New Home for Turtles at Riverbend
Girl Scout Natalie Gilbert builds and donates new box turtle habitat.
Young visitors to the Riverbend Park Nature Center used to have a hard time looking at the three box turtles in the turtle habitat. The old habitat featured a solid wood wall, meaning children could only look straight down at the turtles and rarely had an opportunity to see more than the tops of their shells.
Locals Support Military Vets
Operation Second Chance receives donation from local State Farm office.
Members of the State Farm branch in Great Falls presented a check for $1,500 to Operation Second Chance, a charity that provides for injured service members and their families, Thursday, April 4.
Parents Sound Off on School Issues
McLean Citizens Association hosts education discussion at McLean High School.
Parents from around the McLean and Langley High School pyramids gathered at McLean High Monday, April 8, to participate in an education forum hosted by the McLean Citizens Association.
Langley Theatre Explores Dickens
“The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby” debuts April 18.
When the plans were announced for Langley High School’s spring play, many of the cast and crew weren’t familiar with the title. While “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” isn’t at the top of the list of the most popular Charles Dickens works, after doing their research, the cast found plenty to get excited about.
Foundation Prepares to Promote Mental Health
Josh Anderson Foundation to sponsor events across county for mental health and depression awareness.
Before Fairfax County students finish the school year and head to summer break, they first must deal with exams, both final and for AP classes. This can lead to a lot of stress over the final two months of school, pressure the Josh Anderson Foundation is determined to relieve.
Keeping Lawns Green in Great Falls
Choosing environmentally friendly ways to manage lawns.
As the weather warms and lawns begin to grow again, it’s tempting to start fertilizing right away to ensure they look as full and green as possible. The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Environmental Committee says that spring fertilizing isn’t necessary most of the time, and can cause harm to lawns and waterways.
Family PASS to Host Soiree
Fundraiser will help serve families facing homelessness.
A mother of four children, Josephine Rivera didn’t have many options after becoming a victim of domestic abuse. After her husband was arrested, she was forced to support those children, ages 8 to 18, on an $8 an hour salary, and she soon found herself homeless.
Easter at The Falls
Ecumenical council hosts annual Easter Sunrise Service.
Dozens of people gathered at Great Falls Park before sunrise Easter Sunday, using flashlights to walk the path from the parking lot to the visitor center. At an hour usually reserved for only staff members, the Great Falls Ecumenical Council held its annual Easter Sunrise Service in the park.
Update on State Session
Favola, Comstock, Foust provide General Assembly results.
State Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31), Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) and Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) addressed a crowd at the Great Falls Grange Tuesday, March 12, on the results of the latest General Assembly session.
Rotary Presents Youth Service Awards
Three local students honored for ‘service above self.’
The McLean Rotary Club presented its annual Youth Service Awards to three local students at their Tuesday, March 12, meeting. McLean High School senior Jung Wook "James" Choi, Langley High School junior Rebecca Pifer and Potomac School senior Britt Nelson were each awarded $250 scholarships in recognition of their efforts serving the community.
Squash Across Borders
Lekotla Masope competes in All Africa Squash Championships.
During most of the year, Lekgotla Masope is teaching squash at the Regency Sport and Health in McLean. But for five days in February, he was representing his home country of Botswana in the All-Africa Senior Squash Championships in Windhoek, Namibia, where they took third place.
Facing STEM Challenges Head On
Thomas Jefferson senior Katherine Ho of McLean awarded scholarship from Siemens Foundation.
For many students, AP classes are a chore, something taken to help college standings or boost GPA and the AP Exams are dreaded all year long. For Katherine Ho of McLean, challenges and problem solving have been part of her life for a long time.
Senior Takes STEM Challenges Head On
Mayank Mahajan earns Siemens Foundation scholarship.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology senior Mayank Mahajan enjoys taking on tough challenges.
MCC Moves Forward With Renovation Plan
Board approves $6.1 million expansion, will examine possible future downtown land swap.
The McLean Community Center Governing Board voted at their Feb. 27 meeting to go forward with a $6.1 million renovation of its Ingleside Avenue facility.
Chamber Installs 2013 Board
John Brough of Chain Bridge Bank named new chairman.
Meet the Board The 2013 Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors members are: * Chair: John Brough, Chain Bridge Bank * First vice-chair: Marcus Simon, EKKO Title LLC * Treasurer: Monish Banga, Ross Langan and McKendree, LLP * Secretary: Joe Mastaler, PBMares, LLP * Immediate past chair: Merritt J. Green, General Counsel, PC * Ryan Cash, Capital One Bank * Raj Mehra, Middleburg Bank * Rick Makely, Giant of McLean * Gita Bhandari, M and T Bank * Dane Scott, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar * Sheri Sylvester, AdZig Logo Promotions * Jon Wilkins, Bank of Georgetown * George Sachs, McLean Community Center * Brian Callery, Edward Jones * Karen Briscoe, Huckaby Briscoe Conroy Realty Group * President: Marcia S. Twomey
VDOT Decides Fate of Trees
Tree closest to Walker Road to be removed, remaining tree to be pruned.
“In the end, it was the overwhelming opinion of various expert arborists that one tree, the one closest to the corner, was too ill and in danger of falling to risk trying to save.” --Bob Vickers, Great Falls tree commissioner
Nike Park Opens Artificial Turf Field
Field is joint effort between county and community.
The artificial turf field at Great Falls Nike Park was officially opened Saturday, March 3.
Bulova Gives State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her “State of the County” address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Bulova Presents State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her "State of the County" address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Spring Hill Hosts Parental Presentation
Michelle Kriebel gives strategies on dealing with peer pressure.
Parents from Spring Hill and Churchill Road Elementary School got a few lessons in parenting Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Spring Hill Elementary School. Educator and presenter Michelle Kriebel spoke to more than 40 parents about strategies parents can take to set boundaries for their young children and deal with external factors such as peer pressure.
Foundation Plans for Art Center
Community Center for the Arts possible at Turner Farm.
The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts was founded in 2007 with the goal of eventually bringing an arts center to the community. Since then, they have run a school, working studio space and a gallery space on Walker Road, all while planning for the future.
Community Sounds off On School Discipline
County collects feedback on students’ rights and responsibilities.
Dozens of administrators, teachers, parents and community members gathered at McLean High School Thursday, Feb. 7, to share their feedback on the Fairfax County Public Schools Students Rights and Responsibilities manual.
McLean Seniors Sign Letters of Intent
Six students sign to play college sports in the fall.
Six McLean High School senior athletes made their college decisions final Wednesday, Feb. 6, signing letters of intent for their schools of choice for next year. Soccer players Evelyn Robinson and David Galdo, along with football player Robert Longwell have been awarded scholarships to play next year, while Lexi Slotkoff and Kris Hobbs will play for Ivy League schools.
Fairfax Connector Proposes New Routes
Public input meeting held to solicit feedback on new bus routes.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation kicked off the public input process for their new bus routes in McLean Thursday, Feb. 1. The Fairfax Connector routes will be altered to take advantage of the opening of Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston in December, with the new routes expected to begin the same day as the stations open.
Getting Their Market Share
Langley Sophomore market school, nonprofit events.
While sitting in their Introduction to Marketing Class, several Langley High School sophomores decided that they enjoyed it so much, they would try it in real life. Almost a year later, the members of the Pyramid Marketing Group are finding success working to promote local charity and school events.
Langley Forks Pull-Off Open
Scenic pull-off features historical marker, 22 parking spots.
McLean’s Clemyjontri Park was founded in 2006 to provide a place for all children, regardless of ability of a place to play. While that goal has been achieved on the playground itself, the parking situation has been another story. Weekends often find the parking lot packed to capacity while open, with parents forced to park at nearby Langley Forks Park and walk along Georgetown Pike to Clemyjontri.
MCC Board Delays Expansion Vote
Board to wait for developer proposal, which could involve downtown land swap.
The McLean Community Center board delayed their Jan. 23 vote on expansion and renovation after a development proposal was brought to their attention a mere 10 hours before their monthly meeting.
Public Comment Open for Riverbend Master Plan
Master plan revision, first since 1975, is expected to go before park board in April.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the latest draft master plan revision for Riverbend Park Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Grange in Great Falls. The 411-acre park features two miles of land along the Potomac River. It was last master planned in 1975.
MCC Board Delays Expansion Vote
Board to wait for developer proposal, which could involve downtown land swap.
he McLean Community Center board delayed their Jan. 23 vote on expansion and renovation after a development proposal was brought to their attention a mere 10 hours before their monthly meeting. The vote, which was supposed to decide whether the center would continue to pursue a new downtown facility and renovate the current building on Ingleside Drive, could happen as soon as the board’s Feb. 27 meeting, provided the development proposal contains enough information for the board to decide its merits.
Program Tackles Drinking Culture
McLean High School hosts first ‘Perils of College Drinking Culture’ presentation of year.
Exploring Perils of Drinking Culture:The Jan. 17 program at McLean High kicks off the latest series of “The Perils of College Drinking Culture” in the area. The program will also be held: * Thursday, May 16, at Westfield High School in Chantilly. * Wednesday, May 22, and Wednesday, July 31, at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The program will be at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. All events will be from 7 to 9 p.m., and admission is free. More information can be found at www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.
Tysons Service District Created
New tax district will help fund Tysons Corner improvements.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted eight to two to create a Tysons Corner Service District, which is expected to raise money to help cover the estimated $3.1 billion in new roads and public transit development planned for the area.
Tysons Service District Created
New tax district will help fund Tysons Corner improvements.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted eight to two to create a Tysons Corner Service District, which is expected to raise money to help cover the estimated $3.1 billion in new roads and public transit development planned for the area.
McLean Chocolate Festival Returns
New venue allows for more attendance, vendors.
The McLean Rotary Club will welcome chocolate lovers from all over Sunday, Jan. 27 at McLean High School for the second annual McLean Chocolate Festival.
SPARC Looks Ahead to 2013
Club received grant in December, looks to expand reach to assist adults with disabilities.
The Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC) came to McLean in October 2011 to provide opportunities for adults with disabilities in a community setting. Since then, they have been growing and gathering more support. They concluded 2012 with a $15,000 grant from Life Circle Alliances and plan on further outreach in 2013.
MCA Hosts Legislators Before Session
State senators, delegates brief community on goals for session starting Jan. 9.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted a town hall meeting featuring McLean-area state representatives Wednesday, Jan. 2 at the McLean Community Center. This year’s session begins Jan. 9, and since 2013 is an odd-numbered year, the session will go for 30 days with an option to extend for a maximum of 30 additional days.
Planning for Future of McLean Central Park
Master plan aims to integrate park, Dolley Madison Library, McLean Community Center.
The Fairfax County Park Authority kicked off the master planning process for McLean Central Park Tuesday, Nov. 27, hosting a public input meeting at Churchill Road Elementary School.
Schools Using Diversity for Student Benefits
Immersion, ESOL programs aim to take advantage of area cultures.
As Fairfax County has experienced massive growth in its international population, its effects have spread to its educational institutions. Forty-four percent of the Fairfax County Public Schools students come from homes that speak a language other than English, which includes 160 different languages.
Author Examines Life by the Letter
Joe Reynolds publishes collection of letters on variety of topics.
In an era of e-mails, text messages and tweets, the art of writing a letter hasn’t been lost on McLean resident Joe Reynolds. It’s something he was raised on, his father and grandfather wrote him letters while he was at college, a tradition that he continued while his three children were away at school.
Final Tree Decision Yet to Come
Final tests to be run on white oaks at Georgetown Pike-Walker Road intersection.
The trees at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road will be subject to at least one more test to determine if they propose a safety hazard to drivers. The Virginia Department of Transportation had decided Sept. 18 to remove the trees as part of a mass removal of potentially hazardous trees, but announced Sept. 28 that they would wait for the community to hire an arborist.
New 495 Express Lanes Open for Business
Fourteen mile stretch of tolled lanes open from Dulles Toll Road to Springfield.
The 495 Express lanes opened to traffic in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 17, marking the completion of a project more than 10 years and $2 billion in the making.
Family Makes it on the Trail
Scott Jenkins, son Tracy hike Appalachian Trail over summer.
While it’s said that a journey begins with a single step, for the Jenkins family of McLean, their 2,000-mile plus journey began by literally climbing a mountain.
Star Crossed Lovers Take Stage at Langley
Theatre department presents ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
During Langley High School’s inaugural theater tech class, several students had a vision: Shakespeare’s character Juliet giving her famous speech on a scaffolding. The school’s upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet" took on a new look after that idea, transforming the setting of the play from an Italian city to an apocalyptic future city.
Thieves Market Offers Holiday Gift Ideas
Antique furniture, art, home furnishings available at 60 year old family owned business.
Since 1952, the Cohen family has operated the Thieves Market, featuring a wide variety of furniture, jewelry, art and other household goods that might be difficult to come by in other places. In their 60 years of existence, dignitaries from around the world have shopped their selection of 18th and 19th century American and European antiques, porcelain, bronzes, furniture, candlesticks, Persian and Oriental rugs, mirrors, chandeliers and more.
Gift Ideas in Great Falls
Maison et Jardin, Maison du Vin offer gift ideas for holidays.
While places like Tysons Corner might draw the large crowds and big numbers during the holiday shopping season, plenty of local residents are able to find gifts much more locally. The shops at the Great Falls commercial center offer a wide variety of items from locally owned businesses.
Haddad Studio to Present ‘The Nutcracker’
Annual show celebrates 21st year.
The Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet will present its 21st edition of "The Nutcracker" the weekend after Thanksgiving. Featuring 49 children, guest artists from several ballet companies and adult volunteers, the annual performances will take place at The Madeira School.
Veterans Honored at Freedom Memorial
Annual ceremony features Marine Color Guard, student performances.
More than 150 people gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Monday, Nov. 12, to participate in the community’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. More than 100 students from Village Green Day School, Great Falls Elementary School and Langley High School also attended.
Fairfax Republicans Come Together for Election
What started as a night of hope for the Fairfax County Republican Committee ended on something of a sour note, as Republican presidential, senate and congressional candidates were not able to oust incumbents.
McLean Voters Head to Polls
Voting locations crowded starting at 6 a.m.
McLean residents flocked to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 6 to choose a president, senator and congressman, as well as vote on several key County issues.
Serving More Than a Village
Alisa Cozzens named Rotary Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
The Great Falls Rotary Club named its first Outstanding Citizen of the Year, Alisa Cozzens, executive director of Serve A Village, a Great Falls based nonprofit. Cozzens moved to South Africa as a teenager, and though her travels since have taken her to Northern Virginia, she still continues outreach to the area.
Raising Funds to Stop Hunger
Lutheran Redeemer hosts fundraisers for Nov. 10 Stop Hunger Now event.
As McLean prepares to package 250,000 meals for needy people throughout the world, members of the Lutheran Redeemer Church helped raise funds last weekend for the event. The church hosted a fun run around the parking lot for those in costume Saturday morning, and an opera concert Sunday afternoon.