Federal Shutdown Hurts Claude Moore Colonial Farm
Despite being privately funded and operated, farm closed for eight days because of shutdown.
On Monday, Sept. 30, volunteers and staff at Claude Moore Colonial Farm were preparing for their busiest month of the year, with thoughts of a looming federal government shutdown far from their minds. After all, in 1995 and 1996 the property was unaffected by similar shutdowns.
Walk to School Wednesdays at Spring Hill
More than 300 students participate in National Walk to School Day.
Many Spring Hill Elementary Students are used to walking to school every day, but on Wednesday Oct. 9, there was a rush hour of sorts on the paths and sidewalks as more than 300 students participated in National Walk to School Day.
Great Falls Man Dies in Silver Spring
Mark Edward Waugh dies, friend Rahul Gupta charged.
Great Falls resident Mark Edward Waugh, 23, was found dead in an apparent homicide in Silver Spring Sunday, Oct. 13. According to Montgomery County Police, they responded to an apartment at 1220 East-West Highway at approximately 3:25 a.m. Sunday morning.
Candidate’s Forum Postponed
Recheduled for Nov. 1
The Great Falls Citizens Association postponed its scheduled candidate’s forum Tuesday, Oct. 8, citing fears that outside groups were planning on disrupting the program.
Mixing Arts and Coffee
Celebrate Great Falls hosts latest coffee social at Artists’ Atelier.
The Artists’ Atelier in Great Falls hosted Celebrate Great Falls for one of their regular coffees Thursday, Oct. 10. The Atelier, located on Walker Road, is home to 16 members of Great Falls Studios who use the space as a studio.
Runnymede Hosts NatureFest
Annual festival explores flora and fauna at local park.
The Friends of Runnymede Park and the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual NatureFest Sunday, Oct. 6. The festival gave nature enthusiasts of all ages a chance to explore the diverse habitats within the park.
Reston Native David Bendernagel Releases Novel 'The End of the City'
“The End of the City” features South Lakes student protagonist.
Growing up in Reston, David Bendernagel said he always thought writing was cool. His interests ranged from the fantastical to the realistic, and with his first novel, “The End of the City,” he has found a way to explore both of those themes in an unorthodox, but interesting way.
Lighting the Night at Reston Town Center
Annual walk funds blood cancer research, family support.
“Ava B” will turn 5 years old early next year, and spent more than half of her young life dealing with leukemia. She was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2011 at age 2. Since then, she has undergone more than 20 months of chemotherapy, and seen her family and friends rally around her.
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.
ArtFest Comes to Central Park
Annual event features live art, juried show.
As a first time visitor to the annual MPAartfest, it didn’t take long for Andrea Dorsey and her sister Beverly to be impressed.
St. Thomas Pumpkin Patch Back in Business
St. Thomas Episcopal Church opens annual fall fundraiser.
The green lawn in front of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean had some orange added to it Saturday, Oct. 5, courtesy of a truckload of pumpkins and hundreds of student volunteers.
Suits and Sneakers Goes On
Annual awards relocated to McLean Community Center due to shutdown.
In the early afternoon hours of Tuesday, Oct. 1, Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce staff was busy setting up for the annual Suits and Sneakers event, to be held that evening at Claude Moore Colonial Farm.
Town Releases Annual Report
Manager reports “exceptional period.”
Herndon Town Manager Art Anselene presented the annual report for Fiscal Year 2013 to the Town Council Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Multicultural Festival Comes to Reston
Annual multicultural festival held at Lake Anne.
Nearly 50 years ago, Robert Simon founded Reston with several goals, and one of them was diversity. For the past 12 years, the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association, Reston Community Center and Reston Association have hosted a tribute to that goal, the Reston Multicultural Festival.
Reston Sport & Health Renovates
Location kicks off new features after $1.5 million renovation.
Sport & Health Clubs celebrated a $1.5 million renovation to their Reston location with a ribbon cutting and casino night Thursday, Sept. 26. The renovation of the club, located at Isaac Newton Sqaure, stretched to almost every aspect of the facility.
Historic Cornwell Farm Hits Market
Cornwell Farm for sale.
Cornwell Farm, a 13.1-acre historic property located within a mile of the Great Falls Village Centre, has been listed for sale by the HBC Realty Group (Keller Williams) of McLean.
Officials Discuss Derecho Aftermath
Puclic safety staff address changes, effects of storm.
Around 10 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012, the Northern Virginia area was hit by a derecho. A term unknown to many at the time, including local emergency personnel, the fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms hit the area and left three dead, trees down, houses damaged, widespread power outages and the failure of the 911 Emergency system.
McLean Central Park Plan Changes Unveiled
Amphitheater, outdoor games part of master plan revision.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented updates to the McLean Central Park Master Plan Monday, Sept. 23 at the McLean Community Center.
Justice Scalia Speaks to Technology Council
Supreme Court justice discusses new book, current legal issues.
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonin Scalia spoke to members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner.
SPARC Hosts Music Workshop
Local musicians perform, jam with club members.
Members of the Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC), which serves adults with life-long disabilities, have been meeting at the Old Firehouse Teen Center in McLean for almost two years.
Chimney Installed at Runnymede
Structure will serve as local habitat for bird species.
Visitors to Runnymede Park over the past few weeks might have noticed a new feature in the median of the parking lot, a freestanding chimney.
NatureFest Returns to Runnymede
Annual festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 6.
The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Runnymede Park will team up to host this year’s NatureFest Sunday, Oct. 6. The annual event gives local residents a chance to explore the plants and animals that live in the 58-acre park.
Fall Comes to Reston
Multicultural Festival, Reston Home Tour highlight fall events.
This fall, several new features will come to two of Reston’s signature events. The Reston Multicultural Festival, which will take place at Lake Anne Saturday, Sept. 28, will begin with the annual naturalization ceremony.
Six Run for RCC Board
Six candidates seek three openings on Reston Community Center Governing Board.
Six candidates are currently running for three seats on the Reston Community Center’s Governing Board. A preference poll is currently being conducted through the first week in October.
Running, Walking for a Cause at Susco 8K
Annual Tim Susco 8K run, 2K walk comes to South Lakes.
Tim Susco, a 1999 graduate of South Lakes High School, was living his dream in the summer of 2007. He was working as a location scout for the NBC show “Heroes” when he suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away at the age of 25.
Running, Cycling, Wheeling 5K
Tysons Corner hosts 10th annual Super H 5K.
After losing his leg in an accident in 2004, McLean resident Harry Freedman was, in his words, “in terrible shape.” An avid cyclist, he found himself questioning whether he’d ever be able to ride a bike again.
Pumpkin Patch, Artfest Come to McLean
Annual fall events are on the way.
Few things are as synonymous with fall as the pumpkin, which adorns porches, sidewalks and stoops throughout the season. This year, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean will have thousands of pumpkins for sale, starting Saturday, Oct. 5. The pumpkins are brought in from a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. The church shares the profits from sold pumpkins with the Navajos, and the remaining ones are donated to an animal refuge site to be used as feed.
MCC Prepares FY2015 Budget
Draft budget would increase tax rate to 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed real estate value.
The McLean Community Center Governing Board will vote on the Fiscal Year 2015 budget Wednesday, Sept. 25. The board’s financial committee has recommended an increase in tax rate from 2.2 cents to 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed real estate value.
Colvin Run Hosts Outdoor Movie
“Hotel Transylvania” shown at annual back-to-school event.
Though their weekend had officially begun several hours earlier, hundreds of Colvin Run Elementary School students and their families made their way back to the school at dusk Friday, Sept. 20 for the school’s annual outdoor movie night.
Grange Receives Funds for ADA Compliance
Board of Supervisors approves funds for new restroom, internal and external lift.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved more than $500,000 in funding to make the Grange in Great Falls compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Grange is owned and operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Country Fair, Spooktacular Return
Annual festivals highlight fall fun in Great Falls.
Fall brings several annual traditions to Great Falls, events that help local residents to celebrate the season in style. On Saturday, Oct. 5, St. Francis Episcopal Church will host their annual country fair.
Author Explores Consequences of Mental Illness
B.W. DeCaro released first novel, “Grown Men Don’t Cry.”
When it came to writing his first novel, Great Falls resident B.W. DeCaro knew he wanted to delve into some serious topics. With his first novel, “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” he’s done exactly that, creating a story in which two men must deal with mental illness in themselves and the ones they love.
Lake Anne Interim Agreement Approved
Board of Supervisors hopes project will serve as revitalization catalyst.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an interim agreement for the redevelopment of the Crescent Apartments, which are located in the Lake Anne Commercial Revitalization District. The 16.5-acre site contains 181 affordable housing units.
Sport and Health Hosts Concussion Forum
Former NFL players, doctors discuss diagnosis and care for athletes.
Worldgate Sport&Health Clubs hosted a forum for local parents and coaches Tuesday, Sept. 10 to discuss proper diagnosis and care for athletes with suspected concussions.
Spring Hill RECenter Set For Renovation
New fitness center, basketball court, renovated facilities part of $7.1 million project.
The Spring Hill RECenter in McLean will be renovated and expanded by 36,000 square feet over the next year and a half. The project, which was funded through the 2012 Park Bond, will commence with a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, Sept. 21.
Planning Area’s Future Transit
Transportation officials discuss transportation funding, projects.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance hosted their annual "What You Need to Know About Transportation" seminar Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Gannett building in McLean.
Great Falls Nails and Spa Re-opens
Salon has new name, second floor with spa facilities.
Great Falls Nails and Spa officially re-opened under their new name with a party Saturday, Sept. 14. Formerly known as Glamour Nails and Spa, the owners decided to change the name to reflect their commitment to the community.
Friends and Neighbors Award Scholarships
Four local women receive total of $7,500 in scholarship money.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors awarded $7,500 in scholarships to four local students at their annual meeting Friday, Sept. 13.
Donner Finds Inspiration
Great Falls resident releases Bible study for Gospel of Luke.
For almost 20 years, Great Falls resident Leesa Donner has been studying the Bible. During her career as a broadcast journalist and while raising her two sons, the Bible has always been a source of inspiration.
First Responder Tells 9/11 Story
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Zoldus speaks at annual remembrance.
The Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial hosted their annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Wednesday, Sept. 11. More than 40 people gathered at the memorial to reflect on the 12th anniversary of the attacks, and to pay tribute to the six Great Falls residents who died that day.
Author Turns Words Into Film
Suzi Weinert’s first novel becomes Hallmark Channel original movie.
Four years ago, McLean resident Suzi Weinert wasn’t sure she was capable of finishing her first book. Now she’s preparing to watch that very same book premiere as a Hallmark Channel original movie and has released its sequel.
Reston Hosts 30th Triathlon
Event features two men who have done all 30 races.
Thirty years ago, many of Reston’s swimmers, runners and cyclists came together to host the first Reston Triathlon.
Herndon Hosts Classic Car Show
Automobiles, live music, swing dancing come to downtown.
Downtown Herndon went back in time by more than a half century Sunday, Sept. 8, for the 12th annual AARP Dulles Classic Car Show.
Metro and More Coming to McLean
Tysons redevelopment to highlight coming months.
Over the next few months changes will be abound in the McLean area, not least of which will be the arrival of trains on the Silver Line. While the trains themselves will carry people to and from McLean to other areas of the region, the areas surrounding the stations are undergoing many changes themselves.
New Projects Underway in Great Falls
Upcoming projects will widen Leesburg Pike, slim Walker Road.
Residents of Great Falls will be seeing plenty of orange traffic cones over the coming months, and even years when it comes to the Route 7 widening project.
Developments Abound in Reston
Silver Line, Master Plan task force opportunities loom.
Reston will be the first community along the Dulles Corridor to experience the Silver Line with the opening of the Wiehle Avenue Station. With stations at Reston Town Center and off Sunrise Valley Drive to come as part of Phase Two, the community is actively involved in planning for both phases.
Looking Into Herndon’s Future
Downtown, Metro development in store for Herndon.
Long known as a destination for several of Herndon’s signature restaurants, the historic downtown is beginning to shape up into a focal point for people of all kinds.
Silver Line Brings New Opportunities
Metrorail line aims to connect Washington, D.C. with Dulles Airport by 2018.
When the first trains of Metro’s Silver Line start carrying passengers, around February 2014, it will mark a new era for Northern Virginia, particularly the northern part of Fairfax County. By 2018, riders from Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston and McLean will have access to Dulles Airport and Washington, D.C. via the Silver Line.