The Container Store Launches Annual Holiday Hugs Program
Holiday gift drive for children in the hospital during the holiday
The Container Store continues its annual, nationwide signature giving program, Holiday Hugs. In each of their Washington, DC-area stores, they are partnering with Children’s National Health System to collect and deliver new, unwrapped gifts to their young patients who are spending the holidays away from home. Customers can participate in the Holiday Hugs program by dropping off new, unwrapped books, small toys and games, toiletries, gift cards and kid-friendly stocking stuffers in collection bins at the Washington, DC, Arlington, Reston, Tysons Corner and Rockville locations between now and Dec. 18.
Vienna: Old Comedy Finds New Audiences
Oakton High production of "Once in a Lifetime."
Gorgeous costumes, talking pictures, and two thousand airplanes -- what could this possibly be, you ask? Why, Oakton High School’s production of “Once in a Lifetime” of course! “Once in a Lifetime” was written in 1929 by Moss Hart, and would turn out to be the first of many successes for the playwright.
Vienna: Santa Joins Area Families for Lunch
More than 230 people bought tickets for annual Vienna event.
The annual lunch with Santa was held at the Vienna volunteer fire station this year as the community center is out of commission while being remodeled. With support from the Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Department, Santa and his elves joined more than 230 guests at a lunch in his honor on Dec. 3.
Taking a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole from Northern Virginia
In spirit of season, community organizations and businesses donate hundreds of service hours and supplies.
One hundred twenty-five children with life-challenging illnesses, their families and a support team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, for a total of 216 people, arrived at Gate 7, Terminal D at Dulles International Airport, Dec. 3, and headed for the hottest destination of the season.
Updated List of Shelters for the Homeless
Shelter Information
NVRC has updated the list of shelters for the homeless, drop in centers and winter shelters in the region: Visit http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174
Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna Volunteer Receives National Leadership Award
Volunteer
Julius Hankin, with the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna was chosen as the recipient of the 2016 Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award. The Donald Owen Smith National Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes top volunteers with the Shepherd’s Centers of America network for their service in helping older adults live safely and independently in their own homes. This is the only national volunteer award recognizing the service of seniors for seniors.
Vienna: Winter Walk of Lights Brings Holiday Magic to Life
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens decorates its 100-plus acres with lighted scenes.
The Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens off Beulah Road in Vienna runs to Jan. 8. First timed entry is at 5:30 p.m.; the last is 9:30 p.m.
Meet young chef Ryan Spicknell.
McLean: Fabulous Offers at Earls Kitchen + Bar
Spicknell had dinner at the Vancouver location of the Earls group, and learned that management was looking for summer help. So he jumped at the chance, and from dishwasher to kitchen help, the youngster, perhaps unintentionally, launched his culinary career.
McLean High Model United Nations Holds Conference, Receives Outstanding Large School Award
McLean High School Model United Nations held its second conference, McMUNC, on Oct. 21 -22. Thirty-two area schools attended with more than 600 students participating.
McLean: Langley High to Perform First Play in Renovated Performing Arts Center
Theater
Students will be performing their first stage play “Harvey” at the newly remodeled Langley High School Performing Arts Center from Thursday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 3. “I always select a season based on the students I have,” says Karasek. “I like to challenge them as artists.”
Great Falls U7 Wins Rugby Tournament
Sports
Great Falls Village was a busy place on Sunday, Nov. 20, as Great Falls Youth Rugby hosted its third, annual tournament to benefit the spinal cord injury research and recovery programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network. The President of Great Falls Rugby is himself a spinal cord injury survivor.
Great Falls: Amalthea Ridge Plans Expansion
”You can’t keep a scientist out of the lab,” says Sarah Wehri. “I was making soap for my daughter who had super sensitive skin,” she says. “Lotion would make her breakout, so I made my first lotion for her. It was a fun challenge to start with.”
Vienna Celebrates Holidays Small-town Style
Church Street Holiday Stroll lights up with Santa, music, fun; draws hundreds of families.
The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department’s antique fire truck carried Santa along Center Street and onto Church Street, its siren blaring as it made its way to the Christmas tree at the corner of Church and Mill streets. Santa, Mayor Laurie DiRocco, State Senator Chap Petersen, and Del. Mark Keam joined together to light the tree as milling guests applauded.
McLean: Gratitude Abounds at Lewinsville Thanksgiving Dinner
“It’s not always easy to be grateful … we get used to the comforts around us,” Spencer Deese, 25, said during a short message during the dinner’s worship service. “Gratitude takes practice, just like any other skill.”
Classified Advertising November 30, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Column: Expand Early Voting Now in NOVA
The success of early voting in the 2016 Presidential Election reaffirms my conclusion from visiting 12,000 homes last year — Virginia should expand early voting.
Facing Addiction, Tools in Fairfax County
The following information was provided by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board.
The Surgeon General released the first-ever report on Facing Addiction in America on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Editorial: Every day can be “small business day” in Great Falls
There is a joy to participating in community traditions and celebrations during the holidays, from walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to shopping in local stores, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Great Falls Classical Ballet Performs Revamped Nutcracker This Weekend
Fifty-five dancers will be performing in the show on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at McLean High School.
The Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet in Great Falls has performed the Nutcracker ballet for decades. Though the studio’s founder –Margaret Haddad— retired last year, her 50-year legacy of teaching classical ballet in the community will continue through one of her students: Casey Jones. Jones started dancing under Margaret Haddad’s instruction in 1994. By 2001, Haddad inducted her into the studio’s teacher training program.
Great Falls: Playing Baseball in the 1890s Great Falls
Bringing a local player to life through history.
Take a look at the local 1890 Baseball Team, for example. The team was lined up in front of a fence that may have held their horses while they played. Four guys had bats, one or two guys had gloves, most seemed to be wearing riding boots. At least five were wearing the same type of baseball cap, apparently to show they were on the same team. (1890s Baseball Team, The N.F. Bradford, Sr. Collection, copyright Great Falls Historical Society).