First Responder Tells 9/11 Story
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Zoldus speaks at annual remembrance.
The Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial hosted their annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11. More than 40 people gathered at the memorial to reflect on the 12th anniversary of the attacks, and to pay tribute to the six Great Falls residents who died that day.
Author Turns Words Into Film
Suzi Weinert’s first novel becomes Hallmark Channel original movie.
Four years ago, McLean resident Suzi Weinert wasn’t sure she was capable of finishing her first book. Now she’s preparing to watch that very same book premiere as a Hallmark Channel original movie and has released its sequel.
New Projects Underway in Great Falls
Upcoming projects will widen Leesburg Pike, slim Walker Road.
Residents of Great Falls will be seeing plenty of orange traffic cones over the coming months, and even years when it comes to the Route 7 widening project.
Silver Line Brings New Opportunities
Metrorail line aims to connect Washington, D.C. with Dulles Airport by 2018.
When the first trains of Metro’s Silver Line start carrying passengers, around February 2014, it will mark a new era for Northern Virginia, particularly the northern part of Fairfax County. By 2018, riders from Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston and McLean will have access to Dulles Airport and Washington, D.C. via the Silver Line.
Great Falls Elementary Students Summer in Japan
Great Falls Elementary, Cooper Middle Students visit Japan.
Nineteen students from Great Falls Elementary School and Cooper Middle School spent their summer in a unique way. The students spent two weeks in Japan as a culmination of their Japanese Immersion study
Women Leaders Gather at Great Falls Library
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) hosts Young Women’s Leadership Program.
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) welcomed author and political commentator Donna Brazile to her Young Women’s Leadership Program Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the Great Falls Library. Twenty-three young women, mostly middle and high schoolers, listened to Brazile tell her story and give advice on chasing their dreams.
Share Readies Students for School
Nonprofit gives out school supplies, backpacks, back-to-school haircuts.
Share of McLean helped its clients get into back-to-school mode Wednesday, Aug. 14, with their annual school supply drive. The nonprofit worked with local individuals and organizations to stock their shelves with the items returning students were sure to need.
Dancers on Display At Great Falls Library
Artist Jill Banks hosts workshop at Great Falls Library.
The conference room at the Great Falls Library was transformed into a studio of sorts Saturday, Aug. 10. Artist Jill Banks hosted a painting demonstration featuring two local dancers, and welcomed visitors and other artists throughout the day.
Great Falls Exxon Station Remediation Plan Nears Completion
Department of Environmental Quality prepares to receive report on remediation of gasoline contaminants.
A corrective action plan (CAP) addressing the remediation of gasoline constituents in the ground underneath the property of the former Great Falls Exxon station is in the final stages of preparation.
Old Firehouse Teen Center Block Party Set for Aug. 24
McLean Teens Got Talent returns for third year, along with games, history exhibit.
The Old Firehouse Teen Center will host its annual Block Party Saturday, Aug. 24, welcoming teens and families to an afternoon of live performances, living history exhibits and other activities all through the center.
Hometown Concert on the Green
Atlas Road Crew, with Great Falls Native Patrick Drohan, performs in weekly concert series.
The weekly Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre always feature a regional band, but the show Sunday, Aug. 4 was as close to home as it gets. The band, Atlas Road Crew, a rock quintet from South Carolina, featured Patrick Drohan, a Great Falls native, on drums.
Tysons Interim Parking Agreement Approved
Located next to McLean Station, 711-space proposal is the first approved by county.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the first agreement for an interim commuter parking lot for Silver Line users in Tysons Corner Tuesday, July 30.
Sullivan Named to Fairfax County Park Board
Rip Sullivan named by Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) to represent Dranesville district.
McLean resident Richard "Rip" Sullivan has been named the Dranesville representative for the park authority board, replacing Kevin Fay, who stepped down in July.
Rotary Club of Great Falls Launches Foundation
Foundation will allow for tax deductible donations.
In their first two years, the Rotary Club of Great Falls has experienced almost unprecedented growth, quickly becoming one of the fastest growing clubs in Rotary International. Now they have taken the next step to reach deeper into the community, founding a 501(c)3, the Rotary Club of Great Falls, Virginia Foundation.
New Trail Sections Opened in McLean
Lewinsville Road trail, Ingleside Avenue-Churchill Road add sections.
The last few months have seen new trail connectivity in McLean, giving cyclists and pedestrians easier paths, without putting them in close proximity to cars.
Bridge Replacement on Schedule
Beach Mill Road Bridge construction nearly halfway complete.
Replacement of the bridge on Beach Mill Road is one month into construction, and according to the Virginia Department of Transportation, it is proceeding according to schedule.
Author Finds Mystery in Great Falls Park
John Dibble’s first novel, "Difficult Run," features murder and mystery in Great Falls Park.
John Dibble is used to finding solace in Great Falls Park. He often walks the paths of the park with his dog Noochie. His familiarity with the park made it the perfect setting for his first novel, the mystery thriller "Difficult Run," named for the stream that first inspired him.
McLean Orchestra Hosts Fundraiser
Supporters of McLean Orchestra gather at McLean residence.
Supporters and friends of the McLean Orchestra came together Sunday, July 20 to re-affirm the commitment they’ve made to the organization, and to look forward to their upcoming "Season of Festivity," which will begin this fall. Ann Page, past president and board member, hosted several dozen supporters at her McLean home.
Gallery 65 Hosts Performance Art
Artist Christine Walters paints two pictures to music during live art event.
A steady thump of electronic drums could be heard at the Langley Shopping Center Thursday, July 18. The sounds were aimed to draw people into the Color Wheel Gallery 65 to get a glimpse of live art being created.
Great Falls Hosts Hometown Celebration on July 4
Annual 5K, parade, festival highlight holiday events.
One year ago, the annual Great Falls Fourth of July Hometown Celebration was a welcome respite from almost a week with no power for the Nelson family of Great Falls.
Neighbors Foundation Hosts Annual Fireworks Show at Turner Farm
Turner Farm is site of festivities Saturday, July 6.
More than 2,500 people gathered at Turner Farm Saturday, July 6, for the annual fireworks show held by the Neighbors Foundation.
Flower Baskets Return to Great Falls Village Centre
Seventy baskets placed around Great Falls.
For the second straight year, Great Falls businesses and individuals came together to place hanging flower baskets around the Great Falls Village Centre.
NVTC Hosts Hot Ticket Awards
Annual awards recognize “hot” technology businesses.
Guests at the annual Northern Virginia Technology Council’s annual Hot Ticket Awards came dressed for a beach but weathered a brief summer storm Wednesday, June 26 in McLean.
Great Falls Native Goes ‘72 Hours’
Davina Friedlander tries for $100,000 on reality competition.
When Great Falls native Davina Friedlander got a chance to spend three days in Hawaii, it wasn’t exactly how she envisioned it. Instead of relaxing on a beach, sipping a drink and soaking up some rays, she fought hard to make it across the desolate, uninhabited sections of Lanai.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.