Tuesday, May 31
DAR Presents Junior ROTC Medal
Janet Crowl, Regent of Providence Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), presented the DAR ROTC Bronze Award to Cadet Major Alicia E. Cho at the Air Force Junior ROTC Pass-in-Review ceremony on May 7.
Snapshot: Silver Beaver Award
Randy Young (left) and Joe Swartz were recognized for their Scouting efforts to Scouting, to youth, and to the community by being presented with the Silver Beaver Award at the National Capital Area Council's Annual Court of Honor for the Boy Scouts of America.
Centreville: Cohen, Mangrum Engaged
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Donna Cohen of Lake Luzerne, N.Y., formerly of Centreville, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Dr. Courtney A. Cohen, to Mr. James Mangrum, son of Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Amy Mangrum of Woolwine, Va.
eCybermission Team Heads to Nationals
Students submit project on RSI awareness and hand stretching exercises.
Four sixth-graders from Greenbriar West Elementary School have been selected as national finalists for the eCybermission competition, sponsored by the U.S. Army and administered by the National Science Teachers Association.
Trash Bins Remind People: ‘Drive 25’
Speeding in residential neighborhoods is a common problem throughout Fairfax County, and the local area is no exception.
Sully District: Tessema Named Officer of the Month
Police Officer Robel Tessema has been recognized as the Officer of the Month for March.
Centreville: ‘I’m Doing OK; No One’s Hurt’
Two-alarm, Centreville house fire does $82,810 damage.
A two-alarm house fire in Centreville last week displaced a family of three and caused nearly $83,000 damage, according to fire officials.
Centreville: Local Group Brings History to Life
Bull Run Civil War Round Table celebrates 25th anniversary.
The Bull Run Civil War Round Table invites the public to a special program to help celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday, June 9, at 7 p.m., at the Centreville Regional Library.
Chantilly Pitcher DiCesare Earns Nine-Inning Postseason Win
Chargers survive stellar effort from West Potomac’s Sara.
The Chantilly baseball team beat West Potomac on May 25.
Saturday, May 28
'Carter One, Carter Two' Lead Centreville to Win Over Madison
Senior Bach homers, junior Egbers throws two-hit shutout.
The Centreville baseball team defeated Madison on Friday in the 6A North region quarterfinals.
Thursday, May 26
Fairfax County shares plan for mitigating effects of Safe Track maintenance
Bracing for shutdown "surges" in face of Metro crisis
If you use Metrorail from Vienna or Reston or Tysons, be on notice: The Orange and Silver lines will be the first affected.
Fairfax County: Supervisors Review Use of Force Guidelines
Public Safety Committee meets before June 21 vote: gun carry positions, release of information, body cameras discussed.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is standing by its Chief of Police and his department.
Fairfax County: Kaine Requests Funding for School Drinking Water Testing
FCPS developing testing plan; last test was 2004.
In response to the lead contamination of drinking water of Flint, Michigan, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine joined 24 other senators asking Congress for funding to have school drinking water tested for lead and other toxins.
Wednesday, May 25
A Mindful Family
Family mindfulness meditation practices can bring calm to a hectic day.
Every evening after dinner and bath time, Elizabeth Rees, a Mount Vernon mother of three, instructs her children to lie on the floor keeping as still as possible. With soft tones, she recites a phrase, slowly and purposefully. These moments of serenity allow her family to release the chaos of the day.
Mount Vernon: West Potomac's Dillard Puts Away Conference 5 Champ Chantilly
Wolverines catcher Divine makes key pickoff throw in sixth inning.
The West Potomac softball team beat Chantilly in the regional tournament on Tuesday.
Alexandria: TC Girls’ Soccer Beats Chantilly in 11-Round PK Shootout
Titans advance to face Patriot in 6A North region quarterfinals.
The T.C. Williams girls' soccer team beat Chantilly on Tuesday.
Editorial: Remembering on Memorial Day 2016
Observe a moment of silence.
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.
Chantilly: Mustang Sally Brewing Company Holds Grand Opening
New Chantilly microbrewery fulfills owner’s dream.
Mustang Sally Brewing Company (MSB) located at 14140 Parke Long Ct. Chantilly, is holding its Grand Opening week with events from May 25 through May 29.
Relay For Life to Help Find Cure for Cancer
Local Relay For Life event is June 11.
On the surface, walking around a track over and over may not seem too productive. But when done during the Relay for Life, it can make a world of difference to people battling cancer.
Ninth Annual Reema Remembrance Cabaret Set for June 4
Providing entertainment and raising funds for students' in need.
Singing, dancing, comedy sketches, a silent auction, food and fun will take center stage when Westfield High and Angel Fund host a free event celebrating life and community through the arts. It’s slated for Saturday, June 4, in the Westfield auditorium, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. in Chantilly.
Tuesday, May 24
Commentary: Mosquitos, Zika and a Healthy Summer
Zika virus spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, a type present in Virginia in summer.
As warm weather returns and the last days of school draw near, I’m sure that, like me, you’re looking forward to spending a lot of time outdoors this summer.
Sixth-Inning Rally Lifts Chantilly Baseball to Conference 5 Championship
Chargers pitcher Wagner throws complete game against Centreville.
The Chantilly baseball team won the Conference 5 championship.
Monday, May 23
Fairfax County: 15th Day Prom held for students with disabilities
Students’ bodies bounced, swayed and spun on the dance floor while the Black-Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” blared from towering speakers. In another room, glamorous girls and boutonniered boys waited in line to pose for a professional photographer. It was a prom.
Friday, May 20
Chantilly Home Sales: April, 2016
In April, 2016, 24 homes sold between $1,279,937-$204,000 in the Chantilly area.
Chantilly Home Sales: April, 2016
Centreville Home Sales: April, 2016
In April, 2016, 120 Centreville homes sold between $925,000-$92,500.
Centreville Home Sales: April, 2016
Thursday, May 19
Fairfax County: Female Firefighters Share Experiences
Offering to bring balance into gender issue.
For five-year veteran firefighter-paramedic Alisha Reakoff, her “gender has been a non-issue” in her experience with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department.
Fairfax County School Board members respond to Obama transgender bathroom guidance
When a student in Fairfax County Public Schools identifies as transgender and they bring it to the attention of their school staff, the school brings in the student’s parents and together they work out a tailored bathroom plan: where to use single-stall facilities on campus that will make the student feel most comfortable.
Wednesday, May 18
Mentoring Guides Foster Care Alum
“If God doesn’t have a plan for you, have a plan for yourself.”
When foster children age out, that's when they need the most support. For Travis Parnell, he found a mentor in Keith Foxx, and he's hoping to pay it forward.
Language Immersion for Young Children
Experts tout the benefits of an early start
When Martha Davis’ daughter Alice was ready for kindergarten, she decided to enroll her in a Spanish language immersion program.
Commentary: No Easy Answers to School Funding Challenge
After months of hard work and consideration of public feedback, the Board of Supervisors adopted its budget for 2017 late last month.
Commentary: Who is my neighbor?
You might be amazed to learn who around you was once homeless. It could be the person cleaning your teeth at the dentists’ office. Or the barista making your skinny latte.
Commentary: In Prom Season, Safety First
While we are all proud of our children for their accomplishments, especially those with graduation on the horizon, we must remember that safety is still the number one priority.
Editorial: In Search of Diversified Revenue
Fairfax County residents can expect to see meals tax question on November ballots.
The Meals Tax may be on Virginia ballots this November.
Classified Advertising May 18 , 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Centreviile Brief: Body Found in Pond
Shortly after noon on Monday, May 16, Fairfax County Police officers were called to the 6200 block of Ridge Pond Road for the report of what appeared to be a body in a pond located behind an apartment building.
Chantilly Snapshot: Advancing to National Competition
The Nysmith Science Bowl team — Vaibhav Sharma, Ajit Kadaveru, Anusha Allamsetty, Ishaan Kumar and Kaien Yang — won the Virginia Regional Science Bowl and advances to national competition. The team was awarded the winners trophy, individual medals and prize money in an over-sized check for $750.
Cappies Review: More Than an Ordinary Dinner
Most dinner guests only stay for the evening, but in Chantilly High School's production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” Sheridan Whiteside's unexpected stay brings chaos to the Stanley household. In this wacky tale of mischief and mayhem, the characters learn that good can come from the pandemonium of life.
‘The Chance to Be Like Other Teens’
Students attend Day Prom at The Waterford in Fair Oaks.
At last week’s prom, the students attending ate pizza, visited with friends, danced and sang along with the music. But this wasn’t just any prom — it was the Day Prom for special-education students with intellectual disabilities.
Chantilly: Cappie Nominations
Westfield gets 11 and Chantilly, 6.
The 2015-2016 Cappie nominations for high-school theater were released Monday, with Chantilly and Westfield high schools receiving 17 nods between them. Chantilly performed the play, “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” and Westfield put on the musical, “Footloose.” Centreville High didn’t enter this year’s competition.
Tuesday, May 17
Meals Tax? Ballot Possibility
Board of Supervisors potentially set to approve meals tax ballot question on June 7.
A majority of The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voiced support last week for including a Meals Tax Referendum as part of the 2016 General Election.
Saturday, May 14
Centreville Baseball Keeps Season Alive with Win Over Herndon
Wildcats pitcher Egbers strikes out 12 in six innings, gets no decision.
The Centreville baseball team defeated Herndon 5-4 in eight innings on Saturday.
Thursday, May 12
Fairfax County: Hispanic Leadership Alliance awards scholarships to 14 seniors
West Springfield High School senior Fernanda Justiniano-Rivero fought back tears as she thanked her mother for everything. “She worked three jobs, barely raised me, would come home and be so tired,” Justiniano-Rivero said. “But she still would bring me gifts, ask me if I did my homework. I used to pretend we would travel the world and it be just us, I would live in a fairy tale.”
Wednesday, May 11
Commentary: Stop County’s ‘One Size Fits All’ Zoning Proposal
In the next few months, the Board of Supervisors plans to approve a “one size fits all” zoning ordinance amendment that would guide redevelopment throughout the urbanizing areas of the county for decades.
Commentary: America’s Anti-Trafficking Efforts …
... Hollow victories for public accolade.
Each day there is more media on the human trafficking scourge in America with heart-wrenching stories about women, men, and children who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into exploitation.
Local Designer Honored for Remodeling Reston Townhouse
Home transformation gives family of five more living space.
Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design and Construction, was recognized for remodeling a Reston townhouse that was built in 1968.
Creating Space for Family Oasis or Outdoor Entertaining
Local designers unveil recent projects and offer tips.
Lured outside by rising temperatures and blue skies, homeowners are deciding that it’s time to spruce up patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces. Local tastemakers are hard at work transforming winter-worn al fresco spaces into lively oases in time for a season of warm-weather entertaining.
Police to Continue Improving Transparency
Public Safety Committee reviews recommendations for police use of force and communications; vote scheduled for June 21.
Fairfax County Supervisors and the Public Safety Committee met Tuesday May 10 to review police use of force and communications policy recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission.
Westfield Boys’ Lax Earns Region Tournament Berth
Bulldogs hold off Herndon in Conference 5 tournament.
The Westfield boys' lacrosse team beat Herndon 12-11 on Friday.
Tuesday, May 10
Chantilly: ‘Footloose’ Takes Off at Westfield High
Cappies Review
Westfield High School's production of “Footloose” [April 30] was full of standout performances both on the technical and performance scales. This fun-loving musical was a definite crowd pleaser, and had audience members clapping and getting into the music.
Chantilly: ‘We’ll Never Forget Vicky and Mike’
New memorial dedicated to Armel and Garbarino.
May 8, 2006 is a date seared into the hearts and minds of everyone who remembers the tragic events that happened that day at the Sully District Police Station. It was when a heavily armed teen took the lives of two police officers — Det. Vicky Armel, 40, and MPO Mike Garbarino, 53.
Chantilly: ‘A World of Pure Imagination’
Chantilly High presents “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Willy Wonka, Charlie Buckett and a fleet of Oompa-Loompas will all burst upon the stage during Chantilly High’s upcoming children’s play, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The curtain rises Friday, May 20, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 21, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 22, at 2 p.m. in the school theater. Tickets are $5 at the door or via www.chantillyhsdrama.com.
Monday, May 9
Women Help Build New Homes
Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.
More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.
Women Help Build New Homes
Northern Virginia women help Habitat for Humanity, NOVA build houses for two local families during National Women Build Week.
More than 50 women from across Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria donned hard hats, tool belts and work gloves and, with caulk guns and saws in hand, got to work on two single-family, three bedroom houses Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia is building for two local families in Fairfax.
Fairfax County: Training to Reverse an Overdose
In 30 to 45 seconds, a single dose of the drug Naloxone can be the difference in whether someone experiencing an opiate overdose lives or dies.
Fairfax County: Shining a Light on Addiction and Overdose
Herrity’s Town Hall addresses heroin and prescription drug abuse in Fairfax County.
South Lakes High School and George Mason University graduate Ginny Lovitt lost her brother Chris to a heroin overdose. He was 21 and had been discharged from the Sagebrush Treatment Center of Northern Virginia just a week before, in January of 2013. His tolerance was down.
Centreville Snapshot:Work of Young Artists on Display
Centreville High’s Pyramid Art Show was April 14.
Friday, May 6
Fairfax County Fire Chief Moves to Address Department Cyberbullying
After the suicide of Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff and suspected cyberbullying of the 31-year-old that came to light after her death, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue is cracking down on workplace harassment, bullying and discrimination.
Fairfax County 2017-2018 School Year to Begin Before Labor Day
Fairfax County Public Schools delaying their start date until after Labor Day will be a thing of the past. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, the School Board decided classes will begin one week before Labor Day, rather than immediately following it, as has been the tradition.
Thursday, May 5
Free Cab Rides on Cinco de Mayo
Preparing to combat that time of year when, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over one-third (33.8 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 this Thursday and on the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, May 5.
Letter: Taking Care of Our Mother Earth
To the Editor
There are many of us, so many that our yards can no longer be dominated by grass and plants that do not feed us or our local population of insects.
Fine Arts Festival Returns May 21-22
Festival at Reston Town Center features more than 200 national artists, dance performances, family art-making activities and more.
Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) presents their 25th annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, offering authentic art and experiences for all tastes and ages on May 21 and 22 at Reston Town Center.
Working to End the Longest Day
Event to raise awareness and funds for research programs of Alzheimer’s Association.
Emily Rusch says her mother died a slow and heartbreaking death from Alzheimer’s Disease. The experience felt continuous and excruciating.
Farmers Markets in Fairfax County
Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets opened in May. There are 11 locations of the county’s Park Authority’s Farmers Markets.
Wednesday, May 4
Commentary: Breaking the Cycle of Crime with Treatment Instead of Jail
Fairfax County Budget Invests $3.89 Million in “Diversion First”
One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, and more than half did not receive treatment within the past year.
Centreville: Celebrating International Diversity
Sixth-annual Centreville International Showcase draws several hundred.
Several hundred people attended the Sixth-Annual Centreville International Showcase on Saturday, April 30 at the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville.
Fairfax County Budget Approved
Supervisors approve budget and tax hike.
When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.
Clifton: Annual Home Tour To Benefit Local Charities
Clifton Community Woman’s Club’s event set for May 19.
The 44th Annual CCWC Homes Tour, Silent Auction & Book Signing, hosted by the Clifton Community Woman’s Club, will be held Thursday, May 19. Tour hours are 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The silent auction and book signing with local authors is 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. the Clifton Presbyterian Church, with additional authors at Clifton’s Acacia Masonic Lodge.
Stone Middle School: A Quarter Century Later
Current and former staff share their stories.
Just over 25 years ago, then-Fairfax County Public Schools Principal Susan DeCorpo was interviewing potential teachers for what would be the first staff of Ormond Stone Middle School.
Chantilly: Advancing to World Finals
Nysmith Odyssey of the Mind Team wins state title.
The Nysmith School for the Gifted’s 6th Grade Odyssey of the Mind team (the Nysmith Brainy Bunch) triumphed in the Virginia State Odyssey of the Mind Competition in Newport News on April 16.
Centreville High Student Competes in Pageant
Next stop: College and another contest.
Selected as a finalist in the Miss Teen 2016 pageant, Centreville High senior Shaylan Ferguson participated in early April in Southern Virginia. And while she didn’t win, she enjoyed the experience, learned a few things along the way and plans to keep on competing.
Tuesday, May 3
Classified Advertising May 4 , 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Monday, May 2
County Budget Approved
Bulova calls the budget a “booster shot.”
When the Board of Supervisors approved the budget on Tuesday, April 26, they increased taxes by about $300 for the average homeowner and increased funding for schools by 5 percent.
Summer STEM Camps at Three Area Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is partnering with SySTEMic Solutions, Northern Virginia Community College's regional K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) outreach initiative, to host STEM camps at three schools this summer.