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.
Metro Silver Line Delayed
MWAA announces at least an eight-week delay in passenger service.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced an approximately eight-week delay in the completion of Phase One of the Silver Line.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm Turns 40
Longtime friends, volunteers celebrate 40 years of colonial-style farming.
Claude Moore Colonial Farm opened its doors on July 26, 1973, with the idea to show what life was like 200 years ago. Forty years later, it still provides a glimpse of daily life for farmers in 1771. The farm welcomed friends and longtime volunteers to celebrate the last 40 years and look to the next 40 years Thursday, July 11.
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.
Keeping Tysons Moving
Annual event highlights transportation changes.
Developers of transportation projects in and affecting Tysons Corner gathered at the annual Keep Tysons Moving event Thursday, June 27, an opportunity for local companies to hear the latest updates on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail and more.
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.
Shelter House Presents Changing Lives Awards
Awards given to individuals and organizations, new board sworn in. jumphead
Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that serves those affected by homelessness and domestic abuse, held their annual awards ceremony and welcomed a new board Tuesday, June 25.
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.
Creating Livable Community For All Ages
County and local organizations seek to find and meet seniors’ needs.
People over 55 make up approximately 30 percent of Fairfax County’s population, making them the largest population group. Many of that group have chosen, or plan, to spend their later years in Fairfax County, but as they age in place, there are certain services and resources needed.
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.
MCA Hosts Members Update
Speakers share plans for new community center, downtown improvements.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted their annual membership meeting Thursday, May 30, bringing in organizations from around the community to provide the latest on McLean’s past, present and future. Sally Horn, president of MCA, called the last 12 a "terrific and challenging year," particularly in terms of Tysons Corner funding and transportation plans.
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 McLean
Fireworks return to Langley, concerts return to McLean Central Park.
After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made. After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made.
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.
Concerned Citizens Host Gun Control Forum
Speakers examine past, present and future of gun control reform.
Ruth Hoffman of McLean watched the details of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December and couldn‘t help but feel it hit close to home. As the mother of a four year old and seven year old, she identified with the families of the victims of the tragedy, and found herself rethinking her previously held belief on guns.
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.
Studio Rep Proceeds to Improv
Student ensemble hosts monthly improv nights.
Studio Rep is a group of eight high schoolers that perform shows throughout the year. For the past few years, the group holds auditions at the start of each school year, and once the troupe is selected, they perform through May.
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.
Great Falls Resident to Paddle the Potomac
Aryan Golzar will go on 400-mile journey to raise money for scholarship.
Growing up in Great Falls, Aryan Golzar always loved the Potomac River. The same 400-mile-long-plus waterway that led to settlements from the Chesapeake Bay to West Virginia drove his imagination during his formative years, and now it’s become something even more.
Community Celebrates Great Falls Day
Celebration features live performances, history displays.
Members of Great Falls and the surrounding communities gathered at the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse Sunday, May 5, for Great Falls Day. In celebration of the two historic buildings, as well as other signature aspects of Great Falls, hundreds attended the event to enjoy a pleasant Sunday and learn more about history.
Haddad Celebrates 50 Years of Dance
Margaret Haddad Studio to present "Down Memory Lane."
After dancing and teaching ballet in four countries over the past five decades, Margaret Haddad’s Studio of Classical Ballet will look back on some of her favorite shows with "Down Memory Lane."
Great Falls Exxon Environmental Meeting Set
GFCA to host meeting on former Exxon station contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association will host a public meeting Tuesday, May 14, to address the environmental impact of lingering effects on the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike.
McLean Forum Highlights Sex Trafficking
Area officials host human trafficking forum.
Del. Barbara Comstock (R-34) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) joined Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) and others at the McLean Community Center Friday, May 3, to discuss the facts of human trafficking. The U.S. State Department estimated that human trafficking is the third largest source of profits for international organized crime, behind firearms and narcotics.
Cooper Middle School Presents ‘The Wiz’
Students perform adaptation of classic "Wizard of Oz."
Cooper Middle School will present one of its most ambitious productions ever starting May 8 with "The Wiz." A soulful retelling of "The Wizard of Oz," the Cooper production will feature a cast of 60 and a crew of 30.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Luncheon Features Students’ Poetry
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors name winners of 31st annual poetry contest.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors honored 10 Great Falls Elementary School students Friday, April 16, at their 31st annual poetry luncheon
Great Falls Farmers Market Hits Spring Season
Spring produce, other goods available at weekly market.
The Great Falls Farmers Market has kicked off its spring season, welcoming vendors returning and new with fruits, vegetables and other products. Three vegetable vendors are currently at the market, offering early spring crops.
Langley Hosts Relay for Life
Event will be first at school in 15 years.
Langley High School will be the site of the first Relay for Life event in more than 15 years starting Saturday, April 28. The event will be a 12-hour fundraiser walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Fashion On the Go
Janet Gonzalez brings mobile boutique to Northern Virginia.
As the youngest of four girls, Janet Gonzalez got used to hand-me-down clothes at a young age. The child of two parents who lived through the Great Depression, she became interested in fashion very early, often riding her bike miles away to look at the latest trends on stores and magazines.
Opening Day for McLean Little League
Players parade down Westmoreland, kick off 2013 season.
Hundreds of boys and girls kicked off their 2013 season Saturday, April 13, as McLean Little League celebrated opening day at the McLean Little League Fields. The players, coaches and parents started their morning at McLean High School before marching almost a mile down Westmoreland Street to the fields.