Vienna’s Top Stories of 2012
From devastating wind storm to parking garage, Vienna saw diversity in its news stories of 2012. Trees toppled on houses and cars during the June 29 derecho that ravaged the region and thousands of Vienna-area residents were without power for days as emergency crews worked to repair downed power lines. Vienna heard business news, as well, with the founding of a new Vienna Business Association and the proposed Church Street parking garage.
Vienna in 2013
A look at the new year through the vision of elected officials, citizens.
Q: What are the most important issues or challenges facing Vienna businesses today? What is the Town Business Liaison Committee doing to promote Vienna businesses?
Town Budget Receives Award
For the 19th consecutive year, the Town of Vienna has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This award, for the fiscal year 2012-2013 budget, is the highest form of recognition for governmental budgeting.
Charities Receive Funds at Holiday Celebration
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna presents donations to The Committee for Helping Others and Our Daily Bread.
Last month, The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) pulled off their 14th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship, hosted by Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Vienna. This month, the SCOV was ready to present the funds collected at the well-attended service to representatives of the two charitable organizations chosen by SCOV as this year’s recipients of the collection.
Cooper Middle Students Visit Pine Spring Elementary
On Wednesday Dec. 19, 40 Cooper Middle School students visited their sister school, Pine Spring Elementary, and threw a holiday party.
Week in McLean
Fairfax County Crime Solvers is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) who burglarized a home in the 6400 block of Jefferson Place in McLean. An investigation determined that between noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, someone forced entry into the home by smashing out a window in the sunroom. Sterling silver utensils, jewelry and electronics were stolen.
Celebrating Christmas on 12-12-12
Cooper Middle School Chorus & Orchestra performs in the Great Falls Historical Society event.
The Great Falls Historical Society delighted in the Christmas Carols sung and played by Cooper Middle School students at our Old Fashioned Christmas held at the historic Great Falls Grange on Dec. 12. The energetic and spirited music teachers and talented students filled the hall with warm holiday cheer and good tidings.
Bob Gilbert Exhibits at Great Falls Library
Great Falls artist Bob Gilbert is exhibiting in the Great Falls Library from Jan. 2 to Feb. 1. He will be displaying over 30 original oil paintings of Manhattan. The paintings range in size from 11x16 to 36x72 inches. Most of them will be 24x30 and 24x36. All of them will be for sale at Gilbert’s solo exhibit.
Happy New Year, Keep in Touch
Reflecting and reinforcing the sense of community.
As local, weekly newspapers, the Connection’s mission is to bring the news you need about your community, to give you the information you need to enjoy the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to call attention to unmet needs, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in community and people’s lives. To succeed at any of that, we need your help.
Advice for Seniors on Fitness in the New Year
Suggestions for making and keeping exercise resolutions.
Mary Garner’s New Year’s resolution is to increase the intensity of her workout routine. The 69-year-old retiree plans to seek the advice of a fitness trainer to create a plan to achieve her goal.
Living Up to New Year Resolutions
Benefit of cardio workout plan includes weight loss and decreased heart disease risk.
During Martin McKay’s annual physical examination shortly before the holidays, his doctor suggested that he consider intensifying his cardiovascular exercise routine.
Lines of My Life
Like most people, I have material, so to speak, that I use repeatedly (ad nauseam, some might say). Most are lines from “The Three Stooges,” “M*A*S*H,” “Star Trek” (the original) and “Seinfeld.” As I entered into the cancer world, I continued to use this material – where/when appropriate, as many of you regular readers know. However, as my time in the cancer conundrum has continued (thank God!) and evolved, I have found myself uttering and muttering à la “Popeye the Sailor Man,” amusing myself, mostly, but always with the best of intentions: my survival. A few examples follow. (My answers are in quotes.)
Coming in From The Cold
A night at Burke United Methodist Church’s hypothermia prevention shelter.
Musa L. gently draped a blanket over his wife, and promised her the new year would be better for both of them. She was sleeping on a foam pallet at the Burke United Methodist Church. Musa and his wife were among nearly 40 homeless adults seeking shelter from the frigid temperatures at the church on Friday, Dec. 21.
Readers of the Pack
What Fairfax County residents read in 2012.
According to Mary Mulrenen, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax County readers selected many of the same fiction and non-fiction favorites that caught the attention of book-lovers nationwide. Dr. Seuss, science-fiction and, once again, lawyers (John Grisham’s 25th legal thriller) topped the charts.
Should Virginia’s Governor Be Able to Run for Reelection?
Longstanding ban on second consecutive term to be reconsidered this year.
Virginia is the only state that limits its governor to a single, four-year term, a vestige of the distrust Americans had for executive power during the American Revolution. Now, more than two centuries later, the commonwealth may finally be ready to ditch the longstanding term limit and allow Virginia’s governor to run for reelection.
Chantilly Places Third at Pohanka Classic Tournament
Chargers enter 2013 with 10-1 record.
The Chargers finished third at the Pohanka Chantilly Basketball Classic.
McLean Girls’ Basketball Wins Chantilly Tournament
Murphy named MVP, Lee makes all-tournament team.
The McLean girls' basketball team has won six in a row.
Wakefield Sophomore Buries Six 3-Pointers in Win
Warriors beat Stonewall Jackson to place fifth at holiday tournament.
Wakefield guard Marqua Walton had a career night against Stonewall Jackson on Dec. 28.
Giving Gratitude to Those Who Serve
Chantilly High honors America’s veterans.
Each year, Chantilly High honors America’s armed-services personnel with a dinner and an evening of entertainment. The event is always special, and this year’s Veteran’s Day Dinner was no exception.
Westfield Band Is Pasadena Bound
Will march in the 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Tuesday morning, Jan. 1, Westfield High marching band members and their parents watched the 124th annual Tournament of Roses Parade on a big screen in the school auditorium. Next year, they’ll be in it.