<sh> Fire Displaces
Family of Six
<bt>Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units responded to a fire at a residence on Jaysmith Street in Great Falls on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:20 p.m. Firefighters reported heavy fire and smoke coming out of the upper floor rear and through the roof of the two-story home upon arrival. An additional alarm was requested bringing more than 60 emergency personnel to the scene. According to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials, the cause of the fire was ruled as accidental, originating in an electrical wall outlet and energized clip on reading light. Damage is estimated at $400,000. Firefighters said no one was at the home when the fire started. Two adults and four children were displaced. Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. There were no reported injuries.
<sh> Madrigals Perform
At GFHS Event
<bt>The Great Falls Historical Society (GFHS) has announced its December program. The Herndon High School Madrigals singers will perform at the Great Falls Grange, located at 9818 Georgetown Pike on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. The Herndon High School Madrigals have been performing throughout the community for the past 13 years under the direction of Dana Van Slyke. The Madrigals spend much of the holiday season performing for community groups, senior citizen centers, town centers and tree lightings. In addition, this group has performed at the White House four times and has been featured at the Lansdowne Resort during the holidays. This program is free and open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be offered. For more information, contact 703-759-2378, or visit www.gfhs.org.
<sh>Vinson Hall Receives
USS Carl Vinson Flag
<bt>On Friday, Dec. 7, Capt. Walter E. Carter Jr., commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson along with two senior officers was on hand during Vinson Hall’s Peal Harbor Day commemorative ceremony to present the Vinson Flag to RADM Kathleen Martin, CEO of Vinson Hall Retirement Community. The ceremony honored all residents and their contributions. Also honored during the ceremony were Vinson Hall residents Comm. and Mrs. Hart and Lt. Col. and Mrs. Indyke. Comm. Hart is a Pearl Harbor survivor and Lt. Col. Indyke was recently featured on WETA’s “Washington Homefront” regarding his role in Washington during the early days of WWII.