Week in Vienna
Fairfax County police are looking for the person who robbed a BB&T Bank, last Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Oakton. The incident occurred around 11:29 a.m. when a man entered the bank at 2941 Chain Bridge Road.
From Late Night Comedy to Your Bedroom
Why the General Assembly matters more in Virginia than most states.
The Virginia General Assembly began its annual session last week on Jan. 8. The actions of the Virginia General Assembly matter more to localities than it would in many other states. In Virginia, localities have only the power specifically granted by the General Assembly, the Dillon rule. So, for example, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County in Maryland recently voted to increase the minimum wage in those localities. They didn’t need permission from Maryland General Assembly to do so. Arlington and Alexandria might be inclined to follow suit (the District government also voted to increase the minimum wage) but do not have that power.
In Case Someone Is Wondering
I don’t mind being alive, really I don’t. Occasionally though, I receive well-intended inquiries – electronic and otherwise, from people (who know my cancer story) who are sort of wondering if perhaps I’m not. When people haven’t heard from me in a while – and this is a category of people with whom I don’t have regular/recurring interactions, but rather a group of people who reach out and attempt to touch me (figuratively speaking) every three or four months or so – there is a presumption on their part that my silence (so far as they know) is not in fact golden, but rather ominous, as in the cancer might have won and yours truly didn’t. And when I respond, their pleasure/relief at my not having succumbed to the disease is quite positive, generally speaking. Their honesty and joy in learning that I’m still alive is both rewarding and gratifying. Rewarding in that they care and gratifying in that I must be doing something right which enables me to sustain myself through a very difficult set of medical circumstances: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the terminal kind (is there any other kind?).
Let Sun Shine on Virginia’s Financial Disclosure Laws
State legislators turn attention to ethics in wake of McDonnell gift scandal.
As members of the Virginia General Assembly convene for the first time since last February, legislators are stampeding to introduce ethics legislation in response to the gift scandal which engulfed then Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R). The revelations last spring about numerous undisclosed gifts and purported loans from businessman Jonnie Williams to McDonnell — including a $6,500 Rolex watch engraved to the "71st Governor of Virginia" and $35,000 in gifts and catering for his daughters’ weddings — shined a spotlight on Virginia’s porous financial disclosure laws.
‘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.
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.
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.
Vienna Second Grader Chelsea Hu Performed at McAuliffe Inaugural Ceremony
Vienna Louise Archer Elementary School second grader Chelsea Hu performed “America the Beautiful” with her World Children’s Choir at the Saturday, Jan. 11 inauguration of Terry McAuliffe as the 72nd Governor of Virginia.
Classified Advertising January 8, 2014
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Living With My Decisions
On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
Kitchen Organization for the New Year
Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.
If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."
Top Designs of 2013
Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.
From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.
Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid
Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.
It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.
Week in Vienna
Town Offices to Observe Martin Luther King. Jr. Day Town of Vienna offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The Vienna Community Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; no classes, drop-in programs or activities will be held. Refuse collection will be collected as normal on Monday, Jan. 20. Public safety services will not be impacted.
Toy Trains Displayed At Colvin Run Mill
Families enjoy annual train display.
During the last weeks of December, the interior of Colvin Run Mill parks barn was filled with 250 feet of train track, nine trains and more than 500 miniature imitation trees for the 24th annual train display created by Jim and his wife Jo Anne Stapleton. “This is the only hobby I’ve ever had,” said Jim Stapleton, a resident of Purcellville in Loudoun County.
Town of Vienna Poised for a Robust 2014
Town leaves 2013 on strong footing.
By all appropriate measurements – Moody’s, Standard and Poor, the Vienna Town Council and Town Manager – Vienna’s way-of-life and financial footing remain in the exceptionally healthy zone. Vienna Town Manager Mercury Payton called 2013 a “successful year as typical for the town,” referring to the town’s financial position as strong and robust. “Our budget was reasonably put together with a goal in mind that the services residents expect be provided at the same excellent, prudent level that we’ve always had,” said Payton.
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
First Night Celebrated in Vienna
VBA estimates 3,500 to 4,000 party-goers took part in first annual town New Year’s Eve block party.
Between 3,500 and 4,000 local families and friends celebrated the last night of 2013 at the First Night Vienna block-party presented by the Vienna Business Association [VBA] and the Town of Vienna. Church Street closed down for five hours between Mill and Center streets as families strolled the road, stopping at fire pits to roast marshmallows, sample free hot chocolate and popcorn, and listen to the music presented at four venues. The kids’ tent, providing family-focused music and entertainment, offered face-painting, party hats and glow-sticks. Even on a cold night, the moonbounce had lines.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.