The McLean Ear: Well-known Neighbor Sings, New Job for Merrick, Kevin Fay Honored

Colin Powell Sings. McLean's famous neighbor Colin Powell holds many titles: four-star general, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of State, best-selling author, and now singer. There he was on the CBS Morning News Show recently, singing an impromptu duet with co-host Gayle King. The general can sing.

Kevin Fay, Northern Virginian of the Year. McLean neighbor, Kevin Fay, was named one of a handful of Northern Virginians of the Year in the most recent issue of Northern Virginia magazine.

He was cited for his work on behalf of the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Fay, a long time advocate for increased funding for leukemia research, has helped raise more than $3 million dollars for the society.

Fay is president of Alcalde & Fay, a public and government affairs firm. In McLean he is perhaps best known as the Dranesville representative to the Fairfax County Park Authority Board.

New Job for Caren Merrick. Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell last week appointed the McLean resident to the controversial Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board (MWAA).

She replaces Dennis Martire, a labor representative on the board that oversees Washington's two airports, the Dulles Toll Road and the new Silver Line Metrorail line scheduled to operate from Falls Church to Dulles Airport.

The Washington Post reported: "The governor has been seeking greater influence with the airports authority. Pushing out Martire, an appointee of former governor Tim Kaine (D), allowed McDonnell to install Merrick, a businesswoman who ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate against Democrat Barbara Favola, a former Arlington County board member.