Reston Resident Tracks History Through Advertisements
Jay Paull runs website featuring thousands of vintage ads.
Jay Paull’s love of advertisements is practically genetic. His great-grandfather was an early publisher in West Virginia, and his daughter (Paull’s grandmother) started to collect those early publications. They’ve been passed down from generation to generation, with each one adding more advertisements to the collection.
Rail Association Takes Look Forward
Developers discuss Silver Line strategies.
The Dulles Corridor Rail Association hosted a "look forward" Friday, Feb. 24 in Herndon to examine the plans around the proposed Silver Line Metrorail Stations.
Riverbend Kicks Off Master Planning Process
Master Plan will serve to update plan created in 1975.
The Fairfax County Park Authority kicked off the master planning process for Riverbend Park during a public meeting Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Grange. The 411-acre park, which includes more than two miles of land along the Potomac River, has been guided by a master plan that was created in 1975.
MPA Begins 50th Anniversary Celebration
Organization hosts "pop-up" party in downtown McLean.
Fifty years ago, the McLean Project for the Arts began as a way for local artists to get together, meet the local community and sell a few paintings while they are at it. The organization has undergone many changes since then, establishing a gallery at the McLean Community Center and putting on several signature events per year, but it remains the same at its core.
Langley Leads Recycling Efforts
School will serve as pilot program for athletic field recycling.
Langley High School will serve as a pilot program for Fairfax County when it comes to recycling on the athletic fields during sporting events. The Langley Eco School club is spearheading the initiative, collecting grant money to purchase the recycling cans to be placed next to the regular trash cans.
Great Dogs of Great Falls Offers Variety of Services for Pets
When it came time to choose a second career, Linda Waitkus wasn’t sure what to do. After 30 years of retail experience, including managing the Bloomingdale’s at Tysons Corner, she looked in several directions. But it wasn’t until she went to a meeting of a local women’s club that she got an idea.
MCC, Park Authority Debate New Sign
Community Center board, Park Authority have mixed feelings about MCC sign.
The McLean Community Center has been working on changing and updating the sign at McLean Central Park, at the corner of Dolley Madison Boulevard and Old Dominion Drive for the past few years. But their plan for a new sign, on property owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority, might not be in keeping with the Park Authority's future plans for the park.
Group Finds Homes for Abandoned or Displaced Pets
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation hosts weekly adoption events.
Since 2001, volunteers from the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation have gathered every weekend all over the area with one objective: to find homes for dogs and cats in need of rescue. The foundation holds 10 events per weekend, including two at the Petsmart in Tysons Corner.
Council Defers Metro Decision
Continuation of public hearing set for Feb. 28.
The Herndon Town Council voted Feb. 14 to defer a decision on adoption of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow for redevelopment of 38 acres between Herndon Parkway and the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metrorail station.
Brightview Specifications Presented to GFCA
Land Use and Zoning committee hears information on proposed assisted living facility.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Land Use and Zoning committee began hearing information on architectural specifications for the proposed Brightview assisted living facility. The facility, which was approved as a special exception by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last year, will be located off Colvin Run Mill where Thelma’s was previously located.
RCA Names Citizen of Year
Nick Brown recognized for almost four decades of volunteer work.
When he moved to Reston in 1975, Nick Brown wasted no time getting involved with his community. Thirty-seven years later, he was named the Reston Citizen Association’s Citizen of the Year during a ceremony at the Reston Community Center Monday, Feb. 20.
Herndon Kicks Off Relay For Life
Annual American Cancer Society Fundraiser will take place June 9.
The Herndon Relay for Life kicked off planning for its ninth year of the event Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Herndon Police Station. Herndon is one of more than 5,000 communities that hold the annual event, which features an overnight relay event that raises money for the American Cancer Society.
Making Their Mark at McLean Project for the Arts
Artist Renee Sandell hosts weekly gatherings during current exhibit.
Artist Renee Sandell is all about making her mark. In fact, she believes most of life is about people making their marks. That’s one of the reasons she has invited the community to participate in her exhibit, "Marking and Mapping: Finding Time, Space and Place," currently on display at the McLean Project for the Arts at the McLean Community Center.
Wolf Recalls Human Rights Crusades
Book tells his experiences with human rights violations around the world.
As a public servant for more than 30 years, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) has had his share of experiences. But it was a trip to Ethiopia in 1984 that he calls a "life changing experience," because it opened his eyes to human rights violations around the globe.
Langley Comes Up Big for Marshes
Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) recognized Langley community for supporting student through cancer battle.
When Langley High School volleyball player Maureen Marsh began experiencing knee pain her freshman year, doctors told her it was just growing pains. But the pain persisted, and trainers eventually found a small lump on her knee. A bone biopsy on Oct. 15, 2009 confirmed something else: a rare form of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma.
Fashion Walks on the Wild Side at Langley High
Langley High School hosts annual fashion show.
The Langley High School auditorium was transformed into a scene from "The Jungle Book" Saturday night, as they hosted their annual fashion show, "Walk Into the Wild." Students, faculty and families strode on the runway showing the latest in jungle-themed fashions.
Forum Examines Teen Dating Violence
Program addresses role of students, parents, bystanders.
Teenagers are often given statistics and lectures about what constitutes dating abuse, but the Feb. 9 program "What’s Love Got to do With it: Healthy Relationships and Dating" at McLean High School addressed the problem from a number of different angles.
Students Conduct Kitchen Experiments
Village Green Day School hosts annual science fair.
Students at the Village Green Day School presented their annual Science Fair Friday, Feb. 10. The pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students spent the last few weeks experimenting and discovering what science their kitchens offer.
Romney Addresses Technology Council
Presidential hopeful speaks on importance of innovation.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council welcomed Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney Friday, Feb. 10 at the Hyatt Regency Reston. The former Massachusetts governor spoke about his experiences in the world of business and the importance of allowing innovation to flourish.
Center Seeks Donated Dresses
RCC collects for annual Diva Central dress drive.
The Reston Community Center is collecting gently used formal dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags and other accessories for students who would otherwise be unable to afford prom attire as part of their annual Diva Central dress drive.
County Opens Proposal Process for Crescent Apartments
Requests for proposals are aimed to enhance affordable housing, aid in Lake Anne revitalization.
Fairfax County has started exploring opportunities to redevelop the Crescent Apartments, a 181-unit complex located just northeast of Lake Anne. The county began accepting Requests for Proposals Feb. 9.
UPS Store Helps With Costs of Learning
Store presents $10,000 worth of books to local schools and learning centers.
There were piles of extra packages around the UPS Store in the South Lakes Village Center Friday, Feb. 10. The stacked white boxes weren’t being shipped around the country, instead they were filled with books destined for local learning centers.
Best of Reston Named
Reston Interfaith, Chamber name annual award winners.
Four individuals and four organizations were named Best of Reston for 2012 at Google’s Reston headquarters Thursday. Feb. 2. The annual awards, which are awarded to those who serve their community, will be given at the 21st Best of Reston Awards April 12.
Fixing Park-Monroe Intersection
Council to discuss intersection at Feb. 14 meeting.
The Herndon Town Council will hold a public hearing on plans for ways to make the intersection of Park Avenue and Monroe Street on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Ingram Council Chambers. The angles and elevations of the intersection have made it a priority for the town for years.
Metro Plan Goes to Herndon Town Council
Draft plan will now be considered for adoption by Town Council.
The Town of Herndon Planning Commission unanimously recommended a plan for the area north of the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metrorail station at their Monday, Feb. 6 meeting. The decision means the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow for redevelopment will be passed on to the Town Council, which began discussions at their Feb. 7 work session.
Great Falls Seniors Group Seeks Input
Group looks for feedback from seniors with needs, interested volunteers.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Seniors Group is seeking input from the community’s senior population, as well as those who might be interested in volunteering to provide services to seniors. The group, which hosted a town hall meeting last year, hopes to work with community organizations such as the Great Falls Ecumenical Council, Share, Inc and other nonprofits.
Extra Space Breaks Ground in Downtown McLean
Personal storage facility will be in office-like building, will contribute to downtown revitalization.
Fairfax County officials joined with members of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, the McLean Planning Committee and the McLean Revitalization Corporation to break ground on a new personal storage facility Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Great Falls Plans for Future of Resources
Grange, Forestville Schoolhouse, Riverbend Park to be discussed at meetings this month.
As Great Falls prepares for its future, two meetings this month will help the community decide what the next generation holds for several major landmarks.
VOICE Seeks Funds for Dental Care
Organization has raised $150,000, needs another $50,000 to provide free dental care.
As a dentist practicing for 11 year, Kristin Donohue says she has seen plenty of lives that have been transformed by access to dental care. As a volunteer at a dental clinic that offers free care in Bailey’s Crossroads she has also seen her fair share of people who don’t have that access.
More Declare for Herndon Elections
Councilmember Bill Tirrell will run for mayor, lawyer Dave Webster for council.
As May approaches, more people are throwing their hat in the ring for mayor of Herndon, as well as position on the town’s six-member council. Current councilmember Bill Tirrell announced Jan. 26 that he will be running for mayor in the May 1 election.
New Fire Station Planned
Expected to open in 2015, new facility will offer more space, flexibility.
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, along with the county’s Public Works and Environmental Services division have begun the process of renovating the Herndon Fire Station, located on Spring Street. The original station, built in 1950, will be replaced with a facility that can better handle the special equipment and volume of calls currently serviced at the station.
Planning For Aging in McLean
Community hosts follow up to October forum.
The McLean Community Center hosted a follow up meeting Monday, Jan. 30 to Supervisor John Foust’s (D-Dranesville) forum last October that addressed how the community can be supportive of its aging population. The Oct. 15 forum presented several speakers who spoke on their experience dealing with senior care, as well as various models of assisted living communities.
SCC to Host Dating Violence Forum
Event will examine teen dating violence from multiple angles.
The McLean-based Safe Community Coalition, which primarily serves the students in the Langley and McLean High School pyramids, will host a forum which will examine the issue of teen dating violence from a number of angles. The event, titled "What’s Love Got to do With it?: Healthy Relationships and Dating," will take place at McLean High School Feb. 9.
Colonel Gets Better View
Air Force colonel, partner attend State of the Union from First Lady’s box.
Air Force Col. Ginger Wallace of McLean has watched the State of the Union Address for years. While she doesn’t always watch it all, she says there is one part that always gets her interest at the annual speech.
Frying Pan Hosts Music Series
Artists will examine history of music.
Musicians Katy Benko and Julie Crosson will perform at Frying Pan Farm Park’s Raise the Rafters winter music series. The series will examine the history of music from the birth of rock and roll, through it’s impact on social change and covering the impact women have had on the genre.
Jewelry on Display
Community Center to host annual Jewelry showcase.
More than 40 jewelry designers will be on hand at the McLean Community Center Saturday, Feb. 4 for the fifth annual McLean Jewelry Showcase.
Searching the Night Sky in Great Falls
Observatory Park hosts weekly viewings.
The winter skies are clear for the viewing at Observatory Park in Great Falls. Every Friday night through April 15 the park will host a viewing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. where prospective astronomers can bring their equipment to examine the night sky.
Cycling For Affordable Housing
Oak Hill native to bike across country to raise money, awareness.
As a rower, most of Cassandra Patterson’s long trips are over water. But this summer, she will take to trails and roads from Portland, Maine to Santa Barbara, Calif. to raise money and awareness for those in need of affordable housing.
Colvin Run Uses Service Learning
Volunteers package more than 25,000 meals at Stop Hunger Now event.
Colvin Run Elementary School Principal Stephen Hockett thought everything was all set for the school’s Stop Hunger Now event Saturday. Friday evening he was putting the finishing touches on the setup in the gym when the alert came out: Fairfax County Public Schools were closed Saturday.
Town Hosts Metro Plan Update
Development process, traffic among questions at public meeting.
The Town of Herndon and its consultants, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., held a meeting Monday, Jan. 23 to update the public on the latest Metro development plan.
Presenting Reston’s History
Historians present story of colonial Reston.
Long before Reston became the community it is today, it was almost an afterthought by those who owned the land. The Reston Historic Trust hosted a program about the early history of Reston Thursday, Jan. 19, featuring historians Karen Washburn and Ted McCord at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne.
FACETS Provides Shelter
St. John Neumann hosts hypothermia prevention program.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church provided shelter to almost 40 people per night last week, as part of FACETS’ Hypothermia Prevention Program, which provides shelter for homeless people in the area during the winter months.
Skating With the Stars
Ice Pavilion offers special skate events Fridays and Saturdays.
While the Reston Skating Rink is open until mid-March, Friday nights and Saturday mornings offer a different kind of experience on the ice.
Test EDUCATION Jan. 10, 2012: Atelier Hosts Student Art Show
Students from Great Falls School of Art hold second annual show.
While preparing for the Great Falls School of Art’s second annual show, Director Ben Cheshire ran into one problem. “I came in a few days before the show to label everything, and I thought the artists who have studios here had taken up the walls,” he said. “That’s how high quality their work is.”
Reston Pays Tribute to MLK
Day of service, community service awards mark annual celebration.
Dozens of community members woke up early on their day off Monday to help the Reston Community Center with its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. The day began with a march from Southgate Community Center to the Reston Community Center, featured a day of volunteer projects and ended with the presentation of community service awards.
Chamber Hosts MWAA President
Jack Potter provides update on Dulles Metrorail.
The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President Jack Potter at their newsmaker luncheon Wednesday, Jan. 11. Potter, who was selected as president last June, served as Postmaster General from June 2001 to December 2010.
Langley Presents One Acts
Students direct, write 10 one act plays.
Students at Langley High School presented their annual One Act Plays Friday and Saturday, giving the students a chance to not only act, but write and direct the performances as well.
Panel Addresses College Drinking
Unified Prevention Coalition hosts event at McLean High School.
The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County and the McLean High School PTSA presented "Perils of the College Drinking Culture" Wednesday, Jan. 11. The program featured a panel of speakers who discussed the health and legal consequences of underage and binge drinking, as well as a short film.
Neighbors Engage in Crime Prevention
GFCA hosts forum for homeowners, police.
The Great Falls Citizens Association and the Fairfax County Police Department spoke with homeowners associations around the community Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the Great Falls Library in an effort to improve communications between residents and the police, as well as discuss the idea of neighborhood watches.
Panel Addresses College Drinking
Unified Prevention Coalition hosts event at McLean High School.
The Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County and the McLean High School PTSA presented "Perils of the College Drinking Culture" Wednesday, Jan. 11. The program featured a panel of speakers who discussed the health and legal consequences of underage and binge drinking, as well as a short film.