Seniors Group Plans First Events
Ecumenical Council members join with group, seek county charter.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Seniors Group hosted their meeting with new membership Wednesday, May 2, as group mainstays were joined by representatives from local churches and Fairfax County. The group, which was founded last year and has been seeking input from local residents, started planning their first event and laid out plans for a year’s worth of events, starting this September.
McLean High Examines Youth Survey Numbers
Students report less bullying, inhalant use, more alcohol, binge drinking than county numbers.
The McLean High School PTSA hosted a meeting Wednesday, May 2 to discuss the McLean High School pyramid-specific results from the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey. The annual survey, which is filled out by eighth, 10th and 12th graders (as well as a modified version taken by sixth graders) is meant to gather data on student behavior, both positive and negative.
Madison Softball Playing Shut Down Ball
Warhawks edge Saxons 1-0 behind stellar defense and one-hit pitching gem by Kelsey Ross.
Since its eight-game win streak ended with a loss at Liberty District opponent Stone Bridge High in Ashburn on Friday, April 27, the Madison High Warhawks girls' softball team has gotten back into the win column with a pair of district shutout wins. Both victories came last week.
Great Falls Artist Earns Honorable Mention in Watercolor Exhibition
The Charles H. Taylor Art Center in Hampton, Va. is currently hosting the 33rd annual Virginia Watercolor Societies Exhibition. Juried and judged by N.C. artist, Dan Smith, with 494 entries by 175 artists across the state, the work of Great Falls artist, Betty Ganley, a painting capturing the "mood" of a misty morning in a Maine boatyard, was awarded an Honorable Mention and has been hailed by the judge as "a traditional boat composition, docked for repair … I found the virtuosity of the watercolor application remarkable."
The Best Seats Outside the House
Local designers offer tips for creating a spectacular patio or deck.
Warm weather means more time spent lounging by the pool or grilling on the patio. A winter-worn outdoor space can make popular warm weather pastimes less than appealing. Creating a space that provides both comfort and style can be a daunting undertaking. Local designers are offering suggestions for creating a luxurious retreat fit for relaxing or outdoor entertaining.
Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.
Editorial: Transparency, Technology and Tolls
With E-Z Pass transponder on the windshield, you should know what you're about to pay; whatever it is, it's going up.
Despite the high number of drivers in Northern Virginia who already have an E-Z Pass transponder, when the HOT-Lanes open on the Beltway, there will be pressure for many more drivers to subscribe.
Column: “I’m Fine”
Mostly. All things considered, and as a stage IV (terminal) lung cancer patient, it’s impossible – for me, to not consider all things.
Vienna Volunteers Honored
John Dapogny receives Lifetime Achievement award and Vivian Morgan-Mendez a Fairfax County Government Volunteer award.
For more than 15 years, John Dapogny of Vienna has been the "ambassador" of Homestretch. His passion for the mission to help homeless families throughout Fairfax County is evident to everyone he meets. By serving on every board committee, he has been a strong contributing partner to the success and growth of Homestretch over the years.
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
May 4-11.
Entertainment in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.
Local Safety Net Clinics Seek a Few Good Doctors
Specialty care physicians and other medical professionals needed to serve low income, uninsured patients.
When Marie Markey of Alexandria retired from U.S. Air Force as a physical therapist, she rolled up her sleeves and went to work helping those in need. Markey works as a volunteer twice each week at the Arlington Free Clinic, offering physical therapy to the clinic’s low income and uninsured patients.
Value of Volunteer Hours: $4.5 million
Legacy of Community Service? Priceless.
"Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous sentiment was echoed by numerous community and civic leaders who gathered at the Waterford in Springfield Friday, April 27, to celebrate 118 Fairfax County volunteers during the 20th annual Volunteer Service Awards hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.
Warhawks Boys' Tennis Falls to Jefferson, 6-3
Madison gives 3-time defending champion Colonials a good match.
The Madison High boys’ tennis team, in a Liberty District home match on Friday, April 20, defeated Marshall High, 6-3. The visiting Statesmen gave the Warhawks a good match and the score was tied at 3-3 following singles play. However, Madison swept the three doubles matches to earn the team win.
Volunteers Honored for Efforts
Four locals receive Community Champions Awards for Health Care and Social Services to the Community.
Four Northern Virginia volunteers were honored for their charitable efforts recently. Edward Shahin of McLean, Marie Markey of Alexandria and Mattie Palmore and Kari Warren of Mt. Vernon received the Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award during a ceremony at the at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax.
Madison Softball Win Streak Ends With Loss to Stone Bridge
Warhawks, in earlier week game, edge Statesmen.
The Madison Warhawks lost a 13-2 decision to Stone Bridge in a Liberty District girls’ softball game with first place on the line last Friday night, April 27. The Warhawks, with the setback, saw their eight-game win streak snapped. Madison jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. But after that, the Bulldogs cruised to the five-inning victory.
Northern Region Sports Notes (May 2-8)
Fairfax Adult Softball signup; Wildcats baseball hosting benefit game; McLean tennis rolling; Langley softball wins.
The Centreville High varsity baseball team will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Washington, D.C. chapter of Operation Homefront during its home game on Tuesday, May 8 against Concorde District rival Oakton.
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Editorial: Reminders to Press Ahead for Housing
Spring discussion on hypothermia shelters could help preparations for winter.
In February, 2007, 59-year-old Robert Bruce Miller was found dead outdoors in Chantilly. Miller was homeless, known to businesses and residents in the area. He died of hypothermia, exposure to the cold.
Helping Students Deal With Stress
‘Stress Less, Laugh More’ campaign comes to South Lakes, other area schools.
As AP and final exams loom closer than ever for area students, the administration of South Lakes High School spent last week trying to create an atmosphere that promotes mental wellness.
Reston Volunteers Recognized
Local residents, organizations honored at annual Volunteer Service Awards.
Several Reston residents and organizations were honored at the 20th annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards Friday, April 27. The United Christian Parish, a faith-based group consisting of four denominations as well as Richard and Peg Brown, Sarah Samuel and Jean Pacelli were all awarded during the ceremony.