Monday, February 29
Area Skaters Go National
Vienna, McLean skaters participate in 2016 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
Piper Williams of Vienna, Nina Sebastien of McLean, Elaine Zhang of Vienna, and Taylor Olson of Falls Church represented our area at the 2016 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in Kalamazoo, Mich. last week.
UVA Backs Students’ Research Projects
From examining how James Joyce’s work relates to civil unrest to quantitative eco-labeling schemes, and from researching Roman property law to analyzing the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, 50 University of Virginia undergraduates will pursue 46 grant-funded research projects this summer.
Great Falls: People and Pets
Chelsea Becomes a ‘New Dog’
We bought an English setter puppy from an excellent breeder.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Present a Check to Shelter House
On Feb. 10, Great Falls Friends and Neighbors presented a check to Jolie Smith, the representative from Shelter House
Obituary: Dr. Samuel Burton Rentsch, Jr. Dies
Dr. Samuel Burton Rentsch, Jr. passed on Feb. 24 at age 87 of congestive heart failure.
Great Falls Preschool Launches Innovative New Art Studio, Yoga Classes
A new art studio has opened for children at the St. Francis Creche Episcopal Preschool and the school has also added a yoga class to its after-school curriculum.
Great Falls: Marshall High School Students Win Virginia LifeSmarts Competition
Jessica Lewis, of Great Falls, along with Marshall High School classmates Ethan Epstein, Sam Hassett, Thea Prevalsky and Quiana Dang took top honors in the Virginia LifeSmarts competition, held in Richmond.
Great Falls: Trompeter to Address Great Falls Writer’s Group
It began with a camera and a Christmas tree.
Great Falls: Author Faces Death but Chooses Life
Robert F. Dorr to speak to the Great Falls Writer’s Group (GFWG) on Thursday, March 10, at the Great Falls Library.
As a writer, this is the singular word that Robert F. Dorr remembers most vividly; the word his doctor used last fall, on the day of his diagnosis, to describe the type of tumor they had just discovered in his brain.
Great Falls: Dwelling Detectives
Great Falls Historical Society hosts presentation on researching the history of your Fairfax County house.
Many residents of Great Falls have asked on many occasions how to research the history of the Fairfax County home they are living in.
Great Falls: Awaiting Brooks Farm Decision
Planning Commission scheduled to make recommendation to Board of Supervisors at this Thursday’s hearing.
Great Falls awaits the Planning Commission’s decision on the potential rezoning of Brooks Farm off Springvale Road.
Meet the Best Friends of Great Falls
From dogs to cats to birds to gerbils, bunnies, crocodile skinks, fish and miniature horses, kids in our region love their pets.
Friday, February 26
Springfield Veterinary Holistic Center offers extension to conventional medicine
Bettejeanne “BJ” Hammond much prefers the term “body work” to massage. “Open wine and get out the candles, that’s what people think of massage,” she said. “They think it’s to relax, but it’s so much more than that.”
Thursday, February 25
Art of Driving Scholarship Expands Eligibility Outside Fairfax County
After the first few years being open only to Lake Braddock Secondary School Students, the Art of Driving college scholarship in honor of Lake Braddock student Ashley Thompson expanded to all Fairfax County High Schools.
Letter: Cooper Students Support Students in Afghanistan
To the Editor
About two years ago I attended an event in Washington, D.C. where the First Lady of Afghanistan, Ms. Ashraf Ghani, spoke on behalf of the Aschiana Foundation.
McLean and Great Falls: Supreme Court Inspires Case Day at Langley
Justice Antonin Scalia remembered at Langley during Case Day, which he helped originate.
United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin “Nino” Scalia helped former Langley teacher James Catlette develop Case Day into an annual academic gift to each Langley graduating class.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls
Great Falls: A Gentle Giant
This is our dog Duke in a familiar pose.
Letter: To Animal Lover
To the Editor
Like most kids, I always wanted a puppy to hug, play with, and love. My parents promised me my first pet when I turned 10
Fairfax County Schools to Close March 1 for Super Tuesday
Concerns about parking and traffic, as well as new guidance from the Virginia Department of Education caused the Fairfax County School Board to reconsider closing schools for the March 1 Presidential primaries.
Editorial: Bad Bills
General Assembly has potential to do lots of damage in a short period.
From pressing for use of a barbaric form of execution, the electric chair, to codifying discrimination, to stripping localities of the major tool for ensuring infrastructure is in place for new development, to hiding more and more critical public information from the public, the Virginia General Assembly is poised to do harm to the Commonwealth.
Wednesday, February 24
Classified Advertising February 24, 2016
Read the lastest ads here!
Tuesday, February 23
Great Falls: Saxons Shoot Their Way to Conference 6 Title
Langley makes nine 3-pointers against South Lakes.
The Langley boys' basketball team won the Conference 6 championship.
Great Falls: Langley Girls Win First Conference Title Since 1988
Saxons upset previously unbeaten Fairfax.
The Langley girls' basketball team defeated Fairfax 42-38 on Saturday to win the Conference 6 title.
Friday, February 19
Commentary: Building on Success
Congress passes more legislation to fight human trafficking.
Congress continues to work together in a bipartisan manner on an issue that grabs headlines throughout the country and here in Northern Virginia.
County Budget Presented, About $300 More per Household
County Executive: Revenue growth is insufficient to fund all priorities. Schools still $68 million short.
County Executive Ed Long recommended a four-cent increase to the real estate tax rate.
Thursday, February 18
Sports Roundups
Sports happenings in Vienna, Great Falls and McLean.
FCPS Open Enrollment for Two-Way and World Languages Immersion Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools' online registration for the countywide lottery for two-way and world language immersion programs will open on Monday, Feb. 22.
FCPS Students Win Awards in 2016 Scholastic Writing Competition
Fairfax County Public Schools students at 22 schools won regional awards in the 2016 Scholastic Writing Awards Competition.
Tysons Chamber Names Francis Gary Powers, Jr. Acting President
Lori Lopez, Chairman for the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (TRCC) announced that Francis Gary Powers, Jr. has been hired as the Acting President effective Jan. 15, 2016.
1st Stage Receives Six Helen Hayes Nominations
The Helen Hayes Awards, now in its 32nd year, recognizes outstanding achievement in more than 90 professional theatres across the Washington metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia.
McLean and Great Falls: STEAM Fair Pushes Innovative Thinking
On Saturday, Feb. 6, The Langley School hosted its first-ever STEAM Fair to celebrate the school’s interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach to learning and discovery through science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Langley Hockey Celebrates Senior Night with Win over Lake Braddock
The Langley Saxon Hockey Team celebrated Seniors Night on Friday, Feb. 5 with a 7-4 win over Lake Braddock.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls
Great Falls Home Sales: January, 2016
In January, 2016, 7 Great Falls homes sold between $1,285,000-$839,000.
Great Falls Home Sales: January, 2016
Letter: An Appeal to Save Marmota Farm
To the Editor
Marmota Farm is the only remaining open space in the heart of Great Falls. Park land in the center of a community imparts a special charm and character to that community.
Great Falls: Could Bond Referendum Save Marmota Farm?
Price tag is clear and visible on old dairy farm; negotiations underway to turn property into 11-house subdivision.
Betty Nalls Swartz rolls the windows down when she drives along Old Georgetown Pike by the Grange, Old Schoolhouse and Lift Me Up therapeutic riding program. Marmota Farm, 22.78 acres and once a dairy farm, “still smells like a farm,” she said.
Langley High Graduate Shines on Opera Stage
Dunigan graduated from Langley High School in 2010.
Great Falls Teen Wins DAR Essay Contest
The Thomas Lee Chapter (Fairfax) of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored Mary Paige Fotopoulos of Great Falls with a certificate in recognition of her first place essay in the Christopher Columbus essay contest.
Fairfax County: Parents, Community Supporters Rally to ‘Invest in Kids’
Emotional independent outbursts and communal chants of “Fund our schools” and “Invest in kids” echoed through the grand amphitheater just beyond the entrance to the Fairfax County Government Center.
Tuesday, February 16
Editorial: Freedom of Information on Life Support in General Assembly?
Last week, the Assembly passed SB 202, which undid a major push eight years ago to ensure that all of our public spending was ‘online’ and searchable by ordinary citizens. This, of course, meant disclosing the salaries of public employees over a certain income level.
Editorial: Fairfax Presses Ahead with Diversion First
When police encounter someone in mental health crisis, they can transport them to Merrifield Crisis Response Center instead of jail.
Natasha McKenna died a little more than a year ago on Feb. 7, 2015.
Diversion First Program Launched
Fairfax County officials announce Diversion First program designed to help individuals get treatment not jail time.
Kevin Earley said he’s living proof that Diversion First works. Earley has been living with bipolar disorder and had his last episode in 2007.
Uncovering the Roots of Slavery
Local student creates slave index to help descendants trace family history.
A local college student is spending much of her senior year scouring the last wills and testaments of residents of Northern Virginia.
ServiceSource Helps People with Disabilities
Nonprofit ServiceSource helps people with disabilities.
In one section of the ServiceSource Chantilly Center, music therapist Myra Goodrich leads a group of budding musicians playing a cheerful song.
Touching Many Hearts
Minecraft for a Mission – Touching Heart and their “Kids on a Mission” raise funds for children in foster care.
They say that charity begins at home. Helen Yi and Taylor, the mother and daughter co-founders of Touching Heart, a nonprofit aimed at educating and inspiring children to empathize with the needs of others and to take action to assist them, have no argument with that statement.
‘Star Wars’ Fans Flock to Local Classes
Movie's popularity leaves fans wanting to feel "The Force."
Beams of neon light flash around a dark room. Young Star Wars fans from a galaxy not so far away wield light sabers and move with carefully choreographed steps.
Time To Plan for Kids’ Summer Camp Adventures
Local camp fair offers sampling of summer programs.
Under a blanket of February frost, summer might seem light years away, but it’s closer than one might think.
Thursday, February 11
Fairfax County: Public Safety Committee meets to discuss Ad Hoc Police Review recommendations and the Diversion First initiative
Just over a year since Natasha McKenna died following multiple shocks from a taser, while in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention center, her name was never raised during the Feb. 9 meeting of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee meeting. Two audience members stood on one side of the Government Center conference room, holding posters bearing a picture of McKenna’s face and text including “Black Lives Matter.”
Fairfax County: Training Center Residents Relocated
They’re all gone. As of August 2015, there were still 55 residents with mental or physical disabilities receiving services at the state-owned and operated Northern Virginia Training Center on Braddock Road.
Wednesday, February 10
Great Falls: Langley Boys’ Swim and Dive Wins Region Championship
Saxon girls finish region runner-up.
The Langley boys' swim and dive team won the 6A North region championship.
Classified Advertising February 10, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Great Falls 2015 Home Sales
In 2015, 211 Great Falls homes sold between $4,100,000-$439,500.
Great Falls 2015 Home Sales
Tuesday, February 9
Virginia Cigarette Tax Remains Lowest in Nation
Opportunity for increase in cigarette tax blows up in smoke.
Dale Stein and the McLean Citizens Association couldn’t even raise a match before legislators in Richmond extinguished a possible increase in the cigarette tax for Fairfax County.
Editorial: Limiting Local Authority
Assembly rushes bill limiting proffers without addressing who will pay for infrastructure.
In Virginia, a Dillon Rule state, local governments have only the powers explicitly granted by the General Assembly. And what the assembly gives, the assembly can take away.
Stylish Valentine’s Day Table Settings
Flowers and candles create romantic designs.
Fresh flowers and candles are an easy way to add elegance and romance to a Valentine’s Day table. From dramatic to understated, local tastemakers offer suggestions for setting the mood for a memorable dinner.
Bringing Order to Household Chaos
Clever design solutions for hiding clutter.
Wires, cable boxes, soccer cleats, pet bowls and other items are life’s necessities, but they can be unsightly and disrupt the aesthetic of an elegant living space.
Fairfax County School Board Approves $2.67 Billion ‘No Cuts’ Budget
Calls for general salary raises and additional $40 million for teachers, lowering elementary class sizes.
Members of the Fairfax County School Board have taken the next step in realizing Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza’s vision of no additional cuts in the Fiscal Year 2017 school system operating budget. T
Area Students Shine in MATHCOUNTS Competition
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competition was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, at George Mason University.
Snowzilla Summit Ahead
Board names Fairfax County Animal Shelter for Michael Frey.
“What a difference a week makes,” said County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), in case anybody had moved on from the 29.3 inches of measured snow at Dulles Airport during the recent blizzard.
Honoring Black History
Fairfax County’s Cable Network presents programs in celebration of Black History Month.
Fairfax Public Access (FPA) will air a special series of movies and documentaries throughout the month of February in recognition of Black History Month.
Proffers in Danger?
Richmond caught the attention of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors this week specifically with House Bill 770 (Gilbert) and Senate B 549 (Obenshain), bills Sharon Bulova says will place “significant restrictions” on development, specifically citing “unreasonable proffers.”
Monday, February 8
Haunting Wounded Souls, Interconnected Lives
For those seeking out a singular achievement into unapologetic mature themed theater, 1st Stage’s production of “When the Rain Stops Falling” will etch itself into audience thrall.
Barnes and Noble’s Teacher Contest Ends March 1
The Barnes and Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest ends March 1.
Langley Rowers Win Two Gold, One Silver
The Langley High School Crew excelled at the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints, the largest indoor rowing event for juniors (18 years or younger) in the United States.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls.
Letter: A Safe Space for Creative Leaps
To the Editor
I have been a resident of Great Falls for 26 years and my father has lived here for 36.
Great Falls Teen Brings Organ Back
Jack Wood, 16, is on a mission to take organists out of the endangered musician category.
Sixteen-year-old organist Jack Wood can pinpoint the exact moment when the grand instrument piqued his interest.
Thursday, February 4
Fairfax County: Election Officers Still Needed for March Primary
Cameron Sasnett has one message for people concerned about the integrity of elections -- at least from a procedure standpoint: Get involved as an election officer.
Fairfax County: In-Custody Death Investigated
Paul Guida died Oct. 17, 2015, while in custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. The 68-year-old Falls Church resident was charged with violating a protective order. He had been held without bond since Oct. 1, 2015.
Combined Commissions for Women Host Human Trafficking Awareness Event in Fairfax
Thirty years ago, “Jen” was lured into a pornography ring and sexually abused by a man who initially pretended to be her friend.
Wednesday, February 3
Snowzilla Summit Ahead
Board names Fairfax County Animal Shelter for Michael Frey.
“What a difference a week makes,” said County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), in case anybody had moved on from the 29.3 inches of measured snow at Dulles Airport during last week’s blizzard.
Great Falls: Langley Boys’ Swim and Dive Team Wins Conference 6 Title
Saxon girls, McLean boys finish runners-up.
The Langley boys' swim and dive team repeated as Conference 6 champion.
Classified Advertising February 3, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, February 2
Another Opportunity to Talk About It
Super Bowl Sunday is Sunday, Feb. 7, and often more about the parties than the game.
Editorial: Economic Development in Virginia
The General Assembly prides itself in providing a pro-business climate, but refuses infusion of more than $3 billion annually.
Hundreds of bills before this year’s General Assembly session focus on “business climate,” providing incentives for businesses to locate and expand here, extending tax exemptions and tax credits, encouraging international trade, reducing regulation and many other approaches perceived as pro-business.
Marking American Heart Month
Month-long observance raises awareness about cardiovascular disease and the role of aerobic exercise in preventing it.
Music is thumping, sweat is dripping and hearts are pounding. In a packed aerobic dance studio, students move in the name of health.
Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Nominations, New Deadline Feb. 9
Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers in the community.
Nominations are open for the 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.
Langley Alum Thrives in Collegiate Waters
Langley High School 2015 graduate Fiona Muir, one of Emory University’s top freshmen swimmers is off to a fantastic start to her season.
Week in Great Falls
Weekly happenings in Great Falls.
Monday, February 1
The Langley School Crowns Geography Bee Champion
Ten students in grades 4-8 at The Langley School tested their geographic knowledge during the first round of the 28th annual National Geographic Bee on Jan. 14.
Brooks Farm: Decision Awaits in Great Falls
Planning Commission scheduled to make recommendation on proposal for 20 homes this week.
Twenty one hours and 37 minutes after he started his day on Thursday, Jan. 21, Great Falls Citizens Association president Eric Knudsen told the county’s Planning Commission the importance of Great Falls to the entire county and to the Chesapeake Watershed.
Inova Sports Medicine Partners with Sports Clubs
Inova Sports Medicine partnered with Great Falls Soccer Club (GFSC) and Great Falls Lacrosse and Field Hockey Association (GFLA).