Vienna/Oakton News

Vienna/Oakton News

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Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Raises Funds for Two Local Charities

For the last fifteen years, the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) has been hosting their Community Thanksgiving Service along with participating congregations. The monies raised from the service offering are then distributed to local charities.

New Exhibition Opens at Vienna Arts Society Center

Award-winning art showcased through January.

There are a lot of things the Vienna Arts Society [VAS] does well: it offers art classes to adults and children; it sponsors and hosts a major art show each fall; it supports a local nonprofit every year with art pieces donated by its artists; it provides children’s activities at community events. Its claim to fame, however, is probably the new exhibitions by local artists it produces every month.

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.

‘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.

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.

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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.

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.

Vienna’s Top Stories of 2013

Sequestration and two-week-plus federal government shutdown in October of 2013 loomed over the local economy as thousands of federal employees were furloughed during the shutdown. Essential personnel did show up but with no bonus compensation even after furloughed federal employees were paid for their time not working. Essential personnel were heard to grumble on social media about the inequity.

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A Look Ahead at 2014

Elected officials discuss the year 2014 in Vienna.

What’s the outlook for 2014? The economy, health care and federal government take center-stage in the theatre that is Northern Virginia and Vienna, specifically. Here’s what some of the area’s elected officials see through the looking glass.

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Fundraising for a Good Cause

The fourth graders at Vienna Elementary School raised $2,156.09 to donate to Jill’s House, a respite facility for children with special needs, by selling wrist-bands the students made. They also collected loose change at school and from friends. The students’ aimed to raise $500, but they ended up raising much more.

New Approach to Mental Health

Reforms in wake of tragedy involving state senator's son.

Advocates for mental health services have been calling for improved services and increased funding for years, although the issue has been pushed aside year after year.

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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.