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.
Children Enjoy Big Vehicles Up Close
Some 2,800 people attended the recent Touch-A-Truck event at the Chantilly Regional Library.
Residents Comment on Maple Avenue Corridor
Tell Town Council the pros and cons of what’s proposed.
At the July 7 public hearing for Vienna’s proposed Maple Avenue Corridor (MAC) zoning district, people spoke both for and against the 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.
Plan to Enhance Maple Avenue
Public hearing held on proposed, new zoning district.
On July 7, the Town Council held part one of a two-part public hearing on the proposed, new district for commercial property along Maple Avenue. Part two is set for Aug. 18.
Helping Out and Giving Back
Paul VI grad tutors Hispanic children.
Born in Colombia, Laura Quiñones came to the U.S. with her parents at age 7. She knew English words, but needed practice talking conversationally.
Affordable Housing Lack Can Lead to Hunger
ODB director beseeches Fairfax City Council to take action.
During the June 24 swearing-in ceremony of the Fairfax City Council members and mayor, Councilman Jeff Greenfield decried the fact that so many children in the City are hungry. He then promised to create a task force to attack the problem.
GMU Honors Fairfax Mayor Silverthorne
City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne capped off his Fourth of July by enjoying the fireworks at Fairfax High. But he began his day by receiving an award from GMU. It was presented by GMU President Angel Cabrera during a Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce breakfast reception at Red, Hot & Blue before the City’s Independence Day parade.
Update on Local Road Projects
Reviewing Stringfellow, Route 50 and two bridges.
When Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) addressed the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations on June 25, he also provided an update on local road projects. A Fairfax County transportation bond was discussed, as well. “There will be a transportation bond this year, probably for $100 million,” he said. “About 15 or 16 million will be for roadway projects and 84 or 85 million will be for pedestrian and walkway projects. That includes bike lanes and bike-way improvements, and that’s a huge shift. We used to do these bonds for roads and Metro.”
Talking Transportation, County Revenue
Frey addresses Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.
Transportation and Fairfax County revenue ideas were the top topics when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) spoke recently before the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations. “It’s an interesting time to be in the county,” he said during the group’s June 25 meeting. “It’s undergoing a tremendous transformation.”
‘Really Fun and a Great Experience’
Local students enjoy summer computer camp.
In the morning, Bijoy Thomas taught seven students, ages 12-14, how to make DS, or hand-held, video games. And in the afternoon, he taught them about BattleBots and Raspberry Pi.
Neighbors Object to Follin Lane Project
They say it’ll result in a ‘clear and present danger.’
The $2 million road project consists of reconstructing Follin, widening it and installing sidewalks, storm drains, curbs and gutters.
Westfield Summer Stage Presents Hit Musical
New show is ‘How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.’
Featuring a cast and crew of 85, the musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” is ready to burst upon the stage. A production of Westfield Summer Stage, all performances are at Westfield High. The curtain rises Friday-Saturday, July 18-19 and July 25-26, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance; $15, at the door. Seating is reserved; buy tickets at www.westfieldtheatreboosters.com.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
Local students acting in musical “Pippi Longstocking.”
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.” It’ll be held at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax.
Junior Buffalo Soldiers
The Junior Buffalo Soldiers Drill Team participate in the City of Fairfax's Fourth of July parade.
WFCM Reaches Out for Help
Group is collecting 2,000 new backpacks for local students.
“It is incredible to think that 50,000 students in Fairfax County Public Schools receive free or reduced-price meals.” — Jennie Bush, WFCM community outreach manager
Train Station Parking Will Be Expanded
Two easements should help Vienna businesses, trail users.
After much discussion and public comment, The Town of Vienna has granted conservation and parking easements to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
No More Parking in Old Town Square
As of Monday, July 7, parking lots within the Old Town Square project area of Fairfax are closed for construction. This area is the northern portion of the block bounded by University Drive, North Street, Main Street and Old Lee Hwy/East Street.
Beloved Children’s Book Comes to Life on Stage
‘Pippi Longstocking’ to be presented in Fairfax.
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”
Robinson, Woodson Students Performing in Hit Musical
They’re in “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.”
Students from Robinson Secondary and Woodson High play prominent roles in Westfield Summer Stage’s upcoming musical, “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.” Featuring a cast and crew of 85, all performances are at Westfield High, 4700 Stonecroft Boulevard in Chantilly.
Oakton’s Lourdes Navarro in ‘Pippi Longstocking’
Plays the title character’s girlfriend in children’s show.
A children’s classic comes to life when The City of Fairfax Theatre Company and Truro Anglican Church present “Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical.”
‘Thank You to Everyone Who Believed in Me’
Mountain View High holds spring graduation
At the start of Mountain View High’s June 17 graduation ceremony at Centreville High, Principal Dave Jagels told his students how honored and privileged he felt “to be the principal of one of the best schools in Fairfax County.”
Memorial to a K-9 Hero
Thor, a Fair Oaks firefighters’ search-and-rescue dog, is honored.
When the Fair Oaks District police and fire station renovations were dedicated June 14, part of the ceremony was for a dog named Thor and service dogs like him. A memorial to Thor now stands outside the entrance to the police station.
Colleagues Mourn GBW Instructional Assistant
After four decades there, Agnes Gordon dies at age 79.
After 43 years at Greenbriar West Elementary (GBW), instructional assistant Agnes Gordon decided she’d retire after school ended in June. So her friends and colleagues were prepared to say goodbye to her.
Roundups: Host a WFCM Food Drive
WFCM needs the community’s help over the summer months when it has a critical shortage of food.