Forum on Marmota Farm on Feb. 9

The Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) will host an information meeting for members and the public on the largest undeveloped piece of property in central Great Falls, known as Marmota Farm. Located at 9800 Georgetown Pike, the privately-held property is zoned residential and is currently for sale. It could be subdivided for houses, and developed on a by right basis.

Several area stakeholders have raised concerns to GFCA about the fate of this property and what may become of it if it is sold. A local group—Save Marmota Farm— has proposed that the Fairfax County Park Authority purchase the property to preserve it as a semi-rural park.

In an effort to raise awareness, and generate input from interested individuals and groups, GFCA will host a Town Hall meeting at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike) on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. GFCA’s Land Use and Zoning Committee will moderate the program; speakers will include representatives from Save Marmota Farm, Fairfax County Park Authority, and Supervisor John Foust’s office. The seller’s representative and residents from a nearby neighborhood may also speak.

There will be a Q&A period for individuals at the end of the session and GFCA will provide short updates on other local land use issues. The public is invited; please go to www.gfca.org for more information.

Great Falls Writer’s Group Reschedules Youth Contest

Due to rescheduling community and educational events affected by blizzard-related school closings, the Great Falls Writer's Group is rescheduling its Youth Creative Writing Contest for Saturday, Feb. 27, to accommodate greater participation. The second annual contest is open to sixth-graders who reside within the 22066 ZIP code or eligible to attend Great Falls schools due to school zoning.

The contest will be held at Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Participants must register online at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0845a4a82ba4fa7-2016.

Sign-up is first-come, first-served. Bring proof of residency within 22066 or proof of attending a public school in Great Falls, pencils, loose-leaf paper, and a self-addressed-stamped envelope for returning original work after judging.

Nominations Sought for Volunteer Service Awards

Volunteer Fairfax Seeks Nominations for the 24th Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. Awards recognize the contributions of volunteers in our community.

Deadline to nominate is extended to Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Anyone can nominate. Community and civic groups, government agencies, faith organizations, educational institutions, and local nonprofits are encouraged to nominate the outstanding volunteers who support their mission. Individuals may also nominate. To submit a nomination visit www.volunteerfairfax.org.

Award nominees and recipients will be recognized at the 2016 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards breakfast on Friday, April 8 at The Waterford at Springfield. The event is open to the public and is attended by over 400 community and business leaders. Special guests at the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards will include Chairman Sharon Bulova and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

The deadline to nominate is Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m.