
Author Writes Children’s Sleep Book
Pat Britz hosts signing at Katie’s Coffee Shop.
During her years working for the National Sleep Foundation, author Pat Britz heard it all from parents. Calls about children that wouldn’t go to bed, that couldn’t sleep and more.

Inventor Sets Sights on Sprinkler Savings
Michael Lehmann develops device, algorithm to detect rainfall.
Rain brings with it a lot of headaches, but for Michael Lehmann, rowing coach at Langley High School, one thing bothers him most of all: driving through the rain and seeing automatic lawn sprinklers going all out, watering an already saturated lawn.

Unfunded Northern Virginia Transportation Projects Discussed
County seeks feedback on unfunded projects.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation hosted their latest Countywide Conversation on Transportation Meeting in Reston Wednesday, Nov. 13, to solicit opinions on unfunded transportation projects.

Route 7 Widening Plans Updated
Intersection improvements, increased pedestrian and bicycle facilities highlight $300 million project.
The Virginia Department of Transportation held an update meeting regarding the Route 7 Widening project Wednesday, Nov. 6. The estimated $300 million project will widen Route 7 from four lanes to six for 6.9 miles from Jarrett Valley Drive to Reston Avenue.
SCC Takes Aim at Student Stress
Dr. Madeline Levine to speak at Alden Nov. 19.
The Safe Community Coalition, an advocacy group serving the Langley and McLean High School pyramids, as well as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, is taking on the challenge of student stress head on.

Bicyclers Take Aim At Tysons
Cycling summit examines Tysons Corner accessibility.
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling hosted their annual Bike Summit Saturday, Nov. 2. Cycling and accessibility advocates examined the ways that people will be able to access the four Metrorail stations in Tysons Corner, stations that currently do not have onsite parking.

Citizens Oppose Residential Studios Proposal
Amendment would allow for low-income residential studios in many residential districts.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted a public forum to address the county’s proposed Residential Studios Zoning Ordinance Amendment Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Colvin Run Opens New Playground
Addition features reading garden, new blacktop, reading benches.
Students, parents, teachers and administrators at Colvin Run Elementary School celebrated the opening of their new playground Wednesday, Oct. 23.
State Gardens Open for Business in Great Falls
Garden center features local art, firewood, plants, cider, with more to come.
For Ian McKeown, it was all about the Christmas trees. As someone who spent most of his life working at garden centers and farmers market, when the Vienna native was looking for a path, he decided to follow the Christmas trees.

Studying Science of Sleep
MCA hosts discussion on later high school start times.
For almost everyone, the sound of their alarm telling them to wake up is one of the toughest parts of the day. Students are especially used to still trying to shake off the last of the night’s sleep while in homeroom or first period.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Share Readies Students for School
Nonprofit gives out school supplies, backpacks, back-to-school haircuts.
Share of McLean helped its clients get into back-to-school mode Wednesday, Aug. 14, with their annual school supply drive. The nonprofit worked with local individuals and organizations to stock their shelves with the items returning students were sure to need.
Walmart Comes to Tysons Corner
New store at Tysons West is first "urban style" location.
Walmart opened their first urban-style location in the country in Tysons Corner Wednesday, Aug. 14. The store, which is one of their "supercenters," will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and serves as the anchor of the JBG Rosenfeld Retail-owned Tysons West.

County Hosts Hearing on Crescent Apartments Redevelopment
Crescent redevelopment proposal brings optimism, concern for some.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hosted a public hearing to discuss an interim agreement to redevelop the Crescent Apartments at their Tuesday, July 30 meeting.

Tysons Interim Parking Agreement Approved
Located next to McLean Station, 711-space proposal is the first approved by county.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the first agreement for an interim commuter parking lot for Silver Line users in Tysons Corner Tuesday, July 30.

Bridge Replacement on Schedule
Beach Mill Road Bridge construction nearly halfway complete.
Replacement of the bridge on Beach Mill Road is one month into construction, and according to the Virginia Department of Transportation, it is proceeding according to schedule.

McLean Orchestra Hosts Fundraiser
Supporters of McLean Orchestra gather at McLean residence.
Supporters and friends of the McLean Orchestra came together Sunday, July 20 to re-affirm the commitment they’ve made to the organization, and to look forward to their upcoming "Season of Festivity," which will begin this fall. Ann Page, past president and board member, hosted several dozen supporters at her McLean home.

Metro Silver Line Delayed
MWAA announces at least an eight-week delay in passenger service.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced an approximately eight-week delay in the completion of Phase One of the Silver Line.

Neighbors Foundation Hosts Annual Fireworks Show at Turner Farm
Turner Farm is site of festivities Saturday, July 6.
More than 2,500 people gathered at Turner Farm Saturday, July 6, for the annual fireworks show held by the Neighbors Foundation.

Keeping Tysons Moving
Annual event highlights transportation changes.
Developers of transportation projects in and affecting Tysons Corner gathered at the annual Keep Tysons Moving event Thursday, June 27, an opportunity for local companies to hear the latest updates on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, Dulles Metrorail and more.

Great Falls Native Goes ‘72 Hours’
Davina Friedlander tries for $100,000 on reality competition.
When Great Falls native Davina Friedlander got a chance to spend three days in Hawaii, it wasn’t exactly how she envisioned it. Instead of relaxing on a beach, sipping a drink and soaking up some rays, she fought hard to make it across the desolate, uninhabited sections of Lanai.
New Bicycle Signs Dedicated in Downtown McLean
Signs placed to aid cyclists and walkers through downtown McLean.
Fairfax County staff joined with bicycling advocates in downtown McLean Thursday, June 20, to celebrate the installation of several bicycle wayfinding signs. The signs give directions to bicyclists and pedestrians throughout downtown McLean to community landmarks such as the McLean Community Center, and W&OD Trail.

GFCA Hosts Groundwater Contamination Discussion
Lawyer speaks on experiences with groundwater contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association hosted Matt Pawa, an attorney with experience dealing with groundwater contamination Thursday, June 20.
McLean Central Park Draft Plan Presented
Draft plan features new access points, amphitheater.
The Fairfax County Park Authority presented a draft of the Master Plan revision for McLean Central Park Monday, June 8 at the McLean Community Center.

Update on Proposed Great Falls TD Bank
Final submission to county planning commission made.
Representatives for TD Bank presented the latest on the proposed Great Falls branch, which would be located at the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road. This was the sixth such meeting hosted by the Great Falls Citizens Association.
Reel Potential Finds Motivation in the Movies
Scott DiGiammarino uses film clips to get message across.
Great Falls resident Scott DiGiammarino knows the power of movies. In his recent TED Talk at TEDx Rock Creek Park, entitled "Why Movies Move Us," he spoke about the impact movies have, and the neuroscience behind it.

Growing up With Baseball in Great Falls
Langley senior Bryan Even to play Division II baseball next year.
Growing up in Great Falls, Langley High School senior Bryan Even found his second home on the diamond. He started his career with Great Falls Little League, where he found inspiration every opening day from the members of the Langley Saxons varsity team.

Lake Anne Hosts Summer Film Series
'Back to the Future' is first installment.
Dark clouds and the threat of rain didn’t deter more than 100 people from gathering at Lake Anne Plaza for the first installment of Lake Anne’s summer film festival. The crowd gathered in front of a large movie screen to watch the 1985 classic “Back to the Future.”

MCA Hosts Members Update
Speakers share plans for new community center, downtown improvements.
The McLean Citizens Association hosted their annual membership meeting Thursday, May 30, bringing in organizations from around the community to provide the latest on McLean’s past, present and future. Sally Horn, president of MCA, called the last 12 a "terrific and challenging year," particularly in terms of Tysons Corner funding and transportation plans.

Langley Alumni Face Off Against Varsity
Second annual Langley Alumni Baseball Game held at Nike Field.
The Langley High School varsity baseball team squared off against its past self Sunday, June 2 at Nike Field, as the current team took on a team made up of alumni for the second straight year.

Summer Fun at Reston Town Center
Summer Concerts on the Town, Taste of Reston highlight annual events.
Reston Town Center will host their annual concert series starting June 1 and going through Aug. 24. The annual Summer Concerts on the Town series features everything from big band jazz to West African dance, Zydeco and more.

Reston Historic Trust Examines Reston’s Architecture
Historic Trust hosts discussion on development of Reston.
There is a small elevated concrete platform just south of the Lake Anne Plaza. According to the writing on the platform, it was built in 1963. But the plaza wasn’t completed until 1964.

Reston Community Orchestra Wraps up 25th Season
Reston Community Orchestra welcomes youth for season finale.
The Reston Community Orchestra concluded their 25th season Sunday, May 19, with a performance at the Reston Community Center.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival Returns to Reston Town Center
Greg Sawyer of Herndon describes himself as an art fan, but says he’s a “little intimidated” by it. Still, having recently moved from Texas and living without roommates for the first time in his life, he has an apartment to decorate. That brought him to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center last weekend.

Joe Cassella 5K Raises $16,000
Annual run supports families of children suffering from cancer.
Frank Cassella remembers his brother Joe as a man who had very high character. Even throughout Joe’s 10-month battle with mesothelioma, which claimed his life in July 2009 at the age of 40, Frank remembers a brother who embraced support, not pity.

New Source of Information for Seniors in McLean
McLean Senior Source help desk opens at community center.
Seniors in McLean now have a one-stop shop to access services with the opening of the McLean Senior Source Tuesday, May 21. Volunteers will man a phone, computer and table in the McLean Community Center in order to connect seniors and caregivers with services they need.

Haddad Celebrates 50 Years of Dance
Margaret Haddad Studio to present "Down Memory Lane."
After dancing and teaching ballet in four countries over the past five decades, Margaret Haddad’s Studio of Classical Ballet will look back on some of her favorite shows with "Down Memory Lane."

Great Falls Exxon Environmental Meeting Set
GFCA to host meeting on former Exxon station contamination.
The Great Falls Citizens Association will host a public meeting Tuesday, May 14, to address the environmental impact of lingering effects on the site of the former Exxon station at the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike.
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