Stories for February 2012

Sharp-Shooting Loftus Lifts Majors Over Centreville

Senior forward Forbush scores 24 points in defeat.

Trailing by 15 at halftime, Centreville relied on senior forward Chaney Forbush for offensive production in the second half.

Column: State Shirks Transportation Responsibility

Maybe we should rename our County The Bank of Last Resort.

Bone Marrow Donor Drive for 13-year-old Leukemia Survivor

Shynia Milligan's family is coordinating the bone marrow drive at Almas Temple, on K Street in Washington, D.C.

Thirteen-year-old Shynia Milligan was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in the summer of 2010. AML is a life-threatening blood cancer.

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Herndon High Step Team Kicks Off Title Defense

Herndon High School hosts 14th annual StompFest.

Fresh off a season in which they won the national championship, the Herndon High School Step Team kicked off their season by hosting the 14th annual StompFest Saturday at Herndon High. The event featured nine local teams competing for first place.

Rail Association Takes Look Forward

Developers discuss Silver Line strategies.

The Dulles Corridor Rail Association hosted a "look forward" Friday, Feb. 24 in Herndon to examine the plans around the proposed Silver Line Metrorail Stations.

Column: “Battling Cancer”

I suppose, as a cancer patient, there’s a presumption/understanding that not giving into cancer and its potential ravages is an ongoing battle – to the death, if you will. And I imagine, on many levels, some truer than others, it is. War is indeed waged – so to speak, in hopes of defeating this horrible disease (enemy).

Planning Approves Pohanka Proposal

Honda dealership planned to open in Chantilly.

It’s on to the Board of Supervisors now for Pohanka Automotive Group’s proposal to construct a Honda dealership in Chantilly. It got a green light recently from the Fairfax County Planning Commission.

25 Years Prison for Portillo-Saravilla

He raped girl, 8.

A man who entered the country illegally, raped an 8-year-old Centreville girl and then fled the state was sentenced last week to 25 years in prison. He is 30-year-old Salvador Portillo-Saravia.

Eat Food, See Clothing, Raise Money

Fashion show, luncheon, silent auction slated for Fairfax Salvation Army.

Since 1960, the Fairfax Salvation Army has provided residents with utility and rent assistance, food, clothing and furniture on an emergency basis. It also provides toys and bicycles to needy children during the Christmas holidays. In 2011, it assisted 1,250 families.

Choe Is Sully Police Officer of Year

Korean heritage helpful in his job.

There were smiles all around when PFC Roy Choe was honored Tuesday night as the Sully District Police Station’s 2011 Officer of the Year. He was selected by the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and feted in front of his family and colleagues.There were smiles all around when PFC Roy Choe was honored Tuesday night as the Sully District Police Station’s 2011 Officer of the Year. He was selected by the station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and feted in front of his family and colleagues.

Choe Is Surprised, Happy about Honor

Ever since he was a young boy, Roy Choe wanted to be a police officer. “My uncle was a firefighter in Korea and, when I saw his uniform, I thought it was beautiful,” he said.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Entrepreneurship students gain real experience.

Buying and selling merchandise, using skills they learned in class and having a good time doing it, Chantilly Academy entrepreneurship students recently participated in the third annual Entrepreneurship Market Day.

Letter: Community Invited

On Feb. 17, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held a Quran exhibition at Centreville Regional Library between 3 and 6 p.m. Translations of the Quran in 43 different languages were on display.

Letter: Support Appreciated

On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Virginia, I want to thank everyone for the sympathy expressed in response to the vandalism at our Mubarak Mosque under construction in Chantilly. To the Editor:

Bulldogs, Warriors Take it to the Wire

Westfield emerges victorious in first round region playoff action.

Monday night’s first round Northern Region boys’ high school basketball playoff game, between a physically strong Westfield squad versus a running, defensive-pressure oriented Wakefield opponent, was pretty much close throughout. Both teams, with their seasons on the line, played as if there were no tomorrow. The result was like a close boxing match gone the distance as both the Warriors and home team Bulldogs continually took one another’s best shots only to come right back and deliver one themselves.

Overall good showing by Northern Region at State Wrestling

Westfield’s Donahue earns state title; Dooley of Madison and Forrest of South Lakes earn second place medals.

Three Northern Region teams – Robinson, Annandale, and Westfield High Schools – finished among the top 10 team finishers at last weekend’s Virginia State AAA Wrestling Championships, held Feb. 17-18 (Friday and Saturday) at Robinson Secondary.

Voters to Have Final Say on Eminent Domain Amendment

Opinions are divided as to what kind of influence the amendment could have if passed.

This fall, voters across Virginia will be confronted with a hotly debated amendment to the Virginia Constitution that seeks to limit the ability of local governments to use the power of eminent domain.

Column: Marking Time

As much as I don’t want to be ever-mindful of today’s date – relative to when I first learned of my diagnosis, that Thursday three years ago this very week, when my Internal Medicine doctor called me with the results of the biopsy (confirming the malignancy); and of course all that had preceded it and all that has happened since.

Council Defers Metro Decision

Continuation of public hearing set for Feb. 28.

The Herndon Town Council voted Feb. 14 to defer a decision on adoption of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow for redevelopment of 38 acres between Herndon Parkway and the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metrorail station.

Herndon Kicks Off Relay For Life

Annual American Cancer Society Fundraiser will take place June 9.

The Herndon Relay for Life kicked off planning for its ninth year of the event Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Herndon Police Station. Herndon is one of more than 5,000 communities that hold the annual event, which features an overnight relay event that raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Employment and Classified Ads Feb. 22, 2012

Classifieds Feb. 22, 2012: Job Opportunities, Yard Sales, Home Repairs and Handyman Services

Game Benefits Scholarship Fund

In honor of Catholic schools week, St. Timothy School hosted a Student vs. Faculty/Alumni basketball game last week, raising over $10,000 to set up an educational scholarship fund as a memorial to pay tribute to the late Barbara Mertens, a St. Timothy teacher who lost her battle against cancer this past September. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Arlington diocese, Mertens was an inspiration to everyone she met. Her joy was bringing Christ to the children each and every day at school. She also believed every child should have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education if they desired one. Her motto was "God is good, all the time, God is good … and so are you."

Centre View Entertainment Feb. 16-22

To have community events listed in Centre View, e-mail to centreview@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Steve Hibbard at 703-778-9412.

Two Receive $10,000 Scholarships

Eight local area businesses are helping make the dream of a college education a reality for two high school seniors. Thanks to their generosity, each student received a $10,000 In Hope Freedom Rings Foundation (IHFR) scholarship.

Peeps and Positive Behavior

Candies are part of Franklin’s anti-bullying program.

Marshmallow Peeps are soft, tasty candies popular during holidays throughout the year. They’re also playing a role in Franklin Middle School’s efforts to encourage positive behavior in its students.

Letter: Shared Values

The following is an open letter to the Ahmadiyya Islamic Community.

Freezin' for A Reason

Matt Brick, proprietor of Brick's Pizza in Centreville, prepares to and jumps into Lake Anne on Feb. 4 as part of the Freezin' for a Reason Polar Dip in Support of Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, a camp that serves families that have a child with a life-threatening illness. Started by the Toth family of Vienna five years ago, the fundraiser has become a popular event at Lake Anne Plaza, with 185 jumpers this year. To date, this year's polar plunge has raised $73,000 for the charity. Brick raised $2,201.

2011-12 CVHS Science Fair

First place winners in the Centreville High School Science Fair are eligible to participate in the Fairfax County Public Schools Regional Science Fair in late March.

Overcoming Hardships to Graduate at Mountain View

At the outset of Mountain View High’s winter graduation last week, Assistant Principal and emcee Gary Morris told students about to receive their diplomas to be strong.

Jagels and Jobs: Words of Wisdom

Principal Dave Jagels began his address to Mountain View’s graduating seniors by relating a story about the Great Blondin, who invented the high-wire act. He said the story spoke to him about the journey that many of them had to take to reach where they are today.

PJammin for a Cause

Schools raise almost $5,000 for childhood-cancer research.

When it comes to raising money for a good cause, even the youngest schoolchildren can help. And last week, students at Centreville High, Liberty Middle and Centreville Elementary raised nearly $5,000 for childhood-cancer research.

Statistics Show Less Crime in Sully, Fair Oaks

When it comes to places to live, the Sully and Fair Oaks districts are among the tops in Fairfax County. And four public-safety officers presented crime statistics to back it up at the Jan. 25 meeting of the Sully District Council of Citizens Associations.

Making the Grade

Local school officials offer strategies for strengthening study habits.

When Jackie Jackson’s son brought home his report card recently, the Centreville mother of three was shocked. "His grades had fallen to an unacceptable level," said Jackson

Roundups Feb. 16-22

Fairfax County police are searching for a man who reportedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl last week in Fair Oaks. The incident occurred last Wednesday, Feb. 8, around 6:20 a.m. Police say the teen was walking to catch her school bus near the intersection of Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive when a man allegedly followed her, made comments of a sexual nature and touched her inappropriately.

Talent Sought for Musical Showcase

The Alliance Theatre is looking for young talent for its first annual Musical Showcase to be held Friday-Saturday, May 4-5, at Mountain View High School. Directors are Cathy Arnold and Jen Farmer. Individuals, small groups and large-group acts will perform and also participate in full-cast musical numbers that will be taught and rehearsed for the showcase.

Column: "Diseased"

But not sickness. Not health, either, as last week’s column ended. At least that’s the way I characterize my having stage IV lung cancer. And I don’t know if I’m splitting hairs here, since I’ve never worked in a salon, although I do get my hair cut regularly; but I have been accused of speaking double-talk.

Local Swimmers Step Up at Region Championships

Chantilly boys earn sixth place team finish; Westfield and Chantilly girls finish among top 10 teams.

Top Centre View-area individual girls’ finishers included: Chantilly’s Logan Coulson-Moore (third place in 100-back, fourth in 200-free); Westfield’s Carli Molano (second in 50-free); and Chantilly’s Maggie Shaw (7th in 500-free).

Westfield Captures Concorde Wrestling Title

Bulldogs take first ahead of defending Northern Region champion Robinson.

The Westfield High wrestling team put together a dominant showing at last weekend’s Concorde District Championships, held Friday and Saturday (Feb. 3-4) at Chantilly High School. The Bulldogs, behind seven individual champions, scored 207 points, well ahead of runner-up Robinson’s 165, to capture the district crown.

District Indoor Track and Field Championships Completed

South Lakes boys win Liberty ahead of second place Langley; Oakton girls capture Concorde crown.

The South Lakes High indoor track and field teams were victorious on both the boys’ and girls’ sides at the recent Liberty District championships, held over two days at the Prince George’s County Sportsplex in Maryland. The first day of postseason competition took place on Friday, Jan. 27. The second and final day of action was held last Thursday, Feb. 2.

Calendar for Feb. 9

Cracking Down on Texting While Driving

Bill would make it a primary offense rather than a secondary offense.

Although he hasn’t been reading them while driving, state Sen. George Barker (D-39) has been receiving a flood of emails about distracted driving. Increasingly,

30 Years in Prison for Wife’s Murder

‘There’s nothing to defend this crime.’

Consumed by his own irrational fears and demons, Chantilly’s Tony Tong had threatened to kill his wife for years. In October 2010, he did so; and last week in Fairfax County Circuit Court, he was sentenced to 30 years in pri

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections

The Play’s the Thing

Chantilly, Westfield finish first, second in one-act competition.

Local students showed off their acting chops last week when Chantilly and Westfield high schools finished first and second, respectively, in the Concorde District portion of the VHSL One-Act Play Competition. It was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Herndon High.

Details of the Offense

In January 2011, Tony Tong had a preliminary hearing in connection with the death of his wife, Kathleen Tran. Homicide Det. Brian Colligan explained the events leading up to the Oct. 22, 2010 tragedy. He said Tran had driven their son John home from a friend’s house and, some time after 1 a.m., they arrived home to find Tong, then 43, furious.

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.

Valentine's Day Décor

In honor of Cupid's day, share ideas for sweetening a home or dining table.

Whether planning a dinner party for friends, a romantic meal for two or a breakfast surprise for children, local designers say simple accents can create a festive atmosphere on Valentine's Day.

Tightening Asbestos Regulations

Bill protecting workers passes Senate with unanimous vote.

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. Yet labor advocates say the people who are licensed to remove asbestos may not be fully aware of the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.

House on a Hill

Contemporary in Oakton transformed into welcoming southern colonial.

Hunstville, Ala. is a pretty small town-- yet it has three historic districts and more homes in the national register than most places twice its size. Growing up in such a community, Gina Jones is understandably attracted to welcoming porches and grand foyers--hallmarks of the antebellum style.

Remodeling: An Opportunity To Follow One’s Passion

Adding that personal touch.

Having remodeled thousands of projects over the past 25 years, our clients' reactions tell us that some of the most successful projects often address a specific passion or interest. Folks seem to be spending more and more time at home not only working, but also enriching their lives through personal interests.

Editorials: Access to Activities for Home Schoolers; Action in Richmond; Changes in Gun Laws

Families who home-school their children in this area take a burden off crowded schools, and off taxpayers who pay on average between $12,000 and $16,000 per year per child in school depending on where in Northern Virginia.

Fixing Park-Monroe Intersection

Council to discuss intersection at Feb. 14 meeting.

The Herndon Town Council will hold a public hearing on plans for ways to make the intersection of Park Avenue and Monroe Street on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Ingram Council Chambers. The angles and elevations of the intersection have made it a priority for the town for years.

Metro Plan Goes to Herndon Town Council

Draft plan will now be considered for adoption by Town Council.

The Town of Herndon Planning Commission unanimously recommended a plan for the area north of the proposed Herndon-Monroe Metrorail station at their Monday, Feb. 6 meeting. The decision means the Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would allow for redevelopment will be passed on to the Town Council, which began discussions at their Feb. 7 work session.

Column: Back On The Juice…

The chemotherapy juice, that is. Going forward now, every three weeks until I’ve completed six infusions, finishing sometime around mid May barring any foreseen – and previously experienced blips (meaning delays): levels, counts, readings, etc., that would compel my oncologist to stop åhe treatment and await results of a retest

Chantilly Girls Holding Their Own in Concorde Play

Chargers working to get best possible seeding for upcoming district basketball tournament.

Just like every other opponent of the powerhouse Oakton High girls’ basketball team this season, the Chantilly High squad realized it had a huge task in playing the unbeaten Cougars earlier this week in Concorde District action. Chantilly gave visiting Oakton a good showing but lost, 55-35, in the contest played this past Tuesday night. Oakton, the Northern Region champions in two of the past three years, improved to 19-0 overall and 7-0 in the district. Chantilly, with the loss, left the floor with an 11-8 overall mark and a 3-4 record in district play.

Cementing the Districts

Republicans try to lock in eight-to-three advantage in congressional redistricting.

Now that congressional redistricting has moved through the House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, a picture of 2012 is beginning to take shape.

District Indoor Track and Field Championships Underway

Chantilly, Centreville, and Westfield all set for second day Concorde action on Thursday.

The Concorde District Indoor Track and Field Championships got underway last Thursday, Jan. 26 with Day One action at the Prince George’s County Sportsplex in Maryland. Local teams Centreville, Westfield, and Chantilly High Schools made up three of the six participating schools at the postseason event.

Moderate Mutiny

With the sluggish economy at the forefront of voters’ minds this year, former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine hopes to put fiscal issues at the top of his campaign to fill the seat vacated by Democratic U.S. Sen. Jim Webb. In an interview on Thursday, Jan. 19, Kaine said he hopes to promote a "talent economy" in Washington. It’s a reality the former governor says has become evident in the last few decades, when Virginia moved from being one of the lowest median income states to being one of the wealthiest.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

Lunar Chinese New Year festivities continued this past weekend, attracting hundreds of thousands of shoppers and visitors to Fair Oaks Mall. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the Chinese traditional calendar, based on the phases of the moon and the solar year. The year is 4710 and celebrates the dragon, which is considered the luckiest sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, power and good luck.

Commentary: Dulles Rail Phase II: A Common Sense Approach

This spring the Fairfax and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will be required to make a final decision to opt in or out of Phase II of the Dulles Rail project. Rail through Tysons past the airport and into Loudoun is the largest public works project in the history of the Commonwealth and it has significant financial implications to the counties, its residents and businesses, and especially to the users of the Dulles Toll Road. As the Dulles corridor and Tysons are the economic engines of the region and the Commonwealth the project also has telling implications on our future job growth.

Letter: Waste of Taxpayer Money

I recently received a "Richmond Update" from Del. Jim Le Munyon advising: "I have proposed an additional $400,000 in the state budget for the State Police to more effectively conduct background checks for individuals desiring to purchase a firearm. Recently, a constituent brought to my attention the significant delays some purchasers were experiencing in receiving the results of their background checks …"

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.

Column: "Progression"

There’s a word – in a medical context, anyway, that you don’t hear every day. And if you’re a stage IV lung cancer survivor – like me, 35 months post-diagnosis, it’s hardly the word you ever want to hear – or see – describing the most recent CT Scan of your lungs (Mediastinum) where your malignant tumors have been in "partial stable remission" going on two-plus years now. "Progression" means growth. Growth means the relative calm under which you’ve existed for the last few years is officially over.

Roundups

Free Carseat Inspections,Recycle During Electric Sunday, Fair Oaks CAC to Meet, Meeting Set for I-66 EIS

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.