June is the Deadliest Month for Teen Drivers
Parental involvement urged to prevent underage drinking this summer
Citing the facts that June is the single deadliest month of the year when it comes to teen driving and that summer’s arrival also ushers in that contiguous period (May - August) when the greatest number of U.S. teen traffic deaths occur [i], a Washington-metropolitan area alcohol education group is urging parental involvement to combat both teen drinking and drunk driving this summer.
Democrats Decide
Voters to determine direction of party in June 8 primary
The June 8 primary will determine the direction of the Democratic Party in Virginia at a critical time, when the commonwealth is emerging from the pandemic and trying to recast itself as something other than a party in opposition to former President Donald Trump.
Candidates in the 2021 Democratic Primary for HD34
Meet Jennifer Adeli and Kathleen J. Murphy (Incumbent).
Voting has begun for the 2021 Democratic Primary on June 8.
Langley High School Orchestral Greetings and Farewells
Orchestra returns to the big stage
For many Langley High School Orchestra students, adjusting to a year of online rehearsals and virtual concerts has been difficult.
Friends of Riverbend Park Receives Donation
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group supports charitable organization.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group presented a donation check on Friday, May 21, 2021, for $3,000 to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORP).
‘Maxine’s Garden’ Photography Exhibit by Dee Leggett at the TD Bank, Great Falls
“Maxine’s Garden” is a photography exhibit honoring Maxine Turner, 98-year-old gardener in Great Falls, portraying a wide variety of beautiful flowers in her garden.
Great Falls Rotary Announces Music Winners
Rotary District 7610, which serves the top half of Virginia, made a daring decision during this year of the pandemic: it decided to start a music contest for high school students.
Opinion: Column: Philosophically Meandering
As I discussed a few weeks back, having all this time off/apart from cancer-related activities is unsettling in a peculiar way.
Senior Living: Just Can’t Wait to Get Back on the Road Again
Vaccinated Seniors plan vacations, trips to reunite with family
Sifting through photos of rafting trips through Labyrinth Canyon on the tranquil waters of the Green River and hiking in the Needles district of Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, Arlene Richter recalls her past travels as she begins planning for new adventures.
Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions
Amid division, voices seek to be heard.
With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Detectives Seek Witnesses After Pedestrian Dies in Great Falls Hit and Run Crash
A 43-year-old man has died following a hit and run crash that occurred Sunday morning, May 16, near the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Redberry Court in Great Falls.
Cappies Review: Langley High Presents ‘Real Talk’
During moments of contention, people must choose their path.
Eric Knudsen Receives Glen Sjoblom Award
The award recognizes service contributions to the development of the Great Falls community.
The Executive Board of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) recognized Eric Knudsen on Saturday, May 15, as the recipient of its 2021 Glen Sjoblom Award for his “long-time, extensive and meritorious service to the community of Great Falls.” Local, regional, and state leaders attended the special program held at the Great Falls Village Centre Green. GFCA honored Knudsen, who tirelessly devoted himself for several decades to enhancing Great Falls through his work on local transportation, land use, and environmental matters. GFCA established the Glen Sjoblom Award to recognize its members who excel in serving their community. It is the organization’s only award for outstanding service. Current GFCA President Bill Canis said that without this kind of civic involvement and activism, the community Great Falls citizens and others know today would have withered away. “We are gathered to celebrate the people who are dedicated to that philosophy,” said Canis. Eric Knudsen is one of those people. Glen Sjoblom is the 2019 Award recipient. He put the award in the context of the long commitment of GFCA’s pioneering board members, those who served the community since the organization’s founding in 1968. According to the honoring resolution, Knudsen served on the GFCA board with a distinguished record for more than 15 years, including three years as president, three years as vice-president, and additional terms as chair of the Transportation and Land Use & Zoning Committee. AS PRESIDENT, Knudsen improved the efficiency and management of GFCA board proceedings, collaborating with past presidents to create GFCA’s first Policy & Procedures Manual that guides the organization. His prioritization of on-site visits to personally evaluate land use and transportation issues provided accurate perspectives and insights. The documented visits became a hallmark of GFCA’s work, validating issues the organization brings forward to the staff at Fairfax County and Commonwealth and developers. Knudsen launched ongoing investigative and mitigation efforts in the community to control stormwater runoff. He participated in a GFCA committee tasked with overseeing the cleanup of chemical spills in the center of Great Falls that threatened residents’ well water. It culminated in a program managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Leading land use negotiations with the County and developers led to the rezoning of Brooks Farm and plans for a SunTrust Bank. According to the resolution, Knudsen became a “driving force for the establishment of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, serving as the GFCA representative in establishing that organization to preserve one of our community’s most important historical assets.” Knudsen also co-chaired the Transportation Committee. In collaboration with co-chair Joan Barnes, they worked to have the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revise its proposed plans for the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike, reducing congestion and ensuring greater safety. Knudsen initiated and managed negotiations with engineers and county staff to narrow Walker Road, facilitating pedestrian crossings in the commercial center. Knudsen’s interest in citizen input in the widening project of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Tysons led to the Route 7 Working Group. This eight-year commitment advised VDOT and included participation by the McLean and Reston citizens associations. SPEAKERS at the May 15 award presentation praised Knudsen for his record of service. Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola (D-31) commended Knudsen for giving residents a voice by reaching out to them for verified consensus. She called these characteristics the hallmark of strong nonprofit organizations. GFCA Board member Gary Pan worked with Knudsen to establish the Great Falls Grange Foundation. He commended him for helping to breathe new life into the historic building and providing a new level of community involvement. “I have worked closely with Eric Knudsen on numerous transportation and land use projects over the years,” said Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville). “His leadership has improved life for residents of the Great Falls community. In 2011, I selected him to represent Dranesville as Lord Fairfax. He is a worthy recipient of the Glen Sjoblom Award for community service,” Foust said.
Knockouts on the Menu in Great Falls
Restaurant Review: Mookie’s BBQ in Great Falls
As locals applaud the reopening of restaurants in the DMV, folks craving the ideal summer grub—barbecue—should head over to Mookie’s BBQ in Great Falls.
Convention Done, Primary Ahead
Republicans get a head start in the general election; Democrats still fighting each other
The way Democrats talk about Donald Trump, you'd think he was on the ballot in 2021. And in many ways, he is. The former president may be out of the White House and kicked off of social media, but he's still eager to see himself as a kingmaker.