Family and Personal
Fairfax County Public Schools Named “Achievement District”
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is one of 388 school districts in the U.S. to be named an Advanced Placement (AP) Achievement District by the College Board. The list recognizes school districts that make AP courses available to a broader pool of students as well as maintain or increase the percentage of students who earn a score of 3 or higher on AP tests.
To be named an AP Achievement District, school districts must:
- Increase participation in or access to AP courses by at least four percent (for large school systems).
- Show a steady or increasing percentage of exams taken by minority students, including African American, Hispanic, and Native American students.
- Maintain or improve performance levels when comparing the percentage of exams scoring a 3 or higher in 2010 to those in 2008, or if a school already has 70 percent of AP students scoring a 3 or higher.
From 2008 to 2010, FCPS increased the number of students participating in AP from 14,220 in 2008 to 15,270 in 2010 while improving the percentage of students earning AP exam scores of 3 or higher, the score typically needed to earn college credit, from 72 percent in 2008 to 74 percent in 2010.
Projected enrollment for Fairfax County Public Schools for the current school year is 175,296. It is the largest school district in the state and the 11th largest in the U.S.
No. Virginia and Tourism – Perfect Together?
When was the last time you were a tourist in your own backyard?
Most residents of Fairfax County and the northern Virginia area think they live in the shadow of Washington DC tourism. Who can compete with attractions such as the White House, the Capitol, the historical monuments and the Smithsonian museums?
But a closer look at Northern Virginia makes one realize how much there is to see before trekking into DC.
Start with a trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens in Mount Vernon, VA. Open year round (including Christmas), Mount Vernon includes a restaurant, food court and shop, all recently renovated,
Fairfax County is home to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, the nation’s only national park dedicated to the performing arts. Wolf Trap, with indoor and outdoor concert venues, is in Vienna, just off the Dulles Toll Road about halfway between downtown Washington and Dulles Airport.
When the Smithsonian ran out of room at its DC based National Air and Space Museum, it built a beautiful extension in Chantilly, VA. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center displays the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay and the Space Shuttle Enterprise among others. There is also an Airbus IMAC Theater.
Nature lovers can visit Great Falls National Park for its hiking trails and beautiful views. Like Wolf Trap, it, too, is run by the National Park Service.
History, adventure, the theater and a hike? Sounds like a great vacation is just around the corner.
Summer season at Wolf Trap a fun, eclectic lineup
If you like Broadway shows, but can’t afford the tickets; want a night at the symphony but can’t seem to make the time; or are ready to revisit those rock and roll songs from your youth, make a date with Wolf Trap this summer.
Located between the Dulles Toll Road and Leesburg Pike/Rte. 7 in Vienna, less than 4 miles from Tysons Corner Center, Wolf Trap’s Filene Center will host more than 90 performances this summer.
The concert season kicks off on Memorial Day weekend with an eclectic mix of comedy, concerts and symphonies.
Where else can you see The Monkees (yes, those Monkees) on a Sunday night and enjoy the Morman Tabernacle Choir the following Wednesday?
The amphitheater, nestled in the National Park for the Performing Arts, seats 7,028 including more than 3,000 lawn seats.
This year’s lineup includes perennial favorites Garrison Keillor (of Prairie Home Companion fame), Bill Cosby, The Beach Boys and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Broadway visits Wolf Trap with performances of “Sweeney Todd,” “Mamma Mia” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Take a step back in time with concerts by The Go-Go’s, Peter Frampton, The Temptations, The Four Tops and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Symphony lovers will enjoy performances by the National Symphony Orchestra with “Tcheers to Tchaikovsky,” and “Three Broadway Divas.”
Tickets are on sale now for many shows. For a full list of the summer concert series and ticket availability, see wolftrap.org.
Make plans for a great night (or two) under the stars where, as Wolf Trap says, “the arts come out to play.”
Showing properties
1 - 5 of 29.
See more Wolftrap.
(all data current as of
5/24/2012)
-
$998,000 : 9816 Spring Ridge Ln, Vienna6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths
-
$675,000 : 9615 Cinnamon Creek Dr, Vienna4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
-
$799,000 : 1338 Stokley Way, Vienna5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
-
$759,000 : 9722 Days Farm Dr, Vienna5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
-
$795,000 : 1810 Batten Hollow Rd, Vienna4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Lansdowne Resort
A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to attend a dinner hosted at Lansdowne Resort in Lansdowne, VA. I had heard of it but never had a reason to go or visit. I honestly thought it was just another expensive hotel. However, once we arrived we were amazed at how much they had to in what seemed like a secluded hideaway. Of course, like many hotels they had valet parking so since it was freezing that night we quickly took advantage of it. We walked inside and felt like the hotel wasn’t overwhelmingly decorated and was quite lovely.
We were directed to the back where they had a restaurant where they had a full bar and often held live band and karaoke nights. They had a nice crowd and it was an obvious hit with the locals. We made back to our table in another restaurant which was obviously for the people who were looking for a much more subdued night out. They still had a nice wine and cocktail list. I liked that the restaurant had a menu and a buffet option. We opted to eat from the buffet and although I am not a big fan of buffets, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of options and quality of food available.
After getting our plates, we were able to enjoy a candle lit dinner by the large glass windows that allowed you to have a great view of the golf course. It was a beautiful and peaceful site. The backdrop of the golf course was surrounded by beautiful homes. We honestly enjoyed ourselves so much that we decided to make it a night and stay in one of their rooms. I figured that since we didn’t have a reservation that we would be charged a ridiculous rate, but they were surprisingly affordable.
The room was nice and the bathroom featured modern décor. They had a full service spa and room service. We opted to use the room service for breakfast the next morning and boy was it some of best room service I had ordered. You must admit there is nothing worse than paying for overpriced food that includes a mandatory tip that you can’t stand to swallow. Anyhow, we finished our stay and were happy that we made the decision to give it a try. It is now one of my top hotel suggestions if you live in or are visiting the Northern Virginia area.
Dentist in Lorton
Aesthetic Dentistry of Lorton, providing comprehensive individualized dental care, is located at 7764 Armistead Rd #100, Lorton VA 22079. They are a family of dentists: father Edward Reeves and son Ryan Reeves.
The atmosphere of this office is always pleasant with a staff that is cheerful and engaging. I always receive expert care and very friendly service. The staff will always take heir time in explaining dental care options & oral health maintenance.
The staff is both friendly and well trained. My children look forward to coming to get their check up and teeth cleaned, which speaks volumes of the staff. The office is very child-friendly.
Use most advanced techniques in dentistry to give you the smile you have always wanted.
Many dental insurance providers accepted.
I am very grateful to have found Aesthetic Dentistry of Lorton.
Home town living
Northern Virginia is growing for a number of reasons. Many have settled here to get away from the city and found that it has a home town feel that is just right. The area has experienced a significant increase in residents that have families with children. As a result, many builders have found a way to cater to this desire and spend as much time selling a lifestyle as they do a property. When driving throughout the area it’s hard to miss all of the schools, shopping centers, grocery stores, and play grounds.
Towns such as Leesburg have managed to keep their sense of history while welcoming the expanding county line. They have had to make adjustments like every other town in the area to accommodate the amount of children that are constantly enrolling. In Loudoun County alone, they expand by adding at least one or two schools a year. The interesting thing is that despite the amount of children, families continue to have rave reviews about the class sizes and education that many across the United States would love to experience. Loudoun has ranked among the top tier school systems in the country.
To preserve the neighborhood feel, just about every subdivision has about a five to ten minute drive to the nearest shopping center that is filled with shops, restaurants, and gas stations. Many small businesses have been able to survive despite the economy due to this concept. Grocery stores have catered to the areas professionals by adding services like Express Lane and Peapod where they do your grocery shopping for you. On the weekends, parking lots across the region are filled with Farmer’s Markets.
It is possible to live in a great home town minutes away from the city. In 2005, it was impossible to purchase a house without twenty bids being on the property within the hour of it being listed. With the softening of the economy and housing market, this area has remained a top preference for those still looking to realize the American dream and raise a family. Northern Virginia is a great testament to this fact and precisely why it will only continue to grow.
The National Christmas Tree and The Pageant of Peace
The National Christmas Tree and the Washington Monument
The first national Christmas celebrations began in 1913 when President Woodrow Wilson and over 20,000 visitors gathered together at the Capitol with a lighted community Christmas tree that began the national event.
In 1923, Vermont’s Middlebury College had presented the first official National Christmas Tree as a gift. It was decorated with 2,500 red, white and green lights and was lit by President Calvin Coolidge on the Eve of Christmas at President’s Park situated to the south of the White House also known as the Ellipse. Through the years, the National Christmas Tree had been relocated to several areas such as in 1923 when it was relocated to Sherman Plaza and to Lafayette Park years after, and was returned to the Ellipse in 1939.
On December 17, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower started the lighting of the National Christmas Tree for the Pageant of Peace, permitting more visitors to view the lighting and celebrating Christmas Eve at home with family.
From a single Christmas tree, the National Christmas Tree now is accompanied by 56 smaller Christmas trees representing each state, territory and the District of Columbia. The National Christmas Tree is lit with reflection of the current events such as when the lights were turned off for a moment in support of the American hostages in Lebanon and their families on Christmas Eve in 1985 as instructed by President George H. W. Bush, and the lighting in 2001, when the children of the September 11 attack victims of the Pentagon had assisted in the lighting.
An array of trees, such as the Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Engelmann Spruce and Red Cedar were constantly donated for the event till 1973, when the National Arborist Association then donated a 42 foot blue spruce intended as a permanent National Christmas Tree till it began to die and thus a 40 foot tall living Colorado blue spruce was donated from Maryland and served as the National Christmas Tree. Standard filament burning bulbs had long ago decorated the National Christmas, then Solar energy was then used in 1995 to light the tree, in 2007 energy efficient LED lights are now used as a reminder to everyone that energy can be saved to decrease carbon footprint.
Every year, the tree lighting ceremony begins the festivities of the National Christmas Tree program or “Pageant of Peace”, with re-known performers and a military band and a message of peace by the President dedicated to everyone worldwide. Entertainment and musical performances provided by volunteer choirs, bands and dancers are for free.
For the “Christmas Pathway of Peace”, the National Christmas Tree and its accompanying 56 smaller trees shall be lit every night at dusk till 11pm all through the 1st of January. While model trains surrounding the base of the National Christmas Tree are provided by the National Christmas Tree Railroad.
McLean Community Center Brings Arts & Education to the Area
Approved in 1970 and built and funded by Greater McLean area residents, the McLean Community Center now relies on volunteers, gifts and donations to run its facilities and programs. Throughout the year the Center hosts many programs and services for adults and children, including classes, lectures, study tours, art exhibits, theater performances and specialty shows.
The Center offers more than 100 classes for all ages on varied topics including, but not limited to, art, business, dance, writing, chess, language, fitness and theater. In addition, McLean residents can experience the arts through the 424-seat Alden Theatre, which brings nationally and internationally known musicians, dancers and theater players. Groups that perform at the theater include the McLean Kids, Jammin’ Juniors, McLean Symphony and the McLean Community Players. Residents can also experience the visual arts through the McLean Project for the Arts galleries and the Susan B. DuVal Art Studio.
Families with children will love the Old Firehouse Teen Center operated by the McLean Community Center. The Old Firehouse hosts events and activities specifically with teens in mind. Activities provided are wholesome and help children and young adults through programs for physical, mental and emotional development.
Finally, the McLean Community Center holds many community events throughout the year, including:
- McLean Day at Lewinsville Park
- July 4th Fireworks at Langley High School
- McLean Antiques Show & Sale
- McLean Holiday Crafts Show
- McLean Jewelry Showcase
- Sunday Soiree Series
- MLK Day Blues & BBQ Dinner
- Be Fit McLean! Outdoor Fitness & Adventure Expo
- McLean Spring Community Garage Sale
- McLean Pet Expo
The Center is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. For more information, call 703-790-0123 or visit www.mcleancenter.org.
A little thank you goes a long way …
Lola, Urban and Will
One of the best things about being a real estate professional is that many of the folks we serve become friends. For a period of time when we managed Lola’s condo in West End Alexandria. Eventually, she decided to move to Sweden with her husband Urban so she asked us to help her with the sale of her property. The overseas transaction was just one of the difficulties with this sale, but in the end it all turned out for the best.
Will, Lola and Julie
Gifts from Sweden
Urban and Lola live in Stockholm Sweden now—Urban is Swedish afterall. But When Urban and Lola came to Northern Virginia for the holidays and to visit family they were kind enough to bring gifts. The little thank you‘s of life make a big difference.
Sherwood Library serves & educates Mt. Vernon area
Fresh-cut flowers at Farmer's Market at Sherwood Hall Library
Opened in 1971 and located at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane in Alexandria, the Sherwood Regional Library provides many resources and services for residents, including hands-on technology classes, one-on-one tutoring sessions, 27 internet stations with Microsoft Office Suite and a computer with ZoomText software.
For those hosting community meetings or gatherings, the library has numerous spaces, including a meeting room that fits 200 and is often used for family literacy classes. Other spaces are four conference rooms for 12-45 people each, a group study room for four people and a quiet study room for 10. The library also hosts the Mt. Vernon Farmers Markets on Tuesday mornings from May to November and an ongoing book sale. For more information on library events, click here.
In addition, visitors can bring their laptop and use the wireless internet or bring children to use the Read to Me Room with puzzles, flannel boards and board books. For more information about the library and its services, click here or call 703-765-3645.
