Game On
George Mason University students develop video games aimed at curtailing gang recruitment in Virginia.
Law enforcement officials now have two unlikely weapons in the fight against gang activity in Virginia: video games and college students.
Great Falls Talks Turf
The Leo Santaballa turf-field debate continues.
In a Great Falls Land Use and Zoning Committee (LUZ) meeting in October of 2010, the Great Falls Lacrosse Association (GFLA) announced plans to install a synthetic turf-field at Leo Santaballa Park.
Great Falls Artist Earns Honorable Mention in Watercolor Exhibition
The Charles H. Taylor Art Center in Hampton, Va. is currently hosting the 33rd annual Virginia Watercolor Societies Exhibition. Juried and judged by N.C. artist, Dan Smith, with 494 entries by 175 artists across the state, the work of Great Falls artist, Betty Ganley, a painting capturing the "mood" of a misty morning in a Maine boatyard, was awarded an Honorable Mention and has been hailed by the judge as "a traditional boat composition, docked for repair … I found the virtuosity of the watercolor application remarkable."
Housing Discrimination Alert
Officials step up education, outreach efforts to reach immigrant communities about "fair housing" rights.
Housing discrimination cases have been on the rise in Fairfax County in the past few years. And the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), the agency that enforces fair housing laws in the county, is shining a spotlight on the problem through seminars for housing providers, realtors, community groups and other interested parties. "Sadly, housing discrimination is alive and well and we’ve seen an uptick in complaints during the past six years," said Kenneth Saunders, executive director of OHREP.
Value of Volunteer Hours: $4.5 million
Legacy of Community Service? Priceless.
"Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless." Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous sentiment was echoed by numerous community and civic leaders who gathered at the Waterford in Springfield Friday, April 27, to celebrate 118 Fairfax County volunteers during the 20th annual Volunteer Service Awards hosted by Volunteer Fairfax.
Memorial Dedicated at Riverbend
Bench memorializes Trailblazers’ founder Eleanor Weck.
Eleanor Weck, or Ele to her friends, spent more than four decades in Great Falls. As a tireless advocate for nature and trails, she spent much of her time in Riverbend Park. Weck passed away last May at the age of 72, and on Saturday, April 28, family and friends gathered to dedicate a permanent tribute in the park.
Lundegard Named Community Champion
Recognized for efforts with community groups at annual awards ceremony.
Great Falls resident Bob Lundegard was awarded Community Champion for the Dranesville District during the 20th annual Volunteer Fairfax Service Awards Friday, April 27.
Great Falls Farmers Market Highlights Local Produce
Local farmers and vendors from Great Falls make up nearly half the vendors.
From honey to honey buns, from produce to pickles, the newly located Great Falls Farmers Market has it all. They go beyond many other local farmers markets because they are able to offer many products that are grown and produced in the village of Great Falls, taking local a step further.
A Big Accomplishment for a Sixth Grader
Kayley McPhail of Great Falls who is 11 years old and in 6th grade, recently scored 11th in the Nation on the High School National French Examination.
Growing Up in a Virtual World
The effects of today’s technologies on the lives of teenagers.
Until recently, we didn’t know that the average teenage girl sends or receives a staggering 4,050 text messages per month. That boils down to at least one message every seven minutes during her waking hours. This is a problem, said Dr. Leonard Sax, well-known author and psychologist, not just because of the amount of time spent, but because this and other research findings show that today’s teenage girl is hyper-connected to her peers; and she is more disconnected than ever from herself.
Grand Day for Great Falls Little League
Great Falls Little League (GFLL) celebrated its annual Opening Day on Saturday, April 14. Current youngsters within the league were on hand in full uniforms, excited about the prospects of the upcoming season and cherished days of team camaraderie ahead.
Alarm Over Fire Code at Shelters
Fairfax County officials respond to concerns about fire code violations at local shelters.
Spring fever hit the region early this year. Last week’s record-high temperatures had residents flocking outdoors to play, bike, jog and picnic.
Janet O’Dell, of Great Falls, Dies
Janet Rae O'Dell, of Great Falls, passed away on March 13, 2012 from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., she moved to the Washington area in 1972.
Giving Back to Mason
Steve Mullins of Great Falls returns to his alma mater to serve on the Board of Visitors.
As high school seniors across the country are currently deciding the college to attend in the fall, local entrepreneur and chief financial officer Steve Mullins reflects upon the choice he made as a senior at Annandale High School to attend George Mason University and on his recent appointment to Mason’s Board of Visitors.
Forestville Goes to World Finals
Forestville Elementary students win State Odyssey of the Mind Finals and head to 2012 World Finals.
The Forestville Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team won at the Virginia State Finals in Newport News on Saturday, April 14, and will be competing in the 2012 World Finals being held May 23-26 on the campus of Iowa State University.