Real Estate
2013: Banner Year in McLean and Great Falls
The total number of home sales in McLean and Great Falls is up in 2013 over 2012. Further every market segment is up year over year except for that in the under $750,000 category. The reason I believe that this segment fell short in terms of number of sales is due to lack of supply. Current inventory level is less than one month for homes to purchase for under $750,000 in McLean/Great Falls, which includes condos. Economists and other experts that analyze the real estate market typically consider a balanced market to be a 6-month supply, thus the current lower price market in McLean and Great Falls is in a seller’s market cycle. This is in line with market conditions experienced throughout 2013.
Toy Trains Displayed At Colvin Run Mill
Families enjoy annual train display.
During the last weeks of December, the interior of Colvin Run Mill parks barn was filled with 250 feet of train track, nine trains and more than 500 miniature imitation trees for the 24th annual train display created by Jim and his wife Jo Anne Stapleton. “This is the only hobby I’ve ever had,” said Jim Stapleton, a resident of Purcellville in Loudoun County.
Week in Great Falls
Military Appreciation Monday to Honor Navy SEAL Foundation On Monday, Jan. 13, monthly Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be in support of The Navy SEAL Foundation. Make your reservation for either the 5:30 or 7:30 seating at the Old Brogue by calling 703-759-3309. Visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org to learn more about this organization and the help it provides to injured combat veterans and their families. If not familiar with the MAM events, simply come enjoy a dinner at the Old Brogue in Great Falls. The cosponsors, the Brogue and Bob Nelson of Keller Williams Realty each make a ten percent donation based on how much you spend on dinner.
A Year in Review, Things to Look for in 2014
Supervisor John w. Foust (D-Dranesville) reflects on most important events in McLean and Great Falls in 2013 and 2014.
Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville): *TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PLAN HB2313 - A significant event affecting the community in 2013 was the passage of HB2313 with bi-partisan support. This bill was the first comprehensive transportation plan passed in Virginia in 27 years.
Ground Water Cleanup Plan Presented in Great Falls
Potential contamination of local wells from a spill at former Exxon gas station discussed.
The Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) hosted two meetings on Dec. 17, to update Great Falls residents on the plan to clean up contamination from a spill of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) that had occurred at the Exxon gas station that was located at 9901 Georgetown Pike.
Great Falls in 2013: The Most Important Issues
Eric Knudsen, President, Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA): 1) The start, and hopefully the finishing, of the Walker Road Diet project. This is the first major change to the center of town since the Safeway shopping center was put in.
New Approach to Mental Health
Reforms in wake of tragedy involving state senator's son.
Advocates for mental health services have been calling for improved services and increased funding for years, although the issue has been pushed aside year after year.
Ellie McFadden, 8, of Great Falls Wins Northwest FCU Video Contest
To mark the launch of the Credit Union’s new YouTube channel, along with its Facebook and Twitter pages, Northwest Federal invited members to create 60-90 second videos that show why they love their credit union. Ellie McFadden, 8, of Great Falls won 1st Place and $500 in Under age 18 category. Jennifer Riebling, 17, of Fairfax won 2nd Place and $250.
Holiday Art Show and Sale Moves to Wolf Trap
This year the annual Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale will be held at the Center for Education at Wolf Trap on Dec. 14 & 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Because of this new larger venue more than 30 members are able to participate in this event. The Center is located at 1645 Trap Road in Vienna.
Great Falls Celebration of Lights
Dozens watch Santa and Mrs. Claus light the Great Falls Christmas Tree.
The Great Falls Village Centre was the site for the annual Santa and Mrs. Clause lighting the Christmas Tree after arriving by lighted, antique fire truck on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event included a performance by the Great Falls Village Green Day School, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bonfire, hot apple cider and hot chocolate. — Steve Hibbard
Mosby and Rangers Topic of Great Falls Senior Center January Event
The Great Falls Senior Center (GFSC) event for January will focus on the Civil War in Fairfax County. GFSC members have shown particular interest in local Civil War history.
Online Launch for 2013 Wish List Project
Being a Wish List “Angel” easier than ever before in 14 year history of The Wish List Project
With a little help from her friends, Great Falls resident Ginger Mahon, founder of The Wish List Project, has taken The Wish List high-tech. A Wish List “Angel,” donor Lissa Perez, assisted Mahon with building online sign up capability for The 2013 Wish List Project on the website “SignUp Genius.” Perez is a Great Falls resident and partner at Deloitte & Touche, LLP.
Garza Holds Listening Tour
Schools Superintendent visits Cooper Middle School in McLean.
Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Karen Garza, Ph.D., held a Listening Tour on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Cooper Middle School in McLean where more than 100 residents of the Dranesville District shared their concerns about local schools. The meeting, which was attended by local teachers, principals and parents, included School Board Rep. Janie Strauss (Dranesville).
Boy Scout Troop 55 Celebrates 35 Years
Scouts will host a cooking demonstration this Saturday.
Boy Scouts from Troop 55 in Great Falls experienced rappelling down cliffs, spelunking in caves, skiing down mountains, canoeing in rivers, backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, traversing white water rapids and improving their marksmanship. These are just a few of the activities that the boys enjoyed as they developed their skills in leadership, responsibility and community service.
Democrats Shut Out of Power in Senate
Even if Democrats win in two special elections, control over committees is unlikely.
Don't expect Democrats to take control over state Senate committees anytime soon, even if the party manages to hold both of the seats where special elections are now underway.