Stories for October 2013

Langley Girls Shine in Golf State Qualifier

The Langley HS girls golf team had an excellent performance at the State Qualifier on Oct. 22, where nine of the 13 girls on the team performed. Sophomore Maria McQuade and senior Rachel Zmuda advanced to the state tournament. Bob Hayne coaches the team.

Langley High Orchestra Thrills Audience

In a night full of spooky music, costumes and theatre, the Langley High School Orchestra presented a thrilling concert to a full house on Thursday, Oct. 24. The Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras opened the concert with film scores from “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” boosted by several band members in Superman and Batman costumes.

Community Debates Library’s Future

Public meeting in Great Falls raises concerns about the foundation of education in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Public Library Board of Trustees committee on The Future of the Library, officially the “Evaluation and Communications” committee, held a public meeting in Great Falls on Monday, Oct. 21. The committee was appointed by the library board last month after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on the initiative of Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, asked the library board to obtain input from the public and library staff before making any new, comprehensive changes to the library’s current operational structure and staffing. Library Director Sam Clay was in attendance and addressed the meeting. Director Clay and the board will be making a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 19.

Letter: Strongly Opposed to Cutting Food Aid

Last week, Elizabeth Berry wrote a letter expressing concern over a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would cut food aid for nearly 3.8 million people, and asked that I oppose this legislation. I strongly oppose it. The cuts recommended by the House would eliminate free school meals for 280,000 children and aggravate an already difficult situation for many families in Virginia struggling to put food on the table. We must protect nutrition assistance programs because it’s our responsibility to ensure the neediest among us have access to food when times are hardest.

Editorial: Vote Nov. 5 or Before

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

For voters in Virginia, it is hard to overstate how important it is to go out and vote next week. All Virginia voters will see statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, plus one delegate race. In addition, there are a few local races in Alexandria and Arlington, a bond question in Fairfax County and a referendum question about the housing authority in Arlington.

Column: Excuse Me, Pardon Me, Excuse Me…

If it wasn’t a coincidence, it was the next thing to being one. What it was, was the hiccups; occurring after chemotherapy infusion number one and again after chemotherapy number two. The first episode lasted only a few days and annoyed my wife, Dina, way more than it annoyed me. The first hiccuping episode was fairly constant; however it was not exhausting – and I wasn’t having any trouble sleeping because of them. Nor was I making any disturbing sounds or having any difficulty breathing – when caught in mid-hiccup, and/or eating because of the herky-jerky movements/spasms of my diaphragm. In general, it was a fairly benign effect. In the big picture, it didn’t seem particularly important that it was the hiccups I was having, so I never called my oncologist. It was the hiccups after all. It might as well have been a skinned knee. Jeez. And sure enough, within a couple of days, I was “hiccuped out.”

Sheriff’s Race Heats Up

Kincaid, Wolfe trade barbs over guns, vandalism.

Like many of her neighbors, Vienna resident Jane Li said she didn’t know Fairfax County had a sheriff’s department until a few weeks ago.

Voters to Decide on $250 Million Bond

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, Fairfax County voters will be asked to approve a $250 million school bond. If approved, the schools plan to use the money to:

Making Voters Feel Welcome, No Matter Their Language

County election officials have stepped up outreach efforts and volunteer recruitment efforts.

“I was touched with the Korean community’s efforts to help us translate materials and provide volunteers. … And so we're trying to encourage other pockets. My next target is Vietnamese. We’ve also printed recruitment brochures in Farsi, Arabic, Chinese Korean, French, and Spanish.” — Cameron Quinn, Fairfax County’s chief elections officer

Democrats Lead in Polls as Voters Head to the Polls for Election Day

Hotly contested race for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Democrats have the wind at their backs heading into Election Day next week, as Republican gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli struggles to overcome a deficit in the polls.

Elections Matter if We Mean Business

As campaigns across Virginia make their final push to engage voters, disaffection about the election is capturing headlines and salting conversations from kitchen tables to online chats. According to news reports, many voters, especially younger voters, have tuned out or turned off the whole statewide campaign scene claiming fatigue from 2012, disgust with the negative advertising or cynicism about whether any of it really matters to them. Considering that state decisions affect so many aspects of our lives, the reaction is alarming.

Colors of Democracy

Something seems different. Actually, 59,629 things seem unusual. Why such a specific number? It is the almost exact number of registered voters in Virginia’s 34th House of Delegates district (the same district that Great Falls is a part of). And what is so precisely different about these voters? Their shifting political tendencies.

Two Art Talks Scheduled at Great Falls Library in November

The public is cordially invited to attend two special evenings at the Great Falls Library on Thursdays, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Great Falls Senior Center to Host Holiday Potluck

The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) is hoping to repeat the success of last year when it holds its second holiday potluck celebration for area seniors. The center is wrapping up its program year with this social occasion. Once again, the theme is “Celebrating and Sharing This Wonderful Season.”

A Test of Leadership

I attended a debate On Tuesday, Oct. 22, between Barbara Comstock and Kathleen Murphy, candidates for State Delegate for the 34th District. After all the nasty flyers I've been receiving, it was good to hear the candidates respond to each other face to face and debunk some false claims. But more striking than the answers was the conduct of the audience. Most of the hundreds of attendees were polite and respectful. But five or six Murphy supporters were scattered throughout the audience hissing, jeering and laughing every time Ms. Comstock spoke. Although Kathleen Murphy refused to ask her own supporters to behave, Ms. Comstock, the moderator, the host and the ushers eventually were able to silence them.

Langley Wins ‘Cosby Cheer for the Cure’

The Langley cheerleading junior varsity team won first place at the “Cosby Cheer for the Cure” invitational in Richmond, held Saturday, Sept. 28 to benefit breast cancer. The team was also led to place second out of 10 teams by coaches Greg O'Brien and Nina Palazzolo at the 6th annual Spirit Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Stone Bridge High School.

Commentary: Dollars and Sense—Stewardship of FCPS

As many have become aware, the Fairfax County School Board’s budget discussions for the 2015 fiscal year have begun early. It is unfortunate that it has taken a combination of a $140 million deficit and demonstrable efforts by FCPS’ new Superintendent Karen Garza to bring full attention of the stakeholders, including the School Board, to education policy and funding.

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.

Colvin Run Opens New Playground

Addition features reading garden, new blacktop, reading benches.

Students, parents, teachers and administrators at Colvin Run Elementary School celebrated the opening of their new playground Wednesday, Oct. 23.

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.

Classified Advertising October 23, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Editorial: Halloween Party Safety Net

Make plans for a safe celebration; SoberRide safety net for those over 21.

Halloween is now a major holiday for adults, especially young adults, and also one of the major holidays each year that involve partying with alcohol and the risks of drinking and driving.

Denim Do-gooders Help Put Zip on Homelessness

Deltek hosts “challenge breakfast” to turn $5 into $25,000.

Casual Friday got a twist on Friday, Oct. 18, as thousands of employees throughout Fairfax County became denim do-gooders by throwing on a pair of jeans to help prevent and end homelessness. Deltek, Inc., the Herndon-based global software and information solutions company, kicked off the third annual Jeans Day in Fairfax County by hosting a fundraising breakfast. The company, founded in 1983 by Don deLaski and his son Kenneth, hosted one of the first Jeans Day events in Fairfax County. “We were excited to see Deltek host this challenge breakfast that welcomed businesses, nonprofits and other community leaders interested in helping to make jeans day a huge success this year,” said Dean Klein, director of Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH). “Even though we continue to have great support from longtime supporters, we also saw so much energy and enthusiasm from new partners.”

Officers in Pink Promote Breast Cancer Awareness

Residents and motorists in Fairfax County may notice hot pink collars peeking out of the top of the official uniform as officers respond to calls for service for the next two weeks. For the first time, officers are sanctioned to wear the T-shirts that read “Arrest Breast Cancer; Unlock the Cure” between Oct. 18-31. Hundreds of Police Department employees purchased the shirts at $15 each, with proceeds being donated to local cancer charities. The pink T-shirt campaign is being supported by the Fairfax County Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 77 and donations from Tysons Corner Center and Blue Line Motors of Warrenton.

Something's Missing

To the Editor: Here we were in election season again, but something seemed to be missing. Then it occurred to me: Where were all the campaign signs that usually pollute the median strips of our busy streets, distracting drivers and inconveniencing the crews charged with mowing and maintaining these areas? In past years, candidates often became engaged in arms races that resulted in hundreds of signs being plastered on every open space available. I inquired with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and learned that the county has new authority to enforce the laws against temporary signage on state highway rights-of-way, complete with the ability to levy fines against violators. Hallelujah!

Sheltering Animals & Families Together

Initiative promotes domestic violence shelters that accept pets.

Did you know that approximately 2.3 million people, primarily women, are victims of partner violence? Did you know that over 62 percent of the American households have, at least, one pet? Approximately 48 percent of abused women do not leave an abusive situation because they will not leave their pets behind. Pets are likely to be victimized by the household abuser. The abuser’s animal cruelty is used to force compliance from the victims. “What I do to the dog is what I can do to you” is the message the abuser sends, according to Allie Phillips, founder of Sheltering Animals & Families Together [SAF-T]. “As a prosecutor in Michigan, I saw women who stayed with their abusers to protect their pets,” said Phillips. “If they leave, the abuser will turn his anger on the pet. The pet usually is the primary target used to control the victim. “I created the safety program to help get these women out of their abusive homes.”

On County Libraries: We Should Know Better

To the Editor: I am the assistant branch manager at Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. I also worked at Reston Regional Library for four

Both Sides of Humility

To the Editor: Frank Wolf has been a decent congressman, but his column in last week's Connection shows how easy it is for politicians to (unintentionally?) speak with a forked tongue [It’s Going to Take Humility, Connection, Oct. 16-22, 2013]. At first he tells us, almost lectures us, about the value of humility. I agree, he's on target here. The swelled heads of congressmen leads to hardened opinions and an unmerited sense of self-importance on both sides of the aisle.

Preserving the Lifeline

To the Editor: As a long-time resident of Fairfax County, I am concerned about congressional initiatives that would kick 1.7 million Americans off the Food Stamp Program (SNAP). The program has been a lifeline for millions of Virginians suffering the effects of the economic downturn.

Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide Supported by Fundraiser at Trump National Golf Club

Our Military Kids and Stop Solider Suicide are being supported by the 4th Keller Williams Charity Golf Tournament in October. The tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at Trump National Golf Club Washington in Potomac Falls, Va., with 36 holes on two courses and waterfront vistas of the Potomac River.

Halloween Parade Steps Off on Oct. 23

Pre-parade entertainment on Town Green new in 2013.

Vienna’s longest-running and most-anticipated annual event—the 67th Vienna Halloween parade—steps off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. One hundred-plus groups, clubs, bands and floats take over Maple Avenue between Berry and Center streets.

Saving Public Libraries

To the Editor: A significant number of planners expect the nation to be illiterate by 2050, so books will not be needed. Instead of planning for my grandchildren’s needs today, the county has decided to prepare for their grandchildren’s needs in an imaginary future where people no longer read, where electronic devices enable them to communicate without written language, where books no longer exist. (From a study on architect Grimm & Parker’s website.)

Stark Contrast in 34th District

I do not often write letters to the editor, but felt compelled to now. I have been active in this community for over 35 years as the Dranesville School Board member, Dranesville supervisor, chairman of the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, and many other business, school and philanthropic activities. I have known many people who worked hard to make this community better. I have personally known almost all of the people who have run for local and state office from our community over the last 30 years, no matter the party. The contrast in this year's election for delegate in the 34th District could not be more stark.

Homecoming at Langley

Langley students enjoyed a homecoming dinner at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Saturday, Oct. 12.

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.

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.

Shiloh Baptist Church 140th Anniversary Recognized by Board of Supervisors

Supervisor John Foust and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored Rev. Dr. Robert Cheeks, Jr. and members of the Shiloh Baptist Church of McLean on their 140th anniversary at the board's Tuesday, Oct. 8 meeting. Shiloh Baptist is one of the oldest African-American churches in Fairfax County. Its history dates back to Cyrus Carter, a prominent member of the Northern Virginia African-American community.

Halloween Schooling Show at Turner Farm

The Turner Farm in Great Falls hosted a Halloween Schooling Show last Sunday, Oct. 20, sponsored by Turner Farm Events.

Benefit for the Great Falls Optimist Youth Fund and Student Scholarship Award

The Great Falls Optimist Club held a Wild West Dance Fest hosted at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8241 in McLean, on 1051 Spring Hill Road. The event had a live band, "Bennie Potter and Western Electric" and barbecued ribs and chicken from Famous Dave’s on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. This was a ticketed event to raise funds for the Great Falls Optimist Youth Fund and Student Scholarship Award.

Week in Great Falls

Meet Great Falls Photographers Oct. 28

Great Falls Studios (GFS) invites the community to an evening with GFS Photographers, Monday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at the Great Falls Library, Large Meeting Room, 9830 Georgetown Pike,Great Falls.

Opinion:Flying Saucers

Think outside the dull holiday dinner get-togethers. Think “Sibling Applesauce”!

Ok, now that I have your attention, I must confess that this piece is not about aliens, at least not the kind that NASA is looking for. Rather it is about creating traditions that may help keep members of your extended family from becoming aliens to you and your immediate family.

Letter: Trying to Hijack the Debate

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s planned debate on Oct. 8 with Delegate Barbara Comstock and Kathleen Murphy had to be cancelled this week when four gun control groups threatened to demonstrate “before and during” the debate and said they would “demand” answers to particular gun issues. This debate had been designed to answer questions that Great Falls citizens had submitted beforehand. The GFCA debate team made clear that there would have been a gun question, but that wasn’t good enough for these single issue groups who wanted to hijack our debate and make it all about their issue.

St. Francis Welcomes Music Directors Jeanne and Larry Vote.

St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls has welcomed Jeanne and Larry Vote as new directors of music for the church. Both Jeanne and Larry have extensive backgrounds in music, as performers, conductors, musical directors and educators.

Chipping in to End Domestic Violence

Great Falls Friends and Neighbors women participated in the Chipping in to End Domestic Violence charity golf tournament, hosted by Cooper Ginsberg Gray since the inaugural tee-off in 1999.

A Book Challenging Business Leaders

Great Falls resident Dave Ramos recently published “Decide One Thing”—a book challenging leaders who want to escape mediocrity and build high performance organizations.

Artists on Display

Great Falls Studios hosts 10th annual tour.

Hundreds of local art aficionados found out firsthand that Great Falls is an arts destination last weekend during the 10th annual Great Falls Studios Tour. More than 60 artists opened up their home or personal studios over the weekend to give a glimpse of the artist in their home element.

Creating a Spooky Halloween Dinner

Local culinary experts offer ideas for turning an ordinary meal into a ghoulish adventure.

Halloween dinner in Christine Wisnewski’s Vienna home is often a balancing act between healthy and sugary. On the sweetest holiday of the year, for example, the mother and culinary instructor at Culinaria Cooking School, also in Vienna, prepares a wholesome dinner for her eager trick-or-treaters, managing candy-induced sugar highs and inevitable post-confection lows.

Great Falls Home Sales: September, 2013

In September 2013, 19 Great Falls homes sold between $7,400,000-$770,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: September, 2013

Great Falls Boy Wins Essay Contest

Sidharth Muralidhar, 13, writes “For Love of Country—What Patriotism Means to Me.”

Sidharth (Sid) Muralidhar, 13, of Great Falls is being honored Oct. 17 for winning first place (gold) for his essay, “For Love of Country—What Patriotism Means to Me,” a contest sponsored by the Fairfax County Public Library System. He will receive $100 and a certificate at a reception at Robinson Secondary School.

Editorial: Don’t Let Negatives Keep You From Voting

Choices are stark; think about what principles should guide governance in Virginia for the next four years.

Every Virginia voter will have the option to cast a ballot for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and their member of the Virginia House of Delegates. While much of the coverage and advertising at the top of the ticket has been negative in the extreme, it will still matter who is governor. Don’t turn up your nose, hold your nose if necessary, and go vote. You can vote on Nov. 5; most likely you can vote before that.

Classified Advertising October 16, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

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.

GFCA Candidate’s Forum Postponed

Rescheduled for Nov. 1.

The Great Falls Citizens Association postponed its scheduled candidate’s forum Tuesday, Oct. 8, citing fears that outside groups were planning on disrupting the program.

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.

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.

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.

Battleground Northern Virginia

What role will the region play in the election?

For many years, Northern Virginia has been written off by both parties as a Democratic stronghold — a place where Republicans simply try to cut their losses while they focus on the rest of the commonwealth. But this election cycle may be different. All three of the gubernatorial candidates are from Fairfax County. And recent statewide candidates have not been able to win without picking off selected jurisdictions in Northern Virginia. "As you look at Northern Virginia that's further from Washington, you see a more Republican area — Prince William, western Fairfax, Fauquier," said Stephen Farnsworth, professor at University of Mary Washington. "That's where the real action is in Northern Virginia politics." As Election Day draws closer and television becomes a virtual battlefield for attention, a real battle is brewing on the ground here in Northern Virginia. Candidates and their advisors are looking at the path to victory back in 2009 for Republican Bob McDonnell, who won Prince William County, Fairfax County and Fauquier County. Although this race is likely to be closer than 2009, the importance of Northern Virginia is looming larger than ever.

Spookfest Concert at Langley High

Halloween is coming one week early to Langley High School as the LHS Orchestra presents Spookfest on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Symphonic Orchestra players will join with members of the band to present film scores from “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Theater students will present chilling poetry by Edgar Allan Poe as the freshman orchestra performs “The Evil Eye” and “The Hideous Heart” and “Two Scenes from the Hallow.” The sophomore orchestra will present “Ghosts of Brandenburg” after sophomore pianists play the duet from “The Corpse Bride.” Finally, the Philharmonic orchestra will dazzle listeners with incantations and a rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” This concert is free to the public and designed for children of all ages. Appropriate costumes are encouraged for performers and audience alike. Come out if you dare and enjoy the show.

Encouraging ‘Greatness’

Forestville principal takes holistic approach to learning.

On a typical morning, Forestville Elementary’s new principal, Todd Franklin, can be seen greeting children as they exit the bus. “Be great today,” he says, as they begin their morning. To Franklin, this is not just cheer but part of an overall philosophy.

Barbara Ellen Narins of Great Falls Dies

Barbara Ellen Narins, a Great Falls resident of 13 years and a nurse, lecturer, and wife and mother died Wednesday, Sept. 25. Born in Forest Hills, N.Y. to Anastasia and Robert Heidt on Dec. 24, 1939 she earned her degree as a registered nurse from Flower-Fifth Avenue Hospital in 1960 and one year later married Dr. Robert Narins, then a medical student. Over their next 51 years together Barbara raised their two boys, Brigham and David and supported Robert's career in academic medicine, which carried them to Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Detroit and finally to Great Falls.

Letter: Campaign Based on Divisive Issues

As I look at the staged demonstrations that were organized before the now cancelled debate in Great Falls was clear that first, they were closely coordinated by Kathleen Murphy’s team; (one of the key organizers held Ms. Murphy’s kickoff), and second, that they were organized because Murphy does not want to debate all of the issues we have before our communities—she just wants to discuss her divisive social issues she’s based her whole campaign upon.

Letter: Disruptive and Disrespectful

Democratic candidate Kathleen Murphy and the gun control groups she is working with were so disrespectful to the Great Falls Citizens Association debate that instead of trusting our citizens to ask questions about this issue, they “demanded” that all of their questions be answered and organized a disruptive demonstration before and during the debate in order to bully and threaten GFCA and attendees if their questions weren’t answered. As a result the debate between Delegate Comstock and Murphy had to be rescheduled.

Letter: The Right Decision

It is unfortunate that the Great Falls Citizens Association was forced to postpone the scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 8 debate between incumbent Delegate Barbara Comstock and challenger Kathleen Murphy. But, it was the appropriate call in keeping with the civilized debate process the GFCA has always followed.

Letter: Trying to Hijack the Debate

The Great Falls Citizens Association’s planned debate on Oct. 8 with Delegate Barbara Comstock and Kathleen Murphy had to be cancelled this week when four gun control groups threatened to demonstrate “before and during” the debate and said they would “demand” answers to particular gun issues. This debate had been designed to answer questions that Great Falls citizens had submitted beforehand. The GFCA debate team made clear that there would have been a gun question, but that wasn’t good enough for these single issue groups who wanted to hijack our debate and make it all about their issue.

Honored by the National Kidney Foundation

Thomas P. McDonough, of Great Falls, received the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) Martin Wagner Memorial Award at the recent meeting of the organization’s Board of Directors. Named for one of the NKF’s founders, this award is the highest honor the foundation bestows on lay volunteers.

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.

Candidate’s Forum Postponed

Recheduled for Nov. 1

The Great Falls Citizens Association postponed its scheduled candidate’s forum Tuesday, Oct. 8, citing fears that outside groups were planning on disrupting the program.

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.

Editorial: Get a Flu Shot, Register to Vote

Getting a flu shot has never been easier.

Classified Advertising October 9, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Influential Great Falls Artist Passes Away

Mother of "Renoir in a box" finder influenced local arts.

Long time Great Falls resident and artist, Marcia M. Fuqua, 85, died Sept. 9. Fuqua is remembered fondly in the home town as an artist and leader in the Great Falls arts community. In the last year, however, Fuqua has become more widely known as the mother of the woman who found the “Renoir in a box” and the controversy surrounding the ownership of the painting.

Lighting the Night at Reston Town Center

Annual walk funds blood cancer research, family support.

“Ava B” will turn 5 years old early next year, and spent more than half of her young life dealing with leukemia. She was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2011 at age 2. Since then, she has undergone more than 20 months of chemotherapy, and seen her family and friends rally around her.

Focus on Food Crisis

Marshall HS sponsors My First Model UN Training Conference.

Next week 250 middle and high school students will gather at Marshall High School for the 10th annual My First Model United Nations Training Conference. The conference will run all day on Oct. 19, and will feature morning training sessions, afternoon model United Nations conference sessions, and lunch. For students who hold any interest in international relations, it is not to be missed, according to Marshall High School senior Samuel Carpenter. Carpenter is a member of Marshall’s Model UN Team, and is helping to organize the event.

Real Estate in McLean and Great Falls: Strong for First Three Quarters 2013

In almost every market segment of McLean and Great Falls the number of residential transactions are up in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same time period in 2012. The total number of sales increased 6 percent, which is very strong given that it represents only the first three quarters of the year.

Decorating for Fall

Local designers offer suggestions for bringing the harvest into your home.

The colors of autumn are all around as pumpkins and squash fill produce stands and leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow before falling from their branches. Local designers and tastemakers are unveiling home accents that bring the warm hues of the season into the home. Whether using pillows, throws or flowers, adding the colors and textures of fall requires less effort than one might expect. “Emerald green, orange and turquoise are three of the biggest color trends we’re seeing,” said Marcus Browning of European Country Living in Old Town Alexandria. “Throws and pillows are a given, but you can also tie in traditional and modern accessories with rugs, stained glass lamps with modern or intricate designs.” Small trays provide a canvas for highlighting color and adding functionality to a room, says Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Bethesda, Md. “Color and pattern are in right now,” she said. “I just purchased the C. Wonder (http://www.cwonder.com) navy and white chevron tray for my home. It adds a punch of color and freshness to a room. Preppy is back in a big way, too, offering lots of patterns.”

Week in Great Falls

Great Falls Memory Café Meets on Oct. 17

The Great Falls Memory Cafe will meet Thursday, Oct. 17, from 2-4 p.m. at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Vienna. The memory cafe is a casual social meeting venue for those with progressive memory or cognitive impairment and their caregivers. Call Carol Blackwell 571-236-6933 for more details.

Claims vs. Facts

To the Editor: At a recent elementary school’s Back to School Night, a friend was handed materials from supporters of Barbara Comstock, the Delegate for the 34th Virginia House District. I expect that a candidate would paint him or herself in the most favorable light, and that campaign materials should be read with a certain degree of skepticism. However, a little research in the public record shows a tremendous discrepancy between the way Ms. Comstock portrays herself and the reality of how she has voted. *Claim: Comstock claims to support education and takes credit for helping to restore $120 million in cuts to Virginia schools. Fact: in 2010, Comstock voted in favor of a House Budget Bill (HB30) that cut education by $620 million.

‘Nature’s Shapes and Colors’ Photo Exhibit

“Nature’s Shapes and Colors,” an exhibit of photography capturing the variety of shapes and colors in nature by Great Falls photographer and author Dee Leggett, will be on display through Nov. 30, 2013 at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa in Great Falls. Photos display local butterflies, shapes and colors from East Coast beaches to reflections in the Yukon. The exhibit will be on display during business hours at 11415 Georgetown Pike. Leggett is a member of Great Falls Studios and has been exhibiting her photography for more than 10 years. Visit DeeLeggettPhotography.vpweb.com, email her at DeeLeggett@aol.com or call 703-430-8680.

Negative Campaign

Candidates appear at minority business forum, attacking each other.

Local and statewide candidates for office appeared at an unprecedented forum in Northern Virginia last weekend, a collaboration of minority business groups of blacks, Hispanics and Asians. But as candidates arrived at the Annandale campus of the Northern Virginia Community College for a Sunday afternoon forum, voters realized that the tone of the campaign would remain unrelentingly negative. "All three of the Republican candidates are Tea Party right wing extremists," said Del. Ken Plum (D-36), who is running unopposed. "Look at their records and their stands on the issues." Plum attacked Cuccinelli's lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act as well as his investigation into a University of Virginia professor studying climate change. The longtime delegate also said the Republican attorney general candidate Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-25) has a similar record, including a bill that would have required women to report abortions to police. Together with the candidate for lieutenant governor, Plum said, the ticket is Tea Party from top to bottom.

Running, Walking to Help Haitians

VIP 5K run/walk to be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at Lake Fairfax Park.

The Vanessa Pean Foundation is sponsoring the second annual VIP 5K run/walk in memory of Great Falls resident Vanessa Pean who died tragically in a car accident on Beach Mill Road Oct. 30, 2005 at age 16. Since 2005, the Vanessa Péan Foundation has been shaping the future of Haiti by providing scholarships to underprivileged children as well as critically needed basic services such as clean water. This 501c3 is dedicated to creating a better future for all Haitians through education and by addressing basic human needs. Over 322 scholarships have been provided and a clean spring water well now provides potable water for a town the size of Great Falls.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Classified Advertising Oct. 2, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Guest Editorial: Virginia’s Easy Access to Guns

A parent asks why background checks aren’t better.

How do you respond to a 7 year old when she comes home from school and says “we did our bad man drill today Mommy, but don’t worry it was just for practice, no one really came into our school to shoot us”?

Senior Volunteers Stay Active

Fifty percent of Mount Vernon RECenter’s volunteers are senior citizens.

The Mount Vernon RECenter is known for its ice skating rink, massive indoor swimming pool and fitness center with spa and sauna. It has 46 volunteers who help greet guests, clean up the fitness room, landscape the grounds and assist people with adapted swimming and ice-skating. Exactly half of them are retired senior citizens over 50 who want to stay active while giving back to the community.

Choosing a Home for the Golden Years

Many options for retirement communities in the region.

Jim Harkin, 81, and his wife, Phyllis, 80, have little free time these days. Jim spends his days protecting and photographing wildlife on the 60-acre campus at The Fairfax, a Sunrise Senior Living Community, in Fort Belvoir. He helped build, refurbish and maintain more than 20 birdhouses on the grounds, including homes for tree swallows and purple martins.

Active Seniors Compete for Glory

fter 11 days of more than 50 events held Sept. 7-19, the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics finished with a golf event at Forest Greens Golf Course in Triangle, Va. Other events ranged from cycling, swimming and pickle ball to Mexican train dominos and Scrabble.

Diverse Needs, Desires Drive Mobility Solutions

Seniors increasingly seek innovative plans that embrace both the present and the future.

Russ Glickman was a traditional full-service remodeler until the late 1990s when he abruptly added a host of accessibility certifications to a long list of building industry credentials. The service extension was less about opportunity than a personal call to apply what he’d learned from personal experience in helping his son, Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy.

Column: “Mor-Tality” or Less

Meaning, in my head anyway, the future and what there is left of it. More specifically, I mean life expectancy. When you’re given a “13-month to two-year” prognosis—at age 54 and a half, by a cancer doctor, your cancer doctor—the timeline between where you are and where you thought you’d be when becomes as clear as mud.

Residential Studios Put on Hold

Supervisors establish committee, plan additional public outreach.

At the recommendation of Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-At-Large) and Supervisor Michael Frey (R-Sully), the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday deferred its Nov. 20 public hearing on a proposed residential studios (RSUs) amendment to conduct additional community outreach.

Now What?

Fairfax County braces for “domino effect” of federal government shutdown.

“We live in a ‘company town’ and the company is the federal government, so most of us have family and friends who are federal employees or contractors impacted by this shutdown,” Long said in a memo emailed to county employees Tuesday. Long said his biggest concern was the “domino effect” the shutdown will have on the local economy, and “the short-term uncertainty that will impact business decisions.”

Social Justice Matters

SALT forum gives candidates a chance to tell voters where they stand on social justice issues.

But one group also thinks voters should know where candidates stand on social justice issues when they go to the polls Nov. 5. “Our elected officials have a great deal of influence on the common good, so it’s reasonable that we find out where candidates stand on these issues,” said John Horejsi, founder of SALT (Social Action Linking Together), a non-partisan, faith-based advocacy group started in 1983.

Leadership Fairfax Honors Community Leaders Who Make a Difference

Leadership Fairfax (LFI) has chosen the 2013 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards (NVLA) recipients via a panel of community and business leaders evaluating nominations submitted by Leadership Fairfax alumni and the general public. The award recipients will be honored at the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Westwood Country Club in Vienna.

Minority Chambers of Commerce to Host Candidates’ Forum

The recently formed alliance of Northern Virginia Minority Chambers of Commerce will give members of the fast growing minority business community the opportunity to meet with the commonwealth’s gubernatorial and statewide candidates at the first-ever joint Candidates’ Forum, Sunday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus.

On the Job and Hot on the Trail

Finding people is fun for new, police bloodhound pups.

“We’ll get them out here and acclimate them to the noises — gunfire, [vehicle] brakes and birds,” said Masood. They’ll also be exposed to airplanes, wind, rain, heat, car horns honking, plus obstacles such as fences. And they’ll learn how it feels on their paws to walk in the woods, through brush, on cement, carpet, tile floors, etc. That way, said Clarke, “When they get out on the street, when they’re almost a year old, they’ll be ready.”

Volunteer Opportunities

*Fairfax County’s Meals on Wheels urgently needs drivers in the Annandale, Franconia/Kingstowne, Reston, Mount Vernon and McLean areas. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Beauty of Fall

This week at McLean Children's Academy, students, parent volunteers and teachers had a great time planting fall flowers. MCA is located at the corner of Elm Street and Rt 123 in McLean. The director, Sarah Bowlen, said "We always try to have the front of the school look nice so the neighborhood can enjoy it. Pansies stay beautiful even through the winter." This gardening adventure was part of a science lesson for the children.

Week in Great Falls

Great Falls Floors, Inc. Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Sha Chitsaz, general manager of Great Falls Floors, Inc., has announced their 15th anniversary of serving clients in Great Falls, McLean and Reston.

A Tireless Advocate

It is nearing that time again, to choose our elected representative for delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates, and I want to tell you why I think we should continue to support our current delegate, Barbara Comstock.

Learning About Polluted Runoff

To the Editor: My name is Benji Prickett, I attend Kilmer Middle School. Lately we have been learning about the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the dangers of runoff. Runoff can carry sediments, rocks, pollutants and also fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers and pesticides especially can be very dangerous; they can kill the wildlife in the bay and can also stop recreational activities like fishing, boating and swimming, just to name a few. I hope that we can cut back on using spray pesticides on our lawns. My family has been doing this for many years and our lawns look fine. Currently our bay is very polluted, but if we where to cut back on pesticides our bay would be so much better for everyone and every thing. Benji Prickett Great Falls

Great Falls Waves Good-bye to Santa Representative

Dr. Christopher Earl “Doc” Kennemer remembered for his service to the Great Falls community.

Dr. Christopher Earl “Doc” Kennemer, Great Falls resident, volunteer firefighter and local representative of Santa Claus, made sure that Santa got off to a good start for 30-plus holiday seasons during the annual Great Falls Village Centre Christmas Tree Lighting event. In return, on Saturday, Sept. 28, personnel from the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department joined with Kennemer family and friends to give Kennemer a fitting send-off at a standing-room-only memorial service held at Great Falls United Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday school and been an active member for more than 35 years. Always on call, all fire department personnel were seated with easy access to exits or stationed outside the service so they could respond if needed elsewhere.

Walt Lawrence Exhibits at Katie’s Coffee

Great Falls photographer Walt Lawrence stages a new exhibit at Katie’s Coffee featuring images from his “On the Potomac at Riverbend” collection. The exhibit opened on Oct. 1 and will run through the end of the month. Over the past 15 months Lawrence has been shooting waterscapes and wildlife from a boat in the Potomac off of Riverbend Park.

The Taste of Fall

Local chefs and nutritionists offer healthy recipes for tasty fall dishes using seasonal ingredients.

When the temperature starts to drop and leaves begin to turn red and orange, you can often find chef Susan Limb meandering through local farmers markets, sorting through rough-textured, knotty sweet potatoes; tough, waxy butternut squash; and dusty, rose-colored apples.

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.

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.