Kari Lervick, volunteer, 14 years in Great Falls: “Fourteen years ago, I had thought we were moving to this big, metropolitan area. When we chose to live in Great Falls, I didn’t realize what a small town it was. Over the years, with all the things that your kids get involved in, and all the opportunities to volunteer, you can’t help but get to know people in the community. It’s just so fun to go wherever you go, whether it’s Great Falls Village, or the elementary schools, or the softball field, and just know people. No matter where you go, you run into people.”
Photo by Maia Spoto/The Connection
Heidi Toloczko, director of King’s Kids Preschool, 23 years in Great Falls: “The small-town feel, and the way that it is a real hometown. My girls have grown up here, and my husband and I have enjoyed living here and really feel like it’s a special place.”
Photo by Maia Spoto/The Connection
Nancy Miner, employed at Cooper Middle School, nearly 18 years in Great Falls: “The parks! The Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park are great. They’re right here, easy access, and you feel like you’ve gone away for a day, walking through the parks. I like that a lot. I saw the bluebells of Virginia for the first time this year. I like having access to that.”
Photo by Maia Spoto/The Connection
Thomas Miner, Langley High School senior, nearly 18 years in Great Falls: “I would say the community in general around here is so nice. They smile at you when you just walk outside and walk around the neighborhood, you get some nice smiles. It’s a great community all around. Again, I like the parks – I just went on a walk at Riverbend Park and it was great. It’s a beautiful area to be around, and to live in.”
Photo by Maia Spoto/The Connection
Steve Wilson, manager in construction services company, 19 years in Great Falls: “Many things come to mind: The beauty of Georgetown Pike and our two-lane roads only a few miles from D.C., which never cease to amaze me. Riverbend Park, Difficult Run, and a run along the river. Always seeing a neighbor and a friendly face on a quick trip to pick up something in "the Village.” Inviting out-of-town friends to the Brogue. Nike Park and Great Falls Little League. The quality of our schools and teachers. Our church, Christ the King Lutheran. And most of all, the many great people who also call Great Falls home.”
