Marymount Gears Up for 19th Annual Halloweenfest
University offers safe and festive Halloween celebration for disadvantaged children.
Local college students are working to ensure that some underserved area school children have a festive Halloween this year. Students at Marymount University, in Arlington, are turning their resident halls into themed wonderlands that run the gamut from Disney princesses to superheroes. The celebration is part of Marymount’s 19th annual Halloweenfest, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25, 3:30-7 p.m. “Each year, Marymount University opens its doors to disadvantaged children in the area to provide a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween,” said Ashley Wells, community outreach coordinator at the school’s Office of Campus Ministry. During Halloweenfest, children receive free Halloween costumes and take tours through the resident halls where they trick or treat for candy donated by students, faculty, staff and community members. After trick or treating, they spend time participating in activities on the basketball court of the university’s Rose Benté Lee Center. “The gym is completely decorated and children have a blast as they visit over 35 tables with different activities … like face painting, crafts and games,” said Wells. “A dinner … is provided for each guest.”
Oakton Women’s Club Supports Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna
Each year the Oakton Women’s Club hosts their fashion show in Oakton to raise money to support the local community. The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was the recipient of the net proceeds for the 2013 fashion show and received a generous $1,000 donation. Pictured (from left) Jayne Young, office administrator of SCOV, and Linda Byrne, president of the Board Oakton Women’s Club. Centered is a photo of Jeanne Robertson, the headliner for SCOV’s annual fundraiser. Their event is already sold out with 1,000 attendees expected at the Oct. 27 event in Vienna. Founded in 1997, SCOV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for adults (50-plus) to seek rewarding lives and to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.
Officers in Pink Promote Breast Cancer Awareness
Residents and motorists in Fairfax County may notice hot pink collars peeking out of the top of the official uniform as officers respond to calls for service for the next two weeks. For the first time, officers are sanctioned to wear the T-shirts that read “Arrest Breast Cancer; Unlock the Cure” between Oct. 18-31. Hundreds of Police Department employees purchased the shirts at $15 each, with proceeds being donated to local cancer charities. The pink T-shirt campaign is being supported by the Fairfax County Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 77 and donations from Tysons Corner Center and Blue Line Motors of Warrenton.
Something's Missing
To the Editor: Here we were in election season again, but something seemed to be missing. Then it occurred to me: Where were all the campaign signs that usually pollute the median strips of our busy streets, distracting drivers and inconveniencing the crews charged with mowing and maintaining these areas? In past years, candidates often became engaged in arms races that resulted in hundreds of signs being plastered on every open space available. I inquired with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and learned that the county has new authority to enforce the laws against temporary signage on state highway rights-of-way, complete with the ability to levy fines against violators. Hallelujah!
Sheltering Animals & Families Together
Initiative promotes domestic violence shelters that accept pets.
Did you know that approximately 2.3 million people, primarily women, are victims of partner violence? Did you know that over 62 percent of the American households have, at least, one pet? Approximately 48 percent of abused women do not leave an abusive situation because they will not leave their pets behind. Pets are likely to be victimized by the household abuser. The abuser’s animal cruelty is used to force compliance from the victims. “What I do to the dog is what I can do to you” is the message the abuser sends, according to Allie Phillips, founder of Sheltering Animals & Families Together [SAF-T]. “As a prosecutor in Michigan, I saw women who stayed with their abusers to protect their pets,” said Phillips. “If they leave, the abuser will turn his anger on the pet. The pet usually is the primary target used to control the victim. “I created the safety program to help get these women out of their abusive homes.”
On County Libraries: We Should Know Better
To the Editor: I am the assistant branch manager at Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. I also worked at Reston Regional Library for four
Both Sides of Humility
To the Editor: Frank Wolf has been a decent congressman, but his column in last week's Connection shows how easy it is for politicians to (unintentionally?) speak with a forked tongue [It’s Going to Take Humility, Connection, Oct. 16-22, 2013]. At first he tells us, almost lectures us, about the value of humility. I agree, he's on target here. The swelled heads of congressmen leads to hardened opinions and an unmerited sense of self-importance on both sides of the aisle.
Preserving the Lifeline
To the Editor: As a long-time resident of Fairfax County, I am concerned about congressional initiatives that would kick 1.7 million Americans off the Food Stamp Program (SNAP). The program has been a lifeline for millions of Virginians suffering the effects of the economic downturn.
Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide Supported by Fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club
Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide are being supported by the 4th Keller Williams Charity Golf Tournament in October. The tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at Trump National Golf Club Washington in Potomac Falls, Va., with 36 holes on two courses and waterfront vistas of the Potomac River.
Halloween Parade Steps Off on Oct. 23
Pre-parade entertainment on Town Green new in 2013.
Vienna’s longest-running and most-anticipated annual event—the 67th Vienna Halloween parade—steps off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. One hundred-plus groups, clubs, bands and floats take over Maple Avenue between Berry and Center streets.
Saving Public Libraries
To the Editor: A significant number of planners expect the nation to be illiterate by 2050, so books will not be needed. Instead of planning for my grandchildren’s needs today, the county has decided to prepare for their grandchildren’s needs in an imaginary future where people no longer read, where electronic devices enable them to communicate without written language, where books no longer exist. (From a study on architect Grimm & Parker’s website.)
Stark Contrast in 34th District
I do not often write letters to the editor, but felt compelled to now. I have been active in this community for over 35 years as the Dranesville School Board member, Dranesville supervisor, chairman of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, and many other business, school and philanthropic activities. I have known many people who worked hard to make this community better. I have personally known almost all of the people who have run for local and state office from our community over the last 30 years, no matter the party. The contrast in this year's election for delegate in the 34th District could not be more stark.
Homecoming at Langley
Langley students enjoyed a homecoming dinner at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Saturday, Oct. 12.
Home Tour Celebrates Simon’s Vision
Annual tour gives glimpse of variety of Reston homes.
Danielle Harrison has lived in Reston for 10 years. She has attended a few events at the Reston Museum, is excited for Reston founder Robert Simon’s 100th birthday next April and considers herself very knowledgeable when it comes to Reston history.
Planning Around Reston’s Metro Stations
Master Plan Special Study Task Force update presented at forum.
The Reston Association, Reston Citizens Association and the Alliance for Reston Clusters and Homeowners hosted a joint community forum Thursday, Oct. 17 to discuss Phase One of the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force.
Reston Hospital Provides Construction Update
Physicians expected in new medical office building after Thanksgiving.
Reston Hospital Center is currently in the process of adding more than 150,000 square feet of new office space and facilities.
Screamin’ for a Reason at Bradley Farm
Bradley Farm Haunted House returns to benefit Herndon-Reston FISH.
The annual Bradley Farm Haunted House will be resurrected this year on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26. The annual haunted house, which raises money for Herndon-Reston FISH, is themed “Panic Attack: Confront Your Fears and Phobias.”
Hanna Rose Hunt Named Outstanding Teen
Langley junior plans to speak at local schools about teen depression and anxiety.
Hanna Rose Hunt had never been in a pageant before this year’s Virginia State Fair. So far, she is undefeated, as she was named Miss State Fair of Virginia’s Outstanding Teen.
Week in McLean
United Bank Robbed
Officers were called to 7787 Leesburg Pike on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. for a robbery. A man entered the bank and demanded money from the teller. The suspect fled with cash. There were no injuries.
2014 Strauss Artist Awards Opportunity
The application deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014.
The Arts Council of Fairfax County plans to award its seventh annual set of Strauss Artist Awards next year, with three $5,000 grants to recognize professional working artists’ achievements and their demonstrated history of accomplishments, while promoting the continued pursuit of creative work.