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Bonnie Hobbs

Stories by Bonnie

Telford in Contest to Enter Ironman

Fair Lakes resident BethAnn Telford was diagnosed with a Stage III brain tumor in 2005, and is still fighting for her life. But she works full time and, via her nonprofit fundraising organization, Team BT, she raises money for the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).

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Practicing What They Preach

Local theater teachers perform ‘Into the Woods.’

Six drama teachers headline the cast of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s summer production of "Into the Woods." They include Fairfax High’s Wendy Knight and Paul Rubenstein and Woodson High’s Terri Hobson.

Attending Governor’s School for Art

While many students began their summer vacations, two rising seniors at Chantilly High did something different: Yewon Kwon and Anne-Sophie Kim went to Radford University to attend the Governor’s School for Art.

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‘I Had To Learn A Lot on My Own’

Westfield student wins Hispanic Leadership Alliance scholarship.

Centreville’s Joe Fletcher, 18, just graduated from Westfield High. But before he did, he won a scholarship from the Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA). His school counselor, Bill Sidener, wrote the recommendation for his award and, as far as he’s concerned, the HLA couldn’t have picked a better recipient.

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‘Words … More Hurtful Than Fists’

Author discusses bullying with seventh-graders.

Ben Mikaelsen lives in Montana. But before the school year ended, he came all the way to Rocky Run Middle School to share with the seventh-graders his firsthand knowledge about bullying.

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Sullivan Honored as Officer of Quarter

Award presented at CAC meeting.

Whether trying to outsmart a shooter or figure out where a lost child might go, Fairfax County police PFC Gerald Sullivan gives the effort his all. As a result, he was recently honored as the Sully District Station’s Officer of the Quarter.

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Dangerous Weapons or Child’s Play?

Police warn public about replica firearms.

It was shortly before midnight when City of Fairfax police rushed to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a man there carrying a gun. He’d already pointed his weapon at several people when officers confronted him, had him drop the gun and arrested him. This incident happened awhile ago, and the weapon turned out to be a replica of a long-barreled, semiautomatic rifle.

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Dads, Sons Discuss Serious Child’s Play

Besides police and sheriffs, some Fairfax fathers and sons also attended last week’s press conference on replica weapons. The sons hadn’t done anything wrong, but they regularly use these weapons to play a popular game called Airsoft.

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When Dangerous Games Turn Deadly

Police warn public about replica firearms.

It was shortly before midnight when City of Fairfax police rushed to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a man there carrying a gun. He’d already pointed his weapon at several people when officers confronted him, had him drop the gun and arrested him.

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‘Never Off Duty’

Firefighter reports Centreville blaze, helps rescue woman.

Bill Moreland, a captain with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, didn’t make it to a dinner date with his wife, last Friday. But he had a good excuse: He was busy helping save someone’s life.

Lanigan’s Friends, Colleague Respond to Settlement

Following news of the school system’s settlement to Sean Lanigan, a friend and neighbor of his, as well as a former Centre Ridge colleague gave their opinions of it to Centre View.

‘How a Community Comes Together’

A progress report on the Centreville Labor Resource Center.

It still has a long way to go, but things are definitely looking up for the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC).

Marsden Praises Centreville Immigration Forum

At a recent meeting of the Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF), state Sen. Dave Marsden (D-37) listened to a progress report on the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) and was pleased by what he heard.

Dollars and Sense at Labor Center

Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF) board members Terry Angelotti and Ed Duggan recently presented a report on the financial status of the Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC). They project the CIF to receive $175,000 this year from a variety of sources to keep the center running.

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Replacing Walney Road Bridge

Walney Road Bridge to be replaced, rebuilt.

Built in 1980, the Walney Road Bridge over Flatlick Branch in Chantilly carries more than 21,000 vehicles a day. Trouble is, it often floods, is disintegrating structurally and surpassed its life expectancy 15 years ago.

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A Story of Courage and Survival

Fairfax mother, son overcome life-threatening illnesses.

Natanael Justiniano is just 11 years old, yet he’s beaten leukemia twice and just celebrated his one-year anniversary of a lifesaving blood transplant.

Three Fairfax High Students Are Honored

During last week’s graduation ceremony, Fairfax High honored three seniors with special awards. Robbie Ashton received both the Outstanding Senior and Service awards. Shannon Parker was given the Faculty Award, and Jake Snyder, the Fairfax Award.

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‘This Is Fairfax; This Is a Family’

High school graduates 587 students.

As the seniors in royal-blue caps and gowns entered Fairfax High’s field house for their graduation, last week, parents eagerly waved and shouted, hoping to catch their children’s eyes, if only for a second. And with 587 students graduating last Thursday, June 14, that wasn’t easy to do.

Principal Jagels: Words of Advice

At the start of Mountain View High’s graduation ceremony, last Friday, June 15, Assistant Principal Gary Morris told the seniors, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Westfield ESOL Student Thrives

Juan Castro receives School Board’s Character Award.

When Juan Castro came to the U.S. from El Salvador, six years ago, he only spoke a few words of English and was a stranger in a strange place. But he adapted well, learned quickly and worked hard at school and in his community.

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Local Businesses Build Playground

Children may now play in a brand-new playground at the SYA youth sports complex, “Fields of Dreams,” off Bull Run Post Office Road in Centreville. It was built by RulyScapes Inc. of Centreville, Denison Landscaping, JK Enterprises and John Deere Landscapes, which all sponsored a recent National Hispanic Landscape Alliance National Day of Service there

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Westfield Thespians Receive Cappie Medallions

Westfield High received 20 Cappie nominations for its musical, “Crazy for You.” On Wednesday, May 30, school Principal Tim Thomas and Director Susie Pike presented the Cappie medallions to the nominees.

Herndon Teacher Charged: Possession of Child Pornography

Fairfax County police have charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He is Robert C. Fenn, 26, of 3031 Emerald Chase Drive in Herndon.

Robinson, South County Win One Cappie Each

Robinson and South County secondary schools won one Cappie each at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Police Arrest Poplar Tree Teacher

Charged with possession of child pornography.

Fairfax County police have charged a special-education teacher at Poplar Tree Elementary with 10 counts of possession of child pornography. He is Robert C. Fenn, 26, of Emerald Chase Drive in Herndon.

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Student Talent on Display

Fairfax Academy holds annual Creative Works Showcase.

Students in the Fairfax Academy displayed their signature projects last Tuesday, June 5, during the annual Creative Works Showcase. They sang, danced, played music, showed films they’d made and displayed their graphic-art, fashion, foreign language and photography skills.

Local Schools Win Six Cappie Awards

Paul VI takes Lead Actress in a Musical honor.

Woodson High won three awards, and Fairfax, Paul VI and Robinson Secondary, one each, at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

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Westfield High Garners 10 Cappie Awards

Victories include Best Musical, Actor, Choreography and Orchestra

For the second year in a row, Westfield High won 10 Cappies for a musical production at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards Gala at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

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Robinson Wins Cappie for Best Ensemble

Robinson Secondary School won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

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South Lakes Wins Two Cappie Awards

South Lakes High won two starry statuettes at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It received the honors for Female Vocalist for its production of "West Side Story," plus the new category of Marketing & Publicity.

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Almost Time for Tim Harmon 5K

Charity fund-raiser is June

The 13th annual Tim Harmon Memorial 5K Run/Walk is set for Saturday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center.

SSSAS’s Coffield Wins Cappie for Acting

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Mitchell Wins Cappie

H-B Woodlawn High won a Cappie trophy at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

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Walt Whitman High Wins Five Cappie Awards

Tech skills triumph

Walt Whitman High won five starry statuettes for technical excellence at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

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McLean High Wins Four Cappies

Takes home trophy for Best Play.

McLean High took home five awards – including the one for Best Play – at Sunday night’s 13th annual Cappie Awards at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. McLean’s other victories were for Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Play for its production of "A View from the Bridge," as well as Returning Critic and Critic Team.

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Saluting Academic Achievement

CPMSAC celebrates 28 years of excellence.

Filing into Chantilly High’s gym, Saturday afternoon, the students made their way to their seats while Kool & the Gang’s classic anthem of rejoicing, “Celebration,” played in the background. They came for the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee’s (CPMSAC) 27th annual awards ceremony.

Three Decades Behind Bars

Man sentenced in killing of Centreville handyman.

When criminals targeted the home of a wealthy Centreville man, two years ago, their motive was money — they planned to rob him and leave. Murder wasn’t on the horizon. But when the homeowner’s handyman, Jose Cardona, tried to stop them, he paid with his life.

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Readying for Relay for Life

Chantilly event raises money for American Cancer Society.

Bill Hamm was 10,500 feet up, elk hunting in the Colorado Rocky Mountains in 2006, when he discovered a lump on his throat. He’d thought he was healthy; but the lump was a swollen lymph node and, six months later, he was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer.

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Safety Check: ‘They’re Saving Lives Today’

Officers check commercial trucks for violations.

At first glance, it looked like a big-rig parade, with large commercial trucks lined up one behind the other in a parking lot off Route 28 in Chantilly.

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‘Whatever I Do Will Only Make Me Stronger’

Robinson student wins Hispanic Leadership Alliance scholarship.

Born in Bolivia, Lucia Maldonado came to the U.S. at age 7 with her mother and younger sister. Now 18, she’s about to graduate from Robinson Secondary School and is the recipient of a Hispanic Leadership Alliance (HLA) scholarship.

Planning for the Future

Robinson’s Latin American Student Association is growing.

To encourage leadership among Robinson Secondary School’s Hispanic population, Ruth Azimi and Enrique Fernandez co-sponsor LASA, the Latin American Students Association. It’s helping the students’ parents, as well.

Roundups for May 30

Making False Report Charged City of Fairfax police have charged a 27-year-old Centreville woman with making a false police report regarding a robbery and assault.

LeMunyon Reviews Transportation

Delegate addresses Brookfield homeowners, May 24.

Transportation was the topic last week when Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67) addressed members of the Brookfield Civic Association. And he brought good news to the residents about three area projects.

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Tackling a Traffic Trouble Spot

VDOT begins study of I-66/Route 28 interchange.

The traffic-congestion problem at the I-66/Route 28 Interchange in the Centreville/Chantilly area isn’t going to be solved anytime soon. But at least it’s on VDOT’s radar.

Settlement in Home Explosion

Gas company is fined and is replacing pipes.

If his children hadn’t insisted on looking at Christmas lights on their way home from dinner, Thuan Nguyen, his wife and their two sons might well have died in the Dec. 19, 2010, gas explosion and fire that demolished their Chantilly home.

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Encore Presents “Dancin’ Fool” at NOVA

Premiering their new show here before taking it to Greece this summer are the singers and dancers of Encore Theatrical Art Project. They’ll perform “Dancin’ Fool” on Saturday, June 9, at 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 10, at 1 and 4 p.m.

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Rocky Run Girl Power

Seventh-grade eCybermission team is second in Virginia.

The boys on Rocky Run Middle School’s eighth-grade eCybermission team won the Virginia state championship, but the girls of the seventh-grade team are no slouches, either. They, too, did their school proud, finishing second in the state.

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Broadway Comes to Town

Centreville High’s choral concert is June 7-8.

Centreville High School’s Choral Department will present “Broadway Pops,” its final concert of the year, Thursday-Friday, June 7- 8, at 7:30 p.m., in the school’s Skip Maiden Theater. Tickets are $5 for adults at the door; students are free.

Kicking Up Their Heels

Encore presents ‘Dancin’ Fool’ at NOVA.

Premiering their new show here before taking it to Greece this summer are the singers and dancers of Encore Theatrical Art Project. They’ll perform "Dancin’ Fool" on Saturday, June 9, at 4 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 10, at 1 and 4 p.m.

Centreville Man Indicted: Mortgage-Fraud Scheme

A Centreville man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his alleged part in a $1.5 million mortgage-fraud scheme. He is Jea Min Lee, 34.