Holiday Fun for Everyone
Season highlights sparkling winter wonderland to Santa visits.
The weather outside may not be frightful, but it sure has that wintry feel to it. Fortunately, there are seasonable activities and events that warm up December days and brighten December nights.
Garza Holds Listening Tour
Schools Superintendent visits Cooper Middle School in McLean.
Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Karen Garza, Ph.D., held a Listening Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Cooper Middle School in McLean where more than 100 residents of the Dranesville District shared their concerns about local schools. The meeting, which was attended by local teachers, principals and parents, included School Board Rep. Janie Strauss (Dranesville).
Colonial Day at Churchill Road
On Friday, Dec. 6, Churchill Road fourth graders stepped back in time to the 19th century and participated in the school’s annual Colonial Day. This immersion into the life styles and customs of the colonial days marked the culmination of the fourth graders’ social studies unit on Colonial America.
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist Named Best in America
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist has been named the Best Florist in America by the hit daytime show “Steve Harvey” as part of its first annual Neighborhood Awards. Airing on Friday, Nov. 29, the “Steve Harvey” Neighborhood Awards recognize the unsung individuals and businesses who exemplify excellence in their communities. Categories this year include: Best Daycare Provider, Best Principal, Best Bus Driver, Best Police Officer, Best Deli, Best Bakery, Best Pizzeria, Best Florist, Best Steakhouse and Best Coffee Shop. Viewer votes determined both the nominees and the final winners. “Steve Harvey” is a nationally syndicated daytime show - check local listings for time and channel.
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Receives Wells Fargo Donation
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was recognized by the Vienna Branch (Maple Avenue) of Wells Fargo Bank for their outstanding commitment to seniors in the community. SCOV was also the recipient of a donation $1,000 for their work addressing vital community needs. Thirty-three other local agencies and schools were also honored at Wells Fargo Bank’s “South Potomac Days of Giving” breakfast 2013 held earlier in the month. SCOV serves seniors in the Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Merrifield and portions of Fairfax and Reston areas.
Highlanders Hold Holiday Bazaar
Fundraiser offers school spirit wear and arts and crafts at McLean High School
The Highlander Holiday Bazaar was held at McLean High School on Saturday, Dec. 7. — Steve Hibbard
Boy Scout Troop 55 Celebrates 35 Years
Scouts will host a cooking demonstration this Saturday.
Boy Scouts from Troop 55 in Great Falls experienced rappelling down cliffs, spelunking in caves, skiing down mountains, canoeing in rivers, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, traversing white water rapids and improving their marksmanship. These are just a few of the activities that the boys enjoyed as they developed their skills in leadership, responsibility and community service.
McLean Holiday Crafts Show a Hit
Featured 70 fine American artisans from across the country.
The 31st Annual McLean Holiday Crafts Show was held Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at the McLean Community Center. The event featured 70 artisans from across the country in a juried show with paintings, glass, gourmet foods and jewelry, among other things. —Steve Hibbard
Humanity at Its Finest
To the Editor: Thank you to the ladies and police of Vienna who gave support and encouragement to a handicapped old lady whose walker tipped and she ended up waiting an hour in the street for an ambulance. This was kindness and comfort way beyond the call of duty. Thank you for examples of humanity at its finest. Gratefully, Clare Schwartz Oakton
McLean Hosts ReinDog Parade
Dog owners display spruced up pooches in their holiday finest.
McLean’s finest pooches donned holiday apparel and paraded around during the 17th Annual ReinDog Parade Saturday at the Langley Shopping Center in McLean. Dignitaries included Santa on a fire truck, Peggy Fox of WUSA-TV Channel 9, and Supervisor John Foust. The dogs were judged in the following categories: small, medium, large and other (one cat). Celebrity judges included Dr. Kate Salkeld, DVM; Dr. Craig Felton, DVM; and Supervisor Foust. The entry fee was two cans of dog food that was donated to the Humane Society of Fairfax County.
Madison High Senior Olivia Staton to Appear on NPR's From the Top
James Madison High School senior, Olivia Staton, 16, will appear on a national broadcast of From the Top on NPR, the pre-eminent showcase for America’s best young classical musicians, hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. The episode will air locally on 90.9 FM on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
MinuteClinic Opens Walk-in Medical Clinic Inside CVS/pharmacy Store in Fairfax
MinuteClinic, the largest provider of retail-based medical clinics in the United States, has opened a new walk-in clinic inside the CVS/pharmacy store in Fairfax at 3921 Prosperity Ave. It is the twenty-third location in the Northern Virginia.
‘It’s Not OK to Turn a Blind Eye to Bullying’
Fairfax High students pledge to stand by each other.
Children of all ages get bullied and bully others, themselves. It’s not true of all children, but it’s true of enough of them that Fairfax County and City of Fairfax schools want to do something about it.
Local Non-profit Faces Decrease in Donations
Our Daily Bread is in need of sponsors for their holiday program, which helps local families struggling to make ends meet.
Our Daily Bread, a non-profit that provides assistance to low-income members of the community, has seen a decrease in donations since last year, making it difficult for them to meet the needs of their holiday program.
Long-Shuttered Waterfront Food Court to Get a New Lease on Life
Planning Commission approves new waterfront dining proposal.
It's been more than two years since the waterfront Food Court shut its doors, the culmination of a long and steady decline over the last decade as vendors abandoned the building and the facility began falling into disrepair. Now the building may have a new lease on life.
Video
- woodcock dancing vert Keith Ramos USFWS
- SFCD Video
- Understanding FCPS' Budget 393 comments
- McLean Family Restaurant 221 comments
- Inova Shooting Aug. 15, 2016 118 comments
- Video Released of 2009 Officer-Involved Shooting 180 comments
- Virginia Charity Event: Freezin' for a Reason 408 comments