Alex McVeigh | Stories

Back to profile

Alex McVeigh

Stories by Alex

Tease photo

Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings

Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.

Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.

Tease photo

Bestselling Author Speaks at Alden

Safe Community Coalition welcomes Dr. Madeline Levine to discuss parenting tips, student stress.

The Safe Community Coalition welcomed bestselling author Dr. Madeline Levine to the Alden Theatre Tuesday, Nov. 19, to speak on successful parenting techniques.

GFCA Raises Contamination Questions

Initial corrective action plan missing pieces, public comment period to come.

Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Special Committee on Groundwater Contamination presented an update Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Tease photo

Brooksfield School Celebrates 25 Years

School brings Montessori education with emphasis on ‘mindfulness.’

More than 25 years ago, Mary Anne Duffus was almost at the end of her rope. She was chasing her dream of opening her own Montessori school, but after searching at multiple local churches for space, she couldn’t find one that would work.

Tease photo

Artisans Offers Artistic Gift Ideas

Jewelry, housewares, local art among items featured at The Artisans.

When it comes to buying local, The Artisans in McLean practices what they preach. The eclectic gift shop is filled with handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, accessories and much more.

Tease photo

Veterans Day Celebrated at Freedom Memorial

Former Navy SEAL John “Sandy” Pidgeon speaks during annual ceremony.

More than 100 citizens gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month Monday to pay tribute to Americas’ veterans.

SCC Takes Aim at Student Stress

Dr. Madeline Levine to speak at Alden Nov. 19.

The Safe Community Coalition, an advocacy group serving the Langley and McLean High School pyramids, as well as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is taking on the challenge of student stress head on.

Tease photo

Langley High School Presents ‘Little Women’

Students put on musical version of Louisa May Alcott novel.

When it came to playing sisters, Langley High School students Madeleine Chalk, Jamie Goodson, Kathryn Bailey and Camila Maric were more than up to the task. The four play the March sisters in Langley’s upcoming production of “Little Women.”

Tease photo

Learning to Live Life

Motivational speakers and authors address local women.

When it comes to happiness, Joda Coolidge, Mindy Mitchell and Alison Nancye have seen both sides of the coin. Like everyone, their lives have seen ups and downs, but the trio have used their experiences to get to where they want in life.

Tease photo

Bicyclers Take Aim At Tysons

Cycling summit examines Tysons Corner accessibility.

Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling hosted their annual Bike Summit Saturday, Nov. 2. Cycling and accessibility advocates examined the ways that people will be able to access the four Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner, stations that currently do not have onsite parking.

Tease photo

Citizens Oppose Residential Studios Proposal

Amendment would allow for low-income residential studios in many residential districts.

The McLean Citizens Association hosted a public forum to address the county’s proposed Residential Studios Zoning Ordinance Amendment Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Tease photo

McLean Casts its Vote

Residents will choose new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, delegate, sheriff.

On the first Tuesday of November last year, the halls of Langley High School were filled with lines of people waiting to cast their vote for president. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the lines weren’t quite as long, but voters throughout McLean went to their respective precincts throughout the day.

Tease photo

Comstock, Murphy Face off in 34th

Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock goes against Democrat Kathleen Murphy Nov. 5.

Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock will face off against Democratic challenger Kathleen Murphy for the 34th delegate seat on Tuesday Nov. 5.

Tease photo

Fundraiser for the Homeless at McLean Project for the Arts

Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia raises $45,000 during event.

The McLean Project for the Arts welcomed Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia for a fundraiser at the art venue Thursday, Oct. 24.

Tease photo

State Gardens Open for Business in Great Falls

Garden center features local art, firewood, plants, cider, with more to come.

For Ian McKeown, it was all about the Christmas trees. As someone who spent most of his life working at garden centers and farmers market, when the Vienna native was looking for a path, he decided to follow the Christmas trees.

Tease photo

Hanna Rose Hunt Named Outstanding Teen

Langley junior plans to speak at local schools about teen depression and anxiety.

Hanna Rose Hunt had never been in a pageant before this year’s Virginia State Fair. So far, she is undefeated, as she was named Miss State Fair of Virginia’s Outstanding Teen.

Tease photo

Studying Science of Sleep

MCA hosts discussion on later high school start times.

For almost everyone, the sound of their alarm telling them to wake up is one of the toughest parts of the day. Students are especially used to still trying to shake off the last of the night’s sleep while in homeroom or first period.

Langley Fork Draft Plan Released

Plan must be approved by National Park Service before possible land swap.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the latest draft master plan for Langley Fork Park at Franklin Sherman Elementary School Thursday, Oct. 17. The process has been going on since October 2011.

Tease photo

Mixing Arts and Coffee

Celebrate Great Falls hosts latest coffee social at Artists’ Atelier.

The Artists’ Atelier in Great Falls hosted Celebrate Great Falls for one of their regular coffees Thursday, Oct. 10. The Atelier, located on Walker Road, is home to 16 members of Great Falls Studios who use the space as a studio.

Great Falls Man Dies in Silver Spring

Mark Edward Waugh dies, friend Rahul Gupta charged.

Great Falls resident Mark Edward Waugh, 23, was found dead in an apparent homicide in Silver Spring Sunday, Oct. 13. According to Montgomery County Police, they responded to an apartment at 1220 East-West Highway at approximately 3:25 a.m. Sunday morning.

Tease photo

Federal Shutdown Hurts Claude Moore Colonial Farm

Despite being privately funded and operated, farm closed for eight days because of shutdown.

On Monday, Sept. 30, volunteers and staff at Claude Moore Colonial Farm were preparing for their busiest month of the year, with thoughts of a looming federal government shutdown far from their minds. After all, in 1995 and 1996 the property was unaffected by similar shutdowns.

Tease photo

Walk to School Wednesdays at Spring Hill

More than 300 students participate in National Walk to School Day.

Many Spring Hill Elementary Students are used to walking to school every day, but on Wednesday Oct. 9, there was a rush hour of sorts on the paths and sidewalks as more than 300 students participated in National Walk to School Day.

Great Falls Studios Explore Art’s Natural Habitat

Great Falls Studios releases book to celebrate 10th anniversary.

Great Falls Studios was founded 10 years ago by several artists who wanted to network. Now, it features more than 90 artists who work in almost every conceivable medium, and they work hard to promote arts events around the community.

Tease photo

Country Fair Comes to St. Francis

Annual event features games, quilt show.

As temperatures rose to near 90 degrees Saturday, Oct. 5 at the annual St. Francis Country Fair in Great Falls, many of the fair’s traditions were turned upside down.

Tease photo

Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Presents Arts Center Plans

Equestrians, Turner Farm advocates question proposed center.

The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts presented their proposal for an arts center at Turner Farm Monday, Sept. 30 to the local equestrian community, neighbors and residents involved in the “Save the Farm” campaign.

Tease photo

ArtFest Comes to Central Park

Annual event features live art, juried show.

As a first time visitor to the annual MPAartfest, it didn’t take long for Andrea Dorsey and her sister Beverly to be impressed.

Tease photo

St. Thomas Pumpkin Patch Back in Business

St. Thomas Episcopal Church opens annual fall fundraiser.

The green lawn in front of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean had some orange added to it Saturday, Oct. 5, courtesy of a truckload of pumpkins and hundreds of student volunteers.

Tease photo

Suits and Sneakers Goes On

Annual awards relocated to McLean Community Center due to shutdown.

In the early afternoon hours of Tuesday, Oct. 1, Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce staff was busy setting up for the annual Suits and Sneakers event, to be held that evening at Claude Moore Colonial Farm.

Tease photo

Historic Cornwell Farm Hits Market

Cornwell Farm for sale.

Cornwell Farm, a 13.1-acre historic property located within a mile of the Great Falls Village Centre, has been listed for sale by the HBC Realty Group (Keller Williams) of McLean.

Tease photo

Officials Discuss Derecho Aftermath

Puclic safety staff address changes, effects of storm.

Around 10 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012, the Northern Virginia area was hit by a derecho. A term unknown to many at the time, including local emergency personnel, the fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms hit the area and left three dead, trees down, houses damaged, widespread power outages and the failure of the 911 Emergency system.

McLean Central Park Plan Changes Unveiled

Amphitheater, outdoor games part of master plan revision.

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented updates to the McLean Central Park Master Plan Monday, Sept. 23 at the McLean Community Center.

Tease photo

Justice Scalia Speaks to Technology Council

Supreme Court justice discusses new book, current legal issues.

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonin Scalia spoke to members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner.

Tease photo

SPARC Hosts Music Workshop

Local musicians perform, jam with club members.

Members of the Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC), which serves adults with life-long disabilities, have been meeting at the Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean for almost two years.

Tease photo

Running, Cycling, Wheeling 5K

Tysons Corner hosts 10th annual Super H 5K.

After losing his leg in an accident in 2004, McLean resident Harry Freedman was, in his words, “in terrible shape.” An avid cyclist, he found himself questioning whether he’d ever be able to ride a bike again.

Tease photo

Pumpkin Patch, Artfest Come to McLean

Annual fall events are on the way.

Few things are as synonymous with fall as the pumpkin, which adorns porches, sidewalks and stoops throughout the season. This year, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean will have thousands of pumpkins for sale, starting Saturday, Oct. 5. The pumpkins are brought in from a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. The church shares the profits from sold pumpkins with the Navajos, and the remaining ones are donated to an animal refuge site to be used as feed.

Tease photo

MCC Prepares FY2015 Budget

Draft budget would increase tax rate to 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed real estate value.

The McLean Community Center Governing Board will vote on the Fiscal Year 2015 budget Wednesday, Sept. 25. The board’s financial committee has recommended an increase in tax rate from 2.2 cents to 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed real estate value.

Tease photo

Spring Hill RECenter Set For Renovation

New fitness center, basketball court, renovated facilities part of $7.1 million project.

The Spring Hill RECenter in McLean will be renovated and expanded by 36,000 square feet over the next year and a half. The project, which was funded through the 2012 Park Bond, will commence with a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, Sept. 21.

Tease photo

Planning Area’s Future Transit

Transportation officials discuss transportation funding, projects.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance hosted their annual "What You Need to Know About Transportation" seminar Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Gannett building in McLean.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

Metro and More Coming to McLean

Tysons redevelopment to highlight coming months.

Over the next few months changes will be abound in the McLean area, not least of which will be the arrival of trains on the Silver Line. While the trains themselves will carry people to and from McLean to other areas of the region, the areas surrounding the stations are undergoing many changes themselves.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

Walmart Comes to Tysons Corner

New store at Tysons West is first "urban style" location.

Walmart opened their first urban-style location in the country in Tysons Corner Wednesday, Aug. 14. The store, which is one of their "supercenters," will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and serves as the anchor of the JBG Rosenfeld Retail-owned Tysons West.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Tease photo

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.

Prev