Stories
Mount Vernon Boys’ Basketball Destroys Edison
Majors open 2013 with a 34-point win against the Eagles.
Mount Vernon jumps on Edison with 17-2 first-quarter run.
Mount Vernon Beats Edison in Battle of National District Girls' Basketball Powers
Majors claim sole possession of first place in the district.
Mount Vernon senior point guard Taylor Dunham had a big third quarter for the Majors.
Flint Hill Boys’ Basketball ‘Trying to Find an Identity’
Huskies force overtime against Bishop Ireton but fall short.
The Flint Hill boys' basketball team overcame a 13-point halftime deficit to force overtime, but lost to Bishop Ireton on Jan. 5.
Youthful Spartans Avoid Three-Game Losing Streak
West Springfield improves to 11-2 after losing standouts Robinson, Battle.
The West Springfield girls' basketball team blew an 18-point lead against West Potomac on Jan. 8 but held on to win.
Centreville Girls’ Basketball Runs to 13-1 Record
Wildcats beat Herndon, 72-39, with up-tempo style.
The Centreville girls' basketball team has used an up-tempo attack to win 13 of its first 14 games.
Taking Command
Sully District police commander glad to be at station’s helm.
For police Capt. Ed O’Carroll, taking command of the Sully District Station was like coming home again. He served as a shift supervisor of the evening squad when the station opened in May 2003; and for four months now, he’s been in charge.
Mount Vernon School Notes Jan. 9
School notes for Mount Vernon natives.
Obituary: Allan Scott Wiley
Allan Scott Wiley, 54, of Alexandria, died on Dec. 21, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Letter to the Editor: Why Celebrate George Washington's Birthday?
A great nation — a great democracy — needs heroes to set us an example — a paradigm for conduct, a coalescence of our own definition.
All in the Family
With solid planning and skillful remodeling, seniors convert personal residence into a multi-generational household.
Challenging times demand creative thinking — so you don't have to look far to find homeowners executing remodeling projects with far-reaching objectives.
Muslims Inaugurate New Mosque
The Rev. Dr. Dennis Perry is honored for Aldersgate’s Christian hospitality.
Declaring peace and spiritual brotherhood between Muslims and Christians, a host of Muslim-American religious dignitaries inaugurated the new Mount Vernon-area mosque at a ceremony attended by many Christians Saturday afternoon, Jan. 5.
Column: Budget Cuts, Road Shortfalls and Uranium
Last week, I wrote about a few of the bills and budget amendments I’m going to be carrying this session. This week, I am going to write about some of the broader issues in play this session.
Politicians Get an Earful
Residents tell LeMunyon, Petersen what’s important to them.
Transportation, guns in schools and Medicaid were among the top issues discussed last week at a town hall meeting in Chantilly.
Should There Be Guns in Schools?
State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) and Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67) covered many subjects during last week’s town hall meeting. But the topic of guns in the schools proved to be the hot-button issue of the evening, quickly inflaming passions on both sides.
‘Horses in Need of Heroes’
Centreville girls benefit equines via charity.
Caring and compassion can reside in people of all ages. Just 13, Centreville’s Katie Puckett showed that when she created a charity called Horses in Need of Heroes.
Letter: What Every Boy Needs for Xmas in 2012
It won’t fit under your Christmas tree, and you can’t use Amazon’s Same Day shipping service for it. No camping out on Black Friday could have helped you get this gift, and it’s not on the iTunes App Store. But over 100 million boys have received this gift already.
Centreview School Notes Jan. 9
School notes for the Centreview area.
Alexandria School Notes Jan. 9
School notes for Alexandria natives.
Week in Reston
Reston resident dies after a crash in McLean area, AAUW Presentation: The Women of Walmart, Film screening at South Lakes High, and JBG acquires Charter Oak apartment community in Reston
Kehoe Joins Living Legends Board
Retired from the military, Bill Kehoe is a volunteer firefighter at the Alexandria Fire Department Emergency Operations Center.
Reston Students to Perform in 2013 Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta
Students from Union Lopez Studio in Reston have been accepted into the 2013 Junior Theater Festival happening Jan. 18, 19 and 20 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga.
Letter to the Editor: Get Facts Straight
Re: Jan. 13 letter "Replace the Teachers Not the Building."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday celebration to Highlight Community Service
Reston Community Center will hold the 28th Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Jan. 19 and 20, 2013. The focus of this year's celebration will be on community service.
Life-affirming Comedy
Reston Community Players presents "The Savannah Disputation."
The Reston Community Players will soon bring the D.C. area community theater premiere of "The Savannah Disputation" to audiences. The play was written by emerging award winning playwright Evan Smith.
Commentary: General Assembly Session Underway
The 2013 General Assembly session convenes at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 9. Tracing its beginnings to the colonists meeting in the church at Jamestown to conduct their common business, the General Assembly is the oldest continuous legislative body in the western hemisphere.
Restonians Sound off to Legislators
Metro funding, gun control high priorities for residents for General Assembly session.
State Sen. Janet Howell (D-31) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36) spoke to Reston residents about their priorities and goals for the upcoming General Assembly session Thursday, Jan. 3. The session, which starts Jan. 9, is scheduled for 30 days, with the possibility of an additional 30 days if needed. This is standard procedure for odd-numbered years; during even numbered years the session is scheduled for 60 days.
Letter to the Editor: Loss of Parking
I am sure there were a lot of people enjoying all the events that came with the First Night Alexandria event, then there are the residents who have to put up with all the overcrowding of our streets.
Letter to the Editor: Anniversary of Black January
Twenty-three years ago, on the night of Jan. 19-20, 1990, Soviet authorities staged the falling empire's last brutal crime against their own citizens.
Orchestra Turns to Local Talent
Reston Community Orchestra to perform songs of Brian Scarbrough in MLK Concert Jan. 19.
At a very young age, Brian Scarbrough of Reston was already showing signs of musical prowess. His mother Richie remembers singing a commercial while her young son was around, and Brian Scarbrough promptly informed her she was off-key.
Letter to the Editor: Safety Issues of Shared Streets
The recent letter to the editor by the former chair of the transportation commission reflects how dissent is treated at City Hall.
A Look Back: How Del Ray Changed in 2012
For those who haven’t been keeping up with changes and activities in Del Ray, here is a recap of the past year, from my perspective as president of the Del Ray Citizens Association.
Week in Herndon
Martin Luther King Holiday schedule, Herndon MOMS Club to hold open house, and Senior Center needs a volunteer musician
Letter to the Editor: Benefits of Food Stamp Program
We were surprised to read Michael Lee Pope’s article “Use of Food Stamps Skyrocketing in Northern Virginia” in your December 6, 2012 edition.
Letter to the Editor: Taxpayer’s Lament
There was a recent story about city tax rates quoting the mayor, vice mayor and council member Alicia Hughes.
My Year in The USA
Why are we doing this? Why are we going away from our families for one year and move into a family's house we don't know? We are exchange students and we wanted to learn more about another country, about the culture, the language and the people.
Pine Wood Derby Workshop At Old Town Hardware
The jigsaw was buzzing. Wood shavings and fine sawdust lightly covered the work tables as dozens of cub scouts and their friends and parents worked on creating a Pine Box Derby winner.
Herndon High Cadets Go to National Championship
Herndon High’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets are actively preparing for the Orienteering National Championship, to be held on Feb. 16 and 17 at the Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Federal Porn Charges for Former Teacher
In June, Fairfax County police charged a special education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He was immediately suspended without pay, and the school system assured parents that no images of students were found on his computer and school computers were not used.
Find Real Estate Sales, Home Remodeling in One Place
How much are those upgrades?
Suppose you were relocating to northern Virginia, found a house that — with some modifications — would perfectly suit your family’s needs, and within hours knew the exact cost of your desired upgrades?
New Look for Town of Herndon
New logo, branding strategy begins to take hold in Herndon.
As the Town of Herndon prepares for the arrival of the Silver Line and changes to its downtown, they’ve taken an important step in making sure Herndon has its own identity: giving Herndon its own brand.
Commandant Addresses Students
Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, visited Bishop O’Connell High School for an afternoon discussion with students enrolled in the school’s Global Studies program.
Raising Funds for High Adventure
The aroma of garlic and tomato sauce wafted up from the stove and out the doors into fellowship hall as scouts from Boy Scout Troop 167 prepared for the annual spaghetti dinner on Saturday evening, Jan. 5, at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church.
Dear Richmond: Here’s What’s Needed
Medicaid and mental health services cited as key issues.
Arlington’s representatives in the state legislature listened to the public’s wishes for priorities to be addressed at the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session during a hearing on Friday, Jan. 4, in the Arlington County Board Room.
Parents Plead for Delay in Training Center Closing
Timeframe for closure puts disabled adults at risk, advocates say.
When it was Kenneth Gans’ turn to speak to the panel of Virginia state legislators, the 78-year-old father of a severely-disabled son kept his remarks brief.
Arlington Crime Report Jan. 9
Crime report for Arlington.
Week in Vienna
January holiday town office closures, Dog tag deadline Jan. 31, Lifetime Leadership Program to hold information sessions, Members needed for Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and American Legion awards college scholarships
Vienna Resident Honored by U.S. Census Bureau
Matthew Jordan, of Vienna, was honored with the prestigious Bronze Medal Award for “superior federal service,” the highest honorary recognition awarded by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Vienna’s Simonton Burns Bright
University of Illinois at Chicago Flames player and Vienna resident takes one for the team.
Vienna resident Will Simonton, a class of 2010 graduate of Marshall High School, was featured in the Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday, Dec. 8 for his performance with the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames in their 64-55 victory over Colorado State.
Author Reminds Children All Animals Need Sleep
“Animals Need Zzzs, Too” looks at the ways different animals sleep.
When Vienna resident Patricia Britz worked at the National Sleep Foundation, she fielded calls from parents wanting information on sleep needs of their children. Sleep, Britz observed, is not as valued as it deserves to be.
Aging with a Digital Connection
Local specialist guides seniors through the social network maze.
There’s a digital revolution blowing through Fairfax County and Vienna resident Cherie Lejeune is fanning it. And it’s not the tech-savvy young ones Lejeune is reaching out to now … it is the aging population who will use social media and networking software to maintain social networks and family relationships.
Maddie’s Blankets Makes 10,000th Blanket
Maddie’s Blankets has announced that on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Haycock Elementary School in Falls Church, Susannah Bianco, a fourth grade student at the school, made their 10,000th blanket. This blanket will be donated to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation for use in their Tysons PetSmart animal adoption center.
Marshall Theater Honors Walter Bobby McCoy
The George C. Marshall High School Theater Boosters have awarded Walter Bobby McCoy the GC Marshall Theater Award for his contributions, which included musical director for GC Marshall's musical "Drowsy Chaperone."
A ‘Very Good Year’ Ahead
2012 banner year for real estate in McLean and Great Falls.
The overall number of real estate transactions was up in 2012 over 2011 by 11.7 percent in McLean and Great Falls. By delving deeper into the data, it reveals that all price points experienced a gain in number of sales year over year in this market segment.
McLean Student Honored as YoungArts Finalist
Joe Broom of McLean, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology (TJHSST), is a National YoungArts Foundation Finalist in music. Chosen from approximately 10,000 applications submitted by students in nine disciplines of the visual, literary and performing arts, he will participate in a life-changing experience provided by the National YoungArts Foundation. He is the first TJHSST student to be selected as a YoungArts finalist.
Order To Release Wolfe Is Stayed
Attorney general intervenes; higher court will decide next step.
Last week, the family of Chantilly High grad Justin Wolfe was hopeful he’d be released from custody after U.S. District Court Judge Raymond Jackson vacated Wolfe’s convictions and sentences for drug distributions and the March 2001 murder of 21-year-old Centreville High grad Danny Petrole.
Week in McLean
Lifetime Leadership Program to hold information sessions, Fairfax Area Disabilities Board to meet in McLean Library, Open invitation to McLean Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) meeting, and a fundraiser supporting Great Falls Lacrosse Association
New Exhibitions Open at MPA on Jan. 17
McLean Project for the Arts will hold an opening reception and gallery talk on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7 - 9 p.m. for three new exhibitions. It is free and open to the public.
SPARC Looks Ahead to 2013
Club received grant in December, looks to expand reach to assist adults with disabilities.
The Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC) came to McLean in October 2011 to provide opportunities for adults with disabilities in a community setting. Since then, they have been growing and gathering more support. They concluded 2012 with a $15,000 grant from Life Circle Alliances and plan on further outreach in 2013.
MCA Hosts Legislators Before Session
State senators, delegates brief community on goals for session starting Jan. 9.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted a town hall meeting featuring McLean-area state representatives Wednesday, Jan. 2 at the McLean Community Center. This year’s session begins Jan. 9, and since 2013 is an odd-numbered year, the session will go for 30 days with an option to extend for a maximum of 30 additional days.
Week in Great Falls
Fundraiser supporting Great Falls Lacrosse Association, Great Falls School of Art adds two new teachers, and Lifetime Leadership Program to hold information sessions
Great Falls School of Art Students Exhibit at Artists’ Atelier Gallery
Students of the Great Falls School of Art will showcase their work during the month of January at The Artists’ Atelier Gallery.
Favola, Comstock Set Session Priorities
Legislators begin General Assembly session Jan. 9.
Members of the Virginia General Assembly representing Great Falls, Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34), spoke at the McLean Community Center Wednesday, Jan. 2.
“If It Ain’t Broke…”
Today is a day I feel like writing – not merely one when I am looking forward to having written, but rather one when I am interested and motivated by the process.
Preparing for a Spring Wonderland
Experts offer advice on what to do now to create a pleasurable outdoor space in spring.
Chilly January temperatures can make spring seem far away. However, it’s closer than you think. A recent Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey from the American Society of Landscape Architects showed that as the weather gets warmer, many want an undemanding, outdoor space.
Home and Remodeling Show Comes to D.C. Area
Nationally Syndicated Columnist Heloise and local contractors will educate homeowners.
Whether you’re planning to renovate an entire house, update an antiquated bathroom, create a more functional kitchen or simply add more color to your home, there will be inspiration and ideas aplenty at the 2013 Home and Remodeling Show.
Theft Yields Unexpected Rewards
Neighbors express appreciation for holiday display.
It’s not nice to steal — and it’s especially not nice to swipe Christmas decorations from an outdoor display that brings pleasure to many people. But that’s what happened recently in a Little Rocky Run neighborhood.
New Elementary and High School Proposed for This Part of County
Many elementary and high schools in the local area are either overcrowded or full to the brim. But relief — although far off — is on the way in the form of a new elementary school and a new high school.
O’Carroll’s Priorities
At the helm of the Sully District Station, police Capt. Ed O’Carroll, 43, has a clear view of his priorities.
Sister to Sister Partners with Hadassah
Goal is to expand awareness of heart disease in women.
Expanding on her work in the Washington region and throughout the country to empower women to lead heart healthy lives, Irene Pollin of Bethesda has newly partnered her women’s heart health foundation, Sister to Sister, with Hadassah. The two groups will raise awareness about heart disease in women through live screening programs and local education initiatives.
Unforgettable Spaces
Local designers share their favorite home designs from 2012.
Local interior designers spend their days mixing colors, accessories and furnishings to create chic and stylish rooms. As the new year begins, some local tastemakers look back on some of their most memorable accomplishments.
Presidential Scholar
Christopher Kilner, Potomac, is among the 19 incoming students at The University of Scranton awarded four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships.
Letter to the Editor: Dealing with Tragedy’s Emotions
Today’s [Dec. 14] unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Conn., has saddened and shaken us all.
Letter to the Editor: Supports Rink Modifications
I wanted to take a moment to express my support in moving forward with the proposal for modifying the rink at the Potomac Community Center.
Express Buses from Burke to Tysons
Fairfax County to launch Express Connector bus service.
Get ready to ride the 495 Express Lanes. For free. Really.
Fairfax Symphony Announces String Competition
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) announces dates for the 2013 Dorothy Farnham Feuer Memorial String Competition.
Steps for Parents To Take on Artificial Turf
1) Go to the coalition website,www.safehealthyplayingfields.org, and synturf.org, where parents can search information about what some health experts are saying regarding toxic chemicals used in artificial turf.
Life on Mars and the Fourth Dimension
A Matter Of Perspective
With all this hype about possible life on Mars, what makes us think we would know it if we saw it? Life may already exist in another dimension that we may not be equipped to see. That “life” may exist in the fourth dimension, a space that lies beyond our visible universe, operating in ways that our human minds cannot understand.
People
2013 Living Legend Nominees Honored
The 2013 Living Legends of Alexandria nominees were honored with a musical tribute at NOVA's Winter Concert at Rachel Schlesinger Hall Dec. 6. Nominees, nominators, board members and members of city council gathered for a pre-concert reception followed by the winter concert and formal introduction of the nominees during intermission.
News Briefs
Budget Forums
News Briefs Budget Forums Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) will hold five budget forums in January and February to solicit input from the public about the Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget priorities. Residents can attend the forums and provide input; predicted budget shortfalls are likely to result in cuts to county services.
