Wednesday, July 30
Foreign Nationals Immersed in Local Lifeguarding
For some, it starts out on two wheels.
Every day, Vasyl Smolii uses two different routes when he bikes to and from work at the Belle View pool in Alexandria. Coming down the hill on Belle View Boulevard is an easy ride in the morning but going back up in the evening is not as easy on the bicycle Smolii rents from his sponsor High Sierra Pools, an Arlington-based pool management company. "I must buy this bike for the summer," said 19-year-old Smolii from Ukraine.
Serving Families For 90 Years
Pushing the boundaries has led to success, says Northern Virginia Family Services CEO.
An organization does not thrive for 90 years by chance. Northern Virginia Family Services, a county institution, has impacted families throughout the region for nearly a century with no sign of slowing down.
Column: “CanSir”
When it comes to being a cancer patient, even more so a multi-year cancer survivor, I have always erred on the side of caution. And by caution, I mean being respectful to the disease, courteous of its comings and goings, mindful of its potential damage and afraid of its intangibles. And by intangibles, I mean the unexplained and the inexplicable, and most fearfully, its power and unpredictability. Therefore, my behavior toward it has been intended to be as polite as possible; never to be perceived – in any way imaginable – as arrogant, presumptuous, in control, all-knowing and most especially, victorious.
Editorial: Finally, Marriage Rights Protected in Virginia
On July 28, 2014, in affirming that Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd writes: “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex couples due process and equal protection of the laws.
McLean Graduate Sullivan to Pitch for Virginia Tech
Q&A: Former Highlander hurler enjoys Zac Brown Band.
McLean graduate Joey Sullivan will pitch for Virginia Tech.
Preserving Great Falls Giants
Residents encouraged to contribute to planting of white oak trees.
When the early settlers came to what is now Great Falls and cleared the land for farms, they often left one type of tree to provide shade: the white oak.
Great Falls Creamery Opens
Local family runs business.
Great Falls Creamery, the newest ice cream shop in town, opened earlier this summer to give locals an in-town option for their favorite scoops.
Letter: Choosing Wisely In November
I recommend we choose Barbara Comstock instead of John Foust in the November election for our representative to the U. S. House of Representatives from the Virginia 10th District.
Letter: A Good News
Saul Centers is to be loudly applauded for the new oasis at the Safeway Shopping Center on Walker Road.
From Great Falls to South Africa
Two local high school students, Julia Chirite from Langley High School and Arthur Tisseront from Thomas Jefferson, will travel to South Africa this September as participants in the World Youth Rhino Summit, an international anti-poaching and conservation initiative sponsored by the Kashmir World Foundation where the two students currently intern at.
Great Falls All Stars Reach the Final Four
The Great Fall Little League All Stars took their high-octane pitching and excellence across the line up hitting to the semi-finals of the Virginia State Little League All Star tournament in Bridgewater, Va.
Governor's Mansion, Confidential
Defense team in corruption case to detail crumbling McDonnell marriage.
When he takes the stand in his own defense, former Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell will read jurors an email that he wrote to his wife as their marriage was said to be crumbling.
Thursday, July 24
Langley Grad Collier to Play Basketball at Denison University
Q&A: Collier enjoys listening to Nas, watching Will Ferrell movies.
Langley grad Garrett Collier will play basketball at Denison University.
Pet Connection July 2014
Our readers submitted photos of their adorable pets.
Frodo and Sam have become best friends – sort of. My husband and I adopted Frodo from Home Alone Cat Rescue several years ago. He is part Maine Coon and part American Bobtail, with a funny short tail. He may have been mistreated by a previous owner because he is afraid of everything, especially ceiling fans. He quickly became comfortable in our home as an “only cat.”
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls
Wednesday, July 23
Across Northern Virginia, Men Pull Larger Paychecks than Women
Trend is more prominent in wealthier areas.
When Lola Arce de Quintela first moved to Oakton 20 years ago, she noticed something about the way men and women arranged their professional careers around their family lives in Northern Virginia. Men took high-powered jobs with large paychecks, while women often dropped out of the workforce to take care of growing families. If women had full-time jobs, she says, they would often select positions that were not as demanding so they could focus their time and attention on their children while husbands and fathers pulled in six-figure salaries.
Drones to Help Save Rhinoceros
Science, engineering and art take flight.
Science, engineering and art take flight.
Foust, Comstock Battle Women’s Issues
Hot button topic is discussed in wake of Hobby Lobby decision.
One of the hotbed issues of the last month was triggered when the Supreme Court decided that for-profit corporations can be exempt from a law if the owner objects for religious reasons. The reason? Contraceptives. Women’s health issues are among the issues that Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) and Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) – candidates for 10th District Congressional seat -- butt heads on.
Preparing Pets for Emergencies
When disaster strikes, pets are frequently abandoned or displaced, either because disasters hit suddenly or because their owners did not have a plan for them beforehand.
Coty Dickson to Exhibit at Katie’s Coffee House
A native of the Washington D.C. area, she resides in Great Falls, where she is a member of Artists on the Green, a Great Falls studio and gallery.
Letter: Choosing Wisely In November
Letter to the Editor
Franklin Roosevelt stated, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to do so wisely.” I recommend we choose Barbara Comstock instead of John Foust in the November election for our representative to the U. S. House of Representatives from the Virginia 10th District.
Letter: Walker Road ‘After’
Letter to the Editor
I was pleased to see that the traffic lanes that were taken away from Walker Road at Georgetown Pike are being put to good use. So far I've seen the pedestrian crossing and single traffic lane blocked with a tanker truck filling up with water at the fire hydrant, and lawn-service trucks & trailers. Political protest is a bit ironic because it was probably $1M in "stimulus" funding that was used to reduce the number of lanes on Walker.
Letter: Supporting Comstock
Letter to the Editor
Delegate Barbara Comstock has run a positive campaign that discusses her legislative accomplishments in the Virginia House of Delegates, her record as a small businesswoman, her time as a senior official at the Justice Department and as a senior aide to our current well-respected Congressman, Frank Wolf. She highlights common sense solutions and has engaged communities all across the 10th District.
1st Stage Appoints Alex Levy as Artistic/Managing Director
1st Stage, Tysons’ award-winning professional theater, has announced the appointment of Alex Levy as its Artistic/Managing Director effective Sept. 1.
Meet Apollo and Athena
Great Falls poodles are quite the pair.
The pair, owned by the Case family in Great Falls, are both 13-year-old toy poodles.
Puppies Destined for Important Work
Bred, donated and/or rescued for assistance dog training by paws4people.org, these "baby pictures" will be shared with the children and veterans matched with each dog.
Honoring Alzheimer’s Victims from Sunrise to Sunset
Local efforts join national fundraiser for Alzheimer Association.
On The Longest Day, all participants did something active that they loved from sunrise to sunset in honor of those who cannot necessarily actively pursue their passions due to the disease.
Editorial: Tragic Consequences
Money lost by refusal to expand health coverage, but also life, health and livelihood.
The Virginia General Assembly’s refusal to expand Medicaid, extending health coverage to as many as 400,000 Virginians has resulted in the loss of about $1 billion in direct payments. But that understates the loss, failing to calculate the cost of the lost health of thousands of Virginians.
Horse Trials Held at Turner Farm
Wendy Masemer and Kristin Pascal Parisot organized the summer starter trials, combined test, and dressage show to raise money for maintenance of the cross country course at The Turner Farm in Great Falls.
Friday, July 18
Turner Farm Revisited
Great Falls residents, groups want to preserve local historic site.
Many citizens of Great Falls hope to keep The Turner Farm a low-impact park. Great Falls Citizens Association held a Turner Farmhouse informational session on July 8, the day before Fairfax County Parks Authority released the plans for the resident curatorship program.
Having a Great Time at Great Falls Park
Treasure for tourists and locals.
Great Falls Park, located 15 miles away from the nation’s capital, can get flocked with tens of thousands of tourists looking for a reprieve from the concrete and marble every week.
Josh Anderson Foundation Spotlighted on National Show
Deepak Chopra interviews Lauren Anderson.
A local foundation was catapulted to national status on Friday. Josh Anderson Foundation [JAF] Executive Director Lauren Anderson had a chance to talk to holistic health advocate Deepak Chopra for his show One World about JAF’s mission.
Thursday, July 17
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls
Great Falls Home Sales: June, 2014
In June 2014, 19 Great Falls homes sold between $2,673,000-$579,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: June, 2014
Coty Dickson to Exhibit at Katie’s Coffee House
Oil paintings of Virginia landscapes by Great Falls artist Coty Dickson are on view Aug. 1-31 at Katie’s Coffee House (The Old Brogue), 760 Walker Road, Great Falls.
Letter: Addressing Outages in Great Falls
To the Editor
My wife and I have lived at 347 Walker Road, Great Falls, for 22 years. I understand that the semi-rural nature of the area, which includes significant tree cover, creates hazards to providing reliable electrical service that may not exist in more urban locations.
Wednesday, July 16
Langley Grad Casso to Play Football at Catholic University of America
Q&A: Standout quarterback enjoys fishing, IN-N-OUT Burger.
Langley graduate Nick Casso will play quarterback at Catholic University of America.
Financial Education for College Students
Local experts offer budget tips to keep students out of debt.
As the summer wanes, many recent high school graduates are preparing to head to college. For those who are living away from home for the first time, this means newfound independence. But that freedom brings responsibility — especially when it comes to money.
Numbers Indicate Stable Market
June home listings climb, with slight dip in sales; average, median prices continue to inch up.
The Northern Virginia market recorded increased inventories, providing buyers with more choices. Nonetheless, buyers are challenged by affordability and accessing credit.
Between Halves
At present, July 12th, I’m halfway, approximately, between my last CT Scan which showed a previously unseen silver-dollar sized growth in my lower left lung and my next CT Scan scheduled for August 6th, one month earlier than my usual three-month interval in order to make an evaluation sooner rather than later; to determine if this is new growth or nothing more than old growth that is now visible due to the combination of shrinking tumors and dissipating fluid opening up the viewing area, so to speak. Apparently, the chemotherapy drug, Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since last September appears to be doing its hoped-for job: shrinkage.
Eight FCPS Students Win College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships
Eight Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) graduates from the class of 2014 have been named winners of college-sponsored scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Recipients of college-sponsored scholarships from the NMSC, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
Inova Fairfax Hospital: #1 in D.C. Metro Area
For the third year in a row, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus has been ranked as the #1 Hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report. Inova Fairfax also jumped in rankings to #2 in the state, and earned national recognition as #33 in the country in Gynecology and #42 in Neonatology. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 25th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. “Three years in a row as #1 is an outstanding accomplishment and we are proud of our hospital’s dedicated physicians and staff who provide the best of care to our patients every day. I’d like to congratulate our staff, particularly within Inova Women’s and Children’s for their impressive and well-deserved national rankings,” said Patrick Christiansen, PhD, chief executive officer, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus.
Editorial: Save a Little, Help Others Prepare for School
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies is a good reminder to donate supplies and dollars for children who need help arriving at school prepared.
Virginia’s tax holiday on school supplies and clothing is Aug. 1-3, and it makes sense to take advantage of the savings, and to spread the wealth around.
The DaVinci Challenge Hosts Build A Drone Workshop
The world is slowly becoming a better place but there is so much more that can be done.
School Board Decreases Suspension Time
Student Rights and Responsibilities revised.
The school board voted unanimously at the end of June to change the discipline handbook, which will now focus on in school suspensions to preserve time in school.
Wednesday, July 9
Classified Advertising July 9, 2014
Read the lastest ads here!
Snap, Crackle and Pop at Langley High
Thousands view fireworks at high school.
The first crackle in the night sky always has everyone running to their seats to get the best view of the fireworks on Independence Day.
A New Work Order
Local designers help create organized and stylish home offices.
Whether it’s a nook, in the kitchen or a designated room, a home office is the place were ideas come to life. Local designers dish about the secrets to creating a workspace that is organized and functional yet stylish. “You’re going to spend a lot of time in it so aesthetics do matter,” said Patricia Tetro of BOWA in McLean.
America Eats Tavern Opens at Tysons
American cuisine and culture on display at the Ritz-Carlton.
America Eats Tavern (AET), the new restaurant helmed by Spanish-born and award-winning celebrity chef José Andrés and business partner Rob Wilder, opened in the Tysons Corner Ritz-Carlton last month.
You Can Run, But You Can’t Win?
Fairfax County fires attorney for winning city council seat.
Like many lifelong City of Fairfax residents, Nancy Fry Loftus is proud of her hometown’s character and charm — a Norman Rockwell postcard of small-town life in the heart of an increasingly urban, diverse and bustling region.
Climate Change Could Affect Your Drinking Water
Residents could see—and smell—a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury we are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect our waterways—and our water bills.
‘Let’s Dance!’
Classical Ballet Theatre brings women together.
Ballet isn’t only for little girls in pink tutus.
Great Falls Pride on Display in July 4th Parade
Despite the threat of rain early in the morning of July 4, the Great Falls festivities went off without a hitch.
NASA Comes to Colvin Run Elementary
Space station astronauts speak live to students.
Students got a real hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experience by linking directly with the NASA international space station.
Not That I’ll Ever Be Out, But…
“Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in.” Although this quote is from Michael Corleone from “The Godfather: Part III,” it very much characterizes my daily struggle being a terminal cancer patient; non small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, is like that, almost always. Even though I don’t want to think about the fact that I have cancer, or not let it affect my judgment on life – or perspective; or let it impede my path to a happier existence, more often than not, it does.
Editorial: Hurray for Full Day Mondays
Hoping that later start times for high schoolers follows quickly.
For decades, Fairfax County schools have sent elementary school students home after half a day on Mondays. This was never a good idea, and it has been more damaging to family schedules and student learning with the increase over the years of two-income households and greater economic diversity.
Tuesday, July 8
World Cup Fever
Area soccer coaches, players share 2014 World Cup viewing experiences.
Area soccer players and coaches have followed the 2014 World Cup closely.
Commentary: County Falling Behind on Its Housing Goals
On June 9, the Residential Studio Committee of the Fairfax County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the review of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Residential Studio Units be tabled. This recommendation will be voted on by the full Planning Commission at its July 24 meeting and it is almost certain that it will be adopted. After months of committee hearings and community meetings throughout the county, the RSU amendment will be quietly put to rest.
Commentary: Area Nonprofit Guides Entrepreneurs to Start-Up Success
For many working poor, the challenges of conquering the barriers to education, childcare and transportation are too great to overcome. Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), the nonprofit known for providing food and shelter, health and dental access, and Head Start programs for more than 36,000 local residents a year, also is working to alleviate poverty with its innovative entrepreneurship program.
Wednesday, July 2
July 4th Festivities in Fairfax County
A list of celebratory events taking place on July 4th.
A list of parades, fireworks and family-friendly events taking place this Friday, July 4.
Area Gears Up for Rail Opening
Silver Line starts running on July 26.
On July 26, the expectations and hopes of commuters in Tysons and Reston will either be met or dashed when the gates to the Silver Line Metro stations are opened at noon.
Letter: Campaign Experience
I recently had the opportunity to volunteer on the John Foust for Congress Campaign – a small office with a small army of professionals, interns, and volunteers – and I’m pleased to say that it was an extremely positive experience.
Tour de Tysons Attracts Hundreds
427 cyclists swarm Tysons.
The 2nd Annual Tour de Tysons bicycle races attracted a record 427 cyclists who competed in 9 separate races.
Winning the Spirit Award
Langley Crew honors graduating senior Tyler Seckar.
Tyler Seckar, Langley rower and graduating senior, has won the Hillary J. Fein Spirit Award for the “athlete who best embodies the true spirit and passion for Crew.”
Create Day Showcase at Cooper Middle
Parents, teachers, students, and community members observed hundreds of projects that Cooper students created throughout the year exhibited at the school’s Create day showcase.
Full-Day Mondays Start in September
Teachers promised planning time.
Full-day Mondays for all. After 40 years, Fairfax County Public Schools will give all elementary students "full Mondays" for more learning time — and more recess. During a School Board meeting Thursday, June 26, Superintendent Karen Garza said Mondays were cut in half for elementary students since 1972. "While not everyone tonight will embrace the change, we will engage the stakeholders," she told the board.
Climate Change Could Affect Drinking Water
Residents could see — and smell — a very different Potomac River by 2040.
Drinking cups of clear tap water could be a luxury people are less likely to take for granted in the near future as climate-change culprits affect the waterways — and water bills.
Widening Route 7
VDOT: Plans not finalized.
Construction to add another two lanes to seven miles of Route 7 could start by 2018.
Local Team Places Sixth in Odyssey of the Mind World Finals
Forestville Elementary’s Odyssey of the Mind team took home sixth place in the May World Finals competition.
Letter: Senator Who Gets It
As a small-business owner, I appreciate Mark Warner's work to foster the right environment to attract and retain new businesses.
Look Out Below
I think I know what a rampaging bull feels like; and I don’t mean one on Wall Street, either. I mean one in the figurative sense: when one has a need, an overwhelming, unstoppable-type urge, to scratch that itch, to gratify that which has been delayed. What am I talking about? (You sound like my wife, Dina.) I am talking about food. More specifically, I am talking about a side effect I’ve been experiencing of late from the chemotherapy drug Alimta, with which I’ve been infused every three weeks since late September, 2013 (successfully I may add, given the shrinkage noted in my most recent CT Scan).