People

Letter: How I Got My Dog

We had been looking for a new dog for close to 10 years—I would occasionally stop at the animal shelter or at a rescue group set-up—but I really didn't know how to pick out a dog, so I just didn't. Our previous dogs had basically just fallen into our laps by differing circumstances.

Fairfax Adult Softball Honors its Dedicated Volunteers

Fairfax Adult Softball (FAS), the largest adult ASA softball league in the country, celebrated the spirit of altruism and selfless service at Brion’s Grille in Fairfax on Sunday, Feb 10. “We run the largest adult ASA softball league in the United States,” said Christine Idip, FAS program assistant, “and we couldn’t do that without our great volunteer workforce. All of them love the game of slow-pitch softball!”

Meet Area Families’ ‘Best Friends’

When Guiding Eyes for the Blind dropped off Saki at Bridget Kennerley’s house, they made sure to tell her what to expect from the young golden retriever on that first night. What they couldn’t tell her, however, was how different her life would be every night after.

At Home in Burke

At age 7, Fritz is a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix. After being picked up as a rescue dog at a Petsmart in Oklahoma, Anne Wood drove 700 miles to bring Fritz back home to Burke with her. “She stayed on my lap the entire time and did not move a muscle,” said Wood. “I think on some level she realizes that we saved her.”

Family Pets Are Family in Vienna

Local pet parents share stories of their special family members.

Animals, from dogs and cats to chickens, rabbits and hamsters, come into the lives of humans and complete the family circle. Proud parents that they are, local residents described the attributes of their family’s pets.

Pets Matter in McLean

Mclean residents love their pets.

It was nearly seven summers ago that the Allen family met the runt of a littler of toy poodles from a Maryland breeder. From the moment she arrived at their McLean home, “Summer” was part of the family. “She just means everything to our family,” said Melissa Allen, who shares the home with her husband John and their three daughters.

Pancakes, Coffee and Donations

McLean woman helps with leukemia, lymphoma fundraiser.

Pancakes and syrup make a tasty meal; but at the Centreville IHOP, they’re also a way to raise money. And that’s what happened Feb. 5 when the restaurant held a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Letter: Meet Pixie

A Great falls pony that taught lots of children to ride.

My pony, Pixie, has been with me since I bought her from a farm on Georgetown Pike 16 years ago.

Pets Teach Families ‘Joy of the Moment’

Great Falls residents reflect on their experiences with pets.

Unique in size, shape and personality, pets often times have significant impact on owners. They teach the people around them many lessons—everything from responsibility to love to living in the moment, and bring joy to all ages, as Great Falls residents will say.

Girl Scout Day at the State Capitol

Learning Virginia’s rich history.

Picking Washington’s Birthday to tour the Virginia State Capitol and learn a little about Virginia history—the birthplace of eight presidents—was perfect timing for a group of Vienna Girl Scouts.

Oakton Girls Swim & Dive Wins AAA State Championship Title

Oakton High School’s Varsity Boys and Girls Swim and Dive teams participated in the Virginia AAA State Championship Friday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, Feb. 16, at George Mason University. The girls placed first with 275 points over Yorktown (128) and McLean (119). The boys placed third with 192 points behind Robinson (218.5) and James Madison (192.5). This is the second consecutive AAA State Title for the girls’ team.

Vienna Shopping Center Donates $1,000 to Kilmer Middle School

Principal challenges students to match donation.

Vienna Shopping Center merchants donated $1,000 to Kilmer Middle School last month. Upon notification of the donation, Principal Douglas Tyson challenged students to match the donation and give the funds to a local food bank.

The Optimist Club Honors Students

“How do you let your friends know their value?” was essay topic.

The Optimist Club of Greater Vienna awarded three local high school students cash prizes for their winning essays produced for the Optimists International competition, “How do you let your friends know their value?” The presentation took place Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Optimists’ semi-monthly meeting.

State Champion

Vienna's Gray Goss, 11, wins state free throw competition.

On Feb. 16, Gray Goss made 20 of 25 shots to be named 2013 Free Throw Champion in Virginia's 11-year-old boys division in the annual state-wide competition organized by the Knights of Columbus.

Volunteers Appreciated

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department holds their Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Banquet.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) and its Auxiliary celebrated its members at their Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 9. The VVFD is currently in their 110th year of service and awarded several deserving members for the year 2012.

The Connection