Hands, Minds & Hearts - Happy Anniversary Ms McClenahan

Recently, I got a message about a wonderful teacher in Vienna who is celebrating her 40th Anniversary. Can you imagine teaching for 40 years?! I can't myself, but I have a daughter who is a first-year teacher and so this struck close to home.

My daughter Melissa loves her job and she truly loves the children she teaches. She comes home exhausted, but happy almost every single day. But being the mother of a teacher has opened my eyes. As a parent, I always appreciated my children's teachers. But I never really understood fully what a vocation it is and how much sacrifice takes place. 

So when I got the email below from Amanda Jones, Assistant Principal at Chesterbrook Academy in Vienna, I was happy to post it here.

“Please come celebrate Helga McClenahan at Chesterbrook Academy in Vienna.  We are celebrating Ms. McClenahan’s 40 years that she has given to the community, preparing our children for Kindergarten.  

We will holding the SURPRISE party on Friday, May 30th from 4 to 6 pm at our school, 9525 Leesburg Pike in Vienna. Chesterbrook Academy will be providing snacks and a great time.  

We are hoping to have as many past students, families and co-workers there to celebrate with us as possible, so please spread the word!  

Everyone is welcome, but please RSVP to amanda.jones@nlcinc.com so we can plan accordingly.”

Happy Anniversary Ms. McClenahan. There's a saying "A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart." It sounds like you have touched many!

Teachers like you are another reason why WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA!

"I GOT A FEVER AND THE ONLY PRESCRIPTION IS MORE COWBELL!"

If you're a fan of Saturday Night Live, then you recognize this line from Christopher Walken's skit on Saturday Night Live back in 2000. It's often rated as the funniest SNL skit ever.

Well - if YOU are looking for some cowbell too - we have JUST the place for you!

This Saturday night, Vienna Choral Society presents their last concert of the season. It's called "Parodies and PDQ Bach". The concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (located on Hunter Mill Road in Oakton) at 7:30PM.

Now, you're probably wondering what "Parodies and PDQ Bach" means and what that has to do with more cowbell! 

If you're like me, and you hear the name "Bach", you might feel the need to stifle a yawn. (Yes, as a child of the 60's & 70's - rock n roll is a bit more my style.) But VCS actually has some pretty cool stuff up their sleeves (as usual!). And it involves cowbell. chicken solos and bird whistles. (Wait, what?!)

Here's what they told me about the concert: 

"This comedic concert is inspired by the works of one of the least well known, least respected members of the famous Bach family of composers - P.D.Q. Bach. His works were discovered (or some might say actually written) by Peter Schickele, a contemporary composer with a talent for parody and poking fun at musical convention.  We'll be performing several of these works, and other pieces in the same spirit.  It's tongue-in-cheek music intended to entertain as much as present music through a light-hearted unacademic perspective. Parodies and PDQ Bach is an evening of mockery, humor, and some gosh-darn sophisticated singing. Plus a few end-of-surprises that you won’t want to miss!"

You can get tickets at the door - or you can skip the line & order now! We say grab the kids, grab a friend or grab a date and be there or be square! 

Vienna Choral Society - just another reason why WE LOVE LIVING IN VIENNA!