Open in the Winter in Great Falls
Shoppers make Great Falls Community Farmers Market a weekly event
Even though winter continues in the area, the Great Falls Community Farmers Market drew customers to its location at 778 Walker Road, Great Falls, on March 6.
Fairfax County Readies for Public Employee Collective Bargaining
Holds collaborative meetings with union reps to write rules
Most Fairfax County public employees who provide vital services in education, safety, healthcare, and sanitation like others in counties, cities, and towns across the Commonwealth, will gain a new right on May 1, 2021.
Breathing Life into a Community of Faith in Great Falls
A Prayer Cross welcomes all.
Leaders at Great Falls United Methodist Church invite parishioners and visitors now through Easter Sunday, April 4, to share in their Community Lenten Prayer Cross at 10100 Georgetown Pike.
Fairfax County’s FY 2022 Budget Plan
Focuses resources in targeted areas
“What a difference a year makes” said Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill.
Great Falls Citizens Association Opposes Flag Restrictions
Long-time Great Falls resident and Great Falls Citizens Association Board member Ruth Carver says she finds it "highly offensive" that Fairfax County advertisement of the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) program is equating the American flag to a commercial banner.
Controversial Solutions at Play for Springvale Road Bridge in Great Falls
Great Falls Citizens Association invites VDOT to Feb. 25 Town Hall.
Policies passed down to state levels encouraging single-lane deteriorating bridges to be replaced with two-lane bridges because of purported safety concerns are once again at the forefront for discussion between the Great Falls Citizens Association, community members, Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville District), and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Meet Langley High’s Teacher of the Year
Recipient learns Publishers Clearing House-style
Langley High School announced its Teacher of the Year 20-21 during a virtual staff meeting.
School Board Approves McLean High Boundary Adjustment
Monitoring continues as population explodes in Tysons
The Fairfax County School Board heard the final words on the McLean/Langley High School Boundary Study during a hybrid regular meeting of the Board held on Feb. 4, 2021.
The Impact of zMOD
Discussing the Zoning Ordinance Modernization: How to protect the character of Great Falls?
Testimony by 46 County citizens about the Zoning Ordinance Modernization (zMOD) project, started in 2017 and nearing the end of its process, elicited more than five hours of testimony at the Fairfax County Planning Commission Meeting held Jan. 28.
Fairfax County Severs Cooperation with ICE
Board adopts Trust Policy barring voluntarily sharing residents' immigrant status
Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors approved in a vote of 9-to1, the Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy (Trust Policy) introduced as a Board Matter on Jan. 26 by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and co-sponsored by Supervisors Dalia A. Palchik (D-Providence) and John W. Foust (D-Dranesville).
Fairfax County School Board Votes for In-Person Learning
Students who opt-in would be due back by March 16.
Fairfax County Public School students, whose parents or guardians opt for in-person learning for their children, are headed back to the classroom at least two days a week by March 16.
McLean High Boundary Change Down to the Wire
After the last public hearing, the School Board votes on Feb. 4.
The McLean/Langley High School Boundary Study is at the end of its multi-year process for the School Board to take action by vote and provide capacity relief, or not.
Great Falls, McLean, Vienna Help Fight Hunger
Stuff the Bus rolls into action.
The Wheels on the Bus is a classic children's song that tells the story of a little bus going "All 'round the town."
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Supports Artemis House
Donation of $5,500 to help victims of domestic and sexual violence
Members of Great Falls Friends and Neighbors (GFFN) Philanthropy Committee presented a donation check for $5,500 on Jan. 26 to Joe Meyer, Executive Director & CEO of Shelter House, and Nurjan Ahmedova, Director of Development, to support the organization's 24-hour emergency shelter, Artemis House for domestic and sexual violence victims, stalking, and human trafficking.
Tightening Criteria for Entering into Gang Database
Gang Task Force use of DataWalk under scrutiny
On Oct. 2, 2018, Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force selected DataWalk as their analytical platform to support its fight against gangs according to a headline on BUSINESS WIRE.
Questioning Racially-Biased Gang Database
Activists: Residents can be entered into GangNet merely for living in neighborhoods where gang activity takes place.
With no recourse for review, a nebulous definition of gang membership led an activist, an immigration advocate, and a Virginia legislator to fight for change.
Celebrating the Passion of Music Making in Great Falls
Virtuoso pianist, sought-after worldwide, finds a home at Great Falls United Methodist Church.
There were particular moments in Thomas Pandolfi's earliest days of his existence, he said, when hearing music, particularly piano music, whether it was part of an orchestra, choral music, or opera, set him on a course of "tremendous work."
McLean, Langley High Boundaries to Change
Next public hearing on Jan. 28, School Board vote on Feb. 4
The Fairfax County School Board held a hybrid regular meeting on Jan. 21.
COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Headaches in Fairfax County
IT and supply problems worry residents.
“I want to assure you that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be,” said Jeffrey McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Great Falls Citizens Voice Environmental Concerns
GFCA submits documents to County's Environmental Quality Advisory Council 2021
Members of Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) believe development pressure and environmental concerns are no longer balanced, shifting away from recognizing the importance of environmental protection.
Fairfax County Residents List Assembly Expectations
County General Assembly Delegation holds pre-2021 Session Public Hearing
The Fairfax County General Assembly Delegation held a Pre-2021 Session Public Hearing on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Ponchos of Sunshine to 'Frequent Flier' Hospital Children
Cape Ivy aims to provide warmth, comfort and support to children who have chronic or critical illnesses.
In honor of her son, Gavin Grey Smith of Great Falls, who lost his 12-year battle to a rare form of CVID (Common Variable Immune Deficiency), his mother, Meg Elliot Smith, threw herself into providing fleece poncho capes to ''frequent flier'' children in hospitals.
Vivid Chill Opens in Great Falls
Shopping handcrafted, ethically produced, nontoxic products
It all started with the local artisan's handbags, the love of little boutique shops that featured brands with morals and values, and telling her mom that more than anything else, she wanted to open a store in the Great Falls Village Centre with a showroom for those bags and other ethically and sustainably produced items.
McLean, Langley High Communities Weigh in on Boundary Adjustment
Capacity relief sought with eyes on Langley High School
Fairfax County Public Schools presented three possible options and a no change option for capacity relief at McLean High School during a virtual community meeting held Mon., Dec. 7.
A Look Inside the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Meeting Dec. 1, 2020
Highlights of discussion and actions that impact all who live, work and play in the diverse county
Dec. 1 marked the final Fairfax County Full Board of Supervisors Meeting with Public Comment of 2020.
Great Falls’ 30th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Santa's visit sparks the spirit of the season.
No way could Santa disappoint the children in Great Falls and miss the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting held this year on the Great Falls Village Centre Field on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Looking Desperately for Holiday Santa Stars
Bob Nelson provides support to military families this COVID-19 holiday season.
For over ten years, long-time Great Falls resident and businessman Bob Nelson hosted his Military Appreciation Monday dinners at the Old Brogue, raising funds to support various United States military organizations at the twice-monthly events.
The Buck Stops Here in Great Falls
Managed archery on private property for deer control
Landowners with any parcel size in Great Falls have the option to use archery hunting for deer management on their private property, directly addressing the cause of deer damage: too many deer.
Students and Parents Navigate Virtual Learning in Fairfax County
FCPS Virtual and In-Person Learning During COVID 2020
Dec. 1 marked the day that Fairfax County Public Schools students in Group 5, those in Early Head Start, PreK, Kindergarten, and some who receive special education services were to at last transition out of distance learning and walk through school doors to receive two days a week of in-person learning.
J.K. Rowling's New Book Features Great Falls Child’s Illustration
Way to go Petra Demas, fourth grader at Forestville Elementary
A full-color illustration by award-winning young artist, Petra Demas, 10, of Great Falls is published in the print versions of J.K. Rowling's newly released book, "The Ickabog."
Planting for the Future in Great Falls
GFCA works with Fairfax County Park Authority for new trees
The new maple and white oak are not the same.
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls Viewpoints: What Are You Grateful For on Thanksgiving 2020?
Vienna, McLean, Great Falls Viewpoints.
In-Person Learning Delayed for Some Fairfax County Public Schools Students
Superintendent and staff update school board on return-to-school plans
A surge in COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County forced Fairfax County Public Schools to delay its planned return of in-person instruction for an additional 6,800 students on Monday, Nov. 16.
At the Tipping Point and Winter is Coming in Great Falls
Beloved local restaurant needs customers to be with them now.
Proprietor Mike Kearney of The Old Brogue, an Irish Pub in Great Falls, made a live video of his restaurant on the evening of Friday, Nov. 13.
Veterans Day Observed with Caution in Great Falls
Cancellation of formal celebration could not stop informal ceremony
A dozen or so hardy souls quietly gathered in the drenching rain at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to pay tribute to America's veterans in an unofficial ceremony.
Possible Funding Threat for Fairfax County Public Schools
COVID cases increase, yet leadership hangs their star on families returning and increased enrollment.
Fall membership as of Sept. 30, 2020 at Fairfax County Public Schools declined by 8,859 students, dipping to 180,151 compared to data recorded last year at the same time, according to Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation Services Jeff Platenberg.
Election Storm of the Century: Great Falls Area
Saying the vote counts is an understatement.
Election Day 2020 will go down in history.
Returning to the Balance of Nature in Great Falls
Growing native plants
On Oct. 19, the Environment & Parks Committee of the Great Falls Citizens Association presented Native Plants by Dr. Meghan M. McGinty, a presentation she'd been dreaming about for years, McGinty said.
Great Falls Bridge Rated in ‘Poor Condition’
VDOT holds an information meeting on Springvale Road (Route 674) bridge over Piney Run
The Springvale Road (Route 674) bridge over Piney Run in Great Falls may not perform at the current reduced load carrying capacity for an extended time, according to a report shared during the Oct. 21 Virginia Department of Transportation virtual public information meeting.
Pressure Mounts on Return to School in Fairfax County
School Board members face sensitive voting items.
The week of Oct. 19 held important information for Fairfax County Public Schools families.
Making Sure Their Votes Are Counted in Great Falls
Great Falls Library location sees long lines for early in-person voting
The need to drop their ballot into a secure drop-off box or slide it into a voting machine spurred hundreds of individuals to wait in the long line on the first day of in-person early voting at the Great Falls Library satellite voting location on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion Through Changes in TJ Admissions
Newest proposed merit lottery admissions policy fuels concern.
Top-level discussions concerning proposals by Fairfax County Public Schools leaders and School Board members to increase the population of underrepresented students of color at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) have flown fast and furious the last four weeks.
Doesn’t Need to be the ‘Biggest Destination’ in Great Falls
Pumpkin patch and blooming mums await at Krop’s Crops
Krop's Crops in Great Falls is knee-deep into October Fall Festivities and preparing to host the Outdoor Vintage Market on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairfax County Public Schools Staff Uncomfortable With In-Person School Plan
Fairfax County Federation of Teachers releases survey results.
Staff at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are overwhelmingly uncomfortable with returning for in-person instruction, given the incomplete information about the implementation that has been currently shared, according to a report released by the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT) on Oct. 6 during a press conference.
Life Hangs in the Box Checked in Fairfax County
HR for County Schools tells staff to make a decision.
Tia Williams is an instructional assistant with diabetes and severe asthma at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).
Great Falls Resident Appointed to Library Board of Trustees
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted their approval and appointed Sujatha Hampton, Ph.D., as the Dranesville Representative on the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees.
Racism’s Impact: Great Falls Neighbors Recount Experiences
Great Falls Citizens Association held a virtual town hall during which five neighbors of color provided short vignettes of their lives, sharing their personal experiences and commentaries on racism.
Mobilizing for the Biden-Harris Ticket
Virginia's former Governor, House of Delegate Speaker and Senate Majority Leader at Fairfax County Government Center.
The second and third day of early voting at Fairfax County Government Center brought enthusiastic voters exercising their rights to vote and more.
Extraordinary Commitment Honored
2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards presented.
On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire Commission honored recipients of the 2019 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service Awards.