Home Care In Great Falls, VA

There is no word on either victim's condition at this time.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Crews searched for a missing person who was later pulled from the Potomac River Saturday morning. Less than two hours later, another person was rescued after falling in the same area.

According to Pete Piringer, spokesperson for the Montgomery County Fire Department, the swimmer was reported missing in the Great Falls area near the Virginia Chute around 10:15 a.m. The swimmer was reportedly swept downstream.

With the help of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, the swimmer was found and pulled from the water a short time later. The man was taken to the shore in a rescue boat to help from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Emergency Medical Services. He was then taken to an area hospital with critical condition.

Just before 11:45 p.m., Piringer tweeted that another person was rescued in the Great Falls Park area, this time victim fell from the Blue Trail. The person was found near the water's edge. There is no word on how far the person fell or their condition at this time.

Earlier this month, a person was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition after suffering from a medical emergency on aboard a boat on the Potomac River.

Update - Potomac River, patient located in water & pulled from water, now being transported via rescue boat to awaiting @MCFRS_EMIHS on Shoreline (IAO Old Anglers) pic.twitter.com/rYawgaboXp

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 22, 2023

(~1130a) Mutual Aid Great Falls Park, VA @Gr8FallsPark injured person from fall, Blue Trail, patient located near water’s edge (VA side) @mcfrs SW730B, SW710, SW710B & others responding to assist @ffxfirerescue pic.twitter.com/LuHaZ97AJK

— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) July 22, 2023

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GREAT FALLS — Long before the former federal court room on the second floor of the Great Falls Post Office became the Veterans Treatment Court, Carol Richard was helping veterans and others overcome addiction in a career that spanned half a century.

“Carol Richard is an LAC (licensed addictions counselor) who is an Army veteran herself and has been treating addictions and veterans for 50 years.,” said Judge Elizabeth Best who administers the Cascade County Veterans’ Treatment Court and works closely with Richard.

Richard will retire from her LAC position the Department of Veterans Affairs in June.

“Well, I didn't choose it. It chose me,” said Richard when she reflected on her time as a drug and alcohol counselor

The Helena native enlisted in the woman’s Army corps in 1971.

It was while she was working on the psychiatric ward at Denver’s Fitzsimons Army Medical Center when her path was laid out.

“They said, we're going to start a drug and alcohol ward, and we're going to volunteer you and some of your cohorts to go work there,” said Richard.

She was treating Vietnam Veterans during a tumultuous time.

“The men in that went to Vietnam, they did not get a very good reception,” said Richard. “Women didn't get a very good reception either.”

Carol says she’s always had a passion for helping people and is proud of what she’s achieved.

Between her military service and time with the VA, she had a civilian practice in which her treatment was into third generations.

Carol says every addict is different and when treating someone for addiction, it’s important to validate their feelings.

“It allows them to tell me why they're there and maybe to tell me why they don't want to be there,” said Richard.

For those who don’t know addiction, Carol uses a not so clean analogy everybody might understand.

“When was the last time you had diarrhea? Why don't you use willpower and just stop the flow?” said Richard. “It's a biochemical process that happens in the brain and it doesn't just stop.”

For those who are trying comprehend recovery, Carol relates it to a life lesson.

“It isn't an easy process. It's not that they don't want it. It's it's just that it's new, it's unfamiliar, and they have to learn the skills,” said Richard. “They have to feel the support they have to try. It's kind of like riding a bicycle the first time. Some of us have to ride with the training wheels for longer than other people. When we take the training wheels off, sometimes we fall down and we get back on the bike and we ride it again. Recovery is the same way.”

Carol’s involvement in Veterans’ Treatment Court came about when she was asked to fill in for a veterans justice outreach worker and go to training. She asked to be a part of the team and never looked back.

“There's so many different people that are on this team because they want to be there. It's it's kind of a utopic treatment,” said Richard.

Like Judge Best, other members of the team have nothing but praise for Carol.

“Even today when she came in for this (interview) and we put her to work with somebody who's new to the program,” said Cascade County Veterans’ Treatment Court Coordinator Denver Cobb. “We used her knowledge.”

“She's got dedication like no other. I mean, Carol has never really took a vacation,” said Cascade County Veterans' Treatment Court Case Manager Kathy Hankes. “She's always here whether she's logged on Zoom or calling us to see what's going on with all of her clients. When she's away, she's still here.”

At the age of 70, Carol will be retiring from her full-time position with the VA, but that passion of helping veterans will continue.

“It's hard decision to make because I really care about each and every one of the folks that I work with,” said Richard. “So, I asked Judge Best if I could volunteer for the Veterans’ Court. She said, yes, that would be great. So that helps to make retirement easier.”

Carol will be able to spend more time with family but will take on a mentorship role with Veterans’ Treatment Court.

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Winners of the National Merit Scholarship's $2,500 scholarship were chosen from finalists representing less than 1 percent of U.S. seniors.

Mark Hand, Patch Staff

MCLEAN, VA — In the second round of scholarship winners in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program announced Wednesday, students from McLean and Great Falls were among the winners.

There are 2,500 winners of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's $2,500 scholarships from its own funds and organizations sponsoring awards through the corporation. A committee of college admissions officers and school counselors chose the winners based on their application information.

Winners are named in each state in proportion to the state's share of U.S. graduating seniors. According to the corporation, these winners "are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies." Students may use the one-time scholarships at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Virginia had 71 scholarship winners, 15 of whom live in McLean and two of whom live in Great Falls.

The scholarship winners who live in McLean are:

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jackson C. Baldrate

Robert DeMartino

Benjamin Joel

Timothy Johanson

Taein Kim

Dominic J. King

Stephanie Ma

Alexander D. Pomper

Kozmo Rhyu

Anisha Talreja

Patrick Foran Wolff

Emma Yang

Olivia Zhang

Isabella Xindi Zhu

Lilian Zhu

The scholarship winners who live in Great Falls are:

Josephine Amspaugh

Angela J. Zhang

These winners joined around 840 corporate-sponsored scholarship recipients named in April. These scholarships were sponsored by about 107 corporations, company foundations and other business organizations and typically go to National Merit Scholarship finalists who are employees' children or students pursuing college studies or careers that the sponsor wants to support.

On June 7 and July 10, more scholarship recipients will be announced. Around 3,800 students will receive these college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners.

In all, over 7,140 high school students will be awarded approximately $28 million in National Merit Scholarships this year.

Students were entered into the National Merit Scholarship competition as juniors taking the PSAT in 2021. In September 2022, around 16,000 semifinalists were named based on each state's proportion of graduating seniors. Semifinalists were the top scoring entrants in their states and represent less than 1 percent of seniors in the U.S.

To be considered for finalist status, semifinalists had to submit a detailed scholarship application with an essay and details on extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions as well as demonstrate an outstanding academic record and have an endorsement from a high school official. Around 15,000 finalists met requirements for finalists status and were eligible to be chosen for corporate-sponsored, National Merit Scholarship-sponsored and college-sponsored awards.

You don’t have to look far to find the best fall color in Virginia.

Hop the Blue Ridge Parkway and take it north to find great fall foliage in Virginia. Parks across the commonwealth offer up vibrant foliage that blankets the mountains and valleys with the colors of autumn, and it happens sooner than many spots located farther south, which means you can start planning your road trip now. Winding scenic roads will take you to wilderness areas and state parks filled with deep forests of deciduous trees and campgrounds too—all perfect places for leaf peeping. Set your sights on Virginia's parks, and you'll also be charting a course to the area's small mountain towns, rivers, and vistas as well. Sections of the Appalachian Trail also run through, offering unparalleled access to the most dramatic fall sights. Explore a park from our list of the most picturesque autumn places in the Old Dominion state, and you'll be glad you did.

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1. Algonkian Regional Park

Sterling, VirginiaFind 838 acres of hiking trails, fields, and wooded areas in Algonkian Regional Park, located along the Potomac River in northern Virginia. Check out fall color along the river or fish along its banks for a welcome respite after a busy day of activities outside the park—Algonkian is just 30 miles from Washington, D.C.

47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, VA 20165, novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park

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2. Bear Creek Lake State Park

Cumberland, VirginiaThis 326-acre state park has plenty of room to roam along with camping facilities near a scenic lake in the Cumberland State Forest. Located in the central part of the state about an hour from Richmond, the park offers a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals, archery range, and playgrounds. Park trails connect to the 16,000-acre forest.

22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA 23040, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/bear-creek-lake

3. Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks, VirginiaA state park located on the Kentucky-Virginia border, Breaks Interstate Park has campgrounds, picnic areas, lakefront log cabins, and scenic views overlooking the Russell Fork River. If you make the trip in early fall, don't miss the zip lining and elk tours. Peak leaf season usually occurs the last week of October, but you'll catch views of massive sandstone cliffs whenever you visit.

627 Commission Circle, Breaks, VA 24607, breakspark.com

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4. Claytor Lake State Park

Radford, VirginiaEnjoy a day on the water at this 4,500-acre Virginia lake, and be sure to take in the scenic shoreline with its seasonal hues too. Camping and cabins are available in the park, as well as a full-service marina with docking slips and boat rentals. Rent a bike to tour the lake on wheels or stop by the historic Howe House for interactive exhibits on the ecology of the lake and surrounding areas.

6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/claytor-lake

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5. George Washington National Forest

Roanoke, VirginiaThe George Washington and Jefferson National Forests comprise 1.8 million acres across several states, one of the largest stretches of public land in the region. Visit the section in Virginia to see some of the most striking foliage on the East coast. Favorite viewing spots include the High Knob Tower on the state line with West Virginia and the Reddish Knob near Harrisonburg.

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6. Grayson Highlands State Park

Mouth of Wilson, VirginiaStunning vistas along the park's hiking trails are par for the course in Grayson Highlands, which makes anyone who visits year-round, but especially in fall, a fortunate traveler indeed. Near Virginia's two highest mountains, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views at more than 5,000 feet high. Campgrounds, yurts, and a bunkhouse are available in this backpackers' paradise.

829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands

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7. Great Falls Park

McLean, VirginiaIf you like your foliage with a side of whitewater recreation, set your sights on Great Falls Park, which finds the shoreline of the Potomac River turning red and gold during the season. The 800-acre park is only 15 miles from the nation's capital, but you wouldn't know it in this peaceful escape. Explore one of the nation's first canals, see the Great Falls, hike along Mather Gorge's dramatic clifftops, and explore the museum exhibits in the visitor center.

9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102, nps.gov/grfa/index.htm

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8. Hidden Valley Lake

Abingdon, VirginiaFish with a view at Hidden Valley Lake, a mountain lake in Washington County at 3,500 feet. The south side of the lake in this secluded wildlife area is almost completely forested, while the north side provides good bank access for anglers. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits before visiting.

Route 690, Virginia 24210, dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/hidden-valley-lake

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9. Mabry Mill and the Blue Ridge Parkway

Milepost 176, Blue Ridge Parkway, VirginiaYou can't go wrong touring any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. America's longest national park consists of 469 miles of gorgeous roadway connecting Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains. A fan favorite on the Parkway, Mabry Mill, is located 15 miles from the town of Floyd at Milepost 176. Pull out your camera for snapshots of the original Mabry family mill, sawmill, and blacksmith shop in full fall color (cultural demonstrations and music occur on the weekends in early fall).

Milepost 176, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia, nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/mabry-mill-mp-176.htm

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10. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Marion, VirginiaThis recreation area in southwestern Virginia near the Tennessee and North Carolina borders is full of sights to take in, from rugged mountain balds to wild ponies. It includes the Lewis Fork Wilderness area and Mount Rogers, Virginia's highest point. Mount Rogers is also home to a portion of the Virginia Creeper Trail, a popular 34-mile trail open to bikers, runners, walkers, and cross-country skiers.

3714 VA-16, Marion, VA 24354, fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=77722

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11. Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge, VirginiaThe centerpiece of this state park is a 215-foot-tall limestone gorge eroded into a natural bridge by Cedar Creek, which flows below. There are also hiking trails, waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage throughout the park. Admission to the park includes a visit to the Monacan Indian Village; interpretive programs are held through November.

6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/natural-bridge

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12. Seven Bends State Park

Woodstock, VirginiaA few miles from historic Woodstock, find Seven Bends State Park, which offers access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Enjoy a picnic, launch a boat, or set out on a hike along 8 miles of trails. Then explore the northern Shenandoah Valley for wineries and breweries, scenic drives, museums, and battlefields.

2111 South Hollingsworth Road, Woodstock, VA 22664, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends

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13. Shenandoah National Park

Luray, VirginiaYou can enter the 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park from many places, but the best way to see it is by meandering along Skyline Drive and taking in the vistas along the way. Make a stop at Hazel Mountain Overlook near Luray to see the changing leaves. Lodging, camping, and guided horseback rides are available through October; check the website for details.

259 Big Meadows Visitor Road, Stanley, VA 22851, nps.gov/shen/index.htm

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14. Shenandoah River State Park

Bentonville, VirginiaThis 1,600-acre park lies along the shore of the Shenandoah River, with scenic views of the area including Massanutten Mountain and Shenandoah National Park. Stay in the six-room lodge, fully stocked cabins, or campground. Then venture onto 24 miles of trails to check out the views, or spend the day fishing.

350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA 22610, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river

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15. Sky Meadows State Park

Delaplane, VirginiaThis 1,860-acre state park has panoramic views and woodlands, access to the Appalachian Trail, and a historic farm. It's a popular spot for hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Bring a packed lunch to make a day of it, and settle in for a leisurely picnic among the area's changing leaves.

11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows

The Women's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund reached new fundraising heights last month. The organization's spring fundraiser, Miami Vice, raised over $100,000, shattering previous records. As the board and the event committee put in many hours of preparation. They raised $53,000 more than they did the year before.

“We are blown away by the generosity and support of our donors and volunteers,” said Sally Anne Andrew-Pyne. “These funds will make a tangible difference in the lives of students facing financial barriers in pursuing their dreams. Thank you to our generous Great Falls community.” Andrew-Pyne is president of the Woman's Club of Great Falls Scholarship Fund.

Event chair Sumaira Malik and her team and committee members put in countless hours of preparation over the previous six months. They reimagined everything from the auction to the creative content, the website and graphic design, sponsor solicitation, the registration process, finances, the activities, and the exhausting set-up and tear-down.

“I would like to express our deepest gratitude and incredible support from our dedicated and hardworking event team, to our vendors, and to all the attendees and donors in making this fundraiser a resounding success,” Malik said.

Lauryn Nashi, Gigi Bakhtar, Emma Reynolds, Suzanne Charleston, Shelley Davenport, Connie Colabatistto, Kim Moss, Nguyen Roche, Jacqui Reed, Christie Lavin, Megan Dameon, Cory Clarke, Paula Garrison, Bambi Landew, and Sumaira Malik were just a few of the volunteers who undertook the fundraising efforts.

The Fund, EIN: 52-1399501, is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity that continues to open doors to higher education for deserving Northern Virginia students. The Fund's website notes that the students it supports, particularly those from underrepresented groups and low-income backgrounds, "are faced with a myriad of barriers they must overcome to achieve higher education access and ultimately success." These barriers include the rising cost of a college education combined with increased living expenses in our area; the ability to juggle part-time or full-time work on top of a degree; transportation issues; and balancing children and family obligations.

The Fund incorporated the George Mason University Early Identification Program (EIP) into its 2022–2023 giving portfolio as part of its revamped scholarship fundraising efforts. More first-generation EIP students will be able to realize their dream of attending college thanks to the scholarship fund, which will help them enroll at Mason and follow a direct path to a bachelor's degree.

The Fund updated its marketing tools, held meet-and-greet recruiting events, grew its event committee to 30 members, added two board positions, and formed a grant-writing committee to accommodate its rapid expansion.Donations are fully tax deductible beginning on May 20, 2023. All this led the Fund to increase scholarship-giving amounts to $2,500 and awarded 13 scholarships and endowments. The remaining funds are invested so support can be increased and added to in the future.