Stories for May 2015

Fairfax County Police and Fire Join for New Training

Generally, if 2nd Lt. Karen Maslona was handling a live crime scene, a “warm zone” with a potentially active shooter, medical personnel wouldn’t be allowed in the area until the situation is completely neutralized.

Fairfax: Panel Discussion to Follow Film on College Rape Crime

“The Hunting Ground” tells the story of a number of college students who survived sexual assault. After a free screening on the campus of George Mason University, sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41), there will be a panel discussion by several experts on the subject matter.

Fairfax County School Board Passes $2.6 Billion Budget for 2016

Employees receive step pay increase but lose portion of planned market scale adjustment.

$7.6 million: That’s how much Fairfax County Public Schools said the School Board needed to cut to meet the goals set out in its Fiscal Year 2016 Advertised Budget.

CVHS Girls’ Lacrosse Falls to Robinson in Conference 5 Final

Newell, Wakefield each score four goals in defeat.

The Robinson girls’ lacrosse team entered Friday’s rematch with Centreville in search of not only a conference championship, but proof the Rams’ regular-season victory over the Wildcats was about more than just yellow cards.

Chantilly Beats Oakton for Conference 5 Championship

DiCesare drives in winning run, earns victory on mound.

After driving in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fifth inning, Chantilly’s Jared DiCesare stepped on the mound and ensured there would be no three-peat for the Oakton baseball team.

Fast-Paced ‘Pajama Game’ at Westfield High

Cappies Review

Westfield's production of "The Pajama Game" allowed everyone in the audience to have a "Once-a-Year Day" as they watched with wonder and delight. The bright costumes and 1960's style gave the musical an upbeat tone and a fast pace, leaving the audience wanting more.

Column: Mad Man

Really, Matthew Weiner; on the penultimate episode of “Mad Men,” Betty Draper/Francis had to be diagnosed with lung cancer with her life expectancy said to be “nine months,” with nothing more than “palliative care” available?

Chantilly Baseball Beats Oakton for Conference 5 Championship

DiCesare drives in winning run, earns victory on mound.

The Chantilly baseball team defeated Oakton 2-1 on May 22 to win the Conference 5 championship.

Looking at the Alternatives

Information presented on I-66/Route 28 interchange improvement.

One day, in the not-too-distant future, the I-66/Route 28 interchange in Centreville will be improved to reduce congestion and make life easier for every driver using it. But first, VDOT and area residents are deciding how best to proceed.

Rules on Noise Set To Change

Board of Supervisors scheduled to resume discussion and vote on proposed Noise Ordinance on June 23.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust asked to defer a proposal to adopt a new chapter of the county’s noise ordinance to September so the board could have more time to weigh testimony of more than 30 speakers at the public hearing, May 12.

Editorial: Voting, June 9

No, not for Hillary or Jeb or Carly. Locally, June 9, 2015 is an Election Day that counts.

To listen to the national news, one would think that the next Presidential election is in November. But no. That’s November 2016.

Fairfax County Looking at the Alternatives for I-66

Information presented on I-66/Route 28 interchange improvement.

One day, in the not-too-distant future, the I-66/Route 28 interchange in Centreville will be improved to reduce congestion and make life easier for every driver using it. But first, VDOT and area residents are deciding how best to proceed.

Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of May 27

Fairfax County Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a critical missing adult. Fifty-six-year-old In Hong Won walked away from his home in Centreville on May 20.

Relay for Life: ‘These People Inspire You’

Chantilly Relay for Life is June 6.

The annual Relay for Life raises money for the American Cancer Society. And for Erin Hamm, of Centreville’s Manorgate community, it’s personal.

Centreville: Running for Cancer Research

Centreville women tackle Boston Marathon.

The 119th Boston Marathon may have been a month ago, but the glory has lasted and the endorphins are still pumping for two Centreville women who ran the 26.2-mile course. As part of the 26th Annual Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC), Lisa Kelly and Sarah Veley ran to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Research Center of Boston, Mass.

SYA Cheer Teams Garner First Place in U.S. Finals

SYA Extreme's two competition cheer teams competed in U.S. Finals in Virginia Beach over Mother's Day weekend and both were awarded first place.

Chantilly: Woman Wins Ted Britt Auto Group Giveaway

The Ted Britt Auto Group awarded $1,000 to Thelma Petraglia, the first winner of its monthly $1000 Test Drive Giveaway.

Burke: Robinson Girls' Lax Beats Centreville for Conference 5 Championship

Four different Rams score four goals during conference final.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team beat Centreville 19-13 on Friday.

Ride of the Patriots Rolls Back Through Fairfax

For the 17th year, the Fairfax Harley Owners Group and Patriot Harley-Davidson are sponsoring a Memorial Day weekend group motorcycle ride to honor service men and women, veterans, prisoners of war and those missing in action from all wars.

Fragile X Walk at Burke Lake Draws Over 200

Like many parents and children, one of Burke Centre resident Monica Peña’s biggest challenges with her son Nicolas is communication. Unlike most children, “Nico” was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome at birth.

McAuliffe Signs Bill to Get Food Trucks Rolling in Virginia

Food trucks, those compact mobile restaurants that have become wildly popular on the streets of Washington, D.C., are getting closer to expanding their tread-print in Virginia.

Letter: Take a Moment to Remember Fallen Troops

Letter to the Editor

I hope that Americans will take a moment from whatever they are doing this Memorial Day to remember our fallen troops.

Column: Up and Down and All Around

Commentary

No. That’s not my stomach talking.

Fairfax County: Police Commission Holds Public Forum

Deborah Moronese of Vienna said a disagreement with her son over his use of Wi-Fi in their home prompted him to call Fairfax County Police.

Lord and Lady Fairfax Crowned

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Cappies Review

Illuminating ‘Radium Girls’ at Chantilly High

Eerily stoic faces emerge from the darkness, hauntingly illuminated by a sickening green glow. Ghostly, detached eyes stare blankly ahead, sitting passively in front of a backdrop of shocking news headlines, outlining the sensationalized scandal of the decade.

Column: In Contrast

Commentary

Even though my previous CT Scan “looked good,” nonetheless I am already, two months out, thinking about my next scan, scheduled for July 15. I am not nervous or anxious about it yet. But I am something.

Sports Briefs

The Centreville boys’ lacrosse team honored its senior players at its last regular season home game on May 11,

Chantilly High Presents 29th Jazz & Pizzazz

Annual extravaganza of singing and dancing.

Bright lights, colorful costumes and spectacular singing and dancing – that’s Chantilly High’s Jazz & Pizzazz. And this year’ extravaganza, the 29th annual, is slated for Wednesday-Saturday, May 27-30, at 7 p.m. each night.

‘Showing the Soul of a Community’

County, private sector unite to build workforce housing.

With an eye toward providing workforce housing in the local area, Fairfax County recently broke ground on a 270-unit apartment complex in Fair Oaks.

Chantilly Takes Virginia Economic Championship

Third state victory in a row and sixth altogether.

For the third year in a row, a team from Chantilly High has won the state championship in economics. The four students took first place in the Adam Smith Division (advanced economics) of the 2015 Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance.

Boy Scout Merit Awards

Sully District Boy Scouts of America held its annual awards banquet and has presented the District Award of Merit to Michael Sorah (left) and David Weisz for their extraordinary service to the District in supporting the Boy Scout program. This award is presented annually to only two adults per year.

Lord and Lady Fairfax at Large

Bulova names Kate Hanley and Lt. Col. John P. McAnaw as Lady and Lord Fairfax at large.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova named Katherine K. Hanley, former board chairman, as this year’s At-Large Lady Fairfax.

Sully’s Lord and Lady Fairfax

Jerrold L. Foltz and Bonnie L. Hobbs are Lord and Lady Fairfax from Sully District.

Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. announced the 2015 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

Crowds Flock to Chantilly Day

Featured live music, children's activities, food and even a NASA Astronaut.

The fourth-annual Chantilly Day brought out a large crowd on Saturday, May 16 at the Sully Place Shopping Center parking lot, off Route 50, in Chantilly.

20 Cappie Nominations for Local Schools

The 2014-15 Cappie nominations for high-school theater were announced Monday night, May 18, with the three local schools garnering a total of 20 nominations.

Centreville/Chantilly Roundups for the Week of May 20

Certified technicians from the Sully District Police Station will perform free, child safety carseat inspections Thursday, May 21, from 5-8:30 p.m, at the station, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly. No appointment is necessary.

Parents’ Role in Educating about Alcohol and Drugs

Suggestions for talking to teens about staying safe.

Graduation, prom and the summer before heading off to college are some of the highlights of a teen’s high school experience. While the season brings landmark events, it can be marred by the consequences of engaging in harmful activities.

Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2015

On Memorial Day, take at least one minute to reflect on those who have died.

On Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have died in military service, more than 400,000 in World War II, more than 30,000 in Korea, more than 50,000 in Vietnam. As many as 620,000 soldiers died in the line of duty in the Civil War, stunningly about 2 percent of the population at that time. To compare, while more than 2.5 million soldiers have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, that number is still less than one percent of the U.S. population.

Editorial: Public Comment at Police Commission

Come out to testify before the commission on Monday, May 18.

John Geer was shot dead by Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres on Aug. 29, 2013, and the outrage over the quality and timing of the release of information about the shooting led to the formation of the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, which will hold a public forum next Monday, May 18.

Editorial: Call for Father’s Day Photos

This week and next, we print Mother’s Day photos, and we call for photos for Father’s Day. Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2015 and once again the Connection will publish a gallery of Father's Day photos.

Chantilly Home Sales: April, 2015

In April, 2015, 20 homes sold between $405,000-$460,000 in the Chantilly area.

Chantilly Home Sales: April, 2015

Centreville Home Sales: April, 2015

In April, 2015, 80 Centreville homes sold between $739,900-$157,700.

Centreville Home Sales: April, 2015

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 15-17, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Transportation Forum Discusses Options and Obstacles

High Level forum discusses regional transit options and obstacles.

Local, state and federal elected and appointed officials, business leaders, researchers and directors and staff from transportation and economic development agencies gathered on Friday morning, May 8, at the Greensboro Conference Center in he heart of Tysons.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Kingstowne Center for Active Adults in Alexandria needs an instructor to teach a class in Mosaic Art or Jewelry Making. For these and other volunteer opportunities, call 703-324-5406, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadultsand click on Volunteer Solutions.

Healthcare Events

Fairfax County is offering a free six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program workshop Series. Learn and share positive strategies to better manage overall health, increase self-confidence and improve the skills you need to take control of your health and happiness! Tuesday, June 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 450 Orchard Street, NW. Vienna. For more information, call 703-324-5489, TTY 711, or email colleen.turner@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Treating All Students and Staff with Dignity and Respect

“The decision by the School Board to add “gender identity” to our nondiscrimination policy is to provide an environment which promotes equality where every student and employee is treated with dignity and respect. This tells our students and staff that school and the FCPS workplace are places where they can be safe from harassment and discrimination."

Column: Why Fi?

Commentary

“That’s the dream; to have Wi-Fi in the car.” So says one of the focus group participants (“real people, not actors”) in a recent television commercial from Chevrolet. The answer is to a question asked of five adults to identify which car brand: Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota, includes “Built-in Wi-Fi” in their product line.

Crash on Richmond Highway Kills Pedestrian

Fifty-eight-year-old Sonia Granados was attempting to cross Route 1 just before Anderson Lane when she was struck in the roadway by a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse heading southbound. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Monday, May 11.

Centreville Boys’ Lax Outlasts Conference Foe

On May 5, the Centreville and Herndon boys’ lacrosse teams battled in a game that was tight until the closing minutes.

Chantilly Day: Donate Food To WFCM

Chantilly Day also includes a food drive for Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (WFCM).

Easter in Chantilly

Preschoolers, Danny Zuleta, Evelyn Mikes, and Gina Kim, from Elizabeth Byrns’ Saint Timothy Catholic Preschool class in Chantilly pause during their Easter celebration to pose for a picture.

Shaving Heads in Solidarity

Tara Sankner is a 10-year-old Fairfax girl who’s fighting Astrocytoma Grade 2 brain cancer.

Centreville Girls’ Lax Suffers First Loss in Regular-Season Finale

Wildcats issued six yellow cards in 25-20 loss to Robinson.

The hype surrounding Monday night’s matchup between the Robinson and Centreville girls’ lacrosse teams built throughout the day with comments on social media. Things got even more intense when focus shifted to the field. In a battle for the top seed in the Conference 5 tournament, the Rams and Wildcats engaged in physical play, and combined for 45 goals and eight yellow cards. There was even a brief sideline dispute between head coaches.

Work Starts on Roundabout in Centreville

Work starts on controversial roundabout in Centreville.

Despite the objections of many local residents, work is now beginning on the roundabout at the Braddock /Pleasant Valley roads intersection beside Cox Farms in Centreville.

Roundups for the Week of May 13, 2015

Shirley Contracting began a final phase of the Route 50 project on Monday, May 11, that will have an impact on evening traffic on Route 50 for about a month.

Chantilly Pyramid Art Show

Chantilly High’s Pyramid Art Show was April 23.

Born to Run 5K Set for June 6

Fundraiser honors deceased middle-school teacher.

Nothing can bring back Jannine Parisi. A well-respected Franklin Middle School teacher, she died in November 2013 at age 47 as a result of domestic violence.

Letter: Shared Values

Letter to the Editor

The American public is still reeling from the aftershocks of the shooting in Garland, Texas last week.

Letter: Many To Thank

Letter to the Editor

On Saturday, April 25, the 5th annual Centreville International Showcase was held at the Centreville United Methodist Church to celebrate the diversity and share the many cultures that make up of our unique community.

Burke: Cool-Headed Robinson Girls' Lax Hands Centreville First Loss

Obregon leads Rams with eight goals; Wildcats receive six yellow cards.

The Robinson girls' lacrosse team defeated Centreville 25-20 on Monday.

Fairfax County School Board Adds "Gender Identity" to Nondiscrimination Policy

Discrimination is bad, and everyone should have a safe environment in which to learn. These sentiments were common to the Fairfax County School Board members and the hundreds of parents who packed the auditorium and front lobby of Luther Jackson Middle School for the board’s May 7 meeting.

Column: Help #saveFCPS

Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.

Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:

Centreville/Chantilly Weekend Fun: May 8-10

Events in Clifton, Centreville, and Chantilly for the weekend of May 8-10

Fairfax County Hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games

A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents. “We expect over 12,000 first responders from more than 70 countries,” said county police Maj. Rich Perez, who’s heading up security. “There’ll be 61 sporting events spanning 10 days, and with more athletes than the summer Olympic Games.”

Healthy Relationships for Life

Researchers say meaningful friendships help preserve health.

Bill and Betty Kenealy, of Springfield, make it a point to socialize regularly with their long-time friends, many of whom are other couples they met through work and through the activities of their five children. They’ve watched their children become adults, worked, retired and even survived cancer. Now they’re living together in a retirement community in Springfield. Bill is 85 and Betty is 81.

Column: “CT Looked Good”

Commentary

Cryptic? Hardly. Words I can live with the for the next three months until my next CT Scan? Absolutely.

61 Sports Events over 10 Days

Fairfax County hosting the 2015 World Police & Fire Games.

A huge event on a scale Fairfax County has never before seen — that’s the 2015 World Police & Fire Games. It’ll run June 26-July 5 and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for area residents.

Family Fun Color Run at Virginia Run Elementary

The Virginia Run Elementary School PTA hosted its first Family Fun Color Run on Friday, April 24.

Oh, The Impact They Make

Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards held in Springfield.

Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.

Honoring Veterans

The Lane’s Mill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), held a Welcome Home Celebration of Honor event for Vietnam veterans at the Sully Government Center on April 25.

Poplar Tree Elementary School Win Math Honors

The third grade Advanced Academics Level IV and III students from Poplar Tree Elementary School competed in the Continental Math League Contest this year.

Centreville Boys’ Lacrosse Team Bounces Back

The Centreville boys’ lacrosse team had another roller-coaster week, enduring a 12-3 home loss to Westfield on April 28, but responding the next night with an 18-5 victory at JEB Stuart.

Food, Fun, Music and an Astronaut at Chantilly Day

Fourth annual Chantilly Day celebration is May 16.

A festival filled with fun and entertainment — that’s what’s in store at the fourth annual Chantilly Day celebration. It’s set for Saturday, May 16, at the Sully Place Shopping Center, off Route 50 West in Chantilly.

Solar Lights For Learning

Meghan Pollard of Clifton wants to purchase solar lights for students in Tanzania.

Meghan Pollard, 18, of Balmoral in Clifton is taking a service gap year between graduating from Centreville High School and attending Georgia Tech. So last Fall, she set off for Tanzania in Eastern Africa, a nine-hour car ride from the government capital of Dar Es Salaam. There, she worked for six weeks at the Pomerini Secondary School, teaching English and tutoring in geography, chemistry, physics and English. She also worked in the village health clinic on AIDS projects.

Chantilly Baseball Aiming for Return to State Final

Senior pitcher Hogle tosses complete game in win over Herndon.

The Chantilly baseball team defeated Herndon 7-1 on May 1.

Weekend Fun in Fairfax County - May 8-10, 2015

A roundup of entertaining things to do this weekend.

A roundup of fun things to do this weekend in Fairfax county.

Dr. Seuss-themed 23rd Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards

Wesley Pan of Great Falls-based Boy Scouts of America Troop 55 was humble about receiving the Youth Volunteer Group award. “We’re just happy to help the community and make a difference,” he said.

Commentary: Law Enforcement, the Mentally Ill and the Pursuit of Justice

Across the nation, people are having serious discussions about how to alter the dynamic that too often exists between some law enforcement officers and individuals. Out of each case, we learn something that will help us go forward. So, as justice pursues its course in Fairfax County with regard to the tragic death of Natasha McKenna, let’s not lose sight of the real underlying problem: the systemic mishandling of mentally ill patients who have few or no resources, and law enforcement’s struggle to deal with untreated or undertreated individuals.

Letter: Garza Calls Community to Help #saveFCPS

Superintendent says FCPS faces deficit of more than $100 million; FCPS excellence at risk.

Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen K. Garza following the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors passage of the Fairfax County Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget:

Editorial: Hunger Is Widespread

Saturday, May 9, is the postal carriers food drive; put a sturdy bag with food donation next to your mailbox that morning.

There are families dealing with hunger in every county in the United States, including here in Northern Virginia.