Thursday, June 30
Fairfax County: Former Police Officer Torres sentenced to 12 months for killing John Geer
Torres released five days following sentencing due to time already served
For the first time in its three-quarters of a century in existence, a Fairfax County Police officer has been convicted and sentenced after an officer-involved shooting death.
Wednesday, June 29
Fairfax County Public Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program
The Fairfax County Public Library began its Summer Reading Challenge on June 23, with this year’s theme being “Read for the Win.”
Fairfax County: Torres Walks Free
Former police officer released five days after sentencing for killing John Geer
Former Fairfax County Police Officer Adam Torres walked free Wednesday morning, June 29.
Centreville Sports: Girls Lacrosse Players Awarded First Team All State Honors
Centreville High School senior and recent graduate Madison Duncan and junior Elizabeth Murphy have been named to the Virginia High School League all state team. Madison and Elizabeth were named to the first team at the lacrosse state meeting last week. Centreville Girls Lacrosse advanced to the state semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
Westfield Graduates: Ready for the Future
Learning to persevere.
Westfield High School’s commencement speaker, Ishwarya Sivakumar, selected in a school audition process, gave her 655 graduating classmates “one last ecology lesson” on Tuesday, June 21, in the EagleBank Arena at George Mason University.
Mountain View Honors Students
Three seniors recognized during graduation ceremony.
During Mountain View’s spring commencement last week, three graduating seniors were honored with special awards from the faculty.
Mountain View: ‘Struggle Develops Your Strength’
Mountain View grads share stories of perseverance.
Mountain View High is a school full of heart, and it’s openly on display at every graduation.
Tuesday, June 28
Letter: Gross Misreading of the Second Amendment
To the Editor
This is in response to U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly's opinion piece titled "Stem Gun Violence Epidemic" (The Connection, June 22-28).
Connection Families, Pet Connection
The Pet Connection, a twice-yearly special edition, will publish on July 27, and photos and stories of your pets with you and your family should be submitted by July 17.
Editorial: Getting Home Safely on Independence Day
Independence Day is a national celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. The summer overall and July 4 in particular are times of greater risk for drinking and driving.
Farewell to Chantilly High
Graduates look toward their future.
Six hundred and thirty Chantilly High School seniors celebrated as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas at EagleBank Area located on George Mason University’s campus on June 20.
Hope in the Fight Against Drug Dependency
Meeting highlights battles in every neighborhood.
Fairfax County experiences heroin overdoses every day, according to county officials. To help raise awareness, a second county-wide Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse Town Hall was held June 14 at Centreville High School.
Local Scouts Receive National Honor Medal
Last summer, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Sully District Troop 577 sent several Scouts and adult leaders on a high adventure trip to Northern Tier, just outside Ely, Minn. During the trip, the Scouts were divided into patrols which would trek and canoe through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (USA), Moose Lake, and the Quetico Provincial Park (Canada) with the help of a guide from the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base Camp.
Monday, June 27
Online Classes Offer Flexible Options for Earning Credentials Outside the Classroom
Interested in learning to landscape your yard using sustainable practices?
Tips for Memorable Family Vacations
As summer gets underway, vacation-bound families are packing their bags and heading out of town. Vacations often fly by — months of planning and anticipating can be over in the blink of an eye. With a little advanced planning and forethought, however, even a quick weekend trip or a visit to relatives can become meaningful and memorable.
Centreville Snapshot: Exploring Nature
Students at Chesterbrook Academy preschool in Centreville explored a bug’s life in celebration of Earth Day in April as they released more than 4,500 ladybugs throughout the schoolyard and back into the environment on plants, flowers and trees.
Chantilly Snapshot: Cruisers and Backhoes and Trucks, Oh, My
Touch-A-Truck was June 18 outside the Chantilly Regional Library.
Wednesday, June 22
Supervisors Endorse Police ‘Re-engineering’
Action items approved include use of force and communications recommendations from Ad Hoc commission.
The possibility of body cameras being worn by Fairfax County Police officers and the release of officers’ names involved with critical use of force incidents dominated discussion during two action items in the Board of Supervisors June 21 meeting.
Chantilly: Christ Presbyterian Expands Its Preschool
Flexible schedule to meet needs of families.
Christ Presbyterian Church is expanding its preschool ministry to include extended day and full day programs for children ages 2 to 5 years old to better meet the needs of the surrounding community.
Chantilly Snapshot: Health Gathering
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Auxiliary hosted the Virginia Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries and Volunteers (VAHAV) Northern District Spring Meeting on May 16. More than 90 volunteers attended from 12 of the 14 hospitals who are in the Northern District. The meeting was held at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, a new, freestanding cancer center on the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital campus. Founded in 1949, VAHAV serves health care auxiliaries and volunteer organizations. See www.vahav.org.
Chantilly Snapshot: Park-and-Ride Expansion
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held June 15 at the Stringfellow Road Park-and-Ride to celebrate the completion of the expansion of the park-and-ride facility with 300 additional parking spaces. The project was implemented by Fairfax County Department of Transportation and Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Chantilly: Love for All, Hatred for None
Letter to the Editor
Hate has no religion. No gender. No race.
Centreville High: Farewell to Class of 2016
Centreville High School graduates celebrate their milestone.
Surrounded by both friends and family, more than 500 Centreville High School graduates walked across Eagle Bank Arena stage at George Mason University on Wednesday, June 15 as they received their diploma from Principal Dave Jagels.
Chantilly: Pastry Chef Arnaud Herdot Sells from a Food Truck
To be his own boss.
When a fancy French pastry chef takes to selling his baked goods from a food truck, you know that American food shopping habits have changed. Especially startling is that this pastry chef, Arnaud Herodet of Chantilly, worked as the pastry chef at the French Embassy in Washington for 18 years.
Drinkwater, Pelegrin Honored
Sully names Officers of Month.
The Sully District Police Station and its Citizens Advisory Committee have recognized two Officers of the Month for April. They are Sgt. Justin Drinkwater and Auxiliary Officer Antonio Pelegrin.
Helping Students onto a Better Path in Life
Mountain View celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Mountain View is a small high school, but the impact it’s had upon its students’ lives has been huge. And last Friday, June 17, it marked two decades of existence and achievement.
Chantilly: For Some, a Hobby, for Others, a Lifestyle
Car enthusiasts flock to Sully Antique Car Show.
Families and car enthusiasts gathered at the Sully Historic Site for the 43rd annual car show, which coincides with Father's Day.
Tuesday, June 21
Commentary: Congress Must Act to Stem Gun Violence Epidemic
Last week, America woke to what has become an all-too-common nightmare. A man driven by hate and armed with assault weapons carried out our nation’s worst mass shooting.
Chantilly: ‘Caring, Creative, Fun, Kind and Inspiring’
Monk’s students explain his impact upon them.
Chantilly High’s Ed Monk is one of the most popular and effective theater teachers/directors around. And some of his seniors recently shared their thoughts about him.
End of an Era at Chantilly High
Theater Director Ed Monk is retiring.
It’s the end of an era; Chantilly High Theater Director Ed Monk is retiring. He’s bringing down the curtain on his career here after 31 years with Fairfax County Public Schools — 26 of them at Chantilly.
Snapshot: Fun at Fido Fest
Westfield High freshman Zach Muse brought Luna, his 1-year-old pit bull mix, to the City of Fairfax’s first-ever Fido Fest. It was held June 4 outside the Sherwood Community Center and featured a dog agility course, pet photo booth, small wading pools, a pop-up dog park and free, frozen dog treats.
Free Independence Day Cab Rides Offered
Preparing to combat that U.S. holiday when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 41 percent of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington Metropolitan area on Independence Day, July 4.
Friday, June 17
Chantilly Home Sales: May, 2016
In May, 2016, 28 homes sold between $1,200,000-$47,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: May, 2016
Centreville Home Sales: May, 2016
In May, 2016, 137 Centreville homes sold between $985,000-$153,500.
Centreville Home Sales: May, 2016
Thursday, June 16
Natasha McKenna’s Mother Files $15 Million Wrongful Death Suit
Woman with mental illness died after being tased while in Sheriff’s custody.
Natasha McKenna’s mother is seeking more than $15 million in a wrongful death and gross negligence suit filed against Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid and five deputies.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Added to Fairfax County Student Handbook
School Board members debate whether students should be held accountable.
Students in Fairfax County Public Schools started the 2015-2016 school year without the words “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” as part of the nondiscrimination guide within their student handbook.
Wednesday, June 15
Classified Advertising June 15, 2016
Read the lastest ads here!
Chantilly: Celebrating Three Decades of Music
Chantilly High’s 30th annual Jazz & Pizzazz was June 8-11.
Editorial: Support for Police in Reforms
Police commission recommendations come to Board of Supervisors for approval, implementation.
In some ways, the Fairfax County Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission, brainchild of Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, was a bit of a miracle.
Tuesday, June 14
Considering Private School?
Small steps this summer can minimize stress of application process.
The school year has just come to an end … which means it’s the ideal time to prepare to apply to leading independent schools.
2016 Lord and Lady Fairfax Honorees Selected
Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. named the 2016 Lords and Ladies Fairfax at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, June 7 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Chantilly Baseball Comes Back to Win State Championship
Chargers score three runs in bottom of seventh to beat Battlefield.
The Chantilly baseball team scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to beat Battlefield in the 6A state championship game on Saturday.
Saturday, June 11
State Tournament Roundup
W-L boys' soccer, Robinson girls', boys' lax among teams competing for titles.
The 6A state championships are being held today at Robinson and Lake Braddock.
Wednesday, June 8
‘Pops’ Delivers: Chantilly Baseball Wins Region Title
DiCesare’s 3 RBI, Wagner’s complete game fuel Chargers.
The Chantilly baseball team won the region title.
Octagonal Dream Home on the Market
Home's shape and large windows make it a sun-drenched space.
It was during a trip to California almost 20 years that McLean resident Susan Jordano first laid eyes on her dream home.
Classified Advertising June 8, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Tuesday, June 7
Chantilly Snapshot: Scout Leaders Honored
At the Annual Sully District Boy Scouts of America Awards Banquet three Sully District Boy Scout Leaders were honored. The highest award that Sully District can bestow is the District Award of Merit. This year’s honorees were Chris Miller (left), Kevin Morley (center), and Tee R. Hadley (right). Sully District is comprised of over 1600 youth and 400 registered adults.
Centreville/Chantilly Snapshot: Dancers
Fairfax Ballet Company dancers pose for a picture during rehearsals for the Fairfax Ballet Company's "Coronation of the Fairy Princess," last month at Centreville High School.
Partnership Broadens Reach of Tutoring Company
Low-income students assisted.
Northern Virginia’s Turbo Tutoring launched a partnership with Kravitz Orthodontics in South Riding earlier this year to provide free SAT and ACT preparation programming to low-income students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford the classes to prepare them for college entrance exams.
Centreville: 5K Ice Cream Race at Bull Run is June 25
The third annual 5K obstacle Ice Cream Race will be held Saturday, June 25 at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville.
Centreville Snapshot: Recognition
In May, Centreville based Lane's Mill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) member Van Lee received recognition for her 50 years of membership in the organization. With Lee are her daughters Evangeline Barr and Susan Lee as well as her sister Virginia Poffenberger, all of whom are also members of DAR.
Centreville Snapshot: Congratulations
USMC Captain Scott Behne (CVHS 2007, USNA 2011) hands younger brother, Ensign Mark Behne (CVHS 2012, USCGA 2016), his diploma and commission and welcomes him into the fellowship of public service at the May 18 Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony.
32nd Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Awards
High school and middle school students honored for academic achievements and accomplishments.
For the 32nd year, the Chantilly Pyramid Minority Student Achievement Committee held its Youth Motivation and Academic Achievement Awards on Saturday, June 4 at Chantilly High School.
Chantilly High is Ready to Take the Stage
Chantilly High’s 30th annual Jazz & Pizzazz is this week.
Every year, Chantilly High’s springtime extravaganza, Jazz & Pizzazz, is a special event filled with singing, dancing and music. And the 2016 show promises to be another one to remember because it’s the school’s 30th annual.
Broadway Tunes Comes to Centreville’s Stage
Annual, summer choral concert this week.
Come one, come all to the Centreville High Choral Department’s annual “Broadway Pops” concert. It’s this Thursday-Friday, June 9-10, at 7:30 p.m., in the school’s Skip A. Maiden Theatre. Admission is free.
Thursday, June 2
Fairfax County: High School Senior Addresses School Board on LGBT Issues
Board conducting community review of Family Life Education curriculum recommendations.
Bennett Shoop remembers first being bullied in second grade. He liked to dress all in black, wear weird shirts, be alternative in his outward expression.
Fairfax County: School Board Adopts $2.7 Billion Budget
FY 2017 budget aims to raise teacher salaries, lower class sizes.
The Fairfax County School Board has made good on Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza’s promise when she introduced a FY 2017 budget for the school system.
Wednesday, June 1
Vienna: Joel’s Story
After foster care experience: Architecting his own path.
Joel was taken into foster care when he was a high school junior, after reporting to a coach what was going on at home. Schools are “mandatory reporters,” and, as such, they are legally compelled to call social services in a case like Joel’s.
Classified Advertising June 1 , 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Chantilly Baseball Punches Ticket to States
Chargers’ Norwood drives in two Runs to advance to region final.
The Chantilly baseball team defeated Patriot 2-1 on Tuesday.
Staying Safe This Summer
Tips and precautions for avoiding warm-weather hazards.
The start of summer means pools and backyard grilling. It also means an increased risk of accidents and injuries.