Holiday Fun for Everyone
Season highlights sparkling winter wonderland to Santa visits.
The weather outside may not be frightful, but it sure has that wintry feel to it. Fortunately, there are seasonable activities and events that warm up December days and brighten December nights.
Herndon Lights Christmas Tree
Families gather at event hosted by Town of Herndon and Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Despite cold weather, scores of people showed up to hear the singing of Christmas carols at the Town Square in downtown Herndon. Eileen Curtis, president of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, greeted everyone on Saturday evening, Dec. 7.
Garza Holds Listening Tour
Schools Superintendent visits Cooper Middle School in McLean.
Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Karen Garza, Ph.D., held a Listening Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Cooper Middle School in McLean where more than 100 residents of the Dranesville District shared their concerns about local schools. The meeting, which was attended by local teachers, principals and parents, included School Board Rep. Janie Strauss (Dranesville).
Colonial Day at Churchill Road
On Friday, Dec. 6, Churchill Road fourth graders stepped back in time to the 19th century and participated in the school’s annual Colonial Day. This immersion into the life styles and customs of the colonial days marked the culmination of the fourth graders’ social studies unit on Colonial America.
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist Named Best in America
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist has been named the Best Florist in America by the hit daytime show “Steve Harvey” as part of its first annual Neighborhood Awards. Airing on Friday, Nov. 29, the “Steve Harvey” Neighborhood Awards recognize the unsung individuals and businesses who exemplify excellence in their communities. Categories this year include: Best Daycare Provider, Best Principal, Best Bus Driver, Best Police Officer, Best Deli, Best Bakery, Best Pizzeria, Best Florist, Best Steakhouse and Best Coffee Shop. Viewer votes determined both the nominees and the final winners. “Steve Harvey” is a nationally syndicated daytime show - check local listings for time and channel.
Herndon Community Center Holds Annual Arts and Crafts Show
Local artists and entrepreneurs arrive for Sunday show despite snow.
More than 50 local artists came to the Herndon Community Center located at 814 Ferndale Avenue for the 35th Annual Arts and Crafts Show. Kevin L. Mitchell, resident of Fredricksburg arrived with a display of handcrafted wire sculpture figures. "Over the years I discovered my artistic voice, and I started bringing my works to comic conventions this year," said Mitchell. He has a variety of designs in his catalog from sports figures to science fiction themed figures.
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Receives Wells Fargo Donation
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was recognized by the Vienna Branch (Maple Avenue) of Wells Fargo Bank for their outstanding commitment to seniors in the community. SCOV was also the recipient of a donation $1,000 for their work addressing vital community needs. Thirty-three other local agencies and schools were also honored at Wells Fargo Bank’s “South Potomac Days of Giving” breakfast 2013 held earlier in the month. SCOV serves seniors in the Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Merrifield and portions of Fairfax and Reston areas.
‘Old Fashioned Holiday’ at Frying Pan
Brisk weather was not a deterrent to the hundreds who came out to celebrate the ‘Old Fashioned Holiday on the Farm’ at Frying Pan Farm Park on Dec. 7. Hundreds enjoyed the holiday music, pictures with Santa, close-up meetings with farm animals, roasted marshmallows, crafts, food, hayrides and pony rides.
Highlanders Hold Holiday Bazaar
Fundraiser offers school spirit wear and arts and crafts at McLean High School
The Highlander Holiday Bazaar was held at McLean High School on Saturday, Dec. 7. — Steve Hibbard
Boy Scout Troop 55 Celebrates 35 Years
Scouts will host a cooking demonstration this Saturday.
Boy Scouts from Troop 55 in Great Falls experienced rappelling down cliffs, spelunking in caves, skiing down mountains, canoeing in rivers, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, traversing white water rapids and improving their marksmanship. These are just a few of the activities that the boys enjoyed as they developed their skills in leadership, responsibility and community service.
McLean Holiday Crafts Show a Hit
Featured 70 fine American artisans from across the country.
The 31st Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show was held Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at the McLean Community Center. The event featured 70 artisans from across the country in a juried show with paintings, glass, gourmet foods and jewelry, among other things. —Steve Hibbard
Humanity at Its Finest
To the Editor: Thank you to the ladies and police of Vienna who gave support and encouragement to a handicapped old lady whose walker tipped and she ended up waiting an hour in the street for an ambulance. This was kindness and comfort way beyond the call of duty. Thank you for examples of humanity at its finest. Gratefully, Clare Schwartz Oakton
McLean Hosts ReinDog Parade
Dog owners display spruced up pooches in their holiday finest.
McLean’s finest pooches donned holiday apparel and paraded around during the 17th Annual ReinDog Parade Saturday at the Langley Shopping Center in McLean. Dignitaries included Santa on a fire truck, Peggy Fox of WUSA-TV Channel 9, and Supervisor John Foust. The dogs were judged in the following categories: small, medium, large and other (one cat). Celebrity judges included Dr. Kate Salkeld, DVM; Dr. Craig Felton, DVM; and Supervisor Foust. The entry fee was two cans of dog food that was donated to the Humane Society of Fairfax County.
Madison High Senior Olivia Staton to Appear on NPR's From the Top
James Madison High School senior, Olivia Staton, 16, will appear on a national broadcast of From the Top on NPR, the pre-eminent showcase for America’s best young classical musicians, hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. The episode will air locally on 90.9 FM on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
Wakefield Boys’ Basketball Beats T.C. in Memorial Game
Warriors win despite shooting 9-for-30 from the free-throw line.
The Wakefield boys' basketball team opened its season with a 56-51 win over T.C. Williams.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
More than 30 female artisans will showcase their crafts Dec. 8 at the 16th Annual Women’s Holiday Art Show in support of the City of Alexandria’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
43rd Scottish Walk Weekend
Be prepared as pipes, plaid and pageantry fill the streets of Old Town Dec. 7 during the 43rd annual Scottish Walk Parade, the centerpiece of a weekend of holiday events that includes a Holiday Marketplace, Designer Tour of Homes and Taste of Scotland cocktail reception.
Thinking Small
White House Drug Czar visits Holy Cow.
White House Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske paid a visit to Del Ray's Holy Cow restaurant Nov. 30 as part of President Barack Obama's initiative to support “Small Business Saturday.”
Let There Be Light
The City of Alexandria held its annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Market Square Nov. 29. Entertainment and a visit from Santa were part of the festivities that signaled the official start of the holiday season. For a complete schedule of holiday events, including free concerts to be held in Market Square, visit www.visitalexandriava.com.
Toys for Tots
Firefighters partner with Marine Corps in annual toy drive.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will once again partner with the U.S. Marine Corps in the annual Toys for Tots program and are asking residents to drop off new, unwrapped toys at their neighborhood fire station.