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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winter Fun in McLean
McLean residents share how they like to spend winter days in McLean.
“I have a lot of friends who go skiing and snowboarding on the weekends. That’s really big. Other than that, it’s kind of cold.
Buying Gifts in McLean
McLean offers a variety of local shopping options for the holidays.
For those who try to avoid crowded malls this time of year, McLean offers a host of local shopping options. There
Viewpoints in McLean: What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day?
Residents of McLean answer the question, "What are you grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day?"
Stop Hunger Now in McLean
Volunteers assemble 250,000 meals for Haitian children.
Last Saturday nearly 1000 volunteers gathered at McLean’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer to assemble more than 250,000 pre-packed meals.
An Instrumental Program at Oakcrest School
McLean independent girls’ school enjoys its musical reputation.
When music teacher Anne Miller came to Oakcrest School 11 years ago, there was no formal music program.
Memories of Summer
Young adult novel by Shannon Greenland lets readers enjoy the last few moments of summer.
If you are a teen, or a parent of one, longing to indulge in one last burst of summer, you’re in luck: Former McLean author Shannon Greenland recently published “The Summer My Life Began,” a tribute to the long days and many free hours of summer.
A Pathway for Today’s Heroine
McLean’s Alianna Maren celebrates one year of ‘Unveiling: The Inner Journey.’
Last week, McLean author, Alianna Maren’s living room was filled with fascinating women. There were old friends, and new friends, several of whom edited or contributed to her recent book, "Unveiling: The Inner Journey."
A Roadmap for the Inner Self
McLean author celebrates one year of ‘Unveiling the Inner Journey.’
McLean resident and author, Alianna Maren, is celebrating an anniversary. This month marks one year since her groundbreaking book, "Unveiling: the Inner Journey," was published. And she is inviting all of McLean to join the celebration.
Congressional Club Hosts Sixth Annual AT&T National
Tiger Woods is back in town. The sixth annual AT&T National golf tournament is scheduled to be played at River Road’s Congressional Country Club June 28 - July 1.
MPA Celebrates 50 Years
McLean Project for the Arts holds spring benefit at historic Salona.
What better place to celebrate fifty years of art in McLean than the community’s most historic landmark? On May 10, artists, art supporters, local politicians, staff and volunteers of the McLean Project for the Arts gathered on a clear cool evening at Salona, the historic McLean home of Karen and Dan DuVal.
‘Oh My Son’ in McLean
Professional opera to be performed at McLean’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
McLean theatre and opera fans are in for a treat. A highly-acclaimed production of "Oh My Son," a dramatic opera about the life of Jesus, will be performed at McLean’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on May 20.
Wounded Warrior Visits Langley School
Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder shares a message about service and perseverance with middle-schoolers.
Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder wasn’t able to run the Marine Corps marathon with his friends last fall. He was recovering from wounds sustained while serving in Afghanistan. So while they ran it without him, wearing "Brad Snyder" t-shirts, he made a plan. He said, "well alright, next year I’m going to run with you guys."
Growing Up in a Virtual World
The effects of today’s technologies on the lives of teenagers.
Until recently, we didn’t know that the average teenage girl sends or receives a staggering 4,050 text messages per month. That boils down to at least one message every seven minutes during her waking hours. This is a problem, said Dr. Leonard Sax, well-known author and psychologist, not just because of the amount of time spent, but because this and other research findings show that today’s teenage girl is hyper-connected to her peers; and she is more disconnected than ever from herself.
McLean Sisters Honored for Charitable Work
Rachel and Kelsi Okun are presented with Jefferson Award for Public Service.
McLean sisters Rachel, 16, and Kelsi Okun, 13, love treasure hunts.
Race Fans Gather in McLean
McLean Cub Scouts participate in annual Pinewood Derby.
There were only a few tears among the cheers and smiles at the recent Cub Scout Pinewood Derby in McLean. The boys of McLean’s Cub Scout Pack 1144 are familiar with the possibilities for victory or disappointment.
Miss Virginia Comes to Longfellow Middle
Elizabeth Crot addresses seventh and eighth graders, helps kick off anti-bullying week.
A little more than ten years ago, Elizabeth Crot was the typical middle school student.