2014 in Vienna: A Year in Review
Year of loss and successes.
This year started off on a sad note for the Vienna area. M. Jane Seeman, then mayor, died of lung cancer on Feb. 23, 2014, and the community mourned the loss of a friend and Vienna’s most dedicated supporter.
Students Think Twice About Spending
Eighth graders learn the cost of financial responsibility.
That Christmas check from grandma will probably be spent on the latest video game or that trendy pair of boots a typical teenager has been saving to buy. But for eighth graders in Fairfax County, they might think twice before splurging on that one luxury item.
Loudoun Company Donates Free Roof to Cornerstones
DryHome Roofing and Siding, a Sterling-based roofing company, has selected Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith) as the recipient of a new roof through its annual Free Roof for the Holidays program.
State and Local Politics in 2015
Independent Progressive
I am happy to wave goodbye to political year 2014. It was not a good year for progressives, and a worse year for America. Defying logic, the party of no and dysfunction at the federal level and a root cause of the collapse of the middle class won broad victories in the ballyhooed midterms of 2014.
Looking at the Sky
McLean High School sophomore Sean Yongjoo Lim prepares for violin competition in Switzerland.
Hours of practice are adding up and paying off for Sean Yongjoo Lim, a McLean High School sophomore who was recently selected to compete in the International Boris Goldstein Violin Competition in Bern, Switzerland.
Tertell, Harrell Engaged
Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Madeleine Tertell of McLean are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Trish Tertell, to Tom Harrell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Robin Harrell of Alexandria. A May wedding is planned.
Holidays Celebrated at McLean Children’s Academy
The preschool students from McLean Children’s Academy performed for their families at the McLean Community Center singing and acting out holiday songs and decorating the tree with child made ornaments. Students are from McLean, Great Falls, Arlington and Falls Church.
Grace Han Wolf Appointed to Park Authority
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust has appointed a replacement for Park Authority Board Member Richard “Rip” Sullivan who resigned effective Dec. 11, naming as his replacement Grace Han Wolf, who assumes the post as of Dec. 12, 2014. Sullivan’s resignation comes on the heels of his recent election to the Virginia General Assembly where he will serve as Virginia State Delegate for the 48th District.
New Shoes for Children at Hutchison Elementary
The Council for the Arts of Herndon joins with the Dranesville supervisor’s office every holiday season to gather new shoes for children at Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon. Hutchison is a Title I school serving many students with challenging social and economic issues.
2014 in McLean: A Year in Review
Metro, sidewalks and the 100th birthday of MCA.
In the last 365 days, McLean has gone through historic changes. In just a year, the community has become the home of a handful of Metro stations and has begun the process of revitalizing the central area’s walkability.
‘Peter Pan’ Recreated
Herndon High produces “Peter Pan,” or the “Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.”
What do fairy dust, a vengeful pirate, and a flying boy have in common? The answer would be Herndon High School’s production of “Peter Pan,” or the “Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” The show, debuting in London in 1904, was J.M. Barrie’s most famous work, along with his 1911 novel version of the same story.
2014 in Great Falls: A Year in Review
Groundwater contamination and a swell in volunteerism.
In the past year, the village has gone through changes that will impact the future of the community. 2014 in Great Falls saw an uptick of volunteer support, walkability in the village center and a corrective action plan for the Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) groundwater contamination.
Jones Branch Connector Hoped to Relieve Tysons traffic.
The proposed Jones Branch Connector may be the answer to some of the congestion issues on Route 7. During the public hearing on Dec. 10 at Spring Hill Elementary for the pending transportation project, Project Manager John Dresser said it would be a pressure valve for the increasingly heavy traffic through Tysons Corner during rush hour.
Artists on the Green Showcase Their Work at Great Falls Library
This winter, artists from the Artists on the Green Studio and Gallery in Great Falls will gather to showcase their work at Great Falls Library. The exhibit will go through January, and visitors can stop in to see impressive work by artists in their own backyard.
Ellen Findley Honored with Herndon Good Neighbor Award
Another winner of the Good Neighbor Award was named at the Dec. 9 Town Council meeting.
Parisot: Running with Purpose
Colleagues say delegate candidate Craig Parisot’s ‘got his priorities straight.’
Craig Parisot can juggle. Whether that means candy canes or work-life balance, he catches everything that comes his way. With a growing new family, a growing list of leadership roles in the community and an active campaign as the Republican candidate for Delegate of the 34th District, this is a job that requires both hands.
Gifts for the Home
Local shop owners offer suggestions to make holiday shopping easier.
While holiday shopping is part of the spirit of the season, for some choosing a present for everyone on their list can be overwhelming. Local small business owners come to the rescue with gift ideas for the home.
November Herndon Elections Approved
May elections nixed, two year terms stay.
Herndon elections will transition into a November election schedule. Herndon Town Council voted to amend the town charter at the Dec. 9 meeting to allow for the elections to be held in November rather than May after four public hearings.
Langley Principal Leaves for South County
Matthew Ragone created “Saxon Country,” says school family network committee co-chair.
For six years, he was the glue that brought Langley High School (LHS) together. LHS Principal Matthew Ragone has left the school to boost South County High School’s academics as its new principal.
Irresistible? How Karen Garza Creates Change in Fairfax County Schools
Karen Garza is a good listener. And once she’s listened, she is, admittedly, not very patient. “If there's a real issue, I don't think it has to be debated for 10 or 15 years,” Garza said in an interview. “Either we're going to do something about it or not.”