Thursday, January 30
Debate Over School Budget Continues
Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.
Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.
Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations
Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.
While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.
Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman
During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.
One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.
Wednesday, January 29
Centreville Girls’ Basketball Avenges Loss to Chantilly
Green scores 20, Wakefield’s defense praised.
The Centreville girls' basketball team defeated Chantilly on Tuesday night.
Gathering for International Night
Centreville Elementary School held its 3rd annual International Night after-school on Friday, Jan. 10.
Beatty Earns Statewide Honor
CVHS teacher named outstanding mathematics educator.
Kathy Beatty, a math teacher at Centreville High School, has been named the recipient of the 2014 William C. Lowry Outstanding Mathematics Educator of the Year Award by the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Obit: Dennis Haywood Tyler
Dennis Hayward Tyler; caring and compassionate teacher, devoted husband and father, and friend to all died on Jan. 14, 2014.
Letter: Scam Alert
I wanted to alert residents of the Sully District Station about a telephone scam.
Roundups for 1/29/14
The editor presents the roundups for the week of 1/29/14.
An Interview with Michael League
Following Snarky Puppy’s Jan. 26 Grammy victory for Best R&B Performance, the band’s founder, Centreville High grad Michael League, responded to the following question.
Centreville High School Graduate Wins Grammy
R&B Performance: Michael League and band Snarky Puppy.
Sometimes, good guys do finish first — and Centreville High grad Michael League and his band Snarky Puppy are proof. Besides making music, they pass on their knowledge to young musicians worldwide. And Sunday, Jan. 26, they won a Grammy award for Best R&B Performance.
CVHS Choral Cabaret Nears
Event includes music, silent auction, raffle and desserts.
Featuring young, musical talent and homemade desserts in a cozy, intimate atmosphere, Centreville High presents its 10th annual Choral Cabaret.
Ziegler Earns Rank of Eagle Scout
Four brothers have attained Scouting’s highest honor.
Gregory D. Ziegler, 16, of Virginia Run in Centreville was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor ceremony on Dec. 29, 2013 at the Virginia Run Community Center.
‘A Children’s Story Come to Life’
“It’s about a dragon who wants to write poetry and not fight, and the little girls who becomes his friend,” said Monk. “But the townspeople think all dragons are bad and want to slay him.”
CHS Art Students Win 31 Awards
Chantilly High students won a total of 31 awards in the recent FCPS Regional Scholastic Art competition. Winners were announced Monday, Jan. 27.
Friday, January 24
Brothers Are National Taekwondo Champs
Before they’ve even graduated from high school, two Chantilly brothers — Sohwon, 17, and Siwon Kim, 15, have each won national taekwondo titles.
Roundups: Chantilly/Centreville — Jan. 22, 2014
News briefs and community notes.
CYA Collects Presents for Pediatric Party
CYA and DC Candlelighters united to make the holidays brighter for pediatric oncology patients at Inova Fairfax Hospital. CYA collected more than 300 presents for the DC Candlelighter families whose children are fighting cancer.
‘We Investigate Crime Scenes and Accidents’
Police detective discusses the job of the Crash Reconstruction Unit.
Fairfax County Police Det. Josh David minored in physics at GMU, and it’s come in handy in his job. A 13-year member of the Police Department, he’s been with the Crash Reconstruction Unit for five years now. And, he said, “I realized how much math, physics and science is involved in what I do.”
Challenges of a Lean Economy
Could a meals tax be the answer to fund the schools?
The school budget, roads and money were the main topics Monday night, Jan. 20, when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) gave his annual, “State of Sully” address.
Chantilly Speech Team Takes District Title
The Chantilly High Speech Team won the district title for the second year in a row, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Westfield High.
Letter: Feels Betrayed
The roundabout issue for western Fairfax County seems to have a bonus hidden inside of it.
Changing of the Guard?
Centreville girls’ basketball wins third straight over Oakton.
The Centreville girls' basketball team has won three straight against Oakton.
Thursday, January 23
Classified Advertising January 22, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 22
Participating in the Inaugural
Over the weekend, Chantilly Governor’s STEM Academy was among the three schools selected state-wide to participate in the inaugural ceremony for Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Challenges of a Lean Economy
Could Meals Tax Be Answer To Fund Schools?
The school budget, roads and money were the main topics Monday night, Jan. 20, when Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) gave his annual, “State of Sully” address.
Letter to the Editor: Feels Betrayed
The roundabout issue for western Fairfax County seems to have a bonus hidden inside of it. When any government representative actually shows contempt and arrogance towards the constituency, the time has come to replace that representative.
Investigating Crime Scenes
Police detective discusses the job of the Crash Reconstruction Unit.
Fairfax County Police Det. Josh David minored in physics at GMU, and it’s come in handy in his job. A 13-year member of the Police Department, he’s been with the Crash Reconstruction Unit for five years now. And, he said, “I realized how much math, physics and science is involved in what I do.”
Speech Team Takes District Title
The Chantilly High Speech Team won the district title for the second year in a row, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Westfield High.
Artist’s Work on Display at Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Springfield potter’s works at juried show.
Local Springfield potter Kerri Henry will be displaying her birdhouses and other functional stoneware at this year’s Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, from Jan. 24-26.
CYA Collects Presents for Pediatric Party
CYA and DC Candlelighters united to make the holidays brighter for pediatric oncology patients at Inova Fairfax Hospital. CYA collected more than 300 presents for the DC Candlelighter families whose children are fighting cancer.
Into the Budget Fray
Bulova highlights accomplishments, challenges in annual address.
Despite the lingering impact of an anemic economy, and the regional ripple effects of federal sequestration, Fairfax County residents will see some concrete signs of progress this year.
Editorial: Extend Health Coverage in Virginia
Standing on what is essentially scorched earth, Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly have condemned hundreds of thousands of poor Virginians to living without health coverage even though it would be fully funded by Federal money for the next three years, and with Virginia paying 10 percent after five years.
Friends Forever
Since it had been more than a few months, today I summoned up the courage to Google my long-time friend and fellow stage IV lung cancer survivor, Suzanne. Suzanne and I had been years out of touch (for no real reason other than initiative and the geographic consideration that she lived in Barnstable, Ma. and I live in Burtonsville, Md.) and recently back in touch – due to our identical cancer diagnoses. I learned that she had succumbed to her disease back in October, 2013. We last had contact electronically back in the summer. She was extremely weak then, she said, too weak to talk, so e-mailing was best. In that e-mail, ultimately her last, she wrote that the most recent chemotherapy drug with which she was infused was no longer effective and that her oncologist had no other drugs left to recommend. Not that she said it in so many words, but at that point her prognosis was grim. She offered that her two boys were with her and from them she would gain great comfort. The news was very unsettling to me and I was afraid that this e-mail might be our last – and so it was.
Roundups for 1/22/14
The editor presents the roundups for the week of 1/22/14.
Friday, January 17
Centreville Home Sales: December, 2013
In December 2013, 71 Centreville homes sold between $763,000-$174,000.
Centreville Home Sales: December, 2013
Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2013
In December 2013, 25 homes sold between $680,000-$175,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: December, 2013
Thursday, January 16
Classified Advertising January 15, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Virginia Supreme Court Opens Access to Audio Recordings of Oral Arguments
Policy change overturns blackout instituted in 2008.
Members of the Virginia Supreme Court have a New Year’s Resolution — become more transparent.
Wednesday, January 15
Caring for People with Alzheimers, Dementia
As the number of senior citizens in Fairfax County continues to rise, so does the need for assisted-living facilities — and especially those focusing on people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. That’s why Artisan Land Group LLC wants to build just that in Chantilly.
Gerhard Honored as Officer of Month
As the Sully District Police Station’s crime-prevention officer, PFC Tara Gerhard normally knows in advance who’ll be honored as the station’s Officer of the Month at Citizens Advisory Committee meetings. But until the Jan. 8 meeting began, that name was kept under wraps. That’s because the person honored last Wednesday was she.
Chantilly Robotics Student Testifies Before Congress
Explains why it’s a valuable STEM program.
Chantilly High senior Brian Morris, CEO of Chantilly Robotics Team 612, testified in Washington, D.C., last Thursday, Jan. 9. He spoke before the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Technology, of the U.S. House of Representatives.
1/15/14 Roundups
The editor presents short roundups from the week of 1/15/14.
1/15/14 Roundup
The editor presents short roundups from the week of 1/15/14.
Roundups
Crime Solvers Needs Help
Fairfax County Crime Solvers is seeking the public’s help in identifying whoever broke into a construction building and trailers in Chantilly and stole at least $15,000 in copper wire and caused about $60,000 in damage to the structures.
Board of Supervisors OKs Roundabout
It’s a go for the controversial roundabout planned for construction at the Braddock/Pleasant Valley roads intersection next to Cox Farms in Centreville. Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors endorsed Supervisor Michael R. Frey’s (R-Sully) motion of “no opposition” to it, by an 8-2 vote.
Residents Warned of Scam
Residents, beware. There’s a new scam happening in the local area and PFC Tara Gerhard, crime prevention officer with the Sully District Police Station, wants people to know about it.
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
The Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee (CPMSAC) held its 20th annual Martin Luther King Festival, Jan. 12, at Westfield High.
From Late Night Comedy to Your Bedroom
Why the General Assembly matters more in Virginia than most states.
The Virginia General Assembly began its annual session last week on Jan. 8. The actions of the Virginia General Assembly matter more to localities than it would in many other states. In Virginia, localities have only the power specifically granted by the General Assembly, the Dillon rule. So, for example, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County in Maryland recently voted to increase the minimum wage in those localities. They didn’t need permission from Maryland General Assembly to do so. Arlington and Alexandria might be inclined to follow suit (the District government also voted to increase the minimum wage) but do not have that power.
In Case Someone Is Wondering
I don’t mind being alive, really I don’t. Occasionally though, I receive well-intended inquiries – electronic and otherwise, from people (who know my cancer story) who are sort of wondering if perhaps I’m not. When people haven’t heard from me in a while – and this is a category of people with whom I don’t have regular/recurring interactions, but rather a group of people who reach out and attempt to touch me (figuratively speaking) every three or four months or so – there is a presumption on their part that my silence (so far as they know) is not in fact golden, but rather ominous, as in the cancer might have won and yours truly didn’t. And when I respond, their pleasure/relief at my not having succumbed to the disease is quite positive, generally speaking. Their honesty and joy in learning that I’m still alive is both rewarding and gratifying. Rewarding in that they care and gratifying in that I must be doing something right which enables me to sustain myself through a very difficult set of medical circumstances: stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, the terminal kind (is there any other kind?).
Let Sun Shine on Virginia’s Financial Disclosure Laws
State legislators turn attention to ethics in wake of McDonnell gift scandal.
As members of the Virginia General Assembly convene for the first time since last February, legislators are stampeding to introduce ethics legislation in response to the gift scandal which engulfed then Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R). The revelations last spring about numerous undisclosed gifts and purported loans from businessman Jonnie Williams to McDonnell — including a $6,500 Rolex watch engraved to the "71st Governor of Virginia" and $35,000 in gifts and catering for his daughters’ weddings — shined a spotlight on Virginia’s porous financial disclosure laws.
Sunday, January 12
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
The Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee (CPMSAC) held its 20th annual Martin Luther King Festival, Jan. 12, at Westfield High.
Thursday, January 9
Classified Advertising January 8, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 8
‘Mr. Mac’ Nominated for Grammy Award
Glen McCarthy played trumpet in high school; but when his parents gave him a guitar for graduation, it changed the trajectory of his life. He’s played guitar in bands ever since then — yet what’s defined him most, he says, is being a guitar teacher.
Roundups for 1/8/14
Roundups for 1/8/14
Student History Buffs Wanted for Internship
Juniors in good standing at Chantilly and Westfield high schools and who are interested in history may apply for the newly established Margaret C. Peck Youth Internship program, sponsored by the Sully Foundation, Ltd. This paid, nine-month internship runs from April through December 2014.
Two Fires in Same Night
Local firefighters had their hands full, Saturday, Dec. 28, battling two residential fires in western Centreville on the same night. Both happened between 7 and 8 p.m.
Music Educator Award Details and Prizes
This award was established to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who’ve made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
Celebrating Legacy of Martin Luther King
For 20 years now, the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement (CPMSAC) Committee has celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Letter: Improving Mental Health Services
The following open letter was addressed to the state senators and delegates representing Fairfax County.
CentreView Bulletin Board for 1/8/14
Bulletin Board for 1/8/14
NOVEC: Conserve Energy During Freeze
Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative asks all customers to conserve energy during the cold snap this week by not using dishwashers, ovens, washing machines, and dryers.
Chantilly Teasers for 1/8/14
Chantilly Teasers for 1/8/14
Chantilly High Students Win State-wide Teen Stylin' Awards
Chantilly High students Mia Rickenbach and Diana Tsoy won design awards recently in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Teen Stylin’ program. Both created dresses based on museum works of art.
Living With My Decisions
On multiple occasions throughout my nearly five years of being treated for stage IV, non-small cell lung cancer, my oncologist has given me opportunities to stop and/or take a break from my treatment, or to consider alternatives to the normal protocols – for the expressed (literally) purpose of sustaining/enhancing the unexpected, above-average quality of life I have mostly experienced during my nearly non-stop, every three-week chemotherapy infusions which began in early March, 2009. The goal being to enable me to enjoy my life and not be subjected to/beaten down by the ravaging and debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
Kitchen Organization for the New Year
Local organizers, designers and culinary experts offer smart tips for making space and clearing clutter.
If organizing an unruly kitchen, one where there never seems to be enough space for storage containers and pots and pans, is on your list of resolutions this year, the project might be less daunting than you think. From creating a system for grouping spices to keeping plates in easy reach, local experts share secrets for a well-maintained kitchen. Hang pots and pans inside pantry doors, says Sallie Kjos of GreyHunt Interiors in Chantilly. "It organizes them, but decoratively can look effective."
Top Designs of 2013
Local builders look back on their most impressive spaces.
From outdoor patios with the comforts of indoor family rooms to a stark white bathroom replete with Carrara marble flooring, local designers said they’ve created some spectacular living spaces in 2013. Their personal favorites may be surprising, and include a lot of kitchens and bathrooms.
Bridge Work To Affect Route 29
Lane closures begin this week on Route 29 over Little Rocky Run, as the Virginia Department of Transportation replaces the structurally deficient bridge to improve safety and increase traffic flow.
Letter: Improving Mental Health Services
The following open letter was addressed to the state senators and delegates representing Fairfax County: I apologize for not being able to attend this year’s hearing. I want to thank you all for once again allowing your constituents to voice our concerns and express our wishes for this new legislative session.
Learning To Cope with Death of Loved One
Centreville author pens memoir to help others.
At the age of 13, Mary C. Rosenthol found out her mother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. By the time she reached her early 20s, her mother, Mary Ellen Brady, died on Dec. 23, 2001 and a year and seven months later her father, Charles Donald Brady, died from the same disease on July 23, 2002.
Trendiest Color for 2014: Radiant Orchid
Local designers offer tips on using this exotic hue tastefully and share their own color predictions.
It has been called exotic, vibrant and even magical. Now it has been named the 2014 color of the year: orchid, or radiant orchid to be exact.
Style and Harmony on a Bookshelf
Clever ideas for organizing bookcases.
Whether one’s bookshelves house a literary library or a mixture of photos and media equipment, most do double or triple storage duty. Because bookshelves are multifunctional, however, it is easy to end up with a chaotic and unorganized space.
Bathroom Organization for New Year
Simple strategies for storing bathroom essentials.
Cluttered bathrooms where the medicine cabinet contains everything from batteries to old toothbrushes and a linen closet where towels and sheets are intermingled with flashlights and scrub brushes can be the bane of anyone’s existence. However, a new year can offer a fresh start in one of the most-used rooms in one’s home.
Lower Level Offers Multi-generational Solution
Remodeling a dark basement gives family spaces for grandparents on extended visits and play room for everyone.
Eric and Tina Park, both physicians, were already quite busy 10 years ago when they purchased a 3,400 square foot two-level neo-Colonial near McLean.
WFCM Thrift Store Closing
The WFCM thrift store will close August 15, 2014.
Calendar Events for 1/8/14
Calendar Events for 1/8/14
Monday, January 6
On Bulova’s 2014 Radar Screen
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova discusses the issues she sees taking center stage in the county in the coming year.
Thursday, January 2
Classified Advertising January 1, 2014
Read the latest ads here!
Wednesday, January 1
New Name, New Look, Same Community Coverage
Chantilly Connection, formerly the Centre View Northern Edition.
Welcome to the Chantilly Connection, formerly known as the Centre View Northern Edition. The new name and new look (The Connection newspapers have a full photo on the cover) are intended to clarify the mission of the paper and its place in the Connection family.
Top Local Issues for 2014
Centre View asked various, local leaders what they believe will be the top issues facing the local area in 2014.
Wrapping up Joy for Christmas
Students, Scouts, police brighten holiday at Hanley Shelter.
The children living in the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter may not have many possessions; but on Christmas Day, they had presents.
Locals Donate to Toys for Tots
Implementing an idea from Phil Williams of the Clifton-Hoadly-Area-Pancake-Society, Gary Binge (president of the Kena Shrine Antique Car Club in Fairfax) and Clifton’s Jim Chesley co-chaired the first annual NoVA Cruise & Collection of Toys for Tots. Then they held a gathering of car enthusiasts, Dec. 15, at the Juke Box Diner in Manassas and donated toys they’d collected for the U.S. Marine Corps’s Toys for Tots program.
Herrity’s Top Local Issues for 2014
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) talks about what he believes will be the top issues this year in Fairfax County.
Editorial: Looking to Hear from Readers in New Year
If you know of a person or an organization doing important work, something newsworthy or something that might make a good feature story, let us know.
Cookies, Cookies Everywhere
Centreville High SGA members brought in and packaged 6,240 cookies on Dec. 12 to donate to Our Neighbor’s Child for local families in need.
Centreview Bulletin Board for 1/1/14
Centreview Bulletin Board for 1/1/14
A Look at Top Local Stories of 2013
Interesting, exciting and dramatic events happen all year long in the Centreville-Chantilly-Clifton area. Below were some of the top local stories of 2013.
Centreview Calendar for 1/1/14
Centreville calendar for 1/1/14
Centreview Roundups for 1/1/14
The editor presents the roundups for the week of 1/1/14.
Library Has Some Helpful Friends
Everyone needs friends, even a library. And the Friends of the Centreville Regional Library provide an invaluable service by buying items the library needs, but Fairfax County doesn’t fund.