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McLean: Addiction Is Not 'Somewhere Else'

Former NBA player talks to McLean about countywide drug problem.

Herren believes parents “hover over [their] kids academically, apply pressure athletically and drop the ball socially and emotionally.” He urged parents to play an active role in making sure their kids don’t need substances on a Friday night.

The Container Store Launches Annual Holiday Hugs Program

Holiday gift drive for children in the hospital during the holiday

The Container Store continues its annual, nationwide signature giving program, Holiday Hugs. In each of their Washington, DC-area stores, they are partnering with Children’s National Health System to collect and deliver new, unwrapped gifts to their young patients who are spending the holidays away from home. Customers can participate in the Holiday Hugs program by dropping off new, unwrapped books, small toys and games, toiletries, gift cards and kid-friendly stocking stuffers in collection bins at the Washington, DC, Arlington, Reston, Tysons Corner and Rockville locations between now and Dec. 18.

Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless

Shelter Information

NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174

Springfield: Richard Byrd Library Hosts Book Sale

The Friends of Springfield’s Richard Byrd Library host their largest annual book sale Dec. 1 - 3. Visitors can shop over 10,000 books, covering every genre. In addition CDs, DVDs, vinyl, puzzles, games, comic books and graphic novels are also available.

Bumped, Bruised, Better

Springfield man recovers from mid-race Ironman accident.

Bill Vitaletti of Springfield had fractured his jaw in three places, broken a bone in his eye socket, chipped a tooth and cracked two other teeth that would eventually have to be pulled. But he didn’t know any of that at the time. What he knew was he still had at least 20 miles left to bike and 26.2 miles to run before completing his first Ironman triathlon.

Fairfax: Holidays Come to City Concerts, Plays, Santa and S’mores

City of Fairfax ushers in the holiday season.

Christmas in the City of Fairfax is always special. And a full slate of activities from Dec. 3-19 is sure to make holiday spirits bright.

Fairfax Station: Thirtieth Joint Thanksgiving Eve Service Held at Temple B’Nai Shalom

Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station and Lutheran Church of the Abiding Presence in Burke held a 30th consecutive joint Thanksgiving Eve service Nov. 23 at the Jewish congregation’s synagogue.

Reston: South Lakes High Track Athlete Signs with Air Force Academy

Local Sports

She is the school-record holder in the all of the girls’ hurdle events: 55 meters (8.40), 100 meters (14.52), 300 meters (45.86). Devyn Jones, a senior at South Lakes High School, has signed a National Letter of Intent with the Air Force Academy.

Herndon: Tough Underground Work Underway on Silver Line Phase 2

Hand mining used to dig tunnels through granite.

"Imagine crawling under your desk and digging through solid rock in that tight space on your knees for eight or more hours every day," Kearney said. Further, it's a job the public cannot see and therefore cannot appreciate.

Herndon: So Much Fun Packed Into One Day

Set to welcome the holiday season with events for all ages.

Gather up your family and friends and begin celebrating the holiday season in the Town of Herndon on Saturday, Dec. 3. Multiple events are scheduled throughout the day, so put on your walking shoes, bundle up tight and head out for a fun packed day.

Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Volunteer Receives National Leadership Award

Volunteer

Julius Hankin, with the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna was chosen as the recipient of the 2016 Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award. The Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes top volunteers with the Shepherd’s Centers of America network for their service in helping older adults live safely and independently in their own homes. This is the only national volunteer award recognizing the service of seniors for seniors.

McLean High Model United Nations Holds Conference, Receives Outstanding Large School Award

McLean High School Model United Nations held its second conference, McMUNC, on Oct. 21 -22. Thirty-two area schools attended with more than 600 students participating.

Great Falls U7 Wins Rugby Tournament

Sports

Great Falls Village was a busy place on Sunday, Nov. 20, as Great Falls Youth Rugby hosted its third, annual tournament to benefit the spinal cord injury research and recovery programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network. The President of Great Falls Rugby is himself a spinal cord injury survivor.

Great Falls: Amalthea Ridge Plans Expansion

”You can’t keep a scientist out of the lab,” says Sarah Wehri. “I was making soap for my daughter who had super sensitive skin,” she says. “Lotion would make her breakout, so I made my first lotion for her. It was a fun challenge to start with.”

Fairfax: Getting into Holiday Spirit with Encore

Musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Undercover,’ takes the stage.

“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feel to it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynor van der Merwe. “There’s a strong storyline that sets up beautiful vocal and dance numbers that further tell the story. It’s a very entertaining show for the whole family. For two hours, the youngest to the oldest will be transported to a different world.”

The Connection