Facing STEM Challenges Head On
Thomas Jefferson senior Katherine Ho of McLean awarded scholarship from Siemens Foundation.
For many students, AP classes are a chore, something taken to help college standings or boost GPA and the AP Exams are dreaded all year long. For Katherine Ho of McLean, challenges and problem solving have been part of her life for a long time.
Capturing Nature, History of Great Falls
Photographer Dee Leggett releases “Visions of Great Falls.”
As a photographer, Great Falls resident Dee Leggett believes that people don’t always appreciate the beauty around them, even in their own backyards. So it’s only appropriate that her journey as a photographer began literally in her backyard.
Dancers Evaluated by Russian Ballet Society
Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet welcomes evaluations from Russian Ballet Society.
Students at the Margaret Haddad Studio of Classical Ballet recently underwent testing for the Russian Ballet Society exams for the first time in two years, the only such exams that take place in the area.
Author Tells Tales of Rail
David Guillaudeu’s new book focuses on W & OD Railroad.
For a majority of the 1900s the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad provided transportation from the city of Washington, D.C., out to Loudoun County. Though it carried people, mail and other supplies along its route, the railroad faced difficulties throughout its history, eventually closing in August 1968.
RCA Names Citizen of Year
Cate Fulkerson of RA, Leadership Fairfax, recognized.
The Reston Citizens Association named their Citizen of the Year Thursday, March 7, at the Reston Community Center. Cate Fulkerson, Reston Association’s director of administration and member services, is this year’s recipient.
Senior Takes STEM Challenges Head On
Mayank Mahajan earns Siemens Foundation scholarship.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology senior Mayank Mahajan enjoys taking on tough challenges.
MCC Moves Forward With Renovation Plan
Board approves $6.1 million expansion, will examine possible future downtown land swap.
The McLean Community Center Governing Board voted at their Feb. 27 meeting to go forward with a $6.1 million renovation of its Ingleside Avenue facility.
Chamber Installs 2013 Board
John Brough of Chain Bridge Bank named new chairman.
Meet the Board The 2013 Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors members are: * Chair: John Brough, Chain Bridge Bank * First vice-chair: Marcus Simon, EKKO Title LLC * Treasurer: Monish Banga, Ross Langan and McKendree, LLP * Secretary: Joe Mastaler, PBMares, LLP * Immediate past chair: Merritt J. Green, General Counsel, PC * Ryan Cash, Capital One Bank * Raj Mehra, Middleburg Bank * Rick Makely, Giant of McLean * Gita Bhandari, M and T Bank * Dane Scott, Seasons 52 Fresh Grill and Wine Bar * Sheri Sylvester, AdZig Logo Promotions * Jon Wilkins, Bank of Georgetown * George Sachs, McLean Community Center * Brian Callery, Edward Jones * Karen Briscoe, Huckaby Briscoe Conroy Realty Group * President: Marcia S. Twomey
VDOT Decides Fate of Trees
Tree closest to Walker Road to be removed, remaining tree to be pruned.
“In the end, it was the overwhelming opinion of various expert arborists that one tree, the one closest to the corner, was too ill and in danger of falling to risk trying to save.” --Bob Vickers, Great Falls tree commissioner
Nike Park Opens Artificial Turf Field
Field is joint effort between county and community.
The artificial turf field at Great Falls Nike Park was officially opened Saturday, March 3.
Alliance Pushes for Gun Control Policies
Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence holds vigil at NRA headquarters.
Members of the Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence gathered at the National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax Friday, Feb. 22, to advocate for stricter gun laws. This was the group’s second such protest, where more than 30 members carried signs citing statistics about gun-related deaths.
Bulova Gives State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her “State of the County” address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Civil War Raid Comes Downtown
March 17 marks 150 years since Mosby’s raid of Herndon.
On St. Patrick’s day 150 years ago, Union soldiers from the First Vermont Cavalry were at the Town of Herndon depot and sawmill. They were expecting a group of reinforcements, but instead Confederate Capt. John Mosby and his unit arrived on a raid, sparking a brief skirmish.
Alliance Pushes for New Policies
Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence holds vigil at NRA headquarters.
Members of the Reston-Herndon Alliance to End Gun Violence gathered at the National Rifle Association headquarters in Fairfax Friday, Feb. 22, to advocate for stricter gun laws. This was the group’s second such protest, where more than 30 members carried signs citing statistics about gun-related deaths.
Bulova Presents State of County
Board chairman discusses Tysons future, effects of sequestration.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova premiered her "State of the County" address Wednesday, Feb. 20. In the 20-minute video, Bulova addressed what promises to be an eventful year in the county, one that will see the opening of five new Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston.
Spring Hill Hosts Parental Presentation
Michelle Kriebel gives strategies on dealing with peer pressure.
Parents from Spring Hill and Churchill Road Elementary School got a few lessons in parenting Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Spring Hill Elementary School. Educator and presenter Michelle Kriebel spoke to more than 40 parents about strategies parents can take to set boundaries for their young children and deal with external factors such as peer pressure.
Foundation Plans for Art Center
Community Center for the Arts possible at Turner Farm.
The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts was founded in 2007 with the goal of eventually bringing an arts center to the community. Since then, they have run a school, working studio space and a gallery space on Walker Road, all while planning for the future.
Community Sounds off On School Discipline
County collects feedback on students’ rights and responsibilities.
Dozens of administrators, teachers, parents and community members gathered at McLean High School Thursday, Feb. 7, to share their feedback on the Fairfax County Public Schools Students Rights and Responsibilities manual.
McLean Seniors Sign Letters of Intent
Six students sign to play college sports in the fall.
Six McLean High School senior athletes made their college decisions final Wednesday, Feb. 6, signing letters of intent for their schools of choice for next year. Soccer players Evelyn Robinson and David Galdo, along with football player Robert Longwell have been awarded scholarships to play next year, while Lexi Slotkoff and Kris Hobbs will play for Ivy League schools.
Senior Center Sets Goals
After incorporation, Great Falls Senior Center plans to become nonprofit, name board by end of year.
The Great Falls Senior Center has big plans for 2013 after getting off the ground as a working group of the Great Falls Citizens Association.
Senators Speak on Debt Situation
Mark Warner, Tim Kaine address Northern Virginia Technology Council.
Senators Mark Warner (D) and Tim Kaine (D) spoke to members of the Northern Virginia Technology Council Friday, Feb. 8, at the Sprint building in Reston.
Declaration of Independence Signer and Loudoun County Resident Remembered
Few people are aware that the land occupied by Washington Dulles International Airport was once the home of one of the country’s founding fathers.
Herndon High Presents ‘Hansel and Gretel’
Annual children’s production tells classic fairy tale.
The Herndon High School Theater Department will present their annual children’s show starting Friday, Feb. 15, featuring “Hansel and Gretel.”
Student-Athletes Mark Black History Month
Herndon students commemorate 150 years since signing of Emancipation Proclamation.
Three years ago, Elise Ashby Arrington decided that she wanted her son Harrison Craddock to understand the importance of Black History Month.
Fairfax Connector Proposes New Routes
Public input meeting held to solicit feedback on new bus routes.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation kicked off the public input process for their new bus routes in McLean Thursday, Feb. 1. The Fairfax Connector routes will be altered to take advantage of the opening of Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner and Reston in December, with the new routes expected to begin the same day as the stations open.
Farmer’s Market Continues Through Winter
Weekly market will take place every Saturday, indoors or out.
Fairfax County is home of dozens of farmer’s markets throughout the year, but by November, almost all of them have shuttered for the winter before re-opening in the spring. But the Great Falls Farmer’s Market is open year-round, offering produce and other items throughout the winter.
Library Hosts Children’s Book Club
Monthly meetings allow children to discuss variety of books.
Some of the youngest library patrons in Great Falls are coming together monthly to discuss children’s books as part of the library’s Children’s Book Club.
Taking the Plunge at Lake Anne
Hundreds participate in Polar Bear Dip to raise money for Camp Sunshine.
When Jean Young of Reston bundled up for her Saturday walk with her dog Seamus around Lake Anne Saturday, Feb. 2, she was worried her down jacket, long underwear, wool hat and gloves might not provide enough protection from the 30- degree weather. Little did she know she would be encountering more than 100 people wearing even less.
French Immersion at Herndon Elementary in Jeopardy
Program at Herndon Elementary could be changed to Spanish Immersion, parents object.
Herndon Elementary School has announced a proposal to discontinue the school’s French Immersion Program, one of two in the county, and replace it with a Spanish Immersion Program. Principal Ann Gwynn said that the French program would continue until 2019, meaning incoming first graders next year would be the last students who could take the program to completion.
Town Council Approves Downtown Guidelines
Pattern book lays out principles for downtown design principles.
The Herndon Town Council unanimously passed a vision for principles of downtown redevelopment at their Tuesday, Jan. 29, meeting. The “pattern book,” as it’s known, lays out guidelines for building design and frontage for downtown.
MLK Foundation Celebrates Diversity
Organization welcomes member of Tuskeegee Airmen.
The Martin Luther King Cultural Foundaion hosted a celebration of cultural diversity Saturday, Jan. 26, at ArtSpace in Herndon. The Reston-based organization provides thousands of dollars per year to send local students to college.
Getting Their Market Share
Langley Sophomore market school, nonprofit events.
While sitting in their Introduction to Marketing Class, several Langley High School sophomores decided that they enjoyed it so much, they would try it in real life. Almost a year later, the members of the Pyramid Marketing Group are finding success working to promote local charity and school events.
Langley Forks Pull-Off Open
Scenic pull-off features historical marker, 22 parking spots.
McLean’s Clemyjontri Park was founded in 2006 to provide a place for all children, regardless of ability of a place to play. While that goal has been achieved on the playground itself, the parking situation has been another story. Weekends often find the parking lot packed to capacity while open, with parents forced to park at nearby Langley Forks Park and walk along Georgetown Pike to Clemyjontri.
MCC Board Delays Expansion Vote
Board to wait for developer proposal, which could involve downtown land swap.
The McLean Community Center board delayed their Jan. 23 vote on expansion and renovation after a development proposal was brought to their attention a mere 10 hours before their monthly meeting.
Public Comment Open for Riverbend Master Plan
Master plan revision, first since 1975, is expected to go before park board in April.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the latest draft master plan revision for Riverbend Park Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Grange in Great Falls. The 411-acre park features two miles of land along the Potomac River. It was last master planned in 1975.
MCC Board Delays Expansion Vote
Board to wait for developer proposal, which could involve downtown land swap.
he McLean Community Center board delayed their Jan. 23 vote on expansion and renovation after a development proposal was brought to their attention a mere 10 hours before their monthly meeting. The vote, which was supposed to decide whether the center would continue to pursue a new downtown facility and renovate the current building on Ingleside Drive, could happen as soon as the board’s Feb. 27 meeting, provided the development proposal contains enough information for the board to decide its merits.
Change to Intersection Raises Concerns
Residents object to potential traffic signal at Hunter Mill and Crowell.
The Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee heard a request from Oakcrest School Tuesday, Jan. 15, to amend the special exception that would allow them to alter the intersection at Hunter Mill Road and Crowell Road, an alteration that has raised objections from nearby residents.
Reston Pays Tribute to King Legacy
Commemorative march, concert highlight weekend activities.
As he stood in front of the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation Sunday, Jan. 20, to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Isaiah Roberts of Reston knew he was participating in something special.
MOMS Club Seeks Service Opportunities
Club’s open house examines ways for families to volunteer.
The Herndon Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) club hosted an open house at ArtSpace Thursday, Jan. 17, to help local families discover ways they can serve their community. The open house brought in representatives from Volunteer Fairfax, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Maddie’s Blankets and Fairfax Releaf provided multiple ways for families to get involved, depending on their interests.
Program Tackles Drinking Culture
McLean High School hosts first ‘Perils of College Drinking Culture’ presentation of year.
Exploring Perils of Drinking Culture:The Jan. 17 program at McLean High kicks off the latest series of “The Perils of College Drinking Culture” in the area. The program will also be held: * Thursday, May 16, at Westfield High School in Chantilly. * Wednesday, May 22, and Wednesday, July 31, at the Annandale Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The program will be at the Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. All events will be from 7 to 9 p.m., and admission is free. More information can be found at www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.
Students Get Blast From the Past
Reston Rotary tours elementaries with Thomas Jefferson re-enactor.
Students across Reston elementary schools got a blast from the past Tuesday, Jan. 8 and Wednesday, Jan. 9, courtesy of the Reston Rotary Club. Bill Barker, an actor who has played Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg since 1993, toured Forest Edge, Terraset, Dogwood, Fox Mill, Hunters Woods and Lake Anne Elementary Schools to tell the students about his life and beliefs.
Best of Reston Named
Individuals, organizations, businesses recognized at annual awards announcement.
The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Reston Interfaith named their 2013 Best of Reston award winners Thursday, Jan. 10. The annual awards recognize individuals, organizations and companies that represent the community’s founding ideals.
Town Launches Customer Service Initiative
Town services to be more customer friendly, new feedback methods created.
The Town of Herndon announces a new customer service initiative Monday, Jan. 14, called “Count ON Us.” Named to connect with the town’s new branding strategy, the initiative will focus on increasing customer satisfaction with the town’s services.
Rust Speaks on Current Session
Transportation high among priorities for residents.
Del. Tom Rust (R-86) addressed his constituents at the Herndon Municipal Center Saturday, Jan. 12 to give an update on the current General Assembly session.
Tysons Service District Created
New tax district will help fund Tysons Corner improvements.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted eight to two to create a Tysons Corner Service District, which is expected to raise money to help cover the estimated $3.1 billion in new roads and public transit development planned for the area.
Tysons Service District Created
New tax district will help fund Tysons Corner improvements.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted eight to two to create a Tysons Corner Service District, which is expected to raise money to help cover the estimated $3.1 billion in new roads and public transit development planned for the area.
McLean Chocolate Festival Returns
New venue allows for more attendance, vendors.
The McLean Rotary Club will welcome chocolate lovers from all over Sunday, Jan. 27 at McLean High School for the second annual McLean Chocolate Festival.
Restonians Sound off to Legislators
Metro funding, gun control high priorities for residents for General Assembly session.
State Sen. Janet Howell (D-31) and Del. Ken Plum (D-36) spoke to Reston residents about their priorities and goals for the upcoming General Assembly session Thursday, Jan. 3. The session, which starts Jan. 9, is scheduled for 30 days, with the possibility of an additional 30 days if needed. This is standard procedure for odd-numbered years; during even numbered years the session is scheduled for 60 days.
Orchestra Turns to Local Talent
Reston Community Orchestra to perform songs of Brian Scarbrough in MLK Concert Jan. 19.
At a very young age, Brian Scarbrough of Reston was already showing signs of musical prowess. His mother Richie remembers singing a commercial while her young son was around, and Brian Scarbrough promptly informed her she was off-key.
New Look for Town of Herndon
New logo, branding strategy begins to take hold in Herndon.
As the Town of Herndon prepares for the arrival of the Silver Line and changes to its downtown, they’ve taken an important step in making sure Herndon has its own identity: giving Herndon its own brand.