Stories for September 2013

Saturday, September 28

West, Casso Lead Langley Football Past Chantilly

Saxons outscore Chargers 28-0 in second half.

The Langley football team improves to 2-2.

Friday, September 27

Commentary: In Search of Affordable Housing

Challenges for Residential Studio Units and the need to address them.

Fairfax County’s Planning Commission will hold two workshops on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 to expand the discussion about the proposed residential studio unit (RSU) amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. There will be a staff presentation on Sept. 25, and questions submitted online by citizens to the Planning Department will be answered in the second workshop on Oct 2. The plan is for both workshops to be televised on the county’s cable station.

Thursday, September 26

Editorial: Vote

It will matter who is elected governor.

To vote on Election Day, you must be registered at your current address no later than Oct. 15, 2013. You can check your registration status online by visiting the State Board of Elections website at www.sbe.virginia.gov. There you can also download a voter registration form and mail or fax it to your elections office address.

Column: A Study in Contrasts

The decision for yours truly to participate in a Phase 1 Study at N.I.H. or Johns Hopkins (depending upon availability and qualifications) discussed in last week’s column has been put on hold, temporarily. It seems that my oncologist was thinking about me over the holiday weekend and called me on Wednesday following Labor Day to say he had a diagnostic idea concerning me: a 24-hour urine collection (a “Creatinine Clearance Study”) which would provide a more accurate reading (than the regular lab work I have; from blood) of my kidney function.

Column: A Peculiar Existence

I’m not exactly pretending that I don’t have stage IV lung cancer (non-small cell, to be specific), but ever since my hospital admission on August 2nd, I have been treatment-free; no I.V. chemotherapy, no oral medication, no targeted treatment, no nothing. And during this sabbatical (I use that term loosely; being off chemotherapy has been as much about recovering from surgery and recuperating from my hospital “stay-cation” as it was anything necessarily intended), I have progressed from feeling crappy and being short of breath—while being infused previously, to where I have become relatively asymptomatic, breathing normally and for the nearly eight week treatment-free interval mentioned, have felt mostly OK.

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, Sept. 24 deferred its Nov. 20 public hearing on a proposed residential studios (RSUs) amendment to conduct additional community outreach. The board also established a Planning Commission Residential Studios Committee.

Northern Virginia Supports Day to Serve

The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), a coalition of 14 counties, cities and towns that work together on regional issues, passed a unanimous resolution endorsing Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell’s call to participate in the 2013 Day to Serve.

New Nosy Recruits ‘Bolt & Silas’ Prepare for Duty

Although they are just a few months old and still in their bonding and training phases, two new bloodhound pups are preparing for the rigors of police work in Fairfax County. Bolt and Silas are the police department’s newest additions to their bloodhound team. The agency purchased the pups in August when they were just 6 weeks old. They join Shnoz and Cody, sisters from the hills of Northern Alabama who joined the agency in 2008 at 19 months old.

McAuliffe, Cuccinelli Highlight Small Business Summit

Gubernatorial candidates speak at the Mason Inn & Conference Center.

Virginia gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli were the keynote speakers at the fourth annual Virginia Small Business Partnership (VASBP) Summit, hosted by Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies LLC at The Mason Inn in Fairfax on Friday, Sept. 20. “We are thrilled to have them join us,” said Paul A. Miller, chairman of the VASBP.

Wear Jeans to Work, Help End Homelessness

Register now to participate in Jeans Day Fairfax on Oct. 18.

Just by wearing jeans to work, you can actively help nearly 3,000 men, women and children in Fairfax County who face homelessness and hunger every day. On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Friday, Oct. 18 “Jeans Day Fairfax,” the third annual Jeans Day event in Fairfax County.

Wednesday, September 25

Becoming a High School Diplomat

"How to Apply" The HSD application is now available at highschooldiplomats.com, and all parts must be postmarked and sent by January 8th, 2014. The program runs from July 29 to August 9, 2014. Questions can be directed to Celine Zapolski, the American HSD director, at celinezepolski@highschooldiplomats.com.

R. Dennis McArver, Chairman of the Arts Council of Fairfax County, Dies

The Arts Council of Fairfax County is mourning the passing of its chairman, R. Dennis McArver. McArver, a Vienna resident, legal professional and civic arts activist, died Sept. 14. He was born in 1936. "We have lost a dear friend and a strong leader," said Linda S. Sullivan, president and CEO of the Arts Council. "Dennis embraced his role as chairman of the Board with such enthusiasm and vigor and was a tireless advocate for the council and all the arts in Fairfax County," Sullivan continued.

Tuesday, September 24

Great Falls Studios Join Amadeus Orchestra in Season Debut

Continuing a strong history of collaboration among community groups, Great Falls Studios (GFS) artists will be exhibiting their art at the Amadeus Orchestra’s season debut on Sunday, Sept. 29 at St. Luke Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean.

Great Falls Resident Angie Officer Is Volunteer of the Year

Angie (Donnell) Officer, a ’88 Rochester Institute of Technology graduate who majored in graphic design, has always kept busy in her personal and professional life. She worked as an art director and handled public relations before joining Sprint Corp. in 1992 as an account manager for relay services in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Virginia. Today, she’s a senior implementation program manager for Sprint Relay, overseeing relay service in 32 states, as well as serving as chairperson of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Obituary: Phyllis Cochran Paul, 91, Dies in Great Falls

Phyllis Paul, 91, died on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, under hospice care. Phyllis, a native of Philadelphia, went to business school in the 1930s and worked as an executive secretary throughout her long life living in eight different states. She had been married to Remsen O. Paul, Sr. for over 52 years until his death in 2004.

Civil War Revisited

The reenactment of John S. Mosby: Making connections, taking the long view.

As the Great Falls Historical Society continues its annual reflection on the Civil War (1861-1865) over its five-year-long 150th year anniversary, Rick and Debbie Turner, residents of Great Falls, reenacted John S. Mosby and his wife, Pauline at the monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Rick took detailed, factual research about John Mosby’s life, battles and achievements and dramatized the tale in the first person.

Christian Morrow of Great Falls in 'Miss Firecracker'

Christian Morrow of Great Falls has been selected to play Mac Sam for the University of Mary Washington production of “The Miss Firecracker Contest.” Morrow is the son of Hugh and Anne Morrow of Great Falls and is a 2011 graduate of Langley High School.

The Artist's Atelier Announces New Website

The Artists’ Atelier has a new website showcasing the artwork of its resident artists. The new site, at http://gfatelier.fineartstudioonline.com, shows visitors images of available art, biographies and contact information for each artist, a calendar of upcoming events, and a short history lesson on how the Atelier came to be.

Colvin Run Hosts Outdoor Movie

“Hotel Transylvania” shown at annual back-to-school event.

Though their weekend had officially begun several hours earlier, hundreds of Colvin Run Elementary School students and their families made their way back to the school at dusk Friday, Sept. 20 for the school’s annual outdoor movie night.

Grange Receives Funds for ADA Compliance

Board of Supervisors approves funds for new restroom, internal and external lift.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved more than $500,000 in funding to make the Grange in Great Falls compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Grange is owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Country Fair, Spooktacular Return

Annual festivals highlight fall fun in Great Falls.

Fall brings several annual traditions to Great Falls, events that help local residents to celebrate the season in style. On Saturday, Oct. 5, St. Francis Episcopal Church will host their annual country fair.

Author Explores Consequences of Mental Illness

B.W. DeCaro released first novel, “Grown Men Don’t Cry.”

When it came to writing his first novel, Great Falls resident B.W. DeCaro knew he wanted to delve into some serious topics. With his first novel, “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” he’s done exactly that, creating a story in which two men must deal with mental illness in themselves and the ones they love.

Full Disclosure? Forms Plagued By Lack of Information, Absence of Oversight

Fairfax County goes so far as to redact disclosure documents.

Thursday, September 19

Great Falls Home Sales: August, 2013

In August 2013, 21 Great Falls homes sold between $2,000,000-$436,000.

Great Falls Home Sales: August, 2013

Editorial: Addressing Virginia’s Economy

Ending gridlock in Congress and supporting health care reform would be huge steps in supporting economic recovery in Virginia.

The strength of Virginia’s economy, especially Northern Virginia’s economy, comes significantly from federal spending. So while the governor and other elected officials claim that Virginia’s success is because Virginia is a low-tax state with fewer regulations, it’s worth considering that the sequester and continuing gridlock in Congress threaten Virginia’s most important resource, federal spending.

Navy Yard Shootings Hit Close to Home

Four Fairfax County victims killed in Washington Navy Yard rampage.

“Marty was a kind and caring man. He had such a sweet spirit and was in every way a man that lived his life to honor Christ.” —Pastor Steve Holley of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield

Local Business Leaders Spotlight Opportunities for UK Companies

Fairfax County EDA organizes Sept. 26 seminar in London.

Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) officials announced Tuesday, Sept. 17, that local executives will speak at a London seminar to spotlight opportunities for British companies interested in homeland security business opportunities in the United States.

Full Disclosure?

Forms plagued by a lack of information, absence of oversight; redacted documents.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is in hot water for taking gifts without disclosing them, and legislators are talking about increasing disclosure requirements for family members. But here in Northern Virginia, personal financial disclosure forms are often incomplete and inconsistent. Some elected officials choose to disclose a great deal of information while others disclose very little. Fairfax County officials have decided to redact information that's supposed to be part of the public record. And nobody is reviewing the forms to make sure they are accurate.

Classified Advertising Sept. 18, 2013

Read the lastest ads here!

Wednesday, September 18

Artistic Talents Unlocked

Stimulating “The Pitmen Painters” at 1st stage.

"When and Where" 1st Stage presents "The Pitmen Painters" at 1524 Spring Hill Road, Tysons Corner. Performances: Now thru Oct. 13: Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: General admission: $27. Seniors $22. Students and Military $15. Visit: www.1ststagetysons.org or 703-854-1856. Note: Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Note: Want to know: http://www.ashingtongroup.co.uk/home.html.

Commentary: Combatting Human Trafficking in Our Own Communities

“You’re pretty. You could make some money.” That was the headline of a recent Washingtonian Magazine article about young girls in our region who are lured through social media into the terrifying world of human trafficking.

Week in Great Falls

The new season of the Great Falls Historical Society begins Sept. 18 with a re-enactment of Confederate guerilla fighter John S. Mosby. Great Falls resident and Civil War enthusiast Rick Turner will speak in the first person about Mosby's legendary military career and Mosby's role in shepherding the Confederate Cavalry through Great Falls en route to Gettysburg 150 years ago. Turner will also discuss Mosby's life before and after the war, and the political and economic issues of the war.

Tuesday, September 17

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.

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.

Troop 673 Promotes Two New Eagle Scouts

Troop 673 of Great Falls recently promoted two new Eagle Scouts. Ryan Scott Anger, son of Scott and Mary Anger of Great Falls, joined Troop 673 in 2006. Since joining the troop, Ryan has served as quartermaster and patrol leader twice. Ryan has attended summer camp five of the past six years and has participated in the Sea Base High Adventure trip.

Great Falls Teen Represents Virginia in Miss Junior Teen Competition

Skye Jannery-Barney of Great Falls represented the state of Virginia in the National Miss Junior Teen America 2013 competition this summer in Orlando, Fla. She is the current Miss Junior Teen Virginia 2013. Skye is an eighth grader in the Academic Advanced Program (AAP) at Kilmer Middle School. Skye won the overall National Academic Achievement Award at the Miss Junior Teen America pageant competition.

Letter: Supporting Comstock

To the Editor: Recently Kathleen Murphy, who is running against our current delegate, Barbara Comstock, called me to ask for my support. She said her friend, former Delegate Margi Vanderhye, told her I was open minded, liked to support the best candidate regardless of party and that she should talk with me.

Great Falls Writer’s Group Exceeding Expectations

Local writers share experiences, dilemmas, resources.

The first meeting of the Great Falls Writer’s Group was held in August and group facilitator, local author Kristin Clark Taylor, reported via e-mail that, “because folks in the community are so thirsty to not only write, but to share their feelings about the writing process itself, we had to move the meeting to the large conference room—we had more than 30 attendees!” Taylor feels that it is “vital and extremely important” to hear a personal introduction from each person in order to maintain “an intimate, comfortable collective feel no matter how large our group becomes ... turns out we have doctors, lawyers, housewives, former and current NSA-types, teachers, retired teachers, published authors, men and women, young and old, and most important, everybody just wants to write!” Participant Nancy Hannan of Great Falls agrees that the group is “diversified … and willing to share,” and she looks forward to connecting with the group: “I write and find the energy from like-minded people a great asset. It helps the writing flow.” Great Falls resident Raymond Rollins says that the writer’s group is, “very much what I was hoping for,” and that like Hannan, Rollins is “energized by discovering how many similar souls there are in this community.”

Great Falls Nails and Spa Re-opens

Salon has new name, second floor with spa facilities.

Great Falls Nails and Spa officially re-opened under their new name with a party Saturday, Sept. 14. Formerly known as Glamour Nails and Spa, the owners decided to change the name to reflect their commitment to the community.

Friends and Neighbors Award Scholarships

Four local women receive total of $7,500 in scholarship money.

The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors awarded $7,500 in scholarships to four local students at their annual meeting Friday, Sept. 13.

Donner Finds Inspiration

Great Falls resident releases Bible study for Gospel of Luke.

For almost 20 years, Great Falls resident Leesa Donner has been studying the Bible. During her career as a broadcast journalist and while raising her two sons, the Bible has always been a source of inspiration.

First Responder Tells 9/11 Story

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Zoldus speaks at annual remembrance.

The Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial hosted their annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11. More than 40 people gathered at the memorial to reflect on the 12th anniversary of the attacks, and to pay tribute to the six Great Falls residents who died that day.

Great Falls Native Celebrates 100th Birthday

Evelyn Woods, who was raised on Seneca Road, celebrated her 100th birthday Aug. 28. Woods celebrated with her sisters, her great-grand niece and childhood friend Beanie Lambert.

A New Beginning for Fairfax County Public Libraries?

Library trustees vote to discard beta plan in favor of more public outreach sessions.

On Wall Street, a “beta” test refers to assessing the risk, volatility and expected return of a particular portfolio. If Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials had a crystal ball to assess the volatility of its planned beta tests this fall, it’s likely they may have steered clear of the project that became a quagmire of epic proportions.

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

County suspends discarding of library books.

Just when Sam Clay, Fairfax County’s Public Library director, thought FCPL’s public image couldn’t get any worse, Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) released photos of bins filled to the brim with discarded library books.

Letter: Joining Forces to Prevent Homelessness

You can prevent homelessness, you can end chronic homelessness, you can move people rapidly out of homelessness. What you cannot do is stand aside and let people fall. This simple belief—that together we can change the rate and severity of people losing their homes—brings together nonprofits, for-profits, civic leaders and government staff. We each play a special role, depending on our location and mission. For United Community Ministries (UCM), prevention is the key.

Friday, September 13

Column: Now This is What

Do nothing (no more treatment) and live life to the fullest (for as long as I’m able, and right now, I’m extremely able); start another chemotherapy protocol – with an I.V. chemotherapy drug which, according to my oncologist, has not been proven in any clinical setting to be better than the patient doing nothing; or, try to get into a Study (Phase 1, 2 or 3) at either N.I.H. (National Institutes of Health) or Johns Hopkins (in Baltimore) and let the treatment chips fall wherever experimental/research medicine takes them. This is what my oncologist discussed with Team Lourie at my most recent appointment, my first appointment with him since my hospitalization and subsequent release.

NVAR Summit at GMU’s Mason Inn

Complex shortage of homes for sale likely to persist; boomers not planning to retire, not planning to move, experts say. Rising mortgage rates should inspire renters to buy soon.

Nationally syndicated columnist and moderator Kenneth R. Harney introduced the expert panel for the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) 17th annual Economic Summit Thursday morning, Sept. 5. Dr. David Crowe, chief economist and senior vice president of the National Association of Home Builders, joined economic experts David E. Versel, a senior research associate at the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, and Dr. Lawrence Yun, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors.

Condo Renovations

As sales of condominiums grow, so does demand for luxury renovations.

More people are moving from leafy, sprawling suburbs to more urban areas, neighborhoods both in the city and in Northern Virginia that offer close proximity to restaurants, jobs, cultural activities and Metro.

Big Ideas for Small Spaces

Local designers offer ideas for decorating small rooms.

Whether one is sprucing up a small powder room or decorating a studio apartment, space limitations often pose a design challenge. However, local designers say that no matter how a small space’s square footage or how awkward the layout, there are plenty of decorative cures for small spaces. Whether one is sprucing up a small powder room or decorating a studio apartment, space limitations often pose a design challenge. However, local designers say that no matter how a small space’s square footage or how awkward the layout, there are plenty of decorative cures for small spaces.

Top-to-Bottom Makeover Embraces Longterm Horizons

The Hollis family wanted a house that would work better today — and long into the future.

Sometimes it’s not limited square footage that makes a house feel inadequate — it’s how that square footage is configured.

Like Magic

New plan in built-out 1940s colonial gains vital square footage as young family looks ahead.

In the end, a skillful spatial reconfiguration is like a deft magician's trick — you've seen it with your own eyes, but you still can't figure out how they did it. “Really, I don't know how this plan created so much more usable space,” Alexandria resident Alice Goulet said, discussing a recent reconfiguration to several rooms in the family's 1,800-square-foot center-hall Colonial.

Northern Virginia Designers Awarded Rooms in Showhouse Event

Northern Virginia/metro area interior designers Kelley Proxmire of Kelley Interior Design and Wayne Breeden of E. Wayne Breeden Design are among 17 designers awarded rooms at the benefit Winchester Showhouse & Gardens, open to the public through Sept. 29.

Sun Design Named One of U.S.’s Fastest Growing Private Companies

Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, Inc., of Fairfax, was named by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies. This is the fourth time the magazine has included Sun Design on its annual Inc. 5000 list.

Thursday, September 12

Editorial: Small Steps to Fight Homelessness

Efficiency apartments would serve 20-somethings, service workers, retirees and more.

One way to prevent homelessness is to think small. It doesn’t take much space to house one person. Sure, many houses in our area have 1,000 square feet and sometimes two or three times that much per person, but that’s really not necessary.

Celebrating Diversity Through Music

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bilingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues.

With grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Arts Council of Fairfax County, the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) will be presenting bi-lingual master classes and outreach presentations at various Fairfax County venues in the coming weeks.

Inspired to Give

Local teens positively impact youth on a global scale.

Picture this: An impoverished young teenager sits in a hospital bed in rural India, suffering from a life-threatening cancer, opens up a tablet device filled with educational tools and apps to distract them from their daily struggles. You would probably expect the tablet to have been shipped there by a large, national non-profit run by paid staff members. Not so. It was delivered to this teen by other teens, all working toward the same goal: to connect with pediatric cancer patients around the world in order to provide them with encouragement, support and education.

Starshine Theater to Host “How to Audition” Event

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m. the Starshine Theater will host a free event: "How to audition for a show—TV ‘Talent’ or ‘Live Stage,’” for ages 3 through adults. Those younger than 18 should attend with a parent. Duets, groups welcome.

Riverbend Park Hosts Virginia Indian Festival

At Riverbend Park in Great Falls thousands of visitors stopped by to attend the annual Virginia Indian Festival. Mixing with the crowds and greeting visitors was Park Manager Marty Smith. “I have been working at Riverbend Park for 20 years, and manager for 10 years,” said Smith. It was Smith who organized and developed the concept of an educational event about the indigenous people of Northern Virginia for the general public.

Weaving Community and Lifelong Learning

Great Falls Library brings threads together.

Concerns about the strength and condition of “the fabric of our society” abound, but how is that fabric woven in the first instance, and how is it used and enjoyed and rewoven into the modern tapestry of community? Spend just one day (or two) with the librarians, volunteers and patrons of the Fairfax County Public Library in Great Falls and you will see. The library opens its doors on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Pat Neuman Exhibits at Great Falls Library

Pat Neuman’s “Annuals and Perennials,” pastel on paper exhibit is on display in the Small Conference Room at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.

Classified Advertising September 11, 2013

Read the latest ads here!

Wednesday, September 11

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.

Thursday, September 5

Opinion: Dangers of Failure To Act

Our current and future standing in the international community is on the line.

President Obama has sought Congressional approval to carry out limited surgical strikes in Syria against the regime of Bashar al Assad in response to his use of chemical weapons to attack Syrian civilians, which killed 1,429 people, including 426 children.

Editorial: Later Start Times for High School

It’s past time to act; let this year be the year.

Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, the first day of school in Fairfax County, Dr. Karen Garza began her official day at 6:30 a.m. at Chantilly High School. While Garza was making herself available for interviews before the first class started at 7:20 a.m., many students were already on the school bus.

Wellbeing: How To Set Realistic Goals

Local experts say the key to success is setting achievable goals.

Laura Wheeler Poms, of Fairfax, set out to earn a doctorate degree and make a career change. As a wife, mother and working professional, the goal, she said, often felt lofty. “Writing my dissertation at times felt overwhelming, especially if I looked at it as one huge project,” said Poms, who now holds a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology and is an assistant professor of global and community health at George Mason University in Fairfax. “I set goals like writing one page or doing one analysis each day and I was able to get it done. I also gave myself little rewards along the way.”

Column: Indeterminate Sentence

And no, that’s not another made-up phrase by yours truly describing my occasionally cluttered/run-on prose with which many of you extremely patient regular readers are all too familiar. No, it has to do with how I perceive my future now that I’m post-hospital and sleeping in my own bed. Instead of nurses, respiratory therapists, X-ray technicians, doctors and miscellaneous other hospital staff too numerous to list, I have one wife and five cats to do my bidding. And though they’re not nearly as attentive as the hospital staff, I know that they all have my best interests at heart.

Saving Jobs in Hard Times

Virginia lawmakers will push work sharing legislation this session.

“Having been through the recession and recent slight increases in Virginia unemployment rates as federal sequestration takes effect, it is important that we give Virginia businesses all the tools we can to help them and their employees get through challenging times. This bill does that.” —State Sen. George Barker (D-39)

‘Shared Work:’ A Win-Win-Win Solution

Preventing layoffs, maintaining the well-being of employees and their communities and keeping businesses competitive.

How do we mitigate the devastating effects of layoffs on employees, employers and their communities? Is there a "win-win-win" solution?

McLean High 1979 Graduate Wins Best Book Award

Prof. Prasannan Parthasarathi of Boston College, a 1979 graduate of McLean High School, has won the 2012 Best Book Award from the World History Association for his book "Why Europe Grew Rich and Asia Did Not—Global Economic Divergence, 1600 to 1850."

Great Falls to Celebrate Arts in October

Great Falls Studios celebrates 10th anniversary, hosts annual art tour.

Great Falls Studios (GFS) will celebrate a decade of art on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. This is an opportunity to meet GFS artists, view some of their original work, enjoy hands-on activities and learn the stories of their studios. A 10th Anniversary book is scheduled to be released that day—a community occasion to celebrate creativity.

Hillwood Estate to Host Great Falls Senior Center’s October Event

Great Falls Senior Center is embarking on its second bus trip—this time to the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C. Hillwood is the legendary home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post cereal fortune.

Challenged to ‘Build & Fly’

Kashmir-Robotics CEO Princess Aliyah of Great Falls issues "Build & Fly" conservation challenge.

During the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) conference, Aug. 12-15 at the DC Convention Center, Princes Aliyah represented the Great Falls community as the CEO of Kashmir-Robotics to announced the first ever Wildlife Conservation UAV Challenge.

Letter: Birds Mystery Goes On

The mystery of the birds goes on! No one responded to your full-page coverage you published on May 22, and when I asked the District Supervisor if he knew who was butting up the birds, he responded by trying to have them removed.

New Beach Mill Road Bridge Opens to Traffic

Bridge construction schedule, design meet neighborhood’s expectations.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff, Great Falls residents, elected officials, Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff and others celebrated the opening of the newly completed Beach Mill Road Bridge over Nichols Branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 29. The bridge’s one-lane, rustic design and slip resistant wood decking and railing was a collaborative effort between VDOT, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, the Great Falls Citizens Association, the neighboring community and others. The bridge opened to traffic on Aug. 28.

Day One at Forestville

Forestville Elementary’s welcome back to school worthy of a gold star.

Miss Genevieve Roberson is obviously ready to start her academic career as a first grader at Forestville Elementary School in Great Falls. No tears today from this young lady on the first day of the new school year. “She actually cried when we left the open house last Thursday,” said mom Maria Roberson. “She thought it was great. She wanted to stay at school then.”