Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival
Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.
"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.
Author Writes Children’s Sleep Book
Pat Britz hosts signing at Katie’s Coffee Shop.
During her years working for the National Sleep Foundation, author Pat Britz heard it all from parents. Calls about children that wouldn’t go to bed, that couldn’t sleep and more.
Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings
Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.
Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.
Long & Foster’s Tysons Office Designated as a Toys for Tots Collection Site
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., announced that its Tysons Corner office launched its annual toy drive to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign on Nov. 13. Toys may be dropped off seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Long & Foster’s Tysons Corner office, located at 8227 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna. All donations must be made before Dec. 18.
Vienna Photographer’s Exhibit Shows Wildlife of Africa
Photo exhibit on display in Reston until Nov. 30.
On Nov. 14 there was an evening reception at the Reston Center 1 for photographer Patricia Deege’s exhibit "Africa The Living Wild."
What I Did Last Summer
High School Diplomats program for rising juniors and seniors is a cultural exchange experience
Every September, as long as I can remember, I have written the age old paper titled "What I did last summer." I have always dreaded this assignment to the point that I would ask my parents in May about our plans for the summer, hoping there might be something special to report in September.
Vienna Arts Society Hosts Treasury of Art Show and Sale
More than 150 original pieces of art were juried by art specialist Jack Rasmussen for the Vienna Arts Society 44th Annual Treasury of Art Show and Sale that took place Nov. 22 through Nov. 24 at the Vienna Community Center.
CROP Hunger Walk raises $25,000
More than 150 individuals from churches, schools, organization and the Vienna community participated in the 9th annual CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk on Nov. 10.
Vienna Youth Soccer’s ‘Give Cancer the Boot’ Campaign Raises Awareness and Builds Community
Vienna Youth Soccer’s (VYS) fields were a sea of pink in October as players and their families participated in the second annual "Give Cancer The Boot" campaign by wearing pink during games and practices.
Air Force Strolling Strings Perform at Vienna Elementary
On Nov. 19, the Air Force Strolling Strings performed at Vienna Elementary for students.
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
So many needs, so many great organizations, give locally where your heart leads you.
The holidays are about giving. They are about children. The holidays are about sharing, about joy, about alleviating suffering for others. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation.
Oakton’s Stoney, Girls’ Team Win State XC Titles
Three Oakton girls’ harriers earn all-state
Stoney is Oakton's first individual boys' cross country state champion since the 1970s.
Classified Advertising November 20, 2013
Read the lastest ad here!
Decline in Sales Tax Threatens Ability of Local Governments to Balance Books
Sequester looms large over revenues across Northern Virginia.
Sales tax revenues are down across Northern Virginia, leading to concerns that balancing the books for the coming fiscal year could be even more of a challenge for budget officials and elected officials in the coming months.
A Place for Youth in Need
The Alternative House has been providing support, since 1972, to at risk youth and their families.
Driving on Gallows Road near the Dunn Loring Fire Department, you will pass a well maintained split-level home with purple doors with a sign in front titled “Alternative House.” Located at 2100 Gallows Road, the Alternative House has been providing support, since 1972, to at risk youth and their families. Christine Bartell, resource manager, said, “It is the only organization in the area offering emergency shelter to young people,” and added “that estimates have shown that there are 7,000 homeless kids in Northern Virginia.” In the predominantly affluent Fairfax County, the number of at risk youth is not visible to many, making it an even greater challenge for Bartell and other staff when conducting community outreach efforts. The Alternative House views their Open Door Information Sessions and their Ambassador program as key efforts to obtaining community engagement and support. Bartell manages resources, such as property and donations that support their initiatives. The Alternative House is supported by a dedicated staff of 40 employees and 1,350 volunteers.
Supporting Wounded Warriors and Their Families
Yellow Ribbon Fund arranges and pays for variety of services.
Honoring Wounded Warriors As the executive director of the Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF), Vienna’s Mark Robbins spearheads projects that make the lives of Wounded Warriors and their families better. With his staff of 11 and 1300-plus volunteers, he leads the YRF in planning and hosting 100 events a year.
SafeSpot Fall Show Brings New Trends
Over 250 guests enjoyed SafeSpot's Fall Fashion Show at Bloomingdale's on Sunday, Oct. 6. Professional models were elegant in the latest trends and the young models were local children who delighted the audience. The proceeds from the show will help open a safe, child-friendly center for abused children in Fairfax County called SafeSpot, since the county does not currently have a center to help its traumatized children. The center will provide direct services to child victims of sexual and physical abuse in Fairfax County and the SafeSpot center is designed to reduce the trauma experienced by child abuse victims as they navigate the legal, investigative and social service systems following an allegation of abuse.
Holiday Shopping the ‘Small-town’ Way
Local businesses offer personalized service, distinctive and unique gifts
So, you ask, what makes shopping at Vienna’s small businesses a pleasant, rewarding experience. For starters, merchandise and services are likely to be unique and distinctive, and customer service is typically personal and enthusiastic. You can go to the mall and find the same brands, harried employees and temporary staffing at one store or another. Or … you can shop locally where the merchants are your neighbors, your fellow club or church members, and community supporters. From one-of-a-kind hand-knit hats to wood birdhouses and bat condominiums, Vienna-logo gifts, and pumpkin pie liqueur, there’s something for everyone in Vienna’s hometown shops.
Holiday Gift Ideas in Reston
Reston Used Book Shop, Reston Museum offer local gift ideas.
When hunting for presents this holiday season, the Reston Used Book Store offers hard-to-find reads alongside bestsellers at one of the area’s most popular gift destinations.