Cassella Foundation Runs Third Annual 5K
Event raises $45,000 for family of 1-year-old with liver cancer.
In her year on the Earth, Gianna Hess has already been through more than enough medical procedures. She was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer, and on Feb. 21 had a biopsy done, which confirmed that the cancer had spread, in the form of three lung nodules.
Herndon Hosts Annual Festival May 31-June 3
Festival Features free Entertainment, fireworks and carnival.
Herndon will host its 32nd annual Herndon Festival May 31 to June 3, attracting more than 80,000 metropolitan Washington, D.C. residents to one of the area’s largest admission free festivals.
Celebrate Great Falls Kicks Off Summer June 2-3
Baseball game, concert series, June Fest highlight Celebrate Great Falls Days.
During the first weekend of June traditions old and new will be taking place throughout Great Falls. Cars and Coffee, the Concerts on the Green and the annual Golf Tournament to benefit local elementary schools will all be taking place, as well as a few new elements.
Community Celebrates McLean Day
Festival brings thousands to Lewinsville Park.
While Enid Tate of McLean enjoys going to McLean Day to check out the local businesses, live music, carnival rides and other staples of the annual festival, her two daughters come for only one thing.
Tysons Partnership Names Executive Director
Group brings all parties together to plan for Tysons Corner redevelopment.
The Tysons Partnership, a nonprofit formed to promote the development of Tysons Corner around the Metro and beyond, has selected Michael Caplin as its executive director. Caplin, a 16-year resident of McLean, is an attorney and chair of the Global Advisory Board at the George Mason University Center for Social Entrepreneurship.
Langley Dedicates Courtyard
Improvements include wildflower section, wildlife habitat certification.
Langley High School welcomed students, faculty and staff to their courtyard Friday, May 18, showing off student’s artwork and the Eco Club’s recent garden plantings.
Families Fight For Northern Virginia Training Center
Center provides care to more than 150 residents with disabilities.
Susan Infeld, a registered nurse, remembers vividly the night she knew she had to get involved with the Northern Virginia Training Center. She was working as a hospice nurse at a local hospital when a patient from NVTC came in suffering from pneumonia in the middle of the night.
Reston Smart Market Returns
Market features guaranteed producer-only products.
The Reston Smart Market, featuring guaranteed producer-only produce, meats, dairy and other goods has kicked off for the summer season. This year’s incarnation has a few new vendors, and Jean Janssen of Smart Markets says the new additions help fulfill some of their goals.
Raising Funds for Back Health
Virginia Spine Institute hosts fundraising 5K.
In his 20s Ray Pugsley was a national-level runner, in competition to compete in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic games. But he hurt his back in 1996 and underwent a procedure then, and another one in 2003. While that might seem like something that could end his running career, Pugsley has flourished since then.
Old Brogue Hockey Skates Away with Fifth Title
Inline hockey team wins third straight championship.
Chris Bass is no stranger to the Old Brogue. As a young man he was there on opening day in 1981 and hasn’t strayed too far since. In fact, now he wears a jersey with the bar’s name on it, as a member of the Old Brogue inline hockey team.
Searching for Great Falls’ Biggest Trees
Third annual Big Tree Hike features some of the largest trees in the state.
As part of a running group, Bob Vickers was familiar with the land along the Potomac River owned by the Potomac Conservatory. So when he heard about a contest looking for the biggest tree in Great Falls, he knew exactly where to look.
Franklin Sherman Honors Volunteers
Jo Hicks, Susana Radice honored for decades of service.
As mothers, Jo Hicks and Susana Radice raised their children in McLean. Once their children were grown, both women decided to take their skills to the local school, Franklin Sherman Elementary School. More than 20 years and 10 teachers later, the two are still going strong volunteering with special needs preschool students.
Merkel Elected Mayor of Herndon
2012-14 Council features three incumbents, two past councilmembers.
Lisa Merkel was elected Mayor of Herndon Tuesday, May 1, and Connie Hutchinson, Melissa Jonas, Dave Kirby, Sheila Olem, Charlie Waddell and Grace Wolf were elected to the Herndon Town Council for the 2012-14 term.
Worldgate Hosts Women’s Racquetball
World tournament takes place over three days at Sport and Health.
Worldgate Sport and Health hosted more than 20 of the world’s top-ranked professional racquetball players last weekend, welcoming the Women’s Professional Racquetball Tour for the second year in a row.
Towne Square Singers Celebrate 30th Anniversary
Group performs ‘Down Memory Lane,’ a look at concerts of the past.
When it came time for the Herndon Towne Square Singers to celebrate their 30th anniversary, they knew they wanted to look to the past. The problem was, with three decades worth of shows to pull from, it wasn’t easy.
Nature House Hosts Spring Festival
Outdoor activities, displays featured at annual festival.
Outdoor and nature enthusiasts of all ages flocked to the Walker Nature Education Center Saturday, May 5 for the annual Spring Festival. Stations were scattered around the center and the adjacent paths allowing children to participate in a variety of natural activities, including stream monitoring, plant identification and fishing in nearby Lake Audubon.
Lake Anne Hosts ‘Out of Place’
Exhibit inspired by history, architecture of Reston.
As dozens gathered around Lake Anne Sunday evening for the dance performance for the Reston Museum’s "Out of Place" exhibit, many had no idea what they were looking for. Which is why, when a male and female in matching white shirts started walking along the dock, at first no one paid attention.
Haddad Ballet Presents ‘The Snow Queen’
Performance will be studios fourth in Great Falls, first since 2006.
The Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet will present "The Snow Queen" at the Madeira School in McLean Saturday, May 12. This is the fourth time Haddad has put on the show since coming to Great Falls and the first since 2006.
Seniors Group Plans First Events
Ecumenical Council members join with group, seek county charter.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Seniors Group hosted their meeting with new membership Wednesday, May 2, as group mainstays were joined by representatives from local churches and Fairfax County. The group, which was founded last year and has been seeking input from local residents, started planning their first event and laid out plans for a year’s worth of events, starting this September.
Old Brogue Hosts Reston Smile Partners Fundraiser
Event raises funds for pro bono lab work for Reston Interfaith clients.
The Old Brogue hosted a fundraiser Tuesday, May 1 for Reston Smile Partners, which operates in partnership with Reston Interfaith to provide pro bono dental care for their clients.
Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 70 Years
New firehouse hosts anniversary celebration.
Milburn Sanders, 90, joined the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department (then known as the Forestville Fire Department) seven days after it opened on May 5, 1952. Seventy years later, he was part of the celebration at a new building, with generations of volunteer and career firefighters that came after him.
McLean High Examines Youth Survey Numbers
Students report less bullying, inhalant use, more alcohol, binge drinking than county numbers.
The McLean High School PTSA hosted a meeting Wednesday, May 2 to discuss the McLean High School pyramid-specific results from the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey. The annual survey, which is filled out by eighth, 10th and 12th graders (as well as a modified version taken by sixth graders) is meant to gather data on student behavior, both positive and negative.
Herndon High Hosts Youth Drinking Forum
Panel discussion, video highlight latest trends in teenage drinking.
Herndon High School hosted "The Perils of the College Drinking Culture" Tuesday, April 24, a forum discussing the consequences of alcohol use with students and parents in the community. The event, hosted by the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County, featured facts about the social, legal and physical consequences of alcohol use.
Helping Students Deal With Stress
‘Stress Less, Laugh More’ campaign comes to South Lakes, other area schools.
As AP and final exams loom closer than ever for area students, the administration of South Lakes High School spent last week trying to create an atmosphere that promotes mental wellness.
Reston Volunteers Recognized
Local residents, organizations honored at annual Volunteer Service Awards.
Several Reston residents and organizations were honored at the 20th annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards Friday, April 27. The United Christian Parish, a faith-based group consisting of four denominations as well as Richard and Peg Brown, Sarah Samuel and Jean Pacelli were all awarded during the ceremony.
Memorial Dedicated at Riverbend
Bench memorializes Trailblazers’ founder Eleanor Weck.
Eleanor Weck, or Ele to her friends, spent more than four decades in Great Falls. As a tireless advocate for nature and trails, she spent much of her time in Riverbend Park. Weck passed away last May at the age of 72, and on Saturday, April 28, family and friends gathered to dedicate a permanent tribute in the park.
Lundegard Named Community Champion
Recognized for efforts with community groups at annual awards ceremony.
Great Falls resident Bob Lundegard was awarded Community Champion for the Dranesville District during the 20th annual Volunteer Fairfax Service Awards Friday, April 27.
Enforcing Distracted Driving Rules
‘Orange Cones, No Phones’ campaign recognizes law enforcement.
Local officials gathered at the Westpark Drive ramp over the Beltway Wednesday, April 25 to recognize police officers for their efforts combating distracted driving and to share some facts collected by their recent survey. The "Orange Cones, No Phones" initiative is a joint effort between Transurban-Fluor (the company building the 495 Express lanes) and AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Local Author Readies Next Novel
Shannon Greenland to release ‘The Summer My Life Began’ May 10.
Growing up, Shannon Greenland of McLean wasn’t big into reading or writing. In fact, the Tennessee native dreaded every time the subjects would come up in school. It wasn’t until her 20s that she got into reading and writing as a hobby. Within a year, she had written her first novel.
Local Volunteers Recognized
Fateh Nasir, Julie Clemente awarded at annual Volunteer Service Awards.
Two McLean residents were recognized for their efforts going above and beyond with their time Friday, April 27 at the 20th annual Volunteer Fairfax Service Awards. Fateh Nasir, a senior at McLean High School and Julie Clemente, president of the board of the Friends of Clemyjontri Park were both spotlighted during the ceremony.
Three Run for Mayor
Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel, Councilmembers Jasbinder Singh, Bill Tirrell seek election.
With current Herndon Mayor Steve DeBenedittis deciding not to seek re-election, three current councilmembers will seek his spot in the town’s May 1 election. Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel and Councilmembers Jasbinder Singh and Bill Tirrell look to succeed DeBendittis, who was first elected in 2006.
Nine Run for Town Council
Candidates seek six seats on Town Council for two-year term.
Nine candidates will vie for six seats on the Herndon Town Council in the May 1 election. With three current councilmembers declaring their candidacy for mayor, three current members as well as five new candidates will run.
Taste of the Town Celebrated
Annual restaurant showcase benefits Council for the Arts of Herndon.
Samantha Hendrie of Herndon knew she didn’t have to worry about dinner for her family Thursday, April 19, she just had to bring them to Worldgate.
Museum Tells Story of pre-Reston Simon
Program features early life of founder Robert Simon.
While Robert E. Simon Jr. literally started Reston’s history, his own history goes back five decades. Reston wasn’t founded until Simon was 50, and the Reston Historic Trust attempted to fill in residents on Simon’s early life during their Thursday, April 19 program at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne.
Town Center Hosts Trayvon Martin Rally
Town Center Hosts Trayvon Martin Rally
As the Trayvon Martin case began making headlines around the nation, Rev. Mary Barrino-Smith of the Community of All People United Church of Christ decided it was time to get the local community involved. By contacting local faith communities and spreading the word online, more than 150 people attended a vigil Tuesday, April 17 at Reston Town Center.
Great Falls Elementary Poets Recognized
Friends and Neighbors Club awards nine at annual luncheon.
The Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Club held their 30th annual poetry contest, awarding nine Great Falls Elementary School students during a luncheon at Riverbend Country Club.
Langley Choir Tours Europe
Vocal groups win one silver, three gold medals at 2012 Young Prague Festival.
On March 29, 113 Langley choral students and chaperones along with their director, Dr. Mac Lambert, and Langley High School administrator Sonya Williams gathered in the Langley High School auditorium with suitcases and passports in hand.
Community Aims to Fill Empty Bowls
Floris United Methodist Church hosts annual Food For Others event.
More than 500 people gathered at the Floris United Methodist Church Friday, April 13 to help raise money and awareness for hungry people in the area. The annual Empty Bowls event, which raised money for local food bank Food For Others and hosted by the Giving Circle of HOPE, allowed guests to enjoy soups, snacks and deserts from local eateries, as well as take home a handmade bowl made by local potters, all for a $20 donation.
Reston Celebrates 48th Birthday, Simon’s 98th
Lake Anne hosts annual Founder’s Day activities.
Reston founder Robert Simon officially founded the community that bears his name in his 50th year, in 1964. Forty-eight years later, Simon celebrated his 98th birthday at the Lake Anne Plaza Saturday, April 14.
ADAMS Hosts Interfaith Seder
Event brings together people of faith to discuss faith, freedom.
Andrea Barron was part of the first Jewish-Arab Seder 25 years ago, which was held in Washington, D.C. organized by local Jewish leaders to promote peace.
Recognizing Reston’s Best
Reston Interfaith, Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce hosts annual awards gala.
The annual Best of Reston awards recognized four individuals, two organizations and two businesses Thursday, April 12 at the Reston Hyatt. Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of commerce host the awards, which celebrated their 21st year.
Gardeners Donate Produce to Share
Gardening program aims to provide fresh food for food bank clients.
As the weather warms, local gardeners are heading back to their plots. Share, a local nonprofit, will be using some of what they produce to provide fresh food to their clients. Open since 1969, Share operates a weekly food bank out of the McLean Baptist Church, as well as clothing, furniture and other family assistance.
McLean High Hosts ‘Smash’ Viewing
Students discuss realities of careers in show business.
Executives from the television show "Smash" visited McLean High School Monday afternoon, showing theater students clips from the show and hosting a discussions about the realities of life in show business. Alan Paul, associate director at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C. spoke to students about what they could expect if they hoped to work onstage or onscreen for a living.
Reston Association Announces Election Results
Two new at-large Board members elected, one re-elected.
Residents of Reston elected two new at-large members of the Reston Association Board of Directors Tuesday, Donna Miller Rostant and Michael Sanio. The two will replace directors Paul Thomas, who did not seek re-election and Tom Vis, who was not re-elected. Richard Chew, who served as an at large director until 2011 was elected after running unopposed for the South Lakes District director seat.
Friends of Mill Plan for Future
More programs, Route 7 expansion discussed at Friends off Colvin Run Mill meeting.
While Colvin Run Mill’s claim to fame is its glimpse into life as it was 200 years ago, in the past, the Friends of Colvin Run Mill are just as concerned with its future.
Cleaning Herndon’s Streams and Paths
Herndon Environmental Network hosts first group cleanup.
Charlotte Anderson, 12, knew there would be plenty to pick up while picking up trash along the stream in downtown Herndon, near the Fortnightly Library. But Anderson didn’t expect the first thing found to be a shopping cart, considering the site is almost a mile away from the closest grocery store.
Helping Hungry Kids in Reston
Reston-based group is in third year of providing weekend meals.
Three years ago, Sandy Amato and Connie Laurent-Roy began their quest to feed hungry children in the Reston area. They began simply, in Amato’s basement, making about 80 meals a week for some children at Dogwood Elementary School that qualified for free lunches. The meals are for children to eat on weekends, when they cannot get meals at school.
County Aims to Prevent Substance Use and Abuse
Alcohol use down, painkiller and inhalant use on the rise.
Twenty-one questions in the 2010 Fairfax County Youth Survey dealt with substance abuse. The survey asked about lifetime use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes, as well as use in the past month of 13 different substances.
Firefighters Honored for Lorton Rescue
The water was swiftly overtaking a Lorton intersection as deadly flash flooding devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Fire Station 24 arrived on the scene, multiple vehicles had been swept into the intersection by the force of the fast moving floodwaters.
Above and Beyond
Burke firefighters honored for heroism.
The water was swiftly rising, surrounding a police officer trapped on the hood of his vehicle during the deadly flash flooding that devastated the region on Sept. 8, 2011. By the time first responders from Burke Fire Station 14 arrived on the scene in Great Falls, a rescue boat had already tried and failed to reach the stranded officer.