Supervisor Foust and the Council for the Arts of Herndon Deliver Shoes and Gift Cards to Hutchison Elementary School
Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust and Signe Friedrichs, executive director of the Council for the Arts of Herndon delivered an assortment of new shoes and gift cards donated by Dranesville residents and members of the Council for the Arts of Herndon to Hutchison Elementary School Principal Judy Baldwin on Monday, Dec. 16.
Town of Vienna Poised for a Robust 2014
Town leaves 2013 on strong footing.
By all appropriate measurements – Moody’s, Standard and Poor, the Vienna Town Council and Town Manager – Vienna’s way-of-life and financial footing remain in the exceptionally healthy zone. Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton called 2013 a “successful year as typical for the town,” referring to the town’s financial position as strong and robust. “Our budget was reasonably put together with a goal in mind that the services residents expect be provided at the same excellent, prudent level that we’ve always had,” said Payton.
Obituary
Patricia Rae (Pat) Cochenour, 71, of Reston Dies
Patricia Rae (Pat) Cochenour, 71, died on Dec. 29, 2013, at her home in Reston, after a long battle with cancer. Pat was born in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 5, 1942, to Ada May (Thorowgood) Cox and the late Thomas E. Cox, Jr. She married James R. Cochenour on Aug. 20, 1980.
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
Shakespeare Comes to Alden
American Shakespeare Center performs a double-bill of the Bard celebrating his 450th birthday.
In such a Shakespeare-rich area, "no one does it like the American Shakespeare Center...Shakespeare is so alive in their hands," said Sarah N. Schallern, Performing Arts Director, the Alden at the McLean Community Center. "They have quite a fan base, and to be able to host them in our beautiful, intimate Alden Theatre is a joy and an honor."
Setting the Tone
First redevelopment proposal of waterfront plan heads to City Council.
Developer Carr City Centers wants to build the Cummings Hotel, a five-story building with 120 hotel rooms, a restaurant and a meeting room.
People
People Notes
The Arlington Young Democrats held elections for their 2014 Executive Board at the NRECA Building in Ballston.
Sugar Plum Fairy From South Lakes
South Lakes Senior Rebecca Mattern captivates audiences.
For the past 41 years, Conservatory Ballet dancers have ushered in the holiday season with their annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This year more than 125 Northern Virginia elementary, middle and high school students filled the Center Stage’s dressing rooms and wings, eagerly awaiting their cue to take the stage.
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
Taylor Run Neighborhood
Caroling and the bird census at Taylor Run Neighborhood.
Children’s Connection: What an Inspiration!
To the Editor: I just finished reading the McLean Connection, Children's Connection 2013. I am so impressed by the children, what an inspiration they are! Thank you and the children for this special gift.
Week in Herndon
Sen. Warner, Rep. Wolf to Hold Town Hall
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and the Professional Services Council (PSC) announced that Sen. Mark Warner and congressman Frank Wolf will participate in a town hall forum with members of the region’s technology and contracting community. During the event, Sen. Warner and Rep. Wolf will explain the budget deal and agreed-upon sequestration levels recently passed by Congress. In addition, they will discuss the impact these issues will have on the local economy. The event is schedule for Friday, Jan. 10, with registration and networking at 8 – 8:30 a.m. and the program with Sen. Warner and Rep. Wolf at 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. The event will be held at Sprint, 12524 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston.
First Night Celebrated in Vienna
VBA estimates 3,500 to 4,000 party-goers took part in first annual town New Year’s Eve block party.
Between 3,500 and 4,000 local families and friends celebrated the last night of 2013 at the First Night Vienna block-party presented by the Vienna Business Association [VBA] and the Town of Vienna. Church Street closed down for five hours between Mill and Center streets as families strolled the road, stopping at fire pits to roast marshmallows, sample free hot chocolate and popcorn, and listen to the music presented at four venues. The kids’ tent, providing family-focused music and entertainment, offered face-painting, party hats and glow-sticks. Even on a cold night, the moonbounce had lines.
Week in Great Falls
Military Appreciation Monday to Honor Navy SEAL Foundation On Monday, Jan. 13, monthly Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be in support of The Navy SEAL Foundation. Make your reservation for either the 5:30 or 7:30 seating at the Old Brogue by calling 703-759-3309. Visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org to learn more about this organization and the help it provides to injured combat veterans and their families. If not familiar with the MAM events, simply come enjoy a dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls. The cosponsors, the Brogue and Bob Nelson of Keller Williams Realty each make a ten percent donation based on how much you spend on dinner.
Reston Business Honored at Event in Centreville
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) has been open two years now, making a huge difference in the lives of the day laborers it serves. And on Saturday, Dec. 7, those involved in the center’s success celebrated its anniversary. The Centreville Immigration Forum is responsible for the center’s continuing operation, and during the ceremony, CIF President Alice Foltz presented framed certificates to several people, acknowledging their contributions to the CLRC.
New Leadership for Democrats
Clarence Tony elected chairman of the Alexandria Democratic Committee.
Only a few weeks ago, Democrats swept all five of Virginia's statewide offices — largely with the help of organizations from Northern Virginia.
Commentary
Broken Promises
Last month the disAbility Law Center (dLCV) issued a report on the condition of mental health services in Virginia. It is an eye-opening report: Broken Promises, the Failure of Mental Health Services in Virginia. Its findings are direct: “Despite the promises of reform to the mental health service system in the last decade, Virginia’s mental health services system fails to serve many of those in need of its services.”
To Be a Jew in the Free World!
The challenges of freedom & identity in the modern era.
When the age of faith gave way to the age of reason and the modern world was launched, the Jewish people were profoundly affected. With the emergence of the United States and the enshrinement of religious freedom as a fundamental right of all citizens, the nature of Jewish life in the Diaspora entered a radically new era.
Vienna Brick Builders Win First-place Award
A team of sixth grade Louise Archer students won the first-place award for Strategy and Innovation in Division 1 at the 2013 VA/DC First Lego League Robotics tournament. The Vienna Brick Builders team is composed of Mike Duncan, Justin Hu, Corey Lee, Sareena Miley, Neha Shirolkar and Aidan Wiktorowicz. According to First Lego League, the Strategy and Innovation award "recognizes a team that uses solid engineering practices and a well-developed strategy to design and build an innovative, high performing robot." This tournament is the world's largest robotics tournament.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.