Examining Trees at Riverbend Park
New Riverbend Tree Walk shows diversity of species at park.
Visitors to Riverbend Park have a new way to explore the 400-plus acres of land along the Potomac River. Local resident Tabitha Eagle, with the help of Bob Vickers of the Fairfax County Tree Commission and staff at Riverbend, helped mark a mile-long trail that identifies 20 different tree varieties within the park.
Express Lanes Move Closer to Opening
Express Lanes open new operations center in Alexandria, prepares for opening.
As the construction equipment and debris is cleared from the new two left lanes going both ways on the Virginia side of the Beltway, the 495 Express Lanes are coming closer to opening. The variable-priced toll lanes will run over most of the Virginia section of the Beltway, and the $2 billion project has included the new lanes, as well as the rebuilding of bridges and overpasses along the way.
Creating Prescription Drug Awareness
Safe Community Coalition hosts panel discussion about prescription drug abuse.
The Safe Community and the Fairfax County Police McLean District Station hosted a forum on prescription drug use and abuse Wednesday, Oct. 17 at the McLean Community Center.
A Three-way Race in 10th District
Kristin Cabral, Kevin Chisholm oppose Frank Wolf in new-look 10th district.
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) is attempting to be re-elected for a sixteenth term come Nov. 6, but he will face two challengers in Kristin Cabral (Democrat) and Kevin Chisholm (Independent).
MPA Hosts Annual ArtFest
Nonprofit recognized by Arts Council, holds annual festival.
The McLean Project for the Arts celebrated a banner weekend this weekend: they were recognized by the Arts Council of Fairfax County Friday, Oct. 12 and ended the weekend with their annual ArtFest Sunday in McLean Central Park.
Spring Hill Welcomes Japanese Students
Elementary school participates in exchange program.
Over the summer, 13 students and four staff members from Spring Hill Elementary spent more than a week in Yokohama, Japan. On Tuesday, Oct. 9, several students and parents from Yabe Elementary in Japan returned the favor, arriving to great fanfare from students, staff and parents.
Sharing Great Falls Ghost Stories
GFHS Oktoberfest features tales of local hauntings.
After moving into one of the oldest houses in Great Falls, Jinny Beyer began thinking something was amiss in her home. For the first six months they lived there, every night at 2 a.m. sharp, Beyer would wake to what she felt was a presence in the room.
Tysons Debated in McLean
County officials speak about latest on Tysons redevelopment.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted a program about Tysons Corner transportation funding Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the McLean Community Center. County officials briefed the public on ways to pay for the $2.3 billion in projected costs.
Salona Task Force Provides Update
Community discusses development possibilities.
The McLean Community Center was packed to the brim Thursday, Oct. 4 with community members waiting to hear the latest from the Salona Park Task Force, which has been charged with coming up with a master plan for a portion of the 51-acre historic Salona property. Located just east of downtown McLean on Dolley Madison Boulevard, 41 acres of the property was purchased from the DuVal family by the County for $16.5 million.
St. Thomas Kicks off Annual Pumpkin Patch
Proceeds from sales go to local charities.
The large green lawn in front of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean had a few splashes of fall color added Sunday, Oct. 7 as dozens of volunteers helped unload a truck full of pumpkins for their annual charity pumpkin patch.
Churchill Road Named Green Flag School
Eco-Schools program gives school highest award.
Churchill Road Elementary School became just the eighth school in the country to earn the Eco-Schools USA Green Flag award Friday, Oct. 7. The Eco-Schools program is hosted by the National Wildlife Federation, and there are more than 50 eco schools in the County, along with two other Green Flag schools in the state, the highest award level.
NVCC Consortium Receives Grant
Department of Labor’s $12 million grant will go to training IT workers.
A consortium led by Northern Virginia Community College received a $12 million grant from the Department of Labor Thursday, Thursday, Sept. 27.
MCC Board Passes Budget
FY2014 budget will ‘maintain and improve’ upon current programming and facilities.
The McLean Community Center Governing Board approved their Fiscal Year 2014 budget Thursday, Sept. 27. The budget, which is for July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, calls for $5,813,572 in expenditures, while bringing in $5,021,218 in revenue, a difference of $792,281.
Family of Four Found Dead in Herndon
Police make discovery during welfare check, believe husband killed family before turning gun on himself.
A Herndon family of four was found dead in their home on Point Rider Lane the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fairfax County Police responded after a co-worker of one of the family members reported that they had not been to work this week.
Keeping Tysons Corner Moving
Event provides updates on 495 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail.
In the next 15 months, Tysons Corner will see almost $5 billion in new transportation projects come online.
Fall Fun in McLean
MPAartfest, pumpkin patch part of local fall events.
Fall is home to several annual traditions in McLean. One such tradition, the McLean ArtFest, hosted by the McLean Project for the Arts, will hit a major milestone this year, and the MPA is celebrating accordingly.
Seniors Group Takes Next Step
County approves proposal, next event set for Oct. 2 at Great Falls Park.
The Great Falls Senior Center Without Walls held its latest event Tuesday, Sept. 11 and had their proposal approved the same day by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The center seeks to join 13 other facilities in the County that are dedicated to meeting the needs of the senior community.
Friends and Newcomers Award Scholarships
Four local students awarded funds for college education.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club awarded scholarships to four local students Tuesday, Sept. 18, as part of their annual community outreach.
MWAA Releases Toll Rates to 2014
Community groups concerned about raises and effect on local traffic.
The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority has released its scheduled toll rate increases for the Dulles Toll Road up to 2015. Effective January 1, 2013, tolls at the mainline plaza will be $1.75 (up from $1.50) and the ramps will be $1.00 (up from $0.75).
Reilly Takes Reins at McLean High School
New principal comes from Herndon High School.
Ellen Reilly has been named principal at McLean High School, replacing Dr. Deborah Jackson, who left in July. Reilly comes to McLean High from Herndon High School, where she served as an assistant principal. She previously served as an assistant principal at Oakton High School, and as an American Sign Language teacher at Falls Church High School and Mantua Elementary School.
5K to Support Military Housing
Second annual run to feaure at least 23 wounded warriors.
The streets of downtown McLean will be transformed into a race track Saturday, Oct. 6, as the second annual McLean 5K Run With the Warriors race is held. The event is hosted by Vinson Hall, which is a retirement community that houses more than 200 retired military and government personnel.
Great Falls Remembers 9/11
Annual ceremony marks 11 years since attacks.
Several dozen Great Falls residents gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Tuesday, Sept. 11 to pay tribute to those lost on that day, particularly six Great Falls residents that were killed when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.
Great Falls Native Finding the Beat
Patrick Drohan and band, Atlas Road Crew, ready first EP.
Summers on Atlas Road in Columbia, S.C. can get very hot. Especially if they are five people and their various musical instruments crammed into a storage unit to play together. That’s how Great Falls native Patrick Drohan and his band, Atlas Road Crew, spend their time.
Pike Named to National Historic Register
Designation includes stretch of original road, now Dolley Madison Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road.
Georgetown Pike was named to the National Register of Historic Places Wednesday Aug. 22, giving the 14.4 miles of road from the Virginia-Washington, D.C. border to Leesburg Pike the recognition that many locals feel it deserves.
Bugler Plays Tributes All Over Town
Ted Smith commemorates 9/11 anniversary by playing ‘Taps’ at local schools, fire station.
Sarah Reeves was walking her niece to Haycock Elementary School at around 8:45 the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, when she saw a crowd waiting outside the school. As she slowed down to see what was going on, she heard the mournful sound of a bugle playing "Taps" in front of the flags at half-mast.
‘Strawman’ Charts Tysons Future
Potential taxpayer burdens still not defined.
The Tysons Corner Planning Committee has released the fourth iteration of their recommendations for redevelopment. The set of recommendations, nicknamed "Strawman," lay out the parameters for the anticipated 113 million square feet of development that Tysons Corner is expected to undergo by 2050.
Serbian Crown Hosts Piano Jam
Great Falls restaurant now features monthly open mic night.
Jennifer Flynn of Vienna stopped by the Serbian Crown Restaurant Thursday, Aug. 23 because she had heard about the highly-rated cuisine. What she didn’t expect was the latest edition of Piano Jam, the restaurant’s monthly open mic night.
McLean Home Hosts Energy Audit
Energy Action Fairfax wraps up pilot program.
Members of Energy Action Fairfax hosted an energy audit party in McLean, Wednesday, Aug. 29, to show how energy efficiency can be achieved with a few simple steps at home. The event was the sixth audit this summer held in a residence, part of Energy Action Fairfax’s pilot program.
Shooting to Support Military Families
Will Thomas shoots 2,600 three-pointers over Labor Day weekend.
Early the morning of Saturday, Sept. 1, the gym at Stone Ridge School in Bethesda was occupied by only one person. Will Thomas, a rising eighth grader at Longfellow Middle School, dribbled his basketball twice, stepped back behind the three-point line and let a shot go. After it hit the front of the rim, popped up and fell through the net, Thomas retrieved his ball and headed back out to the three-point line: one down, 2,600 to go.
Beach Mill Bridge Postponed
Replacement of temporary bridge will begin June 2013.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has postponed the scheduled replacement of the bridge over Nichols Run on Beach Mill Road. Originally scheduled to close from Aug. 13 to December, construction has been pushed back, and will start after the 2012-13 school year lets out.
Analemma Raises Funds for Sundial
Sundial designer speaks at library on dial proposed for Observatory Park.
While most of the tools available at Observatory Park at Turner Farm are designed to look upward, there are plans for additional features on the ground as well. The Analemma Society, which hosts programs and facilities at Observatory Park, is raising funds to build a second sundial.
Teen Center Throws Block Party
Old Firehouse Teen Center hosts revamped annual event.
The Old Firehouse Teen Center in downtown McLean hosted their annual block party on Saturday, Aug. 25, opening up their center for a variety of activities. The event featured the second annual McLean Teens Got Talent variety show, contests between acts and other arts and crafts opportunities.
Great Falls Exxon Station to Close
Community concerned about losing one of two gas stations, TD Bank preparing application for site.
The Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike will cease pumping gas Sept. 1, and will cease all operations by March of next year. Starting Sept. 1, the underground fuel tanks will be removed, which will cease pumping gas. The current service operator will maintain services until February 2013, then they will move to the Shell service station across the street.
Community Meets at Old Brogue
Katie’s Coffee House, Cars and Coffee, traditional Irish fare are signatures of local restaurant.
On most Saturday mornings, Matt Borland of Falls Church is up before sunrise, washing and waxing his red and white 1965 Mustang. Though Saturday is only one of two mornings during the week Borland doesn’t have to be in Washington, D.C. by 8 a.m., he doesn’t mind getting up early, he has a purpose.
Great Falls Has Development Standards
Comprehensive plan, community involvement, designed to keep semi-rural character.
With an area of just under 18 square miles and one of the lowest densities in the county, Great Falls is designed to have a semi-rural character. The Great Falls Citizens Association, a non-partisan committee made up of residents, has as a primary goal to "preserve the historic, low density semi-rural character of Great Falls and its natural resources."
Main Street Envisioned for McLean
What is in store for downtown McLean?
While Tysons Corner is where most of the attention, construction and business headquarters are located, McLean’s actual downtown is a much more traditional downtown area. Home to local businesses and nationally acclaimed restaurants, McLean’s downtown is also undergoing some improvements of its own.
A Center of Community Life
McLean Community Center offers something for everybody.
Founded in 1970, the McLean Community Center aims to connect residents of almost every age and interest. It is funded by a tax district that collects 2.2 cents for every $100 of assessed real estate value in the district.
Langley Fork Master Plan Delayed
Park authority to conduct additional studies of 54-acre park.
The Fairfax County Park Authority has announced a delay in the master planning process for Langley Fork Park, a 54-acre site located just north of the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Dolley Madison Boulevard. The park, which contains two diamond fields, two rectangle fields, basketball courts and a fitness trail, is owned by the National Park Service.
MCA Seeks More Information on Tysons
County’s ‘Strawman’ plan missing key funding details, group says.
The McLean Citizens Association has expressed displeasure with the Fairfax County Planning Commission Tysons Corner’s set of recommendations for Tysons Corner redevelopment. The recommendations, called "Strawman," were released June 13, received public comment June 21 and were re-released July 18.
Nike Field to Handle 100-year Storm
Drainage in conjunction with turf field expected to hold 100-year storm.
In addition to adding synthetic turf to Nike Field #4, the Fairfax County Department of Environmental Services will add stormwater improvements to the area, which aim to help assuage local storm water drainage issues.
Pike Named to Historic Register
Virginia recognizes pike June 21, national register in progress.
In 1969, several community members came together to help preserve the Burling Tract, a 336-acre parcel of land, located just north of Georgetown Pike near the Beltway. More than 40 years later, the efforts of at least 140 local citizens have led to the road being placed in the Virginia Register of Historic Places, with the placement on the National Register soon to come.
Seeking A Sundial at Observatory Park
Analemma Society hosts lecture, fundraiser for sundial replica.
In 1371, Arab astronomer Ibn al-Shatir constructed a sundial at the Great Mosque in Damascus that was a pinnacle of scientific achievement. Almost 650 years later, members of the Analemma Society of Great Falls are hoping to bring a replica to Observatory Park at Turner Farm.
VDOT Unveils EZ-Pass Flex
New transponder will allow HOV access to 495 Express Lanes.
The Virginia Department of Transportation unveiled the EZ-Pass Flex Wednesday, July 25 in Tysons Corner. The new pass will allow users of the 495 Express Lanes, which are scheduled to open at the end of this year, to switch between tolled and toll-free (for vehicles with more than three people) use.
McLean Residents Discuss Helicopter Noise
Aviation officials discuss details of local helicopter routes.
As a resident of McLean Hamlet, located just west of the Beltway and Tysons Corner, Behram Shroff is used to the sounds of traffic on the streets. But the traffic above the neighborhood’s head, specifically helicopter flights, is another issue. He estimates eight to ten flights over the neighborhood per day, each one quite noticeable to the point of rattling windows and even lost internet connections.
Potomac Interceptor Project Begins
Odor abatement facility, pipeline rehabilitation planned for Great Falls.
Eastern Great Falls will be the site of a new odor abatement facility, part of the ongoing project from the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority
More Tree Troubles for Great Falls?
Tree falls, kills one, residents concerned about others.
A tree on Georgetown Pike at Oliver’s Corner in Great Falls fell over Tuesday, July 17, killing Albert Carl Roeth III while he was driving south at around 6:30 p.m.
Turf Field Slated for Nike Park
Project will look to increase usability, improve storm water management.
Nike Field number four is set to become the first artificial turf field in Great Falls, through a joint effort between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Great Falls Lacrosse Association and the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. In addition to allowing more playing time for local athletic groups, the project will also serve as part of the ongoing storm water management in the area.
Final Metro Span Laid in Tysons
Workers complete overhead bridges, move to laying track.
Workers from Bechtel Construction placed the final aerial span for Metrorail in Tysons Corner Tuesday morning, the last of 258 that will support trains as they make their way from Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue along Phase One of the Silver Line.
Fireworks Go Off at Turner Farm
Annual show was postponed from July 4.
While going a week without power meant no video games or television for Jeremie Johnson, 7, of Great Falls, it did some with one perk.
Senior Center Hosts Inaugural Event
Great Falls UMC hosts history presentation, vocal performance for local seniors.
The Great Falls Senior Center hosted its first event Tuesday, July 10 at the Great Falls United Methodist Church. The first iteration in the community using the center-without-walls concept (where local buildings host events on a rotating basis in lieu of a specifically designated building) featured a historical presentation, lunch and a performance by mezzo-soprano Heather Craw of Vienna.