Tuesday, July 31
Pike Named to Historic Register
Virginia recognizes pike June 21, national register in progress.
In 1969, several community members came together to help preserve the Burling Tract, a 336-acre parcel of land, located just north of Georgetown Pike near the Beltway. More than 40 years later, the efforts of at least 140 local citizens have led to the road being placed in the Virginia Register of Historic Places, with the placement on the National Register soon to come.
Seeking A Sundial at Observatory Park
Analemma Society hosts lecture, fundraiser for sundial replica.
In 1371, Arab astronomer Ibn al-Shatir constructed a sundial at the Great Mosque in Damascus that was a pinnacle of scientific achievement. Almost 650 years later, members of the Analemma Society of Great Falls are hoping to bring a replica to Observatory Park at Turner Farm.
VDOT Unveils EZ-Pass Flex
New transponder will allow HOV access to 495 Express Lanes.
The Virginia Department of Transportation unveiled the EZ-Pass Flex Wednesday, July 25 in Tysons Corner. The new pass will allow users of the 495 Express Lanes, which are scheduled to open at the end of this year, to switch between tolled and toll-free (for vehicles with more than three people) use.
McLean Residents Discuss Helicopter Noise
Aviation officials discuss details of local helicopter routes.
As a resident of McLean Hamlet, located just west of the Beltway and Tysons Corner, Behram Shroff is used to the sounds of traffic on the streets. But the traffic above the neighborhood’s head, specifically helicopter flights, is another issue. He estimates eight to ten flights over the neighborhood per day, each one quite noticeable to the point of rattling windows and even lost internet connections.
Friday, July 27
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
July 27-August 10.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Thursday, July 26
Classified Advertising (July 25, 2012)
Read the lastest Classified, Employment and Home and Garden ads!
Wednesday, July 25
Column: A Life Worth Living, Still
It might be my age (as in getting older), or it might be the fact that I have cancer (you think?), but my brain and the related physical and mental tasks it coordinates are not exactly working at peak efficiency.
Tuesday, July 24
Potomac Interceptor Project Begins
Odor abatement facility, pipeline rehabilitation planned for Great Falls.
Eastern Great Falls will be the site of a new odor abatement facility, part of the ongoing project from the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority
More Tree Troubles for Great Falls?
Tree falls, kills one, residents concerned about others.
A tree on Georgetown Pike at Oliver’s Corner in Great Falls fell over Tuesday, July 17, killing Albert Carl Roeth III while he was driving south at around 6:30 p.m.
Turf Field Slated for Nike Park
Project will look to increase usability, improve storm water management.
Nike Field number four is set to become the first artificial turf field in Great Falls, through a joint effort between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Great Falls Lacrosse Association and the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. In addition to allowing more playing time for local athletic groups, the project will also serve as part of the ongoing storm water management in the area.
Final Metro Span Laid in Tysons
Workers complete overhead bridges, move to laying track.
Workers from Bechtel Construction placed the final aerial span for Metrorail in Tysons Corner Tuesday morning, the last of 258 that will support trains as they make their way from Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue along Phase One of the Silver Line.
Derek Lee, South Lakes Baseball, 1983
South Lakes slugger was drafted five times before playing for Minnesota Twins.
Derek Lee is remembered at South Lakes high school, and by those that watched him play baseball, for his ability to do one thing — swing the bat.
Taline Tahmassian, Langley Soccer, 2001
Langley star recorded 96 goals and before winning NCAA title at Santa Clara.
How good Taline Tahmassian was on the soccer field can be measured by the pages of old newspapers. Tahmassian and the Saxons could be seen celebrating in photographs while snappy headlines chronicled their victories in a week-by-week scrapbook of archived clippings.
Nate Friends, McLean Soccer, Basketball, 1991
Friends dominated the basketball court and soccer field to help McLean to several regional tournament appearances.
Chantilly coach Jim Smith was a relative unknown when he took over the reeling McLean High School boys basketball team back in 1989.
Get Your OlymPet
Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s special adoption event runs through Aug. 11.
Dogs, cats, birds and other small animals will be showcased at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Summer OlymPETS adoption event through Saturday, Aug. 11.
Appointed to Academies
U.S. Rep. Wolf announces service academy appointments.
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) announced the 10th District’s Class of 2016 appointments to the nation’s service academies, as well as those selected for Academy prep schools and scholarships to academy-affiliated prep schools.
MPA Fundraiser ‘A Remarkable Success’
The event at Pulcinella Italian Host raises $1,650.
HBC Realty Group Community Charity Champions raised $1,650 for the McLean Project for the Arts at a fundraiser held on July 16 at Pulcinella Italian Host in McLean. This is the most money ever raised by Community Charity Champions and Karen Keys DuVal, Chair of MPA proclaimed the fundraiser at Pucinella's a remarkable success.
Editorial: Separate and Unequal?
If we don't believe that poor students are less innately talented, then the disparities in Northern Virginia are truly unfair.
The numbers are eye-popping. Latino students are 22 percent of Fairfax County Public Schools students, but 2.7 percent of the incoming Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology freshman class, the class of 2016. Of the 480 students, seven are black. That's 1.4 percent, while black students are 10 percent of the county school system.
Consumer Confidence on the Rise in Washington Region
Survey participants perceive regional economy better than broader national picture.
Consumer confidence is on the rise, according to results of a new survey by the Greater Washington Board of Trade.
Friday, July 20
McLean Home Sales: June, 2012
In June 2012, 137 homes sold between $3,250,000-$210,000 in the McLean and Falls Church area.
McLean Home Sales in June, 2012
Pedaling with Pals
Potomac Pedalers provides group rides for area cyclists.
Cyclists of all ages and ability levels can participate in group rides with the Potomac Pedalers.
DCCL Defeats International Country Club
The RiverBend StingRays defeated International Country Club, 326.5-189.5.
McLean Beats Highlands Swim
The McLean swim team defeated Highlands Swim, 246-174 on July 7.
Chesterbrook Wins with Dominant Performance
Chesterbrook defeated Vienna Woods, 323-97 on July 7.
Thursday, July 19
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
July 19-26.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Inaction May Cause Federal Officials to Create Health-Care Exchange for Virginia
January 2013 is the deadline for the commonwealth to create authority for exchange.
Virginia is suffering from deadline fever, although Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling for a second opinion.
Wednesday, July 18
Column: Circumstances Be Damned
If only it were as easy to actually live it as it is to write it. As much as I believe what I write, it’s still difficult to ignore certain facts (“the underlying diagnosis,” as I often refer to my diagnosis) and the feelings associated with it.
Fairfax County, VDOT File Suit Against EPA
New EPA rules will impact homeowners, developers and could cost taxpayers nearly $500 million.
Fairfax County and the state of Virginia filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, July 12, challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new storm water regulations for the Accotink watershed, claiming the agency’s requirements are costly, onerous and vastly exceed its legal authority.
President Comes to the Area
Obama rallies his supporters during the campaign stop at Centreville High.
Before President Barack Obama addressed the huge crowd inside Centreville High, Saturday afternoon, Jerry Foltz of Wellspring United Church of Christ gave the invocation.
Herrity, Hugo Respond to Obama’s Visit
Both Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) held a joint press conference Saturday afternoon, speaking to local Romney supporters prior to President Obama’s campaign rally at Centreville High. Said Herrity: "It was nice to see so many people from Little Rocky Run stop by and pick up Romney signs and stand with us."
The Smoking Trail
New cigarette trafficking law aids enforcement.
Virginia has long been known as a tobacco-friendly state. Tobacco was one of the first major commercial products for New World European settlers, and the state remains one of the largest producers today. Virginia is also home to some of the cheapest cigarettes in the country.
Classified Advertising (July 18, 2012)
Read the latest Classifieds, Employment and Home and Garden ads!
Fireworks Go Off at Turner Farm
Annual show was postponed from July 4.
While going a week without power meant no video games or television for Jeremie Johnson, 7, of Great Falls, it did some with one perk.
Senior Center Hosts Inaugural Event
Great Falls UMC hosts history presentation, vocal performance for local seniors.
The Great Falls Senior Center hosted its first event Tuesday, July 10 at the Great Falls United Methodist Church. The first iteration in the community using the center-without-walls concept (where local buildings host events on a rotating basis in lieu of a specifically designated building) featured a historical presentation, lunch and a performance by mezzo-soprano Heather Craw of Vienna.
Tuesday, July 17
1st Stage Focuses on First Opportunities
Tysons Corner theater looks to become ‘new theater for new city.’
Members of the Marshall High School community, two teachers and five former students, created 1st Stage Theatre in 2008 in Tysons Corner with an eye on the future. They opened just as the first concrete for the new Tysons Metrorail was being poured, but also at the start of the economic recession.
In Search of a ‘Forever Home’
Humane Society of Fairfax working for animal and human welfare.
Look up Petfinder.com on your Internet browser page. It’s a site where animal welfare groups can promote animals they have available for adoption. Type in a town or zip code. Let’s use Alexandria as an example. Check "Cat" for "Type of Animal." Hit "Search."
Childhood Hobbies: Finding the Right Fit
Experts offer suggestions for choosing extracurricular activities for the fall.
While many are still basking in the lazy days of summer, Anna Faust is planning her 5-year-old son’s after-school activity schedule for the fall.
Editorial: Leaving Millions on the Table
Virginia should embrace opportunity for more health care coverage for poor residents.
Chances are that if you are reading this, you have employer-provided health insurance. While you might worry about the young adults in your family or the lower wage workers in your organization, you also know that if you are sick, you can go to the doctor.
Letter: Making Care Affordable
Letter to the Editor
Many people have personal reasons for being glad that the Supreme Court has upheld President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, and for hoping that his opponents will not be able to repeal it.
Week in McLean
McLean news.
McLean Rotary Club Installs New Officers
On July 11 the Rotary Club of McLean installed officers for the 2012-2013 fiscal year: Jan Auerbach--President, Mike Holleran--Vice-President, Dale Lazar--President-Elect, Lynn Heinrichs-- Treasurer, and Paul Sawtell--Secretary.
Dr. Kitay Joins PartnerMD’s McLean Practice
PartnerMD, a subsidiary of Markel Ventures of Richmond, announces the addition of a new doctor to its McLean practice. Dr. Kaleen Kitay, formerly of Prosperity Internal Medicine, will join PartnerMD on Aug. 1.
A Roadmap for the Inner Self
McLean author celebrates one year of ‘Unveiling the Inner Journey.’
McLean resident and author, Alianna Maren, is celebrating an anniversary. This month marks one year since her groundbreaking book, "Unveiling: the Inner Journey," was published. And she is inviting all of McLean to join the celebration.
Friday, July 13
Local Real Estate: May 2012 Top Sales in Great Falls, McLean, Reston, Herndon, Oakton and Vienna
Local Real Estate: May 2012 Top Sales in Great Falls, McLean, Reston, Herndon, Oakton and Vienna
Wednesday, July 11
Home Remodeling 101
Experts offer suggestions for a timely and efficient renovation.
Whether expanding a home or just remodeling an existing interior space, building projects can be daunting, especially if the goal is to be finished by a certain date. "If you wanted to get going on a project and your goal was to be done by Thanksgiving, the planning process and permit process is probably as long as the building process, but you don’t want to rush through those aspects of it and then wish you’d done something differently," said David Vogt of Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
Column: A Victim of My Own Circumstances
Outliving one’s prognosis leads to all sorts of twists and turns and treatment conundrums: the longer one lives, the fewer the treatment options.
Classified Advertising (July 11, 2012)
Read the latest Classifieds, Home and Garden and Employment ads!
Great Falls Celebrates Fourth of July
Annual run, parade, games highlight Hometown Celebration.
Margaret Johnson remembers when the large trees in the Great Falls Village Centre weren’t so large. She remembers when they were saplings, barely providing any shade for the participants in the first ever Little Patriot Parade, which was added to the Great Falls Fourth of July celebrations almost 20 years ago.
Memory Café Provides Opportunities For Care
Weekly events help connect patients, caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
At age 64, Carol Blackwell’s husband Bob was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Carol Blackwell, a resident of Great Falls, called the diagnosis "devastating" and found what transpired to be a struggle as well.
MCC Hosts Fireworks Show
Event will be last at Langley High School.
Hundreds of local residents descended on Langley High School the night of Wednesday, July 4, to the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, hosted by the McLean Community Center.
Jackson Moves On from McLean
McLean High School Principal Dr. Deborah Jackson leaves after five years.
After five years at McLean High School, Dr. Deborah Jackson left her position as principal July 2 to take a new position within Fairfax County Public Schools. Jackson, who is a member of the McLean Rotary Club, was cited by parents and many organizations for her commitment to the school and the community surrounding it.
Tuesday, July 10
Editorial: Every Vote in Virginia Will Count
Top presidential donor zip codes in this area show Virginia is purple; Romney or Obama to be decided on Election Day.
If you wonder if presidential politics really matters in this area, consider that Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland hold some of the top zip codes for contributions to the two major party candidates.
Uke Fest Back at Lake Anne on July 14
The tranquil sounds of tiny strings will return to the Lake Anne waterfront when the 3rd Annual Ukulele Festival takes place on Saturday, July 14 from 11a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Silver Line Gets ‘Green Light’
Loudoun County Board by a 5-4 vote ‘opts in’ on extension of rail into their county.
Considering it is a hard fought presidential election year and a time of enormous financial anxiety, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors took a vote of amazing courage or astounding foolhardiness and backed the extension of the Silver Line Rail into their county.
Kids’ Music Program Brightens Summer
Wolf Trap’s Theatre-in-the-Woods presents song, dance and puppetry.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts isn’t just for adults. Its education outreach programs feature performances for young children, from kiddie-rock music to classical ballet and global performing arts.
A $1,000 ‘Thank-you’
Bazin’s waiter gets big tip for service.
Michael Manetti wasn’t doing anything he does not normally do when serving the party of 12 at Bazin’s on Church Friday night. He says he was there when they needed him, not when they didn’t. Manetti knows when to be unobtrusive. When the party’s host signed off on the bill, Manetti got the shock of his professional career. He was given a $1,000 tip.
Monday, July 9
Letter: Questioning a ‘War on Women?’
Letter to the Editor
Recent criticisms of Barbara Comstock's position on so-called "women's issues," and the concomitant accusations of a Republican "war on women" have left me frustrated.
Market is Moving in the Right Direction
Sales in McLean, Great Falls area 8 percent over the first half of 2011.
The residential real estate market in McLean and Great Falls is definitely showing strong signs of improvement. The total number of sales for the first half 2012 is up overall a little more than 8 percent over the first half of 2011.
Week in McLean
Fundraiser for McLean Project for the Arts.
A fundraiser supporting McLean Project for the Arts has been announced by HBC Realty Groups Community Charity Champions.
Woman’s Club of McLean Installs New Officers
A ceremony was held May 30 to install the 2012-2013 officers of the Woman’s Club of McLean.
Letter: Obtaining Solar Panels
Letter to the Editor
In light of the recent storm and power outages, I began to think more about solar power. If our home had solar panels and battery storage, we may not have been able to operate the air conditioning, but we could have run fans, had lights on, charged phones, and maybe cycled the refrigerator on a few times. I also wondered why Dominion does not incentivize businesses and residences to obtain solar power systems.
Pushed to the Limit
Food pantries seek help for county’s most vulnerable residents.
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, it’s already 103 degrees in Reston - the 10th straight day temperatures hover near or above 100 degrees after a derecho storm swept through the region on July 29, causing extensive power outages.
9th Asian Festival Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
Festival will take place July 21-22 at GMU.
This year, the 9th Asian Food and Tennis Festival is celebrating the year of dragon. The Festival is a two-day, free admission event to promote greater understanding of the Asian countries and cultures. It will be held at the George Mason University on July 21, Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on July 22, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is open to the public.
Thursday, July 5
Weekly Entertainment (Vienna/McLean/Great Falls)
July 6-20.
Entertainment in Vienna/McLean/Great Falls.
Wednesday, July 4
Column: Writing On!
It was June ’09 when I published my first column in the Connection Newspapers about being diagnosed with cancer. It was actually a column detailing the diagnostic steps I had taken during the first few months of the year attempting to identify the pain I had initially felt under my right-side rib cage in late December.
Tuesday, July 3
New Plant Life at Village Centre
GFCA, local businesses plant 50 flower baskets.
Visitors to the Great Falls Village Centre and the surrounding areas may have noticed a little extra plant life. The Great Falls Citizens Association, along with the Village Centre Condos, the Old Brogue, Adeler Jewelers, BB and T, the Great Falls Exxon, Great Falls Auto Service, Village Green Day School and Oliver’s Corner all helped contribute to the project, which includes 50 baskets.
Storms Leave Thousands Without Power
Derecho hits McLean, Great Falls area causing massive damage.
After a night of watching blinding flashes of lightning, sheets of rain and pieces of trees flying around his yard, George Matmos of McLean sought out Saturday morning normalcy the best he knew how: with a cup of morning coffee.
Outgoing MCA President Honored
Rob Jackson named Lord of Fairfax for Dranesvile District.
Rob Jackson, who served the most terms as president in the history of the McLean Citizens Association, was honored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as Lord of Fairfax for the Dranesville District. Jackson, the outgoing president, became involved in community affairs after a random encounter years ago.
Finding a Home for the Golden Years
Experts offer advice on choosing a retirement community.
When Jim Upp’s wife Jeannie died in 2006, the Fairfax senior citizen found himself surrounded by a lifetime of memories in the spacious home where the couple had raised three children.
Editorial: New Laws, Assault on Freedom?
oting restrictions, abortion restrictions, DUI restrictions, fewer gun restrictions, more go into effect July.
A plethora of new laws will go into effect in the Commonwealth on July 1, including restrictive new procedures for voting, and the loosening of multiple gun regulations.
Monday, July 2
Tennis Opportunities Abound in McLean, Great Falls Area
Local clubs tailor instruction for player’s individual needs.
Children, teenagers, and adults alike can experience the instruction of certified professionals in McLean and Great Falls tennis facilities.
Madeira Student Named Horse Show Youth Ambassador
The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), a national equestrian event based in Washington, D.C. since 1958, has announced Hanna Powers of Potomac Falls, Va., as Youth Ambassador of the 2012 show.
McLean Dancer Wins Gold, Contract
Albert Gordon wins Gold at the Boston International Ballet Competition.
The Washington Ballet (TWB) announced that dancer, Brooklyn Mack, won a Gold medal at the 2nd Annual Boston International Ballet Competition (BIBC) in Boston, Mass., on Sunday, June 17.
Full of Fun Musical Comes to Alden
McLean Community Players to present "Legally Blonde, The Musical."
"Such a sassy show, with so much fun" is Kate Merryman's description of the McLean Community Players’ production of "Legally Blonde, The Musical." "It is just totally upbeat, an inspiration to see."
Pamela Danner Named 2012 ‘Friend in Deed’
The Friends of the McLean Community Center organization named McLean attorney Pamela B. Danner the recipient of its 2012 "Friend in Deed" award. Danner is the 19th person to receive this recognition "with gratitude for outstanding leadership and support of the McLean Community Center."
Storms Leave 2 Dead, Power Out
At least two dead in Fairfax; 285,000 residents still without power after Friday night’s hurricane force winds.
Winds of more than 70 miles per hour swept through Fairfax County Friday night. Power went out as the storm blew into the area around 10:30 p.m. with hurricane force winds sounding like a freight train. The sound made some residents think a tornado was upon them, and many took refuge in basements.
Despite Failing Grade on Transparency, Law Enforcement Officials Resist Opening Access
Advocates for public access remain frustrated by persistent lack of transparency.
Back in March, Virginia received a failing grade from the State Integrity Investigation as the result of a systematic lack of transparency.