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.
Week in Vienna
Thing happening around Vienna.
Warrior Canine Connection Celebrates First Graduation
Vienna’s Patty Kennedy honored.
The graduation ceremony was like every other commencement. It included a graduation speaker, honored guests, the National Anthem, an invocation and a crowd of spectators cheering as the grads took their places on stage. They were proud to have just completed their schooling and ready to enter the next phase of their lives, meet more challenges and discover new horizons.
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.
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.
Vienna Boy Receives Champion of Character Award
Wolfi Gottschalk, a 9-year-old football player for the Vienna Youth Inc. Buccaneers, received the 2013 Fairfax County Champions of Character award for the Providence district male athlete.