<b>Anne Stuntz,</b> born and raised in Vienna, President, Historic Vienna, Inc.
"I just love the sense of community in this town. I think people in other towns are jealous of us because of all the things we offer the people who live around here.
"Depending on the time of the year, I’d suggest stopping by the Town Green, going to the Halloween parade and the Walk on the Hill, the community center, the festivals. … There’s the Church Street Stroll in December, year-round events at the Freeman House. … No one should miss the Halloween parade. Everything we do we do with a sense of history. It’s a delight to work with a town willing to support our activities."
<b>‘Dr.’ Bob Borgatti Sr.,</b> owner Vienna Drug since 1965, Little League sponsor for 40 years.
"I like the people the most. Vienna’s close to everything geographically, the mountains, D.C. The town is small but unique. Everyone meshes together well. It’s very sports-oriented, youth sports. Everything you can want is around here. The Town Council is nice and helpful.
"Join the crowd, participate. … Go to the Halloween parade, Freeman House. … Do kids’ activities. There’s something going on every week in Vienna."
<b>Bob Borgatti Jr.</b> lived in Vienna since 1972, co-owner Vienna Drug.
"That’s [1972] when we moved here, but we grew up here in the store. Everyone helped out in the store. Vienna is family-oriented. That’s Vienna’s biggest draw. … It’s a family place.
"I’d tell a newcomer about the W.&O.D. trail for biking, Wolf Trap, of course, and Meadowlark Gardens."
<b>Dan Dellinger,</b> 37-year Vienna resident, former Town Council member, American Legion officer.
"I grew up here. Went to college in Pennsylvania, went into the military, but I eventually returned to Vienna because I realized how great Vienna was after living elsewhere. It was always great to come back. In those days, the 1960s, ‘70s, I looked forward to the Halloween parade, going to the movie theater in town and seeing my old classmates. It’s amazing how many classmates stayed in Vienna.
Number one thing I like about Vienna is the citizens. They’re great. Vienna is like a small community. I like its proximity to everything, like the nation’s capital, especially Wolf Trap and the arts, Kennedy Center. In 20 minutes, you can be downtown … not in traffic, of course.
Margaret [Dellinger’s wife] and I enjoy walking the W.&O.D. trail. It’s not just for bikes, it’s for walkers and joggers, too. I like the Town Green and local youth and high school sports.
Things nobody should miss are the trail, the Town Green, local sports. Even if you don’t have a child participating, it’s great fun … brings you back to what childhood is all about.
Other things not to miss are the Fourth of July festival and fireworks and the little theater at the Community Center.
If you want to get in-touch with what’s going on in town, join one of our many service organizations. They play an important part in Vienna life and you meet your neighbors."
<b>Sam Savia,</b> born on Church Street 83 years ago in the clapboard house still standing today, between Center Street and Dominion Road. Lifetime member of Vienna Volunteer Fire Department [VVFD], joined during the war when he was 15.
"I guess I don’t know any better since I’ve always lived here, and I’d never move anywhere else. Vienna’s a suburb of D.C., near the Potomac River … [Route] 123 goes through Vienna. It’s a very interesting place these days. It has a small, hometown government. A good place to live and raise a family, a safe place. A lot of good things have happened over the years here.
"I grew up playing baseball. The fire department sponsored the teams in those days. The fire department was the main organization in town in those days. Baseball and the fire department … both of my likes are right here.
"I’d suggest going to bingo at the fire house as one of the most important things to do. Support your local fire department. Go to youth games."
<b>Susan Ray</b> lived in Vienna most of life, for 49 years.
"What I like best is the sense of living in a small town. People are so friendly, happy to help you when you need it. Vienna has always had a small-town atmosphere and it manages to stay that way.
"The first thing a newcomer should do is to visit the Chamber of Commerce office [VTRCC] for a visitors’ guide. Especially a map … you need a map to get around here.
"There’s so much to do. There’s the community center, ViVa! Vienna!, the Fourth of July celebration, arts and crafts shows at the Community Center all year. We have the bike trail going right through the town, and at Christmastime, Santa comes on a fire truck. Vienna is famous for our Halloween parade and Meadowlark [Gardens] must be seen."
<b>Mayor M. Jane Seeman,</b> moved to Vienna in 1968, 41 years ago
"The best part about living in Vienna is seeing people you know everywhere — the library, grocery stores, restaurants, Town Green, church. That friendliness characterizes small town Vienna.
"Must dos are definitely the Town Green, Freeman Store/Museum, Patrick Henry Library, ball games at Waters and Caffi fields, pancake breakfasts at VVFD, performances and shows at the Community Center and the biggies — Halloween Parade, OktoberFest, Holiday Stroll and Fourth of July festivities. There is always something to do in Vienna."
<b>Mayo Stuntz, </b>lifelong resident of Vienna, born 93 years ago at corner of Courthouse Road and Route 123, where Jiffy Lube now stands, author of "This Was Vienna"
"I guess it’s the history of this area I find most appealing.
"I’d say to join HVI [Historic Vienna, Inc.], see Freeman House and what it has to offer. Get connected to one of the churches; they all do a good job in the community. Be active in what’s happening, be aware."