Residents Have Their Say
Assisted-Living facility could pose traffic, drainage, noise problems.
As the number of senior citizens in Fairfax County continues to grow, so does the need for an assisted-living facility for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Cox Farms Ready To Host Visitors
Fall Festival for families, Fields of Fear for teens.
Whether area residents are in the mood for giant slides, rope swings, hayrides, baby animals, apple-cider doughnuts or a pumpkin slingshot, they’ll find all these things and more at Cox Farms.
Community Center Dollars and Cents
Rising construction, renovation costs create $2 million deficit.
When the Vienna Community Center greets the public in April 2016, it’ll be larger and more modern than the current facility and will boast a new, regulation-sized gym. But getting from here to there takes money.
‘You Just Have to Believe’
Local girl competes in national solo ice dancing championship.
Just 15, Paul VI sophomore LaDan Nemati has a full plate. From November-February, she skates with a synchronized skating team in Delaware; and during the spring, summer and early fall, she does solo ice dancing.
‘[This] Will Change Our Lives’
Community, Paisano’s unite to purchase an accessible van.
Last Friday, Sept. 12, was a night when dreams came true. On Centreville High’s football field, the Wildcats trounced West Potomac, 54-0. And on the sidelines at halftime, Centreville senior Juwaan Espinal, 17, was presented with an accessible van.
Attending Classes in Korea
Fairfax Academy student will spend school year there.
Normally, Serena Gregory would have just begun her last year at Chantilly High, caught up in the excitement of new classes, old friends and the thrill of being a senior. She’d also be playing volleyball, basketball and lacrosse for the Chargers. Instead, the former Korean-language student at the Fairfax Academy is now in another part of the world, spending the school year in Korea.
Remembering America’s Fallen Heroes
Each year, the firefighters of West Centreville Station 38 honor the firefighters who died in the 9/11 tragedy in New York by placing flags outside their station.
In Solemn Remembrance
Local bugler plays ‘Taps’ in honor of the Sept. 11 victims.
Throughout Virginia and the U.S., people commemorated last Thursday’s 13th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Locally, Theodore Smith, an 83-year old volunteer with Bugles Across America, did it in his own, special way.
‘In Charge of Your Own Little World’
Featuring 45 tables of trains and train accessories, a “train doctor” who repaired broken trains and an operating layout built by three boys, the Train Collectors Sale and Show was held Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Vienna Firehouse.
Residents Still Upset about Follin Lane
Want Town Council to become more involved before project starts.
The Town of Vienna plans to widen Follin Lane from two to three lanes, level the grade of the road at the Hine Street intersection and remove the brush.
A New Face at Laurel Ridge
Tonya Cox takes the helm as principal.
Born in Norfolk and raised in the Alexandria part of Fairfax County, Tonya Cox figured she’d either go into education like her mother or ministry like her father. Then, while in college, she substituted for her mother, during spring and summers, and was hooked.
Attending Classes in a Foreign Country
Fairfax Academy student will spend school year in Korea.
Normally, Serena Gregory would have just begun her last year at Chantilly High, caught up in the excitement of new classes, old friends and the thrill of being a senior.
Residents Speak Out on Maple Avenue
Second public hearing on proposed, new zoning district.
One thing about Vienna residents – when they care about something, they’re not shy about making their feelings known. And that’s exactly what they did during an Aug. 18 public hearing on the proposed Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) zoning district. A standing-room-only crowd of some 150 people packed the Town Council meeting room, while still more watched the proceedings on a TV in the hallway. And at the outset, Mayor Laurie DiRocco explained the MAC’s goals.
Glass, Space and Natural Light
Vienna Community Center renovation plans are moving ahead.
Even while Vienna residents are enjoying their current Community Center, plans are moving forward on its renovation and enlargement, plus construction of a 9,115-square-foot gym to the west side of the existing building.
What’s on the Horizon for Town of Vienna
On the horizon for local residents are a transportation project, a plan to help W&OD trail users and Church Street businesses, plus a major expansion and renovation of the Vienna Community Center.
What’s on the Horizon for the City of Fairfax
On the horizon for local residents are some mixed-use projects, school-boundary changes, potential traffic shifts and the reopening of a historic and much-loved eating place.
‘It’s Nice to Shop Outdoors’
Farmers Market at Government Center is a hit with the customers.
Whether customers are looking for juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, coconut cupcakes or homemade ice cream, they’ll find all those things and more at the farmers market at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Getting Drenched to Help Others
The Ice Bucket Challenge has a simple premise, but it’s doing a great deal of good. To raise money to fight ALS, people all over the country have been making videos of themselves getting buckets of ice water dumped on their heads.
Getting Drenched to Help Others
The Ice Bucket Challenge has a simple premise, but it’s doing a great deal of good. To raise money to fight ALS, people all over the country have been making videos of themselves getting buckets of ice water dumped on their heads.
Learning and Having Fun with LEGOs
Camp teaches children engineering principles.
Sure, LEGOs are great to play with, just for fun. But they can also be used to teach children real-world concepts in physics, engineering and architecture.
One-Way or Two-Way?
City Council mulls traffic changes.
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.
Man Guilty of Creating Phony Postage Stamps
Fairfax resident defrauded U.S. of $76,000 revenue.
A local man pleaded guilty last week in federal court to defrauding the U.S. Postal Service. He is Brian Kim, 38, of Fairfax.
City to Participate in Charrette
Will discuss plans for downtown development.
In collaboration with the Northern Virginia regional Commission (NVRC), the Fairfax City Council will hold a planning workshop, or charrette, about the downtown area in early November.
Take Precautions against Rabies
Animal Shelter offers advice to reduce the risk.
Rabies is a deadly virus that infects animals and may be a risk to humans, as well. The most commonly reported rabid animals in Fairfax County include foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. But even pets aren’t automatically immune to this disease and must be vaccinated against it.
Prison, Restitution for Vienna Man
Sentenced for defrauding the IRS.
Nobody likes paying taxes. But most people don’t go to the lengths Michael F. O’Connor went to in cheating the IRS.
Homes Evacuated after Gas-Line Rupture
Event closes Chain Bridge Road in both directions.
A rupture of a 2-inch, natural gas line last week forced several homes in Oakton to be evacuated and brought afternoon traffic on heavily traveled Chain Bridge Road to a standstill.
Chinese Get Glimpse of American Schools
Group visits Lanier Middle and Fairfax High.
In mid-July, an envoy from China visited the United States – but the trip had nothing to do with politics. Instead, a group of teenage students, plus some parents and teachers, visited Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High to see firsthand what schools are like in the U.S. They were here via a program sponsored by the City of Fairfax and the American Assn. of School Administrators (AASA).
City Council Mulls Traffic Changes
When the City of Fairfax reconfigured Main and North Streets from one-way to two-way streets in 2006, it did so in hopes that the change would benefit the downtown area. Now, though, the City Council is revisiting that decision.
‘It Was Definitely Humbling’
Chinese and Fairfax High students share impressions of each other.
The teenagers played soccer, ate ice cream, joked with their friends and walked with their heads down, eyes on their Smart phones and tablets. In short, they looked just like their American counterparts – except these students live in China.
Residents Honored for Their Homes’ Yards
The City of Fairfax’s Community Appearance Committee has honored three homes with Residential Appearance Awards. Committee Chairman Kirk Holley presented them to the winning homeowners at the July 22 City Council meeting.
A Cheerful Haven for Children
Boy Scout creates a playroom in a police station.
A police station can be a scary place for a child. But thanks to a local teen and his Eagle Scout project, the Sully District Station just got a whole lot friendlier for children.
‘The Future’s Bright’ For Worker Center
CIF celebrates its independent nonprofit status.
American Independence Day is July 4; but as far as the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) is concerned, Independence Day was last Friday, Aug. 1. That’s when it became a full-fledged nonprofit, no longer under the auspices of Virginia Organizing.
From the Streets to Safety and Success
Before the CLRC opened in the Centreville Square Shopping Center, day laborers stood on the nearby street corners and outside the Centreville Regional Library and employers hired them from there. But many didn’t get work and, often, some who did were cheated out of their wages by employers refusing to pay them after the job was done.
Vienna Community Center to Be LEED Silver
Town Council approves fee to seek certification.
If all goes well, the new and improved Vienna Community Center will make its debut on its 50th anniversary in April 2016.
Staff Gets Go-Ahead to Negotiate Pact
Town and Park Authority will formalize trail-realignment agreement.
Relocation of a portion of the W&OD Trail is just one part of the Vienna Community Center expansion and renovation project – but it’s an important part.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Robinson grad performs in “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.” And right there with them will be Robinson Secondary graduate Spencer Boyd.
The End of an Era
After 33 years, Robinson’s Chip Rome retires.
It’s the end of an era at Robinson Secondary: Legendary Theater Director Chip Rome has retired. In 1981, he became the fourth drama teacher the school hired that year, and he more than provided stability. He spent all 33 years of his FCPS career there.
Hosting Safetypalooza
Boy Scouts, professionals teach children how to avoid trouble.
Thanks to 15-year-old Boy Scout Alex Battani, several local children know more about bike, bus and fire safety, as well as avoiding strangers. A rising junior at Westfield High, he put on a Safetypalooza at the Sully District Police Station. Also participating was police Crime Prevention Specialist Tara Gerhard, with that station, plus firefighters from the Springfield District Station and members of the Blue Suit Pacers Cycling Team.
Creative Dance Center, Pat Mitchell Unite
Spotlight Theater Camp starts Aug. 4.
There’s a new, local theater program with a familiar face at the helm. Westfield High grad and theater alumnus Pat Mitchell is partnering with Creative Dance Center (CDC) to put on Spotlight Theater Camp. The camp will run Aug. 4-8, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at CDC, 14155-E Sullyfield Circle in Chantilly. For more information and to register, go to www.cdctheater.com. Mitchell’s excited about it and is hoping for a good turnout.
‘Brothers, Neighbors, Friends’
Chantilly resident installed as officer with The Knights of Columbus.
Eric Latcheran, 27, of Chantilly’s Poplar Tree Estates community, has Down syndrome. Yet his intellectual disabilities don’t stop him from leading a full life.
Community’s Help Needed for Immigrant Children
The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) is collecting donations for the 70 immigrant children and 15 young mothers.
‘Realizing that Being Different Is OK’
Vienna, Oakton residents perform in ‘Shrek the Musical.’
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
‘They’re Thinking Beyond Themselves’
They’re of Indian descent, so they’re helping Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA), which works mainly in India, Pakistan and Nepal.
Oak Hill Resident in ‘Shrek the Musical’
A big green ogre, a princess, a wisecracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
Apartments, Retail Planned: Kamp Washington Triangle
Fairfax City Council concerned about density, affordability.
It’s still a work in progress, but Novus Fairfax Gateway LLC hopes to transform part of the Kamp Washington triangle between Fairfax Boulevard and Lee Highway into a modern, community-serving, mixed-use project.
Tax and Wire Fraud: Three Years Prison
Fair Oaks tax preparer filed false returns with the IRS.
Although she received a sentence below the state guidelines, a former Fair Oaks tax preparer will be spending the next three years in prison. She is Thuy Tien Le, 40, who learned her punishment last Friday, July 18, in U.S. District Court in Alexandria.
Behind the Scenes at ‘Shrek the Musical.’
When audiences enjoy The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars show, “Shrek the Musical,” it won’t just be because of the acting and storyline, but also because of all the work that goes on behind the scenes.
‘Don’t Be Afraid to be Different’
Alliance Summer Stars presents “Shrek the Musical.”
A big green ogre, a princess, a wise-cracking donkey and a love-struck dragon – they’ll all be onstage when The Alliance Theatre’s Summer Stars program presents “Shrek the Musical.”
‘Thanks for Exemplary Community Service’
Ted and Tami Troscianecki receive McDonnell Award.
Each year, the West Fairfax County Citizens Association (WFCCA) presents the James D. McDonnell Award to honor a local resident’s outstanding service to the community. Monday night, July 21, it was given jointly, for the first time.
‘You’re Fortunate You Didn’t Kill Anyone’
Centreville man is sentenced for committing arson.
Convicted of arson, a 25-year-old Centreville man could well have been sentenced to many years in prison. Instead, Giancarlo Deleon received a suspended sentence and will receive the mental-health treatment he needs.