Great Falls: Tips from the Pros Make Holiday Shipping Simple
The UPS Store in Great Falls Center aims to make shopping-to-shipping transition easier.
Be sure to visit the folks at The UPS Store in Great Falls Center, 9893 Georgetown Pike, for any additional holiday packing and shipping information. You may also visit them at www.theupsstorelocal.com/6725. And, don’t forget - AAA members receive 5 percent off shipping. Beginning Monday, Dec. 12 The UPS Store in Great Falls Center will offer extended
McLean WinterFest Parade Celebrates Eighth Run
Holiday
More than 60 groups marched down the mile-long parade route for the WinterFest Parade in McLean on Sunday, Dec. 4. “It’s been around for a long time,” says Maureen Scholz a seven-year member of the parade’s steering committee.
McLean: Langley Crew Athletes Committed to Row in College
Both athletes signed their Letters of Intent in a ceremony at Langley High School on Nov. 10. Pierce was in the 2015 Virginia State Champion J8+, placing 10th at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America's National Championship Regatta.
McLean: Addiction Is Not 'Somewhere Else'
Former NBA player talks to McLean about countywide drug problem.
Herren believes parents “hover over [their] kids academically, apply pressure athletically and drop the ball socially and emotionally.” He urged parents to play an active role in making sure their kids don’t need substances on a Friday night.
The Container Store Launches Annual Holiday Hugs Program
Holiday gift drive for children in the hospital during the holiday
The Container Store continues its annual, nationwide signature giving program, Holiday Hugs. In each of their Washington, DC-area stores, they are partnering with Children’s National Health System to collect and deliver new, unwrapped gifts to their young patients who are spending the holidays away from home. Customers can participate in the Holiday Hugs program by dropping off new, unwrapped books, small toys and games, toiletries, gift cards and kid-friendly stocking stuffers in collection bins at the Washington, DC, Arlington, Reston, Tysons Corner and Rockville locations between now and Dec. 18.
Vienna: Old Comedy Finds New Audiences
Oakton High production of "Once in a Lifetime."
Gorgeous costumes, talking pictures, and two thousand airplanes -- what could this possibly be, you ask? Why, Oakton High School’s production of “Once in a Lifetime” of course! “Once in a Lifetime” was written in 1929 by Moss Hart, and would turn out to be the first of many successes for the playwright.
Vienna: Santa Joins Area Families for Lunch
More than 230 people bought tickets for annual Vienna event.
The annual lunch with Santa was held at the Vienna volunteer fire station this year as the community center is out of commission while being remodeled. With support from the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department, Santa and his elves joined more than 230 guests at a lunch in his honor on Dec. 3.
Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole from Northern Virginia
In spirit of season, community organizations and businesses donate hundreds of service hours and supplies.
One hundred twenty-five children with life-challenging illnesses, their families and a support team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, for a total of 216 people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles International Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hottest destination of the season.
Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless
Shelter Information
NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174
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.
Vienna: Winter Walk of Lights Brings Holiday Magic to Life
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens decorates its 100-plus acres with lighted scenes.
The Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens off Beulah Road in Vienna runs to Jan. 8. First timed entry is at 5:30 p.m.; the last is 9:30 p.m.
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.
McLean: Langley High to Perform First Play in Renovated Performing Arts Center
Theater
Students will be performing their first stage play “Harvey” at the newly remodeled Langley High School Performing Arts Center from Thursday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 3. “I always select a season based on the students I have,” says Karasek. “I like to challenge them as artists.”
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.”
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.
McLean: Gratitude Abounds at Lewinsville Thanksgiving Dinner
“It’s not always easy to be grateful … we get used to the comforts around us,” Spencer Deese, 25, said during a short message during the dinner’s worship service. “Gratitude takes practice, just like any other skill.”
Column: Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA
The success of early voting in the 2016 Presidential Election reaffirms my conclusion from visiting 12,000 homes last year — Virginia should expand early voting.
Facing Addiction, Tools in Fairfax County
The following information was provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.
The Surgeon General released the first-ever report on Facing Addiction in America on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Vienna
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.