People

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: The Giving Circle of HOPE Celebrates Million Dollar Milestone

Philanthropy

The Giving Circle of HOPE celebrated a major milestone this year – more than $1 million raised and granted to support small nonprofit organizations in Northern Virginia.

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.

Meet young chef Ryan Spicknell.

McLean: Fabulous Offers at Earls Kitchen + Bar

Spicknell had dinner at the Vancouver location of the Earls group, and learned that management was looking for summer help. So he jumped at the chance, and from dishwasher to kitchen help, the youngster, perhaps unintentionally, launched his culinary career.

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.”

Reston: Santa Claus Came to Town

The festivities will continue at Reston Town Center throughout December.

“Every year they take a break from telling the elves what to do and what to make to come out here and say a hello,” said Goff. “Santa and Mrs. Claus, we are so glad that you came to help us light our tree once again.”

Reston: Heroic Rescue at Lake Anne

Beth Hoyos, 47, of Reston helps father and daughter escape a sinking car that crashed into Lake Anne.

“I didn’t stop to think about it,” she says. “The guy said his daughter was in the car and he didn’t know how to swim. There was really no conscience choice. The only thing I really remember thinking at the time was, ‘Should I leave my boots on or take my boots off.’ The rest of it was sort of an autopilot: go in, make sure they’re OK and get them out.”

Vienna Celebrates Holidays Small-town Style

Church Street Holiday Stroll lights up with Santa, music, fun; draws hundreds of families.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s antique fire truck carried Santa along Center Street and onto Church Street, its siren blaring as it made its way to the Christmas tree at the corner of Church and Mill streets. Santa, Mayor Laurie DiRocco, State Senator Chap Petersen, and Del. Mark Keam joined together to light the tree as milling guests applauded.

The Connection