Get to Know The Great Falls Non-profit Community
A list of the non-profits in Great Falls, all of which are in need of either donations, volunteers or others resources you might have to share. If you know of a non-profit we've omitted that bears inclusion, email us at north@connectionnewspapers.com.
Insiders’ Tips: What Is So Great About Living in Great Falls?
"The best thing about Great Falls is the fact that we’re surrounded by natural parks and trails; it’s relatively undisturbed and scenic here. But at the same time, we have Washington, D.C. nearby, and good public transportation to get there. You should definitely make an effort to learn your way around and figure out the most accessible way to D.C. I also like that Great Falls has lots of public fields and athletic facilities to use. In the summer, I play pick-up soccer with my friends twice a week at the Great Falls Grange, which is a good way to unwind."
Letter: The Story Well Told
I commend Alex McVeigh for his piece on the water contamination issue ("Station Remediation Plan Nears Completion," Great Falls Connection, August 14-20, 2013). My wife and I attended the meeting, which was long (over two hours) and complicated, even tedious and occasionally a bit contentious.
Great Falls Community Farmers Market: Treasuring Heritage, Home and Habitat
Our local community farmers market has been growing steadily all spring and summer, with more produce vendors, both local and organic; more local farmers bearing meats, fish, cheeses, artisan soaps, etc.; more micro-local vendors who have launched their own businesses to bring their unique offerings to our community; and the Great Falls Historical Society, offering information, membership, publications and programs on local history. In the fall, a community tent will be added and more non-profits will be making their information available to the community on a weekly basis.
Keeping the Past
Our village, Great Falls, Virginia.
Local history captures the story of those who have lived before us in this our place, Great Falls. A birds-eye view spanning centuries of just a few local people and projects humbles, inspires, and calls us to action.
Editorial: About the Connection
As your local, weekly newspaper, the Great Falls Connection’s mission is to bring the local news you need, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.
A Great Falls Tradition: Dancing at the Colvin Run Community Hall
Since 1932, Great Falls' nightlife has centered around the dance hall on Colvin Run Road. Pass by most nights and you'll see silhouettes sweeping past the glowing windows. Drop in sometime—no experience or partner is needed, and everyone is welcome.
Classified Advertising August 8, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
New Projects Underway in Great Falls
Upcoming projects will widen Leesburg Pike, slim Walker Road.
Residents of Great Falls will be seeing plenty of orange traffic cones over the coming months, and even years when it comes to the Route 7 widening project.
Silver Line Brings New Opportunities
Metrorail line aims to connect Washington, D.C. with Dulles Airport by 2018.
When the first trains of Metro’s Silver Line start carrying passengers, around February 2014, it will mark a new era for Northern Virginia, particularly the northern part of Fairfax County. By 2018, riders from Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston and McLean will have access to Dulles Airport and Washington, D.C. via the Silver Line.
Excerpts From King’s ‘I Have a Dream’
Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to the March on Washington 50 years ago next week, Aug. 28, 1963.
Excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech: “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.
Investing in 21st Century Industries and Jobs
The Northern Virginia region clearly faces economic threats and challenges as a result of sequestration and government downsizing. The national economy continues to stagnate. If you are looking for a bright sign on our local horizon—the data center industry, which is expected to still grow by hundreds of millions over the near future, is a sector to double down on.
Week in Great Falls
Sept. 11 ceremony at the Freedom Memorial.
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Committee will hold its annual 9/11 Ceremony at the site of the Freedom Memorial (behind the Great Falls Library at 9830 Georgetown Pike). This ceremony especially remembers the six citizens of the Great Falls community who died when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
Back to School in Great Falls
Cooper encourages critical thinking; Langley revamps Saxon Time; Highlander Kickoff on Aug. 27.
“This year, Fairfax County Public Schools are upping the rigor; this doesn’t necessarily mean more work, but it will be more challenging. We’ll be asking students to think critically, look for creative solutions, and work in collaboration with one another. We’re working within the curriculum to find extensions that will bring about these skills. Of course, Cooper will also be welcoming new seventh-graders, and I advise them to come in with an open mind and take advantage of the opportunities to make new friends, because five elementary schools come together here. We will also have new Spanish, French, mathematics and band teachers. We’re looking forward to a great year.”
A New School Year in Great Falls
Cooper encourages critical thinking; Langley revamps Saxon Time; Highlander Kickoff on Aug. 27.
“This year, Fairfax County Public Schools are upping the rigor; this doesn’t necessarily mean more work, but it will be more challenging. We’ll be asking students to think critically, look for creative solutions, and work in collaboration with one another. We’re working within the curriculum to find extensions that will bring about these skills. Of course, Cooper will also be welcoming new seventh-graders, and I advise them to come in with an open mind and take advantage of the opportunities to make new friends, because five elementary schools come together here. We will also have new Spanish, French, mathematics and band teachers. We’re looking forward to a great year.”
Letter: More Than a Prank
I was totally surprised that no one responded to my letter and full page of photos that you published in Great Falls Connection, May 22-28, 2013, regarding the wooden birds that are being mounted on traffic signs and trees around the Great Falls area. They are still going up! Yesterday I spotted one hanging from a tree on Old Dominion, where it crosses the Beltway.
Letter: Beware of Copperheads
Last week I read about a woman from Maryland who was bitten by a copperhead when she stopped to take a photo along the GW Parkway. More than 10 years ago, a woman in Leesburg was bitten by a copperhead one evening when she was turning off her sprinkler. Their splotchy brown/copper color scheme makes it difficult to see them, but they live among us. Be careful.
Great Falls Studios Online Gallery Presents ‘Simply Summer’
The Great Falls Studios (GFS) artists have put to paper, molded in clay and caught on camera warm sunny days, summer vacations, beaches and boats, butterflies, flowers and abundant greenery.
Fairfax Republicans Nominate Bryan ‘BA’ Wolfe for Sheriff
Wolfe faces Democratic nominee Stacey Kincaid in Nov. 5 special election.
When retired Fairfax police officer Bryan “BA” Wolfe was selected as the Republican nominee for Fairfax County Sheriff last week, he vowed to “restore the public trust” by making the 500-member department more “accountable and transparent.”
Shedding Sunshine on the Secret World of Regulation in Virginia
Advisory panel rejects effort to open records of the State Corporation Commission.
Ever wonder what happens during deliberations that regulate payday lending? How about the effort to oversee your health insurance?