Lori Baker

Recent Stories

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Walking, Biking to School

Chesterbrook Elementary School held a walk/bike to school day last week, which served two purposes. The primary purpose was to encourage families and students to enjoy the benefits of walking and biking. Fresh air, sunshine and exercise all helped bring smiles to the faces of the many students who walked or biked to school last Friday.

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Vienna Farmers’ Market Opens in New Location

Spring produce and family activities marked opening day.

Opening day of the Vienna Farmers Market—in its new home on Center Street—looked as much like a spring fair as it did farmers’ market. May 4 was sunny and warm and shoppers turned out by the dozens and dozens to enjoy the initial rites of spring, from baseball at Waters Field to the food and fun at the farmers market. Operated and sponsored by the Optimists Club of Greater Vienna, the farmers market found a welcome on the grounds of Faith Baptist Church, across the street from Waters Field and caddy-corner from the firehouse.

Oakcrest School Announces Artwork of the Year Awards

Oakcrest School recently announced the winners of the Artwork of the Year Awards at Fine Arts Night: Grace Allen, seventh grade, won among middle schoolers and Jane North, 12th grade, at the upper school level.

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Teacher of the Year

Longfellow Middle School CTE teacher recognized by the Southern Business Education Association.

Search the faces of Helene Safford’s students, and you won’t find one look of boredom. No signs of restlessness or clock-watching either. In fact, the expressions on the seventh and eighth graders’ faces in Safford’s speech arts class portray nothing but enthusiasm. On a recent Monday afternoon, the computer-lined classroom featured students milling about, and the noise level was high. But Safford wouldn’t have it any other way. The students were working in groups, consulting with their peers and with Safford on a broadcasting technology project.

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Spring Hill Students Win Earth Day Awards

The school celebrates Earth Day with a multi-media celebration and contest.

Spring Hill Elementary School kicked off a new tradition this year for Earth Day. The entire student body shared their own interpretation of the importance of Earth Day through a school-wide art show and talent contest. The students created a variety of artistic creations, ranging from visual art to poetry and performance art. The celebration concluded with a recycled-goods fashion show.

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Revisiting History at Freeman Store

Vienna celebrates as National Register of Historic Places marker is unveiled.

Late last year Vienna’s Freeman Store building was honored with inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Last Saturday, Vienna residents, local dignitaries, town council members and passers-by gathered at the historic site to watch the unveiling of the new plaque

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Pets Matter in McLean

Mclean residents love their pets.

It was nearly seven summers ago that the Allen family met the runt of a littler of toy poodles from a Maryland breeder. From the moment she arrived at their McLean home, “Summer” was part of the family. “She just means everything to our family,” said Melissa Allen, who shares the home with her husband John and their three daughters.

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Promoting Arts in McLean

McLean Project for the Arts’ only surviving founder, Nancy Bradley, shares stories of its origin.

Fifty years ago, long-time resident Nancy Weyl Bradley, along with five local artists, made a decision that would permanently change the cultural landscape of McLean. They noticed a lack of opportunity for artists and those who appreciate art in the community. And it wasn’t long before the group of six women artists, most of whom were studying at American University, came up with the idea of opening an art gallery in McLean. It was not intended to be a vanity gallery to show their own works, but a true gallery to showcase the works of local artists.

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Pride on Display at Chesterbrook

Chesterbrook Elementary celebrates with third annual International Night.

Chesterbrook Elementary School celebrated the international heritage of its students and families last Friday at its third annual International Night.

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Fifth Graders on a Hero’s Journey

Spring Hill Elementary students work with professional theater director to create their own works.

The students in Danny Seagraves’ fifth grade class know their grammar. They know spelling, math, and social studies too. These are all teachable subjects, according to the Spring Hill Elementary School teacher. But one concept that just can’t be taught, says 20-year teaching veteran Danny Seagraves, is creativity.

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