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.
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.
Rotary Reaches 100 Members
Great Falls Rotary Club welcomes 100th member, 10 months after founding.
The Great Falls Rotary Club celebrated reaching its 100th member Thursday, April 12, achieving the milestone in record time. They reached 100 members in 10 months, growth that has attracted the attention of Rotary International.
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.
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.
Great Falls Goes Egg Hunting
Optmist Club hosts annual Children’s Spring Festival and egg hunt.
The Great Falls Village Green was littered with 7,000 brightly colored eggs Sunday afternoon. Most of the eggs were filled with candy, but 900 of them contained $10,000 worth of gemstones donated by Jorge Adeler of Adeler Jewelers.
Possible Future for Historic Buildings?
Community members come up with conceptual plan for Grange, schoolhouse.
Having historic properties such as the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse in Great Falls has become a bit of a mixed blessing for the community. On one hand, the properties represent living history, both are in the National Register of Historic Places, and are relics of a different age.
Longfellow’s Science Bowl Stars
Four eighth graders headed to second straight nationals.
For four members of the Longfellow Middle School Science Bowl team, this year is another chance to compete in the National Science Bowl Finals. After winning the state competition for the second straight year, the four members of the team are studying up and are eager for their return trip to nationals.
Langley Presents ‘The Crucible’
Tale of Salem Witch Trials will be performed black box style.
When it came time to present their Spring show, Arthur Miller’s "The Crucible," the Langley Theatre Department decided to think a little inside the box. A black box theater, that is.
Egg Hunting in Brown’s Chapel Park
Community Center hosts annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt.
As children ages 1 through 9 gathered at Brown’s Chapel Park in Reston Saturday morning, they separated themselves by age group and massed along the borders of several different roped off areas. The areas were filled with colored eggs, which meant that for many children, filling their baskets would come down to strategy.
Arts Council Offers Taste of Spring
Taste of the Town brings restaurants to the forefront.
This Spring, the annual Taste of the Town festival will celebrate many of Herndon’s signature restaurants by giving visitors a chance to sample their signature items. Hosted by the Council for the Arts of Herndon, the 21st annual event has long been known as a showcase for destination dining.
Classical Ballet Theatre Dancers On the Move
Nonprofit dance studio hosts annual fundraiser, prepares for move to Reston.
When Cynthia Donavin, executive director of the Classical Ballet Theatre, was searching for inspiration to find a new location for the studio, she turned to one of the area’s most famous patrons of the arts: Reston founder Robert Simon.
Springtime in Reston
Egg hunt, Founder’s Day highlight Spring festivities.
Brown’s Chapel Park will be the site of Reston’s annual Eggnormous Egg Hunt Saturday, March 31, which kicks off a Spring brimming with events. The hunt will also feature carnival rides, games and a performance by magician Eric Henning, who has performed around the area including the White House.
First Responders Recognized
34th Annual Valor Awards presented to police officers, firefighters.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce recognized 108 of the county’s first responders Wednesday, March 21 at the 24th annual Valor Awards. Members of the Fairfax County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as from the Towns of Herndon and Vienna, were given awards.
County Takes Aim at Bullying
Survey helps county create bullying outreach, cyberbullying prevention.
Monitoring aggressive behavior is a primary concern of Fairfax County when conducting the annual Youth Survey. While fewer than 5 percent of students report gang activity or carrying a weapon, a majority of students have experienced bullying from one side or the other.
Risky Behavior by the Numbers
Youth Survey highlights risks, assets for students.
Periodically, Fairfax County conducts a youth survey which polls thousands of students to get a glimpse into issues of substance abuse, antisocial behaviors as well as factors such as mental health and civic engagements.
John Marshall Bank Comes to Reston
Corporate Headquarters, new branch opens.
Reston welcomed the latest addition to its business community Thursday, March 15 with the grand opening of the John Marshall Bank branch and headquarters. Members of local chambers of commerce as well as several elected officials were in attendance.
Candidates Sound Off at RA Forum
Five vie for two at-large seats, one for South Lakes district.
Five residents are running for two open at-large seats on the Reston Association Board of directors, while past board member Richard Chew is running unopposed for the South Lakes District. Current Vice President Paul Thomas will not be running for re-election, opening up one seat, and incumbent Tom Vis is hoping to keep his seat.
Old Brogue Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
Crowds line up early for annual celebration.
On Saturday morning, the electronic clock that hangs on the wall of The Old Brogue in Great Falls read "0 Days, 0 Hours, 0 Minutes and 0 seconds" for the first time in 366 days. The clock spends most of the year counting down to St. Patrick’s Day, and it hadn’t read zero for long before people started showing up.
McLean Presents ‘A View From the Bridge’
McLean Theatre Company puts on Arthur Miller’s tale of 1950s immigrants.
When McLean High School’s McLean Theatre Company decided to present Arthur Miller’s "A View From the Bridge," the wide open spaces of the regular auditorium just wouldn’t do. For the performances, they decided to use the more intimate confines of the school’s black box theater. The result is a play, a tale of poor Italian immigrants living in the shadow of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, that happens within a few feet of the audience at all times.
Girl Scouts Tour the World
Annual Thinking Day Celebration features troops presenting different cultures.
The Old Firehouse Teen Center hosted more than 150 Girl Scouts Sunday, March 18 for their annual Thinking Day Celebration. The event, which also celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, featured displays from 11 troops examining the culture and history of a specific country.
Langley Seniors Make Their Case
School hosts 20th annual Case Day.
Langley High School’s senior class spent Monday, March 19 going over two Supreme Court Cases with a fine-tooth comb, as part of the school’s annual Case Day. The event, now in its 20th year, allows the class to break down an upcoming case that will be heard by the Supreme Court, with students serving as counsel, justices, presenters and many other roles.
Colvin Run Hosts Lego League Expo
Eight Junior First Lego League teams present food safety projects.
Junior First Lego League Teams from around the county gathered at Colvin Run Elementary School Saturday, March 17 for a day to show what could be the future of food safety. Eight teams, including two from Colvin Run and one from Great Falls Elementary School, participated.
Garden Club Goes to Library
Reston Garden Club, Hidden Lane Landscaping perform maintenance at Reston Library.
Visitors to the Reston Library may have noticed the exterior looking a bit neater since Wednesday, March 7, thanks to the efforts of the Reston Garden Club in partnership with Hidden Lane Landscaping. Members of the club spent the day clearing brush, shrubs and dead grass, while maintaining beds and laying down mulch.
RA Hosts Watch Workshop
Crime Prevention Officer speaks about neighborhood watches.
The Reston Association hosted an informational meeting about neighborhood watch programs Tuesday, March 6, featuring county Crime Prevention Officer Katy Defoe.
Reston Interfaith, YMCA Team Up
Organizations team up to donate YMCA memberships to transitioning families.
Reston Interfaith and the YMCA Fairfax County Reston have teamed up in an effort to assist those transitioning out of homelessness. The YMCA donated 35 memberships to Reston Interfaith clients who are in the transitional housing program.
Great Falls Fire Station Welcomes Community
Grand opening held at new Great Falls Fire Station.
Ten years ago, five-year-old Harris LaTeef heard about Great Falls’ need for a new fire station, so he tried to do what he could to raise money for a new station: he opened a lemonade stand. While LaTeef’s stand raised $307.41 in a little more than four hours, it wasn’t enough. But on Saturday, March 10, LaTeef, now a freshman at Langley High School, was able to attend the grand opening of the new fire station he tried so hard to raise money for.
McLean Hosts Annual Boar’s Head Feast
The McLean Choral Department presented its annual Boar’s Head Feast Saturday, March 10, featuring a three-course Medieval-style dinner and performances by a variety of choral groups.
McLean Rotary Club Presents Youth Awards
Three local seniors recognized for ‘service above self.’
The McLean Rotary Club handed out its annual Youth Service Awards Tuesday, March 6 to three local seniors who have gone above and beyond in their community service efforts.
Langley Gears Up For Case Day
20th annual Case Day will debate Miller v. Alabama, Jackson v. Hobbs.
Langley High School seniors are currently putting the finishing touches on their 20th annual Case Day, which will take place Monday, March 19. This year’s cases will be Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs.
RCA Questions Toll And Revenue Forecasts
Study worries about ‘optimum bias’ in projections.
The Reston Citizens Association released a report last month calling into question the toll and revenue forecasts done by CDMSmith, then known as Wilbur Smith and Associates. The forecasts were done to estimate costs and other planning measures for Phase Two of Dulles Metrorail.
Colvin Run Jumps for the Heart
Students participate in events to raise money for American Heart Association.
Students at Colvin Run Elementary School got a little extra time in the gym Monday, March 5 and they were able to raise funds for the American Heart Association while they did it. The school hosted a Jump for the Heart event, where children could jump in many different ways to learn the importance of physical activities.
Citizens Discuss Future of Grange, Schoolhouse
Great Falls, Park Authority sound off on uses for historic resources.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Long-Range Planning Committee took the next step in creating their Long-Range Plan Monday night, with a public meeting to discuss the future of the Grange and the Forestville Schoolhouse.
Fairfax DOT Presents Walker Road Update
Plan calls for crosswalk, new sidewalks, street parking.
The Great Falls Citizens Association’s Transportation Committee and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation presented a vision for the future of Walker Road just south of Georgetown Pike.
Creating Bowls to Fill at McLean High
McLean High School prepares for upcoming Empty Bowls event.
On May 31, the community will be invited to McLean High School to select a clay bowl, fill it with the ice cream of their choice and donate money to help feed hungry people. But on Thursday, March 1, the bowls were just one-pound lumps of clay, waiting for dozens of students and faculty to turn them into bowls.
County Plans For Future of Senior Center
Early stages of Lewinsville Senior Center redevelopment begin.
Fairfax County held a public meeting about the proposed redevelopment of the Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean. The building was built in 1964, and Paula Sampson, director of Housing and Community Development, said this is a project the county has been looking at for years.