Teen Center Throws Block Party
Old Firehouse Teen Center hosts revamped annual event.
The Old Firehouse Teen Center in downtown McLean hosted their annual block party on Saturday, Aug. 25, opening up their center for a variety of activities. The event featured the second annual McLean Teens Got Talent variety show, contests between acts and other arts and crafts opportunities.
Madeleine Steppel Finds Recipe for Success
Reston resident dines with president and first lady.
One night a few weeks ago, while she was at Camp Louise in Maryland, Madeleine Steppel, 9, of Reston headed to the administration building to wait for a call. Once she got to the building, known around camp as "the White House," the call came in: she had won a trip to the real White House for lunch with first lady Michelle Obama.
Herndon’s History on Display
Town’s rail history still major part of downtown.
Commander William L. Herndon, never actually set foot in the town that bears his name. The naval commander died 22 years before the town was founded, going down with his ship, the S.S. Central American, when it sank in Sept. 1957 off the coast of Cape Hatteras, loaded with three tons of gold.
Herndon Home to Many Popular Restaurants
More than 100 restaurants offer food from more than 30 cultures.
Herndon’s signature restaurant is, according to many locals, Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern. Owner Jimmy Cirrito, a native of upstate New York, signed his lease on Veterans Day, 1996, and has been a fixture of the community ever since.
Strategic Plan Looks to Further Simon’s Ideals
Reston Association plans for new properties, service needs to 2016.
When Robert Simon used the proceeds from the sale of Carnegie Hall to buy almost 7,000 acres of Virginia farmland in March 1961, he founded a community with a plan. A place where residents could live, work and play in a variety of housing types with a variety of recreational opportunities. For the community’s first 50 years, those principals guided the community’s development and governance.
Finding Recreation in Reston
Trails, tennis, pools offer variety of opportunities.
As avid outdoorsman, Larry Butler says he spends his vacations getting as far away from civilization as possible. As the director of Parks and Recreation for the Reston Association, he knows places in Reston offer something similar.
Great Falls Exxon Station to Close
Community concerned about losing one of two gas stations, TD Bank preparing application for site.
The Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike will cease pumping gas Sept. 1, and will cease all operations by March of next year. Starting Sept. 1, the underground fuel tanks will be removed, which will cease pumping gas. The current service operator will maintain services until February 2013, then they will move to the Shell service station across the street.
Community Meets at Old Brogue
Katie’s Coffee House, Cars and Coffee, traditional Irish fare are signatures of local restaurant.
On most Saturday mornings, Matt Borland of Falls Church is up before sunrise, washing and waxing his red and white 1965 Mustang. Though Saturday is only one of two mornings during the week Borland doesn’t have to be in Washington, D.C. by 8 a.m., he doesn’t mind getting up early, he has a purpose.
Great Falls Has Development Standards
Comprehensive plan, community involvement, designed to keep semi-rural character.
With an area of just under 18 square miles and one of the lowest densities in the county, Great Falls is designed to have a semi-rural character. The Great Falls Citizens Association, a non-partisan committee made up of residents, has as a primary goal to "preserve the historic, low density semi-rural character of Great Falls and its natural resources."
Main Street Envisioned for McLean
What is in store for downtown McLean?
While Tysons Corner is where most of the attention, construction and business headquarters are located, McLean’s actual downtown is a much more traditional downtown area. Home to local businesses and nationally acclaimed restaurants, McLean’s downtown is also undergoing some improvements of its own.
A Center of Community Life
McLean Community Center offers something for everybody.
Founded in 1970, the McLean Community Center aims to connect residents of almost every age and interest. It is funded by a tax district that collects 2.2 cents for every $100 of assessed real estate value in the district.
Artists Pay Tribute to Margaret’s Garden
ArtSpace exhibit features inspiration from local gardener.
Almost 50 years ago, Margaret Thomas moved to Herndon, and after the death of her husband in 1974, she began using her five-acre farm to grow irises, selling them by the bunch for 75 cents each. Since then, the gardens surrounding her house became a haven for local artists and floral enthusiasts alike, open until sundown to anyone that wanted to take a look.
Reston Youth Cheer Kicks Off Season
Youth cheerleading group performs at competitions, RYC football games.
Reston Youth Cheer, an organization that allows girls to learn how to become cheerleaders, has kicked off their latest season, with summer practices beginning Tuesday, Aug. 7. The group, which features cheerleaders as young as kindergarten age, practices at Langston Hughes Middle School.
Triathletes Swim, Bike and Run in Reston
Second annual youth triathlon raises scholarship funds.
Two hundred and fifty children spent their Sunday morning swimming, biking and running around Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School on Aug. 12 as part of the second annual Reston Children’s Triathlon, hosted by the YMCA, Fairfax County, Reston and the Reston Association.
Langley Fork Master Plan Delayed
Park authority to conduct additional studies of 54-acre park.
The Fairfax County Park Authority has announced a delay in the master planning process for Langley Fork Park, a 54-acre site located just north of the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Dolley Madison Boulevard. The park, which contains two diamond fields, two rectangle fields, basketball courts and a fitness trail, is owned by the National Park Service.
MCA Seeks More Information on Tysons
County’s ‘Strawman’ plan missing key funding details, group says.
The McLean Citizens Association has expressed displeasure with the Fairfax County Planning Commission Tysons Corner’s set of recommendations for Tysons Corner redevelopment. The recommendations, called "Strawman," were released June 13, received public comment June 21 and were re-released July 18.
Nike Field to Handle 100-year Storm
Drainage in conjunction with turf field expected to hold 100-year storm.
In addition to adding synthetic turf to Nike Field #4, the Fairfax County Department of Environmental Services will add stormwater improvements to the area, which aim to help assuage local storm water drainage issues.
Obama Campaign Opens in Reston
Office will coordinate volunteers for Herndon, Reston area.
Dozens of volunteers and supporters for the campaign to re-elect Barack Obama opened the new Herndon-Reston office on Reston Parkway, Saturday, Aug. 4, one of six offices opened on the president’s 51st birthday in the Northern Virginia area.
Cindy’s Legacy Hosts Golf Clinic
Herndon Centennial holds fundraiser.
The Herndon Centennial Golf Course hosted a clinic to benefit Cindy’s Legacy, a local charity dedicated to supporting families of those diagnosed with cancer, which raised more than $1,000 Friday, Aug. 3.
Ned Devine’s Hosts Wounded Warrior Golf Tournament
Annual event will feature servicemembers, benefit wounded warrior charities.
Ned Devine’s Golfing Society will host their second annual golf tournament to benefit wounded warriors Sept. 22 at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course. The society, a 501(c)7, is based out of Ned Devine’s Irish Pub in Herndon.
Saying Farewell at Stonegate
Coordinator Jackie Phan made impression on residents of all ages.
In her three-plus years as community coordinator for Stonegate Community Center in Reston, Jackie Phan impacted almost every single resident of the nearby apartment complex. Young children remember that a blue jeep meant "Ms. Jackie" was in, and the adults enjoyed working with her. Edia Bruce interned with Phan for two years, and praised Phan’s leadership style.
Pike Named to Historic Register
Virginia recognizes pike June 21, national register in progress.
In 1969, several community members came together to help preserve the Burling Tract, a 336-acre parcel of land, located just north of Georgetown Pike near the Beltway. More than 40 years later, the efforts of at least 140 local citizens have led to the road being placed in the Virginia Register of Historic Places, with the placement on the National Register soon to come.
Seeking A Sundial at Observatory Park
Analemma Society hosts lecture, fundraiser for sundial replica.
In 1371, Arab astronomer Ibn al-Shatir constructed a sundial at the Great Mosque in Damascus that was a pinnacle of scientific achievement. Almost 650 years later, members of the Analemma Society of Great Falls are hoping to bring a replica to Observatory Park at Turner Farm.
VDOT Unveils EZ-Pass Flex
New transponder will allow HOV access to 495 Express Lanes.
The Virginia Department of Transportation unveiled the EZ-Pass Flex Wednesday, July 25 in Tysons Corner. The new pass will allow users of the 495 Express Lanes, which are scheduled to open at the end of this year, to switch between tolled and toll-free (for vehicles with more than three people) use.
McLean Residents Discuss Helicopter Noise
Aviation officials discuss details of local helicopter routes.
As a resident of McLean Hamlet, located just west of the Beltway and Tysons Corner, Behram Shroff is used to the sounds of traffic on the streets. But the traffic above the neighborhood’s head, specifically helicopter flights, is another issue. He estimates eight to ten flights over the neighborhood per day, each one quite noticeable to the point of rattling windows and even lost internet connections.
Herndon Hosts Summer Production
‘Oliver!’ features students from several local schools.
The Herndon High School Theatre Boosters will present “Oliver!” starting July 27, a summer show that will feature students from Herndon, South Lakes, Chantilly and Westfield high schools.
‘Oliver!’ at Herndon High
Play features students from several local schools.
The Herndon High School Theatre Boosters will present "Oliver!" starting July 27, a summer show that will feature students from Herndon, South Lakes, Chantilly and Westfield High Schools. The production also received assistance from several local elementary and middle schools, as well as the Reston Community Players, the Alliance Theatre of Chantilly, Westfield Theatre and the Centreville Presbyterian Community Theatre.
Envisioning ‘After the Apocalypse’
Local novelist explores future of mankind.
In a career spent working in international development, Reston resident David Anderson has seen his fair share of exotic locales and the issues they face every day. And his years of work taught him something.
Potomac Interceptor Project Begins
Odor abatement facility, pipeline rehabilitation planned for Great Falls.
Eastern Great Falls will be the site of a new odor abatement facility, part of the ongoing project from the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority
More Tree Troubles for Great Falls?
Tree falls, kills one, residents concerned about others.
A tree on Georgetown Pike at Oliver’s Corner in Great Falls fell over Tuesday, July 17, killing Albert Carl Roeth III while he was driving south at around 6:30 p.m.
Turtle Recall Releases Debut Album
Local band consists of several South Lakes graduates.
It was the start of 2009 when South Lakes High School graduate John-Currie Hester made a resolution to his fellow South Lakes graduate Guido DeHoratiis: to start a band. Soon they recruited a few other South Lakes alumni to join up and they started playing covers at shows around the area.
Turf Field Slated for Nike Park
Project will look to increase usability, improve storm water management.
Nike Field number four is set to become the first artificial turf field in Great Falls, through a joint effort between the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Great Falls Lacrosse Association and the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. In addition to allowing more playing time for local athletic groups, the project will also serve as part of the ongoing storm water management in the area.
Final Metro Span Laid in Tysons
Workers complete overhead bridges, move to laying track.
Workers from Bechtel Construction placed the final aerial span for Metrorail in Tysons Corner Tuesday morning, the last of 258 that will support trains as they make their way from Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue along Phase One of the Silver Line.
Songwriter Performs Hometown Show
A.J. Smith performs with band at Lake Anne.
A few months ago, AJ Smith, a junior at NYU got an email from a professor asking him to stop by his office. As a student studying Music Composition, the Herndon native thought it might be some news about his songwriting workshop.
Moore Promoted to Lieutenant
Twelve-year veteran will serve as assistant support services commander.
Herndon police officer James Moore was promoted to lieutenant Monday, July 16. The 12-year veteran of the force will assume duties as assistant support services commander, where he will supervise criminal investigations, public information and crime prevention.
Garden Grows at Cedar Point
Apartment complex is site of newest community garden plot.
Reston’s garden plots have always been one of the community’s most popular features, with one exception. Years ago, Cedar Ridge was the fifth garden plot created, but it never caught on in the community located next to Forest Edge Elementary School.
Feds Feed Families Kicks Off at USGS
Reps. Wolf, Connolly host opening of food bank support program.
Many local food banks go for an extra push around the holiday season, trying to help the area’s less fortunate make it through the end of the year with extra food, maybe even a few gifts. But that changes during the summer, with schools out and people on vacation, food banks can find their supplies dwindling, even when the demand does not.
Fireworks Go Off at Turner Farm
Annual show was postponed from July 4.
While going a week without power meant no video games or television for Jeremie Johnson, 7, of Great Falls, it did some with one perk.
Senior Center Hosts Inaugural Event
Great Falls UMC hosts history presentation, vocal performance for local seniors.
The Great Falls Senior Center hosted its first event Tuesday, July 10 at the Great Falls United Methodist Church. The first iteration in the community using the center-without-walls concept (where local buildings host events on a rotating basis in lieu of a specifically designated building) featured a historical presentation, lunch and a performance by mezzo-soprano Heather Craw of Vienna.
1st Stage Focuses on First Opportunities
Tysons Corner theater looks to become ‘new theater for new city.’
Members of the Marshall High School community, two teachers and five former students, created 1st Stage Theatre in 2008 in Tysons Corner with an eye on the future. They opened just as the first concrete for the new Tysons Metrorail was being poured, but also at the start of the economic recession.
Herndon Hosts July 4th Celebration
Live music, games, fireworks highlight events at Herndon Community Center.
The Herndon Community Center hosted its annual Fourth of July celebration last Wednesday, welcoming hundreds of local residents to the fields next to the community center for an afternoon and evening of live music and entertainment, followed by fireworks.
Herndon Environmental Network Hosts ‘Battle of Bottles’
Two neighborhoods to face off.
This month, two Herndon neighborhoods will be facing off in a "Battle of the Bottles," to see who can recycle more by weight. Hastings Hunt, located off Dranesville Road south of Leesburg Pike and McNair Farms Landbay2, located off Fox Mill Road, will do battle throughout July. The initiativ
Horse Attacked for Second Time
Lucinda, victim of earlier slashing, assaulted again over weekend.
Lucinda, a horse housed adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park, was assaulted for the second time in the past three months sometime between the evening of Saturday, July 7 and the morning of Sunday, July 8.
Trust Presents Story of Lake Anne
Early Reston workers share experiences of town’s opening.
When Robert Simon sold Carnegie Hall in 1960 and bought the land that was to become Reston in March 1961, it was the first of many steps in the founding of the community that bears his initials. Over the next two years, Simon set about the massive task of laying out the guidelines of what he wanted Reston to be, and getting approval from Fairfax County.
Great Falls Celebrates Fourth of July
Annual run, parade, games highlight Hometown Celebration.
Margaret Johnson remembers when the large trees in the Great Falls Village Centre weren’t so large. She remembers when they were saplings, barely providing any shade for the participants in the first ever Little Patriot Parade, which was added to the Great Falls Fourth of July celebrations almost 20 years ago.
Memory Café Provides Opportunities For Care
Weekly events help connect patients, caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
At age 64, Carol Blackwell’s husband Bob was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Carol Blackwell, a resident of Great Falls, called the diagnosis "devastating" and found what transpired to be a struggle as well.
MCC Hosts Fireworks Show
Event will be last at Langley High School.
Hundreds of local residents descended on Langley High School the night of Wednesday, July 4, to the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, hosted by the McLean Community Center.
Jackson Moves On from McLean
McLean High School Principal Dr. Deborah Jackson leaves after five years.
After five years at McLean High School, Dr. Deborah Jackson left her position as principal July 2 to take a new position within Fairfax County Public Schools. Jackson, who is a member of the McLean Rotary Club, was cited by parents and many organizations for her commitment to the school and the community surrounding it.
LINK Provides Food, Hope
A Herndon-based nonprofit aims to deliver food to those in need.
In 1972, a group of churches in Sterling and eastern Loudoun County got together with the idea of providing food for the needy, with members storing donated food in their basement. Three years later, they made inroads into Fairfax County and it was eventually chartered as a nonprofit. Forty years later, the group consists of 17 member churches in Herndon, Sterling Chantilly and Potomac Falls and has provided tens of thousands of families with assistance.
Great Falls Seniors Group Sets First Event
Great Falls United Methodist Church will host July 10 event.
The Seniors Group of the Great Falls Citizens Association will host its first event Tuesday, July 10, by celebrating the community’s longest tenured residents.