Opinion

Letter: Pulled Back to 18th Century

I read with interest Del. Barbara Comstock’s piece [“Investing in 21st Century Industries and Jobs,” Connection, August 21-27, 2013]. If Ms. Comstock really wants to make Virginia a welcoming destination for new businesses, she should stop voting for socially repressive and discriminatory legislation. Tax breaks and open land are not the only factors that companies consider when deciding to make a move. Top executives also consider traffic problems and education, both issues whose solutions Ms. Comstock has failed to support.

Insiders' Tips: Places to Visit in Dranesville District

Supervisor John W. Foust (D-Dranesville) recommends places to see in the area.

Newcomers to Dranesville should visit our beautiful Potomac riverfront parks. Scotts Run in McLean offers fantastic hiking trails and great views of the Potomac. Riverbend Park and Great Falls National Park in Great Falls have visitor centers, great trails, spectacular river views and scenic picnic areas.

Insiders’ Tips: What Are Your Favorite Places in McLean?

After four dynamic years yielding him two Cappie awards and an EP of original songs, McLean’s Damian Leverett, 18, cites the food of Chop n Chicken at 1375 Beverly Road, McLean, as the main fuel to his fire. The recent McLean High School graduate says, “It was my favorite meal to have before performances. … They catered a few of our all-night rehearsal dinners and fed us in between matinee and evening shows.” The aspiring actor recommends the “Create Your Own” option which allows customers to add any three toppings to the restaurant’s namesake dish, but he adds that because “every dish has their delicious chopped chicken … it’s hard to go wrong.” As Leverett prepares to study acting at the Guthrie Theater BFA Program at the University of Minnesota, he reflects on the family-owned business as “definitely the restaurant I’ll miss most when I move away for college.”

Insiders' Tips: What Do You Like Most About Living in McLean?

“I would say McLean is a really top quality residential area. The school system here is famous in Fairfax County. I’ve also enjoyed all the people I’ve met so far. Over 13 years, I have known many good neighbors, parents, teachers and other people involved in all kinds of organizations. Even during the daily grocery shopping experience, I just feel that things are so convenient and pleasant every time. The feeling I have about the culture of the community here is that everyone is looking for the best to contribute back to the community, especially the experience I had with Churchill Elementary School, Cooper Middle School and Langley High School so far.

On the Potomac at Riverbend

Whether a newcomer or an "oldcomer" like me, I urge everyone to explore Riverbend Park and the Potomac as it flows by Great Falls.

For the past several years I have been photographing the landscapes, landmarks and wildlife of this place we call Great Falls. During this period I have been to Riverbend Park numerous times with my camera, but in May 2012 I noticed a sign near the boat rental area that listed the rates for each type of craft such as canoes, kayaks and aluminum flat-bottomed jon boats.

Insiders’ Tips: What Is So Great About Living in Great Falls?

"The best thing about Great Falls is the fact that we’re surrounded by natural parks and trails; it’s relatively undisturbed and scenic here. But at the same time, we have Washington, D.C. nearby, and good public transportation to get there. You should definitely make an effort to learn your way around and figure out the most accessible way to D.C. I also like that Great Falls has lots of public fields and athletic facilities to use. In the summer, I play pick-up soccer with my friends twice a week at the Great Falls Grange, which is a good way to unwind."

Letter: The Story Well Told

I commend Alex McVeigh for his piece on the water contamination issue ("Station Remediation Plan Nears Completion," Great Falls Connection, August 14-20, 2013). My wife and I attended the meeting, which was long (over two hours) and complicated, even tedious and occasionally a bit contentious.

Editorial: About the Connection

As your local, weekly newspaper, the Great Falls Connection’s mission is to bring the local news you need, to gather information about the best things in and near your community, to advocate for community good, to provide a forum for dialogue on local concerns, and to celebrate and record milestones and events in the community and people’s lives.

About the Almanac

Newcomers and Community Guide 2013-2014

Newcomers and Community Guide 2013-2014; About the Almanac

The facts on the proposed library pilot program.

There has been much confusion about the recently-announced recommendation from the Library Board to pilot some changes to more efficiently serve library patrons at two county libraries.

Viewpoints: Schools Ready for New Beginning

Principals set goals for the new school year.

The Connection