Vienna Connection

Judith Beattie has impacted five decades of students who began their education at Vienna’s Hunter Mill Country Day School.

“You see that wonderful place on the hill, and so much has happened in that place, so many kids have just learned the way you have to grow up in a community, be good stewards of the community and give back to the community,” said Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill).

Hudgins and the Board of Supervisors honored Beattie for her 48 years as the director and owner of Vienna’s school.

“You’ve made a great contribution. So thank you very much for all of your years,” Hudgins said.

“I loved what I did for the children. It’s the best expression of what I believe in,” said Beattie.

“I just want to tell you that it seems incredible to be thanked for doing something you love as much as I loved doing what I did,” Beattie said.

BEATTIE was hired in 1967 to be the director of the newly established school, and then purchased the school in 1978.

The school was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified habitat school “for supporting multiple subject areas stimulating the curiosity of its pupils, said Hudgins and for “teaching children to be stewards of the environment and encouraging community involvement.”

“Ms. Beattie has given just enormous amount of dedicated time to bringing forth in this community numerous young people that now, I know, contribute back to this community,” Hudgins said.

While Beattie’s school is in Vienna, students attended from all over, including students from Sunrise Valley Elementary in Reston who came for before and aftercare.

Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey recognized her work on the Health Care Advisory Board.

In 2002, Gov. Mark Warner appointed her to the Virginia Child Day Care Council where she assisted in the development of standards and regulations for licensed child day care facilities in the state.

Beattie has been a positive force in the Sully District where she lives in Hunter Valley, as well as the Providence District.

“You’ve been a long standing presence and advocate for the community in so many different ways,” said Frey. “We wish you all the best and thank you for your service.”

Providence Supervisor Linda Smyth said Beattie was one of the founding members of the Friends of Oakton Library before the county even had the dirt to place the library on.

“While child care has obviously been a very central part of your life, Judy, we know you have been involved a whole lot more in a whole lot more besides child care,” said Smyth. “You have always been there helping us with Volunteer Fest in Providence. You were part of the Hunter Mill Road traffic calming committee.”

“And beyond that you were one of the founding members and secretary of the Friends of the Oakton Library, that friends group that existed before we even had the dirt to build that library.

“You were a part in all those Oakton activities, and just really a central piece of that community and we want to thank you for all those things, too,” said Smyth. “You’ve made a difference in a lot of people’s lives in many many different ways. Thank you.”

IN 2014, Beattie sold the school to Sharon Hayeck, a long-time staff member, teacher, and administrator who had been with HMCDS for over 10 years.

“You have a number of people who are here to express their thanks to you,” said Chairman Sharon Bulova.

As dozens gathered around her to take photographs with the Board, a number of Supervisors could be overheard.

“Holy cow,” said Supervisor John Cook.

“Look at all these people,” said Supervisor Gerald Hyland.

“This is great,” said Penelope Gross.

“Let me just add my thanks for your wonderful service and for all the contributions you have made to and for Fairfax County,” said Chairman Sharon Bulova.

“I love Fairfax County. I moved here before a lot of the people did,” said Beattie.