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LAST MONTH
The last issue was our first. No, we can't blame any typos and errors on a blackberry.
We neglected to mention the name of our fellow resident who perished on the Pike. He was Albert Carl Roeth, III. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
We heard from several readers and a few shared items for this and future issues. Thank you for the positive responses.
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CPC PAINTING
Now serving Great Falls, McLean and Others.
www.cpcpainting.com
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Generator anyone?
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Dog Days
Its hot and humid. School's around the corner.
There's much going on around the Village you should know. We'll brief you on the status of the TD Bank/Exxon and the trees VDOT is in the process of removing. We'll help you get ready for your new routine flying to work or getting involved at school.
The Rotary Club puts out a call for nominees for the "2012 Outstanding Citizen of the Year" award. They are on the hunt for an unsung hero. We'll ask you for some info if you still want "in" on the generator group buy. If you are in the market for a new free email address check out the story on outlook.com. Thinking about buying or selling your house? Read the Real Estate Report.
Now lets have some fun. This is Great Falls.
This month we introduce new fun features. In "Five Questions" we'll ask often interviewed Chef Jacques 5 questions you want to know the answers to. We'll join M.Vincent's Wine Club (of Ritz Carlton-Tysons fame). He shares his passion for wine and offers uneditted ("Pardon my English, I'm French") recommendations and practical advice for your cellar. In History Lesson, you literally have cake and eat it too. Find out how to learn some really cool stuff about Dranesville, eat lunch and help the GF Seniors. Oh, almost forgot, we now have a Facebook page where we'll share items in between issues. Feel free to comment and submit.
Whew, summer's almost over. Mike doesn't know it yet but the Rotary's about to have a BEACH party at the Brogue on Friday 8/24. Awards for the best beach outfit. Learn more here and "Don't forget to bring your towel."
The Editor |
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Village Brief
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State workers were observed surveying the large tree at the corner of Walker and the Pike along with many others. Elsewhere, signs still herald the now "postponed" upcoming closure of Beach Mill for bridge work between Springvale and Utterback. Read more. The Exxon is still in business.
Chef Jacques published a new book and a DVD collection of recipes. Work continued in one mall as we wondered just when Siciliano's new patio will finally open. Salud Natural Market started selling organic and health foods and supplements. Starbucks finally opened for business. The Tavern's got a new menu. Dante's got a new website. Glamour Nails & Spa opened a new Beauty Center.
The Rotary Club inducted a new team of officers. The GF Seniors are actively looking for event sponsors. The GF Network Group on LinkedIn soared past 900 members.
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What's new in your world? Share your items before the 1oth. |
Another Bank?
"The meeting last night went much like the meeting last time: TD Bank presented their case for what a great neighbor and invaluable member of the community they want to be, and also got into some details regarding the environmental concerns here at the Exxon and the remediation and construction plan.
The biggest complaint from GF residents was "do we really need another bank?" TD's take on it is a fait acompli argument of: the landlord is removing the gas tanks, so the station is gone anyway and they (TD) may as well be the new tenant.
To bring everyone up to speed: On 9/1/2012 the gas tanks and pumps will be removed from Great Falls Exxon. I will still be here operating the repair shop and doing inspections until, at least, February of 2013 but the Walker Road Entrance will most likely be unusable, since there will be giant holes in the ground.
On 1/1/2013 I will be taking over the operation of the current Great Falls Shell, which allows me to stay in Great Falls and continue to serve my customers. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you to everyone for a terrific 14 years here at the Exxon. I look forward to another 14 at the Shell."
- Saman L.
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VDOT 59, YOU ??
VDOT's chainsaws are buzzing in GF as it removes 59 trees that were deemed unsafe in the aftermath of the accident last month. All of the trees to be removed sit in the VDOT right of way and some have been marked with an "x". The 2 trees at Walker and the Pike are safe for now. Read more.
But what about the ones on your side of the right of way that pose a danger to you or others? Check your trees and your policies for exclusions and/or limitations.
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Five Questions ..
Beyond the recipe.
Years back Chef Jacques's dad, François started serving up French fare in Great Falls. When he passed away, Jacques took over, expanded the business, built its 5-star reputation, and became an international celebrity. More here.
Q: Whassup?
Chef: Oh, mon Dieu, I've been pretty busy. In addition to keeping the restaurant, Brasserie and Le Bar Rouge running and hosting fundraisers for various charities I've made a few appearances on national and local TV. I have also produced a DVD collection of my PBS series, "Two for Tonight", romantic recipes for two. Prepare a meal for that special someone - it works! Also new on DVD, "Les Desserts", an instructional video on how to prepare our most popular desserts. So if you like our cooking ....I must admit that I prefer you dine at the restaurant but if you must cook at home you will enjoy our new DVDs.
Q: Do you serve what you hunt?
Chef: No I don't. I love to travel to hunt small game but I usually cook and eat what I shoot while still on the trip. All meat served in a restaurant must be Federally inspected and we certainly don't want "market hunting" which is rightfully illegal. We do host several hunting groups each year and prepare their game. I do serve many of the fruits and vegetables I grow in the garden behind the patio.
Q: How many ways can you cook spam?
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Chef: I can serve it up at least 35 different ways and I'm still counting. My Dad loved spam and a Bud. So when he was around it was served at home often. Spam was invented by a French chef. It's not my cup of tea and so no, it's not on any of our menus. But we will try to honor special requests.
Q: What's next?
Chef: I'm having too much fun right now to think of doing anything different from what I am doing.
Q: Guilty or not guilty?
Chef: Guilty of being a French Chef and smiling for the camera.
(Let the editor know who you would interview and what you would ask them by clicking here.)
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Back To Work (Frequent Flying)
We won't bore you with stats but more of us are flying and we're doing it more often for work (and play). Here's some useful numbers for frequent flyers and their families.
Need a reliable WashFly Cab to Dulles? Its 703 572 TAXI. Towncar to/fro National? Call 877 566 4577.
Need to page someone at the airport? For Dulles airport call 703 572 8296; National airport call 703 417 8000 or 703 417 1806.
Need to surf online flight information? Dulles; National
Leave something at the airport? For Dulles call 703 572 8479 ; For National call 703 417 8560.
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Back To School (FCPS)
The first day of school is 9/4 with many attending locker nights in the preceding week. (Full calendar here.)
In case you missed it, they hardly learn cursive anymore and homework is posted on Blackboard. You actually buy fewer supplies each year as more work is done on computers. Signup/update for the County's Keep In Touch messaging here. Here's a few of the personnel changes in local schools:
- GFES: Mr Ray Lonnett takes over as Principal. He was formerly Assistant Principal at Colvin Run. Jennifer Sobich begins her term as PTA President.
- FRES: Becky Zeiller begins her term as PTA President.
- CRES: David Stratuik comes in as Assistant Principal. Laura Skeen begins her term at the PTO.
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2012 Outstanding Citizen Award
The Rotary Club of Great Falls is now accepting nominations from organizations and the general public.
Nominees must reside in GF, have made a difference in any aspect of our lives anywhere in the world and be sponsored by two GF residents. Sponsors must separately submit a written justification for why their nominee deserves to be recognized as an unsung hero who exemplifies "service to others before self". Nominees must not be a member of the Rotary or lead a similar community service organization.
Nominees must agree to attend a local award ceremony if chosen. The winning candidate will be selected by GF Rotary and other civic leaders. The winner of the GF award will qualify for consideration of additional Rotary awards.
Email your nominees and justifications to the editor by the deadline of September 30.
The Rotary meets on Thursdays at 730 am for Breakfast ($15/nonmember) at River Bend Golf & Country Club. Visit their site for more information.
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Microsoft recently upgraded it's free Hotmail and MSN email services and added a new email domain.
If you are tired of being mary543@... or joe1735@ .... you might just want to try and get the email address you always wanted @outlook.com. Visit outlook.com to sign up.
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Charity Classic Car and Unique Vehicle Show
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Generator Anyone?
If you signed up for the group buy we're going to set up an info session but we'll need to put you in groups based on what you want to do. A questionnaire has been sent out. Don't know what you want to do? Not to worry. Download the survey form to signup.
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M. Vincent's Wine Club
Ritz-Carlton Sommelier Offers Wines & Advice
An expert Sommelier shares his top imported wines and practical advice for wine lovers and novices alike.
 | | M. Vincent Feraud at work. |
Argyle Brut, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, $24 retail
Great for apéritif
Fantastic Oregon blend and tasty! Rich flavor with a long finish of apple and honeysuckle flavors. This sparkling wine has very small bubbles and is easy to drink. This is how you can recognize a great sparkling wine or Champagne. To enjoy this wine please do not wait more than 3 years.
Muscadet 2010, Domaine Branger, $15 retail
A glass of wine during the cooking time
This is one of the best wines you can buy for the value! It tastes rich, creamy with great acidity and a long finish on your palate....This wine will make you want to eat some ''amuse bouche''. Please do not keep this wine more than a year in your cellar; it doesn't get better with age.
Sancerre 2009, ''Ammonites Vineyard'' Domaine Mattias Roblin, $36 retail
Special occasion or with good friend
This is the best Sancerre I've tasted and one of the first wines I tasted when I started my apprenticeship to become Sommelier in a Relaix-Chateau in France. This producer makes his Sancerre very rich but at the same time has a great sense of freshness and minerals. I consider this wine to have "great balance'' and this is what you are looking for when you drink wine.
Château Beau-Site 2009, St Estephe, Bordeaux $43
Time to build your wine collection!
2009 was one of the best years made in the Bordeaux region and all the collectors are looking for this vintage. This Chateau is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bordeaux wines usually taste earthy yet the vintage of 2009 is velvety and rich with unique flavors of black fruits and sweet tannin. You can store this wine in your cellar for nearly 10 years which in turn results in the ability to then see just how smooth this wine can be on your palate. Please serve this wine at a temperature no higher than 62 degrees to best experience this rare vintage.
(Editor: The Ritz is convenient to our Galleria shoppers and those who work in the Tysons area. All these and many more selections are available at Entyse at the Ritz Carlton Tysons.
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History Lesson - Dranesville
(Editor: Dranesville? Great Falls is actually in the Dranesville District of Fairfax County.)
This area is full of history. On December 20, 1861 5,000 Union solders battled and defeated 4,000 Confederates at the intersection of what is now the Pike and Route 7. Nearby stands the Dranesville Tavern (est. 1824). You can find a map of the battle here and see more history here.
GF Seniors and others will meet at the Dranesville Tavern on Sep 11 at 11 AM for a special presentation of "The History of the Dranesville Tavern and the Battle of Dranesville". There will also be a demonstration of Civil War Music. Lunch will be served. Donations suggested. Reserve online or call Linda at 703-759-3721 by 9/7.
(Organized by the GF Senior Center, a center "without walls".)
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The Real Estate Report
According to Roz Drayer of TTR Sotheby's International Realty our Metro area has one of the strongest real estate markets in the US. The average sold price is up 3.5% year on year and the average "days on the market" has dropped dramatically to 54 days. That trend is slowly creeping out from DC to GF. GF still averages 74 days on the market.
At the end of July there were 159 houses listed for sale in GF. The median asking price was $2,287,000 with the most expensive home on the market priced at $8,750,000.
Most of the activity has been at the lower end of the market. 22 houses sold in July. Their average sold price was $1,032,000 with the most expensive one sold at $2,175,000. The total sold this year of $26,209,450 is up 72.33% from the same time last year. Comparing this month to the same time last year they are down 2.25%.
Still underwater in GF? If you have a Wells Fargo jumbo or conventional mortgage and have been paying on time they will refi without an appraisal. Contact your lender for more information on the program.
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Calendar
- Rotary Beach Party at the Brogue, 8/24 6pm
- History of Dranesville, 9/11 GF Seniors 11am
- Cars Cruiz-In, 9/16
- Fore The Kids Golf Tournament, 10/1
- Farmer's Market, Saturdays 10am
- Katie's Cars & Coffee, Saturdays 7am
- Concerts on the Green, Sundays 6pm
- Rotary Distinguished Speakers @ RBCC, Thu 730am
Share your items before the 10th of each month. |
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Next Month
The kids are in school and the leaves start to change color. We'll interview someone else and tell more stories. Enjoy. Its still nice outside.
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