How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.
Debate Over School Budget Continues
Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.
Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.
Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations
Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.
While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.
Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman
During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.
One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.
Fun Winter Activities for the Family
Keep your family busy with winter fun events in Great Falls during the colder months.
It’s easy to stay in during these cold months thanks to snowy weather and the holidays, but every once in a while families need to get out of the house to enjoy themselves. Great Falls has plenty to offer for everyone, from live music and dancing to workshops about chocolate and making one’s own maple syrup.
Senior Center’s Newly Elected Board
The Great Falls Senior Center membership elected a new board of directors in December. The new board, half of whom are serving for the first time, named its officers at its Jan. 16 meeting. The new officers are David Kondner, Sr., president; Joyce Trickett, vice president; George Newman, treasurer, and Carol Blackwell, secretary. Other members of the new board are Mary Davis, Diane Drewry, Margaret Johnson, Robert Lundegard, Marietna (Mimi) Mascolo, Jackie Taylor, Sondra Taylor and Carol Wright. The board members and officers will serve for two years. Terms of the current officials run through Dec. 31, 2015.
Troop 673 Delivers Books to Walter Reed
Six Boy Scouts from Great Falls Troop 673 visited Walter Reed Medical Center on Dec. 4 and delivered 10 bags and boxes of new, donated books and movies. The Friends of the Great Falls Library had contacted the Warrior Family Coordination Cell at Walter Reed who said they would be delighted to receive the donation. The donation consisted of a variety of new books donated to the Friends for its bi-annual book sale which went unsold. The Scouts and their drivers delivered the books to Tranquility Hall, a residence for recovering warriors and families. While waiting to meet with their primary contact, Staff Sgt. Alicia Watkins gave the group a brief tour of the building. The Scouts visited the Warrior Café where Watkins showed them the POW/MIA table which is present in every military cafeteria. She explained the meaning of the various items on the table: the white tablecloth symbolizing the purity of soldiers’ motives in answering the call to duty; the rose representing the life of each missing person and his or her loved ones; a slice of lemon to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing; a pinch of salt to symbolize the tears of the missing and their families; an empty chair and other symbols.
Writers Group Crafts Publishing Workshop
The Writers Group to host a panel of publishing and marketing professionals.
For any writers living near Great Falls who have wondered what it takes to get their short stories or book ideas published, the next meeting of the Great Falls Writers Group may be able to help. On Thursday, Feb. 6, the Writers Group will meet at Great Falls Public Library for a publishing workshop, complete with a panel of published writers and self-marketing experts.
Library, Falls Salon Win
The Celebrate Great Falls Foundation presented both winners with certificates and a cash prize.
There’s nothing that brings a community together like a bit of friendly competition — at least that’s the idea behind the Celebrate Great Falls Foundation’s annual Holiday Decorating Contest. The foundation presented awards to both the Friends of the Great Falls Library and The Falls Salon on Thursday, Jan. 23, for their holiday spirit displayed in their storefronts and buildings. The two winners were chosen by a community vote that found them both equally deserving of the cash prize of $400.
Into the Budget Fray
Bulova highlights accomplishments, challenges in annual address.
Despite the lingering impact of an anemic economy, and the regional ripple effects of federal sequestration, Fairfax County residents will see some concrete signs of progress this year.
Del. Comstock Shares Her Notes on Opening Week
A new beginning, a new chairmanship and a new legislative session.
It is always an honor to be part of the oldest continuous legislative body in the western world. On Jan. 8, we began a new session with a new Administration. The session is always kicked off early in the morning (7 a.m.) with the annual Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast. In keeping with tradition, outgoing Governor McDonnell and incoming Governor McAuliffe and senior government officials attend. This year I had the honor of offering the prayer for State Legislators at the Commonwealth Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast also features guest speakers every year and everyone was moved by the powerful testimony of Thomas Haynesworth, a truly inspirational man, who was exonerated in 2011 after being wrongfully imprisoned for 27 years for crimes he did not commit. Mr. Haynesworth spoke of his faith sustaining him throughout this unjust ordeal.
Showing Appreciation
Old Brogue Irish Pub hosts monthly dinners, where donations are matched to contribute to military veteran organizations.
In a packed house at The Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls on Jan. 13, all in attendance stood up at the request of Bob Nelson, the man who put together the event. Nelson had asked any guests with family members who had served in the military, however distant the relation might be, to please stand.
Cadette Troop 1111 Earns Silver Award
The girls in Girl Scouts Cadette Troop 1111 have been busy doing more than selling cookies this past year. They recently earned the organization’s Silver Award — the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette is eligible for. By planning and completing a 50-hour community service project, Friendship Across Generations, the girls demonstrated leadership, organization and a commitment to community service.
Obituary
Nathan F. Holeman
Nathan F. (Red) Holeman died on Dec. 24, 2013. He was born July 16, 1925 to George and Hazel Holeman in Tuxedo Junction on the outskirts of Bartlesville, OK.
Going Dark?
Funding needed for Great Falls July 4 fireworks.
“Last Friday’s meeting didn’t result as we had hoped it would,” said Sharon Rainey, president of Neighbors Foundation. The Great Falls based Rotary Foundation notified Neighbors Foundation that they would not be taking over the annual 2014 July 4th Fireworks event.