Bonnie Hobbs

Progress Report from Labor Resource Center

The Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC) opened in December and, in nearly two months of operation, registered more than 150 Centreville-area residents who want temporary employment. CLRC’s professional staff and 27 volunteers provide information and quick service to both employers and those seeking work.

‘Dramapalooza’ at Centreville High

One-act play festival takes the stage.

Students take the helm when Centreville High presents "Dramapalooza," its annual, one-act play festival. Show times are Friday, Feb 17, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb 18, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.

WHS Presents ‘The Crucible’

Salem Witch Trials come to life on stage.

Featuring a cast and crew of 40 — plus original music created by a student — Westfield High presents Arthur Miller’s powerful drama, "The Crucible." Set in 1692 Salem, Mass., it’s the story of a husband and wife and what happens when the husband’s former lover falsely accuses Salem citizens of being witches.

Campbell Takes a Look Back

Although Mike Campbell will leave Centreville High in July, he’s still delighted to be its principal and is proud of the school’s standing locally and nationwide.

Heading for Huntsville

CVH Principal Campbell retiring, taking job in Alabama.

The way Mike Campbell figures it, his retirement will last all of 24 hours. Centreville High’s principal is leaving the school, this summer, and heading for a new job with Huntsville City Public Schools in Alabama.

Brookfield Explosion: A Year Later

Questions still remain; SCC finds probable gas-company violations.

One minute, Thuan Nguyen and his family lived in a two-story house in Chantilly’s Brookfield community. The next minute, it was gone — blown sky high in a gas explosion and burned to the ground.

Remembering Harry Heisler

Wife mourns husband of 28 years.

Ask Evelyn Heisler what made her husband Harry so special to her, and she answers without hesitation. "He had a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant sense of humor and he made me laugh every day," she said.

Fulfilling a Dream

Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque is almost completed.

Set back from the road, yet perched upon a hill, the mosque that will serve area members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is nearing completion in Chantilly. Just off Walney Road and Eagle Chase Circle, the 7,200-square-foot place of worship is called the Mubarak mosque which, in Islamic, means "blessed tidings."

‘We’re Really Frustrated’

Homeowner’s insurance company seeks damages from WGL.

Leaving a recent meeting of the Brookfield Civic Association, Thuan Nguyen was not a happy man. After losing his home in a December 2010 gas explosion, he and his family carried on with their lives, but never received definitive answers regarding what caused the blast.

Prayer Schedule and Message of Peace

At the new, Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Chantilly, morning prayers will start before sunrise; evening prayers are said approximately 45 minutes after sundown. And the imam will be there to lead the congregation in prayer, seven days a week.

SCC vs. WGL: What’s Next?

State and gas company disagree over report.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) determined that Washington Gas Company [WGL] committed 11 "probable violations" in regard to the December 2010 explosion in Brookfield. But the gas company believes otherwise.

Vandals Damage New Mosque in Chantilly

Windows smashed, property damaged.

The motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is "Love for all, hatred for none." Its Web site is www.MuslimsForPeace.org.

Frey Offers A Look Ahead

Discusses what’s on tap for Fairfax County.

It’s a new year and it’s full steam ahead for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. And last week, Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) discussed what’s on the local horizon.

Church To Present ‘High School Musical Jr.’

Centreville Presbyterian presents "High School Musical Jr."

One of the most popular movies in recent years is "High School Musical," and Centreville Presbyterian Church’s community theater is bringing the play to the local stage.

Garrett Is Officer of the Quarter

Honored by Sully District police and citizens.

Receiving praise for her exceptional accomplishments as a Sully District police officer, PFC Lauretta Garrett was honored recently as that station’s Officer of the Quarter.

Three Centreville Schools Holding PJammin Day

Event honors teen, supports childhood-cancer research.

The McCaffreys have only lived in the Centreville/Clifton area for a year, but the local community has already embraced this family with both arms. And on Friday, Feb. 3, three schools are holding PJammin Day in honor of 13-year-old Andrew McCaffrey, who’s currently battling bone cancer.

Local Teen Battles Cancer

Liberty Middle student overcomes obstacles on road to recovery.

Lisa McCaffrey describes her son Andrew, 13, as “an active, social kid who enjoys movies, video and board games and just hanging out with his friends. He’s a Boy Scout, likes being out and about and is very caring — he has a big heart.”

Two Choral Events at Centreville High

The sounds of music will fill the air at two upcoming choral events at Centreville High. One features four a cappella groups and the other spotlights the school’s choir students.

Local Man Convicted of Marriage Fraud

Centreville resident Yong Hyon Kim, 50, pleaded guilty last week in federal court to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and making false statements to federal agents.

WFCCA Backs Pohanka Proposal

Green measures at forefront of Chantilly Honda dealership.

If all goes well, the Pohanka Automotive Group will someday build a new Honda dealership in Chantilly. But it won’t just be another business selling cars — it’ll be one chocked full of green, environmentally friendly elements.

Preston Mulford Is Mourned

Local family patriarch dies at 82.

Well-known in the local area, the Mulfords have lived and operated the Mulford School here for decades. But on Jan. 6, the family’s patriarch, Preston Mulford, died at age 82.

Getting Help for Teen Substance-Abusers

If teens want to obtain drugs or alcohol in the local area, it’s fairly easy for them to do so. But it’s also just as easy to get them help for their addictions.

Roundups

Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012

News briefs for Centreville and Chantilly.

The Horrors of Heroin Use

Three local residents share their stories.

It’s not easy to stand in public and bear one’s soul about life’s most tragic moments, but that’s what Tayler Gibson, Greg Lannes and Greg Richter did recently. Addressing the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), they described in detail how heroin had affected their lives.

Chantilly High Presents Cinderella’s Untold Story

Children’s show is Jan. 27-29.

Although the story of Cinderella is one that’s well-known, leave it to Chantilly High to tell it in a new and hilarious way.

Alliance Gets Several WATCH Nods

Nominated for community theater awards.

Two musical productions of the Centreville-based, community-theater company, The Alliance Theatre — “Hairspray” and “Little Shop of Horrors — have been nominated for a number of WATCH awards for last year's season.

Stories by Bonnie