50 Years of Enriching Lives

By SOFIA ROMAN

As the writer of the feature article, one of my questions is why you love the McLean community, and believe it or not, inside the answer I always get, I find the McLean Community Center. It is unbelievable that it has been 50 years standing for the community this year. For half a century, MCC has stood as a beacon of connection, culture, and enrichment for the residents of McLean, Virginia. Its evolution from concept to reality is a reflection of the dedication of community organizers who saw the need for a central hub where neighbors could come together to learn, celebrate, and grow. Nicknamed “The Center of it All,” MCC has become an integral part of McLean, oering a space where residents can explore new interests, engage with neighbors, and enjoy enriching experiences. Generations of McLean families have benefitted from its educational programs, cultural events, and social gatherings, creating a legacy of community togetherness. The idea for MCC was sparked by Robert Ames Alden, a devoted community organizer who envisioned a village green in McLean—complete with a library, a park, and a community center. Through years of persistence, the necessary land was acquired, a referendum was passed, and a sustainable framework was established to support the center’s programs. MCC oicially opened its doors in 1975 as an agency of the Fairfax County Government and has been administered by an 11-member governing board ever since. When MCC first opened, it operated with just three sta members, oering a handful of classes, performances at The Alden Theatre, and special events. Over the years, its programming has expanded exponentially to cater to all ages and interests. Today, MCC produces the beloved McLean Day festival—an event that celebrated its centennial in 2015 and now attracts more than 10,000 attendees annually. Other notable programs include the Independence Day Celebration at Langley High School, over 300 diverse classes, and initiatives like the Seniors in Action program and the Youth Ambassador program. The Alden Theatre has also become a premier venue, hosting internationally renowned artists.

As MCC embarks on its next chapter, Executive Director Betsy May-Salazar envisions a future where the center continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community. “The programs we oer today are very dierent from the programs offered 50 years ago and will probably be very dierent in 50 years,” she says. “But if we continue to fulfill our role of encouraging connections and being a resource, I believe the center will continue to be vibrant and important to this community.” To ensure ongoing relevance, MCC conducts an annual community feedback survey to shape future programs and services. GET INVOLVED IN THE CELEBRATION MCC has planned a series of special events to mark its golden anniversary, including a commemorative tree planting, a typographical sculpture unveiling, a mural dedication, and a grand Community 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 18, from 5-10 p.m. For more information on MCC’s history, upcoming events, and ways to get involved, visit McLean Community Center’s official 50th Anniversary page. As it enters its next half-century, MCC remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a gathering place where McLean residents of all ages can learn, celebrate, and connect—just as its founders envisioned 50 years ago.