Petersen to Governor: Explain, Deny, Return or Resign
Petersen first Virginia legislator to suggest McDonnell resign over alleged wrongdoing in accepting gifts from prominent donor.
The tipping point for state Sen. J. Chap Petersen (D-34) was the $6,500 Rolex watch.
High School Seniors Celebrate Volunteering
The local Cherry Blossom Chapter of the National Charity League recognized its senior class of 2013 for their community service hours at a ceremony held recently at Westwood Country Club.
Letter: Concerts on the Green: Impossible to Enjoy
We could not agree more with Jan Heginbotham about the Concerts on the Green having become impossible to enjoy [“Concerts on the Green: Bad Habits on Display,” Great Falls Connection, June 26-July 2, 2013].
Letter: Human Trafficking in Our Backyard
I was ecstatic to learn of the progress local leaders like my delegate, Barbara Comstock (R-34), have made in raising awareness on human trafficking and sex trafficking right here in our backyard.
Terry McAulife Launches Healthcare Platform at Inova Alexandria Hospital
Affordable Care Act is a key point of distinction between candidates for governor.
Democratic candidate for governor Terry McAuliffe found himself in the emergency room this week, but it wasn't because of a medical crisis.
A Very Good Year in McLean, Great Falls Area
In the first half of 2013 all price points experienced a gain in number of sales.
The numbers have been tallied for real estate sales in the first half of 2013 and total sales are up over the same time period in 2012 in McLean and Great Falls by 7.6 percent.
Local Author to Speak at Senior Center August Event
One of World War II’s great air battles and the experiences of American bomber crews who fought it are the focus of the Great Falls Senior Center’s (GFSC) Aug. 6 event.
Selling Lemonade in Support of Purple Camps
Maya Chowdhary, 5, held a lemonade stand on July 4 in Great Falls to raise money for military children connected to the National Military Families Association (NMFA).
Spotting a Hummingbird in Great Falls
Jerry Hunter spotted a hummingbird on Kettle Pond Lane in Great Falls around noon Sunday, June 16.
Great Falls Swim & Tennis Hosts Fourth of July Party
Sheri Landfair and her lifeguards throw one of the most anticipated and underrated parties of the summer.
The Great Falls Swim & Tennis club celebrated America’s 237th birthday this past Thursday for the Fourth of July. On what has increasingly become the biggest event on the pool’s calendar over the past decade, patrons and lifeguards celebrated together for the 41st consecutive time.
Classified Advertising July 3, 2013
Read the latest ads here!
Hybrid Outrage at the Department of Motor Vehicles
Two legislators vow to introduce effort to repeal new tax on hybrid vehicles.
Suzanne Cleary has owned a hybrid vehicle since 2006, making her an early adopter and a proselytizer to her friends and neighbors.
NVTC Hosts Hot Ticket Awards
Annual awards recognize “hot” technology businesses.
Guests at the annual Northern Virginia Technology Council’s annual Hot Ticket Awards came dressed for a beach but weathered a brief summer storm Wednesday, June 26 in McLean.
Great Falls Native Goes ‘72 Hours’
Davina Friedlander tries for $100,000 on reality competition.
When Great Falls native Davina Friedlander got a chance to spend three days in Hawaii, it wasn’t exactly how she envisioned it. Instead of relaxing on a beach, sipping a drink and soaking up some rays, she fought hard to make it across the desolate, uninhabited sections of Lanai.
Column: Been There, Doing That
I.V. chemotherapy, that’s what; and I’m not infusing it for the fun of it, either.
Meatless Diet Could Prolong One’s Life
New study shows vegetarian and vegan diets could lower risk of untimely death
“The number one thing to do is to explore different types of vegetables. Think outside of green beans and corn.” — Bonita Lillie, registered dietician
Love after 50: Baby Boomers Need Romance Too
Couple chronicles their online dating experience in new book.
“Dating in your 60s is a lot different than dating in the 1960s, to be sure. Our message is one of hope and the courage to try one more time. Life is just too short.” — Mindy Mitchell, coauthor of “Lube of Life: A Tribute to Sex, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness in the Boomer Age”
When a Bill Becomes a Law
On July 1, sales taxes go up for Fairfax County residents.
“We needed to at least make it clear that you risk a reckless driving offense if you text and drive.” —Del. David Bulova (D-37)
Don't Be Afraid; Learn About Bees
Number of drones on the increase.
What Do You Know About Bees? How many bees in an ordinary colony (hive)? a) 1000 b) 10,000 c) 60,000 or more 2. Each colony has one queen. What happens if more than one is born? a) All but one is killed b) All but one is driven out c) The first one takes half the colony and relocates 3. The oldest bee ever found (preserved in a drop of amber) lived how many years ago? a) 1,000,000 b) 25,000,000 c) 100,000,000 4. Stingers release venom for a brief time. What to do on being stung? gently back out stinger with a fingernail or credit card apply ice for swelling c) both a and b 90% of bees are workers. Which gender? a) male female Which stinging insect is vegetarian? hornet bee wasp 7. At least how much honey a colony (hive) needs for winter? 10 pounds 60 pounds 100 pounds 8. Honey has flavors depending on the blossoms visited. What do beekeepers do with "bad tasting" honey? throw it out leave it for bees to eat 9. Normal gathering range of a bee? 500 yards one-half mile c) 2 miles (or more) 10. For millennia, honey has been used treating wounds? a) true b) false Answers; 1.c; 2.a; 3.c; 4.c; 5.b; 6.b; 7.b; 8.b; 9.c; 10.a. Grading correct answers: 9-10 = A; 7-8 = "bee"; 5-6 = C. Arlington Adult Education offers a class called "Help the Honeybees!" on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Arlington Career Center, in Walter Reed Drive near Columbia Pike. Hours are 7 to 10 p.m. and registration is $5. Beekeepers Association of Northern Virginia has a booth at the 2013 Arlington County Fair to be held in Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 2nd Street, South, Aug. 7 - 11. Bee products are judged at the Fair and many Are offered for sale. All the answers to all the possible questions about bees are found through that association's webpage: www.beekeepersnova.org
Let the Sparks Fly in the County
It’s not too late to enjoy local 4th of July festivals, parades and fireworks.
So. It’s July 4, 2013. Independence Day. A federal holiday celebrating our freedom from Great Britain. The National Day of the United States. And you have nothing planned.