Saturday, June 30
Severe Storms Rock Region; 1.5 Million Homes Without Power
Virginia Governor announces State of Emergency.
Following the aftermath of last night's surprise thunderstorms, many local residents woke up to significant amount of damage. Fallen trees and branches were spread across the area, and power outages were abundant.
Friday, June 29
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
June 29-July 6.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
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Wednesday, June 27
A Decision Time for Silver Line
Deadline approaches for Loudoun County Board vote on extending the rail into county.
Whoever coined the quip "like herding cats," must have had in mind the financing of the Dulles Rail Project. It requires getting consensus from two county boards of supervisors, Fairfax and Loudoun, the Federal government, the Virginia government and therefore the governor and state legislature and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority.
Summer’s in Session in Vienna
Fun abounds throughout town.
From toddler to teen, 20-something to Social Security, there are activities and events in Vienna to please any age demographic. Most, unbelievably, are free.
Vintage Baseball Game Draws Fans, History Buffs
Baseball played by 1864 rules comes to Vienna.
A Mid-Atlantic Vintage baseball tournament and living history exhibition on June 23 continued Vienna’s sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War.
CAR Hosts Flag Retirement
Worn flags disposed of on Flag Day.
On Flag Day, June 14, members of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR) presented a flag retirement ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.
Seven Troop 55 Boy Scouts Earn Eagle Scout
Completing over 150 merit badges and more than 2,100 requirements collectively, seven Troop 55 Boy Scouts achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Great Falls. Clayton Barber, Kyle Dear, Brad Hodge, Garrett Pan, Neil Patil, Grant Smith and John Studabaker joined the less than 2 percent of Boy Scouts who reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
Gang Task Force Receives $850,000
The fight against gang activity in Northern Virginia received a financial boost last week in the form of an $850,000 check from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund.
Column: A GAP In My Thinking
Recently, due to circumstances beyond my control, I was forced to buy a new car (in this instance, “new” means different, not a current model year). Estimated repairs at 137,000 miles that could have escalated into the unknown – and unaffordable – thousands compelled me to fish so I wouldn’t have my bait cut (and I don’t even like to fish).
Tuesday, June 26
Having Fun Along the Potomac
Riverbend, Great Falls Parks offer summer activities.
The Potomac River makes up the eastern border of Great Falls, and this summer the two parks located alongside it will be brimming with summer activities over the next few months, as Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park will host a variety of classes, trips and educational sessions.
Great Falls Couple Explore Local Day Trips
Beth and David Sansbury chronicle ‘52 Perfect Day Trips.’
Great Falls residents Beth and David Sansbury are no strangers to travel. The two of them count 67 countries they’ve visited. But after long careers in the CIA, they had enough of being cooped up in an office. So after retirement, they began spending their days outdoors pursuing their true passions: hiking, biking, kayaking and touring local attractions.
Enjoying Summer in McLean
Fourth of July, revamped Block Party highlight summer events.
This summer in McLean will start off with an annual celebration and conclude with a revamped version of one of the community’s signature youth events. The annual Fourth of July fireworks show will take place Wednesday, July 4 at Langley High School, with grounds opening up at 8 p.m.
Editorial: Case Closed. Why the Secrecy?
No reason for police to exercise "blanket" approach, shielding every document in every case.
Connection readers know that we respect and appreciate our public safety professionals.
Monday, June 25
Even in Closed Cases, Police Maintain Culture of Secrecy
Public must rely on information police agencies choose to share, even if it's wrong.
In December of 2008, the Fairfax Police Department chased 19-year-old Hailu Brook across the county line into Arlington and shot him dead.
Friday, June 22
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
June 22-29
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Thursday, June 21
Fairfax Board Objects to Governor’s Transit Funding Game
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed a regional letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton on Tuesday, June 19, objecting to the administration’s attempt to circumvent the efficient transit funding system used successfully in Northern Virginia for decades.
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Wednesday, June 20
Column: Where To Begin?
I realize this admission may sound weird, but having cancer is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I’m lucky to be alive, and quite happy about it, too. But waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. some bad cancer news to appear (lab work, scan, advisory from my oncologist), is tiresome because it’s always so worrisome.
Researching Colvin Run Road Properties
The Great Falls Historical Society Internship Program began its first session by examining the historical status of the Colvin Run Mill Overlay District and the Preliminary Information Form (PIF), prepared in 2005, to nominate a Colvin Run Road Historical District on the National Register of Historical Places, prepared and filed by Tanya E. Beauchamp, and found to be "deemed eligible.
First County Shelter Becoming ‘Residences at Mondloch’
Mondloch House undergoes renovation, will include 20 affordable housing units.
Fairfax County’s focus on ending homelessness took a step forward this month when the county began renovating its first ever homeless shelter - Mondloch House - to increase housing opportunities for single adults.
Supporting Local Schools
Celebrate Great Falls raises more than $18,000 for local elementary schools.
Members of Celebrate Great Falls presented a check for $18,125 to members of the Forestville, Colvin Run and Great Falls Elementary Schools. The money, which was raised at the annual golf tournament Monday, June 4, puts the total donated to local schools from the golf tournament at more than $98,000 in the last five years.
Share Hosts Benefit Concert
Local musicians play to support local nonprofit.
Charles Wesley United Methodist Church hosted their third annual benefit concert for Share of McLean, a local nonprofit that assists the needy in the McLean area. Share’s five-fold mission includes a food pantry, clothing room, transportation to medical appointments, family assistance in the form of rent or utility payments and furniture delivery.
Highlander Class of 2012 Graduates
McLean High School says farewell to 428 seniors.
The 428 members of the McLean High School Class of 2012 gathered for the final time at DAR Constitution Hall Thursday, June 14 for the school’s annual commencement ceremony. The students donned their red caps and gowns to celebrate the end of their time at McLean High and to celebrate their future.
McLean Rotary Names Business Person of Year
Christopher Fay recognized for efforts with Homestretch.
The McLean Rotary Club named its Business Person of the Year during their Tuesday, June 12 meeting, honoring Christopher Fay of Homestretch, a Falls Church-based nonprofit that provides homeless families with the ability to secure permanent housing, as well as obtain the skills needed to obtain self-sufficiency.
Langley Class of 2012 Graduates
School graduates 486 seniors.
Almost 500 seniors graduated from Langley High School Thursday, June 14 at DAR Constitution Hall. The Class of 2012 sent 486 seniors across the platform, with most looking ready and eager to take on the next phase of their lives.
Tuesday, June 19
Making the Most of Summer
Advice for planning warm weather activities for children.
"I’m bored, there’s nothing to do," is a phrase often uttered by children during the summer. The end of the school year leaves many parents scrambling for activities to keep their young ones active and stimulated. Experts say it is important to plan activities to keep children safe and out of trouble.
Editorial: Summer Projects
Reader input needed for community guides, Pet Connection.
The summer is in full swing at the Connection, with many interns and staff members focused on some light and some more serious summer projects.
Monday, June 18
Saxons Compete in Boys', Girls' State Lax Finals
Langley boys capture fourth straight crown; Langley girls fall in title game loss to Oakton.
The chant from the Langley High student body began with about four minutes remaining in last Saturday night's Virginia State Boys Lacrosse championship game at Westfield High School between the Saxons of Langley and Chantilly High. "It's a Fourth-Peat, it's a fourth-peat," is the way the chant went, reverberating from the near-side bleachers, where the large group of Saxon student supporters were perched, and throughout the stadium.
Great Falls Home Sales: May, 2012
In May 2012, 25 Great Falls homes sold between $3,462,000-$477,000.
Great Falls Home Sales in May, 2012
Friday, June 15
Father's Day Photo Gallery 2012
We asked our readers to send in pictures in honor of Father's Day on Sunday, June 17. Here are their submissions.
Thursday, June 14
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
June 15-22.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Langley Soccer Reaches Region Semifinals
Saxons defeat T.C. Williams, 1-0, in quarterfinals.
The Langley boys’ soccer team fought an uphill battle against T.C. Williams and the Titans’ spirited home crowd during the regional quarterfinals on May 24. But thanks to the defense of Rhys Howard and a goal from striker Justin Galiani, the Saxons found a way to advance.
Wednesday, June 13
Welcoming the Dragon
Great Falls Elementary School hosts annual performance of "The Enormous Turnip."
The students in the Japanese Immersion Program at Great Falls Elementary School held their annual performance of "The Enormous Turnip" Friday, June 8. Based on a Russian fairy tale, the story is about a farmer who recruits an assortment of characters to help him remove an enormous turnip from the ground.
Jones Strives to Personalize Patient Care
Concierge Principal Medical Group celebrates one year in McLean.
Working in a hospital, Dr. David Jones was able to see firsthand the delays and inconveniences of many current medical practices. So he decided to go, in his words, "back to the way medicine was 30, 40 years ago," and started a concierge practice in McLean a year ago. On Thursday, June 7, Jones celebrated one year in business with the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce at his Beverly Road Office.
SCC Honors Partners
Coalition recognizes volunteers, officials for efforts over past school year.
The Safe Community Coalition honored dozens of individuals and organizations at their annual members meeting Tuesday, June 5 at the McLean Community Center. The primarily volunteer-run organization coordinates various activities and events designed to raise awareness of issues faced by youths, mostly in the Langley and McLean High School pyramids.
Planning for Tysons Future
Officials provide update on Tysons redevelopment, 495 Express lanes, Metro Silver Line.
This month marks two years since the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for Tysons Corner. The plan is aimed at making Tysons into an urban center, which Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova says will bring in 100,000 residents and 200,000 jobs by 2050.
Latest Downtown Revitalization Project Breaks Ground
Project will place overhead utility wires underground at intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road.
Local county and business officials gathered at the peninsula at the intersection of Elm Street, Old Dominion Drive and Chain Bridge Road Thursday, June 7 to break ground on an underground utility project that is a major step in the revitalization of downtown McLean. The project will place underground all electric and communications lines from the Shell station at the intersection west on Old Dominion Drive and from the Starbucks to the McLean Cleaners along Chain Bridge Road.
Local Art Supports Local Charity
Langley senior organization charity art sale.
Langley High School senior Gabriella Jacobsen has always been interested in art. Art runs in her family, through her grandmother and mother, and while Jacobsen enjoys creating art as well, she’s also interested in the practical side. She used this side Saturday, June 9 to hold a charity art sale at Langley to benefit the Gandhi Brigade, a Maryland-based nonprofit.
Connecting to Their Community
Langley High School Community Service Club celebrates first year.
The Langley High School Community Service Club celebrated their first year of existence Friday, June 8 at The Old Brogue. Club members volunteered at 11 different events for a total of more than 300 hours around the area during the year, from helping pack meals for the homeless to spending time with the residents of Vinson Hall, a nursing home.
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Editorial: Partnerships That Make a Difference
Strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, benefit public good and fill gaps since government cannot do it all.
A few weeks ago, the Connection was lucky enough to be included in a group of Fairfax County organizations honored for their efforts in giving back to the community.
Staving Off Mosquitoes
Chemical-free methods for controlling backyard pests.
Nothing spoils a backyard barbecue like a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. How does one keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals? Local experts offer tips.
Trends in Landscape Design
Local tastemakers offer suggestions for making the most of backyard space.
Whether creating a tapestry of bold colors, a sanctuary to escape stress or simply a low maintenance landscape, local designers say taking a backyard from dull to dazzling is easier than one might think, and offer insight into hottest landscape elements as well as trends in sustainable design.
Displaying Artwork of the Year
On June 6 Cooper Middle School had their art show put on by Nadene Wright's Art Extensions class. Each student created and wore a t-shirt inspired by the artist that most inspires them and displayed their top works of the year.
Local Girl Scout Troop Celebrates 100 years in Girl Scouts at Madame Tussauds
On May 9, Great Falls’ Cadette Girl Scout Troop 1111 was honored to join the president and the CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC) to unveil a lifelike wax figure of the pioneering woman who founded the Girl Scouts 100 years ago, Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low.
Column: Apparent, Now More Than Ever
I last celebrated my father’s day six years ago, in 2006. Six months later, in early December, he finally succumbed to that which had been ailing him: old age for sure, the effects of two strokes for certain and the realization that it was, as we like to say in our family: “Enough already.”
Rescued at Great Falls Park
Dramatic rescue highlights the dangers around the falls.
The swift, chopping sound of helicopter blades filled the air above Great Falls Park on Friday as a team of rescuers worked diligently to rescue a stranded kayaker from the river.
Grisdela Exhibits Contemporary Art Quilt at Great Falls Library
Cindy Grisdela, a contemporary art quilter, has an exhibit of her work at the Great Falls Library through June 30. The exhibit, titled "Improvisations in Color," showcases Grisdela’s use of vibrant color and bold graphic design to create unique textile art.
The Father Factor
Fairfax County’s "Fathers In Touch" program teaches men how to be fathers.
Calvin Robertson slams his fist down on the table and barks instructions to the 11 fathers seated around the table at the South Gate Community Center in Reston.
Learning from His Father’s Mistakes
Growing up estranged from his own father, one man decides to give his sons a different life.
Wanting the best for my two sons yet having concerns about raising them properly, my wife and I looked into various parenting education programs offered through Fairfax County. This is how I discovered the Fathers In Touch Program.
Saturday, June 9
Langley Girls Get Early Lead; Defeat Battlefield in State Lax Semis
Saxons set to play Northern Region opponent Oakton in Saturday state finals at Westfield.
The Langley High girls lacrosse team jumped to an early 5-0 lead against Battlefield High (Haymarket) in the first game of the VHSL State Tournament semifinals last Tuesday night, June 5 at Westfield High School and cruised to an 11-6 win.
Thursday, June 7
Successful Season Concludes for Langley Baseball
Saxons reach region finals before losing to Spartans.
A remarkable Langley High baseball season which saw the Saxons go from a team struggling to play .500 baseball at the midseason mark to one of the Northern Region's elite teams came to an end last Wednesday night, May 30. Langley, in a region tournament semifinals playoff game versus perennial power West Springfield, fell behind early and was never able to get back into striking distance in a 7-1 season-ending defeat. The postseason affair took place at James Madison High School in Vienna.
Saxon girls' Tennis Team Captures State Title
Langley finishes remarkable 2012 season unbeaten.
The Langley High girls' tennis team, this year's Northern Region champions, defeated Cosby High School (Midlothian), 5-0, on Tuesday, May 29 in a first round Virginia State AAA tournament match. The postseason competition took place at Langley during the school day. Numerous Saxon students were able to enjoy some of the match action during their lunch breaks.
Langley Girls Tennis Wins State Championship
Saxons defeat Mills Godwin in finals.
The Langley High girls tennis team completed an unbeaten season this past Saturday, June 2 by besting previously undefeated Mills Godwin (Richmond), 5-3, in the Virginia State AAA finals at Huntington Park in Newport News.
Wednesday, June 6
The Power of Touch
Reiki masters credit the practice with promoting healing.
"May I touch you?" asks Marion Werner, a willowy woman with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her hands descend lightly on her patient’s chest.
Editorial: Primary Voting
Statewide primary on Tuesday, June 12.
On Tuesday, June 12, Virginia will hold a statewide Republican primary for U.S. Senate, plus numerous more local primaries for U.S. House of Representatives and localities.
Celebrating Women’s Rights
Ann Dexter Gordon receives 2012 Silent Sentinel Award in Vienna.
Women’s history was front and center in Vienna last week at a gala reception announcing the 2012 recipient of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Silent Sentinel Award.
Langley HS Orchestra Pops Concert Thursday
The Langley HS Orchestra presents its annual pops concert on Thursday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in the Langley HS auditorium. With the theme of "Villains and Gangsters," the concert will include music from "The Godfather," "Psycho," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Phantom of the Opera," and "How to Train Your Dragon."
Langley Student Recognized for Math Tutoring
Students from Langley High School have been volunteering with non profit organization, National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP), as math tutors to underserved students from around the country. Vishal Erabelli, from Langley High School, was named as the Tutor of the Week this passed school year for NSTEP’s Study Buddy program. Vishal was selected for this distinction due to exemplary tutoring sessions with struggling, underserved math students.
Mollie Vardell Exhibits at Katie's Coffee House
Local artist Mollie Vardell’s new solo show, titled "Artful Places," will be held the month of June at Katie's Coffee House adjacent to the Old Brogue Pub in Great Falls.
Great Falls Rotary Hosts German Ambassador
On June 1 the Rotary Club of Great Falls launched its Ambassador Dinner Series. The guest speaker for the inaugural event was Germany’s Ambassador to the United States, Peter Ammon.
Letter: Inspiring Example
At this time of year, in late May, when the forsythia, azaleas and native dogwoods have sequentially lost their spring blooms, and I drive through our community of Great Falls, I see the magnificent Kousa Dogwood trees still bedecked in their white robes. The native flowers pass the torch to the Kousa in late May, which bloom through Memorial Day on into early summer. Just look around town and you will know them.
At Forestville, Odyssey Comes Home
Forestville Elementary team brings back Odyssey of the Mind title in spontaneity.
The students of Forestville Elementary School lined up behind the school on Thursday, May 31, waving signs emblazoned with the word "Congrats!" written in every fancy lettering and color. Bumping and nudging one another, they weren’t just excited to be out of class that morning.
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Great Falls Troop 1991 Bronze Recipients
Great Falls Junior Girl Scout Troop 1991 members Isabelle Saba, Nicole Haley, Eliza Pastore, Ale Van Scoyoc, Julianna Grimson and Jacqueline Grimson received the Bronze Award at a ceremony on May 24 at Christ the King Church in Great Falls. The Bronze Award is the highest award in Junior Girl Scouts.
Column: Haven’t I Learned Anything?
I’m not going to beat myself up too badly; after all, I do have terminal cancer. However, I am disappointed in my behavior of late, especially as it relates to my status as a still-active (thank God!) cancer patient/survivor undergoing treatment.
Tuesday, June 5
Great Falls Kicks off Summer on the Green
June Fest leads into first edition of annual Concerts on the Green.
Celebrate Great Falls hosted the inaugural edition of June Fest, a spring festival at the Great Falls Village Centre that featured local businesses, organizations and carnival games and rides. Celebrate Great Falls re-christened their festival June Fest this year, to avoid confusion with the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Optimists.
Langley Alumni Gather on the Diamond
Alumni defeat varsity 10-9 in first ever match.
Members of Celebrate Great Falls and other residents spent the weekend taking part in traditions old and new, bringing together old and young as part of the first Great Falls Days events.
Farmers Market Going Strong in New Location
Weekly market features locally grown produce, meats, beauty products.
Every Saturday morning the Great Falls Farmers Market offers fresh produce and other unique, homemade goods, of which many come directly from Great Falls itself. Now located at the Great Falls Village Centre (in the parking lot next to Wells Fargo) every Saturday, it features a variety of vendors both returning and new.
Sweet Filling For Empty Bowls
McLean community picks up bowls for fundraiser.
Members of the McLean High School community returned to the school Thursday, May 31 to pick up hundreds of bowls they made last March and to help raise funds to combat worldwide hunger. On March 1, students, families and school staff came to make bowls out of one-pound lumps of clay, and after months of work from the school’s ceramics students, those bowls and more were available for a donation to Stop Hunger Now.
MPA Paints in the Park
Children, professional artists celebrate McLean Project for the Arts’ 50th anniversary.
As part of their celebration of 50 years in existence, the McLean Project for the Arts hosted a "Painting in the Park" exhibition Sunday, June 3 in McLean Central Park. The community’s youngest artists were invited out to help make cupcakes out of clay and other crafts, while the professional artists were invited to take advantage of whatever inspiration the clear, sunny day had to offer.
Langley Girls Lacrosse Powers Way to State Semis With Win Over Woodgrove
Saxons ready to take on Battlefield High in semifinals Wednesday at Westfield.
The Langley High girls lacrosse team moved into the semifinals of the Virginia High School League state championship tournament with a convincing 13-7 win over the Northern AA champion Woodgrove Wolverines last Saturday. The Lady Saxons opened a 7-3 halftime lead and never looked back against the overmatched host team. Keying a balanced attack, junior Rachel Wagner broke out with a season-high four-goal outing, while senior co-captain Kelly Martins and junior Olivia Sisson chipped in two apiece.
Langley Defeats Dominion, 18-5, in Boys Lacrosse State Quarterfinal
Saxons set for semis meeting with E.C. Glass on Wednesday.
A squadron of Saxons - 10 players in all - got name and number in the scoring ledger last Saturday, June 2 in a comfortable 18-5 Saxons’ win over the Dominion Titans (13-8) in a quarterfinal engagement of the VHSL State Playoffs in boys lacrosse at Langley.
Langley Defeats Dominion, 18-5, in Boys Lacrosse State Quarterfinal
Saxons set for semis meeting with E.C. Glass on Wednesday.
A squadron of Saxons - 10 players in all - got name and number in the scoring ledger last Saturday, June 2 in a comfortable 18-5 Saxons’ win over the Dominion Titans (13-8) in a quarterfinal engagement of the VHSL State Playoffs in boys lacrosse at Langley.
Friday, June 1
Weather Alert: Fairfax County, Entire National Capital Area (Friday, June 1, 2012)
Severe Weather to Impact Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.