‘Really Strong Dancers, Powerhouse Singers’
Oakton High senior is in the musical, ‘Cats.’
If Oakton High senior Shanelucas Ramsey has been acting a bit catlike recently, there’s a good reason. He has a featured role in the Fairfax Academy’s upcoming production of “Cats.” Featuring a cast and crew of nearly 85, it will burst upon the Fairfax High stage in what promises to be a treat for both the eyes and ears. It’s directed by Mike Replogle, director of the Musical Theatre Academy, and choreographed by Andrea Heininge, who heads the Dance Academy.
Week in McLean
The McLean Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its current grants cycle until Feb. 1, 2014. Applications can be found on the MCF’s website at mcleancommunityfoundation.org.
Vienna Day of Service Brings Together Nonprofits, Volunteers
More than 75 people explored service volunteering opportunities in the community.
Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe created a day of volunteer service to kick off his term as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Saturday, Jan. 4, more than 75 people came to the American Legion hall on Center Street to explore volunteer opportunities that make the community a better place to live in.
Reston Shelter Hosts Homeless on Coldest Days
Large numbers of Reston’s homeless at risk of contracting severe frostbite or hypothermia from subzero wind chills sought refuge at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter this past week. On Jan. 7, temperatures dropped to a record low of three degrees, with wind chills as low as 10 degrees below zero, according to a National Weather Service advisory from that day. The official record low for Reston on Jan. 7 was previously set at 8 degrees in 1988. Frigid conditions caused many to pack into the shelter from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8 due to sub-freezing daytime temperatures.
A Warm Day at Lake Anne
Enjoying a warmer-than-usual winter weekend the Letteri family, of Reston, took these pictures at Lake Anne. In the first photo (from left) Paul, Joseph, 14, Aaron, 10, and Raba Letteri pose with the Bronze Bob, a statute of the Reston founder Bob Simon. In the second photo: Joseph, Aaron and Raba Letteri, and Fred the dog.
Herndon High Students Broadcast ‘Herndon Live’
Students begin TV program with Herndon Community Television.
In January on Friday at 5 p.m. Herndon’s non-profit, cable access PEG station Herndon Community Television (HCTV) presented the first episode of “Herndon Live” a new program showcasing events, reviews, interviews and news. Assisting the production of the first episode were Herndon residents Nancy Rose, Blake Rose, and their son, Brian Rose. “I started volunteering and using the equipment at HCTV when I was about 9 or 10,” said Brian Rose. “I am there to give the Herndon Live group what they need to do their show whether it be advice or teaching them equipment... I am there to make sure things go smoothly.”
Historic Figures Come to Area Schools
Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry impersonators visit Reston and Herndon elementary schools.
Two unlikely historical celebrities paid a visit to Fox Mill Elementary School students on Wednesday, Jan. 8, for a special assembly. When Principal Mie Devers announced that Thomas Jefferson would be a guest at their school that day, the cafeteria filled with sitting children began buzzing with excitement; at the mention of his friend, Patrick Henry, a large number of the sitting students shouted excitedly. Jefferson, played by Bill Barker, and Henry, played by Richard Schumann, arrived at the school cafeteria at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Henry arrived first. After he introduced himself, he spoke of his undying love for the state of Virginia, as well as his recent visit to his good friend George Mason at his “Academy” just up the road. Just as he began to disparage the highly federalized country of France as compared to the United States’ new republic, President Jefferson interrupted, “I beg your pardon!” as he stepped into the cafeteria.
Churchill Road Team Excels at Langley Invitational
The Churchill Road Science Olympiad Team participated at the Langley Invitational on Dec. 15. Under the direction of mentors Jennifer Ezzell (5th grade teacher) and Rajee Ramesh (parent), the Churchill Road team was the top-ranking elementary school team, placing fourth overall among the 21 middle and elementary teams. The sixth graders Ian Palk and Christopher Sole placed first in the Solar System category. The team members are looking forward to the Regionals later this spring.
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
Praise in Motion, of Shiloh Baptist Church in McLean, performed Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee’s 20th annual Martin Luther King Festival at Westfield High in Chantilly. In photo, the group is dancing to the powerful song, “Break Every Chain.”
Sen. Warner, Rep. Wolf Meet Reston Business Leaders
Cyber security, budget cuts and national debt levels discussed at a Tech Town Hall on Friday, Jan. 10.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-10) spoke at a Tech Town Hall in Reston on Friday, Jan. 10, about the impacts of sequestration and the recently passed budget deal on North Virginia’s information technology and government services industries. Many of Reston’s technology industry executives attended the morning event, which was co-hosted by the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and the Professional Services Council (PSC).
Obituary
Mae Balboni of Reston Dies
Mae Balboni died Jan. 8 in her home. Mae was a resident of Reston for 13 years. She is survived by her daughters Mary Balboni and husband Chuck Norris of Reston; Anita Balboni and partner Steve Cooke of Schwenksville, Pa.; Lynda DiPasquale and husband Philip of Collegeville, Pa.; Catherine Balboni of Hatfield, Pa.; and her sons Joseph M. Balboni and wife Tammy of Eagleville, Pa. and Anthony V. Balboni of Cinnaminson, N. J.; her sisters Jane Ricci of South Weymouth, Mass.; Dorothy Wilson and husband Jimmy of Allison Park, Pa.; her brother George Goolsby and partner Rosalee Wiswall of Peobody, Mass; her sister-in-law Beatrice Birt of McKinney, Texas; her brother-in-law Al Rusas of Long Beach, Calif. Local Virginia memorial service is Friday Jan. 17, at 5 p.m. at Adams Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon. Her final resting place will be in Norristown, Pa. on Saturday Jan. 25, at St Patrick Cemetery where she will be buried with her husband Joseph J. Balboni.
Del. Keam Introduces His New Legislation
Named to House Courts of Justice Committee.
Del. Mark Keam (D-35) began his third term in the Virginia General Assembly on a high note, garnering a new committee assignment and introducing 10 bills. He took the oath of office last Wednesday, Jan. 8, at noon.
Contemporary Art on Exhibit at Katie’s Coffee House
Shared Colors, a contemporary art exhibit showcasing fiber art and mixed media paintings, will be on display at Katie’s Coffee House in Great Falls through January 31. Cindy Grisdela, a contemporary quilt artist, and Jennifer Duncan, a mixed media painter, share studio space in Great Falls, where they have had many opportunities to enjoy one another’s work. Although creating in different media, they have marveled at the remarkable similarities in their use of color and design. This exhibit highlights the unique creative styles of each artist, while emphasizing the parallels in their work.
Lift Me Up! Shares History of Secretariat
The nonprofit kicks off its Good Fences Make Good Neighbors fundraiser in Reston and Great Falls.
Many know the story of Secretariat, a thoroughbred horse who overcame great physical limitations to win the 1973 Triple Crown, taking home wins at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. However, many may not be aware of Northern Virginia’s historical ties to Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chennery, who rode for the equestrian team for the Madeira School in McLean before graduating in 1939.
Supporting Special Operations Warriors
The girls from Great Falls visited Walter Reed last Wednesday. Girls in picture, from left, are: Saanvi Singireddy, Lizzie Holt, Oksana Vickers, and Maddie Holt. The four made wristbands and sold them at lunch and in the morning at their school, Forestville Elementary, last spring, where the Forestville children and teachers donated close to $400 for the wounded soldiers. The girls are all now in middle school (Vickers and Holts at Kilmer, Singireddy at Cooper.) The girls hope to continue their fundraising in support of Special Operations warriors this year and encourage others to do the same.
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