Thursday, May 30
Editorial: Don’t Be Among the Missing
Last time Virginia elected a governor, 1.7 million voters failed to vote after voting the previous year.
In 2008, 74.5 percent of Virginia’s registered voters turned out to vote in the presidential election. In 2009, the last time Virginians elected a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and members of the House of Delegates, just 40.4 percent of registered voters came out to vote.
Wednesday, May 29
Classified Advertising May 29, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Summer Fun in Fairfax
The Herndon Festival, Relay for Life and Springfield Days/Party in the Park are only a few of the events taking place in the summer of 2013.
Column: Airing on the Side of Caution
I don’t think I’m asking too much. I’m not asking for a pony or long life; just a typical life. Unfortunately “typical” might be more statistical than realistic – at least for someone with an incurable disease, which was how my oncologist originally described my lung cancer diagnosis.
Fun Ways To Keep Learning in Summer
As summer vacation begins in a few weeks, some parents are scrambling for activities to fill the days for their children. Often that means summer vacations and trips to the pool or the park. Education experts say even in the midst of summer fun, it is important to ensure that children don’t lose the skills they’ve learned during the academic year. However, they say relaxing and having fun are equally important, and suggest a myriad of stealthy tricks that parents can employ for laid-back learning all summer long.
Unconventional Camp Ideas
Suggestions for parents still searching for summer activities
Lauralie Kennedy has been knee-deep in frantic online searches. School ends next month and the Alexandria mother has yet to enroll her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter in summer camp. “I just haven’t put together a plan yet,” she said. “I have a spread sheet with all of the things I’d like for them to do, but I haven’t done anything with it. I am hoping that there will be slots open somewhere.”
100 New Citizens Sworn In
Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova, Delegate Keam participate in naturalization ceremony in Fairfax.
The new citizens, accompanied by many family members, filled the Government Center's auditorium for the naturalization ceremony held by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Congressman Connolly, Chairman Bulova and Delegate Keam addressed the group, each describing in their words what it meant to be an American.
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Brief:Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs.
Governor Bob McDonnell announced last week that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 28
Langley Chorus Presents Spring Show
Annual concert to feature pop hits through the decades.
The Langley High School chorus has explored on and off-Broadway, as well as Disney for their annual spring show in years past. This year they will take a trip through the decades, exploring pop music throughout its history with “Get On Your Feet: Pop Music Through the Decades.”
Local Student to Receive Statewide Award
A Floris fifth-grader honored for excellence in math.
A Floris Elementary School fifth-grader has been selected as the Virginia recipient of the Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award by the National Association of Gifted Children.
Celebrating Partnerships
Fairfax County, FCPS honor 12 public-private partners during awards ceremony.
He envisioned a service project, contacted Fairfax County Public Library staff to gauge interest, and put the wheels in motion to create a program where older students offer tutoring to younger students in communities where there is a significant need.
Brief: Great Falls Studios Celebrates a Decade of Art
Established in 2003, Great Falls Studios is a consortium of more than 100 artists living or working in Great Falls, representing a diverse group of painters, potters, jewelry makers, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers and other artists and a variety of media, each working in studio spaces scattered throughout the back roads of scenic Great Falls.
Seymour Foundation Seeks to Save
Life-saving device donated to the Great Falls Little League
During a Great Falls Little League game on Saturday, May 18, the Adam P. Seymour Foundation donated an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to the Great Falls Little League as part of the foundation’s commitment to providing AEDs to organizations and schools that do not have the medical device .
Viewpoints
What is Your Favorite Place or Way to Have Fun in the Summer?
What is Your Favorite Place or Way to Have Fun in the Summer?
Brief: Karen Bateman Art Exhibit
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 en plein air, a French expression for "in the open air." This style of painting was popularized by the Impressionists in the late 1800s who set themselves apart from the academic realism taught in conventional enclosed, indoor artist studios.
Summer Fun in Great Falls
Concerts on the Green, Fourth of July Celebration highlight summer events.
As summer comes to Great Falls, so do several of the area’s signature events that bring the community together for summer fun. Starting June 2, the annual Summer Concerts on the Green will begin at the Great Falls Village Centre.
Great Falls Marks Memorial Day
Annual ceremony pays tribute to veterans past and present.
Retired Lt. Gen. Norman H. Smith was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps in December 1955, more than 10 years after the Battle of Iwo Jima. But 68 years later, he accompanied 14 surviving veterans to the Japanese island, and he was struck by the stories he heard.
Annual Golf Tournament Set for June 3
Proceeds will go to parent teacher groups for local elementary schools.
Celebrate Great Falls will host its annual golf tournament Monday, June 3 at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston. The event serves as a fundraiser for Great Falls, Colvin Run and Forestville Elementary Schools, and has raised more than $98,000 for the schools.
Riverbend Receives Intern Funding
Friends of Riverbend Park, Celebrate Great Falls support summer interns.
Celebrate Great Falls presented the Friends of Riverbend Park with a $2,000 check Tuesday, May 21, which will help fund a paid summer intern for the park.
Thursday, May 23
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day
The sacrifices of those who died in war.
1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of the Kings Park West neighborhood of Fairfax, was killed by enemy fire on April 23, 2013 in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan. Hess was known as “RJ” and graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2005, where he played football, lacrosse and was the captain of the swim team. He was a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot who deployed to Afghanistan on April 11, 2013. His family remembers his sense of humor and his natural leadership ability.
Tea Party Ticket
Republican convention selects conservative slate of candidates for November.
Perhaps the biggest sign that the Tea Party has taken control of the Republican Party of Virginia was the yellow Gadsden flag emblem that appeared on placards distributed by supporters of Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, who was one of seven candidates vying to be the nominee for lieutenant governor last weekend at a raucous convention in Richmond. Davis, who represented Fairfax County for a decade in the General Assembly, has a reputation as being a moderate.
Wednesday, May 22
Brief: Amazon Web Services to Expand in Fairfax County
Company will add 500 IT-focused jobs
Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Amazon Web Services, Inc., (AWS), an Amazon.com company, will expand in Fairfax County and add 500 new jobs to the county economy.
Tuesday, May 21
Week in Great Falls
Memorial Day Ceremony At Freedom Memorial
David Bettwy Receives 2013 Tibbetts Award
Great Falls Historical Society recognizes Bettwy’s contributions.
In 1960, David Bettwy, then a government engineer, moved to Great Falls to settle into a home off Springvale Road, with acres of dairy farms, horse pastures and rolling meadows surrounding his home. When the Great Falls Historical Society was formed in 1977, Dave was an early member and leader. Over the last decade, Dave applied his technology skills to creating a website that shares the vast research of local historians—oral histories, photos, stories, historic research, etc.—with the world, scoring visits from history buffs from far-away places such as Iran and Australia. The Library of Congress, recognizing the value of the site, proactively sought to establish a link. For Dave's tireless, passionate and enduring stewardship of the history of Great Falls and surrounding communities, creating, developing and maintaining the website, www.gfhs.org, the Great Falls Historical Society recently honored Dave with the 2013 Jean Tibbetts History Award, presented at its Tibbetts Award Banquet and Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at The Old Brogue Restaurant in Great Falls.
Great Falls Exxon Site Contamination Update
Residents discuss contamination at Georgetown Pike-Walker Road intersection.
Great Falls residents gathered at the Grange Tuesday, May 14 to hear the latest on the contaminated site at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road, and to hear plans for its cleanup.
Joe Cassella 5K Raises $16,000
Annual run supports families of children suffering from cancer.
Frank Cassella remembers his brother Joe as a man who had very high character. Even throughout Joe’s 10-month battle with mesothelioma, which claimed his life in July 2009 at the age of 40, Frank remembers a brother who embraced support, not pity.
MCA Presents Teen Character Awards
The McLean Citizens Association presented 11 local teenagers with their Teen Character Awards during McLean Day Saturday.
A Day for McLean
Annual McLean Day festival held at Lewinsville Park.
Temperatures in the low 60s and rain throughout the day might have kept some people from the annual McLean Day Festival Saturday, May 18, but for the hundreds who look forward to the event, they didn’t even bat an eye.
New Source of Information for Seniors in McLean
McLean Senior Source help desk opens at community center.
Seniors in McLean now have a one-stop shop to access services with the opening of the McLean Senior Source Tuesday, May 21. Volunteers will man a phone, computer and table in the McLean Community Center in order to connect seniors and caregivers with services they need.
Friday, May 17
Classified Advertising May 22, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Great Falls Home Sales: April, 2013
In April 2013, 23 Great Falls homes sold between $4,100,000-$410,299.
Great Falls Home Sales: April, 2013
Thursday, May 16
Great Falls Optimist Club Awards Helping Hands
Great Falls sixth graders honored.
The Great Falls Optimist Club recognized four sixth graders Wednesday, May 8 with their Helping Hands award, the first time the club has given out the awards to sixth graders whose efforts in school and in their communities have brought them to the attention of their teachers.
Fairfax County Attracts Innovative Technology Firms
More than 1,400 jobs added to local economy in first quarter.
Continuing consumer demand for innovative technology such as web filtering, data security and cloud computing has helped Fairfax County post gains to the local economy, countering the sequester effect stalling business growth in other sectors. According to the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), 27 businesses added more than 1,400 jobs in Fairfax County during the first quarter of 2013.
Editorial: Vote in Spite of Election Fatigue
Primary voting, absentee voting, Republican convention.
Absentee voting, including “in-person” absentee voting, is already underway for the June 11 primary, a statewide Democratic party primary for lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race in Northern Virginia. Voters in the Democratic primary will choose between Ralph S. Northam and Aneesh Chopra for lieutenant governor; and between Mark R. Herring and Justin E. Fairfax for attorney general.
Celebrating ‘Everyday’ Heroes
Molina Healthcare honors local residents for making a difference in the community.
In the 1980s, Vienna resident John Horejsi and a “ragtag” group of social justice pioneers learned that Virginia was charging sales tax on food stamps. They discovered the sales tax boosted the state’s coffers by $9.5 million every year, money that they believed belonged to poor families for food or other necessary items.
Classified Advertising May 15, 2013
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Tuesday, May 14
Brief: Langley High Senior Presents ‘A Musical Journey’
In his senior recital, Langley High School student Paul Li performed piano solos and presented many of the compositions that he wrote during the school year. He conducted the concert, entitled "A Musical Journey,” at the Langley High School Auditorium on Friday, May 10.
Second Annual Langley Alumni Game Set
Langley varsity baseball team to face off against alumni June 2 in second annual game.
On Sunday, June 2 past and present members of the Langley High School baseball team will face off in the second annual Langley Varsity versus Alumni Baseball game. Last year the alumni won the inaugural game by a single run.
McLean Chamber Honors Educators
Langley and McLean High School teachers, students, employees awarded.
The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce honored staff, students and faculty from McLean and Langley High Schools with their annual education awards.
Brief: Week in Great Falls
Memorial Day Ceremony At Freedom Memorial
On Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m., the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Committee will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the site of the Freedom Memorial.
Colvin Run Mill Hosts Open House
Participation in grant competition inspires outreach effort.
Colvin Run Mill held an open house inviting guests to come see the historic mill in operation Sunday, May 5. Millers grinded grain, and local blacksmith Pat McGuire fired up the forge for a demonstration.
Brief: Senior Center’s Event Highlights Colvin Run Mill
The metro area’s only surviving operational 19th century water-powered mill—Colvin Run Mill—highlights the Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) June event. The Friends of Colvin Run Mill and Colvin Run Mill (CRM) are partnering with the Senior Center as co-hosts.
Friday, May 10
Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: March 2013 Top Sales
In March 2013, 26 Great Falls homes sold between $5,634,180-$425,000 and 82 homes sold between $9,300,000-$186,500 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
Great Falls and McLean Real Estate: March 2013 Top Sales
Thursday, May 9
Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure
Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.
Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.
Wednesday, May 8
Classified Advertising May 8, 2013
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Langley Boat Takes State Championship
angley's novice men's eight-seat boat won the Virginia State High School Crew Championship for their category on Saturday. The Ted Phoenix regatta is the state championship for all novice rowers. The class the men rowed in was one of the most competitive, with the list of contenders including Washington-Lee, Yorktown, Madison, Langley, TC Williams, Woodbridge, Hylton, West Potomac, Mt. Vernon, Oakton, Woodson, Robinson, Lake Braddock, and Wakefield.
Colored Gemstones Making a Splash on the Red Carpet
Red Carpet choices show non-traditional gemstones are making strides in high fashion. The Grammys 2013 included a “dress code” which propelled most attendees to bring their most glamorous fashions to the limelight. In the past this would mean diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds, but a surprising trend is evolving and Jorge Adeler, of Adeler Jewelers in Great Falls, is right on the mark.
Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Tuesday, May 7
McLean Station Nears Completion
Work continues on systems beneath the canopy of the Silver Line's McLean Station.
McLean Jazzercise Raises $12,525 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Over 100 dancers participated in Jazzercise of McLean and Tysons Corner’s Dance for a Cure fundraiser, which raised $12,525 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by staging a benefit dance-fitness marathon on Saturday, April 20, 2013.
Week in Vienna
This week in Vienna features some new, exciting events like a new Police Chief and a concert!
Letters: How to ‘Make Life Greener?It was fantastic to read about Vienna’s commitment to more sustainable living [“Making Life ‘Greener’ in Vienna” (The Vienna and Oakton Connection, April 24-30, 2013
The writer is the coordinator for the Virginia Healthy Air Coalition of the American Lung Association in Virginia.
McLean High Yearbook Wins Pacemaker Award
Other area high school publications recognized.
“The Clan,” the yearbook of McLean High School, was one of 25 high school yearbooks nationwide to be recognized with a Pacemaker Award by the Journalism Education Association-National Scholastic Press Association (JEA-NSPA) for 2013.
Week in McLean
Serial Burglaries in McLean Area
This week in McLean had some interesting events like a Church yard sale, a book sale, and even a few burglaries!
McLean’s Kitchen and Garden Tour a Success
A ribbon-cutting kicked off McLean’s first Kitchen and Garden Tour, on Wednesday, May 1.
Park, Ride and Relax
MCC asks residents to “Park, Ride and Relax” by using three convenient shuttle services on McLean Day 2013.
The McLean Community Center asks residents to help the environment, reduce traffic on Chain Bridge Road and eliminate personal stress by using free shuttle rides.
McLean Day 2013, Saturday, May 18: “Celebrating Our Hometown”
It’s the place to be with the people you want to be with: McLean Day has that hometown feel.
The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) annual community festival McLean Day 2013: “Celebrating Our Hometown” draws a large crowd of residents and local businesses and organizations together once a year to celebrate their “hometown.”
McLean Day Only Gets Better With Age
This year’s Saturday, May 18 celebration approaches centennial.
The McLean Community Center’s annual community festival is approaching its 100th anniversary.
Help Fully Restore Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill, the Park Authority site, is a finalist in a web-based contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
Letters: Mega-mansions and the Like
My friend and I decided to go for a drive around our Great Falls “village” and enjoy the sights. Alas, what I saw of our manmade structures was less than uplifting.
Letters: Pike As a Raceway
I have resided in Great Falls since 1986. For more than 25 years, I drove along Georgetown Pike, "a scenic byway," to the beltway before 6 a.m. on most business days.
Letter: Wooden Birds: Cute, Puzzling
Does any person or organization lay claim to the wooden birds that are being bolted to some traffic signs, poles and trees in the area?
Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.
Great Falls Resident to Paddle the Potomac
Aryan Golzar will go on 400-mile journey to raise money for scholarship.
Growing up in Great Falls, Aryan Golzar always loved the Potomac River. The same 400-mile-long-plus waterway that led to settlements from the Chesapeake Bay to West Virginia drove his imagination during his formative years, and now it’s become something even more.
Community Celebrates Great Falls Day
Celebration features live performances, history displays.
Members of Great Falls and the surrounding communities gathered at the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse Sunday, May 5, for Great Falls Day. In celebration of the two historic buildings, as well as other signature aspects of Great Falls, hundreds attended the event to enjoy a pleasant Sunday and learn more about history.
Haddad Celebrates 50 Years of Dance
Margaret Haddad Studio to present "Down Memory Lane."
After dancing and teaching ballet in four countries over the past five decades, Margaret Haddad’s Studio of Classical Ballet will look back on some of her favorite shows with "Down Memory Lane."
Great Falls Exxon Environmental Meeting Set
GFCA to host meeting on former Exxon station contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association will host a public meeting Tuesday, May 14, to address the environmental impact of lingering effects on the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike.
McLean Forum Highlights Sex Trafficking
Area officials host human trafficking forum.
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) joined Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) and others at the McLean Community Center Friday, May 3, to discuss the facts of human trafficking. The U.S. State Department estimated that human trafficking is the third largest source of profits for international organized crime, behind firearms and narcotics.
Friday, May 3
Help Fully Restore Colvin Run Mill
Colvin Run Mill, the Park Authority site, is a finalist in a web-based contest sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.
Classified Advertising May 1, 2013
Read the latest ads here!