Great Falls Optimist Club to Hold Annual Barn Dance
The Great Falls Optimist Club is holding its seventh annual Barn Dance, complete with a live band—"Benny Potter and Western Electric"—and barbecued ribs, chicken and bar-b-que from Famous Dave’s on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Great Falls Children’s Fund and Childhood Cancer Charity.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names Interim Executive Director
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Galen Wixson as its interim executive director through December of 2012. Galen currently serves as the executive director of The Guitar Foundation of America where he has guided the organization through a transition to a new governance and management model, leading to several new program initiatives.
FCPD Traffic Safety Efforts Recognized
The Fairfax County Police Department was recently recognized by two prestigious law enforcement organizations which evaluate police traffic safety programs across the commonwealth and the nation.
Column: Diagnosed But Not Sick
Having/being diagnosed with cancer/a terminal disease is neither fun nor funny; however, unless I find some humor or wishful thinking in how I approach this situation, I don’t suppose I’ll be approaching it much longer. To me, it’s always been mind over matter, and even though these matters are rather serious, I still don’t mind.
Beach Mill Bridge Postponed
Replacement of temporary bridge will begin June 2013.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has postponed the scheduled replacement of the bridge over Nichols Run on Beach Mill Road. Originally scheduled to close from Aug. 13 to December, construction has been pushed back, and will start after the 2012-13 school year lets out.
Analemma Raises Funds for Sundial
Sundial designer speaks at library on dial proposed for Observatory Park.
While most of the tools available at Observatory Park at Turner Farm are designed to look upward, there are plans for additional features on the ground as well. The Analemma Society, which hosts programs and facilities at Observatory Park, is raising funds to build a second sundial.
Teen Center Throws Block Party
Old Firehouse Teen Center hosts revamped annual event.
The Old Firehouse Teen Center in downtown McLean hosted their annual block party on Saturday, Aug. 25, opening up their center for a variety of activities. The event featured the second annual McLean Teens Got Talent variety show, contests between acts and other arts and crafts opportunities.
How To Register, Vote and Vote Early
Election Day is Nov. 6, but you can vote as early as Sept. 21.
How important is it for Virginia voters to turn out on or before Nov. 6? As a critical “battleground” state, Virginia will be key in determining who will be the next President of the United States. Who will represent Virginia in the U.S. Senate is also too close to call. Since polling shows that there are very few undecided voters in the Commonwealth, every eligible voter will want to be sure to cast a ballot.
North Fairfax County Calendar, Aug. 24-Sept. 2
Events to get you out and about in the area.
Breeze through the events calendar and pick up a few events to spice up and fill out your week.
Opinion: Mindless Slashing
Automatic cuts set to kick in January would harm Northern Virginia more than any other region.
While reducing the federal deficit is critical to the nation's economic health in the long run, the knee jerk, slash and burn method based only on cuts that is coming at us like a freight train will do immense damage to the economy nationally. But no place would feel the pain more intensely than Northern Virginia.
A Year in Fairfax County
A sampling of some of the cherished, annual events of the county.
A sampling of some of the cherished, annual events of the county.
Preserving Summer Memories
Reflections of the Great Falls Farmers Market’s ‘Jelly Girls.’
We have completed our last Saturday at the Great Falls Farmers Market and we are heading back to Christopher Newport University. We are looking back on what a great idea it was to start a jelly-making business and get our feet wet at the Farmers Market. It was so much fun! We enjoyed talking to customers about how we prepare our jellies and it was such a treat when a customer came back the second time.
State Senator Shares Places-to-See
Q&A With Chap Petersen
Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen (D-34) represents central and western Fairfax in the Virginia State Senate. He grew up and lives in Fairfax City.
Great Falls Insiders Perspective
What are the greatest things about living in Great Falls?
Everyone knows that the best advice comes from experience--and that's true even in the small things. Newcomers and old-timers alike can find a refreshing look at what we love about Great Falls herein. Looking for the best place to eat? Forget yelp and find a local blog or ask a neighbor. Wondering about the places to be on the weekend? Finding an in-the-know peer can be the antidote to a all kinds of boredom. So, c'mon, you've got no excuse: do your research and get exploring.
The Story of Our Place—Great Falls, Virginia
Perspective from the president of the Great Falls Historical Society.
We have chosen to make our homes on a village of land where the footsteps of George Washington still echo. From the land close to Difficult Run Stream Valley (where the Colvin Run Mill now stands on Colvin Run Road) that he once owned and envisioned that a grain mill would stand, to the Powtomack (Potomac) Canal System at the foot of Seneca Road with its Lock system at Great Falls Park, which he envisioned as a transport system for farmers to move their grain down toward Alexandria for export, George Washington surveyed, knew the potential of, owned and invested in the development of important pieces of our specific place, now called Great Falls.
Dancing at Historic Colvin Run Community Hall
80 years of bringing the community together to dance the night away.
You don’t have to be a star to dance with the Colvin Run Dancers at the historic Colvin Run Community Hall in Great Falls. You could be a novice at social ballroom dancing who took a few lessons to prepare for your wedding just like Alane and Ralph Dashner were when they discovered the weekly dances held at the Colvin Run Community Hall not far from their home in Great Falls.
Celebrate Great Falls Foundation Invites Residents to Get Involved
The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation wants residents of all ages to volunteer, serve as members of the Steering Committee, or volunteer with graphic design, website updates, fundraising or other areas of expertise or interest. “We are always happy to hear from people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make something happen in their community,” said President Candace Campbell. “The more new faces, the better. Even if you just want to submit ideas for ways we could do things better, we’d love to hear from you.”
Great Falls Becomes an ‘Artful Community’
Great Falls is home to more than 100 working artists.
New arrivals to Great Falls will encounter a vibrant community of artists whose creations add to the quality of life in the village and beyond to the Washington, D.C. Metro area. More than 100 painters, photographers, potters, jewelry designers, quilters, sculptors, printmakers, weavers, wood carvers and other artists call Great Falls home. They are members of Great Falls Studios, a network of creative people that works to promote artistic expression and make Great Falls a more artful place.
Classified Advertising Aug. 22, 2012
Read the latest Home and Garden, Employment and Classifieds here!
Column: Life in the Cancer Lane
Having been there and done that now for three and a half years certainly helps. And however familiar it may be and/or has become, it doesn’t exactly help to pass the time or affect the results, unfortunately. Cancer sucks! That much is clear. Now and in the future.