Stories for March 2012

Spring Flings in Vienna

Guide to spring activities from egg hunts to Town Green Concerts.

As "they" say, "spring has sprung." With spring comes mild temperatures, farmers’ rain to nurture the flowers, and the launch of seasonal activities, from egg hunts to the Windover Walk on the Hill. The U.S. Navy’s own "Sea Chanters" kick off the Town Green concert series on May 11.

Faith Notes (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Faith Notes are for announcements and events in the faith community.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

Things happening in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

March 29-April 5

Things to do in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

Fairfax Board of Supervisors Considers Raising Stormwater Management Fee

One-penny hike on property tax could raise $35 million for projects throughout the county.

When it rains, it pours. That’s why Fairfax County taxpayers may have to fork over more money this year for stormwater management.

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The World’s Fanciest Rummage Sale

Ritz Carlton draws a crowd to support local charity and bargain hunt.

Shoppers queued up early outside the Ritz Carlton ballroom in McLean on Sunday in the hope of finding the ultimate bargain. Men, woman and children rushed into the ballroom to sift through the clothing and household items being billed as "The World’s Fanciest Rummage Sale." As advertised, there were low prices on high end goods throughout the elegant ballroom.

Del. Keam Holds Town Meeting

Vienna-area residents voice concerns about issues impacting region.

More than 40 local residents listened to Del. Mark Keam’s overview of the General Assembly session at his March 24 Town Hall Meeting at the Vienna Town Hall, and the questions they posed afterward hit hot-button issues.

Showing Love for Classmate

Thoreau students donate hair in honor of cancer patient.

Thoreau Middle School students came together in a school-wide benefit on Friday night, girls with long hair having their crowns of glory snipped and donated to be used as wigs for girls undergoing chemotherapy.

Author’s Tea at Westbriar

Students receive book awards.

Wondering where our future NYT Bestseller List authors will come from and what they are writing about today before literary fame finds them?

Week in McLean

Things happening in the McLean area.

Making 2,000 Sandwiches for Martha’s Table

On Wednesday, March 21, a group of Churchill Road kindergarten, third and fourth graders, their teachers and family members made sandwiches for Martha’s Table, a non-profit organization in Washington, D.C. that serves sandwiches to those in need.

Column: Peculiar Presence

In the last few months, out of the blue, I have received electronic correspondence from each of my three oldest childhood friends (none of whom have remained adulthood friends, though all three remain of interest to me) commenting on my cancer diagnosis; each having stumbled across one of my cancer columns online, presumably after initiating a Google-type search for yours truly.

Langley Senior Receives Eagle Scout Court of Honor

Neil Patil, a senior at Langley High School attained the rank of Eagle Scout. BSA Troop 55 from Great Falls held a court of honor to honor Patil’s Eagle Scout rank achievement at the St. Francis Church on March 17.

Northern Region Sports Roundup

Lloyd to be inducted into basketball shrine.

The Lee High boys’ soccer team (1-2-1), under head coach John Millward, was able to hold off a late charge by the Oakton Cougars to win 1-0 in Lee's home opener this past Tuesday night, March 27. After a quick re-start, and some quick midfield play, Luis Aguilar, a senior forward, found senior midfielder Jamie Ahmed, who took a one-touch into space then placed a 36-yard shot into the upper net with 12 minutes left.

Arts Council Offers Taste of Spring

Taste of the Town brings restaurants to the forefront.

This Spring, the annual Taste of the Town festival will celebrate many of Herndon’s signature restaurants by giving visitors a chance to sample their signature items. Hosted by the Council for the Arts of Herndon, the 21st annual event has long been known as a showcase for destination dining.

Classical Ballet Theatre Dancers On the Move

Nonprofit dance studio hosts annual fundraiser, prepares for move to Reston.

When Cynthia Donavin, executive director of the Classical Ballet Theatre, was searching for inspiration to find a new location for the studio, she turned to one of the area’s most famous patrons of the arts: Reston founder Robert Simon.

Pearl Project Continues Legacy

Journalists speak on future of investigative journalism.

As a young journalist working in the Washington bureau of the Wall Street Journal, Asra Nomani found a friend in journalist Daniel Pearl. Raised in a conservative Muslim household, Nomani had not attended her prom, but 10 years after her senior year, Pearl helped organize a prom for her.

Spring Festival Comes Back to Great Falls

Optimist Club to host annual egg hunt and children’s festival.

The Sunday before Easter, the children of Great Falls will gather at the Village Green to search for eggs filled with candy, and in some cases, something even more valuable. The annual Spring Festival and Egg Hunt will be hosted by the Great Falls Optimist Club and will feature more than 5,000 eggs scattered across the green.

First Responders Recognized

34th Annual Valor Awards presented to police officers, firefighters.

The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognized 108 of the county’s first responders Wednesday, March 21 at the 24th annual Valor Awards. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as from the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, were given awards.

County Takes Aim at Bullying

Survey helps county create bullying outreach, cyberbullying prevention.

Monitoring aggressive behavior is a primary concern of Fairfax County when conducting the annual Youth Survey. While fewer than 5 percent of students report gang activity or carrying a weapon, a majority of students have experienced bullying from one side or the other.

NOVA Women Capture State Basketball Crown

Vienna’s Carlie Zirkle earns MVP honors.

The Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) women’s basketball team won the 2012 Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Championship by defeating Southside Virginia Community College, 48-26. The tournament was held March 2-4 in Chesapeake. Former Marshall High standout Carlie Zirkle (Vienna) received the most valuable player honor and was named to the All-Tournament team, along with Halley Cummins (Vienna) and Yvette Gilliam (Woodbridge).

Editorial: Interrupting Harassment and Bullying

Empowering bystanders to intervene, students to set boundaries.

With a controversial and much discussed new movie, "Bully," coming out this week, local school districts continue to wrestle with the issue of bullying in the schools.

Revisiting Old Forestville Elementary in Great Falls

In response to the article "Great Falls History Revisited" by Kathleen J. Murphy/President of Great Falls Historical Society, in the Jan. 18 issue of the Great Falls Connection, a reader has posted the following note on The Connection’s website.

Free Screening for Oral Cancer

For the month of April, to participate in National Oral Cancer Awareness, Loza Dental Great Falls will provide free early detection screening to their community using an advanced device called the VELscope.

Fairfax Symphony Announces 2012-2013 Season

The season will mark the beginning of a new three-year focus in programming called ‘Mischief in Music: Wit, Insolence and Insurrection.’

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and music director Christopher Zimmerman announced the 2012-2013 season repertoire, with six Masterworks performances at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax.

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Sports Notes from the Northern Region

State high school hoops champs; Jimmy Lange wins again; Westfields hosts prestigious golf tourney.

Game Reports Wanted: Coaches, team managers/parents - Please send high school team game results to sports editor Rich Sanders at richsand8@aol.com, or contact him on twitter at richsand8. In game reports, please include date and place of game, game highlights, team win-loss record, and any other news-worth items. Photos are also accepted.

Langley Softball Wins Opener Over Robinson

Saxons knock out three home runs.

The Langley High girls’ varsity softball team started their 2012 spring season with a home game versus the Robinson Secondary Rams on March 16. The Saxons had a strong game at the plate on way to a 16-4 victory.

Reston/Herndon Sports Notes

Reston Raiders competing at youth ice hockey Nationals.

The Reston Raiders PeeWee AA Blue team has had a season of exceeding expectations. Coached by Dave Regan, the locals amassed 24 points and put together an 11-7-2 record in the competitive CBHL. The Raiders’ season will continue on as they were honored by a selection to represent Virginia at the 12-under U.S. National Championships, set to take place here at home (Ashburn and Reston) from March 28 through April 1.

St. Patrick’s Day Basketball Celebration at Wakefield High

Northern Region’s top seniors boys’ high school players, including Westfield’s Quentin Basil, compete in All-Star game, festivities.

Bryant Fultz wasn’t among the top performers in the dunk contest during the Northern Region Coaches Association All-Star Boys’ Basketball festivities on March 17, but the West Potomac senior made his mark during the main event.

Does Music Make Children Smarter?

During Music In Our Schools Month, musicians raise awareness of impact of music education on lives of students.

Can playing the piano strengthen a child’s reading and math skills? Can joining a school band be a catalyst for building self-confidence? Does one develop strong analytical abilities by taking violin lessons? Some music experts say yes.

Exciting All-Star Afternoon

Concorde/Patriot All-Stars beat the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime.

West Potomac's Bryant Fultz threw down a fourth-quarter alley-oop dunk from fellow Wolverine Randall Brobbey, scored a team-high 15 points and earned game MVP honors as the Concorde/Patriot All-Stars defeated the Liberty/National team 109-108 in overtime at Wakefield High School.

Colvin Run in Top Six at Regional Science Olympiad

Colvin Run Elementary School (CRES) participated in the Regional Science Olympiad (SO) Tournament, Division B (grades 6-8) on Feb. 25. Twenty-four teams from several middle schools and elementary schools competed in each event.

Chamber Honors Local Schools’ Talents

Annual event honors academics, arts and sciences.

The ViennaTysons Regional Chamber of Commerce [VTRCC] honored Vienna-area schools at its annual Youth and Education Luncheon on March 15 at the Westin Tysons Corner.

Celtic Arts Festival Features Music and More

Vienna Choral Society drew more than 500 guests to four hours of Celtic inspiration.

If the crowds were a indication – and they usually are – the premiere Celtic Arts Festival on March 17 hosted by the Vienna Choral Society [VCS] at Vienna Elementary School was a smash hit. Throughout the four-hour program on St. Patrick’s Day, more than 500 guests listened to music on two stages, ate Cornish pasties sold by The Pure Pasty Company, and browsed through vendors’ stalls.

Delegate Lists Assembly’s Legislative Successes

The General Assembly completed the 2012 regular session on Saturday evening, March 10, shortly after 10 p.m.

Letter: State Senate Democrats Default on their Duty

Letter to the Editor

With a lot of our attention focused on the Presidential and Congressional races this year, we need to keep in mind what has been happening in the Virginia General Assembly session in Richmond.

Risky Behavior by the Numbers

Youth Survey highlights risks, assets for students.

Periodically, Fairfax County conducts a youth survey which polls thousands of students to get a glimpse into issues of substance abuse, antisocial behaviors as well as factors such as mental health and civic engagements.

McLean Resident wins AXA/US News Achievement Award

Priya Krishnan, a McLean resident and a senior at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has been selected as the 2012 AXA/US News Achievement Scholar for the state of Virginia. Krishnan will receive $10,000 scholarship to college and join 51 other exceptional students from around the country in receiving this honor.

Case Day at Churchill Road

Langley High School students visited Churchill Road 6th grade social studies class the week of March 5 as part of their annual Case Day activities.

Cooper Orchestra Receives Superior Assessment Rating

The Cooper Middle School Symphonic Orchestra received a Superior (highest) rating at the District XII Elementary and Middle School Orchestra Assessment on March 10.

Roger Cole: Fond Memories of Days as a Highlander

At the end of 2011 Mclean High School inducted Roger Cole into its Athletics Hall of Fame, as part of the first class of Hall of Fame inductees ever at the school.

Delightful ‘Seussical the Musical’

Cappies review of the performance of ‘Seussical the Musical’ at Oakcrest School.

Under his renowned pseudonym, Theodore Giesel engineered the unprecedentedly zany yet immortally endearing mythos of Seuss.

Boy Scout Receives Eagle Scout Medal

Boy Scout Troop 673, a charter organization of the Great Falls United Methodist Men, has been developing exemplary young men for sixty years. Michael George Melendez, son of George and Theresa Melendez of Great Falls, is known within the scouting community simply as "Fuz."

Ready for the Bluebells in Great Falls

The most spectacular wildflower display in Great Falls coincides with a new oil-painting exhibit by a local artist.

The Tidal Basin in Washington may have its famous cherry blossoms, but Great Falls residents need only walk down to the river for a display of shimmering, luminescent blue that some botanists say is the better show: the annual explosion of a riverine wildflower called the Virginia Bluebell.

Old Brogue Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

Crowds line up early for annual celebration.

On Saturday morning, the electronic clock that hangs on the wall of The Old Brogue in Great Falls read "0 Days, 0 Hours, 0 Minutes and 0 seconds" for the first time in 366 days. The clock spends most of the year counting down to St. Patrick’s Day, and it hadn’t read zero for long before people started showing up.

McLean Presents ‘A View From the Bridge’

McLean Theatre Company puts on Arthur Miller’s tale of 1950s immigrants.

When McLean High School’s McLean Theatre Company decided to present Arthur Miller’s "A View From the Bridge," the wide open spaces of the regular auditorium just wouldn’t do. For the performances, they decided to use the more intimate confines of the school’s black box theater. The result is a play, a tale of poor Italian immigrants living in the shadow of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, that happens within a few feet of the audience at all times.

Girl Scouts Tour the World

Annual Thinking Day Celebration features troops presenting different cultures.

The Old Firehouse Teen Center hosted more than 150 Girl Scouts Sunday, March 18 for their annual Thinking Day Celebration. The event, which also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, featured displays from 11 troops examining the culture and history of a specific country.

Langley Seniors Make Their Case

School hosts 20th annual Case Day.

Langley High School’s senior class spent Monday, March 19 going over two Supreme Court Cases with a fine-tooth comb, as part of the school’s annual Case Day. The event, now in its 20th year, allows the class to break down an upcoming case that will be heard by the Supreme Court, with students serving as counsel, justices, presenters and many other roles.

Colvin Run Hosts Lego League Expo

Eight Junior First Lego League teams present food safety projects.

Junior First Lego League Teams from around the county gathered at Colvin Run Elementary School Saturday, March 17 for a day to show what could be the future of food safety. Eight teams, including two from Colvin Run and one from Great Falls Elementary School, participated.

Editorial: ‘Practices That Undermine Trust’

Virginia gets a failing grade on ethics rules.

The State Integrity Investigation is "designed to expose practices that undermine trust in state capitols — and spotlight the states that are doing things right."

Column: “Here, There And Everywhere”

The Beatles sang it on their “Revolver” album back in the mid 60s. My wife and I danced to it in the late 70s when we selected it as “first song as husband and wife” – in 1978. And recently we felt it, three years after my stage IV lung cancer diagnosis, as our reaction/assessment to the many similarly diagnosed individuals who’ve shared their lung cancer stories with us. Who knew?

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

March 16-23.

Things happening in the Vienna, McLean, Great Falls area.

Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

March 16-23.

Things to do in the Vienna/McLean/Great Falls area.

A Mission of Mercy Helps Hundreds

More than 800 residents receive free dental services during two-day event.

The triage center at Saturday’s Mission of Mercy Dental health clinic resembled a modern-day MASH unit.

Langley, McLean Enjoy Successful Ice Hockey Seasons

Local high school rival teams face off in postseason quarterfinals.

Kevin Diner scored twice and Evan Sterling had a goal and three assists as Langley High School posted a 6-1 upset win over McLean in the recent quarterfinal round game of the Northern Virginia Scholastic Hockey League (NVSHL) playoffs at SkateQuest Reston.

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Virginia Officials Deliberately Moving Slowly on Health Care Exchange

If Supreme Court upholds health-care reform, governor would have to call special session.

Virginia has eight months to create a certification plan for how it plans to create a health-care exchange, a legal requirement of President Barack Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Business Matters

How far did the empire of Orange Julius reach? What’s the capital of Banana Republic? Is Aeropostale aerodynamic?

Captain Honored for Community Service

Fire and Rescue’s Willie Bailey recognized for 1,000 volunteer hours.

It was supposed to be a one-time event, a toy drive to help 50 struggling families in the Gum Springs community along the Route 1 corridor. But that was 15 years ago.

A Jazz Life

"Side Man" comes to James Lee Center.

An award-winning drama, "Side Man" is next up for the Providence Players.

Oakton High School Athletes Honored in Richmond

Last Wednesday, the Virginia House of Delegates unanimously adopted House Joint Resolution 527 commending the Oakton High School Girls Varsity Swim and Dive Team for winning the statewide AAA Virginia High School League Championship this year.

Marshall Road PTA Launches Online Auction

The Marshall Road Elementary School (MRES) PTA is conducting its annual auction online this year. The auction period runs from March 10 through March 22.

Creating a ‘Forever Gift’ for Family

Semi-annual VVFD fundraiser brings together scrapbookers.

"Scrapbooking is the modern-day quilting circle," says Vienna resident and scrapbooker Judy Barto.

Maverick Mosaics Hosts Student Exhibition

Retrospective included floral and animal compositions.

On March 9, Maverick Mosaics hosted a reception to highlight mosaic art pieces composed by students in 2011.

Former Air Security Executive Addresses Woman’s Club of McLean

Retired transportation security executive Paul A. Polski, of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, spoke to the Woman’s Club of McLean on March 6 about the use of technology and other measures to combat terrorism in the air.

Column: “Early Results Show Stable Disease”

There’s five words e-mailed from my oncologist that I can live with (Duh!). Certainly better than the previous nine words e-mailed eight weeks ago regarding my then current CT Scan: “Scan results show progression. We’ll talk more on Friday.”

Oakcrest Announces Recipients of 2012 Veritas Award

Oakcrest School in McLean has announced Juliana Dauchess of Reston and Ruth Talbott of Alexandria as the recipients of the 2012-2013, Class of 2016 Veritas Award. Dauchess, a current eighth grader at Oakcrest, and Talbott, an eighth grader at St. Rita’s, were chosen from a competitive applicant pool of 28 eighth-grade students.

McLean Sisters Honored for Charitable Work

Rachel and Kelsi Okun are presented with Jefferson Award for Public Service.

McLean sisters Rachel, 16, and Kelsi Okun, 13, love treasure hunts.

Week in Great Falls

Things happening in the Great Falls area.

Letter: Clocks Not Turned Back

Letter to the Editor

"Reenacting A Dark History?" your March 8 editorial, claims that Virginia Republicans want to turn back the hands of time to a more racist and misogynist period in our history.

Ann Elizabeth Lewis and Richard Timothy Wand Engaged

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis S. Lewis of Great Falls have announced the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Ann Elizabeth Lewis to Richard Timothy Wand of Ilfracombe, Devon, England.

Garden Club Goes to Library

Reston Garden Club, Hidden Lane Landscaping perform maintenance at Reston Library.

Visitors to the Reston Library may have noticed the exterior looking a bit neater since Wednesday, March 7, thanks to the efforts of the Reston Garden Club in partnership with Hidden Lane Landscaping. Members of the club spent the day clearing brush, shrubs and dead grass, while maintaining beds and laying down mulch.

RA Hosts Watch Workshop

Crime Prevention Officer speaks about neighborhood watches.

The Reston Association hosted an informational meeting about neighborhood watch programs Tuesday, March 6, featuring county Crime Prevention Officer Katy Defoe.

Great Falls Fire Station Welcomes Community

Grand opening held at new Great Falls Fire Station.

Ten years ago, five-year-old Harris LaTeef heard about Great Falls’ need for a new fire station, so he tried to do what he could to raise money for a new station: he opened a lemonade stand. While LaTeef’s stand raised $307.41 in a little more than four hours, it wasn’t enough. But on Saturday, March 10, LaTeef, now a freshman at Langley High School, was able to attend the grand opening of the new fire station he tried so hard to raise money for.

McLean Hosts Annual Boar’s Head Feast

The McLean Choral Department presented its annual Boar’s Head Feast Saturday, March 10, featuring a three-course Medieval-style dinner and performances by a variety of choral groups.

McLean Rotary Club Presents Youth Awards

Three local seniors recognized for ‘service above self.’

The McLean Rotary Club handed out its annual Youth Service Awards Tuesday, March 6 to three local seniors who have gone above and beyond in their community service efforts.

Langley Gears Up For Case Day

20th annual Case Day will debate Miller v. Alabama, Jackson v. Hobbs.

Langley High School seniors are currently putting the finishing touches on their 20th annual Case Day, which will take place Monday, March 19. This year’s cases will be Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs.

Local Designers Selected to Make Over D.C. Design House

Annual event raises money for Children's National Medical Center.

Some of the Washington area's top interior designers are unleashing their creative talent all in the name of charity. Organizers of the 2012 Washington, D.C. Design House announced the designers who will make over the 2012 D.C. Design Home.

The Chateau in Oak Hollow

One of just four properties in Fairfax County listed at HomesDatabase.com for sale for more than $10 million, this home sits on five acres in Clifton, and is for sale for $12.5 million. The other three properties are in McLean.

Editorial: So Hard to Imagine?

Poor families face challenges that officials and many of the rest of us have trouble envisioning.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and even Northern Virginia includes many poor families and individuals. But officials seem to have trouble wrapping their brains around some of the difficulties this can cause.

Stakes Are High in Virginia Budget Standoff

Lawmakers flee Capitol, where partisan gridlock reigns.

The budget standoff in Richmond could have drastic consequences in Northern Virginia, where every service from education to transportation is on the line.

Fairfax Supervisors to Consider Even More Cuts to Library System

In the last four years, more than $5 million has been slashed from the library budget.

Walk into the Centreville Library and one is confronted with an institution in crisis.

A Voice for Children

"Promise-keepers" advocate for Fairfax County’s abused, neglected children.

Each child who comes before Judge Thomas Mann’s Fairfax courtroom is loveable and vulnerable. There is the precocious three-year-old whose parents are drug-addicted. A seven-year-old boy whose mentally-ill mother left him home alone to care for his infant sibling.

Gov. George Allen Goes Home Again on Super Tuesday

Former Virginia Governor George Allen spoke Tuesday morning to an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Conference, then headed to Loudoun County to meet with Republican primary voters and election workers at polling places on Super Tuesday in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties.

Column: Look What She Saw—Sort Of

Well there’s five seconds that fellow super-market-shopper won’t have back anytime soon. The question, the curiosity is: will she have nightmares and/or live to regret staring at me so intently that I think I may have seen the whites of her eyes – and it wasn’t even remotely dark?

Fairfax Supervisors Vote to Increase Advertised Tax Rate by 1 cent

Each 1 cent increase raises taxpayer bill by $45.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 6-3 Tuesday, March 6, to advertise the real estate tax rate for FY 2013 as $1.08 per $100 of assessed value. The current FY 2012 rate is $1.07.

Dulles Rail, Phase Two; Silver Line Station Names

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting and an Ask Fairfax online discussion to inform the public about Phase Two of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Local Governments Enjoy Record Spending

Bucking national trend, local governments here expand while others are contracting.

As local governments across America are laying off firefighters and teachers, governments in Northern Virginia are experiencing record levels of spending and an all-time-high number of employees.

Not-So-Super Tuesday

Turnout for Virginia's presidential preference primary was lowest in recent memory.

With two of the major candidates in the Republican presidential contest failing to qualify for the ballot in Virginia, Super Tuesday was anything but super.

Monte Carlo Takes Over Vienna

Chamber of Commerce casino night draws hundreds to Westwood Country Club.

The "glitterati" of the Vienna area and their out-of-town friends came out for Monte Carlo-style fun at Westwood Country Club on March 3.

Sense & A Sense of Civility

Cotillion teaches etiquette and social savvy to children and teens.

Ankles demurely crossed, the 5th and 6th grade girls sit posture-perfect in their colorful party dresses, white-gloved hands resting in their laps as they await an offer to dance.

Marching Onward Into the Past

Virginia is becoming a vision free zone.

A prominent group of northern Virginia business leaders recently sent the Governor and the entire Virginia General Assembly a tersely worded letter to remind the Republican leadership that the welfare of Virginia depends on a robust economy and not on their social agenda.

Madeira Students Awarded for Photography

Two students of the Madeira School, Junior Erin Cox and Senior Kate Woloshin, recently received regional Scholastic Awards for their photography.

Saxon Football Players Make Collegiate Commitments

Harvey, Clemete set to take their game to the next level; underclass lineman Jack Howerton earns All-State recognition.

Two Langley High football players – defensive standout Marcus Harvey and two-way lineman Dylan Clemente - recently made commitments to play the sport at the collegiate level.

End of a Remarkable Basketball Season for McLean Boys

Highlanders go 24-4, capture Liberty crown, and reach region Final Four.

The McLean High boys’ basketball squad, under head coach Kevin Roller, had one of the best teams in school history this season, enjoying an outstanding regular season followed by a postseason in which the Highlanders captured the Liberty District tournament title and ultimately went all the way to the Northern Region tournament semifinals.

Indoor Track Season Wraps Up at State Meet

Local Northern Region athletes compete in Hampton.

A number of local athletes put together strong showings at last weekend’s Virginia State AAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, held Friday and Saturday (Feb. 24-25) at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton. On the boys’ side, Westfield High finished third overall and was the top finisher from out of the Northern Region. The Bulldogs finished with 27 team points. The team champion was Western Branch (48) of Chesapeake, a member of the Eastern Region. Finishing second was Grassfield (34 points) of Chesapeake.

Colvin Run Jumps for the Heart

Students participate in events to raise money for American Heart Association.

Students at Colvin Run Elementary School got a little extra time in the gym Monday, March 5 and they were able to raise funds for the American Heart Association while they did it. The school hosted a Jump for the Heart event, where children could jump in many different ways to learn the importance of physical activities.

Citizens Discuss Future of Grange, Schoolhouse

Great Falls, Park Authority sound off on uses for historic resources.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Long-Range Planning Committee took the next step in creating their Long-Range Plan Monday night, with a public meeting to discuss the future of the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse.

Fairfax DOT Presents Walker Road Update

Plan calls for crosswalk, new sidewalks, street parking.

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Transportation Committee and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation presented a vision for the future of Walker Road just south of Georgetown Pike.

Creating Bowls to Fill at McLean High

McLean High School prepares for upcoming Empty Bowls event.

On May 31, the community will be invited to McLean High School to select a clay bowl, fill it with the ice cream of their choice and donate money to help feed hungry people. But on Thursday, March 1, the bowls were just one-pound lumps of clay, waiting for dozens of students and faculty to turn them into bowls.

County Plans For Future of Senior Center

Early stages of Lewinsville Senior Center redevelopment begin.

Fairfax County held a public meeting about the proposed redevelopment of the Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean. The building was built in 1964, and Paula Sampson, director of Housing and Community Development, said this is a project the county has been looking at for years.

County Plans For Future of Senior Center

Early stages of Lewinsville Senior Center redevelopment begin.

Fairfax County held a public meeting about the proposed redevelopment of the Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean. The building was built in 1964, and Paula Sampson, director of Housing and Community Development, said this is a project the county has been looking at for years.

McLean Chamber Welcomes New Board

Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce hosts winter gala.

The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce welcomed their 2012 Board of Directors at their Winter Gala at the Gannett Headquarters building Friday, March 2. The 11-member board, as well as Chairman Merritt Green, First Vice-Chairman John Brough and Second Vice-Chairman Marcus Simon were sworn in by James S. Cheng, Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade.

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Week in Great Falls

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host a grand opening of Fire and Rescue Station 12, Great Falls, Saturday, March 10, at 11 a.m., 9916 Georgetown Pike.

End of an Era at The Old Brogue

Retiring waitress gets celebrity send off.

When Martha Alden started working as a waitress at The Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, the area was still considered a rural D.C. suburb.

Paul VI, Tim Higgins of Great Falls Enjoy a Perfect Season

Based on recent analysis by ESPN, Paul VI Catholic High School, based in Fairfax, plays in the best high school basketball league in the country, the Washington Catholic Athletic Association (WCAC).

Cleaning Up One’s Plate

Local nutrition experts encourage healthy eating during National Nutrition Month and always.

When it comes to healthy eating, Alexandria wellness educator Cheryl Mirabella encourages her clients to load up during meals, but she offers a caveat.

Health Services Coalition Receives $10,000 Grant

Funding will help provide specialty health care to low income residents.

Northern Virginia Health Services Coalition's (NOVAHSC) Specialty Access program received a $10,000 grant to help provide low-income, uninsured patients with access to specialty medical care through a regional network of providers.

Editorial: Reenacting a Dark History?

Turning back the clock in Richmond.

Who could have anticipated that our elected officials would take African-American History month and Women's History month so seriously that they would literally try to turn back the clock?

Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

March 7-May 12

Events happening in the Vienna, McLean, Great Falls area.

Bulletin Board (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)

March 7-May 15

Things happening in the Vienna, McLean, Great Falls area.

Larry Schuster Sr., Sharon Bulova’s Father, Dies

Lawrence “Larry” K. Schuster Sr. was born in Baltimore on May 24, 1922. During World War II he served as a Marine Corps Tech Sgt. in the Pacific Theatre, where he fought on Okinawa, Saipan and Iwo Jima. In 1946 he married Mary Suzanne “Sue” Knox.

Column: Protecting Residents in Tax, Road Debates

Congress finally has acted to ensure payroll tax relief for 170 million individuals and families through the rest of 2012. This additional tax relief is critical for maintaining the momentum of the economic recovery, and Northern Virginians will realize an average savings of $2,000 per household.

Column: A Raw Deal for Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia is getting a raw deal from Governor McDonnell. While we need transportation investment to support this economic engine of the state, at least $1.5 billion in transportation funds are being diverted to wasteful and unnecessary projects in rural areas. Meanwhile, the state refuses to adequately fund Dulles Rail, leaving Northern Virginia taxpayers and toll payers to foot the lion's share of the bill.

State Senate Committee Kills Effort to Overturn King's Dominion Law

School boards were encouraged by support from governor, but couldn't win over Senate committee.

The Senate Committee on Education and Health voted today to kill an effort overturning the King's Dominion Law, which mandates that school divisions across Virginia begin classes after Labor Day.

Governments Across Virginia Hope to Kill Local Aid to the State Program

Jurisdictions hope to kill funding scheme created at height of recession.

In the darkest days of the global financial crisis, leaders in Richmond were willing to do almost anything to balance the budget.

Outgoing County Executive Tony Griffin Presents Final Budget Proposal

$6.7 billion proposal is a 6.1 percent budget increase.

Appearing before members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the last time, outgoing county executive Anthony Griffin had the luxury of taking the long view.