Wednesday, November 26
Hand & Stone Opens in Chantilly
Spa offers facials, massage, waxings.
A new Chantilly Hand & Stone Spa opened in the Greenbriar Town Center behind the Starbucks along Route 50 on Oct. 12.
Centreview: Turbo Tutoring Helps Ellie’s Hats
Dan Harris and Gregg Greentree, co-owners of Turbo Tutoring LLC, are conducting a hat drive for Ellie's Hats in conjunction with their SAT prep seminar on Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Stone Bridge High School, Room 303, at 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn, VA 20147.
Centreview: NOVEC To Collect Toys for Tots at Co-op Offices
The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative's non-profit organization, NOVEC HELPS, is collecting new, unwrapped toys through Thursday, Dec. 16 for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
Chantilly Letter: Many Reasons To Give Thanks
Mariam Sadia Sosan Malik, Chantilly
Gobble, gobble, it’s near that time of year again. The time we all check our Smartphones to see who has received the most likes on their turkey feast.
Chantilly: Walney Road Widening Meeting Set
Work is scheduled to begin Dec. 2.
Supervisor Michael R. Frey (R-Sully) and VDOT are co-hosting a “Pardon Our Dust” meeting for the Walney Road widening and bridge replacement.
Chantilly: ‘She Eats, Sleeps and Breathes Music’
Chantilly High student to perform with Army’s All-American Marching Band.
Chantilly High senior Mari Takeda has an extra-special reason to look forward to the holidays. On Jan. 3, 2015, she’ll join an elite group of musicians who’ll perform at halftime of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
Centreview: Briney Honored As Officer of Month
PFC Shannon Briney has been a Fairfax County police officer for 12 years and, for the past three, she’s been assigned to the Sully District Station.
Centreview: Holiday Food Drive for Needy Families
Police and community answer the call.
For many local families, the holidays are a time of hunger. So the Sully District Police Station, Westfields Business Owners Association and Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM) teamed up to help feed them.
Column: ‘Shrinkage’
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography).
Thanksgiving Q&A: Westfield's Pace Headed to Charlotte for Foot Locker South
Senior runner competes in annual Turkey Trot with family.
Westfield senior Johnny Pace will compete in the Foot Locker South meet in Charlotte this weekend.
Tuesday, November 25
Obituary: Pamela Wallace, of Clifton, Dies
Pamela Wallace, passed away at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, N.J., surrounded by her loving family. They invite everyone to attend the memorial service celebrating her life at the Christ Episcopal Church, 74 Park Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014 at 11 a.m., where she wed her husband, Bob,45 years ago.
And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist. At this meeting, I am examined, and of course, the radiologist’s report of the most recent scan is discussed, and plans for the future – stay the course and/or adjust or switch altogether – are considered.
“Shrinkage”
Not exactly “like a frightened turtle” as “similed” on a long-ago Seinfeld episode by Jerry himself; this shrinkage is the good kind, the kind you hope a radiological oncologist characterizes when viewing your CT Scan (computed tomography). Specifically, the exact kind of scan I get every three months to assess and evaluate the tumors, and fluid, in my stage IV, non-small cell cancer-affected lungs.
An Exceptional Education
Exceptional Schools Fair offers parents a chance to learn more about schools for their children with special needs.
Maureen Kleinman wandered from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from schools that cater to students who have special needs. She asked questions about each school’s resources and environment.
Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM
Holy Child will host female speakers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.
When Trish Whitcomb’s daughter Colleen began to express an interest in engineering, she and her husband were at a loss as to how to foster her academic and career aspirations.
November Raises Awareness and Celebrates Caregivers
Resources available for people living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Mary Driver-Downs has been one of the primary caregivers for her mother-in-law, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, for the past six years. It has been a difficult journey, but one she says is well worth it.
Literary Essay Collection Explores Life-Changing Travels
Local authors discuss unexpected adventures.
A group of local writers contributed to a collection of literary travel essays, Destinations & Discoveries, which was released earlier this month. Meghan O’Neill edited the collection.
Turkey Carving 101
Local chefs offer advice for slicing the star of the Thanksgiving table.
Few things symbolize Thanksgiving like a whole roasted turkey on a platter, but when it’s time for dinner, neatly sliced pieces of meat look even more appealing. Whether it’s sliced at the table or in kitchen, turkey carving can be a daunting task, however. A few local chefs share their favorite turkey-carving methods to create an impressive holiday platter.
Thanksgiving Tablescapes
Ideas for giving thanks in style.
Whether one’s taste in table settings is subtle or over-the-top, it is possible to give thanks in style. From centerpieces to table runners, local designers say the right combination of accessories can create a Thanksgiving table that guests will remember long after the holiday.
Gifts for the Hostess
Stylish ideas for saying thank you.
If you’re planning to be a guest rather than a host for Thanksgiving dinner this year, you don’t want to arrive empty handed. For those who are still searching for the perfect hostess gift, local tastemakers come to the rescue with presents that are stylish and thoughtful.
Editorial: Holidays Are About Giving
Give thanks and share; tens of thousands of families around us are in need.
The holidays are about giving, and giving thanks. The holidays are about children and family. The holidays are about sharing, about joy. The holidays are about being thankful and about faith and appreciation. The holidays are about alleviating suffering for others. Surrounded by the bounty in so many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia, many of us see little signs of the massive unmet needs here. But in Fairfax County Public Schools, more than 52,000 of the students are poor enough to receive free or subsidized meals, a significant measure of poverty.
Thursday, November 20
Chantilly’s McGorty Places Fourth at State XC Meet
Westfield’s Pace, Freix earn all-state honors.
The two-time defending state champion Chantilly boys' cross country team placed third Saturday.
Chantilly Home Sales: October, 2014
In October 2014, 18 homes sold between $902,000-$38,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: October, 2014
Chantilly: Great Beginnings Hosts Toys for Tots
Chantilly children's store is a drop-off for U.S. Marine Corps' toy collection program.
Tina Coulson, store manager of Great Beginnings Baby & Kids of Chantilly, is conducting a Toys for Tots campaign with the U.S. Marine Corps from now through Dec. 21 at the store located at 13920-B Lee Jackson Memorial Highway (Route 50) in the Sully Plaza Shopping Center.
Centreville Home Sales: October, 2014
In October 2014, 57 Centreville homes sold between $849,900-$157,500.
Centreville Home Sales: October, 2014
Sports Brief: Favorites Dominate In Football Playoffs
Seven of the top-eight seeds won during the first round of the 6A North region football playoffs on Nov. 14. No. 1 Centreville, the defending state champion, blasted No. 16 Stonewall Jackson, 56-14. No. 2 Westfield beat No. 15 Langley 47-20.
Centreview: Honoring Veterans
Bull Run Elementary held its annual Veterans Day Assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Veterans from the Centreville community attended the celebration and were honored for their service by the entire Bull Run student body.
Centreview: Training Canine Companions
Tucked away on a graying back road in Long Island, N.Y., is a different kind of college campus. With wide grassy play yards and kennels instead of dorm rooms, this college is one for the dogs.
Letter to the Editor: Help Disadvantaged Students
To the Editor: I found it very interesting that the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee (CPMSAC) [“Only Excellence Is Good Enough,” Nov. 13] is working so closely with the public school system and the community in an effort for bettering the academic successes and potential of minority students.
Chantilly: Helping the Community
Boy Scout Troop 7369 was asked by Saint Timothy Parish to build an exhibit for the International festival. The troop’s Scoutmaster, Mike Warsocki, brought up the request during a scout meeting.
Chantilly: Taking the Plunge for ALS
Students of LearningRx Chantilly accepted the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise money and awareness for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The challenge entails people getting drenched by buckets of ice water on video and nominating others to do the same, in an effort to raise awareness of ALS.
Chantilly: Powder Puff
The Chantilly Junior’s Class of 2016 and Senior’s class of 2015 played their annual in school rivalry on last month with the game ending in a tie 16-16.
Chantilly: Fall Festival
Parents, students, teachers and administrators — including (above, from left) Wanda Radler, PTA president; Sharon S. Williams, principal, and Holly Walker, assistant principal — celebrated at Poplar Tree’s Fall Festival last month. Some of the activities included: Lego Building Contest, Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Pumpkin Throwing Contest, and many games.
Chantilly: Standing Together
Poplar Tree Elementary School teachers and staff gather together to take a stand against bullying during the school’s recent Bullying Awareness Day.
Centreville: It’s Time for Turkey Trot
A great way to burn calories before Thanksgiving dinner is to participate in the Virginia Run Turkey Trot. This year’s 26th annual 5K race and 2K fun walk will be held Thursday morning, Nov. 27.
Chantilly Roundups
Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5 p.m. to dusk, at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.
Centreville: Four Helpings of Comedy and Drama
Centreville High’s One-Act Play Festival.
Comedy, drama and four plays for the price of one are all on the bill at Centreville High. Its One-Act Play Festival is set for this Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-22, at 7:30 p.m. in the school theater. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Renovation Keeps Rolling at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria
New wing showcased at Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting.
Thomas Jefferson senior Thomas Rogers is big on the laser cutter. “You can cut anything you want,” said the McLean resident, “like exact designs on sheet metal.” Rogers was enthusiastic about the device, but wouldn’t fire it up during the Nov. 14 tour of the Science and Technology Governor’s School’s new two-story wing with 14 research spaces.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors makes two rail-facilitating moves; Arlington ends streetcar project.
As the Silver Line Metororail project progresses towards its second phase opening date of 2018, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are helping pave the way.
Wednesday, November 19
Editorial: Why Shop Small? Shop Large Locally
Small business Saturday isn’t enough; don’t wait until then, and don’t stop after that.
There is a joy to shopping in local stores at the holidays, to participating in community traditions and celebrations, to walking along a sidewalk with the streets decked out for the holidays, to being greeted by someone likely to be the owner of the store, to finding gifts that are not mass-produced.
Column: And The “Scancer” Is…
Unknown at this date – Saturday, November 15. In fact, it will be six days from now until we’ll know the results. As it is always scheduled, a week or so after my quarterly CT Scan, we will have our usual follow-up, face-to-face appointment with my oncologist.
Tuesday, November 18
Scouts in Centreville hold Soap Box Derby
Boy Scout Troop 893 of Centreville held its second Soap Box Derby on Oct. 12 at Bull Run Park. Soap box derby is an annual scouting tradition where Scouting patrols build cars out of wood and race them against one another.
Chantilly's Westfield High Homecoming
Bean bags and busting moves at Chantilly's Westfield HIgh Homecoming
Crime Report for Centreville, Chantilly
The following incidents were reported by the Sully District Police Station.
Monday, November 17
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups Nov. 12, 2014
Land use meeetings, CItizens Associations, and volunteers active in Centreville and Chantilly.
Friday, November 14
Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.” Years later, after a chemotherapy infusion, I saw my oncologist walking through the Infusion Center and asked him if my thinning hair might be a result of this most recent chemotherapy drug (not all chemotherapy results in hair loss). His response was similar to what my friend had advised me in 2009. He said: “You can blame me,” (which of course, I understood to mean, cancer/the treatment of cancer) “for anything.”
Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things. And thanks to a great friend, Rebecca Nenner, whom I have written about previously, I have/have had to become more open, and consequently, have assimilated into my life many non-Western, non-traditional alternatives (pills, supplements, super foods, activities/behaviors, etc.) with which I was totally unfamiliar (I’m a sports and chocolate kind of person), in an attempt to outlive my prognosis.
‘Love, Hope and Commitment’ in Chantilly
During the reflections portion of The Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee’s (CPMSAC) 30th-anniversary celebration, people explained from various perspectives what the organization has meant to them.
Thursday, November 13
Centreville Forum Recognizes Volunteers, Leaders
Every week, more than a dozen volunteers plan, teach, organize, and support programs at Centreville Labor Resource Center (CLRC). Over the year, more than 100 volunteers contribute to the life of Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF). At its annual meeting last Tuesday, Oct. 28, CIF recognized these leaders.
Chantilly: ‘Only Excellence Is Good Enough’
CPMSAC celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee (CPMSAC) has come a long way in 30 years — and there’s more work to be done. But Sunday night, it took time out to celebrate three decades of dedication to area youth.
Jean R. Packard Remembered at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna
Jean Packard was Frank Roberts’ first boss. He was 13, she was 22 and the acting editor of her father Dave’s Clermont Sun newspaper in Batavia, Ohio. “I was a ‘devil’s rat,’” Roberts said, responsible for odd gofer jobs around the office. “I was trying to hide from work and she’d track me down. She was a tough boss.”
Chantilly: ‘And Then There Were None’
Westfield High presents Agatha Christie mystery.
Something is definitely amiss after 10 people are invited to a party on an isolated island in Maine and are killed off, one by one. That’s the premise of the classic mystery by Agatha Christie, and it’s Westfield High’s upcoming play.
Wednesday, November 12
McLean Location for 2015 DC Design House
House will benefit Children’s National Health System.
The new country estate at 956 Mackall Farm Lane in McLean will be the location for the 8th annual DC Design House, a project that raises money to benefit Children’s National Health System. The 2015 DC Design House will be held from April 11 to May 10.
New Interior Design Book Features Local Tastemakers
Interior designers offer advice on creating an elegant home.
Fall not only brings vibrantly colored leaves and pumpkins, but it also ushers in a slew of new book releases. Among those is an interior design book featuring local designers.
Editorial: Thanksgiving Help for Those in Need
Roll up those sleeves and help.
This week is the week to jump in to help the many organizations that will help needy families through the holidays. Here are a few ideas of how to help, but the opportunities are limitless. More than 236,000 people living in the area do not have access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life for all members of their households, according to Catholic Charities. That is to say, more than a quarter of a million people, including many children, go hungry on a regular basis.
Column: Excuse Me
Early on during my indoctrination/assimilation into the cancer-patient world in which I now reside, I remember asking a fellow cancer patient/friend if I could use cancer as an excuse for whatever it was needed excusing (directly or indirectly related), and she said: absolutely, “blame the cancer.”
Friday, November 7
Haunted House and Carnival in Chantilly
Screams and laughter were both part of Westfield High’s Haunted House and Carnival
Screams and laughter were both part of Westfield High’s Haunted House and Carnival, Oct. 29-30.
Centreville/Chantilly Roundups, Nov. 6, 2014
Community newsbriefs in Centreville and Chantilly for the week of November 5th.
Fairfax Field Hockey Captures First Region Championship Since 1993
Rebels survive late goal from Chantilly, win in double overtime.
The Fairfax field hockey team defeated Chantilly 2-1 in double overtime on Thursday.
Thursday, November 6
Centreview Election Results
Election Results
Trying To Serve Over 1,600 Families in Fairfax County
WFCM’s Holiday Food Program needs community’s help.
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ Holiday Food Program helps those in need in Western Fairfax County. All year long, WFCM fights to end hunger in the community via its food pantry; and during Thanksgiving and Christmas, it provides local families with holiday meals.
Steady Voter Turnout at Fairfax's Greenbriar East
More than a third of those registered there voted Tuesday.
Most voters at Greenbriar East Elementary (GBE) didn’t want to reveal specifics about which candidates they voted for on Tuesday, but they did share their reasons for casting their ballots, in general.
Boy Scout Food Drive Is Nov. 8 in Centreville and Chantilly
It’s tough being hungry – and especially in an affluent place like Fairfax County. So each year, local Boy Scouts conduct a food drive to so families in need will have something to eat.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Clifton residents to hold open-house tour of newly remodeled homes for the benefit of local widow.
Neighbors help each other. That's what communities have always been about. Long-time Clifton resident Bob Gallagher is rallying his friends and peers to help his neighbor Elsa Armendaris.
Natural Treatments for Anxiety
Experts say complementary medical treatments can help relieve anxiety and other mental disorders.
When 35-year-old Andrea Evenson decided to try meditation, exercise and yoga to deal with her anxiety, she had already been on a myriad of anti-anxiety medications.
Column: November Is Adoption Month
Here’s how to help find a forever family for children and teens waiting in foster care.
If you are lucky, you don't know what it's like to live in the precarious limbo that defines foster care in this country.
Commentary: Sometimes Perception Really Isn’t Reality
Fairfax County is home to one of the wealthiest populations in the country. Unbeknownst to many, the county is also home to the second largest population of homelessness in this region. In fact, more than 1,200 residents of Fairfax County are without stable and safe homes.
Chantilly’s McGorty Has Big Day at Conference 5 Meet
Westfield’s Pace, Freix each finish runner-up.
The Chantilly boys' cross country team won the Conference 5 championships.
Wednesday, November 5
HOT Topic
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue invites the media for Hands-On Training.
Rob Schoenberger is pretty good with a 15-foot extendable camera. Its built-in microphone and powerful lights come in handy, paired with a Delsar seismic sensor device, when trying to locate people trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.
Column: Dos, Don’ts and What-Ifs
Instinctively, I am not the most open-to-new-ideas/new-things kind of person. However, an unexpected diagnosis of stage IV, non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at age 54 and a half – along with its equally unexpected “13-month to two-year prognosis,” changes a few things.
Comstock Wins 10th District Race
Comstock scores resounding 17-point victory over Democratic opponent John Foust.
Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday night, Republican Del. Barbara Comstock entered the Hilton ballroom in Ashburn to the tune of her favorite song - “This One’s for the Girls” sung by Martina McBride. The sassy, defiant country anthem – which tells girls to “stand your ground when everyone’s giving in” – struck the right chord with Comstock’s supporters, who chanted and clapped along with the music as Comstock took the stage to deliver her victory speech.
Gerry Gets Things Done
Democratic incumbent Connolly fends off Republican challenger Suzanne Scholte.
As Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” poppy ballad led a soundtrack infused with ’80s pop and modern country music, the mood at the DoubleTree Crystal City hotel in Arlington ebbed and flowed between elated cheers and frustrated boos.