Giving Haitians New Smiles
It has been nearly four years since an earthquake killed hundreds of thousands in Haiti. Much aid has been given to Haiti, yet the country still struggles with security and health care issues. Pastor Randy Beeman recently led a group of 16 people from the Antioch Christian Church, 1860 Beulah Road in Vienna on the latest mission trip to Delmas, Haiti, the largest suburb of Port-au-Prince. Robert Morabito, a dentist in Falls Church, his staff, and family, took more than $10,000 worth of supplies and toothbrushes. Their information can be found at www.morabitodds.com.
Fire Ball Auction Hottest Ticket in Town
First-responders volunteered to raise funds for Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
More than 100 friends and citizens came out on March 21 to support the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s fundraiser, the 2nd Annual Fire Ball Auction. Community businesses donated prizes for the silent auction and the raffle, and dedicated firefighters and EMTs donated themselves in a live auction. Bidding for an organized group dinner-date with a first-responder started at $40 and guests sent the bidding in the hundreds of dollars. Twelve firefighters and EMTs volunteered as auction prizes.
‘We Felt Like We Deserved It’
Vienna teen competed in synchronized ice skating Nationals.
Since age 5, ice skating has been a huge part of Brynn Thomas’s life – and the Madison High freshman wouldn’t have it any other way. She does synchronized skating and, she said, “The thought of going on slippery ice on tiny, thin blades is thrilling to me.” In synchronized skating, team members skate to music in unison while demonstrating their teamwork, speed and ability to perform intricate formations and challenging step sequences. And Thomas and her teammates on the Arlington-based Capitol Steps competed recently in the Synchronized Skating National Competition in Colorado Springs.
Creek Restoration Project Honored
The Community Appearance Alliance of Northern Virginia (CAA) last week honored the Wolftrap Creek restoration project. Town of Vienna and Fairfax County representatives accepted an award recognizing the two entities’ partnership that transformed a section of Wolftrap Creek in Vienna’s Wildwood Park. Because of it, the creek was changed from a deeply incised channel with eroding banks to an environmental benefit for people and animals. The work restored more than 2,500 feet of the Creek by reshaping the stream banks to a gentle slope and planting vegetation.
Wolftrap Elementary Wins Odyssey of the Mind Competition
Students from Wolftrap Elementary School competed at the NoVa North Odyssey of the Mind Region 9 Tournament, which took place at Oakton High School on March 8. Wolftrap Elementary's Division II Team competing for Problem #3,“It's How We Rule” placed first for the second year in a row, and will advance to the State Tournament in Rocky Mount, Va. on April 26. This was the first year that the sixth grade team participated in Division II where they competed against sixth, seventh and eighth grade teams from across the region. Team members are: Kiran Gowda, Wendy McHone, Ruhi Mehta, Valerie Nayak, Michael Shi, Katarina Stefanik and Lauen Van Stone, coached by Rachelle Stefanik and Tracy McHone.
East All-Stars Beat West All-Stars in 10th Suburban Classic
McLean’s Prock named East MVP; South Lakes’ Jensen scores 22.
McLean's Cami Prock and South Lakes' Caitlin Jensen had big afternoons during the Suburban Classic.
Editorial: Challenging Budgets
Local Government should be able to access income taxes to give relief on real estate taxes.
Northern Virginia governments are facing shortfalls in the classic budget sense: projected revenues are less than last year’s expenditures plus increases in costs.
Another Milestone
March 30, 2014. My age 59 and a half (9/30/54 is my date of birth). The age at which money deposited into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be withdrawn without incurring a 10 percent early-withdrawal penalty from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Not that I’m retiring. I am remembering though when this cancer-centric life of mine began.
Virginia Bluebells: Native Spring Beauty
Carpets of bluebells coming soon to a park near you.
The Virginia Bluebells are coming. In early Spring, these native wildflowers will burst into bloom profusely throughout much of the Washington area. Botanically named Mertensia virginica, one of a number of species of Mertensia, Virginia Bluebells can be found in many moist, woodland areas, especially along streams and rivers. Depending on the weather, they first appear in early April as light pink buds, and then open into several shades of pink, blue and even white. In some areas along the local rivers they bloom in stunning profusion, creating a veritable carpet of color.
‘Carmen’ Comes to Area
Virginia Opera brings "Carmen" to Center for the Arts.
Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, will present Georges Bizet’s sultry tragedy about opera’s most famous femme fatale, "Carmen." The opera has enthralled audiences for more than a century and is one of the most popular. "Carmen" follows Don José and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring Carmen who tosses him aside for another man leading to jealous rage.
‘Goal Is To Spot Kids in Crisis’
Police, others take suicide prevention training.
Although there have been four recent incidents of teen suicides in Fairfax County, the Police Department has planned to offer Suicide Awareness and Intervention Training for its officers since October 2013.
Celebrating Inclusion
Board of Supervisors Names March Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month.
The Board of Supervisors has designated March "Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Inclusion Month" in Fairfax County. Both those with disabilities and those without have their lives enriched when people with disabilities are fully included in the community. This special month seeks to help those with disabilities find ways to be involved in the community, and bring awareness to others of these engaged neighbors.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: February, 2014
In February 2014, 53 homes sold between $1,700,000-$193,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: February, 2014
Sophomore Rizzo, Senior Pitchers To Lead Oakton Baseball Team
Cougars won Concorde District, reached states in 2013.
The Oakton baseball team reached the state semifinals in 2013.
Letter: Incorrect Assertion
In a letter ["A Manufactured Crisis," Connection, March 12, 2014] Jack Kenny states that the ObamaCare Medical Devices tax applies to fishing poles and tires, and that "the Department of Health and Human Services has asked retailers to not show the tax on your sales receipt."
Letter: Concerned About Cell Tower
Many families with children at Colvin Run Elementary School (CRES), and with homes near the school, are concerned about a proposed 120-foot cell tower very near the school. Great Falls and Vienna residents' children attend CRES.
Fire Ball Auction Takes Bids on Firefighters and EMTs
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department hosts live and silent auctions on March 21.
Here’s an opportunity to win a group dinner "date" with a Vienna Volunteer Fire Department EMT or firefighter, as well as a diversity of prizes. On Friday, March 21, the VVFD holds a live auction featuring bids on the department’s emergency responders and a silent auction for prizes donated by area businesses, from restaurants, spa treatments and vacation rentals to services and jewelry. Twelve firefighters and EMTs will be auctioned off and bids start at $40. The auctions begin at 7 p.m.
Vienna Arts Society Exhibits the World, Honors Springtime
‘Great Escapes’ gives way to ‘Music to My Ears.’
The Vienna Arts Society does much more than bring local artists together. It reaches out to the community with art classes for adults and children, fine arts competitions, art camps for kids, and gallery exhibitions of quality pieces that change monthly. March’s exhibition of "Great Escapes," runs through March 29.
Vienna Town Manager Unveils Budget Plan
Proposal keeps real-estate tax rate the same.
Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton has unveiled his proposed budget for FY 2014-15. What happens to it next is up to the Town Council and the residents.
Career Ministry Serves Community
People find support and encouragement at Career Network Ministry at McLean Bible Church in Vienna.
In the metro D.C. area, job clubs and networking events have been long used as tools for persons on the job hunt. One weekly job event that has grown over the years is the Career Network Ministry, hosted at McLean Bible Church at 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna. "I hate to see our ranks grow, because it means so many are unemployed," said Mallard Owen, "yet I also think it is a shame that there are not more of these groups across the country." A resident of Ashburn, Owen does not attend McLean Bible Church, yet has helped with operations at the Career Network Ministry (CNM) for approximately five years.