Great Falls News

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.

Library’s Beta Plan: Dead on Arrival

Supervisors endorse Library Board’s recommendations to increase funding, discard beta plan.

"You can assume that the BETA Plan is dead. I will make that motion tomorrow." In her email to a concerned library patron the night before the Board of Supervisors Nov. 19 meeting, Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) put to rest speculation that the board would resuscitate the controversial beta plan aimed at streamlining the county’s library system.

Great Falls Connection