KidWX Connects Parents With Providers
Organization has an extensive online database of local resources from music classes to diabetes experts.
When Linda Nimmo and Jamie Finch were looking for resources for their children two years ago, they scoured the internet and local organizations for the right services. The effort was so time consuming that they both left their full-time corporate jobs and turned their quest into a way to help others.
The Long Road
Experts offer creative ideas for filling time during long summer trips.
Packing up the car and leaving town for a summer vacation is an opportunity to spend time relaxing with family and friends. Getting to those destinations, however, can be grueling, especially when summer treks mean enduring long hours on the road. This is especially true for children.
Students, Teachers Practice Science
There’s something for everyone at GMU’s VISTA science camp.
The thought of spending a summer immersed in science and math assignments is likely to make many students cringe. However, some Northern Virginia children are embracing the idea with a summer camp filled with projects that run the gamut from baking cookies in a solar oven to building a model roller coaster.
Creating Fresh, Healthy Summer Treats
Local chefs offer recipes for refreshing, healthy snacks to keep kids satisfied during vacation.
Enticing children to forgo strawberry-flavored candy and choose fresh fruit in its natural form can be challenging. After all, lemonade, popsicles and cookies with milk are considered summertime classics.
Safeguarding Jewelry During Summer Vacations and Beyond
Experts offer simple safety suggestions for protecting valuables.
Kenzie Campbell left her home recently for a week-long trip to care for her ailing father. While she was away, her Northern Virginia home was burglarized, and in addition to a flat-screen television and an iMac computer, the thieves got away with all of her jewelry.
Ideas For Summer Outdoor Entertaining
Local tastemakers offer design and decorating ideas for alfresco soirees
Summer is a time when many enjoy outdoor gatherings with friends and family. From soirees in small courtyard spaces to poolside barbeques for a crowd, warm weather is often synonymous with alfresco entertaining.
Building Classic Jewelry Wardrobe
Local style experts suggest investing in classic pieces.
From monogrammed pendants to leather wrap bracelets, a dizzying array of jewelry is on the market.
New Local Home Design Studio Opens
Studio offers examples of many fixtures and finishes for homeowners.
Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. unveiled its new state-of-the-art design studio recently.
Meatless Diet Could Prolong One’s Life
New study shows vegetarian and vegan diets could lower risk of untimely death.
Walk into Annie Mahon’s spacious kitchen on a day she’s cooking, and the first thing you’ll notice are fresh herbs and spices resting on her wooden cutting block. The second is a savory aroma wafting from a Le Cruset cauldron simmering on the gas cook top as chickpeas bubble until the outsides are a glistening alabaster and the insides are creamy.
Meatless Diet Could Prolong One’s Life
New study shows vegetarian and vegan diets could lower risk of untimely death
“The number one thing to do is to explore different types of vegetables. Think outside of green beans and corn.” — Bonita Lillie, registered dietician
Love after 50: Baby Boomers Need Romance Too
Couple chronicles their online dating experience in new book.
“Dating in your 60s is a lot different than dating in the 1960s, to be sure. Our message is one of hope and the courage to try one more time. Life is just too short.” — Mindy Mitchell, coauthor of “Lube of Life: A Tribute to Sex, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness in the Boomer Age”
Rising to Boys & Girls Clubs ‘Youth of the Year’
With help of Boys & Girls Clubs, local immigrant student receives full college scholarship.
Today, Henry Lopez has a bright future, complete with a full scholarship to college. It wasn’t always that way, however, and he remembers being a preschool student in a foreign country, unfamiliar with the language and culture, fighting to learn, to fit in, to avoid falling into a gang.
Designing a Colorful World
Local interior design experts offer suggestions for choosing paint colors for one’s home.
Choosing paint for one’s home can be a daunting task. Colors often look different on paint chips and fan decks than they do on interior walls. What are some of the secrets to making the right choices? Local interior designers offer suggestions.
Happiness and Fulfillment in Golden Years
Mental health experts share factors that contribute to contentment
On most evenings, 96-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Brown can be found playing Scrabble or a game of bridge. A retired nurse who relocated to Virginia from Pennsylvania 11 years ago, Brown makes it a point to walk at least one mile each day and takes two Zumba or low-impact aerobics classes each week.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
Teaching Healing Through Altruism
Marymount students learn counseling technique by helping U.S. troops.
A group of counseling students got to experience a therapeutic technique while also helping service men and women serving in Afghanistan. Graduate students in the Pastoral Counseling program at Marymount University in Arlington assembled care packages for U.S. troops as part of a community service requirement. One of the project’s goals was to teach the future therapists how altruism can have long-term mental health benefits.
Advice for Buying Jewelry for Mother’s Day
Experts offer suggestions for choosing the perfect piece for Mom.
Mike Grantham of North Potomac shuffled from one jewelry display case to another. His eyes surveyed each row of sparklers: yellow and white diamonds, deep blue sapphires and blood-red rubies.
Yoga Week Comes to the Area
Local effort offers budding yogis a chance to improve their minds, bodies and spirits with free or $5 classes.
D.C. Yoga Week Runs through May 5 For more information and a list of participating studios, visit HYPERLINK "http://dccy.org/" http://dccy.org/. “This event will raise awareness about how great yoga is for your mind, body and spirit.” — Amanda Shipe, Mind Your Body Oasis, Arlington
Norwood School Student Displays Art at Yellow Barn Gallery
Student presented her first collection of artwork at a Maryland gallery.
When Neelam Shaikh was in nursery school, she had an extraordinary fascination with her ability to create.
Marymount Professor, McLean Resident Named Virginia Counselor Educator of the Year
A Marymount University professor was honored recently for her work to educate and train school counselors.
Countdown to College Decision Day
Local college counselors offer advice on making the right choice.
As the May 1 national college decision day looms, the day students must shell out hefty deposits to secure their spots at colleges and universities, students like Daniels are feeling pressure.
A Place to Read
Family turns cluttered “catch-all” into elegant library.
When a family of four, which includes two young daughters, decided to create dedicated reading space in their home, the wanted to blend serenity and style. The couple enlisted the help of interior designer Debbie Wiener of Design Solutions.
Virginia Historic Garden Week Celebrates 80th Anniversary
Celebration raises money to restore and preserve Virginia’s historic landmarks.
“Historic Garden Week has transformed the landscape of Virginia over its 80-year history. It's really an incredible accomplishment.” — Karen Cauthen Miller, Historic Garden Week state director
Remodeling in Reston
Local homeowners and designers create ideal entertainment space.
“The main challenge on this project was framing the cathedral ceiling over the sunroom, given that it is about 24 feet up.” — Bruce Case, president of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
Play ball
Nats fans design a tribute to their favorite team — in their bathroom.
“The biggest design challenge was incorporating the inherent fun that comes in a themed design with the sophistication appropriate for a master bathroom.” — T.J. Monahan, general manager of online remodeling, Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
2013 DC Design House Unveiled
Annual event raises money for Children’s National Medical Center.
Details: The home opens for public tours on April 14. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at HYPERLINK "http://www.dcdesignhouse.com" www.dcdesignhouse.com.Details “It’s exciting to be part of such a wonderful cause and to share in the creation of a design house with such talented designers.” — Jamie Brown, Akseizer Design Group
Hundreds of Low Income Residents Receive Free Dental Care
Event was part of The Northern Virginia Dental Society’s 10th Annual Mission of Mercy
Several hundred low income and uninsured residents of Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County received free dental care recently when the Northern Virginia Dental Society (NVDS) hosted its 10th Annual Mission of Mercy (MOM) project.
Local Researchers Address ‘Concussion Culture’
Education and proper health care are keys.
With the impending warmer weather comes an increased number of children participating in outdoor activities. Some local health care professionals and researchers are issuing words of caution.
Norwood Students Head to Odyssey of Mind Finals
Some Potomac-area students were recognized recently for their creative thinking and collaborative abilities when Norwood School in Bethesda hosted Odyssey of the Mind earlier this month.
The Sound of Music
Enhancing your child’s music education during Music in Our Schools Month and beyond.
From the powerful sounds of a high school band to the soothing melodies sung in a kindergarten music classroom, local music educators are using the month of March to raise awareness of the benefits of learning music.
Historic Home for Sale in Alexandria
Designer/owner brought the home up to date while preserving its architectural integrity.
“We wanted to keep the character of what it was. We were careful about integrating the spaces that we added.” — Sydnye Pettengill
The Power of Light
Designed with a bounty of large windows, a new Potomac home pays homage to natural light.
“There are no rooms in this house that don’t have large windows and big natural light.” — James F. Rill, Rill Architects, PC
Decorating for Easter
Easy ideas to welcome spring into your home.
From floral arrangements that burst with pastel blooms to candles that fill one’s home with scents reminiscent of warm weather, local style experts offer suggestions for accents that welcome spring.
The Region’s Best Home Designs
Local contractors get top honors for remodeling projects.
From designing a kitchen with a concave glass tile backsplash to creating a backyard with a fireplace and pool, some local home remodelers were honored recently with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) 2013 Regional Contractor of the Year awards for design acumen. Winning projects ran the gamut from historic preservation projects to environmentally conscious conceptions.
Mental Health Counseling Professors Honored
Cultural sensitivity at the heart of their work.
Fred Bemak and his wife Rita Chi-Ying Chung, who are both professors at George Mason University in Fairfax, recall being in Haiti shortly after the catastrophic earthquake of 2010. They were there to provide mental health counseling to those traumatized by the natural disaster.
Household Queen Comes Home to Arlington
Heloise reminisces and offers special tips to local homemakers.
If you have a household problem, there’s a good chance she’s got a solution.
A Lesson in Stomach Flu Survival
The ABCs of recognizing, treating and preventing stomach flu.
“The best way to prevent the stomach flu is by washing your hands, especially after using the restroom.” — Dr. Jean Glossa
Choosing a Summer Camp
Region offers programs to tempt children with interests ranging from sports to drama to science.
While most of Washington is braving the winter weather, April Toman has been planning for summer. At the top of her list: choosing a camp for her two children, Claire, who is in fifth grade, and Will, who is a second grader. “I start thinking about it in January,” said Toman, who lives in Alexandria. “I talk to my kids about what they are interested in taking. There are so many options and the popular camps fill up quickly.”
Learning From the Past
What some area schools are doing to celebrate Black History Month.
The sound of steel drums vibrates through the air of a crowded auditorium in Potomac, Md. In McLean, elementary school girls share their understanding of the struggles of Rosa Parks. A group of second graders from Alexandria treks to downtown Washington to see the massive memorial statue of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
McLean’s Potomac School Gets New Leader
John Kowalik described as a wise and gifted educator.
The Potomac School in McLean will soon have a new leader at the helm. School officials announced recently that John J. Kowalik will assume the role of head of school. The announcement came in a statement from Larry Culp, chair of Potomac’s board of trustees. “John Kowalik is a wise and gifted educator, with a rare combination of inspirational leadership capabilities and exceptional management skills. He is the right leader to build on [current Head] Geoff Jones’ remarkable achievements at Potomac during the last 13 years.”
Marymount Students Plan Fundraising Fashion Show
Event will raise money for needy students in Haiti and the U.S.
A group of Marymount University students are celebrating Black History month in high style, literally. The school’s African-Caribbean Student Association (ACSA) is presenting its fifth annual charity fashion show, “Voyage to Utopia.”
International Infusion
Alexandria designer creates inviting home for passionate world travelers.
>Blending an eclectic mix of home accessories and furnishings to create a harmonious and tasteful interior can pose a decorating conundrum for many homeowners.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Capital Home and Garden Show set for Feb. 22-24 at Dulles Expo Center.
Since Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow on Groundhog Day earlier this month, spring might be around the corner. But whether one believes in folklore or not, the winter chill will soon give way to warm weather blooms.
All Tied Up
New clinic teaches children how to tie their shoes.
Like many parents of young children, Mary Hanlon decided it was time for her five-year-old son, Hank to reach another milestone: learning to tie his shoes.
Design Solution for Busy Family
A small kitchen is transformed into a spacious, light-filled room.
When a busy Potomac family decided that it was time to turn their tiny, dark kitchen into free-flowing, light-filled gathering space, they decided to expand their home. Their decision is part of national trend.
Preserving Mental Health as People Age
Experts say diet, exercise and mental stimulation are key.
“Exercise [is] the ‘lifestyle’ factor with the strongest effect. A number of different research groups have found benefits of aerobic exercise on both brain structure and function and on cognitive performance.” — Pamela Greenwood, Ph.D., George Mason University
February Is Heart Month
Diet and fitness experts offer suggestions for maintaining a healthy heart.
When Mary Elizabeth O’Conner enters a supermarket, she is careful stay within the outer perimeters of the store. “Most grocery stores are designed so that the healthiest and non-processed food, like fresh vegetables and meat are kept on the outer edges,” she said. She looks for heart-healthy foods like whole grains and fresh fruit.
Beating the Winter Blues
Locals offer suggestions for finding cheer during the cold-weather doldrums
When the snow falls and temperatures drop, but you can’t hit the slopes, there are still plenty of indoor options for fending off the doldrums.
McLean Author Launches New Book
Rebecca Shambaugh shows how organizations can harness the collective strengths of both men and women to create stronger businesses.
Try functioning without half of your brain. You might not be able to remember anything. You might not be able to drive. You might not be able to walk or talk. Now imagine a business that operates using only half its brainpower. It’s destined to fail.