Thursday, February 27
Assistance Dogs: Making Connections
Service dogs and their “handlers” are teamed up through paws4people.
I was already one of those embarrassingly crazy dog people, when I first met Kyria and Terry Henry, founders of paws4people.org. But I had no idea how little I truly knew about the bonds possible between animals and their people. After photographing puppies coming home for the first time, dogs sharing their favorite pastime and pets who are older and/or ill, I really thought I knew all about the animal/people connection.
Virginia Laws Help Local Governments Conceal 911 Calls from Public
Police agencies refuse to release audio from 911 calls, prompting questions about transparency.
When city officials in Alexandria released the audio of a 911 call in a high-profile murder case, many people interpreted the move as a step forward for transparency in a commonwealth known for opaque government.
Wednesday, February 26
Chantilly One-Act Heads to States
The cast and crew of Chantilly High’s production of “Vocal Work” will compete Saturday, March 8, at the VHSL State One-Act Play Competition in Charlottesville. Written and directed by Chantilly Theater Director Ed Monk, it’s a comedy set in a sound studio. The audience sees a hectic day in the life of Amanda, working at her sound studio which specializes in creating radio spots. According to the show’s publicity blurb, “The schedule is screwed up, the mattress girls have yet to be cast, the car girl doesn't know how to sound sexy, the diarrhea ad isn't finished, and time is running out.” Chantilly won the Concorde Conference Championship with “Vocal Work” on Jan. 30. In the Northern Region competition on Feb. 8, Chantilly came in second behind West Springfield High. Both schools then advanced to the state finals, where they’ll compete against additional high schools.
‘Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again’
Chantilly’s Emily Price has come a long way. In 2006, at age 14, she played Dorothy in The Alliance Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Now 22, she’s performing in the Broadway national tour of “Mamma Mia!” The hit musical will be at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., March 4-9. In the story, a young woman named Sophie is getting married in Greece. She wants to learn who her father is, so she invites three former suitors of her mother’s to the wedding. “I play Ali, one of Sophie’s best friends, who’s come to the Greek island as a bridesmaid,” said Price. “Ali’s quirky, funny and excited to be reunited with Sophie. I love it; I get to jump around and have a blast every night with wonderful performers. The audience loves the show — we always get a great reaction.” Price was drawn to acting as a child. “I was shy, so this was a great outlet for me,” she said. “I also fell in love with the idea of diving into someone else’s shoes and getting into their feelings and lives on stage.” Her first show was Alliance’s “Oliver” in 2003, followed by “The Music Man” in 2004. “I grew up with [Alliance founder] Elaine Wilson as my director,” said Price. “She allowed the ensemble members to work together to create something artistic. I remember having a lot of fun — it was like theater camp for me. I was also a counselor during their summer production of ‘Willy Wonka.’”
"Penelope's Pesky Pen," performance at the Athenaeum
Dancers from the Jane Franklin's Dance company performed on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Athenaeum in "Penelope's Pesky Pen." They will be performing there again in a children’s show on March 16, at 4:30 p.m.
Westfield High To Present One-Act Play Festival.
Postponed because of snow, Westfield High’s Winter One-Act Play Festival has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 9 in the school theater. On the bill are comedy, drama and even a full-length musical. Here’s what’s on tap:
Theater Workshops Offered from the Professionals
Broadway comes to Fairfax with the arrival of actress Candi Boyd, currently appearing on Broadway in the play, “Jersey Boys.” On Sunday, March 9, she’ll present a musical-theater workshop, “Broadway: Behind the Curtain,” at Fairfax High – and it’s open to all area high-school students. It’ll run from noon-4:30 p.m. in the auditorium, with a limited number of spots available. Tickets range from $10-$40, depending on level of participation. The event’s a fundraiser for Fairfax High’s theater program, and school Theater Director Erich DiCenzo hopes to make it an annual tradition. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to have exposure to professional and talented artists,” he said. “Anyone with any interest in this field is welcome. Attendees don’t have to be theater students.”
Mountain View Department Awards
Mountain View High presented the following Department Awards, Feb. 5, to graduating seniors: English, Nina Iandolo; Business, Alexis Kharin Arriola; P.E., Reynaldo Gonzalez Martinez; Art, Nina Iandolo, Joshua Todd McDow, Trong LeDuc Bui; EFE, Aya Elhadi Abdelhalim; Family and Consumer Science, Chakoda Lanora Robinson. ESOL: Level 1, Jose Ramos Cantarero; Level 2, Ting Shi Zhong; Level 3, Evelin Clavel Delgado, Reynaldo Gonzalez Martinez; Level 4, Milton Fernandez Lemus, Maria Villafuerte Pineda.
Vandalism Suspects Arrested
Police have arrested three adults and obtained petitions charging two juveniles in connection with the recent series of vehicle vandalisms in Centreville. The apprehensions came about after a resident called police Friday, Feb. 21, around 4 a.m., to report a loud noise and a suspicious vehicle in the area of Bull Run Post Office Road. Responding officers from the Sully District Station found the vehicle and stopped it on Bull Run Post Office Road near Sudley Road. Several smashed mailboxes were also discovered in the area. Further investigation led officers to identify five people they believe were responsible for the Centreville vehicle vandalisms.
Budget Process: Get Involved
Chairman gives blueprint for community engagement in Fairfax County budget process.
In Fairfax County, when we adopt the budget, we are investing in the priorities and needs of the community. At the center of this open and transparent process is community engagement. It is critical that we have the community at the table with us when we are considering changes to the budget that the County Executive released for advertisement at our Board Meeting on Feb. 25. Below are some opportunities to learn about the budget, ask questions and make suggestions during the months of March and April. I look forward to hearing from you.
High Five
I made it. It’s five years after receiving a terminal diagnosis on February 27, 2009 from my oncologist: stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, accompanied by a "13-month to two-year" prognosis. Let’s be honest, medical professionals don’t toss around the word "terminal" because you’re going to be treated at an airport. Presumably, they know their facts and figures as well as the patient’s present condition, confirmed by a variety of diagnostic results from X-Rays, CT Scans, P.E.T. Scans, lab work and of course the ever-popular biopsy, so their diagnosis/prognosis is a bit more than an educated guess. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and until proven otherwise, I was not about to succumb to their statistics. Still, based on the best medical knowledge available at the time, this patient (yours truly) was given a limited life expectancy and encouraged to take the vacation I had always dreamed of – for obvious you’re-life-is-now-shorter-than-you-ever-imagined-type reasons, and yet, five years hence, here I am.
Bulova: ‘This Will Be a Challenging Budget’
Fairfax County average homeowner will see tax bill increase $330 under County Executive’s proposed $7 billion budget.
Fairfax County Executive Edward Long, Jr. unveiled a $7 billion budget proposal Tuesday that reflects his "cautious and deliberative approach to budgeting," a result, Long said, of continuing uncertainty over federal spending and sluggish commercial tax revenues.
Giving Bianca a Second Chance
A Fairfax County Animal Shelter happy ending.
Bianca, a nine-year-old, female, German shepherd mix dog, had been living her life on the end of a chain in a rural part of Virginia. In late January, an unknown stray dog approached Bianca and attacked her. Bianca’s owner came outside and in an attempt to stop the attack he hit both dogs with a shovel, striking Bianca over the head and injuring her. Rather than pursue vet care, the owner drove Bianca to the local pound and surrendered her. For the next 36 hours, Bianca sat with no medical care, until a sympathetic staff person called the shelter’s rescue partner at the Highland County Humane Society in rural Virginia.
‘We Will Not Tolerate Unsafe Driving’
Police want motorists to get the message from their new cruiser.
There’s a new weapon in the Fairfax County Police Department’s arsenal, but this one has four tires and an engine. It’s a new cruiser covered with messages warning people not to drive impaired or distracted. It was unveiled on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Sully District Station, and the station’s commander, Capt. Ed O’Carroll, explained its significance.
Mountain View Students Receive Scholarships
Graduating seniors received scholarships Feb. 5 during Mountain View High’s winter awards ceremony.
Thursday, February 20
Centreville Grappler Love Wins 195-Pound Region Title
Chantilly’s Carlson wins 145-pound title.
Centreville's Tyler Love has a chance to win state championships in two sports.
Centreville Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 52 Centreville homes sold between $715,000-$222,000.
Centreville Home Sales: January, 2014
Chantilly Home Sales: January, 2014
In January 2014, 14 homes sold between $680,000-$175,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: January, 2014
Money on the Shelves: Jurisdictions Take Variety of Approaches to Funding Libraries
Some have recovered from the recession, others are still struggling.
What is the future of the neighborhood library?
Wednesday, February 19
Roundups
House Fire: $100,000 Damage A house fire over the weekend caused an estimated $100,000 damage to a single-family home in Centreville. Fire investigators say the blaze was accidental. They blamed it on an electrical anomaly in the air-conditioning wall unit in the garage that had been converted into a daycare center. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded Sunday, Feb. 16, around 2:15 p.m. to 7105 Ordway Road. First-arriving firefighters saw smoke and fire coming from the garage. They brought the fire under control in approximately 10 minutes. Working smoke alarms provided early warning and allowed the home’s occupants to escape unharmed before the firefighters arrived. No one was injured, but the fire displaced four adults and three children.
‘To Be Graceful and Fast’
Westfield High freshman Nicole Bachman isn’t an Olympian, but she is an accomplished ice skater. And on Feb. 27, she and Team Ashburn will compete in the Synchronized Skating National Competition in Colorado Springs. A resident of Centreville’s Virginia Run community, Bachman’s among five girls from Fairfax County on the 15-member team. They skate at the Intermediate Level — the U.S. Figure Skating Assciation’s most competitive level. And this is the first time an Intermediate team from the Washington Metropolitan area has made Nationals.
Just Chillin’ in the Snow
Two snowstorms, Feb. 12-13, brought 14 inches of snow initially, plus 4 more inches later, to the local area, bringing dogs and people out to play.
Women of Faith Discuss Peace
Concerned about unrest in the world and wanting to do something about it, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosted an interfaith event. Held Feb. 8 at the Mubarak Mosque in Chantilly, it gave women from different walks of life the chance to discuss their perspectives on peace. The event was called “World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.” And during its course, the women presented their ideas on: * How to save the world from destruction, * How to create true peace and harmony in the world, and * What’s the role of religion in promoting justice, freedom, human rights and peace?
Man Charged with Setting Home Fire
A Centreville man has been charged with arson in connection with a fire at the home where he was a renter. He is Giancarlo Deleon, 25, and the fire was at a single-family home on Scotch Run Court. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units responded there last Thursday, Feb. 13, around 12:30 a.m. And despite heavy snow and dangerous driving conditions, firefighters arrived at the scene quickly. They encountered flames coming from the basement of the three-story house and spreading to a neighboring home.
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence. On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, overturned the convictions of Mildred and Richard Loving, declaring the ban on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
Until Further Notice
Not to state the obvious (which I readily admit I do), but to be given a terminal diagnosis: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, along with a rather disappointing prognosis: "13 months to two years" is a challenging set of extremely unexpected (given my immediate family’s medical history) circumstances. I don’t want to say that I live under a dark cloud – because I don’t like the negative implication or reaction it conjures, but I definitely feel as if I have a metaphorical sword of Damocles hanging over my head; which I only refer to as an-out-of-context Three Stooges reference wherein a non-Stooge was innocently standing under a pie which Moe had thrown to the ceiling and there it stuck, hanging precariously over the character’s head. Now I still don’t know the proper historical context of the sword of Damocles, I only know the Three Stooges version, but there was some imminent danger involved (not death, mind you), but rather a falling pie which ultimately landed flush on the character’s face as she looked up to make further inquiries. Nevertheless, pie issues/references notwithstanding, having seen my oncologist today while being infused and receiving a big smile/ "you’re going great"/thumbs-up set of gestures/reactions while reclining in my Barcalounger with a chemotherapy I.V. dripping medicine into my right arm, is the kind of super-positive feedback with which I can live. Along with my every-three-week pre-chemotherapy lab work and my every-three-month CT Scan followed by my every-three-month face-to-face appointment with my oncologist, this is how I roll. Worrying about upcoming tests, waiting anxiously for results, trying not to anticipate good, bad or indifferent; living day to day and trying to appreciate my good fortune and the unexpected above-average quality of life with which I’ve been blessed – for a terminal cancer patient, that is.
How Red Is the 10th District?
Wolf’s retirement sparks crowded political stage as both parties vie for coveted Congressional seat.
U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf’s announcement in December that he would not seek reelection to an 18th term in Congress came as a surprise to both Republicans and Democrats. Wolf’s retirement notice instantly set off a feeding frenzy among politicians maneuvering to gain the Northern Virginia Congressional seat.
Envisioning a Launch Pad for Young Adults
Paws4people develops pilot for former foster children, others.
Imagine if in your childhood, it was normal for a social worker to show up unexpectedly, hand you a big black garbage bag and tell you to pack your things.
Monday, February 17
Editorial: Fundamental Freedom To Choose To Marry
Virginia is historically slow in extending rights.
In 1967, Virginia was one of 16 states that banned interracial marriage and had criminal penalties for violators. Mildred Jeter, an African-American woman, and Richard Loving a white man, married in 1958, were convicted and banished from living in Virginia for 25 years to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence
Friday, February 14
'This School Was My Safe Place'
Mountain View High holds winter graduation.
61 Mountain View students donned caps and gowns, Friday, Feb. 7, and filed into Centreville High’s auditorium for their school’s winter graduation.
Thursday, February 13
Letter: Correcting Error on Mental Health Services
Fairfax County serving more people now.
A Feb. 11 editorial by Mary Kimm, referencing reporting by Michael Pope, makes an incorrect assertion that our services to people with mental illness in Fairfax County have been “dramatically cut back.”
Wednesday, February 12
Westfield’s Freix Wins Conference 5 All-Around Title
Robinson wins team championship, Oakton finishes second.
The Westfield gymnastics team placed third at the Conference 5 meet on Feb. 6.
Rock Run Annual Spelling Bee
Rocky Run students competed in their annual spelling bee.
She’s Working To Build a School in Liberia
Novel to fund effort and raise awareness.
Angela Peabody released her novel, "When the Games Froze."
Letter: Fully Fund Our Schools
To the Editor
Letter: On Racial and Social Equality
To the Editor
Don’t Ever Give Up — Ever
Principal offers advice to graduating seniors.
Before Mountain View’s graduating seniors received their diplomas last week, Principal Dave Jagels shared some words of wisdom with them.
CVHS Art Students Win 33 Awards
Centreville High students won a total of 33 awards in the recent Fairfax County Public Schools Regional Scholastic Art competition.
Local Man Charged with Setting Fires
Occupants were home asleep at the time.
Culminating months of work, investigators from the Fairfax County Fire Marshal’s Office have charged a local man with two felonies for allegedly setting fires in homes while their occupants were asleep.
02/12/14 Roundups
The editor presents roundups from the week of 02/12/14.
Comedy, Drama and a Musical
Westfield High presents Winter One-Act Play Festival
WHS presents One-Act Plays.
Tuesday, February 11
An Unexpected Present
Not that I minded it in the least (in fact, I appreciated it in the most), but I received my first senior discount the other day. I was fast-fooding at my local Roy Rogers restaurant when the unexpected kindness occurred. Considering that I’m not at the age yet when such discounts are typically available, I certainly did not (do not) presume that my appearance somehow reflects an age which I am not. In truth, I don’t believe it does. So even though I didn’t ask for the age-related discount, I was offered/given it nonetheless. As the cashier tallied my bill, she then spoke the price and adjusted it downward 10 percent for my surprise "senior" discount. On hearing the lower price and the reason for it, I immediately responded: "Oh, you’re giving senior discounts to people over 40?" To which she replied, while looking me directly in the eye: "No. Over 30." Laughing at her quick-thinking quip, I thanked her again for the discount and commended her on her excellent answer/customer service.
Home Design: What the Pros Know
A look inside the homes of some of the area’s top builders.
Remodeling industry professionals spend their days helping clients create dream homes, adding quartzite counter tops and outdoor, stacked stone fireplaces, turning ideas and photos into functional, chic living spaces.
MATHCOUNTS Champions
The Northern Virginia Regional MATHCOUNTS competitions were held on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke and at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria. This year, because of the exceptionally large number of students participating, the Regional competition had to be split between two venues.
Friday, February 7
Classified Advertising February 5, 2014
Read the latest here!
Thursday, February 6
Editorial: Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Editorial: For Nonpartisan Redistricting
Virginia is a purple state, gerrymandered to bleed red.
Consider that in statewide elections, Virginia voters have chosen Democrats in the last two presidential elections, for U.S. Senate, for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Almost none of these elections was by a wide margin, but it’s clear that Virginia is a purple state leaning blue.
Wednesday, February 5
Nine Candidates Vying for Attention in 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Race to replace Jim Moran is expected to be competitive and expensive.
It's been three weeks since longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced that he would not be seeking a 13th term in Congress, opening up an epic primary fight that is now starting to take shape.
WHS’s Winter One-Act Play Festival
Westfield High is presenting its Winter One-Act Play Festival, next Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 13-15, in the school theater. All shows begin at 7 p.m. and most are student-directed.
New Grocery Opens in Fair Lakes
Features organic and all-natural products.
A new grocery store, aimed at customers interested in buying natural and organic foods, has opened for business in Fair Lakes.
Editorial: Few Thoughts on General Assembly Action
Yes, allow homeschoolers access to programs in public school.
It’s possible that this is not the right bill exactly, and in general, we favor local control. But it is wrongheaded of public schools to force families into a take-it-or-leave-it position.
Road Projects Take Step Forward
Supervisors approve six-year transportation funds.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week approved $1.4 billion to fund transportation projects for FY 2015 to FY 2020.
Teachers Federation Honors Herrity
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) was honored Jan. 11 by the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT).
Roundups for 2/5/2014
The editor presents the roundups for the week of 2/5/2014.
Virginia Health Department Forecasts Seasonal ‘Stomach Bug’
Statewide data monitored by the Virginia Department of Health indicate that norovirus was arriving in Virginia just in time for the cold weather.
Pet Photos, Stories for Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a bi-annual themed edition, will publish Feb. 26. We invite you to send us stories about your pets, photos of you and/or your family with your cats, dogs, hamsters, snakes, lizards, frogs, rabbits, or whatever other creatures share your home or yard with you.
Piece of Mind
Today I was eating a Tootsie Roll, and while chewing it, felt something sharp against my gum. Knowing my candy, sharp I should not feel, so immediately I stopped chewing in hopes of locating the sensation; which I did. It turns out that I broke off the top half of a previously (years ago) installed dental crown. Fortunately, the crown was still in my mouth, so I was able to retrieve it. Upon closer examination of it and the now crown-less tooth, it appears that the crown and the tooth are completely intact (undamaged) and perhaps a simple re-cementing at the dentist’s office awaits, a repair achieved much less expensively than replacing the entire crown. (I can hope, can’t I? After all, I am a cancer patient; hope is what I do.)
Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance
More than 50 volunteers who are helping local residents sign up for health care insurance were recognized by state and local leadership last Saturday. To date, these Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 500 individuals with the new Marketplace system, overcoming barriers of language, technology and understanding the new health care law. The volunteers were thanked for the commitment and service:
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.
Sunday, February 2
Roundups: Crime Solvers Seeks Vandals
Fairfax County Crime Solvers is asking the public to help identify the people responsible for vandalizing vehicles in the Sully Police District. Between Sunday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb.18, at least 100 parked vehicles were struck by BB-type projectiles. Police say the suspects are apparently driving through neighborhoods shooting the BBs at parked cars, breaking the windows and causing damage. Many of the vehicles were parked on or near Old Centreville Road, Skipton Court, Federation Drive, Singleton’s Way and Compton Lane.