Real Estate in McLean and Great Falls: Strong for First Three Quarters 2013
In almost every market segment of McLean and Great Falls the number of residential transactions are up in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same time period in 2012. The total number of sales increased 6 percent, which is very strong given that it represents only the first three quarters of the year.
Decorating for Fall
Local designers offer suggestions for bringing the harvest into your home.
The colors of autumn are all around as pumpkins and squash fill produce stands and leaves change from green to orange, red and yellow before falling from their branches. Local designers and tastemakers are unveiling home accents that bring the warm hues of the season into the home. Whether using pillows, throws or flowers, adding the colors and textures of fall requires less effort than one might expect. “Emerald green, orange and turquoise are three of the biggest color trends we’re seeing,” said Marcus Browning of European Country Living in Old Town Alexandria. “Throws and pillows are a given, but you can also tie in traditional and modern accessories with rugs, stained glass lamps with modern or intricate designs.” Small trays provide a canvas for highlighting color and adding functionality to a room, says Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Bethesda, Md. “Color and pattern are in right now,” she said. “I just purchased the C. Wonder (http://www.cwonder.com) navy and white chevron tray for my home. It adds a punch of color and freshness to a room. Preppy is back in a big way, too, offering lots of patterns.”
Week in Great Falls
Great Falls Memory Café Meets on Oct. 17
The Great Falls Memory Cafe will meet Thursday, Oct. 17, from 2-4 p.m. at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Vienna. The memory cafe is a casual social meeting venue for those with progressive memory or cognitive impairment and their caregivers. Call Carol Blackwell 571-236-6933 for more details.
Claims vs. Facts
To the Editor: At a recent elementary school’s Back to School Night, a friend was handed materials from supporters of Barbara Comstock, the Delegate for the 34th Virginia House District. I expect that a candidate would paint him or herself in the most favorable light, and that campaign materials should be read with a certain degree of skepticism. However, a little research in the public record shows a tremendous discrepancy between the way Ms. Comstock portrays herself and the reality of how she has voted. *Claim: Comstock claims to support education and takes credit for helping to restore $120 million in cuts to Virginia schools. Fact: in 2010, Comstock voted in favor of a House Budget Bill (HB30) that cut education by $620 million.
‘Nature’s Shapes and Colors’ Photo Exhibit
“Nature’s Shapes and Colors,” an exhibit of photography capturing the variety of shapes and colors in nature by Great Falls photographer and author Dee Leggett, will be on display through Nov. 30, 2013 at Seneca Hill Animal Hospital, Resort and Spa in Great Falls. Photos display local butterflies, shapes and colors from East Coast beaches to reflections in the Yukon. The exhibit will be on display during business hours at 11415 Georgetown Pike. Leggett is a member of Great Falls Studios and has been exhibiting her photography for more than 10 years. Visit DeeLeggettPhotography.vpweb.com, email her at DeeLeggett@aol.com or call 703-430-8680.
Great Falls Studios Explore Art’s Natural Habitat
Great Falls Studios releases book to celebrate 10th anniversary.
Great Falls Studios was founded 10 years ago by several artists who wanted to network. Now, it features more than 90 artists who work in almost every conceivable medium, and they work hard to promote arts events around the community.
Country Fair Comes to St. Francis
Annual event features games, quilt show.
As temperatures rose to near 90 degrees Saturday, Oct. 5 at the annual St. Francis Country Fair in Great Falls, many of the fair’s traditions were turned upside down.
Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Presents Arts Center Plans
Equestrians, Turner Farm advocates question proposed center.
The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts presented their proposal for an arts center at Turner Farm Monday, Sept. 30 to the local equestrian community, neighbors and residents involved in the “Save the Farm” campaign.
Volunteer Opportunities
*Fairfax County’s Meals on Wheels urgently needs drivers in the Annandale, Franconia/Kingstowne, Reston, Mount Vernon and McLean areas. Call 703-324-5406, TTY 711. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults and link to Volunteer Solutions or email at VolunteerSolutions@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Beauty of Fall
This week at McLean Children's Academy, students, parent volunteers and teachers had a great time planting fall flowers. MCA is located at the corner of Elm Street and Rt 123 in McLean. The director, Sarah Bowlen, said "We always try to have the front of the school look nice so the neighborhood can enjoy it. Pansies stay beautiful even through the winter." This gardening adventure was part of a science lesson for the children.
Week in Great Falls
Great Falls Floors, Inc. Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Sha Chitsaz, general manager of Great Falls Floors, Inc., has announced their 15th anniversary of serving clients in Great Falls, McLean and Reston.
A Tireless Advocate
It is nearing that time again, to choose our elected representative for delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates, and I want to tell you why I think we should continue to support our current delegate, Barbara Comstock.
Learning About Polluted Runoff
To the Editor: My name is Benji Prickett, I attend Kilmer Middle School. Lately we have been learning about the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the dangers of runoff. Runoff can carry sediments, rocks, pollutants and also fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers and pesticides especially can be very dangerous; they can kill the wildlife in the bay and can also stop recreational activities like fishing, boating and swimming, just to name a few. I hope that we can cut back on using spray pesticides on our lawns. My family has been doing this for many years and our lawns look fine. Currently our bay is very polluted, but if we where to cut back on pesticides our bay would be so much better for everyone and every thing. Benji Prickett Great Falls
Great Falls Waves Good-bye to Santa Representative
Dr. Christopher Earl “Doc” Kennemer remembered for his service to the Great Falls community.
Dr. Christopher Earl “Doc” Kennemer, Great Falls resident, volunteer firefighter and local representative of Santa Claus, made sure that Santa got off to a good start for 30-plus holiday seasons during the annual Great Falls Village Centre Christmas Tree Lighting event. In return, on Saturday, Sept. 28, personnel from the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department joined with Kennemer family and friends to give Kennemer a fitting send-off at a standing-room-only memorial service held at Great Falls United Methodist Church where he had taught Sunday school and been an active member for more than 35 years. Always on call, all fire department personnel were seated with easy access to exits or stationed outside the service so they could respond if needed elsewhere.
Walt Lawrence Exhibits at Katie’s Coffee
Great Falls photographer Walt Lawrence stages a new exhibit at Katie’s Coffee featuring images from his “On the Potomac at Riverbend” collection. The exhibit opened on Oct. 1 and will run through the end of the month. Over the past 15 months Lawrence has been shooting waterscapes and wildlife from a boat in the Potomac off of Riverbend Park.