
A Visit from St. Nick
Vienna’s traditions shine during holidays and, in December, it shines an awful lot. Traditional activities and events abound, from the Church Street Stroll to Santa visits. Every year, Santa takes time out of his busy toy-making schedule to stop by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s pancake breakfast. He turned up there again on Dec. 14 to the cheers of young children. He listened to wish-lists and sat for photos and seemed to know the names of many of the children and their parents. Parents rushed to take photographs.

Santa Run Begins
Vienna Volunteer Fire Department volunteers cruise Vienna neighborhoods in antique fire engine.
In most places, people go to events. In Vienna, occasionally, events go to the people. And the annual Santa Runs, operated by the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and volunteers, is an event that goes out to the people, the whole Vienna community, for a full week leading up to Christmas. The 2013 Santa Run kicked off on Dec. 15 with drives through side streets off Beulah Road near Meadowlark Gardens.
Vienna Celebrates "First Night" on New Year’s Eve
Vienna Business Association and Town of Vienna debut family-focused New Year’s Eve celebration on Historic Church Street.
First Night Vienna is planned to be the best family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration the community has ever seen.

Tysons Plan Debated
Follow-up dialogue with County staff on Phase I, Land Use.
As part of the Tysons Plan Amendment Process, a follow-up meeting on Dec. 4 was held by the Fairfax County Planning Staff with the public at Freedom Hill Elementary School. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss proposed changes to Phase 1 of the Tysons Plan. Implementation of the Tysons Development Plan began in 2010, after a 5 year planning process.
Additional Tests Delay Completion of Silver Line Phase 1
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced that additional tests are needed on Phase 1 of the Silver Line, focusing on software updates related to the Automatic Train Control System, before the project can be turned over to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Lady Statesmen Gymnasts Win Third Place in Season Opener
The George C. Marshall Lady Statesmen Gymnastics team kicked off their 2013-14 season with a third place finish in a six-team contest at Washington & Lee High School in Arlington.
Ron Glass Named Top Producer at Long & Foster
Ron Glass, a commercial broker with Long & Foster Real Estate’s Commercial sales office, located in Vienna, has been named top producer for September 2013. Long & Foster is the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States.
Holiday Fun for Everyone
Season highlights sparkling winter wonderland to Santa visits.
The weather outside may not be frightful, but it sure has that wintry feel to it. Fortunately, there are seasonable activities and events that warm up December days and brighten December nights.
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist Named Best in America
Vienna’s Karin’s Florist has been named the Best Florist in America by the hit daytime show “Steve Harvey” as part of its first annual Neighborhood Awards. Airing on Friday, Nov. 29, the “Steve Harvey” Neighborhood Awards recognize the unsung individuals and businesses who exemplify excellence in their communities. Categories this year include: Best Daycare Provider, Best Principal, Best Bus Driver, Best Police Officer, Best Deli, Best Bakery, Best Pizzeria, Best Florist, Best Steakhouse and Best Coffee Shop. Viewer votes determined both the nominees and the final winners. “Steve Harvey” is a nationally syndicated daytime show - check local listings for time and channel.
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Receives Wells Fargo Donation
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) was recognized by the Vienna Branch (Maple Avenue) of Wells Fargo Bank for their outstanding commitment to seniors in the community. SCOV was also the recipient of a donation $1,000 for their work addressing vital community needs. Thirty-three other local agencies and schools were also honored at Wells Fargo Bank’s “South Potomac Days of Giving” breakfast 2013 held earlier in the month. SCOV serves seniors in the Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Merrifield and portions of Fairfax and Reston areas.
Humanity at Its Finest
To the Editor: Thank you to the ladies and police of Vienna who gave support and encouragement to a handicapped old lady whose walker tipped and she ended up waiting an hour in the street for an ambulance. This was kindness and comfort way beyond the call of duty. Thank you for examples of humanity at its finest. Gratefully, Clare Schwartz Oakton
Madison High Senior Olivia Staton to Appear on NPR's From the Top
James Madison High School senior, Olivia Staton, 16, will appear on a national broadcast of From the Top on NPR, the pre-eminent showcase for America’s best young classical musicians, hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. The episode will air locally on 90.9 FM on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
Vienna Dentists to Host Dentistry From The Heart Event
On Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, Vienna Smiles, located at 2553 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, will host a Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) event to provide free dental service to those in need based on a first-come first-serve basis from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the dental practice of Hisham Barakat, DDS and Jennifer Babbio, DDS. For more information, call 703-938-0212.
Alcorta Wins Foot Locker South Regionals
Lake Braddock’s Christen, Kunc advance to nationals.
The Football Locker national cross country meet is this weekend in San Diego.

‘Must-see’ Absurd Nonsense
1st Stage presents ‘Noises Off.’
Good news. The cure for doldrums or just a plain-old bad mood is here. It is playing at 1st Stage, where a merry, talented band of actors take the audience on a frenetic, joyful, ride into the farce "Noises Off." The actors literally throw themselves into the production. They are unselfconsciously fearless in their pratfalls, spot-on with their comic timing and bring on a happy, silly bliss.