McLEAN PHYSICIAN APPOINTED TO STATE ‘STEM’ PANEL: Gov. Youngkin has appointed retired physician Amy Thompson, M.D., to the Virginia STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math] Advisory Board].
WINNERS NAMED IN McLEAN HOUSE-DECORATING COMPETITION: The Old Firehouse Center, part of the McLean Community Center, has named three local families the winners of its 2023 “Light Up McLean” house-decorating contest, conducted Dec. 18 to Jan. 2.
Ten families participated in the competition, and 1,000 local residents voted for their preferences.
The Pierce family was named overall winner, with the Mulcahy family receiving honors for Best Holiday theme and the Gebereegziabher family earning accolades for Most Creative. Winners received a Swarovski ornament and a White House tree ornament.
Old Firehouse general manager Andrew Carter said the contest adds an additional joyful activity to the holidays.
“Families enjoy visiting the various houses that are entered in the contest and then casting their votes for their favorites,” he said.
The Light Up McLean competition is expected to make a return visit during the 2024 holiday season.
ELECTION SEASON ABOUT TO START FOR McLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER GOVERNING BOARD: Adult and youth candidates seeking positions on the McLean Community Center Governing Board can begin picking up petition packets Feb. 7 at the center.
Four adult and two youth positions will be chosen in voting to be held in the run-up to and on McLean Day (May 18). March 11 is the deadline for completed petition packets to be filed.
The volunteer 11-member board provides oversight of the McLean Community Center, Alden Theatre and Old Firehouse Center. The center is a division of the Fairfax County government, and Governing Board members formally are appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
Full details on the election process will be posted online at www.mcleancenter.org.
ALDEN THEATRE CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE DRAGON: The McLean Community Center is celebrating Lunar New Year with a performance by the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.
The company’s dance performance will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. in the Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center. Tickets for the performances are $20 for McLean residents, $25-$30 for others.
A family-friendly, free celebration will precede the performance, running from noon to 4 p.m.
“This festival is great for those who have never celebrated the Lunar New Year before as well as those who have grown up with this tradition,” McLean Community Center officials said. “We love having additional cultural experiences prior to performances to provide a more complete picture of the cultures that art comes from.”
For information or tickets to the 4 p.m. performance, see the Website at aldentheatre.org.
McLEAN ART SOCIETY OFFERS ‘SWEETHEART DEALS’ AT SHOW AND SALE: The McLean Art Society will host a show and sale with “sweetheart deals” – artwork under $150 – the weekend of Feb. 9-11 at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church, 4102 North Glebe Road.
“It promises to offer a great opportunity to find a special, one-of-a-kind gift for your loved ones or yourself,” society leaders said.
The show opens with a reception on Friday, Feb. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. and continues Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
‘NARFE’ LOOKS AT SAVING THE PLANET: The Vienna-Oakton chapter of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees) will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center.
The guest speaker will be Lawrence MacDonald, the author of “Am I Too Old to Save the Planet? A Boomer’s Guide to Climate Action.”
The program is free and the community is invited. For information, call (703) 205-9041.
LIBRARY HOSTS PROGRAM ON BENEFITS OF CARBON-CUTTING PURCHASES: Patrick Henry Library will host a presentation from members of the Fairfax County chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby on “The Inflation Reduction Act: Helping You Save Money While Cutting Carbon Pollution” on Monday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the library, located at 101 Maple Ave., E., in Vienna.
Presenters will discuss the array of tax credits and rebates available for energy-efficient purchases like electric vehicles, solar panels, appliances and new doors and windows.
The community is invited. For information and to register, call (703) 938-0405 or see the Website at https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/11088882.
