Wednesday, June 26
Column: No Shame in Crying
Nor is it a crying shame. But something has changed, dare I say affected my tear duct production. I can’t say with certainty – or even specify a particular moment in time for sure – when the tears began to flow more easily, but I’ll guess the change occurred sometime on or around February 27, 2009, the day I first met my oncologist; the day I was diagnosed with a terminal disease, stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), “prognosed” to live 13 months to two years. If that kind of shocking, terminal-type news doesn’t upset your apple cart – permanently, “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din.” And so it has, as reflected in my frequent “salty discharge” (to quote Jerry Seinfeld).
Editorial: Ready for Your Pet’s Close-up?
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish July 24. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
New Bicycle Signs Dedicated in Downtown McLean
Signs placed to aid cyclists and walkers through downtown McLean.
Fairfax County staff joined with bicycling advocates in downtown McLean Thursday, June 20, to celebrate the installation of several bicycle wayfinding signs. The signs give directions to bicyclists and pedestrians throughout downtown McLean to community landmarks such as the McLean Community Center, and W&OD Trail.
GFCA Hosts Groundwater Contamination Discussion
Lawyer speaks on experiences with groundwater contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association hosted Matt Pawa, an attorney with experience dealing with groundwater contamination Thursday, June 20.
Tuesday, June 25
Local Artist to Exhibit Beach Series At Katie’s Coffee House
Local artist Jane Rader will be exhibiting her “Beach Series” photographs at Katie’s Coffee House at 760 Walker Road in Great Falls during the month of July. The digital images on canvas feature beach scenes in a contemporary, impressionistic style. As a painter and graphic designer, Rader’s soft focus style of photography allows the artist to paint with her camera. Her beach series was photographed in 2010 along the coast of Virginia.
Paving ‘Virginia’s Road to the Future’
Transportation Authority solicits public input on first year of proposed projects.
City Hall in the City of Fairfax was the location of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) June 20 Open House and Public Hearing, seeking public opinion on proposed regional transportation projects. The Authority was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2002 to provide a common voice for all Northern Virginia stakeholders on transportation and related issues. The Authority is made up of representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park, and one representative for the towns of Herndon, Leesburg, Purcellville, Dumfries and Vienna. The group also includes several members of the Virginia Assembly, governor appointees and non-voting representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
Week in Great Falls
Starshine Theater to Present Summer Camp Production
Starshine Theater of Great Falls is enrolling student actors, singers and dancers, ages 6 through 19, for its 20th annual summer camp production. This July, the student cast presents the original musical drama, "The Dragons of Darkmoor: How Magic Came Into The World."
Monday, June 24
Housing’s Roaring Rebound?
Pent-up demand creates seller’s market for Northern Virginia real estate.
In February, Patricia Stack, a broker with Weichert Realtors, held an open house for a single-family home for sale in Vienna just listed for $739,000. Within three hours, more than 70 people toured the home.
Thursday, June 20
Classified Advertising June 19, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, June 19
Express Lanes Construction Could Impact Travel on I-95
As the construction on the 95 Express Lanes project increases over the summer, motorists traveling to Virginia Beach, the Outer Banks in North Carolina as well as other points south should be aware that the HOV lanes will be closed overnight on weekdays and occasional weekends throughout the summer, and there will be intermittent lane closures overnight for steel erection and other work, making travel on the general purpose lanes challenging. In addition to the 95 Express Lanes project, there is also a shoulder improvement project underway on I-95 in Prince William County and a BRAC-related ramp work from the HOV lanes to the Fort Belvoir North Area that may impact travel.
Wolf Announces Appointments to the Nation’s Service Academies
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2017 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for academy prep schools. Those appointed to the United States Air Force Academy from our area include: Katherine Fitzgerald, Great Falls, Langley; United States Marine Merchant Academy: Rachel Wehlburg, Herndon, Chantilly; United States Military Academy: Phillip Grant, Herndon, Westfield; Patrick Kearney, McLean, Langley; United States Naval Academy: Lucia Lee, Herndon, Thomas Jefferson; Catherine Macklin, McLean, Langley; United States Coast Guard Academy: Alex LaBelle, Great Falls, Langley; Sierra Webb, Great Falls, Langley.
Week in Fairfax
Fair Oaks Townhouse Fire
Fire officials say a blaze last week at a Fair Oaks townhouse caused an estimated $50,000 damage. The single-family home is at 4815 Green Duck Lane, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Ryan Cheng Receives Award, Langley Rowers Honored
Ryan Cheng, Langley rower and graduating senior, received the Hillary J. Fein Spirit Award for the “athlete who best embodies the true spirit and passion for crew.” This honor is awarded every year by Langley crew to honor the memory of Hillary Fein, Langley Class of 1999. Fein was a dedicated member of the Langley crew team who died in 2000.
Tuesday, June 18
McLean Central Park Draft Plan Presented
Draft plan features new access points, amphitheater.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented a draft of the Master Plan revision for McLean Central Park Monday, June 8 at the McLean Community Center.
Great Falls Elementary School Students Heading to Japan
Great Falls Elementary students take two-week trip to Japan.
Several Great Falls Elementary students will be spending the first part of their summer vacation in Japan, as part of an exchange program. While on the trip, they will visit various locales in the country, including a visit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
CAR Hosts Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Great Falls
More than 60 worn and damaged flags "retired" June 14.
While the burning of the American flag is often used as a form of protest or rejection of what it stands for, the United States Code also says that burning is the proper way to dispose of damaged or worn flags.
Great Falls Elementary Schools Receive Donations
Celebrate Great Falls donates to three local elementary schools.
Celebrate Great Falls presented the parent teacher groups for the three Great Falls elementary schools, Colvin Run, Forestville and Great Falls, a check for $7,104.46 Tuesday, June 11.
Update on Proposed Great Falls TD Bank
Final submission to county planning commission made.
Representatives for TD Bank presented the latest on the proposed Great Falls branch, which would be located at the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. This was the sixth such meeting hosted by the Great Falls Citizens Association.
Viewpoints: Langley High School Graduation
Where Are You Going Next and Where Do You See Yourself in 10 years?
Graduates of Langley High School talk about their future on their graduation day.
Saying Goodbye at Langley
‘Selfless’ Class of 2013 has no problem with the delay.
The 469 graduates in Langley High School’s Class of 2013 had to wait before they could walk across the stage in Constitution Hall to receive their long coveted diplomas. On the Thursday morning of June 13, when potential torrential rainstorms moved swiftly in the Washington D.C. area, a tardy bus delayed the ceremonies 16 minutes.
Wolf Announces Appointments to the Nation’s Service Academies
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2017 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for Academy prep schools.
Father’s Day at Colvin Run Mill
For over 20 years, Colvin Run Mill has organized a special Father’s Day program for children and their fathers. “A day of fun on a kid’s budget,” is their motto for the event. On Sunday, June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., the park welcomed Northern Virginia Carvers to the park to teach free wood carving lessons. When the fathers come they are given a tour of the mill, and can watch the mill’s grinding process.
Swimming to Beat Cancer
Paula Alford of Great Falls uses swimming as a weapon. She's a participant in the annual Swim Across America Greenwich-Stamford open water swim, slated for Saturday, June 22 in Stamford, Conn.
Great Falls Furniture Designers Open in Merrifield
Design and manufacturing company Willem Smith celebrates opening.
The Washington, D.C. area's furniture design and manufacturing company, Willem Smith, located for the last seven years in the Washington Design Center, has now come to Merrifield. The showroom is open to both the public and the trade, and features the work of owners and Great Falls residents John and Mary Smith. The couple and design team hosted a private opening party in their Merrifield showroom on Saturday, June 8, for friends and family, many of whom came from Great Falls for the event. An opening for the design community is upcoming.
Great Falls Senior Center Hosts Local Artists for ‘Photography for Seniors’
The Great Falls Senior Center’s July event brings together local photographers from Great Falls Studios to engage guests in what makes a winning photographic image.
Knudsen Elected Great Falls Citizens Association President
Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) elections were held June 11 for the term commencing July 1. The new president, Eric Knudsen, an IT executive and consultant and a Great Falls resident since 1980, has served on the board for eight years, including two as vice-president and five as an active successful Transportation Committee co-chair. The next vice-president, Bill Canis, a motor vehicle industry analyst for the Library of Congress, is co-chair of GFCA Environment, Parks, and Trails Committee and organized the GF Heritage Tree Census, which identified over 150 different trees. David Kondner and Debbie Copito were re-elected treasurer and secretary. Jackie Taylor will replace Ralph Apton as the non-elected immediate past president.
Thursday, June 13
Classified Advertising June 12, 2013
Read the lastest ads here!
Column: Full Circle
I hope it’s not a wrap though. I’d like to continue rolling along just like I rolled into college in late August, 1972, matriculating to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland. Oddly/coincidentally enough, there have been and continue to be some recent occurrences in my life that hearken back to yesteryear, the olden days of the early 1970s, when I freshmen-oriented myself to a major university for the first time.
Rock the Pink at Occoquan
The two day event featured over one hundred teams, with hundreds of players participating in the fundraiser. The goal was to raise $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Wednesday, June 12
On the Campaign Trail
Turnout for Tuesday's primary was abysmally low, with only 140,000 participating in the voting.
Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards
McLean, Langley, Madeira honored.
Local schools brought home half a dozen awards among them at the 14th annual Cappies Gala, Sunday night, June 9, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. McLean High won three; Langley, two; and Madeira, one. Robinson Secondary captured the Best Musical honor for “Hairspray,” and Madison won the Best Play award for “Lend Me a Tenor.”
Establishment Wins Democratic Primary
State senators beat out first-time candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Two first-time candidates had a hard time beating back the establishment this week, as two state senators won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor and attorney general Tuesday night.
Fairfax Celebrated
The Celebrate Fairfax Festival on June 8 gave a wide variety of fun exhibits and activities for everyone, human and non-human alike.
MedStar Opens McLean Rehabilitation Facility
New site aims to be "one stop shop" for rehabilitation.
MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital Network has opened a new outpatient facility in downtown McLean. The facility aims to provide complete care for both orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation needs.
Dranesville Lord, Lady Honored
Bob Hahne, Wendy Gradison honored by supervisors.
Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) named two McLean residents, Robert Hahne and Wendy Gradison, 2013 Lord and Lady Fairfax for his district. The annual recognition highlights local residents for their community service.
Reel Potential Finds Motivation in the Movies
Scott DiGiammarino uses film clips to get message across.
Great Falls resident Scott DiGiammarino knows the power of movies. In his recent TED Talk at TEDx Rock Creek Park, entitled "Why Movies Move Us," he spoke about the impact movies have, and the neuroscience behind it.
Growing up With Baseball in Great Falls
Langley senior Bryan Even to play Division II baseball next year.
Growing up in Great Falls, Langley High School senior Bryan Even found his second home on the diamond. He started his career with Great Falls Little League, where he found inspiration every opening day from the members of the Langley Saxons varsity team.
Tuesday, June 11
Langley Orchestra Presents Western Concert
The end of the year concert is a night filled with country-style outfits, tunes from the Old West, and plenty of spirit.
Langley Orchestra ended a year of great concerts with their Western concert on Tuesday, June 4.
Youth Inspire Invites Independent Projects Proposals
Youth Inspire, a local non-profit organization run by Langley High School students, is primarily a movement focused on providing support to pediatric cancer patients around the world.
Langley Orchestra Presents Final Concert
The Langley High School Orchestra presented its final concert of the school year on June 4 in the Langley HS Auditorium. Directed by Dr. Scott McCormick and Ms. Bo-Min Son, "Blazing Bows of the West" featured music from iconic Western movies and music with an American theme.
Mission Control at Colvin Run
The children communicated with NASA’s Mission Control via a live broadcast televised on NASA TV. The students generated a wide range of questions and asked them directly to ISS CapCom and Chief Engineer Hal Getzelman of the ISS Mission Control Center.
Great Falls Studios Artists Exhibit at the Great Falls Library
Cindy Grisdela, member of the board and chair of the GFS Exhibits Committee says, “The Great Falls Studios member show is an opportunity to see the talents of neighbors and friends in our community. From realistic images in photos and paintings to abstract colors studies, there is something for everyone.”
‘Seussical’ at Forestville
Forestville Elementary School's fifth and sixth grade musical, “Seussical,” played last weekend to sold out houses.
Great Falls Studios Online Gallery Features ‘Inner Realms’
Pull up a chair and travel into the “Inner Realms,” a place deep within the spirit, heart or soul, sometimes hidden in plain sight, and the featured theme for June at Great Falls Studios’ Virtual Gallery.
Wednesday, June 5
‘Age in Place’ to Satisfy Evolving Needs
A common “aging in place” transition involves adding an accessible master suite to the first floor.
Many couples are seizing the opportunity to transform their beloved home into a space that fits their specific short- and long-term needs.
Reston Community Center Indoor Facility Study Unveiled
Proposed new facility would have pool, fitness features.
The Reston Community Center Board of Governors Long-Range Planning Committee heard the results of the latest study on a possible indoor recreation facility Monday, June 3.
Langley Alumni Face Off Against Varsity
Second annual Langley Alumni Baseball Game held at Nike Field.
The Langley High School varsity baseball team squared off against its past self Sunday, June 2 at Nike Field, as the current team took on a team made up of alumni for the second straight year.
Tuesday, June 4
And the Winners Are …
Cappies Gala on Sunday, June 9, at Kennedy Center.
The 14th Annual Cappies Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, in the 2,400-seat Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Great Falls Everton Wins the Dynamo Capital Cup
On Memorial Day weekend, the Great Falls Soccer Club (GFSC) Everton (U12 Boys) competed in the Dynamo Capital Cup in Richmond, and brought home the championship trophy. What made this championship even sweeter was winning the U12 11 versus 11 bracket. This was the first time the Everton has competed in a 11v11 tournament (usually reserved for U13 and above).
Experiencing All-American Football Camp
Local players gain exposure to college coaches during camp and develop skills for football and life.
Over the past two years, over 100 athletes who have attended the camp are playing NCAA football, including 48 who received Division I scholarships in 2012.
Commentary: Respecting Parents’ Roles
Parental notice is key to school discipline reform.
Most Fairfax County parents assume that they will be called before their child is questioned for something that could ruin their academic career, just as they are when their kid is sick or injured. That is not the case.
Monday, June 3
Brief: Honoring Tony Blankley
At the Great Falls Memorial Day Ceremony last week, Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) presented the family of Tony Blankley, a Great Falls resident and member of the Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial, who passed away in January 2012, the resolution honoring his legacy as a longtime Great Falls resident and a friend of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.
Week in Great Falls June 5, 2013
Starshine Theater to Hold Audition Workshop
Starshine Theater!TM of Great Falls presents: "How to Audition for a Stage Show," for ages 6 through 18.
Brief: Great Falls Village Starbucks Hosts Live Radio Show
Princess Aliyah hosts “Leopards on the Prowl” on Wolf Spirit Radio every other Tuesday from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Village Starbucks.
Artist Karen Bateman Brings the Outdoors in at Katie’s
Virginia painter Karen Bateman is the featured guest artist at Katie’s Coffee House in Great Falls for the month of June in an exhibit entitled “Water Everywhere.” The artist creates oil paintings
Forestville Principal to Retire
Forestville Elementary Principal Matt Harris will retire on June 28. He has been with Forestville for more than nine years and with Fairfax County Public Schools for 32 years.
Brief: Reston Hospital Center Awards County Students Scholarships
Reston Hospital Center awarded scholarships to 11 Fairfax County High School seniors in recognition of their academic excellence and excitement for pursuing a career in healthcare.