Small Town, Big Ideas
Meet Laurie DiRocco, Vienna’s current and future Mayor.
In January, when Vienna Town Council member Laurie DiRocco announced she would run for mayor, she had no idea that she would be the only candidate on the ballot, or that she would hold the title a month before the actual May 6 election. But with the Feb. 23 death of Mayor Jane Seeman, who announced her retirement last year after being diagnosed with cancer, the six-member town council appointed DiRocco, the only registered candidate for the position, to serve out Mayor Seeman’s uncompleted term. “It's been a very bittersweet time for me,” said DiRocco, 47, during an interview in her home, four days after being sworn-in as mayor on April 8. “I thought of Mayor Seeman as both a role model and a mentor. She gave so much to the community… I admired her service to the community and the fact that she really was a humble person.”
United Way Awards Community Impact Grants
Fairfax/Falls Church nonprofits receive $338,662.
United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) announced that it is awarding 21 grants totaling $338,662 to member organizations serving the Fairfax and Falls Church areas. The funds came through designations to the Fairfax/Falls Church Community Impact Fund in United Way NCA's annual workplace giving campaign. Each of the grants directly addresses programs that fall within United Way NCA's focus areas of education, financial stability and health.
Vienna Town Council Candidates Speak Out
Besides voting for mayor – and Councilwoman Laurie DiRocco is the only candidate – Vienna residents will choose three Town Council members in the May 6 election. All Council candidates except responded to The Connection’s questionnaire.
Vienna Homeowners Welcome Visitors
House and Garden Tour is April 29.
Spring is here, trees and flowers are in bloom and it’s time for Vienna’s annual House and Garden Tour. Presented by the Garden Club of Fairfax, it’s set for Tuesday, April 29, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On tour are four private homes and gardens in the historic area, plus a full day of gardening-themed activities at Wolftrap Performing Arts Center and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.
Area Roundups
Entrants Sought for Anti-Alcohol Awards
A Vienna-based, alcohol-education group wants to honor local, high school groups for their efforts in fighting underage drinking. To recognize high-school students for “doing the right thing,” the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will present its 2014 GEICO Student Awards at a May 16 ceremony in Washington, D.C., and is accepting applications for the honors through Monday, April 28, at http://www.wrap.org/files/youthOutreach.htm. Entry is free.
Herndon Softball Edges Marshall in Eight Innings
Herndon catcher Martire delivers two clutch doubles in victory.
The Herndon softball team made the most of its four hits against Marshall on Monday.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2014
In March 2014, 63 homes sold between $1,539,820-$220,000 in the Vienna and Oakton area.
Vienna, Oakton Home Sales: March, 2014
Chess Champions
FCPS students sweep team titles at Virginia Scholastic Chess Championships.
Students from three Fairfax County public schools won team championships in all four K-12 divisions at the Virginia Scholastic Chess Championships held recently in Roanoke. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students also won individual championships in the K-3 and K-5 divisions.
Week in Vienna
Since Laurie DiRocco is the only person running for mayor in Vienna, it’s a good bet that she’ll be elected. And in the meantime, she’s getting some on-the-job training by fulfilling the unexpired term of the town’s late mayor, M. Jane Seeman, who died Feb. 23.
High-quality Preschool Helps Children Succeed
Fairfax County must expand access to Virginia Preschool Initiative.
As a retired general and the husband of an educator, I would like to highlight the importance of quality preschool as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes final decisions about the county budget. I am alarmed that 75 percent of all young Americans ages 17-24 are not able to serve in the military, primarily because they are too poorly educated, too overweight or have a criminal record. In Virginia, 18 percent of young people do not graduate from high school on time. In addition, one in four of Virginia's high school graduates who try to join the military cannot serve because of low scores on the military's exam for math, literacy and problem-solving.
Madison Science Olympiad Team First in Region, Third in State
James Madison Science Olympiad is a still developing group, gaining competitive recognition as the years go by. They have received fifth place in 2012, third place in 2013, and third place this year in 2014 in the state competitions. In the regional competitions they have gotten first both this year and last year. Science Olympiad is a nation-wide organization aimed to expose students to different aspects of science not introduced at the typical school level. It is similar to the Olympics in a way -- students represent their school and compete against other schools to win their event. The sixth through first place winners all receive medals. There are multitudinous events, slightly differing from middle school to high school. Events include Rocks and Minerals, Astronomy, Water Quality, and many more.
‘Humphrey’ Writer Visits Vienna Elementary
Betty Birney writer of the popular “Humphrey” series visited Vienna Elementary on March 25. “Humphrey” is a classroom hamster and the stories are written from his perspective.
The Italian Gourmet Celebrates 40 Years
On Monday Dec. 9, 1974, The Italian Gourmet opened in Vienna. With its gourmet Italian prepared foods and specialty hard goods, The Italian Gourmet drew customers from all over the D.C. area. Today Jeremy and Margaret Schottler own the store, and their two children can often be found "helping" in the store as well. Six days a week (the deli is closed on Sunday for family time), The Italian Gourmet serves as a deli, gourmet food shop and caterer to the Vienna community.
Chocolate Factory Comes to Vienna
Vienna Theatre Company Presents “Willy Wonka” over three weekends.
“Willy Wonka, The Musical,” based on Roald Dahl’s popular children’s story “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” comes alive in Vienna for three weekends from mid-April to early May. The Vienna Theatre Company presents the family-friendly production at the Vienna Community Center. Of a cast of 20, eleven are residents of Vienna. Ten of the 11 are local children. “We usually don’t do a show with a lot of kids in it,” said “Willy Wonka” director Jessie Roberts. “The kids have been fabulously fantastic, just wonderful to work with.”
Vienna Honors Community Volunteers
More than 35 citizens received certificates and gratitude at April 8 awards ceremony.
The Vienna Town Council honored community volunteers – individuals, families and businesses – at the 13th annual Volunteer Service Award ceremony on April 8 at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. More than 35 volunteers, nominated by neighbors and peers, were recognized with certificates and gratitude for their outstanding contribution to the community. On behalf of the Vienna Town Council, acting Mayor Carey Sienicki proclaimed Tuesday, April 8, as Volunteer Recognition Day in the Town of Vienna, an opportunity to “celebrate and promote volunteerism” in the community. In her proclamation, Sienicki said, “volunteering of one’s time and resources is a fundamental part of the tradition of our country and is essential to its spirit. The people of our community benefit from the deeds of these selfless and dedicated individuals and organizations.”