495 Express Lanes Tested
On Tuesday, Aug. 21, 20 test vehicles traveled the newly completed section of the 495 Express Lanes as part of an on-road test.
Great Falls Optimist Club to Hold Annual Barn Dance
The Great Falls Optimist Club is holding its seventh annual Barn Dance, complete with a live band—"Benny Potter and Western Electric"—and barbecued ribs, chicken and bar-b-que from Famous Dave’s on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the Great Falls Children’s Fund and Childhood Cancer Charity.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Names Interim Executive Director
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Galen Wixson as its interim executive director through December of 2012. Galen currently serves as the executive director of The Guitar Foundation of America where he has guided the organization through a transition to a new governance and management model, leading to several new program initiatives.
FCPD Traffic Safety Efforts Recognized
The Fairfax County Police Department was recently recognized by two prestigious law enforcement organizations which evaluate police traffic safety programs across the commonwealth and the nation.
Beach Mill Bridge Postponed
Replacement of temporary bridge will begin June 2013.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has postponed the scheduled replacement of the bridge over Nichols Run on Beach Mill Road. Originally scheduled to close from Aug. 13 to December, construction has been pushed back, and will start after the 2012-13 school year lets out.
Analemma Raises Funds for Sundial
Sundial designer speaks at library on dial proposed for Observatory Park.
While most of the tools available at Observatory Park at Turner Farm are designed to look upward, there are plans for additional features on the ground as well. The Analemma Society, which hosts programs and facilities at Observatory Park, is raising funds to build a second sundial.
How To Register, Vote and Vote Early
Election Day is Nov. 6, but you can vote as early as Sept. 21.
How important is it for Virginia voters to turn out on or before Nov. 6? As a critical “battleground” state, Virginia will be key in determining who will be the next President of the United States. Who will represent Virginia in the U.S. Senate is also too close to call. Since polling shows that there are very few undecided voters in the Commonwealth, every eligible voter will want to be sure to cast a ballot.
Preserving Summer Memories
Reflections of the Great Falls Farmers Market’s ‘Jelly Girls.’
We have completed our last Saturday at the Great Falls Farmers Market and we are heading back to Christopher Newport University. We are looking back on what a great idea it was to start a jelly-making business and get our feet wet at the Farmers Market. It was so much fun! We enjoyed talking to customers about how we prepare our jellies and it was such a treat when a customer came back the second time.
Great Falls Exxon Station to Close
Community concerned about losing one of two gas stations, TD Bank preparing application for site.
The Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike will cease pumping gas Sept. 1, and will cease all operations by March of next year. Starting Sept. 1, the underground fuel tanks will be removed, which will cease pumping gas. The current service operator will maintain services until February 2013, then they will move to the Shell service station across the street.
Nearly 800 Jobs Added to the Local Economy
Information technology firms and professional service companies see growth.
Information technology firms continue to do well in a sluggish economy, according to a new report from the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). During the second quarter of 2012, the FCEDA provided services and resources to 33 businesses that are adding almost 800 jobs in Fairfax County. Most of these businesses are in the information technology and professional services sectors and four are foreign-based firms using a Fairfax County location to expand in North America.
Minority-Owned Businesses Prosper in Fairfax County
Companies generate more than $1 billion in revenue and provide more than 1,000 jobs.
Businesses owned by Hispanics, African-Americans and women shine in Fairfax County, according to the latest national rankings for largest or fastest-growing companies. "Fairfax County is proud to be a community in which companies of all descriptions can and do succeed to a greater extent than in the rest of the region, the state or the country," said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which supports and monitors the growth of local businesses. Eleven Fairfax County-based companies are among the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation based on revenue — more than the total in 40 states, according to a recent report by HispanicBusiness.com. The Fairfax County companies are among 22 from Virginia on the 2012 Hispanic Business 500 list.
Teaching a Love of Music
Summer Strings Camp culminates in concert.
At the Summer Strings Camp, young musicians come together to share a love of music and gain experience playing in an orchestra. Held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, the camp runs for seven days and culminates in a concert to showcase the students’ best material.
‘Must Love Cars’ Exhibit at Katie’s Coffee
In a series that includes classic racecars from the 60’s and 70’s, Mraz’s artwork uses torn bits of recycled automotive and fashion magazines. Her treatment of materials leads viewers through a visual journey that begins with simple images but quickly shifts to the complex.
Should Virginia Compensate for Dark Days of Eugenics?
Del. Patrick Hope (D-44) asks governor and General Assembly to form a task force.
The number of victims is unknown in Virginia’s system of forced sterilization, a dark chapter that stretched from the 1920s into the 1970s.
Nike Field to Handle 100-year Storm
Drainage in conjunction with turf field expected to hold 100-year storm.
In addition to adding synthetic turf to Nike Field #4, the Fairfax County Department of Environmental Services will add stormwater improvements to the area, which aim to help assuage local storm water drainage issues.