First Responder Tells 9/11 Story
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Zoldus speaks at annual remembrance.
The Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial hosted their annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11. More than 40 people gathered at the memorial to reflect on the 12th anniversary of the attacks, and to pay tribute to the six Great Falls residents who died that day.
Great Falls Native Celebrates 100th Birthday
Evelyn Woods, who was raised on Seneca Road, celebrated her 100th birthday Aug. 28. Woods celebrated with her sisters, her great-grand niece and childhood friend Beanie Lambert.
A New Beginning for Fairfax County Public Libraries?
Library trustees vote to discard beta plan in favor of more public outreach sessions.
On Wall Street, a “beta” test refers to assessing the risk, volatility and expected return of a particular portfolio. If Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) officials had a crystal ball to assess the volatility of its planned beta tests this fall, it’s likely they may have steered clear of the project that became a quagmire of epic proportions.
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
County suspends discarding of library books.
Just when Sam Clay, Fairfax County’s Public Library director, thought FCPL’s public image couldn’t get any worse, Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) released photos of bins filled to the brim with discarded library books.
Inspired to Give
Local teens positively impact youth on a global scale.
Picture this: An impoverished young teenager sits in a hospital bed in rural India, suffering from a life-threatening cancer, opens up a tablet device filled with educational tools and apps to distract them from their daily struggles. You would probably expect the tablet to have been shipped there by a large, national non-profit run by paid staff members. Not so. It was delivered to this teen by other teens, all working toward the same goal: to connect with pediatric cancer patients around the world in order to provide them with encouragement, support and education.
Starshine Theater to Host “How to Audition” Event
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m. the Starshine Theater will host a free event: "How to audition for a show—TV ‘Talent’ or ‘Live Stage,’” for ages 3 through adults. Those younger than 18 should attend with a parent. Duets, groups welcome.
Riverbend Park Hosts Virginia Indian Festival
At Riverbend Park in Great Falls thousands of visitors stopped by to attend the annual Virginia Indian Festival. Mixing with the crowds and greeting visitors was Park Manager Marty Smith. “I have been working at Riverbend Park for 20 years, and manager for 10 years,” said Smith. It was Smith who organized and developed the concept of an educational event about the indigenous people of Northern Virginia for the general public.
Weaving Community and Lifelong Learning
Great Falls Library brings threads together.
Concerns about the strength and condition of “the fabric of our society” abound, but how is that fabric woven in the first instance, and how is it used and enjoyed and rewoven into the modern tapestry of community? Spend just one day (or two) with the librarians, volunteers and patrons of the Fairfax County Public Library in Great Falls and you will see. The library opens its doors on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Pat Neuman Exhibits at Great Falls Library
Pat Neuman’s “Annuals and Perennials,” pastel on paper exhibit is on display in the Small Conference Room at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls.
Saving Jobs in Hard Times
Virginia lawmakers will push work sharing legislation this session.
“Having been through the recession and recent slight increases in Virginia unemployment rates as federal sequestration takes effect, it is important that we give Virginia businesses all the tools we can to help them and their employees get through challenging times. This bill does that.” —State Sen. George Barker (D-39)
Great Falls to Celebrate Arts in October
Great Falls Studios celebrates 10th anniversary, hosts annual art tour.
Great Falls Studios (GFS) will celebrate a decade of art on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Great Falls Community Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. This is an opportunity to meet GFS artists, view some of their original work, enjoy hands-on activities and learn the stories of their studios. A 10th Anniversary book is scheduled to be released that day—a community occasion to celebrate creativity.
Hillwood Estate to Host Great Falls Senior Center’s October Event
Great Falls Senior Center is embarking on its second bus trip—this time to the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C. Hillwood is the legendary home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post cereal fortune.
Challenged to ‘Build & Fly’
Kashmir-Robotics CEO Princess Aliyah of Great Falls issues "Build & Fly" conservation challenge.
During the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) conference, Aug. 12-15 at the DC Convention Center, Princes Aliyah represented the Great Falls community as the CEO of Kashmir-Robotics to announced the first ever Wildlife Conservation UAV Challenge.
New Beach Mill Road Bridge Opens to Traffic
Bridge construction schedule, design meet neighborhood’s expectations.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) staff, Great Falls residents, elected officials, Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff and others celebrated the opening of the newly completed Beach Mill Road Bridge over Nichols Branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 29. The bridge’s one-lane, rustic design and slip resistant wood decking and railing was a collaborative effort between VDOT, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, the Great Falls Citizens Association, the neighboring community and others. The bridge opened to traffic on Aug. 28.
Day One at Forestville
Forestville Elementary’s welcome back to school worthy of a gold star.
Miss Genevieve Roberson is obviously ready to start her academic career as a first grader at Forestville Elementary School in Great Falls. No tears today from this young lady on the first day of the new school year. “She actually cried when we left the open house last Thursday,” said mom Maria Roberson. “She thought it was great. She wanted to stay at school then.”