Fairfax Mayoral Candidates Tackle the Tough Questions
Forum held Monday night at City library.
Fairfax City Council members Michael DeMarco, David Meyer and Ellie Schmidt each hope to become the new mayor on Feb. 7.
‘What If a Garden Could Teach, Inspire Children?’
Lees Corner Elementary celebrates its outdoor classroom.
Lees Corner Elementary’s outdoor classroom.
Hoping to Improve Local Bicycling
FABB shares information, solicits community input.
The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) is an all-volunteer group that advocates for more bike lanes, bike trails and neighborhood connections.
Fairfax: What’s on the City’s Horizon
Multifamily homes and redevelopment
Planned are two, four-story buildings containing 80 condos. Sixteen of the units will be one-bedroom; 48, two-bedroom; and 16, three-bedroom. IDI-RJL Development LLC is building a residential development called The Enclave at the Mantua Professional Center on Pickett Road. The site’s zoned commercial planned development, so both office and condo uses may exist on it.
Our Neighbor's Child Makes Deliveries for Christmas
Thanks to Our Neighbor’s Child, more than 800 local families in need received new toys and clothes for the holidays.
Making Spirits Brighter at Hanley Shelter
The Katherine Hanley Family Shelter serves homeless mothers and their young children.
Fairfax: ‘Just Pause and Don’t Do It’
Residents debate University Drive extension
The City’s proposal to extend University Drive has sparked strong feelings in Fairfax residents. They spoke both for and against it at the Nov. 1 community outreach meeting and before the Nov. 8 City Council meeting. But most of the speakers during Tuesday night’s public hearing were firmly opposed.
Fairfax: University Drive Decision Postponed
Council to mull community’s comments, get more information.
After 29 residents – the vast majority in opposition – spoke about it, the Council decided it needed more time to consider the community’s comments, see if a grid network in Northfax is really needed and obtain more information about its options.
Extraordinary Chantilly Enterprise that’s Changing Lives
DRCE helps people with disabilities drive adapted vehicles.
Owned by two military veterans, Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence helps people with disabilities drive adapted vehicles — and change their lives.
Providing Immigrants with Jobs, Safety and Dignity in Centreville
Centreville Labor Resource Center celebrates fifth anniversary
When the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) holds a celebration, it does so with people, food, music and fun.
Fairfax City: >Red-Light Cameras for Three More Locations
The goal is to increase driver and pedestrian safety.
City Council has given Police Chief Carl Pardiny the go-ahead to have red-light cameras installed at three more City intersections.
Fairfax: Three Council Members Are Vying for Mayor
Politics
Three members of the Fairfax City Council have tossed their hats in the ring to become the City’s next mayor. Vying in the Feb. 7, 2017 special election will be Council members Michael DeMarco, David Meyer and Ellie Schmidt.
Centreville Labor Center to Celebrate Five Years
Public invited to event this Sunday
When the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened its doors, five years ago, to serve the community’s immigrant population, it was hoped that it would be a success.
Ways to Help Our Neighbor’s Child in Centreville and Chantilly
The nonprofit Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) provides financially struggling, local families with new toys and clothes for the holidays.
Snoopy, Muppets, Grinch, Christmas and Hanukkah in Chantilly
Westfield High to present ‘Ho Ho Holiday Show.’
Sugarplum fairies, the Grinch, Charlie Brown, the Muppets and even “Back to the Future’s” Marty McFly are all in Westfield High’s upcoming “Ho Ho Holiday Show.”
Fairfax: Holidays Come to City Concerts, Plays, Santa and S’mores
City of Fairfax ushers in the holiday season.
Christmas in the City of Fairfax is always special. And a full slate of activities from Dec. 3-19 is sure to make holiday spirits bright.
Fairfax: Getting into Holiday Spirit with Encore
Musical extravaganza, ‘Christmas Undercover,’ takes the stage.
“It’s a really cute plot with a detective feel to it, plus Santa Claus,” said Director Raynor van der Merwe. “There’s a strong storyline that sets up beautiful vocal and dance numbers that further tell the story. It’s a very entertaining show for the whole family. For two hours, the youngest to the oldest will be transported to a different world.”
Getting into the Holiday Spirit in Annandale
Just the thing to put people into the holiday spirit is “Christmas Undercover.”
How To Help Our Neighbor’s Child in Centreville
Now in its 25th year, the nonprofit Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC) provides financially struggling, local families with new toys and clothes for the holidays.
Fairfax: Good Battles Evil in Magical World
CFTC presents ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’
It’s WWII in England when four siblings make their way to a world called Narnia through a magic wardrobe. There, they have all kinds of adventures, including defeating the White Witch, the self-proclaimed ruler of Narnia. That’s the premise of the City of Fairfax Theatre Co.’s upcoming production, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It’ll be presented Dec. 1-4 at Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main St. in Fairfax.
Fairfax: ‘More about Giving, than Receiving’
Britepaths seeks community’s holiday help for neighbors in need.
“We anticipate serving about 2,000 families, as opposed to 1,500 last year,” said Britepaths Executive Director Lisa Whetzel. “Normally, we share them with our other nonprofit partners. But what is concerning is that, this year, our partners are scaling back – so we’re in desperate need for people who want to become sponsors.”
Centreville UMC Mission Work Helps the Community
Provides food, household items, diapers, English classes.
Most churches are involved in various missions, and Centreville United Methodist Church (CUMC) is no exception. Describing the church’s congregation as “generous and mission-driven,” its mission director, Michelle Formica, recently discussed several of the church’s missions.
Helping Centreville Families During Holidays
Our Neighbor’s Child provides toys and clothing.
When Centreville’s Kelly Lavin and some friends got together in 1991 to provide Christmas gifts for some families in need in their community, they did so for 15 children. Fast forward to now, and that number has grown to 1,876 children.
Fairfax: Remembering America’s Veterans
OLLI holds annual event in their honor.
Drafted in 1944, Pelzner was trained as a diesel mechanic and assigned to the USS Alchiba supply ship. “We took supplies from the U.S. to the Mariana, Marshall and Caroline Islands and to the Philippines,” he said.
Fairfax: Taste of Fall Nets $80,000 for FACETS
Some 300 people participated in the 17th annual “A Taste of Fall with FACETS,” Nov. 5, at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax. And by evening’s end, they’d contributed more than $80,000.
‘A Blessing for All Involved’
WFCM provides families with food for the holidays.
Christmas dinner is always a highlight of the holiday season. But for people who are hungry and have little or no food in their kitchen, it can be devastating.
Council gives go-ahead to Rust Curve project.
Rust Curve Project Gets ‘Green Light’
The Rust Curve proposal is controversial, with residents on both sides of the issue. But, believing in the many benefits it’ll bring, the Fairfax City Council has given it a green light. The project entails building a continuous brick sidewalk on the west side of Route 123/Chain Bridge Road between Old Town Fairfax and Rust Hill Place. It also replaces the drainage ditch and deteriorating sidewalk along Chain Bridge Road with a new, at-grade curb, gutter and sidewalk.
Fairfax: Paul VI Presents ‘Don’t Go Near the Water’
In an American embassy somewhere behind the Iron Curtain. The ambassador’s son, a bumbler, is running the embassy when three American tourists – parents and their 23-year-old daughter – run inside. They’re being chased by secret police who accuse them of spying and picture-taking. So they seek asylum and make plans to escape. Featuring a cast and crew of 50, Paul VI High presents the rollicking comedy, “Don’t Go Near the Water.” It takes the stage Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 17-20, in the school theater.
Scouting for Food for WFCM Pantry
Volunteers still needed for this Saturday.
Many people in Fairfax County are surprised to learn that there are hungry families right in their midst.
Grocery Gift Cards, Sponsors Sought
WFCM to provide holiday food for families in need.
It’ll soon be time for the holidays, and many local families in need will receive Thanksgiving or Christmas food as recipients of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) Holiday Food Program.
Voters Make Their Wishes Known
Local turnout is steady and heavy.
At Greenbriar East Elementary, as at many polling places throughout the country, voters flocked to the polls in droves Tuesday to vote on national, state and local issues.
Awards and Reminiscences
Kirby looks back while preparing for the future.
During Pete Kirby’s retirement celebration Saturday night, a video highlighting his career was shown. He then received several awards.
Murder Charge Goes to Grand Jury
Caterer stabbed after E.C. Lawrence Park wedding.
On the surface, an argument over folding chairs after an Aug. 6 wedding at Cabell’s Mill in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park led a woman’s fatal stabbing and a man charged with murder.
Getting into Holiday Spirit
Lord of Life Lutheran Church presents “White Christmas.”
With their former, WWII Army commander in danger of losing his country inn in Vermont, song-and-dance team Bob Wallace and Phil Davis come to the rescue.
Quenching ‘Fires,’ Saving ‘Kittens’
Children enjoy Oct. 15 open house at Fire Station 17 in Centreville.
Wigging Out at Union Mill
Teachers, staff wear colorful hair in support of Melissa Kees.
Sure, teachers at Union Mill Elementary wear candy-colored wigs on Fridays. But that doesn’t mean they’re not serious about educating their students — it shows they’re standing by a colleague.
Having Adventures, Finding a Family
Alliance Theatre presents “James and the Giant Peach Jr.”
To Go Show times are: Nov. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m., at Mountain View High School, 5775 Spindle Lane (off Braddock Road) in Centreville. For ticket prices and other information, go to www.thealliancetheatre.org.
Attracting New Businesses, Improving the Economy
City of Fairfax establishes Technology Zone
The City Council has now established a citywide Technology Zone. Board Co-Chair Fred Cornett said, “Most cities of our size in Northern Virginia have Technology Zones – there are 40 total in the commonwealth. So to level the playing field, it would be beneficial to us to have a Technology Zone Ordinance to at least have what everybody else has in their tool kit.”
Fairfax Rotary Club Celebrates 85 Years
Serves people at home and abroad
“It’s about the Rotary motto, ‘Service above Self,’” explained Tuininga. “We also donate financially to the Boys and Girls Scouts programs and to the Fairfax Police Youth scholarship.” The Rotary Club of Fairfax had just 16 members when it was chartered in 1931 by local businessmen and community leaders. Today, it’s 75 members strong, has a long history of service to the City and just celebrated its 85th anniversary.
Having Adventures, Finding Family
Fairfax students are in ‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’
When 10-year-old James loses his parents, he has to live with his two mean aunts. But things get better when he discovers a magic potion that grows a gigantic peach. Alliance Theatre’s upcoming musical, “James and the Giant Peach Jr.,” is about courage and self-discovery.
Fairfax: Four People Share Their Own Stories
They tell how the Lamb Center changed their lives.
During the Lamb Center’s banquet last week, the center’s assistant director, Patti Brown, said the guests inspire her every day. Four of them then shared their stories with those attending the event.
Fairfax: ‘A Place Where Hope Is Restored’
Community celebrates the Lamb Center’s blessings.
Each year, the Lamb Center in Fairfax holds a celebration banquet to acknowledge and appreciate its many blessings. This year, more than ever, it has a great deal to celebrate, and it did so last Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Waterford in Fair Oaks.
Seeing the Childhood of an Iconic Character
Chantilly High presents “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Most people are familiar with the story of “Peter Pan,” but don’t know how he became the boy who never grew up. So Chantilly High is telling his prequel in its upcoming play, “Peter and the Starcatcher.”
Gathering Against Hunger
They measure, weigh and package food for Stop Hunger Now.
Besides feeding the soul, churches can also feed the body — literally. And on Sunday, Sept. 25, members of Centreville United Methodist Church (CUMC) did just that.
ONC, Kim Recognized at Centreville Day
Each year, the Centreville Day Planning Committee recognizes individuals or organizations making a difference in Centreville. This year’s awards, presented by Supervisor Kathy Smith (D-Sully) on Saturday, Oct. 15, went to Yom Chu Kim, Citizen of the Year, and Our Neighbor’s Child (ONC), Nonprofit Citizen of the Year.
Fairfax: ‘It’s a Place that Feels Like Home’
Cobbdale Assisted Living opens in Fairfax.
Cobbdale Assisted Living opened Sept. 1 in the City of Fairfax. But instead of being in an industrial-looking facility, it’s in a renovated home in a quiet, established, residential neighborhood.
Centreville: ‘A Great Resource in our Community’
CIF event celebrates diversity, honors achievement.
The Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) is dedicated to helping local immigrants find work and better their lives. So it was fitting that the theme for its second annual dinner was “Celebrating Our Global Community.”
Come One, Come All to Centreville Day
Fun-filled, community celebration is this Saturday.
A fusion of community camaraderie, history and fun for all ages, the 24th annual Centreville Day celebration is this Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in Historic Centreville Park, 5714 Mount Gilead Road (off Braddock Road, across Route 29 from the IHOP).
Fairfax: Three Properties Are Recognized
Homeowners receive Residential Appearance Awards.
When it comes to homes, looks count – and three properties in the City of Fairfax were recently honored with Residential Appearance Awards. They were presented during the Sept. 13 City Council meeting by Kirk Holley, chairman of the Community Appearance Committee.
Fairfax Fall Festival is Saturday, Oct. 8
Promises entertainment and fun for all ages.
The City of Fairfax is the place to be this Saturday, Oct. 8, for the 40th annual Fairfax Fall Festival. (Rain date, Oct. 9). Admission is free and the live music will continue after dark. Vendors will be there from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the carnival runs until 8 p.m. and musicians will jam in Old Town Square until 8:30 p.m.