Carmello’s of Historic Manassas, Va. was nationally recognized by Trip Advisor with a Certificate of Excellence and winner of Open Table’s Diner’s Choice award. Carmello’s is owned by long-time Historic Manassas resident, Alice Pires. Go to www.carmellos.com.

Their seasonal menus serve a wide variety of American cuisine with Portuguese and Mediterranean influence. Carmello’s sources local ingredients, and uses fresh herbs from their backyard garden.

“We’re a community restaurant, a family restaurant...and our customers are what make us successful, we’re grateful for their continued support,” said Alice Pires, owner of Carmello’s of Historic Manassas, Va.

Sean Aiken, head of school of BASIS Independent McLean, Va. is blazing the trail for Tysons Corner’s first preK to 12th school. Raised by educators, Aiken’s passion for teaching and education came easily.  Most recently, he headed up two nationally ranked schools.  For more information, go to http://mclean.basisindependent.com or call 703.854.1253.

A native of Arizona, Aiken excelled in his science/math magnet program, ranked at the top in the state in academic competitions, was an avid athlete, an accomplished musician, and one of 20 Arizona students hand-picked and awarded a full merit scholarship. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and minor in English from the University of Arizona and earned a masters of education in teaching and teacher education from there as well.

BASIS Independent McLean is grateful for all its new teachers this Teacher Appreciation Month. Veteran Fairfax County math teacher of 40 years, Vern S. Williams, is joining BASIS Independent McLean faculty in Aug. 2016, teaching middle school students. Renowned by parents, students and colleagues for his mastery as a math teacher, most recently at H.W. Longfellow Middle School in Falls Church, Va.; Williams passion and dedication to engage, teach and challenge students in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving has earned him nationwide recognition in his field. Williams is just one of many exceptional teachers joining BASIS Independent McLean, including Lisa Bliss of McLean, Va.