Great Falls Writer’s Group to Host Smithsonian Curator Dr. William L. Bird
On Thursday, March 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Library, the Great Falls Writer's Group (GFWG) will host Dr. William L. Bird, Smithsonian Curator of the National Museum of American History and Director of the Division of Political History.
Search for Community
Uncovering the building blocks of African-American community in Fairfax County in the Post-Civil War Era.
The Great Falls Historical Society (GFHS) February program featured “micro historian and ethnographer” Marion Dobbins as guest speaker. As a “micro historian” Dobbins focuses on a narrow spectrum of history concentrating on community and contributions of African Americans in Fairfax County. Dobbins presented original research on the Great Falls African American community and surrounding areas. Her research challenges conventional paradigms about the formation of community and reveals new contributions from “connected” African American communities within Fairfax County.
Boy Scouts Earn Science Merit Badge
Boy Scouts from Troop 55 build an electroscope at the Great Falls Elementary STEM Fair.
On Feb. 3, Boy Scouts from Troop 55 assisted Great Falls Elementary by setting up a booth at their STEM Fair. The booth demonstrated how to build and use a homemade electroscope. Using copper wire, a glass jar and aluminum foil, Troop 55 Boy Scouts constructed the electroscope, and then helped participants generate static electricity using balloons rubbed on hair, scarves and vinyl notebooks.
Really, Lying Already?
To the Editor: [Barbara] Comstock is not even on the ballot and already she’s throwing lies around in a letter designed to raise Republican hackles and raise money for her primary.
Citizens Air Opposing Opinions on Molsters’ Stable
Great Falls Land Use and Zoning Committee Hearing draws a large crowd.
It was standing room only at the Great Falls Grange assembly hall on Monday night, March 10 and occasionally emotions ran a bit high as residents and other interested parties turned out in force for the Great Falls Citizens Association Land Use and Zoning Committee’s (GFCALUZ) hearing on a Special Permit application by the Molster family to operate a riding stable on their property at 815 Blacks Hill Road.
Great Falls Resident Wins Conference Championship with MIT
Tim Higgins of Great Falls is a member of the 2013 – 2014 New England Men’s and Women’s Conference (NEWMAC) championship basketball team. Higgins, a freshman, plays for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) men’s basketball team. After winning four games and losing four games during February, MIT went on a roll and swept the conference playoffs beating last year’s champion WPI in a semifinal game, and outlasting Springfield College in the championship game. With the NEWMAC conference win, the MIT Engineers received an automatic bid to the NCAA basketball tournament. Tim attended and played basketball for Paul VI high school in Fairfax and was part of their 2012 undefeated team.
The Artists’ Atelier to Host Book Signing Event
The Artists’ Atelier will host a reception and book signing for local author, Debra Sue Latiolais. Her recently published children’s book “Polly and her Pigtails” has received the highest honor awarded by the Mom’s Choice Awards. “Polly and her Pigtails” is the first book in a series of generational storytelling. The reception is open to the public and will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2-4 p.m. at The Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Books will be available for purchase. To learn more about Debra and her book visit www.ageofstorytelling.com.
Braunstein Retiring from CSB
He led agency through transformation, advocated for mental health services.
George Braunstein said he entered the field of mental health services almost accidentally. “My first college degree was in history and education. I was going to be a high school history teacher,” Braunstein said.
Editorial: Take the Money
No downside to gaining health care for 200,000 or more; 30,000 jobs and millions of dollars for hospitals from expansion of Medicaid.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe is right to make expansion of health coverage part of the budget process.
Sex Trafficking in Our Backyard
Fairfax County detective, trafficking victim testify at Congressional hearing.
Since its creation in October 2013, the human trafficking unit of the Fairfax County Police Department has received over 70 tips and leads about human trafficking in Northern Virginia.
Honored for Promoting Peace
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County honors 22 students.
The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, presented by the Herndon Friends Meeting, honored a group of 22 juniors and seniors who were nominated for their dedication to peace and conflict resolution on March 2.
Classified Advertising March 5, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Letter: Race to Watch
Thanks for the well-documented article on the political trends in Virginia's 10th Congressional District ("How Red is the 10th District?" February 19-25, 2014). The conventional wisdom among political prognosticators is that the District leans Republican. However, recent voting patterns suggest that a strong Democratic candidate could be well within striking distance for a win. Consider the following: first, in the past two gubernatorial elections, the Republican nominee won the 10th District by only 1 percent. Second, the seat is now open, and retiring Congressman Frank Wolf’s name recognition and constituent service record are not in play.
Letter: Opposing Special Permit
Last week’s Great Falls’ Connection carried a story on a topic of interest to many: horseback riding in Great Falls and the role of Blacks Hill Stable, LLC, in providing a commercial riding venue ["Molster Family Stable Awaits Special Permit Decision"].
A Sweet Lesson at Colvin Run Mill
Hundreds turned out to learn how maple syrup is made.
How much sap does it take to make maple syrup? For Colvin Run Mill Park’s miller Mason Maddox, the average answer is about 60 gallons.
Creating a Harmonious Family Life
Local experts offer tips for keeping your family happy.
As Elizabeth Rees drove her daughter and two of her daughter’s friends to a library reading group recently, the Alexandria mother of three admits that she felt like a chauffeur at first. But she had a change of heart after hearing sounds of laughter.
Not Yet, Really
While we’re exchanging pleasantries here, in semi real time – although this column will not be most read until March 6th (I need to submit it on Monday, March 3rd as we go to press on Tuesday, March 5th), I feel the obligation, given how last week’s column ended, to update you on the results from my February 26th CT Scan. Presumably, by the title you all have determined that as of this writing, Saturday, March 1st, I have not heard back from my oncologist. Typically, I would have already heard from him, electronically. But so far, not a peep, electronic or otherwise and believe me, I’ve been checking, as you might imagine.
Board Advertises Higher Tax Rate
Rate gives board flexibility, options in determining final budget.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8-2 Tuesday to advertise a higher real estate tax rate that could add about $100 to annual tax bills, which will be on top of the $332 county homeowners will see this year as a result of higher real estate assessments. Setting the advertised tax rate formally begins the two-month public process to adopt the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, and the rate represents the maximum potential tax rate for FY2015.
Preventing Teen Suicides
Recent deaths shine light on FCPS suicide prevention programs.
Every 15 seconds, a teen in the United States tries to commit suicide. Every 90 minutes, one succeeds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that the number of attempted suicides among teenagers increased from 6.3 percent in 2009 to 7.8 percent in 2011.
Cox Charities Virginia Awards Area Nonprofits
Cox Communications awarded $160,000 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations in Virginia through Cox Charities grants programs. The grants presented Feb. 21 are part of the nearly $8 million Cox contributes annually through cash and in-kind support to the communities where they do business.