Tuesday, March 31
Fairfax One: ‘Ambulance in the Air’
A close-up look at Fairfax County’s police helicopter.
Members of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) recently toured Fairfax County’s heliport, got to speak with a pilot and saw the Fairfax One helicopter up close. It’s a twin-engine, Bell 429 and does both police and medivac missions for the county. And one of its pilots, PFC Nick Taormina, is a paramedic as well as a police officer.
Chantilly Boys’ Lax Bounces Back from First Loss
The Chantilly boys’ lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season on March 26, falling to Robinson, 7-4, in a matchup of state powerhouses.
Police Captain Graduates from FBI Academy
Captain Graham H. McGowan is the Fairfax County Police Department’s latest graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, which has just completed its 259th session.
Girl Scouts Troop 3651 Raise Money for Honor Flights
Film and presentations explain the importance of getting veterans to Washington D.C. to see their monuments.
Girl Scout Troop 3651 organized a screening of the moving Honor Flight, and invited two World War II veterans, Howard Jester and George Hanna, to speak to the audience after the film.
Monday, March 30
Fairfax County School Board Votes Down Veterans Day School Holiday
Fairfax Station resident Steven Hunt, retired U.S. Navy, put it bluntly: “Votes count, words don’t.” That was following a vote in which all but two members of the Fairfax County School Board voted against an amendment to the 2015-2016 calendar that would have made Veterans Day a school holiday.
Thursday, March 26
Wednesday, March 25
Chantilly Police Commander: ‘Everyone Is Here to Help’
Lt. Todd Kinkead heads the station’s Criminal Investigations Section.
Basically, the officers of the Sully District Police Station are successful at what they do and things should only get better from here. That was the message presented during February’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting.
Chantilly: ‘State of the Station’ Meeting Reviews Statistics
Residents receive statistics and information at “State of the Station” meeting.
Residents at a recent meeting of the Sully District Police Station and its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) learned about crime and policing efforts in the Sully District. They also received information about last year’s crime trends and the ways local police here are serving the community.
Centreville: ‘A Way for Something Good'
Emotional beginning for Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request. “My son would still be alive today,” Culosi said, “but for 2006 Fairfax County policies to routinely use SWAT and aggressive procedures against citizens certified to be low risk.”
Column: Health Matters More
I realize money doesn’t buy happiness, although I wouldn’t mind renting it.
‘Homework Helpers’ Expands, Serving Four Schools
Parent-led program matches middle school tutors with elementary students.
For two years now, a group of seventh and eighth grade students at Rocky Run Middle School have been working with local elementary school students every Tuesday and Wednesday night to tackle different academic obstacles.
Centreville/Chantilly: Housing Expo Draws Crowds
Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate event.
“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.” In that one sentence, Laura Nickle, owner of Communi-k, Inc. and the organizer – for the fourth time – of the Northern Virginia Housing Expo, summed up the event being held at Herndon High School on Saturday, March 21. “There is still a great need for affordable housing throughout our entire region,” she added, “and this is a great partnership of related services that can bring the information and assistance to the largest audience.”
At 10, YouTube as Marketing Tool Comes of Age
Web site serves variety of business needs.
Listing a pool table in a real estate ad is one way to market a property, but watching the cue ball break the rack, via a YouTube video “shows the excitement,” said local real estate agent Ann Duff, who incorporates video as a big part of her marketing plan. In its 10th year of existence, using YouTube is apparent throughout “new media” marketing plans in Northern Virginia.
Column: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities
Commentary
The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.
Letter: Persecution By Faith
Letter to the Editor
In Pakistan, twin bombings in the city of Lahore attacked two Christian churches during their Sunday service.
Centreville Students Shine at Science Fair
Projects included music, sports, energy, hearing and plant growth.
At Centreville High’s recent Science Fair, students displayed their projects in the school cafeteria for judging; below are details about a few of them.
Chantilly/Centreville: Fashion, Music and Silent Auction
Fairfax Salvation Army fundraiser set for the Waterford.
The 35th annual Fashion Show, Luncheon, and Silent Auction sponsored by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Fairfax County Corps will be held on Friday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Waterford at Fair Oaks (across from Fair Oaks Mall). Fashions will be presented by Lord & Taylor.
Chantilly Boys’ Lax to Face Robinson in Battle of State Powers
Chargers beat Herndon 10-1 Monday.
The Chantilly boys’ lacrosse team spent the first half of Monday’s game at Herndon playing like a group potentially looking ahead to Thursday’s matchup with defending state champion Robinson. The Chargers’ second-half performance assured any slip-ups would not result in defeat.
Helping Special Olympics
Participants, friends and long-time supporters of Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. united together in January for the 15th Annual Benefit Bowling Tournament to raise funds for Northern Virginia Special Olympics and Fairfax County Park Authority field improvements.
Cappies Review: Centreville High School's ‘Beauty and the Beast’
On a dark and stormy night, a selfish prince denies an old woman refuge in his palace … and is left with a curse that can only be broken by true love. Thus begins Centreville High School’s spellbinding production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
Tuesday, March 24
Virginia Housing Expo Draws Crowds
Home-ownership, rental opportunities and related services dominate the event at Herndon High.
“Those most in need of these services and resources benefit the most when we can bring so many providers and organizations together in this one-stop shop format.”
Letter: A Cornerstone in Danger
Letter to the Editor:
We are a community that values education. We’re known nationwide for our world-class education system. And for good reason: with outstanding teachers, motivated students, and active leadership, we have every right to take pride in the top-tier education that our community has asked for.
Emotional Beginning for Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission
While several other members of the recently created Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission stated their general intent to listen and learn and help, Salvatore Culosi had a more specific request.
Friday, March 20
First Meeting Scheduled for Ad Hoc Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by Board Chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act Open
NVFS and Healthworks are resources for area residents through April 30.
Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) will be providing free enrollment assistance and educational material to Virginia families and individuals that qualify for the Affordable Care Act Special Enrollment Period from March 15-April 30.
Commentary: Investing in Families Strengthens Communities
Letter to the Editor
The Fairfax County proposed $7.13 billion budget for fiscal year 2016 comes at devastating cost for the most vulnerable families in our community. Included in the budget is the complete elimination of Healthy Families, a nationally recognized, evidence-based child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves hundreds of at-risk families.
Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Entertainment: 03/20/15
Saturday/March 21
Thursday, March 19
Chantilly Home Sales: February, 2015
In February, 2015, 9 homes sold between $512,000-$255,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: February, 2015
Centreville Home Sales: February, 2015
In February, 2015, 54 Centreville homes sold between $1,154,990-$145,000.
Centreville Home Sales: February, 2015
Students From Around Fairfax County Recognized for Promoting Peace
After a friend of South County High School senior Sakira Coleman was sexually assaulted while running on a local public path, Coleman decided to take action and started the “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night” program.
First Meeting Set for Fairfax County Police Commission
With endorsement, albeit non-unanimous, from the Board of Supervisors, the ad hoc commission organized by board chairman Sharon Bulova to review Fairfax County Police Department practices will hold its first meeting March 23.
Wednesday, March 18
Chantilly: Westfield Suffers Gut-Wrenching Loss in State Final
Missed free throws in final minute cost Bulldogs against Colonial Forge.
After overcoming a 15-point first-half deficit, the Westfield Bulldogs had a state championship in their grasp Saturday night.
Chantilly: ‘I’m Just Thrilled To Be Here’
Blakley takes helm at Sully District Police Station.
Right from the start, Bob Blakley planned to become a police officer. Born in Clearwater, Fla., he joined the Police Explorers in 10th grade. And when his family moved to Georgia the next year, he started an Explorer post there. “People say it’s a calling,” said Blakley. “I just knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
New Commander Stresses Community Relations
As the new commander of the Sully District Police Station, Capt. Bob Blakley has big plans.
Tour The County Animal Shelter
Making the most of its expanded facility.
Members of the Sully District Police Station’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) got to tour Fairfax County’s Animal Shelter last Tuesday, March 11. They were divided into four groups and each learned about the shelter from a guide.
Lax for a Cause Raises $20,000 at Centreville HS
Lacrosse marathon at Centreville High School supports Wounded Warrior Project.
Despite the pouring-down rain, the "Lax for a Cause: Purple vs. Red" lacrosse marathon on Saturday, March 14, raised $20,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. This was the second year in a row that the event raised $20,000 for the cause.
Centreville Dames attend State Conference
Four members of the Centreville-based John Witt Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVIIC, attended the Virginia State Conference in Fredericksburg in March.
Centreville: Julie Simmons Wilgus and David Andrew Underwood
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wilgus of Centreville are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Julie Simmons Wilgus to David Andrew Underwood, son of Robert and Anna Underwood of Jacksonville, N.C.
Politics: Litzenberger Launches Bid for Supervisor
Sully Planning Commissioner John Litzenberger has announced his candidacy for the Sully District Supervisor position on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The position is being vacated by Sully Supervisor Michael Frey, who is retiring after 24 years of service.
Centreville: County Board Supervisor Schoeneman Would Donate ‘Extra Pay’
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Candidate Brian Schoeneman said he would donate the additional $20,000 pay increase recently passed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to four Fairfax County community organizations, if elected.
Centreview Roundups: 03/18/15
Firefighters will resume their Safety In Our Community (SIOC) and Wellness In Our Community (WIOC) safety and wellness program Saturday afternoon, March 21, throughout Fairfax County.
Centreville Pastor Serves as Guest Chaplin
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, House Speaker John Boehner and House Chaplain Reverend Patrick J. Conroy welcome Pastor David Ryoo from the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville.
Letter: Considering Women Leaders
Letter to the Editor
"Is your dress Valentino or Chanel?" This is the burning question for the potential Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as she embarks on a political campaign trail for the 2016 elections.
Letter: Amazing Compassion
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: Recently, my 12-year-old grandson played in a year-ending basketball game in Chantilly. A boy with an intellectual disability was playing for the opposing team.
Column: Money Matters
It always does, and there always are; especially if you have to work for a living and cancer is a part of that living.
Tuesday, March 17
Leadership Fairfax Hosts Supervisors Breakfast
State of the County Address, supervisors’ questions and an award ceremony top the agenda.
The agenda and the speakers have to be of significant interest to get some 300 people to brave local traffic and attend a meeting that started at 7:30 a.m. Leadership Fairfax (LFI) apparently succeeded in offering both in the ballroom of the Fairview Park Marriott on Friday morning, March 13, hosting its 24th Annual Board of Supervisors Breakfast.
Editorial: On Police Information and Secrecy
Time for change in public access to police information.
The first meeting of the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission will take place next Monday, March 23, and it comes with hope for real change.
Saturday, March 14
Westfield Boys' Basketball Suffers Gut-Wrenching Loss in State Final
Missed free throws in final minute cost Bulldogs against Colonial Forge.
The Westfield boys' basketball team lost to Colonial Forge 47-46 in Saturday's 6A state championship game.
Friday, March 13
ROUNDUP: Woodson Boys Lose, Westfield Boys Win in 3OT
Madison girls lose in OT, Oakton girls fall to hot-handed Bethel.
Roundup of 6A state semifinal action.
Thursday, March 12
Hail to the Champions
Chantilly High wins VHSL One-Act State Competition.
Long known for its outstanding theater program, Chantilly High just added another award to its collection. On Saturday, March 7, the theater students became state champions, winning the VHSL One-Act State Competition.
Roundups
A Fairfax County woman was struck as she crossed Lee Highway at about 6:23 a.m., Wednesday, March 4.
United at Last With Family
Man who died in 1863 is reburied in Chantilly cemetery.
James Davis died in 1863, but he was just buried Monday in the Oakton Baptist Church Cemetery in Chantilly.
Having Fun on a Snowy Day
While plow-truck drivers did their best to clear the roads, children home from school, last Thursday, March 5, had fun in the snow in this Fair Oaks neighborhood.
Home Improvements Earn Remodeling Awards
Four Sun Design remodeling projects named Washington-area “Contractor of the Year” winners.
It’s been a good year for Sun Design Remodeling. In January, the full-service design/build remodeler won four “Contractor of the Year” awards from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Then, in February, an already locally-honored gourmet kitchen was named category best (“kitchen above $150k”) in the 10-state southeastern region.
Centreville Author Nominated For Literary Award
“South Pacific Cauldron” by Centreville resident Alan Rems has been nominated by the Library of Virginia as a finalist in the nonfiction category of the 18th annual Virginia Literary awards.
Letter: Citizen Group Justice for John Geer Reacts to Ad Hoc Commission
Letter to the Editor
Fairfax County needs a permanent, effective civilian oversight board that is independent of police influence, trusted by the public, supported by the board, and tasked with a broad review over all practices and policies relating to law enforcement activity.
Letter: Defend Voters
Letter to the Editor
The following is an open letter to Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Dear Governor McAuliffe, When you visited our Pre-Session Round Table Luncheon in December 2013, we in the League of Women Voters were thrilled to hear you say, “I think we should do everything we can to make voting as easy as possible in Virginia.”
WHS Boys’ Basketball Wins 6A North Region Title
Bulldogs defense puts clamps on defending champ Woodson.
Woodson point guard Eric Bowles, the 6A North region Player of the Year, entered Saturday’s championship game averaging 30.7 points in three region tournament contests.
CHS Students Become Regional Forensics Champions
The Chantilly High School Forensics team won the championship at the regional forensics tournament on March 4, at Hayfield High School.
Luxury Apartments Popping Up All Over Northern Virginia
Renters want resort-like amenities and access to transportation.
After a long, hard day at work, Jordan Coleman comes home to a large apartment with modern amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, ample living space, a state–of-the-art fitness center and a pool. The apartment features high-end appliances and finishes as well as an open, flowing layout and large walk-in closets. Coleman – a lawyer and Capitol Hill staffer – shares the pricey rent with a friend. The complex is owned by Avalon, which has properties in Arlington, Fairfax, Herndon, Falls Church, Tysons Corner and Vienna, Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington.
CHS Student Wins Award for Essay
Libby Oswalt (center), a senior at Chantilly High School, recently won $500 toward her college education.
Supporting Final Salute
A member of the board of directors of this organization, Colvin-Donald presented a program on the origins of Final Salute and the ways in which it provides homeless female Veterans safe and suitable housing.
Chantilly High School Wins National Press Freedom Award
Chantilly High School is one of seven high schools from across the United States — and the only school in Virginia — to be named a winner of the 2015 First Amendment Press Freedom Award by the Journalism Education Association (JEA).
Historic Virginia in Gardens
This year’s tour includes a rare private look at special properties in Fairfax County, Old Town Alexandria and Leesburg.
The Virginia Historic Garden Tour is an 8-day event that stretches across the Commonwealth. Each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia's most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks.
Centreville Clock Tower Thrift Shop Now Offering Consignment
Northern Virginia Family Service is now offering furniture consignment at its Clock Tower Thrift Shop in Centreville at 6301 Centreville Crest Lane, between Advance Auto Parts and Minnieland Academy.
Westfield Boys’ Basketball Team Wins 6A North Region Title
Bulldogs defense puts clamps on defending champ Woodson.
Westfield beat Woodson 52-43 in the 6A North region final.
Wednesday, March 11
Column: How Lucky Am I
You’ll note there’s no question mark after the “I.”
Friday, March 6
Day of Celebration: Homeless No More in Fairfax
The first residents move into Kate’s Place.
Kate’s Place consists of six apartments for extremely low-income and formerly homeless families. And to the mothers and children who just moved in, the homes are more than a roof over their heads — they’re a lifeline.
Ayoub Shoots Woodson Boys' Basketabll into Third Consecutive Region Final
Cavaliers will face Westfield in 6A North region championship game Saturday.
Woodson defeated Battlefield 80-66 Wednesday.
Thursday, March 5
Public Commission To Review Police Policy
Over some objections, Bulova launches ad hoc commission in wake of police shooting and obfuscation.
Supervisor Michael Frey did not mince words when voicing opposition to Chairman Sharon Bulova’s establishment of an ad hoc police commission on Tuesday, March 3.
Wednesday, March 4
Column: Sole-Searching
There’s no denying the emotional fact that the CT Scan results I received and wrote about last week were a bit of a disappointment.
Pinball Wizard
Chantilly man wins state pinball championship.
Kevin Stone took out a loan to buy the 15 pinball machines in his McLean basement, the site of this year's Virginia state pinball championship. Virginia was one of 33 states to take part in the simultaneous championships on Saturday, Feb. 7.
WFCCA Reverses Decades-Old Policy
The change paves the way for gas stations to sell alcohol.
They say it never hurts to ask, and Raj Gupta asked. Now, thanks to his persistence — and a local land-use group’s willingness to reconsider one of its most long-standing policies — gas stations in the Sully District will no longer be barred from selling alcoholic beverages.
Tuesday, March 3
Bark and Call
Mobile pet grooming services.
Marzi Sharifi started HoPPooH in Fairfax, a mobile pet grooming service, in 2013. With her two vans and groomer, Sara, HoPPooH — which means little dog or dog in Persian — will come to the pet owner’s door to groom and style man’s best friend…or his cat.