MCA: Build Pedestrian Bicyclist Friendly Projects in McLean
$100 million available countywide over six years.
Bike Ped Projects
Matters of Importance to Great Falls in 2022
Supervisor John W. Foust's perspective.
Stuff happening in Great Falls
Return to School 2022
After a week of weather closures, FCPS opens with Covid-19 surging
Returning to school
FCPS Faces Staff Shortages in the Face of Omicron
Superintendent pledges to keep students in the classroom, but it will “not be business as usual.”
School with Covid
2022 Real Estate Forecast
Real Estate Forecast
2022 Northern Virginia Association of Realtors Forecast
Single-family homes in Arlington are still the hottest real estate ticket in town.
Realtors Forecast
Share Inc. of McLean Request the Community's Help
Gift cards and more needed for clients this holiday season.
Share Inc
Challenged Books, Ballooning Waitlists for Mental Health, ADA Playgrounds
What you might have missed at the Dec. 2 School Board meeting.
School Board
VolunteerFest, 2021
Volunteers work on projects countywide for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Volunteers
Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally
Afghan Americans speak out.
The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.
Crisis in Afghanistan Reverberates Locally
Afghan Americans speak out.
The United States and other countries have welcomed more than 150,000 Afghans and their families since the emergency evacuations began in mid-August.
Overcoming Mental Health Stigma
Suicide Walk-a-Thon brings awareness
The pandemic's psychological and socioeconomic fallout may be driving an accelerated trend in depressive symptoms and suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths in Fairfax County, reported experts in mental health at the "Fight Suicide" Walk-a-Thon at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston held Aug. 21.
Powering Up Dark Skies
GFCA and Fairfax County plan to protect against light pollution.
Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) has been working for several years with Zoning in Fairfax County and with the district’s Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) concerning regulations on outdoor lighting provisions.
Back to School: The Best Shot: Vax Up!
Fairfax County families and educators discuss COVID-19 School Year 2021-22.
The first day of the much-anticipated, in-person return to school for SY2021-22 looms for many families, friends, and educators in Fairfax County's independent, public and home-based education systems.
Katie’s Cars and Coffee Back in Full Swing in Great Falls
Hundreds of enthusiasts turn out
Whether it is their fascination with antique, collector, exotic, or muscle cars, owners and enthusiasts are back bright and early Saturday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. at Katie’s Cars and Coffee for their vehicle sensory overload.
Fairfax County Public Schools Priority One: Get Eligible Students Vaccinated
Expansion of school COVID-19 vaccination clinics underway
The level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Fairfax County is increasing again.
Fairfax County Supervisors Proclaim August 3 National Night Out
Proclamation celebrates neighborhood spirit and cooperation among residents and police
National Night Out is a time to celebrate, whether the clock that day says noon or 8 p.m. It is a time to have community fun, to say thank you to law enforcement officers, and get more involved in the community.
Special Exception for Bereavement Meeting Space in Great Falls Approved
Daytime and overnight retreats on a portion of Turner Farm Park
Following a public hearing on the matter, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved, on July 27, Special Exception SE 2020-DR022 (Turner Farmhouse Foundation) (Dranesville District) to permit applicant Turner Farmhouse Foundation to operate a public benefit association facility on a 4.95-area of the Turner Farm Park property and modify a front yard setback of the existing house.
Brightview Explores Plan for Leesburg Pike Facility in Vienna
Senior Living reps hold two community engagement meetings with Vienna, Great Falls neighbors
Brightview Senior Living has resumed community engagement for its proposed Continuing Care Facility project at 9439 Leesburg Pike [Route 7], Vienna.
Fairfax County Holds County-wide Vaccine Equity Clinics
Bringing the COVID-19 vaccine to the people rather than relying on them to find their way to a site is one option to get people vaccinated and slow the surging Delta variant.
Delta Variant Has Room to Run Rampant
Removing invisible vaccine barriers for communities in Fairfax County
Jump on a moon bounce, grab an empanada from a food truck and get a Covid vaccine.
New Food Scrap Composting at Select Fairfax County Farmers Markets
Nature’s recycling reduces methane and lowers carbon footprint
Fairfax County residents have another option for managing organic wastes such as fruit and vegetable peels, food left on dinner plates, coffee grounds, and even paper towels and napkins.
Langley High School Saxons Boat Wins Gold at States
Crew Team also wins three Bronze medals at championships
The Langley High School Crew knocked it out of the water when the athletes ended their rowing season on June 19 at the 2021 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships regatta hosted by the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association.
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent to Depart at End of Next School Year
Dr. Scott Brabrand, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, announced on a YouTube video released Thursday, July 15, 2021, that he is leaving FCPS at the end of the next year, consistent with his FCSB contract.
Hometown Celebration Returns to Great Falls
Americana fun, unmasked and free
Great Falls traditions returned to the Village Centre Green for the 4th of July 2021.
School Buses and Sites Provide Free Grab and Go 7-day Meal Kits in Fairfax County
No questions asked, no IDs needed – County children under 18 and all FCPS students eligible
Ten Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) buses began rolling Monday, June 28, on a mission to deliver their precious cargo: coolers full of nutritious breakfast and lunch items packed in seven-day, bulk meal kits, grab-and-go style.
Behind the Scenes at Summer Concerts on the Green in Great Falls
Celebrate Great Falls presented another evening of its 2021 Concerts on the Green at the Great Falls Village Centre.
Naturalizing the Grange Hall Oak Grove in Great Falls
Great Falls Citizens Association takes on invasive plants
Members of the Great Falls Citizens Association Environment and Parks Committee, co-chaired by Winifred Frost and Susanne Black, met in early June to discuss restoring the oak grove at the Grange Hall Park.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Seen in TJ’s Freshman Class
In 2021, the U.S. News Best High Schools report ranked TJ the number one school nationwide for the second year running.
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology admitted 550 students strong as its Class of 2025.
Special Permit Decision for Great Falls ‘Convent’ Deferred
Opponents claim build will exacerbate dangerous traffic conditions
On June 9, the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) held a public hearing on the application SP 2020-DR-105 by Stonecrest Home Arts, Inc.
WANTED Feedback Involving No-chase/Chase Fairfax County Police Department Vehicle Pursuits
Flurry of proposed revisions should discourage pursuits of suspects in non-violent felony incidents.
Police vehicle pursuits create the potential for officers, residents and suspects to be killed or seriously injured.
Holding Dear: 2,364 Local Souls Lost to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Northern Virginia Regional Commission holds Remembrance Ceremony
On March 21, 2020, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death of a resident due to COVID-19.
Viewpoints: Langley High Graduates Reflect on Graduating in Pandemic Time and the Next Chapter of Their Lives
As the Langley High School graduate candidates lined up for their Commencement Exercises at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va., on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, The Connection asked random groups of students three questions: How do you feel graduating in the pandemic time? Where do you go next? Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A Roller Coaster Ride for the Langley High Grads
Saxons learn life lessons during the pandemic.
Langley High School held its Commencement Exercises on June 2 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va.
Decision Time for Virginia Democrats
Democratic Party Primary Tuesday, June 8: Initial voter turnout low but enthusiasm high
Voters across Fairfax County headed to the polls Tuesday, June 8, to cast their votes in person at the Democratic Party Primary.
Falling in Love with ‘The Beautiful Game’
Local teen coaches young players with disabilities.
For more than a year, Aeshan Kapil, 16, of Herndon volunteered as a TOPSoccer coach for the Great Falls Reston Soccer Club, U.S. Youth Soccer.
Memorial Day 2021 at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial
Citizens honor U.S. Armed Forces Members who died in battle or as a result of their wounds.
Local citizens gathered at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at 11 o'clock the morning of Memorial Day 2021.
Fairfax Dems Clash with Supervisors
Demand firing of FCPD Chief Kevin Davis
The Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) called on the Board of Supervisors ("Board") on May 25 to terminate Kevin Davis's employment as Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.
Candidates in the 2021 Democratic Primary for HD34
Meet Jennifer Adeli and Kathleen J. Murphy (Incumbent).
Voting has begun for the 2021 Democratic Primary on June 8.
Friends of Riverbend Park Receives Donation
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group supports charitable organization.
Great Falls Friends and Neighbors Philanthropy Group presented a donation check on Friday, May 21, 2021, for $3,000 to the Friends of Riverbend Park (FORP).
Fairfax County School Board Member’s Post Fosters Heated Reactions
Amid division, voices seek to be heard.
With Ramadan's ending on May 13 and on May 14, Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish posted what some considered controversial statements on her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Eric Knudsen Receives Glen Sjoblom Award
The award recognizes service contributions to the development of the Great Falls community.
The Executive Board of the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) recognized Eric Knudsen on Saturday, May 15, as the recipient of its 2021 Glen Sjoblom Award for his “long-time, extensive and meritorious service to the community of Great Falls.” Local, regional, and state leaders attended the special program held at the Great Falls Village Centre Green. GFCA honored Knudsen, who tirelessly devoted himself for several decades to enhancing Great Falls through his work on local transportation, land use, and environmental matters. GFCA established the Glen Sjoblom Award to recognize its members who excel in serving their community. It is the organization’s only award for outstanding service. Current GFCA President Bill Canis said that without this kind of civic involvement and activism, the community Great Falls citizens and others know today would have withered away. “We are gathered to celebrate the people who are dedicated to that philosophy,” said Canis. Eric Knudsen is one of those people. Glen Sjoblom is the 2019 Award recipient. He put the award in the context of the long commitment of GFCA’s pioneering board members, those who served the community since the organization’s founding in 1968. According to the honoring resolution, Knudsen served on the GFCA board with a distinguished record for more than 15 years, including three years as president, three years as vice-president, and additional terms as chair of the Transportation and Land Use & Zoning Committee. AS PRESIDENT, Knudsen improved the efficiency and management of GFCA board proceedings, collaborating with past presidents to create GFCA’s first Policy & Procedures Manual that guides the organization. His prioritization of on-site visits to personally evaluate land use and transportation issues provided accurate perspectives and insights. The documented visits became a hallmark of GFCA’s work, validating issues the organization brings forward to the staff at Fairfax County and Commonwealth and developers. Knudsen launched ongoing investigative and mitigation efforts in the community to control stormwater runoff. He participated in a GFCA committee tasked with overseeing the cleanup of chemical spills in the center of Great Falls that threatened residents’ well water. It culminated in a program managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Leading land use negotiations with the County and developers led to the rezoning of Brooks Farm and plans for a SunTrust Bank. According to the resolution, Knudsen became a “driving force for the establishment of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, serving as the GFCA representative in establishing that organization to preserve one of our community’s most important historical assets.” Knudsen also co-chaired the Transportation Committee. In collaboration with co-chair Joan Barnes, they worked to have the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revise its proposed plans for the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike, reducing congestion and ensuring greater safety. Knudsen initiated and managed negotiations with engineers and county staff to narrow Walker Road, facilitating pedestrian crossings in the commercial center. Knudsen’s interest in citizen input in the widening project of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Tysons led to the Route 7 Working Group. This eight-year commitment advised VDOT and included participation by the McLean and Reston citizens associations. SPEAKERS at the May 15 award presentation praised Knudsen for his record of service. Virginia State Senator Barbara Favola (D-31) commended Knudsen for giving residents a voice by reaching out to them for verified consensus. She called these characteristics the hallmark of strong nonprofit organizations. GFCA Board member Gary Pan worked with Knudsen to establish the Great Falls Grange Foundation. He commended him for helping to breathe new life into the historic building and providing a new level of community involvement. “I have worked closely with Eric Knudsen on numerous transportation and land use projects over the years,” said Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville). “His leadership has improved life for residents of the Great Falls community. In 2011, I selected him to represent Dranesville as Lord Fairfax. He is a worthy recipient of the Glen Sjoblom Award for community service,” Foust said.
It's a No to Fire Station #42 Monopole in Vienna
County and Milestone had not reached a lease agreement
The proposal to construct a telecommunication facility, with a 114-foot monopole tower at County-owned Wolf Trap Fire Station #42 in Vienna, died on May 4 after Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville District) presented a Board Matter concerning Milestone Communications/ Special Exception to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting.
Mother's Day 2021, With Love
Motherhood is a messy, complex state of being.
Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, not designated by birth or raising another human.
Ceremonial Swearing-in of Fairfax County Police Chief Davis
On Monday, May 10, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) tweeted, "This morning, Chief Davis was surrounded by family, senior staff, and members of the Board of Supervisors for his ceremonial swearing-in as Chief of Police."
Fairfax County Community Presses New Police Chief and Chairman for Answers
Citizens call for starting over on police chief, not being part of Davis' “redemptive” career journey.
On day four in his new position as Chief of Police Fairfax County, the ghosts of Kevin Davis' law enforcement past clung heavily in the County's public arena of the May 6 virtual Community Input Session hosted by Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay (D-At-large), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Rodney Lusk (D-Lee).