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Alex McVeigh

Stories by Alex

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.

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Great Falls Elementary School Students Heading to Japan

Great Falls Elementary students take two-week trip to Japan.

Several Great Falls Elementary students will be spending the first part of their summer vacation in Japan, as part of an exchange program. While on the trip, they will visit various locales in the country, including a visit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

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CAR Hosts Annual Flag Day Ceremony in Great Falls

More than 60 worn and damaged flags "retired" June 14.

While the burning of the American flag is often used as a form of protest or rejection of what it stands for, the United States Code also says that burning is the proper way to dispose of damaged or worn flags.

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Great Falls Elementary Schools Receive Donations

Celebrate Great Falls donates to three local elementary schools.

Celebrate Great Falls presented the parent teacher groups for the three Great Falls elementary schools, Colvin Run, Forestville and Great Falls, a check for $7,104.46 Tuesday, June 11.

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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.

Todds Named Lord, Lady

Becky Todd, late husband Jeff honored by county.

Becky and Jeff Todd have been active in the Mount Vernon community for more than 30 years. Through their work with Todd Restaurants, the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce and many other groups, the couple has made a major impact on the community.

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Creating Livable Community For All Ages

County and local organizations seek to find and meet seniors’ needs.

People over 55 make up approximately 30 percent of Fairfax County’s population, making them the largest population group. Many of that group have chosen, or plan, to spend their later years in Fairfax County, but as they age in place, there are certain services and resources needed.

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MedStar Opens McLean Rehabilitation Facility

New site aims to be "one stop shop" for rehabilitation.

MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital Network has opened a new outpatient facility in downtown McLean. The facility aims to provide complete care for both orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation needs.

Dranesville Lord, Lady Honored

Bob Hahne, Wendy Gradison honored by supervisors.

Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville) named two McLean residents, Robert Hahne and Wendy Gradison, 2013 Lord and Lady Fairfax for his district. The annual recognition highlights local residents for their community service.

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.

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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.

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Restonians Receive Lord, Lady Honors

Amanda Andere, Arthur Hill, Patricia Nicoson honored.

Three Restonians were recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, June 4 as Lords and Ladies of Fairfax. Each supervisor named a man and a woman to highlight their community service efforts.

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Herndon Naval JROTC Cadets Leave Legacy

Graduating Naval JROTC cadets recognized for achievements.

Herndon High School’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps has been an integral part of the school’s fabric for years.

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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.”

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Reston Community Center Indoor Facility Study Unveiled

Proposed new facility would have pool, fitness features.

The Reston Community Center Board of Governors Long-Range Planning Committee heard the results of the latest study on a possible indoor recreation facility Monday, June 3.

Two Killed in Taxicab Collision

Norbert Sebok, 29, and Jozsef Szathmari, 24, killed morning of June 1.

Norbert Sebok, 29, and Jozsef Szathmari, 24, of Sterling were killed in a car crash in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 1.

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Herndon High School Step Team Crowned National Champs

Herndon High School Step Team wins second national championship in three years.

The Herndon High School Step team stood onstage holding hands, waiting anxiously for the results in the 2013 Youth Step USA National Championships Saturday, May 25. As the names of the top five finishers started coming in, coach Gary Bushrod started hearing every name but theirs.

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Herndon Celebrates 33rd Festival

Annual festival brings live music, entertainment to downtown Herndon.

By the time it gets to Saturday, the third day of the three-day annual Herndon Festival, Jimmy Schwein of Herndon knows exactly what he wants to do. Having grown up coming to the festival, he’s used to coming at least three of the four days.

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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.

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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.

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Author Abigail Trafford Discusses Planning for ‘My Time’

Trafford speaks at Reston Community Center about ways to spend later years.

The Reston Community Center hosted author and speaker Abigail Trafford Wednesday, May 22, as the keynote speaker for their “Celebrate Your Bonus Years” event.

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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.

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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.

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Summer Fun in Herndon

Herndon Festival, new concert series highlight summer events.

Whether it’s downtown or the surrounding areas, there’s plenty of summer fun to be had in Herndon. Though it takes place a few weeks before the official start of summer, this weekend’s Herndon festival marks the start of the season for many.

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Herndon Pays Tribute to the Fallen on Memorial Day

Annual Memorial Day ceremony held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.

Herndon residents gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 27 to commemorate Memorial Day. The annual ceremony featured members of the American Legion, Herndon High School Naval JROTC and guest speaker Dr. Duane C. Young, a retired Army major.

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Herndon Environmental Network Founder Recognized

Carlin Anderson named finalist for Cox Conserves Heroes.

When Herndon resident Carlin Anderson was looking for opportunities to volunteer, she wanted her efforts to go to helping the environment on a local and global level.

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Langley Chorus Presents Spring Show

Annual concert to feature pop hits through the decades.

The Langley High School chorus has explored on and off-Broadway, as well as Disney for their annual spring show in years past. This year they will take a trip through the decades, exploring pop music throughout its history with “Get On Your Feet: Pop Music Through the Decades.”

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Summer Fun in McLean

Fireworks return to Langley, concerts return to McLean Central Park.

After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made. After a few months of uncertainty, the annual Fourth of July fireworks will return to Langley High School for the 30th year this summer. Uncertainties due to the renovations to the field led to questions about whether the McLean Community Center could host the event in the same location, but arrangements were made.

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Summer Fun in Great Falls

Concerts on the Green, Fourth of July Celebration highlight summer events.

As summer comes to Great Falls, so do several of the area’s signature events that bring the community together for summer fun. Starting June 2, the annual Summer Concerts on the Green will begin at the Great Falls Village Centre.

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Great Falls Marks Memorial Day

Annual ceremony pays tribute to veterans past and present.

Retired Lt. Gen. Norman H. Smith was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps in December 1955, more than 10 years after the Battle of Iwo Jima. But 68 years later, he accompanied 14 surviving veterans to the Japanese island, and he was struck by the stories he heard.

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Annual Golf Tournament Set for June 3

Proceeds will go to parent teacher groups for local elementary schools.

Celebrate Great Falls will host its annual golf tournament Monday, June 3 at Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston. The event serves as a fundraiser for Great Falls, Colvin Run and Forestville Elementary Schools, and has raised more than $98,000 for the schools.

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Riverbend Receives Intern Funding

Friends of Riverbend Park, Celebrate Great Falls support summer interns.

Celebrate Great Falls presented the Friends of Riverbend Park with a $2,000 check Tuesday, May 21, which will help fund a paid summer intern for the park.

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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.

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Katherine Hanley Shelter Hosts Open House

Shelter houses more than 20 families at a time.

Shelter House, a Herndon-based nonprofit that operates two homeless shelters in Fairfax County, as well as a domestic abuse shelter, hosted an open house at their Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax Tuesday, May 14.

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Herndon Farmer's Market Opens With New Activities

Cooking demos, live entertainment, extended hours part of this year’s market.

The Herndon Farmers Market has returned for the season, in a new location and with new extended hours designed to make shopping for fresh produce and other goods easier.

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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. 

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Great Falls Exxon Site Contamination Update

Residents discuss contamination at Georgetown Pike-Walker Road intersection.

Great Falls residents gathered at the Grange Tuesday, May 14 to hear the latest on the contaminated site at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road, and to hear plans for its cleanup.

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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.

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MCA Presents Teen Character Awards

The McLean Citizens Association presented 11 local teenagers with their Teen Character Awards during McLean Day Saturday.

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A Day for McLean

Annual McLean Day festival held at Lewinsville Park.

Temperatures in the low 60s and rain throughout the day might have kept some people from the annual McLean Day Festival Saturday, May 18, but for the hundreds who look forward to the event, they didn’t even bat an eye.

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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.

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Great Falls Optimist Club Awards Helping Hands 

Great Falls sixth graders honored.  

The Great Falls Optimist Club recognized four sixth graders Wednesday, May 8 with their Helping Hands award, the first time the club has given out the awards to sixth graders whose efforts in school and in their communities have brought them to the attention of their teachers.

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Concerned Citizens Host Gun Control Forum

Speakers examine past, present and future of gun control reform.

Ruth Hoffman of McLean watched the details of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last December and couldn‘t help but feel it hit close to home. As the mother of a four year old and seven year old, she identified with the families of the victims of the tragedy, and found herself rethinking her previously held belief on guns.

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Reston Youth Swim, Bike, Run

Amy’s Amigos host annual Reston Youth Triathlon

Swimmers were able to hit the water at the Ridge Heights Pool Sunday, May 12, a few weeks before the scheduled Memorial Day pool opening, but there was a catch: they had to cycle and run as well. The annual Reston Youth Triathlon took triathletes age 6 to 15 through the pool and on the streets surrounding South Lakes High School and Langston Hughes Middle School. Participants ages 6 to 8 swam 50 meters, biked 1.03 miles and ran a third-mile, ages 9 to 11 swam 100 meters, biked three miles and ran 1.11 miles and ages 12 to 15 swam 150 meters, biked five miles and ran 1.51 miles.

Residents Discuss Baron Cameron Priorities

The Fairfax County Park Authority has started the master planning process for Baron Cameron Park, a 60-acre park at the northwest corner of the intersection of Wiehle Avenue and Baron Cameron Avenue.

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Second Annual Langley Alumni Game Set

Langley varsity baseball team to face off against alumni June 2 in second annual game.

On Sunday, June 2 past and present members of the Langley High School baseball team will face off in the second annual Langley Varsity versus Alumni Baseball game. Last year the alumni won the inaugural game by a single run.

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Studio Rep Proceeds to Improv

Student ensemble hosts monthly improv nights.

Studio Rep is a group of eight high schoolers that perform shows throughout the year. For the past few years, the group holds auditions at the start of each school year, and once the troupe is selected, they perform through May.

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McLean Chamber Honors Educators

Langley and McLean High School teachers, students, employees awarded.

The Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce honored staff, students and faculty from McLean and Langley High Schools with their annual education awards.

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Reston Nature House Hosts Spring Festival

Event features live animals, nature demonstrations.

Darren Chambers, 7, of Reston says he’s scared of spiders, silverfish and ants, but there’s one thing he’s not scared of: snakes. He had a chance to look at snakes up close and personal Saturday, May 4, at the Walker Nature Education Center during their Spring Festival.

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Reston Farmers Market Opens Season

Weekly market open for business at Lake Anne.

The Reston Farmers Market opened its 2013 season Saturday morning, May 4, at Lake Anne Plaza. The market returns stronger than ever this year, with new additions including the county’s first seafood vendor at a farmers market.

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