Stories for November 2015

Weekend in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls

Weekend fun in your neighborhood

“Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers” Revisited at History Conference

The 11th annual Fairfax County History Conference was held Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, titled “Fairfax County’s Founding Fathers - Part I.”

Langley High Orchestra to Perform British Classics, Hold Silent Auction

The Langley High School Orchestra presents a concert of British Classics on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.

Letter: Entering Into the Arena

To the Editor

Theodore Roosevelt once said that the credit belongs to those who are in the arena. Craig Parisot should be commended for stepping into the arena in what he knew would be a tough fight.

Tysons Partnership Expands Programs and Reach

Tysons Partnership announced the formation of three teams to build engagement, share best practices and turbo-charge a vibrant community:

Potomac School Senior to Play Lacrosse at Boston College

Sheila Rietano, a senior at The Potomac School, has signed her national letter of intent to play Division I lacrosse for Boston College.

Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce to Host Regional Women's Leadership Forum

On Dec. 2, the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Women's Leadership Forum. The theme of this year's summit is "Intentional Success in 2016--It's Your Time!"

Classified Advertising November 25, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

Charming “Harvey” from 1st Stage

Screwball comedy with terrific performances.

With impeccable comic mastery, 1st Stage has produced a priceless, crisp “Harvey,” the 1945 Pulitzer Prize winning play written by Mary Chase.

A Violinist with ‘a Special Gift’

Masato Chang of McLean advances in the Music Teachers National Association Competition.

Thirteen-year-old Masato Chang from McLean recently won the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Competition for his category on the violin, in Virginia. This makes him one of the highest-scoring string players for his category.

McLean High Seniors Face, Discuss Real-life Ethical Issues

Summing up the experiences of Ethics Day.

A swarm of students in blazers, slacks and dress shoes funneled into McLean High School’s auditorium on Nov. 18 as the senior class congregated for the annual Ethics Day.

Editorial: Celebrate, Shop, Dine Locally

Every day can be “small business day.”

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

Transportation Strategy Update Launched

NVTA launches work on a six-year TransAction program.

Members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) chose an appropriate location to announce the launch of the organization’s TransAction update efforts last week.

Creating Great Families Through Adoption

More than 800 children in foster care in Virginia are ready and waiting to be adopted.

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. With that in mind, meet two families expanded through adoption; two families whose kids describe their family as "awesome."

860 Virginia Children Need Homes

“Parental rights terminated.” “Available for adoption.” “Floundering in an imperfect system.” These words describe many children who are currently living in foster care in Virginia.

Share of McLean Continues to Meet Challenges by Those in Need in McLean and Great Falls and Pimmit Hills

Share of McLean raises $50,000 this holiday season to give clothing, toys and gift cards to approximately 250 families in need in McLean, Great Falls and Pimmit Hills. Families are invited to a holiday celebration in December.

Quiet Riot: ‘C’mon Feel the Noise’

County passes new noise ordinance, will revisit effectiveness in 18 months.

The Board of Supervisors is at peace with the county’s new Noise Ordinance.

Great Falls: Langley Volleyball Falls to Madison in Five-Set State Final

Sophomore Shklyar totals 16 kills, 18 assists in defeat.

The Langley volleyball team finished state runner-up.

Joanna Cameron Can Be So ... Hypnotizing

Local hypnotist has seen her skill help addiction, ADHD, PTSD, and golf scores.

Brock Harris says Joanna Cameron saved his life. When he lived in Arlington 10 years ago his neighbors were heavy smokers, as he was.

Fairfax County Updates Teacher Safety Training In Wake of Woodson Fire

Science teachers across Fairfax County Public Schools have begun mandatory updated safety training in the wake of an Oct. 30 fire at Woodson High School that injured five students and a teacher, and caused $7,500 in damage.

Classified Advertising November 18, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

McLean Home Sales: October, 2015

In October, 2015, 92 homes sold between $4,100,000-$135,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.

McLean Home Sales: October, 2015

Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving

The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy.

Langley Senior Aims to Engage Young Voters

Swetha Ramesh invited to present nonprofit at Harvard.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Langley High School senior Swetha Ramesh traveled to Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. where she was invited to present her 501(c)(3) nonprofit SILVER (Students for Increased Legislation on Voter Engagement through Registration) as part of a panel discussion on millennial political engagement.

‘You’ll Be Laughing, You’ll Be Crying’ in Langley High School's 'Almost Maine'

Langley High School students perform at The Langley School.

Playwright John Cariani convinced Richie Follin and Peter Ongman to stare into each other’s eyes for 25 seconds. On stage.

Week in McLean

Vienna Author Launches ‘Christopher’s Kite’

McLean-based Chelonian Press, Inc. announces its new children’s picture book, “Christopher’s Kite,” by Vienna author, Mark James. Christopher’s Kite is a story about a little kite who yearns to fly and with the help of his young owner, Christopher, realizes his dream on a beautiful day meant for flying.

Area Pastors Return to Their Pulpits After Walk Across Spain

“It really is sort of an otherworldly experience.” That’s how the Reverend Aaron Fulp-Eickstaedt described his family’s 50-day, 500-mile walk across Spain on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.

Peace Corps Director to Speak at Rotary Meeting

Carrie Hessler-Radelet, director of the Peace Corps, will address the McLean Rotary Club at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

McLean High Athletes to Play at Colleges

Scholar athletes accepted at colleges.

The Gift of Quality Cigars

McLean Cigars PG Boutique offers cigars, fine pens, lighters and leather goods.

For holiday gift-giving for the man who has already everything, McLean Cigars PG Boutique, located at 1429 Center Street in McLean, offers top-of-the-line cigars, fine pens, lighters and leather goods.

McLean’s Youngest Rookie Officer

Wearing blinking blue tennis shoes shaped like cruisers to match a deep blue police uniform, Sam told his parents he wanted to “meet the helpers” on Halloween.

McLean Rotary Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Tuesday, Nov. 10 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Rotary Club of McLean.

McLean to Welcome Holidays with WinterFest Parade

Parade set for Dec. 6 at downtown McLean.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, McLean residents will welcome in the holidays as more than 50 entries proceed down Old Chain Bridge Road for the seventh annual WinterFest parade.

McLean Band Wins National Excellence Award

The National Band Association selected the McLean High School band program for a National Program of Excellence Award, and winner of the Southern Division Excellence Award.

A Grand Green Flag

Elementary school students awarded for environmental efforts.

Franklin Sherman Elementary sixth-grader Alex Verina enjoys the outdoor classroom the school recently built.

John Eaton Sings Holiday Favorites at The Alden

Washington, D.C.’s beloved musicologist, humorist and jazz pianist extraordinaire, John Eaton, will share the history and harmonies of some favorite seasonal songs from the American Songbook at a special “Holiday Spectacular” at The Alden in McLean.

McLean Crime Reports

Incidents from Nov. 7-16

Trick and Treating for Less Fortunate

The entire fifth grade at Churchill Road Elementary decided that they wanted to help other who are less fortunate by trick or treating for UNICEF on Halloween.

Bridge to Altruism

Karen Magley teaches bridge three days a week at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Great Falls. “Chicken soup for the brain,” said Magley, a Great Falls resident.

Great Falls: Langley Volleyball Beats First Colonial in 6A State Semifinals

Saxons will face Conference 6 rival Madison in state championship match.

The Langley volleyball team swept First Colonial on Tuesday in the 6A state semifinals.

Great Falls: Langley Volleyball Wins 6A North Region Championship

Saxons to host First Colonial tonight in 6A state semifinals.

The Langley volleyball team will host First Colonial at 5:30 p.m. tonight.

Weekend in Vienna, McLean, Great Falls

Fun things to do in your neighborhood.

Fairfax County: Garza Presents Budget Task Force Report to School Board

Transparency and methodology of budget review questioned.

Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza is attempting to scale a towering projected budget shortfall for Fiscal Year 2017. On Nov. 9, she presented School Board members the report of budget cuts recommended by a 36-member task force she summoned earlier this year.

Classified Advertising November 11, 2015

Read the latest ads here!

Area Coaches to be Honored for Work Empowering Girls

One strong woman builds many strong girls.

Doreen Peters will receive the Crystal Coach Award on Saturday, Nov. 21 in a pre-race ceremony that kicks off the Girls on the Run 5K, presented by Innovation Health in Woodbridge.

Week in McLean

Weekly happenings in McLean.

Gun Debate Continues in McLean

Seeks solution for all parties.

The past 10 months, on average, six people have sat in the audience of McLean Citizen Association meetings at the McLean Community Center.

McLean Community Foundation Announces Grants Awarded

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

McLean Crime Reports

Incidents from Nov. 1-6

Meet Bestselling Author David Baldacci at Tysons Corner

David Baldacci will be at the Barnes and Noble in Tysons Corner, 7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean, for the release of his newest book “The Guilty” on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.

Democrats Win Closely Watched Races in McLean, Great Falls and Herndon

History promised Del. Kathleen Murphy (D-34) that her reelection bid to Virginia’s House of Delegates would be close; no matter how much money Republicans pumped into Craig Parisot’s campaign in the final days.

Fairfax To End Veteran Homelessness

Every veteran has a story, and a path to housing.

Jameel Mubaarik of Reston is a 63-year-old Army veteran and mechanical engineer, a former Reston homeowner.

Springfield: Capital Area Food Bank raises awareness of local hunger with Empty Bowls events

Kady Wohlfarth of Alexandria spent two months of her off days from the Alexandria Wegmans prepared food section to create 100 clay bowls. Hers accounted for one-third of the bowls at the “Empty Bowls” fundraiser and awareness-raising event for the Capital Area Food Bank.

Coming: Children’s Connection 2015

Get ready to send your submissions soon.

During the last week of each year, The Connection devotes its entire issue to the creativity of local students and children.

Weekend in Vienna, McLean, Great Falls

Things to do this weekend.

Things to do in your neighborhood.

Annual Holiday Homes Tour Moves to West McLean

The annual Holiday Homes Tour of the McLean Woman’s Club moves to west McLean this year, with tour houses in three choice neighborhoods: McLean Hundred, Woodside Estates and Millwood.

Fairfax County: Republicans Celebrate the Victorious

And honor the defeated

Supervisor John Cook (R-Braddock) said he much preferred this night to the one when he was elected to his first term. A close race with his opponent meant waiting around until late into the evening. This year, Cook defeated Democrat Janet Oleszek by a more handy margin of about six percent of the vote.

Fairfax County: Palchik Upsets Incumbent Reed for Providence School Board Seat

With 58.22 percent of the vote in unofficial election results, Dalia Palchik of Annandale defeated the incumbent Providence District Fairfax County School Board representative Patty Reed, who garnered 41.31 percent.

Fairfax County: Hough Edges Incumbent Velkoff for Third At-Large School Board Seat

Fairfax resident Jeanette Hough said her race for the Fairfax County School Board started with a phone call to Springfield District representative to the board Elizabeth Schultz. “What are we going to do about the school board?” Hough remembers asking. “We’re being ignored as parents and taxpayers.”

Election Morning in Dranesville

Photos from Dranesville polling stations

Democrats Claim Victories in Local Elections

But General Assembly stays in the red column.

“We didn’t win the war tonight, but we did come out ahead in some of the important local battles, and that’s a good start.”

Sophomore McArthur Leads McLean Volleyball to Regional Berth

Highlanders looking for first conference/district title since 2001.

The McLean volleyball team swept Washington-Lee on Monday.

Volunteer Events and Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities in Vienna, McLean and Great Falls.

Opinion: Real Solutions for Real Problems

The truth behind I-66 inside the Beltway

Virginians deserve a healthy public discussion about how best to improve our transportation system.

National Men’s Chorus to Present ‘Songs of the Spirit’ in McLean

Concert to take place Nov. 8 at Saint Luke Catholic Church.

National Men’s Chorus will open its 17th season with “Songs of the Spirit,” a program spanning five centuries of European and American sacred music.

Fairfax Library Foundation Raises $197,000 at A Library Jubilee

The Fairfax Library Foundation hosted A Library Jubilee! Soiree in the Stacks on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church.

Weichert, Realtors’ McLean Office, Top Associate Recognized For Regional Awards

Bruce Green, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that the McLean/Dolley Madison office was recognized for exceptional performance in September.

McLean Police Highlights

Incidents from Oct. 24-30.

McLean: Spring Hill Musicians Delight the Neighbors

Every year, the music teachers at Spring Hill Elementary demonstrate what is offered in their programs.

Letter: False Claims on Firearms Store

To the Editor

Your coverage of the debate remarks made by candidates running for the 31st District Senate seat and the 34th District House of Delegates seat at the forum held at the McLean Community Center on Oct. 18 was well-written and informative for those unable to attend.

McLean Students Make Sandwiches for Martha’s Table

Churchill Road Elementary School continued its long-standing community service tradition by making sandwiches for Martha’s Table.

U.S. Rep. Comstock Visits BASIS Independent in McLean

U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10) toured BASIS Independent McLean, the twenty-fourth school in the BASIS.ed network of charter, independent and international schools.