Entertainment

2014 in Great Falls: A Year in Review

Groundwater contamination and a swell in volunteerism.

In the past year, the village has gone through changes that will impact the future of the community. 2014 in Great Falls saw an uptick of volunteer support, walkability in the village center and a corrective action plan for the Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) groundwater contamination.

Skating Fun for Burke Centre at Fairfax Ice Arena

Michael and Emmett Pellegrino of Burke didn’t have to wait much to see Santa. Just long enough to have their ice skates tied. The Burke Centre Conservancy had rented out Fairfax Ice Arena and asked the jolly old man to make an appearance.

Reston Garden Club Hosts Decoration Workshop

Garden club creates holiday decorations for Reston community.

December usually brings a holiday decorations workshop of some kind. The Reston Garden Club, an active community organization, held their decoration workshop at the Walker Nature Center in December on Glade Drive.

Cappies Review: Near Miraculous Production

“The Miracle Worker” at Paul VI Catholic High School.

“Helen, the chick has to come out of its shell sometime…you come out too!” For Helen Keller, life was a black void of ignorance. Almost sealed off from the outside world, pampered by her parents, she understood only desire and reward.

Taste of Braddock Kicks Off Holidays

The annual Taste of Braddock reception was held at Supervisor John Cook’s office on Dec. 10. It was a wonderful time for community members to come together to kick off the holiday season and share in some delicious food from Braddock District businesses.

Springfield's Doodlehopper Sells Toys that Enlighten

For toys, books, and baby and toddler gifts that tend to enlighten the child this holiday season, be sure to check out Doodlehopper 4 Kids, located in the Huntsman Square Shopping Center off of the Fairfax County Parkway in Springfield.

One-of-a-Kind Art Gifts on Display at Workhouse

The Workhouse in Lorton offers a wide selection of artistic creations that would delight friends and family in this gift-giving season.

Cappies Review: Thought-provoking and Inspirational

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Robert E. Lee High School.

R.P. McMurphy has always been the bull goose of wherever she goes. She is the wildest, lustiest, strongest woman in the world and, as long as she’s stuck in this cuckoo’s nest, the craziest too, the unquestioned bull goose loony. But when she finds herself butting heads with Nurse Ratched and his relentless iron fist of control, it’s not just fun and games anymore.

Ho Ho Holiday Show in Chantilly

Westfield High’s children’s theater presents its annual “Ho Ho Holiday Show,” Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m.

‘Santa Run’ Brings Joy to Vienna Neighborhoods

Vienna fire department volunteers cruise through community with Santa and candy canes.

When Santa Claus cruises through Vienna-area neighborhoods on an antique fire truck, siren and holiday music blaring through loudspeakers, when North Pole elves dress up as Vienna Volunteer Fire Department [VVFD] EMTs handing out candy canes and dog biscuits, it marks the season of VVFD’s annual week-long Santa Run in the days running up to Christmas.

Arts Council, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Move to a New Home

The Arts Council of Fairfax County and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra have moved to Merrifield, thanks to a space proffered by HITT Contracting, Inc. to the County.

Christmas Market in Tysons

The Tysons Christmas Market is in its second year, this year taking advantage of the new plaza area connecting the mall to adjoining buildings. Lured by the scent of roasting nuts, bratwurst, mulled cider, and baked goods, shoppers will also find an excellent selection of gifts, warm hats, leather, wood and other crafts.

‘The Nutcracker’ at Reston Stage

Last week more than 100 students ages 4 to 18 took audiences on a magical adventure in the Conservatory Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” For more than a decade, fighting mice and triumphing over the evil Mouse King has marked the start of the holiday season for South Lakes High School (SLHS) Senior Colin Lamoureux.

Great Falls Church Offers ‘A Very Musical Service’

If you haven’t heard, there are some wonderful sounds coming from the Great Falls United Methodist Church next to the fire station on Georgetown Pike. There are some seats remaining in the choir loft for anyone interested in joining in what is becoming a very musical Sunday service. At times, the musical program will include brass, string and percussion instruments.

Holiday Mischief at the North Pole

Encore presents musical show, “3 Days ’til Christmas!”

Reindeer, elves and dancing snowflakes are all part of the holiday joy in Encore Theatrical Arts Project’s upcoming musical extravaganza, called “3 Days ’til Christmas!” it’ll be presented at NOVA’s Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.

The Connection