipated, shouldn’t I, at the very least, “Pull my pants down and slide on the ice,” as prescribed by Dr. Sidney Freedman in an episode of M*A*S*H, way back when?

New 495 Express Lanes Open for Business

Fourteen mile stretch of tolled lanes open from Dulles Toll Road to Springfield.

The 495 Express lanes opened to traffic in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 17, marking the completion of a project more than 10 years and $2 billion in the making.

Family Makes it on the Trail

Scott Jenkins, son Tracy hike Appalachian Trail over summer.

While it’s said that a journey begins with a single step, for the Jenkins family of McLean, their 2,000-mile plus journey began by literally climbing a mountain.

Financial Education: Moves to Make Before the Holidays

Before the rush of the holiday season, local financial experts say it might be time for a money tune-up. What should one do and when? Three local money gurus offer their top tips for getting one’s financial house in order.

Opinion: Embracing Our Diversity

If you can ever find the time to attend a federal naturalization ceremony in Fairfax County for new citizens, do it. It reinvigorates one’s patriotism and reminds us all how lucky we are to be Americans.

Opinion: Celebrating Diversity Through Culture

So, when people from different countries, diverse cultures, and dissimilar values migrate to United States, they try to adjust and adapt to the new culture. But the onus should also be on American people to welcome them, to make them comfortable and feel at home. What do we do to create awareness about different cultures? Unfortunately, I have not seen much effort on the part of the government.

Editorial: Diversity Growing

Tune in to our series on immigration.

This week, the Connection kicks off a series about immigration, diversity and the growing population of foreign-born residents in Fairfax County. County reporter Victoria Ross opens with a story that captures vignettes and statistics of the changing population. It is a topic consistent with the original Thanksgiving story. More than 28 percent of Fairfax County's population is foreign born; that's 317,000 residents.

Independent School Admissions: Interviews and Teacher Recommendations

Admissions officers at local schools offer insight into the application process.

Mark Fischer sat with his parents in the plush reception area of one of the region’s elite independent schools, biting his fingernails and tapping his left foot while waiting to speak with an admissions officer for the interview portion of his application.

Cappies Review: Witty Enthusiasm and Bold Choices

Oakton High presents “Suite Surrender.”

In a conflict fierce enough to rival the war, a pair of 1940s starlets grapple for control of the presidential suite at the luxurious Palm Beach Royale.

Brief: Langley Crew Gives Back

The Langley High School Crew Team recently worked with local charity groups to support the 2012 Thanks for Giving Thanksgiving Food Drive and charity event.

Brief: McLean-Great Falls Keller Williams Cares Presents Check to Lift Me Up!

A check of $15,274.16 was presented to Lift Me Up! at their annual Gala held on Nov. 17, at BMW of Sterling.

Brief: McLean to Celebrate WinterFest on Dec. 2

On Sunday, Dec. 2, McLean residents will welcome in the holidays as more than 50 entries proceed down Old Chain Bridge Road for the 5th annual WinterFest parade.

Fairfax Becomes Immigrants’ Gateway

Focus on immigration.

Yesuf Beshir spent nearly three years gathering the mountain of paperwork he needed to leave Ethiopia and emigrate to America.

A Way Out of No Way

Two women — one African-American and one from Africa — learn to see America through each other’s eyes.

Rosemary Osei, 22, and Lillie Reynolds, 61, have been good friends for four years. The two women, who help teach special needs students at a Vienna elementary school, are sometimes mistaken for mother and daughter.

Viewpoints in McLean: What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day?

Residents of McLean answer the question, "What are you grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day?"

Brief: Celebrating Thanksgiving at Churchill Road

On Thursday, Nov. 15, Churchill Road students celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday by learning how the Pilgrims and Native Americans lived, and enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Brief: Catch A "Canary" At Colvin Run

Langley High School junior Emily Nesbitt became the first “Colvin Run Canary" on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Viewpoints: Immigrants’ Experiences on Becoming Americans

On Sept. 22 at the Multicultural Festival on Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, 25 people participated in a naturalization ceremony that made them American citizens.

Giving Thanks in Style

Area tastemakers offer ideas and inspiration for Thanksgiving table settings.

There’s more to an elegant Thanksgiving table than a perfectly roasted turkey and fluffy mashed potatoes. Local design experts say that with a little planning and a few natural elements, it is possible to set a Thanksgiving table that is as tantalizing as the food it holds.

Editorial: Shop Locally, Give Locally

Small business Saturday isn't enough; don't wait until then, and don't stop after that.

An effort to support locally owned businesses has resulted in the recognition of Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year that is Nov. 24. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day of national zeal for shopping. Presumably the next day shoppers can focus on local shopping.

Langley Volleyball Team Bounces Back from Early Defeat

Saxons finished runner-up in Northern Region.

The Langley volleyball team finished Northern Region runner-up.

Week in McLean

The Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) has received a $7,600 grant from the McLean Community Foundation. The grant supports MCCP’s efforts to provide comprehensive care to medically underserved children of lower-income working families in the McLean district. MCF President Richard Sullivan said that “This is an unusual investment for the foundation in recognition of MCCF’s important contribution in this time of high need.”

Classified Advertising Nov. 14, 2012

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Star Crossed Lovers Take Stage at Langley

Theatre department presents ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

During Langley High School’s inaugural theater tech class, several students had a vision: Shakespeare’s character Juliet giving her famous speech on a scaffolding. The school’s upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet" took on a new look after that idea, transforming the setting of the play from an Italian city to an apocalyptic future city.

Thieves Market Offers Holiday Gift Ideas

Antique furniture, art, home furnishings available at 60 year old family owned business.

Since 1952, the Cohen family has operated the Thieves Market, featuring a wide variety of furniture, jewelry, art and other household goods that might be difficult to come by in other places. In their 60 years of existence, dignitaries from around the world have shopped their selection of 18th and 19th century American and European antiques, porcelain, bronzes, furniture, candlesticks, Persian and Oriental rugs, mirrors, chandeliers and more.

Gift Ideas in Great Falls

Maison et Jardin, Maison du Vin offer gift ideas for holidays.

While places like Tysons Corner might draw the large crowds and big numbers during the holiday shopping season, plenty of local residents are able to find gifts much more locally. The shops at the Great Falls commercial center offer a wide variety of items from locally owned businesses.

Haddad Studio to Present ‘The Nutcracker’

Annual show celebrates 21st year.

The Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet will present its 21st edition of "The Nutcracker" the weekend after Thanksgiving. Featuring 49 children, guest artists from several ballet companies and adult volunteers, the annual performances will take place at The Madeira School.

Veterans Honored at Freedom Memorial

Annual ceremony features Marine Color Guard, student performances.

More than 150 people gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Monday, Nov. 12, to participate in the community’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. More than 100 students from Village Green Day School, Great Falls Elementary School and Langley High School also attended.

Inspired ‘to Make a Difference’

Langley High School students inspiring teens around the globe.

While many high school students are busy worrying about upcoming SAT exams and sport practices, Langley High School junior Jason Cui is busy heading Youth Inspire, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting teen cancer patients one picture at a time.

Brief: McLean Holiday Parade Set for Dec. 2

ark your calendars for McLean’s only community parade Sunday, Dec. 2.

Stop Hunger Now in McLean

Volunteers assemble 250,000 meals for Haitian children.

Last Saturday nearly 1000 volunteers gathered at McLean’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer to assemble more than 250,000 pre-packed meals.

Sending Coats, Blankets to New York, New Jersey

The spirit of community service runs deep in the Churchill Road Elementary community.

Column: Weight For It

This reference is not about pounds, per se. It is about the two largest tumors in my lungs, inoperable in that they are located between the two halves which make up the whole lung.

Long Lines on Election Day ‘Unacceptable’

Bulova calls for bi-partisan group to address the issue, improve election process.

While voter turnout in Fairfax County on Election Day was at an all-time high--80.5 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, compared to 78.7 percent in 2008--some voters faced long lines and endured hours of waiting in the cold to cast their ballots.

Classified Advertising Nov. 7, 2012

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Vienna/McLean/Great Falls Calendar, Nov. 8-18

Get out and about with these events in Great Falls, McLean and Vienna.

Racing for Superheroes

Event benefits local nonprofit organizations.

From children wearing superhero capes to costume-clad adults to tots in strollers, participants took to the streets of Arlington last month to raise money for charity as part of the fourth annual Acumen Solutions Race for a Cause 8K and One-Mile Fun Run.

McLean Antique Show & Sale Returns Nov. 10-11

The 36th Annual McLean Antique Show & Sale will be held at the McLean Community Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. Admission is $7 for adults and can be used on both days of the show. Proceeds of the show will benefit The Alden’s James C. Macdonald Arts Scholarship Fund. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

Physical Langley Beats McLean

Novacki’s all-around effort, Casso’s career day lead Saxons.

The Langley football team ended the regular season with a 27-7 victory against McLean on Nov. 3.

Locals Join All-Star Line-up at Metro Cooking Show

Area specialty food entrepreneurs among the attractions at the 2012 Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.

When celebrity chefs and Food Network stars were in Washington last weekend for what has become a Super Bowl for foodies (Giada De Laurentiis, Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons and The Chew’s Michael Symon and Carla Hall were just some of the famous faces), some area culinary enthusiasts joined them as well.

Using Smart Phone To Get Better Healthcare

New apps and websites designed to make medical visits more efficient.

When Susan Gallagher’s 5-year-old son had an allergic reaction to something he ate at a birthday party, the Reston mother knew she had to get him to an emergency room immediately.

Fairfax Votes ‘Yes’ On Bond Package

$155 million will be used to upgrade, renovate fire stations, libraries, parks and make storm water improvements.

On Tuesday, Fairfax County voters overwhelmingly approved $155 million in bonds to upgrade and renovate libraries, parks, fire stations and courtrooms, and to make storm water improvements to address flooding in the Huntington neighborhood.

Eminent Domain Amendment Prevails by Wide Margin

Some lawmakers predict amendment will cost taxpayers millions down the road.

Local lawmakers said they were not surprised that nearly two and half million voters (74.6 percent) approved a state constitutional amendment last night further restricting Virginia’s power of eminent domain.

Fairfax Republicans Come Together for Election

What started as a night of hope for the Fairfax County Republican Committee ended on something of a sour note, as Republican presidential, senate and congressional candidates were not able to oust incumbents.

Area Votes for Obama, Kaine, House Incumbents

President Barack Obama wins second term, Kaine wins Senate seat, Moran, Wolf, Connolly re-elected.

In a bitter and historically expensive battle, President Barack Obama defeated Gov. Mitt Romney, winning a second term Tuesday after grabbing the key swing state of Virginia after midnight. With the addition of the Commonwealth’s 13 electoral votes – as well as those of Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire and Wisconsin – Obama sailed over the electoral cliff with the critical 270 electoral votes he needed for victory.

Obama, Clinton, Kaine Fire Up Virginia Crowd

Campaign rally in Bristow, Va. attracts 24,000 supporters.

President Obama, President Clinton, and Senate hopeful Tim Kaine gather supporters at a Virginia rally.

Romney at GMU: ‘He Believes in Us’

Fairfax crowd gives Romney ‘energetic’ welcome as more than 10,000 supporters gather inside and outside Patriot Center.

By the time GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney took center stage at George Mason University’s Patriot Center around 4 p.m. Monday, the crowd was fired up.

Editorial: Feeling Important

Presidential campaigns traverse Northern Virginia on last days, mark the importance of every vote.

The images from the last weeks of the presidential Election of 2012 make it clear that it would be hard to overstate the importance of voting, especially in Virginia, especially in Northern Virginia.

Absentee Voting Down Slightly from 2008 Election

More confusion about redistricting reported at polls, not Voter ID.

The line of 100-plus voters casting absentee ballots at the Reston Government Center Friday evening moved quickly.

McLean Voters Head to Polls

Voting locations crowded starting at 6 a.m.

McLean residents flocked to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 6 to choose a president, senator and congressman, as well as vote on several key County issues.

The Langley School Presents Comedic Version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’

The Langley School will present its middle school fall production of “Romeo and Juliet Together (and Alive!) at Last” Thursday, Nov, 8-Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s Sherman Arts Center, with an additional matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10.

Woman’s Club to Hold MarketPlace Fundraiser

On Thursday, Dec. 6, the Woman’s Club of McLean will hold a fundraising fair featuring numerous vendors, a lunch and dessert concession and a silent auction of some 35 goods and services.

Letter: Mental Health Services at Home

To the Editor: As a Virginia resident and graduate student in social work, I am concerned about the number of local children and youth who have diagnosable mental health disorders and aren’t getting the support they need.

Preparing for Holiday Homes Tour and MarketPlace

McLean Woman’s Club gets ready for annual fundraiser.

The Woman’s Club of McLean is in the final stages of planning for its 46th annual Holiday Homes Tour and MarketPlace, to be held Thursday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tysons Tax District Questioned

Residents, Taxpayers Alliance oppose new taxes.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is expected shortly to create a tax “service” district in Tysons Corner that will fund 11 percent of the estimated $3 billion in transportation projects over the next 40 years as the giant redevelopment plan moves forward.

An Instrumental Program at Oakcrest School

McLean independent girls’ school enjoys its musical reputation.

When music teacher Anne Miller came to Oakcrest School 11 years ago, there was no formal music program.

Post-Sandy Clean Up

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Churchill Road eco-patrols helped with the storm-related cleanup.

The Turkey Blows The Coop

McLean resident remembers her Thanksgiving turkey exploding in the oven.

Every year around Thanksgiving, the razzing starts.

First-time Voters Viewpoints: "Who are you voting for and why?"

"I'll be voting for Barack Obama for several reasons. First of all, I've been pretty liberal all my life and I've grown up overseas in France, Belgium and Greece and it's no secret that Europe is pretty liberal also. It put American politics into perspective for me and helped shape my views. Also, I'll be going to college next year and it's increasingly expensive..."

Letter: Chris Perkins for Congress, VA 11 District

In response to Gerry Connolly for his comment that veterans and career-first officers, including Colonel Perkins, do not have the "sweat equity" needed to hold federal office: Gerry Connolly, a lawyer who doesn't legislate because Nancy says, read Obamacare after it is passed.

Column: Hands of Time

On the one hand, I want to take note every month on the 27th as yet one more notch on my living-with-cancer belt. On the other hand, maybe I don’t need a belt to be notching but rather a life to be living. Perhaps it’s time, nearly 44 months post-diagnosis – at press time, to stop counting backwards and try more living forwards.

Oakton’s Klimkiewicz Repeats as Concorde XC Champ

Madison girls’ win Liberty District title.

For the second straight season, Oakton’s Allie Klimkiewicz held off Robinson’s Macey Schweikert to win the Concorde District girls’ cross country championship.