Fairfax: Testifying ‘Took Courage, But it was Important’
Matthew’s victim explains how assault affected her.
On Sept. 24, 2005, Jesse L. Matthew Jr. viciously attacked a young, City of Fairfax woman, leaving her beaten and bloody on the ground. But in court last week – and during his June 8 trial – she needed only words, not fists, to respond to him at last.
Chantilly: Little Children, Big Vehicles
Third annual Touch A Truck was Saturday, June 13, outside the Chantilly Regional Library.
Centreville: ‘It Keeps Him Alive for Us’
Family, friends raise cancer-research funds in Jimmy Breslin’s name.
A Fairfax County firefighter for 28 years, Jimmy Breslin died of cancer last year at age 55, but he’s never far from the thoughts of his friends and family.
Paul VI High Is Leaving Fairfax
School will move to a new, much larger site in Loudoun County.
It’s the end of an era and a done deal: Paul VI High School is leaving the City of Fairfax for a new campus in Loudoun County. And while it won’t happen until 2020, it’ll be a big change for both the school and the City – but one they both saw coming.
Centreville: Roundups for Week of June 10, 2015
Each year, a cabaret is held in honor of Westfield High grad and Virginia Tech victim Reema Samaha. And the 8th Annual Remembrance Cabaret is this Saturday, June 13, in Westfield’s theater. It begins with a silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by a variety show at 7 p.m.
Centreville: A Time for Celebration
CPMSAC honors high school students’ academic achievements.
It was a time to celebrate. And that’s just what happened at the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee’s (CPMSAC) 30th Annual Youth Motivation and Academic Awards program.
Centreville: ‘Diverse Travel Choices?’
Residents hear I-66 improvement plans, give opinions.
VDOT plans to improve travel on the 25 miles of I-66 between Route 15 in Haymarket and the I-495/Capital Beltway. So it’s created three alternatives and will take the best elements from each — tempered by residents’ comments from several public hearings — and develop the final design.
Chantilly: Remembering, Honoring Reema
8th annual cabaret is Saturday, June 13.
Reema Samaha was one of the victims killed April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech, but the Westfield High graduate will always be remembered by her friends and family. And each year, a cabaret is held in her honor.
Centreville/Chantilly: Local Schools Countdown to Cappies
Directors react to high-school theater nominations.
Celebrating the best in high-school theater, the 16th annual Cappies Gala will be held this Sunday, June 7, at 7 p.m., at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Centreville/Chantilly: ‘Long Time Coming, But Worth the Wait’
Celebrating Stringfellow Road’s reconstruction.
As a major conduit between Chantilly and Centreville, Stringfellow Road is heavily used by area residents. It’s also the gateway to four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, a regional library, two parks, several athletic fields, churches, shopping centers and highly populated neighborhoods.
‘These Were Not Just Names, but People’
City of Fairfax honors local, fallen veterans on Memorial Day.
Sure, Memorial Day is a holiday from work and school – a time when friends and family gather for fun-filled picnics, barbecues and pool parties. But the celebration is made possible by something much more serious – America’s many, selfless veterans. And Monday morning, May 25, some 60 people gathered in the Veterans Amphitheater outside Fairfax City Hall to pay them tribute.
Looking at the Alternatives
Information presented on I-66/Route 28 interchange improvement.
One day, in the not-too-distant future, the I-66/Route 28 interchange in Centreville will be improved to reduce congestion and make life easier for every driver using it. But first, VDOT and area residents are deciding how best to proceed.
Fairfax County Looking at the Alternatives for I-66
Information presented on I-66/Route 28 interchange improvement.
One day, in the not-too-distant future, the I-66/Route 28 interchange in Centreville will be improved to reduce congestion and make life easier for every driver using it. But first, VDOT and area residents are deciding how best to proceed.
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of May 27
Fairfax County Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a critical missing adult. Fifty-six-year-old In Hong Won walked away from his home in Centreville on May 20.
15 Cappie Nominations For Local Schools
The 2014-15 Cappie nominations for high-school theater were announced Monday night, with two local schools garnering a total of 15 nominations. Fairfax High received nine nods for “Big: The Musical,” and Paul VI got six for its play, “The Miracle Worker.”
City of Fairfax Doubles Money Allocated for FRHC
Organization provides no-interest, home-improvement loans.
Business is booming for the City of Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corp. (FRHC). So to help it carry out its mission, the Fairfax City Council doubled the amount of money it had allocated for the organization in its FY 2016 budget.
Chantilly High Presents 29th Jazz & Pizzazz
Annual extravaganza of singing and dancing.
Bright lights, colorful costumes and spectacular singing and dancing – that’s Chantilly High’s Jazz & Pizzazz. And this year’ extravaganza, the 29th annual, is slated for Wednesday-Saturday, May 27-30, at 7 p.m. each night.
‘Showing the Soul of a Community’
County, private sector unite to build workforce housing.
With an eye toward providing workforce housing in the local area, Fairfax County recently broke ground on a 270-unit apartment complex in Fair Oaks.
Chantilly Takes Virginia Economic Championship
Third state victory in a row and sixth altogether.
For the third year in a row, a team from Chantilly High has won the state championship in economics. The four students took first place in the Adam Smith Division (advanced economics) of the 2015 Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance.
20 Cappie Nominations for Local Schools
The 2014-15 Cappie nominations for high-school theater were announced Monday night, May 18, with the three local schools garnering a total of 20 nominations.
City of Fairfax Seeks a Brand
It would identify the City’s unique qualities.
It’s been 15 or 16 years since the City of Fairfax has given serious thought to possibly adopting a brand-marketing campaign. So, to learn how the City could better promote itself, City Manager Bob Sisson arranged for an expert in that field to address the City Council.
Shaving Heads in Solidarity
Tara Sankner is a 10-year-old Fairfax girl who’s fighting Astrocytoma Grade 2 brain cancer.
Work Starts on Roundabout in Centreville
Work starts on controversial roundabout in Centreville.
Despite the objections of many local residents, work is now beginning on the roundabout at the Braddock /Pleasant Valley roads intersection beside Cox Farms in Centreville.
Born to Run 5K Set for June 6
Fundraiser honors deceased middle-school teacher.
Nothing can bring back Jannine Parisi. A well-respected Franklin Middle School teacher, she died in November 2013 at age 47 as a result of domestic violence.
Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”
Fairfax City Council Adopts FY 2016 Budget
Real-estate tax rate will rise slightly.
Last week’s City Council meeting often seemed more like a work session, with members still haggling about the real-estate tax rate. But after much discussion, some failed motions and several votes, they finally came to a consensus.
Introducing the City of Fairfax's First, 24-Hour Park
Old Town Square open for business and fun.
It wasn’t just Saturday morning’s ribbon-cutting that signaled the official opening of the City of Fairfax’s Old Town Square. It was all the people who gathered there, the children playing in the splash pad and the friends and neighbors enjoying themselves afterward at the Derby-Q festival.
61 Sports Events over 10 Days
Fairfax County hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games.
A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents.
Food, Fun, Music and an Astronaut at Chantilly Day
Fourth annual Chantilly Day celebration is May 16.
A festival filled with fun and entertainment — that’s what’s in store at the fourth annual Chantilly Day celebration. It’s set for Saturday, May 16, at the Sully Place Shopping Center, off Route 50 West in Chantilly.
Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax
Homes, grocery renovation and road improvements.
Several development projects are either proposed or in the works in the City of Fairfax. Below is a snapshot of some of them:
Roundups for the Week of April 29, 2015
Roundups for the Week of April 29, 2015
Neighborhood Outlook: What’s on Chantilly's Horizon?
Homes, shops, restaurant and Wegmans proposed for Westfields.
With the downturn in the office market, developers are looking at vacant parcels of land in the Westfields area of Chantilly as a place for residential and other uses, instead.
Guevara Wins GOP’s Nod
A 16-vote victory to become Republican candidate for supervisor.
It’ll be John Guevara vs. Kathy Smith in the upcoming race to represent the Sully District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Fairfax Old Town Square Debuting in Style on May 2
Ribbon-cutting and Derby-Q event.
The City of Fairfax’s brand-new Old Town Square will make its debut Saturday, May 2, with two special events. First, at 9 a.m., will be the official ribbon-cutting on the City’s new gathering place that features decorative fountains.
Woodson High Premieres Musical 'Waiting'
Seated right onstage, the audience becomes part of the action when Woodson High presents an original musical, “Waiting.” It presents a slice of teenage life, as seen through the eyes of servers at a diner. The cast and crew of nearly 70 have been rehearsing since February, and the show is the world premiere of a play by Sarah Motes Ashley. She and Woodson Director Terri Hobson attended Woodson together as teens.
Fairfax High Presents 'Big: The Musical'
In today’s world, many young people spend so much time on their smartphones that they miss chances to just go out and play. But Fairfax High’s production of “Big: The Musical” reminds them and others to sometimes be kids again and have fun doing so.
Chantilly Students are Opening a Serious Chapter in History with 'Radium Girls'
Chantilly High is performing the play, “Radium Girls.”
A slice of American history is presented in Chantilly High’s production of the drama, “Radium Girls.” It features a cast and crew of 35, and Director Ed Monk says his young thespians are doing a terrific job.
Westfield High Presents "Pajama Game" May 1-2
“Pajama Game” is Westfield High’s Cappies show.
Featuring a cast and crew of 60 and a 25-piece orchestra, Westfield High presents the musical comedy, “Pajama Game.” It’s the school’s Cappies show and the students have been rehearsing since March.
Centreville High Takes on Teddy Roosevelt, Murder and Comedy
Centreville High presents “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
A comedy about an unlikely subject, “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place in a house in Brooklyn in the 1930s. Two, sweet, elderly ladies, the Brewster sisters, live there and are well-liked by everyone. But they have a big secret ...
Centreville: International Showcase Set for Saturday
Centreville’s diverse restaurant scene will be front and center at the Centreville International Showcase, this Saturday night, April 25, from 6-9:30 pm., at Centreville United Methodist Church, 6400 Old Centreville Road in Centreville.
Cannons, Hayrides Music and Fun at Fairfax's Civil War Day
Civil War Day set for Historic Bleinheim on April 25.
Civil War camp life and weapon-firing demonstrations are among the highlights of the 15th annual Fairfax Civil War Day. It’s set for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Historic Blenheim Estate, 3610 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax. Courtesy of the City of Fairfax, Historic Fairfax City Inc. and the Fairfax Rifles – Company D of the 17th Virginia Infantry Living History Organization – residents will be able to step back in time for a glimpse of life here in the early 1860s.
Burke Filmmaker’s Work Will Help Others
Zinn’s documentaries going to schools, hospitals and rehab centers.
Monica Zinn is just 21, but she’s already made two documentaries with the potential to change people’s lives for the better. And now, both have been selected for distribution to K-college schools, hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation programs in English-speaking countries worldwide.
Paul VI Presents 'The Addams Family'
A continuation of the popular, 1960s TV show, “The Addams Family” will take the stage at Paul VI High. A musical comedy, it features a cast and crew of 75 and promises to be rollicking, good fun.
Local Students Take on Poodle Skirts, Rotary Phones for 'Bye Bye Birdie'
Liberty Middle presents the musical, “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Featuring a cast of 60, the iconic musical, “Bye Bye Birdie” will burst upon the stage at Liberty Middle School. Show times are Thursday-Saturday, April 16, 17 and 18, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 during school lunches and at the door.
Meet GOP Candidates for Sully Supervisor
Backgrounds of the Republican contenders.
Three men are competing in the Republican primary to run in November for the Sully District supervisor seat being vacated by incumbent Michael Frey. They are John Guevara, Brian Schoeneman and John Litzenberger.
Three Republic Candidates Have Their Eyes on the Prize
Three Republican candidates for Sully District supervisor debate the issues.
School Board member Kathy Smith will be the Democratic candidate hoping to replace the retiring Michael Frey (R) as Sully District supervisor. But the Republican candidate will be chosen April 25, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a Firehouse Primary at Westfield High.
Chantilly: Reducing Congestion, But Adding Students
Proposed plan amendment would allow homes at Stonecroft/Westfield boulevards.
Across Stonecroft Boulevard from the Sully District Governmental Center in Chantilly are 50 acres of undeveloped, vacant land. And an amendment to Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan for this site is now being reviewed.
Real Estate Tax Rate Is Still a Work in Progress in City of Fairfax
In the city manager’s proposed budget for FY 2016, the residential real-estate tax rate would increase by 2.5 cents – to 1.065 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The City Council can ultimately decide to lower the tax rate but, for now, it’s advertising it at the proposed amount. Meanwhile, it’s holding public hearings and workshops on the budget, so the idea will receive a great deal of thought and discussion before the budget is finally adopted and the tax rate is set.
Commercial Community Appearance Awards in Fairfax
Three buildings and grounds are honored.
Three City of Fairfax buildings and their grounds were honored recently with 2014 Commercial Community Appearance Awards. Their owners/managers received certificates at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting.