Church Street Holiday Stroll in Vienna
Hundreds come out to music, marshmallows and winter magic.
Hundreds of people strolled along Church Street on Monday evening, Dec. 2, during the annual Church Street Holiday Stroll between Lawyers Road and Mill Street. Highlights included local singing groups performing holiday carols, a petting zoo, marshmallow-roasting on open fires, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.
Jon T. Thew of Reston Dies
Jon T. Thew, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Nov. 24. Jon was originally from the Hudson Valley area of New York. He has resided in Reston, Va., since 1992. Jon had a 30-year career at IBM and worked as a consultant until he retired in 2001. Jon was an active member of Vienna Presbyterian Church.
Handcrafters Guild Arts & Crafts Show Comes to Vienna
Thanksgiving weekend tradition draws shoppers from throughout region.
The Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild Arts & Crafts Show annually takes over the Vienna Community Center for three days of the Thanksgiving weekend.
Holiday Gifting from Toys to Acts of Kindness
The spirit of the season is giving of love.
There’s still plenty of time to buy gifts for family and party hosts. There is even time to buy a gift or two for someone without the means to reciprocate. Here are a few ideas from local shops, restaurants and resources. And, please, remember that gifts do not have to come in wrapping to be welcomed and appreciated.
Langley High Orchestra Presents Russian Concert
The Langley HS Orchestra will present their winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Langley HS Auditorium. The concert is a collaboration of two of Langley's largest programs—Russian and Orchestra.
Week in McLean
McLean Holiday Homes Tour Kicks Off Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, will kick off the McLean Woman’s Club’s Holiday Homes Tour, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McLean Stores Offer a Variety of Holiday Gift Ideas
"The staff at Child’s Play Toys have a great working knowledge of all the games, books and toys, and know what is appropriate for each age group," said customer Michele Hopkins.
Cantata for Community
Brian E. Wilhour composes the Christmas Cantata, which he will conduct on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean.
"In high school I was convinced I didn’t want to be a musician at all. That was the last thing I wanted." That’s Immanuel Church Music Director Brian E. Wilhour, reflecting on his 15 years at Immanuel, and having written 15 major choral and orchestral works.
White House Ornaments on Sale to Benefit Artemis House
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors club is selling White House Ornaments to benefit Artemis House, an emergency shelter in Fairfax County for victims of domestic and sexual violence, often mistreated women and children.
Best of Both Worlds, Holiday Gifts and Local Connections
Holiday on Parade at The Saddlery, Great Falls Nails & Spa, and Great Dogs of Great Falls.
The Saddlery at 731-E Walker Road in Great Falls is well-stocked with reasonably priced holiday gifts that range from Patricia Barta custom designed Greek leather and cubic zirconia magnetic clasp bracelets to equestrian themed items like Breyer horses, including the 2013 holiday horse, "Holiday on Parade."
The Holiday Blues: Cope and Prevent
Mental health experts say being realistic and seeking support can help you avoid holiday stress and depression.
While the holiday season is filled with parties, shopping, decorating and other festive activities, mental health experts say it often brings unwelcome guests as well: stress and depression. While they can be difficult to manage when one is in the midst of a bout, with a few strategies one may be able to prevent both before they ruin the holiday season.
Holiday Recipe Makeovers
Strategies for keeping traditional treats healthy
When Alice Jenkins saw her doctor two months ago, he diagnosed her with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and suggested she change her diet and lose about 30 pounds. Lawson, 45, started a diet program and has lost nine and a half pounds, but now that she’s in the midst of the holiday season, she’s concerned about losing the strides that she’s made with her dietary changes. "I have a large family and we get together a lot during the holidays," said Lawson, who lives in Alexandria. "There is always sweet potato pie, macaroni and cheese, and deep fried turkey."
Annual Holiday Design Event Supports Garden Club Programs
Arlington’s Rock Spring Garden Club held its fourth annual Holiday Design Event on Thursday, Nov. 21, attracting a sold-out crowd of more than 200 to watch experts demonstrate how to craft a variety of floral arrangements for Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
A New Year’s Eve Gala in Springfield
Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria and Lorton, Va. will host A New Year’s Eve State of Mind Benefit Gala on Tues., Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Waterford at Springfield at 6715 Commerce Street, Springfield.
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum to Host Holiday Model Train Show
The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum will hold its 24th annual Holiday Train Show on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.